NorsePlay.

With gritty sensibilities framed in epic yet humanistic stories, writer Brian Wood scripted Northlanders for DC Entertainment's Vertigo Comics imprint for a run of 50 issues from 2011-2012. There was some talk of a film for a while. This cover is from our favourite issue featuring a duel of champions in the Viking Age. #    #    # 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 Norse Lore, Thor has the convenience of a warhammer which, thanks to dwarven craftsmanship, reduces in size to fit in his pocket or be worn as a pendant (yes, anyone wearing a Mjölnir necklace could be  that  Odinson among us, so watch yourself). Yet, short of some atomic-chain matter folding nano-technology, bearing a warhammer for the rest of us tends to be rather cumbersome. Many have stated that necessity is the mother of invention, or argued that war is the father of innovation. The  medieval warhammer was invented as an anti-armor weapon , something that crushes & claws into plate steel. Aside from keeping this weapon in hand, or tucking it into your belt, there historically was no other easier method of carry. But why hadn't those knights & soldiers who'd worn a scabbard or quiver on their backs thought of something similar for their warhammer? Five-hundred years later, Guillermo the IVth finally invents the warhammer clamp, addi...

Asgardian coins that Marvel Thor tries to pay his rent with in the Team Thor short films. “In Asgard, those coins are worth a gazillion human dollars, okay?”, insists the Avenger to his mortal roommate Darryl. We like the holes for stitching into the lining of one's cloak, along with the uneven reeding on the edges so they can't be shaved without noticing. #    #    # 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 .

There's alot to like about History Channel's Vikings , but specifically we noticed the leather paneling on Harald Finehair & Halfdan the Black's cloaks . We really like the knots drawn through squares as well the Klimt-esque edge handles on both of these cloaks. [Helmets off to series costume designer Joan Bergin. Addenda: After the G+ to Blogger re-post, the original photo belonging to this has disappeared, but you get the fashion idea of the panels from this replacement photo of Harald.] #    #    # 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...

As a juggernaut of esoteric knowledge, it's always of interest to read or hear Manly P. Hall hold forth about the hidden aspects behind a given subject. Here Hall brings to bear his recombinant & passionate telling of the myths, mixing & matching the Eddas with the Saga of the Völsungs , and his weighted interpretation of Wagner's The Ring Cycle . Given his highly accomplished masonic background and a lifetime of comparative investigations, MPH's lecture's a challenging & provocative NorsePlay of mystic thought & cosmic ideas you may not have previously considered in tandem with Norse Lore. #    #    # 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  projec...

The Aston Martin Valkyrie. For $3.2M USD this thing should get up the Rainbow Bridge and park you in Valhalla . Get that Wagner on the stereo and go. #    #    # 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 .

Svartálfheimr dwelling space. Note the spiral cone forge rising from the floor at right, the brain in the wall at left, and the switched with changeling infant making a swift crawl for freedom up the stairs. [Cover art photo from Andreas Vollenweider's Caverna Magica (…Under the Tree — In the Cave…)  {1983}.] #    #    # 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 .

Yggdrasil and accompanying cosmic animals. From the Penguin Books UK cover of The Elder Edda . The bookshop upsell sticker on the front references it as an inspiration for Tolkien, and the art style somewhat calls back to the 1969 painted paperback covers from his trilogy. This Edda is part of Penguin's Legends from the Ancient North series, with equally neat new covers for The Saga of the Volsungs & Beowulf . #    #    # 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...

Spotted this Valknut-branded Paiste Cymbal  at my workplace. It made us wonder how it sounded, and why it was selected for that particular adornment. Viking Metal, anyone? #    #    # 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 .

Still from For Honor , a game where vikings, knights, and samurai face off! Note the Mjölnir decorated gate behind Siv the Ruthless. [Thanks to Khaine Outsider for mentioning his current NorsePlay.] #    #    # 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 .

Edward Gorey once turned his inimitable linear Gothic styling toward Richard Wagner’s Ring figures Brünnhilde and Wotan . [Made for The Met in 1983.] #    #    # 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 .

Marvel Thor-based Mjölnir toolbox concept drafted by David Delisle. #    #    # 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 .

We've always liked the idea of Mjölnir's brother hammer, Stormbreaker. Marvel's bold NorsePlay begs the question: If dwarven forgemasters Sindri & Brokkr could fashion one smarthammer weapon, what was there to stop them from turning their prodigious skills toward making another ? [Or another ?] #    #    # 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 .

Then a crafty Raven ran off with the Danish Rømersdal Mjölnir! #    #    # 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 ice met the fire in the Yawning Void where the ice waves flowed & built into frosts upon frosts. [Our NorsePlay inspired by a picture of Europe's largest glacier .] #    #    # 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 S.M. Stirling's Emberverse series, a point-of-deviation happens in 1998 when technology suddenly just doesn't work. After the change, two Asatru nations arise in the former U.S.: the Bearkillers in a small northwestern coastal spot, and Norrheim in what was Maine . In a world where gunpowder doesn't work, the axe, sword, & shield regain their relevance. [ Emberverse: A New Generation map by YNot1989 (Sean McKnight).] #    #    # 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 develo...

Why disguise yourself, kill some farmhands, trick a couple of giants, and seduce a hot jotuness to get the Mead of Poetry when the recipe's online? Well, yeah, Gunnlöð , but this Mead of Poetry Cocktail 's also an option. [Recipe created by Damon Boelte of Grand Army Bar in Brooklyn, NY.] #    #    # 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 .

Bolverk, secretly Odin, runs serious game on Gunnlöd to score some quality time with her & win the ultimate in free drinks -- the Mead of Poetry. Note the huge Óðrerir vessel in the foreground from which we can infer where Thor gets his drinking skills from, since Odin is supposed to empty that in a single draught. [ Odin and Gunnlöd by Emil Doepler , 1900 CE] #    #    # 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 .

Odin by Juan Casini . We like the underlit red light accenting the figure, contrasting with the his luminous pale blue eye. Instead of actually being Óðinn, we have the impression that this art deco bas relief's on a supercomputer case with the lights indicating power/processing, and antenna wire-wrapped Gungnir serving as a wi-fi dongle. #    #    # 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 .

We see a candidate for Brísingamen on an eternally youthful Freyja .  We like the smokey amethyst bars alternately placed along the woven band of sterling. [Photo & Retouch by Laura Daria Pezzini, MUA Erika Ramazzotti.] #    #    # 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 .

This modern Svartalfheim meme depicts a star-like subterranean & semi-luminous cavern world vaulted by stalactites, an unseen natural beauty with the raw materials & inspiration for the dwarven crafters. [From dreamers often lie (Sarah)'s Nine worlds of Norse Mythology series.] #    #    # 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 .

This modern Alfheim meme posits a world where nature itself's been bent into banisters, and lichen paints a well placed tone on the rocks. The incursion of Autumn leaves makes a nice contrast, but perhaps one can infer that not even the Alfar can keep the turn of seasons and inevitable doom at bay. [From dreamers often lie (Sarah)'s Nine worlds of Norse Mythology series.] #    #    # 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 .