Artist's commentary
Axe, the Oxbeard 🪓
Image Description
During the battle of the Braves, Axe fought valiantly and claimed victory, one that was no mere feat but one of no valor, for he found no brave warriors in his midst, only warriors who willed to die to sneak into Valhalla in the pretense of bravery.
He concluded that no battle would make him worthy, so he deserted the Vikings and sought valiance in his journey. In a village he once pillaged, he found war orphans, widows, and elderlies pressing on to live even after the wars.
There, he found the bravest, those who fear but keep on. For life is but a path to death, so pressing on to life is but facing death. It is the courage, probably the only kind deserving an entrance in the halls of the brave warriors.
He finally understood that brave warriors are but the common people who persevere in life. There and there, he threw his axe, fashioned his beard accordingly, and lived to live.
