Thrud or Þrúðr is an Old Norse word for ‘Strength.’ It is sometimes anglicized where it turns into Thrud or Thrúd.
But, Thrud is Thor’s daughter and the goddess known as Sif in Norse Mythology. At the same time, Þrúðr is the name that makes reference to the Valkyries that served ale in Valhalla to einherjar. With this in mind, these two versions of Thrud might or might not be the same person.
Below are the two attestations that regard Þrúðr.
Thrud Edda
In Poetic Edda, the poem titled Alvíssmál mentions the existence of a dwarf known as Alviss. It is claimed that this dwarf was engaged to Thor’s daughter, who could have been called Þrúðr, but unfortunately, the actual name of this daughter is not specified.
On the other hand, Prose Edda, written by Skáldskaparmál, features a tale that makes references to the fact that the Kenning would refer to Thor as the Father of Þrúðr or faðir Þrúðar. There also is a poem about Thor, where Thrud is mentioned as the Skáldskaparmál also names Sif as Thrud’s mother.
Þrúðr is also mentioned in Ragnarsdrápa by Bragi Boddason where the Jotunn Hrungnir is referred to as thief of Þrúðr. However, the actual source of this myth is non-existent.
Thrud Ragnarok
According to one of the stories in Norse Mythology, Thrud was the 3rd of the Valkyrie sisters, and she’d go on to be the Volund, specifically for the Raiden Tameemon in Ragnarok.
Thrud is said to have had a statuesque look and an overall muscular built, and her height would easily dwarf that of Raiden, who was more of a giant. She had very strong and developed muscles, which means is why her appearance was rather masculine. However, she had a single braid of painful hair that flowed from the right side.
Regarding her personality, it appears that she was a little insecure about her body, and she considered herself a monster, which is why she thought Raiden would be disappointed seeing her ‘monster-like appearance as his Volund. Even so, she’d blush quite easily, and Goll fondly called her the ‘pure maiden.’ Her self-limiting beliefs were also thwarted when Raiden revealed his love for larger women while giving her a nice, solid hug – this brought out her pure femininity.
She’d later develop feelings for Raiden after she was moved by his resolve during the fight, and she promises to go with him all the way during the fight.
Raiden goes on to fight in Ragnarok with Thrud, and as the war progresses and he fights Shiva, it’s clear that they will lose. Thrud stands her ground as Raiden fights to the death, and she tells him she is not leaving him. In the end, both of them fade into darkness, and Thrud continues holding and embracing him even after he dies in her hands.
Thrud’s greatest power was her Volund – she could turn into any kind of weapon that her partner preferred. Her Volund was referred to as The Strong One.
