Odin and Sleipnir Flee Hrungnir and Gullfaxi

This is Part 1 of 5 in the story of Thor and Hrungnir, retold from Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda. It begins with a horse race between Odin on Sleipnir and the giant Hrungnir on Gullfaxi.

Odin decided to ride to Jötunheim on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Wearing his golden helmet, he rode far from Asgard and soon met the giant Hrungnir, standing beside his own great horse, Gullfaxi (‘Golden-Mane’). Then Hrungnir stepped into the road to block the way.

A Wager Against Gullfaxi on the Road

“Who’s that in the golden helmet,” bellowed Hrungnir, “riding over sky and sea on such a fine horse?”

“This is Sleipnir,” replied Odin, “the finest horse in the realms. I’d wager my head that he’s more than a match for any of your clumsy, giant horses.”

Odin’s insult angered Hrungnir. “Sleipnir may be a fine horse, but he’s no match for my Gullfaxi. Let’s race and afterwards, you’ll pay for your insult to Jötunheim’s horses!” So Hrungnir leaped astride his horse and ran at Odin.

Sleipnir and Gullfaxi Race to Asgard

Odin wheeled Sleipnir and raced for Asgard. Sleipnir was a gray streak of lightning; Gullfaxi was the thunder rumbling close behind. Hrungnir was in such a giant rage that he didn’t notice where they were headed until it was too late.

Heimdall opened the Asgardian gates. Odin made it home. However, Heimdall couldn’t close the gates fast enough. As a result, Hrungnir and Gullfaxi entered the Asgardian courtyard. Finally, the gates shut behind the rider and horse, trapping them inside the walls of Asgard.

Gullfaxi and His Rider at the Gods’ Table

To Hrungnir’s surprise, the Aesir welcomed him. After all, they would not kill a lone giant who had blundered into their home, not even one as fierce as Hrungnir. They offered him food, drink, and rest before his journey home, as Norse hospitality demanded.

Hrungnir accepted their hospitality. Thor was away from Asgard, so the gods filled his cups with mead for Hrungnir. In fact, Thor’s cups were the closest they had to giant-sized drinking vessels. Unfortunately, Hrungnir was not a giant who could hold his liquor. As a result, he quickly became drunk and raged like a madman.

Gullfaxi’s story did not end that night. After Thor’s duel with Hrungnir, Thor gave the giant’s horse to his young son Magni, as Part 4 tells.

Next: Part 2, Thor Confronts Hrungnir in Asgard, where the drunken giant boasts that he will carry off Valhalla, and the gods call Thor home.

The whole story:

1. Odin and Sleipnir Flee Hrungnir and Gullfaxi (you are here)
2. Thor Confronts Hrungnir in Asgard
3. Hrungnir and the Giants Prepare to Battle Thor
4. Thor and Hrungnir Battle
5. The Morning Star and the Whetstone in Thor’s Head