Nidhogg: The Soul Devouring Dragon - (Norse Mythology Explained)

Today we take a look at Nidhogg the dragon who devours souls in Hel and gnaws and the roots of the world tree.
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#Nidhogg #NorseMythology #Mythology

[@jexxer]

I wish there had been a myth about Loki and Ratatoskr teaming up to troll people. It would have been hilarious. And then ended in a bloodbath. Because Norse.

Every Norse myth ends in a bloodbath, it could have started out with that bitch Cindy-Mae from high school going out for lunch, and then all of a sudden, Thor's bashing in some Jotnar's heads whilst Cindy gets her frappucino.

[@ryantheready3066]

Lord Revan lol what is sad that I actually have a bitch in my class named Cindy. #relatable

[@VikingFyre]

Jexxer there is speculation that Ratatoskr was an agent of Loki’s or even him in shapeshifted form.

[@MrMikado282]

Loki was to busy with the horse.

[@jermainallen7176]

@@VikingFyre Ratatoskr is waaaaaaaaaaaaay bigger than Loki.

[@theone3746]

So the world ends because of a damn squirrel.

[@HevadeWe]

Or maybe more abstractly: A world ends due to active misinformation. Doesn't actually sound too implausible that way.

[@ryantheready3066]

The One yes. And as the reply before me said,that’s what it represents. Misinformation and lies are what destroy the worlds.

[@JoseRodriguez-kw9ez]

The One a Pokémon

[@hervincrespo6477]

Why do you think there’s a squirrel in Ice Age?

[@DaniMartVTen]

@@HevadeWe So basically Trump.

[@justaregularuser79]

Ratatoskr reminds me of that Spongebob episode when Squidward was spreading lies and insults between Spongebob and Patrick.

[@rossprior3086]

Ratatoskr mate :)

[@justaregularuser79]

@@rossprior3086 thanks man 👍

[@rossprior3086]

@@justaregularuser79 anytime 🤙

[@dylantennant6594]

candiigurl7893 Nidhoggr: Well that makes a big dummy you dummy! Great eagle: Yeah well, so are you! Ratatoskr sit down and starts eating Nidhoggr: Like you’re a turkey! Great Eagle: What’s that? Nidhoggr: it’s what you are! Great Eagle: Well you’re a bigger one! Nidhoggr: You’re still yellow! Do you know what else is yellow? Great Eagle: What? Nidhoggr: You! Ratatoskr: Ha Ha Ha Great Eagle: Yeah well, I never want to see you again anyway! Ah tartar sauce! (Perches on the branches. Nidhoggr jumps into the underworld, sounding like an accordion. Ratatoskr: Ha Ha Ha Ha Ah Ha.

[@handmadecomics5096]

"Naughty Nautical Neighbors". thats the episode your talking about. That was probably the 4th episode of season 1. This I my 151st youtube comment.

[@rakdos36]

Why didnt he mention that it is one of the survivors of ragnarök? I find it interesting that a being described so heinous is considered to survive the end of the world.

[@Kyurium]

It's also said that when he appears in the new world it's ragnarök is about to start.

[@hermescarraro3393]

Nidhogg survives Ragnarök because he is a symbol of evil, corruption and impending doom... The new world is pure, but will eventualy become corrupt and end like the previous one... Now, it is pretty safe to say that, this depiction of Nidhogg was probably heavely chrystianised... Since the norse did not have a concept of absolute evil. Only caos and order. Soo whe can't be shure of what he realy symbolised. Heck. Some hystorians speculate that originaly he and Jormungandr were one and the same, separated either by time or by Snorri. SOO... WHO KNOWS? WE DO NOT KNOW SHIT!!! HECK. THE EDDAS BARELY TELL US WHO THE GODS WERE!!! BECAUSE SNORRI HAD TO BE PICKY, AND ONLY TALKED OF THOSE HE CARED ABOUT!!

[@Llunatix13]

@@hermescarraro3393 also, snorri himself was already christian and there is a lot of his works that pretty much contradicts older norse poems. So he def. changed stuff the way he liked more and added things as he saw fit. Its a damn shame Christianity is such a bs religion which did everything to destroy other cultures.

