Ragnarok

Ragnarok was the biggest and most dramatic event in Norse mythology. It was the final battle between the gods and the giants. The Vikings believed that one day the world would be destroyed and then reborn. It is sometimes called the 'Twilight of the Gods.'

Signs of the End

Before Ragnarok, three terrible winters would come with no summer in between. The giant wolf Fenrir would break free from his chains. The world serpent would rise from the ocean. Loki would lead an army of giants against the gods.

A New Beginning

During Ragnarok, many gods would fall in battle. Thor would defeat the world serpent but then collapse. Odin would be swallowed by the wolf Fenrir. But after the destruction, a new and better world would rise from the sea. Two humans would survive to start life again.

Fun Facts

• The sun and moon would be eaten by giant wolves during Ragnarok.
• A giant named Surtr would set the whole world on fire with his flaming sword.
• The word 'Ragnarok' roughly means 'fate of the gods' in Old Norse.

Did You Know?

Even though Ragnarok sounds sad, the Vikings saw it as hopeful. After the old world ended, a beautiful new world would be born. The surviving gods and humans would start fresh with a clean, green Earth!