NorsePlay.

  So if the mantle of Thor can pass to Jane Foster, then that opens the multiversal door for Spider-Man 's Gwen Stacy to become Thorgwen . Her white-backed cape, it's round embossed clasp, and the golden rope braiding appear to be the distinctive costume touches that set Thorgwen apart as the Lady Of Thunder. Somewhat like Baldr, it seems that the mourning world will never, ever let Peter Parker's tragically deceased girlfriend go. And perhaps it is this same persistence of revered memory, this wishing against unthinkable loss, that allows them both to later return to us. [momoko design variant cover on Gwenverse #4.] 11/2024 Addenda: While the above multiversal design provokes the imagination, I just got through reading the Gwenverse story arc, and it was tonally far more comedic with Thorgwen being more of a personal aspect foil for Ghost-Spider than a character in her own right, which I cannot recommend. I wished they'd handled it more along the lines of Across The ...

Director John Milius filmed a sequence in Conan The Barbarian (1982 CE) where usurper King Osric (Max Von Sydow) gets assassinated by his own bodyguards who turn out to be Thulsa Doom's secret court agents! Note the backdrop of both these scenes contains tapestries that are Viking picture stone adaptations , the first being from  Stora Hammers Stone I: [second panel down, right side.] And the second being Odin from the Andre III picture stone: [on Sleipnir, upper right] The metaphysical implication being that Odin is claiming King Osric for Valhalla using this final conflict, which is along the lines of what happens to many kings & heroes in the Sagas. Except this storyline gets cut as the ending voiceover says Princess  Yasimina gets returned to her father (and the novelization adds that Conan is offered Yasimina, and essentially the kingdom of Zamora by marriage, but refuses Osric) and Conan instead goes adventuring in the West, with just the tapestries' edges...

As cultural champions of the Norse Lore & the 1980s, we're surprised to have never noticed this clip from 1987's Adventures in Babysitting , where the director sets up a young Vincent D'Onofrio as an avatar of Marvel Thor ! The joke here is that mechanic Dawson apparently isn't Thor, but the strongly presented visual diegesis of the film, along with how he, at the end of the exchange, acknowledges that perhaps he is Thor . Within that there's a lesson in Heathen Worldview in looking at how future Harry Potter director Chris Columbus sets up the majesty of Dawson's entrance. Sarah, a true believer in Thor, sees Thor when no one else can, or they're at least too secularized by non-belief and adulthood to perceive Thor, who actually has three kids and takes on two more as servants during one of his journeys to Jotunheim , and his begrudging change due to Sarah's persistence suits his role as a father. Dawson's temper at an implied ef feminate ness...

This SF cover art from 1976 by Karel Thole evokes a Wagner ian mien, mixed with a Kirby-esque space-scaped cosmic winged-helmet Marvel Thor -like figure. And the invading Viking explorative ethos is fitting for this anthology's description of a " far-flung, preferably barbaric , galactic empire ". It seems though that women have discarded the hangerock dress with turtle box pin brooches for a much more abbreviated attire . Skol to the future! #    #    # 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...

We have followed the work of artist P Craig Russell from First Comics' Elric , that anti-hero a runesword slinging Alfar-type sorcerer, through his stirring adaptation of The Ring of Nibelung , an excellent deluxe one-shot of Doctor Strange , and now for his take on Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology . There's an iconic art nouveau core mixed with expressionism in Russell's unmistakable style that makes it a suggestive ly hedonistic Klimt -esque visual thrill to look at. Single issues are set to release July 1st, though we'll probably wait for Dark Horse to collect them for us in a graphic novel. #    #    # 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, ...

Kara the Valkyrie gives what-for fisticuffs to some beetle armored adversary in Piccadilly Valkyrie ! Author Cindy Grigg NorsePlays Steampunk in an alt-regency England for her series Peacock Lavine and the Aetherian Fates of Nótt . Apparently "Valkyrie Kára is underdeveloped and unruly." Any of you read this? #    #    # 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 .

Not that we were ever charmed by the cult of Xena to watch in the first place, but NorsePlay recently heard of a three-episode stint in Season 6 where the warrior princess goes into the "Norseland" and moonlights as a Valkyrie. Any of you ever watch these? #    #    # 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 .

Before NorsePlay emerged from the nothingness of Ginnungagap, I dressed as Odin in 1981 for Halloween. The strips of cardstock constructed helmet got spraypainted in silver, the white wings handdrawn & photocopied, earth-maroon jean Toughskins, socks over shoes with torn strip leg wraps, bedsheet cape, costume store beard, cardboard & broomhandle Gungnir, all lightly modeled on Jeff Dee's 1980 illustration of Odin for Dungeons & Dragons ' Deities & Demigods . I'd crafted an eyepatch too, but it came out too tight and broke when I tried it on, so this is a pre-Mímir's Well depiction. #    #    # 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, an...

