Sigurd Cross Slab (Manx Cross 120)

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One face reveals a cross-shaft dominated by a dragon ensnared within intricate tendrils. In stark contrast, the other face retains a faint impression of the circle that once united the arms of the cross. The panel to the left of the shaft presents what appears to be the head and forequarters of Sigurd's horse Grani, but the rest is lost to time. To the right, the base of the panel is severely worn, yet above this Sigurd is depicted in the pit, plunging his sword into the dragon Fafnir. Above, clad in a high cap and kirtle, with his sword at his side, Sigurd is shown later roasting Fafnir's heart, and cooling his scalded fingers within his mouth. The surviving ornamentation on the stone adheres to the Jellinge style, pinpointing the carving to the first half of the 10th century. Found in Malew Churchyard, Rushen, Isle of Man, this medieval relic now resides in the Manx National Heritage Museum. A cross-scanning operation was performed in situ, resulting in some surfaces being unable to be captured or photographed due to obstructions.