The iron blade has rusted, but the handle of silver and gold is well preserved. It has some pictoral inscriptions not yet interpreted, it seems like a mix of Norse and Christian symbols, with circles, a cross and some Latin letters. It’s been dated to ca. 1030. Along with an axe and some coins, much points towards the sword’s owner being a wealthy warrior under king Canute.
I'm sure that the sword was more for ceremony than combat, but it doesn't diminish its beauty.
ReplyDeleteHolding a well balanced sword is transcendental. If you let the sword speak to you, the heft disappears, the balance comes forth and you participate with the sword.
ReplyDeleteHere is a wonderful NOVA docu about just such a sword: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html
And here is the fella that built the sword: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html
Thanks for the tip!
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