Járngreipr
Thor's Iron Gauntlets
Norse Mythology
Table of contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
Járngreipr (e. Iron-grippers), or Járnglófar (e. Iron-gloves), are legendary gloves in Norse mythology associated with Thor, son of Odin. While they are not as universally recognized as Thor’s iconic hammer, Mjölnir, Járngreipr holds an important role by enabling Thor to wield his powerful hammer. The gauntlets, along with his belt Megingjörð and hammer Mjölnir form a trio of magical items that amplify Thor’s strength and abilities.
Even though Thor is widely attested in the main sources of Norse mythology, his gloves, however, are only mentioned in the Prose Edda, attributed to 12-13th century Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson.
Let’s delve into the sources and examine what they have to say about this obscure item of Norse mythology.
2
Origins and Description
Járngreipr is primarily mentioned in Thor’s adventures, particularly in the Prose Edda, a collection of Old Norse texts compiled in the 13th century.
In Chapter 21 of Gylfaginning (e. The Beguiling of Gylfi), Gangleri asks Hárr what he knows of the Aesir gods. Hárr begins by telling Gangleri about Thor, one of the most prominent Aesir gods. In his answer, he speaks of Thor’s possessions, and he says:
“A third item he [Thor] possesses, one of great significance. Those are his iron-gloves. He cannot do without them when using the hammer’s shaft. No one is so knowledgeable that they can recount all of his great deeds, but I can share so many tales about him that the hours would pass before I have told everything I know.” [1a]
[Prose Edda, chapter 21.]
“Inn þriðja hlut á hann, þann er mikill gripr er í. Þat eru járnglófar. Þeira má hann eigi missa við hamarskaftit. En engi er svá fróðr, at telja kunni öll stórvirki hans, en segja kann ek þér svá mörg tíðendi frá honum, at dveljast munu stundirnar, áðr en sagt er allt, þat er ek veit.” [2a]
[Prose Edda, chapter 21.]
This passage is one of few pieces of evidence in the sources stating that Thor possesses Járngreipr. Its significance does not go without a mention either. Thor is greatly disadvantaged without his hammer, Mjölnir. However, the gloves seem just as important, as he depends on them to wield his hammer. The gloves are therefore essential to his strength and effectiveness in battle.
Unlike Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer, it has a rich and detailed origin story in the Prose Edda. According to the text, the hammer was crafted by the master dwarven smiths Eitri and Brokkr as part of a wager with Loki. In addition to Mjölnir, they also created the ship Skíðblaðnir and the magical ring Draupnir. While the gauntlet, Járngreipr, and the belt of strength, Megingjörð, are significant artefacts, their origins lack the same elaborate creation myth. Although they are referenced in various contexts throughout the Prose Edda, their backstories are never explicitly detailed.
Now, even though the creation of the gloves is not mentioned, there is one surviving tale that features the gloves, which says where Thor got them from.
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Járngreipr in Thor's Quest
While the creation of the gloves remains unknown, one tale survives that features the gloves. This story is found in Skáldskaparmál (e. Poesy of Skalds), a section dedicated to teaching Old Norse poetry. It was important for poets to know the old tales because much of the poetic language referred to those stories through what was known as kennings.
In this particular tale, Járngreipr plays a pivotal role in Thor’s journey to the home of a cunning and evil giant named Geirröðr. Just to set the scene: Loki takes Frigg’s falcon suit, which turns him into a falcon. While flying he is captured by Geirröðr and tortured until he agrees to bring Thor to Geirröðr without his gear, his magical items that give him increased strength.
The following is said in Skáldskaparmál:
“Then Bragi answers: ‘It is a great story that Thor went to Geirrod’s-court. Then he did not have the hammer Mjolnir, Megingjord, nor Jarngreipr, Loki was the cause of this. He went with him because Loki had managed to do so, when he flew once to amuse himself with Frigg’s falcon, and flew out of curiosity to Geirrod’s-court and saw a great hall, sat down and looked in through the window.'” [1b]
[Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.]
