A wyrm is a term rooted in ancient and medieval mythology, often used to describe a dragon-like creature, though its exact meaning has shifted over time. Here’s a full breakdown:
By Cyclone62/Mythologysleuth
The word wyrm (Old English: wyrm) originally meant serpent or reptile.
It is related to Old Norse ormr and German Wurm, all meaning snake or dragon.
In older folklore, “wyrm” typically described legless, wingless dragons—massive, snake-like beasts.
Wyrms are common in British and Norse legends, often appearing as monsters to be slain by heroes. Notable wyrms include:
The Lambton Worm (England): A giant, river-dwelling wyrm defeated by a returning crusader.
Fáfnir (Norse Myth): A dwarf who transformed into a dragon to guard a hoard of cursed gold, later slain by the hero Sigurd.
