Last Updated on October 9, 2024
Jörmungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, is a massive sea serpent that encircles Midgard, the world inhabited by humans. His name means “huge monster,” and he’s the middle child of Loki and the giantess Angrboða. Other spellings and names include Jormungand, Jörmungand, and the Midgard Worm. Cast into the ocean by Odin, he grew so large that he now wraps around the world, gripping his own tail. His presence symbolizes the balance between chaos and order. He represents the untamed forces of nature, coiled around Midgard, ready to unleash destruction at Ragnarök.
Jörmungandr has a legendary rivalry with the god Thor. The two face each other multiple times in ancient stories, including the famous fishing trip where Thor almost pulled him from the ocean. During Ragnarök, Jörmungandr rises from the sea, releasing massive tidal waves and poison into the air. Thor confronts him once again, eventually slaying the serpent, but only after being poisoned by his venom. Both Thor and Jörmungandr die shortly after this battle, marking a pivotal moment in the cycle of death and rebirth that unfolds at Ragnarök.
Jörmungandr’s Rune and Importance in Asatru
No Elder Futhark rune is directly linked to Jörmungandr, but many believe the Laguz rune represents him. The Laguz rune is associated with water, the subconscious, and the hidden forces beneath the surface—much like Jörmungandr, who lurks beneath the seas of Midgard. The rune represents change, transformation, and flowing energy, all of which resonate with the serpent’s immense power and his role in Ragnarök. The sea itself, like Jörmungandr, both gives life and has the power to destroy.
In Asatru, Jörmungandr holds significance as a force of balance. He’s neither entirely evil nor good, but rather represents the primal forces that shape the universe. Many Asatruar see Jörmungandr as a reminder of the natural cycles that govern existence. His role in Ragnarök illustrates that even the gods must face inevitable change and death, which clears the path for renewal. His relationship with Thor, the protector of Midgard, shows the tension between chaos and order.
Jörmungandr also symbolizes the connection between humanity and the forces that threaten to overwhelm it. As the serpent encircles Midgard, humans must constantly struggle to maintain balance in a world full of chaos. For modern followers of Asatru, Jörmungandr reminds them of the importance of facing challenges head-on, knowing that struggle is part of the natural order. Embracing his story helps Asatruar accept the cycles of life, death, and renewal that shape their lives and the world.
