Vendel Raven Mount - XL

Mounts in the shape of ravens from the Vendel period.

These metal mounts in the shape of ravens from the Vendel period depict Hugin and Munin, the ravens of the Germanic god Odin.

The historical models for the raven mounts were found on the Swedish island of Gotland and dates back to around 600 AD.

This period is known as the Vendel Age and immediately preceded the Viking Age, during which such depictions of birds were widespread in the Germanic region.

The originals of the raven fittings are now in the Statens Historiska Museum in Stockholm. Link to the historical models...

Our Vendel period raven studs are made of cast zamak and are available in brass or silver colour.

Dimensions: 5 x 3 cm.

There are two small rivet pins on the back of each Vendel period stud, onto which the small caps supplied are placed for fastening and gently fixed with a hammer. This allows the fitting to be attached effortlessly.

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In Norse mythology, the ravens Hugin and Munin, along with the wolves Geri and Freki, are the two companions of Odin, the father of the gods, who is also known as Hrafnáss (raven god) for good reason. Odin is also considered the god of war, and so the ravens are a fitting attribute, as they found a rich meal among the fallen after the battle.

The name Hugin comes from the Old Norse word huga (to think) and means "the thought", whereas Munin comes from the word muna (to remember) and means "the memory".

The connection between Odin and the two ravens already appears in depictions from the Migration Period and was a popular motif in art and poetry during the Viking Age. The famous Norse skald Snorri Sturluson wrote the following in the Edda:

"Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and tell him everything they see and hear in his ear. Their names are Hugin and Munin. At dawn he sends them to fly over the whole world and they return at breakfast time. Odin learns a lot of news from Hugin and Munin.