Norse

National Anthem

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Jorvik Viking Center, York, England.



History of the trolls

Far to the North where the winter storms whip the weather-beaten coasts, you will find a long and narrow country. Here you see dark forests with moonlit lakes, deep fjords surrounded by mighty snowcapped mountains, and long rivers and cold streams cascading down the mountain sides. Nowadays this country is covered by snow and ice only six months a year. A long, long time ago, however, there existed a massive glacier that brooded over the entire country for thousands of years. As the climate gradually warmed and the glacier slowly retreated to the North, Man to the South of the glacier followed in its wake. Looking at this country and finding it to be magnificent, they considered themselves to be its first inhabitants. People settled there and named it Norway. They were themselves called 'nodmen' (Men of the North). It did not take them long, however, to realize that on this land there were various other creatures hiding out in the forests and mountain sides. People did not know what these creatures were, but they were generally believed to have supernatural powers, and they came to be known as trolls.
The trolls would come out of their hiding places only after sunset, and they would disappear before the morning sun arose in the East. Direct exposure to the sun could cause them to crack, turn into stone and possibly burst. On occasion the trolls would evidently forget to hide from the sun, and rock formations can today be found in various places with troll-like features. The trolls were mostly seen on bright moonlit nights, or during stormy nights that could frighten about anyone who happened to be outdoors at that time.
	The trolls had very distinct features. They had long crooked noses, only four fingers and toes on each limb, and most of them had long bushy tails. Some trolls were giants, and other were small. There were stories of two headed as well as three headed trolls, and even a few had only one eye in the middle of their wrinkled foreheads. Others had trees and rough moss-like growth all over their heads and noses.

Although they were shaggy and rough-haired, and most looked frightening, they were also known to be good-natured and naive. So naive in fact that even sly peasant boys could, on occasion, easily trick them. Stories about such encounters are common in the fairy tales.
Most trolls lived to be hundreds of years old. However, because of the trolls extremely shy nature, their true origin, their lifestyle or what surprises they might pull has always been a mystery.
The ability to transform themselves counted among the trolls many supernatural skills. The fairy maidens - called "Hulder" - could transform into incredibly attractive young ladies. However they could not get rid of their tails. Hunters and farmers sons, who were lured to the mountains by these fairies, would usually check for tails on their newfound beauties.
The wrath of the trolls was boundless. It was therefore considered very important not to make them your enemy. If a farmer did provoke a troll, his livestock might be subject to disease or harmful sickness, or worse things could happen.
On the other hand, a good relationship with the trolls could be very rewarding. Now, even in modern times it is well advised to keep a good standing with the trolls, since you never know when you will meet one yourself. The next time you go to the dark forests and the mighty mountains with their deep lakes and roaring waterfalls, just remember, they probably mean no harm. But be aware. In the twilight hours you are no longer alone.
Then it is only you . . . and all the trolls.

Written by Tyrgve Torgersen and Bjørn Schulze,
creators of the Ny Form Trolls.

Norway during the occupation

Take a look at Norway's Resistance Museum's page:

Rudzin's Diary

Siri Lawson's translation of part of this personal account.

'THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MEDAL'

a poem by Michael Holmboe Meyer.

A member of my family remembered when he was a child in Norway during the Nazi occupation:

He recalls rowing a short distance at night, presumably to go fishing with his father, when he heard the sounds of an aeroplane approaching, he froze in terror.
But he soon gave a big sigh of relief, it was okay, the plane was one of the enemies - German.
Even at a young age he realised the irony in such thoughts, being afraid of allied aircraft and glad to see a German plane pass overhead!
It must have been a very strange position for all of the Norwegians under Nazi domain.

