grófu

Grófu is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda. It is often associated with a significant event in Norse mythology involving the god Thor. Specifically, grófu is mentioned in the context of Thor's battle with the jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent. During this epic confrontation, Thor strikes the serpent with his hammer Mjolnir, and it is said that grófu is a place where Thor stands or a location near the sea where this event occurs.

The exact meaning and etymology of grófu are debated among scholars. Some interpretations suggest it could refer to a specific geographical location, possibly a cove or a ravine, given the Old Norse word "gróf" which can mean a pit or a hollow. Other theories propose it might be a more symbolic representation of a place of great struggle or a point of impact. The context in which grófu appears emphasizes the immense power and violence of the encounter between Thor and the serpent, marking a pivotal moment in the mythological narrative. The precise location and its broader significance remain a subject of scholarly interest and interpretation within the study of Norse mythology.