No. 100184608

Sold
Viking Era Metal Ring - Odin’s Eyes Motif  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 78
4 days ago

Viking Era Metal Ring - Odin’s Eyes Motif (No reserve price)

Viking Era Metal Twin Pillars Ring, featuring a pyramidal form with Odin’s Eyes motif, symbolising divine vision, wisdom and sacred guardianship Description from the seller A Viking Age metal ring distinguished by its pyramidal, tapering bezel that rises into two symmetrical circular terminals at the apex. The ring’s form is architectural and symbolic: the body narrows upward, splitting into twin vertical elements that culminate in paired circular forms. The surface shows age-consistent wear, mineral patination, and a matte archaeological texture consistent with long-term burial. The ring’s construction suggests a cast metal origin, with the bezel intentionally shaped to evoke elevation and ascent. The twin circles at the summit are not decorative accidents but deliberate symbolic elements, carefully balanced and aligned. Measurements: Height: 22 mm Outer Width: 17 mm Inner Width: 14 mm Material: Metal Symbolic Interpretation & Viking Mythological Context The twin rising pillars motif strongly resonates with Viking cosmology and sacred symbolism. In Norse belief, duality was a recurring theme—seen in concepts such as earth and sky, fate and free will, life and death. 1. Twin Pillars – Sacred Gateways The paired vertical forms can be interpreted as sacred pillars, echoing the mythic idea of thresholds between worlds. In Viking cosmology, such gateways are associated with Yggdrasil, the World Tree, whose roots and branches connect multiple realms. Twin uprights often symbolized entry points to divine knowledge or protection. 2. The Twin Circles – Eyes, Watchers, or Heavenly Bodies The two circular terminals may symbolize: The watching eyes of the gods, evoking Odin’s constant pursuit of wisdom and vigilance. Twin celestial bodies (sun and moon), reflecting cosmic balance and the passage of time. Protective amulets, believed to ward off unseen dangers during travel or battle. In some interpretations, paired circles are linked to Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens—not as literal birds, but as manifestations of thought and memory, ever-observing and returning with knowledge. 3. Pyramidal Ascent – Power and Authority The upward-tapering, pyramidal form represents ascent toward the divine, authority, and spiritual elevation. Such shapes were often associated with leadership, ritual roles, or individuals seeking favor from higher powers. Cultural Function Rings of this type were more than ornaments. In the Viking Age, rings often served as: Symbols of allegiance and status Protective talismans Markers of oath-taking or ritual identity The unusual twin-crowned design suggests this ring may have belonged to an individual of ritual, martial, or symbolic importance, possibly worn as a sign of protection, wisdom, or divine guardianship. Conclusion This Viking Era ring embodies the Norse worldview: balance through duality, ascent toward knowledge, and constant divine observation. Its architectural form and twin circular summit make it a powerful symbolic object—one that bridges the human and the cosmic, the earthly and the divine.

No. 100184608

Sold
Viking Era Metal Ring - Odin’s Eyes Motif  (No reserve price)

Viking Era Metal Ring - Odin’s Eyes Motif (No reserve price)

Viking Era Metal Twin Pillars Ring, featuring a pyramidal form with Odin’s Eyes motif, symbolising divine vision, wisdom and sacred guardianship

Description from the seller

A Viking Age metal ring distinguished by its pyramidal, tapering bezel that rises into two symmetrical circular terminals at the apex. The ring’s form is architectural and symbolic: the body narrows upward, splitting into twin vertical elements that culminate in paired circular forms. The surface shows age-consistent wear, mineral patination, and a matte archaeological texture consistent with long-term burial.

The ring’s construction suggests a cast metal origin, with the bezel intentionally shaped to evoke elevation and ascent. The twin circles at the summit are not decorative accidents but deliberate symbolic elements, carefully balanced and aligned.

Measurements:
Height: 22 mm
Outer Width: 17 mm
Inner Width: 14 mm
Material: Metal

Symbolic Interpretation & Viking Mythological Context

The twin rising pillars motif strongly resonates with Viking cosmology and sacred symbolism. In Norse belief, duality was a recurring theme—seen in concepts such as earth and sky, fate and free will, life and death.

1. Twin Pillars – Sacred Gateways

The paired vertical forms can be interpreted as sacred pillars, echoing the mythic idea of thresholds between worlds. In Viking cosmology, such gateways are associated with Yggdrasil, the World Tree, whose roots and branches connect multiple realms. Twin uprights often symbolized entry points to divine knowledge or protection.

2. The Twin Circles – Eyes, Watchers, or Heavenly Bodies

The two circular terminals may symbolize:

The watching eyes of the gods, evoking Odin’s constant pursuit of wisdom and vigilance.

Twin celestial bodies (sun and moon), reflecting cosmic balance and the passage of time.

Protective amulets, believed to ward off unseen dangers during travel or battle.

In some interpretations, paired circles are linked to Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens—not as literal birds, but as manifestations of thought and memory, ever-observing and returning with knowledge.

3. Pyramidal Ascent – Power and Authority

The upward-tapering, pyramidal form represents ascent toward the divine, authority, and spiritual elevation. Such shapes were often associated with leadership, ritual roles, or individuals seeking favor from higher powers.

Cultural Function

Rings of this type were more than ornaments. In the Viking Age, rings often served as:

Symbols of allegiance and status

Protective talismans

Markers of oath-taking or ritual identity

The unusual twin-crowned design suggests this ring may have belonged to an individual of ritual, martial, or symbolic importance, possibly worn as a sign of protection, wisdom, or divine guardianship.

Conclusion

This Viking Era ring embodies the Norse worldview: balance through duality, ascent toward knowledge, and constant divine observation. Its architectural form and twin circular summit make it a powerful symbolic object—one that bridges the human and the cosmic, the earthly and the divine.

Final bid
€ 78
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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