Greip

Who Is Greip

Greip is a giantess known as one of the daughters of Geirrod. She appears in the story of Thors visit to Geirrods hall, where she and her sister Gjalp attempt to kill the thunder god using sheer physical force. While Gjalp attacks with rising waters, Greip confronts Thor directly inside the hall.

In the tale, Greip and Gjalp position themselves on either side of Thor, intending to crush him between them. The scene presents them as towering, powerful figures loyal to their fathers deadly plans. Thor, however, reacts swiftly and turns their attack back upon them.

Though mentioned in only this story, Greip adds to the picture of a hostile giant household where both father and daughters stand against the gods.

Character and Nature

Greip in the Tale of Thor and Geirrod

The story of Thor and Geirrod tells how Thor travels without his usual weapons and must rely on strength and quick thinking. After enduring the rising river caused by Gjalp, he reaches the hall where Greip and her sister prepare one final deadly test.

Greip and Gjalp stand on either side of Thor, ready to crush him between them. At the crucial moment, Thor moves with speed and force, turning the situation against them and defeating the giantesses. Their failed attack reveals both their power and the limits of their scheme when faced with the thunder god.

Through Greip, the tale emphasises the danger of Geirrods hall and the willingness of his family to use ambush and overwhelming strength against their divine enemy.