Details

LOT 1271

Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant

9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER

5/8 in. (1.31 grams, 16 mm high).

A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

See Evans, J., The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, p.365, for discussion of curated stone blades for magical and curative purposes.

Footnotes

This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof, country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.