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All Iceland Reykjavik Eyrarland Statue
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Eyrarland Statue

Does this statue depict Thor, or Jesus Christ? Nobody knows.

Reykjavik, Iceland

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  jyackabonis / Atlas Obscura User
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This small bronze seated statue from around  the year 1000 is still surrounded by debate. The statue was recovered at Eyrarland farm in Iceland in 1815. 

It was sent to Copenhagen in 1817, but returned in 1930 to Iceland from the Danish National Museum. It now sits on the second floor of the National Museum of Iceland, and greets visitors as they arrive.

Many think this is depicting the Norse god, Thor, sitting and holding  his hammer, Mjölnir. Others believe it is Jesus Christ, sitting and holding a typical Icelandic cross. 

While we may never know who this statue is, it is emblematic of Iceland’s past, on display for all to see.

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Published

July 24, 2025

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