FENRIR - ICELANDIC WOLF CROSS, silver Ag 925, 11g
Inspired by Viking artifact from Fossi, Iceland (10th-11th century AD)
Channel the power of the ancient Norse with our carefully crafted reproduction of Thor's Hammer, known as the Wolf Cross. This iconic amulet, found in Iceland, features a fierce wolf head representing the legendary Fenrir, with a cross-shaped hammer symbolizing strength and protection.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Sterling silver 925
- Size: 2.2 x 4.1 cm
- Weight: Approx. 10.5 g
- Eye Size: Less than 4 mm wide, 5 mm high
- Hand-crafted by Wulflund
This unique amulet blends Viking mythology and craftsmanship, offering a wearable piece of history inspired by the original, which is now displayed at the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of Norse culture.
Story:
The story of the Wolf Cross Amulet, also known as Thor's Hammer, is rooted in the ancient lands of Iceland, where Norse mythology and Viking history intertwine. The amulet was discovered in the early 20th century at a site known as Fossi, located in the southern region of Iceland. This area, rich in Viking artifacts, became the key to unlocking insights into the lives and beliefs of the Viking settlers who arrived in Iceland around the 9th century.
The Wolf Cross itself, dating back to the 10th-11th century AD, is a fascinating blend of both Christian and pagan symbolism. At the time of its creation, the Vikings were gradually being introduced to Christianity, and many of their traditional symbols, like Thor’s Hammer, began to incorporate Christian elements. The Wolf Cross is an example of this blending: shaped like a cross with an animalistic, wolf-like feature at its head, it appears to be a fusion of the Christian cross and Thor's Hammer, symbolizing the tension between old beliefs and new religious influences.
Some historians believe the wolf head represents Fenrir, the monstrous wolf of Norse mythology, bound by the gods until Ragnarök, the end of the world. Others speculate that the amulet was worn as both a protective symbol and a declaration of faith in Thor, the god of thunder, even as Christianity gained prominence.
The original amulet was unearthed by local farmers who were plowing the land near Fossi. Upon its discovery, it was recognized as a significant piece of Viking craftsmanship. The locals, deeply tied to their Norse heritage, cherished it as an emblem of their ancestors' resilience. It soon found its way into the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik, where it remains on display today. The dimensions of the original amulet are 3 x 5 cm, its design remarkably intricate for its time, demonstrating the skill of the Viking craftsmen.
The Wolf Cross represents a unique piece of Viking history, capturing the cultural shift from Norse mythology to Christianity. It is a symbol of Iceland's Viking heritage, blending powerful pagan symbols with emerging Christian influences, embodying both the strength of Thor and the mystery of Fenrir.
To this day, the Wolf Cross continues to fascinate archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts of Norse mythology, providing a tangible link to the lives of the Viking settlers who forged their path in the cold, rugged landscape of Iceland over a millennium ago.