Scandinavian Dragon Viking Shield Brooch

Description

Scandinavian Dragon Viking Shield Brooch. 1.5 inch. $9.95.

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Learning About Norse People AKA Vikings. Shop our selection of Norse Viking Items HERE.

Scandinavian dragon folklore is rich, complex, and deeply tied to Norse mythology, medieval sagas, and folk tales. These dragons—often called “ormr”, “dreki”, or “lindorm”—vary in shape, symbolism, and role, but they consistently represent greed, chaos, or powerful protection.

🐉 Types of Dragons in Scandinavian/Norse Lore

1. Jörmungandr (The Midgard Serpent)

• Not a dragon per se, but a serpentine world monster.

• Child of Loki, thrown into the sea by the gods.

• So large it encircles the world and holds its own tail (Ouroboros-like).

• Destined to fight Thor during Ragnarök, where they kill each other.

• Symbol of cosmic balance, destruction, and fate.

2. Fáfnir

• The most famous dragon in Norse mythology, featured in the Völsunga Saga.

• Originally a dwarf, Fáfnir turns into a dragon to guard his hoard of cursed gold.

• Killed by the hero Sigurd (or Siegfried in the Germanic Nibelungenlied).

• Represents greed, corruption, and hoarded knowledge.

• His blood grants Sigurd the ability to understand birds—highlighting the theme of wisdom gained through danger.

3. Níðhöggr

• A dragon/serpent that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

• Lives in Niflheim, the realm of cold and death.

• Sometimes depicted as feeding on the corpses of the dead.

• Symbolizes destructive forces, rot, and cosmic decay.

🐍 Lindworms (Lindormar) – Folkloric Dragons

• A lindworm is a serpent-like dragon with two legs and no wings.

• Found in later Scandinavian folktales, especially Swedish and Danish ones.

• Often lives in forests or barrows, guards treasure or secrets.

• Killing one can grant magical boons or the release of a curse.

Example Folktale:

• A prince born as a lindworm due to a broken promise or curse.

• Only after heroic deeds or magical intervention can he return to human form.

• This echoes the “beast bridegroom” trope seen in other European fairy tales.

🛡️ Symbolism of Dragons in Scandinavian Lore

• Greed & Curses: Dragons often hoard treasure that brings ruin.

• Wisdom & Power: Slaying a dragon can grant foresight, strength, or status.

• Chaos vs. Order: Dragons often represent chaotic, primordial forces that threaten the gods or the world.

• Fate & Transformation: Especially in sagas, dragons mark turning points in destiny.

Also, here is a link to Wikipedia about The Norse people.

Scandinavian Dragon Viking Shield Brooch. 1.5 inch. $9.95.