Thjálfi

Thjálfi is a character in Norse mythology, primarily appearing in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. He is a mortal servant of the god Thor, accompanying him on many of his adventures. Thjálfi is often depicted as a swift and capable individual, demonstrating loyalty and resourcefulness in assisting Thor.

His most notable tale involves his role in Thor's journey to Utgard. Thor, along with Loki and Thjálfi, travels to the land of the giants. During their stay at Utgard-Loki's castle, Thjálfi participates in various challenges. One such challenge involves a race against Hugi, who proves to be impossibly faster. Thjálfi also witnesses Thor's attempts to lift a giant cat and wrestle an old woman, events that are revealed to be illusions orchestrated by Utgard-Loki to trick the gods.

Thjálfi's origins are described as being the son of a farmer. He and his sister Lúði are impressed into Thor's service after they injure Thor's goat by breaking its leg bone in an attempt to eat its marrow. Thor's goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, are magical and can be resurrected if their bones are intact. Thjálfi's actions lead to the goat's lameness, and as recompense, he and his sister become Thor's servants. Despite his mortal status, Thjálfi consistently proves himself a valuable companion to the thunder god.