Rare 6th-century gold sword ornament found on Norwegian hiking trail
A hiker discovered a rare gold sword scabbard ornament dating to the 6th century on a trail near Sandnes, Norway. Decorated with animal motifs, the piece likely belonged to a local chieftain or ruler. Only 17 comparable objects are known in Northern Europe, making it a precious testimony of Scandinavian elite power before the Viking Age.
Key facts
- Discovery made on a hiking trail near Sandnes, Norway
- Object is a gold sword scabbard ornament from the 6th century
- Decorated with animal motifs
- Likely belonged to a local chieftain or ruler
- Only 17 comparable objects known in Northern Europe
- Provides insight into pre-Viking Scandinavian elite power
- Reported by L'ŒIL on June 29, 2026
- Published in L'ŒIL n°797 of July 1, 2026
Entities
Institutions
- L'ŒIL
Locations
- Sandnes
- Norway
- Northern Europe