#frithiof

“Whether he was a real or merely a mythical personage, Balder [i.e., Baldr] was worshipped in Norway. On one of the bays of the beautiful Sogne Fiord [Sognefjord], which penetrates far into the depths of the solemn Norwegian mountains, with their sombre pine-forests and their lofty cascades dissolving into spray before they reach the dark water of the fiord far below. Balder had a great sanctuary. It was called Balder's Grove. A palisade enclosed the hallowed ground, and within it stood a spacious temple with the images of many gods, but none of them was worshipped with such devotion as Balder. So great was the awe with which the heathen regarded the place that no man might harm another there, nor steal his cattle, nor defile himself with women. But women cared for the images of the gods in the temple; they warmed them at the fire, anointed them with oil, and dried them with cloths.” [1]

—J. G. Frazer, Balder the Beautiful, part 1 (The Golden Bough, vol. X, 1913, p. 104)

The Frithjof Memorial Stone at Leikanger in Sogne (first half of 19th century), by Hans Leganger Reusch. In the story of Frithiof, the hero's beloved Ingeborg is kept from him in Baldr's Grove; due to this association, the memorial stone is also known as Baldersteinen.

(Source: Hans Leganger Reusch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

In Balder's Grove by E. Klein 1899

"Beloved, why quakest thou? Thou hast no cause for fear. Bjorn stands out there with bared sword and warriors enough to guard us, should need be, against a world. I myself would brave a world for thee, to hold thee thus. 'T were joy to be borne away to Valhalla's heights, wert but thou my Valkyrie: to have thee bend over me as I lie on the bloody field, look in my face with thy dear eyes, then lift me on thy wind-winged steed; to soar with thee,--up, up, to Odin's heavenly halls,--what fate more blessed? What whisperest thou in such affright? Is it Balder's wrath thou dreadest? Why, he cannot be wroth with us. He too did love, the gentle God, was faithful unto death. Did he not love sweet Nanna, his wife, even as I love thee?" -Frithjof, the viking of Norway: and Roland, the paladin of France by Zénaïde Alexeïevna Ragozin; Chapter VII, pages 44-45

Statue of Fridtjof by Max Unger 1913. The bottom right photo is of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany in 1905, who commissioned the statue. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a picture of the artist, Max Unger.

"Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany had a statue of Fridtjof raised in the village of Vangsnes in Vik in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. The Statue of Fridtjof (Fridtjof den frøkne) is a landmark which towers 22.5 metres (74 ft) over the hilltop. It stands in a park overlooking the Sognefjord. The statue was sculpted by the German sculptor and art professor Max Unger (1854-1918) and was erected in July 1913. Wilhelm II also ordered in 1890 that a coastal defense ship be named Frithjof after the Norse hero."

-taken from wikipedia

Frithiof's sea journey by unknown artist 1907

“Courage, friends!” he shouted; “those who trust in the Gods are safe from the power of evil spirits.” Then, springing to the ship’s prow, he chanted: Now “Ellida,” show us Whether, as ’tis boasted, Hero-wood thy bosom holds! Listen! Art thou truly Ægir’s God-sprung daughter? Dash with thy strong keel, and Cleave yon spell-charmed whale!" -The Frithiof Saga, Chapter X

Frithiof and Ingeborg in the Temple of Balder by unknown artist 1914. A viking love story:

"Now Halfdan sits alone on Bele's throne. Offer him thy hand, sacrifice to the Gods thy wrath: this sacrifice Balder and I, his priest, demand of thee, in token that thou dost seek reconciliation in all singleness of heart. If thou canst not do this, then is all thy penitence a mockery, then had the temple better been left unbuilt, and all my words are wasted breath." Here Halfdan stepped across the brass threshold and, with a timid look which well became his boyish beauty, stood on one side, apart from the dread Sea-King, silent and expectant. Slowly Frithjof loosed from his belt the sword, the dagger too, and laid them on the altar; his gold-rimmed shield he leaned against it, then, unarmed, approached his boyhood's friend, so untowardly turned into a foe.  "In this our feud," he said in gentle accents, "he who first holds out his hand for peace is the winner." King Halfdan, flushing with joy, ungloved his hand and laid it in that other hand, and the two, long-parted, joined in a new-made bond, as strong and firm as their native rocks. The aged priest now solemnly spoke the words which loosed the ban and took the curse from the head late doomed to lie with wolves. And even as he spoke, Ingeborg entered, in bridal robes and ermine mantle, many noble maidens following her as stars the moon. With happy tears she fell upon her brother's breast and he gently placed her in Frithjof's arms. Then was performed the wedding rite, and, across Balder's altar, she gave her hand to the lover of her youth." -Frithjof, the viking of Norway: and Roland, the paladin of France by Zénaïde Alexeïevna Ragozin; Chapter XX, pages 138-139

Frithjof in single combat by E. Klein 1899

"At last Frithjof felles his foe, and held him down with his knee.  "Had I but my sword," he cried, "thou black-bearded maniac, I should quickly make an end of thee." "Have thy will," was Atle's proud retort. "Go, get thy sword; I have no wish to run away. We both must see Valhalla some day; I go now, thou mayest follow me to-morrow." Frithjof seemed minded to take his prostrate foe's advice; already Angurwadel was raised above him, yet Atle did not stir. Such manliness touched the victor's generous heart; his anger fell, he cast the sword aside, and took the fallen man by the hand." -Frithjof, the viking of Norway: and Roland, the paladin of France by Zénaïde Alexeïevna Ragozin; Chapter X, page 73

Ingeborg the Fair by unknown artist 1909

“Praises of Frigga’s golden hair are sung throughout the land,” he would say to himself, “but surely it can be no more beautiful than Ingeborg’s fair tresses.” And when he gazed into those soft eyes, so full of heaven’s own light and hue, he doubted Hilding’s declaration that the eyes of the Goddess Frigga were the most beautiful in all the world." -The Frithiof Saga, Ch.1

Ingeborg's watch by the sea by E. Klein 1899

"I will stand before Helge free from guilt, my task performed, my honour cleared, my pledge redeemed. Then will I demand thee, not of him--oh no! of Norseland's people, in open Ting; that is thy rightful guardian, thou daughter of a royal race! Who then gainsays me--let him beware!--Till then, farewell. Be true, forget not me; and as a pledge and token of our love, take this arm-ring, and wear it till I claim it again--and thee. See how the delicate white arm sets off great Waulund's work, with the heavenly signs so cunningly engraved on it! Farewell awhile, my love, my bride--oh, fare thee well! A few moons only--and the tide will turn." He went. Ingeborg watched him long and wistfully, her own sad face untouched by the glow of hope which lit up his brow, but now so gloomy and despondent. Age seemed to have suddenly come upon her, with its sober views, its fears, ---its power, too, to face and bear the worst. The pain of a lifetime was in the smile with which she spoke, half unwittingly, words she would not have him hear---not yet!" -Frithjof, the viking of Norway: and Roland, the paladin of France by Zénaïde Alexeïevna Ragozin; Chapter VIII, pages 61-62