When Loki was captured by the giant Geirrod while in falcon form, he struck a deal for his life: he would lure Thor to Geirrod’s hall without his hammer, Mjolnir, or his belt of power. Unaware of the trap, Thor set out with Loki. Along the way, they stayed with the giantess Grid, who warned Thor of the danger and lent him her own iron gloves, a belt of strength, and the staff Gridarvol. Crossing the river Vimur, Thor narrowly escaped a flood caused by Geirrod's daughter and finally arrived at the giant’s hall. There, Geirrod’s daughters attempted to crush Thor against the ceiling by pushing his chair upward, but he used his staff to force the chair down, breaking their backs. Finally, Geirrod hurled a molten iron bolt at Thor. Using Grid’s iron gloves, Thor caught the glowing projectile and threw it back with such force that it pierced an iron pillar and Geirrod himself, ending the giant's treachery.
True strength is found in preparedness and the wisdom to accept help from allies when facing overwhelming odds.
Questions about this story
Why did Thor go to Geirrod's hall without his hammer?
Loki was forced by Geirrod to lure Thor there unarmed as ransom for Loki's own life after being caught spying in falcon form.
Who is Grid in Norse mythology?
Grid is a friendly giantess and the mother of Vidar; she aided Thor by lending him her magical staff, belt, and iron gloves to survive Geirrod's trap.
How did Thor defeat Geirrod's daughters?
When Gjalp and Greip tried to crush Thor against the ceiling using a lifting chair, Thor used Grid’s staff to push against the roof, crushing the sisters instead.
What is the river Vimur?
Vimur is the greatest of all rivers Thor had to cross; it nearly swept him away when Geirrod's daughter Gjalp caused it to swell with her bodily fluids.
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Good night.
