Recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the
Viking Age, challenging commonly held conceptions of this key
period in European history.
The traditional view of the Vikings – stereotypes of raiders
wearing horned helmets – has been replaced by a more complete and
up-to-date picture.
The National Museum of Scotland is the only UK venue for this
outstanding exhibition of more than 500 objects from the
world-renowned collections of the Swedish History Museum in
Stockholm. Rarely seen outside Scandinavia, these artefacts show
the Vikings in a new and intriguing light.
Silver Thorshammer pendant with filigree ornamentation.
Animal-head brooch made from bronze, silver and gold.
Silver and gilded pendant, perhaps of the goddess Frigg.
Silver pendant in the shape of a male head.
This silver pendant is considered to be the oldest known
crucifix in present-day Sweden.
The bronze figurine is probably a representation of the
fertility god Frey.
Trefoil brooch of silver and gold with animal ornamentation.
Image © The Swedish
History Museum.
Discover the power of mythology and the symbolism of Viking
ships; gain fascinating insights into domestic life and death
rituals; and view evidence of astonishing Viking workmanship in
jewellery, metalwork, textiles and objects made from glass, bone
and amber. See the earliest Scandinavian crucifix along with other
striking silver pendants representing the pagan Norse Gods.
By bringing together these unique objects with new research and
hands-on displays, the exhibition reveals who the Vikings really
were, and creates a vivid picture of how they lived more than 1,000
years ago.
Exploring the exhibition with your children? Why not download
our family trail here.
‘If you’re intrigued by the themes and stories of the exhibition
why not try our Vikings! Training
School game and find out if you’ve got what it takes to become
a part of Viking folklore!