Evidence suggests that the warrior had this stunning piece affixed to his sword's scabbard day in and day out before intentionally burying it right where it was found, likely as a sacrifice to the gods.
Terje Tveit/Museum of Archaeology/University of StavangerThe sword ornament found by a hiker in Norway is small, but richly detailed.
While making his way along a popular hiking path in Norway, a hiker noticed a tree that had fallen in a storm some years back. Curious to see what lay beneath the tree, the hiker poked at the ground with a stick. Then, to his surprise, something glittered in the dirt: The hiker had stumbled across a 1,500-year-old gold ornament that once adorned the scabbard of a sword.
The ornament dates to the 6th century C.E., a turbulent time that saw both increased migration to the region and devastating natural disasters. Researchers believe that the ornament may have belonged to a powerful chieftain during this time, and that it might have been buried as an offering to the gods.
The Ancient Sword Ornament Found In Norway
According to a statement from the University of Stavanger, a hiker was making his way through the Austrått district of Sandnes when he stumbled across the sword ornament, buried in a mound beneath a fallen tree.
“I saw a mound in the ground under the tree, and poked at it with a stick,” the hiker explained. “Suddenly I saw something that glittered. I didn’t quite understand what I had found.”
The hiker had stumbled across a 1,500-year-old gold ornament that was once affixed to a sword’s scabbard. Though small — only about two inches wide — the ornament is heavy and richly detailed with filigree ornamentation. This includes three interwoven golden threads, likely made by a skilled goldsmith.
Researchers believe that the golden threads may depict two animals facing each other, or perhaps a human head with an animal body.
“Figures with such ribbon-shaped bodies belong to the late phase of ornamentation,” said Siv Kristoffersen of the University of Stavanger Museum of Archaeology, “and are often dated to the first half of the 6th century.”
Ellen Hagen/Museum Of Archaeology/University of StavangerThe possible animal figures are highlighted in violet, with a pink ribbon wrapped around them.
But who did this sword ornament belong to and why was it buried?
The Owner Of The Scabbard Ornament — And Why It May Have Been Discarded
Given the rich details of the ornament, researchers suspect that it once belonged to a powerful leader or warrior. And given the wear on the ornament, they believe that this chieftain wielded their sword often.
“Whoever wore the sword it was on was probably the leader in this area in the first half of the 6th century, and had a warrior retinue of loyal men attached to him,” said Håkon Reiersen of the Museum of Archaeology. “Gold sword scabbard fittings usually do not show signs of much use, but this one is worn and well-used, which indicates that the chieftain has actually used it a lot. It emphasized his position and power.”
Museum of Archaeology/University of Stavanger.The gold sword ornament likely belonged to a chieftain, and it shows signs of significant wear and tear.
What’s more, researchers believe that the chieftain lived during an especially turbulent time known as the “Migration Period.”
During this time, migration was rampant across Europe as the continent’s power structure shifted in response to the fall of the Roman Empire. Around the same time, the climate in northern Europe changed dramatically following a major volcanic eruption in Central America in 536. Temperatures plummeted, harvests failed, and untold numbers of people died.
Researchers suspect that these conditions led to the burial of the sword ornament.
Though seemingly a prized object, it was likely buried as a sacrifice to the gods, as many gold objects were during this time. People hoped that these sacrifices could lead to better conditions and harvests, and the act of making a sacrifice could also reinforce a leader’s status.
But while many questions remain about who exactly may have owned the sword ornament, and why exactly it was buried in the woods, researchers are thrilled with the hiker’s lucky find.
“You are completely caught off guard when finds like this come in,” Reiersen exclaimed. “The chances of finding something like this are minimal.”
After reading about the gold sword ornament that was found by a hiker in Norway, discover the story of the “real” sword in the stone, and the saint who once wielded it. Then, look through this fascinating collection of armor through the ages.
