Fine Viking Gilt Silver Brooch of Jormungandr, 15.6 g

Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A stunning and wearable brooch fashioned from 83-86% silver of an ovoid form depicting Jormungandr, the 'World Serpent.' The hammered brooch body features a bicephalic representation of Jormungandr with a head on each terminal bearing a diamond-shaped eye and a circular nose above a gaping maw, and the serpentine body is engraved with peripheral scales and a curvilinear central crest. Traces of the original gilding used to accentuate most areas are visible within many etched details and perhaps suggest that the entire pendant was once as opulently enveloped. An articulated pin enables the wearability of this brooch, and fine patina envelops the entire accessory. Size: 2.1" L x 1.125" W (5.3 cm x 2.9 cm); quality of silver: 83-86%; total weight: 15.6 grams.

The serpent form may relate to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jormungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jormungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jormungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

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#151364
Condition Report: Wearable as shown. Pin is reattached to original housing with modern metal fastener. Minor abrasions to body, with softening to some finer details, fading to original gilding, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Great patina and remains of original gilding throughout.