Ullr Basics

Ullr is supported in the archaeological record by the Thorsburg chape, and through Lilla Ullevi. He is attested in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, Skaldic poetry, and the Gesta Danorum.

The Thorsburg chape (a chape is a metal fitting from a sword scabbard) inscription dates from around 200 CE, by far one of the oldest mentions of Ullr specifically. Owlþuþewaz niwajmariz roughly translates to “Well honoured servant of the Glorious One,” or “Servant (or priest) of Ullr.”

Lilla Ullevi (“Little Shrine of Ullr”) is an actual preserved shrine that was unearthed just north of Stockholm. The shrine was in a remarkable state, with beautifully preserved wooden and stone structures, as well as 65 oath rings of various sizes strewn about the area.

Very little is actually said about Ullr in the Eddas. The Poetic Edda mentions Ullr’s hall, Ýdalir (Yew Dales) and makes a couple of references to obscure ceremonies involving the god. One reference is to “Ullr’s ring” which is thought to coincide with the rings found at Lilla Ullevi. Snorri’s Prose Edda lists Ullr as the son of Sif, and Thor as his step-father, but remains frustratingly silent on the matter of Ullr’s biological father – usually an important matter in Old Norse society.

Snorri’s assessments are confirmed by Skaldic poetry, where Thor is mentioned several times as Ullr’s step-father. They also agree with Snorri’s kennings, such as several warrior and skill kennings for Ullr, and especially the popular name for a shield as “Ullr’s ship” (Ullr once sailed across a lake on his shield!)

Saxo Grammaticus, in a surprising turn-about, remains very close to the Ullr descriptions elsewhere, though of course he couldn’t resist plumping up the drama. His euhemerized Ullr, in the Gesta Danorum, sails across water and through the skies on a rib bone. He also rules in Óðin’s place for ten years before being run out of town as an usurper.

Ullr is often “married off” to Skaði, though there are no attestations of this, and in contrast many attestations of Skaði’s enduring marriage to Njörðr. They do have many similarities however, and some scholars like to make inferences that neatly fill in gaps in the lore. Other such inferences include: Ullr as a son of Óðin, a son of Njörðr, a biological son of Thor, or even the incest child of Freyr and Freya. Further, place names seem to infer that Ullr had a female counterpart named Ullin. 

One interesting theory of Ullr’s parentage, proposed by Viktor Rydberg (Teutonic Mythology) is that Ullr is the son of Sif and Egill-Örvandill, half-brother of Svipdagr-Óðr, a nephew of Völundr and a cousin of Skaði. In this scenario, his father Egill-Örvandill was the greatest archer in all the realms, and Ullr definitely seems to follow in his father’s footsteps.

ydalir.ca

Suggested Signs and Symbols

Bows and arrows, arrow heads, axes and hatchets, yew trees, ever-greens. Oath rings and torcs. Skis, snowshoes, shields. Skates, snowboards and skateboards. Winter, snow and ice. Northern Lights. Camping. Animal pelts. Dark green colours. Venison, and game meat. The runes Úr and Eoh.

ydalir.ca

Associated Names

Uller, Ull, Ullur, Wulþuz, Wuldor, Ollerus, Holler, Herne, Tapio, Father Wuldor, Jack Frost.