Fenris, Norse Mythology



In Norse mythology, Fenris, Fenrir, Fenrisúlfr, Hróðvitnir, or Vánagandr is a monstrous wolf. Fenris is attested in the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, written in the 13th century. In the Prose Edda, Fenris is the father of the wolves Sköll and Hati Hróðvitnisson, and is foretold to kill the god Odin during the events of Ragnarök, but will in turn be killed by Odin's son Víðarr. He is the eldest child of Loki and the giantess Angrboda.

Additional information is given about Fenris, including that, due to the gods' knowledge of prophecies foretelling great trouble from Fenris and his rapid growth, the gods bound him: and as a result Fenris bit off the right hand of the god Týr. Depictions of Fenris have been identified on various objects, and scholarly theories have been proposed regarding Fenris's relation to other canine beings in Norse mythology. Fenris has been the subject of artistic depictions, and he appears in literature.