The Axe-Hammer of Ukko

Ukonvasara, the Viking axe-hammer of Ukko.

This remarkable amulet is modelled on a Viking-period pendant from Ylipää / Lieto in Finland, which dates to around 800 AD and symbolises the axe-hammer of Ukko.

Unlike the West Scandinavians, the Finns of the Viking Age did not carry a Thor's hammer, but a very similarly shaped amulet, the so-called "Ukonvasara" or also "Ukonkirves", the magical weapon of the Finnish thunder god Ukko.

Ukonvasara means hammer of Ukko and Ukonkirves means axe of Ukko. Just like the hammer of Thor, Ukko's axe-hammer was supposed to produce lightning and thunder. Even today, the Finnish term for thunderstorm is "Ukkonen". The jagged lines on Ukko's hammer by Ylipää are interpreted as lightning.

The hammer of Ukko measures 4.9 x 4.9 cm.

Made of high-quality jewellery bronze and also available in silver plated.

A solid leather cord in 1 m length for the Viking.pendant is included.

Ukko is the high god of Finnish mythology and the highest god in the Kalevala. Ukko, called Uku by the Estonians, means something like "old man" and is the god of the sky, weather and thunderstorms.
Ukko is often depicted as a white-haired man with a flowing beard and broad shoulders, hammer and flaming sword in hand, his companions, giant eagles and air maidens at his side.
Since Ukko's wife, the goddess Rauni, is emblematic of fertility, Ukko himself is often regarded as a fertility god as well. Ukko once created Ilmatar, the goddess of the air, who in turn created the earth.