Fenris, the Wolf: A Tragedy

by Percy MacKaye

"Fenris, the Wolf: A Tragedy" by Percy MacKaye is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. The play delves into themes drawn from Northern mythology, centering on the character Fenris, a fearsome wolf, exploring complex relationships within the pantheon of Norse gods, including Odin, Baldur, and Freyja. The narrative likely examines the struggles between freedom and fate, the nature of good and evil, and the transformative power of love and desire. The opening of "Fenris, the Wolf" establishes a stark and haunting atmosphere with Odin observing his son, Fenris, who is chained and restless in a frozen volcanic crater as dawn approaches. Odin expresses anguish and irony over his creation, contemplating the pain associated with Fenris's existence. As the scene transitions, the relationship between Fenris, his pack, and the godly figures is introduced, highlighting Fenris's desperation for freedom and the conflicting emotions of love and lust he feels for Freyja, which further complicates the divine dynamics at play. The beginning sets a tone of impending tragedy, foreshadowing the struggle between the primal instincts of the wolf and the higher realms of divine will.