Sigurd Cross Slab (Manx Cross 120)
This broken slab was found in the churchyard in 1854. Only part of the shaft now survives, and the decoration is badly worn. One face of the slab shows the cross-shaft occupied by a dragon trapped in tendril interlace, with link-twist pattern to the left and part of either a plait or ring chain to the right.
The other face preserves a trace of the circle which originally linked the arms of the cross. The shaft is decorated with various, very worn sections of interlace and knots. The panel to the left of the shaft shows what would seem to be the head and fore-quarters of Sigurd's horse Grani, but is otherwise lost. To the right, the base of the panel is badly worn, but above this Sigurd is shown in the pit, stabbing the dragon Fafnir with his sword. Above, wearing a high cap and kirtle, and with his sword at his side, Sigurd is shown later roasting Fafnir's heart, and cooling his scalded fingers in his mouth.
The surviving decoration on the stone is in the Jellinge style, which dates the carving to the first half of the 10th century.
Connections
Book Chapters
- Parish: Malew
- Sheading: Rushen
- Grid Ref: SC2683069460
Sources
- Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record