A TALE OF HORSE FUCKERY, DECEIT AND THE BUILDING OF ASGARD'S ENORMOUS STONE WALL.

I don't yet have all of the artworks for this story, but I can give you a brief outline with what I have.

How Asgard's wall came to be.

This story starts and ends with the determination of a master stonemason and the shenanigans of Loki. As the Æsir building their kingdom in the heavens, they stop to reflect on it's defensive capabilities, noting how there's no defensive barrier between them and their enemies - The Giants.

Conveniently, a giant appears, claiming to be a master stonemason capable of building a gigantic stone wall which would protect the kingdom of Asgard.

Such a service does not come cheap of course, and the stonemason demanded the Sun, the Moon and the hand of Freyja in marriage, should he finish the Wall in just three seasons. An additional condition was that he would be ensured safe passage within asgard, as he was well aware of Thor's hatred of his kind. The gods agreed, and fortunately Thor was off on an expedition, more than likely slaying Giants in their home of Jotunheim.

A wager the stonemason couldn't resist.

The gods, Freyja especially, were not happy with these demands. Loki, sensing an opportunity, struck a deal with the stonemason. The timeframe would be reduced to just one winter. If the wall was finished before the first day of summer, the giants demands would be fulfilled. If even one stone was yet to be placed, all reward would be forfeit.

The giant confidently agreed, and immediately got to work. Accompanied by his powerful steed - Svaðilfari, the boulders would be transported every night, and placed every day.

The pair worked at a miraculous pace, and as time passed and summer drew ever closer, the gods began to worry.

A very questionable decision from Loki

The gods' fear would quickly turn to anger, which was naturally aimed at Loki. the solution was simple, he would be put to death. Sheepishly pleading for his life, Loki agreed to rectify the situation and stop the builder from completing his task.

There are many ways in which the deceitful trickster could have done this. Sneaking up and murdering the builder? Perhaps. Placing obstacles in the way to slow progress? Maybe.

His solution was far more unhinged.

As a shapeshifter, he took on the form of a beautiful mare, seducing and luring Svaðilfari away from his task. This setback was enough to delay the stonemason just enough to fail in his creation, and the gods Rejoiced at their victory.

Some very unfortunate timing...

Sensing the deceitfulness of the gods, the master stonemason was very understandably enraged. He trusted the gods in their word, and after and entire winter of non stop work, was denied his reward by just a single nights' work.

The Giant exploded into a murderous rampage, with every intent to smash the wall he had laboured so hard for to pieces.

Just moments before he could achieve this task and then turn on the gods, none other than Thor had returned from his expedition. And shit man, what's one more giant to add to the list before a glorious feast in the now secure halls of Asgard.

Such was the end of the master stonemason, and how the wall of Asgard came to be. The story doesn't end here though...

Its a boy!

Loki's plan to save his own hide did not come without it's own consequences. It would soon be revealed that a Foal was growing inside of him. After luring Svaðilfari into the woods, Loki would become pregnant, something I imagine the gods found incredibly amusing.

What he would give birth to could either be considered a monstrosity, or one of the greatest gifts the gods would ever receive - Sleipnir. This iconic & mighty 8-legged steed, whose name means something like 'the sliding one,' would be gifted to Odin.

As his faithful companion, Sleipnir would rapidly transport Odin all over the Norse Cosmos, effortlessly gliding over all forms of terrain.