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The following is a list of what could be considered 'enemies' of the Gods, although strictly speaking perhaps that is too simple a term to use. They exist, just because they may oppose some members of the Gods, does not necessarily make them 'enemies', words such as 'evil' or 'Dæmon are not really terms that adaquately describe them either, as both are really Christian expressions, and as such do not do them justice. What is certain though is that they would of struck a cord with listeners as the bard recited tales of them, the terrifying acts they were capable of, and the consequences of crossing their path. The longhouse would of fallen silent as their tales were narrated, you can imagine the gasps from the audience as they picture these creatures. Virtually all take the form of beasts, they are terrifying in appearance & ferocity and only true heroes were capable of facing them down, they must of made the listeners cower in fear. It should be pointed out that the descriptions serpent & dracan were used to describe the same creature sometimes, depending on which tribe's version was being recited, dracans were often referred to as great serpents.
Fenris
aka, Fenrir
The offspring of Loki & the Frost Þyr Angrboda, sibling of Hel & Jormungard, the devouring wolf & doom of the Gods. He is captured by them & imprisoned in Asgard so they may hold guard over him because they realise the danger he represents. The Norns warn Woden that he should be contained, but state that no chain could restrain him. The dweorghs make a magic tether called Gleipnier for the Gods, but Fenris would not allow it near him unless one of the Gods promised to place their arm between his jaws as proof it was harmless. Only Tiw had the courage to do his bidding, when Feniris realised he could not break free he bites off Tiw's hand. He is bound to a rock and a sword placed between his jaws to prevent him from biting. When freed at Ragnarok, his is destined to slay Woden by swallowing him whole, before being slain himself by Vidar.
Garm
The hound that guards the entrance to Helheim, he lives in the Gnipa-cave, destined to be slain fighting Tiw at Ragnarok.
Goin
One of the serpents that gnaws at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil.
Graback
One of the serpents that gnaws at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil.
Grafvolluth
One of the serpents that gnaws at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil.
Grendel
Water wight (Nicor) who troubled the kingdom of King Hroðgar of Denmark, he would visit his Hall each night and slaughter his warriors, he is impervious to weapons, but is eventually slain by the hero Beowulf who wrestles with him, ripping his arm from his socket, Grendel then slinks off to his mother's cave at the bottom of a lake to die.
Hati
(Hate) The wolf that will swallow the moon just before Ragnarok.
Hel
aka, Helið, Helia
Daughter of Loki & Angrboda, in the Old Norse sources Hel is the Goddess of the realm of the dead (In Englisc sources Hel is also the name for the realm of the dead, hence our modern word Hell). In Anglo-Saxon literature the place called Hel is often described with the characteristics of a wolf (with gaping jaws). Her realm was situated in Niflheim & her Hall was Elvidnir (Misery). Described as half white & half black, half being a rotten corpse.
Hræsvelg
(Corpse-eater) Giant eagle that perches on the gates of Helheim, he swoops down ripping the flesh from all who venture near.
Jormungard
(The Midgard Serpent) Offspring of Loki & Angrboda, sibling of Hel & Fenris, he is kidnapped & brought to Asgard by Woden and thrown into the ocean, where he grew so long he encircled the earth, he is destined to be slain by Þunor at Ragnarok.
Modgud
The hound that guards the entrance to Helheim, he lives in the Gnipa-cave.
Moin
One of the serpents that gnaws at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil.
Mundilfari
Mortal King who offends Woden by naming his son & daughter Moon & Sun. Woden snatches them & turns them into constellations.
Nicor
aka, Nykr, Nix, Nixie
These appear to refer to water wights of a much deadlier and more sinister nature than the fairy tale river spirits. Grendel's mother (from Beowulf) is an example of the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a Nicor! Apart from the worship of a few major Gods and various beliefs (such as Wyrd, fate), it is wights where the 'Germanic' peoples have the most in common. Gods, including deified heroes, were the province of priests and Kings. The worship of wights was a matter of folc belief, the belief of the common man, this is how customs as the Yule log have managed to survive several centuries in different countries. Nidhogg
The Dracan who dwells at Niflheim at the roots of Yggdrasil (which he occasionally nibbles), he rips corpes apart and is destined to survive Ragnarok.
Skoll
The wolf that will swallow the sun just before Ragnarok.
Svartalfar
Black elves who grew from the maggots of Ymir's flesh. They dwell in the land of Svartalfheim, and turn to stone in daylight.
Vidofnir
One of the serpents that gnaws at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil.
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