Hello Vikings! They arrived here in Yorkshire during the first millenium AD and their influence is still around (I see it every time I look upon young F's long, loose limbs & broad shoulders - genes inherited from his ancestors on the North York Moors.) Viking traces abound up North...
This one looks quite sweet - he's carved on a cross in Middleton church, near Pickering.
We encounter this fine Viking peacefully going about his business at antiques events in the North, trading in traditional iron tools and bread bins.
His name is Thor (we think.)
The other day we were out in the misty Howardian Hills and we came upon this curious artifact, apparently another example of Scandinavian influence.
It is a turf maze or labyrinth - this plaque explains its origins.
Quick, Mr N - here come moles!
(English - moldy warp
Danish - muldvarp
Swedish - mullvad...)
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now, we've always called slugs moldywarps, I didn't know it was really the name for moles.
ReplyDeleteI always love your photos Nilly, they make me feel like I've actually been there.
Hoping all is well with you and yours
x
I first met Moldy Warp the mole in the Little Grey Rabbit stories by Alison Uttley, who was a native of Cheshire where moles are moldy (or mouldy) warps. Considering moles & worms spend their time doing similar things, I reckon it's a good name for either!
DeleteHi Nilly, YOU are always a wealth of information and always so interesting too!
ReplyDeleteI bet he is called Thor, the chappie with the iron artefacts to trade!Keep cosy, Jack Frost has been out and about here!
Love Maria x
He certainly has very Viking attributes, Maria!
DeleteIt is always thought that they raped and pillaged, but I think that the locals were quite amenable in fact. I have never heard of the maze, another interesting little fact Nilly.
ReplyDeleteI intended to say that the first illustration is lovely. I am pleased to see that the Vikings are not wearing horns, which apparently is fiction.
DeleteYes, I believe Vikings were pleasant & industrious at home, and sadly, when we look at history, all races got up to very bad things from time to time.
DeleteThis really appealed to me, Nilly. I studies Old Icelandic at Uni and have always had a soft spot for Vikings. And despite marrying a Mediterranean type, young Thor looks very interesting...
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the mazes - amazing - and although I knew moles were moldywarps, I didn't know how close this name was to the Danish and Swedish. You are so interesting and like such interesting things! Axxx
Me - interesting? Your talents put mine very much in the shade. Old Icelandic, blooming heck!
DeleteI'm drawn to dark looks too, but I love Northern European & Scandinavian art & folk art.
I love the movement and colours in the first pic. My son is obsessed with Vikings at the mo ... we've watched 'How to Train Your Dragon' three times now!! M x
ReplyDeleteIf you ever visit York you must take him to Yorvik.
Deletehttp://jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/
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ReplyDeleteOoops... sorry! Got cold feet... Thor to warm them perhaps?
DeleteLLX
You might have to trade a few pieces of metalware in return for the favour! Galvanised dolly tubs are his favourite things.
DeleteI love the maze.... and I knew straight away that Annie would like Thor. Fascinating stuff Nilly. J.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice. I hope you are feeling OK and coping with the West Yorkshire weather.
DeleteAnother interesting and informative post Nilly, i love reading about your travels. Love the painting. jayne x
ReplyDeleteThank you Jayne!
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