The "Wolves of Ragnarok: Skoll and Hati" is the second piece in my "Mythic Pairs" series of layered reliefs of iconic duos from Norse mythology. Wolves appear in many mythologies but nowhere are they more central than in ancient Scandinavian tradition and few events in Norse myth are as central as Ragnarok, the end of the world (literally "Twilight of the Gods") where several wolves play key roles. 

Skoll and Hati, the offspring of Fenrir, run through the heavens chasing after the sun and moon. When Ragnarok is upon the world, they will finally catch their prey and swallow them whole marking the end of the world we know and ultimately paving the way for a new world to begin. Skoll and Hati symbolize mortality, endings and the importance of seizing every moment of life and living it to its fullest.

Skoll and Hati's sobering message is not as bleak as it appears at first glance. Consider that the Gods know Ragnarok is inevitable. It will come no matter what they do and they, too, will cease to exist - pulled back into the chaotic void of Ganungagap from whence our universe was created. Yet they do not allow this fact to stop them from working hard to delay it, building up their world, finding joy, love and friendship while engaging in every adventure life has to offer. In this sense, Ragnarok and the symbol of Skoll and Hati as harbingers doom stand as a reminder that all things end and that we should use every moment we have on earth to the fullest.
 
This layered relief is created from four separate castings using cold-cast nickel silver, brass & copper and stone-infused resin. Patinas, stains, inks and/or paints are applied and the pieces are buffed to bring out highlights. They are then hand assembled, covered with a clear coat and mounted in a beautiful black no-glass shadowbox frame. I find the no-glass frame brings out the true depth of the sculpt, eliminating the glare often associated with traditional glazed framing. Piece can be lightly dusted if needed.
 
EDITION SIZE:
Limited to 150 signed and numbered pieces
 
PIECE SIZE:
13" x 13" x 1.5"
 

Digging a little deeper into the story of Skoll and Hati...

The names of these wolves is well accepted, Skoll means "one who mocks" and Hati means "one who hates." One chases the sun and the other the moon, though there is some debate among academics as to which chases which. More information on this debate can be found at: http://norse-mythology.org/skoll-hati/

The Eddic poem Grímnismál has a few passages that refer to Skoll and Hati. Here is the one that inspired me to create this piece:

Skoll is the name of the wolf
Who follows the shining priest
Into the desolate forest,
And the other is Hati,
Hróðvitnir’s son,
Who chases the bright bride of the sky.

It is worth noting that "Hróðvitnir" is one of the names used for Fenrir, Loki's son, the enormous wolf who himself will be the death of Odin at the time of Ragnarok. It is therefore Hróðvitnir's (Fenrir's) children (Skoll and Hati) who will swallow the sun and moon.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved by the artist (Aric Jorn), his studio (Aric Jorn: Sculpting Myth) and his corporation (Jivotica LLC). My work may not be reproduced, modified, commercially exploited or re-used, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without prior written consent by the artist.

All my work is under copyright registration and covered under copyright protection by http://www.freecopyrightregistration.com/ and http://www.safecreative.org/ 

You are welcome to share digital images of my work with friends, as long as you ALWAYS make reference to Aric Jorn and www.jorn.com.

©2016-2022 Aric Jorn & Jivotica LLC. All Rights Reserved. This is an original design by Aric Jorn and as its creator, I retain all rights. I am always open to working with other makers and artists and my designs have been licensed for that purpose. So. if you are interested in incorporating (whole or in part) this or any of my designs into a product, art work or for any other purpose, please contact me first to make arrangements and come to an agreement. Failure to take this step will result in immediate legal action.