Last Updated on November 7, 2024
Fafnir, sometimes spelled “Fafner,” began life as a dwarf before transforming into a powerful dragon. His greed drove him to kill his father, Hreiðmarr, and take possession of a cursed treasure, including the legendary ring Andvaranaut. Consumed by his obsession, Fafnir turned into a dragon to guard his hoard, symbolizing how greed can corrupt the soul. His transformation also reflects the destructive power of unchecked desire.
As a dragon, Fafnir became a creature of immense strength and cunning. His presence struck fear into the hearts of all who knew of him. Sigurd the Dragonslayer, guided by the wisdom of Odin and his mentor Regin, set out to defeat the beast. With the reforged sword Gram in hand, Sigurd ambushed Fafnir, stabbing him through the heart as the dragon crossed a ravine. Fafnir’s death freed the land from his terror, but his treasure remained cursed. Sigurd’s victory over Fafnir teaches an important lesson about overcoming greed and destruction, both externally and within ourselves.
Fafnir’s story stands as a powerful warning against the dangers of greed and the transformation it can cause. In Asatru, Fafnir’s tale reminds us of the importance of resisting material obsession and focusing on higher values like honor and self-mastery. His downfall shows that even the strongest beings can fall when they succumb to destructive desires.
Fafnir’s Importance in Asatru
For followers of Asatru, Fafnir’s story carries deep spiritual significance. The dragon represents a primal force of greed and the chaos it brings. His defeat by Sigurd symbolizes the triumph of courage, wisdom, and restraint over these destructive instincts. In daily life, Fafnir serves as a reminder that unchecked desires lead to ruin, while noble actions bring peace and balance.
Fafnir’s tale also touches upon the concept of fate, or Wyrd. The treasure he guarded carried a curse that affected all who sought it. In Asatru, this reflects the belief in Wyrd—the idea that every action creates ripples throughout existence. Fafnir’s greed didn’t just affect him, but also impacted the lives of others. Sigurd’s decision to face Fafnir shows the importance of confronting our own struggles, knowing that doing so affects not only us but also those around us.
Runes Associated with Fafnir
The Elder Futhark rune most associated with Fafnir is Fehu (ᚠ), which represents wealth and prosperity. Fehu speaks to the power and dangers of material possessions. It symbolizes both the rewards of hard work and the destructive potential of unchecked greed. Just as Fafnir hoarded his treasure to his detriment, Fehu warns of the balance between acquiring wealth and allowing it to consume you.
In Asatru, followers might meditate on Fehu when seeking guidance on material matters, drawing upon the lessons from Fafnir’s story. By confronting greed, we ensure that wealth serves us, rather than controls us, as Fafnir’s treasure did to him.
