This handcrafted linocut print is inspired by Nordic and Sámi folklore from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, telling of the Reindeer Goddess—She Who Carries the Sun. Long before Santa’s sleigh crossed the winter sky, this ancient feminine figure was said to cradle the sun between her antlers, carrying it through the longest night of the Winter Solstice as a celestial torchbearer of return and renewal.

In these stories, the goddess is accompanied by a great bear in summer; as winter approaches, the bear transforms into a herd of reindeer. Unlike male reindeer, it is the doe who keeps her antlers through winter—a quiet, powerful symbol of feminine endurance, protection, and strength. By nature’s design, the winter reindeer are female, and echoes of this sacred feminine sun myth still linger in our modern solstice and Christmas traditions.

This print honors the cyclical wisdom of the seasons—light waxing and waning, rest following radiance. Rooted in ancestral myth and folk cosmology, it offers a gentle counterpoint to a culture of constant striving, reminding us that rest is sacred, and renewal is born in the dark, patient turning of the year.

Ideal for:

• Lovers of Nordic mythology and Sámi folklore

• Those honoring the Winter Solstice or seasonal rituals

• Seekers of wild feminine, earth-based, and animist art

• A meaningful gift for winter, solstice, or seasonal transition

MATERIALS

t 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 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. Free shipping for U.S. Customers. International customers, please purchase this print on Etsy. I no longer provide international shipping through this website.

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

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