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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14726 ***
+
+THE ELDER EDDAS
+
+OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON.
+
+_Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English_
+
+BY
+
+BENJAMIN THORPE,
+
+AND THE
+
+YOUNGER EDDAS
+
+OF SNORRE STURLESON.
+
+_Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English_
+
+BY
+
+I.A. BLACKWELL.
+
+
+
+HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,
+
+EDITOR IN CHIEF.
+
+
+
+J. W. BUEL, Ph.D.,
+
+MANAGING EDITOR.
+
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE
+
+NORROENA SOCIETY,
+
+LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERLIN NEW YORK
+
+1906
+
+
+
+[Illustration KING GUNTHER.]
+
+(_After a painting by B. Guth_.)
+
+
+Gunnar, Gunther, or Gunter, King of Burgundy, was probably a real
+personage of the troubled times with which his name is associated--a
+period distinguished as much for heroic characters as for tragic
+events. Gunther represents the best type of kinghood of his age; a man
+swayed by his affections rather than by ambition, who scrupled at
+misdeeds, yet yielded to the mastering passions of love; one whose
+instincts were loyalty to friends and country, and who shrank from
+cruelties to gain his ends, but who fell a victim to woman's
+fascinations. History accordingly praises him more for a lover than
+for a sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.
+
+(ELDER AND YOUNGER EDDAS.)
+
+
+Frontispiece--Gunnar (Gunther) Page
+
+Siegfried Awakens Brynhild 159
+
+Death of Atli 247
+
+A Feast in Valhalla 331
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.
+
+                                                  Page
+
+  Preface by the Translator                        ix
+  Introduction to the Voluspa                      xv
+  The Vala's Prophecy                               1
+  The Lay of Vafthrudnir                            9
+  The Lay of Vegtam, or Baldur's Dream             26
+  The High One's Lay                               29
+  Odin's Rune Song                                 44
+  The Lay of Hymir                                 48
+  The Lay of Thrym, or the Hammer Recovered        53
+  The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis                       57
+  The Lay of Harbard                               63
+  The Journey, or Lay of Skirnir                   71
+  The Lay of Rig                                   78
+  Egir's Compotation, or Loki's Altercation        84
+  The Lay of Fiolsvith                             95
+  The Lay of Hyndla                               102
+  The Incantation of Groa                         109
+  The Song of the Sun                             111
+  The Lay of Volund                               121
+  The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son                 127
+  The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide              137
+  The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide             144
+  Sinfiotli's End                                 155
+  The Lay of Sigurd, or Gripir's Prophecy         157
+  The Lay of Fafnir                               172
+  The Lay of Sigrdrifa                            180
+  Fragments of the Lay of Sigurd and Brynhild     186
+  The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide               194
+  Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild                203
+  The First Lay of Gudrun                         206
+  Brynhild's Hel-ride                             210
+  The Slaughter of the Niflungs                   212
+  The Second Lay of Gudrun                        213
+  The Third Lay of Gudrun                         219
+  Oddrun's Lament                                 221
+  The Lay of Atli                                 226
+  The Groenland Lay of Atli                       233
+  Gudrun's Incitement                             248
+  The Lay of Hamdir                               251
+
+THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.
+
+  The Deluding of Gylfi                           256
+  Of the Primordial State of the Universe         259
+  Origin of the Frost-Giants                      260
+  Of the Cow Audhumla, and Birth of Odin          262
+  The Making of Heaven and Earth                  263
+  Creation of Man and Woman                       265
+  Night and Day, Sun and Moon                     266
+  Wolves that Pursue the Sun and Moon             267
+  The Way that Leads to Heaven                    268
+  The Golden Age                                  269
+  Origin of the Dwarfs, and Norns of Destiny      270
+  The Ash Yggdrasill and Mimer's Well             271
+  The Norns that Tend Yggdrasill                  273
+  The Wind and the Seasons                        275
+  Thor and His Hammer                             277
+  Balder and Njord                                278
+  Njord and His Wife Skadi                        279
+  The God Frey and Goddess Freyja                 280
+  Tyr and Other Gods                              281
+  Hodur the Blind, Assassin of Baldur             283
+  Loki and His Progeny                            284
+  Binding the Wolf Fenrir                         285
+  The Goddesses and their Attributes              289
+  Frey, and Gerda the Beautiful                   291
+  The Joys of Valhalla                            293
+  The Wonderful Horse Sleipnir                    297
+  The Ship Adapted to Sail on Sea or Land         299
+  Thor's Adventures in the Land of Giants         300
+  The Death of Baldur                             315
+  Baldur in the Abode of the Dead                 319
+  Loki's Capture and Punishment                   321
+  Destruction of the Universe                     323
+  Restoration of the Universe                     327
+  How Loki Carried Away Iduna                     329
+  The Origin of Poetry                            331
+  Odin Beguiles the Daughter of Baugi             333
+
+Glossary                                          335
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+Sæmund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his
+name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda,
+was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line
+from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling
+in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50
+years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that
+island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized
+favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his
+days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his
+unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.
+
+The youth of Sæmund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and
+France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John
+Ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death
+was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell
+in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland,
+in the year 1076. Sæmund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he
+instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which
+were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as
+witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, Sæmund's predilection for the sagas
+and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so
+well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him
+as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or
+innocuous and defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his
+memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it
+through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them
+highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to
+generation.[1] Sæmund died at the age of 77, leaving behind him a work
+on the history of Norway and Iceland, which is now almost entirely
+lost.
+
+The first who ascribed to Sæmund the collection of poems known as the
+Poetic Edda,[2] was Brynjolf Svensson, bishop of Skalholt. This
+prelate, who was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found in
+the year 1643, the old vellum codex, which is the most complete of
+all the known manuscripts of the Edda; of this he caused a transcript
+to be made, which he entitled _Edda Saemundi Multiscii_. The
+transcript came into the possession of the royal historiographer
+Torfæus; the original, together with other MSS., was presented to the
+King of Denmark, Frederick. III., and placed in the royal library at
+Copenhagen, where it now is.[3] As many of the Eddaic poems appear to
+have been orally transmitted in an imperfect state, the collector has
+supplied the deficiencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
+of the subject is to a certain degree restored.
+
+The collection called Sæmund's Edda consists of two parts, viz., the
+Mythological and the Heroic. It is the former of those which is now
+offered to the public in an English version. In the year 1797, a
+translation of this first part, by A.S. Cottle, was published at
+Bristol. This work I have never met with; nor have I seen any English
+version of any part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spirited
+but free translation of the Vegtamskvida.
+
+The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) celebrates the story of Volund's
+doings and sufferings during his sojourn in the territory of the
+Swedish king Nidud. Volund (_Ger_. Wieland, _Fr_. Veland and Galans)
+is the Scandinavian and Germanic Vulcan (Hephaistos) and Dædalus. In
+England his story, as a skillful smith, is traceable to a very early
+period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf we find that hero desiring,
+in the event of his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his
+corslets may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says, the work of
+Weland; and king Ælfred, in his translation of Boethius de
+Consolatione, renders the words _fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc_. by Hwæt
+(hwær) Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the famous and wise
+goldsmith Weland?), evidently taking the proper name of Fabricius for
+an appellative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book, too, there is
+a poem in substance closely resembling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of
+Kenilworth, Walter Scott has been guilty of a woeful perversion of the
+old tradition, travestied from the Berkshire legend of Wayland Smith.
+As a land-boundary we find Weland's smithy in a Charter of king Eadred
+A.D. 955.
+
+On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is nothing to remark beyond
+what appears in the poem itself.
+
+The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the first of the series of stories
+relating to the Volsung race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.
+
+The connection of the several personages celebrated in these poems
+will appear plain from the following tables:
+
+              Sigi, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin
+                |
+              Rerir
+                |
+              Volsung = a daughter of the giant Hrimnir
+     __________________|
+     |
+    Sigmund  =  Signi  =    Borghild    =  Hiordis
+       |     |         |                |
+    Hamund. Sinfiotli. Helgi = Sigrun Sigurd = Gudrun
+                                           __|____________
+                                          |               |
+                                          Sigmund, Svanhild.
+                                                     m Jornmnrek.
+
+
+                           Giuki = Grimhild.
+          _______________________|
+         |
+    Gunnar=Glaumvor. Hogni=Kostbera. Guthorm. Gudrun,=1 Sigurd.
+                          |                           2 Atli.
+                 Solar. Giuki. Snævar.                3 Jonakr.
+
+
+
+                   Budli.
+                     |
+    Atli = Gudrun: Brynhild = Gunnar.  Oddrun.  Beckhild = Heimir.
+         |                                               |
+       Erp. Eitil                                      Alsvid.
+
+
+                   Jonakr = Gudrun
+                 _____|   |__________
+                |                    |
+                 Erp    Hamdir. Sorli.
+
+The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Niflung lays terminates with the
+Lay of Hamdir; the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
+comparatively late composition; yet being written in the true ancient
+spirit of the North is well deserving of a place among the Eddaic
+poems. Nor, indeed, is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank among
+the poems collected by Sæmund, by any means clear, we know it only
+from its existence in the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its
+intrinsic worth, and its reception in other editions of the Edda, both
+in original and translation, the present work would seem, and justly
+so, incomplete without it.
+
+The Prose, or Younger Edda, is generally ascribed to the celebrated
+Snorre Sturleson, who was born of a distinguished Icelandic family, in
+the year 1178, and after leading a turbulent and ambitious life, and
+being twice the supreme magistrate of the Republic, was killed A.D.
+1241,[4] by three of his sons-in-law and a stepson. When Snorre was
+three years old, John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of Sæmund the
+Wise, took him into fosterage. Snorre resided at Oddi until his
+twentieth year, and appears to have received an excellent education
+from his foster father, who was one of the most learned men of that
+period. How far he may have made use of the manuscripts of Sæmund and
+Ari, which were preserved at Oddi, it is impossible to say, neither do
+we know the precise contents of these manuscripts; but it is highly
+probable that the most important parts of the work, now known under
+the title of "The Prose Edda," formed a part of them, and that
+Snorre--who may be regarded as the Scandinavian Euhemerus--merely
+added a few chapters, in order to render the mythology more
+conformable to the erroneous notions he appears to have entertained
+respecting its signification. Be this as it may, the Prose Edda, in
+its present form, dates from the thirteenth century, and consists
+of--1. _Formali_ (Fore discourse); or the prologue. 2. _Gylfa-ginning_
+(The deluding of Gylfi). 3. _Braga-roedur_ (Conversations of Bragi).
+4. _Eptirmali_ (After discourse); or Epilogue. The Prologue and
+Epilogue were probably written by Snorre himself, and are nothing more
+than an absurd syncretism of Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian
+myths and legends, in which Noah, Priam, Odin, Hector, Thor, Æneas,
+&c, are jumbled together much in the same manner as in the romances of
+the Middle Ages. These dissertations, utterly worthless in themselves,
+have obviously nothing in common with the so-called "Prose Edda," the
+first part of which, containing fifty-three chapters, forms a complete
+synopsis of Scandinavian mythology, derived principally from the
+Poetical Edda.
+
+THE TRANSLATOR.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: The following, the first among many, may serve as a
+specimen.
+
+Sæmund was residing, in the south of Europe, with a famous Master, by
+whom he was instructed in every kind of lore; while, on the other
+hand, he forgot (apparently through intense study) all that he had
+previously learned, even to his own name; so that when the holy man
+John Ogmundson came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll;
+but on John insisting that he was no other than Sæmund Sigfusson, born
+at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many particulars regarding
+himself, he at length became conscious of his own identity, and
+resolved to flee from the place with his kinsman. For the purpose of
+deceiving the master, John continued some time in the place, and often
+came to visit him and Sæmund; till at last, one dark night, they
+betook themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them than
+he sent in pursuit of them; but in vain, and the heavens were too
+overcast to admit, according to his custom, of reading their
+whereabouts in the stars. So they traveled day and night and all the
+following day. But the next night was clear, and the Master at once
+read in the stars where they were, and set out after them at full
+speed. Then Sæmund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said, "Now is
+my Master in chase of us, and sees where we are." And on John asking
+what was to be done, he answered: "Take one of my shoes off, fill it
+with water, and set it on my head." John did so, and at the same
+moment, the Master, looking up at the heavens, says to his companion:
+"Bad news; the stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water
+about his forehead." And thereupon returned home. The pair now again
+prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the following night,
+the Master again consults the stars, when, to his great amazement, he
+sees the star of Sæmund directly above his head, and again sets off
+after the fugitives. Observing this, Sæmund says: "The astrologer is
+again after us, and again we must look to ourselves; take my shoe off
+again, and with your knife stab me in the thigh; fill the shoe with
+blood, and place it on the top of my head." John does as directed, and
+the Master, again gazing at the stars, says: "There is blood now about
+the star of Master Koll, and the stranger has for certain murdered
+him," and so returns home. The old man now has once more recourse to
+his art; but on seeing Sæmund's star shining brightly above him, he
+exclaimed: "My pupil is still living; so much the better. I have
+taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both in astrology and
+magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I am unable to hinder their
+departure."]
+
+[Footnote 2: Bishop P.E. Muller supposes the greater number of the
+Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek II, p, 131.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this MS.
+is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Snorre, at the death of John Loptson (A.D. 1197), does
+not appear to have possessed any property whatever, though he
+afterwards became the wealthiest man in Iceland. His rise in the world
+was chiefly owing to his marriage with Herdisa, the daughter of a
+priest called Bersi the Rich,--a very enviable surname, which no doubt
+enabled the Rev. gentleman to brave the decrees of Popes and Councils,
+and take to himself a wife--who brought him a very considerable
+fortune. If we may judge from Snorre's biography, Christianity appears
+to have effected very little change in the character of the
+Icelanders. We have the same turbulent and sanguinary scenes, the same
+loose conduct of the women, and perfidy, and remorseless cruelty of
+the men, as in the Pagan times.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION TO THE VOLUSPA.
+
+As introductory to the Voluspa, the following description of a
+wandering Vala or prophetess may be thought both desirable and
+interesting: "We find them present at the birth of children, when they
+seem to represent the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either by
+means of _seid_, during the night, while all others in the house were
+sleeping, and uttered their oracles in the morning; or they received
+sudden inspirations during the singing of certain songs appropriate to
+the purpose, without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
+These seid-women were common over all the North. When invited by the
+master of a family, they appeared in a peculiar costume, sometimes
+with a considerable number of followers, e.g. with fifteen young men
+and fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received money, gold
+rings, and other precious things. Sometimes it was necessary to compel
+them to prophesy. An old description of such a Vala, who went from
+guild to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
+women and their proceedings":--
+
+"Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the winter attended the
+guilds, at the invitation of those who desired to know their fate, or
+the quality of the coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
+sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an elevated seat, on
+which lay a cushion stuffed with feathers. A man was sent to meet her.
+She came in the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with thongs
+and set with stones down to the lap; round her neck she had a
+necklace of glass beads, on her head a hood of black lambskin lined
+with white catskin; in her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted
+with brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she wore a
+girdle of agaric (knoske), from which hung a bag containing her
+conjuring apparatus; on her feet were rough calfskin shoes with long
+ties and tin buttons, on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
+within. All bade her welcome with a reverent salutation; the master
+himself conducted her by the hand to her seat. She undertook no
+prophecy on the first day, but would first pass a night there. In the
+evening of the following day she ascended her elevated seat, caused
+the women to place themselves round her, and desired them to sing
+certain songs, which they did in a strong, clear voice. She then
+prophesied of the coming year, and afterwards, all that would advanced
+and asked her such questions as they thought proper, to which they
+received plain answers."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most probably from the
+time of heathenism, are set forth, as the utterances of a Vala, or
+wandering prophetess, as above described, the story of the creation of
+the world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods, the
+dwarfs, and the human race, together with other events relating to the
+mythology of the North, and ending with the destruction of the gods
+and the world, and their renewal.
+
+
+
+
+VÖLUSPÂ. THE VALA'S PROPHECY.
+
+1. For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of
+Heimdall,[5] they will that I Valfather's deeds recount, men's ancient
+saws, those that I best remember.
+
+2. The Jötuns I remember early born, those who me of old have
+reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree,
+beneath the earth.
+
+3. There was in times of old, where Ymir dwelt, nor sand nor sea,
+nor gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven above, 'twas a chaotic
+chasm, and grass nowhere.
+
+4. Before Bur's sons raised up heaven's vault, they who the noble
+mid-earth shaped. The sun shone from the south over the structure's
+rocks: then was the earth begrown with herbage green.
+
+5. The sun from the south, the moon's companion, her right hand cast
+about the heavenly horses. The sun knew not where she[6] a dwelling
+had, the moon knew not what power he possessed, the stars knew not
+where they had a station.
+
+6. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: to night and to the waning moon gave
+names; morn they named, and mid-day, afternoon and eve, whereby to
+reckon years.
+
+7. The Æsir met on Ida's plain; they altar-steads and temples high
+constructed; their strength they proved, all things tried, furnaces
+established, precious things forged, formed tongs, and fabricated
+tools;
+
+8. At tables played at home; joyous they were; to them was naught
+the want of gold, until there came Thurs-maidens three, all powerful,
+from Jötunheim.
+
+9. Then went all the powers to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, who should of the dwarfs the race
+create, from the sea-giant's blood and livid bones.
+
+10. Then was Môtsognir created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin
+second; there in man's likeness they created many dwarfs from earth,
+as Durin said.
+
+11. Nýi and Nidi, Nordri and Sudri, Austri and Vestri, Althiôf,
+Dvalin Nâr and Nâin, Niping, Dain, Bivör, Bavör, Bömbur, Nori, An and
+Anar, Ai, Miodvitnir,
+
+12. Veig and Gandâlf, Vindâlf, Thrain, Thekk and Thorin, Thrôr,
+Vitr, and Litr, Nûr and Nýrâd, Regin and Râdsvid. Now of the dwarfs I
+have rightly told.
+
+13. Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, Billing,
+Bruni, Bild, Bûri, Frâr, Hornbori, Fræg and Lôni, Aurvang, Iari,
+Eikinskialdi.
+
+14. Time 'tis of the dwarfs in Dvalin's band, to the sons of men, to
+Lofar up to reckon, those who came forth from the world's rock,
+earth's foundation, to Iora's plains.
+
+15. There were Draupnir, and Dôlgthrasir, Hâr, Haugspori, Hlævang,
+Glôi, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,
+
+16. Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, Höggstari, Hliôdôlf,
+Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
+accounted be.
+
+17. Until there came three mighty and benevolent Æsir to the world
+from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
+Embla, void of destiny.
+
+18. Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
+powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
+gave Lodur, and goodly colour.
+
+19. I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
+limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
+stands it green over Urd's fountain.
+
+20. Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
+under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,--on a
+tablet they graved--Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
+allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.
+
+21. Alone she[7] sat without, when came that ancient dread Æsir's
+prince; and in his eye she gazed.
+
+22. "Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
+all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim." Mim
+drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.[8] Understand ye yet,
+or what?
+
+23. The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
+discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
+world.
+
+24. She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
+god's people: Skuld held a shield, Skögul was second, then Gunn, Hild
+Göndul, and Geirskögul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
+Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.
+
+25. She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig[9]
+they with lances pierced, and in the high one's[10] hall her burnt,
+thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
+lives.
+
+26. Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
+well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
+arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.
+
+27. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, whether the Æsir should avenge the
+crime,[11] or all the gods receive atonement.
+
+28. Broken was the outer wall of the Æsir's burgh. The Vanir,
+foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], and
+mid the people hurled it: that was the first warfare in the world.
+
+29. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: who had all the air with evil mingled?
+or to the Jötun race Od's maid had given?
+
+30. There alone was Thor with anger swollen. He seldom sits, when
+of the like he hears. Oaths are not held sacred; nor words, nor
+swearing, nor binding compacts reciprocally made.
+
+31. She knows that Heimdall's horn is hidden under the heaven-bright
+holy tree. A river she sees flow, with foamy fall, from Valfather's
+pledge. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+32. East sat the crone, in Iârnvidir, and there reared up Fenrir's
+progeny: of all shall be one especially the moon's devourer, in a
+troll's semblance.
+
+33. He is sated with the last breath of dying men; the god's seat he
+with red gore defiles: swart is the sunshine then for summers after;
+all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+34. There on a height sat, striking a harp, the giantess's watch,
+the joyous Egdir; by him crowed, in the bird-wood, the bright red
+cock, which Fialar hight.
+
+35. Crowed o'er the Æsir Gullinkambi, which wakens heroes with the
+sire of hosts; but another crows beneath the earth, a soot-red cock,
+in the halls of Hel.
+
+36. I saw of Baldr, the blood-stained god, Odin's son, the hidden
+fate. There stood grown up, high on the plain, slender and passing
+fair, the mistletoe.
+
+37. From that shrub was made, as to me it seemed, a deadly, noxious
+dart. Hödr shot it forth; but Frigg bewailed, in Fensalir, Valhall's
+calamity. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+38. Bound she saw lying, under Hveralund, a monstrous form, to Loki
+like. There sits Sigyn, for her consort's sake, not right glad.
+Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+39. Then the Vala knew the fatal bonds were twisting, most rigid,
+bonds from entrails made.
+
+40. From the east a river falls, through venom dales, with mire and
+clods, Slîd is its name.
+
+41. On the north there stood, on Nida-fells, a hall of gold, for
+Sindri's race; and another stood in Okôlnir, the Jötuns beer-hall
+which Brîmir hight.
+
+42. She saw a hall standing, far from the sun, in Nâströnd; its
+doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in through its apertures:
+entwined is that hall with serpents' backs.
+
+43. She there saw wading the sluggish streams bloodthirsty men and
+perjurers, and him who the ear beguiles of another's wife. There
+Nidhögg sucks the corpses of the dead; the wolf tears men. Understand
+ye yet, or what?
+
+44. Further forward I see, much can I say of Ragnarök and the gods'
+conflict.
+
+45. Brothers shall fight, and slay each other; cousins shall kinship
+violate. The earth resounds, the giantesses flee; no man will another
+spare.
+
+46. Hard is it in the world, great whoredom, an axe age, a sword
+age, shields shall be cloven, a wind age, a wolf age, ere the world
+sinks.
+
+47. Mim's sons dance, but the central tree takes fire at the
+resounding Giallar-horn. Loud blows Heimdall, his horn is raised; Odin
+speaks with Mim's head.
+
+48. Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans that aged tree,
+and the jötun is loosed. Loud bays Garm before the Gnupa-cave, his
+bonds he rends asunder; and the wolf runs.
+
+49. Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is
+coiled in jötun-rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams:
+the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.
+
+50. That ship fares from the east: come will Muspell's people o'er
+the sea, and Loki steers. The monster's kin goes all with the wolf;
+with them the brother is of Byleist on their course.
+
+51. Surt from the south comes with flickering flame; shines from his
+sword the Val-gods' sun. The stony hills are dashed together, the
+giantesses totter; men tread the path of Hel, and heaven is cloven.
+
+52. How is it with the Æsir? How with the Alfar? All Jötunheim
+resounds; the Æsir are in council. The dwarfs groan before their stony
+doors, the sages of the rocky walls. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+53. Then arises Hlîn's second grief, when Odin goes with the wolf to
+fight, and the bright slayer of Beli with Surt. Then will Frigg's
+beloved fall.
+
+54. Then comes the great victor-sire's son, Vidar, to fight with the
+deadly beast. He with his hands will make his sword pierce to the
+heart of the giant's son: then avenges he his father.
+
+55. Then comes the mighty son of Hlôdyn: (Odin's son goes with the
+monster to fight); Midgârd's Veor in his rage will slay the worm. Nine
+feet will go Fiörgyn's son, bowed by the serpent, who feared no foe.
+All men will their homes forsake.
+
+56. The sun darkens, earth in ocean sinks, fall from heaven the
+bright stars, fire's breath assails the all-nourishing tree, towering
+fire plays against heaven itself.
+
+57. She sees arise, a second time, earth from ocean, beauteously
+green, waterfalls descending; the eagle flying over, which in the fell
+captures fish.
+
+58. The Æsir meet on Ida's plain, and of the mighty earth-encircler
+speak, and there to memory call their mighty deeds, and the supreme
+god's ancient lore.
+
+59. There shall again the wondrous golden tables in the grass be
+found, which in days of old had possessed the ruler of the gods, and
+Fiölnir's race.
+
+60. Unsown shall the fields bring forth, all evil be amended; Baldr
+shall come; Hödr and Baldr, the heavenly gods, Hropt's glorious
+dwellings shall inhabit. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+61. Then can Hoenir choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons
+inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+62. She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold bedecked,
+in Gimill: there shall be righteous people dwell, and for evermore
+happiness enjoy.
+
+64. Then comes the mighty one to the great judgment, the powerful
+from above, who rules o'er all. He shall dooms pronounce, and strifes
+allay, holy peace establish, which shall ever be.
+
+65. There comes the dark dragon flying from beneath the glistening
+serpent, from Nida-fels. On his wings bears Nidhögg, flying o'er the
+plain, a corpse. Now she will descend.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 5: In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, under the
+name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three orders of mankind.]
+
+[Footnote 6: In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
+fem., the moon masc.]
+
+[Footnote 7: The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.]
+
+[Footnote 8: His eye here understood to signify the sun.]
+
+[Footnote 9: A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
+was the end of the golden age.]
+
+[Footnote 10: _i.e._, Odin's: his hall is the world.]
+
+[Footnote 11: Of introducing the use of gold.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.
+
+Odin visits the Giant (Jötun) Vafthrûdnir, for the purpose of proving
+his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
+Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
+head. The Jötun incurs the penalty.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+1. Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthrûdnir to visit;
+great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise Jötun
+to contend.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+2. At home to bide Hærfather I would counsel, in the gods'
+dwellings; because no Jötun is, I believe, so mighty as is
+Vafthrûdnir.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+3. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
+but this I fain would know, how in Vafthrûdnir's halls it is.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+4. In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
+journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
+shalt hold converse with the Jötun.
+
+5. Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise Jötun. To the
+hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.
+
+_Odin._
+
+6. Hail to thee, Vafthrûdnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
+see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
+Jötun.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+7. What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
+thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.
+
+_Odin._
+
+8. Gagnrâd is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
+halls, needing hospitality,--for I long have journeyed--and kind
+reception from thee, Jötun!
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+9. Why then, Gagnrâd! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
+a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
+ancient talker.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+10. A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
+hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
+visits an austere man.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+11. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
+human kind?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+12. Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
+kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
+sheds light that horse's mane.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+13. Tell me now, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
+o'er the beneficent powers?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+14. Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
+beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
+in the dales comes dew.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+15. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
+Jötuns and the Gods?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+16. Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
+Jötuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
+stream no ice shall be.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+17. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
+and the gentle Gods?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+18. Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall meet Surt and
+the gentle Gods; a hundred rasts it is on every side. That plain is to
+them decreed.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+19. Wise art thou, O guest! Approach the Jötuns bench, and sitting
+let us together talk; we will our heads in the hall pledge, guest! for
+wise utterance.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+20. Tell me first, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthrûdnir!
+knowest, whence first came the earth, and the high heaven, thou,
+sagacious Jötun?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+21. From Ymir's flesh the earth was formed, and from his bones the
+hills, the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his
+blood the sea.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+22. Tell me secondly, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthrûdnir!
+knowest, whence came the moon, which over mankind passes, and the sun
+likewise?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+23. Mundilfoeri hight he, who the moon's father is, and eke the
+sun's: round heaven journey each day they must, to count years for
+men.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+24. Tell me thirdly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence came the day, which over people passes,
+and night with waning moons?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+25. Delling hight he who the day's father is, but night was of Nörvi
+born; the new and waning moons the beneficent powers created, to count
+years for men.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+26. Tell me fourthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence winter came, and warm summer first among
+the wise gods?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+27. Vindsval hight he, who winter's father is, and Svâsud summer's;
+yearly they both shall ever journey, until the powers perish.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+28. Tell me fifthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, which of the Æsir earliest, or of Ymir's sons,
+in days of old existed?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+29. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was Bergelmir born;
+Thrûdgelmir was his sire, his grandsire Aurgelmir.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+30. Tell me sixthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence first came Aurgelmir, among the Jötun's
+sons, thou sagacious Jötun?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+31. From Elivâgar sprang venom drops, which grew till they became a
+Jötun; but sparks flew from the south-world: to the ice the fire gave
+life.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+33. Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! how he children begat, the bold Jötun, as he had
+no giantess's company?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+33. Under the armpit grew, 'tis said, of the Hrîmthurs, a girl and
+boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise Jötun, a six-headed
+son.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+34. Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
+knowest? Thou art an all-wise Jötun.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+35. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
+That I first remember, when that wise Jötun in an ark was laid.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+36. Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
+itself invisible to man?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+37. Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a Jötun
+in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
+that over all men passes.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+38. Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
+Vafthrûdnir! whence Niörd came among the Æsir's sons? O'er fanes and
+offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the Æsir born.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+39. In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
+gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+40. Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
+until the powers perish?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+41. All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
+fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the Æsir
+drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+42. Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! of the Jötuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
+say what truest is, thou all-knowing Jötun!
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+43. Of the secrets of the Jötuns and of all the gods, I can truly
+tell; for I have over each world travelled; to nine worlds I came, to
+Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+44. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. What mortals will live, when the great "Fimbul"-winter shall
+from men have passed?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+45. Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
+holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
+be born.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+46. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
+this devoured?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+47. A daughter shall Alfrödull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed
+her. The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother's course.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+48. Much have I journeyed, etc. Who are the maidens that o'er the
+ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+49. O'er people's dwellings three descend of Mögthrasir's maidens,
+the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with Jötuns
+nurtured.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+50. Much have I journeyed, etc. Which of the Æsir will rule o'er the
+gods' possession, when Surt's fire shall be quenched?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+51. Vidar and Vali will the gods' holy fanes inhabit, when Surt's
+fire shall be quenched. Môdi and Magni will Miöllnir possess, and
+warfare strive to end.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+52. Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be,
+when the powers perish?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+53. The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:
+he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+54. Much have I journeyed, etc. What said Odin in his son's ear, ere
+he on the pile was laid?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+55. That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy
+son's ear. With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods'
+destruction. With Odin I have contended in wise utterances: of men
+thou ever art the wisest!
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.
+
+The subject is wholly mythological.
+
+
+King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirröd. Agnar
+was ten, and Geirröd eight winters old. They both rowed out in a boat,
+with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove
+them out to sea. In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the
+shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with
+whom they stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought up
+Agnar, and the cottager, Geirröd, and gave him good advice. In the
+spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied
+them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirröd. They had a fair
+wind, and reached their father's place. Geirröd was at the ship's
+prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, "Go where
+an evil spirit may get thee." The vessel was driven out to sea, but
+Geirröd went up to the town, where he was well received; but his
+father was dead. Geirröd was then taken for king, and became a famous
+man.
+
+Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidskiâlf, looking over all the world.
+Odin said, "Seest thou Agnar, thy foster-son, where he is, getting
+children with a giantess in a cave? while Geirröd, my foster-son, is a
+king residing in his country." Frigg answered, "He is so inhospitable
+that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that too many come." Odin
+replied that that was the greatest falsehood; and they wagered
+thereupon. Frigg sent her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirröd be on his
+guard, lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm, and also
+say that a token whereby he might be known was, that no dog, however
+fierce, would attack him. But that King Geirröd was not hospitable was
+mere idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured whom no
+dog would assail. He was clad in a blue cloak, and was named Grimnir,
+and would say no more concerning himself, although he was questioned.
+The king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess, and to be set
+between two fires; and there he sat for eight nights. King Geirröd had
+a son ten years old, whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar
+went to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from, saying that
+the king did wrong in causing him to be tortured, though innocent.
+Grimnir drank from it. The fire had then so approached him that his
+cloak was burnt; whereupon he said:--
+
+
+1. Fire! thou art hot, and much too great; flame! let us separate.
+My garment is singed, although I lift it up, my cloak is scorched
+before it.
+
+2. Eight nights have I sat between fires here, and to me no one food
+has offered, save only Agnar, the son of Geirröd, who alone shall rule
+over the land of Goths.
+
+3. Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to
+be. For one draught thou never shalt get better recompense.
+
+4. Holy is the land, which I see lying to Æsir and Alfar near; but
+in Thrûdheim Thor shall dwell until the powers perish.
+
+5. Ydalir it is called, where Ullr has himself a dwelling made.
+Alfheim the gods to Frey gave in days of yore for a tooth-gift.
+
+6. The third dwelling is, where the kind powers have with silver
+decked the hall; Valaskiâlf 'tis called, which for himself acquired
+the As in days of old.
+
+7. Sökkvabekk the fourth is named o'er which the gelid waves
+resound; Odin and Saga there, joyful each day, from golden beakers
+quaff.
+
+8. Gladsheim the fifth is named, there the golden-bright Valhall
+stands spacious, there Hropt selects each day those men who die by
+weapons.
+
+9. Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, its hall with shields is
+decked, with corslets are its benches strewed.
+
+10. Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. A wolf hangs before the western door, over it an eagle
+hovers.
+
+11. Thrymheim the sixth is named, where Thiassi dwelt that
+all-powerful Jötun; but Skadi now inhabits, the bright bride of gods,
+her father's ancient home.
+
+12. Breidablik is the seventh, where Baldr has built for himself a
+hall, in that land, in which I know exists the fewest crimes.
+
+13. Himinbiörg is the eighth, where Heimdall, it is said, rules
+o'er the holy fanes: there the gods' watchman, in his tranquil home,
+drinks joyful the good mead.
+
+14. Fôlkvang is the ninth, there Freyia directs the sittings in the
+hall. She half the fallen chooses each day, but Odin th' other half.
+
+15. Glitnir is the tenth; it is on gold sustained, and eke with
+silver decked. There Forseti dwells throughout all time, and every
+strife allays.
+
+16. Nôatûn is the eleventh, there Niörd has himself a dwelling made,
+prince of men; guiltless of sin, he rules o'er the high-built fane.
+
+17. O'ergrown with branches and high grass is Vidar's spacious
+Landvîdi: There will the son descend, from the steed's back, bold to
+avenge his father.
+
+18. Andhrimnir makes, in Eldhrimnir, Sæhrimnir to boil, of meats the
+best; but few know how many Einheriar it feeds.
+
+19. Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts;
+but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives.
+
+20. Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for
+Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin.
+
+21. Thund roars; joyful in Thiodvitnir's water lives the fish; the
+rapid river seems too great for the battle-steed to ford.
+
+22. Valgrind is the lattice called, in the plain that stands, holy
+before the holy gates: ancient is that lattice, but few only know how
+it is closed with lock.
+
+23. Five hundred doors, and forty eke, I think, are in Valhall.
+Eight hundred Einheriar will at once from each door go when they issue
+with the wolf to fight.
+
+24. Five hundred floors, and forty eke, I think, has Bilskirnir with
+its windings. Of all the roofed houses that I know, is my son's the
+greatest.
+
+25. Heidrûn the goat is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from Lærâd's branches. He a bowl shall fill with the bright
+mead; that drink shall never fail.
+
+26. Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from Lærâd's branches; from his horns fall drops into
+Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise:--
+
+27. Sid and Vid, Soekin and Eikin, Svöl and Gunnthrô, Fiörm and
+Fimbulthul, Rin and Rennandi, Gipul and Göpul, Gömul and Geirvimul:
+they round the gods' dwelling wind. Thyn and Vin, Thöll and Höll, Grâd
+and Gunnthorin.
+
+28. Vina one is called, a second Vegsvin, a third Thiodnuma; Nyt and
+Nön and Hrön, Slid and Hrid, Sylg and Ylg, Vîd and Vân, Vönd and
+Strönd, Gioll and Leipt; these (two) fall near to men, but fall hence
+to Hel.
+
+29. Körmt and Ormt, and the Kerlaugs twain: these Thor must wade
+each day, when he to council goes at Yggdrasil's ash; for the
+As-bridge is all on fire, the holy waters boil.
+
+30. Glad and Gyllir, Gler and Skeidbrimir, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
+Gisl and Falhôfnir, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on these steeds the Æsir
+each day ride, when they to council go, at Yggdrasil's ash.
+
+31. Three roots stand on three ways under Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under
+one abides, under the second the Hrimthursar, under the third mankind.
+
+32. Ratatösk is the squirrel named, which, has to run in Yggdrasil's
+ash; he from above the eagle's words must carry, and beneath to
+Nidhögg repeat.
+
+33. Harts there are also four, which from its summits, arch-necked,
+gnaw. Dâin and Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathrôr.
+
+34. More serpents lie under Yggdrasil's ash, than any one would
+think of witless mortals: Gôin and Môin,--they are Grafvitnir's
+sons--Grâbak and Grafvöllud, Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ween, the
+branches of that tree ever lacerate.
+
+35. Yggdrasil's ash hardship suffers greater than men know of; a
+hart bites it above, and in its side it rots, Nidhögg beneath tears
+it.
+
+36. Hrist and Mist the horn shall bear me Skeggöld and Skögul, Hlökk
+and Herfiotur, Hildi and Thrûdi, Göll and Geirölul, Randgríd and
+Râdgrîd, and Reginleif, these bear beer to the Einheriar.
+
+37. Arvakr and Alsvid, theirs 'tis up hence fasting the sun to draw:
+under their shoulder the gentle powers, the Æsir, have concealed an
+iron-coolness.
+
+38. Svalin the shield is called, which stands before the sun, the
+refulgent deity; rocks and ocean must, I ween, be burnt, fell it from
+its place.
+
+39. Sköll the wolf is named, that the fair-faced goddess to the
+ocean chases; another Hati hight, he is Hrôdvitnir's son; he the
+bright maid of heaven shall precede.
+
+40. Of Ymir's flesh was earth created, of his blood the sea, of his
+bones the hills, of his hair trees and plants, of his skull the
+heaven;
+
+41. And of his brows the gentle powers formed Midgard for the sons
+of men; but of his brain the heavy clouds are all created.
+
+42. Ullr's and all the gods' favour shall have, whoever first shall
+look to the fire; for open will the dwelling be, to the Æsir's sons,
+when the kettles are lifted off.[12]
+
+43. Ivaldi's sons went in days of old Skidbladnir to form, of ships
+the best, for the bright Frey, Niörd's benign son.
+
+44. Yggdrasil's ash is of all trees most excellent, and of all
+ships, Skidbladnir, of the Æsir, Odin, and of horses, Sleipnir,
+Bifröst of bridges, and of skallds, Bragi, Hâbrôk of hawks, and of
+dogs, Garm, [Brimir of swords.]
+
+45. Now I my face have raised to the gods' triumphant sons, at that
+will welcome help awake; from all the Æsir, that shall penetrate, to
+Oegir's bench, to Oegir's compotation.[13]
+
+46. I am called Grim, I am called Gangleri, Herian and Hiâlmberi,
+Thekk and Thridi, Thund and Ud, Helblindi and Har,
+
+47. Sad and Svipall, and Sanngetall, Herteit and Hnikar Bileyg,
+Bâleyg, Bölverk, Fiölnir, Grîm and Grimnir, Glapsvid and Fiölsvid,
+
+48. Sîdhött, Sîdskegg Sigfödr, Hnikud, Alfodr, Valfödr, Atrid and
+Farmatyr; by one name I never have been called, since among men I have
+gone.
+
+49. Grimnir I am called at Geirröd's, and at Asmund's Jâlk and
+Kialar, when a sledge I drew; Thrôr at the public meetings, Vidur in
+battles, Oski and Omi, Jafnhâr and Biflindi, Gôndlir and Harbard with
+the gods.
+
+50. Svidur and Svidrir I was at Sökkmimir's called, and beguiled
+that ancient Jötun, when of Midvitnir's renowned son I was the sole
+destroyer.
+
+51. Drunken art thou, Geirröd, thou hast drunk too much, thou art
+greatly by mead beguiled. Much didst thou lose, when thou wast of my
+help bereft, of all the Einheriar's and Odin's favour.
+
+52. Many things I told thee, but thou hast few remembered: thy
+friends mislead thee. My friend's sword lying I see, with blood all
+dripping.
+
+53. The fallen by the sword Ygg shall now have; thy life is now run
+out: Wroth with thee are the Dîsir: Odin thou now shalt see: draw near
+to me if thou canst.
+
+54. Odin I now am named, Ygg I was called before, before that,
+Thund, Vakr and Skilfing, Vâfudr and Hrôptatyr, with the gods, Gaut
+and Jâlk, Ofnir and Svafnir, all which I believe to be names of me
+alone.
+
+King Geirröd was sitting with his sword lying across his knees, half
+drawn from the scabbard, but on finding that it was Odin, he rose for
+the purpose of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt from
+his hand with the hilt downwards; and the king having stumbled, the
+sword pierced him through and killed him. Odin then vanished, and
+Agnar was king for a long time after.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 12: What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently
+reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the intervention
+of the kettles, the Æsir were unable to see Odin's unpleasant position
+between the two fires.]
+
+[Footnote 13: My version of this strophe is not in accordance with
+those of other interpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in
+full confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded him.
+Under the name of Oegir, Gierrod is generally understood: I rather
+think the meaning to be, that all the Æsir who [sit at] Oegir's
+compotation will forthwith come to his aid.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VEGTAM, OR BALDR'S DREAMS.
+
+1. Together were the Æsir all in council, and the Asyniur all in
+conference, and they consulted, the mighty gods, why Baldr had
+oppressive dreams.
+
+2. [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious
+dreams seemed departed. They the Jötuns questioned, wise seers of the
+future, whether this might not forebode calamity?
+
+3. The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of
+all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the
+other powers--On a course they resolved:
+
+4. That they would send to every being, assurance to solicit, Baldr
+not to harm. All species swore oaths to spare him; Frigg received all
+their vows and compacts.
+
+5. Valfather fears something defective; he thinks the Hamingiur may
+have departed; the Æsir he convenes, their counsel craves: at the
+deliberation much is devised.]
+
+6. Uprose Odin lord of men and on Sleipnir he the saddle laid; rode
+thence down to Niflhel. A dog he met, from Hel coming.
+
+7. It was blood-stained on its breast, on its slaughter-craving
+throat, and nether jaw. It bayed and widely gaped at the sire of magic
+song:--long it howled.
+
+8. Forth rode Odin--the ground rattled--till to Hel's lofty house he
+came. Then rode Ygg to the eastern gate, where he knew there was a
+Vala's grave.
+
+9. To the prophetess, he began a magic song to chant, towards the
+north looked, potent runes applied, a spell pronounced, an answer
+demanded, until compelled she rose, and with deathlike voice she said:
+
+_Vala_.
+
+10. "What man is this, to me unknown, who has for me increased an
+irksome course? I have with snow been decked, by rain beaten, and with
+dew moistened: long have I been dead."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+11. "Vegtam is my name, I am Valtam's son. Tell thou me of Hel:
+from, earth I call on thee. For whom are those benches strewed o'er
+with rings, those costly couches o'erlaid with gold?"
+
+_Vala_.
+
+12. "Here stands mead, for Baldr brewed, over the bright potion a
+shield is laid; but the Æsir race are in despair. By compulsion I have
+spoken. I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+13. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who will Baldr's slayer be, and Odin's son of life
+bereave."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+14. "Hödr will hither his glorious brother send, he of Baldr will
+the slayer be, and Odin's son of life bereave. By compulsion I have
+spoken; I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+15. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who on Hödr vengeance will inflict, or Baldr's slayer
+raise on the pile."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+16. "Rind a son shall bear, in the western halls: he shall slay
+Odin's son, when one night old. He a hand will not wash, nor his head
+comb, ere he to the pile has borne Baldr's adversary. By compulsion I
+have spoken; I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+17. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who the maidens are, that weep at will, and heavenward
+cast their neck-veils? Tell me but that: till then thou sleepest not."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+18. "Not Vegtam art thou, as I before believed; rather art thou
+Odin, lord of men!"
+
+_Odin_.
+
+19. "Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of
+three Thursar."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+20. "Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never more man
+again visit me, until Loki free from his bonds escapes, and Ragnarök
+all-destroying comes."
+
+
+
+
+THE HIGH ONE'S[14] LAY.
+
+1. All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for
+difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.
+
+2. Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much
+haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.
+
+3. Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are
+frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has
+travelled.
+
+4. Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and
+hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse
+and answer.
+
+5. Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A
+laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.
+
+6. Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in
+conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling,
+harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets
+than great sagacity.
+
+7. A wary guest,[15] who to refection comes, keeps a cautious
+silence, with his ears listens, and with his eyes observes: so
+explores every prudent man.
+
+8. He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less
+sure is that which a man must have in another's breast.
+
+9. He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living;
+for bad counsels have oft been received from another's breast.
+
+10. A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense;
+that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the
+recourse of the indigent.
+
+11. A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much
+beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.
+
+12. A worse provision no man can take from table than too much
+beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his
+own mind.
+
+13. Oblivion's heron 'tis called that over potations hovers; he
+steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered in
+Gunnlods dwelling.
+
+14. Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fialar's. It's
+the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.
+
+15. Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring, should a king's
+children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until his hour of
+death.
+
+16. A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids;
+but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.
+
+17. A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is
+silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man's mind
+displayed.
+
+18. He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by
+what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.
+
+19. Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak
+sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if
+thou goest betimes to sleep.
+
+20. A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow.
+Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the
+prudent comes.
+
+21. Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a
+foolish man never knows his stomach's measure.
+
+22. A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing: one
+thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from
+faults.
+
+23. A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he
+then grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.
+
+24. A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he
+feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the
+clever.
+
+25. A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends;
+but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.
+
+26. A foolish man thinks he knows everything if placed in unexpected
+difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.
+
+27. A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for
+no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks too much. He who
+previously knew nothing will still know nothing, talk he ever so much.
+
+28. He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also;
+conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.
+
+29. He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous
+tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.
+
+30. For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a
+stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not
+questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.
+
+31. Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes
+to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he
+babbles among foes.
+
+32. Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment
+each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.
+
+33. Early meals a man should often take, unless to a friend's house
+he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can
+of few things inquire.
+
+34. Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend's, though by the
+road he dwell; but to a good friend's the paths lie direct, though he
+be far away.
+
+35. A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome
+becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another's house.
+
+36. One's own house is best, small though it be; at home is every
+one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a
+straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.
+
+37. One's own house is best, small though it be, at home is every
+one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food
+at every meal-tide.
+
+38. Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot's length
+forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his
+weapon.
+
+39. I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he
+refused a present; or of his property so liberal that he scorned a
+recompense.
+
+40. Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need;
+for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes
+worse than is expected.
+
+41. With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those
+which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest
+friends, if all [else] goes well.[16]
+
+42. To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts
+requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with
+lying.
+
+43. To his friend a man should be a friend; to him and to his
+friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend's friend be.
+
+44. Know, if thou hast a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from
+whom thou woulds't good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his,
+and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.
+
+45. If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst
+good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think
+craftily, and leasing pay with lying.
+
+46. But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou
+suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary
+to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.
+
+47. I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich
+I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.
+
+48. Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but
+a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at
+gifts.
+
+49. My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes
+they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked
+man.
+
+50. A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither
+bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he
+live long?
+
+51. Hotter than fire love for five days burns between false
+friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and-friendship is
+all impaired.
+
+52. Something great is not [always] to be given, praise is often for
+a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a
+comrade.
+
+53. Little are the sand-grains, little the wits, little the minds of
+[some] men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by
+halves.
+
+54. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of
+those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.
+
+55. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a
+wise man's heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.
+
+56. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His
+destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from'
+care.
+
+57. Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire
+quickened. Man to' man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his
+bashful silence.
+
+58. He should early rise, who another's property or wife desires to
+have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.
