Celtic - Norse Art

Norse MMA fighter going for an arm bar Mjolnir

Yggdrasil and Mjolnir

Yggdrasil and Mjolnir

Yggdrasil and Mjolnir

Fenrir, or Culann's hound.

Berserker Warrior

One of the most famous and popular icons from the heathen Viking age is that of the berserker. The beserkers, referred to as "Odin's men" were Viking shock troops that were renown for their ferocity in battle. They are also associated with shamanism and would use various hallucinogenic plants, alcohol, and ritual practices to work themselves into a battle frenzy where they were reported by several historians to display feats of super human strength, and, reportedly, felt no pain. They would also not be able to distinguish friend from foe, killing indiscriminately.

"Forging Mjölnir, Thor's Mighty Weapon"

Sindri and Brokkr in #norse #mythology were these two #dwarf brothers who were responsible for the creation of #thorshammer amongst other items. Each little detail in the drawing has a background story and a significance in the mythology #draw #drawing #celtic #celticart #nordic #norseart #nordicart #celticstyle #celticknot

"Jörmungandr wrapped around Mjölnir"

Jörmungandr (which translates to "huge monster"), in Norse mythology, is a serpent-like creature, and is the child of Loki. Also known as "the serpent of Midgard", Jörmungandr is so huge, that his body can stretch to nearly the entire circumference of the Earth! He lives deep within the oceans of Midgard (Earth) where he is hunted by his greatest adversary, the mighty Thor! Thor hunts Jörmungandr throughout Norse mythology, even employing a great giant to take him on a boat in an attempt to catch the evil serpent, but Jörmungandr always narrowly escapes Thor's grasp.

This epic back and forth between these two legends of Germanic lore continues until the final days of the world. During Ragnarök, Thor and Jörmungandr do battle for the final time. Thor, at last, slays the great beast, but he dies from the serpent's poison just after the fight ends.

The drawing is meant to be a foreboding representation of the inescapable fate of the two characters. Each is destined to chase each other throughout life, and they are responsible for the end of each other's lives. Powerful stuff, and I think using the Mjölnir pendant as a symbol of Thor with Jörmungandr wrapped around it is just as powerful.

The drawing is heavily influenced by classic Viking art, but it is not strictly traditional. It incorporates some contemporary flare to give it some extra edge and it's own unique style.

"Fenrir"

Fenrir, in Norse mythology, is the son of Loki and the father of all the wolves. Some of the most well known stories from Fenrir's highlight reel include biting off the hand of the Norse god Tyr, and swallowing Odin WHOLE during the events of Ragnarok. Fenrir is thought to represent darkness, or possibly evil. Interestingly, a Celtic cross as far away as the Isle of Man was discovered depicting Odin  charging toward Fenrir, and on the reverse side of the cross was depicted Christ triumphing over Satan. These combined elements have led to the cross as being described as "syncretic art"; a mixture of pagan and Christian beliefs. To me, its fascinating to see how these myths traveled beyond the borders of the Germanic peoples.

*Note: The runes towards the bottom of this sketch say "Fenrir" in the Anglo Saxon style. Why Anglo Saxon? Honestly, it's simply because I speak English so I feel like the Anglo Saxon runes are the closest connection to my own language, and, therefore, a bit more meaningful.

"Viking Skull"

There are a lot of Viking skulls out there, but I wanted to do my own version. I like using the braids to give it a more "barbaric" appearance. I enjoyed creating all of the details in the beard and hair.

"Skull Splitter"

"Skull Splitter" sketch I did with Mjolnir (hammer of Norse god Thor) smashing through a skull. Kind of embodies the Celtic Hammer Club "Get Hammered" slogan.

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots. You also have a Viking Warrior on the right (identified by his horned helmet) and a Celtic Warrior on the left

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

On another interesting note. It is held by most historians that the Vikings never actually wore winged or horned helmets as it is often depicted in our contemporary culture and imagery. It was actually the Ancient Celts who were known to wear helmets with horns, spikes and other adornments (as recorded by Roman historians, and artifacts recovered by archaeologists). Again, showing how the Celtic/Norse/Germanic cultures have blended over the course of history.

The face is intended to look foreboding. The whole image is almost like a totem pole. It's a warning that Odin is present and watching. It's also a warning that whoever wears the Viking Hammer possesses the strength of THOR. So beware!!!

