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Did you know that Fenrir, a monstrous, and most famous, wolf in Norse mythology is the offspring of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda?
Fenrir was destined to play a crucial role in the events of Ragnarok, the world's end. To prevent this, the Gods tried many times to bind him, but the only thing that held Fenrir captive was a magical ribbon called Gleipnir. Made from six mythical ingredients (the sound of a cat's footsteps, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, the sinews of a bear, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of a bird), Gleipnir appeared thin and delicate but was incredibly strong.
Fenrir was tricked by playing a game, and bound by Gleipnir.
He is often seen as a symbol of chaos and destruction, as well as the unpredictable and violent forces of nature. Many demonstrate their alliance with his chaotic and fearsome qualities by getting a tattoo of the Norse wolf, usually on their upper body or forearms.
His story also emphasizes themes of fate and inevitability, central to Norse mythology. Given a modern lens, it also demonstrates the lesson that if you treat people (or, in this case, wolves) badly, they will one day get even with you.
Or in Odinβs case, swallowed!
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