Angrboða facts for kids
Angrboða (pronounced Ang-er-boh-tha) is a powerful giantess from Norse mythology. She is known as the wife of the trickster god Loki. Together, they are the parents of three very famous and unusual children: the giant serpent Jörmungandr, the mighty wolf Fenrir, and the ruler of the underworld, Hel. Her name means "the one who brings grief" or "she-who-offers-sorrow," which hints at the important, and sometimes difficult, roles her children play in the myths.
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Who is Angrboða?
Angrboða is a giantess, also known as a jötunn in Norse myths. Giants are often seen as powerful beings who live outside the world of the gods, in a place called Jötunheimr. They are usually very strong and sometimes cause trouble for the gods. Angrboða is one of the most important giantesses because of her connection to Loki and her special children.
Angrboða's Family
Angrboða's family is one of the most famous in Norse mythology. Her three children with Loki are central to many stories, especially those about the end of the world, known as Ragnarök.
Jörmungandr, the World Serpent
Jörmungandr (pronounced Yor-mun-gand-er) is a massive serpent. He grew so big that the god Odin threw him into the ocean surrounding the human world, Midgard. There, Jörmungandr grew even larger, eventually wrapping his body around the entire world and biting his own tail. This is why he is also called the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. He is a great enemy of the god Thor.
Fenrir, the Mighty Wolf
Fenrir (pronounced Fen-reer) is an incredibly strong and dangerous wolf. The gods were worried about how powerful he was becoming. They tried to bind him with chains, but he broke them easily. Finally, they tricked him into being tied with a magical ribbon called Gleipnir, which was made from impossible things like the sound of a cat's footfall and the roots of a mountain. Fenrir is destined to break free at Ragnarök.
Hel, Ruler of the Underworld
Hel (pronounced Hel) is the goddess who rules over a part of the underworld, also called Hel. This is where most of the dead go, especially those who did not die bravely in battle. Hel is often described as having a face that is half beautiful and alive, and half dark and decaying. She has great power over her realm and its inhabitants.
Angrboða's Role in Mythology
While Angrboða herself doesn't appear in many stories, her importance comes from her children. They are all very powerful beings who play key roles in the future events of Norse mythology, especially during Ragnarök. The myths suggest that Angrboða's children are a sign of the chaos and change that will eventually come to the world of the gods.
See also
In Spanish: Angrboda para niños
