What I've Been Up To
August 4th, 2008
My Info
Character Name: Ullr (Ull and Uller are also acceptable spellings)
Pantheon: Norse
Parentage: Sif, father unknown
Patronage: Winter, Archery, Skiing, Shields, Oaths and the Hunt
Residence: Ydalir (Yew-Dales) is the hall Ullr built for himself when he first left his parent's home. Built among the yew trees, the perfect wood for bow-making, he lived quited contentedly there until meeting Skadhi. Thinking she would prefer something a bit less rustic, and knowing how much her father's home meant to her, he joined her in her own hall in Thrymheim after their wedding. He was delighted to find that her hall wasn't really much different from his own, aside from the amount of crystal embellishments, and that she welcomed his trophies along side her own and her late father's.
Now, Ydalir is not much more than an oversize hunting lodge, used when Ullr feels the need to get away on his own for a while. There is absolutely no hint of feminism on the premises, something that his mother no doubt disapproves of, given her tastes for the more opulent, and the fact that it bears a certain resemblance to Bilskirnir.
He and his wife have two residences in Midgard; a miniature version of her hall in Alaska, and a more modern dwelling in Switzerland.
Personality: From the onset, most are likely to view him as a highly amicable fellow, and for the most part, that is true. For a warrior, Ullr is remarkably laid back. He is never quick to anger, as he has far too often seen the results of that in his childhood home. He prefers to turn a blind eye and deaf ear than follow in the footsteps of those that raised him. Their bitterness toward each other taught him some valuable skills in dealing with difficult situations. Like how much easier it was to hide when he heard them fighting. It was the only time he ever really feared Thor and his rages, and he learned early on, without being told, when to hold his tongue. His mother had worked too hard to ensure his place among the Æsir for him to foolishly intervene and risk them both being kicked out of Bilskirnir.
Not that he would consider turning his back on a good fight. There are those times when an altercation can be solved no other way, and Ullr could never be called a coward. A god who revels in Winter's harsh grasp is not someone who could be considered weak. It takes a great deal of strength and stamina to withstand all that season has to give, even more to take delight in its most brutal forces. He simply picks his battles, rather than charging in to every situation with a blood lust so many warrior gods are known for. Given the time, he is far more likely to think things through, making a proper judgment before taking action, unlike his hammer-happy stepfather.
Perhaps it is because of, or maybe even in spite of, watching their relationship that Ullr became the Oath-Taker, something he takes very seriously. Whoever took a vow on his oath-ring was sworn to keep that promise, with harsh punishments, and even death, as the consequence of betraying such a vow. It is not something one should undertake lightly, even in the best of circumstances.
Those childhood memories also keep him from arguing with the love of his life- his wife, Skadhi. He would rather be considered her doormat than put her through the same things his mother had gone through. Women are meant to be cherished, adored, and he refused to follow in his stepfather's footsteps. It was actually something of a miracle that he did eventually marry. With their life as his only role model of marriage, he had forsworn himself to be a bachelor for all eternity. Funny how love can change your entire outlook on life. Theirs is a happy marriage, filled with more laughter and joy than one would think possible, especially those who don't know his wife well. And there are few that do.
Despite his marriage to Skadhi, he has a more solitary nature, perfectly conducive with his love of winter's chill. Like most of the men of Asgard, Ullr spends months at a time away from his homes and his wife. He is the god of the hunt, after all, and it is something he thoroughly enjoys. Upon his return, he is laden with the meat and furs of any number of wild animals. While most hunker down in their homes in front of the fire, Ullr spends much of winter outdoors, enjoying the cold wonderland that the world becomes.
Even so, he can and does appreciate the other seasons of the year. Without those seasons, he would have no beasts to hunt. He simply learned to adapt to them, finding ways to make his pleasures continue into other times of the year. Besides, some animals hibernate in the winter, so making use of the other seasons is a necessity. But he is never more alive, more vital, more there than in the winter, just as his mother is when autumn approaches.
