Vápnthjófr saga

Time for some mythological context!

This story beat is inspired by/based on the myth about Loki & Odin’s trials in utgård. The duo, with their servant Tjalve in tow, arrived to Utgård during a jotun feast and was offered to take part in the games and competitions. Loki was doing an eating competition with a jotun, tjalve was doing a sprinting contest, and Thor competed in a drinking contest.

Despite his voracious appetite, Loki lost the eating contest. Tjalve was outperformed in running, and Thor could barely lower the volume in the drinking horn. Thor couldn’t accept this, and was offered to do a test of strength- He should lift the jotuns big cat. He could barely lift it’s paw off the ground. He finally tried a wrestling contest, competing against an old woman. To his surprise, he lost this as well.

The group had to admit defeat, and it was revealed that the contests had been distorted visions. Loki had tried to out-eat fire, and Tjalve had tried to run faster than thought.

Thor had first drunk from the sea (And created tide in his attempt) then he had tried to lift the midgård serpent, and finally tried to wrestle aging.

Furious about being deceived, Thor swung his hammer against Utgårda-Loki. However, it turned out that he, too, was an illusion and Thor’s hammer only hit the air. The gang had to go back home with wounded egos.

Here the visions are used for a very different purpose, of course, but it’s a versatile trick!