My grandfather's brother Ingolf Dypevåg was killed by an explosion at Bergen Harbour:

The explosion in Bergen happened in the morning of 20th April 1944 when the Dutch ship Voorbode, loaded with 100 ton of German explosives, blew up.
Against the rules for the transportation of explosives Voorbode was moored by Festningskaien in the inner harbour of Bergen.
The explosion caused the loss of lives of many people and also great damages. 102 Norwegians lost their lives and about 5000 were hurt. The Germans lost 56 men, - they said - but probably their loss was higher.
4500 buildings were damaged, 248 totally. Historical buildings like Håkonshallen, Rosenkrantztårnet, Mariakirken, Nykirken and Tollboden were heavily damaged.
This catastrophe was on the same day as Adolf Hitler's 55th birthday, and the Germans said it was sabotage, but the fire experts found out that the explosion was caused by spontaneous combustion in the coal bunker of the ship.: Haakon, a young boy at the time, remembers his school being closed for a long time as it was used as a hospital for casualties of the explosion. He also remembers his 1st cousin, Greta, playing on the floor in their sitting room in Geble Pedersensgate when the explosion occurred. All the window panes in the area were broken to fragments and blown into the room, and the little girl lost an eye!
(See: "Norsk Krigsleksikon 1940 - 1945" (Norwegian war dictionary 1940-45) and "20. 4. 1944 by O. Strand").

WWII Norwegian War Medals ²

In all there are seven Norwegian war medals for WWII.

'Hakkon 7's 70 års medalje' (King Hakkon 7's 70 year medal).
'Deltakermedaljen' (Participant Medal) You had to be at sea for 4 months to be awarded this medal.
'Frihetsmedaljen' or 'Haakon VIIs frihetsmedalje' (Haakon VII's Liberty Medal) To achieve this medal you had to sail for 54 months.
'Krigsmedalen' (The War Medal) Given to those who had served Norway during the war in an honourable manner and who had sailed for 18 months.
'Haakon VII's frihetskors' (Haakon VII Liberty Cross).
'St. Olavsmedaljen med eikegren' (St. Olav's Medal with Oak Branch).
'Krigskorset (med sverd)' (The War Cross (with Sword)).

My thanks to Siri Lawson for her considerable help in deciphering the scant information available.

Check out her own medals page available in Norsk and Engelsk.

Takk also to Norway's Resistance Museum for their help to both Siri and myself.
also try:
http://www.medals.org.uk/norway/norway-ribbons.htm

1. The War Cross (Krigskorset)
Krigskorset med sverd

The highest war decoration awarded in Norway. Therefore Norwegians wear the War Cross before all other decorations.

Since Norway really hadn't been in a war as an independent nation since the crusades, until Germany invaded in 1940, there were no real decorations for bravery in war until that time. So by royal resolution of 23rd May 1941 the government approved the regulations for the two newly created medals "Krigskorset" and "Krigsmedaljen".

The War Cross was instituted by King Haakon VII while in exile in London. The decoration may be awarded to civilians and to the military, to Norwegians and to foreigners, who have in war time distinguished themselves in a particularly outstanding manner by showing personal bravery or by leading military units in the Army, Navy or Air Force. It may also be awarded posthumously.

This medal can only be awarded once to any particular individual, however if the recipient distinguishes himself again then a sword is added, the maximum to-date is three swords.

The Cross is a trefoil cross, also called an Olaf Cross, in bronze with the coat of arms of the Norwegian State on a shield in the centre. It is worn on a vertically mounted red chest riband with a white-edged blue centre stripe and an added sword if warranted.

The Cross is personal property and is not returned on the death of the holder. However if the recipient later does something to prove himself unworthy of the Cross then the King can take it away from him.

2. Saint Olav's Medal with Oak Branch (St. Olavsmedaljen med eikegren)

St. Olavsmedaljen

St. Olavs-medaljen was established on 17th March 1939 by Haakon VII as an award for meritorious spreading of knowledge concerning Norway abroad, and for furthering the connection and the solidarity between the "emigrated Norway" and the home country.

This medal bears the portrait of the king, his name and motto on the front, the reverse the Trondheim archiepiscopal insignia. The medal has one class, silver, and is worn on a vertically mounted red chest riband with white-edged blue border stripes.

From 1942 the medal is also awarded for excellent contribution to the war, and is then equipped with a silver oak branch (or more than one) on the ribbon, the oak being the symbol of courage and strength. This medal is ranged as the second highest Norwegian war decoration.

It may also be awarded posthumously.

