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Víðarr facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Víðarr (pronounced Vithar, or Vietharr) is a powerful god in Norse Mythology. He is known as the "silent god" and is a son of the chief god Odin. Víðarr is famous for his strength and for being one of the few gods who will survive the big battle called Ragnarök.

Who is Víðarr?

Víðarr is a very strong god, often described as being almost as powerful as Thor. He is the son of Odin, the leader of the gods, and a giantess named Gríðr. Víðarr lives in a special hall called Vidi, which is a quiet place filled with tall bushes and green grass. He is known for being very quiet and strong.

One of the most interesting things about Víðarr is his special shoe. This shoe is made from all the leather scraps that shoemakers cut off the toes and heels of shoes. People in ancient times believed that if they threw away these scraps, they were helping Víðarr make his shoe stronger for a very important future event.

Víðarr's Role in Ragnarök

Ragnarök is a huge, final battle in Norse mythology. Many gods and creatures will fight, and most of the world will be destroyed. During Ragnarök, the mighty wolf Fenrir, who is a child of Loki, will attack and swallow Odin.

Víðarr's main purpose is to avenge his father, Odin. When Fenrir attacks Odin, Víðarr steps forward. He places his special, thick shoe into Fenrir's lower jaw. Then, he grabs the wolf's upper jaw and tears Fenrir apart, killing the giant wolf. This act of vengeance is one of the most important moments in Ragnarök.

Víðarr After Ragnarök

After the terrible battle of Ragnarök, the world will be reborn. Only a few gods will survive this event, and Víðarr is one of them. He, along with his brother Váli, and the sons of Thor, Móði and Magni, will live in the new world. They will find the golden game pieces of the gods and remember the stories of the past. Víðarr's survival means he represents hope and new beginnings after destruction.

Images for kids

  • Vidar by Collingwood

    A depiction of Víðarr stabbing Fenrir while holding his jaws apart by W. G. Collingwood, 1908, inspired by the Gosforth Cross

  • Víðarr on horseback by Lorenz Frølich

    A depiction of Víðarr on horseback by Lorenz Frølich, 1895

  • Gosforth Cross Víðarr detail

    Detail of Gosforth Cross, artist unknown, 1913

  • Vidar och Vale

    A depiction of Víðarr and Váli by Axel Kulle (1846–1908), 1892

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Viðarr para niños

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