What happened to the dog in the Legend? - briefly
The dog's fate remains unknown and is not explicitly stated in "The Legend".
What happened to the dog in the Legend? - in detail
The dog, often referred to as "Garm" in Norse mythology, plays a significant role in the legend of Ragnarök, the end of the world. According to the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, Garm is bound by Gleipnir, an unbreakable chain forged from the sound of a cat's footsteps, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of a bird. This chain holds Garm in place until Ragnarök, when the bonds will be broken, and Garm will be released to wreak havoc on Asgard.
During Ragnarök, Garm's howling is said to signal the beginning of the end. His release from his chains heralds the arrival of Loki, who leads an army of giants against the gods. Garm's role in this epic battle is to fight alongside the forces of chaos and destruction. He is described as a formidable opponent, capable of causing significant damage to the defenders of Asgard.
In the heat of the battle, Garm faces off against Tyr, the god of war. This confrontation is notable because it marks one of the most significant casualties in the conflict. Despite his prowess and the advantage of surprise, Garm ultimately falls to Tyr's mighty sword. The death of Garm signifies a crucial turning point in Ragnarök, as it represents the beginning of the end for the forces of chaos.
However, the saga does not end with Garm's demise. After Ragnarök, the world is reborn, and new gods take their places among the surviving deities. In this renewed world, there are no records of Garm's return or any mention of his presence. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of Norse mythology, where even the mightiest creatures meet their end, only to be reborn in a new era.
In conclusion, the dog in the legend of Ragnarök plays a pivotal role in the epic battle that marks the end of one world and the beginning of another. His actions and fate are intricately woven into the tapestry of Norse mythology, underscoring the themes of chaos, destruction, and rebirth that define this rich cultural narrative.