3. King Haakon VII's Cross of Liberty (Haakon VII's frihetskors)
Haakon 7's Frihetskors

The Liberty Cross was instituted on 18th March 1945. The decoration may be awarded to civilians and to the military, to Norwegians and to foreigners, who have acquired great merit for the Norwegian cause by outstanding civil or military action in time of war. It may also be awarded posthumously.

The Cross is a while-enamelled, so called 'George' or 'Maltese' Cross in gold with trefoil ends. The centre medallion bears the monogram of the founder above a 'V' for the Latin word 'Victoria' (victory) on a red background, and the plain back of the Cross bears his motto 'Alt for Norge', (Everything for Norway) and the date '7th June, 1945' (the date the King returned to Norway after his exile). The Cross is worn on a vertically mounted blue chest riband with white-edged stripes.

The Cross is personal property and is not returned on the death of the holder.

4. The War Medal (Krigsmedalen)
Krigsmedaljen

Instituted at the same time as the War Cross in 1941.
Awarded to Norwegian and foreign military personnel or civilians who have actively participated in the war in Norway in an honourable manner. The War Medal can be awarded post humorously to all Norwegians or foreigners who have fought in the Norwegian forces or Merchant Marine and who have fallen for Norway's cause.

The medal is in bronze and on the front it has a picture of the king and his motto. (Haakon VII - Alt for Norge). On the back it has a wreath and the word "Krigsmedalje", and in the middle on both sides the King's initials. The ribbon is fastened in a wreath above the medal. The ribbon is red with two narrow yellow stripes near the edge.

As for all the Norwegian war medals Krigsmedaljen is personal property and is therefore not to be returned upon the recipient's death. It can be awarded only once to one and the same person, but if that person again meets the requirements for receiving it a star will be added to the ribbon each time - but no more than 3 stars total for one person. If that person proves himself unworthy to carry it the king can take it away from him.

5. Haakon VII's Liberty Medal (Haakon VIIs frihetsmedalje)
Haakon 7's Frihetsmedalje

The Frihetsmedaljen was instituted at the same time as the Liberty Cross in 1945. It was given to people serving the Norwegian forces in 1945.

This medal again can be awarded to Norwegian and foreign military personnel or civilians who have rendered services to Norway in a war in a honourable manner.

The medal is made of bronze with His Majesty the King's initials (H7) over the letter "V" (Victoria) and the text "Alt for Norge 1940-1945", the ribbon is navy blue.

6. Participant Medal (Deltakermedaljen)
Deltakermedaljen

The Participant Medal was given to all serving Norway in the war against Germany 1940-1945. Approved by His Majesty the King on 19th Sep. 1945.

Deltakermedlajen can be given to:

All who have participated in battle and/or have been wounded.
Norwegian and allied military personnel who participated in the war in Norway in 1940 for at least 5 days.
Civilian personnel who during the war in Norway 1940 worked in close connection with the military forces, for instance rail road personnel, telegraph personnel etc., after having performed the service for at least 5 days.
Personnel who have served in the Norwegian armed forces outside of Norway for at least 4 months, though personnel belonging to the alliance.
Divisions and vessels, which moved into Norway at the time of the liberation, shall be awarded Deltakermedaljen even if they have served outside of Norway for a shorter period than 4 months.
Personnel activated in Norway in the winter of 1944/45 and who participated in the Finnmark campaign for at least 1 month.
Allied personnel who have participated in the liberation of Norway for at least 1 month.
Personnel in the Home forces who before May 8 1945 (Liberation Day of Norway) has served for at least 4 months.

This on the condition that all personnel being awarded Deltakermedaljen have shown good national conduct during the occupation period.

If the personnel who satisfies the requirements for the war in Norway 1940, later has served in the armed forces outside the country's borders or in the Home Forces, and here too satisfy the stipulated requirements Deltakermedlajen will be given a rosette.

The medal is made of bronze. On the front is the National Coat of Arms and the text "9 april 1940-8 mai 1945". On the back is the king's flag, the state's flag (the split flag and the trade flag) and above these flags a narrow circle with the text "Deltaker i kamp" (Participant in battle). The ribbon is red, white and blue.

