The Origin of the Langobard People

The History of the Lombards by Paul the Deacon drew heavily on other works, especially about prior times. One of these was a 7th-century work called Origio Gentis Langobardorum ("The Origin of the Langobard People"). From this work Paul got the mythical origin of the Lombards and the origin of their Langobard name.It starts with a group called the Winnilles on the island of Scandanan, a "great island" in the Arctic. They had two rules, Ybor and Agio, whose mother, Gambara, wise a wise and respected woman.The Winnilles were oppressed by the Vandals, who wanted tribute from the Winnilles:Then the leaders of the Wandals, that is Ambri and Assi, moved with their army, and said to the Winniles; 'Either pay us tribute or prepare yourselves for battle and fight with us.' Then answered Ybor and Agio, with their mother Gambara: 'It is better for us to make ready the battle than to pay tributes to the Wandals.' [source]With a battle looming, the Vandal leaders asked the god Odin (called Godan…