A gilt silver pendant of discoid form with integral suspension loop, displaying the god Odin in the centre, gripping a raven in each hand, pseudo-corded border. 7/8 in. (1.5 grams, 22 mm). [No Reserve]

PROVENANCE:
UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s.
Property of an English gentleman.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Hammond B., British Artefacts Volume 2 - Middle Saxon and Viking, Witham, 2010, p.57, item 1.5.3-f; cf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazcheskye Priveski Drevnei Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, item M.2.02.

FOOTNOTES:
Odin, also known as Woden in Old Saxon, was the chief god of Eddic mythology and the most versatile of the gods. He is the father of the gods, the god of poetry, the god of the dead, of war, magic, runes and ecstasy. The numerous names for Odin in Old Norse literature exemplify his diversity. According to Snorri Sturluson in the Gylfaginning Odin is one of the first of the gods to be created. Odin is called the All Father because he is the father of all the gods. He lives in Asgard from where he can look over the whole world and is considered to be omniscient, and because of this he is known as 'the extremely wise one.' Odin's attributes are his spear, Gungnir, a ring known as Draupnir, his blindness in one eye and his hat and cloak, all of which form his stereotypical image. Odin's two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, meaning Thought and Memory, are likewise firmly established attributes from the end of the Migration Age onwards, as illustrated in bracteates, pendants and picture stones. The two ravens fly over the whole world and return at breakfast bringing Odin news of many things, and through this he is known as Hrafnagud, or the raven god.