'The Lay of Skirnir'
An exploration in visualisng a myth.
'Skírnismál (Old Norse: 'The Lay of Skírnir') is one of the poems of the Poetic Edda. It is preserved in the 13th-century manuscripts Codex Regius and AM 748 I 4to but may have been originally composed in the early 10th century. Many scholars believe that the poem was acted out, perhaps in a sort of hiéros gamos.'
The prose prologue to the poem says that the god Freyr, the son of Njörðr, sits in Odin's throne, Hliðskjálf and looked over all the worlds. On looking to Jötunheimr, the land of the giants, Freyr sees a beautiful girl, Gerðr, and is immediately seized by desire. Fearing that the object of his heart's desire is unattainable, gloom settles upon him.
The poem itself starts with the wife of Njörðr, Skaði, bidding Skírnir to ask Freyr why he is so sad. Freyr's response is sullen, yet he does confess his feelings and asks Skírnir to undertake a journey to woo Gerðr on Freyr's behalf. Skírnir agrees, and Freyr furnishes him with his magical steed and sword.
Skírnir makes his way to Jötunheimr, and eventually arrives at the hall of the giant Gymir. Gerðr, the daughter of Gymir, greets him; Skírnir immediately sets about trying to set up a sexual rendezvous between Gerðr and Freyr. He tries bribing her first with gifts, but when these are refused, he is quick to turn to coercion, with threats of violence and curses. Gerðr has no choice but to submit to Skírnir's wishes and agree to the rendezvous with Freyr.
This print is one of a limited edition of 30. The dimensions of the visible print area are 39cm x 57cm. The total size is 43cm x 61cm which includes a 2cm border for framing purposes. Each print is individually signed and numbered by the artist. Enclosed is a certificate of authenticity to guarantee your print is a limited artwork only available at the edition stated.
The original painting of 'The Lay of Skirnir' was painted with acrylic paint on Hahnemühle bamboo paper 265gsm.
The painting was professionally scanned and colour checked/proofed. A giclée print is produced to order using archival inks on 310gsm Hahnemühle German Etching matt paper. These prints are museum archival grade.
The print will be shipped in a protective tube or flat between two ply cardboard or alternatively can be collected in person.
