Vidar facts for kids

Víðarr is a powerful god in Norse mythology. His name means "the wide ruling one" in Old Norse. He is known as the god of vengeance. Víðarr is a member of the Æsir, who are the main group of gods in Norse myths.

He is the son of the god Odin, who is the leader of the Æsir. Víðarr's mother is a giantess named Gríðr.

Víðarr's Role in Ragnarök

Víðarr plays a very important part in the events of Ragnarök. Ragnarök is a series of future events in Norse mythology. It includes a great battle and the end of the world.

The Battle with Fenrir

During Ragnarök, a giant and monstrous wolf named Fenrir attacks. Fenrir is a very dangerous creature. He swallows Odin, Víðarr's father, whole. This is a terrible moment for the gods.

Víðarr then steps forward to avenge his father. He faces Fenrir in a fierce battle. Víðarr grabs Fenrir by the jaw. He then tears the wolf's head apart. This act kills Fenrir. It avenges Odin's death.

Surviving Ragnarök

Víðarr is one of the few gods who survive Ragnarök. After the world ends and is reborn, he will meet with other survivors. He will meet his brother Váli. They will meet in a place called Iðavöllr. This is where Asgard, the home of the gods, once stood.

Other gods will join them there. These include their brothers Höðr and Baldr. Thor's sons, Magni and Móði, will also be there. Together, they will help to rebuild the world.

Images for kids

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

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  A depiction of Víðarr on horseback by Lorenz Frølich, 1895

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  Detail of Gosforth Cross, artist unknown, 1913

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

See also

In Spanish: Viðarr para niños