Týr is the god of war, law, valor, and glory in the Æsir pantheon. He may be the son of Óðinn or of the jötunn Hymir. His name literally means "god" or "glory" and he is deeply attested across various cultures and time periods. He may once have been the head of the pantheon. It is also possible he was integrated over time, much like Freyr and Ullr.

Týr's rune, which bears his name, was carved by warriors into the hilts and blades of their swords. This honored him in battle and invited his favor.

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His most well-known myth concerns the loss of his right hand. As Loki's son Fenrir grew into a monstrous size, the gods began to fear his strength and potential for chaos. A bold and cunning young wolf, Fenrir was eager to test his might. The gods challenged him with various chains and bindings, but none held for long.

The gods turned to the master dwarfs for help. Out of impossible elements—the sound of a cat's footfall, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, bear sinew, fish breath, and bird spittle—they created Gleipnir. It looked like a silken ribbon, but it was stronger than steel.

Fenrir sensed something was wrong. When the gods challenged him with this flimsy-looking ribbon, he grew suspicious. But unwilling to pass up a chance to show his power and shame the gods, he agreed to be bound with Gleipnir. His condition was simple: one of the gods had to place their hand in his mouth as a sign of good faith.

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Týr stepped forward without hesitation and placed his right hand between the wolf's jaws. Fenrir was bound. When he realized he had been betrayed, he bit down and severed Týr's hand. Fenrir remained bound until Ragnarök.

Though Fenrir is the one who takes his hand, it is the Hel guardian Garm who Týr is fated to face at Ragnarök. They are destined to slay each other.

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Thoughts on Týr

Týr was described by Tacitus in his work Germania, where he appeared to hold a very high status, possibly equal to Óðinn, Freyr, or Thor. Tacitus noted that lawbreakers could not be punished—even by the jarl—without approval from the priest of "Mars," the Roman name for the war god. That priest had to follow the judgment of the god believed to inspire the people to battle.

Týr is sometimes confused with Óðinn, even in older Norse and Germanic sources. One example is the name Hangatyr, meaning "god of the hanged." This could refer either to Óðinn's sacrifice on the tree Yggdrasil, or to Týr's role as a judge and enforcer of justice.

Týr sacrifices his hand not for fame, but for the sake of honor and fidelity. The gods had given their word to Fenrir. Someone had to pay the price. Without complaint or delay, Týr gave what was needed. In that act, he became a god of true courage.

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Signs and Symbols

Hands. Cords. Swords. Bindings. The day Tuesday. The Týr rune. Colors such as dark red, stormy gray, and sky blue. Holly trees. The Irminsul. The open sky.

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Associated Names

Teiws. Tiw. Ziu. Cio. Tiwaz. Tius. Tio. Tuisto. Mars Thincsus.