Ullr is supported in the archaeological record by the Thorsburg chape and the shrine of Lilla Ullevi. He is attested in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, Skaldic poetry, and the Gesta Danorum.

The Thorsburg chape, a metal fitting from a sword scabbard, includes an inscription dating from around 200 CE. This is one of the oldest known references to Ullr. The inscription reads owlþuþewaz niwajmariz, which roughly translates to "well-honored servant of the Glorious One" or "servant or priest of Ullr."

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Lilla Ullevi, meaning "Little Shrine of Ullr," is a real shrine discovered just north of Stockholm. It was found in remarkable condition. The site included preserved wooden and stone structures, along with sixty-five oath rings scattered throughout the area.

Very little is said about Ullr in the Eddas. The Poetic Edda names his hall as Ýdalir, which means "Yew Dales," and includes two obscure ceremonial references involving him. One of these mentions "Ullr’s ring," which many believe connects to the oath rings found at Lilla Ullevi. Snorri, in the Prose Edda, lists Ullr as the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor. He does not name Ullr’s biological father, an unusual omission given how important parentage was in Norse society.

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Skaldic poetry supports Snorri’s account. It confirms that Thor is Ullr’s stepfather and uses many of the same kennings. Ullr is linked to skill and warfare, and shields are often referred to as "Ullr’s ships." One myth says Ullr once sailed across a lake on a shield.

Saxo Grammaticus, in the Gesta Danorum, describes Ullr in dramatic fashion. He tells of a hero who sails across water and sky on a rib bone. Saxo also claims Ullr ruled in Óðinn’s place for ten years before being cast out as an usurper. Despite the embellishments, this version aligns with Ullr’s image elsewhere.

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Modern traditions sometimes pair Ullr with Skaði, though there is no direct source for this. In contrast, Skaði’s marriage to Njörðr is well documented. Despite that, Ullr and Skaði share many traits. Scholars often infer a connection to fill gaps in the lore. Ullr has also been theorized as the son of Óðinn, of Njörðr, or even the biological child of Thor. One fringe theory suggests he may be the offspring of Freyr and Freyja.

An especially interesting theory from Viktor Rydberg (Teutonic Mythology) claims Ullr is the son of Sif and Egill Örvandill. This would make him the half-brother of Svipdagr Óðr, the nephew of Völundr, and the cousin of Skaði. Egill Örvandill, in this version, was the greatest archer across the nine worlds, and Ullr inherited his skill.

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Thoughts on Ullr

Ullr is an ancient god whose story has largely been lost to time. What little remains suggests he was once very important. Some scholars believe Ullr and Heimdall are the same god, based on shared traits. Others link him to the Horned God of Wicca, or the Celtic Cernunnos, who is also a forest-dwelling deity. Both Ullr and Cernunnos are connected to hunting and tribal survival. Each has associations with kingship and rings used in oaths between rulers and people.

Ullr’s name means "glory." He is the god of hunting, archery, survival, single combat, and duels. He moves through his forested realm when he is not seated in the High Seat of Óðinn. His hall is Ýdalir, the Yew Dales. He protects hunters and those who travel through the wilderness. He is said to be strikingly attractive.

Saxo describes Ullr as a rotating ruler or chieftain who takes command when Óðinn is away. During the wars between the Æsir and Vanir, Ullr ruled the Vanir. One tradition claims that those who broke their oaths to Ullr would find their rings tightening until they lost a limb or finger. Because of this, Ullr is now honored as a god of oaths, promises, and binding contracts.

Some also believe Ullr to be a Saami interpretation of Óðinn. Like Óðinn, Ullr leads the Wild Hunt. His holy days begin with the first frost of winter, sometime between October and November. In modern practice, this is often marked by Halloween.

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Suggested Signs and Symbols

Bows and arrows. Arrowheads. Axes and hatchets. Yew trees and evergreens. Oath rings. Torcs. Skis and snowshoes. Shields. Skates. Snowboards. Skateboards. Winter. Ice and snow. Northern Lights. Camping. Animal pelts. Dark green colors. Venison and game meats. The runes Úr and Eoh.

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Associated Names

Uller. Ull. Ullur. Wulthuz. Wuldor. Ollerus. Holler. Herne. Tapio. Father Wuldor. Jack Frost.