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| "Thor in Hymir's boat battling the Midgard Serpent" (1788) by Henry Fuseli |
Type: Legendary serpent, son of Loki
Origin Norse mythology
Description: Jörmungandr was one of three children of Loki and Angrboða. In the Prose Edda, an Icelandic collection which includes tales from Norse mythology, Odin "tossed Jörmungandr into the great ocean that encircles Midgard. The serpent grew so large that he was able to surround the earth and grasp his own tail. As a result, he received the name of the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. When he lets go, the world will end."
Interesting Facts: Thor is the Jörmungandr's arch-enemy. They are mentioned in three myths together. Loki and Angrboða's other two children are Fenrir and Hel.
Have you heard of the Jörmungandr before?
so fun learning about mythology
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this one. Very cool. Big fan of mythology.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Have you read the prose Edda? I read it a few years ago now but it was so interesting! Nice blog :)
ReplyDeleteNikki – inspire nordic
never heard of Jormungandr before, but I do enjoy learning more myths and legends.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Dropping by from the A-Z!
I love Norse mythology. Jörmungandr is awesome, y'know, in a terrifying way and all.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z!
Actually it is the African Rainbow Serpent Aido-Hwedo who will usher in the world's end by letting go of its (the Serpent is both male and female) tail. Jörmungandr rises out of the sea to battle the Gods of Asgard at Ragnarok, but the end of the world in Teutonic mythology is heralded by three roosters crowing in each of the three original worlds nestled in Yggdrasil.
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