Wooden Bas-reliefs by Dagfin Werenskiold

The galleries that run from both sides of the main entrance to Oslo City Hall are decorated with polychrome wooden bas-reliefs created based on Norse mythology by the artist Dagfin Werenskiold in the 40s and 50s. There are 16 reliefs in total, their dimensions are 2.2 by 2.3 meters, and the thread depth is up to 25 cm. Let's get to know some of them.

Frøy and Skirne. The God of harvest and fertility fell in love with the girl Gerd, and sent his servant Skrine to seek her hand, giving him his sword and horse. Skrine tries to persuade Gerd with gifts and flattery, but when she rejects the claims, threatens her with rape, as a result, the girl agrees to marry Frøy.

The dragon Nidhogg, according to Norse mythology, devours murderers, perjurers, and adulterers.

The murder Of Baldar. Baldar, the Norse God of spring and light, was pierced by an arrow fired from a bow by his blind brother Hel as a result of the machinations of the God of deception and cunning Loki.

Weyland, the blacksmith God, was captured by the king Nidudom, who mutilated him and forced him to work for himself, killed his wife, and gave her wedding ring, forged by Weyland, to his daughter. In retaliation, the blacksmith killed two of her sons, then escaped using forged wings. On the bas relief the king's daughter with her sons.

As you can see from these stories, the heroes of ancient Norse myths were very harsh and did not differ in good morals and discrimination in choosing the means to achieve their goals. Which, in General, is quite consistent with the cruel mores of the ancient Norse Vikings.