Today we are going to meet Jörmundgander. The snake that will bring the Ragnarök and with it the end of the world. Discover its legends and representations.
Who was Jörmundgander?
Jörmundgander, also known as the World Serpent, is a mythological creature from Norse mythology. According to mythology, Jörmundgander is a giant serpent that resides in the ocean surrounding Midgard, the world of humans. He is one of the three sons of Loki and the giantess Angrboða, along with Fenrir, the giant wolf, and Hel, the goddess of the dead.
The Norse prophecy known as the Ragnarök predicts that this serpent will play an important role in the end of the world. During Ragnarök, the serpent will face Thor, the god of thunder, in an epic battle. Both will perish in the conflict, symbolizing the chaos and destruction that precedes the rebirth of the world.
Jörmundgander is described as being so large that he can encircle all of Midgard and grasp his own tail, forming an infinite circle. His presence in Norse mythology highlights the cyclical nature of time and the inevitable confrontation between order and chaos.
Jörmundgander and his Legends
In Norse mythology, Jörmundgander plays an significant role in several legends and myths, especially in relation to the gods. We can see it represented in much Norse symbolism, where it represents the force of chaos and the inevitability of change in Norse mythology.
Ragnarök
The Ragnarök prophecy is a catastrophic event in Norse mythology that marks the end of the world and the beginning of a new cycle. According to the prophecy, Jörmundgander emerges from the ocean to face Thor, the god of thunder, in a final battle. During this confrontation, both Thor and this serpent mutually perish.
Origin and parentage
Jörmundgander is one of the three sons of Loki and the giantess Angrboða. His siblings are Fenrir, the giant wolf, and Hel, the goddess of the dead. This trio of creatures, sired by Loki, is considered dangerous and destined to play significant roles in Ragnarök.
Encounters with Thor
Although the main legend of Jörmundgander is associated with Ragnarök, it is also mentioned in some stories in which Thor encounters the serpent. In one story, Thor attempts to catch this serpent using a bull as bait, but the serpent escapes, creating strong waves in the process.
what powers did Jörmundgander have?
In Norse mythology, Jörmundgander’s specific powers are not extensively detailed, but some key characteristics are commonly associated with this giant serpent. The image of this being as a giant snake encircling the world highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of the elements in Norse mythology.
Immensity
Jörmundgander is described as an immensely large serpent, large enough to encircle all of Midgard (the world of humans) and grasp its own tail, thus forming an infinite circle. This immensity represents his colossal nature and his connection to the entirety of the world.
Deadly poison
Some interpretations suggest that Jörmundgander possesses an extremely dangerous poison. His poison is said to be so potent that it can kill any creature that comes into contact with it. This poison will play a crucial role in the prophecy of Ragnarök.
Jörmundgander in art and culture
The figure of Jörmundgander, the World Serpent, has been a source of inspiration in various forms of art, film and literature.
It is important to note that depictions of Jörmundgander may vary in these contemporary interpretations, as artists and creators often take creative liberties in adapting ancient myths to new forms of artistic expression.
Film and Television
Norse mythology, including the figure of this snake, has been a popular theme in several film and television productions. In some films and series exploring mythologies, it is possible to find representations of this snake as part of stories about the Norse gods and Ragnarök.
Fantastic Literature
Norse mythology has significantly influenced contemporary fantasy literature. Authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, in his work“The Lord of the Rings“, and Neil Gaiman, in his novel“American Gods“, have incorporated elements of Norse mythology into their stories, although not always directly. Jörmundgander, as a symbol of chaos and destruction, can appear in epic and wondrous tales.
Video games
Norse mythology has also found its way into the world of video games, such as in the famous God of War series of games. Some mythology-themed games incorporate Jörmundgander as a character or as part of the narrative, especially when dealing with stories about gods and mythical creatures.
Visual Art
Visual artists have depicted Jörmundgander in various forms over time. Paintings, illustrations, and sculptures have captured the image of the giant snake encircling the world. In addition, iconography associated with Jörmundgander often appears in works of art that explore Norse mythologies.
