When re-enactors bring early-medieval Frisia to life, they are often seen wearing a small iron hammer on a leather cord around their neck — symbolizing Mjölnir, the mighty weapon of the Norse god Thor. We regret to inform them that Mjölnir was not at all fashionable along the southern shores of the North Sea —Continue reading “Odin’s Ravens Ruled the Southern Shores. Not the Hammer of Thor”
Tag Archives: archaeology
The Deer Hunter of Fallward, and His Throne of the Marsh
Near a terp called Fallward, close to the village of Wremen in the region of Land Wursten, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable site that opens a rare window onto life during the Migration Period — the world of the so-called ‘Old Saxons’ who once inhabited the tidal marshes of the Wadden Sea at the mouth ofContinue reading “The Deer Hunter of Fallward, and His Throne of the Marsh”
Scratching Runes Was Not Much Different From Spraying Tags
Carving runes into combs and stones is basically the same as spraying tags on subway cars and bicycle tunnels. Those who create runes or graffiti are called writers. More precisely, rune writers and graffiti writers. The word graffiti stems from the Italian word graffio, which means ‘scratch’ and invented in the context of the PompeiiContinue reading “Scratching Runes Was Not Much Different From Spraying Tags”
A Severe Case of Inattentional Blindness; the Frisian Tribe’s Name
The name Frisii for the people who lived along the southern coast of the North Sea is ancient — very ancient. It dates back to Late Antiquity. Today, we call them Frisians. Roman and Greek historians, as well as bureaucrats, recorded the tribe’s name nearly two millennia ago. Because of this, modern Frisians carry oneContinue reading “A Severe Case of Inattentional Blindness; the Frisian Tribe’s Name”
To the End Where It All Began: the Ribbon-Like Town of Ribe
Let’s go to the omega. To the end of the Frisia Coast Trail. To Ribe in southern Jutland, Denmark. The oldest town in Scandinavia. A town located on the banks of the Ribe Å. A modest river that flows out into the Wadden Sea stoically slow, opposite the islands of Fanø and Mandø. Ribe startedContinue reading “To the End Where It All Began: the Ribbon-Like Town of Ribe”
A Frontier Known as Watery Mess: the Coast of Flanders
At the end of the eighth century, by decree of Charlemagne and under the supervision of the wise men Wlemar and Saxmund, the customary law of the Frisians was codified. It is called the Lex Frisionum. Its jurisdiction included the land between Flehum and Sincfalam, between the rivers Vlie and Sincfalam river. The River FlehumContinue reading “A Frontier Known as Watery Mess: the Coast of Flanders”
Expelled From Regal Grounds, the Soils of Wijnaldum
July 1987. The two Frisian bastards, both being sixteen years old at the time, went to the village of Wijnaldum – Winaem in the Mid-Frisian language. Reason to go was twofold. Firstly, the yearly street kaatsen tournament was taking place that day. Secondly, one of their most beautiful classmates, Gerda, lived close to Wijnaldum. TheContinue reading “Expelled From Regal Grounds, the Soils of Wijnaldum”
The Killing Fields, of the Celts
About 2,000 years ago, a tragedy unfolded. A sixteen-year-old girl, who had suffered from scoliosis during her young life, was killed. Her red hair was shaved off on one side, she was stabbed at the base of her neck on the right shoulder, and strangled with a woollen rope. After this, she was placed inContinue reading “The Killing Fields, of the Celts”
Rowing Souls of the Dead to Britain — The Ferryman of Solleveld
In 2004, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery at the early medieval burial ground of Solleveld, just south of the city of The Hague: a boat grave. It lies almost exactly two hundred kilometres in a straight line due east across the North Sea from the legendary ship burial at Sutton Hoo. With this extraordinary find,Continue reading “Rowing Souls of the Dead to Britain — The Ferryman of Solleveld”
Groove is in the Hearth. Very Superstitious, is the Way
The hearth was, in pre- and early medieval times, the Holy of Holies. The heart of the family. Where you would lay back and groove. Groove on the sound of the endless rain on the thatched roof, or on the sound of seawater at your feet below. Splashing against the grassy slopes of your houseContinue reading “Groove is in the Hearth. Very Superstitious, is the Way”
Frisia Coast Trail 