Story Summary
Explore the Norse myth Fenrir the Great Wolf, a monstrous creature bound by the gods. Learn of Tyr’s sacrifice and the magical chain that holds the wolf.
Born of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, the wolf Fenrir grew at a terrifying pace among the gods in Asgard. Fearing the prophecies that this beast would one day bring about their ruin, the Aesir sought to bind him. Twice they forged massive iron chains, Leyding and Dromi, but the wolf shattered them like dry twigs. Desperate, Odin sent a messenger to the dwarves of Svartalfheim to craft a chain that could not be broken. The dwarves forged Gleipnir, a silken ribbon made of six 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, and the spittle of a bird. When the gods presented the ribbon to Fenrir, the wolf sensed a trap. He agreed to be bound only if one god placed a hand in his mouth as a pledge of good faith. Only the brave Tyr stepped forward. As Fenrir struggled and found he could not break the magical silk, he bit down, severing Tyr's hand. Thus, the great wolf was bound to a rock, destined to remain there until the fires of Ragnarok.
The Moral
Attempts to control or suppress destiny through deceit and fear often create the very enemies we seek to avoid.
“The gods knew that only a thin ribbon of impossible things could hold the greatest terror.”
Fun Fact
In Old Norse, the name 'Gleipnir' roughly translates to 'the open one' or 'the deceiver,' referencing its deceptively thin and soft appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Fenrir the Great Wolf?
The story suggests that acting out of fear and using deception to control others can lead to inevitable betrayal and loss. It highlights that some destinies cannot be avoided, and the cost of security is often a great sacrifice.
Who are Fenrir's parents and siblings?
Fenrir is the son of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. His famous siblings are the Midgard Serpent Jormungandr and Hel, the ruler of the realm of the dead.
Why did the gods want to bind Fenrir?
The gods were aware of prophecies stating that Fenrir and his siblings would cause great harm to the Aesir. As they watched Fenrir grow rapidly and become increasingly fierce, they decided they had to restrain him for their own safety.
What is Gleipnir made of?
Gleipnir was a magical ribbon crafted by dwarves from six impossible ingredients: the sound of a cat’s footsteps, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, the sinews of a bear, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of a bird.
How did Tyr lose his hand to Fenrir?
Fenrir suspected the gods were tricking him with the ribbon Gleipnir and demanded a god place their hand in his mouth as a guarantee. When the wolf realized he could not break free, he bit off Tyr’s hand in a fit of rage.
What happens to Fenrir during Ragnarok?
According to the prophecies, Fenrir will finally break free from his bonds during Ragnarok. He is destined to swallow Odin whole before being killed by Odin's son, Vidar.
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