2022 - Archaeopress Publishing
E-book
Digital Version
Thorvald's Cross : Thorvald's Cross
86 p.
- Thorvald's Cross. The Viking Age Cross-Slab âÂKirk Andreas MM 128' and its Iconography provides an in-depth analysis of one of the Isle of Man's most important and intriguing monuments. The Manx Crosses are a unique collection of Scandinavian-style grave stones unequalled in the medieval Viking World. Their carvings and inscriptions offer a window into Viking Age society and spirituality at a time when the Celtic Manx and Scandinavian settlers in the Island came to terms with each other. Among these stones, the iconic âÂThorvald's Cross' (MM 128) in St Andrew's church in the village of Andreas demands particular attention, as it features figural scenes with humans and animals deriving from both pagan Norse mythology and Christian religious imagery. According to the prevailing view, the triumph of Christianity over paganism is shown in the two preserved reliefs, but differing opinions have been put forward. This book brings together all available information about Thorvald's Cross and discusses and analyses.
- former and current hypotheses regarding the stone's iconography, weighing their respective merits and shortcomings. Based on in-depth research and an âÂautopsy' of the stone on-site, it considers the images in their spiritual, cultural, and chronological context and presents a new interpretation of this remarkable monument, arguing that the depiction of religious confrontation was not its original purpose, but that both scenes convey a common, much more subtle and comforting Christian message.
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Informations
ISBN: 9781789698565
DISCIPLINES
KEYWORDS
- Isle of Man, Manx Crosses, Engravings, Viking, Early Medieval