Geirrod
The crafty giant who forces Loki's oath and sets a trap for Thor, then dies by the heated iron he throws.
Overview
In Skaldskaparmal 18, Geirrod is a crafty giant who is difficult to deal with. He captures Loki in hawk form, starves him for three months, and forces an oath to bring Thor without Mjolnir or the Girdle of Might. Though he stages several traps in his hall, Gridr's warning prepares Thor; the heated iron Geirrod throws is returned through him and the wall behind.
Key facts
An oath for ransom
Geirrod releases Loki only after he swears to bring Thor without hammer or strength-girdle.
The thrown heated iron
He throws a glowing iron bar at Thor, who catches it in iron gloves and throws it back.
Relationships
- Lokiimprisons
Geirrod captures Loki in hawk form, shuts him in a chest for three months and starves him.
- Lokiswears to bring Thor
To save his life, Loki swears to bring Thor to Geirrod without Mjolnir or the Girdle of Might.
- Thorkills with heated iron
When Geirrod throws a glowing iron bar, Thor catches it in iron gloves and drives it through the giant, iron pillar and wall.
Story appearances
- Thor at Geirrod's HallGiant who sets the trap
Geirrod uses Loki's oath to draw Thor in and sets traps in his hall.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.