Skál

Almost all cultures have special words or toasts to acknowledge the activity of bonding with others over drinks. The Celtic and Norse tribes were no exception. Fermented beverages played an important role in rituals and sacrifices. It brought people together to help create a sense of comradery and community. Mead and ale took on an almost supernatural power as they are often referenced in sagas and mythology. Mead was referred to as the “nectar of the gods.” Much of the Saxon epic poem Beowulf is set in a mead hall. So raise your drink, and toast to the long held traditions of the past. Skál! Sláinte! Cheers!

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Huginn & Muninn, Odin's Ravens

Huginn and Muninn (“Thought” and “Memory” respectively) are pet ravens of the Norse god, Odin. Odin’s ravens fly all over Midgard (Earth) collecting all of the information they can in order to report it back to Odin. In my interpretation, Huginn and Munnin are surrounding a magical stave named Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe or Helm of Terror). It’s one of the most mysterious and powerful symbols in Norse mythology.

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Thor Odinson, God of Thunder

Thor, son of Odin, god of Thunder, protector of Midgard. Thor was a popular Norse god among the common farmers of Scandinavia and other Germanic speaking cultures as he was a protector of the people. Thor’s magical war hammer, Mjölnir, is the centerpiece of my artwork here. Mjölnir pendants were worn by many including the Vikings in the Middle Ages as a symbol of Thor’s protection and strength. Thor continues to be a popular figure in modern culture.

Fenrir Viking Shield

This Viking shield design builds on my most popular artwork of the wolf Fenrir. Fenrir is an enormous, monster wolf from Norse mythology, and is the father of all wolves. You’ll see Fenrir painted on the circular Viking shield. The shield is accented with two heavy-duty Viking axes that are decorated with wolves and Viking-style knot work. The shield is also accented by knot work and Elder Futhark runes.

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Banshee (bean sí)

The banshee (bean sí in Irish) is a ghoulish figure from ancient Celtic fairy lore. She is said to appear as an omen of death, wailing and crying outside of the home for a loved one in the house who is soon to die. She is a pretty terrifying figure. Legend has it that the banshee only wails for five different Irish families. I am a descendant of one of those five families, so I felt compelled to portray this wailing wench in all her spooky glory!

I used the Celtic knots and spirals to represent both the banshee's hair and ghostly, whispy lower limbs. Her body is meant to look kind of androgynous. I'm a fan of engraving style artwork, so I used lots of lines on her body to create some depth, but they also look like they could be scars or tattoos of some kind. Basically, I tried to make her look creepy. Hopefully, I achieved that through mixing the engraving style into this.

Initial sketch

Sketch continued

Final product!

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Dragon Slayer

The "Dragon Slayer" design is in a Norse style depicting a dragon with a sword running through it. The runes on the dragon's body spell out "DRAGON SLAYER."

Gold Dragon available here.

Green Dragon available here.

Grey Dragon available here.

Fenrir: Ragnarok Viking Monster Wolf

Fenrir: Ragnarok Viking Monster Wolf

Fenrir (or Fenris) is a gigantic, monster wolf of Norse Viking folklore. Fenrir is a child of the Norse god Loki, and is responsible for gobbling up the god Odin WHOLE during the events of Ragnarok. Fenrir is so ferocious that only a magical chain forged by the dwarves can bind him. The god Tyr (represented by the rune that looks like an arrow in this image) had his right hand bitten off by Fenrir. This image shows Fenrir breaking free of the magical dwarven chains that bind him.

Fenrir Men's Tee. Much more apparel and accessories available in the online store!

This is my original sketch of this design.