The Sutton Hoo Sceptre And The Roots Of Celtic Kingship Theory

The Sutton Hoo whetstone sceptre is the most enigmatic and mysterious emblem of kingship of the Early Middle Ages. Produced c.600 AD and long held to be Anglo-Saxon, the author of this book argued in 1983 that it was actually made by Celtic craftsmen who deployed Celtic iconographic themes in its craving. That thesis is now accepted by many scholars but continues to be a matter of debate. Here the thesis is re-examined with a wealth of evidence never before discussed. Enright establishes that the sceptre is undoubtedly a British artefact, one that reflects a long history of Celtic kingship theory. It marks the end of a tradition that begins with the Iron Age Pfalzfeld pillar. Because the sceptres design reflects that of the pillar, a comparison of their creators ideas is possible. The book casts new light on a number of significant topics in the field and its findings will be of considerable interest to scholars in a variety of areas.

Table Of Contents:

IA critical review of the major literature13IINeglected evidence and a broader perspective34IIIThe language of stone85IVSound, fire, water and wind in the sceptres vision of kingship116VThe pillar, the sceptre and the good god245VIConclusion337App. Some thoughts on the background of the Icelandic whetstone anecdotes346