+
+59. Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see
+to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half
+depends on energy.
+
+60. Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the
+fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.
+
+61. Washed and refected let a man ride to the Thing,[17] although
+his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be
+ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.
+
+62. Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be
+accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the
+world knows.
+
+63. Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagle over old
+ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.
+
+64. His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he
+will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is
+doughtiest.
+
+65. Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in
+trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often
+pays the penalty.
+
+66. Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others:
+the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.
+
+67. Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had
+needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend's, where of one I
+had eaten.
+
+68. Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if
+his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.
+
+69. No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his
+sons is happy, one in his kin, one in abundant wealth, one in his good
+works.
+
+70. It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can
+always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man's property, and
+death stood without his door.
+
+71. The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the
+deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt[18]
+no one gets good from a corpse.
+
+72. A son is better, even if born late, after his father's
+departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a
+kinsman to a kinsman.
+
+73. Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under
+every cloak I expect a hand. * * *
+
+74. At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling entertainment.
+[A ship's yards are short.][19] Variable is an autumn night. Many are
+the weather's changes in five days, but more in a month.
+
+75. He [only] knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes
+another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought
+blameworthy.
+
+76. Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair
+fame never dies of him who has earned it.
+
+77. Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one
+thing that never dies,--judgment on each one dead.
+
+78. Full storehouses I saw at Dives' sons': now bear they the
+beggar's staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of
+friends they are most fickle.
+
+79. A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or woman's love, pride
+grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.
+
+80. Then 'tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those
+to the high ones known, which the great powers invented, and the
+great talker[20] painted, that he had best hold silence.
+
+81. At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a
+sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it
+has passed away, beer after it is drunk.
+
+82. In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in
+the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages
+are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking,
+but a damsel for a kiss.
+
+83. By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; buy a horse
+that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog
+at the farm.
+
+84. In a maiden's words no one should place faith, nor in what a
+woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and
+guile in their breasts been laid;
+
+85. In a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering
+crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling
+kettle,
+
+86. A flying dart, a falling billow, a one night's ice, a coiled
+serpent, a woman's bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear's play, or a
+royal child,
+
+87. A sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a
+corpse newly slain, [a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and
+a harlot's grief];
+
+88. An early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son:
+weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;
+
+89. A brother's murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt
+house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken),
+no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.
+
+90. Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one
+drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and
+unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or
+as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.[21]
+
+91. Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are
+men's minds towards women; 'tis then we speak most fair when we most
+falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.
+
+92. Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman's
+love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.
+
+93. At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous
+countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.
+
+94. Let no one wonder at another's folly, it is the lot of many.
+All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.
+
+95. The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is
+conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man
+than not to be content with himself.
+
+96. That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my
+delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I
+possess her not.
+
+97. Billing's lass[22] on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A
+prince's joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.
+
+98. "Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the
+maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such
+misdeed."
+
+99. I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I
+should obtain her whole heart and love.
+
+100. When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights
+burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.
+
+101. But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household
+all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.
+
+102. Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
+that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
+contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
+damsel gained I aught.
+
+103. At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
+wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
+knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.
+
+104. Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
+nature of the simple.
+
+105. The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
+by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.
+
+106. Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught of the precious
+mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
+fervent love.
+
+107. Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
+over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.
+
+108. Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
+wise; for Odhrærir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.
+
+109. 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
+courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
+my arm.
+
+110. On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
+of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
+whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?
+
+111. Odin, I believe, a ring-oath[23] gave. Who in his faith will
+trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
+weep!
+
+112. Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
+of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.
+
+113. Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
+graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
+hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:
+
+114. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
+to go out.
+
+115. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
+that in her arms she clasp thee.
+
+116. She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
+prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
+thou go to sleep.
+
+117. I counsel thee, etc. Another's wife entice thou never to secret
+converse.
+
+118. I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel,
+provide thee well with food.
+
+119. I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy
+misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for
+thy good will.
+
+120. I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman's words; a false
+tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.
+
+121. I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou hast a friend, whom
+thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood
+over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.
+
+122. I counsel thee, etc. A good man attract to thee in pleasant
+converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.
+
+123. I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to
+quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind
+disclose.
+
+124. I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a
+witless fool;
+
+125. For from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return
+for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.
+
+126. There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another
+all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He
+is not another's friend who ever says as he says.
+
+127. I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a
+worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.
+
+128. I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker,
+unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if
+crooked, will call down evil on thee.
+
+129. I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard
+that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.
+
+130. I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let
+good give thee pleasure.
+
+131. I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the
+sons of men then become) that men may not fascinate thee.
+
+132. If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou
+must promise fair, and hold to it: no one turns from good if it can be
+got.
+
+133. I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be
+thou most wary, and with another's wife; and thirdly, that thieves
+delude thee not.
+
+134. With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer.
+They often little know, who sit within, of what race they are who
+come.
+
+135. Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts
+mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as
+to be good for nothing.
+
+136. At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which
+the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from
+those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go
+tottering among the vile.
+
+137. I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate
+thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.
+
+138. Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou
+give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.
+
+139. I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to
+thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for
+distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery, a hall
+for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for
+bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth
+absorb.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 14: Odin is the "High One." The poem is a collection of
+rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not very
+consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.]
+
+[Footnote 15: In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins with
+the following three lines:--
+
+    Wit is needful
+    to him who travels far:
+    harm seldom befalls the wary:
+
+They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original Afzelius and
+Bask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.]
+
+[Footnote 16: The sense of this line seems doubtful; I have adopted
+the version of Finn Magnusen.]
+
+[Footnote 17: The public meeting.]
+
+[Footnote 18: That is dead on the funeral pyre.]
+
+[Footnote 19: This line is evidently an interpolation.]
+
+[Footnote 20: Odin.]
+
+[Footnote 21: From this line it appears that the poem is of Norwegian
+or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in Iceland before the
+middle of the 18th century, when it was Introduced by royal command.]
+
+[Footnote 22: The story of Odin and Billing's daughter is no longer
+extant; but compare the story of Odin and Rinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit.
+Muller & Veleschow.]
+
+[Footnote 23: In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring or
+bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being kept in the
+temple for the purpose.]
+
+
+
+
+ODIN'S RUNE-SONG.[24]
+
+140. I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
+with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that
+tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.
+
+141. Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, downward I peered,
+to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.
+
+142. Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bolthorn,
+Bestla's sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from
+Odhrærir.
+
+143. Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow
+and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I
+sought out facts.
+
+144. Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large
+characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted,
+and the high powers formed, and the powers' prince graved:
+
+145. Odin among the Æsir, but among the Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin for
+the dwarfs, Asvid for the Jotuns: some I myself graved.
+
+146. Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound
+them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them?
+knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how
+to send?[25] knowest thou how to consume?
+
+147. 'Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks
+to a return. 'Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund
+graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he
+afterwards came.
+
+148. Those songs I know which the king's wife knows not nor son of
+man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes
+and cares.
+
+149. For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will
+as leeches live. * * * *
+
+150. For the third I know,[26] if I have great need to restrain my
+foes, the weapons' edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles
+harm aught.
+
+151. For the fourth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so
+sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle
+from my hands.
+
+152. For the fifth I know, if I see a shot from a hostile hand, a
+shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot
+arrest it, if only I get sight of it.
+
+153. For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree's
+roots;[27] also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume
+them sooner than me.
+
+154. For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o'er its
+inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That
+song I can sing.
+
+155. For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where
+hatred grows among the sons of men--that I can quickly assuage.
+
+156. For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water
+to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.
+
+157. For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I
+can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own
+minds.
+
+158. For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my ancient friends
+to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to
+the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.
+
+159. For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging
+from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall
+walk, and with me converse.
+
+160. For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water,
+he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink
+before swords.
+
+161. For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to
+enumerate the gods, Æsir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all.
+This few unskilled can do.
+
+162. For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before
+Delling's doors. Strength he sang to the Æsir, and to the Alfar
+prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatyr.
+
+163. For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden's favour and
+affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed
+damsel, and wholly turn her mind.
+
+164. For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will
+reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have
+lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if
+thou learnest them.
+
+165. For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or
+wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing
+of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my
+sister.
+
+166. Now are sung the High-one's songs, in the High-one's hall, to
+the sons of men all-useful, but useless to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to
+him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who
+has learnt them! Hail to those who have listened to them!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 24: The first eight strophes of this composition require an
+explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have had many
+interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea of Odin hanging on
+a tree would seem to have been suggested by what we read of the grove
+at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which the victims offered to that deity were
+suspended from the trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin
+may be supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself. It
+no doubt refers to some lost legend.]
+
+[Footnote 25: Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
+missions.]
+
+[Footnote 26: The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
+bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
+to him by Snorri.]
+
+[Footnote 27: The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
+roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
+witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
+similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
+trees.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HYMIR.
+
+1. Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
+compotation, ere they the truth discovered.[28] Rods[29] they shook,
+and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.
+
+2. Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
+Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. "Thou to the
+Æsir shalt oft a compotation give."
+
+3. Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
+meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
+him to bring, "in which I beer for all of you may brew."
+
+4. The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
+powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
+friendly counsel gave.
+
+5. "There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
+heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
+cauldron, a rast in depth."
+
+_Thor_.
+
+6. "Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?"
+
+_Ty_.
+
+"Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ." Rapidly they drove forward
+that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.
+
+7. Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
+hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
+loathful; heads she had nine hundred.
+
+8. But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
+beer-cup to her son:
+
+9. "Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
+kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
+ill-humour prone."
+
+10. But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
+from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
+churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.
+
+11. "Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
+thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
+famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.
+
+12. See where they sit under the hall's gable, as if to shun thee:
+the pillar stands before them." In shivers flew the pillar at the
+Jotun's glance; the beam was first broken in two.
+
+13. Eight kettles fell, but only one of them, a hard-hammered
+cauldron, whole from the column. The two came forth, but the old Jotun
+with eyes surveyed his adversary.
+
+14. Augured to him his mind no good, when he saw the giantess's
+sorrow on the floor coming. Then were three oxen taken, and the Jotun
+bade them forthwith be boiled.
+
+15. Each one they made by the head shorter, and to the fire
+afterwards bore them. Sif's consort ate, ere to sleep he went,
+completely, he alone, two of Hymir's beeves.
+
+16. Seemed to the hoary friend of Hrungnir Hlorridi's refection full
+well large: "We three to-morrow night shall be compelled on what we
+catch to live."
+
+17. Veor said he would on the sea row, if the bold Jotun him would
+with baits supply: "To the herd betake thee, (if thou in thy courage
+trustest, crusher of the rock-dwellers!) for baits to seek.
+
+18. I expect that thou wilt bait from an ox easily obtain." The
+guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox before
+him.
+
+19. The Thursar's bane wrung from an ox the high fastness of his two
+horns. "To me thy work seems worse by far, ruler of keels! than if
+thou hadst sat quiet."
+
+20. The lord of goats the apes' kinsman besought the horse of plank
+farther out to move; but the Jotun declared his slight desire farther
+to row.
+
+21. The mighty Hymir drew, he alone, two whales up with his hook;
+but at the stern abaft Veor cunningly made him a line.
+
+22. Fixed on the hook the shield of men, the serpent's slayer, the
+ox's head. Gaped at the bait the foe of gods, the encircler beneath of
+every land.[30]
+
+23. Drew up boldly the mighty Thor the worm with venom glistening,
+up to the side; with his hammer struck, on his foul head's summit,
+like a rock towering, the wolf's own brother.
+
+24. The icebergs resounded, the caverns howled, the old earth shrank
+together: at length the fish back into ocean sank.[31]
+
+25. The Jotun was little glad, as they rowed back, so that the
+powerful Hymir nothing spake, but the oar moved in another course.
+
+26. "Wilt thou do half the work with me, either the whales home to
+the dwelling bear, or the boat fast bind?"
+
+27. Hlorridi went, grasped the prow, quickly, with its hold-water,
+lifted the water-steed, together with its oars and scoop; bore to the
+dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved vessel, through the
+wooded hills.
+
+28. But the Jotun yet ever frowned, to strife accustomed, with Thor
+disputed, said that no one was strong, however vigorously he might
+row, unless he his cup could break.
+
+29. But Hlorridi, when to his hands it came, forthwith brake an
+upright stone in twain; sitting dashed the cup through the pillars:
+yet they brought it whole to Hymir back.
+
+30. Until the beauteous woman gave important, friendly counsel,
+which she only knew: "Strike at the head of Hymir, the Jotun with food
+oppressed, that is harder than any cup."
+
+31. Rose then on his knee the stern lord of goats, clad in all his
+godlike power. Unhurt remained the old man's helm-block, but the round
+wine-bearer was in shivers broken.
+
+32. "Much good, I know, has departed from me, now that my cup I see
+hurled from my knees." Thus the old man spake: "I can never say again,
+beer thou art too hot.
+
+33. "Now 'tis to be tried if ye can carry the beer-vessel out of our
+dwelling." Ty twice assayed to move the vessel, yet at each time stood
+the kettle fast.
+
+34. Then Modi's father by the brim grasped it, and trod through the
+dwelling's floor. Sif's consort lifted the kettle on his head, while
+about his heels its rings jingled.
+
+35. They had far journeyed before Odin's son cast one look backward:
+he from the caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of
+many-headed monsters coming.
+
+36. From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled
+forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain-giants, who
+with Hymir had him pursued.
+
+37. Long they had not journeyed when of Hlorridi's goats one lay
+down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had sprung across the
+trace; but the false Loki was of this the cause.
+
+38. Now ye have heard,--for what fabulist can more fully tell--what
+indemnity he from the giant got: he paid for it with his children
+both.[32]
+
+39. In his strength exulting he to the gods' council came, and had
+the kettle, which Hymir had possessed, out of which every god shall
+beer with Oegir drink at every harvest-tide.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 28: To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.]
+
+[Footnote 29: That is divining rods.]
+
+[Footnote 30: The great serpent that encircles the earth.]
+
+[Footnote 31: According to the Prose Edda, the giant, overcome with
+fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.]
+
+[Footnote 32: This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF THRYM, OR THE HAMMER RECOVERED.
+
+1. Wroth was Vingthor, when he awoke, and his hammer missed; his
+beard he shook, his forehead struck, the son of earth felt all around
+him;
+
+2. And first of all these words he uttered: "Hear now, Loki! what I
+now say, which no one knows anywhere on earth, nor in heaven above;
+the As's hammer is stolen!"
+
+3. They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he these words first
+of all said: "Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy feather-garment lend, that
+perchance my hammer I may find?"
+
+_Freyia._
+
+4. "That I would give thee, although of gold it were, and trust it
+to thee, though it were of silver."
+
+5. Flew then Loki--the plumage rattled--until he came beyond the
+Æsir's dwellings, and came within the Jotun's land.
+
+6. On a mound sat Thrym, the Thursar's lord, for his greyhounds
+plaiting gold bands and his horses' manes smoothing.
+
+7. "How goes it with the Æsir? How goes it with the Alfar? Why art
+thou come alone to Jotunheim?"
+
+_Loki_.
+
+8. "Ill it goes with the Æsir, Ill it goes with the Alfar. Hast thou
+Hlorridi's hammer hidden?"
+
+_Thrym_.
+
+9. "I have Hlorridi's hammer hidden eight rasts beneath the earth;
+it shall no man get again, unless he bring me Freyia to wife."
+
+10. Flew then Loki--the plumage rattled--until he came beyond the
+Jotun's dwellings, and came within the Æsir's courts; there he met
+Thor, in the middle court, who these words first of all uttered.
+
+11. "Hast thou had success as well as labour? Tell me from the air
+the long tidings. Oft of him who sits are the tales defective, and he
+who lies down utters falsehood."
+
+_Loki_.
+
+12. "I have had labour and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the
+Thursar's lord. It shall no man get again, unless he bring him Freyia
+to wife."
+
+13. They went the fair Freyia to find; and he those words first of
+all said: "Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal raiment, we two must drive to
+Jotunheim."
+
+14. Wroth then was Freyia, and with anger chafed, all the Æsir's
+hall beneath her trembled: in shivers flew the famed Brisinga
+necklace. "Know me to be of women lewdest, if with thee I drive to
+Jotunheim."
+
+15. Straightway went the Æsir all to council, and the Asyniur all to
+hold converse; and deliberated the mighty gods, how they Hlorridi's
+hammer might get back.
+
+16. Then said Heimdall, of Æsir brightest--he well foresaw, like
+other Vanir--"Let us clothe Thor with bridal raiment, let him have the
+famed Brisinga necklace.
+
+17. "Let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall round his
+knees, but on his breast place precious stones, and a neat coif set on
+his head."
+
+18. Then said Thor, the mighty As: "Me the Æsir will call womanish,
+if I let myself be clad in bridal raiment."
+
+19. Then spake Loki, Laufey's son: "Do thou, Thor! refrain from
+suchlike words: forthwith the Jotuns will Asgard inhabit, unless thy
+hammer thou gettest back."
+
+20. Then they clad Thor in bridal raiment, and with the noble
+Brisinga necklace, let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall
+round his knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and a neat
+coif set on his head.
+
+21. Then said Loki, Laufey's son: "I will with thee as a servant go:
+we two will drive to Jotunheim."
+
+22. Straightway were the goats homeward driven, hurried to the
+traces; they had fast to run. The rocks were shivered, the earth was
+in a blaze; Odin's son drove to Jotunheim.
+
+23. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: "Rise up, Jotuns! and the
+benches deck, now they bring me Freyia to wife, Niord's daughter, from
+Noatun.
+
+24. "Hither to our court let bring gold-horned cows, all-black oxen,
+for the Jotuns' joy. Treasures I have many, necklaces many, Freyia
+alone seemed to me wanting."
+
+25. In the evening they early came, and for the Jotuns beer was
+brought forth. Thor alone an ox devoured, salmons eight, and all the
+sweetmeats women should have. Sif's consort drank three salds of mead.
+
+26. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's prince: "Where hast thou seen
+brides eat more voraciously? I never saw brides feed more amply, nor a
+maiden drink more mead."
+
+27. Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: "Freyia has nothing eaten for eight
+nights, so eager was she for Jotunheim."
+
+28. Under her veil he stooped desirous to salute her, but sprang
+back along the hall. "Why are so piercing Freyia's looks? Methinks
+that fire burns from her eyes."
+
+29. Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: "Freyia for eight nights has not
+slept, so eager was she for Jotunheim."
+
+30. In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride-gift she dared
+to ask: "Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain
+my love, my love and favour all."
+
+31. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: "Bring the hammer in, the
+bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on the maiden's knee; unite us each
+with other by the hand of Vor."
+
+32. Laughed Hlorridi's soul in his breast, when the fierce-hearted
+his hammer recognized. He first slew Thrym, the Thursar's lord, and
+the Jotun's race all crushed;
+
+33. He slew the Jotun's aged sister, her who a bride-gift had
+demanded; she a blow got instead of skillings, a hammer's stroke for
+many rings. So got Odin's son his hammer back.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF THE DWARF ALVIS.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+1. The benches they are decking, now shall the bride[33] with me
+bend her way home. That beyond my strength I have hurried will to
+every one appear: at home naught shall disturb my quiet.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+2. What man is this? Why about the nose art thou so pale? Hast thou
+last night with corpses lain? To me thou seemst to bear resemblance to
+the Thursar. Thou art not born to carry off a bride.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+3. Alvis I am named, beneath the earth I dwell, under the rock I own
+a place. The lord of chariots I am come to visit. A promise once
+confirmed let no one break.[34]
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+4. I will break it; for o'er the maid I have, as father, greatest
+power. I was from home when the promise was given thee. Among the gods
+I the sole giver am.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+5. What man is this, who lays claim to power over that fair, bright
+maiden? For far-reaching shafts few will know thee. Who has decked
+thee with bracelets?
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+6. Vingthor I am named, wide I have wandered; I am Sidgrani's son:
+with my dissent thou shalt not that young maiden have, nor that union
+obtain.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+7. Thy consent I fain would have, and that union obtain. Rather
+would I possess than be without that snow-white maiden.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+8. The maiden's love shall not, wise guest! be unto thee denied, if
+thou of every world canst tell all I desire to know.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+9. Vingthor! thou canst try, as thou art desirous the knowledge of
+the dwarf to prove. All the nine worlds I have travelled over, and
+every being known.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+10. Tell me, Alvis!--for all men's concerns I presume thee, dwarf,
+to know--how the earth is called, which lies before the sons of men,
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+11. Jord among men 'tis called, but with the Æsir fold; the Vanir
+call it vega, the Jotuns igroen, the Alfar groandi, the powers supreme
+aur.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+12. Tell me, Alvis, etc. how the heaven is called, which is
+perceptible in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+13. Himinn 'tis called by men; but hlyrnir with the gods; vindofni
+the Vanir call it, uppheimr the Jotuns, the Alfar fagraræfr, the
+dwarfs driupansal.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+14. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the moon is called, which men see in
+every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+15. Mani 'tis called by men, but mylinn with the gods, hverfanda
+hvel in Hel[35] they call it, skyndi the Jotuns, but the dwarfs skin;
+the Alfar name it artali.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+16. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the sun is called, which men's sons
+see in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+17. Sol among men 'tis called, but with the gods sunna, the dwarfs
+call it Dvalinn's leika, the Jotuns eyglo, the Alfar fagrahvel, the
+Æsir's sons alskir.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+18. Tell me, Alvis, etc., how the clouds are called, which with
+showers are mingled in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+19. Sky they are called by men, but skurvan by the gods; the Vanir
+call them vindflot, the Jotuns urvan, the Alfar vedrmegin; in Hel they
+are called hialm hulids.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+20. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the wind is called, which widely
+passes over every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+21. Windr 'tis called by men, but vavudr by the gods, the
+wide-ruling powers call it gneggiud, the Jotuns oepir, the Alfar
+dynfari, in Hel they call it hvidudr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+22. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the calm is called, which has to rest
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+23. Logn 'tis called by men, but lægi by the gods, the Vanir call it
+vindslot, the Jotuns ofhly, the Alfar dagsevi, the Dwarfs call it dags
+vera.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+24. Tell me, Alvis! etc., what the sea is called, which men row over
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+25. Sær 'tis called by men, but silægia with the gods; the vanir
+call it vagr, the Jotuns alheimr, the Alfar lagastafr, the Dwarfs call
+it diupan mar.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+26. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the fire is called, which burns before
+men's sons in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+27. Eldr 'tis called by men, but by the Æsir funi; the Vanir call it
+vagr, the Jotuns frekr, but the Dwarfs forbrennir; in Hel they call it
+hrodudr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+28. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the forest is called, which grows for
+the sons of men in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+29. Vidr 'tis called by men, but vallarfax by the gods, Hel's
+inmates call it hlidthangr, the Jotuns eldi, the Alfar fagrlimi; the
+Vanir call it vondr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+30. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the night is called, that Norvi's
+daughter hight, in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+31. Nott it is called by men, but by the gods niol; the wide-ruling
+powers call it grima, the Jotuns olios, the Alfar svefngaman; the
+Dwarfs call it draumniorunn.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+32. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the seed is called, which the sons of
+men sow in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+33. Bygg it is called by men, but by the gods barr, the Vanir call
+it vaxtr, the Jotuns æti, the Alfar lagastafr; in Hel 'tis hnipinn
+called.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+34. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the beer is called, which the sons of
+men drink in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+35. Ol it is called by men, but by the Æsir biorr, the Vanir call it
+veig, hreina logr the Jotuns, but in Hel 'tis called miodr: Suttung's
+sons call it sumbl.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+36. In one breast I have never found more ancient lore. By great
+wiles thou hast, I tell thee, been deluded. Thou art above ground,
+dwarf! at dawn; already in the hall the sun is shining!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 33: Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif. _Skaldskap_.]
+
+[Footnote 34: This appears to allude to a promise made to the dwarf;
+but of which the story is lost.]
+
+[Footnote 35: When this composition was written, it appears that Hel
+was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HARBARD.
+
+
+Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait or sound, on
+the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
+out:--
+
+1. Who is the knave of knaves, that by the sound stands yonder?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+2. Who is the churl of churls, that cries across the water?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+3. Ferry me across the sound, to-morrow I'll regale thee. I have a
+basket on my back: there is no better food: at my ease I ate, before I
+quitted home, herrings and oats, with which I yet feel sated.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+4. Thou art in haste to praise thy meal: thou surely hast no
+foreknowledge; for sad will be thy home: thy mother, I believe, is
+dead.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+5. Thou sayest now what seems to every one most unwelcome to
+know--that my mother is dead.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+6. Thou dost not look like one who owns three country dwellings,
+bare-legged thou standest, and like a beggar clothed; thou hast not
+even breeches.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+7. Steer hitherward thy boat; I will direct thee where to land. But
+who owns this skiff, which by the strand thou holdest?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+8. Hildolf fief is named who bade me hold it, a man in council wise,
+who dwells in Radso sound. Robbers he bade me not to ferry, or
+horse-stealers, but good men only, and those whom I well knew. Tell me
+then thy name, if thou wilt cross the sound.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+9. I my name will tell, (although I am an outlaw) and all my kin: I
+am Odin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's sire, the gods' mighty
+leader: With Thor thou here mayest speak. I will now ask how thou art
+called.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+10. I am Harbard called; seldom I my name conceal.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+11. Why shouldst thou thy name conceal, unless thou crime hast
+perpetrated?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+12. Yet, though I may crime have perpetrated, I will nathless guard
+my life against such as thou art; unless I death-doomed am.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+13. It seems to me a foul annoyance to wade across the strait to
+thee, and wet my garments: but I will pay thee, mannikin! for thy
+sharp speeches, if o'er the sound I come.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+14. Here will I stand, and here await thee. Thou wilt have found no
+stouter one since Hrungnir's death.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+15. Thou now remindest me how I with Hrungnir fought, that
+stout-hearted Jotun, whose head was all of stone; yet I made him fall,
+and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+16. I was with Fiolvari five winters through, in the isle which
+Algron hight. There we could fight, and slaughter make, many perils
+prove, indulge in love.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+17. How did your women prove towards you?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+18. Sprightly women we had, had they but been meek; shrewd ones we
+had, had they but been kind. Of sand a rope they twisted, and from the
+deep valley dug the earth: to them all I alone was superior in
+cunning. I rested with the sisters seven, and their love and pleasures
+shared. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+19. I slew Thiassi, that stout-hearted Jotun: up I cast the eyes of
+Allvaldi's son into the heaven serene: they are signs the greatest of
+my deeds. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+20. Great seductive arts I used against the riders of the night,[36]
+when from their husbands I enticed them. A mighty Jotun I believed
+Hlebard to be: a magic wand he gave me, but from his wits I charmed
+him.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+21. With evil mind then thou didst good gifts requitè _Harbard_.
+
+22. One tree gets that which, is from another scraped: each one in
+such case is for self. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+23. In the east I was, and slew the Jotun brides, crafty in evil, as
+they to the mountain went. Great would have been the Jotun race, had
+they all lived; and not a man left in Midgard. What meanwhile didst
+thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+24. I was in Valland, and followed warfare; princes I excited, but
+never reconciled. Odin has all the jarls that in conflict fall; but
+Thor the race of thralls.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+25. Unequally thou wouldst divide the folk among the Æsir, if thou
+but hadst the power.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+36. Thor has strength over-much, but courage none; from cowardice
+and fear, thou wast crammed into a glove, and hardly thoughtest thou
+wast Thor. Thou durst not then, through thy terror, either sneeze or
+cough, lest Fialar it might hear.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+27. Harbard, thou wretch! I would strike thee dead, could I but
+stretch my arm across the sound.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+28. Why wouldst thou stretch thy arm across the sound, when there is
+altogether no offence? But what didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+39. In the east I was, and a river I defended, when the sons of
+Svarang me assailed, and with stones pelted me, though in their
+success they little joyed: they were the first to sue for peace. What
+meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+30. I was in the east, and with a certain lass held converse; with
+that fair I dallied, and long meetings had. I that gold-bright one
+delighted; the game amused her.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+31. Then you had kind damsels there?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+32. Of thy aid I had need, Thor! in retaining that maiden lily-fair.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+33. I would have given it thee, if I had had the opportunity.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+34. I would have trusted thee, my confidence if thou hadst not
+betrayed it.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+35. I am not such a heel-chafer as an old leather shoe in spring.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+36. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+37. The Berserkers' brides I on Læsso cudgeled; they the worst had
+perpetrated, the whole people, had seduced.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+38. Dastardly didst thou act, Thor! when thou didst cudgel women.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+39. She-wolves they were, and scarcely women. They crushed my ship,
+which with props I had secured, with iron clubs threatened me, and
+drove away Thialfi. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+40. I in the army was, which was hither sent, war-banners to raise,
+lances to redden.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+41. Of that thou now wilt speak, as thou wentest forth us hard terms
+to offer.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+42. That shall be indemnified by a hand-ring, such as arbitrators
+give, who wish to reconcile us.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+43. Where didst thou learn words than which I never heard more
+irritating?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+44. From men I learned them, from ancient men, whose home is in the
+woods.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+45. Thou givest certainly a good name to grave-mounds, when thou
+callest them, homes in the woods.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+46. So speak I of such a subject.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+47. Thy shrewd words will bring thee evil, if I resolve the sound to
+ford. Louder than a wolf thou wilt howl, I trow, if of my hammer thou
+gettest a touch.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+48. Sif has a gallant at home; thou wilt anxious be to find him:
+thou shalt that arduous work perform; it will beseem thee better.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+49. Thou utterest what comes upmost, so that to me it be most
+annoying, thou dastardly varlet! I believe thou art lying.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+50. I believe I am telling truth. Thou art travelling slowly; thou
+wouldst have long since arrived, hadst thou assumed another form.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+51. Harbard! thou wretch! rather is it thou who hast detained me.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+52. I never thought that a ferryman could the course of Asa-Thor
+retard.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+53. One advice I now will give thee: row hither with thy boat; let
+us cease from threats; approach the sire of Magni.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+54. Go farther from the sound, the passage is refused thee.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+55. Show me then the way, if thou wilt not ferry me across the
+water.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+56. That's too little to refuse. 'Tis far to go; 'tis to the stock
+an hour, and to the stone another; then keep the left hand way, until
+thou reachest Verland; there will Fiorgyn find her son Thor, and
+point out to him his kinsmen's ways to Odin's land.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+57. Can I get there to-day?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+58. With pain and toil thou mayest get there, while the sun is up,
+which, I believe, is now nigh.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+59. Our talk shall now be short, as thou answerest with scoffing
+only. For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee, if another time we
+meet.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+60. Just go to where all the powers of evil may have thee.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 36: Giantesses, witches, etc.]
+
+
+
+
+THE JOURNEY OR LAY OF SKIRNIR.
+
+Frey, son of Niord; had one day seated himself in Hlidskialf, and was
+looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there
+saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to
+her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey's
+attendant was named Skirnir; him Niord desired to speak with Frey;
+when Skadi said:--
+
+1. Rise up now, Skirnir! go and request our son to speak; and
+inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+2. Harsh words I have from your son to fear, if I go to speak with
+him, and to inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+3. Tell me now, Frey, prince of gods! for I desire to know, why
+alone thou sittest in the spacious hall the livelong day?
+
+_Frey_.
+
+4. Why shall I tell thee, thou young man, my mind's great trouble?
+for the Alfs' illuminator shines every day, yet not for my pleasure.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+5. Thy care cannot, I think, be so great, that to me thou canst not
+tell it; for in early days we were young together: well might we trust
+each other.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+6. In Gymir's courts I saw walking a maid for whom I long. Her arms
+gave forth light wherewith shone all air and water.
+
+7. Is more desirable to me that maid than to any youth in early
+days; yet will no one, Æsir or Alfar, that we together live.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+8. Give me but thy steed, which can bear me through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which brandishes itself against the
+Jotuns' race.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+9. I will give thee my steed, which can bear thee through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which will itself brandish, if he is
+bold who raises it.
+
+_Skirnir Speaks to the Horse_.
+
+10. Dark it is without, 'tis time, I say, for us to go across the
+misty fells, over the Thursar's land: we shall both return, or the
+all-potent Jotun will seize us both. Skirnir rides to Jotunheim, to
+Gymir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained at the gate of the
+enclosure that was round Gymir's hall. He rides on to where a cowherd
+was sitting on a mound, and says to him:
+
+11. Tell me, cowherd! as on the mound thou sittest, and watchest all
+the ways, how I to the speech may come, of the young maiden, for
+Gymir's dogs?
+
+_Cowherd_.
+
+12. Either thou art death-doomed, or thou art a departed one. Speech
+wilt thou ever lack with the good maid of Gymir.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+13. Better choices than to whine there are for him who is prepared
+to die: for one day was my age decreed, and my whole life determined.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+14. What is that sound of sounds, which I now sounding hear within
+our dwelling? The earth is shaken, and with it all the house of Gymir
+trembles.
+
+_A serving-maid_.
+
+15. A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets
+his steed browse on the grass.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+16. Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead;
+although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.
+
+17. Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the Æsir's sons, or of the
+wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our
+halls to visit?
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+18. I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the Æsir's sons, nor of the wise
+Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to
+visit.
+
+19. Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee,
+Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives
+dearest.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+20. The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure;
+nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+21. The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young
+son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth
+night.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+22. The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may have been with
+the young son of Odin. I have no lack of gold in Gymir's courts; for
+my father's wealth I share.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+23. Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? I thy head will sever from thy neck, if
+thou speakst not favourably to me.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+24. Suffer compulsion will I never, to please any man; yet this I
+foresee, if thou and Gymir meet, ye will eagerly engage in fight.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+25. Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? Beneath its edge shall the old Jotun fall:
+thy sire is death-doomed.
+
+26. With a taming-wand I smite thee, and I will tame thee, maiden!
+to my will. Thou shalt go thither, where the sons of men shall never
+more behold thee.
+
+27. On an eagle's mount thou shalt early sit, looking and turned
+towards Hel. Food shall to thee more loathsome be than is to any one
+the glistening serpent among men.
+
+28. As a prodigy thou shalt be, when thou goest forth; Hrimnir shall
+at thee gaze, all beings at thee stare; more wide-known thou shalt
+become than the watch among the gods,[37] if thou from thy gratings
+gape.
+
+29. Solitude and disgust, bonds and impatience, shall thy tears with
+grief augment. Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood
+of care, and a double grief.
+
+30. Terrors shall bow thee down the livelong day, in the Jotuns'
+courts. To the Hrimthursar's halls, thou shalt each day crawl
+exhausted, joyless crawl; wail for pastime shalt thou have, and tears
+and misery.
+
+31. With a three-headed Thurs thou shalt be ever bound, or be
+without a mate. Thy mind shall tear thee from morn to morn: as the
+thistle thou shalt be which has thrust itself on the house-top.
+
+32. To the wold I have been, and to the humid grove, a magic wand to
+get. A magic wand I got.
+
+33. Wroth with thee is Odin, wroth with thee is the Æsir's prince;
+Frey shall loathe thee, even ere thou, wicked maid! shalt have felt
+the gods' dire vengeance.
+
+34. Hear ye, Jotuns! hear ye, Hrimthursar! sons of Suttung! also ye,
+Æsir's friends! how I forbid, how I prohibit man's joy unto the
+damsel, man's converse to the damsel.
+
+35. Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named, that shall possess thee, in the
+grating of the dead beneath; there shall wretched thralls, from the
+tree's roots, goats' water give thee. Other drink shalt thou, maiden!
+never get, either for thy pleasure, or for my pleasure.
+
+36. Thurs[38] I cut for thee, and three letters mere: ergi, and
+oedi, and othola. So will I cut them out, as I have cut them, in, if
+there need shall be.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+37. Hail rather to thee, youth! and accept an icy cup, filled with
+old mead; although I thought not that I ever should love one of Vanir
+race.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+38. All my errand will I know, ere I hence ride home. When wilt thou
+converse hold with the powerful son of Niord?
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+39. Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.
+
+Skimir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him,
+asking tidings:
+
+40. Tell me, Skirnir! ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, and a foot
+hence thou goest, what thou hast accomplished in Jotunheim, for my
+pleasure or thine?
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+41. Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+42. Long is one night, yet longer two will be; how shall I three
+endure. Often a month to me less has seemed than half a night of
+longing.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 37: Heimdall.]
+
+[Footnote 38: Thurs, etc., the names of magical runes.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF RIG.
+
+In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the Æsir named Heimdall,
+being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where he
+called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:
+
+1. In ancient days, they say, along the green ways went the powerful
+and upright sagacious As, the strong and active Rig, his onward course
+pursuing.
+
+2. Forward he went on the mid-way, and to a dwelling came. The door
+stood ajar, he went in, fire was on the floor. The man and wife sat
+there, hoary-haired, by the hearth, Ai and Edda, in old guise clad.
+
+3. Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated in the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.
+
+4. Then Edda from the ashes took a loaf, heavy and thick, and with
+bran mixed; more besides she laid on the middle of the board; there in
+a bowl was broth on the table set, there was a calf boiled, of cates
+most excellent.
+
+5. Then rose he up, prepared to sleep: Rig would counsel give to
+them both; laid him down in the middle of the bed; the domestic pair
+lay one on either side.
+
+6. There he continued three nights together, then departed on the
+mid-way. Nine months then passed way.
+
+7. Edda a child brought forth: they with water sprinkled its swarthy
+skin, and named it Thræl.
+
+8. It grew up, and well it throve; of its hands the skin was
+shriveled, the knuckles knotty, * * * and the fingers thick; a hideous
+countenance it had, a curved back, and protruding heels.
+
+9. He then began his strength to prove, bast to bind, make of it
+loads; then faggots carried home, the livelong day.
+
+10. Then to the dwelling came a woman walking, scarred were her
+foot-soles, her arms sunburnt, her nose compressed, her name was Thy.
+
+11. In the middle seat herself she placed; by her sat the house's
+son. They spoke and whispered, prepared a bed, Thræl and Thy, and days
+of care.
+
+12. Children they begat, and lived content: Their names, I think,
+were Hreimr and Fiosnir, Klur and Kleggi, Kefsir, Fulnir, Drumb,
+Digraldi, Drott and Hosvir, Lut and Leggialdi. Fences they erected,
+fields manured, tended swine, kept goats, dug turf.
+
+13. The daughters were Drumba and Kumba, Okkvinkalfa, and Arinnefia,
+Ysia and Ambatt, Eikintiasna, Totrughypia, and Tronubeina, whence are
+sprung the race of thralls.
+
+14. Rig then went on, in a direct course, and came to a house; the
+door stood ajar: he went in; fire was on the floor, man and wife sat
+there engaged at work.
+
+15. The man was planing wood for a weaver's beam; his beard was
+trimmed, a lock was on his forehead, his shirt close; his chest stood
+on the floor.
+
+16. His wife sat by, plied her rock, with outstretched arms,
+prepared for clothing. A hood was on her head, a loose sark over her
+breast, a kerchief round her neck, studs on her shoulders. Afi and
+Amma owned the house.
+
+17. Rig would counsel give to them both; rose from the table,
+prepared to sleep; laid him down in the middle of the bed, the
+domestic pair lay one on either side.
+
+18. There he continued three nights together. Nine months then
+passed away. Amma a child brought forth, they with water sprinkled it,
+and called it Karl. The mother in linen swathed the ruddy redhead: its
+eyes twinkled.
+
+19. It grew up, and well throve; learned to tame oxen, make a
+plough, houses build, and barns construct, make carts, and the plough
+drive.
+
+20. Then they home conveyed a lass with pendent keys, and goatskin
+kirtle; married her to Karl. Snor was her name, under a veil she sat.
+The couple dwelt together, rings exchanged, spread couches, and a
+household formed.
+
+21. Children they begat, and lived content. Hal and Dreng, these
+were named, Held, Thegn, Smith, Breidr-bondi, Bundinskegg, Bui and
+Boddi, Brattskegg and Segg.
+
+22. But [the daughters] were thus called, by other names: Snot,
+Brud, Svanni, Svarri, Sprakki, Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, Feima, Ristil;
+whence are sprung the races of churls.
+
+23. Rig then went thence, in a direct course, and came to a hall:
+the entrance looked southward, the door was half closed, a ring was on
+the door-post.
+
+24. He went in; the floor was strewed, a couple sat facing each
+other, Fadir and Modir, with fingers playing.
+
+25. The husband sat, and twisted string, bent his bow, and
+arrow-shafts prepared; but the housewife looked on her arms, smoothed
+her veil, and her sleeves fastened;
+
+26. Her head-gear adjusted. A clasp was on her breast; ample her
+robe, her sark was blue; brighter was her brow, her breast fairer, her
+neck whiter than driven snow.
+
+27. Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated on the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.
+
+28. Then took Modir a figured cloth of white linen, and the table
+decked. She then took thin cakes of snow-white wheat, and on the table
+laid.
+
+29. She set forth salvers full, adorned with silver, on the table
+game and pork, and roasted birds. In a can was wine; the cups were
+ornamented. They drank and talked; the day was fast departing, Rig
+would counsel give to them both.
+
+30. Rig then rose, the bed prepared; there he then remained three
+nights together, then departed on the mid-way. Nine months after that
+passed away.
+
+31. Modir then brought forth a boy: in silk they wrapped him, with
+water sprinkled him, and named him Jarl. Light was his hair, bright
+his cheeks, his eyes piercing as a young serpent's.
+
+32. There at home Jarl grew up, learned the shield to shake, to fix
+the string, the bow to bend, arrows to shaft, javelins to hurl,
+spears to brandish, horses to ride, dogs to let slip, swords to draw,
+swimming to practise.
+
+33. Thither from the forest came Rig walking, Rig walking: runes he
+taught him, his own name gave him, and his own son declared him, whom
+he bade possess his alodial fields, his alodial fields, his ancient
+dwellings.
+
+34. Jarl then rode thence, through a murky way, over humid fells,
+till to a hall he came. His spear he brandished, his shield he shook,
+made his horse curvet, and his falchion drew, strife began to raise,
+the field to redden, carnage to make; and conquer lands.
+
+35. Then he ruled alone over eight vills, riches distributed, gave
+to all treasures and precious things; lank-sided horses, rings he
+dispersed, and collars cut in pieces.[39]
+
+36. The nobles drove through humid ways, came to a hall, where
+Hersir dwelt; there they found a slender maiden, fair and elegant,
+Erna her name.
+
+37. They demanded her, and conveyed her home, to Jarl espoused her;
+she under the linen[40] went. They together lived, and well throve,
+had offspring, and old age enjoyed.
+
+38. Bur was their eldest, Barn the second, Jod and Adal, Arfi, Mog,
+Nid and Nidjung. They learned games; Son and Svein swam and at tables
+played. One was named Kund, Kon was youngest.
+
+39. There grew up Jarl's progeny; horses they broke, curved shields,
+cut arrows, brandished spears.
+
+40. But the young Kon understood runes, æfin-runes, and aldr-runes;
+he moreover knew men to preserve, edges to deaden, the sea to calm.
+
+41. He knew the voice of birds, how fires to mitigate, assuage and
+quench; sorrows to allay. He of eight men had the strength and energy.
+
+42. He with Rig Jarl in runes contended, artifices practised, and
+superior proved; then acquired Rig to be called, and skilled in runes.
+
+43. The young Kon rode through swamps and forests, hurled forth
+darts, and tamed birds.
+
+44. Then sang the crow, sitting lonely on a bough! "Why wilt thou,
+young Kon: tame the birds? rather shouldst thou, young Kon! on horses
+ride * * * and armies overcome.
+
+45. Nor Dan nor Danp halls more costly had, nobler paternal seats,
+than ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
+wounds to inflict.
+
+The rest is wanting.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 39: A common practice: the pieces served as money.]
+
+[Footnote 40: The nuptial veil.]
+
+
+
+
+OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.
+
+Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the Æsir, after he
+had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
+entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
+in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
+and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
+being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
+and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
+attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other Æsir and Alfar were also
+present.
+
+Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
+instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
+was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
+Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
+Fimafeng; whereupon the Æsir shook their shields, exclaimed against
+Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
+came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:
+
+1. Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
+what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?
+
+_Eldir_.
+
+2. Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
+the triumphant gods. Of the Æsir and the Alfar that are here within
+not one has a friendly word for thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+3. I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
+hate to the Æsir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.
+
+_Eldir_.
+
+4. Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
+compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
+powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?
+
+_Loki_.
+
+5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
+contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?
+
+Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
+in, they all sat silent.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+6. I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
+beseech the Æsir one draught to give me of the bright mead.
+
+7. Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
+seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+8. A seat and place will the Æsir never choose for thee at their
+board; for well the Æsir know for whom they ought to hold a joyous
+compotation.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+9. Odin! dost thou remember when we in early days blended our blood
+together? When to taste beer thou didst constantly refuse, unless to
+both 'twas offered?
+
+_Odin_.
+
+10. Rise up, Vidar! and let the wolf's sire sit at our compotation;
+that Loki may not utter words of contumely in Oegir's hall.
+
+Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus
+addressed the Æsir:
+
+11. Hail, Æsir! Hail, Asyniur! And ye, all-holy gods! all, save that
+one As, who sits within there, Bragi, on yonder bench.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+12. A horse and falchion I from my stores will give thee, and also
+with a ring reward thee, if thou the Æsir wilt not requite with
+malice. Provoke not the gods against thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+13. Of horse and rings wilt thou ever, Bragi! be in want. Of the
+Æsir and the Alfar, that are here present, in conflict thou art the
+most backward, and in the play of darts most timid.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+14. I know that were I without, as I am now within, the hall of
+Oegir, I thy head would bear in my hand, and so for lying punish thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+15. Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi! but so thou shouldst not
+be, Bragi, the bench's pride! Go and fight, if thou art angry; a brave
+man sits not considering.
+
+_Idun_.
+
+16. I pray thee, Bragi! let avail the bond of children, and of all
+adopted sons, and to Loki speak not in reproachful words, in Oegir's
+hall.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+17. Be silent, Idun! of all women I declare thee most fond of men,
+since thou thy arms, carefully washed, didst twine round thy brother's
+murderer.
+
+_Idun_.
+
+18. Loki I address not with opprobrious words, in Oegir's hall.
+Bragi I soothe, by beer excited. I desire not that angry ye fight.
+
+_Gefion_.
+
+19. Why will ye, Æsir twain, here within, strive with reproachful
+words? Lopt perceives not that he is deluded, and is urged on by fate.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+20. Be silent, Gefion! I will now just mention, how that fair youth
+thy mind corrupted, who thee a necklace gave, and around whom thou thy
+limbs didst twine?
+
+_Odin_.
+
+21. Thou art raving, Loki! and hast lost thy wits, in calling
+Gefion's anger on thee; for all men's destinies, I ween, she knows as
+thoroughly as I do.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+22. Be silent, Odin! Thou never couldst allot conflicts between men:
+oft hast thou given to those to whom thou oughtest not--victory to
+cowards.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+23. Knowest thou that I gave to those I ought not--victory to
+cowards? Thou wast eight winters on the earth below, a milch cow and a
+woman, and didst there bear children. Now that, methinks, betokens a
+base nature.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+24. But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and
+knocked at houses as a Vala. In likeness of a fortune teller, thou
+wentest among people. Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+25. Your doings ye should never publish among men, what ye, Æsir
+twain, did in days of yore. Ever forgotten be men's former deeds!
+
+_Loki_.
