The Gosforth Cross is a significant stone Anglo-Saxon cross located in St Mary's churchyard in Gosforth, Cumbria, England. It dates back to the first half of the 10th century AD. This region was once part of the kingdom of Northumbria but was later settled by Scandinavians, either in the 9th or 10th century. The cross is notable for its unique combination of Christian and Norse symbols, offering tangible evidence of the influence of the Christianization of Scandinavia.
The Gosforth Cross features intricate carvings that have been interpreted as representations of characters and scenes from Norse mythology, similar to how the Jelling stones in Denmark depict Jesus alongside other Norse mythological figures. The cross's design is modeled after the style that originated during the Christianization of Ireland.
Some of the images and scenes depicted on the Gosforth Cross include:
1. Loki bound, with his wife Sigyn protecting him.
2. The god Heimdallr holding his horn.
3. The god Víðarr tearing apart the jaws of Fenrir.
4. Thor's unsuccessful attempt to catch Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent.
Scholars debate whether these Norse mythological elements were added to the cross to acknowledge Viking beliefs while still maintaining their Christian identity or to draw parallels between Norse and Christian mythology (e.g., Ragnarok and the Apocalypse, Baldr's death and Christ's crucifixion). Some parallels include Loki's binding as allegorical to Satan being bound, the deaths of Baldr and Christ, and Odin's battle with Surtr resembling Christ's ultimate victory over the Devil.
Additionally, the base of the cross has a tree-like design resembling bark, possibly symbolizing Yggdrasil and the Tree of Life, significant in both Norse and Christian mythologies.
The Gosforth Cross also incorporates Christian symbolism, including a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. The combination of Christian and Norse pagan symbols on the cross may suggest the use of pagan stories to illustrate Christian teachings.
The cross is made of red sandstone, stands 4.4 meters (14 feet) tall, and is estimated to date from 920-950. It is still in relatively good condition, showcasing strong Anglo-Saxon influences in its design, indicating that the carvers were heavily influenced by Anglo-Saxon stone carving techniques.
The significance of the Gosforth Cross led to the Victoria and Albert Museum commissioning replicas in 1882, which are on display in the museum's Cast Hall. In 1887, a life-sized replica was commissioned by the Rev. William Slater Calverley and erected in the churchyard at Aspatria, Cumbria.
In addition to the Gosforth Cross, the church also houses important hogback tombs and what appears to be a fragment of another cross, featuring the god Thor fishing.