Thorwald's Cross (Andreas)

Famous Norse cross slab showing scenes from Ragnarök (the Norse apocalypse) and Christian imagery COMBINED on the same stone. This cross is one of the most important Viking-era carved stones in the world — it shows the exact moment Norse paganism was merging with Christianity on IoM. Odin being consumed by Fenrir (the wolf) on one side, and Christian imagery on the other. WHY IT'S SIGNIFICANT: The artistic quality and theological complexity prove a sophisticated, wealthy Norse community at Andreas. The cross is in Kirk Andreas churchyard. The surrounding fields of Andreas parish have produced Viking hoards (Ballacamaish) — this was IoM's wealthiest Viking community.