Every single Book of Mormon prophet must have taken pumping iron just as seriously as their prophetic call, because, according to artist Arnold Friberg, they are shredded.
That said, Friberg knew exactly what he was doing. He’s told people before: “The muscularity in my paintings is only an expression of the spirit within. When I paint Nephi, I’m painting the interior, the greatness, the largeness of spirit. Who knows what he looked like? I’m painting a man who looks like he could actually do what Nephi did.”
That’s all well and good, but I’ve always wondered what those paintings would look like without all the muscles. I don’t have to wonder anymore (click to enlarge):
1. Nephi Subdues His Rebellious Brothers
Skinny or not, Nephi is still as intimidating as ever.
2. Two Thousand Young Warriors
3. Ammon Defends the Flocks of King Lamoni
“Hello, my name is Ammon of Nephi, you scattered my sheep, prepare to die.”
4. Moroni Hides the Plates in the Hill Cumorah
In this edit, the arms turned out looking extremely young, so I tried to make his face look younger as well.
5. Mormon Bids Farewell to a Once Great Nation
This edit was extremely difficult. Mormon was massively huge.
6. Captain Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty
Even though these guys look much less muscly than before, they still look fairly fit. Friberg did well.
7. Mormon Abridging the Plates
This one actually isn’t by Arnold Friberg. It’s by Tom Lovell, who also apparently thought prophets needed muscles.
When I started this project I had no idea how it was going to turn out. I thought they might turn out looking funny or weak. But, considering they all just lost 80 pounds of muscles, I think they all look pretty darn good.
Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool to see these guys looking a little more … normal. If you liked these edits, give this article a share!
