There's just something about dragons that I both love and respect. They are at once both majestic and terrifying creatures (Toothless aside)...And, I've included one that figures quite prominently in Court of the Hawk. This being the case, I thought what better way to kick off our Book Tour, then share the Norse legend concerning Jörmungandr. Have you heard of him?
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| Lokis Gezücht. Loki's brood; Hel, Fenrir and Jörmungandr circa 1905 |
At the very dawn of time, according to this fascinating myth, Loki fathered three children during his liaison with Angrboða the giantess. Hel, Fenrir and last but cerainly not least, Jörmungandr, also known as the Mighty Serpent of Midgard. Shortly after his birth, an enraged Odin imprisoned him in the oceans surrounding Midgard where he lay eternally hidden from the mortal world. They say the dragon grew large enough to encircle the earth and grasp his tail with his teeth.
The ancient chroniclers tell us of an encounter between Jörmungandr and the all-powerful Thor. According to this tale, Thor and Hymir the giant were out fishing and it seems that Hymir didn't want to provide Thor with any bait. Big mistake...because Thor simply ripped off the head of Hymir's largest ox and used that instead. Drawn by the blood, Jörmungandr took the bait and Thor yanked him out of the ocean. A terrible fight ensued. In the end, Thor lost the battle. Jörmungandr retained his ocean home and the only tell-tale sign of the encounter were the thunderous waves and the raging tempests that spoke of the pain Jörmungandr suffered because of the melee.
These two gods are destined to meet again at the end of days in the realm of Ragnarök. During the never-ending days of winter and after the very heavens are divided, Thor will return. They say that amidst the chaos, Jörmungandr will emerge from his nest. In that same moment, Thor will slay him. Yet, that's not the end of the story. You see, with the very last fiery breath Jörmungandr will take, he will end Thor's life. The world, as everyone knows it at that time in earth's existence, will end as well. (Don't worry, that's not quite the end of everything concerning mankind, but I'll save that story for another day.
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| Thor und die Midgardsschlange. The final battle between Thor and Jörmungandr. |
The Court of the Hawk book tour and giveaway begins! You'll find us today and throughout the rest of this week at: Romance Novel Giveaways.
Stop by, say hello, and enter for your chance to win!
The Tour Stops:
June 23: Rogues Angels
June 23: Long and Short Reviews
July 7: Bookschatter
July 14: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
July 21: Books and Other Spells
July 28: The Reading Addict
August 4: Blog of author Jacey Holbrand
August 11: Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - review only
August 11: Archaeolibrarian - I dig good books! - review only
August 18: Booklover Sue
August 25: CBY Book Club
September 1: Katherine Givens: Historical Romance Author
September 8: Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
Very cool tale about Thor and Jörmungandr. I had no idea about this legend. You always have interesting reading. Wishing you an awesome tour!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it Mae! Thanks and wishing you the same!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the tale of Thor and Jörmungandr. It is the first time I read the full tale, but have heard it semi-mentioned before. And it was the perfect choice to open up the Court of the Hawk Tour. I am looking forward to following this tour and visiting all the great blogs along the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I'm happy you've decided to follow the tour and that you enjoyed the story! Thanks for the visit, I love it when you stop by!
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