In Norse mythology, Nidhogg ("tearer of corpses") was the monster that ate the roots of the World Tree, Yggdrasil and swore at the eagle living in the tree's branches. Nidhogg also ate corpses.
... 18 - Cary Grant, actor (+ 1986)
January 22 - George Balanchine, choreographer (+ 1983)
January 26 - Ancel Keys, scientist
February 1 - S. J. Perelman[?], humorist, ...