Tag: Norse

Gleipnir –

Walton Ford, 2012

In Norse mythology, Gleipnir is the binding that holds the mighty wolf Fenrir. The Gods had attempted to bind Fenrir twice before with huge chains of metal, but Fenrir was able to break free both times. Therefore, they commissioned the dwarves

in their underground realm of Niðavellir to forge a chain that was impossible to break. To create a chain to achieve the impossible, the dwarves fashioned the chain out of six supposedly impossible things:

  • The sound of a cat’s footfall
  • The beard of a woman
  • The roots of a mountain
  • The sinews of a bear
  • The breath of a fish
  • The spittle of a bird

Gleipnir, having bound Fenrir securely, was the cause of Týr’s lost hand, for Fenrir bit it off in revenge when he was not freed. Gleipnir is said to hold until Ragnarök, when Fenrir will finally break free and devour Odin.

Surt
AKA: None found
Origin: Norse Mythology

History:

Surt is a fire jotun (giant) and the ruler of Muspelheimr, southern realm of fire. From there it is thought to have the fire sprout up into the sky and created the stars. However, Muspelheimr is really close to Niflheimr (realm of ice). As most people know, fire and ice do not go together and the meeting of the borders caused melting waters allowing for the Creation and the birth of Ymir to happen. Surt guards his home with his flaming sword, Laveatienn (the best kind of sword imo).

Historians believe that Surt’s name implies that he had a ‘burnt’ appearance. Which is to be expected considering his home and the fact that it’s Old Norse for ‘black’. And that he is speculated to be the personification of volcanic eruption, which means that the idea of him as a being of fire is old. (Especially if he helped create the stars)

Despite him quite possibly being a primordial being, information on him is a bit scarce. Surt is mentioned mainly in texts about Ragnarok, the Nordic Apocalypse. It was prophesied through a vision that when Ragnarok happens, Surt would lead the fire jotnar (giants) into battle. From that they will destroy the Bifrost Bridge.

Not only that, but Surt is destined to fight against the god Frey and slay him. (And without his sword, Frey didn’t really stand a chance in the 1st place)

But Surt will also die in the battle, but not before taking his mighty sword and setting the entire world in a fiery blaze. Allowing for it to emerge anew when the Final Battle ends.

Jörmungandr – The Midgard Serpent

In Norse mythology, the tides and waves of the ocean are caused by Jormungandr, a great serpent with its head latched onto its tail, turning continuously out in the ocean. Jormungandr was tossed into the sea by Odin and grew so large that he encircled the world.

On the day of Ragnarok, Thor and Jormungandr will do battle and kill fatally wound one another. 

(Reference 1) (Reference 2)

Notes:

The Midgard Serpent was requested by queerlittlemermaid. If you have any requests, feel free to drop them in my Ask Box or tweet them @WorldofMyth.