Ull (also spelled Ullr), in Norse mythology, a hunter god. Ull was the son
of Sif, who was married to the thunder god, Thor. He was a superb archer
and snowshoe-skier, and he was the god to invoke when one was about to engage
in single combat. While not much is known about Ull, there is evidence of
his worship throughout large areas of Scandinavia, notably in the central
provinces of Sweden and Norway. He was physically handsome and noble. His
name means "magnificent." According to one myth, at one time Ull had reigned
as chief deity for a period of ten years while the principal god, Odin, was
banished by the other gods for his romantic dalliances. On Odin's return,
Ull went to Sweden and learned the art of magic. He became such a powerful
magician that he was able to sail the sea in a bone he had engraved with
magic signs. His favorite sport, however, was chasing game with a bow and
arrow through the mountains on his speedy snowshoes.