History of Norway, Part 1 - The Viking Age

[thetrooper]

It was originally named Kholmgard, wasn't it? Or was that the Russian version of the name?

Kholmgard? That is just Holmgard with an extra k in front. That might be the russian version, yes. Do we know any russians here? I am really bad at it.

Novgorod is a city in North-Western Russia. Since 1998 the official name of the city is Velikiy Novgorod (Great Novgorod).The Varangian name of the city Holmgard (Holmgård, Holmegaard) is mentioned in Norse Sagas as existing substantially earlier, but the historical fact cannot be separated from myth. Later in history Holmgard referred only to the stronghold inside the city (Riurikovo Gorodische).

Wikipedia again: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novgorod

 

[Richard Cribb]

Thanks! It was originally named Kholmgard, wasn't it? Or was that the Russian version of the name?

Anyway, I'll check my Heyerdahl book and my historical and archeological atlases once I get home tonight. Should have done that weeks ago...

Speaking of Heyerdahl, luceafarul, have you read his "The Hunt for Odin" book? (Jakten på Odin)
If yes (or if you've just heard of it), what's your view on it, as a historian?

First of all, let me apologize for my late answer.
I suppose Kholmgard would be the Russian equivalent , since Russians usually pronounce our "h" "kh".Edit: trooper just beat me to it!
No, I haven't read Heyerdahl's book - in fact I had planned to let that be a part of my Christmas reading - but I remember very well the controversy; most historians and archeologists were not amused. However, even if they may be right that Heyerdahl's methodology from time to time is a bit flimsy and he is a bit quick with establishing hypotheses, bringing Odin "down on the ground" is an interesting project, and I for one have an open mind about this sort of things.
I think it could be a good idea if you would bother to present it on this forum in a new thread!
I also want to recommend a very interesting book about the Vikings - Torgrim Titlestad: "Kampen om Nordvegen", check out this link:http://www.arild-hauge.com/eraids.htmThose who read Norwegian can also check out this:http://www.eutopia.no/Bokanmeld.htm#Kampen

 

[thetrooper]

I would like to complete this period with a short intro to Norse Mythology. Terje, luceafarul, anyone interested?

 

[Doc Tsiolkovski]

since Russians usually pronounce our "h" "kh".

Not surprising, considering there's no "H" in the Kyrillic alphabet .

They either transfer it into a hard "kh" ("ch" in German), or simply into "G".
"Hamburg" for example is "Gamburg".

 

[thetrooper]

Not surprising, considering there's no "H" in the Kyrillic alphabet .

Hey Doc - stick that tongue away!

I am not familiar with the Kyrillic alphabet. Thanks for the info!

 

[Richard Cribb]

I would like to complete this period with a short intro to Norse Mythology. Terje, luceafarul, anyone interested?

Perhaps I will have a shot at it next week or so. Right now I am both quite occupied and have certain health problems, and I need to refresh some of my knowledge, I haven't read much Norse mythology for many, many years. But I should have some excellent reference material somewhere...