A Viking ruler rises from the slick, obsidian mud, his presence regal and intimidating. His helmet, crafted from glistening gold, boasts two magnificent winged adornments, symbolizing his fierce leadership. Clad in formidable war armor embellished with ominous skull motifs, his visage is marked with dark, striking war paint. His beard, a wild, scraggly blonde, drips with mud, enhancing his fierce, battle-ready demeanor. An angry scowl etches deep lines into his weathered face, accentuated by a jagged scar that speaks of countless battles. In his grip is a massive Viking axe, its blade glinting menacingly. The scene is drenched in cinematic lighting, with beams of volumetric light cutting through the mist, creating a moody and intense atmosphere. Wet mud cascades off his robust frame, adding to the primal and powerful visual. The composition captures the essence of a warrior emerging from the depths, ready for conquest.