Whetstone
Whetstones would have been very important to the Norse people. This Whetstone, found in Lincolnshire, was likely put into commission around 800 AD. Whetstones like these were used to sharpen tools and weapons, as they still are used today. The whetstone is made of sandstone. It was likely produced by grinding stones. Found in February of 2017, it likely belonged to a Norse settler of England, based on the proximity to Danelaw.
The finding of this whetstone supports many of the stories and depictions of the Norse settlers of England. The Norse were depicted as raiders and conquerors, who slashed and cut their way through most of mainland England in the 850s. Naturally, bands of warriors would want to have whetstones available to themselves, as they used them to keep their weapons sharp. Whetstones were also important culturally, as they are said to have originated from Thor’s duel with a giant.[2] The finding of this whetstone is important because it reveals to modern historians the possible location of Norse warriors in the early years of the colonization of England, as well as the possible significance of religion to the Norse.
