Definition

Proper noun In Norse mythology, Fenrir (also known as Fenrisúlfr) is a monstrous, enormous wolf. He is one of the children of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboða. A central figure in prophecy, he is foretold to kill the god Odin during the events of Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle that leads to the destruction of the gods and the world.

Usage

• Fenrir is a key antagonist in the Norse mythological cycle.
• The gods, fearing the prophecy, attempted to bind Fenrir with a magical fetter called Gleipnir.
• The binding of Fenrir is a major event leading up to Ragnarök.

Examples

• In the prophecy, Fenrir breaks free from his bonds at the start of Ragnarök.
• The god Tyr sacrificed his hand to trick Fenrir into being bound.
• The story of Fenrir is told in the and the .

Advanced Usage

• "The chains of Fenrir": Often used metaphorically to represent a powerful, destructive force that is temporarily restrained but destined to break free.
• "Fenrir's brood": A poetic reference to wolves in general, invoking their ferocity and connection to the mythical wolf.

Variants and Related Words

• Fenrisúlfr (Proper noun): An alternative name for Fenrir, meaning "Fenris Wolf."
• Fenris Wolf (Proper noun): The common English translation of Fenrisúlfr.
• Hróðvitnir (Proper noun): Another name for Fenrir, meaning "famous wolf."
• Vánagandr (Proper noun): Another name for Fenrir, meaning "monster of the [river] Ván."

Synonyms

• Monstrous wolf
• Wolf of Loki
• Bane of Odin

Related Concepts and Phrases

• Ragnarök: The apocalyptic battle in which Fenrir plays a central role.
• Gleipnir: The magical, unbreakable ribbon used to bind Fenrir.
• Jörmungandr: The Midgard Serpent, another of Loki's monstrous children and sibling to Fenrir.
• Hel: The goddess of the underworld, also a child of Loki and sibling to Fenrir.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) an enormous wolf that was fathered by Loki and that killed Odin