‘Mock away! Mock! The Niblung makes for your toy! 1910

This 1910 illustration by Arthur Rackham depicts a scene from the German epic poem "The Nibelungenlied." The image shows a menacing, hairy creature clinging to a cliff, while three women, draped in long, flowing hair, stand in the foreground, one seemingly reaching out to the beast. Rackham, known for his intricate and often whimsical illustrations, uses a combination of detailed linework and subtle shading to bring the mythical world of the Nibelungen to life. The composition, with its focus on the looming figure of the creature, adds a sense of impending danger and suspense to the scene. This illustration, like many of Rackham's works, appeals to both children and adults, capturing the imagination and transporting viewers into the fantastical realm of epic poetry.