+
+26. Be thou silent, Frigg! Thou art Fiorgyn's daughter, and ever
+hast been fond of men, since Ve and Vili, it is said, thou, Vidrir's
+wife, didst both to thy bosom take.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+27. Know thou that if I had, in Oegir's halls, a son like Baldr, out
+thou shouldst not go from the Æsir's sons: thou should'st have been
+fiercely assailed.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+28. But wilt thou, Frigg! that of my wickedness I more recount? I am
+the cause that thou seest not Baldr riding to the halls.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+29. Mad art thou, Loki! in recounting thy foul misdeeds. Frigg, I
+believe, knows all that happens, although she says it not.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+30. Be thou silent, Freyia! I know thee full well; thou art not free
+from vices: of the Æsir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been
+thy paramour.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+31. False is thy tongue. Henceforth it will, I think, prate no good
+to thee. Wroth with thee are the Æsir, and the Asyniur. Sad shalt thou
+home depart.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+32. Be silent, Freyia! Thou art a sorceress, and with much evil
+blended; since against thy brother thou the gentle powers excited. And
+then, Freyia! what didst thou do?
+
+_Niord_.
+
+33. It is no great wonder, if silk-clad dames get themselves
+husbands, lovers; but 'tis a wonder that a wretched As, that has borne
+children, should herein enter.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+34. Be silent, Niord! Thou wast sent eastward hence, a hostage from
+the gods. Hymir's daughters had thee for an utensil, and flowed into
+thy mouth.[41] _Niord_.
+
+35. 'Tis to me a solace, as I a long way hence was sent, a hostage
+from the gods, that I had a son, whom no one hates, and accounted is a
+chief among the Æsir.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+36. Cease now, Niord! in bounds contain thyself; I will no longer
+keep it secret: it was with thy sister thou hadst such a son; hardly
+worse than thyself.
+
+_Ty_.
+
+37. Frey is best of all the exalted gods in the Æsir's courts: no
+maid he makes to weep, no wife of man, and from bonds looses all.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+38. Be silent, Ty! Thou couldst never settle a strife 'twixt two; of
+thy right hand also I must mention make, which Fenrir from thee tore.
+
+_Ty_.
+
+39. I of a hand am wanting, but thou of honest fame; sad is the lack
+of either. Nor is the wolf at ease: he in bonds must bide, until the
+gods' destruction.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+40. Be silent, Ty; to thy wife it happened to have a son by me. Nor
+rag nor penny ever hadst thou, poor wretch! for this injury.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+41. I the wolf see lying at the river's mouth, until the powers are
+swept away. So shalt thou be bound, if thou art not silent, thou
+framer of evil.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+42. With gold thou boughtest Gymir's daughter, and so gavest away
+thy sword: but when Muspell's sons through the dark forest ride, thou,
+unhappy, wilt not have wherewith to fight.
+
+_Byggvir_.
+
+43. Know that were I of noble race, like Ingun's Frey, and had so
+fair a dwelling, than marrow softer I would bray that ill-boding crow,
+and crush him limb by limb.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+44. What little thing is that I see wagging its tail, and snapping
+eagerly? At the ears of Frey thou shouldst ever be, and clatter under
+mills.
+
+_Byggvir_.
+
+45. Byggvir I am named, and am thought alert, by all gods and men;
+therefore am I joyful here, that all the sons of Hropt drink beer
+together.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+46. Be silent, Byggvir! Thou couldst never dole out food to men,
+when, lying in thy truckle bed, thou wast not to be found, while men
+were fighting.
+
+_Heimdall_.
+
+47. Loki, thou art drunk, and hast lost thy wits. Why dost thou not
+leave off, Loki? But drunkenness so rules every man, that he knows not
+of his garrulity.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+48. Be silent, Heimdall! For thee in early days was that hateful
+life decreed: with a wet back thou must ever be, and keep watch as
+guardian of the gods.
+
+_Skadi_.
+
+49. Thou art merry, Loki! Not long wilt thou frisk with an unbound
+tail; for thee, on a rock's point, with the entrails of thy ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+50. Know, if on a rock's point, with the entrails of my ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind me, that first and foremost I was at the
+slaying, when we assailed Thiassi.
+
+_Skadi_.
+
+51. Know, if first and foremost thou wast at the slaying, when ye
+assailed Thiassi, that from my dwellings and fields shall to thee ever
+cold counsels come.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+52. Milder wast thou of speech to Laufey's son, when to thy bed thou
+didst invite me. Such matters must be mentioned, if we accurately must
+recount our vices.
+
+Then came Sif forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup,
+saying:
+
+53. Hail to thee, Loki! and this cool cup receive, full of old mead:
+at least me alone, among the blameless Æsir race, leave stainless.
+
+He took the horn, drank, and said:
+
+54. So alone shouldst thou be, hadst thou strict and prudent been
+towards thy mate; but one I know, and, I think, know him well, a
+favoured rival of Hlorridi, and that is the wily Loki.
+
+_Beyla_.
+
+55. The fells all tremble: I think Hlorridi is from home journeying.
+He will bid be quiet him who here insults all gods and men.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+56. Be silent, Beyla! Thou art Byggvir's wife, and with much evil
+mingled: never came a greater monster among the Æsir's sons. Thou art
+a dirty strumpet.
+
+Thor then came in and said:
+
+57. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. I will thy head from thy neck strike; then will thy
+life be ended.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+58. Now the son of earth is hither come. Why dost thou chafe so,
+Thor? Thou wilt not dare do so, when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
+and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+59. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Up I will hurl thee to the east region, and none
+shall see thee after.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+60. Of thy eastern travels thou shouldest never to people speak,
+since in a glove-thumb thou, Einheri! wast doubled up, and hardly
+thoughtest thou wast Thor.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+61. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating: with this right hand I, Hrungnir's bane, will smite
+thee, so that thy every bone be broken.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+62. 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though with thy hammer
+thou dost threaten me. Skrymir's thongs seemed to thee hard, when at
+the food thou couldst not get, when, in full health, of hunger dying.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+63. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Hrungnir's bane shall cast thee down to Hel, beneath
+the gratings of the dead.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+64. I have said before the Æsir, I have said before the Æsir's sons,
+that which my mind suggested: but for thee alone will I go out;
+because I know that thou wilt fight.
+
+65. Oegir! thou hast brewed beer; but thou never shalt henceforth a
+compotation hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame shall
+play over, and on thy back shall burn thee.
+
+After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the
+waterfall of Franangr, where the Æsir caught him, and bound him with
+the entrails of his son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed
+into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous serpent, and fastened it up over
+Loki's face. The venom trickled down from it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat
+by, and held a basin under the venom; and when the basin was full,
+carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki, who shrank
+from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
+are now called earthquakes.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 41: The events related in this strophe are probably a mere
+perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niord's history.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.
+
+1. From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the
+giant race.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place
+for thee.
+
+2. What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering
+round the perilous flame? Whom dost thou seek? Of what art thou in
+quest? Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+3. What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the
+wayfarer offers not hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast
+thou lived: but hence hie thee home.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+4. Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not
+prodigal. Within these courts thou shalt never come: so now, wretch!
+take thyself off.
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+5. From the eye's delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is
+something pleasant to be seen. These walls, methinks, shine around
+golden halls. Here I could live contented with my lot.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+6. Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast
+sprung.
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+7. Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was
+Fiolkald.
+
+8. Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to
+know: who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+9. Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin's
+son. She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+10. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which
+among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+11. Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi's three sons constructed
+it: a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+12. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is called, than
+which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+13. Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's
+limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world
+lasts.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+14. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase
+away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+15. Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst
+know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+16. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those
+fierce assailants sleep?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+17. Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the
+watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so
+that no wight can enter if he comes.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+18. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can
+get, such that they can run in while they eat?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+19. Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that wouldst know:
+that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they
+eat.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+20. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its
+branches spreads itself over every land?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+21. Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it
+springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron
+will harm it.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+22. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed
+tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+23. Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out
+then will pass what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+24. Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the cock is called that sits in
+that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+25. Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs
+of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the
+swart bird at his lonely meal.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+26. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before
+which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+27. Hævatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the
+gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with
+nine strong locks secured.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+28. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who
+seeks after, and will take, that rod?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+29. He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he
+bears that which few possess to the dame of the glassy clay.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+30. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that
+mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+31. The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag
+shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an
+arm for conflict.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+32. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is
+girt round with a curious flickering flame?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+33. Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's
+point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay
+known.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+34. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the Æsir's sons has that
+constructed, which within the court I saw?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+35. Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri,
+Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+36. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I
+see a splendid maiden stand?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the
+bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a
+year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+38. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., how those maids are called, who sit at
+Menglod's knees in harmony together?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+39. Hlif the first is called, the second is Hlifthursa, the third
+Thiodvarta, Biort and Blid, Blidr, Frid, Eir and Orboda.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+40. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether they protect those who offer
+to them, if it should, be needful?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+41. Every summer in which men offer to them, at the holy place, no
+pestilence so great shall come to the sons of men, but they will free
+each from peril.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+42. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any man that may in
+Menglod's soft arms sleep?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+43. There is no man who may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only
+Svipdag; to him the sun-bright maid is for wife betrothed.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+44. Set the doors open! Let the gate stand wide; here thou mayest
+Svipdag see; but yet go learn if Menglod will accept my love.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+45. Hear, Menglod! A man is hither come: go and behold the stranger;
+the dogs rejoice; the house has itself opened. I think it must be
+Svipdag.
+
+_Menglod_.
+
+46. Fierce ravens shall, on the high gallows, tear out thy eyes, if
+thou art lying, that hither from afar is come the youth unto my halls.
+
+47. Whence art thou come? Whence hast thou journeyed? How do thy
+kindred call thee? Of thy race and name I must have a token, if I was
+betrothed to thee.
+
+_Svipdag_.
+
+48. Svipdag I am named, Solbiart was my father named; thence the
+winds on the cold ways drove me. Urd's decree may no one gainsay,
+however lightly uttered.
+
+_Menglod_.
+
+49. Welcome thou art: my will I have obtained; greeting a kiss shall
+follow. A sight unlooked-for gladdens most persons, when one the other
+loves.
+
+50. Long have I sat on my loved hill, day and night expecting thee.
+Now that is come to pass which I have hoped, that thou, dear youth,
+again to my halls art come.
+
+_Svipdag_.
+
+51. Longing I have undergone for thy love; and thou, for my
+affection. Now it is certain, that we shall pass our lives together.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HYNDLA.
+
+Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the
+purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's genealogy, such
+information being required by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr.
+Having obtained this, Freyia further requests Hyndla to give Ottar a
+potion (minnisol) that will enable him to remember all that has been
+told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having
+encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but
+accompanied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a blessing.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+1. Wake, maid of maids! Wake, my friend! Hyndla! Sister! who in the
+cavern dwellest. Now there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall
+ride, and to the holy fane.
+
+2. Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and
+grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet,
+and from him Sigmund a sword received.
+
+3. Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to
+the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy
+to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.
+
+4. She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may
+be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.
+
+5. Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with
+runic rein.[42] _Hyndla_.
+
+6. Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+7. I will my noble palfrey saddle.
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+8. False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest
+it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,[43]
+the young Ottar, Innstein's son.
+
+9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest
+that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles
+with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two
+skilful dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. From the saddle we will talk: let us
+sit, and of princely families discourse, of those chieftains who from
+the gods descend. They have contested for the dead's gold, Ottar the
+young and Angantyr.
+
+10. A duty 'tis to act so that the young prince his paternal
+heritage may have, after his kindred.
+
+11. An offer-stead to me he raised, with stones constructed; now is
+that stone as glass become. With the blood of oxen he newly sprinkled
+it. Ottar ever trusted in the Asyniur.
+
+12. Now let us reckon up the ancient families, and the races of
+exalted men. Who are the Skioldungs? Who are the Skilfings? Who the
+Odlings? Who the Ylfings? Who the hold-born? Who the hers-born? The
+choicest race of men under heaven?
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+13. Thou, Ottar! art of Innstein born, but Innstein was from Alf the
+Old, Alf was from Ulf, Ulf from Sæfari, but Sæfari from Svan the Red.
+
+14. Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces famed, she, I think,
+was named Hledis the priestess; Frodi her father was, and her mother
+Friant: all that stock is reckoned among chieftains.
+
+15. Ali was of old of men the strongest, Halfdan before him, the
+highest of the Skioldungs; (Famed were the wars by those chieftains
+led) his deeds seemed to soar to the skirts of heaven.
+
+16. By Eimund aided, chief of men, he Sigtrygg slew with the cold
+steel. He Almveig had to wife, first of women. They begat and had
+eighteen sons.
+
+17. From them the Skioldungs, from them the Skilfings, from them the
+Odlings, from them the Ynglings, from them the hold-born, from them
+the hers-born, the choicest race of men under heaven. All that race is
+thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+18. Hildegun her mother was, of Svafa born and a sea-king. All that
+race is thine, Ottar Heimski! Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a
+longer narrative?
+
+19. Dag wedded Thora, mother of warriors: of that race were born the
+noble champions, Fradmar, Gyrd, and the Frekis both, Am, Josur, Mar,
+Alf the Old. Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a longer
+narrative?
+
+20. Ketil their friend was named, heir of Klyp; he was maternal
+grandsire of thy mother. Then was Frodi yet before Kari, but the
+eldest born was Alf.
+
+21. Nanna was next, Nokkvi's daughter; her son was thy father's
+kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd and Horfi. All
+that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+22. Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's sons and Skurhild's Skekkil's daughter;
+thou shalt yet count chieftains many. All that race is thine, Ottar
+Heimski!
+
+23. Gunnar, Balk, Grim, Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi,
+Bui and Brami, Barri and Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, the two Haddingis.
+All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+24. To toil and tumult were the sons of Arngrim born, and of Eyfura:
+ferocious berserkir, calamity of every kind, by land and sea, like
+fire they carried. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+25. I knew both Brodd and Horfi, they were in the court of Hrolf the
+Old; all descended from Jormunrek, son-in-law of Sigurd. (Listen to my
+story) the dread of nations, him who Fafnir slew.
+
+26. He was a king, from Volsung sprung, and Hiordis from Hrodung;
+but Eylimi from the Odlings. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+27. Gunnar and Hogni, sons of Giuki; and Gudrun likewise, their
+sister. Guttorm; was not of Giuki's race, although he brother was of
+them both. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+28. Harald Hildetonn, born of Hrærekir Slongvanbaugi; he was a son
+of Aud, Aud the rich was Ivar's daughter; but Radbard was Randver's
+father. They were heroes to the gods devoted. All that race is thine,
+Ottar Heimski!
+
+29. There were eleven Æsir reckoned, when Baldr on the pile was
+laid; him Vali showed himself worthy to avenge, his own brother: he
+the slayer slew. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+30. Baldr's father was son of Bur: Frey to wife had Gerd, she was
+Gymir's daughter, from Jotuns sprung and Aurboda; Thiassi also was
+their relation, that haughty Jotun; Skadi was his daughter.
+
+31. We tell thee much, and remember more: I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
+
+32. Haki was not the worst of Hvedna's sons, and Hiorvard was
+Hvedna's father; Heid and Hrossthiof were of Hrimnir's race.
+
+33. All the Valas are from Vidolf; all the soothsayers from
+Vilmeidr, all the sorcerers from Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns come from
+Ymir.
+
+34. We tell thee much, and more remember, I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
+
+35. There was one born, in times of old, with wondrous might
+endowed, of origin divine: nine Jotun maids gave birth to the gracious
+god, at the world's margin.
+
+36. Gialp gave him birth, Greip gave him birth, Eistla gave him
+birth, and Angeia; Ulfrun gave him birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd and Atla,
+and Jarnsaxa.
+
+37. The boy was nourished with the strength of earth, with the
+ice-cold sea, and with Son's blood. We tell thee much, and more
+remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. Wishest thou a yet longer
+narrative?
+
+38. Loki begat the wolf with Angrboda, but Sleipnir he begat with
+Svadilfari: one monster seemed of all most deadly, which from
+Byleist's brother sprang.
+
+39. Loki, scorched up in his heart's affections, had found a
+half-burnt woman's heart. Loki became guileful from that wicked woman;
+thence in the world are all giantesses come.
+
+40. Ocean towers with storms to heaven itself, flows o'er the land;
+the air is rent: thence come snows and rapid winds; then it is decreed
+that the rain should cease.
+
+41. There was one born greater than all, the boy was nourished with
+the strength of earth; he was declared a ruler, mightiest and richest,
+allied by kinship to all princes.
+
+42. Then shall another come, yet mightier, although I dare not his
+name declare. Few may see further forth than when Odin meets the wolf.
+
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+43. Bear thou the memory-cup to my guest, so that he may all the
+words repeat of this, discourse, on the third morn, when he and
+Angantyr reckon up races.
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+44. Go thou quickly hence, I long to sleep; more of my wondrous
+power thou gettest not from me. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at
+nights, as among he-goats the she-goat goes.
+
+45. Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen
+under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among
+he-goats, the she-goat goes.
+
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+46. Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so that thou goest
+not ever away from hence.
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+47. Fire I see burning, and the earth blazing; many will have their
+lives to save. Bear thou the cup to Ottar's hand, the mead with venom
+mingled, in an evil hour!
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+48. Thy malediction shall be powerless; although thou, Jotun-maid!
+dost evil threaten. He shall drink delicious draughts. All the gods I
+pray to favour Ottar.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 42: That is, with a rein inscribed with runes.]
+
+[Footnote 43: The road to Valhall.]
+
+
+
+
+THE INCANTATION OF GROA.
+
+_Son_.
+
+1. Wake up, Groa! wake up, good woman! at the gates of death I wake
+thee! if thou rememberest, that thou thy son badest to thy grave-mound
+to come.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+2. What now troubles my only son? With what affliction art thou
+burthened, that thou thy mother callest, who to dust is come, and from
+human homes departed?
+
+_Son_.
+
+3. A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my
+has father in his bosom cherished, when thou badest me go no one knows
+whither, Menglod to meet.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+4. Long is the journey, long are the ways, long are men's desires.
+If it so fall out, that thou thy will obtainest, the event must then
+be as it may.
+
+_Son_.
+
+5. Sing to me songs which are good. Mother! protect thy son. Dead on
+my way I fear to be. I seem too young in years.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+6. I will sing to thee first one that is thought most useful, which
+Rind sang to Ran; that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast what to
+thee seems irksome: let thyself thyself direct.
+
+7. A second I will sing to thee, as thou hast to wander joyless on
+thy ways. May Urd's protection hold thee on every side, where thou
+seest turpitude.
+
+8. A third I will sing to thee. If the mighty rivers to thy life's
+peril fall, Horn and Rud, may they flow down to Hel, and for thee ever
+be diminished.
+
+9. A fourth I will sing to thee. If foes assail thee ready on the
+dangerous road, their hearts shall fail them, and to thee be power,
+and their minds to peace be turned.
+
+10. A fifth I will sing to thee. If bonds be cast on thy limbs,
+friendly spells I will let on thy joints be sung, and the lock from
+thy arms shall start, [and from thy feet the fetter].
+
+11. A sixth I will sing to thee. If on the sea thou comest, more
+stormy than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag attend
+thee, and a tranquil course afford thee.
+
+12. A seventh I will sing to thee. If on a mountain high frost
+should assail thee, deadly cold shall not thy carcase injure, nor draw
+thy body to thy limbs.
+
+13. An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out
+on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to
+do thee harm.
+
+14. A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed spear-armed
+Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart
+abundance shall be given.
+
+15. Go now ever where calamity may be, and no harm shall obstruct
+thy wishes. On a stone fast in the earth I have stood within the door,
+while songs I sang to thee.
+
+16. My son! bear hence thy mother's words, and in thy breast let
+them dwell; for happiness abundant shalt thou have in life, while of
+my words thou art mindful.
+
+
+
+
+THE SONG OF THE SUN.
+
+This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts,
+assigned to Sæmund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given
+under the form of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to
+address his son from another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly
+connected with the following ones, which, as far as the 32nd consist
+chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling those in
+the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital of the last
+illness of the supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
+passed through on the way to its final home.
+
+The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and
+Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's own religion was in a
+transition state. Of the allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be
+observed that they are chiefly to persons and actions of which there
+is no trace in the Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly
+the fruits of the poet's own imagination. The title of the poem is no
+doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning of
+strophes 39-45.
+
+For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version
+of "the Song of the Sun," the reader may consult "Les Chants de Sol,"
+by Professor Bergmann, Strasbourg & Paris, 1858.
+
+1. Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over
+the ways beset by him might no one living pass.
+
+2. Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast;
+until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from
+the way.
+
+3. In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be:
+with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so
+evil-minded.
+
+4. Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart;
+on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was
+an evil-doer.
+
+5. Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly
+treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his
+wary cautious host.
+
+6. The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke;
+but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he
+had slain.
+
+7. Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in
+a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.
+
+8. Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with
+him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command
+his tranquillity.
+
+9. Unnar and Sævaldi never imagined that happiness would fall from
+them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran
+to the forest.
+
+10. The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often
+caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them
+pure created.
+
+11. United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the
+other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was
+destined for their perdition.
+
+12. On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or
+joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright
+form.
+
+13. Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they
+enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful
+friends.
+
+14. Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm
+they went,[44] for that fair woman, and each one found his death.
+
+15. Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those
+who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.
+
+16. Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their
+well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.
+
+17. They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be
+above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to
+appoint.
+
+18. A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had gold for
+sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and
+fire.
+
+19. To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair:
+promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.
+
+20. So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in
+Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer,
+but he proved false.
+
+21. Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return
+promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together
+drank; but then came forth their guile.
+
+22. Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode,
+they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go
+forth.
+
+23. His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal)
+into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.
+
+24. His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but
+the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.
+
+25. Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in
+spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy
+will.
+
+26. For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with
+evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to
+the soul.
+
+27. On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind
+created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.
+
+28. To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that
+which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing
+asks: few heed the wants of the silent.
+
+29. Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door;
+thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of
+the feast partake.
+
+30. Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no
+one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.
+
+31. Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he
+will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.
+
+32. Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to
+thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all
+useful to learn.
+
+33. Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and
+secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.
+
+34. Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money
+crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow: many have riches driven
+to madness.
+
+35. Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me:
+our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.
+
+36. Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous;
+but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the
+doomed.
+
+37. The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend
+them, but they were strong. 'Tis easy free to go.
+
+38. I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of
+Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.
+
+39. The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but
+Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.
+
+40. The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from
+this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she
+was before.
+
+41. The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I
+bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.
+
+42. The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to
+know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with
+blood.
+
+43. The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for
+my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.
+
+44. The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world
+declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.
+
+45. The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the
+mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.
+
+46. The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away;
+high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.
+
+47. Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I
+lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: "Man is the same as
+earth."
+
+48. The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven
+and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.
+
+49. Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of
+my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.
+
+50. Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too
+much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.
+
+51. In the Norns' seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a
+horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping
+clouds of heaven.
+
+52. Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether
+worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the
+readiest paths.
+
+53. Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds
+of torment came:--scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as
+flies.
+
+54. From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Glæval's paths
+obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and
+heaven to burst.
+
+55. The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two
+together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to
+heaven.
+
+56. From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in
+all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's
+well.
+
+57. The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I
+heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground
+earth for food.
+
+58. Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts
+hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.
+
+59. Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed-strewed paths; their
+faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.
+
+60. Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not
+have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly
+characters.
+
+61. I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune;
+bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.
+
+62. I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild:
+this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.
+
+63. I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's
+property: in shoals they went to Castle-covetous, and burthens bore of
+lead.
+
+64. I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft:
+through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.
+
+65. I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands
+were on hot stones firmly nailed.
+
+66. I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly;
+their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.
+
+67. I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered:
+Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.
+
+68. All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which Hel's inmates
+suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties: pains ever follow
+pleasure.
+
+69. I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights
+were above their heads brightly burning.
+
+70. I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid:
+angels, read holy books above their heads.
+
+71. I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted:
+God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.
+
+72. I saw those men who had put food into their mothers' mouth:
+their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.
+
+73. Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of those men,
+who for a long time had themselves tormented.
+
+74. Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to
+God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.
+
+75. Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I
+pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.
+
+76. Biugvor and Iyistvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat;
+iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.
+
+77. Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her
+sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.
+
+78. Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone obtained for
+thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise
+Vigdvalin.
+
+79. Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine,
+Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.
+
+80. How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi!
+bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil
+custom.
+
+81. This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living
+sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.
+
+82. Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's
+rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living
+comfort.
+
+83. Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen
+the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the
+Sun-song.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 44: That is, _they engaged in single combat_; the spot for
+such encounters being called a _holm_, consisting of a circular space
+marked out by stones.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VOLUND.
+
+There was a king in Sweden named Nidud: he had two sons and a
+daughter, whose name was Bodvild. There were three brothers, sons of a
+king of the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil, the third
+Volund. They went on snow-shoes and hunted wild-beasts. They came to
+Ulfdal, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water
+called Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake
+three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their
+swan-plumages: they were Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and
+Hervor-Alvit, were daughters of King Hlodver; the third was Olrun, a
+daughter of Kiar of Valland. They took them home with them to their
+dwelling. Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit. They
+lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and
+did not return. Egil then went on snow-shoes in search of Olrun, and
+Slagfid in search of Svanhvit, but Volund remained in Ulfdal. He was a
+most skilful man, as we learn from old traditions. King Nidud ordered
+him to be seized, so as it is here related.
+
+1. Maids flew from the south, through the murky wood, Alvit the
+young, fate to fulfil. On the lake's margin they sat to repose, the
+southern damsels; precious flax they spun.
+
+2. One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil
+clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the
+third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund.
+
+3. There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were
+with longing seized; and in the ninth fate parted them. The maidens
+yearned for the murky wood, the young Alvit, fate to fulfil.
+
+4. From the chase came the ardent hunters, Slagfid and Egil, found
+their house deserted, went out and in, and looked around. Egil went
+east after Olrun, and Slagfid west after Svanhvit;
+
+5. But Volund alone remained in Ulfdal. He the red gold set with the
+hard gem, well fastened all the rings on linden bast, and so awaited
+his bright consort, if to him she would return.
+
+6. It was told to Nidud, the Niarars' lord, that Volund alone
+remained in Ulfdal. In the night went men, in studded corslets, their
+shields glistened in the waning moon.
+
+7. From their saddles they alighted at the house's gable, thence
+went in through the house. On the bast they saw the rings all drawn,
+seven hundred, which the warrior owned.
+
+8. And they took them off, and they put them on, all save one, which
+they bore away. Came then from the chase the ardent hunter, Volund,
+gliding[45] on the long way.
+
+9. To the fire he went, bear's flesh to roast. Soon blazed the
+brushwood, and the arid fir, the wind-dried wood, before Volund.
+
+10. On the bearskin sat, his rings counted, the Alfar's companion:
+one was missing. He thought that Hlodver's daughter had it, the young
+Alvit, and that she was returned.
+
+11. So long he sat until he slept; and he awoke of joy bereft: on
+his hands he felt heavy constraints, and round his feet fetters
+clasped.
+
+12. "Who are the men that on the rings' possessor have laid bonds?
+and me have bound?"
+
+13. Then cried Nidud, the Niarars' lord: "Whence gottest thou,
+Volund! Alfars' chief![46] our gold, in Ulfdal?"
+
+14. "No gold was here in Grani's path, far I thought our land from
+the hills of Rhine. I mind me that we more treasures possessed, when,
+a whole family, we were at home.
+
+15. Hladgud and Hervor were of Hlodver born; known was Olrun, Kiar's
+daughter, she entered into the house, stood on the floor, her voice
+moderated: Now is he not mirthful, who from the forest comes."
+
+King Nidud gave to his daughter Bodvild the ring which had been taken
+from the bast in Volund's house; but he himself bore the sword that
+had belonged to Volund. The queen said:
+
+16. His teeth he shows, when the sword he sees, and Bodvild's ring
+he recognizes: threatening are his eyes as a glistening serpent's: let
+be severed his sinews' strength; and set him then in Sævarstad.
+
+This was done; he was hamstrung, and then set on a certain small
+island near the shore, called Sævarstad. He there forged for the king
+all kinds of jewellery work. No one was allowed to go to him, except
+the king. Volund said:
+
+17. "The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could
+most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly. That
+bright blade forever is taken from me: never shall I see it borne into
+Volund's smithy.
+
+18. Now Bodvild wears my consort's red-gold rings: for this I have
+no indemnity." He sat and never slept, and his hammer plied; but much
+more speedy vengeance devised on Nidud.
+
+19. The two young sons of Nidud ran in at the door to look, in
+Sævarstad. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was
+their grudge, when therein they looked.
+
+20. Many necklaces were there, which to those youths appeared of the
+red gold to be, and treasures. "Come ye two alone, to-morrow come;
+that gold shall be given to you.
+
+21. Tell it not to the maidens, nor to the household folk, nor to
+any one, that ye have been with me." Early called one the other,
+brother, brother: "Let us go see the rings."
+
+22. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was their
+grudge, when therein they looked. Of those children he the heads cut
+off, and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.
+
+23. But their skulls beneath the hair he in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones he formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife he sent.
+
+24. But of the teeth of the two breast-ornaments he made, and to
+Bodvild sent. Then did Bodvild praise the ring: to Volund brought it,
+when she had broken it: "I dare to no tell it, save alone to thee."
+
+_Volund_.
+
+25. "I will so repair the fractured gold, that to thy father it
+shall fairer seem, and to thy mother much more beautiful, and to
+thyself, in the same degree."
+
+26. He then brought her beer, that he might succeed the better, as
+on her seat she fell asleep. "Now have I my wrongs avenged, all save
+one in the wood perpetrated."[47]
+
+27. "I wish," said Volund, "that on my feet I were, of the use of
+which Nidud's men have deprived me." Laughing Volund rose in air:
+Bodvild weeping from the isle departed. She mourned her lover's
+absence, and for her father's wrath.
+
+28. Stood without Nidud's wily wife; then she went in through the
+hall; but he on the enclosure sat down to rest. "Art thou awake
+Niarars' lord!"
+
+29. "Ever am I awake, joyless I lie to rest, when I call to mind my
+children's death: my head is chilled, cold are to me thy counsels.
+Now with Volund I desire to speak."
+
+30. "Tell me, Volund, Alfars' chief! of my brave boys what is
+become?"
+
+31. "Oaths shalt thou first to me swear, by board of ship, by rim of
+shield, by shoulder of steed, by edge of sword, that thou wilt not
+slay the wife of Volund, nor of my bride cause the death; although a
+wife I have whom ye know, or offspring within thy court.
+
+32. To the smithy go, which thou hast made, there wilt thou the
+bellows find with blood besprinkled. The heads I severed of thy boys,
+and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.
+
+33. But their skulls beneath the hair I in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones I formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife I sent.
+
+34. Of the teeth of the two, breast-ornaments I made, and to Bodvild
+sent. Now Bodvild goes big with child, the only daughter of you both."
+
+35. "Word didst thou never speak that more afflicted me, or for
+which I would more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that
+he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee
+down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky."
+
+36. Laughing Volund rose in air, but Nidud sad remained sitting.
+
+37. "Rise up Thakrad, my best of thralls! bid Bodvild, my
+fair-browed daughter, in bright attire come, with her sire to speak.
+
+38. Is it, Bodvild! true what has been told to me, that thou and
+Volund in the isle together sat?"
+
+39. "True it is, Nidud! what has been told to thee, that Volund and
+I in the isle together sat, in an unlucky hour: would it had never
+been! I could not against him strive, I might not against him
+prevail."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 45: On snow-shoes.]
+
+[Footnote 46: The designation of Alfars' chief, or prince, applied to
+Volund, who, as we learn from the prose introduction, was a son of a
+king of the Finns, may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance
+that the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology, and was
+probably composed when that system was in its decline and giving place
+to the heroic or romantic.]
+
+[Footnote 47: The translation of this line is founded solely on a
+conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded to may be the
+hamstringing.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HELGI HIORVARD'S SON.
+
+There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four wives, one of whom was
+named Alfhild, their son was named Hedin; the second was named Særeid,
+their son was Humlung; the third was named Sinriod, their son was
+Hymling. King Hiorvard made a vow that he would have to wife the most
+beautiful woman he knew of, and was told that King Svafnir had a
+daughter of incomparable beauty, named Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named
+Idmund, whose son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for the
+king. He stayed throughout the winter with King Svafnir. There was a
+jarl there named Franmar, who was the foster-father of Sigrlinn, and
+had a daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the maiden should be
+refused, and Atli returned home. One day when the jarl's son Atli was
+standing in a grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above him,
+which had heard that his men called the wives which King Hiorvard had
+the most beautiful. The bird talked, and Atli listened to what it
+said. The bird said:
+
+1. Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, Svafnir's daughter, of maidens fairest,
+in her pleasant home? though fair the wives of Hiorvard seem to men in
+Glasis-lund.
+
+_Atli._
+
+2. With Atli, Idmund's son, sagacious bird! wilt thou further speak?
+
+_Bird._
+
+I will if the prince will offer to me, and I may choose what I will
+from the king's court.
+
+_Atli._
+
+3. Choose not Hiorvard nor his sons, nor the fair daughters of that
+prince, nor the wives which the king has. Let us together bargain;
+that is the part of friends.
+
+_Bird._
+
+4. A fane I will chose, offer steads many, gold-horned cows from the
+chief's land, if Sigrlinn sleep in his arms, and unconstrained with
+that prince shall live.
+
+This took place before Atli's journey; but after his return, when the
+king asked his tidings, he said:
+
+5. Labour we have had, but errand none performed; our horses failed
+us in the vast fell; we had afterwards a swampy lake to ford; then was
+denied us Svafnir's daughter with rings adorned, whom we would obtain.
+
+The king commanded them to go a second time, and also went himself.
+But when they had ascended a fell, and saw in Svavaland the country on
+fire, and a great reek from the horses of cavalry, the king rode down
+the fell into the country, and took up his night-quarters by a river.
+Atli kept watch, and crossed the river, and came to a house, on which
+sat a great bird to guard it, but was asleep. Atli shot the bird dead
+with an arrow. In the house he found the king's daughter Sigrlinn, and
+Alof daughter of Franmar, and brought them both away with him. The
+jarl Franmar had taken the form of an eagle, and protected them from a
+hostile army by sorcery. There was a king named Hrodmar, a wooer of
+Sigrlinn: he had slain the king of Svavaland, and ravaged and burnt
+the country. Hiorvard obtained Sigrlinn, and Atli Alof. Hiorvard and
+Sigrlinn had a son tall and comely: he was taciturn and had no fixed
+name. As he was sitting on a mound he saw nine Valkyriur, one of whom
+was of most noble aspect. She said:
+
+6. Late wilt thou, Helgi! rings possess, a potent warrior, or
+Rodulsvellir,--so at morn the eagle sang--if thou art ever silent;
+although thou, prince! a fierce mood mayest show.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+7. What wilt thou let accompany the name of Helgi, maid of aspect
+bright! since that thou art pleased to give me? Think well over what
+thou art saying. I will not accept it, unless I have thee also.
+
+_Valkyria_.
+
+8. Swords I know lying in Sigarsholm, fewer by four than five times
+ten: one of them is of all the best, of shields the bale, with gold
+adorned.
+
+9. A ring is on the hilt, courage in the midst, in the point terror
+for his use who owns it: along the edge a blood-stained serpent lies,
+and on the guard the serpent casts its tail.
+
+There was a king named Eylimi; Svava was his daughter; she was a
+Valkyria and rode through air and water. It was she who gave Helgi
+that name, and afterwards often protected him in battle. Helgi said:
+
+10. Hiorvard! thou art not a king of wholesome counsel, leader of
+people! renowned though thou mayest be. Thou hast let fire devour the
+homes of princes, though harm to thee they none have done.
+
+11. But Hrodmar shall of the rings dispose, which our relations have
+possessed. That chief recks little of his life; he thinks only to
+obtain the heritage of the dead.
+
+Hiorvard answers, that he will supply Helgi with an army, if he will
+avenge his mother's father. Helgi thereupon seeks the sword that Svava
+had indicated to him. Afterwards he and Atli went and slew Hrodmar,
+and performed many deeds of valour. He killed the Jotun Hati, as he
+sat on a crag. Helgi and Atli lay with their ships in Hatafiord. Atli
+kept watch in the first part of the night. Hrimgerd, Hati's daughter,
+said:
+
+12. Who are the chieftains in Hatafiord? With shields are your ships
+bedecked; boldly ye bear yourselves, few things ye fear, I ween: tell
+me how your king is named.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+13. Helgi is his name; but thou nowhere canst to the chief do harm;
+iron forts are around the prince's fleet; giantesses may not assail
+us.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+14. How art thou named? most powerful champion! How do men call
+thee? Thy king confides in thee, since in the ship's fair prow he
+grants thee place.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+15. Atli I am named, fierce I shall prove to thee; towards
+giantesses I am most hostile. The humid prow I have oft occupied, and
+the night-riders slain.
+
+16. How art thou called? corpse-greedy giantess! hag! name thy
+father. Nine rasts shouldst thou be underground, and a forest grow on
+thy breast.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+17. Hrimgerd I am called, Hati was my father called, whom I knew the
+mightiest Jotun. He many women had from their dwellings taken, until
+him Helgi slew.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+18. Thou wast, hag! before the prince's ships, and layest before
+them in the fiord's mouth. The chieftain's warriors thou wouldst to
+Ran consign, had a bar not crossed thee.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+19. Now, Atli! thou art wrong, methinks thou art dreaming; thy brows
+thou lettest over thy eyelids fall. My mother lay before the prince's
+ships; I Hlodvard's sons drowned in the ocean.
+
+20. Thou wouldst neigh, Atli! if thou wert not a gelding. See!
+Hrimgerd cocks her tail. Thy heart, methinks, Atli! is in thy hinder
+part, although thy voice is clear.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+21. I think I shall the stronger prove, if thou desirest to try;
+and I can step from the port to land. Thou shalt be soundly cudgeled,
+if I heartily begin, and let thy tail fall, Hrimgerd!
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+22. Just come on shore, Atli! if in thy strength thou trustest, and
+let us meet in Varinsvik. A rib-roasting thou shalt get, brave boy! if
+in my claws thou comest.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+23. I will not come before the men awake, and o'er the king hold
+watch. It would not surprise me, if from beneath our ship some hag
+arose.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+24. Keep watch, Atli! and to Hrimgerd pay the blood-fine for Hati's
+death. If one night she may sleep with the prince, she for the slain
+will be indemnified.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+25. Lodin is named he who shall thee possess, thou to mankind art
+loathsome. In Tholley dwells that Thurs, that dog-wise Jotun, of all
+rock-dwellers the worst: he is a fitting man for thee.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+26. Helgi would rather have her who last night guarded the port and
+men, the gold-bright maiden. She methought had strength, she stept
+from port to land, and so secured your fleet. She was alone the cause
+that I could not the king's men slay.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+27. Hear now, Hrimgerd! If I may indemnify thee, say fully to the
+king: was it one being only, that saved the prince's ships, or went
+many together?
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+28. Three troops of maidens; though one maid foremost rode, bright,
+with helmed head. Their horses shook themselves, and from their manes
+there sprang dew into the deep dales, hail on the lofty trees, whence
+comes fruitfulness to man. To me all that I saw was hateful.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+29. Look eastward now, Hrimgerd! whether Helgi has not stricken thee
+with death-bearing words. By land and water the king's fleet is safe,
+and the chief's men also.
+
+30. It is now day, Hrimgerd! and Atli has thee detained to thy loss
+of life. A ludicrous haven-mark 'twill, indeed, be, where thou a
+stone-image standest.
+
+King Helgi was a renowned warrior. He came to King Eylimi and demanded
+his daughter Svava. Helgi and Svava were united, and loved each other
+ardently. Svava remained at home with her father, but Helgi was
+engaged in warfare. Svava was a Valkyria as before. Hedin was at home
+with his father, King Hiorvard in Norway. Returning home alone from
+the forest on a Yule-eve, Hedin met a troll-wife riding on a wolf,
+with serpents for reins, who offered to attend him, but he declined
+her offer; whereupon she said: "Thou shalt pay for this at the
+Bragi-cup." In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
+led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
+vows at the Bragi-cup.[48] Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
+Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
+that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
+lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:
+
+31. Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
+Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
+to find us?
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+32. Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
+daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+33. Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
+us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
+nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
+well such befall, if it so must be.
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+34. Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
+gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
+peace to thy foes.
+
+Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
+and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had accosted Hedin, when he
+saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
+Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
+plain within three days. Then said Helgi:
+
+35. On a wolf rode, at evening twilight, a woman who him offered to
+attend. She well knew, that the son of Sigrlinn would be slain, on
+Sigar's plain.
+
+There was a great conflict, in which Helgi got his death-wound.
+
+36. Helgi sent Sigar riding, after Eylimi's only daughter: he bade
+her quickly be in readiness, if she would find the king alive.
+
+_Sigar_.
+
+37. Helgi has me hither sent, with thee, Svava! thyself to speak.
+Thee, said the king, he fain would see, ere the noble-born breathes
+forth his last.
+
+_Svava_.
+
+38. What has befallen Helgi, Hiorvard's son? I am sorely by
+afflictions stricken. Has the sea him deluded, or the sword wounded?
+On that man I will harm inflict.
+
+_Sigar_.
+
+39. This morning fell, at Frekastein, the king who beneath the sun
+was of all the best. Alf has complete victory, though this time it
+should not have been!
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+40. Hail to thee, Svava! Thy love thou must divide: this in this
+world, methinks, is our last meeting. They say the chieftain's wounds
+are bleeding. The sword came too near my heart.
+
+41. I pray thee, Svava!--weep not, my wife!--if thou wilt my voice
+obey, that for Hedin thou a couch prepare, and the young prince in thy
+arms clasp.
+
+_Svava_.
+
+42. I had said, in our pleasant home, when for me Helgi rings
+selected, that I would not gladly, after my king's departure, an
+unknown prince clasp in my arms.
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+43. Kiss me, Svava! I will not return, Rogheim to behold, nor
+Rodulsfioll, before I have avenged Hiorvard's son, who was of kings
+under the sun the best.
+
+Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 48: At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk. It was
+the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls, that the heir
+should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull was brought in, that
+he should then rise to receive it, make a vow, and drink the contents
+of the cup (full). He was then led to his father's high seat. At an
+offering guild, the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer both
+the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup, for victory and
+power to the king; then Niord's cup, and Frey's, for a good year and
+peace; after which it was the custom with many to drink a Bragafull.
+The peculiarity of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on
+drinking it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous deed,
+that might be made a subject for the song of the skalld.]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.
+
+1. It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters
+fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul,
+Borghild gave birth in Bralund.
+
+2. In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the
+prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be,
+and of leaders accounted best.
+
+3. With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he]
+burghs should overthrow[49] in Bralund. They stretched out the golden
+cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.
+
+4. East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands
+between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade
+last for ever.
+
+5. One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who
+had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent,
+a raven to a raven said: "I know something.
+
+6. Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day
+come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he:
+we shall rejoice!"
+
+7. He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said
+that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war,
+noble garlic to bring to the young prince;
+
+8. Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir, Solfioll, Snæfioll,
+and Sigarsvellir, Hringstad, Hatun, and Himinvangar, a sword ornate,
+to Sinfiotli's brother.
+
+9. Then grew up, in his friends' bosom, the high-born youth, in
+joyous splendour. He paid and gave gold for deserts; nor spared the
+chief the blood-stained sword.
+
+10. A short time only the leader let warfare cease. When the prince
+was fifteen winters old, he caused the fierce Hunding to fall, who
+long had ruled over lands and people.
+
+11. The sons of Hunding afterwards demanded from Sigmund's son
+treasure and rings; because they had on the prince to avenge their
+great loss of wealth, and their father's death.
+
+12. The prince would neither the blood-fine pay, nor for the slain
+indemnity would give. They might expect, he said, a terrific storm of
+grey arrows, and Odin's ire.
+
+13. The warriors went to the trysting place of swords, which they
+had appointed at Logafioll. Broken was Frodi's peace between the foes:
+Vidrir's hounds went about the isle slaughter-greedy.
+
+14. The leader sat under the Arastein, after he had slain Alf and
+Eyiolf, Hiorvard and Havard, sons of Hunding: he had destroyed all
+Geirmimir's race.
+
+15. Then gleamed a ray from Logafioll, and from that ray lightnings
+issued; then appeared, in the field of air, a helmed band of
+Valkyriur: their corslets were with blood besprinkled, and from their
+spears shone beams of light.
+
+16. Forthwith inquired the chieftain bold, from the wolf-congress of
+the southern Disir, whether they would, with the warriors, that night
+go home?--then was a clash of arms!
+
+17. One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of
+shields, and to the leader said: "We have, I ween, other objects than
+with princely warriors to drink beer.
+
+18. My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of
+Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like
+to a cat's son.
+
+19. That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a
+hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince."
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+20. Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of
+foes, unless I am dead.
+
+21. Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over
+water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to
+offer, and to their sons.
+
+22. "Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to
+hold them ready." There the king abode, until thither came warriors in
+hundreds from Hedinsey.
+
+23. From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went
+out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: "Hast thou
+mustered the valiant people?"
+
+24. But the young king the other answered: "Slowly" said he "are
+counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which
+sail without in the Oresund,--
+
+25. Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun there is more than
+half of the king's host--We are to war inured."
+
+26. Then the steersman threw the ship's tents aside, that the
+princes' people might awake, and the noble chiefs the dawn might see;
+and the warriors hauled the sails up to the mast in Varinsfiord.
+
+27. There was a dash of oars, and clash of iron, shield against
+shield resounded: the vikings rowed; roaring went, under the
+chieftains the royal fleet far from the land.
+
+28. So might be heard, when together came the tempest's sister[50]
+and the long keels, as when rock and surge on each other break.
+
+29. Higher still bade Helgi the deep sail be hauled. No port gave
+shelter to the crews; when Oegir's terrific daughter the chieftains'
+vessels would o'erwhelm,
+
+30. But from above Sigrun intrepid, saved them and their fleet also;
+from the hand of Ran powerfully was wrested the royal ship at
+Gnipalund.
+
+31. At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into
+port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood,
+espied the host.
+
+32. Then demanded the god-born Gudmund: "Who is the chieftain that
+commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?"
+
+33. Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with
+golden rim;--He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and
+with nobles words exchange--
+
+34. "Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your dogs lead to
+their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at
+Gnipalund.
+
+35. Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet's midst, a king hard to
+make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills,
+kissing the thrall-wenches.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+36. Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble
+thou falsehoods utterest. Thou hast been eating wolves' dainties, and
+of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with
+cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+37. Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader
+of lies. Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted
+warrior, save Sinfiotli.
+
+38. A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent,
+monstrous, in Alfather's hall. All the Einheriar fought with each
+other, deceitful woman! for thy sake. Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes;
+I alone was father of them all.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+39. Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as
+I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated
+upon Thorsnes.
+
+40. Thou wast Siggeir's stepson, at home under the benches layest,
+accustomed to the wolf's howl out in the forests: calamity of every
+kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother's breast.
+Notorious thou mad'st thyself by thy atrocious works.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+41. Thou wast Grani's bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready
+for the course. Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and
+saddled, through the fells, thou hag!
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+42. A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir's goats
+thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
+tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+43. I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
+than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
+with thee!
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+44. "Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
+to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
+however princes[51] may foster hate.
+
+45. Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
+princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
+they have courage to draw the sword."--
+
+46. Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
+Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
+mist, where the men went.
+
+47. The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
+the hostile advent. Without stood Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
+speed noticed of his kinsmen. "Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
+countenances?"
+
+48. "Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
+long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
+joyous Ylfings.
+
+49. Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
+Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
+there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
+conflict."
+
+_Hodbrodd_.
+
+50. "Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
+to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
+of those who swords can brandish.
+
+51. Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
+the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
+find resistance."
+
+52. It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow[52] blades at
+Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
+men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
+chieftain had a valiant heart.
