What does the large stone cross at the churchyard in Gosforth tell us?

What does the large stone cross at the churchyard in Gosforth tell us?

Description. The Gosforth Cross has elaborate carvings which have been interpreted as representing characters and scenes from Norse mythology, similarly to how the Jelling stones depict Jesus with other Norse mythological characters. He demonstrated that the cross showed scenes described in the Poetic Edda.

What does the Gosforth Cross tell us about the Vikings?

The Gosforth Cross stands in the churchyard of St Mary’s, Gosforth, and was carved around 940. The rounded lower part of the Cross represents the ash tree Yggdrasil which the Norse men believed supported the universe, whilst the square upper portion is capped on each side with the triquetra, the symbol of the Trinity.

When was the Gosforth Cross made?

The Cross is 14 ft high, the tallest Viking cross in England and second in importance only to the Bewcastle Cross. With the hog-back tombs inside the church, it was carved around 940 AD. It is unique among English Viking crosses, not only in size and complete survival, but in the quality and detail of its carving.

What does the Cross mean in Norse mythology?

The Troll Cross – had the shape of an Odal/Othala rune – is the Norse symbol of protection. It is considered the part of Swedish folklore. If believe Norse mythology, the Troll Cross was a useful amulet to protect trolls evil elves, and dark magic.

What does the cross symbolize in paganism?

Throughout centuries the cross in its various shapes and forms was a symbol of various beliefs. In pre-Christian times it was a pagan religious symbol throughout Europe and western Asia. In ancient times, the effigy of a man hanging on a cross was set up in the fields to protect the crops.

Is there a Viking cross?

By 1050 A.D., it’s agreed that most of the Viking followers of Odin, Loki and the other Norse gods adapted to Christianity. Now, the find is in the hands of the Viking Museum at Ladby, which is cleaning and analyzing the pendant, dubbed the Aunslev Cross.

What does a Celtic Cross stand for?

of faith
A wonderful representation of faith, the Celtic Cross first emerged across the island of Ireland in the early Middle Ages. Subject to many different interpretations, the Celtic Cross is said to be a representation of knowledge, strength and compassion to manage life’s ups and downs. …

Who wears a Celtic Cross?

A version of the Celtic cross is used as a symbol by white supremacists. It was used by Nazis in Norway in the 1930s and 1940s, and more recently it has been used by neo-Nazis, Klansmen, and other white supremacist groups.