in a tree. We also have clear examples of mythological narratives on the stones, such as a
possible valkyrie with a drinking horn welcoming a man on an eight-legged horse,
Sleipnir, Gunnar in the pit with the snakes and the legend of Vo ̨lundr the smith, and
perhaps also Óðinn transformed into a bird. Turning to the artefacts, there are several
human figures with animal masks, for example from Torslunda in Öland and from
Kungsängen in Uppland (Price 2002 ). The latter grasps a snake reaching up to the
man’s head. On the Oseberg tapestry a woman with a boar mask and skin is depicted.
A reference must also be made to the two felt masks found in the harbour of Hedeby.
Those who wore animal masks have been seen as connected to shamanistic rituals.
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–– Anne-Sofie Gräslund––