Deltakermedalje m/rosett

7. King Hakkon VII's 70 year Medal (Hakkon VII 70 års medalje)
Hakkon 7's 70 års medalje

In accordance with His Majesty the King's wish the Government decided in a meeting on Oct. 27-1942 to have a medal made in memory of H M the King's 70th birthday Aug. 3-1942.

The medal was awarded to military personnel who were serving in the Norwegian armed forces in Great Britain on 3rd Aug. 1942.

This medal is made of bronze and has a picture of the king with the text "Haakon VII Norges Konge". The medal is supplied with the king's crown. The ribbon is red with two yellow stripes in the middle.

« can anyone identify this?

My suspicions are that it was awarded by a Veterans Society, some sort of Victory Medal?

Possibly from N.K.S.F. (Norges Krigsseiler Forbund - Norwegian Seamen's War Veterans Association)?

Any help welcome.

ODIN's Fortjenstmedaljer

Aerial view of Bergen Harbour area, seen from Fløien

hover over areas to find out what they are

A short story about Berthilde and Ludvig Dypevåg

Berthilde Marie Olsdatter Morland, born 05.01.1888 and Jakob Ludvig Edvard Jakobsen Dypevåg, born 19.02.1889 married in Bekkjarvik Chapel 22.05.1909.

Berthilde was born in Morlandstø, Fjell. Her parents were Ole Andersen Kleppevik and Oline Randine Olsdatter Morland. Berthilde had two brothers; Adolf, born 09.03.1885, and Alfred born 30.10.1891. Ole Andersen Kleppevik was a sailor. At sea, in 1892 the crew onboard the ship got Colera, and Ole dies. Berthilde had to start working in her early ages. The first job was helping with domestics with the neighbours Olina and Mikkel Morland in Fjell.

Ole Oline

Ludvig was born in Djupevåg, Selbjørn. His parents were Jakob Jakobsen Kvalheim from Radøy and Marta Hansina Eriksdatter from Selbjørn. The couple has many children, some died very young, and some of them immigrated to America in the early 1900. As most of the other young boys from Selbjørn at that time, Ludvig made his income by fishing.

In 1906 Berthilde travelled to Selbjørn to start working in the household of John Kalvanes. On the boat travelling to Selbjørn she met Ludvig. He had never seen such a beautiful girl before, and probably this must have been love at first sight.

After working on Selbjørn Berthilde went to Hop outside Bergen to work in the spinning mill at Pettersen & Dekke Trikotage and Spinneri. The work here was probably much better paid. While working at Hop, she lived in a building for the employees. This building is still in Hop. Ludvig was hired as a construction worker in Odda among other things working with the construction of Odda Smelteverk. (One of the largest melting factories for aluminium. The reason for establishment of this industry here is that this industry needs much power in production. It was easy to find low-price power in the waterfalls coming from the high mountains surrounding Odda).

In 1907, 18 and 19 years old Berthilde and Ludvig became engaged. 22.05.1909 they married in the Bekkjarvik chapel. The wedding was held in Avløpet. Berthilde settled here, where her mother, Oline now lived with her third husband, Mons Glesvær. Oline and Mons were happy to have both help from Berthilde and to have her company. Ludvig was still living in a workmen's hut in Odda.

10.10.1909 Oskar Johan, Ludvig and Berthilde's first child was born in Bergen.

When Oscar was a few months old Ludvig and Berthilde got hold of a little flat in Odda. They lived there for about one year, but Berthilde did not like it in Odda.

Ludvig and Berthilde made a good bargain in buying a little farm on Haukås in Tysvær, not far from Haugesund. They bought the farm from Sina Kvitanes, Berthilde's aunt with money inherited from Berthilde's father.

Magne Olai was born 14.11.1911 at Haukås. Ludvig tried to get work near this place, but he did not succeed, so he continued to work in Odda. The little farm did not give enough outcome to support a family. But Ludvig made a good earning in Odda, so they could afford to hire help with the haymaking.

01.06.1914 Monrad Mikal was born in Tysvær. Ludvig did still work in Odda, and after that nearby Odda, in Tyssedal. In Tyssedal he worked as an electrician.

