Starkad

The hero in the Gautreks Saga.

Starkad was a son of Storvirk and Unn. Starkad was named after his grandfather, Starkad the Ala-Warrior, and the hero himself was known as Starkad the Old.

Starkad the Ala-Warrior was said to be a giant who abducted Alfhild, daughter of King Alf.

The Norse god Odin favored Starkad, but Thor hated the hero. For every blessing that Odin bestowed upon Starkad, Thor placed a curse to counterbalance each blessing. As an example, for one of these blessings and curses, Odin said that Starkad would have a long life of 3 lifespans, but Thor countered with a curse that Starkad would commit a terrible deed in each lifespan. For another, Odin blessed Starkad that he would always be victorious in battle, but Thor cursed the hero that he would always receive terrible wounds in each battle.

Starkad's foster father was Harald. Starkad was a loyal champion, friend and counsellor to King Vikar; Starkad became Vikar's foster-brother.