Gríðarvölr
Giantess's Staff
Norse Mythology
Eiður Eyþórsson, 6th of August, 2026
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Gríðr Lends Thor her Staff
Gríðarvölr (“Gríðr’s-Staff”) is a staff in Norse mythology which the giantess Gríðr lends to Thor, along with the strength belt megingjörð and the iron gloves járngreipr before he journeys to the giant Geirröðr. The staff comes of use to Thor when he needs to cross a mighty river, and the staff keeps him standing and Loki from being carried away by the river’s current, as he holds on to Thor’s belt.
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In the Sources
Gríðarvölr is one of several obscure items of Norse mythology. It is only attested in Skáldskaparmál, in the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson. There it plays a minor role in the tale of Thor’s journey to the court of Geirröðr. There it says:
“Thor came to spend the night with that giantess who was called Grídr, mother of Vídarr the Silent. She told Thor the truth concerning Geirrödr, that he was a crafty giant and ill to deal with; and she lent him the Girdle of Might and iron gloves which she possessed, and her staff also, which was called Grídr’s Rod.” [1a]
– Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.
“Þórr kom til gistingar til gýgjar þeirar, er Gríðr er kölluð. Hon var móðir Víðars ins þögla. Hon sagði Þór satt frá Geirröði, at hann var jötunn hundvíss ok illr viðreignar. Hon léði honum megingjarða ok járngreipr, er hon átti, ok staf sinn, er heitir Gríðarvölr.” [2a]
– Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.[Manuscript: GKS 2367 4to, folium 24r, lines 30-36]
Gríðr lends him three items in this story. However, two of which, Megingjörð and Járngreipr, are generally considered Thor’s possession. The staff on the other hand is no doubt the possession of Gríðr. Firstly, the name of the staff includes her name, secondly, she is specifically said to lend Thor Gríðarvölr and lastly, there is no other mention of the staff in the sources which could contradict this information. The same cannot be said for Megingjörð and Járngreipr. which are also mentioned elsewhere, where they are said to be Thor’s possession.
The story of Thor’s journey then continues and says:
“Then Thor proceeded to the river named Vimur, greatest of all rivers. There he girded himself with the Girdle of Might and braced firmly downstream with Grídr’s Rod, and Loki held on behind by the Girdle of Might. When Thor came to mid-current, the river waxed so greatly that it broke high upon his shoulders.” [1b]
– Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.
“Þá fór Þórr til ár þeirar, er Vimur heitir, allra á mest. Þá spennti hann sik megingjörðum ok studdi forstreymis Gríðarvöl, en Loki helt undir megingjarðar. Ok þá er Þórr kom á miðja ána, þá óx svá mjök áin, at uppi braut á öxl honum.” [2b]
– Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.[Manuscript: GKS 2367 4to, folium 24r, lines 30-36]
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References
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