Peter Nicolai Arbo

Norwegian painter (1831 – 1892) who specialised in motifs of Norse mythology and history. His most celebrated work is the Åsgårdsreien (1872), a depiction of the ‘Wild Hunt’, a prevalent fixture of ancient European folklore.

Åsgårdsreien – Odin can be seen leading the horde on his 8-legged horse, Sleipnir. Thor is in the centre holding Mjöllnir aloft.

Dagr – The Norse personification of ‘day’ on the steed, Skinfaxi (shining mane), first appearing in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda of the 13th century.

Likewise, Nótt is the personification of ‘night’ and mother of Dagr. She rides Hrímfaxi (frost mane).

Valkyrie – Valkyries were female figures who chose which warriors were to fall during battle.

Håkon the Good – The third king of Norway reigned 934 – 961.

Battle of Stamford Bridge – Where our glorious ancestors slaughtered the Norse horde, only to be conquered by the Normans a month later at Hastings, 1066.

Hates music and writing. Unfortunately, he's a journalist.

2 Comments

  • Reply June 17, 2010

    Oskoreien

    I actually had the chance to see Ã…sgÃ¥rdsreien in person at the National Gallery in Oslo. It's absolutely enormous, maybe ten feet across – definitely more impressive in person. Great stuff.

  • Reply November 25, 2012

    Spence

    Is there any where I can get a print of, Åsgårdsreien ? I contacted the Gallery in Oslo and they didn’t know of any.

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