Story Summary
Discover the epic tale of Tyr and the Binding of Fenrir. Witness the god of justice sacrifice his hand to chain the monstrous wolf and prevent Ragnarok.
Fenrir, the monstrous wolf-son of Loki, grew so large and fierce that only Tyr, the god of justice, dared to feed him. Prophecies warned that the beast would one day bring ruin to the gods, so the Aesir resolved to bind him. They first tried heavy iron chains named Leyding and Dromi, but Fenrir shattered them with ease. Desperate, Odin sent a messenger to the dwarves, who forged Gleipnir—a silken ribbon made from impossible things like the sound of a cat’s footfall and the roots of a mountain. Fenrir, sensing a trap, refused to be bound by the ribbon unless one of the gods placed a hand in his mouth as a sign of good faith. Only Tyr stepped forward. As the wolf struggled and found the magical ribbon impossible to break, he snapped his jaws shut, severing Tyr’s hand. The wolf was bound, and the gods were safe for a time, though the cost of peace was written in Tyr’s blood.
The Moral
True courage involves the willingness to make immense personal sacrifices for the safety and integrity of the community.
“Justice is not found in the absence of sacrifice, but in the strength to endure it.”
Fun Fact
The day of the week 'Tuesday' is named after Tyr (Tiw's Day), honoring the god's association with law, justice, and combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tyr and the Binding of Fenrir?
The story teaches that maintaining order and safety often requires immense personal sacrifice and the courage to face inevitable pain. It highlights the weight of duty over self-preservation.
What was Gleipnir made of?
Gleipnir was a magical ribbon forged by dwarves from six impossible ingredients: the sound of a cat's footsteps, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, the sinews of a bear, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of a bird.
Why did the gods want to bind Fenrir?
Prophecies foretold that Fenrir would grow to an uncontrollable size and eventually kill Odin during Ragnarok, the final battle. They sought to bind him to delay the end of the world.
How did Tyr lose his hand?
Tyr lost his hand when Fenrir realized he had been tricked by the gods. Having placed his hand in the wolf's mouth as a pledge of good faith, Tyr did not flinch when the wolf bit it off after failing to break free.
Who are the parents of Fenrir?
Fenrir is one of the three monstrous children of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. His siblings are the world-serpent Jormungandr and the queen of the dead, Hel.
Does Fenrir ever escape his bonds?
According to Norse mythology, Fenrir remains bound until the arrival of Ragnarok. During this final battle, he will break his chains, swallow the sun, and fulfill the prophecy by killing Odin.
