Gleipnir

Gleipnir is the binding that holds the mighty wolf Fenrisulfr in Norse Mythology. Even though it is as thin as a silken ribbon, it is stronger than any iron chain. It was forged by the dwarves, and made of six wondrous ingredients:

• The sound of a cat's footfall
• The beard of a woman
• The roots of a mountain
• The sinews of a bear
• The breath of a fish
• The spittle of a bird

Thus we no longer hear a cat's footfall, women have no beards, mountains have no roots, bears no sinews, fish no breath, and birds no spittle.

Gleipnir, having bound the Fenrisúlfur securely, was the cause of Týr's lost arm, for the Fenrisulfr bit it off when he was not freed.

Gleipnir will hold until Ragnarök, when it (and its binding force) will break and Fenrir will devour Odin.

Trivia

• In the popular Microsoft game: "Age of Mythology", one of the many relics players can encounter includes an item known as "The fetters of Fenrir". The relic (when garrisoned at a temple) adds 250 to hunting attack.