Jörmungandr, or the World Serpent

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Jörmungandr

Jörmungandr

Jörmungandr, or the World Serpent, is the third child of Loki and Angrboda, of the race of giants. Hel and Fenrir are his siblings. As a child, Odin cast him into the sea, where he grew to an enormous size, coiling around the whole of Midgard until he caught his own tail in his jaws.

One day, Thor goes fishing with the giant Hymir and rows far out to sea. There, he baits a hook with an ox's head and uses it to catch Jörmungandr. The serpent thrashes, but Thor keeps hauling him in, intending to kill him with his hammer. Venom pours from Jörmungandr's jaws, terrifying the giant. Hymir, fearing for his own life, cuts the fishing line and frees the serpent. Jörmungandr dives back into the depths, fleeing into the sea.

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Jörmungandr, or the World Serpent

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