[gothic-l] Heyerdahl, the Goths and the Aesir

[bertil]

Esteemed listmembers and all who contributed
on my latest mail.

We will have to see what result comes out
of the research of Dr. Heyerdahl and his
group working with the Academy of Sciences
in Baku. It certainly has bearing on the
migration of the Goths and Gepids from
south Scandinavia. Meanwhile a refresher
on the Ynglinga Saga, for those who might
not have it at hand. The Aesir is the
English word for Scandinavian aser or asar.

1. OF THE SITUATION OF COUNTRIES.

It is said that the earth's circle which
the human race inhabits is torn across into
many bights, so that great seas run into the
land from the out-ocean. Thus it is known
that a great sea goes in at Narvesund (1),
and up to the land of Jerusalem.  From the
same sea a long sea-bight stretches towards
the north-east, and is called the Black Sea,
and divides the three parts of the
earth; of which the eastern part is called
Asia, and the western is called by some Europa,
by some Enea.  Northward of the Black
Sea lies Swithiod the Great, or the Cold.
The Great Swithiod is reckoned by some as
not less than the Great Serkland (2); others
compare it to the Great Blueland (3).  The
northern part of Swithiod lies uninhabited
on account of frost and cold, as likewise
the southern parts of Blueland are waste from the
burning of the sun.  In Swithiod are many great domains, and many races of men, and many kinds of languages.
On the south side of the mountains which lie
outside of all inhabited lands runs a river through Swithiod, which is properly called by the name of Tanais, but was formerly called Tanaquisl, or Vanaquisl, and which falls into the Black Sea.  The country of the people on the Vanaquisl was called Vanaland, or Vanaheim; and the river separates the three parts of the world, of which the eastermost part is called Asia, and the
westermost Europe.


ENDNOTES:
(1)  The Straits of Gibraltar.
(2)  Northern Africa.
(3)  Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa.



2. OF THE PEOPLE OF ASIA.

The country east of the Tanaquisl in Asia was called Asaland, or Asaheim, and the chief city in that land was called Asgaard.  In that city was a chief called Odin, and it was a great place for sacrifice.  It was the custom there that twelve temple priests should both direct the sacrifices, and also judge the people.
They were called Diar, or Drotner, and all the people served and obeyed them.  Odin was a great and very far-travelled warrior, who conquered many kingdoms, and so successful was he that in every battle the victory was on his side.  It was the belief of his people that victory belonged to him in every battle.  It was his custom when he sent his men into battle, or on any expedition, that he first laid his hand upon their heads, and called down a blessing upon them; and then they believed their
undertaking would be successful.  His people also were
accustomed, whenever they fell into danger by land or sea, to call upon his name; and they thought that always they got comfort and aid by it, for where he was they thought help was near. Often he went away so far that he passed many seasons on his journeys.

Gothically

Bertil





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