Slithrung 3

Slithrung Part 3:  The Sheaths

While a splendid sword demands a splendid sheath, arranging this was, to put it mildly, a long-winded and stressful affair. Given the extensive use of high-status metal decoration on the sheath of Notung, it was initially felt that the sheath of Slithrung should be constructed of mostly organic components. Indeed, most finds of extant Migration period sheaths seem to lack metal fittings.
This article discusses both attempts to produce a worthy sheath for Slithrung.

Slithrung 2

Sliþrung Part 2: The Hilt

With the blade ready, and with the core of a sheath to protect it, attention could be given to the hilt. Inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, but also Scandinavian finds, a design was put together that would be able to highlight trade and cultural links between ancient Mercia and the Scandinavian kingdoms.

Slithrung 1

Sliþrung Part 1

Crucial to future appreciation of the Staffordshire Hoard, and recognition of the historical golden age (rather than ‘Dark Age’) it represents, is the effective communication of it’s story and insights to members of the public.

Although found out of any useful immediate context, hoard finds do each have a story to tell; some are connected with neighbouring items in the hoard, while others are linked to other finds elsewhere in England and beyond, hinting at trade and cultural ties.

Inspired by the tree of connections rooted by the Staffordshire Hoard, I embarked on a project to produce a single assembly capable of providing visual context to a number of hoard finds, and illustrate the hoard’s broader context both in time, and in relation to neighbouring kingdoms and cultures.