The reign of Winter

Ski freaks exalt him. Resorts name hotels after him. He is Ullr, and for many skiers he is the god of all things deep and white and their patron god. But few know the history of this snowbound deity. A god who first appears in early Norwegian folklore, his place as the God of All Ski is nothing short of intriguing. To help further you’re following or explain why some chant his elk-call name at the top of their local stash, here is a quick fact list on the almighty Ullr (pronounced Ooo-llarrr)
The Northern European god Ullr (aka Wuldor, Wulthur, Uller, Ullin, Holler, Vulder and Ull) is a god of the pantheon of the Aesir and Vanir, a pre-Viking-era mythology revered first by Vikings, Goths, Saxons, and ancient Britons. Ullr is the Lord of Winter and God of archery, skiing and yew (bow) magic.
His name means "The Brilliant One" and he is one of many gods associated with the Aurora Borealis. Ullr has also been called the Shifter of the Northern Lights, the Great Hunter, the Silent One, and the Holder of the Oath Ring 
Ullr is stepson of Thor, from a one night stand between Sif, Goddess of Fertility, and Orvandil, a star hero. This puts Ullr among the Vanir. He has been identified as a very archaic God of death in Norway. He is also the husband of the Goddess Skadi. At some time in history, Ullr was held to be just as important as Odin, and in winter he was considered to be the ruler in Asgard while Odin went on vacation.
Ullr is known foremost as master of the skis and the bow. His legend speaks of an unmatchable prowess for hunting and traveling speedily across snow. He is also known as a master of the duel and, hark, a ladies' man (a trait likely inherited from his mother, Sif). 
Throughout much of Northern Europe, from Britain to Germany to Scandinavia, Ullr's legend is well fortified in local lore, specifically as the King of Winter. Ullr's moniker is used commonly in Northern European place names, and is included in many stories that extend beyond Norse mythology. 
Prays the Lord of the Winter




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