Tag: Old Norse
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How Old is Written Language in Scandinavia?
Anonymous asked: how old is written language in scandinavia? a stuck up English teacher was acting like beowulf was the absolute first written literature from that entire region and that sounds super wrong to me I was hoping you’d know First of all, the date for the origin of Beowulf (as an Old English poem) is a hot…
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A Brief Introduction to Runes
This part of the Hall contains basic information regarding five runic alphabets, which are named based on their time, place, and first six runes (futhark, futhorc, futhork, etc.). It is important to keep in mind that runes were generally meant to be written based on their sound, not just their letter equivalent. If you encounter…
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Drinking in the Medieval North
Please gather around, friends, for another anonymous wanderer has sent a request to this hall! I hate to admit that it was long ago now, but a raven once came to me bearing this message: “i’d be curious to hear from a possibly more academic side how you see drinking/alcohol playing into heathenism? i’ve heard…
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Hord and the Mound of Soti the Viking
Today is Old Yule Eve, and I have quite the story to share with you all tonight! A wanderer by the name of paganoldsoul requested that I tell stories about Odin and Yule, and so I have found one worthy of a retelling. While it may not be exactly what they had in mind, it is…
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Gift-Giving in the Medieval North
Gather around, friends; the fire is still warm and lively! One night, a fair bit ago now, a raven flew into my hall bearing an interesting question from an anonymous wanderer. It has particular relevance to this gift-giving season (Jól (Yule/Christmas) for some), which is quickly approaching us. Allow me to share the question with…
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Old Norse 1.1
Please gather around and join me by the hearth if you wish to learn more about the Old Tongue! The theme of our current festivities shall be “Njáll hét maðr…”, which will be concerned with how great heroes are introduced in the sagas! During our next few gatherings, we will learn more about this theme,…
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Old Norse Preface
Preface Introducing the Language “The term ‘Old Norse’ has been used in various ways. For some it is a broad concept covering the language of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, as well as Iceland and the other Scandinavian colonies, throughout the Viking Age (c. 750–1050) and the early and high Middle Ages (c. 1050–1350). At the…
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Old Norse Words for Warriors
ajax-odinson asked: Hey Fjorn! I love your work here. I’m curious about the Old Norse word for “warrior.” It seems there might be some debate between words like “drengr” and “rekkr” and others. Going along with this, what about the word for “army” or “war-band?” I have found “herlidh” and “hirdh” but I am unsure. Thank…
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A List of Old Norse Sagas and Eddas
historicaltimessoldier asked: Can you say how many sagas and eddas are there? And the name of these? I have done my best to list as many sagas as I could, but I am certain that I have not included them all. There are easily over 150 sagas to consider, and that is when we do not include…
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Thoughts on Old Norse Words Ergi/Argr
Anonymous asked: thank you so much for the help! Do you think one can identify as ergi/argr as a gender? I know you said it was used as an insult but to reclaim it and use it as your own. Anyway I would love to hear more about your thoughts and views on things, if…
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Old Norse Quotes about Smithing
Anonymous asked: Hello Fjorn! I’m wondering if there’s any quote,phrase or blessing related to fire and metalsmithing. I’d love to make a banner to put above the foundry area. Thank you very much for the knowledge you kindly share with us! *** Note: I do not have access to reliable Old Norse versions for all of these…
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Fjorn’s Favorite Old Norse Quotes
Anonymous asked: What are some of your favourite quotes in Old Norse and/or Icelandic? Great question! Here are my three particular favorites: First, the quote that I try my best to live my life by: Hávamál, stanza 26, line 1 (from GKS 2365 4to 3v, line 20): “Ósnotr maðr þykkist allt vita.”An unwise man thinks he knows all.…
