Jörmungandr— Norse Creature"The World Serpent"

Child of Loki

Jörmungandr is one of Loki's three monstrous offspring by the giantess Angrboða, sibling to Fenrir the wolf and Hel the death goddess. When Odin learned of the prophecies surrounding these children, he cast each away: Fenrir was bound, Hel was exiled to the underworld, and the serpent was hurled into the vast ocean surrounding Midgard.

The World Serpent

In the ocean, Jörmungandr grew to unimaginable size—so vast that he encircles the entire world, grasping his own tail in his jaws. This creates an unbroken ring around Midgard, which is why he is called the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. The ocean itself seems too small to contain him.

Thor's Nemesis

Thor and Jörmungandr are eternal enemies. Once, Thor went fishing with the giant Hymir, using an ox's head as bait. Jörmungandr took the bait, and Thor hauled him up until they were face to face. Thor raised Mjolnir to strike, but Hymir, terrified, cut the line. The serpent sank back into the depths, and their fated battle was postponed.

The Loosening

Ragnarök will begin when Jörmungandr releases his tail and rises from the sea. His thrashing will cause earthquakes and tidal waves. Venom will drip from his fangs, poisoning the sky and waters. His emergence signals that all bonds are broken—Fenrir will be freed, Loki will escape his punishment, and the final battle will begin.

The Mutual Destruction

At Ragnarök, Thor and Jörmungandr will finally complete their destined battle. Thor will kill the World Serpent with Mjolnir, but the victory will cost him everything. He will stagger nine paces from the dying serpent before collapsing himself, killed by its poison. The thunder god and the world serpent will destroy each other, fulfilling the prophecy at last.