Tyr (Týr)
God of War, Justice, and Oaths
The one-handed god of law, justice, and honorable combat. Tyr sacrificed his sword hand to bind the monstrous wolf Fenrir, an act of courage and self-sacrifice that exemplifies his role as guardian of cosmic order and keeper of oaths.
Attributes & Domains
Mythology & Stories
Tyr is one of the oldest gods in the Norse pantheon, possibly predating Odin as a chief war deity. He represents the lawful and honorable aspects of warfare, in contrast to Odin's more cunning and ruthless approach. Tyr's willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good makes him a model of courage and integrity.
Key Myth:
- The Binding of Fenrir: When the wolf Fenrir grew too dangerous, the gods commissioned the dwarves to create an unbreakable chain called Gleipnir. Fenrir, suspicious of trickery, would only allow the binding if one of the gods placed their hand in his mouth as a pledge of good faith. Only Tyr had the courage to do so. When Fenrir realized he could not break free, he bit off Tyr's hand at the wrist. Tyr's sacrifice prevented Fenrir from destroying the cosmos (until Ragnarok) but cost him his sword hand - a warrior god who can no longer wield a weapon properly.
Role in Ragnarok
At Ragnarok, Tyr will face Garmr, the great hound that guards the gates of Helheim. They will slay each other in single combat, a fitting end for a god of honorable warfare. His death represents the final failure of law and order to contain the forces of chaos.
Related Across the Mythos
Gleipnir
Magical Binding
The chain that binds Fenrir