Puukko Question

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, polar bears certainly would be a stretch.

European dragons are typically winged, Oriental/Chinese dragons are typically wingless.

In Modern Europe the Green Man seems to be recognised from about the 10th-11th century, but my understanding is that the roots of the Green Man pre-date Christianity by a considerable time.

The Celts are often thought of in terms of the British Isles, but in fact they are spread throughout Europe, my memory is that what we now recognise as Celtic Culture began in Central Europe around 600BC.

My feeling is that we need to delve into Norse mythology, something that is indeed a mystery to me. Yes, perhaps the Hurstwicians might have some viable suggestions.

[drdavid]

Alan, the hands appear to be pulling the scales/armour/something else forwards and there is something above the hands in the centre, I cannot make out what that might be from the photos, is it clearer in the hand.

The problem with calling this figure Grendel or indeed Grendel's mum is that the text of Beowulf does not describe Grendel in any detail, the most recent translation by Seamus Heaney says he is human like but bigger and that he is covered in scales and has talons and spikes and claws (page xlviii/8 in Heaney), so we can only have the carver's thoughts on Grendel if we are to consider Grendel and option. Grendel's mother is not described at all
drd
ps I have also had a quick look through Tolkien's translation, he describes Grendel as an ogre and as troll kind and of the race of Cain, but again no description beyond generalities

[A. G. Maisey]

David, the "something" above the hands in the centre is no clearer in the hand, it is a protrusion from between the lower teeth, I cannot fathom what it might be.

Yes, no doubt at all that Grendel is difficult to support as a candidate, as is Green Man, as is any other Norse mythological character of which I am aware --- not that I'm aware of very many.

I found a site yesterday that I intend to contact with the question, it appears to be a Norse myth stronghold

[mariusgmioc]

Meanwhile, I'll stick to Jormungandr...

Scales, double tongue, no feet...

[Pukka Bundook]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Meanwhile, I'll stick to Jormungandr...

Scales, double tongue, no feet...

But the carving here does have feet,...is kneeling.
The wood must be wonderfully hard, to be able to carve in such detail.

It is Most Odd!

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

But the carving here does have feet,...is kneeling.

Yes, indeed. Now I see the feet.

So if it is not Jormungandr... my best guess would be my mother-in-law. I seem to recognise some features.


PS: What if it is not inspired by a specific figure from Norse mythology, and is simply an artistic interpretation of a monster... any monster?!

[A. G. Maisey]

I was thinking the same thing Marius, just an artistic, generic monster.

Does Jormungandr have two tongues, or a forked tongue? This little bloke has one forked tongue coming from each side of his mouth --- if indeed they are tongues, and not something else.