Linguistic note: the letter Þ (lower case þ),
which may
not reproduce on your computer, is called a "thorn" and is pronounced like
the unvoiced "th" in the English word "thorn."
Thor's
hammer amulets. About 50 amulets shaped like Thor's hammer have been
discovered in the modern era. This site features photographs of a
representative sample of these important symbolic items.
Soapstone mold
found in Egholm, Denmark. This mold was used to cast Thor's hammer
amulets as well as small ingots of different size and value.
Thor's Hammer /
Christian Crucifix
Mold.
This tenth-century soapstone mold, found at Trendgården,
Jylland, Denmark, could be used to cast either heathen or Christian
amulets.
Numerous sagas and historical accounts refer to the conflict
between heathenism and Christianity,
The hammer and the cross were very important symbols in this conflict, and
the silversmith
or goldsmith
who used
this mold could satisfy customers of either faith.
The Blue Belt.
A folktale from Norway, collected in the mid nineteenth century by Peter
Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. The magic belt in this
tale is reminiscent of the Norse god Thor's belt of strength as
described in The Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson.
