What is the emblem on St Oswald's Way

Q. What does the emblem on the logo of St Oswald's Way signify? It looks like an eagle

Alison

Alison Tyler, Kenilworth

A. The bird [is] a raven. There are some links between the creation of the cult of St Oswald after his death with the early pagan god Woden. These links arise from the idea of sacral kingship in pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon times, when kings were said to have descended from Woden and were responsible for keeping the relationship between the god and the people. At Oswald's death in battle, the victorious pagan king Penda displayed his head and arms on stakes in what has arguably been described as an act of worship of Woden. These acts at the subsequent miracles at St Oswald's death site (attributed to the Christian God) let to the adoption of the symbol of the raven as St Oswalds own symbol.

Andy Dunlop, Durham

The St Oswald's Way is a 156km (97 miles) linear footpath connecting Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in Northumberland, England with Heavenfield (Hardrian's Wall) in Northumberland, England.

It is waymarked by named posts.

For some day walks that include part of the St Oswald's Way see Walks that include The St Oswald's Way

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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