In the dark forest known as Járnviðr, an old woman sat and bred broods that would become the wolves of prophecy. One of these offspring was destined to swallow the moon in a troll's skin. This creature grew from the union of Loki and the female jötunn Angrboða. He arrived into the world alongside his siblings Hel and Jörmungandr. The gods traced prophecies that great mischief and disaster would arise from these three children. They expected trouble not only because of their mother but also because of their father. Odin threw Jörmungandr into the deep sea that lies round all lands. He cast Hel into Niflheim and gave her authority over nine worlds. Yet the wolf remained with the gods at home. Only Týr had the courage to approach Fenrir and offer him food. The gods noticed that Fenrir grew rapidly every day. All prophecies foretold he was destined to cause them harm.
The Silken Fetters And The Lost Hand
The gods prepared three fetters to restrain the growing beast. The first strong bond was called Leyding. At Fenrir's first kick, the bind snapped and the wolf loosened himself. A second fetter named Dromi proved twice as strong yet still broke when Fenrir kicked it. The gods feared they could not hold the wolf with iron chains. Odin sent Freyr's messenger Skírnir down into Svartálfaheimr to some dwarfs. These dwarves constructed a fetter called Gleipnir from six mythical ingredients. The ribbon appeared smooth and soft like silk yet remained firm and unbreakable. The gods showed the silken strip to Fenrir on the island Lyngvi. They told him to tear it and stated it was much stronger than it appeared. Fenrir replied that if he could not break such slender material then he was nothing for the gods to fear. He agreed only if someone placed their hand in his mouth as a pledge. Týr put out his right hand and placed it within the jaws of the wolf. When Fenrir kicked, Gleipnir caught tightly and the band grew stronger. Everyone laughed except Týr who there lost his right hand.Ragnarök And The Death Of Odin
Fenrisúlfr will be free when all binds snap during the events of Ragnarök. His upper jaw will touch the sky while his lower jaw touches the earth. Flames will burn from his eyes and nostrils. He arrives at the field Vígríðr with his sibling Jörmungandr. An immense battle takes place where forces are assembled. Odin rides to fight Fenrisúlfr but eventually swallows him. The god dies as the beast consumes him. Odin's son Víðarr moves forward to avenge his father. Víðarr kicks one foot into the lower jaw of the wolf. This foot bears a legendary shoe whose material has been collected throughout all time. With one hand Víðarr holds the wolf's upper jaw and tears apart his mouth. He kills Fenrisúlfr after the great struggle ends. The prophecy that Fenrir would kill Odin comes true before he is destroyed by the younger generation of gods.