Þjálfis

Þjálfis is a figure mentioned in Norse mythology. He is primarily known as the father of Þrymr, the king of the jötnar (giants) who famously stole Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. The story of Þrymr and the recovery of Mjölnir is recounted in the Poetic Edda, specifically in the poem Þrymskviða. In this tale, Þrymr agrees to return the hammer only if the goddess Freyja will be given to him as a bride. When Freyja refuses, Thor devises a plan to retrieve his hammer by disguising himself as Freyja and traveling to Jötunheimr. Þjálfis's role in this narrative is limited to his brief mention as Þrymr's father. He does not actively participate in the events of the story, and his character development is minimal. The focus of the myth is on Thor, Freyja, and Þrymr himself. The name Þjálfis has Old Norse origins and its etymology is not extensively discussed in surviving mythological texts. He serves as a familial connection within the giant lineage relevant to the plot of Þrymskviða.