Animals and humans : recurrent symbiosis in archaelogy and old norse religion

Animals have always been an important part of the
human life-world, and they stand out as signifcant
forces in the Old Norse mythology here they became
imaginary creatures with strong characters. In Animals
and Humans archaeologist Kristina Jennbert explores the
relationship between animals and humans in Scandinavia
from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Period.

Real animals and fantastical creatures in Midgard became
mouthpieces for human characteristics and reflections of
peoples social position. Animals were of great importance
in everyday life and in rituals, and as metaphors in social identity and power relations. In the course of time,however, the human view has changed, and nature has
increasingly been subjected to humans.

Through her detailed analysis, Jennbert raises questions
about the boundary between human and animal, as well
as about our ethical and moral precedence.