Mjöllnir, Thor's hammer: An important religious and cultural symbol in the Viking Age

Old Norse lore states that the hammer, forged by dwarfs, had a twofold function - on the one hand, Thor used it to fight giants; on the other, he used it as an instrument to hallow individuals and items. 

According to Norse mythology, the hammer was stolen by the giant Thrym, who demanded the hand of the goddess Freyja as a ransom for giving it back.

After Freyja refused to go along with Thrym's request, Thor disguised himself as Freyja, deceived Thrym, and managed to get Mjöllnir back (the hammer was brought out so that Freyja could be consecrated as Thrym's bride).

Thor then proceeded to kill Thrym and the other giants with the help of the mighty hammer.

Mjöllnir as a symbol

The use of Mjöllnir as a symbol can be traced to the ninth century, and, according to some researchers, the practice could be an intentional reaction to the use of the cross in Christianity.

The symbol of Mjöllnir was often used in designs of pendants, which were sought-after throughout Scandinavia.

Discoveries of Mjöllnir-inspired jewelry were made in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Before the tenth century, Mjöllnir pendants were made out of bronze, iron, or amber. In the tenth century, the accessory was also produced from silver.