Description
Framed design
The design is shown on 14 count Aida fabric, but you may also use evenweave or fabric with a different count.
Grid Size:15.7″ x 15.7″ (220 x 220 stitches)
Design Area: 14.3”x 14.3” (200x200stitches)
Techniques
Stitches required: Backstitch. Single thread for all the design. 2 skeins of black thread are needed to complete the design.
Iconography
Disclaimer: The artistic choice of assigning deities, creatures, and other elements to specific places within the design is based on creative interpretation and imagination, drawing inspiration from ancient Norse mythology and symbolism. The selection and placement of these elements are not historically or mythologically prescribed but rather a result of artistic expression.
Elder Futharc
The runes of the Elder Futharc are placed in pentagons, symbolizing the 5 elements of nature, prominent in the Norse mythology:
1) Earth: The physical realm of Midgard, where humans reside, is often associated with the earth and the land.
2) Water: Water is a prominent element in Norse mythology, with vast seas, rivers, and lakes present throughout the realms. The ocean plays a significant role in the mythology, and sea creatures like the Midgard Serpent (Jormungandr) and the Kraken are featured.
3) Fire: Fire is associated with Muspelheim, the realm of fire and heat. Muspelheim is inhabited by fire giants, and its flames contrast with the icy realm of Niflheim.
4) Ice and Frost: Niflheim is a realm of icy cold and mist. It is associated with frost giants and is opposite to the realm of fire.
5) Wind and Air are also present in Norse mythology, often symbolized by the rushing winds and storms.
The runes Eihway and Ingwaz have exchanged spots to provide space for installing the clock mechanism.
YGGDRASIL
Often referred to as the World Tree, it holds great significance in Norse mythology. It is an immense and sacred ash tree that is said to connect and sustain the nine realms of the Norse cosmos. Yggdrasil is considered the heart of the Norse universe, providing a spiritual and physical connection between the realms and symbolizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the cycles of life.
VALKNUT, also known as the “Knot of the Slain,” is a symbol associated with Odin and his connection to the afterlife and the fallen warriors. It is often seen as a symbol of protection, sacrifice, and the intertwining of life and death. Given Odin’s association with wisdom, magic, and the pursuit of knowledge, it is placed on the left side, as the left side is often connected to deeper meanings, mystery, and the spiritual realm.
TRIPLE HORN OF ODIN, also known as the Horn Triskelion or the Horn Triskele, is a symbol associated with Odin’s connection to mead, wisdom, and poetic inspiration. It represents the three aspects of the god – his quest for knowledge, his association with poetry and inspiration, and his affinity for ecstatic states of mind. The Triple Horn symbol is associated with the right side, as the right side is often connected to action, creativity, and the material world.
7 days of the Week
MONDAY: Sleipnir
Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse ridden by Odin, represents speed, power, and divine connection. Monday is associated with Sleipnir’s swiftness and the energy to begin the week with purpose.
TUESDAY: Fenrir
Fenrir, the monstrous wolf, embodies strength, wildness, and untamed power. Tuesday, derived from the Old English “Tiw’s day” associated with the god Tyr, aligns with Fenrir’s ferocity and the determination to face challenges head-on.
WEDNESDAY: Huginn
Huginn, one of Odin’s ravens representing thought, is associated with Wednesday. As the middle of the week, Wednesday symbolizes reflection, intellectual pursuits, and the power of thought.
THURSDAY: Muninn
Muninn, Odin’s other raven representing memory, is assigned to Thursday. As the day following Wednesday’s reflection, Thursday represents the application of knowledge, memory, and the wisdom gained from past experiences.
FRIDAY: Nidhogg
Nidhogg, the dragon-like creature gnawing at the roots of Yggdrasil, represents decay and destruction. Nidhogg completes the working week on Friday, representing the challenges and obstacles faced throughout the week.
SATURDAY: Ratatoskr
Ratatoskr, the squirrel that runs up and down Yggdrasil, symbolizes communication and the spreading of messages. Saturday, often associated with a sense of completion and celebration, can be connected to Ratatoskr’s role in exchanging information and fostering connections.
SUNDAY: Huldra
Huldra, the seductive and mysterious forest spirit, embodies enchantment and allure. Sunday, often regarded as a day of rest and contemplation, aligns with Huldra’s hidden nature and offers an opportunity for introspection and connection with nature.
Cardinal Points
The Vegvísir,also known as the Viking Compass, is a powerful symbol known for its protective and guiding properties. Translated as the “signpost” or “wayfinder,” it is believed to assist travelers in finding their way, even in challenging and unfamiliar territories. It is revered as a symbol of strength, resilience, and safe passage, serving as a spiritual guide for those who seek direction and protection on their journeys.
NORTH – ODIN
As the chief god and ruler of Asgard, Odin is associated with the cardinal point of North. North represents wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of higher understanding. It is also associated with the concept of the cosmic axis, the connection between the earthly and divine realms.
Odin sacrificed his right eye in exchange for wisdom and knowledge, and is wearing a patch over it. He is holding Gungnir, his legendary spear.
NORTHEAST – THOR
As the god associated with thunder, strength, and protection, Thor is assigned to the mid point of Northeast. This direction represents a balance between the cardinal points, symbolizing Thor’s role as a protector of Midgard, the realm of humans.