+
+53. Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above--the clash of
+arms increased--for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun--well
+skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove--[53]
+
+54. "Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, pillar of
+Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
+the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
+beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: unscathed shalt thou,
+prince! both enjoy, Hogni's daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and
+lands: then is conflict ended."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 49: That is, when they came to spin that period of his
+destiny.]
+
+[Footnote 50: Kolga Systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr
+and Ran; they were the waves.]
+
+[Footnote 51: Literally _ring-breakers, or-dispensers_.]
+
+[Footnote 52: It would appear that their swords were of bronze.]
+
+[Footnote 53: Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i.e., the battlefield,
+strewed with corpses, the raven's food.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.
+
+King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund. They
+named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered
+by Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land
+was called Hundland. He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who
+were engaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and concealed,
+between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other's
+kinsmen. King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and
+Ylfings. Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King
+Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home. On departing Helgi met a
+herdsman, and said:
+
+1. "Say thou to Heming, that Helgi bears in mind who the mailed
+warrior was, whom the men laid low, when the grey wolf ye had within,
+and King Hunding thought it was Hamal."
+
+Hamal was the son of Hagal. King Hunding sent men to Hagal in search
+of Helgi, and Helgi had no other way to save himself than by taking
+the clothes of a female slave and going to grind. They sought but did
+not find him. Then said Blind the Baleful:
+
+2. Sharp are the eyes of Hagal's thrall-wench; of no churlish race
+is she who at the mill stands. The millstones are split, the receiver
+flies asunder. Now a hard fate has befallen the warrior, when a prince
+must barley grind: much more fitting to that hand is the falchion's
+hilt than a mill-handle.
+
+Hagal answered and said:--
+
+3. No wonder 'tis that the receiver rattles, when a royal damsel the
+handle turns. She hovered higher than the clouds, and, like the
+vikings, dared to fight, until Helgi made her captive. She is a sister
+of Sigar and Hogni; therefore has fierce eyes the Ylfing maid.
+
+Helgi escaped and went on board a ship of war. He slew King Hunding,
+and was afterwards named Helgi Hundingsbani. He lay with his force in
+Brunavagar, and carried on "strand-hogg"[54] and ate raw flesh. There
+was a king named Hogni, whose daughter was Sigrun: she was a Valkyria,
+and rode through the air and over the sea. She was Svava regenerated.
+Sigrun rode to Helgi, and said:--
+
+4. What men cause a ship along the coasts to float? where do ye
+warriors a home possess? what await ye in Brunavagar? whither desire
+ye to explore a way?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+5. Hamal causes a ship along the coasts to float; we have home in
+Hlesey; a fair wind we await in Brunavagar; eastward we desire to
+explore a way.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+6. Where, O prince! hast thou wakened war, or fed the birds of
+conflict's sisters?[55] Why is thy corslet sprinkled with blood? Why
+beneath the helm eat ye raw flesh?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+7. It was the Ylfings' son's last achievement,--if thou desirest to
+know--west of the ocean, that I took bears in Bragalund, and the
+eagles' race with our weapons sated. Now, maiden! I have said what the
+reasons were, why at sea we little cooked meat ate.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+8. To a battle thou alludest. Before Helgi has King Hunding been
+doomed to fall. In conflict ye have engaged, when your kindred ye
+avenged, and stained with blood the falchion's edge.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+9. Why dost thou suppose, sagacious maiden! that it was they, who
+their kin avenged? Many a warrior's bold sons there are, and hostile
+to our kindred.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+10. I was not far, leader of people! eager, at many a chieftain's
+end: yet crafty I account Sigmund's son, when in val-runes[56] the
+slaughter he announces.
+
+11. A while ago I saw thee commanding the warships, when thou hadst
+station on the bloody prow, and the cold sea waves were playing. Now,
+prince! thou wilt from me conceal it, but Hogni's daughter recognizes
+thee.
+
+Granmar was the name of a powerful prince who dwelt at Svarinshaug. He
+had many sons: one was called Hodbrodd, the second Gudmund, the third
+Starkadr. Hodbrodd was at the assembly of kings, and there betrothed
+himself to Sigrun, the daughter of Hogni. But when she was informed of
+it, she rode with the Valkyriur through the air and over the sea in
+quest of Helgi. Helgi was at that time at Logafioll, warring against
+the sons of Hunding, where he slew Alf and Eyiolf, Hiorvard and
+Hervard. Being over-fatigued with the conflict, he was sitting under
+the Arastein, where Sigrun found him, and running to him, threw her
+arms around his neck, and, kissing him, told him her errand so as it
+related in the first Volsungakvida.
+
+12. Sigrun sought the joyous prince, Helgi's hand she forthwith
+grasped, kissed and addressed the helm-decked king.
+
+13. Then was the chieftain's mind to the lady turned. She declared
+that she had loved, with her whole heart, Sigmund's son, before she
+had seen him.
+
+14. "To Hodbrodd I was in th' assembly betrothed, but I another
+prince would have: yet, chieftain! I foresee my kindred's wrath: I
+have my father's promise broken."
+
+15. Hogni's daughter spoke not at variance with her heart: she said
+that Helgi's affection she must possess.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+16. Care thou not for Hogni's wrath, nor for the evil mind of thy
+kin. Thou shalt, young maiden! live with me: of a good race thou art,
+as I perceive.
+
+Helgi then collected a large fleet and proceeded to Frekastein, and at
+sea experienced a perilous storm. Lightnings came over them, and the
+flashes entered the ships. They saw that nine Valkyriur were riding in
+the air, and recognized Sigrun among them. The storm then abated and
+they reached land in safety. The sons of Granmar were sitting on a
+hill as the ships were sailing towards the land. Gudmund leapt on a
+horse, and rode to explore on the hill by the haven. The Volsungs then
+lowered their sails, and Gudmund spoke as is before written in the
+Helgakvida:--
+
+"Who is the leader that commands the fleet, and an appalling host
+leads to our land?"
+
+This said Gudmund, Granmar's son:
+
+17. Who is the warrior that commands the ships, and lets his golden
+banner wave o'er his prow? No peace seems to me in that ship's front;
+it casts a warlike glow around the vikings.
+
+Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son, answered:
+
+18. Here may Hodbrodd Helgi learn to know, the hard of flight, in
+the fleet's midst: he the possession holds of thy race; he the fishes'
+heritage has to him subjected.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+19. Therefore ought we first, at Frekastein, to settle together, and
+decide our quarrels! Hodbrodd! 'tis time vengeance to take, if an
+inferior lot we long have borne.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+20. Rather shalt thou, Gudmund! tend goats, and steep mountain-tops
+shalt climb, have in thy hand a hazel staff, that will better please
+thee than judgments of the sword.
+
+Gudmund rode home with intelligence of the hostile armament; whereupon
+the sons of Granmar collected a host, and many kings came thither.
+Among them were Hogni, the father of Sigrun, with his sons, Bragi and
+Dag. There was a great battle, and all the sons of Hogni, and all
+their chiefs were slain, except Dag, who obtained peace, and swore
+oaths to the Volsungs. Sigrun, going among the slain, found Hodbrodd
+at the point of death. She said:
+
+23. Not will Sigrun of Sefafioll, King Hodbrodd! sink in thy arms:
+thy life is departed. Oft the axe's blade the head approaches of
+Granmar's sons.
+
+She then met Helgi, and was overjoyed. He said:
+
+24. Not to thee, all-wise maiden! are all things granted, though, I
+say, in somewhat are the Norns to blame. This morn have fallen at
+Frekastein Bragi and Hogni: I was their slayer.
+
+25. But at Styrkleifar King Starkadr, and at Hlebiorg the son of
+Hrollaug. That prince I saw of all most fierce, whose trunk yet fought
+when the head was far.
+
+26. On the earth lie the greater number of thy kinsmen, to corpses
+turned. Thou hast not fought the battle, yet 'twas decreed, that thou,
+potent maiden! shouldst cause the strife.
+
+Sigrun then wept. Helgi said:
+
+27. Sigrun! console thyself; a Hild thou hast been to us. Kings
+cannot conquer fate: gladly would I have them living who are departed,
+if I might clasp thee to my breast.
+
+Helgi obtained Sigrun, and they had sons. Helgi lived not to be old.
+Dag, the son of Hogni, sacrificed to Odin, for vengeance for his
+father. Odin lent Dag his spear. Dag met with his relation Helgi in a
+place called Fioturlund, and pierced him through with his spear. Helgi
+fell there, but Dag rode to the mountains and told Sigrun what had
+taken place.
+
+28. Loath am I, sister! sad news to tell thee; for unwillingly I
+have my sister caused to weep. This morning fell, in Fioturlund, the
+prince who was on earth the best, and on the necks of warriors stood.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+29. Thee shall the oaths all gnaw, which to Helgi thou didst swear,
+at the limpid Leiptr's water, and at the cold dank wave-washed rock.
+
+30. May the ship not move forward, which under thee should move,
+although the wished-for wind behind thee blow. May the horse not run,
+which under thee should run, although from enemies thou hast to flee!
+
+31. May the sword not bite which thou drawest, unless it sing round
+thy own head. Then would Helgi's death be on thee avenged, if a wolf
+thou wert, out in the woods, of all good bereft, and every joy, have
+no sustenance, unless on corpses thou shouldst spring.
+
+_Dag_.
+
+32. Sister! thou ravest, and hast lost thy wits, when on thy brother
+thou callest down such miseries. Odin alone is cause of all the evil;
+for between relatives he brought the runes of strife.
+
+33. Thy brother offers thee rings of red gold, all Vandilsve and
+Vigdalir: have half the land, thy grief to compensate, woman
+ring-adorned! thou and thy sons.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+34. So happy I shall not sit at Sefafioll, neither at morn nor
+night, as to feel joy in life, if o'er the people plays not the
+prince's beam of light; if his war-steed runs not under the chieftain
+hither, to the gold bit accustomed; if in the king I cannot rejoice.
+
+35. So had Helgi struck with fear all his foes and their kindred, as
+before the wolf the goats run frantic from the fell, of terror full.
+
+36. So himself Helgi among warriors bore, as the towering ash is
+among thorns, or as the fawn, moistened with dew, that more proudly
+stalks than all the other beasts, and its horns glisten against the
+sky.
+
+A mound was raised for Helgi; but when he came to Valhall, Odin
+offered him the rule over all jointly with himself. Helgi said:
+
+37. Thou, Hunding! shalt for every man a foot-bath get, and fire
+kindle; shalt bind the dogs, to the horses look, to the swine give
+wash, ere to sleep thou goest.
+
+A female slave passing at evening by Helgi's mound, saw him riding
+towards it with many men:
+
+38. Is it a delusion which methinks I see, or the powers'
+dissolution, that ye, dead men, ride, and your horses with spurs urge
+on, or to warriors is a home journey granted?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+39. 'Tis no delusion which thou thinkst to see, nor of mankind the
+end, although thou seest us, although our horses we with spurs urge
+on, nor to warriors is a home-journey granted.
+
+The slave went home and said to Sigrun:
+
+40. Sigrun! go forth from Sefafioll, if the people's chief thou
+desirest to meet. The mound is opened, Helgi is come, his wounds still
+bleed; the prince prayed thee that thou wouldst still the trickling
+blood.
+
+Sigrun entered the mound to Helgi and said:
+
+41. Now am I as glad, at our meeting, as the voracious hawks of
+Odin, when they of slaughter know; of warm prey, or, dewy-feathered,
+see the peep of day.
+
+43. I will kiss my lifeless king, ere thou thy bloody corslet layest
+aside. Thy hair is, Helgi! tumid with sweat of death; my prince is all
+bathed in slaughter-dew; cold, clammy are the hands of Hogni's son.
+How shall I, prince! for this make thee amends?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+43. Thou art alone the cause,[57] Sigrun of Sefafioll! that Helgi is
+with sorrow's dew suffused. Thou weepest, gold-adorned! cruel tears,
+sun-bright daughter of the south! ere to sleep thou goest; each one
+falls bloody on the prince's breast, wet, cold, and piercing, with
+sorrow big.
+
+44. We shall surely drink delicious draughts, though we have lost
+life and lands. No one shall a song of mourning sing, though on my
+breast he wounds behold. Now are women in the mound enclosed,
+daughters of kings, with us the dead.
+
+Sigrun prepares a bed in the mound.
+
+35. Here, Helgi! have I for thee a peaceful couch prepared, for the
+Ylfings' son. On thy breast I will, chieftain! repose, as in my hero's
+lifetime I was wont.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+46. Nothing I now declare unlooked for, at Sefafioll, late or early,
+since in a corpse's arms thou sleepest, Hogni's fair daughter! in a
+mound, and thou art living, daughter of kings!
+
+47. Time 'tis for me to ride on the reddening ways: let the pale
+horse tread the aerial path. I towards the west must go over
+Vindhialm's bridge, ere Salgofnir awakens heroes.
+
+Helgi and his attendants rode their way, but Sigrun and hers proceeded
+to their habitation. The following evening Sigrun ordered her
+serving-maid to hold watch at the mound; but at nightfall, when Sigrun
+came thither, she said:
+
+48. Now would he come, if he to come intended, Sigmund's son, from
+Odin's halls. I think the hope lessens of the king's coming, since on
+the ash's boughs the eagles sit, and all the folk to the dreams' tryst
+are hastening.
+
+_Serving-maid_.
+
+49. Be not so rash alone to go, daughter of heroes! to the house of
+draugs:[58] more powerful are, in the night-season, all dead warriors,
+than in the light of day.
+
+Sigrun's life was shortened by grief and mourning. It was a belief in
+ancient times that men were regenerated, but that is now regarded as
+an old crone's fancy. Helgi and Sigrun are said to have been
+regenerated. He was then called Helgi Haddingiaskadi, and she Kara
+Halfdan's daughter, as it is said in the songs of Kara; and she also
+was a Valkyria.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 54: Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the
+sea-shore.]
+
+[Footnote 55: The Valkyriur.]
+
+[Footnote 56: Dark words of deadly import.]
+
+[Footnote 57: The superstition commemorated In this strophe is, no
+doubt, the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
+literature of Scandinavia and Germany referring to this superstition:
+
+    "When thou, my dear, art cheerful,
+      And easy in thy mind,
+    The coffin where I slumber
+      Is all with roses lined.
+
+    But oft as thou'rt in sorrow,
+      And bow'd with grief so sore,
+    Is all the while my coffin
+      Brim full of blood and gore."
+
+]
+
+[Footnote 58: Probably house of draffs; place of swine, swill, lees.]
+
+
+
+
+SINFIOTLI'S END.
+
+Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland. Sinfiotli was the
+eldest of his sons, the second was Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild,
+Sigmund's wife, had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her stepson
+and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which account Sinfiotli slew
+Gunnar. When he came home, Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund
+offered the blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept. At
+the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer: she took a large horn
+full of poison, and offered it to Sinfiotli; who, when he looked into
+the horn, and saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund: "the
+drink ferments!" Sigmund took the horn and drank up the contents. It
+is said that Sigmund was so strong that no poison could hurt him,
+either outwardly or inwardly; but that all his sons could endure
+poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to Sinfiotli, and prayed
+him to drink, when all took place as before. Yet a third time she
+offered him the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing to
+drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the latter answered: "Let it
+pass through thy lips, my son." Sinfiotli drank and instantly died.
+Sigmund bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a long and narrow
+firth, where there was a little vessel and one man in it. He offered
+Sigmund to convey him over the firth; but when Sigmund had borne the
+corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The man then said
+that Sigmund should go before through the firth. He then pushed off
+his boat and instantly departed.
+
+King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in Borghild's kingdom, after
+having espoused her. He then went south to Frankland, to the kingdom
+he there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the daughter of Eylimi.
+Sigurd was their son. King Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of
+Hunding. Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King Hialprek,
+with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood. Sigmund and his sons exceeded
+all other men in strength, and stature, and courage, and all
+accomplishments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
+traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and as the most
+renowned of warlike kings.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE, OR GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.
+
+Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiordis. He
+ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
+future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
+of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
+whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:
+
+1. Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
+name him?
+
+_Geitir_.
+
+Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
+people.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+2. Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
+and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
+Gripir to see.
+
+_Geitir_.
+
+3. The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
+speech of Gripir.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
+mother.
+
+4. Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: "Here is a man without, a
+stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
+with thee to speak."
+
+5. Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
+kindly greets: "Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
+thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani."
+
+6. They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
+together met. "Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
+Sigurd's life fall out?"
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+7. Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
+every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
+and wise of words.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+8. Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
+if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
+when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+9. First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
+Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
+low; thou wilt have victory.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+10. Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
+friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
+will highest soar under heaven's regions?"
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+11. Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
+on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
+Gripir tells truly.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+12. Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
+for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
+life befall.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+13. Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt take splendid
+riches, with gold wilt load Grani's back. Thou wilt to Giuki ride, the
+war-famed prince.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+14. Yet must thou, prince! in friendly speech, foresighted king!
+more relate. I shall be Giuki's guest, and I shall thence depart: what
+will next my life befall?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+15. A king's daughter will on a mountain sleep, fair, in corslet
+cased, after Helgi's death. Thou wilt strike with a keen sword, wilt
+the corslet sever with Fafnir's bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+16. The corslet is ript open, the maid begins to speak. When
+awakened from her sleep, on what will she chiefly with Sigurd converse
+hold, which to the prince's benefit may tend?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+17. She to thee, powerful one! runes will teach, all those which
+men ought to know; and in every man's tongue to speak, and medicines
+for healing. May good await thee, king!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+18. Now that is past, the knowledge is acquired, and I am ready
+thence away to ride. Apply thy mind, and at length say what more will
+my life befall.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+19. Thou wilt find Heimir's dwellings, and the glad guest wilt be of
+that great king. Vanished is, Sigurd! that which I foresaw; no further
+mayest thou Gripir question.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+20. Now bring me grief the words thou speakest; for thou foreseest,
+king! much further; thou knowest of too great calamity to Sigurd;
+therefore thou, Gripir! wilt not utter it.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+21. Of thy life the early portion lay before me clearest to
+contemplate. I am not truly accounted sage, nor of the future
+prescient: that which I knew is gone.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+22. No man I know on the earth's surface, who greater prescience has
+than thou, Gripir! Thou mayest not conceal it, unhappy though it be,
+or if ill betide my life.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+23. Not with vices will thy life be sullied; let that, noble
+prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name,
+director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+24. The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to
+part in such uncertainty. Show me the way--all is decreed
+before--great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+25. To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto
+compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for
+thy death decreed.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+26. I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's
+good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not
+be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+27. There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men
+Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures
+the hard-souled damsel.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+28. What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair?
+nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou
+foreseest my whole destiny.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+29. She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced
+foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep, nor of affairs
+discourse, nor men regard; only this maiden thou wilt see.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+30. What remedy for Sigurd will be applied; tell me that, Gripir! if
+it seem good to thee. Shall I obtain the damsel? with dowry purchase
+the lovely royal daughter?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+31. Ye will each swear unnumbered oaths, solemnly binding, but few
+will keep. Hast thou been Giuki's guest one night, thou wilt have
+forgotten the fair ward of Heimir.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+32. How is that, Gripir! explain it to me: seest thou such
+fickleness in the king's mind, that with that maiden I shall my
+engagement break, whom with my whole heart I thought to love?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+33. Prince! thou wilt be snared in another's wiles, thou wilt pay
+the penalty of Grimhild's craft; the bright-haired maiden, her
+daughter, she to thee will offer. This snare for the king she lays.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+34. Shall I then with Gunnar form relationship, and with Gudrun join
+in wedlock? Well wived then the king would be, if the pangs of perjury
+caused me no pain.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+35. Thee will Grimhild wholly beguile; she will implore thee
+Brynhild to demand for the hand of Gunnar, king of Goths: the journey
+thou wilt forthwith promise to the king's mother.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+36. Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd's wits will have
+wholly perished, if I shall demand for another's hand, a noble maiden
+whom I well love.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+37. All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou
+the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar
+and thou: Gripir lies not.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+38. To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners,
+when on the way we are? Another fraud will surely follow this,
+altogether horrible. But say on, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+39. Thou wilt have Gunnar's semblance, and his manners, thy own
+eloquence, and great sagacity: there thou wilt betroth the high-minded
+ward of Heimir: no one can that prevent.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+40. To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false
+traitor called, if such take place. I would not deception practise on
+a royal maid the most excellent I know.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+41. Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she
+thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world
+endures thy name will be.
+
+42. The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of
+Gunnar, in Giuki's halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home
+return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+43. Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed? Tell me
+that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain's bride glad
+of heart has slept? The like has no example.
+
+44. How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity? Tell me
+that, Gripir! Will the alliance for Gunnar's solace henceforth prove,
+or even for mine?
+
+_Gripir._
+
+45. Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let
+Gudrun enjoy a happy union. Brynhild nathless will herself think an
+ill-married woman. She will wiles devise to avenge herself.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+46. What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall
+have practised on her? From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never
+kept, and but little joy.
+
+_Gripir._
+
+47. She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the
+oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki's heir, with his whole soul,
+in thee confided.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+48. What will then follow? let me know that. Will that tale appear
+as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.
+Tell me that, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+49. From spite towards thee, and from o'erwhelming grief, the
+powerful dame will not most wisely act. To the noble woman do thou no
+further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast
+circumvented.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+50. Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation,
+then proceed? Will Giuki's sons on their relative redden their swords?
+Tell me further, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+51. Then will Gudrun be furious at heart, when her brothers shall on
+thy death resolve. In nothing then will that wise woman take delight.
+Such is Grimhild's work.
+
+52. In this thou shalt find comfort, leader of hosts! This fortune
+is allotted to the hero's life: a more renowned man on earth shall
+never be, under the sun's abode, than thou wilt be accounted.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+53. Now part we, now farewell! Fate may not be withstood. Now hast
+thou, Gripir! done as I prayed thee: thou wouldst have fain a happier
+end foretold me of my life's days, hadst thou been able.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.
+
+Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose himself a horse, which was
+afterwards named Grani. Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to
+Hialprek; he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in stature; he
+was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin undertook the rearing and
+instruction of Sigurd, and bore him great affection. He informed
+Sigurd of his parentage, and how it befell that Odin, and Hoenir, and
+Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of Andvari). In the fall there
+was an abundance of fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari, who had
+long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and in which he
+supplied himself with food. "Our brother," continued Regin, "was named
+Otr, who often went into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had
+caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the river with his
+eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed him with a stone. The Æsir
+thought themselves very lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That
+same evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar, and showed their
+prize. Thereupon we laid hands on them, and imposed on them, as the
+redemption of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin with
+gold, and cover it over with red gold. They thereupon sent Loki to
+procure gold. He went to Ran, and obtained her net, and thence
+proceeded to Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which leapt
+into the net. Whereupon Loki said:
+
+1. What fish is this, that in the river swims, and cannot from harm
+itself protect? Redeem thy life from Hel, and find me the water's
+flame.[59] _The Pike_.
+
+2. Andvari I am named, Oin was my father named; many a cataract have
+I passed. A luckless Norn in times of old decreed, that in the water I
+should wade.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+3. Tell me, Andvari! if thou wilt enjoy life in the halls of men,
+what retribution get the sons of mortals, if with foul words they
+assail each other.
+
+_Andvari_.
+
+4. Cruel retribution get the sons of mortals, who in Vadgelmir wade:
+for the false words they have against others uttered, the punishments
+too long endure.
+
+Loki viewed all the gold that Andvari owned; but when he had produced
+the gold, he retained a single ring, which Loki also took from him.
+The dwarf went into his stone and said:
+
+5. That gold which the dwarf possessed, shall to two brothers be
+cause of death, and to eight princes, of dissension. From my wealth no
+one shall good derive.
+
+The Æsir produced the gold to Hreidmar, and with it crammed the
+otter's skin full, and set it up on the feet. They then had to heap up
+the gold and cover it; but when that was done, Hreidmar, stepping
+forward, observed a whisker, and required it to be covered; whereupon
+Odin drew forth the ring "Andvaranaut," and covered the hair. Loki
+said:
+
+6. There is gold for thee, and thou hast a great redemption for my
+life. For thy son no blessing is decreed; of both it shall prove the
+bane.
+
+_Hreidmar_.
+
+7. Gifts thou hast given, friendly gifts thou hast given not; with a
+kind heart thou hast not given. Of your lives ye should have been
+deprived, had I foreknown that peril.
+
+8. But that is worse, what I seem to know,--a strife of kinsmen for
+a woman. Princes yet unborn I think them to be, for whose hate that
+gold is destined.
+
+9. The red gold, I trust, I shall possess while I am living: of thy
+threats I entertain no fear; so take yourselves hence home.
+
+Fafnir and Regin demanded of Hreidmar their share of the blood-fine
+for their slain brother Otr, which he refused, and Fafnir stabbed his
+father with a sword while sleeping. Hreidmar called out to his
+daughters:
+
+10. Lyngheid and Lofnheid! Know my life is departing. To many things
+need compels.[60] _Lyngheid_.
+
+Few sisters will, although they lose a father, avenge a brother's
+crime.
+
+_Hreidmar_.
+
+11. Then bring forth a daughter, wolf-hearted fury! If by a chief
+thou have not a son. Get for the maid a spouse, in thy great need;
+then will her son thy wrong avenge.
+
+Hreidmar then died, and Fafnir took all the gold. Regin then requested
+to have his share of the patrimony, but met with a refusal from
+Fafnir. Regin thereupon sought counsel of his sister Lyngheid, how he
+might obtain his patrimony. She said:
+
+12. Thou of thy brother shalt mildly demand thy patrimony and a
+better spirit. It is not seemly, that with the sword thou shouldst
+demand thy property of Fafnir.
+
+The foregoing is what Regin related to Sigurd. One day, when he came
+to Regin's dwelling, he was kindly received, and Regin said:
+
+13. Hither is come the son of Sigmund to our Hall, that man of
+energy: courage he has greater than I aged man: now of a conflict have
+I hope from the fierce wolf.[61]
+
+14. I will nurture the bold-hearted prince: now Yngvi's kinsman is
+to us come; he will be a king under the sun most powerful; over all
+lands will his destinies resound.
+
+Sigurd was thence forward constantly with Regin, who related to him
+how Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid in the likeness of a serpent. He had an
+"Oegis-helm,"[62] at which all living beings were terror-stricken.
+Regin forged a sword for Sigurd, that was named Gram, and was so sharp
+that immersing it in the Rhine, he let a piece of wool down the
+stream, when it clove the fleece asunder as water. With that sword
+Sigurd clove in two Regin's anvil. After that Regin instigated Sigurd
+to slay Fafnir. He said:
+
+15. Loud will laugh Hunding's sons, they who Eylimi of life
+deprived, if the prince is more desirous to seek red rings, than to
+avenge his father.
+
+King Hialprek collected a fleet to enable Sigurd to avenge his father.
+They encountered a great storm, and were driven past a certain
+promontory. A man was standing on the cliff who said:
+
+16. Who ride yonder, on Rævils horses, the towering billows, the
+roaring main: the sail-steeds are with sweat bedewed, the
+wave-coursers will not the wind withstand.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+17. Here am I and Sigurd in sea-trees; a fair wind is given us for
+death itself: higher than our prows the steep waves dash, the rolling
+horses plunge. Who is it that inquires?
+
+_Hnikar_.
+
+18. They called me Hnikar, when I Hugin gladdened, young Volsung!
+and battles fought. Now they mayest call me the ancient of the rock,
+Feng, or Fiolnir.--I desire a passage.
+
+They turn to the land, the old man goes on board, and the storm
+abates. Sigurd said:
+
+19. Tell me, Hnikar! since thou knowest the omens both of gods and
+men, which omens are the best--if to fight 'tis needful--at the swing
+of glaves?
+
+_Hnikar_.
+
+20. Good omens there are many, if men but knew them, at the swing of
+glaves, a faithful fellowship, I think, is the dark raven's, with the
+sworded warrior.
+
+21. The second is, if, when thou art gone out, and about to depart,
+thou seest two renown-seeking men standing in the fore-court.
+
+22. The third omen is, if wolves thou hearest howl under the
+ash-boughs, it will victory to thee announce over helmed warriors, if
+thou seest them go before thee.
+
+23. No man should fight against the moon's late-shining sister. They
+have victory, who can see keenly at the play of swords, or to form the
+wedge-array.
+
+24. Most perilous it is, if with thy foot thou strikest, when thou
+to battle goest. Wily Disir stand on either side of thee, and wish to
+see thee wounded.
+
+25. Combed and washed let every brave man be, and at morning fed;
+for 'tis uncertain whither he at eve may come. 'Tis bad to succumb to
+fate.
+
+Sigurd fought a great battle with Lyngvi, Hunding's son, and his
+brothers, in which Lyngvi and his three brothers fell. After the
+battle Regin said:
+
+26. Now is the bloody eagle, with the trenchant blade, graven on the
+back of Sigmund's slayer. No son of king, who the earth reddens, and
+the raven gladdens, is more excellent.
+
+Sigurd returned home to Hialprek, when Regin instigated him to slay
+Fafnir.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 59: One of many periphrases for gold.]
+
+[Footnote 60: To wit, _to avenge my death on your brothers_.]
+
+[Footnote 61: Sigurd.]
+
+[Footnote 62: A terrific helm or headpiece.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF FAFNIR.
+
+Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and there found Fafnir's slot,
+or track, along which he crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
+made a large pit, and went down into it. When Fafnir crawled from the
+gold he blew forth venom, but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir
+crept over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to the heart.
+Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his head and tail. Sigurd leapt
+from the pit, and each looked at the other. Fafnir said:
+
+1. Young fellow! young fellow! by what fellow art thou begot? of
+what people are thou the son? that thou in Fafnir reddenst thy
+glittering falchion? Thy sword has pierced my heart.
+
+Sigurd concealed his name, because it was the belief in those times,
+that the words of dying persons were of great power, if they cursed an
+enemy by his name.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+2. Gofugt-dyr I am called, but I have wandered a motherless child;
+nor have I a father like the sons of men: alone I wander.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+3. If thou hast no father like the sons of men, by what wonder art
+thou begotten?
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+4. My race, I tell thee, is to thee unknown, and myself also.
+Sigmund was my father named, my name is Sigurd, who with weapon have
+assailed thee.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+5. Who has incited thee? why hast thou suffered thyself to be
+incited to take my life? youth of the sparkling eyes! Thou hadst a
+cruel father-- * * * *
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+6. My heart incited me, my hands gave me aid, and my keen sword.
+Rarely a man is bold, when of mature age, if in childhood he was
+faint-hearted.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+7. I know if thou hadst chanced to grow in the lap of friends, they
+would have seen thee fierce in fight. Now thou art a captive, taken in
+war, and, 'tis said, slaves ever tremble.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+8. Why Fafnir! dost thou upbraid me that I am far from my paternal
+home? I am not a captive, although in war I was taken: thou hast found
+that I am free.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+9. Thou wilt account only as angry words all I to thee shall say,
+but I will say the truth. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red
+treasure, those rings, shall be thy bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+10. Treasure at command every one desires, ever till that one day;
+for at some time each mortal shall hence to Hel depart.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+11. The Norns' decree thou wilt hold in contempt as from a witless
+wight: In water thou shalt be drowned, if in wind thou rowest. All
+things bring peril to the fated.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+12. Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know: who those Norns are, who help in need, and from babes loose the
+mothers.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+13. Very diversely born I take those Norns to be: they have no
+common race. Some are of Æsir-race, some of Alfar-race, some are
+Dvalin's daughters.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+14. Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know, how that holm is called, where Surt and the Æsir will
+sword-liquor together mingle?
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+15. Oskopnir it is called; there shall the gods with lances play;
+Bifrost shall be broken, when they go forth, and their steeds in the
+river swim.
+
+16. An Oegis-helm I bore among the sons of men, while I o'er the
+treasures lay; stronger than all I thought myself to be; stronger I
+found not many!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+17. An Oegis-helm is no protection, where men impelled by anger
+fight: soon he finds, who among many comes, that no one is alone the
+boldest.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+18. Venom I blew forth, when on my father's great heritage I lay.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+19. Thou, glistening serpent! didst a great belching make, and wast
+so hard of heart. Fierceness so much the greater have the sons of men,
+when they possess that helm.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+20. Sigurd! I now counsel thee, do thou take my counsel; and hence
+ride home. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red treasure, those rings,
+shall be thy bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+21. Counsel regarding thee is taken, and I to the gold will ride, on
+the heath that lies. But lie thou, Fafnir! in the pangs of death,
+until Hel have thee!
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+22. Regin betrayed me, he will thee betray, he of us both will be
+the bane. Fafnir must, I trow, let forth his life: thine was the
+greater might!
+
+Regin had gone away while Sigurd slew Fafnir, but came back as Sigurd
+was wiping the blood from his sword. He said:
+
+23. Hail to thee now, Sigurd! Now hast thou victory won and Fafnir
+slain: of all the men who tread the earth, thou art, I say, the
+bravest born.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+24. Uncertain 'tis to know, when we all come together, sons of
+victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who
+sword has never broken in another's breast.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+25. Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while
+Gram, in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded,
+yet in some degree was I the cause.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+26. Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells
+hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent,
+hadst thou my anger not excited.
+
+Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named
+Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:
+
+27. Sit now, Sigurd!--but I must go to sleep--and Fafnir's heart
+hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that
+drink of blood.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+28. Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened.
+With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the
+ling thou layest.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+29. Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst
+thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+30. Valour is better than might of sword, when foes embittered
+fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull
+sword.
+
+31. For the brave 'tis better than for the timid to join in the game
+of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come
+whatever may.
+
+Sigurd took Fafnir's heart and roasted it on a stick. When he thought
+it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with
+his finger, to try whether it were quite done. He burnt his finger and
+put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir's heart's blood touched his
+tongue he understood the language of birds. He heard the eagles
+chattering among the branches. One eagle said:
+
+38. There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir's heart at the
+fire he roasts. Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the
+glistening life-pulp ate.
+
+_Second eagle_.
+
+33. There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the
+youth, who in him trusts: in rage he brings malicious words together,
+the framer of evil will avenge his brother.
+
+_Third eagle_.
+
+34. By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to
+Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under
+Fafnir lay.
+
+_Fourth eagle_.
+
+35. He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly
+counsel, my sisters! If he would bethink himself, and Hugin gladden.
+There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.
+
+_Fifth eagle_.
+
+36. Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader
+had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of
+life bereft.
+
+_Sixth eagle_.
+
+37. He is most simple, if he longer spares that people's pest. There
+lies Regin, who has betrayed him.--He cannot guard against it.
+
+_Seventh eagle_.
+
+38. By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his
+rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,[63] which Fafnir owned,
+sole lord wilt be!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+39. Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word
+bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.
+
+Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir's heart, and
+drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir. He then heard the eagles
+saying:
+
+40. Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings. It is not kingly many
+things to fear. I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.
+Couldst thou but her obtain!
+
+_Second eagle_.
+
+41. To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point out to
+wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou,
+Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.
+
+_Third eagle_.
+
+42. There stands a hall on the high Hindarfiall, without 'tis all
+with fire surrounded; sagacious men have it constructed of the
+resplendent radiance of the flood.[64] _Fourth eagle_.
+
+43. On the fell I know a warrior maid to sleep, over her waves the
+linden's bane.[65] Ygg whilom stuck a sleep-thorn in the robe of the
+maid who would heroes choose.
+
+44. Thou, youth! mayest see the helmed maiden, her whom Vingskornir
+from battle bore. May not Sigrdrifa's slumber break the son of
+warriors,[66] against the Norns' decrees.
+
+Sigurd rode along Fafnir's track to his lair, which he found open. The
+doors and door-posts were of iron; of iron also were all the beams in
+the house; but the treasure was buried in the earth. Sigurd found
+there a great quantity of gold, and filled two chests with it. He took
+thence the Oegis-helm, a golden corslet, the sword named Hrotti, and
+many precious things, all which he laid on Grani; but the horse would
+not proceed until Sigurd had mounted on his back.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 63: I.e., Sigurd; a transition from the 3d person to the
+2nd.]
+
+[Footnote 64: Another periphrasis for gold.]
+
+[Footnote 65: A periphrasis for fire.]
+
+[Footnote 66: Of Skioldungs.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA.
+
+Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his course southwards
+towards Frankland. In the fell he saw a great light, as if a fire were
+burning, which blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood a
+"skialdborg," and over it a banner. Sigurd went into the skialdborg,
+and saw a warrior lying within it asleep, completely armed. He first
+took the helmet off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
+Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her body. With his sword
+Gram he ripped the corslet from the upper opening downwards, and then
+through both sleeves. He then took the corslet off from her, when she
+awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd, said:
+
+1. What has my corslet cut? why from sleep have I started? who has
+cast from me the fallow bands?
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+Sigmund's son has just now ript the raven's perch,[67] with Sigurd's
+sword.
+
+_She_.
+
+2. Long have I slept, long been with sleep oppressed, long are
+mortals' sufferings! Odin is the cause that I have been unable to cast
+off torpor.
+
+Sigurd sat down and asked her name. She then took a horn filled with
+mead, and gave him the _minnis-cup_.
+
+_She_.
+
+3. Hail to Day! Hail to the sons of Day! To Night and her daughter
+hail! With placid eyes behold us here, and here sitting give us
+victory.
+
+4. Hail to the Æsir! Hail to the Asyniur! Hail to the bounteous
+earth! Words and wisdom give to us noble twain, and healing hands[68]
+while we live.
+
+She was named Sigrdrifa, and was a Valkyria. She said that two kings
+had made war on each other, one of whom was named Hialmgunnar; he was
+old and a great warrior, and Odin had promised him victory. The other
+was Agnar, a brother of Hoda, whom no divinity would patronize.
+Sigrdrifa overcame Hialmgunnar in battle; in revenge for which Odin
+pricked her with a sleep-thorn, and declared that henceforth she
+should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage.
+"But I said to him, that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse
+any man who could be made to fear." Sigurd answers, and implores her
+to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all regions:
+
+_Sigrdrifa_.
+
+5. Beer I bear to thee, column[69] of battle! with might mingled,
+and with bright glory: 'tis full of song, and salutary saws, of potent
+incantations, and joyous discourses.
+
+6. Sig-runes thou must know, if victory (sigr) thou wilt have, and
+on thy sword's hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard,
+and twice name the name of Ty.
+
+7. Ol- (beer-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt not that another's
+wife thy trust betray, if thou in her confide. On the horn must they
+be graven, and on the hand's back, and Naud[70] on the nail be scored.
+
+8. A cup must be blessed, and against peril guarded, and garlick in
+the liquor cast: then I know thou wilt never have mead with treachery
+mingled.
+
+9. Biarg- (help-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose
+the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the
+joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid.
+
+10. Brim- (sea-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt have secure
+afloat thy sailing steeds. On the prow they must be graven, and on the
+helm-blade, and with fire to the oar applied. No surge shall be so
+towering, nor waves so dark, but from the ocean thou safe shalt come.
+
+11. Lim- (branch-) runes thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be,
+and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on
+the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.
+
+12. Mal- (speech-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt that no one
+for injury with hate requite thee. Those thou must wind, those thou
+must wrap round, those thou must altogether place in the assembly,
+where people have into full court to go.
+
+13. Hug- (thought-) runes thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt
+be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised
+Hropt, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddraupnir's head, and
+from Hoddropnir's horn.
+
+14. On a rock he stood, with edged sword, a helm on his head he
+bore. Then spake Mim's head its first wise word, and true sayings
+uttered.
+
+15. They are, it said, on the shield graven, which stands before the
+shining god, on Arvakr's ear, and on Alsvid's hoof, on the wheel which
+rolls under Rognir's car, on Sleipnir's teeth, and on the sledge's
+bands.
+
+16. On the bear's paw, and on Bragi's tongue, on the wolf's claws,
+and the eagle's beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge's end, on the
+releasing hand, and on healing's track.
+
+17. On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort,
+and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, on
+the Norn's nail, and the owl's neb.
+
+18. All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred
+mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the Æsir, they are with
+the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.
+
+19. Those are bok-runes,[71] those are biarg-runes, and all
+ol- (beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who
+can, without confusion or corruption, turn them to his welfare. Use,
+if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.
+
+20. Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen
+armed warrior! my speech, or silence: think over it in thy mind. All
+evils[72] have their measure.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+21. I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed. I am not
+born a craven. Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as
+life is in me.
+
+_Sigrdrifa_.
+
+22. This I thee counsel first: that towards thy kin thou bear thee
+blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:
+that, it is said, benefits the dead.
+
+23. This I thee counsel secondly: that no oath thou swear, if it be
+not true. Cruel bonds follow broken faith: accursed is the
+faith-breaker.
+
+24. This I thee counsel thirdly: that in the assembly thou contend
+not with a fool; for an unwise man oft utters words worse than he
+knows of.
+
+25. All is vain, if thou holdest silence; then wilt thou seem a
+craven born, or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
+unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day let his life go forth,
+and so men's lies reward.
+
+26. This I counsel thee fourthly: if a wicked sorceress dwells by
+the way, to go on is better than there to lodge, though night may
+overtake thee.
+
+27. Of searching eyes the sons of men have need, when fiercely they
+have to fight: oft pernicious women by the way-side sit, who swords
+and valour deaden.
+
+28. This I thee counsel fifthly: although thou see fair women on the
+benches sitting, let not their kindred's silver over thy sleep have
+power. To kiss thee entice no woman.
+
+29. This I thee counsel sixthly: although among men pass offensive
+tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war: wine steals
+the wits of many.
+
+30. Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to
+some their death, to some calamity: many are the griefs of men!
+
+31. This I thee counsel seventhly: if thou hast disputes with a
+daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within
+their dwelling.
+
+32. This I thee counsel eighthly: that thou guard thee against evil,
+and eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to
+wantonness incite.
+
+33. This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on
+the earth thou findest them, whether from sickness they have died, or
+from the sea, or are from weapons dead.
+
+34. Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and
+head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are
+laid: and pray for their happy sleep.
+
+35. This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's
+kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low.
+there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.
+
+36. Strifes and fierce enmities think not to be lulled, no more than
+deadly injury. Wisdom and fame in arms a prince not easily acquires,
+who shall of men be foremost.
+
+37. This I counsel thee eleventhly: that thou at evil look, what
+course it may take. A long life, it seems to me the prince may [not]
+enjoy;--fierce disputes will arise.
+
+Sigurd said: "A wiser mortal exists not, and I swear that I will
+possess thee, for thou art after my heart." She answered: "Thee I will
+have before all others, though I have to choose among all men." And
+this they confirmed with oaths to each other.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 67: The original words, hrafns hrælundir, _the raven's
+corpse-trees._ So Grimm understands the line; because that bird hops
+about upon the armour as upon a tree.]
+
+[Footnote 68: The superstition of the _healing hand_ is not yet
+extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man in Reykjavik
+to whom it would seem to have been communicated by an elfin, in a
+dream.]
+
+[Footnote 69: Literally _apple-tree_.]
+
+[Footnote 70: The name of a rune.]
+
+[Footnote 71: Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used for book
+writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok), whence our _book_.
+Bok also signifies _acupictile_, vel _acupictum (velum, auloeum_).]
+
+[Footnote 72: An allusion to Sigurd's unhappy end.]
+
+
+
+
+FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF SIGURD AND BRYNHILD.[73]
+
+[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he
+comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild,
+Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd
+arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay
+with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild
+was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the
+great exploits of Sigurd.
+
+One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the
+window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it,
+saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On
+the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood
+outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: "Hail to thee, lady!"
+or "How fares it with thee?" She answered: "We are well, my kindred
+and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be
+till their last day." He sat down by her. Brynhild said: "This seat
+will be allowed to few, unless my father comes." Sigurd answered: "Now
+is that come to pass which thou didst promise me." She said: "Here
+shalt thou be welcome." She then arose, and her four maidens with her,
+and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached
+towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and
+placed her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said:
+"A fairer than thou was never born." She said: "It is not wise to
+place faith in women, for they so often break their promise." He said:
+"Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness,"
+Brynhild said: "It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I
+am a shield-maiden (skjaldmær)." Sigurd said: "Then will our happiness
+be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the
+pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon." Brynhild said: "I
+shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrun,
+Giuki's daughter." Sigurd said: "No king's daughter shall ensnare me,
+therefore have not two thoughts on that subject; and I swear by the
+gods that I will possess thee and no other woman." She answered to the
+same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
+her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.
+
+Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came
+to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
+three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun was the name of their
+daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he
+remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
+the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying:
+"Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall
+thee. Take this horn and drink." He took it and drank, and with that
+drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that,
+Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrun, and
+all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd
+gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far
+more austere than before. Their son was named Sigmund.
+
+Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted
+with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed
+that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid
+around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it.
+Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards
+the fire, but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: "Why dost thou shrink
+back, Gunnar?" Gunnar answers: "My horse will not leap this fire,"
+and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. "He is at thy service," said
+Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go
+over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the
+sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the
+fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, as it is
+said:
+
+1. The fire began to rage, and the earth to tremble, high rose the
+flame to heaven itself: there ventured few chiefs of people through
+that fire to ride, or to leap over.
+
+2. Sigurd Grani with his word urged, the fire was quenched before
+the prince, the flame allayed before the glory-seeker with the bright
+saddle that Rok had owned.
+
+Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered. She asks who he is,
+and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. "And thou art destined to be
+my wife with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
+flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition." She said: "I know not
+well how I shall answer this." Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting
+on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a
+swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head,
+and wearing a corslet. "Gunnar," said she, "speak not so to me, unless
+thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has
+sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself." Sigurd said:
+"Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who
+should ride through the flickering flame." She acknowledged the truth
+of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there
+three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and
+laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was
+enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he
+would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called
+Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After
+this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar
+and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.
+
+Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and
+said: "A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame,
+and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might
+so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the
+man." Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was.
+Brynhild said: "Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with
+thee." Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his
+daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was
+afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and
+yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank
+wine.
+
+One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went
+farther out into the water. Gudrun asked why she did so? Brynhild
+answered: "Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in
+anything else?" "I presume that my father was more potent than thine,
+and my husband has performed more valorous deeds, and ridden through
+the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's thrall." Gudrun
+answered angrily: "Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my
+husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every
+respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to
+vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode
+through the fire, whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
+with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest
+thou recognize it." Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it,
+and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
+that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He
+dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all
+events it would soon be known.
+
+On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrun said: "Be
+cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?" Brynhild
+answered: "Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart."
+"Judge not so," said Gudrun. Brynhild continued: "Ask about that only
+which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high
+degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
+to thy wishes." Gudrun said: "It is premature to glory in that: this
+forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?" Brynhild
+answered: "Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I
+grudge thee the possession of him." Gudrun said: "We knew not of your
+secret." Brynhild answered: "We have had no secret, though we have
+sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I have been deceived,
+and I will avenge it." Gudrun said: "Thou art better married than thou
+deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled." "Content should I
+be," said Brynhild, "didst thou not possess a more renowned husband
+than I." Gudrun answered: "Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is
+doubtful which is the greater king." Brynhild said: "Sigurd overcame
+Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is
+said:
+
+"Sigurd the serpent slew, and that henceforth shall be by none
+forgotten, while mankind lives: but thy brother neither dared through
+the fire to ride, nor over it to leap."
+
+Gudrun said: "Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar:
+but he [Gunnar] dared to ride." Brynhild said: "Let us not contend: I
+bear no good will to Grimhild." Gudrun said: "Blame her not; for she
+is towards thee as to her own daughter." Brynhild said: "She is the
+cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the
+pernicious drink, so that he no more remembered me." Gudrun said:
+"Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood."
+Brynhild said: "So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may
+it go with thee as I imagine." Gudrun said: "Better shall I enjoy him
+than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with
+me at any time." Brynhild said: "Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of
+it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle.
+Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I
+have also felt regard for thy brother. But let us talk of other
+things." Gudrun said: "Your imagination looks far forward."
+
+Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and
+begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not
+listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether
+her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths,
+and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry
+her and put away Gudrun; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the
+apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of
+his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
+Sigurdarkvida:
+
+"Out went Sigurd from that interview into the hall of kings, writhing
+with anguish; so that began to start the ardent warrior's iron-woven
+sark off from his sides."
+
+Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he
+had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with
+Hogni, and revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly strove
+to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar
+removed the difficulty, saying: "Let us instigate our brother Guthorm;
+he is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover, free of all
+oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced
+Brynhild." They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had
+them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a
+large realm, to do the deed, as is said:
+
+"The forest-fish they roasted, and the wolf's carcase took, while
+some to Guthorm dealt out gold; gave him Geri's[74] flesh with his
+drink, and many other things steeped therein."
+
+With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly
+perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurdarkvida,
+when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 73: These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which are
+inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and containing matter
+probably derived from the lost poems relative to Sigurd and Brynhild,
+are printed in the Stockholm edition of the Edda. They are also given
+by Afzelius in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
+Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into Danish of the
+entire Saga has since been given, by Prof. Rafn at Copenhagen.]
+
+[Footnote 74: The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used poetically
+for _wolf_ in general.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.
+
+1. It was of old that Sigurd, the young Volsung, Giuki sought, after
+his conflict, received the pledge of friendship from the two brothers;
+oaths exchanged the bold of deed.
+
+2. A maid they offered him, and treasures many, Gudrun, Giuki's
+youthful daughter. Drank and conversed, many days together, Sigurd the
+young and Giuki's sons.
+
+3. Until they went to woo Brynhild, and with them Sigurd, the
+youthful Volsung, rode in company, who knew the way. He would have
+possessed her, if her possess he might.
+
+4. Sigurd the southern laid a naked sword, a glittering falchion,
+between them; nor the damsel did he kiss, nor did the Hunnish king to
+his arm lift her. He the blooming maid to Giuki's son delivered.
+
+5. She to herself of body was of no sin conscious, nor at her
+death-day, of any crime, that could be a stain, or thought to be:
+intervened therein the grisly fates.
+
+6. Alone she sat without, at eve of day, began aloud with herself to
+speak: "Sigurd must be mine; I must die, or that blooming youth clasp
+in my arms."
+
+7. "Of the words I have uttered I now repent; he is Gudrun's
+consort, and I am Gunnar's. The hateful Norns long suffering have
+decreed us."
+
+8. Oftentimes she wandered, filled with evil thoughts, o'er ice and
+icebergs, every eve, when he and Gudrun had to their couch withdrawn,
+and Sigurd her in the coverings wrapt, the Hunnish king his wife
+caressed.
+
+9. "Devoid I go of spouse and pleasure; I will beguile myself with
+vengeful thoughts."
+
+10. By those fits of fury she was impelled to murder. "Thou, Gunnar!
+shalt wholly lose my land, and myself also. Never shall I be happy,
+king! with thee.
+
+11. I will return thither from whence I came, to my near kindred, my
+relations; there will I remain, and slumber life away, unless thou
+Sigurd cause to be slain, and a king become than the other greater.
+
+12. Let the son go together with the father, the young wolf may not
+longer be fostered. For whom will vengeance be the easier to appease,
+if the son lives?"
+
+13. Wroth was Gunnar, and with grief borne down; in his mind
+revolved, sat the whole day; he knew not well, nor could devise, what
+were most desirable for him to do, or were most fitting to be done,
+when he should find himself of the Volsung bereft, and in Sigurd a
+great loss sustain.
+
+14. Much he thought, and also long, that it did not often happen,
+that from their royal state women withdrew. Hogni he then to counsel
+summoned, in whom he placed the fullest trust.
+
+15. "Of all to me Brynhild, Budli's daughter, is the dearest; she is
+the chief of women: rather will I my life lay down than that fair
+one's treasures lose.
+
+16. "Wilt thou the prince for his wealth circumvent? good 'tis to
+command the ore of Rhine, and at ease over riches rule, and in
+tranquillity happiness enjoy."
+
+17. This alone Hogni for answer gave: "It beseems us not so to do,
+by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.
+
+18. "We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
+people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
+race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
+progeny can increase.
+
+19. I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
+importunity is over-great.
+
+20. We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
+deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
+faith."
+
+21. Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
+Sigurd stood his sword.
+
+22. On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
+after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
+steel from the king's hand.
+
+23. Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
+his feet's part fell backwards on the place.
+
+24. Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
+side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
+she swam.
+
+25. So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
+heart rose in his bed. "Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
+bride! thy brothers live.
+
+26. An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
+house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
+devised.
+
+27. Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
+the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
+Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.
+
+28. Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
+sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
+was called his consort's friend."
+
+29. The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
+she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
+rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.
+
+30. Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
+whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
+daughter.
+
+31. Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: "Laugh not thereat,
+thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
+hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
+death thou art doomed.
+
+32. Well dost thou deserve, above all women, that before thy eyes,
+we should lay Atli low, that thou shouldst see thy brother's
+blood-streaming sore, his gory wounds shouldst have to bind."
+
+33. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "No one provokes thee,
+Gunnar! complete is thy work of death. Little does Atli thy hatred
+fear; his life will outlast thine, and his might be ever greater.
+
+34. Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early
+we resolved on crimes. I was o'er-young and unrestrained, with wealth
+endowed, in my brother's house.
+
+35. Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to
+our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings: would that journey
+had never been!
+
+36. Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on
+Grani's back. In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in
+aspect like: yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.
+
+37. And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage
+divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant
+me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to
+possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.
+
+38. Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in
+conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother's
+quarrel. That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one
+bring heartfelt anguish.
+
+39. Our reconciliation we let follow: to me it had been more
+pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold rings of Sigmund's
+son: nor did I another's gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.
+Menskogul[75] had not a changing mind.
+
+40. All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my
+funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with
+another's husband pass her life. Then will my wrongs be all avenged."
+
+41. Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort's neck
+laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest
+feeling, to dissuade her.
+
+42. She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her
+from her long journey.
+
+43. He then called Hogni to consultation. "I will that all our folk
+to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine--now 'tis most needful--to
+see if we can hinder my consort's fatal course, till from our speech a
+hindrance may come: then let us leave necessity to rule."
+
+44. To him Hogni answer gave: "Let no one hinder her from the long
+journey, whence may she never born again return. Unblest she came on
+her mother's lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a
+man's heartfelt sorrow."
+
+45. Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures
+distributed. She was viewing all she owned: hungry female thralls and
+chamber-women. She put on her golden corslet--no good meditated--ere
+herself she pierced, with the sword's point.
+
+46. On the pillow she turned to the other side, and, wounded with
+the glave, on her last counsels thought.
+
+47. "Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to
+receive from me. To every one I give a gilded necklace,[76]
+needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds."
+
+48. All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer
+gave: "Too many are there dead: we will yet live, still be hungry
+hall-servants, to do what fitting is."
+
+49. At length after reflection, the lady linen-clad, young in years,
+words in answer uttered: "I desire that none, dead to entreaty, should
+by force, for our sake, lose their life.
+
+50. Yet o'er your bones will burn fewer ornaments, Menia's good
+meal,[77] when ye go hence me to seek.
+
+51. Gunnar! sit down, I will tell to thee, that of life now hopeless
+is thy bright consort. Thy vessel will not be always afloat, though I
+shall have my life resigned.
+
+52. With Gudrun thou wilt be reconciled, sooner than thou thinkest:
+that wise woman has by the king sad memorials, after her consort's
+death.
+
+53. There is born a maid, which her mother rears; brighter far than
+the clear day, than the sun's beam, will Svanhild be.
+
+54. Gudrun thou wilt give to an illustrious one, a warrior, the bane
+of many men: not to her wish will she be married; Atli will come her
+to espouse, Budli's son, my brother.
+
+55. Much have I in memory how I was treated, when ye me so cruelly
+had deceived: robbed I was of happiness, while my life lasted.
+
+56. Thou wilt desire Oddrun to possess, but Atli will permit it not;
+in secret ye will each other meet. She will love thee, as I had done,
+if us a better fate had been allotted.
+
+57. Thee will Atli barbarously treat; in the narrow serpent-den wilt
+thou be cast.
+
+58. It will too come to pass, not long after, that Atli will his
+soul resign, his prosperity, and cease to live; for Gudrun in her
+vengeance him in his bed will slay, through bitterness of spirit, with
+the sword's sharp edge.
+
+59. More seemly would appear our sister Gudrun, had she in death her
+first consort followed, had but good counsel been to her given, or she
+a soul possessed resembling mine--
+
+60. Faintly I now speak--but for our sake she will not lose her
+life. She will be borne on towering billows to King Jonakr's paternal
+soil. Doubts will be in the resolves of Jonakr's sons.
+
+61. She will Svanhild send from the land, her daughter, and
+Sigurd's. Her will destroy Bikki's counsel; for Jormunrek for evil
+lives. Then will have passed away all Sigurd's race, and Gudrun's
+tears will be the more.
+
+62. One prayer I have to thee yet to make, in this world 'twill be
+my last request: Let in the plain be raised a pile so spacious, that
+for us all like room may be, for those who shall have died with
+Sigurd.
+
+63. Bedeck the pile about with shields and hangings, a variegated
+corpse-cloth, and multitude of slain. Let them burn the Hun[78] on the
+one side of me;
+
+64. Let them with the Hun burn on the other side, my household
+slaves, with collars splendid, two at our heads, and two hawks; then
+will all be equally distributed.
+
+65. Let also lie between us both the sword with rings adorned, the
+keen-edged iron, so again be placed, as when we both one couch
+ascended, and were then called by the name of consorts.
+
+66. Then will not clang against his heel the hall's bright gates,
+with splendid ring, if my train him hence shall follow. Then will our
+procession appear not mean.
+
+67. For him will follow five female thralls, eight male slaves of
+gentle birth, fostered with me, and with my patrimony, which to his,
+daughter Budli gave.
+
+68. Much I have said, and more would say, if the sword would grant
+me power of speech. My voice fails, my wounds swell: truth only I have
+uttered; so I will cease."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 75: That is, Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies this
+name to herself, which is a compound of men, _necklace, monile_, and
+Skogul, the name of a Valkyria.]
+
+[Footnote 76: Necklaces usually consisted in gold and silver chains or
+laces with ornaments attached to them; if these resembled the sun or
+moon they were called Sigli, _suns_ (such were those here spoken of);
+and such was the necklace worn by Freyia, the bright goddess of the
+Vanir.]
+
+[Footnote 77: Menia's meal, or flour, is gold.]
+
+[Footnote 78: Sigurd.]
+
+
+
+
+FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF BRYNHILD.
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+1. "Why art thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! absorbed in evil and
+murderous thoughts? What injury has Sigurd done thee, that thou the
+hero wilt of life bereave?"
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+2. "Sigurd to me oaths has sworn, oaths sworn, all falsehoods. He at
+a time deceived me when he should have been of all oaths most
+observant."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+3. "Thee Brynhild has in anger instigated evil to perpetrate, harm
+to execute. She grudges Gudrun her happy marriage, and thee,
+possession of herself." * * *
+
+4. Some a wolf roasted, some a snake cut up, some to Guthorm served
+the wolf, before they might, eager for crime, on the mighty man lay
+their hands.
+
+5. Without stood Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, and these words first of
+all uttered: "Where is now Sigurd, lord of warriors, seeing that my
+kinsmen foremost ride?"
+
+6. Hogni alone to her answer gave: "Asunder have we Sigurd hewed
+with our swords; his grey steed bends o'er the dead chief."
+
+7. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "Well shall ye now enjoy
+arms and lands. Sigurd would alone over all have ruled, had he a
+little longer life retained.
+
+8. Unseemly it had been that he should so have ruled over Giuki's
+heritage and the Goths' people, when he five sons, for the fall of
+hosts, eager for warfare, had begotten."
+
+9. Then laughed Brynhild--the whole burgh resounded--once only from
+her whole heart: "Well shall ye enjoy lands and subjects, now the
+daring king ye have caused to fall."
+
+10. Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: "Much thou speakest, things
+most atrocious: may fiends have Gunnar, Sigurd's murderer! Souls
+malevolent vengeance awaits."
+
+11. Sigurd had fallen south of Rhine: loud from a tree a raven
+screamed: "With your blood will Atli his sword's edges redden; the
+oaths ye have sworn your slaughter shall dissolve."
+
+12. Evening was advanced, much was drunken, then did pleasant talk
+of all kinds pass: all sank in sleep, when to rest they went. Gunnar
+alone was wakeful longer than all:
+
+13. He began his foot to move, and much with himself to speak; the
+warlike chief in his mind pondered, what during the conflict the raven
+and the eagle were ever saying, as they rode home.
+
+14. Brynhild awoke, Budli's daughter, daughter of Skioldungs, a
+little ere day: "Urge me or stay me--the mischief is perpetrated--my
+sorrow to pour forth, or to suppress it."
+
+15. All were silent at these words; few understood the lady's
+conduct, that weeping she should begin to speak of what she laughing
+had desired.
+
+16. "In my dream, Gunnar! all seemed so horrid, in the chamber all
+was dead; my bed was cold; and thou, king! wast riding of joy bereft,
+with fetters loaded, to a hostile host. So will ye all, race of
+Niflungs! be of power deprived, perjurers as ye are!
+
+17. Ill Gunnar! didst thou remember, when blood ye in your footsteps
+both let flow; now hast thou him ill for all that requited, because he
+would prove himself foremost.
+
+18. Then was it proved, when the hero had ridden to see me, to woo
+me, how the warlike chief whilom held sacred his oath towards the
+youthful prince.
+
+19. Laid his sword, with gold adorned, the illustrious king between
+us both: outward its edges were with fire wrought, but with venom
+drops tempered within."
+
+From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears
+that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain
+sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the
+forest; and it is told in the "Gudrunarkvida hin Forna," that Sigurd
+and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (thing) when
+he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they
+broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and
+unprepared.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although
+ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her,
+but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had eaten of
+Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is
+also sung of Gudrun:
+
+1. Of old it was that Gudrun prepared to die, when she sorrowing
+over Sigurd sat. No sigh she uttered, nor with her hands beat, nor
+wailed, as other women.
+
+2. Jarls came forward of great sagacity, from her sad state of mind
+to divert her. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction;
+ready she was to burst.
+
+3. Sat there noble wives of jarls, adorned with gold, before Gudrun;
+each of them told her sorrows, the bitterest she had known.
+
+4. Then said Giaflaug, Giuki's sister: "I know myself to be on earth
+most joyless: of five consorts I the loss have suffered; of two
+daughters, sisters three, and brothers eight; I alone live."
+
+5. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.
+
+6. Then said Herborg, Hunaland's queen: "I a more cruel grief have
+to recount: my seven sons, in the south land, my spouse the eighth, in
+conflict fell.
+
+7. My father and my mother, my brothers four, on the sea the wind
+deluded; the waves struck on the ship's timbers.
+
+8. Their last honours 'twas mine to pay, 'twas mine to see them
+tombed, their funeral rites to prepare was mine. All this I underwent
+in one half-year, and to me no one consolation offered.
+
+9. Then I became a captive, taken in war, at the close of the same
+half-year. Then had I to adorn, and tie the shoes, of the Hersir's
+wife, each morn.
+
+10. From jealousy she threatened me, and with hard blows drove me:
+nowhere master found I a better, but mistress no where a worse."
+
+11. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.
+
+12. Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Little canst thou, my
+fosterer, wise as thou art, with a young wife fittingly talk." The
+king's body she forbade to be longer hidden.
+
+13. She snatched the sheet from Sigurd's corpse, and turned his cheek
+towards his wife's knees: "Behold thy loved one, lay thy mouth to his
+lip, as if thou wouldst embrace the living prince."
+
+14. Gudrun upon him cast one look: she saw the prince's locks
+dripping with blood, the chief's sparkling eyes closed in death, his
+kingly breast cleft by the sword.
+
+15. Then sank down Gudrun back on her pillow, her head-gear was
+loosed, her cheeks grew red, and a flood of tears fell to her knees.
+
+16. Then wept Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, so that the tears
+spontaneously flowed, and at the same time screamed the geese in the
+court, the noble birds, which the lady owned.
+
+17. Then spake Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Your loves I know were
+the most ardent among living beings upon earth: thou hadst delight
+nowhere, sister mine! save with Sigurd."
+
+18. Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: "Such was my Sigurd among
+Giuki's sons, as is the garlick out from the grass which grows, or a
+bright stone on a thread drawn, a precious gem on kings.
+
+19. I also seemed to the prince's warriors higher than any of
+Herian's Disir; now I am as little as the leaf oft is in the
+storm-winds, after the chieftain's death.
+
+20. Sitting I miss, and in my bed, my dearest friend. Giuki's sons
+have caused, Giuki's sons have caused my affliction, and their
+sister's tears of anguish.
+
+21. So ye desolate the people's land, as ye have kept your sworn
+oaths. Gunnar! thou wilt not the gold enjoy; those rings will be thy
+bane, for the oaths thou to Sigurd gavest.
+
+22. Oft in the mansion was the greater mirth, when my Sigurd Grani
+saddled, and Brynhild they went to woo, that which accursed, in an
+evil hour!"
+
+23. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "May the hag lack spouse
+and children, who thee, Gudrun! has caused to weep, and this morning
+given thee runes of speech!"[79]
+
+24. Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Cease, thou loathed of
+all! from those words. The evil destiny of princes thou hast ever
+been; thee every billow drives of an evil nature; thou sore affliction
+of seven kings, the greatest bane of friendship among women!"
+
+25. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "Atli my brother, Budli's
+offspring, is the sole cause of all the evil;
+
+26. When in the hall of the Hunnish folk, with the king we beheld
+the fire of the serpent's bed.[80] Of that journey, I have paid the
+penalty, that sight I have ever rued."
+
+27. She by a column stood, the wood violently clasped. From the eyes
+of Brynhild, Budli's daughter, fire gleamed forth; venom she snorted,
+when she beheld the wounds of Sigurd.
+
+Gudrun then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to
+Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's
+daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight
+thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself
+with a sword, as it is related in the "Sigurdarkvida in Skemma" (the
+Short Lay of Sigurd).
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 79: Power of speech.]
+
+[Footnote 80: A periphrasis for gold.]
+
+
+
+
+BRYNHILD'S HEL-RIDE.
+
+After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was
+the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a
+chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said
+that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through
+a place in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:
+
+1. "Thou shalt not pass through my stone-supported dwelling place.
+Better had it beseemed thee to work broidery, than to seek after
+another's husband.
+
+2. Why dost thou, vagrant woman! from Valland, my dwelling visit?
+Thou hast, golden dame! if thou desirest to know, gentle one! from thy
+hands washed human blood."
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+3. "Upbraid me not, woman of the rock! although I have in warfare
+been. Of us, I trow, I shall the better seem, wherever men our
+conditions know."
+
+_Giantess_.
+
+4. "Thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! wast in evil hour born in the
+world; thou hast been the bane of Giuki's children, and their happy
+house subverted."
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+5. "From my chariot I will truly tell thee, thou witless crone! if
+thou desirest to know, how Giuki's heirs made me both lovelorn and
+perjured.
+
+6. The bold-hearted king[81] caused the garbs of us eight sisters
+under an oak to be borne. Twelve years old was I, if thou desirest to
+know, when to the youthful king oaths I gave.
+
+7. By all in Hlymdalir I was called Hild with the helm, by all who
+knew me.
+
+8. Then caused I next, in the Gothic realm, the old Hialmgunnar to
+Hel to journey: I gave victory to the youthful brother of Oda, whereat
+Odin became hostile to me.
+
+9. He with shields encompassed me, red and white, in Skatalund;
+their surfaces enclosed me; him he ordained my sleep to break, who in
+no place could be made to fear.
+
+10. He made around my hall, towards the south, towering burn the
+destroyer of all wood: then bade that man only over it to ride, who me
+the gold should bring, that under Fafnir lay.
+
+11. On Grani rode the chief, the gold-disperser, to where my
+foster-father ruled o'er the dwellings. He alone seemed there to all
+superior, the Danish warrior, of the court.
+
+12. We slept and were content in the same bed, as if he had my born
+brother been; neither of us might on the other, for eight nights, lay
+a hand.
+
+13. Reproached me Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, that I had slept in
+Sigurd's arms; then was I made aware of what I fain would not,--that
+they had deceived me, when a mate I took.
+
+14. To calamities all too lasting men and women, ever will be while
+living born. We two shall now, Sigurd and I pass our life together.
+Sink thou of giant-kind!"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 81: By depriving them of the swan-plumage, for they were
+Valkyriur like the wives of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced
+them under his subjection.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SLAUGHTER OF THE NIFLUNGS.
+
+Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension
+prevailed afterwards between the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them
+with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it
+was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in marriage, to whom they
+administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse
+Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter
+of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to his
+residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of
+treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Hogni, as a
+token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some
+wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but
+did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took Kostbera
+to wife. Their sons were Solar, Snævar, and Giuki. When the Giukungs
+came to Atli, Gudrun besought his sons to intercede for their lives,
+but they would not. The heart of Hogni was cut out, and Gunnar was
+cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the
+serpents, but an adder stung him to the liver.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of
+his men. Theodric and Gudrun mutually bewailed their afflictions. She
+related to him and said:
+
+1. A maid above all maids I was; my mother reared me bright in her
+bower; my brothers I much loved, until me Giuki, with gold adorned,
+with gold adorned, to Sigurd gave.
+
+2. Such was Sigurd above Giuki's sons, as the green leek is,
+springing from the grass, or the high-limbed hart above the savage
+beasts, or gleed-red gold above grey silver.
+
+3. Until my brothers the possession grudged me of a consort to all
+superior. They could not sleep, nor on affairs deliberate, before they
+Sigurd had caused to die.
+
+4. Grani to the assembly ran, his tramp was to be heard; but Sigurd
+then himself came not. All the saddle-beasts were splashed with blood,
+and with sweating faint, from the murderers.
+
+5. Weeping I went to talk to Grani, with humid cheeks, I prayed the
+steed to tell: then Grani shuddered, in the grass bowed down his
+head. The steed knew that his master was no more.
+
+6. Long I wandered, long was my mind distracted, ere of the people's
+guardian I inquired for my king.
+
+7. Gunnar hung his head, but Hogni told me of Sigurd's cruel death.
+"Beyond the river slaughtered lies Guthorm's murderer, and to the
+wolves given.
+
+8. Yonder behold Sigurd, towards the south, there thou wilt hear the
+ravens croak, the eagles scream, in their feast exulting; the wolves
+howling round thy consort."
+
+9. "Why wilt thou, Hogni! to a joyless being such miseries recount?
+May thy heart by ravens be torn and scattered over the wide world,
+rather than thou shouldst walk with men."
+
+10. Hogni answered, for once cast down, from his cheerful mood by
+intense trouble: "Gudrun! thou wouldst have greater cause to weep, if
+the ravens should tear my heart."
+
+11. Alone I turned from that interview to the wolves' scattered
+leavings. No sigh I uttered, nor with my hands beat, nor wailed, as
+other women, when I heartbroken sat by Sigurd.
+
+12. Night seemed to me of blackest darkness, when I sorrowing sat by
+Sigurd. Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or
+I had been burnt as a birchen tree.
+
+13. From the fell I journeyed five long days and nights, until the
+lofty hall of Half I recognized. Seven half-years I with Thora
+stayed, Hakon's daughter, in Denmark.
+
+14. She for my solace wrought in gold southern halls, and Danish
+swans.
+
+15. We had in pictures the game of warriors, and in handiworks a
+prince's nobles; red shields, Hunnish heroes, a sworded host, a helmed
+host, a prince's following.
+
+16. Sigmund's ships from the land sailing, with gilded heads, and
+carved prows. We on our canvas wrought how Sigar and Siggeir both
+contended southward in Fyen.
+
+17. When Grimhild, the Gothic woman, heard how greatly I was
+afflicted, she cast aside her needle-work, and her sons called oft and
+earnestly, that she might know, who for her son would their sister
+compensate, or for her consort slain the blood-fine pay?
+
+18. Gunnar was ready gold to offer, for the injuries to atone, and
+Hogni also. * * * She then inquired who would go the steeds to saddle,
+the chariot to drive, on horseback ride, the hawk let fly, arrows
+shoot from the yew bow?
+
+19. Valdar and the Danes with Jarizleif, Eymod the third with
+Jarizkar, then entered, to princes like. Red mantles had the
+Langbard's men, corslets ornamented, towering helms; girded they were
+with falchions, brown were their locks.
+
+20. For me each one would choose precious gifts, precious gifts, and
+to my heart would speak, if for my many woes they might gain my
+confidence, and I would in them trust.
+
+21. Grimhild to me brought a potion to drink cold and bitter, that I
+my injuries might forget; it was mingled with Urd's power, with cold
+sea-water, and with Son's blood.
+
+22. In that horn were characters of every kind graven and red-hued;
+nor could I comprehend them: the long lyng-fish[82] of the Haddings'
+land, an uncut ear of corn: the wild-beasts' entrance.
+
+23. In that potion were many ills together, a herb from every wood,
+and the acorn, the fire-stead's dew,[83] entrails of offerings,
+swine's liver seethed; for that deadens strife.
+
+24. And then I forgot, when I had taken it, all the king's words in
+the hall spoken. There to my feet three kings came, before she herself
+sought to speak with me.
+
+25. "Gudrun! I will give thee gold to possess, of all the riches
+much of thy dead father; rings of red gold, Hlodver's halls, all the
+hangings left by the fallen king.
+
+26. Hunnish maids, those who weave tapestry, and in bright gold
+work, so that it may delight thee. Over Budli's wealth thou alone
+shalt rule, adorned with gold, and given to Atli."
+
+27. "I will not have any man, nor Brynhild's brother marry: it
+beseems me not with Budli's son to increase a race, or life enjoy."
+
+28. "Take care not to pay the chiefs with hate; for 'tis we who have
+been the aggressors: so shouldst thou act as if yet lived Sigurd and
+Sigmund, if sons thou bearest."
+
+29. "Grimhild! I cannot in mirth indulge, nor, for my hero's sake,
+cherish a hope, since the bloodthirsty [wolf and] raven have together
+cruelly drunk my Sigurd's heart's blood."
+
+30. "Him[84] of all I have found to be a king of noblest race, and
+in much most excellent: him shalt thou have until age lays thee low,
+or mateless be, if him thou wilt not take."
+
+31. "Cease to offer that cup of ills so pertinaciously, that race to
+me: he will Gunnar's destruction perpetrate, and will cut out Hogni's
+heart. I will not cease until the exulting strife-exciter's life I
+shall have taken."
+
+32. Weeping Grimhild caught the words, by which to her sons Gudrun
+foreboded evil, and to her kindred dire misfortunes. "Lands I will
+also give thee, people and followers, Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, if thou
+wilt accept them; for life possess them, and be happy, daughter!"
+
+33. "Him then I will choose among the kings, and from my relatives
+reluctantly receive him. Never will he be to me a welcome consort, nor
+my brothers' bale a protection to our sons."
+
+34. Forthwith on horseback was each warrior to be seen; but the
+Walish women were in chariots placed. For seven days o'er a cold land
+we rode; but the second seven, we beat the waves; and the third seven,
+we reached dry land.
+
+35. There the gate-wards of the lofty burgh the latticed entrance
+opened, ere the court we entered.
+
+36. Atli waked me, but I seemed to be full of evil thoughts, for my
+kinsmen's death.
+
+37. "So me just now[85] have the Norns waked,--a grateful
+interpretation I fain would have. Methought that thou, Gudrun! Giuki's
+daughter! with a treacherous sword didst pierce me through."
+
+38. "Fire it forebodes,[86] when one of iron dreams, arrogance and
+pleasure, a woman's anger. Against evil I will go burn thee, cure and
+medicate thee, although to me thou art hateful."
+
+39. "Seemed to me here in the garden[87] that young shoots had
+fallen, which I wished to let grow: torn up with their roots, reddened
+with blood, to table they were brought, and offered me to eat.
+
+40. "Seemed to me that hawks flew from my hand, lacking their
+quarry, to the house of woes; seemed to me I ate their hearts with
+honey swollen with blood, with sorrowing mind.
+
+41. "Seemed to me from my hand whelps I let slip; lacking cause of
+joy, both of them howled: seemed to me their bodies became dead
+carcases: of the carrion I was compelled to eat."
+
+42. "There will warriors[88] round thy couch converse, and of the
+white-locked ones take off the head; death-doomed they are within a
+few nights, a little ere day: thy court will eat of them."
+
+43. "Lie down I would not,[89] nor sleep after, obstinate in my
+fate--That I will execute!"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 82: That is the long fish of the heath, or Ung, a snake or
+serpent.]
+
+[Footnote 83: Soot.]
+
+[Footnote 84: Atli: Grimhild speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 85: Atli speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 86: Gudrun answers.]
+
+[Footnote 87: Atli speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 88: Gudrun answers.]
+
+[Footnote 89: Atll speaks.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia,[90] who had been his concubine.
+She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together;
+whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:
+
+1. What ails thee ever, Atli! Budli's son! Hast thou sorrow in thy
+heart? Why never laughest thou? To thy jarls it would seem more
+desirable, that thou with men wouldst talk, and on me wouldst look.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+2. It grieves me, Gudrun! Giuki's daughter! that in my palace here,
+Herkia has said, that thou and Thiodrek have under one covering slept,
+and wantonly been in the linen wrapt.
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+3. For all this charge I will give my oaths by the white sacred
+stone, that with me and Thiodrek nothing has passed, which to man and
+wife only belongs;
+
+4. Save that I embraced the prince of armies, the honoured king, a
+single time. Other were our cogitations, when sorrowful we two sat to
+converse.
+
+5. Hither came Thiodrek, with thirty warriors; now there lives not
+one of those thirty men. Surround me with thy brothers, and with
+mailed warriors; surround me with all thy noblest kinsmen.
+
+6. Send to Saxi the Southmen's prince; he can hallow the boiling
+cauldron."
+
+7. Seven hundred men entered the hall, ere in the cauldron the queen
+dipt her hand.
+
+8. "Now Gunnar comes not, nor call I Hogni: I shall not see again my
+loved brothers: with his sword would Hogni such wrong avenge: now I
+must myself purify from crime."
+
+9. She to the bottom, plunged her snow-white hand, and up she drew
+the precious stones.[91] "See now, ye men! I am proved guiltless in
+holy wise, boil the vessel as it may."
+
+10. Laughed then Atli's heart within his breast, when he unscathed
+beheld the hand of Gudrun. "Now must Herkia to the cauldron go, she
+who Gudrun had hoped to injure." No one has misery seen who saw not
+that, how the hand there of Herkia was burnt. They then the woman led
+to a foul slough.[92] So were Gudrun's wrongs avenged.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 90: Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who
+here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition,
+the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kreimhilt (Gudrun) until
+after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful
+subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the
+other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron,
+sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Muller
+(II., p. 319) ascribes it to Sæmund himself.]
+
+[Footnote 91: The iarknastein of the original was a milk-white opal.]
+
+[Footnote 92: This punishment was known to the old Germans.]
+
+
+
+
+ODDRUN'S LAMENT.
+
+There was a king named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgny. Her
+lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until
+Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar,
+Giuki's son. Of this story it is here sung:
+
+1. I have heard tell, in ancient stories how a damsel came to the
+eastern land: no one was able, on the face of earth, help to afford to
+Heidrek's daughter.
+
+2. When Oddrun, Atli's sister, heard that the damsel had great
+pains, from the stall she led her well-bridled steed, and on the swart
+one the saddle laid.
+
+3. She the horse made run on the smooth, dusty way, until she came
+to where a high hall stood. She the saddle snatched from the hungry
+steed, and in she went along the court, and these words first of all
+uttered:
+
+4. "What is most noteworthy in this country? or what most desirable
+in the Hunnish land?"
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+5. Here lies Borgny with pains overwhelmed, thy friend, Oddrun! See
+if thou canst help her.
+
+_Oddrun_.
+
+6. What chieftain has on thee brought this dishonour? Why so acute
+are Borgny's pains?
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+7. Vilmund is named the falcon-bearer's friend: he the damsel wrapt
+in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
+hidden.
+
+8. They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
+the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
+of power over Borgny.
+
+9. A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
+of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
+had no word uttered.
+
+10. "So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
+other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!"
+
+11. "I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
+of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said--when
+the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford."
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+12. Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
+spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
+upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.
+
+_Oddrun_.
+
+13. I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
+a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
+happen, to any maiden, save to me alone."
+
+14. Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
+great grief:
+
+15. "I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
+council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
+only, while my father lived.
+
+16. These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
+departed hence.
+
+17. He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
+to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
+be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.
+
+18. Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
+and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
+Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.
+
+19. Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
+taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long--which was not
+surprising--ere she discovered all those frauds.
+
+20. These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
+great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
+she caused herself to die with Sigurd.
+
+21. But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
+Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
+Valkyria should become.
+
+22. They forthwith offered[93] ruddy rings to my brother, and
+indemnity not small. He[94] besides offered for me fifteen vills, and
+the load of Grani's sides, if he would accept them.
+
+23. But Atli said he never would a marriage-gift receive from
+Giuki's son. Still we could not our loves withstand, but I my head
+must lay upon the ring-breaker.
+
+24. Many things said my relations; declared they had surprised us
+both together; but Atli said, that I would not crime commit, nor
+scandal perpetrate. But such should no one for another ever deny, when
+love has part.
+
+25. Atli sent his emissaries about the Murkwood, that he might prove
+me; and they came to where they ought not to have come, to where we
+had one couch prepared.
+
+26. To the men we offered red-gold rings, that they it might not to
+Atli tell; but they forthwith hastened home, and it quickly to Atli
+told.
+
+27. But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half
+she should have known it.[95]
+
+28. A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode
+Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a
+serpent-pen the other cast.
+
+29. I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * *
+* The brave king[96] began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble
+race hoped that I to his aid might come.
+
+30. I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings
+sang.
+
+31. I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life would save.
+The vessel we let float past the forest,[97] until I saw all Atli's
+courts.
+
+32. Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:--may she
+perish!--she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not
+save.
+
+33. Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned![98] how I after can
+life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to
+love:
+
+34. Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil
+fate, my own and theirs." Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended
+_Oddrun's lament_.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 93: For Brynhild's death.]
+
+[Footnote 94: Gunnar.]
+
+[Footnote 95: From here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.]
+
+[Footnote 96: Gunnar while in the serpent-pen.]
+
+[Footnote 97: For "lund" (_forest, wood_), which is the reading of the
+MSS., the Copenhagen editor favors the correction to sund (a _sound_
+or _strait, the Sound_)?]
+
+[Footnote 98: Borgny.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF ATLI.
+
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She
+first killed Atli's sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the
+palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.
+
+1. Atli sent riding a messenger to Gunnar, a crafty man, Knefrud was
+his name. To Giuki's courts he came, and to Gunnar's hall, to the
+seats of state,[99] and the glad potation:
+
+2. There drank the courtiers wine in their Valhall--but the guileful
+ones[100] silence kept--the Huns' wrath they[101] feared. Then said
+Knefrud, with chilling voice:--the southern warrior on a high bench
+sat--
+
+3. "Atli has sent me hither on his errand riding on a bit-griping
+steed, through the unknown Murkwood, to pray you, Gunnar! that to his
+bench ye come, with helms of state, Atli's home to visit.
+
+4. "Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red
+helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks
+gory-red, the dart's obstruction, and bit-griping steeds.
+
+5. "The plain he will also give you, the broad Gnitaheid, whistling
+javelins, and gilded prows, vast treasures, and Danp's towns, with
+that famed forest, which men the Murkwood call."
+
+6. Gunnar his head then turned, and to Hogni said: "What counselest
+thou, bold warrior? now suchlike we hear? Of no gold I knew on Gnita's
+heath, to which we possess not other equal.
+
+7. "Seven halls have we filled with swords, of each of which the
+hilt is gold. My horse I know the best, and my sword the keenest; my
+bow adorns my seat, my corslets are of gold, my helm and shield the
+brightest, brought from the hall of Kiar: mine alone are better than
+all the Hunnish ones.
+
+8. "What thinkest thou the woman[102] means, by sending us a ring in
+a wolf's clothing wrapt? I think that she caution enjoins. Wolf's hair
+I found twined in the red-gold ring: wolfish is the way we on our
+errand ride."
+
+9. No sons persuaded Gunnar, nor other kinsman, interpreters nor
+counsellors, nor those who potent were. Then spake Gunnar, as beseemed
+a king, great in his mead-hall, from his large soul:
+
+10. "Rise now up, Fiornir! let along the benches pass the golden
+cups of heroes, from the attendants' hands.
+
+11. "The wolf shall rule the Niflungs' heritage, O bearded sages! if
+Gunnar perish; black-coated bears earth's fruit tear with their teeth,
+to the dogs' delight, if Gunnar come not back."
+
+12. Honoured men, weeping led the land's ruler from the Huns'
+court. Then said Hogni's youthful heir: "Go now, prudent and
+prosperous, whither your wishes lead."
+
+13. The warriors made their bit-griping steeds over the mountains
+fly, through the unknown Murkwood. The whole Hunnish forest trembled
+where'er the warriors rode; over the shrubless, all-green plains they
+sped.
+
+14. Atli's land they saw, and the high watch-towers; Bikki's people
+stood on that lofty fortress; the south people's hall was round with
+benches set, with well-bound bucklers, and white shields, the
+javelin's obstruction. There Atli drank wine in his Valhall: his
+guards sat without, Gunnar and his men to watch, lest they there
+should come with yelling dart, to excite their prince to conflict.
+
+15. Their sister forthwith saw, when the hall they had entered, her
+brothers both--beer had she little drunken--"Betrayed art thou now,
+Gunnar! though strong, how wilt thou contend with the Huns' deadly
+wiles? Go quickly from this hall!
+
+16. "Better hadst thou, Gunnar! in corslet come, than with helm of
+state, to see the home of Atli; thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
+whole sun-bright days, and o'er the pallid dead let the Norns weep,
+the Hunnish shield-maids misery suffer; but Atli himself thou shouldst
+into the serpent-pen have cast; but now the serpent-pen is for you two
+reserved."
+
+17. "Sister! 'tis now too late the Niflungs to assemble, long 'tis
+to seek the aid of men, of valiant heroes, over the rugged fells of
+Rhine."
+
+18. Then the Burgundians' friends[103] Gunnar seized, in fetters
+laid, and him fast bound.
+
+19. Hogni hewed down seven, with the keen sword, but the eighth he
+thrust into the raging fire. So should a valiant man defend himself
+from foes.
+
+20. Hogni had Gunnar's hands[104] protected. The bold chief they
+asked, if the Goths' lord would with gold his life redeem?
+
+21. "Hogni's heart in my hand shall lie, cut bloody from the breast
+of the valiant chief, the king's son, with a dull-edged knife." * * *
+They the heart cut out from Hialli's breast; on a dish bleeding laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.
+
+23. Then said Gunnar, lord of men: "Here have I the heart of the
+timid Hialli, unlike the heart of the bold Hogni; for much it trembles
+as in the dish it lies: it trembled more by half, while in his breast
+it lay."
+
+24. Hogni laughed, when to his heart they cut the living
+crest-crasher; no lament uttered he. All bleeding on a dish they laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.
+
+25. Calmly said Gunnar, the warrior Niflung: "Here have I the heart
+of the bold Hogni, unlike the heart of the timid Hialli; for it little
+trembles, as in the dish it lies: it trembled less, while in his
+breast it lay.
+
+26. "So far shalt thou, Atli! be from the eyes of men as thou wilt
+from the treasures be. In my power alone is all the hidden Niflungs'
+gold, now that Hogni lives not.
+
+27. "Ever was I wavering, while we both lived; now am I so no
+longer, as I alone survive. Rhine shall possess men's baleful metal,
+the mighty stream, the As-known Niflungs' heritage. In the rolling
+water the choice rings shall glitter, rather than on the hands of the
+Huns' children shine.
+
+28. "Drive your wheel-chariots, the captive is now in bonds."
+
+29. Atli the mighty, their sister's husband, rode with resounding
+steeds, with strife-thorns[105] surrounded. Gudrun perceived the
+heroes' peril, she from tears refrained, on entering the hall of
+tumult.
+
+30. "So be it with thee, Atli! as towards Gunnar thou hast held the
+oft-sworn oaths, formerly taken--by the southward verging sun, and by
+Sigty's hill, the secluded bed of rest, and by Ullr's ring." Yet
+thence the more did the bit-shaker[106] the treasure's guardian, the
+warrior chief, drag to death.
+
+31. The living prince then did a host of men into a pen cast down,
+which was within with serpents over-crawled. But Gunnar there alone a
+harp in wrathful mood with his hand struck: the strings resounded. So
+should a daring chief, a ring-dispenser, gold from men withhold.
+
+32. Atli turned his brass-shod[107] steed, his home to revisit, back
+from the murder. Din was in the court with horses thronged, men's
+weapon-song, from the heath they were come.
+
+33. Out then went Gudrun, Atli to meet, with a golden cup to do her
+duty to the king. "Thou canst, O King! joyful in thy hall receive
+from Gudrun the arms of the departed."
+
+34. The drinking-cups of Atli groaned with wine heavy, when in the
+hall together the Huns were counted. Long-bearded, bold, the warriors
+entered.
+
+35. Hastened the bright-faced dame to bear their potions to them,
+the wondrous lady to the chiefs; and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
+the festal dainties offered, and uttered words of hate.
+
+36. "Thou, swords' dispenser! hast thy two sons' hearts,
+slaughter-gory, with honey eaten. I resolved that thou, bold chief!
+shouldst of a human dish eat at thy feasting, and to the place of
+honour send it. Henceforth thou wilt not to thy knees call Erp and
+Eitil, joyous with beer the two: thou wilt not henceforth, see them
+from thy middle seat, gold-dispersing, javelins shafting, manes
+clipping, or horses urging."
+
+38. Uproar was on the benches, portentous the cry of men, noise
+beneath the costly hangings. The children of the Huns wept, all wept
+save Gudrun, who never wept, or for her bear-fierce brothers, or her
+dear sons, young, simple, whom she had borne to Atli.
+
+39. Gold scattered the swan-fair dame; with ruddy rings the
+household gifted. Fate she let ripen, but the bright gold flow. The
+woman spared not the treasure-houses.
+
+40. Atli incautious had himself drunk weary; weapon he had none, nor
+was 'gainst Gudrun guarded. Oft had their sport been better, when they
+lovingly embraced each other before the nobles.
+
+41. With the sword's point she gave the bed of blood to drink with
+death-bent hand, and the dogs loosed, out at the hall-door drove them,
+and the lady wakened the household with burning brand. That vengeance
+she for her brothers took.
+
+42. To fire she then gave all that were therein, and from her
+brothers' murder were from the dark den[108] returned. The old
+structures fell, the treasure-houses smoked, the Budlungs' dwelling.
+Burnt too were the shield-maids within, their lives cut short; in the
+raging fire they sank.
+
+43. Of this enough is said. No such woman will henceforth arms again
+bear, to avenge her brothers. That bright woman had to three kings of
+men the death-doom borne, before she died.
+
+Yet more clearly is this told in "Atlamalum inum Groenlenzkum" (the
+Groenland lay of Atli).
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 99: The epithet aringreypr is applied both to benches and
+helmets (see Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is doubtful: it has been
+rendered _iron-bound_, _brass-bound_, _hearth-encircling_, _curved
+like an eagle's beak_, etc. Benches and helmets of ceremony are
+evidently intended, probably ornamented with brass-work or figures of
+eagles. But to whichever substantive applied, I take its meaning to be
+the same.]
+
+[Footnote 100: The messengers of Atli.]
+
+[Footnote 101: The Giukungs.]
+
+[Footnote 102: Gudrun: she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring to
+her brothers, as a warning, in which a wolf's hair was entwined,
+together with a note in runes, which were falsified by Vingi.]
+
+[Footnote 103: Atli's men.]
+
+[Footnote 104: That is Gunnar himself.]
+
+[Footnote 105: Spears.]
+
+[Footnote 106: The horse.]
+
+[Footnote 107: The original word is eyrskan, a word of doubtful
+signification.]
+
+[Footnote 108: The serpent-pen.]
+
+
+
+
+THE GROENLAND LAY OF ATLI.
+
+
+1. Of those misdeeds men have heard tell, when warriors of old a
+compact made, which by pledges they confirmed, a secret consultation
+held: terrible it was to them after, and to Giuki's sons likewise, who
+were betrayed.
+
+2. The warriors' fate ripened, they were death-doomed: ill advised
+was Atli, though he possessed sagacity: he felled a mighty column,
+strove hardly against himself; with speed he messengers despatched,
+that his wife's brothers should come quickly.
+
+3. Wise was the house-dame, prudently she thought; the words in
+order she had heard, that in secret they had said: the sage lady was
+at a loss: fain would she help them; they[109] o'er the sea must sail,
+but she herself could not go.
+
+4. Runes she graved, Vingi them falsified, before he gave them from
+him; of ill he was the bearer. Then departed Atli's messengers,
+through the branched firth, for where the bold warriors dwelt.
+
+5. They with beer were cheered, and fires they kindled, naught
+thought they of guile, when they were come; they the gifts accepted,
+which the prince sent them, on a column hung them, and of no evil
+thought.
+
+6. Then came Kostbera, she was Hogni's wife, a woman greatly
+cautious, and them both greeted. Glad was also Glaumvor, Gunnar's
+consort, the prudent dame her duty forgot not, she to the guests' need
+attended.
+
+7. Hogni they home invited, if he would be pleased to go. Treachery
+was manifest, had they but reflected! Gunnar then promised, if only
+Hogni would, but Hogni refused what the other proposed.
+
+8. The noble dames bore mead, of many things there was abundance,
+many horns passed round, until it seemed they had full drunken.
+
+9. The household prepared their couches, as to them seemed best.
+Cunning was Kostbera, she could runes interpret; she the letters read
+by the bright fire;--her tongue she had to guard between both her
+gums--so perverted were they, it was difficult to understand them.
+
+10. To their bed they went, she and Hogni. The gentle lady dreamed,
+and concealed it not, to the prince wisely said it as soon as she
+awoke.
+
+11. "From home thou art going, Hogni! give ear to counsel; few are
+fully prudent: go another time.
+
+12. I have the runes interpreted, which thy sister graved: that fair
+dame has not this time invited thee. At one thing I wonder most, I
+cannot even conceive, why so wise a woman so confusedly should grave;
+for it is so set down as if it intimated death to you both, if you
+should straightway come. Either she has left out a letter, or others
+are the cause."[110]
+
+13. "They are," said Hogni, "all suspicious; I have no knowledge of
+them, nor will I into it inquire, unless we have to make requital.
+The king will gift us with gleed-red gold. I never fear, though we may
+hear of terror."
+
+14. "Tottering ye will go, if thitherward ye tend. No kind
+entertainment there will ye at this time find. Hogni! I have dreamed,
+I will not conceal it: in an evil hour ye will go, or so at least I
+fear.
+
+15. "Methought thy coverlet was with fire consumed; that the
+towering flame rushed through my dwelling."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+16. "Here lie linen cloths, which thou hadst little noticed: these
+will quickly burn where thou the coverlet sawest."
+
+_Kostbera_.
+
+17. "Methought a bear came in, and broke down the columns; and so
+his talons shook, that we were terror-stricken; by his mouth held many
+of us, so that we were helpless: there, too, was a din far from
+little."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+18. "A tempest there will be furious and sudden: the white bear thou
+sawest will be a storm from the east."
