Gods Skilled with Bows and Skis
Which god is unmatched at archery and skiing?
Hod is a blind god with great strength. We are told that what he does with his hands will long be remembered among gods and humans. The gods wish they never had to speak his name. This is how *Gylfaginning* introduces him.
Vidar is a quiet god who wears a thick shoe. His strength is second only to Thor's. The gods rely on him greatly whenever they are in trouble. His land, described in *Grimnismal*, is thick with trees and tall grass.
Vali fights bravely in battle and is a very skilled archer. Ull, too, is a master of the bow and excels at skiing. No one can match him at archery or skiing. He is handsome and a capable warrior. Those who need help in a duel are advised to pray to Ull.
Sources for this story (2)Gods Skilled with Bows and Skis
Hann er bogmaðr svá góðr ok skíðfærr svá, at engi má við hann keppast.
He is so skilled at archery and skiing that no one can compete with him.
“The Beguiling of Gylfi” Chapter 31
“The Beguiling of Gylfi”Gylfaginning
“The Sayings of Grimnir”Grímnismál


Image details
Ólafur Brynjúlfsson “NKS 1867 4to, 92v, Ullr” 1760 Public domain View original image
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