Discover a mysterious Viking anti-apocalyptic cave

Besides the stone boat discovered in the cave, the researchers also found rare artifacts from the Middle East and ancient ruins.

However, until now they have not been able to explain why these things appeared in a cave in Iceland.

Earlier, an international team of scientists from Iceland

Norway and the US discovered a boat made of stone tatkuink in the Surtshellir cave in Iceland. Researchers think that it may have been used by the Vikings to deal with Ragnarök - the apocalypse in Norse mythology.

According to new research results published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, this cave is located near a volcano that erupted nearly 1,100 years ago.

"The impact of the eruption must have been worrisome, posing existential challenges for Iceland's newly arrived settlers," the researchers said.

The researchers suggest that after the lava cooled, the Vikings entered the cave and created a boat. It is also where they conduct rituals.

The bones of sheep, goats, horses and pigs are burned inside the boat as a way to ward off the end of the world.

Historical records show that the Vikings worshiped the cave as Surtr, a mythical giant who would put an end to humanity.

"The world will end when Surtr kills the last god in the battle of Ragnarök and then engulfs the world in flames," the study reads.

Another theory regarding why the Vikings performed sacrifices and placed artifacts inside the boat is that they tried to strengthen Freyr, the god of peace and fertility, who had fight against Surtr.

Researchers assert that even after Iceland converted to Christianity

they continued to believe in the apocalyptic myth of Ragnarök. To skull clothing support their hypothesis, the scientists cite that the last objects placed in the boat were a set of weights, with one bearing the shape of a Christian cross.

In addition, the Surtshellir cave is also believed to be associated with the end of the world. According to some local reports, it is considered "the place where Satan will appear on Judgment Day".