Norse
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Vargr/Warg/Wearg
The Vargr is a term present in Norse myth with multiple meanings. The word comes from Old German and was sometimes used as a blanket term for supernatural beings. The word referred to wolves, and was also used to describe outlaws and oathbreakers. The comparison was that both wolves and outlaws lived in the wilderness and could be killed without consequence. The term Murðvarg is someone who’s killed someone; this translates to Murder Warg. Brennuvargr is someone who commits arson; this translates to Fire Warg. The famous giant Grendel is also referred to as Heorowearh, meaning Sword Warg. Because the term means wolf, and has been associated with the devil,…
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Wyrm/Ormr/Verm/Worm
The Wyrm is a form of dragon originating in Norse myth. They’re described as serpentine creatures and deemed dragons when large enough. The earliest known depiction of this creature is a wood panel from the year 1100. This image shows a Wyrm with an open mouth filled with teeth, eating a person. It had almond-shaped eyes, a curved nose on a long snout, a recurved horn, and ears that were laid back. Its long neck was in two coils, and it appeared it may have had a rider on its back at some point. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland,…
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Donnerschröter/Thor-Bagge/Thordyfvel
The Donnerschröter is a mythical creature from various Germanic beliefs. The name Donnerschröter translates to “Thunder Beetle” and the alternate Thordyfvel translates to “Thor’s devil.” They are beetles thought to be the embodiment of Thor. This associates them with lightning, agriculture, and later on the devil. Dung beetles were considered sacred to Thor since they lived in cow dung and dug in the earth, fitting the agriculture connection. Because of this, the larvae of the dung beetle were called “Earth Ox.” Putting a Dung Beetle on its back is considered a sin since they can’t right themselves, and failing to help an upside-down beetle could result in stomach aches. Some…
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Fafnir/Frænir
Fafnir is a mythological figure from Norse mythology. He was a Dwarf or Jotunn and one of the sons of Hreidmar the magician. He desired his father’s magic ring Advarinaut, which could magically produce treasure. Eventually, he became so corrupted by his desire that he killed his father for the ring. He gained a great pile of treasure and turned into a dragon to protect it, though the corruption of his greed forced him to remain in that form. Fafnirs brother Regin also desired the ring but waited too long to act on his greed. To get the ring from his brother, he sent his foster son, the hero Sigurd,…
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Bifrost/Asabridge/Asbru
The Bifrost is a magical location from Norse mythology. It’s translated as “rainbow bridge” or “the trembling way.” It’s thought to connect the earth, Midgard, to the world of the gods, Asgard, by spanning across the sky. It’s constructed of three fragile-looking strands of air, fire, and water, though despite its weak-looking structure it’s impossibly durable. It’s believed that the god Heimdall guarded the bridge to prevent the Jötnar from crossing. He was given this duty due to his remarkable senses, and since he has a magic horn to alert the entire nine realms of danger. Most all the gods use to bridge to travel on horseback, aside from Thor…
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Wraith
Wraiths have old Norse origins. Their name is derived from word “vörthr” which means “guardian” or “watcher.” They appear as living people, foretelling that person’s death. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006
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Sköll
Sköll is a giant wolf from Norse mythology. His name means “repulsion” and he chases the sun trying to devour it. He is a son of Fenrir and is paired with his brother Hati. The giantess Iarnsaxa feeds him the marrow from adulterers and murderers. Eclipses are caused when he or his brother nearly succeed, and people would make loud noise to scare them off. It is thought that at Ragnarok both will succeed and devour the celestial bodies, setting off three years of winter. Citations: Dougherty, Martin J.. Norse Myths: Viking Legends of Heroes and Gods. United Kingdom, Amber Books Ltd, 2016. Guerber, Hélène Adeline. Myths of the Norsemen:…
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Hati
Hati is a giant wolf from Norse mythology. His name means “hatred” and he chases the moon trying to devour it. He is a son of Fenrir and is paired with his brother Sköll. The giantess Iarnsaxa feeds him the marrow from adulterers and murderers. Eclipses are caused when he or his brother nearly succeed, and people would make loud noise to scare them off. It is thought that at Ragnarok both will succeed and devour the celestial bodies, setting off three years of winter. Citations: Dougherty, Martin J.. Norse Myths: Viking Legends of Heroes and Gods. United Kingdom, Amber Books Ltd, 2016. Guerber, Hélène Adeline. Myths of the Norsemen:…
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Hamrammr
The Hamrammr are Norse warriors with supernatural abilities. They wear animal skins to gain the animals power or form while in battle. The power of these creatures grows the more they kill and eat, and they can potentially get to the point that they are completely unkillable. Sometimes their very presence scared enemies off the battlefield. Often a Hamrammr attempting this would end up dying due to their overconfidence. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Flugdreki
The Flugdreki is a form of dragon from Norse myth. Its name translates to “flying serpent” and is separate from the Dreki and Ormr. They have been known to attack those out at sea and can often be killed like any other creature. Citations: Fee, Christopher R.. Mythology in the Middle Ages: Heroic Tales of Monsters, Magic, and Might. United States, Praeger, 2011. Vídalín, Arngrímur. The Supernatural in Íslendingasögur. Iceland, Tower Press, 2012.
