Claim: Hilda Ellis Davidson was an antiquarian.

Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson -LRB- born Hilda Roderick Ellis , 1 October 1914 -- January 2006 -RRB- was an English antiquarian and academic , writing in particular on Germanic paganism and Celtic paganism . Davidson used literary , historical and archaeological evidence to discuss the stories and customs of Northern Europe . Gods and Myths of Northern Europe -LRB- Penguin Books , 1964 -RRB- is considered one of the most thorough and reputable sources on Germanic mythology . Like many of her publications , it was credited under the name H. R. Ellis Davidson . Davidson was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries , and was president of the Council of the Folklore Society from 1974 to 1976 , and served on the council from 1956 to 1986 . Davidson has been cited as having `` contributed greatly '' to the study of Norse mythology .