Bound monster
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The bound monster is an important motif in Norse mythology. The theme is that of an enemy of the gods who is bound or restrained in some way but destined to break free during the time of Ragnarök to cause destruction.
This pattern applies particularly to
Hel, queen of the underworld. Loki was bound in vengeance for his role in the death of Baldr, the full version of which tale is found in Gylfaginning. As Loki struggles in his bonds, his wife Sigyn holds a bowl over his head to catch the venom that drips continuously from a snake. At Ragnarök he will break free and fight against the gods, battling Heimdall
in a mutually fatal duel.
Fenrir, whose role in the final days was revealed through prophecy, was leashed by the gods with a magical fetter created by the
Vidar
.
For similar reasons as Fenrir, Jörmungandr and Hel are also considered bound monsters, though in somewhat less apparent ways. The serpent was banished to the outer waters of
frost giants
and a great army of the dead marching forth under the banner of Loki.
See also
References
- Lindow, John (2001) Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs (Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-515382-0)