[@hermescarraro3393]

@@Llunatix13 Yeah... That is unfortunate... But let's look at the bright side. Even if these stories are corrupted, thanks to them and modern antropology and archeology, we can remember and understand these ancient cultures. Soo, even if they fucked up, theyr work is vey usefull. 💁

[@johnnystander3142]

@@hermescarraro3393Nidhogg is not Jormungandr since Nidhogg survives ragnarok whereas Jormungandr gets killed by Thor.

[@Ahibasabala]

I find it interesting that dragons seem to be present in mythologies all over the world, they've endured and spread in lore, more than any other mythological creature i can think of.

[@ItzSnakebite]

Shoutout to Ratatoskr for fueling Nidhogg’s malice.

[@axeldiaz7441]

KingNidgogg probably is to blame for this popping up in my recommended LOL

[@luisdawa]

pretty much

[@charlespfister6240]

Same

[@xaylebuf]

yep thx yt i needed some mythology on my reccomendations :)

[@VikingFyre]

Nidgog is curious because his role in the Norse world is somewhat muted compared to the other great beasts such as Fenrir and Jormungandr. To my understanding, when Nidhog shook Yggdrasil the quake he made was strong enough to loosen the bonds of both Loki and Fenrir, thus ensuring Ragnarok happens. Yet, at the end of all things, he is not present, whether it is because he remained trapped or because he scaled the World Tree to kill the Eagle and Rattatoskr. There was one book I found that said when the world was reborn that Nidhog was the only monster of the old world to survive and be responsible for creating new ones for mankind to face. There was also something about his fangs producing a venom akin to Jormungandr’s, one so potent it could choke the World Tree but the Norns neutralize it with water from Udr’s Well.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Never knew the ancestor of Ratata and Ratatouille was this mischievous.

[@jacobshives9622]

Actually giggled, congrats! 👍

[@xManzi]

Thank you, just finished DMC5 yesterday and wondered where they came up with nidhogg

[@heidibevan1916]

Awesome! Dragons, Griffin's & Phoenix's are my very favourite mythological creatures 🐉💜

[@heidibevan1916]

@@TheLurkerAtTheThreshold Cool 😎👍

[@hyypersonic]

I'm currently writing a short paper on other myths' underworld deities/monsters for my Greek Myth class, and this was a great summary of Nidhogg!! Thank you

[@darksterry9313]

I love the Skyrim music in the background ☺️ Brings memories...

[@TedScanon]

I'd be interested to see what you could do with Slavic mythology, especially in comparison to Norse mythology. Nidhogg and the Wise Eagle are much like Veles and Perun.

[@theintrovertedaspie9095]

Aren't Veles and Perun from Slavic mythology?

[@hshocker98]

Nidhogg bears similarities with Naga Padoha, the Underworld Dragon in the Mythology of Batak

[@god88war56]

Here because of GOW Ragnarok!

[@yashjhaveri6186]

W

[@simo_octo]

W

[@thefixer8765]

W

[@pougetguillaume4632]

Can you cover the different ages in greek mythologie (golden, silver, bronze and iron)

[@blackerpanther3329]

There’s not much to say, it’s just a description of man at those ages

[@pougetguillaume4632]

@@blackerpanther3329 it is always worth discussing, and it is for people's culture. Cuz y'know if you don't know what *insert something* is in the first place there's "little" chances that you can have an opinion on said thing...

[@padraigcarroll3010]

Love the Skyrim background music

[@paynesyler6428]

Come onnnn man, this was Oblivion music wayyy before it was Skyrim music. Gotta respect the classics

[@muhammadnoumanpanhwar7969]

It might have to do with the connection between this video and TES lore, as Alduin is based off of Nidhogg.

[@GrimHav0kStudios]

Was bout to say the same too. Fuck now I'm goin to play skyrim the rest of the week

[@vanaheimstories7530]

My favorite Dragon in any mythology

[@zionthedragon8866]

He is a lindwyrm, not a dragon. He is modernly seen as a dragon.

[@VITAS874]

And in age of mythology

[@zionthedragon8866]

@@VITAS874 ??? Is that a game or something?

