Jormungandr
Mythology
In Norse mythology, Jormungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, is a sea serpent of such enormous size that it encircles the world, holding its own tail in its mouth. Jormungandr is one of the three children of the giantess Angrboða and the trickster god Loki. The other two children are the wolf Fenrir and the half-dead, half-living Hel.
Birth and Banishment
According to the Prose Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems and tales, Loki and Angrboða conceived Jormungandr, Fenrir, and Hel in the land of the giants, Jotunheim. When the gods learned of these monstrous offspring, they brought them to Asgard, the realm of the gods. Odin, the chief of the gods, threw Jormungandr into the great ocean that surrounds Midgard, the world of humans. There, the serpent grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail.
Ragnarok
Jormungandr plays a significant role in the events of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world in Norse mythology. During Ragnarok, it is foretold that Jormungandr will release its tail and rise from the sea, causing massive floods. The serpent will then engage in a deadly battle with Thor, the god of thunder. Thor will succeed in killing Jormungandr but will himself die from the serpent's venom after taking nine steps.
Symbolism and Interpretation
Jormungandr's encircling of the earth and holding its own tail in its mouth is a common motif in world mythology, known as the Ouroboros. This symbol represents the cyclical nature of the universe: creation out of destruction, life out of death. The Ouroboros is a powerful symbol of eternal return. In the context of Norse mythology, Jormungandr's release of its tail can be seen as the disruption of the cosmic order, leading to the end of the world in Ragnarok.
In Popular Culture
Jormungandr has been depicted in various forms of media and popular culture. In the Marvel Comics universe, Jormungandr is a recurring enemy of Thor. The serpent also appears in the video game series "God of War", where it is portrayed as a massive, world-encircling sea creature. In the television series "Vikings", a character has a vision of Jormungandr during a ritual.