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Odin, Baldur, Thor. The Mythological Sea Serpent, Jormuncarda
Major collection: Hart Nautical
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: unknown
Place made: unknown
Date made: 1848
Materials: ink; color; paper; board
Measurements: 19 1/2 in x 24 in
Nomenclature: sea serpents
Classification: mythology
AF-LB-K023
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: unknown
Place made: unknown
Date made: 1848
Materials: ink; color; paper; board
Measurements: 19 1/2 in x 24 in
Nomenclature: sea serpents
Classification: mythology
The Gods of Norse mythology, Odin and Thor, and goddess, Frigg, sit on a platform in the center encircled by a brown serpent, Jormuncarda (Jörmungandr). They are flanked by stern views of the HMS 'Daedalus' and HMS 'Plumper.' A partial view of the serpent swims perpendicular the two vessels. The engraving commemorates two sightings of a sea serpent by the crew of the two vessels in 1848. The sightings sparked considerable interest in England and were extensively covered by newspapers such as the London Illustrated News that year. Here, the artist attributes the sea serpent to be the sea serpent child of the Nordic god Loki.
AF-LB-K023