[@VITAS874]

Zion The Dragon game 2002

[@zionthedragon8866]

@@VITAS874 what kind of game?

[@B1ackWolf]

If Nidhogg is imprisoned at the bottom of the world tree which holds the universe together doesn't that mean that Nidhogg is as big as a galaxy or atleast a planet

[@gracchi132]

More likely larger as a single leaf is considered to be as vast as a universe.

[@herosbreath6715]

The motif of an adversarial relationship between a divine bird and divine snake is replete throughout ancient cultures. My partner and I actually discuss this in an upcoming episode of our podcast. I would love to see you do a video on how this universal theme has been manifest throughout world mythology, as I’m sure you could do a much more thorough job with it than I ever could. 🤙

[@SleepySloth2705]

And he's the only monster to survive Ragnarok

[@jenna_baker]

this is definitely one of my favorite channels- thank you for this! i been seeing and hearing the word "dragon" a lot so i hoped you had a video on it! cheers xx

[@Warturtle16]

Took me about two weeks, but I’ve listened to every video on the channel! Thanks for all the hard work and effort!

[@bigbadwolf7368]

Kratos: Boy be ready to lower the crane on my mark. Atreus: Okay...but I don't know how this thing works. Kratos: I do not care...be ready

[@TheBigBadBeowulf]

Hey Pagan here. Just wanted to give you a shout out for doing a really good job on representing the Mythos that i worship. Although there are some cases where Rattaskr is just an agent of abject chaos and Hermond(son of Odin) is the messenger of the gods. Still very good work. You clearly did a lot of research.

[@tomlaw8821]

I remember in FFXI Nidhogg was located deep within the Boyada Tree, the biggest tree in the whole world. I swear ever bit of mythology I learn in my older age I was unknowingly taught in my youth by Final Fantasy games.

[@Reddotzebra]

And in FFXIV, the three dragons that are involved in the Dragonsong war are called Ratatoskr, Nidhogg and Hresvelgr (The Wise eagle).

[@bagsikdangal]

I remember summoning Nidhogg in Age of Mythology.

[@kevinnorwood8782]

bagsikdangal So do I, my friend. But what sucked about summoning him was, unless you used a cheat code that would grant you a random set of God Powers, the ONLY way to get access him was by choosing Loki as your primary starting God to worship.

[@mosinnagant2552]

@@kevinnorwood8782 and in the final age u need to worship Hel but honestly Nidhogg was worth all of that.Loki was the strongest God u could worship for Norse in that game too

[@Cuban20]

Omg that's who the Squirrel was in the American Gods book! The one with Shadow when he was hanging from the tree. He kept saying something like "Ratatask!"

[@diegos7337]

I didn´t knew much about Nidhogg, this was very interesing and informaive! Thanks!

[@avozdageracaode816]

I just came browsing for a jet fighter. Somehow I got here. I like it, keep it going!

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

Burning the tree down seems easier than just gnawing on it to get free.

[@Almighty_Mage]

Is the world tree susceptible to fire?

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

@@Almighty_Mage Good question. I have absolutely no idea.

[@zionthedragon8866]

Well, nidhogg can't breath fire, because he is NIETHER serpent or dragon, but a lindwyrm. Which is dragon related, but not a dragon at all. Kind of like what a snake is to a skink (type of lizard), same with hydras, "drakes", "wyverns", and sea serpents and such.

[@lutube7897]

Maybe he can’t breathe fire, so that’s why he chews it down?

[@soton4010]

Germanic dragons cant breath fire but are poisonous. Or am I thinking of something else

[@abnormalee93]

That squirrel sadly reminds me of some people I know 😣

[@norinradd1607]

@@electricpants4608 my man.

[@electricpants4608]

@@norinradd1607 finally Someone who understands me Thanks mate

[@flightlesslord2688]

Why r u complaining. This could be a comical thing

[@TheHornedKing]

I recall hearing something about nidhogg having wings with corpses in them. Sounds fucking metal.

[@Davlavi]

great work as always

[@theaj7866]

Of course the Storys are always very interessting but I also think that we need to valuate the artwork. It it absolutly beautiful!

