u/Thor_Smith

AlgizRune Art Historical Studio Project: www.algizrune.com

Mjolnir with Wolf tooth design

For Art Day, we wanted to share a small process from Ukraine.

This was filmed in the Sumy region (about 30 km from the border).

All metal items are created from recycled, used military cartridges provided by Ukrainian defenders, a form of modern trench art, shaped by hand using traditional techniques.

The pieces follow historical forms found in Ukrainian lands. Some reflect the Tryzub, a long-standing symbol of Ukrainian identity, while others are based on early medieval-style body crosses and designs connected to Viking Age influences in the region, including forms similar to Mjölnir or the Slavic axe associated with Perun.

Thank you, dyakujemo.

Harald Fairhair (Old Norse: Haraldr Hárfagri) was the first king to unite Norway in the late 9th century. He was a hard and determined ruler who believed that one land should have one king.

As the story goes, Harald swore he would not cut or comb his hair until he had conquered all of Norway. For many years, he fought against local chieftains who ruled their own regions and refused to submit.

His most important victory came at the Battle of Hafrsfjord. There, Harald defeated a coalition of rival chiefs in a fierce sea battle. This victory gave him control over western Norway and marked the beginning of a united kingdom.

After this, Harald became known as “Fairhair,” as he finally cut and groomed his long hair.

Today, his victory is remembered by the monument Sverd i fjell near Stavanger. It shows three large swords planted in rock:

The largest sword stands for Harald’s victory and rule
The two smaller swords represent the defeated kings
The swords in stone also symbolize peace, as they are fixed and cannot be used again

This monument is a simple but powerful reminder of the moment when Norway became one kingdom.

LostRavn Historical Viking jewelry collection