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Huginn and Muninn Viking Shield – Odin's Ravens
Availability: 17 in stock
SKU: SCU-005The round wooden shield was the most common protection for Scandinavian warriors during the Viking Age (8th-11th centuries). It was made of joined planks, reinforced in the centre with a domed metal piece that protected the hand, and often painted in bright colours: the shields found on the Gokstad ship in Norway still retain traces of yellow and black paint, and some poems from the period describe shields decorated with mythological scenes. This particular model represents Huginn and Muninn, the two ravens of the god Odin, whose names mean "thought" and "memory." According to Norse mythology, they travel through the nine worlds each day and return at sunset to tell Odin everything they have seen and heard; therefore, they symbolise wisdom and the link between the world of the gods and that of men. The raven was also a real emblem of Norse warriors, who wore it embroidered on their war banners. The two ravens, facing each other beak to beak and surrounded by interlacing patterns and spirals, form a modern decorative composition inspired by this imagery, designed to be displayed on the wall as a decorative or collectible piece.
Identification
- Specific type
- Decorative Viking round shield
- Model
- Huginn and Muninn – Odin's Ravens
- Historical period depicted
- Viking Age (8th-11th centuries), inspired by Norse mythology
Dimensions
- Dimensiones (diámetro o alto × ancho)
- 80 cm in diameter
- Thickness
- 12 mm
- Total weight
- 4500 g
Construction
- Material
- Assembled wooden boards, central boss and perimeter trim in metal
- Straps or handle
- Central grip behind the boss
Decoration
- Motif or decoration
- Two facing ravens (Huginn and Muninn) with interlacing patterns and spirals in black and white on a tile-red background
- Finish
- Painted with an aged finish, riveted metal trim and darkened metal boss
General information
- Recommended use
- Decoration, collecting and display
The shield's body is made of several wooden planks joined edge-on to form a disc 80 cm in diameter, just as original Viking shields were constructed. A domed metal piece is fixed in the centre, covering the opening where the handle is located on the back. The entire perimeter is finished with a metal rim secured with rivets, reinforcing the edge and giving it a robust appearance. The decoration is hand-painted on a tile-red background, with the two ravens and the interlacing patterns in black and white. The piece then receives an aged finish that reveals the joints between the planks and the wear on the metal.
- Round Viking-style shield, 80 cm in diameter.
- Wooden plank construction with central boss and riveted metal rim.
- Painted decoration featuring Huginn and Muninn, Odin's ravens, in black and white on a tile-red background.
- Decorative interlace and spirals surrounding the composition.
- Aged finish that enhances the appearance of an antique piece.
- Inspired by Norse mythology: Huginn ("thought") and Muninn ("memory").
- Decorative piece ideal for collecting, display or themed décor.
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