Benevolent giantess who helped Thor with magical items.
Grid (Old Norse Gríðr) is a giantess who aids Thor before his dangerous visit to Geirrod. According to Skáldskaparmál 18, she warns Thor of Geirrod's traps and lends him three items: the belt of strength Megingjord, the iron gloves Jarngreipr, and the staff Gridarvol.
Grid is counted among the Asynjor in Gylfaginning, suggesting that despite her giant origin she held a place among the gods. Her son by Odin is Vidar, the silent god who at Ragnarok avenges his father by tearing apart Fenrir's jaws.
Sources in the Eddas
- Skáldskaparmál 18
- Grid warns Thor and lends him the belt of strength, iron gloves, and staff before the Geirrod visit.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Grid helped Thor with three magical items before Geirrod's trap (Skáldskaparmál 18).
She is mother of Vidar by Odin.
B What we think we know
Whether Grid should be counted as an Asynja or a giantess varies between the sources.
C What we do not know
Grid's possible connection to other benevolent giantesses in Norse tradition has not been explored.