the last embrace of Tyr & Fenrir.

 

There is an intimate quality in this depiction of Týr & Fenrir with Týr encapsulated in the wolf's embrace. Some retellings of this story instead cast Týr as Fenrir's caretaker & friend, with the god playing and (over-)feeding him, which may make this rendition of their fateful but necessary moment together here more of that variant narrative. Yet this art might also be visually read as Týr uncomfortably trapped by the wolf into the obligation of his oath.

Storytelling accents aside, this moment also foreshadows Týr's end in the jaws of helhound Garmr, who is probably one of Fenrir's get, and whom Týr mutually slays come Ragnarök, and depending how their bodies lay upon Vígríðr field, may mirror this in a more final & deadly embrace.

[limited edition linocut handprinted by artist Kevin Cain who vends on Etsy as LiterateGriffin. Find this item here.] 

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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 then 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 employment/opportunities in investigative mythology, field research, or product development to offer, do contact him.