
Man with a Ring
December 22, 2022
This illustration displays some typical characteristics of figurative motifs from early medieval Scandinavia.
The figure of a man in profile holding a ring in one hand is known from little pendant figurines and several rune stones. He is placed opposite a woman with a drinking horn facing him on the stones. Above them is the scene of Sigurd piercing the dragon, Fafnir, with his sword, Gram.
A plausible interpretation is that the two figures depict the meeting of Sigurd and the valkyrie Brynhild/SigrdrÃfa after he kills Fafnir. The cursed ring Andvaranaut in his hand represents the treasure he won by slaying the dragon, as well as his impending betrayal of Brynhild. A betrayal that will ultimately lead to their death through Brynhild’s revenge.
Learn more about the development of figurative motifs.