English: Gunnar Gjukason (norse name of the german Gunther) in the snake pit playing the harp with his feet. Detail from the left portal plank from Hylestad stave church, Setesdal, Norway. Original photo by Jeblad. 12th century. (According to http://ec-dejavu.ru/k/knot_04.html) Gunnars wife Gudrun threw a harp to him. Still bound in chain, Gunnar played the instrument with his toes so well, that music caused all but one snake to fall to sleep. This last adder killed him. (According to http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html) Other sources describes the instrument as a lute. (For example https://web.archive.org/web/20120202232042/http://www.angelfire.com/realm/shades/vikings/vikart.htm)