In Norse mythology’s Ragnarok, what is the name of the world-ending winter?

In Norse mythology’s Ragnarok, the world-ending winter is called Fimbulwinter. It is a catastrophic season of relentless cold that comes before the final battle.

The myth describes three successive winters without a normal summer between them. Warfare and social collapse accompany the freezing conditions, creating the setting for the gods’ last conflict.

Fimbulwinter is often translated as the “Great Winter” or “Mighty Winter.” It should not be confused with Niflheim, a mythic realm associated with cold and mist, or with Ginnungagap, the primordial void.

The idea has influenced modern fantasy and fiction, where “Fimbulwinter” is frequently used as a general name for an apocalyptic winter rather than only the specific Norse event.