Antique 9th Century Medieval Viking Bronze Thor Hammer Pendant Mjöllnir

A very rare, antique Viking bronze pendant made during the medieval era between the 9th and 10th centuries AD.
The pendant is shaped like the famous Thor's hammer, also known as Mjöllnir. It has been cast with fine details, and the front of the pendant is decorated with a dragon head terminal.
NOTE: The magic hammer Mjöllnir was a primary weapon of the Norse thundergod Thor. In the Norse myth, the only weapon that could rival Mjöllnir was Odin's Gungnir spear. According to the myth, Mjöllnir was a weapon that Thor used to defend Asgard and humanity and as a divine instrument to provide blessing.
The Vikings wore the "Mjöllnir" hammer to wish for Thor's presence in their life. When they participated in a battle, the hammer gave them the courage and physical strength of Thor to win the battle.
When they were home, the hammer would represent Thor's blessing used to bless births, funerals, and even weddings.
The etymology of the hammer's name 'Mjǫllnir' is disputed among historical linguistics. Old Norse Mjǫllnir developed from Proto-Norse melluniaR. One proposed derivation connects this form to Old Church Slavonic (Slavic) mlunuji and Russian molnija, meaning 'lightning' (either borrowed from a Slavic source or both stemming from a common source) and subsequently yielding the meaning 'lightning-maker.'
Thor's hammer finds are not limited to Scandinavia alone. Their distribution area extends over a large geographical region raided by the Vikings, stretching from Ireland in the west to Russia in the east, as far as the Caspian Sea.
These pendants were made in many different forms and from various materials. Most of Thor's hammers were made of bronze, iron, and lead, but some were also gold, silver, and amber.
PROVENANCE: The previous owner acquired it from an antiquities dealer in the U.K.
DIMENSIONS: 3.7 cm x 2.9 cm (1.46 inches x 1.14 inches).
WEIGHT: 21 grams.
CONDITION: It shows its age and use, covered with a dark brown-green patina.