Story Summary
Explore the legend of The Draugr, the terrifying undead of Norse mythology. Witness the battle between Grettir the Strong and the vengeful shepherd Glam.
In the cold valleys of Iceland lived Glam, a man of massive stature and even larger malice. After he perished mysteriously on Christmas Eve, he did not find peace. He returned as a Draugr—a 'deads-walker' with skin as blue as death and strength enough to crush a horse. He haunted the farm at Forsaeludal, riding the roofs of houses until they collapsed. Grettir the Strong, a hero known for his fearlessness, came to challenge the beast. They met in a darkened hall, wrestling with such fury that the stone walls trembled and the doorframes shattered. Grettir eventually forced the monster down, but as the moon emerged from the clouds, Glam fixed his piercing, baleful eyes upon the hero. With his dying breath, the Draugr cursed Grettir to forever see those terrifying eyes in the dark, turning the hero’s bravery into a life of haunted solitude. Grettir severed the head and burned the body, but the shadow of the Draugr never truly left him.
The Moral
Malice and greed can outlive the body, and even the greatest victories can leave permanent scars on the soul.
“Though you have strength, you shall never enjoy it, for my eyes shall follow you to your end.”
Fun Fact
The word 'draugr' comes from the Old Norse word for 'ghost' or 'phantom,' but they were believed to be physical corpses that could be weighed down by heavy stones to prevent them from rising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Draugr?
The story teaches that evil actions have long-lasting consequences and that true courage involves facing fears that cannot be physically defeated. It also suggests that a person's character in life dictates their legacy after death.
What exactly is a Draugr in Norse mythology?
A Draugr is a corporeal undead being, unlike a ghost, possessing a physical body with superhuman strength and the ability to increase its size. They typically guard their burial mounds or haunt those who wronged them in life.
How do you permanently kill a Draugr?
According to legend, a Draugr must be defeated in physical combat, have its head cut off, and then its body must be burned to ashes. Often, the ashes must be scattered at sea or buried far from human habitation.
What powers do Draugr possess?
Draugr are said to have immense strength, the ability to grow at will, and can control the weather or see the future. Some legends also attribute them with the power to pass through solid earth.
Why did Glam become a Draugr?
Glam was a man of ill-temper who refused to observe religious traditions and died violently. In Norse belief, those who were wicked, greedy, or died with unfinished business were most likely to return as the undead.
Who is Grettir the Strong?
Grettir is a famous outlaw and hero from the Icelandic Sagas. While he was incredibly strong and brave, his encounter with the Draugr Glam left him cursed with a debilitating fear of the dark.
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