Shane Tweten - Thor And Jormungander - Western Red Cedar Mythological Sculptures

Shane Tweten's Art Gallery - Celtic Collection - Thor And Jormungander


View Full Size

"Thor And Jormungander" - by Shane Tweten

Category:

Collection:

Style:

Medium:

Color:

Dragons were in Norse mythology (also called ancient Scandinavian mythology and the mythology of Vikings). In Norse mythology dragons are also viewed as giant serpents. The three major dragons are Nidhoggr, Fafnir, and the World Serpent.
The world serpent Jormungander would also be classed as a dragon in Norse lore. Jormungander - the Midgard serpent - lives in the waters curled in a circle round the world and biting his own tail. According to the Prose Edda, Odin took Loki's three children, Fenrisúlfr, Hel and Jörmungander. He tossed Jörmungander into the great ocean that encircles Midgard. The serpent grew so big that he was able to surround the Earth and grasp his own tail, and as a result he earned the alternate name of the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. Jörmungander's arch enemy is the god Thor.
An encounter came when Thor went fishing with the giant Hymir. When Hymir refused to provide Thor with bait, Thor struck the head off Hymir's largest ox to use as such. They rowed to a point where Hymir often sat and caught flat fish, where he drew up 100 whales and lions. Thor demanded to go farther into the water, and did so despite Hymir's warnings.Thor then prepared a strong line and a large hook, which Jörmungander bit. Thor pulled the serpent from the water, whereupon the two faced one another, Jörmungander dribbling poison and blood. Hymir went pale with fear, and as Thor grabbed his hammer to kill the serpent, the giant cut the line, leaving the serpent to sink beneath the waves.This encounter seems to have been the most popular motif in Norse pagan art.
Made from Alder, acrylic paint, copper wire, and an oil and wax finish.

Add Comment

You must Login before you may leave comments.

Please Login or Register for Free if you are not already a member.