+
+_Kostbera_.
+
+19. "Methought an eagle flew herein, all through the house: that
+will largely concern us. He sprinkled all with blood: from his threats
+I thought it to be the 'ham'[111] of Atli."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+20. "We often slaughter largely, and then red we see: often are oxen
+meant, when we of eagles dream. Sound is the heart of Atli, dream thou
+as thou mayest." With this they ended: all speeches have an end.
+
+21. The high-born awoke, there the like befell: Glaumvor had
+perceived that her dreams were ill-boding, adverse to Gunnar's going
+to and fro.
+
+22. "Methought a gallows was for thee erected,[112] thou wentest to
+be hanged, that serpents ate thee, that I inter'd thee living, that
+the Powers' dissolution came--Divine thou what that portends.
+
+23. "Methought a bloody glave from thy sark was drawn--ill 'tis such
+a dream to a consort to recount--methought a lance was thrust through
+thy middle: wolves howled on every side."
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+24. "Where dogs run they are wont to bark: oft bodes the bay of dogs
+the flight of javelins."
+
+_Glaumvor_.
+
+25. "Methought a river ran herein, through the whole house, that it
+roared violently, rushed o'er the benches, brake the feet of you
+brothers twain; nothing the water spared: something will that portend!
+
+26. "Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad
+were they: they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their
+seats. I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee."
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+27. "Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
+journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
+seems that our lives will be short."
+
+28. When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
+up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
+"hus-carls" there were present twice that number--it was ill
+devised--Snævar and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
+named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
+brother of Hogni's wife.
+
+29. They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
+would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.
+
+30. Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
+to her seemed fitting: "I know not whether ye will requite us as we
+would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide."
+
+31. Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: "May him the Jotuns
+have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
+peace he meditates!"
+
+32. Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: "Sail ye prosperous,
+and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
+hinder!"
+
+33. Hogni answered--he to his kin meant well--"Be of good cheer, ye
+prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
+difference; for many little care how they depart from home."
+
+34. On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
+their fates were severed, and their ways divided.
+
+35. Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
+bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
+broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
+they quitted it.[113]
+
+36. A little after--I will the end relate--they saw the mansion
+stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
+Hogni knocked.
+
+37. Then said Vingi, what he had better not, "Go far from the house,
+'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
+forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
+was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare."
+
+38. Hogni answered--little thought he of yielding, or of aught
+fearful that was to be proved:--"Think not to frighten us: try that
+seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong."
+
+39. They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
+while life within him throbbed.
+
+40. Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went
+prepared so that a fence was between them. Words they bandied, all
+with rage boiling: "Already had we resolved to take your lives away."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+41. "It looks but ill, if ye before have counselled: e'en now ye are
+unprepared, and we one have felled, smitten to death: one of your host
+was he."
+
+42. Furious they became, when those words they heard; their fingers
+they stretched forth, and their bowstrings seized; sharply shot, and
+with shields themselves protected.
+
+43. In then came the tale of what without was passing; loud before
+the hall they a thrall heard speak.
+
+44. Then incensed was Gudrun, when the sad news she heard: adorned
+with necklaces, she tore them all asunder; so hurled the silver, that
+the rings in shivers flew.
+
+45. Then she went out, not gently moved the doors; went forth, void
+of fear, and the comers hailed, turned to the Niflungs: that was her
+last greeting, truth attended it; more words she said:
+
+46. "I sought by symbols to prevent your leaving home,--fate may no
+one resist--and yet must you come hither." Wisely she asked: might
+they not be appeased? No one consented, all answered no.
+
+47. Saw then the high-born lady that a hard game they played; a
+deadly deed she meditated, and her robe dashed aside, a naked falchion
+seized, and her kinsmen's lives defended: skilful she was in warfare,
+where her hand she applied.
+
+48. Giuki's daughter caused two warriors to fall; Atli's brother she
+struck down,--he must henceforth be borne--so she the conflict
+managed, that she his foot struck off. Another too she smote, so that
+he never rose, to Hel she sent him: her hand trembled not.
+
+49. A conflict then ensued, which was widely famed, but that
+excelled all else which Giuki's sons performed. So 'tis said the
+Niflungs, while yet they lived, with swords maintained the fight,
+corslets rent, helmets hewed, as their hearts prompted.
+
+50. At morning most they fought, until mid-day had passed; all early
+morn, and the forenoon, ere the fight was ended, the field flowed with
+blood, until eighteen had fallen: Bera's two sons, and her brother,
+had them overcome.
+
+51. Then the fierce Atli spoke, wroth though he was: "'Tis ill to
+look around; this is long of you. We were thirty warlike thanes,
+eleven survive: the chasm is too great. We were five brothers, when
+Budli died; now has Hel the half, two lie slain.
+
+52. "A great affinity I obtained, that I cannot deny, pernicious
+woman! of which I have no benefit: peace we have seldom had, since
+thou among us camest. Of kinsmen ye have bereft me, of riches often
+wronged. To Hel my sister ye have sent; that is to me most bitter."
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+53. "This thou callest to mind, Atli! but thou so first didst act:
+my mother thou didst take, and for her treasures murder; my gifted
+niece with hunger thou didst cause to perish. Laughable to me it
+seems, when thou sorrows dost recount. The gods are to be thanked,
+that it goes ill with thee."
+
+_Atli_.
+
+54. Jarls! I exhort you the sorrow to augment of that presumptuous
+woman: I would fain see it. Strive so to do, that Gudrun may lament.
+Might I but see that in her lot she joys not!
+
+55. Take ye Hogni, and with a knife hack him: cut out his heart:
+this ye shall do. Gunnar the fierce of soul to a gallows fasten; do
+the work thoroughly, lure up the serpents.
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+56. Do as thou listest, glad I will await it; stout I shall prove
+myself: I have ere now things much harder proved. Ye had a hindrance
+while unscathed we were: now are we so wounded that our fate thou
+mayest command.
+
+57. Beiti spake,--he was Atli's steward--Take we Hialli, but Hogni
+let us save. Let us do half the work; he is death-worthy. As long as
+he lives a slug he will ever be.
+
+58. Terrified was the kettle-watcher, the place no longer held him:
+he could be a whiner, he clomb into every nook: their conflict was his
+bane, as he the penalty must pay; and the day sad, when he must from
+the swine die, from all good things, which he had enjoyed.
+
+59. Budli's cook they took, and the knife brought towards him.
+Howled the wretched thrall, ere the point he felt; declared that he
+had time the gardens to manure, the vilest offices to do, if from
+death he might escape. Joyful indeed was Hialli, could he but save his
+life.
+
+60. Hogni all this observed--few so act, as for a slave to
+intercede, that he may escape!--"Less 'tis, I say, for me to play this
+game myself. Why shall we here desire to listen to that screaming?"
+
+61. Hands on the good prince they laid. Then was no option for the
+bold warriors, the sentence longer to delay. Then laughed Hogni;
+heard the sons of day how he could hold out: torment he well endured!
+
+62. A harp Gunnar took, with his foot-branches touched it. He could
+so strike it, that women wept, and the men sobbed, who best could hear
+it. He the noble queen counselled: the rafters burst asunder.
+
+63. There died the noble, as the dawn of day; at the last they
+caused their deeds to live.
+
+64. Atli thought himself great: over them both he strode, to the
+sagacious woman told the evil, and bitterly reproached her. "It is now
+morning, Gudrun! thy loved ones thou hast lost; partly thou art the
+cause that it has so befallen."
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+65. Joyful art thou, Atli! slaughter to announce: repentance shall
+await thee, when thou hast all proved. That heritage shall be left
+thee--that I can tell thee--that ill shall never from thee go, unless
+I also die.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+66. That I can prevent; another course I see, easier by half: the
+good we oft reject. With slaves I will console thee, with things most
+precious, with snow-white silver, as thou thyself mayest desire.
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+67. Of that there is _no_ hope; I will all reject; atonement I have
+spurned for smaller injuries. Hard I was ever thought, now will that
+be aggravated. I every grudge concealed, while Hogni lived.
+
+68. We were both nurtured in one house; many a play we played, and
+in the wood grew up; Grimhild us adorned with gold and necklaces; for
+my brothers' death never wilt thou indemnify me, nor ever do what
+shall to me seem good.
+
+69. Men's too great power women's lot oppresses; on the knee the
+hand sinks, if the arms wither; the tree inclines, if its root-fibres
+are severed. Now, Atli! thou mayest alone over all here command.
+
+70. Most unwise it was, when to this the prince gave credit: the
+guile was manifest, had he been on his guard. Dissembling then was
+Gudrun, against her heart she could speak, made herself gay appear,
+with two shields she played.[114]
+
+71. A banquet she would prepare, her brothers' funeral feast; the
+same would Atli also for his own do.
+
+72. With this they ended; the banquet was prepared; the feasting was
+too luxurious. The woman great of heart was stern, she warred on
+Budli's race; on her spouse she would cruel vengeance wreak.
+
+73. The young ones she enticed, and on a block laid them, the fierce
+babes were terrified, and wept not, to their mother's bosom crept,
+asked what she was going to do.
+
+74. "Ask no questions, both I intend to kill; long have I desired to
+cut short your days."
+
+75. "Slay as thou wilt thy children, no one hinders it; thy rage
+will have short peace, if thou destroyest us in our blooming years,
+thou desperate woman!" It fell out accordingly: she cut the throats of
+both.
+
+76. Atli oft inquired whither his boys were gone to play, as he
+nowhere saw them?
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+77. Over I am resolved to go, and to Atli tell it. Grimhild's
+daughter will not conceal it from thee. Little glad, Atli! wilt thou
+be, when all thou learnest; great woe didst thou raise up, when thou
+my brother slewest.
+
+78. Very seldom have I slept since they fell. Bitterly I threatened
+thee: now I have reminded thee. "It is now morning," saidst thou: I
+yet it well remember; and it now is eve, when thou the like shalt
+learn.
+
+79. Thou thy sons hast lost, as thou least shouldest; know that
+their skulls thou hast had for beer-cups; thy drink I prepared, I
+their red blood have shed.
+
+80. I their hearts took, and on a spit staked them, then to thee
+gave them. I said they were of calves,--it was long of thee
+alone--thou didst leave none, voraciously didst devour, well didst ply
+thy teeth.
+
+81. Thy children's fate thou knowest, few a worse awaits. I have my
+part performed, though in it glory not.
+
+_Atli._
+
+82. Cruel wast thou, Gudrun! who couldst so act, with thy children's
+blood my drink to mingle. Thou hast destroyed thy offspring, as thou
+least shouldest; and to myself thou leavest a short interval from ill.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+83. I could still desire thyself to slay; rarely too ill it fares
+with such a prince. Thou hast already perpetrated crimes unexampled
+among men of frantic cruelty, in this world: now thou hast added what
+we have just witnessed. A great misdeed hast thou committed, thy
+death-feast thou hast prepared.
+
+_Atli._
+
+84. On the pile thou shalt be burnt, but first be stoned; then wilt
+thou have earned what thou hast ever sought.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+85. Tell to thyself such griefs early to-morrow: by a fairer death I
+will pass to another light.
+
+86. In the same hall they sat, exchanged hostile thoughts, bandied
+words of hate: each was ill at ease.
+
+87. Hate waxed in a Hniflung, a great deed he meditated; to Gudrun
+he declared that he was Atli's deadly foe.
+
+88. Into her mind came Hogni's treatment; happy she him accounted,
+if he vengeance wreaked. Then was Atli slain, within a little space;
+Hogni's son him slew, and Gudrun herself.
+
+89. The bold king spake, roused up from sleep; quickly he felt the
+wounds, said he no binding needed. "Tell me most truly who has slain
+Budli's son. I am hardly treated: of life I have no hope."
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+90. I, Grimhild's daughter, will not from thee hide, that I am the
+cause that thy life passes away; but partly Hogni's son, that thy
+wounds make thee faint.
+
+_Atli._
+
+91. To the slaughter thou hast rushed, although it ill beseemed
+thee; 'tis bad to circumvent a friend, who well confided in thee.
+Besought I went from home, to woo thee, Gudrun!
+
+92. A widow thou was left, fierce thou wast accounted, which was no
+falsehood, as we have proved. Hither home thou earnest, us a host of
+men attended; all was splendid on our journey.
+
+93. Pomp of all kinds was there, of illustrious men, beeves in
+abundance: largely we enjoyed them. Of all things there was plenty
+partaken of by many.
+
+94. A marriage gift to my bride I gave, treasures for her
+acceptance, thralls thrice ten, seven fair female slaves: in such
+things was honour; silver there was yet more.
+
+95. All seemed to thee as it were naught, while the lands untouched
+lay, which Budli had left me. So didst thou undermine, dist allow me
+nothing to receive. Thou didst my mother let often sit weeping: with
+heart content I found not one of my household after.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+96. Now, Atli! thou liest, though of that I little reck. Gentle I
+seldom was, yet didst thou greatly aggravate it. Young brothers ye
+fought together, among yourselves contended; to Hel went the half from
+thy house: all went to ruin that should be for benefit.
+
+97. Brothers and sisters we were three, we thought ourselves
+invincible: from the land we departed, we followed Sigurd. We roved
+about, each steered a ship; seeking luck we went, till to the east we
+came.
+
+98. The chief king we slew, there a land obtained, the "hersar"
+yielded to us; that manifested fear. We from the forest freed him whom
+we wished harmless, raised him to prosperity who nothing had
+possessed.
+
+99. The Hun king[115] died, then suddenly my fortune changed: great
+was the young wife's grief, the widow's lot was hers. A torment to me
+it seemed to come living to the house of Atli. A hero had possessed
+me: sad was that loss!
+
+100. Thou didst never from a contest come, as we had heard, where
+thou didst gain thy cause, or others overcome; ever wouldst thou give
+way, and never stand, lettest all pass off quietly, as ill beseemed a
+king.
+
+_Atli._
+
+101. Gudrun! now thou liest. Little will be bettered the lot of
+either: we have all suffered. Now act thou, Gudrun! of thy goodness,
+and for our honour, when I forth am borne.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+102. I a ship will buy, and a painted cist;[116] will the
+winding-sheet well wax, to enwrap thy corpse; will think of every
+requisite, as if we had each other loved.
+
+103. Atli was now a corpse, lament from his kin arose: the
+illustrious woman did all she had promised. The wise woman would go to
+destroy herself; her days were lengthened: she died another time.
+
+104. Happy is every one hereafter who shall give birth to such a
+daughter famed for deeds, as Giuki begat: ever will live, in every
+land, their oft-told tale, wherever people shall give ear.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 109: The messengers.]
+
+[Footnote 110: It would seem that the original runes, as graved by
+Gudrun, had not been so completely erased as to leave no traces of
+them; but that they were still sufficiently legible to enable Kostbera
+to ascertain the real purport of the communication.]
+
+[Footnote 111: Ham (hamr. _fem._ hamingia) a guardian angel, an
+attendant spirit.]
+
+[Footnote 112: Here a gallows in our sense of the word, but usually a
+stake on a scaffold, to which the condemned to a death of torture was
+bound hand and foot.]
+
+[Footnote 113: So great was their haste to land.]
+
+[Footnote 114: She played a double game.]
+
+[Footnote 115: Sigurd.]
+
+[Footnote 116: The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship and
+sending it adrift, seems inconsistent with the later custom of
+depositing it in a cist or coffin.]
+
+
+
+
+GUDRUN'S INCITEMENT.
+
+Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore. She went out into the
+sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne
+across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
+sons were Sorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the
+daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jormunrek the
+Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
+son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to
+be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard
+of this she said to her sons:--
+
+1. Then heard I tell of quarrels dire, hard sayings uttered from
+great affliction, when her sons the fierce-hearted Gudrun, in deadly
+words, to slaughter instigated.
+
+2. "Why sit ye here? why sleep life away? why does it pain you not
+joyous words to speak, now Jormunrek your sister young in years has
+with horses trodden, white and black, in the public way, with grey and
+way-wont Gothic steeds?
+
+3. Ye are not like to Gunnar and the others, nor of soul so valiant
+as Hogni was. Her ye should seek to avenge, if ye had the courage of
+my brothers, or the fierce spirit of the Hunnish kings."
+
+4. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Little didst thou care
+Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd he from sleep awaked. Thy
+blue-white bed-clothes were red with thy husband's gore, with
+death-blood covered.
+
+5. "For thy brothers thou didst o'er-hasty vengeance take, dire and
+bitter, when thou thy sons didst murder. We young ones[117] could on
+Jormunrek, acting all together, have avenged our sister.
+
+6. "Bring forth the arms of the Hunnish kings: thou hast us
+stimulated to a sword-mote."
+
+7. Laughing Gudrun to the storehouse turned, the kings' crested
+helms from the coffers drew, their ample corslets, and to her sons
+them bore. The young heroes loaded their horses' shoulders.
+
+8. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "So will no more come his
+mother to see, the warrior felled in the Gothic land, so that thou the
+funeral-beer after us all may drink, after Svanhild and thy sons."
+
+9. Weeping Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, sorrowing went, to sit in the
+fore-court, and to recount, with tear-worn cheeks, sad of soul, her
+calamities, in many ways.
+
+10. "Three fires I have known, three hearths I have known, of three
+consorts I have been borne to the house. Sigurd alone to me was better
+than all, of whom my brothers were the murderers.
+
+11. "Of my painful wounds I might not complain; yet they even more
+seemed to afflict me, when those chieftains to Atli gave me.
+
+12. "My bright boys I called to speak with me; for my injuries I
+could not get revenge, ere I had severed the Hniflungs' heads.
+
+13. "To the sea-shore I went, against the Norns I was embittered; I
+would cast off their persecution; bore, and submerged me not the
+towering billows; up on land I rose, because I was to live.
+
+14. "To the nuptial couch I went--as I thought better for me,--for
+the third time, with a mighty king. I brought forth offspring,
+guardians of the heritage, guardians of the heritage, Jonakr's sons.
+
+15. "But around Svanhild bond-maidens sat; of all my children her I
+loved the best. Svanhild was, in my hall, as was the sun-beam, fair to
+behold.
+
+16. "I with gold adorned her, and with fine raiment, before I gave
+her to the Gothic people. That is to me the hardest of all my woes,
+that Svanhild's beauteous locks should in the mire be trodden under
+horses' feet.
+
+17. "But that was yet more painful, when my Sigurd they ingloriously
+slew in his bed; though of all most cruel, when of Gunnar the
+glistening serpents to the vitals crawled; but the most agonizing,
+which to my heart flew, when the brave king's heart they while quick
+cut out.
+
+18. "Many griefs I call to memory, many ills I call to memory.
+Guide, Sigurd! thy black steed, thy swift courser, hither let it run.
+Here sits no son's wife, no daughter, who to Gudrun precious things
+may give.
+
+19. "Remember, Sigurd! what we together said, when on our bed we
+both were sitting, that thou, brave one, wouldst come to me from Hel's
+abode, but I from the world to thee.
+
+20. "Raise, ye Jarls! an oaken pile; let it under heaven the highest
+be. May it burn a breast full of woes! the fire round my heart its
+sorrows melt!"
+
+21. May all men's lot be bettered, all women's sorrow lessened, to
+whom this tale of woes shall be recounted.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 117: Themselves and the two sons of Atli.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HAMDIR.
+
+
+1. In that court[118] arose woeful deeds, at the Alfar's doleful
+lament;[119] at early morn, men's afflictions, troubles of various
+kinds; sorrows were quickened.
+
+2. It was not now, nor yesterday, a long time since has passed
+away,--few things are more ancient, it was by much earlier--when
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, her young sons instigated Svanhild to
+avenge.
+
+3. "She was your sister, her name Svanhild, she whom Jormunrek with
+horses trod to death, white and black, on the public way, with grey
+and way-wont Gothic steeds.
+
+4. "Thenceforth all is sad to you, kings of people! Ye alone
+survive,
+
+5. "Branches of my race. Lonely I am become, as the asp-tree in the
+forest, of kindred bereft, as the fir of branches; of joy deprived, as
+is the tree of foliage, when the branch-spoiler comes in the warm
+day."
+
+6. Then spake Hamdir, the great of soul, "Little, Gudrun! didst thou
+care Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd they from sleep awaked on the
+bed thou satst, and the murderers laughed.
+
+7. "Thy bed-clothes, blue and white, woven by cunning hands, swam in
+thy husband's gore. When Sigurd perished, o'er the dead thou satst,
+caredst not for mirth--so Gunnar willed it.
+
+8. "Atli thou wouldst afflict by Erp's murder, and by Eitil's life's
+destruction: that proved for thyself the worse: therefore should every
+one so against others use, for life's destruction, a sharp-biting
+sword, that he harm not himself."
+
+9. Then said Sorli--he had a prudent mind--"I with my mother will
+not speeches exchange: though words to each of you to me seem wanting.
+What, Gudrun! dost thou desire, which for tears thou canst not utter?
+
+10. "For thy brothers weep, and thy dear sons, thy nearest kin,
+drawn to the strife: for us both shalt thou, Gudrun! also have to
+weep, who here sit fated on our steeds, far away to die."
+
+11. From the court they went, for conflict ready. The young men
+journeyed over humid fells, on Hunnish steeds, murder to avenge.
+
+12. Then said Erp, all at once--the noble youth was joking on his
+horse's back--"Ill 'tis to a timid man to point out the ways." They
+said the bastard[120] was over bold.
+
+13. On their way they had found the wily jester. "How will the
+swarthy dwarf afford us aid?"
+
+14. He of another mother answered: so he said aid he would to his
+kin afford, as one foot to the other[121] [or, grown to the body, one
+hand the other].
+
+15. "What can a foot to a foot give; or, grown to the body, one hand
+the other?"
+
+16. From the sheath they drew the iron blade, the falchion's edges,
+for Hel's delight. They their strength diminished by a third part,
+they their young kinsman caused to earth to sink.
+
+17. Their mantles then they shook, their weapons grasped; the
+high-born were clad in sumptuous raiment.
+
+18. Forward lay the ways, a woeful path they found, and their
+sister's son wounded on a gibbet, wind-cold outlaw-trees,[122] on the
+town's west. Ever vibrated the ravens' whet: there to tarry was not
+good.
+
+19. Uproar was in the hall, men were with drink excited, so that the
+horses' tramp no one heard, until a mindful man winded his horn.
+
+20. To announce they went to Jormunrek that were seen helm-decked
+warriors. "Take ye counsel, potent ones are come; before mighty men ye
+have on a damsel trampled."
+
+21. Then laughed Jormunrek, with his hand stroked his beard, asked
+not for his corslet; with wine he struggled, shook his dark locks, on
+his white shield looked, and in his hand swung the golden cup.
+
+22. "Happy should I seem, if I could see Hamdir and Sorli within my
+hall. I would them then with bowstrings bind, the good sons of Giuki
+on the gallows hang."
+
+23. Then said Hrodrglod, on the high steps standing; "Prince" said
+she to her son--for that was threatened which ought not to
+happen--"shall two men alone bind or slay ten hundred Goths in this
+lofty burgh?"
+
+24. Tumult was in the mansion, the beer-cups flew in shivers, men
+lay in blood from the Goths' breasts flowing.
+
+25. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Jormunrek! thou didst
+desire our coming, brothers of one mother, into thy burgh:[123] now
+seest thou thy feet, seest thy hands Jormunrek! cast into the glowing
+fire."
+
+26. Then roared forth a godlike[124] mail-clad warrior, as a bear
+roars: "On the men hurl stones, since spears bite not, nor edge of
+sword, nor point, the sons of Jonakr."
+
+27. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Harm didst thou, brother!
+when thou that mouth didst ope. Oft from that mouth bad counsel
+comes."
+
+28. "Courage hast thou, Hamdir! if only thou hadst sense: that man
+lacks much who wisdom lacks.
+
+29. "Off would the head now be, had but Erp lived, our brother bold
+in fight, whom on the way we slew, that warrior brave--me the Disir
+instigated--that man sacred to us, whom we resolved to slay.
+
+30. "I ween not that ours should be the wolves' example, that with
+ourselves we should contend, like the Norns' dogs, that voracious are
+in the desert nurtured."
+
+31. "Well have we fought, on slaughtered Goths we stand, on those
+fallen by the sword, like eagles on a branch. Great glory we have
+gained, though now or to-morrow we shall die. No one lives till eve
+against the Norns' decree."
+
+33. There fell Sorli, at the mansion's front; but Hamdir sank at the
+house's back.
+
+This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 118: See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, and. Luning, Glossar.]
+
+[Footnote 119: "The Alfar's Lament" is the early dawn, and is in
+apposition to "early morn," in the following line. The swart Alfar are
+meant, who were turned to stone if they did not flee from the light of
+day. This is the best interpretation I can offer of this obscure
+strophe.]
+
+[Footnote 120: In this and the four following strophes the person
+alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story nothing more is
+known. He, it appears, had preceded or outridden the others.]
+
+[Footnote 121: Malmesbury relates a similar story of King Æthelstan
+and his cupbearer.]
+
+[Footnote 122: Lit. wolf-trees; a fugitive criminal being called vargr
+_wolf_.]
+
+[Footnote 123: According to the Skalda it would appear that they cut
+off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had they not murdered
+him, was to have cut off his head.]
+
+[Footnote 124: Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla.]
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.
+
+
+
+
+THE DELUDING OF GYLFI.
+
+GEFJON'S PLOUGHING.[125]
+
+1. King Gylfi ruled over the land which is now called Svithiod
+(Sweden). It is related of him that he once gave a wayfaring woman, as
+a recompense for her having diverted him, as much land in his realm as
+she could plough with four oxen in a day and a night. This woman was,
+however, of the race of the Æsir, and was called Gefjon. She took four
+oxen from the north, out of Jotunheim (but they were the sons she had
+had with a giant), and set them before a plough. Now the plough made
+such deep furrows that it tore up the land, which the oxen drew
+westward out to sea until they came to a sound. There Gefjon fixed the
+land, and called it Sælund. And the place where the land had stood
+became water, and formed a lake which is now called "The Water"
+(Laugur), and the inlets of this lake correspond exactly with the
+headlands of Sealund. As Skald Bragi the Old saith:--
+
+    "Gefjon drew from Gylfi,
+    Rich in stored up treasure,
+    The land she joined to Denmark.
+    Four heads and eight eyes bearing,
+    While hot sweat trickled down them,
+    The oxen dragged the reft mass
+    That formed this winsome island."
+
+
+GYLFI'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.
+
+
+2. King Gylfi was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He
+beheld with astonishment that whatever the Æsir willed took place; and
+was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of
+their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty
+gods whom they worshipped. To be satisfied in this particular, he
+resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an
+old man, set out on his journey. But the Æsir, being too well skilled
+in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with
+various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty
+mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered
+with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being
+roofed with shields.
+
+    "Warriors all care-worn,
+    (Stones had poured upon them),
+    On their backs let glisten
+    Valhalla's golden shingles."
+
+At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by
+tossing seven small-swords in the air, and catching them as they fell,
+one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said
+that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and
+begged for a night's lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this
+mansion belonged. The other told him that it belonged to their king,
+and added, "But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask
+him his name." So saying he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed
+the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded
+with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with
+various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of
+which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse
+(from the Havamal, st. i.):--
+
+    "Scan every gate
+    Ere thou go on,
+    With greatest caution;
+
+    For hard to say 'tis
+    Where foes are sitting
+    In this fair mansion."
+
+He afterwards beheld three thrones raised one above another, with a
+man sitting on each of them. Upon his asking what the names of these
+lords might be, his guide answered: "He who sitteth on the lowest
+throne is a king; his name is Har (the High or Lofty One); the second
+is Jafnhar (_i.e_. equal to the High); but he who sitteth on the
+highest throne is called Thridi (the Third)." Har, perceiving the
+stranger, asked him what his errand was, adding that he should be
+welcome to eat and drink without cost, as were all those who remained
+in Hava Hall. Gangler said he desired first to ascertain whether there
+was any person present renowned for his wisdom.
+
+"If thou art not the most knowing," replied Har, "I fear thou wilt
+hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy
+questions, here sits one who will be able to answer them."
+
+
+OF THE SUPREME DEITY.
+
+3. Gangler thus began his discourse:--"'Who is the first, or eldest
+of the gods?"
+
+"In our language," replied Har, "he is called Alfadir (All-Father, or
+the Father of all); but in the old Asgard he had twelve names."
+
+"Where is this God?" said Gangler; "what is his power? and what hath
+he done to display his glory?"
+
+"He liveth," replied Har, "from all ages, he governeth all realms and
+swayeth all things great and small."
+
+"He hath formed," added Jafnhar, "heaven and earth, and the air, and
+all things thereunto belonging."
+
+"And what is more," continued Thridi, "he hath made man, and given him
+a soul which shall live and never perish though the body shall have
+mouldered away, or have been burnt to ashes. And all that are
+righteous shall dwell with him in the place called Gimli, or Vingolf;
+but the wicked shall go to Hel, and thence to Niflhel, which is below,
+in the ninth world."
+
+"And where did this god remain before he made heaven and earth?"
+demanded Gangler.
+
+"He was then," replied Har, "with the Hrimthursar."[126]
+
+
+OF THE PRIMORDIAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSE.
+
+4. "But with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of
+things?" demanded Gangler.
+
+"Hear," replied Har, "what is said in the Voluspa."
+
+    "'Twas time's first dawn,
+    When nought yet was,
+    Nor sand nor sea,
+    Nor cooling wave;
+    Earth was not there,
+
+    Nor heaven above.
+    Nought save a void
+    And yawning gulf.
+    But verdure none.'"
+
+"Many ages before the earth was made," added Jafnhar, "was Niflheim
+formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from
+which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the
+abode of death."
+
+"But, first of all," continued Thridi, "there was in the southern
+region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous
+and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there.[127]
+He who sitteth on its borders (or the land's-end) to guard it is named
+Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of
+the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the
+gods, and consume the universe with fire."
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE HRIMTHURSAR, OR FROST-GIANTS.
+
+5. "Tell me," said Gangler, "what was the state of things ere the
+races mingled, and nations came into being."
+
+"When the rivers that are called Elivagar had flowed far from their
+sources," replied Har, "the venom which they rolled along hardened, as
+does dross that runs from a furnace, and became ice. When the rivers
+flowed no longer, and the ice stood still, the vapour arising from the
+venom gathered over it, and froze to rime, and in this manner were
+formed, in Ginnungagap, many layers of congealed vapour, piled one
+over the other."
+
+"That part of Ginnungagap," added Jafnhar, "that lies towards the
+north was thus filled with heavy masses of gelid vapour and ice,
+whilst everywhere within were whirlwinds and fleeting mists. But the
+southern part of Ginnungagap was lighted by the sparks and flakes that
+flew into it from Muspellheim."
+
+"Thus," continued Thridi, "whilst freezing cold and gathering gloom
+proceeded from Niflheim, that part of Ginnungagap looking towards
+Muspellheim was filled with glowing radiancy, the intervening space
+remaining calm and light as wind-still air. And when the heated blast
+met the gelid vapour it melted it into drops, and, by the might of him
+who sent the heat, these drops quickened into life, and took a human
+semblance. The being thus formed was named Ymir, but the Frost-giants
+call him Orgelmir. From him descend the race of the Frost-giants
+(Hrimthursar), as it is said in the Voluspa, 'From Vidolf come all
+witches; from Vilmeith all wizards; from Svarthofdi all
+poison-seethers; and all giants from Ymir.' And the giant Vafthrûdnir,
+when Gangrad asked, 'Whence came Orgelmir the first of the sons of
+giants?' answered, 'The Elivagar cast out drops of venom that
+quickened into a giant. From him spring all our race, and hence are we
+so strong and mighty.'"
+
+"How did the race of Ymir spread itself?" asked Gangler; "or dost thou
+believe that this giant was a god?"
+
+"We are far from believing him to have been a god," replied Har, "for
+he was wicked as are all of his race, whom we call Frost-giants. And
+it is said that, when Ymir slept, he fell into a sweat, and from the
+pit of his left arm was born a man and a woman, and one of his feet
+engendered with the other a son, from whom descend the Frost-giants,
+and we therefore call Ymir the old Frost-giant."
+
+
+OF THE COW AUDHUMLA, AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.
+
+6. "Where dwelt Ymir, and on what did he live?" asked Gangler.
+
+"Immediately after the gelid vapours had been resolved into drops,"
+replied Kar, "there was formed out of them the cow named Audhumla.
+Four streams of milk ran from her teats, and thus fed she Ymir."
+
+"But on what did the cow feed?" questioned Gangler.
+
+"The cow," answered Har, "supported herself by licking the stones that
+were covered with salt and hoar frost. The first day that she licked
+these stones there sprang from them, towards evening, the hairs of a
+man, the second day a head, and on the third an entire man, who was
+endowed with beauty, agility and power. He was called Bur, and was the
+father of Bor, who took for his wife Besla, the daughter of the giant
+Bolthorn. And they had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve; and it is our
+belief that this Odin, with his brothers, ruleth both heaven and
+earth, and that Odin is his true name, and that he is the most mighty
+of all the gods."
+
+
+HOW THE SONS OF BOR SLEW YMIR AND FROM HIS BODY MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.
+
+7. "Was there," asked Gangler, "any kind of equality or any degree
+of good understanding between these two races?"
+
+"Far from it," replied Har; "for the sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir,
+and when he fell there ran so much blood from his wounds, that the
+whole race of Frost-giants was drowned in it, except a single giant,
+who saved himself with his household. He is called by the giants
+Bergelmir. He escaped by going on board his bark, and with him went
+his wife, and from them are descended the Frost-giants."
+
+8. "And what became of the sons of Bor, whom ye look upon as gods?"
+asked Gangler.
+
+"To relate this," replied Har, "is no trivial matter. They dragged the
+body of Ymir into the middle of Ginnungagap, and of it formed the
+earth. From Ymir's blood they made the seas and waters; from his flesh
+the land; from his bones the mountains; and his teeth and jaws,
+together with some bits of broken bones, served them to make the
+stones and pebbles."
+
+"With the blood that ran from his wounds," added Jafnhar, "they made
+the vast ocean, in the midst of which they fixed the earth, the ocean
+encircling it as a ring, and hardy will he be who attempts to pass
+those waters."
+
+"From his skull," continued Thridi, "they formed the heavens, which
+they placed over the earth, and set a dwarf at the corner of each of
+the four quarters. These dwarfs are called East, West, North, and
+South. They afterwards took the wandering sparks and red hot flakes
+that had been cast out of Muspellheim, and placed them in the heavens,
+both above and below, to give light unto the world, and assigned to
+every other errant coruscation a prescribed locality and motion. Hence
+it is recorded in ancient lore that from this time were marked out the
+days, and nights, and seasons."
+
+"Such are the events that took place ere the earth obtained the form
+it now beareth."
+
+"Truly great were the deeds ye tell me of!" exclaimed Gangler; "and
+wondrous in all its parts is the work thereby accomplished. But how is
+the earth fashioned?"
+
+"It is round without," replied Har, "and encircled by the deep ocean,
+the outward shores of which were assigned for a dwelling to the race
+of giants. But within, round about the earth, they (the sons of Bor)
+raised a bulwark against turbulent giants, employing for this
+structure Ymir's eyebrows. To this bulwark they gave the name of
+Midgard[128] They afterwards tossed Ymir's brains into the air, and
+they became the clouds, for thus we find it recorded.
+
+"Of Ymir's flesh was formed the earth; of his sweat (blood), the seas;
+of his bones, the mountains; of his hair the trees; of his skull, the
+heavens; but with his eyebrows the blithe gods built Midgard for the
+sons of men, whilst from his brains the lowering clouds were
+fashioned."
+
+
+OF THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MAN AND WOMAN.
+
+9. "To make heaven and earth, to fix the sun and the moon in the
+firmament, and mark out the days and seasons, were, indeed, important
+labours," said Gangler; "but whence came the men who at present dwell
+in the world?"
+
+"One day." replied Har, "as the sons of Bor were walking along the
+sea-beach they found two stems of wood, out of which they shaped a man
+and a woman. The first (Odin) infused into them life and spirit; the
+second (Vili) endowed them with reason and the power of motion; the
+third (Ve) gave them speech and features, hearing and vision. The man
+they called Ask, and the woman, Embla. From these two descend the
+whole human race whose assigned dwelling was within Midgard. Then the
+sons of Bor built in the middle of the universe the city called
+Asgard, where dwell the gods and their kindred, and from that abode
+work out so many wondrous things, both on the earth and in the heavens
+above it. There is in that city a place called Hlidskjalf, and when
+Odin is seated there on his lofty throne he sees over the whole world,
+discerns all the actions of men, and comprehends whatever he
+contemplates. His wife is Frigga, the daughter of Fjorgyn, and they
+and their offspring form the race that we call Æsir, a race that
+dwells in Asgard the old, and the regions around it, and that we know
+to be entirely divine. Wherefore Odin may justly be called All-father,
+for he is verily the father of all, of gods as well as of men, and to
+his power all things owe their existence. Earth is his daughter and
+his wife, and with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is
+endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything
+that hath life."
+
+
+OF NIGHT AND DAY.
+
+10. "A giant called Njorvi," continued Har, "who dwelt in Jotunheim,
+had a daughter called Night (Nott) who, like all her race, was of a
+dark and swarthy complexion. She was first wedded to a man called
+Naglfari, and had by him a son named Aud, and afterwards to another
+man called Annar, by whom she had a daughter called Earth (Jord). She
+then espoused Delling, of the Æsir race, and their son was Day, (Dagr)
+a child light and beauteous like his father. Then took All-father,
+Night, and Day, her son, and gave them two horses and two cars, and
+set them up in the heavens that they might drive successively one
+after the other, each in twelve hours' time, round the world. Night
+rides first on her horse called Hrimfaxi, that every morn, as he ends
+his course, bedews the earth with the foam that falls from his bit.
+The horse made use of by Day is named Skinfaxi, from whose mane is
+shed light over the earth and the heavens."
+
+
+OF THE SUN AND MOON.
+
+11. "How doth All-father regulate the course of the sun and moon?"
+asked Gangler.
+
+"There was formerly a man," replied Har, "named Mundilfari, who had
+two children so lovely and graceful that he called the male, Mani
+(moon), and the female, Sol (sun), who espoused the man named Glenur.
+But the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his
+children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses
+that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to
+the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses
+are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed
+two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to
+some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called
+_isarnkul_.[129] Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and
+regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from
+the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning
+from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called
+Saegr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children,
+who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from
+the earth."
+
+
+OF THE WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON
+
+12. "But the sun," said Gangler, speeds at such a rate as if she
+feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction."
+
+"And well she may," replied Har, "for he that seeks her is not far
+behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him."
+
+"But who is he," asked Gangler, "that causes her this anxiety?"
+
+"There are two wolves," answered Har; "the one called Skoll pursues
+the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake
+and devour her; the other, called Hati, the son of Hrodvitnir, runs
+before her, and as eagerly pursues the moon that will one day be
+caught by him."
+
+"Whence come these wolves?" asked Gangler.
+
+"A hag," replied Har, "dwells in a wood, to the eastward of Midgard,
+called Jarnvid, (the Iron Wood,) which is the abode of a race of
+witches called Jarnvidjur. This old hag is the mother of many gigantic
+sons, who are all of them shaped like wolves, two of whom are the
+wolves thou askest about. There is one of that race, who is said to be
+the most formidable of all, called Managarm: he will be filled with
+the life-blood of men who draw near their end, and will swallow up the
+moon, and stain the heavens and the earth with blood. Then shall the
+sun grow dim, and the winds howl tumultuously to and fro."
+
+
+OF THE WAY THAT LEADS TO HEAVEN.
+
+13. "I must now ask," said Gangler, "which is the path leading from
+earth to heaven?"
+
+"That is a senseless question," replied Har, with a smile of derision.
+"Hast thou not been told that the gods made a bridge from earth to
+heaven, and called it Bifrost? Thou must surely have seen it; but,
+perhaps, thou callest it the rainbow. It is of three hues, and is
+constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it
+be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell, after having
+traversed great rivers, shall ride over it."
+
+"Methinks," said Gangler, "the gods could not have been in earnest to
+erect a bridge so liable to be broken down, since it is in their power
+to make whatever they please."
+
+"The gods," replied Har, "are not to be blamed on that account;
+Bifrost is of itself a very good bridge, but there is nothing in
+nature that can hope to make resistance when the sons of Muspell sally
+forth to the great combat."
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE.
+
+14. "What did All-father do after Asgard was made?" demanded
+Gangler.
+
+"In the beginning," answered Har, "he appointed rulers, and bade them
+judge with him the fate of men, and regulate the government of the
+celestial city. They met for this purpose in a place called Idavoll,
+which is in the centre of the divine abode. Their first work was to
+erect a court or hall wherein are twelve seats for themselves, besides
+the throne which is occupied by All-father. This hall is the largest
+and most magnificent in the universe, being resplendent on all sides,
+both within and without, with the finest gold. Its name is Gladsheim.
+They also erected another hall for the sanctuary of the goddesses. It
+is a very fair structure, and called by men Vingolf. Lastly they built
+a smithy, and furnished it with hammers, tongs, and anvils, and with
+these made all the other requisite instruments, with which they worked
+in metal, stone and wood, and composed so large a quantity of the
+metal called gold that they made all their moveables of it. Hence that
+age was named the Golden Age. This was the age that lasted until the
+arrival of the women out of Jotunheim, who corrupted it."
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE DWARFS.
+
+15. "Then the gods, seating themselves upon their thrones,
+distributed justice, and bethought them how the dwarfs had been bred
+in the mould of the earth, just as worms are in a dead body. It was,
+in fact, in Ymir's flesh that the dwarfs were engendered, and began to
+move and live. At first they were only maggots, but by the will of the
+gods they at length partook both of human shape and understanding,
+although they always dwell in rocks and caverns.
+
+"Modsognir and Durin are the principal ones. As it is said in the
+Voluspa--
+
+    "'Then went the rulers there,
+    All gods most holy,
+    To their seats aloft,
+    And counsel together took,
+    Who should of dwarfs
+    The race then fashion,
+    From the livid bones
+    And blood of the giant.
+
+    Modsognir, chief
+    Of the dwarfish race,
+    And Durin too
+    Were then created.
+    And like to men
+    Dwarfs in the earth
+    Were formed in numbers
+    As Durin ordered.'"
+
+
+OF THE ASH YGGDRASILL, MIMIR'S WELL., AND THE NORNS OR DESTINIES.
+
+16. "Where," asked Gangler, "is the chief or holiest seat of
+the gods?"
+
+"It is under the ash Yggdrasill," replied Har, "where the gods
+assemble every day in council."
+
+"What is there remarkable in regard to that place?" said Gangler.
+
+"That ash," answered Jafnhar, "is the greatest and best of all trees.
+Its branches spread over the whole world, and even reach above heaven.
+It has three roots very wide asunder. One of them extends to the Æsir,
+another to the Frost-giants in that very place where was formerly
+Ginnungagap, and the third stands over Nifelheim, and under this root,
+which is constantly gnawed by Nidhogg, is Hvergelmir. But under the
+root that stretches out towards the Frost-giants there is Mimir's
+well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden. The owner of this well is
+called Mimir. He is full of wisdom, because he drinks the waters of
+the well from the horn Gjoll every morning. One day All-father came
+and begged a draught of this water, which he obtained, but was obliged
+to leave one of his eyes as a pledge for it.
+
+"The third root of the ash is in heaven, and under it is the holy
+Urdar-fount. 'Tis here that the gods sit in judgment. Every day they
+ride up hither on horseback over Bifrost, which is called the Æsir
+Bridge. These are the names of the horses of the Æsir. Sleipnir is the
+best of them; he has eight legs, and belongs to Odin. The others are
+Gladr, Gyllir, Glær, Skeidbrimir, Silfrintoppr, Synir, Gils,
+Falhofnir, Gulltoppr, and Lettfeti. Baldur's horse was burnt with his
+master's body. As for Thor, he goes on foot, and is obliged every day
+to wade the rivers called Kormt and OErmt, and two others called
+Kerlaung.
+
+"Through these shall Thor wade every day, as he fares to the doomstead
+under Yggdrasill's ash, else the Æsir Bridge would be in flames, and
+boiling hot would become the holy waters."[130] "But tell me," said
+Gangler, "does fire burn over Bifrost?"
+
+"That," replied Har, "which thou seest red in the bow, is burning
+fire; for the Frost-giants and the Mountain-giants would go up to
+heaven by that bridge if it were easy for every one to walk over it.
+There are in heaven many goodly homesteads, and none without a
+celestial ward. Near the fountain, which is under the ash, stands a
+very beauteous dwelling, out of which go three maidens, named Urd,
+Verdandi, and Skuld.[131] These maidens fix the lifetime of all men,
+and are called Norns. But there are, indeed, many other Norns, for,
+when a man is born, there is a Norn to determine his fate. Some are
+known to be of heavenly origin, but others belong to the races of the
+elves and dwarfs; as it is said--
+
+"'Methinks the Norns were born far asunder, for they are not of the
+same race. Some belong to the Æsir, some to the Elves, and some are
+Dvalin's daughters."
+
+"But if these Norns dispense the destinies of men," said Gangler,
+"they are, methinks, very unequal in their distribution; for some men
+are fortunate and wealthy, others acquire neither riches nor honours,
+some live to a good old age, while others are cut off in their prime."
+
+"The Norns," replied Har, "who are of a good origin, are good
+themselves, and dispense good destinies. But those men to whom
+misfortunes happen ought to ascribe them to the evil Norns."
+
+17. "What more wonders hast thou to tell me," said Gangler,
+"concerning the ash?"
+
+"What I have further to say respecting it," replied Har, "is, that
+there is an eagle perched upon its branches who knows many things:
+between his eyes sits the hawk called Vedurfolnir. The squirrel named
+Ratatosk runs up and down the ash, and seeks to cause strife between
+the eagle and Nidhogg. Four harts run across the branches of the tree,
+and bite the buds. They are called Dainn, Divalinn, Duneyr, and
+Durathror. But there are so many snakes with Nidhogg in Hvergelmir
+that no tongue can recount them."
+
+"It is also said that the Norns who dwell by the Urdar-fount draw
+every day water from the spring, and with it and the clay that lies
+around the fount sprinkle the ash, in order that its branches may not
+rot and wither away. This water is so holy that everything placed in
+the spring becomes as white as the film, within an eggshell. As it is
+said in the Voluspa--
+
+    "'An Ash know I standing,
+    Named Yggdrasill,
+    A stately tree sprinkled
+    With water the purest;
+
+    Thence come the dewdrops
+    That fall in the dales;
+    Ever blooming, it stands
+    O'er the Urdar-fountain."'
+
+"The dew that falls thence on the earth men call honey-dew, and it is
+the food of the bees. Two fowls are fed in the Urdar-fount; they are
+called swans, and from them are descended all the birds of this
+species."
+
+
+OF THE VARIOUS CELESTIAL REGIONS.
+
+18. "Thou tellest me many wonderful things of heaven," said Gangler,
+"but what other homesteads are to be seen there?"
+
+"There are many other fair homesteads there," replied Har; "one of
+them is named Elf-home (Alfheim), wherein dwell the beings called the
+Elves of Light; but the Elves of Darkness live under the earth, and
+differ from the others still more in their actions than in their
+appearance. The Elves of Light are fairer than the sun, but the Elves
+of Darkness blacker than pitch. There is also a mansion called
+Breidablik, which is not inferior to any other in beauty; and another
+named Glitnir, the wall, columns and beams of which are of ruddy gold,
+and the roof of silver. There is also the stead called Himinbjorg,
+that stands on the borders where Bifrost touches heaven, and the
+stately mansion belonging to Odin, called Valaskjalf, which was built
+by the gods, and roofed with pure silver, and in which is the throne
+called Hlidskjalf. When All-father is seated on this throne, he can
+see over the whole world. On the southern edge of heaven is the most
+beautiful homestead of all, brighter than the sun itself. It is called
+Gimli, and shall stand when both heaven and earth have passed away,
+and good and righteous men shall dwell therein for everlasting ages."
