Thrud, Sif's Daughter
by OrderInTheQuartz
Thrud is the daughter of the Thunder God Thor and his wife, Sif. Thrud is not as famous as some of the other Norse Goddesses: even "Our Troth," Second Edition, Volume One has only a short entry on Her. However, She can be a steady and extremely wise presence in the lives of those who seek Her out. She is very much worth getting to know.
In the lore, Thrud is named as Thor’s daughter in Skáldskaparmál 4. She may also have been sought out as a bride in the Alvíssmál. This last source shows Thor winning a battle of wits against Alvis, a clever dwarf who came to Him to claim His daughter in marriage. Thor keeps the unwanted suitor busy answering His questions until the sun rises and turns Alvis to stone. While the source does not name Thrud specifically, it is not unlikely that She was the daughter Thor protected so vigilantly.
The name “Thrud” (Þrúðr) appears on its own and as a linguistic element in a considerable number of ancient and modern names. (See, e.g. Nordic Names, ÞRUÐ, here.) Her name is also is associated with a Valkyrie in Grímnismál 36. Given the name’s wide usage, the Valkyrie in question may or may not necessarily be Thor’s daughter. Perhaps this determination is best left to a worshiper's individual discretion.
Thrud’s name also has associations with chieftains. She is an excellent Goddess to call upon when a decision must be made. Leaders of any sort who wish to act wisely may hail Her. However, Her power is hardly limited to one area. Thrud has remarkable depths. The joyful might of Her father and the welcoming grace of Her mother may be found in Her.
Artwork by Thorskegga Thorn.