Tyr, the fouth son of Odin was the God of courage, justice and valiant self-sacrifice. When the gods were trying to tie up Fenrir, the wolf said he would only let them if one of the gods put his hand in its mouth. Tyr walked forward and did what the wolf wanted. When Fenrir was tied he realised he would not get free and so bit down on Tyr's hand. Tyr went white with pain, yet did not flinch and remained one-handed for the rest of his life. So it was said that he was the most daring and courageous of the gods
In the battle of Ragnarok Tyr felled the Dog of Hell, but then died of his wounds.
This is a ritual to Tyr:
God of the Warrior,
Shake now your spear!
Giver of Justice,
Maker of Law
We fight against the alien foe.
Be with us now
As in the sky
The blood-red flames of war arise
And we go forth, singing.
back