+
+"But what will preserve this abode when Surtur's fire consumes heaven
+and earth?" asked Gangler.
+
+"We are told," replied Har, "that towards the south there is another
+heaven above this called Andlang, and again above this a third heaven
+called Vidblain. In this last, we think Gimli must be seated, but we
+deem that the Elves of Light abide in it now."
+
+
+OF THE WIND AND THE SEASONS.
+
+19. "Tell me," said Gangler, "whence comes the wind, which is so
+strong that it moves the ocean and fans fire to flame, yet, strong
+though it be, no mortal eye can discern it? wonderfully, therefore,
+must it be shapen."
+
+"I can tell thee all about it," answered Har; "thou must know that at
+the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hræsvelgur,
+clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
+the winds arise from under them."
+
+20. "Tell me further," said Gangler, "why the summer should be hot,
+and the winter cold."
+
+"A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
+answer," replied Har; "but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
+heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
+question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
+ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
+Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
+from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
+and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
+icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect."
+
+
+OF ODIN.
+
+21. "I must now ask thee," said Gangler, "who are the gods that men
+are bound to believe in?"
+
+"There are twelve gods," replied Har, "to whom divine honours ought to
+be rendered."
+
+"Nor are the goddesses," added Jafnhar, "less divine and mighty."
+
+"The first and eldest of the Æsir," continued Thridi, "is Odin. He
+governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
+all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his
+wife. She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to
+come. For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, 'Senseless
+Loki, why wilt thou pry into futurity, Frigga alone knoweth the
+destinies of all, though she telleth them never?'
+
+"Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
+the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
+his sons all of those who fall in combat. For their abode he has
+prepared Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes
+or Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud,
+and, besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
+Geirraudr," forty-nine names in all.
+
+"A great many names, indeed!" exclaimed Gangler; "surely that man must
+be very wise who knows them all distinctly, and can tell on what
+occasions they were given."
+
+"It requires, no doubt," replied Har, "a good memory to recollect
+readily all these names, but I will tell thee in a few words what
+principally contributed to confer them upon him. It was the great
+variety of languages; for the various nations were obliged to
+translate his name into their respective tongues, in order that they
+might supplicate and worship him. Some of his names, however, have
+been owing to adventures that happened to him on his journeys, and
+which are related in old stories. Nor canst thou ever pass for a wise
+man if thou are not able to give an account of these wonderful
+adventures."
+
+
+OF THOR.
+
+22. "I now ask thee," said Gangler, "what are the names of the other
+gods. What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?"
+
+"The mightiest of them." replied Har, "is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
+and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is
+named Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred
+and forty halls. It is the largest house ever built."
+
+"Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
+From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
+(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
+The first is a mallet called Mjolnir, which both the Frost and
+Mountain Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against
+them in the air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their
+fathers and kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the
+belt of strength or prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about
+him his divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very
+precious, being his iron gauntlets, which he is obliged to put on
+whenever he would lay hold of the handle of his mallet. There is no
+one so wise as to be able to relate all Thor's marvellous exploits,
+yet I could tell thee so many myself that hours would be whiled away
+ere all that I know had been recounted."
+
+
+OF BALDUR.
+
+23. "I would rather," said Gangler, "hear something about the other
+Æsir."
+
+"The second son of Odin," replied Har, "is Baldur, and it may be truly
+said of him that he is the best, and that all mankind are loud in his
+praise. So fair and dazzling is he in form and features, that rays of
+light seem to issue from him; and thou mayst have some idea of the
+beauty of his hair, when I tell thee that the whitest of all plants is
+called Baldur's brow. Baldur is the mildest, the wisest, and the most
+eloquent of all the Æsir, yet such is his nature that the judgment he
+has pronounced can never be altered. He dwells in the heavenly mansion
+called Breidablik, in which nothing unclean can enter."
+
+
+
+OF NJORD.
+
+24. "The third god," continued Har, "is Njord, who dwells in the
+heavenly region called Noatun. He rules over the winds, and checks the
+fury of the sea and of fire, and is therefore invoked by sea-farers
+and fishermen. He is so wealthy that he can give possessions and
+treasures to those who call on him for them. Yet Njord is not of the
+lineage of the Æsir, for he was born and bred in Vanaheim. But the
+Vanir gave him as hostage to the Æsir, receiving from them in his
+stead Hoenir. By this means was peace re-established between the Æsir
+and Vanir. Njord took to wife Skadi, the daughter of the giant
+Thjassi. She preferred dwelling in the abode formerly belonging to her
+father, which is situated among rocky mountains, in the region called
+Thrymheim, but Njord loved to reside near the sea. They at last agreed
+that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then
+three in Noatun. One day, when Njord came back from the mountains to
+Noatun, he thus sang--
+
+    "'Of mountains I'm weary,
+    Not long was I there,
+    Not more than nine nights;
+
+    But the howl of the wolf
+    Methought sounded ill
+    To the song of the swan-bird.'
+
+"To which Skadi sang in reply--
+
+    "'Ne'er can I sleep
+    In my couch on the strand,
+    For the screams of the sea-fowl,
+    The mew as he comes
+    Every morn from the main
+    Is sure to awake me.'
+
+"Skadi then returned to the rocky mountains, and abode in Thrymheim.
+There, fastening on her snow-skates and taking her bow, she passes her
+time in the chase of savage beasts, and is called the Ondur goddess,
+or Ondurdis. As it is said--
+
+    "'Thrymheim's the land
+    Where Thjassi abode
+    That mightiest of giants.
+    But snow-skating Skadi
+    Now dwells there, I trow,
+    In her father's old mansion.'"
+
+
+OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.
+
+25. "Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,
+a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous
+and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He
+presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and
+should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for
+peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most
+propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.
+To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one
+half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said--
+
+    "'Folkvang 'tis called
+    Where Freyja hath right
+    To dispose of the hall seats
+
+    Every day of the slain,
+    She chooseth the half,
+    And half leaves to Odin.'
+
+"Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she
+sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable
+ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that
+women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is
+very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke
+her."
+
+
+OF TYR.
+
+26. "All the gods appear to me," said Gangler, "to have great power,
+and I am not at all surprised that ye are able to perform so many
+great achievements, since ye are so well acquainted with the
+attributes and functions of each god, and know what is befitting to
+ask from each, in order to succeed. But are there any more of them
+besides those you have already mentioned?"
+
+"Ay," answered Har, "there is Tyr, who is the most daring and intrepid
+of all the gods. 'Tis he who dispenses valour in war, hence warriors
+do well to invoke him. It has become proverbial to say of a man who
+surpasses all others in valour that he is _Tyr-strong_, or valiant as
+Tyr. A man noted for his wisdom is also said to be 'wise as Tyr.' Let
+me give thee a proof of his intrepidity. When the Æsir were trying to
+persuade the wolf, Fenrir, to let himself be bound up with the chain,
+Gleipnir, he, fearing that they would never afterwards unloose him,
+only consented on the condition that while they were chaining him he
+should keep Tyr's right hand between his jaws. Tyr did not hesitate to
+put his hand in the monster's mouth, but when Fenrir perceived that
+the Æsir had no intention to unchain him, he bit the hand off at that
+point, which has ever since been called the wolf's joint. From that
+time Tyr has had but one hand. He is not regarded as a peacemaker
+among men."
+
+
+OF THE OTHER GODS.
+
+27. "There is another god," continued Har, "named Bragi, who is
+celebrated for his wisdom, and more especially for his eloquence and
+correct forms of speech. He is not only eminently skilled in poetry,
+but the art itself is called from his name _Bragr_, which epithet is
+also applied to denote a distinguished poet or poetess. His wife is
+named Iduna. She keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they
+feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.
+It is in this manner that they will be kept in renovated youth until
+Ragnarok."
+
+"Methinks," interrupted Gangler, "the gods have committed a great
+treasure to the guardianship and good faith of Iduna."
+
+"And hence it happened," replied Har, smiling, "that they once ran the
+greatest risk imaginable, as I shall have occasion to tell thee when
+thou hast heard the names of the other deities.
+
+28. "One of them is Heimdall, called also the White God. He is the
+son of nine virgins, who were sisters, and is a very sacred and
+powerful deity. He also bears the appellation of the Gold-toothed, on
+account of his teeth being of pure gold, and also that of
+Hallinskithi. His horse is called Gulltopp, and he dwells in
+Himinbjorg at the end of Bifrost. He is the warder of the gods, and is
+therefore placed on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from
+forcing their way over the bridge. He requires less sleep than a bird,
+and sees by night, as well as by day, a hundred miles around him. So
+acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the
+grass growing on the earth, and the wool on a sheep's back. He has a
+horn called the Gjallar-horn, which is heard throughout the universe.
+His sword is called Hofud (Head).
+
+
+HODUR THE BLIND, ASSASSIN OF BALDUR
+
+29. "Among the Æsir," continued Har, "we also reckon Hodur, who is
+blind, but extremely strong. Both gods and men would be very glad if
+they never had occasion to pronounce his name, for they will long have
+cause to remember the deed perpetrated by his hand.[132]
+
+30. "Another god is Vidar, surnamed the Silent, who wears very thick
+shoes. He is almost as strong as Thor himself, and the gods place
+great reliance on him in all critical conjunctures.
+
+31. "Vali, another god, is the son of Odin and Rinda, he is bold in
+war, and an excellent archer.
+
+32. "Another is called Ullur, who is the son of Sif, and stepson of
+Thor. He is so well skilled in the use of the bow, and can go so fast
+on his snow-skates, that in these arts no one can contend with him. He
+is also very handsome in his person, and possesses every quality of a
+warrior, wherefore it is befitting to invoke him in single combats.
+
+33. "The name of another god is Forseti, who is the son of Baldur
+and Nanna, the daughter of Nef. He possesses the heavenly mansion
+called Glitnir, and all disputants at law who bring their cases before
+him go away perfectly reconciled.
+
+"His tribunal is the best that is to be found among gods or men.
+
+
+OF LOKI AND HIS PROGENY.
+
+34. "There is another deity," continued Har, "reckoned in the number
+of the Æsir, whom some call the calumniator of the gods, the contriver
+of all fraud and mischief, and the disgrace of gods and men. His name
+is Loki or Loptur. He is the son of the giant Farbauti. His mother is
+Laufey or Nal; his brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki is
+handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood, and most evil
+disposition. He surpasses all beings in those arts called Cunning and
+Perfidy. Many a time has he exposed the gods to very great perils, and
+often extricated them again by his artifices. His wife is called
+Siguna, and their son Nari.
+
+35. "Loki," continued Har, "has likewise had three children by
+Angurbodi, a giantess of Jotunheim. The first is the wolf Fenrir; the
+second Jormungand, the Midgard serpent; the third Hela (Death). The
+gods were not long ignorant that these monsters continued to be bred
+up in Jotunheim, and, having had recourse to divination, became aware
+of all the evils they would have to suffer from them; their being
+sprung from such a mother was a bad presage, and from such a sire was
+still worse. All-father therefore deemed it advisable to send one of
+the gods to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent
+into that deep ocean by which the earth is engirdled. But the monster
+has grown to such an enormous size that, holding his tail in his
+mouth, he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifelheim, and
+gave her power over nine worlds (regions), into which she distributes
+those who are sent to her, that is to say, all who die through
+sickness or old age. Here she possesses a habitation protected by
+exceedingly high walls and strongly barred gates. Her hall is called
+Elvidnir; Hunger is her table; Starvation, her knife; Delay, her man;
+Slowness, her maid; Precipice, her threshold; Care, her bed; and
+Burning Anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. The one half of
+her body is livid, the other half the colour of human flesh. She may
+therefore easily be recognized; the more so, as she has a dreadfully
+stern and grim countenance.
+
+"The wolf Fenrir was bred up among the gods; but Tyr alone had the
+daring to go and feed him. Nevertheless, when the gods perceived that
+he every day increased prodigiously in size, and that the oracles
+warned them that he would one day become fatal to them, they
+determined to make a very strong iron fetter for him, which they
+called Læding. Taking this fetter to the wolf, they bade him try his
+strength on it. Fenrir, perceiving that the enterprise would not be
+very difficult for him, let them do what they pleased, and then, by
+great muscular exertion, burst the chain and set himself at liberty.
+The gods, having seen this, made another fetter, half as strong again
+as the former, which they called Dromi, and prevailed on the wolf to
+put it on, assuring him that, by breaking this, he would give an
+undeniable proof of his vigour.
+
+"The wolf saw well enough that it would not be so easy to break this
+fetter, but finding at the same time that his strength had increased
+since he broke Læding, and thinking that he could never become famous
+without running some risk, voluntarily submitted to be chained. When
+the gods told him that they had finished their task, Fenrir shook
+himself violently, stretched his limbs, rolled on the ground, and at
+last burst his chains, which flew in pieces all around him. He then
+freed himself from Dromi, which gave rise to the proverb, 'to get
+loose out of Læding, or to dash out of Dromi,' when anything is to be
+accomplished by strong efforts.
+
+
+BINDING THE WOLF FENIR
+
+"After this, the gods despaired of ever being able to bind the wolf;
+wherefore All-father sent Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, into the
+country of the Dark Elves (Svartalfaheim) to engage certain dwarfs to
+make the fetter called Gleipnir. It was fashioned out of six things;
+to wit, the noise made by the footfall of a cat; the beards of women;
+the roots of stones; the sinews of bears; the breath of fish; and the
+spittle of birds. Though thou mayest not have heard of these things
+before, thou mayest easily convince thyself that we have not been
+telling thee lies. Thou must have seen that women have no beards, that
+cats make no noise when they run, and that there are no roots under
+stones. Now I know what has been told thee to be equally true,
+although there may be some things thou art not able to furnish a proof
+of."
+
+"I believe what thou hast told me to be true," replied Gangler, "for
+what thou hast adduced in corroboration of thy statement is
+conceivable. But how was the fetter smithied?"
+
+"This can I tell thee," replied Har, "that the fetter was as smooth
+and soft as a silken string, and yet, as thou wilt presently hear, of
+very great strength. When it was brought to the gods, they were
+profuse in their thanks to the messenger for the trouble he had given
+himself; and taking the wolf with them to the island called Lyngvi, in
+the Lake Amsvartnir, they showed him the cord, and expressed their
+wish that he would try to break it, assuring him at the same time that
+it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would warrant a person in
+supposing it to be. They took it themselves, one after another, in
+their hands, and after attempting in vain to break it, said, 'Thou
+alone, Fenrir, art able to accomplish such a feat.'
+
+"'Methinks,' replied the wolf, 'that I shall acquire no fame in
+breaking such a slender cord; but if any artifice has been employed in
+making it, slender though it seems, it shall never come on my feet.'
+
+"The gods assured him that he would easily break a limber silken cord,
+since he had already burst asunder iron fetters of the most solid
+construction. 'But if thou shouldst not succeed in breaking it,' they
+added, 'thou wilt show that thou art too weak to cause the gods any
+fear, and we will not hesitate to set thee at liberty without delay.'
+
+"'I fear me much,' replied he wolf, 'that if ye once bind me so fast
+that I shall be unable to free myself by my own efforts, ye will be in
+no haste to unloose me. Loath am I, therefore, to have this cord wound
+round me; but in order that ye may not doubt my courage, I will
+consent, provided one of you put his hand into my mouth as a pledge
+that ye intend me no deceit.'
+
+"The gods wistfully looked at each other, and found that they had
+only the choice of two evils, until Tyr stepped forward and intrepidly
+put his right hand between the monster's jaws. Hereupon the gods,
+having tied up the wolf, he forcibly stretched himself as he had
+formerly done, and used all his might to disengage himself, but the
+more efforts he made the tighter became the cord, until all the gods,
+except Tyr, who lost his hand, burst into laughter at the sight.
+
+"When the gods saw that the wolf was effectually bound, they took the
+chain called Gelgja, which was fixed to the fetter, and drew it
+through the middle of a large rock named Gjoll, which they sank very
+deep into the earth; afterwards, to make it still more secure, they
+fastened the end of the cord to a massive stone called Thviti, which
+they sank still deeper. The wolf made in vain the most violent efforts
+to break loose, and opening his tremendous jaws endeavoured to bite
+them. The gods seeing this, thrust a sword into his mouth, which
+pierced his under-jaw to the hilt, so that the point touched the
+palate. He then began to howl horribly, and since that time the foam
+flows continually from his mouth in such abundance that it forms the
+river called Von. There will he remain until Ragnarok."
+
+"Verily," said Gangler, "an evil progeny is that of Loki, yet most
+mighty and powerful; but since the gods have so much to fear from the
+wolf, why did they not slay him?"
+
+"The gods have so much respect for the sanctity of their
+peace-steads," replied Har, "that they would not stain them with the
+blood of the wolf, although prophecy had intimated to them that he
+must one day become the bane of Odin."
+
+
+OF THE GODDESSES.
+
+36. "Tell me now," said Gangler, "which are the goddesses?"
+
+"The first," replied Har, "is Frigga, who has a magnificent mansion
+called Fensalir. The second is Saga, who dwells at Sokkvabekk, a very
+large and stately abode. The third is Eir, the best of all in the
+healing art. The fourth, named Gefjon, is a maid, and all those who
+die maids become her hand-maidens. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a
+maid, and goes about with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her
+head adorned with a gold ribbon. She is entrusted with the toilette
+and slippers of Frigga, and admitted into the most important secrets
+of that goddess. Freyja is ranked next to Frigga: she is wedded to a
+person called Odur, and their daughter, named Hnossa, is so very
+handsome that whatever is beautiful and precious is called by her name
+(_hnosir_.) But Odur left his wife in order to travel into very remote
+countries. Since that time Freyja continually weeps, and her tears are
+drops of pure gold. She has a great variety of names, for having gone
+over many countries in search of her husband, each people gave her a
+different name. She is thus called Mardoll, Horn, Gefn, and Syr, and
+also Vanadis. She possesses the necklace Brising. The seventh goddess
+is Sjofna, who delights in turning men's hearts and thoughts to love;
+hence a wooer is called, from her name, _Sjafni_. The eighth, called
+Lofna, is so mild and gracious to those who invoke her, that by a
+peculiar privilege which either All-Father himself or Frigga has given
+her, she can remove every obstacle that may prevent the union of
+lovers sincerely attached to each other. Hence her name is applied to
+denote love, and whatever is beloved by men. Vora, the ninth goddess,
+listens to the oaths that men take, and particularly to the troth
+plighted between man and woman, and punishes those who keep not their
+promises. She is wise and prudent, and so penetrating that nothing
+remains hidden from her. Syn, the tenth, keeps the door in the hall,
+and shuts it against those who ought not to enter. She presides at
+trials when any thing is to be denied on oath, whence the proverb,
+'Syn (negation) is set against it,' when ought is denied. Hlina, the
+eleventh, has the care of those whom Frigga intends to deliver from
+peril. Snotra, the twelfth, is wise and courteous, and men and women
+who possess these qualities have her name applied to them. Gna, the
+thirteenth, is the messenger that Frigga sends into the various worlds
+on her errands. She has a horse that can run through air and water,
+called Hofvarpnir. Once, as she drove out, certain Vanir saw her car
+in the air, when one of them exclaimed,
+
+    "'What flieth there?
+    What goeth there?
+    In the air aloft what glideth?'
+
+"She answered,
+
+    "'I fly not though I go,
+    And glide through the air
+    On Hofvarpnir,
+    Whose sire's Hamskerpir,
+    And dam Gardrofa.'
+
+"Sol and Bil are also reckoned among the goddesses, but their nature
+has already been explained to thee.
+
+37. "There are besides these a great many other goddesses, whose
+duty it is to serve in Valhalla; to bear in the drink and take care of
+the drinking-horns and whatever belongs to the table. They are named
+in Grimnismal, and are called Valkyrjor. Odin sends them to every
+field of battle, to make choice of those who are to be slain, and to
+sway the victory. Gudur, Rota, and the youngest of the Norns, Skuld,
+also ride forth to choose the slain and turn the combat. Jord (earth),
+the mother of Thor, and Rinda, the mother of Vali, are also reckoned
+amongst the goddesses."
+
+
+OF FREY AND GERDA.
+
+38. "There was a man," continued Har, "named Gymir, who had for wife
+Aurboda, of the race of the Mountain-giants. Their daughter is Gerda,
+who is the most beautiful of all women. One day Frey having placed
+himself in Hlidskjalf, to take a view of the whole universe,
+perceived, as he looked towards the north, a large and stately mansion
+which a woman was going to enter, and as she lifted up the latch of
+the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand that the air and
+waters, and all worlds were illuminated by it. At this sight, Frey, as
+a just punishment for his audacity in mounting on that sacred throne,
+was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch so, that on his return home
+he could neither speak, nor sleep, nor drink, nor did any one dare to
+inquire the cause of his affliction; but Njord, at last, sent for
+Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, and charged him to demand of his
+master why he thus refused to speak to any one. Skirnir promised to do
+this, though with great reluctance, fearing that all he had to expect
+was a severe reprimand. He, however, went to Frey, and asked him
+boldly why he was so sad and silent. Frey answered, that he had seen a
+maiden of such surpassing beauty that if he could not possess her he
+should not live much longer, and that this was what rendered him so
+melancholy. 'Go, therefore,' he added, 'and ask her hand for me, and
+bring her here whether her father be willing or not, and I will amply
+reward thee.' Skirnir undertook to perform the task, provided he might
+be previously put in possession of Frey's sword, which was of such
+excellent quality that it would of itself strew a field with carnage
+whenever the owner ordered it. Frey, impatient of delay, immediately
+made him a present of the sword, and Skirnir set out on his journey
+and obtained the maiden's promise, that within nine nights she would
+come to a place called Barey, and there wed Frey. Skirnir having
+reported the success of his message, Frey exclaimed,
+
+    "'Long is one night,
+    Long are two nights,
+    But how shall I hold out three?
+    Shorter hath seemed
+    A month to me oft
+    Than of this longing-time the half.'
+
+"Frey having thus given away his sword, found himself without arms
+when he fought with Beli, and hence it was that he slew him with a
+stag's antlers."
+
+"But it seems very astonishing," interrupted Gangler, "that such a
+brave hero as Frey should give away his sword without keeping another
+equally good for himself. He must have been in a very bad plight when
+he encountered Beli, and methinks must have mightily repented him of
+the gift."
+
+"That combat," replied Har, "was a trifling affair. Frey could have
+killed Beli with a blow of his fist had he felt inclined: but the time
+will come when the sons of Muspell shall issue forth to the fight, and
+then, indeed, will Frey truly regret having parted with his falchion."
+
+
+OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA.
+
+39. "If it be as thou hast told me," said Gangler, "that all men who
+have fallen in fight since the beginning of the world are gone to
+Odin, in Valhalla, what has he to give them to eat, for methinks there
+must be a great crowd there?"
+
+"What thou sayest is quite true," replied Har, "the crowd there is
+indeed great, but great though it be, it will still increase, and will
+be thought too little when the wolf cometh. But however great the band
+of men in Valhalla may be, the flesh of the boar Sæhrimnir will more
+than suffice for their sustenance. For although this boar is sodden
+every morning he becomes whole again every night. But there are few,
+methinks, who are wise enough to give thee, in this respect, a
+satisfactory answer to thy question. The cook is called Andhrimnir,
+and the kettle Eldhrimnir. As it is said,--'Andhrimnir cooks in
+Eldhrimnir, Sæhrimnir.' 'Tis the best of flesh, though few know how
+much is required for the Einherjar."
+
+"But has Odin," said Gangler, "the same food as the heroes?"
+
+"Odin,' replied Har, 'gives the meat that is set before him to two
+wolves, called Geri and Freki, for he himself stands in no need of
+food. Wine is for him both meat and drink.
+
+"Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and whisper in his ear the tidings
+and events they have heard and witnessed. They are called Hugin and
+Munin.[133] He sends them out at dawn of day to fly over the whole
+world, and they return at eve towards meal time. Hence it is that Odin
+knows so many things, and is called the Raven's God. As it is said,--
+
+    'Hugin and Munin
+    Each dawn take their flight
+    Earth's fields over.
+
+    I fear me for Hugin,
+    Lest he come not back,
+    But much more for Munin.'"
+
+40. "What have the heroes to drink," said Gangler, "in sufficient
+quantity to correspond to their plentiful supply of meat: do they only
+drink water?"
+
+"A very silly question is that," replied Har; "dost thou imagine that
+All-Father would invite kings and jarls and other great men and give
+them nothing to drink but water! In that case, methinks, many of those
+who had endured the greatest hardships, and received deadly wounds in
+order to obtain access to Valhalla, would find that they had paid too
+great a price for their water drink, and would indeed have reason to
+complain were they there to meet with no better entertainment. But
+thou wilt see that the case is quite otherwise. For the she-goat,
+named Heidrun, stands above Valhalla, and feeds on the leaves of a
+very famous tree called Lærath, and from her teats flows mead in such
+great abundance that every day a stoop, large enough to hold more than
+would suffice for all the heroes, is filled with it."
+
+"Verily," said Gangler, "a mighty useful goat is this, and methinks
+the tree she feeds on must have very singular virtues."
+
+"Still more wonderful," replied Har, "is what is told of the stag
+Eikthyrnir. This stag also stands over Valhalla and feeds upon the
+leaves of the same tree, and whilst he is feeding so many drops fall
+from his antlers down into Hvergelmir that they furnish sufficient
+water for the rivers that issuing thence flow through the celestial
+abodes."
+
+41. "Wondrous things are these which thou tellest me of," said
+Gangler, "and Valhalla must needs be an immense building, but methinks
+there must often be a great press at the door among such a number of
+people constantly thronging in and out?"
+
+"Why dost thou not ask," replied Har, "how many doors there are, and
+what are their dimensions; then wouldst thou be able to judge whether
+there is any difficulty in going in and out. Know, then, that there is
+no lack of either seats or doors. As it is said in Grimnismal:--
+
+    "'Five hundred doors
+    And forty more
+    Methinks are in Valhalla.
+    Eight hundred heroes through each door
+    Shall issue forth
+    Against the wolf to combat.'"
+
+42. "A mighty band of men must be in Valhalla," said Gangler, "and
+methinks Odin must be a great chieftain to command such a numerous
+host. But how do the heroes pass their time when they are not
+drinking?"
+
+"Every day," replied Har, "as soon as they have dressed themselves
+they ride out into the court (or field), and there fight until they
+cut each other to pieces. This is their pastime, but when meal-time
+approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.
+As it is said:--
+
+    "'The Einherjar all
+    On Odin's plain
+    Hew daily each other,
+    While chosen the slain are.
+    From the fray they then ride,
+    And drink ale with the Æsir.'
+
+"Thou hast thus reason to say that Odin is great and mighty, for there
+are many proofs of this. As it is said in the very words of the
+Æsir:--
+
+    "'The ash Yggdrasill
+    Is the first of trees,
+    As Skidbladnir of ships,
+    Odin of Æsir,
+    Sleipnir of steeds,
+    Bifrost of bridges,
+    Bragi of bards,
+    Habrok of hawks,
+    And Garm of hounds is.'
+
+
+OF THE HORSE SLEIPNIR.
+
+43. "Thou mad'st mention," said Gangler, "of the horse Sleipnir. To
+whom does he belong, and what is there to say respecting him?"
+
+"Thou seemest to know nothing either about Sleipnir or his origin,"
+replied Har, "but thou wilt no doubt find what thou wilt hear worthy
+of thy notice. Once on a time when the gods were constructing their
+abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
+artificer came and offered to build them, in the space of three half
+years, a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly
+safe from the incursion of the Frost-giants, and the giants of the
+mountains, even although they should have penetrated within Midgard.
+But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freyja, together with the
+sun and moon. After long deliberation the Æsir agreed to his terms,
+provided he would finish the whole work himself without any one's
+assistance, and all within the space of one winter, but if anything
+remained unfinished on the first day of summer, he should forfeit the
+recompense agreed on. On being told these terms, the artificer
+stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse, called
+Svadilfari, and this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He
+accordingly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the
+night let his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of
+the stones struck the Æsir with astonishment, and they saw clearly
+that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than his master.
+Their bargain, however, had been concluded in the presence of
+witnesses, and confirmed by solemn oaths, for without these
+precautions a giant would not have thought himself safe among the
+Æsir, especially when Thor returned from an expedition he had then
+undertaken towards the east against evil demons.
+
+"As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, and the
+bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render this residence
+impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer the
+only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the
+gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation,
+inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give
+Freyja away to Jotunheim, or to plunge the heavens in darkness by
+permitting the giant to carry away the sun and moon. They all agreed
+that no one but Loki, the son of Laufey, and the author of so many
+evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be
+put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way or other to
+prevent the artificer from completing his task and obtaining the
+stipulated recompense. They immediately proceeded to lay hands on
+Loki, who, in his fright, promised upon oath that let it cost him what
+it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose his
+reward. That very night, when the artificer went with Svadilfari for
+building stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest and began to
+neigh. The horse being thus excited, broke loose and ran after the
+mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after his
+horse, and thus between one and the other the whole night was lost, so
+that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man seeing
+that he had no other means of completing his task, resumed his own
+gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly perceived that it was in
+reality a Mountain-giant who had come amongst them. No longer
+regarding their oaths, they, therefore, called on Thor, who
+immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet Mjolnir
+paid the workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
+sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he shattered
+the giant's skull to pieces, and hurled him headlong into Nifelhel.
+But Loki had run such a race with Svadilfari that shortly after he
+bore a grey foal with eight legs. This is the horse Sleipnir, which
+excels all horses ever possessed by gods or men."
+
+
+OF THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR.
+
+44. "What hast thou to say," demanded Gangler, "of Skidbladnir,
+which thou toldst me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as
+good or as large?"
+
+"Skidbladnir," replied Har, "is without doubt the best and most
+artfully constructed of any, but the ship Nagffar is of larger size.
+They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made
+a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the Æsir with their
+weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails
+are set a favourable breeze arises and carries her to her place of
+destination, and she is made of so many pieces, and with so much
+skill, that when she is not wanted for a voyage Frey may fold her
+together like a piece of cloth, and put her in his pocket."
+
+"A good ship truly, is Skidbladnir," said Gangler, "and many cunning
+contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her
+construction."
+
+
+THOR'S ADVENTURES ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.
+
+45. "But tell me," he (Gangler) continued, "did it ever happen to
+Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by
+downright force?"
+
+"Few can take upon them to affirm this," replied Har, "and yet it has
+often fared hard enough with him; but had he in reality been worsted
+in any rencounter there would be no need to make mention of it, since
+all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power."
+
+"It would, therefore, appear," said Gangler, "that I have asked of you
+things that none of you are able to tell me of."
+
+"There are, indeed, some such rumours current among us," answered
+Jafnhar, "but they are hardly credible; however, there is one sitting
+here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe
+him, for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to
+deceive thee with false stories."
+
+"Here then will I stand," said Gangler, "and listen to what ye have to
+say, but if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily I shall look
+upon you as vanquished."
+
+Then spake Thridi and said, "We can easily conceive that thou art
+desirous of knowing these tidings, but it behooves thee to guard a
+becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is
+this:--
+
+46. "One day the God Thor set out in his car drawn by two he-goats,
+and accompanied by Loki, on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at
+a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats, and after flaying
+them, put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down
+with his fellow-traveller to supper, and invited the peasant and his
+family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi,
+and his daughter Roska. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the
+goats' skins which were spread out near the fire-place, but young
+Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the
+marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage, rose at the dawn
+of day, and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjolnir, and lifting
+it up, consecrated the goats' skins, which he had no sooner done than
+the two goats re-assumed their wonted form, only that one of them now
+limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this, said that the
+peasant, or one of his family, had handled the shank bone of this goat
+too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be
+imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his
+brows, and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the
+joints of his fingers became white from the exertion. Fearing to be
+struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family
+made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an
+atonement for the offence committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted
+from his wrath, and became more placable, and finally contented
+himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thjalfi and Roska, who
+became his bond-servants, and have followed him ever since.
+
+'Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the
+road to Jotunheim, until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea,
+which having passed over he penetrated into a strange country along
+with his companions, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roska. They had not gone far
+before they saw before them an immense forest, through which they
+wandered all day. Thjalfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore
+Thor's wallet, but the forest was a bad place for finding anything
+eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides
+for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a
+very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one
+of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in;
+but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the
+whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with
+him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber,
+into which they entered, but while the others, trembling with fear,
+crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the
+doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself,
+whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night,
+and at dawn of day, Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of
+enormous bulk, who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now
+account for the noise they had heard over night, and girding on his
+Belt of Prowess, increased that divine strength which he now stood in
+need of. The giant awakening, rose up, and it is said that for once in
+his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet, and contented
+himself by simply asking the giant his name.
+
+"'My name is Skrymir, said the other, 'but I need not ask thy name,
+for I know thou art the God Thor. But what hast thou done with my
+glove?' And stretching out his hand Skrymir picked up his glove, which
+Thor then perceived was what they had taken over night for a hall, the
+chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then
+asked whether they would have his fellowship, and Thor consenting, the
+giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his
+companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another
+place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions
+together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat
+into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them,
+taking tremendous strides, the whole day, and at dusk sought out for
+them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree.
+Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep. 'But take ye
+the wallet,' he added, 'and prepare your supper.'
+
+"Skrymir soon fell asleep, and began to snore strongly, but incredible
+though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told, that when Thor
+came to open the wallet he could not untie a single knot, nor render a
+single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labour was in
+vain, Thor became wroth, and grasping his mallet with both hands while
+he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir,
+awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and
+whether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered
+that they were just going to sleep, and so saying, went and laid
+himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to
+Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the
+forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his mallet,
+launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to
+the handle. Skrymir awakening, cried out--
+
+"'What's the matter? did an acorn fall on my head? How fares it with
+thee, Thor?'
+
+"But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and
+that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He
+however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third
+blow, it should settle all matters between them. A little before
+daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again
+grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its
+way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and
+stroking his cheek, said--
+
+"'Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke
+some moss from the branches fell on my head. What! Art thou awake,
+Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but
+you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I
+have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small
+dimensions; but if you come into Utgard you will see there many men
+much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there,
+not to make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki
+will not brook the boasting of such mannikins as ye are. The best
+thing you could do would probably be to turn back again, but if you
+persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward, for mine now
+lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance.'
+
+"Hereupon, he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from
+them, into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet
+with him a second time.
+
+47. "Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards
+noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so
+lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their
+shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the
+walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly
+locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with
+his companions through the bars, and thus succeeded in gaining
+admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them, with the
+door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious
+stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came
+before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect.
+Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from
+the king, who, after regarding them for some time, said with a
+scornful smile--
+
+"'It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey, yet if I do not
+mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps,' he added,
+addressing himself to Thor, 'thou mayst be taller than thou appearest
+to be. But what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem
+yourselves skilled in, for no one is permitted to remain here who does
+not, in some feat or other, excel all other men.'
+
+"'The feat I know,' replied Loki, 'is to eat quicker than any one
+else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any one here who
+may choose to compete with me.'
+
+"'That will indeed be a feat,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou performest
+what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.'
+
+"He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the further end of
+the bench, and whose name was Logi,[134] to come forward and try his
+skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on
+the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end, and Logi at the other,
+and each of them, began to eat as fast as he could, until they met in
+the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten
+the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and
+the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was
+vanquished.
+
+"Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor
+could perform. Thjalfi answered that he would run a race with any one
+who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in
+running was something to boast of, but that if the youth would win the
+match he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all
+who were present to a plain where there was a good ground for running
+on, and calling a young man named Hugi,[135] bade him run a match with
+Thjalfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor
+that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place.
+
+"'Thou must ply thy legs better, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou
+wilt win the match, though I must needs say that there never came a
+man here swifter of foot than thou art.'
+
+"In the second course, Thjalfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when
+Hugi arrived at it.
+
+"'Most bravely dost thou run, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'though thou
+wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third, course must decide.'
+
+"They accordingly ran a third time, but Hugi had already reached the
+goal before Thjalfi had got half way. All who were present then cried
+out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of
+exercise.
+
+50. "Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to
+give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor
+replied, that he would begin a drinking match with any one.
+Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cupbearer
+bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of
+when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The
+cupbearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said--
+
+"'Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at a single draught,
+though some men make two of it, but the most puny drinker of all can
+do it at three.'
+
+"Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size,
+though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
+his lips, and without drawing breath pulled as long and as deeply as
+he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it;
+but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely
+perceive that the liquor was diminished.
+
+"''Tis well drunken,' exclaimed Utgard-Loki, 'though nothing much to
+boast of; and I would not have believed had it been told me that
+Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught, but thou no doubt
+meanest to make amends at the second pull.'
+
+"Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might, but
+when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him as if he had
+drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried
+without spilling.
+
+"'How now, Thor,' said Utgard-Loki; 'thou must not spare thyself more
+in performing a feat than befits thy skill; but if thou meanest to
+drain the horn at the third draught thou must pull deeply; and I must
+needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou
+art among the Æsir, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats
+than, methinks, will be shown in this.'
+
+"Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted
+himself to the utmost to empty it entirely, but on looking in found
+that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to
+make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cupbearer.
+
+51. "'I now see plainly,' said Utgard-Loki, 'that thou are not quite
+so stout as we thought thee, but wilt thou try any other feat, though,
+methinks, thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence.'
+
+"'I will try another feat,' replied Thor, 'and I am sure such draughts
+as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the
+Æsir; but what new trial hast thou to propose?'
+
+"'We have a very, trifling game here,' answered Ut-gard-Loki, 'in
+which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my
+cat from the ground, nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to
+Asa-Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what
+we took thee for.'
+
+"As he finished speaking, a large grey cat sprung on the hall floor.
+Thor advancing put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost
+to raise him from the floor, but the cat bending his back had,
+notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up,
+seeing which, Thor made no further attempt.
+
+"'This trial has turned out,' said Utgard-Loki, 'just as I imagined it
+would; the cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.'
+
+"'Little as ye call me,' answered Thor, 'let me see who amongst you
+will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me.'
+
+"'I see no one here,' said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on
+the benches, 'who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee;
+let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli,[136]
+and let Thor wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the
+ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is.'
+
+53. "A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by
+Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more
+Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length,
+after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was
+finally brought down upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to
+desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in
+the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He
+therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats, and they
+passed the night there in good cheer.
+
+54. "The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions
+dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then
+came and ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no
+lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led
+them to the gate of the city, and, on parting, asked Thor how he
+thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any
+men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but
+that he had brought great shame on himself. 'And what grieves me
+most,' he added, 'is that ye will call me a man of little worth.'
+
+55. "'Nay,' said Utgard-Loki, 'it behooves me to tell thee the truth
+now thou are out of the city which so long as I live, and have my way,
+thou shalt never re-enter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand
+that thou hadst so much strength in thee, and wouldst have brought me
+so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter
+this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my
+illusions; first, in the forest, where I arrived before thee, and
+there thou wert not able to untie the wallet, because I had bound it
+with iron wire, in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how
+the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows
+with thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days
+had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which
+thou didst not perceive, and in this mountain thou wilt find three
+glens, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy
+mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have
+had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself,
+devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was, in reality,
+nothing else than ardent fire, and therefore consumed not only the
+meat but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thjalfi contended
+in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thjalfi to keep
+pace with that. When thou, in thy turn, didst try to empty the horn,
+thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not
+seen it myself I should never have believed it. For one end of that
+horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou
+comest to the shore thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by
+thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst
+perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat, and to tell
+thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we
+were all of us terror-stricken, for what thou tookest for a cat was
+in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth,
+and he was then barely long enough to inclose it between his head and
+tail, so high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling
+with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a
+man, nor ever shall be, whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will
+not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are
+going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us
+if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so, I shall
+again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt never
+prevail against me.'
+
+"On hearing these words, Thor, in a rage, laid hold of his mallet and
+would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and
+when Thor would have returned to the city to-destroy it, he found
+nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding, therefore, on his
+way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already
+resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards
+took place. I trust," concluded Thridi, "that thou wilt now
+acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou
+hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotunheim."
+
+
+HOW THOR WENT TO FISH FOR THE MIDGARD SERPENT.
+
+56. "I find by your account," said Gangler, "that Utgard-Loki
+possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and
+illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every
+respect so skillful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge
+this affront?"
+
+"It is not unknown," replied Har, "though nobody has talked of it,
+that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken
+of, and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily
+that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him.
+He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at
+dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the
+night, but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making
+his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged
+the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that
+a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him.
+'Besides,' he added, 'thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far
+out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.' Thor said, that for
+all that, he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and
+was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row
+back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely
+inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further
+delay, but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his
+wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to
+look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen
+that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore
+the name of Himinbrjot, wrung off his head, and returning with it to
+the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and
+with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise,
+how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He then observed that they
+were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flat fish, but
+Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They
+accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if
+they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard
+serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and
+in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would
+lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong,
+furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's
+head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the
+bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard
+serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he
+obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand: for the monster
+greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate.
+Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently, that
+Thor was obliged to hold fast with both hands by the pegs that bear
+against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his
+divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their
+way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst
+with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is
+impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place.
+Thor, on one hand, darting looks of ire on the serpent, whilst the
+monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is
+said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent, he turned pale and
+trembled with fright and seeing, moreover, that the water was
+entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife, just as Thor
+raised his mallet aloft, and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk
+again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and
+there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the
+bottom of the sea, but one may assert with more certainty that he
+still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow
+with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the
+water, and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land
+again."
+
+
+THE DEATH OF BALDUR THE GOOD.
+
+57. "Verily," said Gangler, "it was a famous exploit which Thor
+performed on that journey, but did any other such events take place
+among the Æsir?"
+
+"Ay," replied Har, "I can tell thee of another event which the Æsir
+deemed of much greater importance. Thou must know, therefore, that
+Baldur the Good having been tormented with terrible dreams, indicating
+that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled
+Æsir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the
+threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water,
+from iron, and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths,
+diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of
+them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a
+favourite pastime of the Æsir, at their meetings, to get Baldur to
+stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some
+stones, while others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes,
+for do they what they would none of therm could harm him, and this was
+regarded by all as a great honour shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the
+son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was
+not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a woman, he went to
+Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the
+pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the Æsir were doing
+at their meetings. She replied, that they were throwing darts and
+stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him.
+
+"'Ay,' said Frigga, 'neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I
+have exacted an oath from all of them.'
+
+"'What!' exclaimed the woman, 'have all things sworn to spare Baldur?'
+
+"'All things,' replied Frigga, 'except one little shrub that grows on
+the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I
+thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from.'
+
+"As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and, resuming his natural
+shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place where the gods
+were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart, without partaking
+of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him, said,
+'Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?"
+
+"'Because I am blind,' answered Hodur, 'and see not where Baldur is,
+and have, moreover, nothing to throw with.'
+
+"'Come then,' said Loki, 'do like the rest, and show honour to Baldur
+by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm, toward the
+place where he stands.'
+
+58. "Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki,
+darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, fell down
+lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either among gods or men,
+a more atrocious deed than this! When Baldur fell the Æsir were struck
+speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all
+were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they
+were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred
+place (Peace-stead) where they were assembled. They at length gave
+vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could
+find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin, especially,
+was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for
+he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the Æsir. When
+the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to
+gain all her love and good will; 'For this,' said she, 'shall he have
+who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur, and offer Hela a ransom
+if she will let him return to Asgard;' whereupon Hermod, surnamed the
+Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's
+horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and
+galloped away on his mission.
+
+59. "The Æsir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore,
+where stood Baldur's ship Hringhorn, which passed for the largest in
+the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's
+funeral pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this
+conjuncture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named
+Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a
+bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four Berserkir to hold
+her steed fast, who were, however, obliged to throw the animal on the
+ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the
+ship, and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so
+violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers, and the earth shook
+all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but
+for the interference of the Æsir would have broken the woman's skull.
+Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship,
+and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep,
+that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same
+pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with
+Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was
+running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of
+various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin,
+accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrjor and his ravens; then Frey in his
+car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni; Heimdall rode
+his horse called Gulltopp, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by
+cats. There were also a great many Frost-giants and giants of the
+mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called
+Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing every
+ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Baldur's horse was led to the
+pile fully caparisoned, and consumed in the same flames on the body
+of his master.
+
+
+BALDUR IN THE ABODE OF THE DEAD
+
+60. "Meanwhile, Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space
+of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark
+that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river
+Gjoll, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold.
+Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and
+lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons
+had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it so much as he alone.
+'But,' she added, 'thou hast not death's hue on thee, why then ridest
+them here on the way to Hel?'
+
+"'I ride to Hel,' answered Hermod, 'to seek Baldur. Hast thou
+perchance seen him pass this way?'
+
+"'Baldur,' she replied, 'hath ridden over Gjoll's bridge, but there
+below, towards the north, lies the way to the abodes of death.'
+
+"Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of
+Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting,
+clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous
+leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he
+found his brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished seat in the
+hall, and passed the night in his company. The next morning he
+besought Hela (Death) to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her
+that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela
+answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as
+he was said to be.
+
+"'If therefore,' she added, 'all things in the world, both living and
+lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to the Æsir, but if any
+one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in
+Hel.'
+
+"Hermod then rose, and Baldur led him out of the hall and gave him the
+ring Draupnir, to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nanna also sent
+Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold
+finger-ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of
+all he had heard and witnessed.
+
+"The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world, to beg
+everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel.
+All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and
+every other living being, as well as earths and stones, and trees and
+metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are
+brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were
+returning with the conviction that their mission had been quite
+successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern,
+and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel.
+
+"It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki
+himself who never ceased to work evil among the Æsir."
+
+
+THE FLIGHT AND PUNISHMENT OF LOKI.
+
+
+61. "Evil are the deeds of Loki truly," said Gangler; "first of all
+in his having caused Baldur to be slain, and then preventing him from
+being delivered out of Hel. But was he not punished for these crimes?"
+
+"Ay," replied Har, "and in such a manner that he will long repent
+having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods
+were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a
+dwelling with four doors, so that he could see everything that passed
+around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon,
+and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade called
+Franangursfors, where he employed himself in divining and
+circumventing whatever stratagems the Æsir might have recourse to in
+order to catch him. One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax
+and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have
+since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat
+out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were
+approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself
+in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the
+most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration,
+traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been
+burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish.
+Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw
+imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the
+river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net,
+and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly
+drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions the
+net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods
+only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They
+therefore cast their net a second time, hanging so great a weight to
+it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving
+that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt
+over the net into the waterfall. The Æsir instantly followed him, and
+divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream,
+followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea.
+Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to
+swim out to sea, or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter,
+but as he took a tremendous leap Thor caught him in his hand. Being,
+however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held
+him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had
+their tails ever since so fine and thin.
+
+"The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration
+into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a
+hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali
+and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he
+tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords
+of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the
+rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins,
+and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords
+into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a
+manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But
+Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in
+a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is
+doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror,
+and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and
+this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until
+Ragnarok."
+
+
+OF RAGNAROK, OR THE TWILIGHT OE THE GODS, AND THE CONFLAGRATION OF THE
+UNIVERSE.
+
+63. "I have not heard before of Ragnarok," said Gangler; "what hast
+thou to tell me about it?"
