#drawing goddesses

[artist-ellen]

THE NORNS

The Norns are the embodiment of fate in Norse mythology, shaping the destinies of both gods and mortals. The three most well-known Norns are Urðr (Past), Verðandi (Present), and Skuld (Future). They dwell by the well Urðarbrunnr beneath Yggdrasill, the great world tree. Their influence is inescapable, as they are present at every birth, setting each individual’s fate.

Beyond these three, other Norns exist, including dwarves and giants. While often blamed for misfortunes, the Norns do not act out of malice; their work simply reflects the inevitable flow of time and fate. Sometimes, they grant warnings in dreams, hinting at impending doom. Their role is crucial in Norse cosmology, ensuring the balance of the universe and the continuous cycle of life, death, and destiny.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

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[artist-ellen]

JöRD

Jörd, a powerful and enigmatic figure in Norse mythology, is the personification of the Earth and one of Odin’s many Jötunn lovers. As the mother of Thor, she plays a crucial role in the lineage of the gods, though little is recorded about her beyond this connection. Some sources suggest she is also the mother of Meili, another son of Odin, though less known.

Daughter of Nótt, the goddess of Night, and Annar, who may be Odin himself, Jörd bridges the divide between the Æsir and the Jötnar, embodying both primeval chaos and divine order. Though often overshadowed by other goddesses like Frigg and Freyja, her influence is undeniable; as the Earth itself, she nurtures life and provides a foundation for existence.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

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[artist-ellen]

ANGRBODA

Angrboda, whose name means “Grief-Bringer,” is a powerful and mysterious giantess from Jotunheim. She is best known as Loki’s first wife and the mother of three fearsome beings: Hel, the ruler of the underworld, Fenrir, the monstrous wolf fated to break free at Ragnarok, and Jormungandr, the serpent that encircles the world. Her origins are shrouded in mystery, and some scholars believe she was a later addition to Norse myth, appearing after the 12th century.

In the Völuspá, there is mention of a jotunn witch dwelling in Járnvid, or ‘Ironwood’, a dark and foreboding forest. Some believe this could refer to Angrboda, suggesting she played a deeper role in the prophecy of Ragnarok, and raised Fenrir’s children, Skoll and Hati.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

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[artist-ellen]

Freyja

Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, beauty, war, and magic, is one the most captivating figures of Norse mythology. The daughter of Njord, the god of the sea, and sister to Freyr, the god of fertility and peace, she is also the foremost mistress of Seidr, the ancient art of prophecy and magic, which she herself taught to the Aesir gods.

In her great hall, Sessrúmnir, Freyja dwells as a figure of passion and fierce independence. She traverses the skies in a chariot drawn by cats and wears the necklace Brísingamen, a treasure created by dwarven craftsmen, which she gained in exchange for a night with each of them. When Loki once stole this prized jewel, Freyja turned to Heimdall who restored it to her.

Yet her heart is not only fierce but tender, as shown in the tale of Óttar, one of her lovers. To aid him in his quest to discover his ancestry, she transformed him into her loyal boar, Hildisvíni, and guided him on his journey.

Another story tells of a giant builder who sought her hand in marriage as payment for constructing the walls of Asgard. The gods, unwilling to part with her, turned to Loki for help, as they often do. Perceiving that the builder’s progress relied upon his stallion, Loki lured the beast away, thereby ensuring the giant’s failure and the gods’ triumph.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

(Shopify) (Etsy) (Ko-Fi)

[artist-ellen]

Idunn

Idunn, the goddess of youth, is the keeper of the golden apples that grant the gods of Asgard their immortality. Married to Bragi, the god of poetry, she is the daughter of Iwaldi and the sister of the dwarves who forged Sif’s golden hair. Her role is vital, for without her apples, the gods would wither and age.

