Thor and Loki’s Journey to the Land of the Giants – Part I

Norse tales are full of surprises, and none more so than the journey of Thor, Loki, and their unlikely companions Thjalfi and Roskva into the realm of the Jötnar—the giants. This adventure, strange and often comical, is more than just myth; it offers a glimpse into the clever, chaotic, and often humbling world the gods themselves had to navigate.

Let’s begin where all good journeys do—with a thunder god, a trickster, and some unexpected trouble.

A Night in the Glove

The group sets out across wild terrain, entering the vast and mysterious land of the giants. As night falls, they seek shelter and stumble upon an enormous, empty structure—dark, cold, and without doors. It seems suitable enough, so they decide to sleep there.

But their night is anything but restful. Tremors shake the ground, and deep rumbles disturb their sleep. Earthquakes? An enemy? They huddle together, wary and sleepless.

Come morning, the truth becomes clear: the “hall” they slept in was no building at all—it was Skrymir’s glove, and the thunderous tremors were his snoring. The giant, colossal and seemingly cheerful, offers to travel with them.

Thor is already agitated. He’s tired, grumpy, and not in the mood for riddles. But the journey continues.

Thor’s Frustration Builds

Skrymir offers to carry all their food in his massive bag. Thor, probably relieved at first, agrees. But as the day drags on, the giant’s long strides leave the others scrambling to keep up. Come nightfall, Skrymir lies down to sleep without supper, telling the group to help themselves.

Sounds simple enough—until Thor tries to open the bag.

He pulls. He twists. He tugs. The knots won’t budge.

Frustrated beyond reason, Thor lifts his mighty hammer Mjölnir and brings it down with full force on Skrymir’s head.

The giant stirs. “Did a leaf fall on me?” he mutters, and drifts back to sleep.

Thor’s eyes narrow.

Not once, but twice more during the night, Thor attacks Skrymir with crushing blows. Each time, the giant mistakes it for a falling twig or small branch. Each time, Thor seethes with disbelief and anger, while Loki, Thjalfi, and Roskva stay silent, likely questioning the wisdom of this journey.

Warnings at Dawn

At sunrise, the group sets off again—though it’s clear Thor is in no mood to chat. Eventually, Skrymir stops and turns to them.

He’s heard them whispering about how large he is.

With a knowing look, he offers two warnings:

“In Utgard, you will see giants far greater than me. And when you reach the great hall of Utgard-Loki, speak humbly. Boasting will not serve you well there.”

With that, Skrymir disappears into the forest, leaving the four travelers to wonder just what lies ahead.

What awaits Thor, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roskva inside the mighty hall of the giants? Stop by for Part II, as the gods face trials that test not only their strength—but their pride.