Franks Casket

Franks casket 03

Franks Casket is an Anglo-Saxon whalebone chest from the early 8th century, notable for its intricate carvings and inscriptions. It is also known as the Auzon Runic Casket, named after the village of Auzon in France where it was discovered in the 19th century.

Description

The casket is made from the bone of a whale and is adorned with detailed carvings that depict scenes from Germanic mythology, Christian iconography, and Roman history. The carvings are accompanied by inscriptions in both Old English and Latin, using the runic alphabet and the Latin alphabet.

Panels

The casket is composed of five panels: the front, back, two sides, and the lid. Each panel features different scenes and inscriptions.

Front Panel

The front panel is divided into two sections. The left section depicts the Adoration of the Magi, a scene from the New Testament where the Magi present gifts to the infant Jesus. The right section shows a scene from the Germanic legend of Weland the Smith.

Back Panel

The back panel illustrates the Sack of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. This scene is accompanied by a Latin inscription.

Left Side Panel

The left side panel features a depiction of the mythological hero Sigurd (or Siegfried) slaying the dragon Fafnir. This scene is from the Völsunga saga, a legendary saga from Norse mythology.

Right Side Panel

The right side panel shows the Romulus and Remus myth, the legendary founders of Rome, being suckled by a she-wolf.

Lid

The lid of the casket is decorated with a scene of the Three Wise Men and an inscription in Old English runes.

Inscriptions

The inscriptions on the casket are of significant linguistic interest. They provide valuable insights into the use of runes and the Old English language during the early Middle Ages.

Discovery and History

Franks Casket was discovered in the 19th century in the village of Auzon, France. It was later acquired by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, after whom it is named. The casket is currently housed in the British Museum in London.

Significance

Franks Casket is an important artifact for the study of Anglo-Saxon art, runology, and early medieval iconography. It provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and artistic practices of the early Middle Ages.

See Also

• Anglo-Saxon art
• Runes
• Old English language
• Germanic mythology
• Christian iconography
• British Museum