Ateam of archaeologists working in Ysby, Sweden recently discovered what they are calling a “one of its kind” amulet depicting the hammer wielded by the Norse mythological god Thor.
As Arkeonews reports, the amulet marks the first instance of a Viking-era artifact being uncovered at the site — and the first Thor’s hammer to be found in Sweden’s Halland province.
The amulet dates back to around the 10th century and measures just over an inch long. It is cast in lead, with a hole through the shaft implying that a string or tie was likely threaded through the amulet so it could be worn as a pendant.
It is also possible that it had once been gilded or silvered.
Archaeologists believe the hammer was worn around the neck as a symbol of protection. In mythology, Thor used his hammer, Mjölnir, to prevent the giants from destroying Asgard, the home of the gods.
