Gods and Humans in Medieval Scandinavia: Retying the Bonds

Jonas Wellendorf's study explores the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion, using primary sources such as the Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus History of the Danes. It provides an in-depth analysis of mythological materials and translations, shedding new light on the ways in which the old gods were integrated into the Christian worldview.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 220 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
\n

The arrival of Christianity in Northern Europe brought about significant cultural transformations. Over a few generations, novel solutions were offered to fundamental existential queries, rendering older beliefs obsolete. Jonas Wellendorf's groundbreaking study, the first monograph in English on this topic, delves into the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion. This original work draws upon a diverse array of primary sources, including the Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus History of the Danes, as well as lesser-known literary works such as the Saga of Barlaam and the Hauksbók manuscript (circa 1300). By conducting an in-depth analysis of frequently disregarded mythological materials, alongside comprehensive translations of all textual passages, Wellendorf presents a user-friendly work that unveils fresh perspectives on how the ancient gods were incorporated into the Christian worldview of medieval Scandinavia.

The advent of Christianity in Northern Europe heralded a profound cultural shift. Within a few generations, new answers emerged to fundamental existential questions, invalidating older notions. Jonas Wellendorf's pioneering study, the first monograph in English on this subject, explores the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion. This comprehensive work draws upon a diverse range of primary sources, including the Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus History of the Danes, as well as lesser-known literary works such as the Saga of Barlaam and the Hauksbók manuscript (circa 1300). By conducting an in-depth analysis of frequently overlooked mythological materials, alongside comprehensive translations of all textual passages, Wellendorf presents a user-friendly work that unveils fresh perspectives on how the ancient gods were incorporated into the Christian worldview of medieval Scandinavia.

The arrival of Christianity in Northern Europe marked a transformative period in cultural history. Over a few generations, novel solutions were offered to fundamental existential queries, rendering older beliefs obsolete. Jonas Wellendorf's groundbreaking study, the first monograph in English on this topic, delves into the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion. This comprehensive work draws upon a diverse array of primary sources, including the Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus History of the Danes, as well as lesser-known literary works such as the Saga of Barlaam and the Hauksbók manuscript (circa 1300). By conducting an in-depth analysis of frequently disregarded mythological materials, alongside comprehensive translations of all textual passages, Wellendorf presents a user-friendly work that unveils fresh perspectives on how the ancient gods were incorporated into the Christian worldview of medieval Scandinavia.

\n Weight: 328g\n
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108441063\n \n