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This design is a classic rendition of
Odin's horse, based on a piece from Lindholm.
Sleipnir
was the eight legged horse that was a universal
symbol of strength throughout Sweden. It is a
good example of how pagan symbols were often
carried over into the Christian period, since
early churches in Sweden often have Odin's horse
on the cornerstone, as a symbol of strength.
Sleipnir's
name means smooth or gliding, hence the English
word, slippery. Loki, in the guise of a mare,
gave birth to Sleipnir by Svadilfari.
It
has also been suggested that Sleipnir having
eight legs is symbolic of the four men who carry
a coffin, i.e. a steed to carry the rider into
the underworld. It might also be a reference to a
real horse with three toes, a genetic
manifestation that occasionally happens on the
front or rear legs of a horse, usually without
harm to the animal. Though rare, it has been
seen, and this might have worked its way into the
myth.
Incidentally,
one of Odin's alternative names is Ygg, and
Yggdrasil (the name of the world tree) therefore
means "Ygg's (Odin's) tree". Another of Odin's names is
Hangatyr, the god of the hanged. (Odin
hung himself from the tree Yggdrasil, whilst
pierced by his own spear, to acquire knowledge)
All
brooches can also be ordered as necklaces
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Colour:
Blue blend
Size:
1 3/4"
Colour: Porcelain/Bluebird
Size:
1 3/4"
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