A Viking king emerges from the thick, wet black mud, his golden helmet adorned with large, intricately designed wings glowing under the dim, cinematic lighting. His war armor is embellished with menacing skull motifs, each one telling stories of battles past. Dark, intense war paint streaks across his face, highlighting his fierce, angry expression. His scruffy blonde beard drips with mud and water, blending into his scarred, rugged face. In his grip, a formidable Viking axe gleams amidst the chaos. Volumetric lighting casts dramatic shadows, enhancing the moody atmosphere around him.