The hound bound at the cave Gnipahellir, guardian at Hel's entrance, who breaks free at Ragnarök.
Garmr is the hound kept bound at Gnipahellir, a cleft or cave at the entrance to Helheim. He is described in Völuspá 44 and 49 as a fearsome guardian animal whose chains break at Ragnarök. When released, he causes great devastation and finally battles Týr, where both perish.
In Grímnismál 44, Garmr is named the worst of dogs, and Snorri provides a brief description in Gylfaginning 51. Some scholars have discussed the relationship between Garmr and Fenrisúlfr: they share the role of bound monsters released at the end of time, and similarities with the classical Cerberus have also been noted.
Sources in the Eddas
- Völuspá 44, 49
- Garmr is described as bound at Gnipahellir and loosed at Ragnarök. Own translation.
- Grímnismál 44
- Garmr is named the worst among dogs. Own translation.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Garmr is the underworld's guardian hound at Gnipahellir, attested in Völuspá and Grímnismál.
B What we think we know
Similarities with Cerberus and other Indo-European underworld hounds suggest a shared archaic motif.
C What we do not know
Some scholars argue that Garmr and Fenrisúlfr were originally the same being in different branches of tradition.