A Saga-Based Exploration:
Loki, one of the most fascinating figures in Norse mythology, is often remembered for his cunning, shapeshifting abilities, and unpredictable nature. Yet, what makes him even more compelling is his extraordinary and diverse family. From monstrous creatures to gods, Loki’s offspring play pivotal roles in the mythological events, especially during Ragnarök. Alongside his children, his relationship with his wife Sigyn provides a glimpse into a contrasting side of Loki's chaotic existence. Let’s explore Loki’s unique family, focusing on each child and his wife as depicted in historical sources like The Poetic Edda, The Prose Edda, and other sagas.
Sigyn – The Loyal Wife
Sigyn, Loki's wife, is a relatively quiet figure in the mythological texts, yet her role in Loki's life, particularly during his punishment, is essential. Sigyn is often seen as a figure of loyalty and unwavering devotion. She is most prominently mentioned in The Prose Edda, where her devotion to Loki shines through in the wake of his punishment for his role in Baldr’s death.
When Loki is captured and bound by the gods, they place a venomous serpent above him, with its poison dripping continuously onto his face. Sigyn stays by his side, holding a bowl to catch the venom. She endures this endless torment with Loki, only leaving him to empty the bowl. During these brief moments, the venom drips onto Loki’s face, causing him to writhe in pain, which in turn causes earthquakes in the world.
Despite her limited role in the sagas, Sigyn's loyalty to Loki contrasts starkly with his chaotic and treacherous nature. Where Loki sows disorder, Sigyn represents patience and endurance, standing as a symbol of commitment in the face of unrelenting suffering.
The Children of Loki and Angrboda
Loki’s most famous offspring were born not of Sigyn but of the giantess Angrboda, with whom he fathered three monstrous children that each play significant roles in the end of the world.
1. Fenrir – The Great Wolf
Fenrir is one of Loki’s most infamous children, destined to play a major role in Ragnarök. As depicted in The Prose Edda and The Poetic Edda, Fenrir is a gigantic wolf, born of Loki and Angrboda. Due to his immense strength and terrifying growth, the gods became fearful and decided to bind him. After several failed attempts, they finally restrained Fenrir with a magical chain.
At Ragnarök, Fenrir is fated to break free from his chains and devour Odin, the chief of the gods. His escape and eventual battle with Odin mark a pivotal moment in the prophesied end of the world.
2. Jörmungandr – The Midgard Serpent
Jörmungandr, the second child of Loki and Angrboda, is a colossal serpent that encircles the world of Midgard. According to The Prose Edda, he was cast into the sea by Odin, where he grew so large that he could bite his own tail, thus earning the title of the World Serpent.
Jörmungandr plays a significant role during Ragnarök as well. He rises from the sea, poisoning the sky with his venom, and engages in a deadly battle with Thor. Thor kills the serpent, but the venom ultimately causes the god’s demise.
3. Hel – The Ruler of the Dead
Hel, the third child of Loki and Angrboda, is a half-living, half-dead figure who presides over the realm of the dead, Niflheim. In The Prose Edda, Odin banishes Hel to this realm, where she rules over those who die of old age and illness. Her appearance, described as half of her body being beautiful and alive, and the other half dark and decayed, mirrors her dominion over the realm between life and death.
Although she does not actively participate in Ragnarök, Hel’s kingdom plays a key role in Norse cosmology as the final resting place for many souls.
Other Offspring of Loki
Loki’s family extends beyond his children with Angrboda, with other offspring resulting from his various adventures and shapeshifting escapades.
4. Sleipnir – Odin’s Eight-Legged Steed
In one of the more curious tales from The Prose Edda, Loki takes on the form of a mare to help the gods complete the construction of Asgard’s walls. This transformation leads to the birth of Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse, making Loki the mother of this supernatural steed. Sleipnir is later given to Odin and becomes his trusted mount, capable of traveling between worlds with incredible speed.
Sleipnir is often depicted as the fastest horse in existence and an important companion to Odin on his journeys across the nine realms.
5. Narfi and Váli – A Tragic Tale
Narfi (sometimes referred to as Nari) and Váli are sons of Loki and Sigyn. Their tragic story highlights the price Loki pays for his treachery. After Loki’s involvement in the death of Baldr, the gods capture him and seek revenge. To punish Loki further, the gods turn Váli into a wolf, who then viciously kills his brother Narfi. Narfi’s entrails are used to bind Loki, marking the beginning of his imprisonment beneath the earth, where he endures the venomous torment mentioned earlier.
Conclusion: A Family of Chaos and Devotion
Loki’s family in Norse mythology is as varied and complex as Loki himself. His monstrous children, born of Angrboda, play key roles in shaping the destiny of the world, particularly during Ragnarök. In contrast, his relationship with Sigyn highlights a softer, more human element to his story—one of loyalty, endurance, and tragic love.
The sagas show that Loki’s legacy is not just defined by his trickery and chaos but also by the offspring who embody both destructive power and deep loyalty. His family stands at the center of the Norse cosmos, influencing the fate of gods and men alike.