Thor wears Járngreipr also known as “iron gloves” or “iron gauntlets” to handle Mjölnir, his hammer.
EAST – FREYA
East is associated with new beginnings, rebirth, and the rising sun. It represents the direction from which light emerges, symbolizing the dawn of a new day and the hope and potential it brings. Freya, as a goddess of love and beauty, embodies the concept of growth, renewal, and the awakening of life, and represents the blossoming and flourishing of love, beauty, and fertility that comes with each new day.
Freya is adorned with a beautiful necklace called Brísingamen
SOUTHEAST – BALDR
Baldr is the god of light and beauty. Baldr’s association with purity and radiance aligns with the symbolic representation of the Southeast, which often signifies new beginnings, growth, and the dawning of the day. As the god of light, Baldr is closely associated with the sun. Baldr is known for his musical talents and is depicted playing a harp
SOUTH – FRIGG
The south is associated with warmth, light, and abundance. As the goddess of marriage, motherhood, and domestic life, Frigg embodies qualities of nurturing, fertility, and the flourishing of life. Frigg is holding a distaff in her hand, symbolizing her connection to the threads of destiny and the weaving of fate.
SOUTHWEST – LOKI
Loki, as the trickster god, embodies change, transformation, and unpredictability associated with southwest direction. Loki, with his fiery personality and association with fire, aligns with warmth and passion represented by southwest.
Loki is bound by Gleipnir chain as punishment for his involvement in the death of Baldr. Loki was the father of Mani (Moon goddess) and Nott (night goddess),
WEST – TYR
Tyr stands resolute in the west, symbolizing sacrifice, honor, and justice. As the god of war, his presence aligns with the setting sun and the twilight hours. The west, associated with endings and transitions, reflects Tyr’s selfless act of sacrificing his hand to bind the fearsome wolf Fenrir. As a god of justice, Tyr is holding a scales, heliping him to maintain balance and uphold the law.
NORTHWEST – HEIMDALLR
Heimdallr is known as the watchman of the gods and is closely associated with guarding the Bifröst, the rainbow bridge that connects the realms. The northwest direction is often associated with watchfulness, alertness, and a sense of protection. This direction symbolizes his role as a guardian and his vigilance in safeguarding the realm of the gods.
Jormungandr
Jormungandr, the colossal sea serpent of Norse mythology, coils around the gods, creatures, and the World Tree, Yggdrasil. This immense serpent symbolizes the interplay between the realms and the cosmic forces that shape the Norse universe. Its encircling presence represents the serpent’s role as a powerful bridge between the realms.
Clockface – the 9 Realms and the Norns
1 o’clock: ASGARD (Realm of the Aesir gods) – Early Morning: Asgard, the realm of the Aesir gods, is placed in the early morning, symbolizing the awakening of divine power and the beginning of a new day.
2 o’clock: VANAHEIM (Realm of the Vanir gods) – Late Morning: Vanaheim, the realm of the Vanir gods, is placed in the late morning, representing the flourishing energies of nature and fertility.
3 o’clock: JOTUNHEIM (Realm of the giants) – Mid-Morning: Jotunheim, the realm of the giants, is placed in mid-morning, embodying the raw and untamed forces of nature and the challenges faced by the gods.
4 o’clock: MIDGARD (Realm of humans) – Noon: Midgard, the realm of humans, is placed at noon, symbolizing the peak of the day and the realm inhabited by mortal beings.
5 o’clock: URD (Norn of the Past) – Afternoon: Urd, the Norn of the Past, is placed in the afternoon, representing the accumulated experiences and events that have shaped the present moment.
6 o’clock: VERDANGI (Norn of the Present) – Late Afternoon: Verdandi, the Norn of the Present, is placed in the late afternoon, embodying the active unfolding of events and the continuous weaving of fate.
7 o’clock: SKULD (Norn of the Future) – Early Evening: Skuld, the Norn of the Future, is placed in the early evening, symbolizing the anticipation and possibilities of what is yet to come, shaping the destiny of beings.
8 o’clock: MUSPELHEIM (Realm of fire and heat) – Evening: Muspelheim, the realm of fire and heat, is placed in the evening, representing the transformative and passionate energies associated with the fading light of the day.
9 o’clock: ALFHEIM (Realm of the elves) – Twilight: Alfheim, the realm of the elves, is placed during twilight, symbolizing the ethereal beauty, magic, and enchantment often associated with the transition between day and night.
10 o’clock: SVARTALFHEIM (Realm of the dwarves) – Dusk: Svartalfheim, the realm of the dwarves, is placed during dusk, representing the hidden realms and the craftsmanship of the dwarves as the day transitions towards night.
11 o’clock: NIFLHEIM (Realm of ice and mist) – Nightfall: Niflheim, the realm of ice and mist, is placed at nightfall, embodying the cold, darkness, and mysterious forces associated with the end of the day.
12 o’clock: HELHEIM (Realm of the dead) – Midnight: Helheim, the realm of the dead, is placed at midnight, signifying the darkness and stillness of the night, where departed souls reside.
Digital cross stitch / blackwork pattern
No physical items will be shipped. A PDF pattern will be emailed to you within 1 working day.
No fabric, floss, or other materials are included in the listing. The finished embroidery shown in the photos is for demonstration purposes only.
