This tough and robust shield is as fit for the Viking shieldwall in battle or as a focal point for your display or collection. The shield is full of handpainted and handcrafted detailing and is made from a thick base of 12″ (13 mm) thick plywood with the twin ravens of Odin, Huginn and Muninn upon its face set among intricate Norse knotwork. The shield is rimmed in tough stitched rawhide and its center has a antiqued steel shield boss with ample room for a large hand. The shield is backed by bars of stoutly riveted wood, with its central one doubling as the center grip. In Norse mythology the Raven holds a high perch of importance, for it is the twin Ravens Huginn and Muninn who are the eyes of Odin and their names roughly translate to thought and memory; from their wind-borne vantage they watch the world and in the aftermath of battles they take toll of the names of the brave and worthy. When they return to Odin they will tell him of what they have seen and thus the Odin the one-eyed perceives a great deal more than his appearance would suggest. In Celtic mythology the Ravens are closely associated with war and bear close association with several Goddesses, some of whom use their form at will, most notably the Morrigan.
