In Norse mythology, Ragnarök, the "Fate of the Gods," results in the death of the gods.
While technically nobody wins in the traditional sense, as it is a cataclysmic event marked by destruction and loss for all, the forces of chaos, personified by figures like Loki, the giants, and various monstrous creatures, are the immediate victors. The old order, including Odin, Thor, Tyr, and many other prominent gods, perish in battle. However, Ragnarök is also cyclical.
Here's a breakdown of the outcome:
- Death of the Gods: Major deities like Odin, Thor, Freyr, Tyr, and Heimdallr are killed in battle against the forces of chaos.
- Destruction: The world tree, Yggdrasil, is shaken, and the earth is consumed by fire and flood.
- Emergence of a New World: After the destruction, the earth rises again, fertile and renewed.
- Survival and Rebirth: A few gods, such as Víðarr, Váli, and possibly Baldr (depending on the version of the myth), survive, along with two humans, Líf and Lífþrasir, who repopulate the world.
Therefore, although Ragnarök initially signifies the triumph of chaos and the death of the old gods, it ultimately leads to renewal and the establishment of a new world order. You could argue that life wins, in a way, as it continues after the destruction. However, the immediate outcome is a devastating defeat for the Aesir and Vanir gods.
