Hemdrup Staven

In August 1949, the Hemdrup Staff was found during peat digging in Skarp Salling parish, east of Hemdrup. The discovery quickly attracted attention among professionals and was soon presented at an archaeological conference at Moesgaard Museum.

The staff is 50 cm long and is thickest at one end. Although the wood type is not precisely identified, it is assessed to be yew. It is dated to the 9th century and is decorated with runes as well as various figures of humans and animals, along with various symbols.

Over the years, experts have proposed several theories about the use of the staff, including as a shepherd's staff, a message stick, and even as Denmark's oldest love poem. However, the most likely theory is that the staff was part of Viking Age beliefs and rituals, specifically used in a magical, medical ritual to capture and combat disease demons. In Norse religion, the practice of magic, known as seiðr, was common. The staff was likely used by a practitioner of seiðr, a sorceress or shaman with special status in society. These individuals, often women, were called völvas.

In Løgstør, you can experience a true copy of the Hemdrup Staff and read more about its exciting history.