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Tanngrisnir Statue | Thor's Sacred Goat | Hand-Carved Viking Candle Holder | ArtCarving Shop
Tanngrisnir Statue | Thor's Sacred Goat | Hand-Carved Viking Candle Holder | ArtCarving Shop
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This hand-carved Tanngrisnir statue depicts Thor’s sacred goat in full charging stride — head lowered, massive curved horns sweeping forward, every strand of fur individually carved from solid ash wood. Across his flank, intricate Viking knotwork and Norse ornamental patterns are engraved in striking contrast against the dark brown finish. A candle holder is set into his back, making this both a mythological sculpture and a functional altar piece. Standing 13.3 inches tall, each piece is individually carved in Ukraine.
Tanngrisnir — “Tooth-Gnasher” — and his twin Tannɡjóstr — “Tooth-Grinder” — are the two immortal goats who pull Thor’s chariot across the sky. In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson records one of the most remarkable myths in all of Norse tradition: when Thor and Loki stayed the night with a peasant family, Thor slaughtered the goats for dinner, instructing the family to pile the bones carefully on the hides. The farmer’s son Þjálfi cracked a thigh bone to reach the marrow — and when Thor raised his hammer Mjölnir over the bones the next morning, both goats were resurrected whole, save for one who limped. This myth of death and resurrection made Tanngrisnir a powerful symbol of renewal and abundance, deeply connected to the broader world of Thor statues and Norse mythology sculptures. The thunderous sound of the goats’ hooves across the sky was said to be the source of thunder itself — making them inseparable from Thor’s power over storms. A striking companion to any piece in the Celtic and Norse spirit animal collection.
Details
Material: hand-carved ash wood
Finish: varnish
Function: candle holder (hollowed back)
Height: 13.3 in / 34 cm — Width: 7.2 in / 18.5 cm — Depth: 2.3 in / 6 cm
Wipe clean with a dry cloth — do not submerge in water
Shipping & Global Delivery
We ship from Spain (EU), our USA fulfillment studio, and our Workshop in Ukraine. View full shipping information →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tanngrisnir statue made of and how big is it?
The Tanngrisnir statue is hand-carved from solid ash wood and finished with varnish. It measures 13.3 in / 34 cm tall, 7.2 in / 18.5 cm wide, and 2.3 in / 6 cm deep — one of the larger pieces in the collection. A candle holder is hollowed into the goat's back, making it both a mythological sculpture and a functional altar piece. Each statue is individually carved in Ukraine, so no two are identical.
Who is Tanngrisnir in Norse mythology?
Tanngrisnir — "Tooth-Gnasher" — and his twin Tanngjóstr — "Tooth-Grinder" — are the two immortal goats who pull Thor's chariot across the sky. Their thundering hooves were said to be the source of thunder itself. In the Prose Edda, Thor slaughtered the goats for dinner during a stay with a peasant family, then resurrected them whole the next morning by raising his hammer Mjölnir over their bones — a powerful myth of death and renewal. Tanngrisnir is a symbol of Thor's abundance, his connection to the agricultural cycle, and the regenerative power at the heart of Norse belief.
How is a Tanngrisnir candle holder used on a Norse or Viking altar?
Place the Tanngrisnir candle holder at the centre of your Norse altar with a pillar or taper candle set into his back. He is a natural companion to a Thor statue or Mjölnir symbol, and pairs well with offerings of grain, mead, or iron. Light the candle during rituals honouring Thor — for strength, protection, storms, or the harvest. He is especially appropriate at Yule, when the themes of death, resurrection, and the return of light mirror the myth of the goats' slaughter and rebirth. His presence on an altar invokes Thor's generosity, power, and the cycle of renewal.
Our Advantages
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Worldwide Shipping
Free shipping on most orders.
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Hassle-Free Exchanges
If any sculpture comes in a damaged state, please let us know.
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Absolutely Unique Designs
We create concept, model, adjust and carve. All of our models are nowhere else to be seen.