Mythical Viking Ship ‘Naglfar’

‘Naglfar’ is an Ancient Norse ghost, Viking, ship built from the dead Viking’s toes and fingernails. 
Legend has it that when Ragnarök finally begins, the ship Naglfar will sail to Vígríðr, carrying the army of the dead to fight the Norse gods.

The Poetic Edda mentions Naglfar in the 13th century from earlier ancestral sources, and the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson.

Verse from The Prose Edda

49. Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is coiled in Jötun rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams: the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.

The Naglfar Norse Ship is depicted in the Tullstorp Runestone in Scania, Sweden.

The Tullstorp Runestone displays Ragnarök apocalyptic event carved into the runestone revealing the magnificent  spectral ship Naglfar sailing beneath the gigantic wolf Fenrir.

image

Sources:

*The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson 13th Century

*Naglfar ship illustration in Public Domain

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Author: Nifty Buckles Folklore

Nifty Buckles is a folklorist, and poet who brings to life enchanting cultural legends and fairytales.

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