Ullr and Knighthood
While Ullr/Wuldor is commonly recognized, He is usually only known for skiing and bowhunting. This is understandable, considering the lack of supporting lore compared to other gods. Sometimes His sphere of influence is extended to closely related things such as snow and hunting with firearms. While bowhunting and skiing were important in that time, having a Deity limited to those things would seem quite puzzling, as since it would seem strange to have Ullr take over for Odin's absence in Asgard if He were only a minor figure with limited influence. Even the name itself means "Glory". Looking at additional details, it becomes apparent that He was known for archery, hunting, warrior skill, oaths, rulership, and service--all of which are essential components of the culture of knighthood. Historical knights are best known for their role during the middle ages. But the foundations of that culture not only go back for centuries, they come from the particular cultus of Ullr.
There are several references in the lore to Ullr that refer to the same knightly skills. In the Grimnismal, Ullr's home translates as "Yew dales", with yew being not only a type of wood commonly used for quality bows, but the word is also used to refer to the bows themselves. In the Atlakviða, oaths are mentioned in reference to Ullr's ring. In the Gylfaginning, He is said to be unrivaled in archery and ski-running, good-looking, having all the characteristics of a warrior, and mentions that He is good to call on in duels. In the Skaldskaparmal, it's noted that Ullr can be called ski-god, bow-god, hunting-god and shield-god. In Saxo's Gesta Danorum, He rules in place of Odin for ten years. There are many kennings referring to Him in skaldic poetry, such as 'Ullr of battle', 'Ullr of bowstring', 'Ullr of sword', 'Ullr of shield', 'Ullr of valkyrie', and so on. The Thorsberg Chape (the protective tip of a scabbard) bears an inscription that translates as 'servant of Ullr'. All of these characteristics, singly and together, help describe the culture of knighthood during the Dark Ages.
There are also contemporary sources that describe the skills of a knight during this time. In the text Disciplina Clericalis by Petrus Alphonsi (11th century writer who spent several years in England), he mentions the 'knightly' arts (as compared to the classic liberal arts), which are riding, swimming, archery, boxing, falconry, chess, and verse-making, in addition to the regular combat training. It is notable that riding, archery, and falconry are listed, as these are primary skills for hunting. Also, the boxing of the time included wrestling, and was an all-out form of single combat, similar to today's mixed martial arts competitions.
The wrestling art of Glíma was originally practiced across the Germanic and surrounding areas before the Conversion. In the classic sport form, it consists of attempting to unbalance an opponent enough either to have him step outside the ring, or else touch the ground with any part other than the feet; it is derived from an earlier, more combative form. It is a commonly practiced form of single combat from the Heathen era that was comparatively safe.
In Germanic law, trial by combat (i.e., legally sanctioned or ordered single combats) had been conducted for centuries. They were known as Holmgang in Scandinavia, and as Judicial Duels during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Even after it was no longer permitted by law, dueling between individuals continued for a long time, even up to the 20th century. The ideas of honor and personal prowess proved in single combat have been around for millenia, and they die hard.
It is evident that hunting skills were required of knights. The skills of riding, archery, and falconry each take considerable practice to do well, yet such competence was expected. It would have been practical and more convenient for a knight to have a designated huntsman do the food gathering instead, but that would not give the knight such skills. Nor would such a delegation have brought recognition and honor as both protector and provider in such a tangible way. The mindset of a hunter emphasizes focus and discipline. It could even be considered a battle of wits between the cunning of the hunter and the keen instincts of the hunted, drawing a parallel between hunting and dueling. The process of hunting usually puts a premium on stealth, so that one's planning and conduct can make the related skills much more effective. It is also one of the most dramatic ways that one's willpower can bring a sudden, tangible, and consistent result.
The constant training in various forms of single combat, from Glíma to sword and shield, gives a high degree of individual skill. Yet military necessity alone would not account for this level of training; in regular groups and formations, with other factors being equal, greater numbers of troops substantially outweigh the skill of a single soldier in an opposing group, even if he is highly skilled. There needs to be a cultural emphasis on individual skill, which is best shown in single combat. Such an emphasis was known for centuries within Heathen areas, and Ullr was a God known to particularly embody this.
