Ski Gods
Praying to Ullr and Skadi
By Carson Bennett, 11-20-07
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Many people responded to my first post by offering their prayers to Ullr (pronounced ooh-ler) the Norse God of Snow. I thought it would be helpful, for those of you who would like to contribute your snow-prayers to the greater good, to offer a bit more info about good ol’ Ullr.
Ullr was the stepson of Thor, the “God of Thunder.” Depending on who you talk to, Ullr is described as “The God of the Hunt,” “The God of Snow,” or, as I prefer to think of him, “The God of Skiing.” In Norway, four thousand years ago, skiing was a normal means of travel in the winter months. No wonder Ullr was one of their most celebrated deities. The guy could carve.
Every God has his goddess. The “Goddess of Snow” is Skadi (also the goddess of justice, vengeance, and righteousness, so don’t piss her off). Apparently she was married to Njord, “God of the Sea,” but they didn’t have a whole lot in common (I’m simplifying here, folks) and she eventually ran off with Ullr.
If you talk to folks in Breckenridge, Colorado, they’ll tell you that Ullr and Skadi left Norway and took up residence right there in Breck, blessing Summit County with “the best snow in the world.” In fact, to thank him, every year since 1963 Breck has hosted Ullr Fest, complete with a parade, snow sculpting contests, and parties. Lots of parties. This year’s Ullr Fest will be in January, from the 6th to the 11th.
But for those of us who don’t want to wait until January to celebrate Ullr and Skadi (or to convince them that, although we are mere mortals, we still deserve tons of fresh pow) we can begin our prayers today. Last year, yoga instructor and telemark skier Carlene Sullivan of North Conway, New Hampshire developed a “snow salutation pose” (modified sun salutation) that you may want to give a try. And, although I couldn’t find any specific methods for praying to Ullr, I assume that stepping outside, watching the sky, and asking nicely will do just fine.
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Comments
My little statue of Ull that I picked up in the fine town of Bergen a few years back has been getting a lot of attention of late.
Wish I could make it out for the Ullr Fest. You guys will have to rock the tele-boards during the festival!
Med Venlig Hilsen...
I came across your article because I was doing a search for a prayer to Ullr to put in my article in a local Lake Tahoe rag. Don't feel too bad, I am pretty sure we are now the last ones to get a fat dump to kick off the season! I hate it when we have to sacrafice virgins, they're good to keep around, so c'mon ullr!
Gary Bell