The Statue of Rällinge is a bronze sitting figure found in Södermanland, Sweden, in 1904, and it is believed to date from the Viking Age. This seven-centimeter-tall figure wears a pointed headdress, has a pointed beard, and features an erect penis. Its identity has been the subject of debate, with two main interpretations:
Freyr: Many consider the figure to represent the god Freyr. This interpretation is based on descriptions of a phallic statue of Freyr in the Temple at Uppsala during the 11th century. However, the identification is not entirely clear.
Thor or a playful figure: Some have suggested that the figure could represent Thor, the god associated with thunder and storms. In this interpretation, it is proposed that the figure is playing a flute and waving his beard to create the wind. If it does indeed depict a god, it may be a small religious statuette, similar to those mentioned in ancient Scandinavian sagas.
The Statue of Rällinge is now part of the collection at the Swedish Museum of History. It was discovered in 1904 at Rellinge Farm in Lund Parish, Södermanland, Sweden. The initial report stated that it was found in the farm garden under a mass of stones, earth, trees, and bushes by Edward Holmgren. However, in 1990, documents surfaced indicating that a 12-year-old boy named Gustav Karlsson had actually found it in the farm's potato field and sold it to Holmgren for 25 Swedish crowns. Holmgren then took it to the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm, where he received 20 kronor for it.
The bronze statue is believed to date from the end of the Viking Age, around 1000 AD. It stands 6.9 cm (2.7 inches) tall and weighs 141.3 grams (4.98 ounces). The craftsmanship of the statue suggests it was created by a Scandinavian sculptor, and its design is distinct from contemporary art in continental Europe. The figure is depicted seated with crossed legs, right hand grasping his beard, left hand resting on his knee, and a pointed helmet or hat on his head. The beard is long and pointed, accompanied by a large upturned mustache. The figure is also depicted with an erect penis, and its shoulders and buttocks feature intricate patterned designs.
