Animals have always been an important part of the

human life-world, and they stand out as signifcant

forces in the Old Norse mythology here they became

imaginary creatures with strong characters. In Animals

and Humans archaeologist Kristina Jennbert explores the

relationship between animals and humans in Scandinavia

from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Period.

Real animals and fantastical creatures in Midgard became

mouthpieces for human characteristics and reflections of

peoples social position. Animals were of great importance

in everyday life and in rituals, and as metaphors in social identity and power relations. In the course of time,however, the human view has changed, and nature has

increasingly been subjected to humans.

Through her detailed analysis, Jennbert raises questions

about the boundary between human and animal, as well

as about our ethical and moral precedence.