Vimur
The great river Thor must ford on his way to Geirrod; Gjalp makes it rise against him.
Overview
Vimur is called the greatest of rivers in Skaldskaparmal 18. Thor must ford it on his way to Geirrod, but the water rises rapidly to his shoulders; the account then shows Gjalp straddling ravines and causing the flood. Thor counters with a stone and reaches shore by a rowan, so the river preserves a source-bound obstruction rather than a mappable geography.
Key facts
The greatest river
After Gridr lends equipment, Thor comes to Vimur, called the greatest of rivers.
Water rises
When Thor reaches mid-current, the water rises as high as his shoulders.
Relationships
- Gjalpmakes the river rise
Gjalp straddles ravines and makes Vimur rise against the ford.
Story appearances
- Thor at Geirrod's HallBlocked crossing
Vimur makes Thor face danger before he reaches the giant's hall.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.