[gothic-l] Goths, Eruli in the East

[Tore Gannholm]

>Yes, Tore, I have been sceptic concerning the
>Eruli influence around Lake Maelaren for years
>but since I read  Barthi Guthmundsson's (former
>Keeper of the National Atrchives of Iceland)
>_The Origin of the Icelanders_ I have began
>changing my mind. There is obviously an
>East Scandinavian/East Germanic influence.
>
>Guthmundsson presented (unfortunately he passed
>away all too early in 1957) some weighty arguments
>for what you mention. For instance G. mentions
>gothi-dom (priesthood with secular leadership)
>as not existing in West Nordic tradition.
>
>An interesting point is also the fertility cult of
>Frey that was prevalent on Iceland. That connects
>well with the cult that prevailed among the Goths,
>Eruli and others along the Baltic coast. Therefore
>at least the leaders of the original Icelandic
>immigration could be of East Scandinavian/
>East Germanic origin and  it is to them we
>maybe owe the Edda, the sagas. the skalds.
>
>It would be interesting if you have any comments
>on such a thread.
>
>Gothically
>
>Bertil
>

Bertil,
I have also read Guthmundsson's book and there are some interesting 
things in it.
Even if there are some shortcomings in the book there are many things 
to compare to other sources.

It is also important to know in which century we are talking.

The forming of the Gothic culture in the Vistula area is one era.

After that we have plenty of movements of peoples in Europe.

In the 6th century we have a new ruling class with a new religion 
moving into Scandinavia.

They consolidate in the Lake Mälar Area and begin their expansion eastwards.

There are plenty of Scandinavian graveyards in Balticum and present 
day Russia from the 7th century and forwards.
  It has been considered as Swedish and Gotlandic colonies after the 
Swedes and Gotlanders made a trade and defence treaty mid 6th century.

The Gotlandic and Swedish gravfields are normally ketp apart.

Tore
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