Posts

Showing posts from September, 2018

"Öhaygrrl!"

Image
"Öhaygrrl!" [picture (actually Woman at the Roundhouse ) from the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, Norway.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

The online Mexican Ásatrú magazine El Skalðr!

Image
The online Mexican Ásatrú magazine El Skalðr ! As a Hispanic Heathen, we love that this exists. Get your Español on and read it here . #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the Map of Midgard project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer, do contact him.

the post-Ragnarök Æsir.

Image
Balder leads the next generation of Æsir from the ashes of Ragnarök in Marvel Entertainment's The Mighty Thor #294. This surviving line-up's made of Hoder, Hoenir, Magni, Modi, Vali, Ve, Vidar , and Vili. Note the hole in Balder's white tunic where the mistletoe arrow's been removed. [pencils by Keith Pollard, April 1980.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

the ravens got it covered.

Image
Manhole cover featuring Huginn & Muninn in Odense, Funen, Denmark. The city gets its name from Odin's Vé which means Odin's Sanctuary. Ynglinga Saga states Odin dwelt here before moving up into Sweden. [photo by Kirsten Kaae.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

on the dedication of Sigyn.

Image
Sigyn by H. G. Theaker (1873-1954), dutifully bearing a bowl of serpent's venom away from her husband's cavern of imprisonment. While it can be argued that her dedication to the trickster's undeserved, there's also the cosmological scale compassion where if she didn't do it, we would all suffer a possibly unending & devastating earthquake from Loki's pained writhings. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

if the Nine Worlds were one world.

Image
A Lore-based cartographic achievement by archaeologist Arith Härger, this map adapts the Nine Worlds' locations in terms of continents, set up by directions and descriptions in the sources. We love the detail & dedication of this NorsePlay. [get a print here .] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

a page from the Tales Of Asgard.

Image
Sometimes the best bit in those Silver Age Thor comics was the short Tales Of Asgard stories in the back which were "Based upon the immortal legends of the Norse Gods!"  Well, with some seriously fast & loose  Marvel-style NorsePlay anyhow, but so fun to read. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

the Norse in the age of Conan.

Image
In the Hyborian Age of Conan , Asgard & Vanaheim are NorsePlay'd as neighbors in Nordheim at the Northwest of this ancient Pangaean megacontinent. [from Marvel Entertainment, cartographed by Tony Edwards.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

Female Berserker Tyri by Bob Kehl.

Image
Female Berserker Tyri by Bob Kehl. Note the bound muzzle and tied around forelegs which mirror the bound bear motif on Viking hogback grave markers and one of the Torslunda helmet plates. Perhaps this garment design's simple leather strap answer to wrapping the pelt on the wearer may have something to do with the original motif, along with the ancient bear cult identifying with and physically harnessing the power of the bear. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the Map of Midgard project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer, do ...

DC's pre-Marvel vintage Thor.

Image
Before Marvel Entertainment's Thor makes his first appearance in 1962, DC's then-Jack Kirby uses the God of Thunder in a 1957 issue of Tales Of The Unexpected ! [as pointed out by MisterKitty.org] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

a bearserker in your Legos.

Image
A hammer -wielding bear named Icerlot from LEGO 's Legends of Chima evokes a northern Berserker image . We think his ice-leg is an interesting detail. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

transform into a cyberbearserker.

Image
The idea of the Berserker Norseplays its way into the Transformers universe. In 1987 Hasbro exports Battle Beasts as BeastFormers, including this axe-wielding armored Grizzly Bear. The temperature sensitive sticker on the breastplate revealed a hidden fire, wood, or water icon used in a rock, paper, scissors type game for the 2" figures. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

a bronze of Gullinbursti.

Image
A small altar-worthy bronze of Gullinbursti, the "Golden Mane" boar forged by dwarven craftsbrothers Eitri & Brokkr that became Freyr's mount . [made by bespoke sculptor Alec Lawton/GraiMatter on Etsy.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

shape-shifting ravens.

Image
In Joanne Harris ' NorsePlay YA novel Runelight , Huginn & Muninn are a male & female pairing, Hughie & Mandy , who also transform themselves into people to walk amongst the humans unnoticed. Perhaps this ability is what helps them get all their daily dish for Odin? [felted Black Wings Raven Scarf available at Filcant.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

a vintage graphic for The Broken Sword.

