Pendant
The metal itself is ninety-six percent silver, containing trace amounts of copper lead and gold. The high silver content is undoubtedly a means by which to display the wealth of the owner. Given its similarity to other pendants found in the Danelaw area, it can be roughly dated to the 9th or 10th centuries. Other pendants of this style have been found as far as Iceland and Russia, deposited in all variety of graves.
Since Odin is thought to have been the foremost of the Norse gods, the prevalence of these hammer pendants is intriguing. Odin is frequently depicted as being able to outwit Thor, as in the Lay of Hárbarðr.[1] Odin gives Thor a sound, verbal thrashing in the traditional flyting—a contest of wit that has opponents attempt to cow each other through poetry. Thor’s power and religious clout derives from sources other than intellect, most notably his strength and fighting prowess. Given that warriors were some of the most well-traveled Norsemen, this may be one reason why Thor’s hammer pendants proliferated more than other symbols of Norse worship. In addition, Thor was connected to farmers through his relation with storms and rain, further increasing the god’s ubiquity.
