Introduction: Birds are one of nature's most fascinating creatures, and their beauty, mystery, and diversity have attracted the attention of countless people. In ancient Northern Europe, birds and humans were very closely linked, and this connection was reflected in religious, cultural, social and economic aspects. This article will explore the relationship between ancient Norse humans and birds, focusing on their time period between 600 and 1500. This article will first introduce the attitudes and perceptions of birds in ancient Norse, then explore the role of birds in Norse religion and legend, then discuss the role of birds in the Nordic society and economy, and finally summarize the connection between ancient Nordic people and birds.
Birds in Norse mythology
This article explores the relationship between ancient Norse humans and birds, focusing on their religious, cultural, social, and economic connections in the period between 600 and 1500 AD. Ancient Norse people had a very close relationship with birds, they both liked to observe birds and used them through hunting, farming, etc. Birds play an important role in Norse mythology and legend, and some birds are considered sacred and closely related to gods or heroes. In addition, birds are used in symbolism and artistic creation, such as eagles and falcons are widely used in Viking art. The article also discusses the importance of birds in the Nordic society and economy, including the provision of food, feathers, and other materials, as well as their role in trade and gift exchange. In summary, the connections between ancient Norse humans and birds have multiple dimensions, and these connections reflect not only the characteristics of the society and culture of the time, but also the close relationship between humans and the natural world.
Northern Europe
Birds in Norse mythology play an important role in people's imagination, they are not only characters in mythological stories, but also part of people's lives in the real world. This article aims to explore the attitudes of the Old Norse people towards birds between 600 and 1500 AD and the significance of birds in the ancient Norse culture. Through literature, archaeological discoveries, and linguistic analysis, this article will point out that birds played a variety of roles in the ancient Norse world, including symbolism related to mythological gods, heroes, and spirits, and as food, clothing, and trophies in war in everyday life. Among these roles, birds of prey and songbirds are valued the most because they are associated with war and death. Studies have found that the place of birds in ancient Norse culture is closely related to their actual role in human life.
Attitudes and perceptions of ancient Norse towards birds
The connection between ancient Norse people and birds began with early hunting and observation. In the early days, the Nordics relied mainly on hunting wild birds for food and other resources. They hunted birds by setting traps, using bows and arrows and catapults, and also breeding birds by building nest boxes and bird cages. In addition, the ancient Norse people were very fond of observing birds, especially migratory birds. In their view, the migration of birds is a mysterious and amazing process with great religious and cultural significance.
Nordic peoples
The ancient Norse believed that birds were special creatures in nature, with special powers and abilities. In Norse mythology and legend, birds are regarded as sacred creatures that have a close relationship with gods or heroes. For example, Odin, the main god in Norse mythology, has two crows, called "thoughts" and "memories", who are responsible for gathering information and intelligence for Odin. And the Valkyries of Norse legend often fly on a large bird. In addition, the Nordics believed that certain birds had special omenses and symbolic significances. For example, the white swan is rumored to be sacred and sometimes appears on important occasions in human life, such as coronations and weddings of the royal family.
Royal coronation
The attitude of the Gunos towards birds was very complicated. In Norse mythology, birds are considered to be important characters in mythological stories. They are often used to symbolize concepts such as gods, heroes, and souls. For example, in Prose Edda, a raven named Hamoin is depicted as an important character in ancient Norse mythology. Hamoin is Odin's pet, and its two eyes represent Odin's wisdom and insight. In ancient Norse mythology, the crow is also seen as a symbol of war and death. In war, crows are considered "scavengers" on the battlefield because they fly to the battlefield to eat the bodies of the war dead. In the Book of Virgil, when the hero Segnel is killed, a crow is described as eating his eyes. Known as Haag, this crow is a mythical animal associated with death and destruction.
The mythical crow
The Gunos also saw birds as symbols of the power of nature. In ancient Norse mythology, Druff Gnir is a mythical figure who can transform into a bird and fly. He could see the world that humans could not see and was thought to be related to the mythical goddess Freyja. In ancient Norse mythology, birds were also used to represent the human soul. In Essay Edda, a bird named Fylgja is described as walking with the human soul.
In addition to their role in mythology, birds also played an important role in the real life of the Gunnos. In Old Norse, there are many words associated with birds, which indicates that birds were very common in the daily life of the Old Norse people. For example, the Norsman used the term "eagle" to describe the speed and dexterity of the cavalry, indicating that they believed eagles to be fast and nimble animals. Hunting and bird hunting were also important activities in the society of the Gunos. The eagle was regarded as a symbol of hunting, and the bird was one of the pastimes of the nobility.
