Archaeologists have uncovered what they describe as a “unique” amulet in the Ysby area of Halland County, Sweden.
Thor’s hammer amulet discovered in Sweden. (Photo: Kulturmiljö Halland)
The deceptions of the trickster god Loki, the spear of the war god Odin, and Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) are famous symbols of Norse mythology. In a recent discovery, Swedish archaeologists announced that they have found a rare Mjölnir-shaped amulet from the Viking Age in southern Sweden, as reported by Ancient Origins on October 18.
According to Sveriges Radio, the intricate amulet was cast in lead at the end of the 10th century. It measures only 3 cm in length and has a small hole at the handle for threading a cord. This suggests that it was intended to be worn around the neck.
Primary restoration is currently underway before scientists begin analyzing the metal composition of the artifact. Similar artifacts are often gilded in silver or gold, but they will only be able to determine if this particular amulet is plated after restoration is complete.
The amulet may be used to wear around the neck. (Photo: Kulturmiljö Halland)
The research team from Stockholm University and Umeå University emphasized that this is a “one-of-a-kind” discovery as it represents the first amulet of this shape found in Halland County.
In 2014, a large drinking hall measuring 50 meters long and 14 meters wide was also excavated in Halland, but it did not exhibit the same intricacy as the Mjölnir-shaped amulet. Therefore, this new finding could reveal valuable information about the social history and people of the Viking Age in Halland.
Expert Per Wranning from the Kulturmiljö Halland cultural center stated that the Thor’s hammer amulet may have been worn during a “religious transition period” when the area was gradually Christianized.
“It is very likely an expression of the desire not to abandon Asatru, an ancient Norse religion, as Christianity arrived in the Scandinavian Peninsula,” Wranning explained.
