Viking Swan pendant

The symbol of the swan, or water bird, is very ancient, stretching back as far as the Bronze Age.  A mysterious bird that crosses between the Realms of water, earth and air; that disappears for half of the year, returning to the cold northern lands with the coming of the summer sun. 

The symbol survives into the Viking Age (as grave finds show), in association with women.  A picture stone also shows a swan stretching over a volva, or witch.  The Elder Edda tells of swan maidens who could remove their skins and become human, a theme running through the folk tales of the North. 

It seems that the swan was a totem animal, a spirit guide that crosses between the Worlds. 

I was struck by the elegant beauty of this particular piece and immediately wanted to recreate it.  I have copied it from a stray find that was originally part of a horse collar from the 11th century in the Mammen style.  I have reduced in size so it can be used as a pendant. 

Size and Weight

Length 35mm, 1 3/8 inches

Silver weight 12.5g