At the beginning of the 21st Century monsters still roam the remote, and sometimes not so remote, corners of our planet. It is our job to search for them. The Centre for Fortean Zoology [CFZ] is - we believe - the largest professional, scientific and full-time organisation in the world dedicated to cryptozoology - the study of unknown animals. Since 1992 the CFZ has carried out an unparalleled programme of research and investigation all over the world. Since 2009 we have been running the increasingly popular CFZ Blog Network, and although there has been an American branch of the CFZ for over ten years now, it is only now that it has a dedicated blog.
THE DOG KING
The Norse had various legends that, in prehistoric kings, Norway or part thereof was ruled by a dog. King Eysteinn of Oppland (a region of Norway) is said to have attacked the city of Nidaros and made his son king of it. The Nidrosians rebelled, killing the son. Eysteinn conquered the territory once again and this time installed a dog named Saurr as king. [Those who know Old Norse may realize the name has an unpleasant meaning]. Saurr continued to reign until killed by wolves.
A variant has Gunnar, a Swedish king, conquer Norway and install a dog as ruler.
The legend is not confined to Norway. A Swedish king named Eadgils imposed a dog as king on the prehistoric Danes.
Does any kind of truth exist behind this fairly widespread legend? It appears in a number of literary sources, but its origin cannot be determined. (We might point out that a dog was recently elected Mayor in Montana).
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