A historic rare opportunity for Asgard Arts to offer this stunning new Viking painting. "The Last Rites Of Baldur". This stunning new large painting captures the final journey of Baldur. Baldur was the son of Odin and Frigg. He spread light and goodwill wherever he went but, inevitably, evoked the envy of the bitter god Loki, who plotted his tragic death. 

The painting takes the viewer close to the launching of the burning longship. It is a scene that has not been depicted often by painters. Goodman, the Artist, was determined to show the sheer physical effort involved, and the obvious grief among those watching the colossal task. 

Baldur's body has been laid on a pyre in his longship and then covered in treasure and decorated with flowers and thorns, the emblems of sleep. His ship is set aflame and is being pushed out to sea by the bravest of the Viking warriors. 

The dynamics of launching the longship were problematical. For instance, the Vikings would have to wait until there was an offshore breeze so that the flames would burn away from them as they pushed out the ship. It would be feasible to also wait until the tide was receding, again helping the ship out to sea. 

The Viking assigned the honoured task of setting light to the pyre would probably have been the Vikings' leader. It would be a painful moment for him, and is depicted in the painting showing deep emotion, waving a last farewell to Baldur. 

There are two Valkyries in the painting. The Valkyrie standing in the ship is exulting in the task ahead, which is to take Baldur to Valhalla. Her companion is standing behind the torch-bearing Viking leader, her face expressing awe at the tragic scene.

All the Viking armies have assembled along the cliff-top, saluting Baldur who they believe will return to earth at the far-off future time.

The old man on the far right of the painting, bearing an axe, is an example of the Vikings' respect for ageing warriors. He would be present as a mark of his long service, though now he is barely able to shoulder his axe. He will probably be given the chance to die in battle, and thus earn the right to enter Valhalla.

Just above the extended arm of the Viking leader, a Berserker shows his renowned fury, clenching his fist, brandishing his axe, and howling at the injustice of Baldur's death. Such men would be used in the vanguard of a Viking attack. Their fearlessness and berserk fighting would give heart to those following them. They were brave warriors, but their life-span must necessarily have been short.