Viking amulet found in Sweden - symbol of last stand against emerging Christianity

A rare lead pendant in the shape of Thor's hammer has been discovered by archaeologists in Ysby in the southwestern Swedish province of Halland. The hammer, dating from the late 10th century, was found on the site of a planned housing development. Previous excavations here have revealed archaeological remains from different periods, but this is the first Viking artefact found here and the first Thor's hammer ever found in the entire province.

The longer side of the lead amulet measures 3 centimetres and is cast in a stylised shape representing Thor's dwarven hammer Mjölnir. The front of the hammer is decorated with a braided pattern. There is a hole in the handle for hanging from the neck. Several similar amulets have been found in Scandinavia, but the one in Halland is the first find of its kind.

Similar pendants were very popular in Viking times. They were worn as apotropaic amulets, invoking Thor for protection against evil influences. Some have been found in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Russia and the Baltic countries. A pendant of this type had strong religious significance that went beyond its imagined protective powers. It was at the same time an unmistakable symbol of loyalty to Forn Siðr ('the old way' - referring to traditional Norse rituals and the gods of Asastro) in contrast to the new religion then emerging, Christianity.

Previous archaeological investigations in the area have revealed Stone Age settlements (e.g. flint shards and pottery), but also an Iron Age longhouse. In addition to the amulet, decorated metalwork from the early medieval to Viking period was discovered. Remains in the form of postholes and hearths were found. Although none of these devices have yet been dated by sample analysis, some of the finds and the shapes of the hearths are consistent with the Viking era.

The local church of Ysby is partly made up of 12th-13th century walls, but it is possible that an earlier wooden church stood here. There was an important ford across the river Lagan. Perhaps this is why the site may have been important in the early medieval and Viking Age.

Roman Němec

Sources: kulturmiljohallandblogg.com, sverigesradio.se

lead amulet

Thor's hammer

Per Wranning from Kulturmiljö Halland and a 10th century pendant

The site of the Viking hearth

detail of the pendant

ornate early medieval fittings