![]() ![]() The stories of Odin, Thor, Freya, or the Viking heroes that we have now were all passed on by careful word of mouth until they were finally written down as the sagas by descendants of the Vikings centuries later. So, while the Norse culture was very rich in poetry, stories, and songs, this was all transmitted orally. The Vikings also had letters (known as runes), but writing itself was sacred and even magical. Thanks to the Marvel movies, nearly everyone now knows about Thor's hammer (Mjölnir) which was a very popular choice for Vikings to use in their jewelry as represented in this ancient Danish artifact to the right. The cosmic forces and fate were active in everything. There was no separation (as there so often is today) between faith and reality. The spirituality of the Norse Vikings was so ingrained in their culture and thought process that they had no word for religion. Symbols played an important role in Norse culture. Vegvisir (Post Viking Age Icelandic: Compass)ĭragon (Jormungandr and other Norse Dragons)Ĭats, Bears (Freya's Cats, Berserker Bears, etc) Ægishjálmr (Post Viking Age Icelandic: Helm of Awe) "By the end of the 10th century the Vikings in Ireland had adopted Christianity, and with the fusion of cultures it is often difficult to distinguish between Viking and Irish artifacts at this time." or Slavic, English, etc. The National Museum of Ireland stated the following on their website: Many of the last few generations of these Vikings were often the children of a Celtic mother. We offer an entire separate article discussing the controversy of their origin. Other examples of non-Viking aged symbols include the Troll Cross (not shown) which is based on later Swedish folklore.īy the end of the Viking age, Vikings were already beginning to blend with the cultures they settled in. Two other very popular symbols known as the ' Viking Compass' (Vegvisir) and the ' Helm of Awe' (Ægishjálmur) which were both first found in Icelandic magic books from the 19th century. But of course, just as we can still interpret these runes a thousand years later, it makes sense that at least some Vikings were able to do so as well. As well, the original true meaning of these symbols are simply educated guesses by archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians.Ī few symbols that are often considered 'Viking' actually have no proof of ever being used during the Viking age, such as the the Elder Futhark runes which most scholars believe were replaced by the Younger Futhark runes around the beginning of the Viking Age. Some of these iconic images were primarily used before or not until well after the Viking age. This chemical reaction can also be prevented by painting any part of the jewelry that comes in contact with your skin with clear nail polish or clear acrylic enamel.It is helpful to understand the true origin and background of each symbol. If you are prone to sweating, your bronze jewelry will definitely turn your skin green. Copper chloride is a green substance that then rubs off on your skin. Bronze and copper turn your skin green because when the copper reacts with your sweat and the acids from your skin, it produces copper chloride. Producing bronze is a less toxic process than producing brass as brass is a combination of copper and zinc, and the manufacturing process often produces zinc oxide which is toxic.īecause bronze contains copper, it can turn your skin green whether you have an allergy or not. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.īronze is an alloy that consists of a mixture of approximately 90% copper and 10% tin. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of copper. In the center of the front is the "Valknut," three interlocking triangles which translates as the 'Knot of the Fallen.' To bear this mark signified that the wearer had dedicated their life to the service of Odin and, upon death, would be carried by his servants, the Valkyries, to Valhalla, where he would feast daily until Ragnarok when the warriors would emerge from the hall to fight the Hellbeasts. This design carries a combination of various symbols all associated with the Norse All father God, Odin. It was requested to make one in antique bronze so it would be resistant to being worn every day. The design is based on a mass produced pewter pendant that many heather friends wear but break due to wear and tear. ![]() It is designed differently on both sides and is 3cm high plus the loop and 3.5cm wide and 3mm thick. 925 sterling silver or antique bronze, and is a reproduction of a well known one. This handmade valknut warrior pendant is double sided and is made in either. Processing Time, Shipping & Returns Policy Materials Questions: Gemstones and Immitation Birthstones Materials Questions: Sterling Silver & Bronze What other folks are saying about Le Dragon Argenté Rings, Earrings, Bracelets, and Pendants. ![]()
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