A metal detectorist recently uncovered a bent bronze sword, dating back 2,500 years to the late Bronze Age, in a bog near Veksø, Denmark.

The sword, along with other artifacts like axes, ankle rings, and a fragment of a needle, is believed to have been part of a ritual sacrifice.

The sword’s unusual S-shape suggests it was bent as part of the ritual, and it may represent the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, as it contains iron rivets, possibly the oldest in Denmark, Live Science has reported.

The sword’s design is linked to the Hallstatt culture, known for its warrior ideal, and the find offers insight into ancient rituals and weapon evolution.

Written by B.C. Begley