Visual References

The composition draws inspiration from the narrative flow of the early and pre-Viking Age Gotland picture stones — notably the Tjängvide and Ardre stones — where myths such as the saga of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer unfold through layered symbols in a sequential, almost comic-like layout.

The illustration’s ornamental language reflects the refined aesthetics of the late Viking Age Urnes and Ringerike styles, as seen in runestones like U 692, U 937, G 134, and Sö 101 — the latter once again depicting the Sigurd legend. The serpent-like dragons that frame many of these stones, their heads and tails intertwined at the base, serve both as borders and as narrative elements — and in a few examples, the creature itself represents Fáfnir, struck down by Sigurd.

Some runestones, such as G 134, even echo the distinctive keyhole shape of the much earlier Gotland picture stones, further bridging the visual traditions of different periods.

Additional inspiration comes from Viking Age valkyrie brooches, whose depictions of mounted female figures resonate with the mythic riders carved into the Gotland stones.

Together, these visual traditions embody the book’s central theme: the continual reinterpretation of myth and imagery across time.