Rare Viking Silver-Gilt Ragnarök Amulet

A Rare Viking Silver-Gilt Figural Amulet Depicting Ragnarök.

Scandinavia, 10th–11th century.

Silver, parcel-gilt, with inlaid blue glass and vestiges of iron.

Height: 4.5 cm.

A remarkable and exceptionally rare Viking silver-gilt figurine, cast and chased in the round, representing an allegorical scene believed to depict Ragnarök—the cataclysmic end of the Norse cosmos and the twilight of the gods. The intricately composed design shows three major figures from Norse mythology in an intertwined and mutually destructive cycle: Fenrir, the monstrous wolf, is shown devouring Huginn, one of Odin’s ravens, who in turn is attacking the great serpent Jörmungandr. The latter’s sinuous body is coiled around to bite Fenrir, completing the circuit in a symbolic ouroboros of divine collapse.

The workmanship is of unusually high quality, with carefully rendered anatomical and textural details. Traces of original gilding remain visible across the surface, particularly in recessed areas. The eyes of the wolf are set with striking blue glass inlays, which survive intact. Beneath Fenrir’s chin, a natural perforation is formed where his jaws meet the body of Huginn—a practical and likely intentional design feature that may indicate the piece was conceived as a pendant. The object also retains vestiges of an iron rivet through the base, suggesting possible alternative functions as a mount or votive amulet.

Such depictions of mythic cycles in figural form are extremely rare in Viking Age metalwork, and this piece represents an extraordinary synthesis of narrative, belief, and craftsmanship. It bears close comparison in spirit, if not form, to the iconography found on the Gosforth Cross in Cumbria, which also illustrates scenes from Ragnarök.

Provenance: English Private Collection.

Condition: Excellent for type, with minor wear consistent with age; original inlays and gilding partially preserved.