Artifact

Hymir’s Cauldron

The great kettle sought for Ægir’s feast and carried away on Thor’s head.

MythWeave AI-generated editorial illustration, Hymiskvitha core batch

Overview

The cauldron makes Hymiskvitha’s two adventures one story. It first marks what Ægir lacks for the feast, then becomes the strength test in Hymir’s hall, and finally reaches the gods’ council on Thor’s head. The poem does not make it a self-acting magical object; its weight compels action and makes the feast possible.

Key facts

At Hymir’s house

In stanza 5, Tyr says Hymir owns the great deep kettle.

Brought to Ægir’s hall

Stanza 40 says Thor brings the kettle back, enabling the gods to drink in Ægir’s hall.

Relationships

Hymirsets the kettle as a test
Hymir says the kettle may be taken if they can carry it out.
Thorcarries away
Tyr cannot move the kettle, so Thor lifts it on his head and carries it away.
Ægiruses for ale
The gods can drink with this kettle in Ægir’s hall.

Story appearances

Hymiskvitha: Kettle, Serpent, and FeastFigure, object, or place in Hymiskvitha
The great kettle sought for Ægir’s feast and carried away on Thor’s head.

Ancient sources

MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.

Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Hymiskvitha, Stanzas 1–40: Ægir’s feast, Thor and Tyr’s journey, the world-serpent, cup, kettle, and return.

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