The Fatal Showdowns of Ragnarök: Who Kills Whom?

Ragnarök, the cataclysmic battle that marks the end of the world in Norse mythology, is a momentous event where gods, giants, and mythical creatures meet their fates. This epic confrontation is vividly chronicled in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, two essential sources that preserve the legends of the Norse cosmos. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key figures who meet their demise during this apocalyptic event, as detailed in these ancient texts.

1. Odin vs. Fenrir

Outcome: Fenrir devours Odin.

Details: In the final battle, Odin, the Allfather, faces the colossal wolf Fenrir. Despite Odin's unparalleled wisdom and strength, Fenrir overpowers and consumes him, marking a devastating blow to the gods. However, Fenrir's rampage is short-lived, as Vidar soon avenges his father's death (see below).

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanzas 53 and 55; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapters 51 and 53.

2. Thor vs. Jörmungandr

Outcome: Thor slays Jörmungandr but succumbs to its venom.

Details: Thor, the mighty god of thunder, battles Jörmungandr, the World Serpent. Thor triumphs in the duel, striking down the serpent with his hammer, Mjölnir. However, the serpent’s venom poisons Thor, who manages to take nine steps before collapsing to his death.

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanza 56; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 51.

3. Týr vs. Garmr

Outcome: Týr and Garmr die in mutual combat.

Details: Týr, the war god known for his bravery, confronts Garmr, the fearsome hound guarding the gates of Hel. Their battle is intense and brutal, ending with both Týr and Garmr succumbing to the wounds they inflict on each other.

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanza 55; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 51.

4. Heimdallr vs. Loki

Outcome: Heimdallr and Loki kill each other.

Details: The vigilant Heimdallr, watchman of the gods, faces off against Loki, the cunning trickster. Their duel culminates in a deadly exchange, where each inflicts fatal injuries on the other, leading to their simultaneous demise.

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanza 51; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 51.

5. Frey vs. Surtr

Outcome: Surtr slays Frey.

Details: Frey, the god of fertility and prosperity, confronts Surtr, the fire giant who commands the forces of Muspelheim. Frey, having given away his sword for love, enters the battle weaponless and falls to Surtr's flaming blade.

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanza 50; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 51.

6. Vidar vs. Fenrir

Outcome: Vidar avenges Odin by killing Fenrir.

Details: Vidar, one of Odin’s sons, takes on the mighty wolf Fenrir to avenge his father’s death. Vidar tears Fenrir's jaws apart with his immense strength and a specially crafted shoe, ending the life of the beast that swallowed Odin.

Sources: Poetic Edda, Völuspá, stanza 53; Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 51.

7. Váli and Other Survivors

Outcome: Váli and other gods survive Ragnarök.

Details: Váli, another son of Odin, is among the few deities who survive Ragnarök. However, the ancient texts do not attribute any specific kills to him during the battle. Other survivors include Thor's sons Móði and Magni, and Baldr, who returns from Hel after the conflict.

Sources: Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, chapter 53.

Conclusion

Ragnarök represents the tragic and violent conclusion of the Norse pantheon, with the fall of central figures like Odin, Thor, and Loki. Yet, even in this ultimate destruction, the myths hint at a rebirth—a new world rising from the ashes. The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda provide a gripping narrative of these final confrontations, ensuring that the legacy of Ragnarök endures through the ages.