Naming of objects

In the Virskalli culture (and in an lesser extent also among the Fundi) there is an old tradition of naming objects. There is a strong belief in that if an object gets name it is no longer a generic representant of that type of object but an unique artifact. Objects with a name are believed to be better at their purpose, and the meaning of the name itself makes the object stronger in that regard.   Not all objects are named, they should either have shown that they have extraordinary properties or quality, been made with the intention of being named or the owner feels a special bond to the object, for it to be named. This is because it is dangerous to give names. Names are believed to have magic, and magic is dangerous. Also a named object is somewhat bound to its namegiver (or its owner if the one that gave the object its name is dead) which is a bound that devious individuals with black magic can use to hurt either the owner or the object. There are also believed that an object can become to self aware and evolve a will of its own and turn on its name giver or owner. There are lots of legends and stories about this in the Virskalli culture.  

Most common named objects

The most common type of objects to be named are weapons, shields, armors, saddles, wagons and ships/boats. But other objects can be named.   When the object is named it is marked with its new name and a small personal (often improvised) ritual is held. Sometimes could this ritual be well prepared and rather complicated, but most often is it extremely simple in the style of saying something like "I name thee NAME, may your name serve you well."
   

Types of names

The names used represents mostly what the name giver wants the object to do or the attributes he or she wants it to have. A shield or an armor for example could be named Sabarocka - protector or a sword Beithir - sharp or Skin - quick. The bronze dagger above for example bears the Vir the text "Vat tri vit vila alla" in Vir runes which translates to "That will be [your] piercer name", meaning "Piercer wil be your name".