Portal of stave church Borgund - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabkirche_Borgund#/media/File:Stave_church_Borgund_west_portal.jpg
Metal: sterling silver (925)
Weight: approx. 20 g (0,7 oz)
Borgund Stave Church (Norwegian: Borgund stavkyrkje) is a former parish church of the Church of Norway in Lærdal Municipality in Vestland county, Norway.
Sleipnir, pronounced as "SLAYP-nir," holds a remarkable place in Norse mythology as the extraordinary horse of Odin, the Allfather. What set Sleipnir apart from all other horses was his extraordinary attribute of eight legs, twice the number of a typical equine. These additional limbs sprouted from his shoulders and haunches, bestowing upon him an otherworldly appearance. Regarded as the epitome of equine excellence, Sleipnir accompanied Odin on countless ventures, astounding all with his unparalleled power, awe-inspiring speed, and indomitable strength. His gallop outpaced any other horse, his kicks possessed an unprecedented force, his leaps reached unimaginable heights, and his neighs reverberated across realms. In the realm of equestrian prowess, Sleipnir had no equal. Fearless and undaunted, he effortlessly conquered any obstacle in his path, immune to the hindrances imposed by nature itself. Should the need arise, Sleipnir possessed the extraordinary ability to traverse the skies and glide through the waters, defying the limitations of mere land-dwelling creatures. Furthermore, it was said that Sleipnir possessed the capacity to carry Odin to and from the realm of the dead, aptly known as Hell. In Norse mythology, the concept of horses with eight legs served as a symbolic representation of the means by which souls traversed the nine worlds, carrying them across the vast tapestry of existence.
The significance of Sleipnir reaches far beyond his physical attributes. He embodies a profound tapestry of symbolism, encompassing notions of swiftness, potency, might, insight, eternal assurance, transcendence, and journey. Even in contemporary times, the indomitable and iconic image of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, adorns a wide array of accessories, capturing the imagination of individuals from various walks of life. This symbol holds particular importance for athletes, wanderers traversing the earthly realms, as well as those who may have strayed from their destined path or endured the heartache of losing cherished love. A potent emblem, Sleipnir is believed to bestow power, spiritual shelter, and enlightenment upon all who seek it, offering guidance through life's myriad trials and tribulations.
Among the various depictions of Sleipnir, two prominent examples are preserved in eighth-century image stones discovered on the island of Gotland, Sweden. These stones, known as the Thjangvide stone and the Ardre VIII stone, are widely believed by scholars to represent Sleipnir. In both instances, an equestrian figure atop an eight-legged horse, often identified as Odin, takes center stage. The Thjangvide stone captivates the eye with a horizontal figure, possibly a Valkyrie, clutching a spear, while a female figure extends a goblet in greeting to the rider. Interpreted as the arrival of a valiant rider in the domain of the deceased, this scene is replete with symbolic implications. Additionally, the Eggja stone, originating from the mid-7th century, bears an inscription identifying it as Odin Haras, which translates to "god of the army" in Old Norse. Many scholars contend that this stone, too, represents a portrayal of Sleipnir, capturing the essence of Odin's mythical companion in ancient artistry.
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