Garmr
Garmr was a wolf-like monster who is associated with the deity Hel in Norse mythology. He guards the gates of the realm of Helheim.
History[]
Origins[]
Garmr is revealed to be one of Typhon and Echidna's monstrous children, and a sibling of Cerberus and Orthrus, two other canine-like monsters. Garmr was supposedly the "runt" of the litter but was also the most dangerous, even as a puppy. According to Mímir, Garmr would eat parts of the earth which included mountain ranges and even metaphysical concepts like the seasons; he was apparently responsible for nearly devouring Demeter which is what made the Olympians target him with the intent of destroying him. Garmr was able to escape the prying eyes of the Olympians knowing that they would send powerful demigod heroes to kill him as a means to test themselves before the gods.
Hel's Hound[]
Garmr made his way to the Nordic lands, becoming an issue for both the Æsir and the Vanir, as he threatened to undo all of their work within the Nine Realms. Because of Garmr's abilities, many of the Norse gods were fearful of restraining him. Odin had Loki deal with the beast by shapeshifting into various creatures that continuously pestered Garmr which only served to infuriate him so much that he develops a hatred for the upper world. Frigg told Loki to perhaps trick the beast into Helheim, for whatever enters the realm of the dead cannot exit, although Loki was against it knowing that his daughter Hel would be a victim of the wolf's insatiable appetite. Odin assured Loki that Garmr's fill of the dead will make him view Hel as nothing but an afterthought.
Thinking it over, Loki concedes, but only knowing that Garmr could prove to be a very powerful ally for him in the future when he moves to take down the Æsir for their role in imprisoning his children. Loki continued with his taunts towards Garmr, but the monstrous wolf saw through Loki's deception, that is until Garmr was subdued by Týr, muzzling him with chains fashioned by the dwarves before dragging him into the pit that led to Helheim. Much to the surprise of both the Æsir and the Vanir, Hel was able to tame Garmr and appoint him as the guardian of the gates of Hel. All the while, Garmr develops a seething hatred towards Tyr for his role in banishing him to Helheim.
According to the prophecy of Ragnarök, Garmr will be one of monsters that will fight the Æsir during twilight of the gods, in which combats Tyr with the two killing each other.