IRNEIT, THE CELTIC BISHOP'S CROSS-SLAB

The Chi-Rho is one of the earliest forms of christogram, and is used by some Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters 'chi' and 'rho' (ΧΡ) of the Greek word "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" = Christ, in such a way to produce the monogram. Although not technically a Christian cross, the Chi-Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ.

The Chi-Rho symbol was also used by pagan Greek scribes to mark, in the margin, a particularly valuable or relevant passage; the combined letters Chi and Rho standing for chrēston, meaning "good."

This Irneit cross-slab on the Isle of Man has a clearly cut hexafoil pattern within circles, below which are two well cut crosses with small arcs curving from the expanded upper arm, representing the Chi-Ro. The inscription within the circle, in debased Roman characters, records a Celtic bishop, Irneit. The Chi remains, but some of the rest of the inscription is damaged. It is also abbreviated, but reads as follows with the omitted words in brackets:

(Ihu) Xp (Ist) I Irneit S(Anctus) P(res)B(iter)I Ep(Isco)p(atu)s Dei Insula >< Apb (Hat)Que. Meaning in the name of Jesus Christ, Irneit, holy priest, God's Bishop in the Island and Abbot.

Below the circle are two linear, but formal crosses. At the sides of these crosses are inscriptions reading downwards as follows:

In Ih((s)u Xp(ist)i/nomine; meaning, In the name of Jesus Christ and Crux xp(ist)i/imagenem,; meaning, The image of the cross of Christ (I have made in Christ's name an image of the Cross of Christ). These translations show a connection between the early Manx church with Britain and Gaul.

It is late 7th or 8th century.
 
 (source: The Art of the Manx Crosses (1977), Manx Museum & National Trust; Isle of Man Guide http://bit.ly/1e1Y9yT and wiki http://bit.ly/15T8QRy)

BOAR FRAGMENT FROM A MANX CROSS

Small fragment of cross-slab of the lte 10th century, illutrating splendid Norse animal ornament, showing the forepart of a boar.*

Note the representation of bristles and the characteristic spiral where limb joins body.*

It may be a representation of Sæhrímnir, the creature killed and eaten every night by the Æsir and Einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day.

"In Eldrhimnir Andhrímnir cooks
Sæhrímnir’s seething flesh -
The best of food, but few men know
On what fare the warriors feast."

*(source: The Art of the Manx Crosses (1977), Manx Museum & National Trust)

 

THORWALD'S CROSS-SLAB, ANDREAS

ODIN AT RAGNARÖK
 
Face 1 - Outstanding 10th century cross-slab, though incomplete. Graphic scene from Ragnarök, the last great battle of Norse pagan mythology.

Odin - recognised by his raven on his shoulder and wielding his famous spear Gungnir - is devoured by the Fenris wolf. The wolf itself is later slain, in common with everything else.

"And every living thing shall suffer death...and the Powers shall perish".








CHRIST REIGNS

Face 2 - The opposite face of this cross-slab shows a belted figure bearing a book and a cross, trampling on a serpent. Alongside is a fish (an early symbol of Christianity). This carving seems placed in significant juxtaposition to the scene of the end of the world of the pagan gods.

Christ now reigns, Odin is dead.
 
(source: The Art of the Manx Crosses (1977), Manx Museum & National Trust)

Face 1

 

Face 2