Viking Cult of Thor Proved by Viking Artifact
Thor was among the most important and influential gods in the Viking Age. Thor Odinson was the god of thunder and lightning who wielded the Mjolnir hammer to smash the skull of enemies. The Vikings had a deeply-ingrained belief in Thor and they wished for Thor's presence in their life. Because Thor presented the bravery, strength, and generosity, all of which the Vikings needed not only for their raid but their daily life.
Then there came the Viking cult of Thor through the Viking jewelry and decorations in their time. This piece of writing would present some of the Viking artifact attesting to the Viking cult of Thor.
Mjolnir hammer
Mjolnir hammer was the primary weapon of Thor. The only weapon that could rival Mjolnir hammer was the Gungnir spear of Odin the Allfather in Norse myth. Mjolnir hammer was forged by the dwarves the most talented blacksmith in the cosmos. According to the myth, Mjolnir hammer was the weapon that Thor used to defend Asgard and humanity.
Because Thor never left his Mjolnir hammer, it was the symbol of Thor's presence. Wherever the Mjolnir hammer was, Thor was near.
The Vikings made for themselves Viking jewelry inspired by the Mjolnir hammer to wish for Thor's presence in their life. If they were in the battle, the hammer would provide them with the bravery and physical strength of Thor to help them win the battle. If they were at home, the hammer would be representative of Thor's blessing to get over the adversities in their life.
Thor hammer pendant found in Købelev, on the Danish island of Lolland. This Mjolnir hammer dated back to the 10th century. The runic inscription on the head of the hammer reads "This is a hammer"
Viking Thor hammer pendant found in part of Scandinavia. This pendant was the Viking jewlery of the 9th century when the Vikings reached their glory
Thor hammer Viking jewelry found in Ödeshög/Östergötland, Sweden. This piece of jewelry dated back to the 10th century
925 SS Raven Thor's Hammer Pendant inspired by the Viking artifact of Thor hammer pendant found in Skane, Sweden. The Skane Thor hammer dated back to the 10th century
Viking Thor Hammer and cross mould found in Denmark
Tanngrisrnir and Tanngnjostr
Tanngrisrnir and Tanngnjostr were the goats of Thor. They pulled Thor's chariot across the sky. Everytime Thor crossed the sky with his goat-drawn chariot, there came the sound of thunder.
In Norse mythology, Thor killed his goats for the food. And in the following day, he would resurrect his goats with his Mjolnir hammer.
The symbol of Tanngrisrnir and Tanngnjostr also presented Thor and his presence. The goats symbolised the boundless endless and the masculinity. The modern archaeologists excavated some Viking artifact of the goats.
Brooch of two goats found in the grave in Birka. This motif of brooch was found across the Scandinavian regions.
Clothes brooch depicting Thor's goats found in the Viking excavation
On the runestone
Among the Viking artifact, the runestone must be the most well-preserved. Because the carving of the stones would endure the test of time better than other forms. On many Viking runestone we found on the Scandinavian lands, there are some of them depicting Thor and the tales about this Viking god of thunder and storm.
The Stenkvista runestone found in Södermanland, Sweden. The stone depicted Thor's hammer as a dedication to Thor.
Altune stone depicting Thor going fishing
