Bronze figurine Valkyrie of Hårby, Denmark - for the altar and the end of the pencil

Despite their prevalence in sagas, depictions of valkyries are relatively rare. They are limited to Swedish pictorial stones dating back to about 700 AD and a handful of early Viking fibuls (brooches) from Sweden and Denmark. So this three-dimensional representation is unique.

The Valkyrie is wearing a long patterned dress, carrying a two-edged Viking sword in her right hand and a shield protecting her body in her left. It dates from around 800 AD.

The figurine was found near an archeological site known to be a metalworking. We're lucky she didn't get far.

This replica is made of bronze. You can tie it on a string, use it as a figurine for a hnefatafl game or just give it a place of honour on your altar. The hole on the bottom is the size of a regular pencil, so we immediately thought that's how we'd have it at home :)

The Valkyries carry the fallen warriors to Valhalla - the Hall of Heroes, where Odin gathers the warriors for the final battle at the so-called Ragnarök - the end of the World. Here, the Valkyries serve these heroes at the evening feasts.

Weight: 25 g

Size: 2 x 3.7 cm