Check out this original Celtic/Nordic design in our online store!

Two Celts keep watch on the handle while two Griffins stand guard on the head of the hammer symbolizing courage and boldness.  

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots.

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

This is one of many Thor's hammer/Mjolnir designs available on hoodies and t-shirts (both men's and women's) in our online Store! Check it out!

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots.

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

The face is intended to look foreboding. The whole image is almost like a totem pole. It's a warning that Odin is present and watching. It's also a warning that whoever wears the Viking Hammer possesses the strength of THOR. So beware!!

The handle of this hammer is decorated with Celtic dogs. I took the liberty of giving the dogs a more ferocious appearance than a strictly traditional Celtic animal would have. Dogs and hounds played a role in both Celtic and Norse cultures as companions and protectors (not unlike today).

The head of this hammer shows a Celtic Warrior on the left wielding his battleaxe.

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots.

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

The face is intended to look foreboding. The whole image is almost like a totem pole. It's a warning that Odin is present and watching. It's also a warning that whoever wears the Viking Hammer possesses the strength of THOR. So beware!!!

This is one of my favorite Celtic Hammer designs and can be found on several items in our online store! Go there now!!

The Celtic Hammer promotes strength, and hard working, hard drinking, hard fighting individuals. The main emblem is the mighty hammer. Adorned for centuries as a symbol of strength. The hammer is filled with Celtic knot work, and the helmet represents vigilance.

This Celtic Hammer was used on the first t-shirt ever made for our online shop, The Celtic Hammer Club. Go there now and "Get Hammered!"

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

The Viking Hammer was worn throughout the Middle Ages (and beyond) by pagan holdouts to Christianity. the pendant was meant as a symbol of their adherence to the old ways, but it also meant that whoever wore the Viking Hammer possessed the strength of THOR. So beware!!!

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots.

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

The face is intended to look foreboding. The whole image is almost like a totem pole. It's a warning that Odin is present and watching. It's also a warning that whoever wears the Viking Hammer possesses the strength of THOR. So beware!!!

Here you have the traditional Viking Hammer/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir pendant design with Odin's ominous face at the top and his beard twisted into Celtic style knots.

The idea of blending the Norse imagery with the Celtic is not out of step with historical accuracy. Celtic and Viking cultures interacted for centuries during the Middle Ages and it is believed that the knotwork that is almost always universally identified as Celtic was actually a style that was brought by the Vikings to the British Isles during their raids throughout the Middle Ages. The style gained such popularity among the Celts, and was used so extensively that the knotwork is now synonymous with Celtic culture.

The face is intended to look foreboding. The whole image is almost like a totem pole. It's a warning that Odin is present and watching. It's also a warning that whoever wears the Viking Hammer possesses the strength of THOR. So beware!!!

Norse God Odin was known to have an eye patch covering his right eye. Thor, Norse God of thunder, is seen here wielding his legendary hammer. In Norse mythology, Thor is Odin's son. This piece depicts Thor and his dad duking it out (about what I have no idea). All the action is captured within a traditional Viking Hammer  design.

Another one of my favorites available in our online store, The Celtic Hammer Club!

Inspired by an old stone carving of Odin riding into Vallhalla on his eight legged horse named Sleipnir. I gave this Norse imagery a Celtic Twist!

This image has been particularly popular with fans of Celtic and Nordic artwork, and is available in our online store!

This is a kind of fantasy style interpretation of the Norse God Odin riding his horse, Sleipnir. Sleipnir was not your average horse. He had eight legs!!! 

Also check out Odin's sword! A little over the top? Nah, nothing is over the top for a VIKING GOD!

Smaller design meant to fit into tight places. The "handle" of the Hammer is filled with Celtic knotwork while two Celtic Warriors stand guard with weapons at the ready on the head of the Hammer.

The most fearsome of all Viking Warriors were the Berserkers. The Berserkers would work themselves into a "battle frenzy" either through psychological methods or perhaps with the assistance of alcohol or herbs that had drug-like effects. To this day we still refer someone who is acting out as "going berserk" 

A Viking Berserker did not distinguish friend from foe. He simply attacked and killed anything in his path. Viking Berserkers were also easily identified by the bear skins that they wore over their heads and shoulders as a sort of hood.

Here is my take on a Viking Berserker wearing his bear skin, foaming at the mouth and a (slightly exaggerated?) battleaxe. Not someone to mess with.