Kong Svafur Lami tvinger dværgene Durin og Dvalin til at love sig sværdet Tyrfing 1880s

Adolph Kittendorff created this print, titled 'Kong Svafur Lami tvinger dværgene Durin og Dvalin til at love sig sværdet Tyrfing', at an unknown date. It currently resides at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. The image depicts a king forcing two dwarves to forge a sword for him. The dwarves, Durin and Dvalin, are positioned at a lower level than the king, emphasizing a hierarchical structure. The visual language reinforces this power dynamic, reflecting societal norms related to authority and dominance. Consider how 19th-century European art often romanticized national myths. This piece reflects a fascination with folklore. Kittendorff reproduces conventional portrayals of mythical figures, and these representations carry cultural implications about identity. As you reflect on this image, consider how mythical narratives have shaped cultural values and societal structures.