As christmas approaches, I started seeing a lot of drawings of Santa Claus as a Norse Viking warrior. Also, I was reminded of the story of Ganesha’s creation, when he fiercely guarded his mother with a battle-axe/mace in hand against any intruders, even his own father Shiva.
It was this fierce and battle-ready quality that set me thinking that in that moment, Ganesha had shown qualities equivalent to that of a Viking warrior, for whom the highest honor was death in combat which made they worthy of entering Valhalla. Also, the cold of Mount Kailash where Ganesha lives easily rivals that of the wintery arctic waters where the Vikings sailed.
Decked out in furs and leathers, with an enormous battle-axe swung across his shoulder, I wanted him to look imposing and menacing, while retaining his poise and grace. If you can’t see his smile, it’s possibly because his face is covered by that braided ginger beard :-)
And to finish the piece, I took inspiration from some celtic knot designs of rats and put one on his axe. (Yes yes, no connection between the Celts and the Nords, but it’s just cool)
I did think, should I add a fur cloak or a Viking boat behind? Perhaps next time.