One of four early Viking-Age picture stones from Stora Hammars in Gotland, featuring scenes of battle, and imagery interpreted as having a mythical or religious referent. Dated to c. 550 - 799AD.For a series of high res images, see…
This is the first in a series of presentations for the Hurstwic Heathen Study Group, an organization that meets monthly for informal presentations and discussions on topics of interest to heathens and to anyone with a passion for Norse-related…
A monument to the twelfth-century Danish Bishop (and Archbishop) Absalon, who played a key role in Danish territorial expansion and crusades against the Wends. The memorial features a viking-style ship. It is located in the grounds of Højerup Gamle…
A report by Dr Leszek Gardeła on an ongoing international collaborative project, 'The Pre-Christian Religions of the North Project and its Archaeological Sources Database'. Published in FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAE XXVIII. Submitted to…
Tjodhild came to Greenland with her husband Erik the Red, founder of the first settlement in Greenland at Brattahlíð. The small church (or chapel) at Brattahlíð (Þjóðhildarkirkja) was named after her, and is…
An image of the interior of the reconstructed church (or chapel) known as Tjodhilde's Church in Qassiarsuk, Southern Greenland by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
A statue standing outside the Norwegian Church in Heimaey, Westman Islands. The statue was erected in 1999 and is named Hús Guðanna, 'House of the Gods', the plural suggesting a reference to the Norse gods.
Rattles were found with each of the carved animal heads. Their function is uncertain, but it has been suggested that they might have been musical instruments, sleigh bells or cult objects used in religious rituals.
Gol Stave Church was moved to the Folkemuseum in the late 19th century. Only about one third of the surviving church was used (those parts that were thought to be medieval). The church that stands at the Folkemuseum now was modelled on Borgund Stave…
This is an interpretative reconstruction of vǫlva (or seeresse's) dwelling at Ribe VikingCenter. This building is inhabited by a re-enactor who holds pagan (or Ásatrú) beliefs, to add to the authenticity of the setting ant the rituals…
Reconstruction of a Níðstang outside the vǫlva's dwelling in Ribe VikingCenter. The Níðstang was a deeply insulting public act of scorn, and is represented in the sagas as a carved pole covered with a horse's head. The scorn of…
Interior of the church of St. Olaf in Bø (built around 1180). Original medieval three-panel carved wood altar, with the crowning of Mary featured in the middle panel.
The church in Bø was built around 1180 and was dedicated to St. Olaf. The semi-circle apse in the chancel was added at a later date. The forged iron chandelier is one of the elements in the church that remained from the middle ages.