The Iliad – an extremely violent text – now in modern Norwegian
A story about honour, war and death – and a cornerstone of Western literature. A new Norwegian adaptation of the famous epic The Iliad is about to be published.
Humanities
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A radical shift more than a century ago transformed European views on homosexuality
The turn of the 20th century has been referred to as the homosexual breakthrough in Europe. A recent study has analyzed literary texts in which Norwegian nature plays an important role in conveying this perspective.
The hunt for the perfect oak: Researchers analyse wood for the doors of Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national sanctuary
Just like the cathedral itself, the wood that will be used for the new doors may hold secrets. That’s why researchers need to test the oak before the doors are built.
Huge quantities of German ammunition lie at the bottom of Norwegian lakes
The stockpile of German ammunition left in Norway in 1945 could have been cleared and dismantled by the Germans. Norway declined the offer and began dumping it in Lake Mjøsa and other lakes instead.
How Edvard Munch’s painting The Scream might look in 300 years’ time
Edvard Munch used materials that make his paintings vulnerable to the ravages of time. A new digital tool now shows how much The Scream may change over the next 300 years.
Norway’s Sami population posed an enigma for the occupying Nazis
German soldiers’ accounts from Finnmark during World War II often describe the Sami as “noble savages” in a fabulous and foreign landscape.
Central Norway’s first high seat since the Viking Age
The foundations for the Viking expeditions were laid on farms. Society became more stratified during this period, and carved chairs, owned by wealthy farmers and known as ‘high seats’, were a clear status symbol.
Sensational Viking Age grave newly uncovered
Researchers are now investigating a Viking Age grave with preserved skeletal remains and jewellery. The grave was found at Val in Bjugn, in Trøndelag County. A discovery by a metal detectorist alerted researchers to the find.
The people behind the memorial stones on one Trondheim street
Why did so many Jews find their way to Trondheim before the Second World War? Microhistory can help shed light on their stories.
The jazz hatchery
NTNU’s Jazz Programme has produced a long line of talented musicians and bands who are making their mark both nationally and internationally. Peer learning and nerding out are two of the key ingredients in the recipe for success.
Festivals must involve locals at an early stage
Engaging the local residents is key to the success of local festivals.
Unlocking the secrets of Viking and medieval walrus tusk trade
Two tiny Scandinavian settlements in Greenland persisted for nearly 500 years and then mysteriously vanished. Their disappearance has been blamed on everything from poor agricultural practices to a changing climate. But what if the real reason was the walrus tusk trade?
Valuable possessions were not returned to Norwegian Jews after the war
Every Norwegian Jew had their homes, possessions and businesses confiscated by the Nazis. Yet significant assets were not returned or replaced when the war was over.
New clues from old bones: Some Vikings were much more violent than others
An investigation into Viking skeletons reveals a hidden story of violence, power, and the surprising differences between neighbouring Viking societies.
Fantastic walrus ivory treasures coming to Norway
World-famous treasures crafted from walrus ivory are on their way to Norway, including chess pieces from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Were they originally from Norway? And why did the walrus trade disappear?
Searching for hidden medieval stories from the island of the Sagas
Hidden and forgotten traces of Iceland’s history can be found in ancient, reused parchments.
Who was the man in the well?
The bishop’s men plundered the king’s fortress. Then they threw a dead man into the well to poison it. Now we know more about the deceased.
How are important are blockades to the outcome of wars?
Trade blockades are an old tool that is still used in wars. The ERC has awarded an EUR 9.9 million grant to see how significant they really are.
How do objects shape our language?
Objects and shapes influence language and how we see the world. The European Research Council is supporting research on this topic with a NOK 123 million Synergy Grant.
Uncovering the secrets of Norway’s largest lake
Engineers and biologists are standing shoulder to shoulder with philosophers, social scientists and historians to safeguard Norway’s largest lake for future generations.
Piecing together Viking tapestries from the Oseberg Ship
The Vikings surrounded themselves with textiles that were richly illustrated with stories. 1200-year-old tapestry fragments found in Norway’s Oseberg Ship are now being pieced together – without having to touch them.
The cathedral at the end of the world
Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral is full of secrets, messages from the past written in stone. One researcher is now decoding these missives, half hidden in a very special spot in and around the most sacred place in the church.
Language affects how quickly we perceive shades of colour
People who speak a language that has multiple words for different shades of colour perceive the shades more quickly.
Meet the Stone Age Trøndelag man
4000 years ago, a 25-year-old man died on the island of Hitra. Now he has been given a new lease of life at NTNU University Museum.