History: Ullr's earliest memories as a child are of just his mother and himself, until the fateful day when Sif married Thor. Everything changed after that. Thor, whether for the need to impress his new wife, or because he thought a man should be no other way, took the young boy under his wing, teaching him a warrior's life. Ullr, for his part, was awestruck by the God of Thunder. He finally had a father figure in his life, and the greatest of all the heroes of Asgard at that. Whenever Thor returned from his travels, Ullr would pester him for details of his quests and lessons with the blade. He thought all the trophies in Bilskirnir were the coolest things ever. Despite thinking of him as his father, he had never been invited to call him such, and “Thor” sounded far too impersonal given their relationship, and too impetuous to come from the mouth of a child. So he had simply referred to the man who helped raise him as “Sir”. It was less painful than to attempt to call him Father, only to have that name rejected by the one man he thought most highly of in all Asgard. He'd never quite been brave enough to test Thor on that subject.
As time went on, his respect and love was tempered by something else: guilt and anger. It soon became clear that there was no great love between the two he called parents. Sif and Thor's relationship was anything but idyllic, and he came to realize that she only stayed with the God of Thunder for his sake, and for the honor it brought them both. He saw her, far too often, gazing out across the horizon, as if wondering what would happen if she simply left. But then she'd turn her lovely, sad eyes on him, and smile at him in a way that would break his young heart. He was no fool, either. He would never accuse her, or join with those that did, but it didn't take much to figure out where she went in the early days of their marriage when Thor was off on his adventures. She would come home, flushed and happy, and knowing it was all for his sake, he would never begrudge her the little happiness she found away from Bilskirnir.
Right from the start, Ullr developed an affinity with winter. Snow ball fights, snowperson building (for what good is a snowman without a snow-woman?), skiing, sliding down icy slopes, it was a fantastic white world of fun. He loved walking through the snow, whether on top of crusty surfaces, or wading his way through a fluffy, light sea of the wonderful stuff. It was a silent world, far away from anger and fighting, where a chickadee's song could be heard for what seemed like miles.
Despite Thor's teachings, Ullr soon discovered he had his own style and talent. While adept enough with the sword, it was the bow that called to him. He could make arrows sing in flight, rarely missing their mark. As this talent grew, and his parents quarreling escalated to new levels, he found he had less need for the God of Thunder, though he would always remain fond of the man that took him into his home. He built his own hall among the yew trees, and lived quite contentedly on his own, until he met a kindred spirit in Skadhi.
Here was someone breathtakingly beautiful in his eyes, and she loved winter to boot! For as much as his stepfather was the thunderstorms of spring and summer, and his mother was the Goddess of Autumn, he was the God of Winter, and all that came with the cold, still, snowy world. She, too, found more delight in that time of year. She loved snowshoes; he the skis. It took a bit to break through her icy exterior, but it was a worthwhile endeavor. The love he feels for her rivals his own love of snow and ice, and eventually he became her second husband.
It was not an easy road, convincing his mother to accept her new daughter-in-law. She held a personal grudge for the goddess he took as his wife, and did little to hide it from him. He'd tried his best, but the most he had been able to hope for was a family dinner that was simply tense. Fortunately for them all, they had few of those, especially since his mother had finally chosen to leave Asgard and take up mostly permanent residence in Midgard. More often than not, if he wanted to see Sif, he went alone. It was just better that way.
The days of the bow sadly began to wane. It is hard to fight machine guns with arrows, and it is now only through mock tournaments and hunting that he is able to put his favored weapon to use. He became an avid fan of medieval festivals as it gave him some sort of outlet for his favored pastime. Besides, the food was often quite good, even if they never quite got it right. After having someone admire his bow, he found he could earn a little money on the side at these events, selling his handmade archery weapons and supplies.
Fortunately, skiing is still an acceptable and favored winter sport, and he spends long hours on various slopes around the world. He was also quite thrilled to discover water skiing, a past time that helps pass the hotter months of the year.
Miscellaneous: I found an obscure mythological reference that Ullr spends the dark months of the year as Hel's consort as the God of Death, but I am choosing to ignore that aspect. It is also suggested that as the God of Winter, he takes over rule in Odin's stead during those months..again, for game purposes I am choosing not to follow up on that.
Also, his true father has been speculated upon, with some pointing to various possibilities, but for the sake of game, I am leaving it unknown, rather than pick and choose someone who might be playable. Since I also play his mother, I see this as an acceptable solution, until such time as someone who could be his father might enter game, and I would be happy to concede at that time if necessary.
I have talked to the other players of characters in this application, and they are good with how I've referenced them.
