Sacred groves (called "lundar" in Old Norse) were revered by the ancient Norse and early Norwegian people. These groves were often used as places for worship and sacrifices to the gods, particularly Thor and Odin. Cutting down trees in sacred groves was considered sacrilegious, as these spaces were believed to be inhabited by divine spirits or watched over by deities. It was common to conduct important rituals and legal assemblies near or under large, ancient trees.
Sacred groves (called "lundar" in Old Norse) were revered by the ancient Norse and early Norwegian people. These groves were often used as places for worship and sacrifices to the gods, particularly Thor and Odin. Cutting down trees in sacred groves was considered sacrilegious, as these spaces were believed to be inhabited by divine spirits or watched over by deities. It was common to conduct important rituals and legal assemblies near or under large, ancient trees.