Jormungand

In Norse mythology, the sea serpent Jormungand was a child of Loki and the giantess Angerboda. In Thorsdrapa, Faðir lögseims, (trans. father of the sea thread), i.e. the father of Jormungand, is used as a direct kenning for Loki.

The Aesir knew Jormungand would be dangerous for humanity, so they tossed him into the waters that encircled Midgard. Jormungand grew so big that he was able to surround the Earth and grasp his own tail (see Ouroboros).

During Ragnarok, Thor will do battle with and kill Jormungand, but not before Jormungand can poison Thor with his eitr, ensuring his eventual death as well.

Jormungand is also sometimes referred to as the Midgard Serpent (Miðgarðsormur).

Alternate spellings:

• Jormagund
• Jormugand
• Jormangund
• Jormungandr