Tap the game to open it fullscreen. On a computer, Esc exits; on a phone, use the ✕ button.

How to play

Hold your finger, the mouse or the space bar to reel in: the serpent rises, but the line stretches. Let go to let it rest. When the serpent’s eyes turn red and the warning appears, let go, because it is about to pull hard. There are three rounds, each harder than the last.

The story behind it

The game is inspired by an episode of Norse myth: Thor goes fishing with the giant Hymir, uses an ox head as bait and hooks Jörmungandr, the serpent that encircles the world. In Snorri Sturluson’s version, the giant panics and cuts the line, and the serpent sinks back into the sea. In the game you can win the contest, which does not happen in the source. Read the full account in Thor hooks the Midgard Serpent, and the giant Hymir cuts the line.