Overview
Tyr, the one-armed deity of the Norse pantheon, was part of the Aesir tribe and symbolized aspects of warfare and conflict. Interestingly, he also embodied concepts of justice and order. The paradoxical nature of Tyr arises primarily from the limited information available about him. He is referenced only a few times in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, which are foundational texts of Norse mythology. Though Tyr is well-regarded for battling the fearsome wolf, Fenrir, he lost his arm during this confrontation.
Tyr is often linked with Norse myth, but his origins can be traced back to Germanic religious customs from the early centuries CE. Although he once held significant power among Germanic tribes, his influence diminished during the Viking Age (800–1100 CE). His historical importance persists, however, as reflected in the runic alphabet where his name signifies the letter “T,” and in the term for Tuesday, which translates to “Tyr’s day.”
Etymology
The name “Tyr” derives from Proto Indo-European *dyeus- and Proto Germanic *Tiwaz, signifying “god” or “deity.” This etymology is linked to figures like Zeus from Greek mythology and Jupiter from Roman traditions, indicating that Tyr was once revered as a powerful deity. However, by the time the initial Norse myths were documented, his significance had notably declined.
Attributes
Beyond being a valiant warrior, Tyr was also perceived as a source of wisdom and justice. These characteristics, however, are primarily captured through sparse references in the Norse epics. One of the most comprehensive descriptions comes from Gylfaginning, a section of the Prose Edda authored by Snorri Sturluson. It describes Tyr as the most intrepid among the Aesir, endowed with courage and significant influence in battles, making him a popular figure among those seeking valorous aid.
Tyr’s most prominent physical feature is his missing right hand, typically represented as severed at the wrist or forearm. This loss occurred during his encounter with Fenrir, the insatiable giant wolf born of Loki and the jötunn Angrboda and plays a pivotal role in the events of Ragnarök.
Family
Tyr is generally recognized as the offspring of Odin, the revered “All Father” and ruler of the gods, or in some interpretations, of Hymir, a giant mentioned in the lesser-known Hymiskviða (The Lay of Hymir). Although the latter text omits Tyr’s mother, it depicts his grandmother as a remarkable entity with nine hundred heads.
Academics largely lean towards Odin being Tyr’s true progenitor, as noted by Sturluson in Skáldskaparmál: “How should one describe Tyr? By calling him the One-handed God, the Guardian of the Wolf, God of Battles, Son of Odin.” This lineage positions Tyr among pivotal members of the Aesir, including prominent figures like Thor, Baldur, and others.
Family Tree
- Father: Odin
- Siblings:
- Baldur
- Heimdall
- Thor
- Váli
- Vidarr
- Bragi
- Hodr
Mythology
Tyr and the Kettle of Giants
Tyr features prominently in two key myths. He first appears in Hymiskvitha, though his role takes an abrupt turn as he vanishes mid-story. The tale revolves around Thor’s quest for a colossal kettle capable of brewing vast amounts of ale. Tyr claims that this kettle belongs to Hymir, thought to be his father.
As they journey to Hymir’s domain, the two gods discover that Hymir is absent, but his grandmother advises them to hide from his impending arrival. Following her wisdom, they conceal themselves within one of Hymir’s gigantic kettles. However, upon Hymir’s return and the smashing of a pillar, the gods are forced to reveal their position. Afraid of Thor’s might, Hymir offers to prepare three oxen for the heroes. Thor consumes two oxen and saves one as bait for a fishing expedition with Tyr the next day, after which Tyr’s presence in the tale vanishes.
Tyr, Fenrir, and Ragnarök
Tyr is most famously known for sacrificing his hand to Fenrir, the colossal wolf. This narrative, summarised in the Gylfaginning, highlights Tyr’s bravery and his commitment to justice. Fenrir, having been raised among the gods in Asgard, terrorized them until only Tyr dared approach him. Recognizing Fenrir’s destined chaos during Ragnarök, the gods attempted various bindings to capture him, ultimately leading to their collaboration with the clever dwarves of Svartalfheim to create the unbreakable Gleipnir.
When presented with Gleipnir, Fenrir grows cautious, demanding a pledge of sincerity, which leads Tyr to place his arm in the wolf’s mouth as assurance. Fenrir reluctantly allows the gods to bind him, but once he discovers their deception, he bites off Tyr’s hand.
The prophecy also predicts Tyr’s fate during Ragnarök, stating that he would face the fearsome dog Garmr, resulting in their mutual destruction: “Then shall the dog Garmr be loosed… and each become the other’s slayer.”
Pop Culture
Tyr’s legacy persists in contemporary culture, notably through the Faroese metal band Tyr, which has taken inspiration from Norse myths in their music—releasing albums that delve into these ancient tales. Tyr’s influence also continues linguistically; the term “Tuesday” endures, rooted in the expression “Tyr’s day,” a testament to his lasting impact through the ages.
