Drinking with Woden
Alexander O’Hara
In a widely known passage of the <italic>Vita Columbani</italic> (I.27), Jonas Bobbio introduces god Woden. This is oldest mention deity in narrative source. very brief chronological arc, two further attestations suggest new significance assumed by seventh century. chapter explores evolving meaning Woden up to Carolingian period. It suggests that and other markers barbarism paganism were not simple reflection actual non-Christian belief. They part wider repertory signs habits used military elites for self-representation. Following rise fall Woden’s suitability barbarian aristocracies from ninth centuries, frames these strategies representation social political landscape Europe.
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