In the long run it was not convenient to live on separate places. It took 3 days to travel from Odda to Tysvær, so Ludvig was seldom at home. In 1918 they sold the farm. The plan was to reinvest in another farm more closely situated to places where Ludvig could get employment. At that time the inflation was bad, and they could not afford a new farm at the time being. The money was placed in Bergens Kreditbank, and in 1929 in the bank crash the money was lost.

While waiting on earning money for their own home, they lived in Avløpet. Here Lilly Berthilde was born 26.08.1918.

Ludvig was now working for the building constructor Stoltz Røthing in Bergen.

13.11.1920 Ingolf was born in Avløpet. Edith Johanna was also born here 20.05.1923.

In 1926 Ludvig started to work with HSD, (the bus and ferry company which still operates in the area from Bergen to Stavanger) on the boat "Tedno".

Gerda was born at Kvinneklinikken in Bergen 08.10.1926. The reason why she went to Bergen this time was probably that it could be difficult to get hold of a midwife in Avløpet if the weather should fail during the autumn storms.

As time passed on without the possibility to afford to buy a farm, they decided to rent a farm at Nord Fodno. But Oline, Berthilde's mother hoped they could stay in Avløpet.

06.04.1929 Margareth Solveig was born in Nord Fodno. This time Berthilde did not have to travel to Bergen, because a midwife was living in the same house.

In the 1930's the unemployment was high both in Norway and elsewhere in Europe. Ludvig had to support his family by fishing. He went on a fishing boat. But this has not always been paid well off. After one winter he got paid NOK 5 after having paid for board and lodging. During the years staying at Nord Fodno, Oline often asked if they could move back to Avløpet. They therefore moved back again. Trygve was born in Avløpet 22.07.1933. The little boy was not well and died the day after. 23.07.1933.

Berthilde and Ludvig often asked the landlord to buy Avløpet, as Oline and Mons just rented. 18.09.1935 Marta Oline was born, and only two days after, 20.09.1935 the papers that said that Ludvig and Berthilde owned Avløpet was signed.

During the second world war it was more easy to get work. Ludvig worked on building a road Åkrafjorden for 2 years. This road construction/building was very impressive and an engineering challenge. Ludvig's main responsibility was blacksmith work such as maintaining and making drills.

During the war Berthilde and Ludvig, like many other Norwegians lost some of their dearest.

Oscar travelled for the Norwegian Mercantile Marine, and was wounded when the ship he stayed on was hit by a torpedo. He died 22.07.1943 at the Norwegian Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ingolf died when he was on a ship in the Bergen harbour near a German vessel which exploded 20.04.1944.

During and after the war Ludvig and Berthilde's grandchildren were born. Most of the grandchildren can remember them with their hospitality and friendship.

Margareth; Ludvig; Cora; Berthilde; ?

George; Mariann; Bill

Ludvig was working until the age of 70. He worked on the road building at Vinnes. He also worked with installing the electricity at Vinnes, both outside the houses and inside.

Berthilde had, all this time, been busy with the farming and children. They kept farm animals until 1964-65, and they lived in Avløpet until the autumn 1967. Due to bad health they moved to Margaret at Vinnes.

22.12.1968 Ludvig died. Berthilde moved to the old people's home at Storebø, where she died 26.03.1970. They both died after having lived a hard-working but rich life.

This is just a short summary from Berthilde and Ludvig's life, and it is difficult to give more than a little glimpse of how it might have been. It could have been told many a story and many good memories could have been written, but I have only tried to give a short story here.

12.07.2000
Sølvi Ludvigsen






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Contact Information

Electronic mail address
dypevag@blueyonder.co.uk

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² Thanks to Yngve Nedrebø, Statsarkivet i Bergen.
Please contact me before knicking my photos.
Images may be downloaded from this site only providing they are used for personal interest and not any commercial use.
If anyone objects to their photo/material being used on this site, please let me know, it will be removed.: Last revised: 29 December 2001 .

viking runes

WWII Norwegian War Medals ²

Aerial view of Bergen Harbour area, seen from Fløien

A short story about Berthilde and Ludvig Dypevåg

Contact Information

Stuck on a Norwegian Word? Click here.

Last revised: 29 December 2001 .