Uncovering Nordic Mythology: New Gold Find Reveals Surprising Early Belief in Odin, Thor, and Loki

Part 1: The Origins of Nordic Mythology For centuries, the enigmatic Nordic mythology has been the subject of fascination for people all over the world. Tales of gods and goddesses, giants, elves, and other mythical creatures have been passed down from generation to generation, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and film. At the heart of this captivating mythology are the three most prominent gods: Odin, Thor, and Loki.

Until now, historians and archaeologists believed that the Danes started worshipping these gods around the 9th century, during the Viking Age. However, a groundbreaking discovery of a massive gold hoard in Jutland, Denmark, has challenged this belief, revealing that the Danes might have worshipped these gods much earlier than previously thought.

The Vindelev gold hoard. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The hoard, which consists of 22 pieces of gold jewelry and a tiny gold figurine, was found by a metal detectorist in the small village of Jelling in 2021. The combined weight is approximately 800 grams. The figurine, which is only 4 centimeters tall, depicts a man with one eye, holding a spear in one hand and a sword in the other. This description matches that of Odin, the god of wisdom, war, and death, who is often portrayed as having one eye and carrying a spear and a sword.

The discovery of this figurine suggests that the Danes may actually have been worshipping Odin around the 6th century, a time known as the Migration Period - or maybe even earlier. This period was marked by widespread migration, trade, and warfare across Europe and saw the emergence of various Germanic tribes, including the Danes.

After spending considerable time deciphering the runes and carvings on the 22 gold objects, known as bracteates, researchers made a significant discovery.

One of the bracteates features a portrait of an unknown king or great man, with the inscription "He is Odin's man". The inscription is the earliest mention of Odin in world history.

It is this sentence that researchers see as a confirmation of the belief in Nordic gods, earlier than previously believed.

The Vindelev gold hoard. Bracteate. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

While it's still unclear exactly how the Danes worshipped these gods during the Migration Period, the discovery of the gold figurine hints at the possibility of ritualistic practices involving these deities.

The Jelling hoard is not the only archaeological find that provides evidence of the early worship of Odin in the Nordic countries. In 2009, a metal detectorist discovered a small figurine in Sweden that also depicts a one-eyed man holding a spear. This figurine is believed to date back to the 5th or 6th century and is thought to represent Odin.

The discovery of the Jelling hoard and the Swedish figurine is significant for our understanding of Nordic mythology but also for our knowledge of the Migration Period and the cultures that existed during this time. These findings challenge the traditional narrative that the Nordic countries were isolated and uncivilized during this period and demonstrate the complex networks of trade, migration, and cultural exchange that existed across Europe.

Part 2: The Significance of the Jelling Hoard The hoard was found in Jelling, Denmark, which is known for its monumental royal complex and was likely the center of political power during the 10th century. The discovery of the hoard in this location suggests that it was a deliberate offering made by the ruling elite, possibly as a means of solidifying their political and religious authority.

Jelling is a small city in Jutland, Denmark where Harold Bluetooth had the giant "Jelling stones" erected to honour his parents and to tell that he turned the Danes to Christianity. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The presence of the Odin figurine in the Jelling hoard suggests that the ruling elite of the time believed in his power and likely sought to align themselves with him. This aligns with the historical accounts of the Viking Age, which describe the role of the chieftain as both a military leader and a spiritual figure who was responsible for maintaining the favor of all the gods.

Fimbulwinter & Ragnarok

Morten Axboe, an archaeologist from the National Museum of Denmark, has a theory that the extreme weather events of 535–536 may also have played a role in the early adoption of Nordic mythology by the Danes, and as to why the gold was buried in the first place.

During these years, the sun dimmed and the climate became colder, which led to a period of famine and disease across Europe. These events may have been interpreted by the Danes as the beginning of the "fimbulwinter", the long winter that would precede "Ragnarok" - the end of the world, as described in Nordic mythology.

The final battle between the gods of Asgard and the Loki and his offspring during Ragnarok by Johannes Gehrts. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Axboe's theory is supported by the fact that many of the gold objects found in Jelling are decorated with images of the sun and other celestial bodies. These images may have been used to symbolize the importance of the sun in Nordic mythology, which was believed to be the source of life and power for the gods.

It suggests that the Danes may have been highly influenced by the extreme weather events of the 6th century, and that the gods of Nordic mythology may have provided a way for them to make sense of these events and find hope in the face of disaster. Axboe theorizes that by sacrificing the precious gold they would have tried to appease them.

Part 3: The Mythology of Odin, Thor, and Loki and their Role in Nordic Culture

The stories of Odin, Thor, and Loki were not only a means of understanding the world around them but also served as a way for the Nordic people to connect with their cultural heritage and identity. The gods were often invoked in rituals and celebrations, and their images were carved into rocks and stones as a means of honoring them.

Furthermore, the mythology of the Norse gods also influenced the language and literature of the Nordic countries. The Icelandic sagas, for example, are filled with stories of gods and heroes, and the poetic form known as skaldic verse was heavily influenced by the imagery and symbolism of the gods.

Who exactly were Odin, Thor, and Loki, and how did they come to be the most revered gods in Nordic mythology?

Odin, Thor, and Loki are some of the most well-known figures in Nordic mythology, and their stories have been passed down through generations. These gods were not only revered for their powers but also for their human-like qualities, such as their flaws and weaknesses, which made them relatable to the people who worshipped them.

Odin Odin, also known as Woden or Wotan, was the chief god of the Norse pantheon. He was the god of wisdom, war, death, and poetry, and was believed to have created the world with his brothers Vili and Ve. Odin was often depicted as an old man with a long beard and a wide-brimmed hat, carrying a spear called Gungnir and riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. He was also associated with the raven, which was believed to be his messenger.

Odin, the wanderer, by Georg von Rosen, 1886. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Thor Thor, also known as Donar or Thunor, was the god of thunder and lightning. He was the son of Odin and the giantess Jörd and was known for his immense strength and bravery. Thor was often depicted as a muscular man with red hair and beard, wearing a belt that doubled his already impressive strength. He carried a hammer called Mjölnir, which he used to protect the world from giants and other threats.

Tor's Fight with the Giants by Mårten Eskil Winge, 1872. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Loki Loki, on the other hand, was a trickster god who often caused chaos and mischief among the other gods. He was the son of two giants, but he was also counted among the gods. Loki was known for his shapeshifting abilities and his cunning, which he used to outsmart the other gods. He was often depicted as a handsome man with dark hair and a sly grin.

Loki depicted at Epcot Pavilion in Norway. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Together, Odin, Thor, and Loki formed a powerful trio that represented different aspects of human nature and the world around us. Their stories were told through poems, songs, and sagas, and they served as a source of inspiration and guidance for the people of the Nordic countries.

The discovery of the Jelling hoard has shed new light on the origins of Nordic mythology and the early beliefs of the Danes. It suggests that the worship of Odin, Thor, and Loki was an integral part of their culture long before the Viking Age, which is a significant departure from the previously held belief.

Today, the stories of Odin, Thor, and Loki continue to captivate people all around the world, and their influence can be seen in popular culture, such as in movies, TV shows, and video games. Their enduring legacy is a testament to the importance of mythology in human culture and our ongoing fascination with the gods and their stories.