The Hanged Odin, the Kymbo-figure, replica of historical viking item - NECKLACE

The Hanged Odin, The Kymbo figure.

Amulet made after an original found at Storegården in Kymbo parish, Västergötland. Migration period.

Perhaps the Kymbo figure's most prominent feature is the gold ring he wears around his neck. It is also with the help of it that the figure has been dated to the migration period (375–550 AD). This period is characterized by great gold wealth throughout Scandinavia - especially in Västergötland. Large, heavy necklaces or collars made of solid gold are characteristic of the period.

There is one more detail that has been noticed about the little figure. If you look at him in profile, you can see that he is standing on tiptoe. This is not an entirely unusual way of producing male figures from this period and during the Younger Iron Age. It has been suggested that the way of presentation wants to show that the person depicted has been hanged.

In this context it should be remembered that Odin, the highest of the Asa gods, sacrificed himself by allowing himself to be hung from the world tree Yggdrasil. We know that human sacrifice took place by hanging, among other things, from Adam of Bremen's description of the sacrificial rites at the pagan temple in (Old) Uppsala. The small figure from Kymbo could be a representation of Odin himself when he sacrifices himself in the world tree. The ring he wears around his neck could then be Draupnir, the magical neck ring that was in Odin's possession and that every ninth night "gave birth" to eight new rings.

Height is approx 45 mm.

!!!This pendant comes with no chain or cord - just the metal pendant!!!

Ships from Sweden - ships worldwide!