Image
And we're thrilled to discover a graphic version of Poul Anderson 's 1954 NorsePlay novel The Broken Sword , adapted by Tom Reamy with art by George Barr. [Serialized in Trumpet , a pulp magazine from 1965.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

world map from Atone.

Image
World map from Atone , a NorsePlay 2D story-driven puzzle game with battle sequences, all in a hand-drawn angular art style with synth music. The game is scheduled for release in 2019 on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One from Wildboy Studios. [ https://www.atonethegame.com/ ] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

getting runes back into the classroom.

Image
A Younger Futhark alphabet classroom poster designed by Icelandic graphic artist Siggi Oddsson. It's neat seeing things like a helicopter and automobile as associated icons to help learn the runes and pull them forward in time to the present. [ available here from the The Icelandic Magic Company.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

a golden-haired framing of Freyja.

Image
" Freja "  by John Bauer (1905, oil sketch). #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

possibly the crown of a Goddess.

Image
This is a lot of ifs: If the ancient tribe of Alans, also referred to as the As, are identifiable as the pre-migration Aesir as per Snorri's Heimskringla , this might be an euhemerized Goddess' crown given the extreme fineness of artistry in the cast gold. Note the stags eating off a possible Yggdrasil and the two possible ravens on the band. [Diadem made by the Sarmato-Alanian Culture, 1st century C.E.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do conta...

the impression of runes.

Image
Because the Futhark always leaves an impression. We feel someone should retrofit a typewriter with these. [on Etsy from metalsupplychick.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

draugr makeout session?!?

Image
This undead love NorsePlay'd by Bill & Brittany Doran of Punished Props Academy. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

open a can of berserker.

Image
Hallucinogenic mushrooms? Trance state? Self-hypnotizing invulnerability inducing meditation? Pre-battle ritual rage dance ? Possession by an ursine totemic spirit? Not in this 21st Century: It's amino acids in a can, available in cherry cola or red apple flavours! Wouldn't you like to be a Berserker too? Any of you had this? [Addenda: Since posting this in 2018, this product has disappeared off the market, so replaced the photo with the equally rage-riffic Berserkr Frenzy pre-workout Raspberry Lemonade drink mix powder stimulant!] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ op...

robo-Thor.

Image
The hammer striking Thor from Robot Wars UK . [made by Jason Marston & Lee Cornish.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

in the hall of Ægir.

Image
Brewing reputation aside, one must wonder at what the sea jötunn Ægir's underwater hall must have held for the Gods to want to party there so much. [The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel s & Resorts Maldives is Midgard's largest aquarium tunnel.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

four-of-a-kind in vintage NorsePlay cards.

Image
The four Aces from a set of Icelandic Mythological Playing Cards designed by Sigurlinna Pétursson (1899-1976), manufactured by Handa, 1958. [image courtesy of Rex Pitts.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

the mountains of Valhalla.

Image
The Valhalla Range in British Columbia testifies to the cultural migration of the Norse Lore, our need to localize mythic locales, and to name majestic things after the divine. #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

the carved drinking bowl.

Image
Predominantly used for beer, a kjenge is a drinking bowl used in the old Norwegian farming society – usually with two handles – carved and hollowed out from a single piece of wood. This would make wonderful choice of Blót bowl, the ritual offering vessel used in Ásatrú or  Heathenry . #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do contact him .

candy from the time that could yet be.

Image
Graphic artist Siggi Oddsson 's runic re-design of the Icelandic licorice candy lozenge package for Opal. In Odds' runification of popular logos, he shows examples of an alternate reality where the conversion never happened, and the use of the Fuþark had endured to the present. We feel the clever idea of this exploration could be impetus for cultural & religious reclaiming. [photo by Eygló Gísladóttir.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer,  do con...

bindrunes for modern solutions.

Image
Author Boff Konkerz NorsePlays the Galdrastafur into pretend patterns for more social media plusses, faster WiFi, and Tinder right swipes! Meant as a subversively humorous modern critique of society's political & social foibles, this book's take seems quite Icelandic, though the idea of expanding the vocabulary of sigils in Icelandic magical staves to achieve modern goals is worth considering. Any of you read this? [thanks to Arith Härger for featuring this on his YT channel and his cautionary words about checking sources for your tattoos.] #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e ...