Henrik Refsnes Mørtvedt, aged 6, found a single-edged iron sword from the Merovingian period in Brandbu, Norway. The weapon, around 1,200 years old, is a key piece predating the Viking era.
A six-year-old boy has made an exceptional archaeological discovery in Norway. Henrik Refsnes Mørtvedt, who was looking for stones for a school project in the Brandbu area, stumbled upon a metallic object protruding from the ground. What initially seemed like a piece of scrap turned out to be a single-edged iron sword forged approximately 1,200 years ago.
The weapon belongs to the Merovingian period, a historical stage in Scandinavia that predates the Viking era. According to archaeologists who have examined the piece, it is a discovery of great value because swords from this era rarely survive in good condition. The specimen found by Henrik has miraculously made it to the present day, despite having been buried in an area subjected to agricultural ploughing for centuries.
An Accidental Find During a School Trip
Henrik was participating in an outdoor activity organised by his school when he detected the object. Noticing its elongated shape and unusual weight, he alerted his teacher, who contacted the local authorities. Experts from the Oslo Museum of Cultural History rushed to the site to conduct an emergency excavation and confirmed the weapon's authenticity.
The sword measures approximately 77 centimetres in length and retains part of its original blade. Archaeologists believe it may have belonged to a high-ranking warrior, as in the Merovingian era, swords were luxury items, forged by specialised blacksmiths and passed down through generations.
“It’s an incredible discovery. For a six-year-old to find such a well-preserved sword is exceptional,” stated a museum spokesperson.
What This Discovery Means for Nordic Archaeology
Henrik's find provides new information about the Merovingian period (550-800 AD), a transitional stage leading to the Viking era when Scandinavian societies began to stratify and develop advanced metallurgical techniques. Swords from this period are scarce in archaeological records, making each specimen crucial for understanding the trade networks and burial practices of the time.
For enthusiasts of Nordic history, this type of news demonstrates that there are still treasures to be discovered beneath our feet. The museum has announced that the sword will be restored and displayed to the public in the coming months, providing a unique opportunity to see up close an object that has remained hidden for over a millennium.
The Boy, a Local Hero for a Day
Henrik Refsnes Mørtvedt has become a minor celebrity in his village. The school has organised a talk with archaeologists so that students can learn about the dating and conservation process of ancient pieces. The boy has stated that he wants to be an archaeologist when he grows up, although for now, he will have to settle for continuing to search for stones in the schoolyard.
The sword is now in the museum's laboratory, where restorers will work to remove the dirt and rust without damaging the surface. Once the process is complete, the piece will become part of the permanent collection and will be on display at the Oslo location. For those interested in Viking history and its antecedents, it is a must-see.
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