Prism Prints - Níðhöggr (Nidhogg)

"Malice Striker" "Dread Biter" "Corpse-Tearer" These are some of the names this Dragon of the Underworld may go by. Níðhöggr is referenced in two of the Eddic poems. In the poem Grímnismál, the squirrel, Ratatoskr, runs up and down Yggdrasil exchanging insults between Níðhöggr and the Eagle on top. A little more context is given in the poem Völuspá. Níðhöggr is said to reside in Náströnd, a place in Hel reserved for murderers and severe oath-breakers. Also, in this poem, it lays out the significance of the dragon's arrival. Although there are differing opinions as to what Níðhöggr may represent, the prevailing theory is that when the dragon comes forth, flying from Niðafjöll, the Dark Mountains of the Underworld, it will bring about Ragnarök. The dark nature and prophecy of this creature add so much flavor to the mythology, which also influenced my design.