Round Shield

Lore & Background

The Hårby figurine matches similar pieces dated to 800 AD, leading experts to assume it represents a valkyrie who brought fallen warriors to Valhalla. While some suggest the figure could be a Norse shield maiden, the goddess Freya, or even a mythological giantess, its specific iconography aligns with the valkyrie tradition. Unlike other two-dimensional jewellery representing these figures from the 9th century, this piece is distinctively three-dimensional. The workshop where it was likely made has been identified through excavations in Hårby, which revealed several pit-houses used for forging. Many old ornaments found there were intended to be reforged into new items, suggesting the Valkyrie itself was crafted locally before being lost or hidden.

In Their Own Story

In 2012, an amateur archaeologist unearthed this tiny but significant silver figure in Hårby. The discovery revealed a woman clad in a long patterned skirt, her hair tied at the back of her neck and eyes clearly defined. In her left hand, she firmly grips a round shield distinguished by a salient boss, while her right hand holds a sword. This find adds to a history of Iron Age and early Viking Age discoveries in Hårby, which include gold rods, silver coins, and bronze ornaments. The figurine's journey from a local workshop to its modern display began here, eventually finding a home in an exhibit on the Vikings at the National Museum of Denmark.

Reader's Guide

The Hårby Valkyrie serves as a primary archaeological reference for Viking-age depictions of shield-bearing female figures. The figure is made of gilded silver with niello used to create black details. It stands 3.4 centimetres (1.3 in) tall and dates to the period around 800 AD. For those interested in physical representations, a replica sculpture was created by Morten Skovsby in wood; this version measures 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) high and weighs between 300–400 kg (660–880 lb). The wooden replica was put on display in Assens in 2015. Visitors can view the original silver artifact at the National Museum of Denmark.

Did You Know?

• The Hårby Valkyrie is the only known three-dimensional figurine of its kind from this period.
• The original silver figurine was discovered by an amateur archaeologist in 2012.
• The figure stands exactly 3.4 centimetres (1.3 in) tall and uses niello to create black details.
• A massive wooden replica created by Morten Skovsby weighs between 300–400 kg (660–880 lb).
• Excavations at the discovery site revealed pit-houses that served as workshops for reforging old ornaments.