Also called Fenrisúlfr, Fenris Wolf, Hróðvitnir, Vánargandr.
Their story
Fenrir is a son of Loki and the giantess Angrboða. The gods raised him in Asgard, but he grew so fast and fierce that only Tyr dared feed him. Two chains could not hold him, so the dwarves made Gleipnir from the sound of a cat's step, a woman's beard, a mountain's roots, a bear's sinews, a fish's breath and a bird's spittle. Fenrir let it be put on only if a god placed a hand in his mouth; Tyr did, and lost it. At Ragnarök Fenrir breaks free and swallows Odin, and is killed by Vidar.
Best times to give to them
- when reflecting on trust and betrayal
- at Ragnarök retellings
What they like being given
- honesty kept even with the difficult
- a candle for what cannot be tamed
How to honour them
- Reflect on how the gods kept order by breaking faith, and what it cost Tyr.
- Consider what in your own life you have bound, and whether that is fair.
How they can help you
- understanding fear and control
- trust
- the cost of broken promises
Symbols
- the fetter Gleipnir
- a sword wedged in the jaws
- the river Ván
Sources
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 34 and 51
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá
- Poetic Edda, Lokasenna 38–39
- Poetic Edda, Vafþrúðnismál 53