Scholars of Scandinavian studies at the Cluster of Excellence are investigating cultural memories of pre-Christian Nordic ...

During the 1850s, soldiers returning from the Crimean War introduced plasmodium, the malaria-causing parasite, to Cork’s mosquito population.  Oliver Cromwell may have died of ‘Cork fever’, contracted ...

In response to youth suicides, teachers show students the power of headbanging at Fire in the Mountains festival.

Holiday traditions feel timeless, like they’ve always existed in their current form. Families gather around Christmas trees. Kids hunt for Easter eggs. Couples kiss under mistletoe without questioning ...

Vikings' literally means 'raiders' in Old Norse, and they're best remembered for terrorising ... Swathes of Spain and ...

Winter holidays in the U.S. like Christmas and Hanukkah are inspired by ancient festivals such as Rome's Saturnalia and Norse Yule, celebrating themes of light, renewal, and community.

The practice of placing swords upright in graves represents a powerful symbolic gesture. Unlike the more common Viking Age practice of ritually breaking or bending weapons before burial, these ...