---
title: Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5799/germanic--christian-tales-from-the-franks-casket/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5799.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5799.jpg)

## Image Caption

The left half of this front panel of the casket refers to the Germanic tale of Weland, a smith who was imprisoned and lamed by a legendary king. Weland took revenge by killing the king's sons and turning their skulls into drinking cups. Here, Weland stands in his forge, holding a skull in his tongs. The right side of the panel tells the Christian story of the three [Magi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Magi/), who bring [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/), frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn [Jesus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Jesus_Christ/). A runic riddle around the panel's edge refers to the whalebone used to make this casket. The Casket was donated by Sir [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) Wollaston [Franks](https://www.worldhistory.org/Franks/). Early 700s. From Auzon, Haute-Loire, Auvergne, modern-day France. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 11). Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5799/germanic--christian-tales-from-the-franks-casket/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 11, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5799/germanic--christian-tales-from-the-franks-casket/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Germanic & Christian Tales from the Franks Casket." *World History Encyclopedia*, 11 Oct 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5799/germanic--christian-tales-from-the-franks-casket/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 11 October 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.