Thor, the Serpent, and Nine Steps

Why does Thor die after defeating the serpent?

In *The Deluding of Gylfi*, the great serpent Jormungand spits venom across the sky and sea. Beside the wolf, the serpent presents a terrifying sight.

Thor fights beside Odin. But his struggle with the serpent takes all his strength and attention. He cannot help Odin fight the wolf.

At last, Thor kills the serpent. He walks 9 steps away, but the venom it has spat at him takes his life. Thor falls to the ground, dead.

In *The Seeress's Prophecy*, Thor is called the defender of the earth. He strikes the serpent down in fury. Everyone flees their homes. Thor then takes 9 steps. Though he faced the serpent without fear, it still takes his life.

Read commentaryHide commentary