Völund is a mythical smith-god prominent in the folklore of Scandinavian and Germanic cultures. His dramatic and violent saga is recounted in the poem "Völundarkviða," part of the Poetic Edda. Völund is closely related to Weyland (also spelled Weyland, Veland, and Watland), a blacksmith god from Anglo-Saxon religion, introduced by Saxon settlers from Britain. The exact connection between the Nordic and Anglo-Saxon versions of this god, whether through direct extrapolation or syncretism, remains unclear.
Norse mythology is celebrated for its vivid narratives, memorable characters, heroic sacrifices, and epic battles. Over many centuries, these tales have held deep meaning for both the Scandinavian peoples and the Nordic Germanic tribes. While Norse mythology, like much of human history, is marked by violence, the glorification of warfare, and human sacrifice, today the region has emerged as a champion of peace and disarmament on the global stage.
As a figure in Norse mythology, Völund is part of a complex religious, mythological, and cosmological belief system shared by Nordic and Germanic peoples. This mythological tradition, best preserved in Icelandic and Scandinavian sources, evolved from the early expressions of religious and material culture around 1000 B.C. to the Christianization of the region, which primarily occurred between 900 and 1200 A.D. The tales within this mythological corpus often emphasize physical prowess and military strength as cultural ideals.
Within this framework, Norse cosmology recognizes three distinct groups of deities: the Aesir, the Vanir, and the Jotun. The Aesir and Vanir, initially at odds, eventually made peace, exchanged hostages, intermarried, and ruled together following a lengthy war. The primary difference between them lies in their domains of influence: the Aesir are associated with war and conquest, while the Vanir represent exploration, fertility, and wealth. The Jotun, described as generally malevolent but wise giants, are the primary adversaries of the Aesir and Vanir.
Völund, as depicted in the semi-eponymous tale from the Poetic Edda, is a captivating character. On one hand, he is portrayed as a somewhat immoral man who enacts bloody revenge upon his tormentor. On the other hand, both mythical and archaeological evidence includes elements hinting at a divine origin. Regardless, Völund remains one of the most enigmatic and intriguing figures in Scandinavian mythology.
The mentioned bronze figurine was discovered near the south wall of a hall and likely constituted part of a larger object, possibly adorning a wooden box. It is plausible that this figurine represents Völund, a master smith endowed with magical abilities. In the 9th-century Norse collection of mythical poems known as the Eddan, Völund is captured but manages to escape with the aid of wings he constructs himself.