Presented on this page are the fruits of an artistic endeavor called Heidnischwerk. "Heidnischwerk" was the derogatory name given to medieval pagan-derived imagery that certain zealous clergy were campaigning against; translated into English, the German word means "heathen works." But in this era of Heathen resurgence, we have chosen this name with pride.

The purpose of Heidnischwerk is to make high quality sculptures available to those interested in and dedicated to the Northern Ways. These first manifestations are part of a series of reliefs depicting some of the most important Gods and Goddesses of the Nordic pantheon.

According to the Germanic ideal, the Gods are understood as the personifications of cosmic natural forces which on the macrocosmic level also define ideal manhood: creativity, poetic inspiration, wisdom, courage, loyalty, and fierceness. Conversely, the diverse Goddesses are personages with concentrated desirable female attributes, such as beauty, endurance, intelligence, fertility and so forth.

Regardless of whether you are a practicing heathen or not, it is hoped that these "graven images" will speak to you with renewed force.

To reach a page with informative texts on the Gods and Goddesses, simply click on the God or Goddess name.

Here you can look at some DRAWINGS of the Gods and Goddesses originally done for an Asatru Alliance Calendar.

Freyja

This is the companion piece to the Freyr relief and depicts the northern Goddess of love and fertility in a similarly frank manner. Freyja and Odin equally share the battle-slain, which are led to her realm, Folkwang, by the Valkyries. Thus she is depicted with a sword. Her other attributes are the necklace Brisingamen and the Rune Berkana.

Thor

This piece is a reinterpretation of a small bronze statue found in Akureyri, Iceland, and dating from about the year 1000. The symbol in the background is an Icelandic "hex" sign signifying the Mjolnir, or Thor's Hammer. Dimensions: 8 x 12-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches (20 x 30 x 5 cm).

Freyr-Othinn-Thorr

This piece is partly inspired by Adam von Bremen's mention of the statuary in the temple at old Uppsala. However, Othinn is placed in the middle instead of Thorr, because it seems that to most Asatruars he is the central deity in the northern pantheon. To emphasize the interlocking nature of the Gods' attributes, their heads grow out of a common body. This basic tripartite structure is also found in the trinity of Odin, Vili and Ve and numerous other Indogermanic pantheons. Corresponding Runes for each God adorn the sacred sunwheel. Dimensions: 8-1/4 x 13-1/4 x 1-3/4 inches (19 x 28 x 3 cm).

Tyr

Tyr is one of the oldest Germanic Gods, and is the ancient sky and war god. He is portrayed here as the binder of Fenris and upholder of the universe, sacrificing his right hand in the process. The Tyr Rune as symbol of justice is the 'backbone' of the piece. 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches (21 x 29 x 5 cm).

ODIN

Odin is here represented with his symbolic animals, the wolves Geri and Freki and the ravens Hugin and Munin. His spear Gungnir, symbol of his magical will, points skyward from the seat of his mind and his beard frames the ring Draupnir. The runic inscription "asau wija," originally from a buckle from 200 CE, consecrates this piece to the Asaman, Odin. Dimensions: 9 x 13 x 2 inches (22 x 32 x 6 cm).

Freyr

This relief is based on a Viking Age find, a 3 inch tall bronze figure found at Rallinge, Södermanland, in Sweden. Various appropriate fertility charms, such as the Icelandic "Aegishjalmur," the symbol of irresistibility, have been added to amplify the image. Dimensions: 8-1/4 x 13-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches (21 x 33 x 5 cm).

The artist

Copper

Old Stone

Antique Bronze