Metal: sterling silver (925)
Weight: approx. 17 g (0,59 oz)
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).
Sleipnir, the legendary eight-legged horse of Odin, emerges from the depths of Norse mythology as a creature of unparalleled significance and wonder. Standing as a testament to divine craftsmanship, Sleipnir's extraordinary form transcends the limitations of ordinary equines. With four additional limbs sprouting from his shoulders and haunches, he possesses a mesmerizing and ethereal presence that captures the imagination.
Renowned as the epitome of equine excellence, Sleipnir assumes a position of unparalleled importance as the steadfast companion of Odin on his countless quests and journeys. This wondrous steed astonishes all who witness him with his incomparable power, extraordinary speed, and indomitable strength. His gallop rivals the swiftest winds, his kicks resonate like thunderclaps, his leaps carry him to breathtaking heights, and his mighty whinnies reverberate throughout the realms. No other horse can match the magnificence of Sleipnir, for he stands as the embodiment of supreme equestrian prowess.
Fearless and undaunted, Sleipnir fearlessly surmounts any obstacle that dares to impede his path. Unaffected by the elements, he traverses the land with unparalleled agility. Should the need arise, he effortlessly takes flight through the skies, soaring with grace, or glides through the depths of water, defying the restrictions of earthly steeds. In fact, legends speak of Sleipnir's extraordinary ability to ferry Odin to and from the realm of the dead, known as Hel, symbolizing his role as a harbinger between life and the afterlife.
Yet, Sleipnir's significance extends far beyond his physical attributes. He embodies a multitude of profound symbolism, representing speed, power, strength, heightened perception, eternal life, transcendence, and the spirit of exploration. In the contemporary world, Sleipnir's iconic image adorns a diverse array of accessories, resonating with athletes, wanderers, and those in search of guidance and protection on their individual paths. As a symbol, Sleipnir bestows upon its bearer the empowering qualities of resilience, spiritual shelter, and enlightenment.
The enduring presence of Sleipnir is echoed in the captivating depictions found on ancient image stones, preserving his mythical legacy for generations to come. Notably, the Thjangvide stone and the Ardre VIII stone, dating back to the eighth century, depict the equestrian figure mounted on an eight-legged horse, often identified as Odin himself. The Thjangvide stone reveals a striking scene of a rider entering the realm of the deceased, greeted by a figure wielding a spear, potentially a Valkyrie, while a female figure extends a goblet in a symbolic act of welcome. Interpreted as the arrival of a valiant rider in the realm of the dead, this imagery signifies the cyclical nature of life and death, and the transcendent journeys undertaken by both mortals and deities. Likewise, the Ardre VIII stone showcases an equestrian figure embarking on a mythic odyssey atop an eight-legged horse, presumed to be Sleipnir. These ancient stone carvings serve as portals to a realm where gods and mortals intertwine, where the boundaries between realms blur, and where the power of myth intertwines with human destiny.
Within this rich tapestry of symbolism and ancient artifacts, Sleipnir stands as an enduring emblem of limitless potential, inviting us to embrace the transformative power within ourselves and embark on our own heroic journeys of self-discovery and transcendence.
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