[@aaronh9439]

Could you please do the sisters of fate for Greek mythology?

[@schweizer3301]

Nice! Been waiting for this

[@MrQuaye-bh7nq]

I sorta feel bad for the most irredeemable people who are sent to the most vile place in Hel

[@jamesbarrett6813]

Keep up the great work!!!!

[@jjejet]

Thank you for kind and wonderful work, as always

[@rynecarrie9342]

Jörmungandr and Nidhogg are my favorites ❤️😍

[@KamiTenchi]

You're my favourite 😉

[@rynecarrie9342]

Kami Tenchi what the hell😂😂

[@друг-и2у]

@@KamiTenchi no you're my favorite

[@rynecarrie9342]

Sinister soul 🤣🤣

[@rynecarrie9342]

Preston Cormick no I'm not lol why?

[@lewisgoldsberry2201]

Demeking, Ultra Brothers, Seabozu & Raiga vs. Nidhogg" a epic battle!

[@29gopikrishnap2]

I’ve always wondered if the “ragnarok” was the Norse version of the “Big Crunch” followed by the “Big Bang” And they just made like a billion indicators to signal its start where probably Thor loosing his underwear on Thursday mornings is also a one of the many signals for ragnarok (Magnus chase really makes a fool out of Thor lol)

[@s.kennedy8380]

Rainbow Serpent next???

[@lordanubis4640]

Definitely Need More Dragon Videos lol 🐉🐲🐉🐲 Ryujin would be a good one.. 🤔 💭

[@flightlesslord2688]

Ah love the beasties of Norse mythology. And love that squirrel

[@SleepySloth2705]

There's a tattoo shop here in Bergen, Norway, named Nidhogg🐉 great place 😁🤘

[@kevinnorwood8782]

The image of Nidhoggr that I will always have in my head is the appearance he has in Age Of Mythology (and Age Of Empires-style RTS game). In that game, he looks very similar to the Plains Dragon from the PS3 exclusive game "Lair", except that instead of horns on his head, Nidhoggr has what appear to be antlers instead.

[@sissinemoi7695]

For those of you who love those type of mythology you should read the iron druid chronicles by Kevin Hearne. It's a fantasy saga but it's awsome

[@sakeviyokoyama9253]

nice video my dude i was watch this while in high school

[@arkinyte13]

I got one for you look up Jawzhar, it’s an ancient middle eastern dragon that was so large it could eat the moon.

[@King-ji4fv]

This guy was definitely the major inspiration for alduin

[@Torsteinhauger]

Awesome video thank you 🙏. Learned something new today.

[@shidosuteshi464]

Hey Mythos, can I call you Mythos? Anyway, Dragons are my favourite animal. They can be fierce and animalistic, kind and benevolent or cunning and sly. I would love for you to continue this as a playlist. I have a list of dragons that you can cover:) -Fafnir -St George’s Dragon -Smaug -Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback -Hungarian Horntail -Falkor -Shen Lung and Futs Lung -The Wyvern (I don’t remember where the story originated) -A Three headed dragon from Russia (don’t remember the name sry) And maybe do a video on where Dragons came from, why they breath fire and why they’re so popular. Love your shit and I really hope you see this list. Bai❤️

[@zionthedragon8866]

With the exception of fafnir and the saint George "dragon", slot of these aren't actual mythology dragon and more modern stuff from movies and media. He only does dragons from actual mythology pre-modern technology, and pre tolkien, unless it has a big influence from a actual cultural dragon. If you mean dragon as the modern usage, then it came from many cultures combining their fear/respect of snakes, and giving them special features to make them much more than they are. If you mean the original usage of the word dragon which appears in old French deriving from greek drākon (meaning large water serpent in it's original definition), then it came from the influence of the Celtic creature that modernly resembles the traditional Occidental dragon of heraldry, combined with the Christian and roman views of serpents, with the addition of the fiery breath being turned into a representation of their hell, then you have the original 6 limbed fire breathing dragon. And their popular because practically anything can be called a dragon now-a-days, because of it's mythical status. And because people go balls to the walls on how they can make it.

