Gosforth Cross

The Gosforth Cross is a large stone monument in St Mary's churchyard at Gosforth in the English county of Cumbria, dating to the first half of the 10th century AD. Formerly part of the kingdom of Northumbria, the area was settled by Scandinavians some time in either the 9th or 10th century. It has gained reputation for its combination of Christian symbols with Nordic symbols, being a tangible piece of evidence of the impact of the Christianization of Scandinavia.

The deities depicted on the monument have been identified with Sigyn attempting to protect her bound husband Loki, a horn-wielding Heimdallr, Víðarr in the process of defeating Fenrir, and Thor in a failed attempt to capture Jörmungandr. The images likely adapt scenes from the Poetic Edda. Also depicted on the monument is the crucifixion of Jesus. The tree-like design of the base of the cross may represent Yggdrasil or a mythical tree of life.


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