Hiker stumbles across 1,200 Year Old Viking Sword While Out Fishing

A hiker stumbled across something unusual in Norway recently, and by ‘something unusual’, I mean a 1,200-year-old Viking sword.

Gøran Olsen found the incredible antique when he sat down to rest after a fishing trip in central-southern Norway.

Jostein Aksdal, an archaeologist who examined the sword, told thelocal.no:

The sword was found in very good condition. It is very special to get into a sword that is merely lacking its grip.

When the snow has gone in spring, we will check the place where the sword
was found. If we find several objects, or a tomb, perhaps we can find the story behind the sword.

The sword measures 77cm in length, indicating it was forged somewhere around 750-800AD. It was recovered in such a good condition that archaeologists said it could be used today if the grip was replaced and the metal was polished, according to The Independent.

Mr Aksdal went on to add: “This was a common sword in Western Norway. But it was a costly weapon, and the owner must have used it to show power”.