Intricately hand forged with time and dedication.
This miniature Viking spearhead pendant represents Odin's magical spear Gungnir. It is hand forged out of pure iron, decorated with filework and stampwork. We have suspended the pendant onto a leather cord with sliding knots. You can choose the colour of the cord and when you receive your necklace you can choose how long you want the necklace to be.
Order now, and receive complimentary worldwide shipping. The wait is worth it. ;-)
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Additional details
Each spear is individually hand forged so yours may vary slightly from the photos. I am happy to photograph your pendant upon completion.
The length of the necklace is adjustable from around 27 inches down to 16 inches.
Weight: around 8 gm (light)
Material: 99.8% Iron
Made and Designed by Marleena Barran. The design is not historical.
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Please note!
Not suitable for children.
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The Story
This pendant is a miniature spearhead. I have made it as blunt as possible so that it won't loose its character, but as such it is not suitable for children or to be worn during active sports.
Odin's spear was called Gungnir, "the swaying one". According to the Edda's it was fashioned by the dwarves. the trickster Loki obtained it for the Aesir. It is said to always hit its target. In myth, during the battle between the Aesir and Vanir, Odin signalled the start of the battle by casting his spear at the opposing army. In some historical battles this practise was used to invoke Odin's favour, by sacrificing the opposing army to Odin.
For a Viking warrior the spear was as important as the sword. There are spears in the archaeological record that match the best swords in the skill used to craft them and the beauty of their decoration. Unlike the sword the spear had a function outside of war as a hunting implement. The spear would have been more common on the battle ground as well, as a vital part of the defence on a shield wall and as an important part of a ranged attack. The descendants of the Vikings, the Normans, later created an art form and sport out of spear combat later on with their famous tourneys.
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Forge Black Iron
All iron will rust when it is exposed to moisture. Your body will keep the iron dry when it is worn, but wearing it will also start to rub off the protective layers.
We protect the iron by heating it in the forge until the surface goes black. The black oxide layer can be thick, but it is also brittle. It can flake off if the metal is bent.
After this we quench the iron into oil. The oil burns onto the surface and covers the black oxide with a glossy layer that repels moisture and helps hold the oxide in place.
The third layer is a beeswax based polish.
This is the one layer that needs to be re-applied more often, especially after wearing the pendant and before storing it. You can use a beeswax furniture polish or leather polish.
Waxing is more important when the black colour starts wearing off the pendant.
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Other pendants of Odin:
Odin head pendant: https://www.etsy.com/taitaya/listing/210882552/small-odin-pendant-necklace-a-hand
Uppsala pendant, an amulet ring with the symbols of Odin, Thor and Frey: https://www.etsy.com/taitaya/listing/172123164/uppsala-amulet-ring-a-forged-iron-amulet
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My Guarantee
It is important for me that you are completely happy with your purchase, this is why I take no questions asked returns or exchanges. I have an extended return window for gift items. Just let me know when you are gifting.
The surface finish and cord can be restored by me at the cost of shipping, as part of our refurbishment guarantee.
I have a repair guarantee for any of our workmanship as long as we are in business. This includes all metalwork I have made.