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Wizards and warriors: the Lewis Chessmen who inspired Harry Potter

Jonathan Jones
These 12th-century chess pieces carved from walrus tusks and whale teeth inspired the chess set in the film of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and are the most impressive Norse objects ever found in Britain
Lewis Chessmen
As well as inspiring the wizard chess set in the film of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, these 12th-century wonders carved from walrus tusks and whale teeth are the most impressive Norse objects ever found in Britain. They were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland but were probably made in Norway, and are full of Viking imagery. My favourites are the warriors who chew on their shields to show they are 'berserkers', who literally went mad in battle, believing themselves to be wild animals
Illustration: Photograph: Murdo Macleod
As well as inspiring the wizard chess set in the film of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, these 12th-century wonders carved from walrus tusks and whale teeth are the most impressive Norse objects ever found in Britain. They were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland but were probably made in Norway, and are full of Viking imagery. My favourites are the warriors who chew on their shields to show they are 'berserkers', who literally went mad in battle, believing themselves to be wild animals
Illustration: Photograph: Murdo Macleod
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