CHAPTER IX 

 NARWHAL HORNS, WALRUS TUSKS, ETC. 



The horn of the narwhal was regarded as an object of 

 great value in Viking times, partly on account of the diffi- 

 culty and danger experienced in obtaining it, and partly 

 for its beautiful texture when carved. The Vikings deco- 

 rated the prows of their war galleys with these horns, had 

 them carved into sword and dagger-hilts, and also set them 

 on staffs and sceptres. Their wives wore hair-pins made out 

 of this material, and curiously wrought charms, which were 

 considered talismans of good luck both in love and war. 



The ancient Chinese, apart from a superstitious belief 

 in the potency of these "horns" against the machinations 

 of evil spirits, placed a high value upon them as medicinal 

 agents. For this use they were reduced to a powder and 

 administered to the patient in water or some other liquid. 

 The Chinese also carved them into amulets or charms of the 

 God of Good Luck, believing that the wearer of such a charm 

 would not only be protected from danger, but would be fortu- 

 nate in all his undertakings and would enjoy good health 

 and long life. Unfortunately for those who wish to have a 

 share of this good fortune, the narwhal is now almost ex- 

 tinct, and is only rarely found in the Arctic Seas. 



The coronation chair of the kings of Denmark, preserved 

 in the great banqueting hall or Riddersaal, of Rosenborg 

 Castle, is formed to a great extent of the tusk of the narwhal. 

 It was doubtless believed that the presence of this material, 



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