The skills and ideals of knightly culture have continued for centuries. They were best known during the middle ages, although the knights of that time were remembered more for their armor and the code of chivalry than for archery and hunting. Once the feudal system began to break down, the skills were passed on in different ways. Hunting continued on its own course, but single combat gained new venues. Judicial duels continued for a while, up to the renaissance, where they were followed by private dueling. However, during the middle ages and renaissance, there were academies of arms that were created in places like Germany (e.g. Lichtenauer, Marxbruder) and England (e.g. The Company of Maisters), where skill advancement was tested through rigorous single combats.
The practice of dueling began to lose skill as a factor with the use of firearms, although it did continue with swords, and many combat fencing instructors were hired to teach duelers. Once prior views of honor and sword skill fell out of favor, dueling declined rapidly. Yet single combat continued in another way. After the academies of arms had passed, the 'prize playing' that was done to test sword skill was replaced by 'prize fighting' sometimes with swords, but more often either with clubs or unarmed, beginning the tradition of modern boxing. Boxing has continued to today, though for over 200 years it went without use of grappling skills. With the advent of Mixed Martial Arts competitions, we see today more of the comprehensive skill that was seen in earlier eras. One other area where individual close-combat skill is still highly valued is in commando forces. Along with rifle and other conventional training, such troops are trained in unarmed combat, knife skills, and stealth techniques reminiscent of traditional hunting methods.
The use of formal oaths for service and rulership has continued since ancient times. For a long time the use of oath rings was common, and Ullr seen in this context. After the conversion, oath rings were still being used for a while, and the use of oaths for ruling structure gave rise to the feudal era. Later on, oaths were still used for taking public office, and for court proceedings, and words said under oath still carry special legal weight to this day.
The skills of knightly culture have continued for many centuries. They included archery and hunting, sword use, and emphasis on single combat. The value of individual prowess at hunting and close combat have been emphasized continuously, even though the particular skills have evolved over time. The rise of MMA sports reflects the goal of comprehensive individual combat skill. The training of troops for stealth and close combat hearken back to an earlier way of fighting. And while modern oaths in government usually aren't considered to have the added religious weight of Wyrd on them, their use is still necessary for many essential functions. Ullr may not be known now as well as He was in the past, but the skills and values He represented are still with us today.
There are several references in the lore to Ullr that refer to the same knightly skills. In the Grimnismal, Ullr's home translates as "Yew dales", with yew being not only a type of wood commonly used for quality bows, but the word is also used to refer to the bows themselves. In the Atlakviða, oaths are mentioned in reference to Ullr's ring. In the Gylfaginning, He is said to be unrivaled in archery and ski-running, good-looking, having all the characteristics of a warrior, and mentions that He is good to call on in duels. In the Skaldskaparmal, it's noted that Ullr can be called ski-god, bow-god, hunting-god and shield-god. In Saxo's Gesta Danorum, He rules in place of Odin for ten years. There are many kennings referring to Him in skaldic poetry, such as 'Ullr of battle', 'Ullr of bowstring', 'Ullr of sword', 'Ullr of shield', 'Ullr of valkyrie', and so on. The Thorsberg Chape (the protective tip of a scabbard) bears an inscription that translates as 'servant of Ullr'. All of these characteristics, singly and together, help describe the culture of knighthood during the Dark Ages.
There are also contemporary sources that describe the skills of a knight during this time. In the text Disciplina Clericalis by Petrus Alphonsi (11th century writer who spent several years in England), he mentions the 'knightly' arts (as compared to the classic liberal arts), which are riding, swimming, archery, boxing, falconry, chess, and verse-making, in addition to the regular combat training. It is notable that riding, archery, and falconry are listed, as these are primary skills for hunting. Also, the boxing of the time included wrestling, and was an all-out form of single combat, similar to today's mixed martial arts competitions.