[@orangeboy155]

I believe the Russian dragon is called the Zmey Gorynych(Змей Горыныч)

[@mythme01]

I think the whole passage of the creatures in Yggdrasil given by Snorri is the basis of a riddle or animorphic depictions of deities used in art. The Eagle at the top is Odin, the Hawk Vidolfnir is Frigg, who shared the privilege of Valaskjalf with her husband. Ratatoskr is Heimdall, conveying information from the under to the upper world. Heidrun the goat is Freyja - of which she is referred to in poetry. The four harts bear dwarf names and may indicate the four cardinal points. Nidhogg is Loki bound in the Hel who will emerge during Ragnarok.

[@cadeshanley218]

Nidhogg: You dodged me... did you dodge me? Griffon: Nidhogg, never liked this guy. Nidhogg: You pest. Do I know you? Griffon: Dumb as a bag of rocks. Let's not even mess with this guy, V. He can't even leave the Qliphoth, anyway. Just a Qliphoth parasite. Nidhogg: Did you insult me? Griffon: --Uh-oh. Nidhogg: --You insult me! Griffon: I think he heard me... and he's angry! Nidhogg: I'm going to kill you! V: Not in this lifetime. "As the air to a bird or the sea to a fish, so is contempt to the contemptible." (During Nidhogg battle) Nidhogg: You use... de-de-demon...? But you...human...? Huhhhh....? V: "If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise." Nidhogg: Augh...? Ah...? Griffon: Meaning don't try to think too much, shithead! Nidhogg: I'm... I'm busy. You guys can finish it. V: "The cut worm forgives the plow." What do you say?

[@ishtarbabylon4869]

More Norse mythology please!

[@papalegba2910]

Yes ... yes ... and yes .... a "deep" voice, skyrim background music, sweet nordic lore... That's how i like to spend mx evenings

[@LindaJones-uk6ee]

I hadn't heard this particular dragon . Thank you

[@CreaturesOfLegend]

Thank you for sharing.

[@PeterMelisko]

boon over the rainbow bridge thru a blackhole up an out of the universe to land at the worldtree on a giant world jouteinhiem

[@JasonBellows]

Awesome video!!! Can you do a video on Yamata no Orochi!! :)

[@jacoblitsinberger37]

Could you please do a video on Unhcegila from Lakota mythology please

[@blueghost7141]

Thanks for the video

[@buddy8225]

Dragons are cool. Great video with an awesome story

[@josephmanske2567]

Nidhogg is also a very prominent Dragon in the Final Fantasy Series !

[@onii-san3851]

I love super snakes I was soooo afraid of them as a kid and now sneaks are very cool. I didn’t know about nidhogg and I like it more as a serpent.

[@stankmcdankton6204]

Do Uktena the Horned Serpent next

[@wachyfanning]

This sounds a lot like Jormundgand. Also this is very different from how Nidhogg is presented in the videogame. Interesting

[@silverwolf1034]

there is one more story involving nidhogg, loki was punished by being imprisoned at the roots of the world tree and nidhogg's poison would drip onto his face causing immense pain and suffering. loki's wife, in some versions it is his daughter, would stay by his side with a bowl to catch the poison and when she had to dump it nidhogg's poison would once again hit loki's face until the bowl could be used again to catch the drips of poison and the cycle would continue until ragnarok when loki would be freed.

[@strzygon5426]

after hearing the fear and power this guy has, i'm having second thoughts of making Jormangandr the main threat of my story

[@angelotan2692]

king nidhogg

[@trinitytuinder1911]

Mythology, you should do a video on Cerberus, the three headed dog of Hades and guardian of the gates to the Underworld! 😱

[@victorstle2087]

Haha, love seeing this come up after commenting on the parallels with Ladon 🤣 Clearly, the villain here is that cheese eater of a Pokémon, Rattata. Oh villainous squirrel ✊🐿😈 Oh, anyone get the Adventure Time reference, with PB’s brother?

[@pbr-streetgang]

Thanks much for the vid sir.

[@neilhidalgo5472]

That was a good one.

