Britannica Sources used in this answer

What was Ull associated with in Norse mythology?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Germanic religion and mythology Battle scenes and ships depicted on a memorial stone from Gotland, Sweden, late 8th century. In the third panel from the top, a warrior is being hanged in a tree as a sacrifice to Odin, whose cult is represented by an eagle and a twisted knot.

In Norse mythology, the god Ull (also known as Ullr or Ollerus) was primarily associated with the bow, skis, and snowshoes.12

Beyond these specific associations, Ull possessed warrior-like attributes and was invoked by those seeking aid in individual combat. While historical records regarding him are limited, evidence from place-names in Norway and Sweden suggests he was once a prominent deity in the Norse pantheon. Some traditions even indicate that he was considered one of the highest gods, and he is noted for having temporarily replaced Odin when the latter was banned from his throne. He was the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor, and he resided at Ydalir (Yew Dales).12