Topic Archive

Myths about Binding

Explore myths connected by the recurring theme of Binding across cultures, characters, and sacred places.

3 myths currently featured for Binding.

Sigyn Catching the Serpent's Venom over Loki’s Face

🪓 Norse MythologyFjarðarárgljúfur Canyon, IcelandLoki • Sigyn • Thor

Following the death of Baldr, the gods capture the trickster Loki and bind him in a dark cavern as punishment. A venomous serpent is placed above him, dripping corrosive poison toward his face, but his faithful wife Sigyn remains by his side to catch the venom in a basin. This enduring vigil only falters when she must empty the bowl, causing Loki's agony to shake the very foundations of the earth.

Loki Bound by the Aesir Beneath a Venomous Serpent

🪓 Norse MythologySurtshellir Lava Cave, IcelandLoki • Odin • Thor

Following the death of Baldur, the trickster god Loki is pursued by the Aesir and captured in the form of a salmon. As punishment for his many crimes, he is bound in a dark cavern with the entrails of his son, while a venomous serpent drips poison onto his face, causing earthquakes whenever his wife Sigyn must empty the bowl catching the venom.

Tyr Sacrificing His Hand to Bind Fenrir

🪓 Norse MythologyLake Tissø, DenmarkTyr • Fenrir • Odin

To protect the realms from the growing threat of the wolf Fenrir, the gods of Asgard attempted to bind the beast with unbreakable chains. After multiple failed attempts, they commissioned the dwarves to craft Gleipnir, a magical silken ribbon. Sensing a trap, Fenrir demanded one of the gods place a hand in his mouth as a gesture of good faith, leading Tyr to courageously sacrifice his right...