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Glite Dictionary
Fafnir

Fafnir

1 9.9
A dragon from Norse myth who guards treasure and the hero Sigurd kills
  • proper noun
  • /ˈfæfnɪr/
  • Literature
: Fafnir
  • In Norse mythology, the hero Sigurd bravely slayed Fafnir, the fearsome dragon guarding a treasure.

Examples

  • I claimed her after my battle with Fafnir, the dragon of the Northern moors.

    Beowulf (2007)

  • The legend states that Fafnir was once a dwarf before he became the monstrous dragon feared by many.

  • But he killed Fafnir on your behalf.

    Ring of the Nibelungs (2004)

  • Fafnir lies dead because of it.

    Ring of the Nibelungs (2004)

  • You gave the gold back to us by slaying Fafnir.

    Ring of the Nibelungs (2004)

  • Fafnir the dragon is awake.

    Ring of the Nibelungs (2004)

  • This reminded me of the story of Fafnir from Norse mythology.

    Blog text (21)

  • Fafnir's last remaining brother later sent a mortal, Sigurd, to kill Fafnir and take the gold.

    Blog text (21)

  • Many tales recount how Fafnir transformed into a dragon due to his greed for gold.

Surface Forms

Fafnir main

Etymology

Fafnir is an Old Norse name that may come from the root fáfn meaning 'embrace' or 'grasp'. So think of Fafnir as 'the one who hugs his treasure', which explains why he is the greedy dragon who guards a hoard and is killed by the hero Sigurd.