Explore history

Reused Textiles in a Chasuble

Throughout history, the reuse of textiles has been common. Textiles were expensive, which meant that even small scraps of fabric were saved for future use. Rag rugs are a well-known example, but there are many others.

A green and a black antependium

The Swedish History Museum’s collection of ecclesiastical textiles consists mostly of older items, dating from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century. However, a few pieces from the 20th century are also represented, including two antependia from Ösmo Church in Södermanland.

From kaftan in Turkey to chasuble in Sweden

Among the treasures of the Swedish History Museum is a chasuble that began its life as a kaftan in Turkey. The shimmering fabric tells the story of recycling and reuse of textiles, a common practice throughout Swedish history.

The Åsle mitten and needle binding

Among the collections of the Swedish History Museum is one of Sweden’s oldest examples of the needle binding technique: a mitten known as the Åsle mitten. Radiocarbon analysis has shown that the mitten was made during the Middle Ages, much later than archaeologists had originally believed.

Medieval textile: the pomegranate pattern

The pomegranate pattern was one of the most popular and widespread textile designs during the late Middle Ages. Its origins lie in China, and it flourished in Italy during the Renaissance.

The mysterious carpet

The Marby carpet is one of the world’s oldest surviving carpets in such complete condition. It was knotted sometime between 1300 and 1420 in the Armenian Highlands, in Anatolia. Today, the carpet is part of the collections at the Swedish History Museum. But how did it end up in Sweden?

The mythological world of the Vikings

Norse mythology forms the foundation of the Vikings’ religious and mythological beliefs. During this period, people in Scandinavia worshipped multiple gods. Stories of gods, giants, and humans and originate from the time before Christianity.

Iðunn – goddess of youth and vitality

Iðunn is known as the goddess of youth and renewal. Her most famous attribute is that she guards and dispenses the golden apples that keep the Æsir young. Without her apples, the gods would age like ordinary mortals, and so she plays a crucial role in the world of myth.

Heimdall – forefather of humankind

Heimdall is the forefather of humankind, and he teaches them many things, such as the knowledge of runes. He is a mysterious god, connected to the world tree Yggdrasil. One interpretation of his name is “He who shines over the world.”

Frigg – mistress of Asgard

Frigg is the mistress of Asgard, the home of the gods, and the wife of Odin. She is the protector of marriage and motherhood, and is mother to Balder, Höðr and Hermóðr.

Balder – the beautiful and beloved

Balder is one of the most beloved gods in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, and is renowned for his goodness, wisdom and beauty. The myths about Balder centre on his death and the attempts to bring him back from the realm of the dead.

Freyja – goddess of fertility and war

Freyja is the goddess of fertility, love and beauty, but she is also associated with magic and war. She is the daughter of the sea god Njord and the twin sister of Freyr, who, like her, belongs to the family of gods known as the Vanir.

The worlds and beings of Norse mythology

Old Norse mythology and the Viking worldview are rich in realms and mythological beings. Evocative names such as Midgard, Asgard, Utgard and Nifelhel. Giants, gods and monstrous creatures.

Thor – God of Thunder

Thor is the mighty god of thunder in Norse mythology. He is often called “the Thunderer”, for he commands thunder and lightning. Thor is also the god of farmers and free men. He is known for his fiery temper, his red hair and his thick, bushy brows.

Skadi – goddess of the wilderness

Skadi is the goddess of the wilderness, who hunts in the mountains on her skis. Her father is the giant Thjazi. And despite being a giantess, she is accepted by the gods of Asgard when she marries the sea god Njord.

Odin – leader of the gods

Odin bears many names and is both a god of war and a god of the dead. Half of all warriors who fall in battle come to his hall, Valhalla. He is the one-eyed Allfather, who sacrificed an eye in order to see everything that happens in the world.

Sources for Norse mythology

How do we know what we know about people’s beliefs, mythological tales and ideas about the afterlife a thousand years ago – in the era known as the Viking Age?

Burials and skeletons

Explore burial practices and skeletons through history, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.

People and culture

Explore people and culture through history, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.

Religion and belief

Explore people and culture through history, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.

Treasures and hoards

Discover treasures and hoards throughout history, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.

Behind the scenes

Curious what happens behind the scenes at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm? Gain a deeper understanding of our operations, what our staff does, and our areas of expertise.

Art and handicraft

Explore art and handicraft throughout history, in the collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.

3D: Vendel helmets

The iconic Vendel helmets from the rich boat graves in Vendel, Valsgärde, and Ultuna represent the Vendel Period like no other group of artifacts. See 3D models and a film.

Sweden’s oldest piece of furniture – the Kungsåra bench

In 1906, the future National Antiquarian Oscar Montelius gave a lecture in Västerås. Afterwards, an audience member approached him and told him about a remarkable piece of furniture said to be in Kungsåra Church. This led to the discovery of the nearly thousand-year-old Kungsåra bench.

The Alunda moose

Explore a 3D-model of the Alunda Moose in the collections of the Swedish History Museum

3D: Reliquary Box from Vadstena Abbey

An Etruscan bronze vessel

The bronze vessel is a part of the Hassle hoard found 1936 by the farmer Axel Nilsson.

Knights in the Middle Ages

Explore a helmet worn by a medieval knight. Made of iron, the Aranäs helmet is one of the few well-preserved helmets from the 13th century in Europe.

The Bishop from Kumla

This sculpture of a holy bishop is made of limewood was likely made in the late 1400s. It has traces of green paint...

Wood sculpture – the angel from Njutånger

Candle staffs were used in the medieval church. The staff had a twisted rope-like design, often topped with an angel. This angel comes from Njutånger in Hälsingland.

3D: Drinking horn with mythical creatures

Drinking horns have been used for several thousand years during celebrations and festivals. In the Middle Ages, horns were used by royalty, wealthy individuals, and priests. They were often decorated with animal motifs, patterns, and various inscriptions.

3D: A three-legged ceramic pot

This three-legged medieval pot is made of ceramic about 400 years ago and was used for cooking or preparing food. This pot was found outside Kalmar Castle.