The 12th Century Intruders' Attitude to Maeshowe

Ragnhild Ljosland, Alexandra Sanmark

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

Abstract

I will invite you to an exploration of the attitude displayed by the group who entered Maeshowe in the 1150s. What did mound breaking mean in the 12th century? Is it significant that some of the intruders seem not to have been local residents? Which beliefs did the group hold about the mound? The presentation will use saga accounts of mound breaking and folklore material to discuss the Maeshowe inscriptions, especially Or Barnes 4, 8, 25, 26, 27, 28 (treasure story), Or Barnes 14, 24 (Jerusalem travellers), Or Barnes 20 (Gauk Trandilsson’s axe), and Or Barnes 23 (Loðbrók’s sons).
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 22 May 2015
EventOrkney Rune Rede 9th full-day runic colloquium - St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Duration: 21 May 2015 → 23 May 2015

Conference

ConferenceOrkney Rune Rede 9th full-day runic colloquium
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityKirkwall
Period21/05/15 → 23/05/15

Keywords

  • Runes
  • Runic inscriptions
  • Orkney
  • Old Norse
  • Maeshowe
  • Viking Age
  • Middle Ages

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