Thorgrim

Thorgrim (died c. 877) was a Danish Viking who fought under jarl Osbern during the Viking invasion of England in the 9th century.

Biography

Thorgrim fought for jarl Osbern and fought in the Battle of Ashdown. The battle proved to be a Saxon victory as many warriors and their jarls fell in combat. Following Osbern's death in the battle, Thorgrim joined Geirmund Hjörrsson as a member of the Hel-hides after seeing him as worthy as did other former warriors of Osbern.

Along with Geirmund and Rafn, Thorgrim manned a ship to demonstrate a scare tactic of burning crosses to the Saxons in Wælingford. With others marching on land, the tactic worked as they took the settlement with no bloodshed. As a result, the Hel-hides and their leader's reputations grew as Guthrum congratulated them on their victory.

After a peace between the Danes and King Alfred, Thorgrim followed the Hel-hides into Lunden along with Guthrum and Halfdan Ragnarsson's army. However, their stay turned sour once Geirmund and Aslef returned from an ambush, with Aslef mortally wounded. He tended to Aslef, whose injury proved to be severe. Thorgrim was ordered to lead the other Hel-hides as Geirmund and a group of five selected warriors had to leave. Thorgrim understood and accepted the task.

Rejoining Geirmund

Years passed, but soon Thorgrim and his fellow Hel-hides followed Guthrum again, and he was met by his leader, Geirmund, and the other Hel-hides. Thorgrim informed them that Aslef died a day later of their departure and how he was by his side. At this point, Birna Gormsdóttir, who joined Geirmund, consoled Thorgrim, and the two began a relationship. Given a task to raid towns along the River Thames, Thorgrim followed Geirmund as they came across defenseless towns, especially land guarded by an archer. Thorgrim and Birna fatally subdued the archer while they left his corpse on the hall's door for the Saxons to find.

Afterwards, Thorgrim and his company headed to Wanating, Alfred's hometown. Empty as well, the town had an abundance of food as the company spent the night feasting. The next day, however, they were ambushed by Alfred's army, who began to siege Wanating. Although the Hel-hides held their ground, warriors under Geirmund fell while Thorgrim became injured from an arrow to the chest.

Death

Thorgrim laid dying on a bed, surrounded by both Birna and Geirmund. Asking for the arrowhead to be taken out, Thorgrim declared his love for Birna as the warriors took out the shaft. After the shaft was taken out, Thorgrim succumbed to his wounds. Taking his axe, Birna realized her future with him was at a close. Later, Thorgrim and the other fallen Hel-hides were sent to Valhalla as Birna vowed to kill Saxons in his name.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga