Wade

Wade, also known as Vadi in Norse mythology and Wate in Middle High German, was a giant in Germanic mythology associated with the sea.

Mythology and folklore

Wade was a man mentioned in an Anglo-Saxon tale named the Tale of Wade, the Þiðreks saga and The Merchant's Tale from Geoffrey Chaucer. Sources vary widely on who Wade was, but he always has a strong connection to the sea. In the Þiðreks saga he's mentioned to be born to King Vilkinus and a mermaid. His apprentices included his son Wayland, Mímir and two dwarves.

In local folkore Wade was often mentioned as the origin of Wade's Causeway, an ancient monument in the North York Moors. In the same stories, Bell is mentioned as Wade's wife and the Hole of Horcum was said to exist due to Wade scooping up dirt to throw at her during an argument.

Legacy and influence

During the 9th century, a habitant of Folcanstan, Cent, mentioned worshipping Wade after renouncing his faith in Christianity.

Behind the scenes

The Latin part of the note A Guilty Confession found in Folcanstan comes from the real-life Tale of Wade, a very old text discovered in the 19th century in the Peterhouse, Cambridge.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (mentioned only)