“Þá svarar Bragi: „Mikillar frásagnar er þat vert, er Þórr fór til Geirröðargarða. Þá hafði hann eigi hamarinn Mjöllni eða Megingjarðar eða Járngreipr, ok olli því Loki. Hann fór með honum, því ar Loka hafði þat hent, þá er hann flaug einu sinni at skemmta sér með valsham Friggjar, at hann flaug fyrir forvitni sakar í Geirröðargarða ok sá þar höll mikla, settist ok sá inn of glugg.” [2b]
[Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.]
Note here that Thor goes without the three items, implying that he once had them, but Loki has made them inaccessible to Thor in some way. This supports what is told in the first reference from chapter 21, but will soon come into question.
Now, the tale continues and Thor stays with the giantess Gríðr, who provides him with crucial assistance on his quest, to seek Geirröðr with Loki.
The next piece from the story that relates to Járngreipr says:
“Thor came to the home of the giantess who was called Gridr… She lent him the Megingjord and the Jarngreipr that she owned, and her staff, which is called Gridarvol.” [1c]
[Prose Edda, Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.]
Here, the source contradicts itself. In Chapter 21 it states that Thor is the possessor of the gauntlets, and earlier in Chapter 26 we’re told that he went on this quest without his usual items because of Loki: implying that he had them before this. However, here it is Gríðr who lends him her items before he goes on to seek out Geirröðr. It would not be the first time Thor has worn an item belonging to a woman, as illustrated in the poem Þrymskviða (e. Lay of Thrym), when Thor goes so far as to wear a wedding dress to reclaim his hammer from the giant Þrymr.
Despite this inconsistency, the gifts he receives enhance Thor’s ability to face the challenges ahead. In the final confrontation with Geirröðr, Thor’s Járngreipr proved crucial in his defence. As the story describes:
“And when Thor came face to face with Geirrod, Geirrod took a glowing iron wedge with tongs and threw it at Thor, but Thor caught it with Jarngreip and threw it back, Geirrod jumped under the iron pillar to defend himself. Thor threw the wedge and it went through the pillar and through Geirrod and through the wall and out into the earth.” [1d]
[Prose Edda, Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.]
“En er Þórr kom gagnvart Geirröði, þá tók Geirröðr með töng járnsíu glóandi ok kastar at Þór, en Þórr tók í móti með járngreipum ok færir á loft síuna, en Geirröðr hljóp undir járnsúlu at forða sér. Þórr kastaði síunni ok laust gegnum súluna ok gegnum Geirröð ok gegnum vegginn ok svá fyrir útan í jörðina.” [2d]
[Prose Edda, Skáldskaparmál, chapter 26.]
With Járngreipr, Thor was able to catch the glowing iron wedge and throw it back at Geirröðr, ultimately leading to his defeat.
What is more noteworthy here, is that the name Járngreipr, iron-gripper, likely derives from the event of this story. The gloves may not be made of iron, rather they allow the wearer to grip glowing hot iron. With this information, let’s move on to a “final thoughts” discussion before wrapping up.
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Final Thoughts
At first glance, Járngreipr appears to be simply iron gloves, as suggested by their name. However, a closer examination of the sources raises questions about the material composition of the gloves. It is uncertain whether the gloves are entirely made of iron or their names derive rather from Thor’s ability to grip hot iron while wearing them.
It is also plausible that the gloves are not made of iron but rather crafted from a material that enhances grip and is less conductive to heat, such as thick leather, similar to a blacksmith’s leather apron, worn as protection against hot metals. This consideration is particularly relevant given that Thor needs the gloves to wield Mjölnir, his hammer. If the hammer is made of iron, it would be counterintuitive for him to wear iron gloves, as they would not provide the necessary grip to handle the weapon effectively.
Additionally, the sources present conflicting accounts regarding the ownership of Járngreipr. It is unclear whether the gloves are Thor’s possession or if they were lent to him by the giantess Gríðr for his quest against Geirröðr.
Sometimes Norse mythology is not straightforward or cohesive. The lore was, after all, recorded after the Viking Age, by Christians trying to preserve what knowledge remained of the old faith of their ancestors.
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References
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