Vendel and Valsgärde are two archaeological sites located in Sweden. Both of these sites were once used as burial grounds, and it is from the former that a period in Swedish prehistory, the Vendel period, derived its name.

Helmet from Vendel Cemetery, burial XIV. Observe the nose-protector in the shape of the beak of a raven (a very important bird in the Scandinavian cosmology). Vendel helmet reconstruction by Ivor L…

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Hugin and Munin (pronounced “HOO-gin” and “MOO-nin”; Old Norse Huginn and Muninn, the meaning of which will be discussed below) are two ravens in Norse mythology who are helping spirits of the god Odin. According to the medieval Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, Two ravens sit on his (Odin’s) shoulders and whisper all the news which … Continue reading Hugin and Munin →

Vendel and Valsgärde are two archaeological sites located in Sweden. Both of these sites were once used as burial grounds, and it is from the former that a period in Swedish prehistory, the Vendel period, derived its name.

Date: late 500s. Culture: Vendel. Medium: Copper alloy with silver overlay. Dimensions: Overall: 2 1/8 x 1 1/4 x 3/8 in. (5.4 x 3.2 x 1 cm). Classification:...

Raven Brooch for the female dress of Vendel era from a historical model. The Raven brooches have been made from an original find of harness mounts from Gotland / Sweden and dated to about 600 n. Chr. Thus the bird brooches belong to the Vendel era that preceded the Viking period immediately. Bird representations can be found very often in this era and were widespread in the Germanic area. The originals of the bird mounts are now in the Statens Historiska Museum in Stockholm. The jewelry was worn on the shoulders in each pair, and served to close the Germanic Women's robe, the peplos. The bird brooch is cast in bronze or silver plated and elaborately polished. On the back of the bird brooch there is fitted a solid needle. Dimensions of the Vendel era raven brooch: 5.0 x 3.4 cm.

In the annals of Scandinavian history lies a period of transition and transformation—the Vendel Period. Serving as a crucial link between the tumultuous Migration Period and the famed Viking Age, this era beckons us to explore its depths, unraveling its significance, cultural nuances, and historical impact. Join us as

Helmet from a Vendel (pre-viking) boat grave, Uppland, 7th century Guldrummet. Currently located at the Historiska museet, Stockholm, Sweden. Photo taken by mararie on Flickr.

This iron helmet is the only one that is found in Scandinavia dating back to the Viking Age. Why are not more found? (Photo: Museum of Cultural History, Oslo) In 1943, extraordinarily rich finds fr…