Bone Carving Pendant - Hiddensee Hammer / Mjölnir Hammer of Thor
Size: approx. 49 x 39 mm | Drilling: Ø approx. 3 mm
You will get a black, waterproof and waxed cotton string FOR FREE in addition.
Handmade from natural materials: slight variations in shape, size, colors and patterns are possible.
Hand carved replica pendant of the famous Hiddensee hammer of Viking time
Made of american buffalo bone with stylized hawk raptor head.
We have created this Thor's Hammer in accordance to the archeological find on the Baltic Sea island Hiddensee.
The original from viking times is made of gold and belongs today to the collection of the Cultural Heritage Museum in Stralsund.
In many descriptions it is also referred to as the "Hiddensee Cross" because until few years ago the cross shapes below the head were interpreted as christian symbols while the hammer shape was overlooked. Interestingly the head of the bird of prey is almost identical to that of the "Schonenhammer" which was discovered in the Schonen region in southern sweden. Similar shapes were also found for example in Haithabu near Schleswig.
Due to it's delicate drilling it is best worn on a leather strap.
THOR'S HAMMER:
In nordic mythology Thor was the mightiest of all gods and ruler over thunder, the winds and fertility. As a god of law and order Thor punished through throwing his magic double headed warhammer "Mjöllnir" ("Crusher", "Lightning" or "shiny flash weapon").
It symbolizes lightning and thunder and always returned to him just like a boomerang. It could bring death, but could also awake the dead back to life.
Together with ornamental hammers they have been worshiped as holy symbols and worn as protective amulettes and used as jewelry, which was supposed to avert fire and evil and bring fertility.
The Hammer of Thor was for the germanic tribes and the vikings a symbol of strength, decisiveness and of long life. In form of a pendant it was used as a counterpiece to the christian cross and was connected to fertility rituals and marital sanctifications.
Due to his travels on his buck drawn waggon Thor is also perceived as a God of Travel which is why Mjöllnir is often used as a protective amulet amongst travellers.
It also was used as a lucky charm.