11th Century
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From princess to ortodox saint – Ingegerd Olofsdotter
She is believed to have been born around the beginning of the 11th century, Ingegerd Olofsdotter. Her father, Olof Skötkonung (Scotking), had been king for around five years after his father, Erik Segersäll (the Victorious), died in 995.While Erik was… Continue reading
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They died south in Särkland
In 1036, what is believed to be the last major Viking expedition left what is now Sweden to head east in search of riches and possibly fame. Fame came, but certainly not in the way the participants had imagined.As it… Continue reading
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The Nasta runestone
This is probably one of the most personal texts I’ve written about history, but sometimes it comes close. So, this time, I allowed myself some emotions in this blog. It was Friday the 2nd of July in the summer of… Continue reading
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The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Today, but 958 years ago, Monday, September 25, 1066, the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson, since about nine months ago the king of England, met each other at Stamford Bridge, in Yorkshire. It was not a peaceful meeting… Continue reading
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Völvan – the Norse seeress
Regarding the Viking Age, it is not known with absolute certainty how the religious ceremonies were organised. That blot – sacrifices, in other words – took place, we know, and that these sacrifices were directed to various of the ancient… Continue reading
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Cult of St Olav
In the churchyard of the Church of Mary (Mariakyrkan) in Sigtuna, an echo from the past can be found. It’s a reminder that Sigtuna has a very long history. This echo is by no means ethereal but the very physical… Continue reading
Scandinavian History 