Hrungnir
A giant drawn to Asgard by Odin; after drunken threats against the gods, he duels Thor.
Overview
Hrungnir is drawn to Asgard in Skaldskaparmal 17 after a riding challenge involving Odin’s horse. Drunk inside the gods’ hall, he threatens to carry off Valhalla, kill the gods and take Freyja and Sif, until Thor returns and accepts a duel. The episode moves giant threat from feast-hall insult to formal combat.
Key facts
Enters Asgard
Chapter 17 narrates Hrungnir following Odin into Asgard.
Duels Thor
The same chapter has Hrungnir agree to duel Thor and eventually fall to him.
Relationships
- Odindraws to Asgard
Odin compares horses with Hrungnir, and Hrungnir follows him to Asgard.
- Asgardenters
Hrungnir follows Odin into Asgard and is invited into the feast.
- Freyjathreatens to take
Drunken Hrungnir threatens to take Freyja away.
- Sifthreatens to take
Drunken Hrungnir also threatens to take Sif away.
- Thorchallenges to duel
After Thor returns to Asgard, Hrungnir agrees to duel him.
- Thialfimisleads by counsel
Thialfi misleads Hrungnir with counsel, causing him to put his shield under his feet.
- Thorkills
Thor strikes Hrungnir with Mjolnir and ends the duel.
Story appearances
- Oaths, Treasures and Giant AftershocksDueling giant
Hrungnir moves from feast-hall threat to duel with Thor.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.