In some tellings, the sky was the first component of the Norse mythology world tree myths to be “created.” Yggdrasil is the tree, but above the tree is the sky (or the heavens). Both the earth and the heavens were created from the giant Ymir’s body.
Ymir’s skull contains the heavens, and of course the sun and the moon. In the depiction of Yggdrasil, there are 4 dwarves around the edges of Midgard (the earth level of the world, where humans reside). These dwarves represent the four points on the compass, and they are tasked with holding up the sky, a.k.a. Ymir’s skull. This seems like a very important detail to me, so I logically needed to add one of the dwarves to my collection. Nordri is the dwarf representing north on the compass, and he graces one of my arms. Again, rather than 4 smallish figures, I have chosen rather large and brightly colored artwork over “literal” representation of the myths.
My Nordri resembles closely Gimli from the Lord of the Rings films, but he’s not quite the same. I am however, pleased to have a dwarf that resembles Gimli as I love the LOTR stories too! My dwarf is decidedly Norse in his depiction, sporting fiery red locks. He also has a candle on top of his helmet. This is one of my favorite details! We sometimes seem to be a little short on light in this world, so the flame seems warm and welcoming to me. I am also a Unitarian Universalist - the candle is a conscious nod to the flaming chalice UUs incorporate in our symbolism and worship. This little light of my dwarf? I’m gonna let it shine!
Here’s hoping Nordri and his fellow sky supports keep that sky up there for many more eons!
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