The tale of Thor and the Giant Geirrod is part of Norse Mythology. Myths often have lessons to teach while they were also invented to entertain and explain the world. The first part of the tale seems to warn about grudges.
Thor and the Giant Geirrod
When Thor killed Thrym, Geirrod, Thrym’s brother was naturally angered. He roared, swore, yelled, stomped, and threatened Thor. The only caution he took was that his threats were made if he ever met Thor without Thor’s magical equipment. Geirrod’s two daughters mirrored his mood. They wanted what was left of Thor when their father finished with him.
Thor had never heard of Geirrod or his daughters. They simply didn’t exist for Thor because he had no knowledge of them. If Thor would’ve been left to his own devices, it’s likely he would have never met them.
Viking Oaths
As we know, Vikings took oaths seriously, regardless of why an oath was made. Geirrod made an oath to avenge his brother as long as he didn’t have to encounter Thor with his hammer, belt of power, or gauntlets of might. He would have held onto the oath and the emotions that came with until he was able to fulfill it.
Modern Views of Myth
It is entirely possible that this part of the story was lost on the Vikings. We’re reading it with modern eyes and interpreting it through a modern lens. That’s okay because the most powerful stories point out the human condition and can be adapted to suit the needs of the listener. These are the stories that survive the millennia and remain pertinent to our lives.
Lesson on Grudges
Geirrod’s grudge lasts at least three months while he’s holding Loki, who Geirrod doesn’t know, captive. Loki finally agrees to bring Thor without his gear to Geirrod. Imagine what those three months would have been like for the giant and his daughters. The gnashing of teeth, the cuss words, the railing at the universe and everything in it. It’s similar to the rage many of us feel when we are cut off in traffic (though the death of a loved one is far more tragic). Who is being hurt as the adrenaline and other chemicals flow through the angered one’s veins? And the person who cut us off or otherwise did us harm has no idea that we feel the way we do. That person is probably oblivious and not even thinking about us.
In the end, Geirrod and his daughters meet Thor. Thor kills Geirrod’s daughters without knowing they are there until they die with screams and the crunching of bones. Thor kills Geirrod in self-defense. Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. That’s what the first part of the story of Thor and the Giant Geirrod says to me.
