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considered the oldest Viking ship yet found, was built
between 850 and 900. It was buried for about 1,000
years and discovered by archaeologists in the early
1900s. The boat itself was elaborately carved. It con-
tained small wagons for carrying “gods,” an ornately
decorated sleigh or sled, and a narrow tapestry por-
traying scenes from mythology. An elaborate bucket
onboard contained apples, a symbol of fertility. Many
of these artifacts are on display in museums in Oslo.
Churches in Hallingdal and Hegge, meanwhile,
contain evidence of the “gods,” including carvings
that experts believe are representations of Odin.
Some of Norway’s contributions to Norse history
and literature are actually preserved in the manu-
scripts from Iceland. The sagas, lays, and poems
found in Iceland tell of Norway’s kings and warrior
heroes. Few manuscripts of the Norse age have been
found in Norway itself.
N ott (N ight )
The dark-haired daughter of
Norfi, one of the first giants of Jotunheim. She
married three times. Her first husband was Naglfari
(Darkling); their son was Aud. Her second husband
was Annar (Another); their daughter was Jord. Her
third husband was Delling (Dawn); their son was
Dag (Day).
The gods gave Nott and her son Dag each a
chariot to ride through the heavens (see “Night
and Day,” under creation). Nott’s lead horse was
Hrimfaxi.