The king and his cult: The axe-hammer from Sutton Hoo and its implications for the concept of sacral leadership in early medieval Europe

Abstract

The iron-axe hammer from the Mound 1 ship-hurial at Sutton Hoo is reinterpreted as an instrument for sacrificing animals by pole-axing. As such it is a symbol of the leader-as-priest who was a feature of both Germanic and Roman pre-Christian society. (The editor is most impressed with this interesting suggestion.