Thor's hammare

Thor was the Viking god of thunder who used his hammer to rule and dispense justice. During thunderstorms, Thor was believed to be riding across the skies in his goat-drawn chariot. The strikes of his hammer caused the roar of thunder, while lightning came from the sparks that he sent flying. A hammer-shaped pendant became a common symbol for Thor, and it was also worn as a charm against the forces of evil. The pendant was particularly popular among the notoriously fierce Vikings. The prototypes for the pieces date from the Viking era of the years 800-1050.