Three of Loki’s Monstrous Sons and Their Roles in Killing the Gods at Ragnarok
Three of Loki’s Monstrous Sons and Their Roles in Killing the Gods at Ragnarok
So, grab your imaginary Viking helmet, and let’s meet Loki’s three most infamous offspring: Fenrir the Wolf, Jormungandr the World Serpent, and Hel, the Queen of the Dead. By the end of this, you’ll see why Loki’s family tree is more like a family nightmare.
The Setup: Loki’s Chaotic Family
Loki’s relationship with the gods is… complicated. He’s both a friend and a foe, a trickster and a troublemaker. But his children? They’re on a whole other level.
Loki’s monstrous sons were born from his union with the giantess Angrboda, and they were so terrifying that the gods decided to take action. Each of Loki’s sons was banished or imprisoned, but their fates were tied to Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world.
1. Fenrir the Wolf: The God-Slayer
Let’s start with Fenrir, the giant wolf who’s basically the Hulk of Norse mythology—big, strong, and really, really angry.
The Early Days
When Fenrir was just a pup, the gods raised him in Asgard. But as he grew, so did his strength and ferocity. The gods soon realized they had a problem on their hands.
The Binding of Fenrir
To prevent Fenrir from causing havoc, the gods decided to bind him. They tried twice with ordinary chains, but Fenrir broke free both times. Finally, they enlisted the help of the dwarves, who created an unbreakable chain called Gleipnir.
But Fenrir wasn’t stupid. He knew the gods were up to something, so he agreed to be bound only if one of them placed their hand in his mouth as a sign of good faith. Tyr, the god of war, bravely volunteered. When Fenrir realized he couldn’t break free, he bit off Tyr’s hand.
Fenrir’s Role in Ragnarok
During Ragnarok, Fenrir breaks free from his chains and goes on a rampage. He devours Odin, the All-Father, in one of the most dramatic moments of the apocalypse. But Fenrir’s victory is short-lived. Odin’s son, Vidar, avenges his father by killing Fenrir, tearing the wolf’s jaws apart with his bare hands.
2. Jormungandr the World Serpent: The Ocean’s Wrath
Next up is Jormungandr, the Midgard Serpent, a giant snake so big he encircles the Earth and bites his own tail.
The Early Days
The gods were so terrified of Jormungandr’s potential for destruction that they threw him into the ocean surrounding Midgard (Earth). There, he grew so large that he could wrap himself around the world.
Thor’s Nemesis
Jormungandr and Thor have a long-standing feud. In one famous story, Thor goes fishing and catches Jormungandr, but the giant Hymir cuts the line before Thor can kill him.
Jormungandr’s Role in Ragnarok
During Ragnarok, Jormungandr rises from the ocean, causing tidal waves and flooding the land. He faces Thor in an epic battle, and the two end up killing each other. Thor strikes the final blow with his hammer, Mjölnir, but not before Jormungandr poisons him with his venom.
3. Hel: The Queen of the Dead
Last but not least is Hel, the goddess of the underworld. While she’s not as physically monstrous as her brothers, her role in Ragnarok is just as significant.
The Early Days
When the gods saw Hel’s half-dead, half-living appearance, they banished her to Helheim, the realm of the dead. There, she became its ruler, presiding over those who didn’t die in battle.
Hel’s Domain
Helheim is a cold, dark place, but it’s not a realm of punishment like some underworlds. It’s simply where the dead go if they’re not chosen by Odin or Freyja.
Hel’s Role in Ragnarok
During Ragnarok, Hel plays a crucial role by releasing the dead to join the fight against the gods. Her army of the dead, led by Loki (yes, her dad), marches on Asgard, adding to the chaos and destruction.
The Big Picture: Ragnarok and the End of the World
Ragnarok isn’t just a battle—it’s the end of the world as the Norse knew it. The gods, the giants, and Loki’s monstrous sons all play their parts in this apocalyptic event.
Fenrir kills Odin.
Jormungandr kills Thor (and vice versa).
Hel releases the dead to join the fight.
But Ragnarok isn’t just about destruction. It’s also about renewal. After the battle, the world is reborn, and a new generation of gods and humans emerges to start again.
Final Thoughts: Loki’s Legacy
Loki’s monstrous sons are a testament to his chaotic nature and his complicated relationship with the gods. They’re symbols of destruction, but they’re also part of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that defines Norse mythology.
So, the next time you hear about Ragnarok, remember Fenrir, Jormungandr, and Hel. They’re not just monsters—they’re key players in one of the most epic stories ever told.
