Last Updated on October 8, 2024
Angrboða, sometimes spelled Angrboda or Angurboða, is a powerful giantess whose name means “bringer of grief” or “she who brings sorrow.” Residing in the wilderness of Jötunheimr, Angrboða commands fear and respect as the mother of three of the most feared beings in existence: Fenrir the wolf, Jörmungandr the Midgard Serpent, and Hel, ruler of the underworld. Her union with Loki, the shapeshifting trickster god, produced offspring destined to shake the foundations of the world.
Angrboða embodies both creation and destruction, representing the untamed forces of nature. She symbolizes the raw, primordial energy from which powerful beings emerge. Though she lives far from the realms of men and gods, her influence is felt through her children, each playing a vital role in the events leading up to Ragnarök. Fenrir will devour Odin, Jörmungandr will battle Thor, and Hel will rule over the dead. These offspring, born from Angrboða’s union with Loki, signify her key role in shaping the world’s fate.
Her power and fierce independence make her a figure of awe. Angrboða’s connection to the chaotic elements of the world, along with her formidable offspring, has made her a central figure in the lore. As a giantess, she represents the natural forces that both create and destroy, existing beyond the morality of gods and mortals.
The Seer and Keeper of Knowledge
Beyond her role as a mother, Angrboða serves as a seer and wielder of ancient knowledge. In some stories, she advises Loki and other figures, providing guidance on the inevitable unfolding of events. Her role as a keeper of knowledge extends beyond mere prophecy—she understands the forces driving the world toward Ragnarök.
Despite her monstrous children, Angrboða’s wisdom is invaluable. Her insight into the fate of the gods and the world adds depth to her role as a seeress. She is not simply a passive observer; her influence ripples throughout the worlds.
The Rune Associated with Angrboða
While no specific Elder Futhark rune directly represents Angrboða, the Kenaz rune (ᚲ), often associated with fire, destruction, and transformation, resonates with her energy. Kenaz represents the spark of creation and the fire of destruction, mirroring Angrboða’s role in both birthing powerful forces and bringing about their eventual wrath upon the world.
Angrboða in Asatru
In Asatru, Angrboða symbolizes strength, resilience, and the uncontrollable forces of nature. Her role as a mother of beings who alter the world’s destiny makes her a figure of immense importance. She is a reminder that chaos and destruction are integral to the cycle of life and death. Angrboða’s connection to prophecy and primal power also provides lessons on the inevitability of fate and the acceptance of life’s more difficult truths. In honoring Angrboða, modern Asatruar acknowledge the darker, yet vital forces of the universe.
