Jarnsaxa- Norse GiantGiant"Iron Sword"
Also known as: Járnsaxa
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Description
A giantess whose name means "Iron Knife," Járnsaxa bore Thor two sons, Magni and Móði, whose inherited strength will outlast the gods. After Thor falls at Ragnarök, they will claim Mjölnir.
Mythology & Lore
Thor's Sons
Járnsaxa bore Thor two sons: Magni ("Strength") and Móði ("Courage"). In Skáldskaparmál 17, when Thor duels the stone-headed giant Hrungnir and kills him, the giant's leg pins Thor to the ground. No god can lift it. Magni, three years old, walks over and lifts the leg with one hand. Thor tells him he will clearly amount to something.
The Vafþrúðnismál names both brothers among those who will survive Ragnarök. When Thor falls to Jörmungandr's poison, Magni and Móði will claim Mjölnir.
The Nine Mothers
The Hyndluljóð lists Járnsaxa among nine giantesses who together gave birth to Heimdall. How nine mothers bore one child is never explained. If Járnsaxa is both Thor's consort and one of Heimdall's mothers, she is connected to two of the gods through her children.