Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods explained
This chapter describes the Norse prophecy of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic destruction of the gods and the world.
What happens
This chapter describes the Norse prophecy of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic destruction of the gods and the world. It details the forerunners—a triple winter, war, and cosmic upheaval—followed by the final battle on Vigrid field, where Odin, Thor, Loki, Heimdall, and others fall. The world is consumed by fire, but a new, peaceful earth emerges from the sea under Alfadur.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Free Will
The prophecy of Ragnarok is inescapable, with gods and mortals alike fated to perish, yet they choose to fight bravely.
Mortality and Immortality
Even the immortal gods fall in battle, underscoring the theme that all beings are subject to death and renewal.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The wolf Fenris will now break his bands, the Midgard serpent rise out of her bed in the sea, and Loki, released from his bonds, will join the enemies of the gods.”
The monstrous wolf Fenris will escape his chains, the serpent of Midgard will emerge from the ocean, and Loki, freed from captivity, will side with the gods' foes.
Describes the unleashing of chaos as the enemies of the gods prepare for battle.
“Thor gains great renown by killing the Midgard serpent, but recoils and falls dead, suffocated with the venom which the dying monster vomits over him.”
Thor achieves glory by slaying the Midgard serpent, but he stumbles back and dies, choked by the poison the serpent spews as it dies.
Highlights Thor's heroic yet fatal victory.