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Friday, April 29, 2016

The Hop & Barley Green Man


Do you love beer?? I do! Are you fascinated by the mysterious legend that is the GREEN MAN? You should be! For those that don't know, carvings of mysterious, leafy faces dot the corners, crevices and doorways of many medieval churches and castles. Is it just merely a decoration, or something more?
 

Experts seem to think that the green man bears more significance than simply a stylistic choice. While the real story behind this viny creature will remain a mystery, there is no doubt that his influence has been felt for centuries. Legendary figures that we still enjoy hearing about today such as Robin Hood, Peter Pan, the Green Knight from Arthurian legend are all based on the green man archetype. The green man is also present in many modern folk festivals welcoming back the warm summer weather after a long cold winter.

In this interpretation of the green man, the foliage that comprises his face is hops and barley. The ingredients of beer! I also used very heavy black shading to create a more tribal look. I thought it would be a cool concept to use the green man and the weight of his backstory to express my love for delicious brew!


This fictional Ale Haus is located in Heathentown, and it's mascot is the mysterious green man of European folklore. The green man can be found carved into the doorways and crevices of medieval churches and castles throughout Europe, but who is he?? Some believe he is a pre-Christian nature spirit. A steward of the old religion when man's relationship to nature was held with the utmost regard. Still others believe that he represents Saxon outlaws who waged a guerrilla war against the invading Normans. From Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to Robin Hood. The green man archetype permeates throughout legend and lore, and yet, he is still a mystery. Perhaps that is his charm.

The Hop and Barley green man's face is made from the same plants that make a hearty ale, hops and barley! This design is meant to look like a stylish vintage pub shirt while showcasing one of my favorite characters from folkish lore. The green man!

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