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Thor Cross

Archaeology

A double sided wheel-headed carved cross with interlace and scenes from Norse mythology. It was found in 1869 and measures 56 inches x 21 inches x 3 inches. It is recorded as Manx Cross No. 124.


Kermode supposed that all the figures on the cross were characters from Norse myth and legend, including 'Thor and the ox-head'. Margerson stated that none of these had validity when examined closely and the iconography probably represented a combination of pagan and Christian elements of Celtic and Viking influences. The cross was considered too clumsy to be Grutr's work but was of that period, circa 950.


An information notice called it Thor Cross and stated that it has more scenes of Norse mythology depicted on it 'than any other slab'. The notice refers to five cross slabs found in the parish and dates them collectively from the 7th-12th centuries though Manc Cross Nos.124 and 118 are clearly Scandanavian.

Kirk Bride

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Bride
  • Sheading: Ayre
  • Grid Ref: NX4491001190

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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