Auiones

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The Auiones (*Awioniz meaning "island people") were one of the Nerthus-worshipping Germanic tribes mentioned by Tacitus in Germania, and this tribe probably lived on Öland (Kendrick 1930:71).

After the Langobardi come the Reudigni, Auiones, Angli, Varni, Eudoses, Suarines and Nuithones all well guarded by rivers and forests. There is nothing remarkable about any of these tribes unless it be the common worship of Nerthus, that is Earth Mother. They believe she is interested in men's affairs and drives among them. On an island in the ocean sea there is a sacred grove wherein waits a holy wagon covered by a drape. (Germania by Tacitus)

Schütte [1] remarks they are mentioned in Widsith as Eowan. It is not only the meaning Island dwellers that connects them to the island Öland (meaning "Island land"), but also the Old English name for the island which was Eowland (mentioned by Wulfstan of Hedeby), "the land of the Eowan".

[edit] Sources

  • Kendrick, T.D. (1930), A History of the Vikings, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons.[2]
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