This is a handcrafted linocut print inspired by a folktale featuring reindeer drawing loosely from several stories from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, including many elements from indigenous Sami folklore. Some believe that long before Santa charioted his herd of reindeer across the wintery skies it was She Who Carries The Sun - the Reindeer Goddess -who cradled the sun between her wide antlers bringing in the Winter Solstice, a celestial torchbearer in the season’s longest night. In the summer months when she shone brightly, she was guided by a giant bear. Then as the year progressed and winter approached, her light would wane and the bear would transform into a herd of reindeer.

Unlike the male reindeer who sheds his antlers in winter, it is the doe who retains her antlers during the cold winter months - a quiet testament to the feminine strength at the heart of this tale. So it is that Santa’s reindeer, by nature’s own design, are most likely female. . .and perhaps, unknowingly, we still whisper fragments of this sacred feminine sun goddess story when we celebrate the return of this great gift bearer every Christmas.

This folklore speaks to a deeper rhythm - one carried in antlers, stars, and the cyclical turning of the seasons. With the return of She Who Carries The Sun marking the threshold between one season and the next, we’re reminded that light is meant to wax and wane. In a world that glorifies constant output, Her story offers a gentler wisdom: that rest is sacred, and renewal is born in the quiet ebb between brightness and shadow.

MATERIALS:

It is printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Relief Ink on Awagami Select Professional Grade Hosho Paper, both of which are archival quality and non-toxic. Hosho is a cultural heritage paper from Japan handmade with natural materials and has been used in Japanese block printing for hundreds of years because of its durability and high quality.

COLORS: This is printed with a hand-mixed blend of colors inspired by the northern lights in two variations: Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice. Winter Solstice is printed on bright white Hosho paper. Summer Solstice is printed on a warm white toned Hosho paper. Please expect slight variations in the colors of ink - each print is one of a kind! If you would like to see a photo of the exact print you will receive please feel free to email me diemdangers@gmail.com.

SIZE:

Print size: 12” x 18”

Paper size: 16-17” x 22”

PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print. Each one is thoughtfully and beautifully packaged gift-ready — no extra wrapping needed! You may include a personal message to a recipient when you check out which will be handwritten and included.

SHIPPING: All my prints are packaged and shipped out within 1-3 business days. This print has free shipping for U.S. Customers, and there is a flat rate fee of $22 for international customers. IMPORTANT* Depending on your country of origin, for international customers there may be an additional tax you have to pay for the artwork to pass through customs which varies from country to country which is not included in the shipping cost. I highly recommend you please check with your country’s postal service directly to find out if this cost is something you are willing to pay. In case this might be helpful, the weight of this artwork when it is packaged in a cylindrical tube is 10 ounces, and the dimensions are 25.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches. It is valued at $200.00. Freight cost ranges from $39.00-41.00. Here are some useful links:

Australian Customers

UK Customers

Questions? Please feel free to reach out here, or email me at diemdangers@gmail.com.

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