"The Meaning of ... Ragnarok!"


This neat Jack "The King" Kirby splash page mirrors Odin's consulting of the Völva for prophecy about Ragnarök in the Norse Lore. While in the Völuspá it's only Odin that rides to the Völva's grave and necromances her up from her no-so-final resting place just outside of Helheim, above Kirby's brought a lineup of other Gods to listen to her dire words about their twilight & final battle.

Artwise, the visual composition makes one believe Kirby must have referenced Lorenz Frølich's Odin and the Völva (1895 CE), noting Odin's leaning crouch and considering hand-to-beard-stroke listening style, and the Völva's bubbling cauldron of prognosticatory inhalants.


[splash page specifically from Tales of Asgard within Thor #127 (1966 CE).]

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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.

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