Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. late 9th century CE. A fantastical solid silver brooch in the form of a coiled snake that instantly reminds the viewer of a central figure in Norse mythology. The snake's head emerges from one side, with defined eyes that may once have had small inlays like garnets or enamel. On the undecorated back is a pin and a clasp, with the pin held in place by a silver nail. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.5" L x 1.45" W (6.4 cm x 3.7 cm); height on stand: 3.6" (9.1 cm); (35.2 g)

The serpent form probably relates to the Norse myth of Jörmungandr (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, Ragnarök, 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 Jörmungandr. 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 Jörmungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's terrified fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jörmungandr 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.

See two similar examples, one at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm (108917. SHM 34000:Bj 844), the other in the Örebro Läns Museum in Örebro, Sweden (OLM-22461-14).

Provenance: private New York City, New York, USA collection

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#123099

Light patina/tarnish on surface. Pin is present but nonfunctional.