| “ | Perhaps it's magic. Perhaps we are communicating on a spiritual level. Whatever the case, thank you for releasing me. I am Gellir, prince of the Danes! | ” |
–Gellir, in The Hammer of Thor | ||
Gellir is a chief wight and draugr, the former prince of the Danes. He is the son of Thorkel and the former user of the legendary Skofnung sword.
History
Around the sixth century, Gellir was the prince of the Danes. His father, Thorkel, perished in a shipwreck. This was when Gellir discovered the powerful weapon Thorkel previously owned, called Skofnung. He claimed it for himself after finding it in the shores of Iceland. Afterwards, Gellir wielded his weapon in many glorious battles before was slain. Once Gellir died in battle, he and the other berserkers were buried with it for protection. Because Skofnung was a stolen weapon Gellir and the others were cursed to remain in the tomb.
At some point, the burial site Gellir was in shifted to Provincetown, where the Pilgrims subconsciously felt their presences. The prince and his wights ended up inadvertently inspiring the Mayflower Compact, along with the rights and democracy of America.
Appearance
As a wight, Gellir resembles an emaciated corpse with heavy armour and a ghoulish head. Wisps of white, either cobweb or remnants of his beard, cling to his chin. His bright green eyes are one of a human's.
Personality
Gellir was shown to be polite and welcoming towards his visitors, while also being equally excited to see them dead. Unfortunately, because of his loyalty to ancient Norse tradition he was prevented from successfully killing them fast enough.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
The Hammer of Thor
Magnus Chase and his friends head to Provincetown to try and find Mjolnir, where they locate and enter his burrow. The group, seeing no other option of escape, decide to spring the trap by opening his tomb. Gellir expresses his gratitude for freeing him from imprisoonment but immediately orders his undead bodyguards to kill them for trespassing. Luckily, they are sidetracked when the massacre diverts to a Thing - an early predecessor of parliament. After a brief delay, his fellow Wights attack Magnus and his friends who defeat them. Gellir himself is finished off by Hearthstone.
Trivia
- Gellir's kenning "Blood River" was earned from his blade, Skofnung.
- The wights all collectively vote on all their actions, similar to the Thingvellir (field of the assembly) which was the Norse voting council. In ancient times the site was where Norse settled disputes and made decisions, a concept which inspired the idea of Parliament.