The wrestling art of Glíma was originally practiced across the Germanic and surrounding areas before the Conversion. In the classic sport form, it consists of attempting to unbalance an opponent enough either to have him step outside the ring, or else touch the ground with any part other than the feet; it is derived from an earlier, more combative form. It is a commonly practiced form of single combat from the Heathen era that was comparatively safe.
In Germanic law, trial by combat (i.e., legally sanctioned or ordered single combats) had been conducted for centuries. They were known as Holmgang in Scandinavia, and as Judicial Duels during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Even after it was no longer permitted by law, dueling between individuals continued for a long time, even up to the 20th century. The ideas of honor and personal prowess proved in single combat have been around for millenia, and they die hard.
It is evident that hunting skills were required of knights. The skills of riding, archery, and falconry each take considerable practice to do well, yet such competence was expected. It would have been practical and more convenient for a knight to have a designated huntsman do the food gathering instead, but that would not give the knight such skills. Nor would such a delegation have brought recognition and honor as both protector and provider in such a tangible way. The mindset of a hunter emphasizes focus and discipline. It could even be considered a battle of wits between the cunning of the hunter and the keen instincts of the hunted, drawing a parallel between hunting and dueling. The process of hunting usually puts a premium on stealth, so that one's planning and conduct can make the related skills much more effective. It is also one of the most dramatic ways that one's willpower can bring a sudden, tangible, and consistent result.
The constant training in various forms of single combat, from Glíma to sword and shield, gives a high degree of individual skill. Yet military necessity alone would not account for this level of training; in regular groups and formations, with other factors being equal, greater numbers of troops substantially outweigh the skill of a single soldier in an opposing group, even if he is highly skilled. There needs to be a cultural emphasis on individual skill, which is best shown in single combat. Such an emphasis was known for centuries within Heathen areas, and Ullr was a God known to particularly embody this.
The skills and ideals of knightly culture have continued for centuries. They were best known during the middle ages, although the knights of that time were remembered more for their armor and the code of chivalry than for archery and hunting. Once the feudal system began to break down, the skills were passed on in different ways. Hunting continued on its own course, but single combat gained new venues. Judicial duels continued for a while, up to the renaissance, where they were followed by private dueling. However, during the middle ages and renaissance, there were academies of arms that were created in places like Germany (e.g. Lichtenauer, Marxbruder) and England (e.g. The Company of Maisters), where skill advancement was tested through rigorous single combats.
The practice of dueling began to lose skill as a factor with the use of firearms, although it did continue with swords, and many combat fencing instructors were hired to teach duelers. Once prior views of honor and sword skill fell out of favor, dueling declined rapidly. Yet single combat continued in another way. After the academies of arms had passed, the 'prize playing' that was done to test sword skill was replaced by 'prize fighting' sometimes with swords, but more often either with clubs or unarmed, beginning the tradition of modern boxing. Boxing has continued to today, though for over 200 years it went without use of grappling skills. With the advent of Mixed Martial Arts competitions, we see today more of the comprehensive skill that was seen in earlier eras. One other area where individual close-combat skill is still highly valued is in commando forces. Along with rifle and other conventional training, such troops are trained in unarmed combat, knife skills, and stealth techniques reminiscent of traditional hunting methods.
The use of formal oaths for service and rulership has continued since ancient times. For a long time the use of oath rings was common, and Ullr seen in this context. After the conversion, oath rings were still being used for a while, and the use of oaths for ruling structure gave rise to the feudal era. Later on, oaths were still used for taking public office, and for court proceedings, and words said under oath still carry special legal weight to this day.
The skills of knightly culture have continued for many centuries. They included archery and hunting, sword use, and emphasis on single combat. The value of individual prowess at hunting and close combat have been emphasized continuously, even though the particular skills have evolved over time. The rise of MMA sports reflects the goal of comprehensive individual combat skill. The training of troops for stealth and close combat hearken back to an earlier way of fighting. And while modern oaths in government usually aren't considered to have the added religious weight of Wyrd on them, their use is still necessary for many essential functions. Ullr may not be known now as well as He was in the past, but the skills and values He represented are still with us today.