Viking Peacock Quill Pen

Product Description: This Viking Peacock Quill Pen is made from a real peacock feather attached to a ribbon covered pen that has a biro nib. The quill pen measures approximately 30 centimetres long, however lengths will vary as the feather is a natural product. The quill is supplied with a colourful information card. On the front there is an image of a Viking shield and runic symbols inscribed on wood. On the back is an image of a Viking shield and historical information. The quill and card are held in a clear hanging bag.

Information: Wealthy Vikings and those of noble birth wanting to present their wealth and social rank would own birds like hawks, falcons and peacocks. Peacocks come from India so the location of Peacock skeletons and feathers in the graves of Vikings are evidence of the wide international network the Vikings had.

Peacock skeletons and feathers have been discovered in Viking burial sites like those at Gokstad. In 1904 the luxurious Oseberg chamber in Norway was excavated and the archaeologists found a peacock skeleton buried inside. These burial chambers were for high ranking women which suggests that the peacock was quite rare and liked in the Viking age.

The 13th century ‘Laxdæla saga’ tells the story of a Viking merchant and chieftain who was nicknamed “the Peacock” because of his proud bearing and magnificent wardrobe.