Hanging by a thread : A metaphorical analysis of Viking Age tapestries

Abstract: Viking Age tapestries are rare, with only a few examples known. Previous interpretations of figurative depictions from the Viking Age have mainly focused on what mythical or legendary gods and heroes these images might depict. To broaden the perspective and open up new discussions, this thesis will analyse tapestry fragments from three different sites – the Oseberg ship burial a chamber grave located at Rolvsøy, both in Norway, and Överhogdal Church, Sweden – will be discussed with a theoretical basis of metaphors. The use of a metaphorical approach brings forward new perspectives on both the motifs and also the meaning of textiles as a bearer of messages.