Metal: sterling silver (925)
Weight: approx. 17 g (0,59 oz)
Vegvísir Viking Pendant - https://www.etsy.com/listing/273777870/vegvisir-viking-pendant-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_2
Viking axe from Mammen.
In 1868 a farmer began to dig into the mound Bjerringhøj at Mammen near Viborg. During this work he chanced upon an unusually richly-furnished grave, which has become known as the grave from Mammen. A magnate was buried in the grave during the winter of 970-71 AD. He was given an expensive costume, a ceremonial axe with inlaid silver decoration and a large wax candle.
On one side a tree motif can be seen. It may symbolise the Christian Tree of Life or the pagan tree Yggdrasil. On the other side is an animal figure – perhaps the rooster Gullinkambi (Old Norse “golden comb”) or the Phoenix. According to Norse mythology Gullinkambi sits on top of the tree Yggdrasil. Here it wakes the Viking warriors every morning and it will crow at the beginning of Ragnarok (the end of the world).
The Vegvisir, also known as the runic compass or the Icelandic runes/Nordic compass, is a captivating emblem comprising eight rune staves. It carries profound symbolism as a guardian and navigator, widely believed to have served as a compass for the Vikings. In the Icelandic language, "vegvisir" translates to "wayfinder" and "sign post."
While commonly referred to as the Viking compass, associated with the intrepid seafaring journeys of the Vikings during the Viking Age, the true origins of the Vegvisir remain the subject of intriguing debates.
The arrangement of the eight Icelandic rune staves that form the Vegvisir is believed to represent the cardinal directions (North, South, West, East) as well as the intercardinal directions (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast).
According to some theories, it is speculated that Vikings would place a nail precisely at the center of the Vegvisir to navigate the vast seas. By observing the nail's shadow at specific times of the day, they could decipher their bearings and chart their course.
In captivating legends, it is recounted that Icelandic ships would proudly display the Vegvisir, also known as the Nordic compass, to ensure a safe return and find their way back home.
In modern times, the Vegvisir remains a cherished symbol of Icelandic culture, while adherents of the Asatru faith embrace it as a potent emblem of spiritual guidance and personal identification.
Today, the Vegvisir is used as symbol of Icelandic culture while people of Asatru faith also use it to identify themselves and as a symbol of spiritual guidance.
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