Study › Runes & Norse › Gungnir
Gungnir is the spear of Odin, made by the dwarfs called the Sons of Ivaldi. It never slows and never misses. Odin threw it over an enemy host to claim the slain, and rides with it against Fenrir at Ragnarok.
What is Gungnir?
Gungnir is the spear of Odin, forged by the dwarfs known as the Sons of Ivaldi and brought to Asgard by Loki. Its point was worked with such skill that the spear never slows and never misses, whatever it is thrown at.
Gungnir in battle and in the myths
Before a battle Odin would cast it over the enemy host to claim the slain for himself. When Odin hung upon Yggdrasil for nine nights to win the runes, he was wounded by a spear — the poem does not say which.
The poem Sigrdrífumál tells that runes were carved on its point, and at Ragnarok, Snorri says, Odin rides out against the wolf Fenrir with Gungnir in his hand.
It is Odin's, as Mjolnir is Thor's.
Questions
Who made Gungnir?
The dwarfs called the Sons of Ivaldi.
What is the difference between Gungnir and Mjolnir?
Gungnir is Odin's spear; Mjolnir is Thor's hammer. Both were made by dwarves.