First mentioned in the 11th century Icelandic Book of Settlements, Viking Dragon Rings were a very common type of jewelry during the Viking Age. Owning or wearing a dragon ring was seen as an indicator of wealth and power. These rings were made primarily from iron and were very intricately and artistically designed, with intricate dragons wrapping around them. Some say that the dragon itself symbolized protection and luck to its wearer, while others thought it might be used to invoke a pagan god. The designs could be different on each side of the ring, sometimes including a writing system called runes which would often spell out secret words or messages. Viking Dragon Rings were also believed to offer strength and courage for sea voyages as most Vikings participated in a great deal of ocean trade to help build their well-known legacy.