Nifelheim - Original Painting

Nifelheim. The realm of mist and ice. According to Nordic mythology the world was created when the snow from Nifelheim met the fire from Muspelheim, the realm of fire. In the center of Nifelheim there is a spring called Vergelmer. Eleven rivers flow from that spring. One of them is named Slid and carries sharp knives and swords down to the realm of death. The goddess Hel, daughter of Loke and Angerboda, is the ruler of those who dies of old age and sickness.

The symbol of the painting is my version of the Vegvisir, also called the Nordic compass. The symbol is sometimes confused to be viking age. However, there is no earlier evidence of the symbols existence than 1860. But, even though the symbol is rather young it has not stopped the modern human dedicated to live a life more inspired by the viking age to adopt it. That way, in my opinion, the symbol has been given a touch of viking anyway.

This is one of my very few paintings with silver details. I sometimes find silver hard to add since it often just becomes a shiny gray. But this time I think it gave a spark that really made the feeling of frost come alive. I am really proud of this original.

Thank you for showing interest in my art. I hope this painting will be a joy to you.