Thor ultimately killed Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, although the exact circumstances and the finality of their encounter vary across different Norse myths.
The Slayer of the Serpent: Thor's Enduring Foe
Jörmungandr, one of the three monstrous children of Loki and Angrboða, was destined to be Thor's arch-nemesis. Their rivalry is a central theme in Norse mythology, culminating in a fateful final battle.
Two Major Accounts of Jörmungandr's Demise
The narrative of Jörmungandr's death can be understood through two primary mythological accounts:
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The Fishing Expedition (Earlier Myths): In some earlier Scandinavian versions of the myth, particularly as depicted in skaldic poetry, Thor successfully captures and kills the serpent. During a fishing trip with the jötunn Hymir, Thor famously hooks Jörmungandr. While Hymir, terrified, cuts the fishing line in some versions, other earlier accounts suggest Thor triumphantly strikes the serpent on the head, effectively killing it. This daring act of Thor "fishing for Jörmungandr" was one of the most popular motifs in Norse art, reflecting an early belief in Thor's decisive victory over the serpent.
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Ragnarök (The Final Battle): The most well-known and dramatic account of Jörmungandr's death occurs during Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world. In this apocalyptic battle:
- Jörmungandr emerges from the ocean, thrashing and spewing venom, causing immense floods.
- Thor confronts the serpent, engaging in a titanic struggle.
- Thor strikes Jörmungandr with his mighty hammer, Mjölnir, delivering a fatal blow.
- However, the victory comes at a dire cost. Jörmungandr's venom poisons Thor, and after taking nine steps, the god of thunder collapses and dies.
The Significance of Thor's Triumph
Regardless of the specific version, Thor is consistently depicted as the one who brings about Jörmungandr's demise. This epic struggle highlights several key aspects of Thor's character and role in the cosmos:
- Unyielding Strength: Thor's immense strength and the power of Mjölnir are sufficient to defeat even the colossal Midgard Serpent.
- Protector of Humanity: By confronting Jörmungandr, Thor defends the world and its inhabitants from a primordial force of chaos.
- Fated Rivalry: The unavoidable clash between Thor and Jörmungandr underscores the concept of destiny and preordained conflict in Norse cosmology.
Summary of Jörmungandr's Fate
Here's a quick overview of the different outcomes for Jörmungandr:
| Account | Killer | Outcome for Jörmungandr | Outcome for Thor | Source Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Expedition | Thor | Successfully killed | Unharmed (or survives the immediate encounter) | Earlier Skaldic Poetry |
| Ragnarök | Thor | Killed by Mjölnir | Dies from Jörmungandr's venom after nine steps | Poetic Edda, Prose Edda |
Further Reading
To delve deeper into the sagas and myths surrounding Thor and Jörmungandr, explore these resources:
Ultimately, while the details vary, Thor is the fated slayer of Jörmungandr in Norse mythology, a testament to his unparalleled might.
