<i>Þrymskviða, Vígja</i>, and the Canterbury Charm
Bernard Mees
The formulaic expression Þōrr vīgi appears on four rune-stone memorials spread across Denmark and southern Sweden, another seven inscribed rune-stones from the same area similarly feature hammers - that is, symbols of Þórr. Amulets in shape small are also well enough known other Viking Age contexts, Þórr’s name several runic charms, at least one which is clearly an apotropaic expression. Þórr his hammer associated with blessings Gylfaginning Þrymskviða. But Old Norse vigja has traditionally been assumed to represent a rather different notion ‘consecration’ than manner it seems be reflected such contexts; inherited Germanic root *weih-/ weig- related Latin victima ‘victim, sacrifice’ its primary meaning not ‘bless’. Although used later Christian contexts similar sense consecratio, closer investigation semantics blessing hallowing suggests understanding applied when this action was iconic hammer.
Viking and Medieval Scandinavia