[@samgafford2371]

"On the first day,Man was given a soul, and with it, clarity. On the second day, upon Earth was planted an irrevocable poison, a soul-divalering Demon." - Demon's Souls

[@Evilgood1]

You know what would be a very cool topic? Kaoskampf

[@chriscalvin5083]

more dragon lore please

[@CamSiv996]

There are certain names of dragons throughout many cultures and religions. Some aren't called dragons some of them are serpents.

[@TomiKaski]

Ratatoskr runs up the tree: Nidhogg says you are a birdbrain! Ratatoskr runs down the tree: the wise eagle says you’re a mudworm! Loki: And they think I’m the asshole!

[@joannabevan5456]

I hope you don't mind me asking. But would it be okay if you did a video on Welsh Dragons? Or maybe the History of Dragons, or whatever. It's okay if you don't want to.

[@ghostgate82]

I believe the squirrel is indeed Gabriel. Do a video on the “Chamber of Guf.”

[@wcapewell3089]

Id forgotten about this dragon. Im pretty sure that the first time i heard about him was when i read the book series "Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard".

[@icebear7565]

BANG! BANG! BANG! PULL MY DEVIL TRIGGER!

[@cadeshanley218]

But Nero doesn't fight him. V fights him.

[@icebear7565]

I know.

[@cadeshanley218]

@@icebear7565 Then why?

[@JayLeePoe]

Particularly interesting; especially about the squirrel of mischief- though a malicious dragon of hatred and spite that lives in the “off shore” of Hell? Lol yikes don’t that paint a picture!

[@Werewolf914]

Love the Skyrim music in the background, also on a completely unrelated note, is Nidhogg the name you use when you don't have a 'N' word pass?

[@chriscalvin5083]

good video

[@danielalexandre89]

Could you do some videos about Mayana and aztec mythology plz?

[@sheilamoore9195]

I love your videos. I showed them to my class. I showed them the one of the mermaids which is their favorire, becaue there was lot's of color like all of them, but movement My class is of disable adults. so I generally look through most to find something similar

[@21Noire]

Hope this is in the Next God of War game 🙏🏿

[@maskedmurderMMA]

U know I was thinking the exact same thing

[@safoh2kojan171]

The squirrel is actually in the game. He's one of atrues abilities

[@ghhtfffguuhgyuyfdfhhjhdse4732]

Yes he will be cause its apart of the strory and there will be a wolf god to hes in smite btw which goes back to why one of thors brothers survived😉

[@notproductiveproductions3504]

Fighting Nidhogg while Mimir finally explains why Brok and Sindri are called “The Huldra Brothers”

[@nicolbolasplaneswalker2106]

Nidhogg might be "the vilest filth in Hel" that Freya mentioned.

[@NimrodTheMaidenless]

I believe Nidhogg and the other dragons that live in the roots of Yggdrasil to be fungal dragons, like fungus they live buried around a plant and they eat the dead (in this case the souls but in norse mythology the souls still have some sort of physical or etereal form or else they couldn't go to Valhalla and fight for Odin otherwise) and are seen as dangerous and unknown, but like real fungus there might be good ones around I hope.

[@geckonin]

That squirrel seems interesting and amusing

[@alexisogun]

Please do a video on nymphs

[@Shadow_Lord22]

Nidhogg could very well be one of many types of dragons

[@Shadow_Lord22]

And given that it seem that nidhogg don't have wings, then it must mean he is an asian type

[@zionthedragon8866]

@@Shadow_Lord22 or, he is not a dragon, and is a lindwyrm like he was originally depicted way before BOTH poems'es times.

[@ryebread7224]

I find it so interesting that dragons are in several different myths and cultures around the world. Wonder if this was born from serpents/snakes, dinosaurs, or something else? (The geek in me wishes dragons were part of some multiverse phenomena we have some connection to)

[@mathieuleader8601]

Nidhogg reminds me of the Egyptian demoness Ammit in its functions

[@icarusthefoxkidd]

Have you already dine the ratatosca thing? That sounded interesting.

[@SandovArt]

Waiting for you to make one video about Cai Cai Vilu and Ten Ten Vilu myth.

[@rockmanmix6242]

Think you could talk about Ullr next?