Today I learned about a mythological creature I’d never heard of before… which shows you just how lacking I am in my knowledge of Norse mythology. Yikes. Time to pull out the ol’ world myth texts and have another look…! (What can I say, I tend to get stuck in the Ancient Near East or the Classical period…)

Midgard Serpent

The Midgard Serpent, or Jormundgandr, is one of the god Loki’s three children, who—and I’d be right ticked off about this too—good old Asgard ruler Odin grabbed by the tail and threw into the ocean around Midgard.

Due to this unexpected change of location, the serpent apparently grew so large that it encircled the world and was able to grab its own tail (sounding familiar now?). When he lets go of his tail, the world will end.

So if you go sailing, or take a cruise, and happen to spot a giant sea serpent in the middle of the ocean? DON’T PANIC.

Unless, of course, you see its mouth. Because that would suggest it has let go of its tail, and then we’re all in trouble.

Er… I should also mention that the Midgard Serpent is a character in Marvel’s Thor comic books too. Not that you needed to know, but you never know when useless pop culture trivia might come in handy… right?

Encountered any new and strange monsters in your research lately?