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Ragnarök

Explorer · ages 7 and underAdapted from Wikipedia
A beautiful illustration of Líf and Lífþrasir, the last surviving humans after Ragnarök, standing peacefully amidst nature with an eagle above.

What is Ragnarök?

Ragnarök is an old story from Norse mythology. It tells of big changes that will happen in the future. This story is very important to people who love old tales from Scandinavia.

The story says that one day, the world will change a lot. After these changes, the world will start fresh and become green again. Two special people named Líf and Lífþrasir will help bring life back to the world.

Where Do We Learn About Ragnarök?

We know about Ragnarök from two old books written in the 1300s. These books are called the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. They tell us stories that people told long ago.

The name Ragnarök means "the doom of the gods" or "the twilight of the gods." It has been used in many poems and stories to talk about big changes in the world.

Fun Picture

The north portal of the 12th-century Urnes stave church has been interpreted as containing depictions of snakes and dragons that represent Ragnarök.

Pictures

A classical artwork showing Odin and other Norse gods in a mythological scene.
A historical runestone from Östergötland, Sweden, showcasing ancient Viking-era inscriptions.
Historical drawing of a Manx Cross, showcasing intricate stone carving patterns from the past.

Keep exploring

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Ragnarök, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.