Ullr's ship is known as Skjöldr.
Pantheon: Norse
Parentage: Sif, father unknown
Patronage: Winter, Archery, Skiing, Shields, Oaths and the Hunt
Residence: Ydalir (Yew-Dales) is the hall Ullr built for himself when he first left his parent's home. Built among the yew trees, the perfect wood for bow-making, he lived quited contentedly there until meeting Skadhi. Thinking she would prefer something a bit less rustic, and knowing how much her father's home meant to her, he joined her in her own hall in Thrymheim after their wedding. He was delighted to find that her hall wasn't really much different from his own, aside from the amount of crystal embellishments, and that she welcomed his trophies along side her own and her late father's.
Now, Ydalir is not much more than an oversize hunting lodge, used when Ullr feels the need to get away on his own for a while. There is absolutely no hint of feminism on the premises, something that his mother no doubt disapproves of, given her tastes for the more opulent, and the fact that it bears a certain resemblance to Bilskirnir.
He and his wife have two residences in Midgard; a miniature version of her hall in Alaska, and a more modern dwelling in Switzerland.
Personality: From the onset, most are likely to view him as a highly amicable fellow, and for the most part, that is true. For a warrior, Ullr is remarkably laid back. He is never quick to anger, as he has far too often seen the results of that in his childhood home. He prefers to turn a blind eye and deaf ear than follow in the footsteps of those that raised him. Their bitterness toward each other taught him some valuable skills in dealing with difficult situations. Like how much easier it was to hide when he heard them fighting. It was the only time he ever really feared Thor and his rages, and he learned early on, without being told, when to hold his tongue. His mother had worked too hard to ensure his place among the Æsir for him to foolishly intervene and risk them both being kicked out of Bilskirnir.
Not that he would consider turning his back on a good fight. There are those times when an altercation can be solved no other way, and Ullr could never be called a coward. A god who revels in Winter's harsh grasp is not someone who could be considered weak. It takes a great deal of strength and stamina to withstand all that season has to give, even more to take delight in its most brutal forces. He simply picks his battles, rather than charging in to every situation with a blood lust so many warrior gods are known for. Given the time, he is far more likely to think things through, making a proper judgment before taking action, unlike his hammer-happy stepfather.
Perhaps it is because of, or maybe even in spite of, watching their relationship that Ullr became the Oath-Taker, something he takes very seriously. Whoever took a vow on his oath-ring was sworn to keep that promise, with harsh punishments, and even death, as the consequence of betraying such a vow. It is not something one should undertake lightly, even in the best of circumstances.
Those childhood memories also keep him from arguing with the love of his life- his wife, Skadhi. He would rather be considered her doormat than put her through the same things his mother had gone through. Women are meant to be cherished, adored, and he refused to follow in his stepfather's footsteps. It was actually something of a miracle that he did eventually marry. With their life as his only role model of marriage, he had forsworn himself to be a bachelor for all eternity. Funny how love can change your entire outlook on life. Theirs is a happy marriage, filled with more laughter and joy than one would think possible, especially those who don't know his wife well. And there are few that do.
Despite his marriage to Skadhi, he has a more solitary nature, perfectly conducive with his love of winter's chill. Like most of the men of Asgard, Ullr spends months at a time away from his homes and his wife. He is the god of the hunt, after all, and it is something he thoroughly enjoys. Upon his return, he is laden with the meat and furs of any number of wild animals. While most hunker down in their homes in front of the fire, Ullr spends much of winter outdoors, enjoying the cold wonderland that the world becomes.
Even so, he can and does appreciate the other seasons of the year. Without those seasons, he would have no beasts to hunt. He simply learned to adapt to them, finding ways to make his pleasures continue into other times of the year. Besides, some animals hibernate in the winter, so making use of the other seasons is a necessity. But he is never more alive, more vital, more there than in the winter, just as his mother is when autumn approaches.
