Shelli Rosewarne

Author of paranormal romance and fantasy

A to Z Challenge – V is for Vikings

Hi all,

odinRunning a wee bit late today, but we’re back with mythology and looking at the Vikings. The Viking considered wolves as the epitome of ferocity, and wore wolf skins and drank wolf blood in order to try and take on the wolf spirit in battle. They also viewed real wolves as battle companions or hrægifr (corpse trolls). The wolf was a ‘Beast of Battle’, a symbol of destruction for them.

One of most famous Viking myths is that of the great wolf Sköll who chases the chariot that pulls the sun, and his brother Hati who in turn chases the moon. When either of them succeeds in skollcatching their prey we have a solar or lunar eclipse. It is said that one day the wolves will swallow them completely and the world will fall in darkness and destruction (most of these myths are pretty cheery, right?).

 

Take care x

 

shellirosewarne

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4 responses to “A to Z Challenge – V is for Vikings”

  1. Rian Durant Avatar
    Rian Durant

    I guess the cheery essence of Viking lore is the lack of sun most days of the year. Just kidding. Nice, short posts. Congrats for getting this far. 🙂

    Rian’s Randomness

    Reply
    1. shellirosewarne Avatar
      shellirosewarne

      Hehe, yup, it probably explains a lot of Scottish folklore as well! Thanks, I have noticed the posts seem to be getting shorter as the month goes on 😉

      Reply
  2. Philipa (Ozzypip) Avatar
    Philipa (Ozzypip)

    I enjoy learning about the folklore of other countries. The concept of drinking blood to take on the properties of that being is interesting too and seems to run through a variety of cultures. I guess one could argue that the Christian communion does the same thing. Only 2 days to go now. ALl the best with the rest of the challenge

    Reply
    1. shellirosewarne Avatar
      shellirosewarne

      It is interesting the similarities that come up between different cultures. I suppose blood was seen as the very essence of a person or creature, so the most obvious way to ‘transmit’ the properties or strengths of them. Thank you, have enjoyed the challenge but am a little glad we’re into the last few days now 🙂

      Reply

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