Norse hunting
Food and clothing
In the daily life of the ancient Nors, birds were not only symbols and hunting objects, but also an important source of food. In ancient Norse mythology, a sacred bird called "Birgen" is described as a bird that never dies, and its meat can bring longevity and happiness to humans. In real life, the Gunos ate a variety of birds, including pigeons, ducks, chickens, and geese. Eagle meat was also considered a delicacy, especially for the nobility. In the society of the Gunos, hunting birds and cooking skills were seen as symbols of nobility.
The Gunos also decorated their costumes with birds. In archaeological finds, the ancient Norse people can be seen decorating their hats, cloaks and other costumes with bird feathers. For example, in Beowulf, the shield of the hero Beowulf is decorated with an eagle, suggesting that the eagle was a common decorative element in ancient Norse costumes.
Royal attire
War and loot
Birds also played an important role in the wars of the Gunos. For example, in Ragnarok, an eagle named Hraesvelgr is described as sitting on the shoulder of Nidhogg, a dragon described as vicious. In the traditions of the Gunos, eagles were seen as symbols of war because of their ability to be fast and flexible. Therefore, the Gunos used images and symbols of eagles in war to boost morale and indicate their strength.
In the wars of the Gunos, the trophies also included birds and their feathers. In the society of the Gunos, the feathers of birds were seen as a symbol of wealth and status. Therefore, capturing enemy birds or feathers in war is considered an important trophy. In the traditions of the Gunos, the spoils of war were regarded as an honorary and sacred item, therefore, obtaining the spoils of war was a very important achievement.
Nordic Wars
In addition to religion and legend, birds play an important role in the creation of symbols and art in Nordic culture. For example, in Viking art, eagles and falcons are among the most common motifs, and these motifs are often used in the decoration of weapons and equipment, symbolizing strength, glory, and victory. In addition, bird motifs often appear on textiles and metalwork, such as silver bird head necklaces and bird-shaped textiles. These artworks show the ancient Norse people's reverence and praise for birds.
The role of birds in Norse religion and legend
Birds played an important role in ancient Norse religion and legend, and they were very closely related to gods and heroes. Here are some representative examples:
Crows and Crows: Crows and crows are important characters in Norse mythology and are closely related to Odin and other gods. It is said that the crow and the crow are Odin's pets, representing "thoughts" and "memories" respectively, and are responsible for gathering intelligence and information for Odin. In Norse mythology, crows and crows are also associated with war and death. It is said that they fly on the battlefield, bringing messages of victory and death to the warriors. Therefore, in Norse culture, crows and crows are often seen as symbols of wisdom, foresight, and death.
crow
Falcons and Falcons: In ancient Norse culture, falcons and falcons were symbols of strength, courage, and victory. They were often used in the decoration of weapons and equipment, such as Viking shields and tomahawks. In addition, it is rumored that the Norse hero Sigmud was once taken to a mysterious place by an eagle and thus blessed with mysterious powers.
falcon
Peacock: The peacock was a rare bird in ancient Norse culture, but it has a special place in Norse religion and legend. It is said that the peacock is the mount of Freya, the goddess of wisdom in Norse mythology, and it represents wisdom, knowledge and learning.
peacock
Swan: In Norse legend, the white swan is a sacred bird that is often used as a symbol and omen. For example, there is a legend that when King Klaus of Denmark was crowned in 934 AD, a white swan flew over the coronation field, heralding that he would rule a powerful country.
Swans in Norse mythology
The author thinks
In the world of the Gunos, birds played an important role in mythology, real life, culture, and warfare. In ancient Norse mythology, birds were used to represent various gods and spirits, as well as the souls of humans. In real life, birds are an important source of food, and hunting birds and cooking skills are seen as symbols of nobility. In ancient Norse society, bird feathers were used to decorate clothing, and capturing enemy birds or feathers was considered an important trophy. Therefore, birds have rich cultural significance in the world of the Old Norse people and are an important part of the life of the Old Norse people.
Bibliography:
Ike, P. (2003). Viking Age Animals and Law. Vikings and medieval Scandinavia, 1,1 -22.
Davidson, H.R.E. (1988). Myths and symbols of pagan religions in Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic religions. Syracuse University Press.
Price, N. (2002). The Viking Way: Religion and War in Scandinavia in the Late Iron Age. University College London Press.
Simek, R. (2014). Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Boydell & Brewer.
Steinsland, G.， & Meulengracht Sørensen, P.(1998). Människor och makter i vikingarnas värld. Stockholm: Natural Culture.
Williams, G. (2018). Viking Age Birds: Symbolism and Reality. Bloomsbury Academic.
Snorri Sturuson. (1992). Essay "Edda". Penguin Classic.
Snædal, T. (2016). See Oxford Handbook of Liturgy and Religious Archaeology (pp. 515-530).Oxford University Press.
Svanberg, F. (2003). Viking Age birds and people. Vikings and medieval Scandinavia, 1101 -117.
Turville-Petre, e.o.g. (1964) Mythology and Religion of the North: Religion in Ancient Scandinavia. Holt, Reinhart and Winston.