Hymir’s Cup
The cup Hymir uses to test Thor’s strength; it breaks only when thrown against the giant’s head.
Overview
This cup turns a contest of strength into a problem that requires advice. Thor first tests it on stone pillars and it remains whole; Hymir’s wife tells him to strike the giant’s head, and then it breaks. She has no name, so is not inflated into a public profile, but her advice remains in the scene’s causal chain.
Key facts
The first test does not break it
In stanza 30, Thor hurls the cup against stone pillars and it remains whole.
Breaks against Hymir’s head
In stanzas 31–32, after the wife’s advice, the cup breaks while Hymir is unharmed.
Relationships
- Thorbreaks the cup
Following the advice, Thor throws the cup against Hymir’s head and it breaks.
Story appearances
- Hymiskvitha: Kettle, Serpent, and FeastFigure, object, or place in Hymiskvitha
The cup Hymir uses to test Thor’s strength; it breaks only when thrown against the giant’s head.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.