Angrboda, whose name means “Grief-Bringer,” is a powerful and mysterious giantess from Jotunheim. She is best known as Loki’s first wife and the mother of three fearsome beings: Hel, the ruler of the underworld, Fenrir, the monstrous wolf fated to break free at Ragnarok, and Jormungandr, the serpent that encircles the world. Her origins are shrouded in mystery, and some scholars believe she was a later addition to Norse myth, appearing after the 12th century.
In the Völuspá, there is mention of a jotunn witch dwelling in Járnvid, or ‘Ironwood’, a dark and foreboding forest. Some believe this could refer to Angrboda, suggesting she played a deeper role in the prophecy of Ragnarok, and raised Fenrir’s children, Skoll and Hati.
(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)
I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.
These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!
One of my favorite kennings for Loki is "farmr Sigvinjar arma", which translates roughly to "the cargo of Sigyn's arms". Add a little Gustav Klimt to the equation, and you have an idea that's been plaguing me for months.
In mythology Loki is associated with knots and nets. There is a myth in which he invents the fishing net (and the gods immediately use it to chatch him, of course).
Does this mean that wearing fishnet stockings is a devotional act?
Goddess Hel, divine hostess whose arms lovingly embrace all guests,
Watch over those who have crossed your gates against their will.
Care for those taken from us and bless them with tranquil rest.
Godx Loki, story-teller and guardian of outcasts,
Give words to our sorrow so that we may honor their memories.
Breathe air into our lungs so we may bellow our love over hatred.
Goddess Hel, cherisher of life and daughter of metamorphosis,
Bestow in their loved ones moments of laughter, healing, and peace.
May their names echo not just in sorrow but in smiling remembrance.
Godx Loki, change-bringer and waker of revolution,
Spark the flames of unrelenting authenticity within us.
Stoke the ember of truth until the hateful are blinded by its light.
Under the cut are the siblings, youth, and elders whose lives were taken due to hatred, bigotry, and fear. I understand it is incredibly triggering, but I believe we owe it to them to read their names.
We love you. We are unendingly sorry and we will never stop fighting until the hatred that stole you from this life has been extinguished. We love you so much.
(December 2023 - November 2024)
Savannah Williams
Bernardo Panteleon
Pepper Mychel Peterson
Mariah Ruby Rachel Williams
F. L. “Bubba” Copeland
Lola Laperla Ebony McDaniels
Shandon Floyd
Tiesha McFarland
Kejuan Richardson
Amiri Jean Reid
Mya Finch
Travis Stimeling
Demita Jo Armstrong
Onteris Owens-Campbell
Jesse Viviano White
Star Possum
Jermaine Golden
Meghan Riley Lewis
Zoey Flye
Madison Montana
Care Hansen
Amber Minor
Ashlei Jasmine Colgate-Edwards
Fleetwood Mars Mozee
Shelby “Lexus” Riddick-Walker
Kimbella Blackshear
Easley Jeffcoat
Tripp Schultz
Lady Fabian Sanchez
James Moen
Dana Randolph “Desiree A. DeMornay”
Quin Joy
Sasha Williams
Jennell Jaquays
Sarina Mihailoff
Sasha Washington-Cohen “Sasha Fierce”
Guelila “Gigi” Iyob
Videl Lombardo
Savannah Rose Rivers Amore
Kathy “Otter” Ottersten
Robin Valentina
Forrest Douglas Buckley
Giselle Stone
Tristan Michael Bustos “Tristyn St. Clair”
Kitty Monroe
Natalia Skye
Teddy Reese Curran
Erick Krouse
Noah Jackson Chase
Ellie Walsh
Nex Benedict
Emma “África” Parrilla García
Blakely Hanson
Righteous TK “Chevy” Hill
Ashton Myles Clatterbuck
Madison Nicole Spann “Madison St. Claire”
Cecilia Gentili
Diamond Cherish Brigman
Elliot Ganiel
Fae Morganna Barbone
Aurelia A. Legassey
Alex Franco
Meraxes Medina
Ty Geissinger “Ty Holiday”
Andrea Doria Dos Passos “Maggie”
Yella Clark
Allister Matthews
Tiffany Azalea Monceaux
Tara Fable
Randy Dudley
River Neveah Goddard
Tee “Ace” Arnold
George A. Schappell
Starr Brown
Robbi Mecus
Basil Brown
Tayy Dior Thomas
Kita Bee
Kamryn “Cantrell” Smith
Jazlynn Johnson
Daelicious O’hare Mizani
Darri C. Moore
Niomi Jenkins
Michelle Henry
Saanti Bonét Valentino
Pauly Likens
M. Tapia
Lynn Conway
Liara Kaylee Tsai
Dylan Gurley
Griffin Shaun Sivret
Kenji Zemonta Spurgeon
Ev Smith
Shannon Boswell
Levi Castillo
Lily Autumn Rose
Monique Brooks
Noelle Woolley
Indiana Grayson
Vanity Williams
Tai’Vion Lathan
Jhzara “Femmie” Williams
Baxter Zachary Hawk
Kassim Omar
Liam Johns
Mahdia Lynn
Cass Trystero
Chilli Pepper
Barbie Iceland “Redd China”
Honee Daniels
Serenity Birdsong
Adela Vázquez
San Coleman
Zeta Muirgen Seraph Haber
The Value of Worshipping Loki, Fenrir, Hel, or Any Other "Evil" or "Scary" Deity
If you've spent any time in Heathen spaces, I'm sure you've seen people who claim that Loki and their offspring are evil and / or not worthy of worship. While I can understand this line of thinking st the surface level, I don't think it takes certain factors into account
1) Downfalls Of Mythic Literalism
Taking the myths as true stories is, in my opinion, unhelpful in worshipping the gods. These stories have been written down by humans after they were passed down orally. There's always going to be human bias in these telling and retellings because humans aren't perfect.
Claiming that Loki is evil is saying that humans know the gods and can decide if they are "good" or "evil."
The myths and stories are just that: stories. They aren't the end all be all of who the gods are.
2) "Good" vs. "Evil" Is Unhelpful
The concept that Loki is evil and the other gods are good is such a black and white way of looking at Norse Mythology. A vast majority of humans are neither purely good nor purely evil, so why should the gods be subject to this sort of ridicule?
In reality, things are always gray, there isn't much that's black and white.
3) Chaos Is A Part Of Life
The gods often reflect the realities of life, and let's be honest, life is messy and chaotic. Embracing chaos can be helpful in getting through rough patches.
Loki is a god of chaos; chaos is a part of life. Therefore, some may find benefit in working with or worshipping them.
4) It's Literally None Of Your Business
If everything I have said previously does not inspire you to leave Loki devotees or devotees of "evil" deities alone, please realize that other peoples' practices aren't your concern. They aren't hurting anyone. They aren't hurting you.
I think all of us need to remember that everyone is fighting their own battle. Picking a fight with someone over who they worship or work with is not kind, and you're unlikely to change anyone's mind.
Even in this post, I'm not trying to convince you to worship Loki or his children. All I'm trying to do is remind people that kindness goes a long way.
I hope you found this post informative or helpful in some way. If you have any questions or comments, send them my way!!
