Vargar

Vargar (singular: Vargr) is a word of Old Norse origin meaning "wolves." The term is most often associated with Norse mythology and Viking Age Scandinavia, although its usage extends to modern Scandinavian languages.

In Norse mythology, vargar refers specifically to monstrous wolves or wargs, often depicted as being larger and more fearsome than ordinary wolves. The most famous examples include Fenrir, the gigantic wolf destined to kill Odin during Ragnarok, and Geri and Freki, Odin's own loyal wolf companions. Other mythical vargar include the wolves Sköll and Hati, who pursue the sun (Sól) and moon (Máni) across the sky, respectively.

The concept of the vargr goes beyond simply a wolf. It also carries a negative connotation, sometimes signifying an outlaw or a banished individual forced to live outside society, akin to a wild animal. This association links the term with untamed savagery and social marginalization. The word's etymology is debated, with possible connections to concepts of strangulation or choking, reflecting the predatory nature of the animal.

In modern Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Faroese), varg (or a cognate form) remains the common word for "wolf." However, the mythical and symbolic weight of the term, especially its connection to monstrous wolves and outcasts, continues to resonate in literature, folklore, and popular culture relating to the Viking Age and Norse mythology.