| The blade is based on the typical shape
of a Viking sax of the 9th. century. The sax only served to
reinforce the already fearsome reputation associated with the
Vikings. Like a huge carving knife, it had a curved sharpened
edge and a flattened back which met at a point. The sax was
the forerunner of the falchion which in turn gave rise to the
sabre.
The same original piece of red beech was used
to carve two blades of equal length, this one and another
based on a 13th. century falchion. The two swords simply had
to be named Odin and Thor.
In the first millenium, legend of the Nordic
people placed Odin as chief of the gods and King of Asgard.
He was the god of war, death, wisdom, inspiration and prophesy,
a conflict of interests well within the capabilities of such
a powerful god. He ruled over the great hall of slain warriors,
Valhalla. These warriors helped Odin and the other gods try
to defeat the giants at the final battle of Ragnarok. Unfortunately
Odin was killed and devoured by Fenrir the giant wolf who
was, in turn slayed by one of Odin's sons, the god Vidar.
Odin's eldest son was Thor, the god of thunder and of the
Sun.
Specifications:
blade type; single edge, Viking sax
blade length; 75 cm., 30 inches
overall length; 95 cm., 37 inches
Woods used:
blade; red beech
cross-guard; rimu (heartwood)
pommel rimu (sapwood)
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