The Possible Origin of the Goths Traced through the Symbolism of Rings and through Place-Names Containing the Element Ring

Abstract

The following article deals with the ringfinds in the Nordic countries, ring symbolism and Nordic and Continental place names containing the element Ring, and the author links these phenomena with the Goths. He sees a connection between the rings and the Gothic religion both in the cult of the god Gaut and later the god Óðinn-Gaut. He regards the Ring places as former cultic and administrative centres and also ties them to odinistic warrior initiations. He disputes the earlier place-name researchers interpretation that they should be named after a person of the name Ring.

Keywords

• ring cult
• warrior
• symbol
• religion
• Goths
• Gautic origin