Jormungandr: The World Serpent of Norse Myth
Good morning, afternoon, evening, or goodnight, depending on where in Midgard you’re reading this. Glad to see you back once more. Today, we dive into something more monstrous. The world of Norse mythology is full of terrifying and awe-inspiring creatures, but perhaps none more so than Jormungandr, the Midgard Serpent. Spanning realms and cosmic concepts, this great serpent remains a fascinating enigma within Norse tales.
Maybe it is his proximity to the world of men, dwelling in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, or maybe it is our innate fear of serpents—but no other creature raises the same dread as the one destined to trigger Ragnarök, the end of the world. Let’s dive into the depths of Jormungandr.
Origins of Jormungandr
Like Greek mythology, Norse myths evolved over time, shaped by oral tradition. Jormungandr’s origin is found in Gylfaginning, a 13th-century text recounting Norse creation mythology.
Jormungandr was the child of Loki, the trickster god, and Angrboda, a giantess from Jotunheim whose name means “bringer of anguish.” This union also produced Fenrir, the great wolf, and Hel, goddess of the underworld. Odin feared these children would bring ruin to the cosmos, so he scattered them: Hel to the underworld, Fenrir chained in Asgard, and Jormungandr cast into the ocean that surrounds Midgard.
The Midgard Serpent and Thor
From the start, Jormungandr’s fate was tied to Thor. When young, he spat venom at the thunder god, missing his mark, but establishing their enmity. This rivalry echoed through sagas until their destined clash at Ragnarök.
The serpent grew so vast that he encircled the entire world, biting his own tail. His association with the ouroboros - a serpent forming a circle—links him to wider traditions of eternity, transformation, and the endless cycle of death and rebirth.
The Fishing Trip with Hymir
One of Jormungandr’s most famous appearances is in the tale of Thor’s fishing trip with the giant Hymir. Thor used the head of one of Hymir’s bulls as bait and hooked the great serpent. As he struggled to pull Jormungandr to the surface, Thor raised his hammer to strike—but Hymir, terrified, cut the line, sending the beast back into the depths.
This myth was so popular it was depicted on Viking age stones and carvings. Some versions claim Thor killed Jormungandr, but this conflicts with the serpent’s later role at Ragnarök.
The Cat Disguised Serpent
Another story places Thor in the hall of the giant king Útgarða-Loki. There, Thor was challenged to lift a colossal cat. Despite his strength, he could only raise one paw from the ground. Later, he learned that the “cat” was Jormungandr in disguise. Even this partial lift was said to have shaken the cosmos itself.
Jormungandr at Ragnarök
Jormungandr’s most important role is at Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods. As the endless winter falls upon Midgard, the serpent stirs in the ocean, releasing his tail. His movement triggers earthquakes across the Nine Realms, freeing Fenrir and Loki from their bonds.
In the final battle, Thor and Jormungandr face each other one last time. Thor kills the serpent with his hammer, but he is drenched in venom and takes only nine steps before falling dead. Jormungandr’s poison spreads through the Nine Realms, sealing the destruction of the cosmos.
Yet, just as the ouroboros represents, destruction gives way to renewal. From the ashes of Ragnarök, a new world will rise.
Serpents Across Cultures
Jormungandr mirrors serpent myths worldwide. In Egypt, Apophis sought to devour the sun each night. In Mesopotamia, serpents represented healing and transition. In the Bible, the serpent embodies temptation and transformation.
Like these, Jormungandr represents change, chaos, and inevitability. Unlike Apophis, however, he succeeds in breaking the world—because fate itself decrees it.
More Than a Villain
It is tempting to view Jormungandr as the villain of the sagas, but in truth, he is an agent of transformation. Cast into the sea by Odin, he was condemned before committing any crime. His venom and his role at Ragnarök make him a destroyer, but also a necessary catalyst for renewal. Without him, the cycle of death and rebirth would not continue.
Closing Thoughts
Jormungandr, the World Serpent, embodies both chaos and continuity. From his birth as Loki’s child to his role in Ragnarök, he shows us that endings are never final, but part of the eternal cycle. His encircling form reminds us that destruction and creation are bound together.
The Norse understood this truth well: even the gods must fall for new life to begin. Jormungandr is not only the serpent of doom, but also a symbol of transformation, renewal, and the inevitability of change.
That brings this deep dive to a close. Hope you enjoyed exploring the depths of the Midgard Serpent with me. Next time, we’ll return to the gods themselves. As always, share your thoughts below—I love hearing your insights.
Hail the gods.
Hail the ancestors.
Wyrd & Flame 🔥 🐍
