Death
This card depicts Odin at the gateway to Valhalla, symbolizing an inevitable passage from one state to another and the promise of spiritual rebirth. Light from the promised land contrasts with the battlefield wreckage, while psychopomp figures (wolves and ravens) gather to guide worthy souls, reinforced by the Ansuz rune. Upright, it signals a called transition, glory, and entering a new spiritual phase; reversed, it warns of resistance, obsessive rumination, and being stuck. Overall, it emphasizes transformation, the presence of divine assistance in endings, and the need to accept change to move forward.
Keywords
Description
Odin stands in the middle of the gateway to Valhalla. The rays of light to the promised land shine out into the darkness. Warriors are seen in the distance, celebrating and telling stories. They illuminate the walls of bones and skeletons. The aftermath of a mighty battle lies before the old god. Swords and spears scatter around the scene; bodies are piled upon one another. Odin wears his armor, a cloak, and his helm. He lifts his spear Gungnir into the air as he takes a step out into the darkness to collect the souls of the worthy. His two wolves, Geri and Freki, stand nearby. A host of corvids, ravens, and crows hover in the air around them. Among them are Hugin and Muninn. They gather, knowing their services as psychopomps will come in handy. The Rune for Ansuz glows blue near the divide of bodies.
Upright
Transition from one to another, glory to Valhalla, the Valknut, being called to enter a new phase in your spiritual life, rebirth.
Reversed
Reluctant to change, obsessive thoughts, hold yourself back, stuck in repetition, keep useful habits.
Rune
Ansuz. Transition, divine forces are at work.
Visual Description
A tall, fur-cloaked warrior stands framed in a luminous arched doorway, holding a long spear and wearing a horned helmet. Two black wolves with green glowing eyes descend the stone steps toward the viewer. Ravens circle and perch among broken weapons and scattered stones along the stairway. The Roman numeral XIII is shown at the top and the word "DEATH" appears at the foot of the image beneath a pale rune.
Runic tarot
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