About this objectDiscovered in a churchyard in the Isle of Man, this stone slab is decorated with Christian crosses, images from Norse mythology and a runic inscription. Made in the 10th century, it encapsulates the Norse tradition of runestones with the Celtic Christian tradition of raising crosses. The imagery also reflects both faiths: the Isle of Man was Christian at the time of Viking invasion from the 9th century but, as this cross shows, Norse and Christian gods found accommodation.
Both sides of the broken stone slab show crosses. In addition, one shows the apocalyptic Ragnarök, a vision of the future when Odin (Woden), the Norse god, is eaten by the wolf Fenir and a new world emerges. The images of a figure, a fish and serpent on the other is interpreted as a Christian scene of the triumph of Christ over evil, represented by the serpent trampled underfoot.
Date Made10th century
Subject and Association KeywordsEncounters
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: 3D model
