69 NRK1

Good evening. Today, for all those gathered in front of the TV sets, we have an interview with Professor Larsen, from the department of archeology at the University of Oslo.

- Good Evening, Professor Larsen.

- Good evening.

- Professor, is it true that the tomb of Ulf Erikson was finally discovered after so many years?

- It is too early to talk about it with 100% certainty. First we need to do research on items found in the tomb, carbon dating, DNA testing, but we're optimistic. The location and appearance of the tomb may indicate this.

- If this tomb really belongs to Ulf Erikson, what does that mean for past researchers and historians like you, Professor?

- Ulf Erikson is a semi-legendary, semi-historical figure, perhaps thanks to this discovery of his tomb, we will manage to confirm or exclude some things. Scandinavian poets and Christian chroniclers of this period often colored the stories.

- So what is the truth, and what is the product of the imaginations of poets and chroniclers of those times, Professor?

- In the Saga of the Wolf, it is mentioned that when Emperor Theophilus refused to open the gates of Constantinople, Ulf Erikson said he would open it himself. Apparently he picked up the ship and threw it against the gate of Constantinople. Another example of a distortion is the height of Ulf Erikson. Christian chroniclers wrote that he was over two meters tall and could tear a person with his bare hands. However, the skeleton that was found is no more than 190 cm.

- So the character of Ulf Erikson still remains a mystery?

- We know quite a lot about his achievements, he was the first to discover the way west and with his raids he started the Viking age, many historical writings also mention him...

- Thank you, Professor, we will return to the conversation after the commercial break.