6: Thor and the giants - Part 3
Thor has failed the first of the challenges. But he refuses to give up and demands that the giants set him another task - one that will really stretch him - so Skrymnir calls for his cat.
The 'cat' turns out to be rather larger than the average moggy - about the size of a cow - and Thor's challenge is to lift the cat from the floor. Thor strains every muscle鈥ut can only lift one paw from the ground. Thor has failed again.
Thor demands a final challenge and this time Skrymnir calls for 'Hel' - a little old lady that Skrymnir says is his great, great, grandmother. A wrestling contest begins and within a moment or two Thor is on his back having been soundly beaten. He has failed again.
The following day Thor and Loki are about to return to Asgard in shame when Skrymnir reveals that he has been using magic against them all along: one end of the drinking horn was actually drawing liquid from the sea鈥he 'cat' was actually a serpent that winds itself right around Jotunheim鈥nd the old lady - 'Hel' - is actually death itself, which no-one can defeat. Thor is outraged and vows to return for vengeance.
Teacher Notes
This series can be used to increase pupils' familiarity with a broad range of texts and narratives, including myths, legends and traditional stories and to make connections between these and other stories they are familiar with.
It will also support a broad range of writing objectives.
Curriculum Notes
This series is relevant for teaching English at KS2, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and at First and Second Level in Scotland.
More from the series: Viking Sagas
5: Thor and the Giants - Part 2. video
Thor and Loki journey to Jotunheim where they spend the night in a very unusual building.
7: Apples of Iduna - Part 1. video
Odin and Loki are in Midgard and meet a very unusual bird - in fact, a giant in disguise.
8: Apples of Iduna - Part 2. video
Loki has agreed to help the giant, Thiassi, against the gods - and he know just how.
