Gods and Settlers

Main Themes and Topics

The book Gods and Settlers by Lilla Kopár offers an in-depth exploration of stone sculpture from the Viking Age, particularly within the context of northern England. It addresses the transformation of stone monuments during the Viking period, highlighting the evolution in style, iconography, function, and patronage. The volume poses stone sculpture as vital visual evidence of cultural shifts occurring in Scandinavian settlements, which are not extensively documented in textual or material records. By examining stone monuments with mythological and heroic iconography rooted in Scandinavian traditions, the study investigates the interplay between indigenous mythologies and the Christian influences prevalent in the surviving monuments. The narrative intertwines iconography, literature, history, and religious studies to analyze how these sculptures serve as cultural documents witnessing the conversion of Scandinavian settlers.

Writing Style and Tone

Lilla Kopár brings an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, fusing detailed analytical survey techniques with insightful interpretation. Her style is scholarly yet accessible, allowing readers to appreciate the complexity of the sculptures without being overwhelmed by overly technical jargon. The tone is both informative and engaging, ensuring that the historical and artistic nuances are communicated effectively to both academic audiences and interested general readers.

Brief Summary

Gods and Settlers is structured in two main parts. The initial half provides a comprehensive survey of relevant Viking Age carvings from northern England, offering visual and textual parallels that illuminate the origins and usage of specific heroic and mythological motifs. The latter half delves into the intellectual and societal contexts of these artefacts, proposing a new perspective on them as records of the Scandinavian settlers' conversion processes. This interdisciplinary study underscores stone sculptures as powerful indicators of cultural and religious transitions during the Viking Age.