One day, the giant Thjazi, craving the power of the apples, devised a scheme. Disguised as an eagle, he coerced Loki into luring Idunn into the forest under the pretense of finding even better apples. Once alone, Thjazi seized her and carried her off to his fortress in Jötunheim. Deprived of their youth, the gods demanded Loki bring her back. Using Freyja’s falcon cloak, Loki flew to Jötunheim, transformed Idunn into a nut, and escaped with her, pursued by Thjazi, whom the gods ultimately slew.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

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[artist-ellen]

FRIGG

Frigg, the Norse goddess of marriage and motherhood, is the wife of Odin and the Queen of Asgard. Renowned for her wisdom and foresight, she wields significant influence over the fates of both gods and mortals. Her deep maternal love is most indisputable in the tragic tale of her son Baldr. Foreseeing his death, Frigg journeyed across the realms, extracting promises from every being not to harm him. Only the mistletoe did not give her his word, as it was too young. However, she deemed it too insignificant to pose a threat. Loki, ever the trickster, exploited this oversight, leading to Baldr’s untimely death by a mistletoe arrow.

Frigg is also the mother of Hodr, who, deceived by Loki, accidentally killed his brother Baldr. Her third son is Hermod, the swift messenger of the Aesir gods. Her father is Fjorgynn, though little is known about him.

Her strategic mind shines in the story of Agnar and Geirröðr. While Odin favored Geirröðr, Frigg championed Agnar, and subtly sabotaged Geirröðr’s chances, ensuring Agnar’s success.

Frigg resides in her hall, Fensalir, accompanied by her loyal handmaidens: Fulla, Sjöfn, Snotra, Lofn, Gefjon, Vár, Hlín, Sága, Eir, Syn, Vör, and Gná.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

(Shopify) (Etsy) (Ko-Fi)

[artist-ellen]

SOL

Sol, the Norse goddess of the Sun, was the radiant daughter of Mundilfari and sister to Mani, the god of the Moon. Their father, proud of their unmatched beauty, boasted too much about it, angering the gods. As punishment, Sol was forced to drive the Sun’s chariot across the sky, pulled by the swift horses Árvakr and Alsviðr. She was never allowed to rest, for she was relentlessly pursued by the wolf Skoll, one of Fenrir’s children.

Each day, Sol raced to outrun her doom, knowing that if she faltered, darkness would consume the world. Her fate will be sealed at Ragnarök, the end of all things. When the final battle unfolds, Skoll will finally catch her, devouring her in a grim fulfillment of prophecy. Yet, her light will not be extinguished forever : her daughter, even more radiant than she, will rise to take her place, ensuring that the Sun will shine once more upon the new world.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

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[artist-ellen]

SKADI

Skadi, daughter of the giant Thiazi, is the goddess of winter, skiing, and hunting. Her father, Thiazi, kidnapped Idunn, the keeper of the apples of youth. Loki stole Idunn back and flew to Asgard in the form of a falcon. During the pursuit, Thiazi transformed into an eagle but was ambushed by the gods, who set a trap and burned his wings. He fell from the sky and was slain. 

Seeking vengeance, Skadi armed herself and stormed Asgard. The gods were impressed by her courage, so Odin cast Thiazi’s eyes into the heavens, where they became stars. The Aesirs offered Skadi greater compensation : a husband of her choosing. But there was a trick: she could only pick by looking at the gods’ feet. Hoping to wed the radiant Baldr, she chose the most beautiful pair. To her dismay, they belonged to Njord, the sea god.

Their marriage was doomed from the start. Skadi longed for the snow-covered mountains of her home, while Njord loved the salty waves and the cries of seagulls. In the end, they parted ways. Skadi later married Odin and bore him several sons, some of whom founded dynasties in Scandinavia. 

Fierce and vengeful, Skadi played a role in Loki’s punishment. When the gods captured him for Baldr’s murder, she chose the venomous serpent to be placed above his bound body, its dripping poison tormenting him until Ragnarök.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

(Shopify) (Etsy) (Ko-Fi)