Written by A one of a kind Viking Age sword pommel was discovered in West Friesland, Netherlands. Norse invaders raided and occupied that area beginning in about 900 CE. The pommel has been dated to about the same time. So there is a good chance the sword on which it was mounted was used in the first raids into the Netherlands.
It was discovered in May, 2024 by Sander Visser and his metal detector. After the metal detector alerted him, Visser found the pommel about 8 inches beneath the soil. The Fryske Akademy and the Fries Museum dated the pommel to 900 – 1,000 CE.
It is unlike most Viking Age pommels of that era in that it was originally gilded. Some of the original gold continues to cling to the copper alloy pommel. Swirled knot work with two animal heads were carved into the pommel. Speculation is they represent wild bore as the boar was associated with strength in combat. The Norse goddess Freya had a boar named Hildesvini, meaning “Battle Swine,” who reportedly rode by her side into battle.
Although Christianity had already entered the area, this pommel was likely from a heathen sword. Although the swords carried by Christians were not mass produced by today’s standards, the weapons bore by the Church of the time tended to be less distinct.
What makes this find noteworthy is its location. Although the prescience of Vikings in the area has been well documented, archeological evidence rare.
