In the graves of Norse and Saxon warriors, we often find that a large bead was tied around the scabbards or hilts of their swords. Scholars conjecture that these beads were protective and blessing of the sword, and may have been a way to ritually "peace-bond" it in places where weapons are not allowed (such as within range of Frey's altar or at one of His rites).

That's how we use them today, on any hilted sword or knife. When the sword-bead is simply looped around scabbard or hilt (as shown in the first picture on the right) it's a blessing and a way to request that a particular deity guard your honor. When it is looped in a figure-eight around hilt and scabbard, such that it would be difficult to draw it (as shown in the second picture on the right), this ritually "peace-bonds" your blade and temporarily ceremonially nullifies it as a weapon.

Who guards your honor? We have sword-beads dedicated to: (first row, from left to right) Odin, Thor, Tyr, Frigga, Baldur, Skadi, Sif, Forseti, (second row) Ullr, Njord, Frey, Freya, Loki, Angrboda, Iormundgand, and Hela. Sword-beads can be custom-made for other Gods as well; email us and ask. Pick one up as a blessing for the warrior in your life.

Style: OdinThorTyrFriggaBaldurSkadiSifForsetiUllrNjordFreyFreyaLokiAngrbodaIormundgandHelaother... Other:

$12