Runic charms and boat burials to be discussed at Viking symposium
From burials in boats to the perceived magical properties of runic charms, members of the public are invited to come together at the University to learn about the latest research developments in the world of Vikings during the annual Midlands Viking Symposium on Saturday 25 April.
Run by the Universities of Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham and featuring academics from these institutions and beyond, this year’s event, which is organsed by Dr Philip Shaw (pictured) from the School of English, will include discussions on a range of topics, including: the life of Cnut the Great, king of Denmark and England; what genetic studies can reveal about Viking migration; the ways in which modern popular culture responds to the Viking past; and more.
Viking mythology has left its mark on both history and the modern world. From modern animated films such as Disney’s Frozen and Dreamworks’s How To Train Your Dragon, ambitious TV programmes and books such as Game of Thrones and Vikings, as well as video games and more, many aspects of Viking culture have remained ingrained in popular culture.
The Midlands Viking Symposium 2015 will take place on Saturday 25 April 2015 in the Ogden Lewis Seminar Suite between 10:30am and 4:30pm and all are welcome to attend.
The cost for the day, including lunch and refreshments, is £20.