The Viking World: A History in Objects

Hammer Pendant

When the Micel Here arrived on the shores of England in the 800s,[1] they did not simply bring warriors. They brought aspects of their culture that never would have reached England without their arrival. One such aspect that they likely brought would have been their religion. This would have been natural to the Norse, as religion was very important to them. They would have brought symbols of what they believe.[2] One major aspect of the Norse religion is the god Thor, famous for wielding his mighty hammer. This hammer pendant shows that the Norse brought aspects of their religion and culture wherever they settled.

This small pendant was found in North Lincolnshire, a region in northern England. This region was occupied by the Norse during the time of Danelaw (880 – 950),[3] which is approximately when this pendant is dated. It was discovered in February of 2013, and was likely originally in circulation around 850 AD. The pendant is believed to be in the shape of a hammer, and is composed of silver. Many such pendants have been found in Scandinavian graves. The hammer is a symbol of the Norse god Thor, who wielded a battle hammer and controlled lightning.

The finding of this pendant does not seem to change or challenge any descriptions of the Norse people that historians have. It serves to confirm the presence of Norse culture, influence, and people in the British Isles during the time of Danelaw. The Scandinavian people would have brought a symbol of their religion with them from their homeland. The finding of this hammer pendant is important because it shows that religion was important enough to the Norse, that they brought it with them when they left their home.

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