History: Ullr's earliest memories as a child are of just his mother and himself, until the fateful day when Sif married Thor. Everything changed after that. Thor, whether for the need to impress his new wife, or because he thought a man should be no other way, took the young boy under his wing, teaching him a warrior's life. Ullr, for his part, was awestruck by the God of Thunder. He finally had a father figure in his life, and the greatest of all the heroes of Asgard at that. Whenever Thor returned from his travels, Ullr would pester him for details of his quests and lessons with the blade. He thought all the trophies in Bilskirnir were the coolest things ever. Despite thinking of him as his father, he had never been invited to call him such, and “Thor” sounded far too impersonal given their relationship, and too impetuous to come from the mouth of a child. So he had simply referred to the man who helped raise him as “Sir”. It was less painful than to attempt to call him Father, only to have that name rejected by the one man he thought most highly of in all Asgard. He'd never quite been brave enough to test Thor on that subject.
As time went on, his respect and love was tempered by something else: guilt and anger. It soon became clear that there was no great love between the two he called parents. Sif and Thor's relationship was anything but idyllic, and he came to realize that she only stayed with the God of Thunder for his sake, and for the honor it brought them both. He saw her, far too often, gazing out across the horizon, as if wondering what would happen if she simply left. But then she'd turn her lovely, sad eyes on him, and smile at him in a way that would break his young heart. He was no fool, either. He would never accuse her, or join with those that did, but it didn't take much to figure out where she went in the early days of their marriage when Thor was off on his adventures. She would come home, flushed and happy, and knowing it was all for his sake, he would never begrudge her the little happiness she found away from Bilskirnir.
Right from the start, Ullr developed an affinity with winter. Snow ball fights, snowperson building (for what good is a snowman without a snow-woman?), skiing, sliding down icy slopes, it was a fantastic white world of fun. He loved walking through the snow, whether on top of crusty surfaces, or wading his way through a fluffy, light sea of the wonderful stuff. It was a silent world, far away from anger and fighting, where a chickadee's song could be heard for what seemed like miles.
Despite Thor's teachings, Ullr soon discovered he had his own style and talent. While adept enough with the sword, it was the bow that called to him. He could make arrows sing in flight, rarely missing their mark. As this talent grew, and his parents quarreling escalated to new levels, he found he had less need for the God of Thunder, though he would always remain fond of the man that took him into his home. He built his own hall among the yew trees, and lived quite contentedly on his own, until he met a kindred spirit in Skadhi.
Here was someone breathtakingly beautiful in his eyes, and she loved winter to boot! For as much as his stepfather was the thunderstorms of spring and summer, and his mother was the Goddess of Autumn, he was the God of Winter, and all that came with the cold, still, snowy world. She, too, found more delight in that time of year. She loved snowshoes; he the skis. It took a bit to break through her icy exterior, but it was a worthwhile endeavor. The love he feels for her rivals his own love of snow and ice, and eventually he became her second husband.
It was not an easy road, convincing his mother to accept her new daughter-in-law. She held a personal grudge for the goddess he took as his wife, and did little to hide it from him. He'd tried his best, but the most he had been able to hope for was a family dinner that was simply tense. Fortunately for them all, they had few of those, especially since his mother had finally chosen to leave Asgard and take up mostly permanent residence in Midgard. More often than not, if he wanted to see Sif, he went alone. It was just better that way.
The days of the bow sadly began to wane. It is hard to fight machine guns with arrows, and it is now only through mock tournaments and hunting that he is able to put his favored weapon to use. He became an avid fan of medieval festivals as it gave him some sort of outlet for his favored pastime. Besides, the food was often quite good, even if they never quite got it right. After having someone admire his bow, he found he could earn a little money on the side at these events, selling his handmade archery weapons and supplies.
Fortunately, skiing is still an acceptable and favored winter sport, and he spends long hours on various slopes around the world. He was also quite thrilled to discover water skiing, a past time that helps pass the hotter months of the year.
Miscellaneous: I found an obscure mythological reference that Ullr spends the dark months of the year as Hel's consort as the God of Death, but I am choosing to ignore that aspect. It is also suggested that as the God of Winter, he takes over rule in Odin's stead during those months..again, for game purposes I am choosing not to follow up on that.
Also, his true father has been speculated upon, with some pointing to various possibilities, but for the sake of game, I am leaving it unknown, rather than pick and choose someone who might be playable. Since I also play his mother, I see this as an acceptable solution, until such time as someone who could be his father might enter game, and I would be happy to concede at that time if necessary.
I have talked to the other players of characters in this application, and they are good with how I've referenced them.
Ullr's ship is known as Skjöldr.