The theme of Gríðr is one that has captured the attention of experts and enthusiasts alike in recent years. With a focus on Gríðr, this article explores various aspects and perspectives that provide a deeper understanding of its relevance and resonance in contemporary society. Whether from the prism of history, science, culture or technology, Gríðr is revealed as a topic of universal interest that invites reflection and debate. Throughout these pages, a dialogue opens in which its implications are unraveled and its potential short- and long-term consequences are highlighted. Without a doubt, Gríðr is a fascinating subject that deserves to be approached with the seriousness and breadth it deserves.
Characters of Gesta Danorum |
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Danish kings |
Foreign rulers |
Other men |
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Gríðr (Old Norse: [ˈɡriːðz̠]; or Gríd) is a jötunn in Norse mythology. She is the mother of Víðarr the silent and the consort of Odin. Saturn's moon Gridr was named after her.
The poetic Old Norse name Gríðr has been translated as "vehemence, violence, or impetuosity". Its etymology is unclear.
In Skáldskaparmál (The Language of Poetry), Gríðr is portrayed as equipping the thunder god Thor with her belt of strength, her iron glove, and her staff Gríðarvöl (Gríðr's-staff) on Thor's journey to the abode of Geirröðr.
Thor lodged for the night with a giantess called Grid. She was Víðarr the silent's mother. She told Thor the truth about Geirrod, that he was a cunning giant and awkward to deal with. She lent him a girdle of might and some iron gauntlets of hers, and her staff, called Grid's pole.
— Snorri Sturluson, Skáldskaparmál, 18, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Gríðr is also mentioned in a list of troll-wives ("I shall list the names of troll-wives. Grid and Gnissa, Gryla...").
Gríðarvöl (Gríðr's staff) is also mentioned in the poem Þórsdrápa by the late-10th-century skald Eilífr Goðrúnarson.
The feller of the dolphins of the steeps advanced with violent temper with Grid's pole.
— Eilífr Goðrúnarson, Þórsdrápa, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Gríðr appears in 10th-century kennings for 'wolf' (the steed of troll-wife) and for 'axe' (that which is dangerous to the life-protector, i.e. shield or helmet).
Battle raged when the feeder of Grid's steed , he who waged war, advanced with ringing Gaut's fire. Weird rose from the well.
— Kormákr Ögmundarson, Skáldskaparmál 49, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Riders of Ræfil's land's horses can see how beautifully engraved dragons lie just by the brow of the Grid of the life-protector.
— Einarr Skúlason, Skáldskaparmál 49, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Saxo Grammaticus refers to her as Grytha, the wife of the legendary king Dan I of Denmark, "a lady whom the Teutons accorded the highest honour". A witch of the same name appears in Illuga saga Gríðarfóstra.
Her role as the donor of information and necessary items to the hero has been analyzed by folklorists as a commonplace of folk narrative.