Valkyrie Combat 's PVC morale slap patch. [available  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 .

If the horses are too lathered, perhaps a modern Valkyrie might select a bicycle? [1900 bicycle ad.] #    #    # 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 .

Viking Princess Barbie. (Yes, really.) From the Mattel Barbie Dolls of the World Princess Collection, the back of the box has a nice context of Barbie being a jarl's daughter, living in a longhouse inside a Trelleborg, and so on & so forth. What's funny about this product shot is the wings on her helmet are pushed just a bit too far forward. [from 2003, still available on Amazon for $35, if you can af-fjord it.] #    #    # 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...

During a blu-ray re-watch of Fritz Lang's 1924 restored masterpiece Die Nibelungen , my wife & I found ourselves favouring different female protagonists, so NorsePlay poses the question. Which would you choose: Kriemhild or Brunhild? Tell us why in the comments. #    #    # 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 .

But would Wagner approve of an Organ Orgy cover album of his Ring Cycle ? Any of you heard this? #    #    # 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 .

Graphis design competition's gold award winning Odin-centric logo for Asgard Brewing Co.! Odin's usual animal companions aside, note the Nine Worlds symbolized by the nine stars, and the stylized facet-cornered unicursal Valknut s. [Design by Tom Ventress.] #    #    # 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 .

Thor was also considered the farmer's god because his storms summoned the needed rains that watered the fields of grain. In this very modern case, $15 at Thor: Ragnarok brings a promotional keepsake bucket of movie popcorn with a lid styled after his Contest of Champions winged helmet! Let the cosplay begin! #    #    # 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 .

Because of a very questionable runestone discovery, Alexandria, MN, lays claim to being the "Birthplace of America", and flaunts that declaration with the roadside attraction of viking Big Ole , seen here in 1965 conquering a traffic island. Moved later to a roadside, you can watch him via this webcam to make sure he doesn't move when you're not looking. [Fiberglass sculpted by Gordon Schumaker, originally for the NY World's Fair earlier that year.] 06/2021 Addendum: Note that a Chrome update has made the Big Ole camera incompatible, but it will still work with other browsers. #    #    # 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 n...

Out of all the gods in all the pantheons, the supplement VII book for the premium, deluxe edition of the Original Dungeons & Dragons "White Box" (actually a laser-etched fancy wood box now) picks Thor as its cover-worthy deity! Cover God: Maybe he's born with it, or maybe it's 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 .

Not to let the  hokey Twain-ist title fool you, Edmond Hamilton's  A Yank at Valhalla  delivers  a Norse-inspired genre mash-up in fine pulp style. [Original pulp from January 1941.] Part lost civilization fantasy, part science fiction,  Hamilton plays with the idea that behind mythology lies a greater truth. Physicist Keith Masters, during an exploratory survey flight, gets blown into a hidden area of the arctic  where he discovers the secret lands of  the Norse Gods . [An Ace double version from 1973.] Stylewise, the many typos (a pulp given) are  unexpectedly balanced out by some lovely .50-cent word selections, and it's neat shifting gears as a  reader between scientific terms and medieval descriptors. This integrated juxtaposition aside, a lot of  the presentation is stirring with cries of "Our swords for Asgard!", impressive feasting hall settings, and  saga worthy melees & martial battles. [UK re-tit...

While Hercules: The Legendary Journeys was a totally rubbish show (and we detest Kevin Sorbo's absence of talent), there were two episodes in season 5, " Norse by Norsevest " & " Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge " in 1998, that had a Norse Mythology crossover. They were still total rubbish as they pretty much clown the Gods (Hercules could never defeat Thor!), but Odin was played by the distinguished Peter McCauley , cutting his teeth on a badly scripted Allfather before his awesome turn in 1999-2002's The Lost World as Doyle's visionary scientist Professor George Edward Challenger, a character & role quite possibly moulded from Odin's unending quest for knowledge. #    #    # 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, passiona...

Right after Lee Majors finished The Six Million Dollar Man in 1978, he starred as Thorvald in The Norseman . There's a scene toward the end where Majors runs in slow-motion down the beach, which makes the viewer totally hear the bionic sound cue. While the movie was quite rubbish, this poster's some pretty nifty fantasy art, and one could possibly see some rootwork for Valhalla Rising . #    #    # 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 ....