Oden from Lejre is a small cast figurine from around the year 900. It is only 18 millimeters high, 20 millimeters wide, 13 millimeters deep and weighs 9 grams, cast in silver with inlays of niello (a black colored alloy) and gilding. It was found by amateur archaeologist Tommy Olesen on September 2, 2009 during an excavation conducted by Roskilde Museum at Gammel Lejre in Lejre municipality, just southwest of Roskilde. The find premiered at Roskilde museum on November 13, 2009 and is now part of their permanent exhibition.

The figure on his throne with ravens and wolves. Kred, Ole Malling, Lejre museum

The figurine depicts a person sitting on an ornate throne with two carved animal heads at the top. On the armrest of the throne sit two birds with pointed beaks. The person is wearing a short dress, an apron, four pearl necklaces, a neck ring, a cap over the shoulders and a cap. Who it represents is debated.

According to the leader of the excavations in Lejre, it is Odin, the main god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard, sitting on his throne Hlidskalf . The birds are his ravens Hugin and Munin. The animal heads on the throne may represent Odin's wolves Gere and Freke

However, other Danish and Swedish archaeologists with a focus on gender studies have questioned whether it is really Odin, as the figure is dressed in women's clothing and lacks all male attributes such as a beard or weapons. They believe that it should rather be Frigg or Freya possibly sitting in Odin's throne. In this context, it is worth noting that at one point Odin is said to have disguised himself as a woman in order to learn the sejd.

Who the person on the throne is is debated.

Who do YOU think this could be?