Gold Early Medieval Ring
The ring bears a striking resemblance to several other rings found in England, as the triple-pelleted triangles have been seen on other rings from around the same time and location as this ring.[1] The two rings have many similarities they are both made of gold and are from around the same time. Moreover the exact same triple patterned triangles appear on both of these rings, suggesting that either they were made by the same person or that the symbol was something significant at that time.[2] This means that it was probably a common style during that time or perhaps was the sigil of something significant, such as a prominent family or a cultural aspect. Rings were also often seen as important part of Viking lore and mythology as they appear several times at important moments within the main mythological work The Song of The Volsungs.[3] Rings appear several times throughout the sage, but most important instance is when Sigurd gives Brynhild a gold ring as a sign of his love, which he eventually steals back leading to chaos. This shows that rings were not only a sign of status but also possibly of love and marriage as well as loyalty.
The dating and location of this ring also tells a great deal about it as due to its date being around the 9th or 10th century it is possibly associated with the Micel Here. The Micel Hhere was a great Viking army that invaded England during the 9th Century and carved out a section of the country, which was called Danelaw. The ring could have come from this army or some of it descendants. This idea is supported even further by the fact that the ring was found near Yorkshire so it makes sense that the ring could have been taken or made at York, because for a time the army wintered there. However, it could have also simply been made there or worked its way there through trade once Yorkshire was made part of Danelaw. So while it may have not come from the Micel Here itself it could have easily have come period of Danelaw occupation.
Jewelry pieces are often seen as a sign of status within Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon societies, gold and silver objects are usually used as a way to display social position. Among the various items that would have been used in this competition for social standing, ranging from weapons to brooches. Rings are one of the most common as they are easy to obtain. Rings are easy to fashion if the materials are available and allow for a certain amount of customization with engraving but they could also be easily obtained through trade with other civilizations. They have appeared several times throughout Viking culture both in myths, such as the Saga of the Volsungs, but also a signs of social status and gifts of fealty to lords from their followers.
