Old Norse temple or cult building for worship.
Hof designates a building intended for blót and divine worship in pre-Christian Scandinavia. Archaeological evidence suggests that hof were often tied to chieftain farms and that cultic function was integrated into the social order.
Written sources such as Eyrbyggja saga describe hof with divine images, an altar, and a ring for oath-taking. Hörgar, outdoor stone altars, frequently appear as complements to the hof.
Attestations
- Eyrbyggja saga (ca. 1250)
- Detailed description of a hof's interior and function.