"Jörmungandr" #atozchallenge

In an ocean that surrounds the earth lives a snake so big that it encircles the world. The serpent is named Jörmungandr, and he holds his tail in his mouth. Like Fenrir, this snake has his own role to play in Ragnarök, at least according to Norse mythology. 

When Jörmungandr releases his tail, the end will come. As he begins to surface from the sea, great waves will shake the world, and his venom will poison the skies. Thor will eventually slay this giant snake, but not before he is poisoned. Soon after Jörmungandr falls, Thor will follow.

I've always loved Norse mythology (in case I haven't said that enough yet), especially the Ragnarök tales. They're a little like an ancient soap opera. The god Loki mates with a Giant, and gives birth to the abominations, Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel. The other gods aren't too happy about this, so Jörmungandr is eventually dropped into the ocean, Hel is given dominion over, well, Hell, and Fenrir is bound deep inside the bowels of the Earth by a magical ribbon placed upon him by Odin and his brethren. Eventually, according to the myths, Fenrir will break free, and the apocalypse will begin. Fenrir will kill Odin, and will then be killed by Odin's son. Thor will Jörmungandr before falling over dead himself.

See? It's Days of Our Lives, Norse style!

Seriously though, if a giant snake happens to climb out of the ocean and we start inhaling venom instead of oxygen, you'd better run! Far, and fast. Or be lucky enough to be the last male (or female) standing. Everyone else is going to perish in a giant battle. Or drown. Or be consumed by fire.  

Yikes!

"K"ome back tomorrow!

A.K.M.

Want more A to Z Challenge? You can read other Letter J posts here