#gosforth cross

The moment I found a clearer picture of her on the Gosforth Cross, the urge hit me to draw it beside my own version for fun!

The autism hitting hard heuheuhe- :'D

Im sorry if she looks weird or lanky.. I don't know what happened to my art style, she's supposed to be more round like her head but now she looks sharp? 😭

I scatter them ... in time, and space.

So, I was asked to expand on the “Sigyn as Norse Goddess of Victory” theory on a Mythology blog, and add references or otherwise elaborate. 

The blog could not handle my long rambling, so I am going to post my answer here, it will be much easier for everyone, I think ;)

That theory is based first of all on Sigyn’s name. As you know, names in Norse mythology have meanings and are important.

'Glut' means "glow" as she's a FIRE giantess. 'Angrboda' means "Bringer of grief", as she gives birth to the "monsters" that will bring Ragnarok and kill the gods. And 'Sigyn' means 'Friend of Victory'... I read someone thought it was meant in an "ironical" way... but why would it be “ironical” for her, and not for the others?

Then, there is this one archeological remain we’ve got, that shows her and Loki, in their usual scene (Loki’s punishment). At the bottom (west side) of the Gosforth Cross (mid-11th century), located in Cumbria, England, you can see a representation of Sigyn, holding the bowl to protect Loki. If you look at her hair cut, it's typical of the Viking warriors when they went to battle... So yeah. Warrior!Sigyn for the win ^^' In the links, you will find three articles I’ve found for you. The article in French is really interesting, and talks about the Gosforth Cross. They also have this theory about the  “little friend” part of her name meaning she accompanied the warriors to war… as part of her duties as Goddess of Victory. Nowadays, the theory that Sigyn is/was Goddess of Victory for the Norse mythology is so popular that if your just google “Norse goddess of Victory”, her name will come up first :p Just try!

The main problem with Sigyn is that because of Marvel and their (unfair!!!) representation of her, people are under the impression she was this weak, meek creature, abused by Loki, a “doormat” for him to yell at, cheat on, and humiliate. And though there is nothing that confirms that in the source material (Eddas, Voluspa, …), writers keep on propagating this image of her – Neil Gaiman, Joanne Harris, Rick Riordan…  They all picture Sigyn as a victim of Loki, ignoring the fact that in the Lokasenna, Loki insults all the Gods (Odin, Frigga, Freya, Feyr, Thor, Idunn… EVERYONE), but not Sigyn. And in return, none of the gods speak Sigyn’s name, while they could have used her against Loki. Had Loki really hated his wife, or despised her, you know she would not have escaped his wrath. As for Sigyn, she would not have helped him had he been such a bully – duty or not. 

  There is this very interesting theory in the second article I joined to this post, and I’ll just leave you with that quote… because, it does make sense, when you think about it. “It is interesting that the battle of Ragnarok is predicted to be a stalemate, with both sides losing. Many gods and giants will fight to the death, killing one another, and in the end, the world will be lost. It is thought that perhaps no one can win because Sigyn has divided loyalties and cannot choose a victor.”

My interpretation of the image of the Gosforth Cross

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#history #gosforthcross #reenactment #embroidery #handmade #viking #loki #norsemithology

Of course!

Discovering Albion – day 5: Déjà Vu…

Where do ladybirds go for winter? I can tell you that… they go to Aspatria. The carvings on the gateposts were full of them. I had recognised the name immediately because it is so unusual. I couldn’t quite remember why I recognised it particularly… but the fact that I had probably meant the church would be worth a quick visit. I was pretty certain I should know why I remembered it too… I knew it…

Discovering Albion – day 5: Déjà Vu…

Where do ladybirds go for winter? I can tell you that… they go to Aspatria. The carvings on the gateposts were full of them. I had recognised the name immediately because it is so unusual. I couldn’t quite remember why I recognised it particularly… but the fact that I had probably meant the church would be worth a quick visit. I was pretty certain I shouldknow why I remembered it too… I knew it…