Hiker Discovers 1,200-Year-Old Viking Sword in Norway

A century old sword belonging to the Viking age was found by a hiker while taking an old route across central southern Norway.

According to Daily Mail, the wrought iron weapon was found by a hiker, Gøran Olsen on the border of Telemark in Haukeli. While on a walking route in Haukeli, the Viking sword was found half buried beneath the rocks.

It was thoroughly examined by an archaeologist working for Hordaland Country Council, Jostein Aksdal. However, a local archaeologist claimed its strength and said that if the weapon is given a 'polish and a new grip' it can come into use even today.

As County Conservator Per Morten Ekerhovd told CNN: "It's quite unusual to find remnants from the Viking Age that are so well-preserved...[the sword] might be used today if you sharpened the edge."

The reason behind the well-preserved sword is quite simple to predict. As Ekerhovd explained that for half of the year, the mountains of the area are covered with frost and snow. And in the summers, exposure to humidity is minimal, which adds to the sword's exceptional condition, as reported by CNN.

He also added that archaeological remains and preservations are often found along the paths. He theorized that a traveler may have owned the wrought iron weapon, who faced an accident or suffered a frostbit, or it could belong to a burial site.

The Viking sword found is over 30 inches long (77 centimeters), is without a handle and made up of wrought iron. Archaeologists estimate that it may belong to an era of around 750 A.D. and that makes it approximately 1,265 years old. But still, it was not labeled as an exact date.

Ekerhovd said that in Viking times, these kinds of swords were marked as a symbol of status as the cost of extracting iron was quite high at that time. Additionally, it is believed that its blade belonged to a rich person.

"We are really happy that this person found the sword and gave it to us," said Ekerhovd. "It will shed light on our early history. It's a very (important) example of the Viking age."

According to the experts, the crucible steel used by the Vikings may have come from the Islamic world, as reported by History. Researchers discovered a ring belonging from a 9th century Viking grave on last March. An Islamic inscription is written on it which means "for/to Allah,"

The sword is now in the possession of the University of Bergen and will further be investigated for preservation and research purposes. Moreover, archaeologists are planning to explore the site of Olsen's discovery deeply to uncover more artifacts. The expedition is scheduled for next spring when the snow will melt.