Sven Veorg - Son of Olaf the Peaceful, King of Norway

Photo by Molly Shumway

Artist Parry Morton created the character Sven the Viking King, incorporating his own many talents into Sven's storyline. Sven is a master bronzesmith and woodcarver, a sculptor of stone and master leatherworker, all trades he learned from his father,Olaf. Parry made his entire costume by hand which details these skills. It was ten years in the making, with a major part added each year.

Photo by John Siler	Sven is wearing Helmet - A fur covered ceremonial helmet with cow horns. Helmets were worn for protection; the cow horns were only worn by kings in ceremony. The fur is red fox. Beard - Viking men felt that facial hair was very masculine and kept their faces warm in the harsh winters.	Coat - Sven's coat is made of deerskin. It is decorated with leather lacing and bronze beads. The dragon designs along the sleeves and hem were burned in. Both red and white fox fur run along the collar and back.
Arm Bands of heavy leather were used as armor in battle. Sven's is decorated with bronze beads and buttons. They are worn above rabbit Gloves without fingers. Trousers made of patched leather to which rabbit shoes are sewn. Sheepskin Leggings cross gartered with strips of leather cover the calf for warmth and protection.	Photo by John Siler

Wide Belt - Tooled dragon scales circle the 1/4 inch thick leather upon which ceramic dragons overlay. The belt is trimmed in fox fur and from it hangs a tooled leather and fox Bag, accented with bronze buttons. Vikings might carry anything of value for trading in such bags; coins, beads, amulets or carved bones. It was also useful for carrying a bit of jerky.

A Tall Stein hangs from the belt. In memory of his father, Olaf's face is tooled along with Celtic birds and horses.

A Water Bodd covered with fur contains water only to prevent dehydration.

Sven's Drinking Horn is a rare steer horn with Celtic carvings of his travels. The 1100 A.D. style designs are one of kind, all hand carved. Metal work also decorates the horn.

Sven is armed with two Battle Axes. Both have handles of carved wood and wrapped leather and fox fur. The large battle axe is a symbol of his power and strength. He is also carrying a Sword decorated with tooled leather Celtic carvings and bronze. The handle is wrapped in hemp for better friction and the pommel is a bronze helmet.

A Dragon Pendant with beads hang on a leather thong around Sven's neck. In Viking times dragons were good luck.

Parry Morton does custom leather work, metal work, costuming, sculpture and photography. He also does educational lectures, bringing history to life for children.

You may contact him at: Parry Morton, P O Box 1971, Payson, AZ 85547 or by phone: 520-474-6113