Son of Sif. God of archery, skiing, and oaths. Significant in place names.
Ullr (Old Norse Ullr) is the son of Sif and stepson of Thor. In Gylfaginning 31 he is described as so handsome and skilled with the bow that no one can match him in these respects. He is also called the ski god (öndurguð) and is invoked in duels and oaths. Grímnismál 5 states that his hall is called Ýdalir, 'yew dales', a name that underscores the connection to archery since yew wood was used to craft bows.
Although Ullr plays a limited role in the preserved myths, a large number of place names in Sweden and Norway, particularly in Uppland, Vastmanland, and Trondelag, suggest that his cult was extensive during the Viking Age and earlier. Forms such as Ullevi, Ultuna, and Ullared attest to sacred sites. Atlakviða 30 mentions Ullr's ring in connection with oath-taking, and Grímnismál 42 states that whoever first kindles fire may win Ullr's favor. Saxo Grammaticus relates that Ullr (Ollerus) temporarily assumed Odin's place as ruler of the gods during Odin's absence, a tradition without direct support in Eddic sources but which may reflect an older cult.
Sources in the Eddas
- Grímnismál 5, 42
- Ullr's hall Ýdalir is named, and whoever first kindles fire may win his favor.
- Gylfaginning 31
- Snorri describes Ullr as handsome, a skilled archer and ski god, invoked in oaths.
- Atlakviða 30
- Ullr's ring is mentioned in the context of oath-taking, confirming his function as a god of oaths.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Ullr is Sif's son and Thor's stepson, associated with archery, skiing, and oaths. This is attested in Gylfaginning 31, Grímnismál 5, and Atlakviða 30.
B What we think we know
The large number of place names with the Ullr root in Scandinavia suggests that his cult was more extensive than the Eddic sources reveal, but the exact nature of the cult is unclear.
C What we do not know
Saxo Grammaticus's claim that Ullr temporarily ruled as king of the gods lacks support in Eddic texts, and it is unknown whether this tradition has an older mythological basis.