In Norse Mythology Odin carried a spear called Gungnir (Old Norse: Swaying One) and how it came into Odin's possession is related in the Poetic Edda, written by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson around 1220. The discovery of Gungnir starts with an argument between Thor and Loki (who else?!) after Loki cuts off Sif's hair. Thor demands that Loki finds a solution so he sets off to find the dwarves (Ivaldi's sons), who spin new hair for the goddess from gold. The dwarves also demonstrate their skills by making the ship Skíðblaðnir for the Goddess Frey. This ship was big enough to hold all the Aesir and their gear, but can also be folded to the size of a napkin and held in a pocket.
Odin on his Throne holding Gungnir (source: Wikipedia)
The dwarves also made the spear Gungnir and carved runes on the blade during the forging. This magic made sure that the thrown weapon never missed it's mark. The spear later had a prominent part in the war between the to rival tribes of Gods, the Aesir and Vanir, when Odin hurled the spear over the enemy host to signal the start of the battle whilst crying “Óðinn á yðr alla!” (“Odin owns all of you!”). just as importantly, Odin pierced his side with Gungnir when he sacrificed himself to learn the wisdom of the Runes and in chapter 51 of the Prose Edda, Odin will carry Gungnir as the head of the army of Einherjar. During the Ragnarok Odin will use the spear against the wolf Fenrir, demonstrating the spear's importance in Norse Mythology.
Battle Against Fenrir - Arthur Rackham (1867 - 1939)
That importance is also seen archaeologically and historically, with the first known mention of the spear was in the ninth century when the poet Bragi Boddason referred to Odin as Gungnis váfaðr (“Gungnir’s shaker”). Depictions of Odin that have been recorded on Scandinavian rune stones often show him carrying the spear, such as the Gotland Runestone G181.
Detail from Runestone G 181 showing Odin and Gungnir (figure on left, bottom row) (source: Wikipedia)
As a symbol of power and authority, Gungnir being associated with Odin undoubtedly gave it a position of massive importance to the pre-Christian religions across northern Europe. Gungnir is the most powerful and magical spear in the cosmos.
Here at Norse Fury we sell a ready-to-wear Gungnir pendant so you can carry that power and magic with you everywhere you go.