+
+"There are many very notable circumstances concerning it," replied
+Har, "which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the
+winter, called Fimbul-winter, during which snow will fall from the
+four corners of the world; the frosts will be very severe, the wind
+piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness.
+Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single
+summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and
+discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of
+mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his
+parents or his children.
+
+64. "Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great
+prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that
+be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will
+cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens,
+and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the
+roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations,
+and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks
+loose, and the sea rushes over the earth, on account of the Midgard
+serpent turning with giant force, and gaining the land. On the waters
+floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead
+men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with pared
+nails, for he who dies with his nails unpared, supplies materials for
+the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be
+finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float,
+and the giant Hrym be its steersman.
+
+"The wolf Fenrir advancing, opens his enormous mouth; the lower jaw
+reaches to the earth, and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact
+reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from
+his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the
+side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the
+air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain,
+and the sons of Muspell ride through the breach. Surtur rides first,
+and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword
+outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to
+pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called
+Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent,
+and also Loki, with all the followers of Hel, and Hrym with all the
+Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspell keep their effulgent bands apart
+on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side.
+
+65. "Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the
+Gjallar-horn to arouse the gods, who assemble without delay. Odin
+then rides to Mimir's well and consults Mimir how he and his warriors
+ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasill begins to shake, nor is
+there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible
+hour. The Æsir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves and speed
+forth to the field, led on by Odin, with his golden helm and
+resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself
+against the wolf Fenrir; Thor stands by his side, but can render him
+no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey
+encounters Surtur, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls;
+and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to
+Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa
+cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks
+Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the
+Midgard serpent, but at the same time, recoiling nine paces, falls
+dead upon the spot suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying
+serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that
+instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower
+jaw, seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till
+he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for
+which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely, the shreds of
+leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it
+is on this account that those who would render a service to the Æsir
+should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight,
+and mutually kill each other.
+
+"After this, Surtur darts fire and flame over the earth, and the
+whole universe is consumed."
+
+
+OF THE ABODES OF FUTURE BLISS AND MISERY.
+
+66. "What will remain," said Gangler, "after heaven and earth and
+the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods, and the
+heroes of Valhalla, and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have
+already told me that every one shall continue to exist in some world
+or other, throughout eternity."
+
+"There will be many abodes," replied Thridi, "some good, others bad.
+The best place of all to be in will be Gimli, in heaven, and all who
+delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall
+called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolni. There is
+also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the
+mountains of Nida, (Nidafjoll). In those halls righteous and
+well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful
+structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the
+backs of serpents, wattled together like wicker work. But the
+serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall, and
+continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those
+who-commit murder, or who forswear themselves."
+
+
+THE RENOVATION OF THE UNIVERSE.
+
+67. "Will any of the gods survive, and will there be any longer a
+heaven and an earth?" demanded Gangler.
+
+"There will arise out of the sea," replied Har, "another earth most
+lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow
+unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's
+fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where
+Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and
+Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Baldur and
+Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death (Hel). There
+shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former
+knowledge and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf
+Fenrir and the Midgard serpent. There too shall they find in the grass
+those golden tablets (orbs) which the Æsir once possessed. As it is
+said,--
+
+    "'There dwell Vidar and Vali
+    In the gods' holy seats,
+    When slaked Surtur's fire is
+    But Modi and Magni
+    Will Mjolnir possess,
+    And strife put an end to.'
+
+"Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by
+Surtur's fire, a woman named Lif (Life), and a man named Lifthrasir,
+lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew,
+and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth.
+
+"But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have
+brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the
+same track formerly trodden by her mother.
+
+"And now," continued Thridi, "if thou hast any further questions to
+ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of any
+one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world.
+Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to
+thee."
+
+Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him: he looked
+everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a
+vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom,
+where he related all that he had seen and heard, and ever since that
+time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition.
+
+
+ÆGIR'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.
+
+68. Ægir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where
+he met with a very good reception. Supper time being come, the twelve
+mighty Æsir,--Odin, Thor, Njord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar,
+Vali, Ullur, Hoenir and Forseti, together with the Asynjor,--Frigga,
+Freyja, Gefjon, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla and Nanna, seated
+themselves on their lofty doom seats, in a hall around which were
+ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was
+requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very
+superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking
+horns, Ægir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something
+concerning the Æsir. Bragi instantly complied with his request, by
+informing him of what had happened to Iduna.
+
+
+IDUNA AND HER APPLES.
+
+69. "Once," he said, "when Odin, Loki, and Hoenir went on a journey,
+they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being
+sadly in want of provisions did not scruple to kill one for their
+supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh; they
+found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as
+when first put in. While they were endeavouring to account for this
+singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up
+they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree.
+'If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh,' said the
+eagle, 'it shall soon be boiled;' and on their assenting to this
+proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the
+ox--a proceeding which so incensed Loki, that he laid hold of a large
+stock, and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was,
+however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant
+Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his
+cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back,
+he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was
+consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests,
+until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to
+sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released
+from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna
+and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to
+effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his
+companions.
+
+70. "On his return to Asgard, Loki told Iduna that, in a forest at a
+short distance from the celestial residence, he had found apples
+growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own,
+and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between
+them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples, and went with him
+into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad
+in his eagle-plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up
+Iduna, carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being
+thus deprived of their renovating apples, soon became wrinkled and
+grey; old age was creeping fast upon them, when they discovered that
+Loki had been, as usual, the contriver of all the mischief that had
+befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment
+if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back
+Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her
+falcon-plumage, flew to Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at
+sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying
+off with her; but when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had
+happened, he donned his eagle-plumage, and flew after them. When the
+Æsir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow
+between his claws, and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to
+overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips,
+which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them; and
+as Thjassi could not stop his flight, the fire caught his plumage, and
+he thus fell into the power of the Æsir, who slew him within the
+portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to
+Thjassi's daughter, Skadi, she put on her armour and went to Asgard,
+fully determined to avenge her father's death; but the Æsir having
+declared their willingness to atone for the deed, an amicable
+arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard,
+and the Æsir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered
+herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice
+of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of
+the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of
+their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In
+inspecting the row of feet placed before her, Skadi took a fancy to a
+pair which she flattered herself, from their fine proportions, must be
+those of Baldur. They were however Njord's, and Njord was accordingly
+given her for a husband, and as Loki managed to make her laugh, by
+playing some diverting antics with a goat, the atonement was fully
+effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated,
+by taking out Thjassi's eyes, and placing them to shine as stars in
+the firmament.[137]
+
+
+THE ORIGIN OF POETRY.
+
+71. Ægir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated,
+Bragi informed him that the Æsir and Vanir having met to put an end to
+the war which had long been carried on between them, a treaty of
+peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As
+a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforward to subsist between
+the contending parties, the gods formed out of this spittle a being to
+whom they gave the name of Kvasir, and whom they endowed with such a
+high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that
+he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to
+teach men wisdom, but was at length treacherously murdered by the
+dwarfs, Fjalar and Galar, who, by mixing up his blood with honey,
+composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of
+it acquires the gift of song. When the Æsir inquired what had become
+of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his
+own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a
+sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its
+superabundance. Not long after this event, Fjalar and Galar managed to
+drown the giant Gilling and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged
+by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea, and placing them on
+a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position
+they implored Suttung to spare their lives, and accept the
+verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for
+their having killed his parents. Suttung having agreed to these
+conditions, released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him,
+committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is
+indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarf's
+ransom, etc.
+
+
+ODIN BEGUILES THE DAUGHTER OF BAUGI
+
+72. Æsir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable
+a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully
+determined to acquire it, set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying
+for some time, came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing.
+Entering into conversation with them, Odin, offered to whet their
+scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the
+whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary
+sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin,
+however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it
+as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one
+of his comrades, so that they were all killed in the scramble. Odin
+took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother, Baugi,
+who told him that he was sadly at a loss for labourers, his nine
+thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of
+Baulverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the
+work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi
+the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties,
+and would not part with a drop of the precious liquor, which was
+carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into
+this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded
+Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done
+than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the
+crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth.
+After passing three nights with the fair maiden, he had no great
+difficulty in inducing her to let him take a draught out of each of
+the three jars, called Odhroerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was
+kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep
+that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an
+eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but
+Suttung becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an
+eagle's guise, and flew after him. The Æsir, on seeing him approach
+Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands
+on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the
+wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was however, so near being
+caught by Suttung, that some of the liquor escaped him by an impurer
+vent, and as no care was taken of this it fell to the share of the
+poetasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the
+gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of
+it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the
+beverage of the gods, &c, &c.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 125: This chapter is probably the interpolation of an early
+copyist, for it has evidently no connection with the following one,
+and is not found in the Upsal MS. of the Prose Edda, which is supposed
+to be the oldest extant. Gefjon's ploughing is obviously a mythic way
+of accounting for some convulsions of nature, perhaps the convulsion
+that produced the Sound, and thus effected a junction between the
+Baltic and the Northern Ocean.]
+
+[Footnote 126: Rime Giants, or Giants of the Frost.]
+
+[Footnote 127: Literally, "It is light and hot, insomuch so that it is
+flaming and burning, and it is impervious to those who are outlandish
+(foreign), and not indigenous there" (or who have no home or heritage
+therein).]
+
+[Footnote 128: More properly speaking, to the earth which it
+encircled.]
+
+[Footnote 129: A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.]
+
+[Footnote 130: _i.e._ If Thor drove over Bifrost with his thunder
+chariot.]
+
+[Footnote 131: _i.e._ Present, Past, and Future.]
+
+[Footnote 132: Namely, his having killed Baldur.]
+
+[Footnote 133: Mind or Thought, and Memory.]
+
+[Footnote 134: _i.e._ Devouring flame.]
+
+[Footnote 135: _i.e._ Spirit or thought.]
+
+[Footnote 136: _i.e._ Eld or Old Age.]
+
+[Footnote 137: Finn Magnusen's explanation of this myth is, that
+Iduna--the ever-renovating Spring--being in the possession of
+Thjassi--the desolating winter--all nature languishes until she is
+delivered from her captivity. On this being effected, her presence
+again diffuses joy and gladness, and all things revive; while her
+pursuer, Winter, with his icy breath, dissolves in the solar rays
+indicated by the fires lighted on the walls of Asgard.]
+
+
+
+
+GLOSSARY.
+
+
+ÆGIR or OEGIR, horror, terror.
+
+ÆSIR, sing. AS; God, Gods. ASYNJA, ASYNJOR; Goddess, Goddesses.
+
+AI, from a, a river.
+
+ALFADIR, or ALFODUR, All-Father, or the Father of All.
+
+ALFR, Elf.
+
+ALSVIDR, All-scorching.
+
+ALTHJOFR, lit. All-thief, an accomplished rascal.
+
+ALVISS, All-wise.
+
+AMSVARTNIR, grief, black, gloomy, swart.
+
+ANDHRIMNIR, soul, spirit, breath: from hrim, congealed vapour, _rime_.
+
+ANDLANGR, from aund, spirit, breath; and langr, long.
+
+ANDVARI, prob. from aund, spirit; cautious, timid.
+
+ANGURBODI, Anguish-boding, announcing or presaging calamity.
+
+ARVAKR, awakening early; ar, the dawn, Aurora.
+
+ASGARD, prop. ASGARDR, lit. God's-ward, or the abode of the gods.
+
+ASKR, an ash-tree.
+
+AUDHUMLA, void, vacuity, darkness, tenebrosity.
+
+AUDR, rich, wealthy.
+
+AURBODA, prop. AURBODA, snow, rain, storm; to announce whence; a
+messenger; hence an ambassador.
+
+AUSTRI, East, Oriental.
+
+
+BALDUR, prop. BALDR or BALLDR, fire, flame, bold.
+
+BALEYGR, Bale-eyed, _i.e._ endowed with a clear, piercing vision.
+
+BAREY, the Frondiferous-isle; an island.
+
+BAULVERKR, Evil-worker; producing evil, calamity.
+
+BAUMBURR, prob. cog. with bumbr, belly, cavity.
+
+BELI, prob. from belja, to bellow.
+
+BERGELMIR, Mountain-old, _i.e._ the old man of the mountain.
+
+BIFLINDI, the Inconstant: from bif, motion; and lyndi, disposition,
+mind.
+
+BIFROST, BIF-RAUST, the Tremulous-bridge of the Aerial-bridge,
+signifying also aerial: a certain space, a mile, a rest.
+
+BIL, a moment, an interval, an interstice.
+
+
+BILEYGR, endowed with fulminating eyes, a tempest, especially a
+fulminating tempest or thunder-storm.
+
+
+BILSKIRNIR, sometimes stormy, and sometimes serene; which, as Thor's
+mansion prob. denotes the atmosphere, would be a very appropriate
+term; or storm-stilling, _i.e._ imparting serenity to the tempest.
+
+BIVAURR, BIVORR, or BIFUR, the Tremulous.
+
+BODN, originally signified an offer-table or altar; an oblation; also
+one of the jars in which the dwarfs' poetical beverage was kept.
+
+BOLTHORN, lit. Calamitous or Evil-thorn.
+
+BOR, prop. BORR, and BUR, prop. BURR or BURI, means _born_, to bear;
+whence also the _Old G._ barn, and the _Scotch, bairn_, a child.
+
+BRAGI, the name of the God of Poetry; from braga, to glisten, to
+shine, or from bragga, to adorn; ph. cog. with _G_. pracht, splendour.
+
+BREIDABLIK: lit. Broad-blink--wide-glancing, Expanded splendour, to
+blink.
+
+BRIMIR, prob. from brimi, flame.
+
+BRISINGR, may prob. mean flaming.
+
+BYLEISTR, a dwelling, a town; to destroy, to break to pieces.
+
+BYRGIR, prob. from v. byrgja, to conceal; _E._ to bury, whence barrow,
+a tumulus.
+
+
+DAINN, prob. the Soporiferous; from da, a swoon, or complete repose.
+
+DELLINGR--a _day-ling_. with the dawn, daybreak.
+
+DIS, pi. DISIR, it originally sig. a female, but was afterwards used
+in the sense of Nymph and Goddess. It enters into the composition of
+several female names, as Thordis, Freydis, Vegdis, &c.
+
+DOLGTHRASIR: a dolgr, a warrior; contentious, obstinate, persisting,
+from the v. thrasa, to litigate, to quarrel.
+
+DRAUPNIR, from the v. drupa, to droop, or the v. drjupa, to drip.
+
+DROMI, strongly binding.
+
+DUNEYRR, a hollow sound, from the v. dynja, to sound, to resound.
+
+DURATHROR. The first sylb. may be derived either from dur, a light
+sleep, or from dyr, a door; and the last, either from the v. threyja,
+to expect, to wait for; or from throa, to increase, to enlarge.
+
+DURINN, prob. from dur, a light sleep, to fall asleep; whence prob.
+the _E._ to doze, and ph. also dusk.
+
+DVALJNN, from dvali, sleep.
+
+
+EIKINSKJALDI, furnished with an oaken shield, scarlet oak.
+
+EIKTHYRNIR. Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn;
+metaphorically for a stag's antlers.
+
+EINHERJAR, a hero; select, chosen heroes.
+
+EIR, to befriend, to tranquilize.
+
+ELDHRIMNIR: eldr, elementary flre: brim, congealed vapour, rime, also
+soot; hence (a kettle) sooty from flre.
+
+ELIVAGAR, stormy waves; a storm; the sea; an estuary; water; wave.
+
+ELLI, old age.
+
+ELVIDNIR, ph. from el, a storm; and vidr, wide.
+
+EMBLA. The etymologies of the name of the first woman given by the
+_E.E._ are merely _conjectural_. Grimm says the word embla, emla,
+signifies a busy woman, from amr, ambr, amil ambl, assiduous labour;
+the same relation as Meshia and Meshiane, the ancient Persian names of
+the first man and woman, who were also formed from trees.
+
+
+FALHOFNIR, a nail, a lamina, hoof.
+
+FARMAGUD, the God of Carriers and Sea-farers.
+
+FENRIR, FENRIS-ULFR, may mean dweller in an abyss, or the monster
+wolf.
+
+FENSALIR, lit. Fen-saloon, from fen, a fen, but which it would appear
+may also be made to sig. the watery deep, or the sea; and salr, a
+hall, mansion, saloon. _See_ Valhalla.
+
+FIMBUL. From fimbulfambi comes the _E._ provincialism, to
+fimble-famble; and the _D._ famle, to stammer, to hesitate in
+speaking.
+
+FIMBULTHUL. Thulr means an orator or reciter, to speechify.
+
+FIMBULVETR: vetr, winter; according to Grimm's explanation of fimbul,
+_the Great Winter_.
+
+FJALARR and FJOLNIR. Multiform: in composition fjol, many.
+
+FJOLSVIDR or FJOLSVITHR, to scorch: or ph. from svithr, wise,
+powerful, potent, strong.
+
+FJORGYN. Grimm, we think, has satisfactorily shown that fjorg is the
+_G._ berg, a mountain.
+
+FOLKVANGR, lit. the folk's field, or habitation.
+
+FORSETI, lit. the Fore-seated, _i.e._ the Judge.
+
+FRANANGURS-FORS, prob. from frann, glittering, and ongr, narrow.
+
+FREKI, _G._ frech, froward: the word has also the sig. of voracious.
+
+FREYR and FREYJA. The name of the deity who was the symbol of the
+sun--to mean Seminator, the Fructifler, Freyja--the symbolical
+representation of the moon--means the Seminated, the Fructified; the
+original sig, is that of glad, joyful, imparting gladness, beautous,
+lovely.
+
+FRIGGA, prop. FRIGG. Grimm has shown that the root of this word is, if
+not strictly syn., at least very nearly allied with that of the word
+Freyja, and explains it to mean the Free, the Beauteous, the Winsome.
+
+FROSTI, the _E._ frosty.
+
+FULLA, abundance; from fullr, full.
+
+FUNDINN, found; from v. finna, to find.
+
+
+GANDALFR. Alfr, an elf, prob. sig. a wolf, a serpent.
+
+GANGLER, the tired wanderer; to debilitate, to tire.
+
+GANGRAD, prop. GANGRADR, indicates a person directing his steps.
+
+GARDROFA, Fence-breaker; to break, to break through.
+
+GARMR, voracious; to gorge; gourmand.
+
+GAUTR, ph. may sig. a keeper, to keep.
+
+GEFJON, the earth; also separation, disruption.
+
+GEFN, from the v. gefa, to give.
+
+GEIROLUL, lit. Spear-alimentrix: from the v. ala, to aliment, to
+nourish.
+
+GEIRRAUDR, lit. spear-red; hence King Spear-rubifler.
+
+GEIRVIMUL, a river rushing or vibrating like a spear or javelin.
+
+GELGJA, from galgi, a gallows.
+
+GERDA, prop. GERDUR, to gird. Both gerd and gard are common
+terminations of female names, as Hildigard, Irminigard, Thorgerda, &c.
+
+GERI. Geri may be derived from gerr, covetous, greedy.
+
+GIMLI, had the same sig. as himill, heaven, the original sig. of which
+may have been fire, but afterwards a gem, as in the _N._ word
+gimsteinn; whence also our colloquial words, gim, gimmy (neat), and
+gimcrack.
+
+GINNARR, Seducer; from v. ginna, to seduce.
+
+GINNUNGA-GAP may be rendered the gap of gaps; a gaping abyss.
+
+GJALLAR (horn); from the v. gjalla, to resound, to clang; to yell.
+
+GJOIX, prob. from gjallr, sonorous, fulgid.
+
+GLADR, glad; from v. gledja, to gladden.
+
+GLADSHEIMR: lit. Glad's-home; the abode of gladness or bliss.
+
+GLÆR, from glær, clear, pellucid; cog. with _E._ glare.
+
+GLEIPNIR, the Devouring; from the v. gleipa, to devour.
+
+GLITNIR, the Glittering; from the v. glitra; to glitter, and to
+glisten.
+
+GLOINN, the Glowing; from v. gloa, to glow.
+
+GOD. The _Old N._ lang. has two words for God, viz. God and Gud; and
+it would appear that the n. god was used for an idol, and the m. gud.
+for a God. Both words are, however, frequently applied to denote a
+celestial deity. The Scandinavian Pontiff-chieftains were called Godar
+(in the sing. Godi).
+
+GOMUL, prob. from gamall, old.
+
+GRABAKR, Gray-back.
+
+GRAFJOLLUDR, Gray-skin; the skin of an animal.
+
+GRAFVITNIR, from the v. grafa, to dig, to delve; cog. with _E._ grave:
+and the v. vita, to know; _to_ wit, wist, wot.
+
+GRIMAR, and GRIMNIR, a helmet, or any kind of a covering; used
+poetically for night, the sun being then veiled or covered.
+
+GULLINBURSTI, Golden-bristles.
+
+GULLTOPPR, Golden-mane; crest, the top of anything, hence mane.
+
+GUNNTHRA. The first sylb. of this word is from gunnr, war, a combat;
+to increase, to enlarge; thra sig. grief, calamity; and thro, a
+cavity, a fosse. From gunnr is derived the _N._ gunn-fani, a
+war-banner.
+
+GYLLIR, from gull, gold.
+
+
+HABROK. The E.E. render this word by _Altipes_, from bar, high; and
+brok, lit. breeches, brogues, but which they assume may also sig. a
+bird's leg.
+
+HALLINSKITHI, to decline; hence it would be an appropriate term for
+the post-meridian sun.
+
+HAMSKEKPIR, prob. from hams, hide; and the v. skerpa, to sharpen, also
+to dry, to indurate.
+
+HAPTAGUD, ph. from haupt, a nexus, a tie, a band.
+
+HAR, prop. HARR, may mean either _high_ or _hairy_. As a designation
+of Odin it has undoubtedly the former signification. As the name of a
+dwarf, the latter sig. would be more appropriate.
+
+HARBARDR, Hairy-beard.
+
+HEIDRUN, serene, etherial; a heath.
+
+HEIMDALLR: heimr, home, the world.
+
+HELA, prop. HEL., gen. HELJAR, the Goddess of the Infernal Regions,
+used instead of Helheimr for those regions themselves.
+
+HELBLINDI: hel, see the preceding word; blindi, from blundr, slumber.
+
+HEPTI, prob. means impeding, constraining; to seize, to take by force,
+to adhere to.
+
+HERFJOTUR, lit. Host's-fetter, _i.e._ having the power to impede or
+constrain an army at will: her, an army, a host, a multitude.
+
+HERJANN, the leader of an army; from her.
+
+HERMOD, prop. HERMODR: her from her, courage, (_see_ Modgudur).
+
+HERTEITR, gay amongst warriors, a jovial soldier; glad, joyful.
+
+HILDUR (Hilda), war, a combat. Hence we find it in a number of
+Teutonic prop, names both m. and f., as Hilderic, Childeric, Hildegrim
+(the Helm of War), Brynhildr (Brunhilda), Clothild (Clothilda), &c.
+
+HIMINBJORG, the Heavenly-Mountains, the Comprehending, the
+All-embracing.
+
+HIMINBRJOTR, Heaven-breaking: from the v. brjota, to break.
+
+HJALMBERI, Helmet-bearing.
+
+HJUKI, to keep warm, to nourish, to cherish.
+
+HLIDSKJALF, a slope, a declivity; also to waver, to tremble.
+
+HLINA, prop. HLIN, the _support_ on which a person leans, _i.e._ a
+tutelary deity.
+
+HLJODALFR, the Genius or Elf of Sound.
+
+HLODYN, the name of Frigga, as the symbol of the earth; _protectress
+of the hearth_--of the household. The Romans also worshipped a goddess
+of the earth and of fire under the common name of Fornax, dea
+fornacalis. Grimm mentions a stone found at Cleves with the remarkable
+inscription--DEAE HLUDANAE SACRVM C. TIBERIVS VERVS, and remarks that
+Hludana was neither a Roman nor a Celtic goddess, and could be no
+other than Hlodyn, which shows the identity of the German and
+Scandinavian Mythology.
+
+HLOKK, or HLAUKK, to exalt, to clang, to cry like an eagle.
+
+HNIKARR, or NIKARR, victor, a conqueror; to move, to agitate; to
+thrust forward, to take by violence; to repel, to impede. _G._ m. Nix,
+fern. Nixe, an aquatic genius. We may remark that the monks having
+transformed Odin into the devil, our designation of his Satanic
+Majesty, as _Old Nick_ appears to be a mere corruption of these
+appellations of the Teutonic divinity.
+
+HNOSSA, a ball of yarn, a clew of thread, a knot.
+
+HODUR, prop. HODR. Grimm thinks that the original signification may
+have been war, combat.
+
+HOFVARPNIR, a horse that plies well its hoofs, a good goer.
+
+HRÆSVELGUR, lit. Raw-swallower, _i.e._ swallowing raw flesh like an
+eagle.
+
+HRAFNAGUD, the Ravens' god; brafn; _G._ rabe; _E._ raven.
+
+HRIMFAXI: brim, rime, or hoar frost; fax, a crest, a mane. The _E._
+prop, name Fairfax, means fair-haired.
+
+HRIMTHURSAR, the Rim or Frost Giants: thurs, a giant.
+
+HRINGHORN, lit. a ringed or annulated horn.
+
+HRIST, from v. hrista, to shake, to agitate.
+
+HRYM, HRYMUR, prob. from brim, rime--hoar frost.
+
+HUGI, and HUGINN, from hugr, spirit, breath, thought, mind, reason.
+
+HVERGELMIR, the roaring cauldron; a spring of hot water.
+
+HYRROKIN, lit. Smoky-fire; utter darkness, also smoke.
+
+
+IDAVOLLR: vollr, a field, a place; to flow together; to ramble, to
+take a pleasant walk.
+
+IDUNA, prop. IDUNN or ITHUNN. May mean one who loves either the
+confluence of waters, or to work, or to take a pleasant ramble.
+
+
+JAFNHAR. _The Equally High_; lit. even so high.
+
+JARNVIDR, Iron-wood.
+
+JORD, JORTH, the earth.
+
+JORMUNGANDR. Gandr sig. serpent, and more prop, wolf: jormun is a word
+of uncertain origin, but appears in all the anc. Teutonic lang. to
+have expressed the idea of great, maximus, universal. The reader will
+find much curious information on this subject in Grimm's admirable
+work.
+
+JOTUNHEIMR, lit. Giants'-home, the region of the Giants.
+
+
+KERLAUG: ker, any kind of vessel, cup, bowl, &c; also used to denote
+the bed of a river.
+
+KJALARR, prob. from v. kjala, to transport, to convey; a ship, _a
+keel_.
+
+KVASIR. This word seems to be used in the sense of a _drinking bout._
+
+
+LAUFEY, lit. Frondiferous-isle; an island.
+
+LETTFETI, Lightfoot: light.
+
+LIFTHRASIR, vital energy, longevity, life; enduring a long time.
+
+LITUR, colour, complexion, form, the face.
+
+LODURR, LODR, LOTHR, from the ob. _N._ lod, fire.
+
+LOFNA, prop. LOFN, appears allegorlcally to denote perennial and
+unchangeable love.
+
+LOGI, Flame; a log of wood burnt or to be burnt.
+
+LOKI, to shut; whence the _E._ to lock, to finish.
+
+LOPTUR, the Aerial, the Sublime; the air; whence the _E._ lofty and
+aloft, also a (hay) loft.
+
+LYNGVI, from lyng or ling, the sweet broom, heath or ling.
+
+
+MAGNI, the Potent, the Powerful; force, energy.
+
+MANAGARMR, lit. the moon's wolf; a monster wolf or dog, voracious.
+
+MANI, the moon.
+
+MARDOLL, Sea-nymph; mere, the sea; whence our word mere, as
+Windermere, Buttermere, &c: doll, a nymph; poetically a woman.
+
+MEGINGJARDIR, the Girdle of Might, the Belt of Prowess.
+
+MIDGARD, middleweard, the middleward; _see_ Asgard. Middling, mean.
+
+MIMIR, or MIMER, to keep In memory; to be fanciful; mindful.
+
+MJODVITNIR, lit. knowing in mead; wine; madja, palm-wine,
+
+MJOLNIR, or MJOLLNIR, prob. from v. melja, to pound, or v. mala, to
+grind; _E._ mill, and prob. with _L._ malleus, a mallet.
+
+MODGUDUR, a valiant female warrior, _animosa bellona_: courage; mind;
+_E._ mood; gracefulness, delectation.
+
+MODSOGNIR, lit. sucking in courage or vigour.
+
+MOINN, dwelling on a moor.
+
+MUNINN, mind; _memory_, recollection; _G._ minne, love.
+
+MUSPELLHEIMR, Muspell's region or home; used in the sense of elemental
+or empyreal fire.
+
+
+NAGLFAR, a nail from nagl, a human nail; according to the Prose Edda,
+"constructed of the nails of dead men"; a seafaring man.
+
+NAL. _G._ nadel; _A.S._ nædl; _E._ a needle.
+
+NANNA. Grimm derives this word from the v. nenna, to dare.
+
+NAR, a corpse.
+
+NASTROND, a corpse; The Strand of the Dead.
+
+NAUDUR, necessity; need.
+
+NAUT, ph. from the v. njota, to make use of.
+
+NIDAFJOLL, a rock, a mountain.
+
+NIDHOGG, a phrase used to indicate the new and the waning moon.
+
+NIDI, from nidr, downwards.
+
+NIFLHEIMR, lit. Nebulous-home--the shadowy region of death.
+
+NIFLHEL, from nifi and hel. _See_ the latter word.
+
+NIFLUNGAR, the mythic-heroic ghosts of the shadowy realms of death.
+
+NIPINGR, handsome; to contract, to curve.
+
+NJORD, prop. NJORDR, humid; _Sk._ nar, nir, water; a wave; and
+Neriman, an aquatic man.
+
+NOTT; _D._ nat; _M.G._ naht; _G._ nacht; _A.S._ niht; _E._ night.
+
+NYI, these dwarfs were symbolical of the new and the waning moon.
+
+
+ODIN. _E._ to _wade_ through, consequently the Omnipotent Being that
+_permeates all things_.
+
+ODUR, the name of Freyja's husband. Odur may, like Kvasir, be the
+personification of poetry.
+
+ODHROERIR, Mind-exciting; the name of a vessel or kettle.
+
+OFNIR, _E._ to weave. The word would thus sig. the textile or creating
+power of Odin.
+
+OMI, from omr, a sound, a crash; a name given to Odin, when like, the
+Brahmlnlc Indra, he rattles aloft during a battle, or at daybreak.
+
+ONDURDIS, Snow skates; _E._ to wander; dis, a nymph, a goddess.
+
+ORGELMIR, Primordial Giant; also to roar, to howl, to clang, to
+resound.
+
+ORI, delirious (with love), one of the Erotic Genii.
+
+OSKI, hence one who listens to the wishes of mankind.
+
+
+RADGRID, lit. seeking power with avidity; power, empire council.
+
+RADSVITHR, wise, powerful.
+
+RAGNAROKR. The n. ragin signified _rath_, council, the pl. of which,
+regin, Is used in the Eddaic Poems for the gods; that is to say, the
+consulting, deliberating deities. It answers in fact fully to the _E._
+word _rack_, Indicating atmospheric nebulosity; hence Ragnarok is very
+approp. rendered by "The Twilight of the Gods."
+
+RAN, to plunder; her spoil being those who were drowned at sea.
+
+RANDGRID: rand, from rond, a shield.
+
+RATATOSKR, from the v. rata; to permeate; the last sylb. may be
+derived from _G._ tasche, a pocket or pouch; hence the Permeating
+Pouch?
+
+REGIN, Is often used In the sense of vast, immense; the vast sea.
+
+REGINLEIF, dear to the gods, _see_ Regin.
+
+RIGR, Rajah, a king.
+
+RINDA, prop. RINDUR, sig. symbolically, the crust of the earth.
+
+ROSKA, quick, lively, active.
+
+
+SADR, SATHR, just, true, in sooth, verily.
+
+SÆGR, a large vessel of any kind. The word was used by the Skalds
+metaphorically for the sea.
+
+SAGA. The personified saga or narration, from the v. segja, to say;
+_G._ sage; _E._ a saying; _L._ Saga, a sorceress; sagax, saga-clous,
+to foretell.
+
+SANNGETALL, inquiring after; guessing at truth.
+
+SESSRUMNIR, lit. Seat-roomy, _i.e._ having room for plenty of seats.
+
+SID, declining, hanging, tending downward.
+
+SIDHOTTR, lit. Hanging-hat or hood.
+
+SIDSKEGGR, lit. Hanging-beard; _E._ shag and shaggy.
+
+SIF, signifying peace, friendship, relationship, a goddess, Sibja,
+Sippia, and Sib.
+
+SIGFADIR, or SIGFODUR, the Father of Victory; _L._ pater.
+
+SILFRINTOPPR, Silver-mane; _E._ silver: toppr, _see_ Gulltoppr.
+
+SINDRI, either scintillating or producing dross.
+
+SJOFNA. F. Mag. derives it from the v. sja, to see.
+
+SKADI, the magpie received its name from this goddess.
+
+SKAFIDR, shaving, scraping.
+
+SKEGGOLD, lit. Old-beard; also denoted a particular kind of
+battle-axe.
+
+SKEIDBRIMIR, any space of time that is elapsing.
+
+SKIDBLADNIR, lath, shingle, billet of wood, a sheath; _E._ blade, a
+blade or _leaf_ of grass.
+
+SKILFINGR, prob. to shake, to shatter.
+
+SKINFAXI, Shining-mane: skin, splendour, light.
+
+SKIRNIR, serene, pure, clear; E. sheer, which had formerly the same
+meaning.
+
+SKOGUL, prob. from v. skaga, to jut out; whence skagi, a promontory.
+
+SKOLL, to stick to, to adhere, to strike, to smite.
+
+SLEIPNIR. _E._ slippery.
+
+SLIDRUGTANNI, cruel, fierce, savage.
+
+SNOTRA, to blow the nose; a person, even a goddess, being much more
+_tidy_ when the nostrils are thoroughly _emunctated._
+
+SOKKVABEKKR, lit. Sinking-brook; to sink; an estuary, a shore, a
+brook.
+
+SON, sound, song, _sonus_, _cantus_.
+
+SURTUR, obscure, invisible; and invisible, unintelligible!! Surtur,
+according to Fin Magnusen, the invisible, unintelligible being whom
+the ancient Scandinavians regarded as "the great First Cause least
+understood" of all things.
+
+SVADILFARI, lubricity, also slippery ice.
+
+SVAFNIR, prob. from v. svefa, to cast asleep; sleep, quiet, repose.
+
+SVALINN, the Refrigerating; to cool, to refrigerate.
+
+SVARTALFAHEIMR, lit. Black or Swart Elves' home, region of the Elves
+of Darkness in contradistincition to that of the Elves of Light.
+
+SVARTHOFDI, Black-head; svartr, black, swart.
+
+SVASUTHR, Sweet-south; blithe, jocund, dear.
+
+SVIDR and SVIDRIR, from v. svida, to scorch; or wise, powerful.
+
+SVIPALL, to hasten, to vibrate; to wave, to hover; also with _E._ v.
+to sweep.
+
+SYLGR, a draught or deglutition; to swallow; to swill; to guzzle, to
+feast.
+
+SYN, signifying equity; syn. defence, excuse, negation, impediment,
+which has been personified into a judicial goddess.
+
+SYNIR, having a fine appearance.
+
+
+TANNGNIOSTR, Gnashing-teeth; to bruise, crack, grind, gnash.
+
+THEKKR, to know; _E._ to think. The adj. thekkr means also amiable.
+
+THODNUMA, men, people, nations.
+
+THOR, contraction of Thonar, a word indicating a God who, like Thor,
+presided over _thunder_ and atmospherical phenomena.
+
+THORINN, from thor, audacity; whence the v. thora; to dare.
+
+THRAINN, the Pertinacious; from the v. thra, to desire vehemently.
+
+THRIDI, _The Third_.
+
+THROR, ph. from v. throa, to increase, to amplify.
+
+THRUDUR. Thrudr is an obsolete _N._ word signifying fortitude,
+firmness; but it appears to have originally had, in most of the
+Teutonic languages the sig. of maiden, virgin; and was afterwards used
+in the sense of witch, sorceress.
+
+THRUDVANGR, the Abode or Region or Fortitude.
+
+THRYM. F. Mag. says the word is _undoubtedly_ derived from thruma,
+thunder.
+
+THUNDR, can be derived from thund, a breastplate, a coat of mail.
+
+THYN, to thunder, to make a thundering noise, as a rapid current does.
+
+TYR, signifying God; as well as the _L._ Jupiter, for which he assumes
+a nom. Ju or Jus, Jupiter.
+
+
+URD, VERDANDI, and SKULD, the Present, Past, and Future. The names of
+the Destinies of the Present and Past.
+
+UTGARD, prop. UTGARDR, lit. Outer-ward. _See_ Midgard.
+
+
+VAFTHRUDNIR, from the v. vefa, to involve, prop, to weave.
+
+VAFUDR, the Weaver, or the Constrainer.
+
+VAKR, VAKUR, alert, lively, vigilant.
+
+VALASKJALF, choice, election.
+
+VALFADIR, or VALFODUR, lit. the Choosing Father.
+
+VALHALLA, prop, VALHOLL, lit. the Hall of the Chosen: may also have
+originally indicated a temple.
+
+VALKYRJOR, or VALKYRJUR, sing. VALKYRJA, lit. Choosers of the Slain;
+denoted the slain in battle; a poetical word for a field of battle.
+
+VANADIS, prop, a Goddess of the Vanir. _See_ that word, and _Dis_.
+
+VANIR, beautiful; with the _L._ venustus and Venus, and ph. with the
+_E. wench_.
+
+VASADR, from vas, moisture, a word cog. with the _E._ wet and wash.
+
+VE. Was used in the m. sing, to express a particular god; that in the
+pi. it would be vear, gods, idols; a temple.
+
+VEDURFOLNIR might be rendered Storm-stilling; causing serenity.
+
+VEGSVINN, lit Road-knowing.
+
+VERATYR, lit. the Man-god.
+
+VESTRI, west, occidental.
+
+VIDAR, a tree; wood; and prob. also weed and withy.
+
+VIDBLAINN, expanded azure (lit. Wide-blue).
+
+VIDFINNR, wide, vast.
+
+VIDOLFR, or VIDALFR, lit. Sylvan Elf.
+
+VIDRIR, Moderator of the weather; to still the weather.
+
+VIGRID, from vig, a battle; battle craft, the art of war.
+
+VILI, Will. To will; to choose; to elect.
+
+VILMEITHR, an old word for tree.
+
+VIN, and VINA, a friend, to love, to favour; winsome.
+
+VINDALFR, Wind Elf.
+
+VINDSVALR; vindr, wind: and svalr, cold, glacial.
+
+VINGOLF, lit. the Abode of Friends; golf means lit. a floor.
+
+VOLUNDR. The word denotes a skilful artificer, in which sense it is
+still used by the Icelanders; he is a famous workman--a Wayland--in
+iron; and they very appropriately term a labyrinth a Wayland-house.
+
+VOLUSPA, a sybil or prophetess.
+
+
+YGGDRASILL, from Ygg, one of Odin's names (see the following word) and
+drasill, bearing; hence, according to F. Mag., it would sig. bearing
+(producing) rain, or bearing Odin.
+
+YGGR., to meditate, and also to fear; hence the word might be rendered
+by either the Meditating or the Terrible.
+
+YLG, the Howling; to howl.
+
+YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the
+wind; also the clang of metals.
+
+
+
+
+SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD.
+
+(_after the painting of R. Bung._)
+
+
+The story of Siegfried and Brynhild constitutes the greatest epic in
+Teutonic Gothic literature. Its origin is hard to trace, but parts of
+the legends carry the investigator back to Iranian sources. Its
+greatest development, however, may justly be credited to Icelandic
+sagas, in which the mythology of the Norse people has a prominent
+place. In both the Gothic and Teutonic versions, while considerable
+variation of incident is noticeable, the awakening of Brynhild, a
+valkyrie maiden, and daughter of Wotan, is represented as having been
+accomplished by Siegfried, who rides through a wall of flames which
+surrounds her, and thus breaks the spell which binds her to sleep
+until a warrior fearless enough to brave fire shall come to claim her
+for a bride.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+A FEAST IN VALHALLA.
+
+(_From a painting by Jno. Kellar._)
+
+
+An admirable description of a feast of the gods, in Valhalla, will be
+found on pages 293-94-95 of this volume. It was a strong belief among
+the Goths, prior to the introduction of Christianity among them, that
+the bodies of all warriors who met their deaths in battle were
+transported directly to Valhalla by Valkyrie maidens on the backs of
+winged horses. Upon reaching this mythological heaven the dead were
+revived and ever thereafter enjoyed drinking mead, eating swine flesh,
+and in fighting their battles over again every day.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE DEATH OF ATLI.
+
+(_From a painting by S. Goldberg._)
+
+
+Atli has been identified as Attila, called in history "the Scourge of
+God," a king of the Huns who twice defeated the Romans under
+Theodosius, and plundered the eternal city itself. He was guilty of
+many excesses and is reported to have died of a hemorrhage on the day
+following his marriage with Ildico (453). In the story of Seigfried
+and Brynhild, however, he is represented as having married Gudran,
+daughter of Grimhild and King Giuki, who it will be recalled by
+readers of the other volumes of this series, beguiled Siegfried by
+means of a magic potion, into marriage with her. Her feelings revolted
+against an alliance with Atli, but she accepted him for a husband in
+order thereby to obtain the power to gratify her vengeance against
+Hogni (Hagan), who had assassinated Siegfried.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson;
+and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14726 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14726 ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE ELDER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>BENJAMIN THORPE,</h2>
+
+<h3>AND THE</h3>
+
+<h1>YOUNGER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SNORRE STURLESON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>I.A. BLACKWELL.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">EDITOR IN CHIEF.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">J. W. BUEL, Ph.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">MANAGING EDITOR.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">PUBLISHED BY THE</p>
+
+<p class="center">NORROENA SOCIETY,</p>
+
+<p class="center">LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERLIN NEW YORK</p>
+
+<p class="center">1906</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"><a name="KING_GUNTHER" id="KING_GUNTHER" />
+<img src="images/fig01.jpg" width="418" height="600" alt="KING GUNTHER" title="KING GUNTHER" />
+<p class="center"><b>KING GUNTHER</b></p>
+<p class="center">(<i>After a painting by B. Guth</i>.)</p>
+
+
+<p>Gunnar, Gunther, or Gunter, King of Burgundy, was probably a real
+personage of the troubled times with which his name is associated&mdash;a
+period distinguished as much for heroic characters as for tragic
+events. Gunther represents the best type of kinghood of his age; a man
+swayed by his affections rather than by ambition, who scrupled at
+misdeeds, yet yielded to the mastering passions of love; one whose
+instincts were loyalty to friends and country, and who shrank from
+cruelties to gain his ends, but who fell a victim to woman's
+fascinations. History accordingly praises him more for a lover than
+for a sovereign.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iii.]</div>
+<h2>LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.</h2>
+
+<h3>(ELDER AND YOUNGER EDDAS.)</h3>
+
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#KING_GUNTHER">Frontispiece&mdash;Gunnar (Gunther)</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD">Siegfried Awakens Brynhild</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI">Death of Atli</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA">A Feast in Valhalla</a></p>
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iv.]</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg v.]</div>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<a href="#PREFACE"><big><b>THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.</b></big></a><br /><br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#PREFACE"><b>Preface.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA"><b>Introduction To The Voluspa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY"><b>V&ouml;lusp&acirc;. The Vala's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR"><b>The Lay Of Vafthrudnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR"><b>The Lay Of Grimnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS"><b>The Lay Of Vegtam, Or Baldr's Dreams.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY"><b>The High One's Lay.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODINS_RUNE_SONG24"><b>Odin's Rune-song.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR"><b>The Lay Of Hymir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED"><b>The Lay Of Thrym, Or The Hammer Recovered.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS"><b>The Lay Of The Dwarf Alvis.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD"><b>The Lay Of Harbard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR"><b>The Journey Or Lay Of Skirnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_RIG"><b>The Lay Of Rig.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION"><b>Oegir's Compotation, Or Loki's Altercation.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH"><b>The Lay Of Fiolsvith.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA"><b>The Lay Of Hyndla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA"><b>The Incantation Of Groa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN"><b>The Song Of The Sun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND"><b>The Lay Of Volund.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON"><b>The Lay Of Helgi Hiorvard's Son.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The First Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#SINFIOTLIS_END"><b>Sinfiotli's End.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY"><b>The First Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide, Or Gripir's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR"><b>The Lay Of Fafnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA"><b>The Lay Of Sigrdrifa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Sigurd And Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Third Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The First Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE"><b>Brynhild's Hel-ride.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS"><b>The Slaughter Of The Niflungs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Second Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Third Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODDRUNS_LAMENT"><b>Oddrun's Lament.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Groenland Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT"><b>Gudrun's Incitement.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR"><b>The Lay Of Hamdir.</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg vi.]</span><a href="#THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON"><big><b>THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</b></big></a><br />
+<br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI"><b>The Deluding Of Gylfi.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>Gylfi's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY"><b>Of The Supreme Deity.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>Of The Primordial State Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS"><b>Origin Of The Hrimthursar, Or Frost-giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN"><b>Of The Cow Audhumla, And The Birth Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH"><b>How The Sons Of Bor Slew Ymir And From His Body Made Heaven And Earth.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN"><b>Of The Formation Of The First Man And Woman.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY"><b>Of Night And Day.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Sun And Moon.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Wolves That Pursue The Sun And Moon</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN"><b>Of The Way That Leads To Heaven.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GOLDEN_AGE"><b>The Golden Age.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS"><b>Origin Of The Dwarfs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES"><b>Of The Ash Yggdrasill, Mimir's Well., And The Norns Or Destinies.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS"><b>Of The Various Celestial Regions.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS"><b>Of The Wind And The Seasons.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_ODIN"><b>Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THOR"><b>Of Thor.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_BALDUR"><b>Of Baldur.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NJORD"><b>Of Njord.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA"><b>Of The God Frey, And The Goddess Freyja.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_TYR"><b>Of Tyr.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_OTHER_GODS"><b>Of The Other Gods.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR"><b>Hodur The Blind, Assassin Of Baldur</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY"><b>Of Loki And His Progeny.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR"><b>Binding The Wolf Fenir</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GODDESSES"><b>Of The Goddesses.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_FREY_AND_GERDA"><b>Of Frey And Gerda.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA"><b>Of The Joys Of Valhalla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR"><b>Of The Horse Sleipnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR"><b>Of The Ship Skidbladnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS"><b>Thor's Adventures On His Journey To The Land Of The Giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT"><b>How Thor Went To Fish For The Midgard Serpent.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD"><b>The Death Of Baldur The Good.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD"><b>Baldur In The Abode Of The Dead</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI"><b>The Flight And Punishment Of Loki.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE"><b>Of Ragnarok, Or The Twilight Oe The Gods, And The Conflagration Of The</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY"><b>Of The Abodes Of Future Bliss And Misery.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>The Renovation Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>&AElig;gir's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES"><b>Iduna And Her Apples.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY"><b>The Origin Of Poetry.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI"><b>Odin Beguiles The Daughter Of Baugi</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<a href="#GLOSSARY"><b>GLOSSARY.</b></a>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg vii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE" />THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.<br /></h2>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p>S&aelig;mund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his
+name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda,
+was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line
+from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling
+in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50
+years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that
+island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized
+favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his
+days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his
+unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.</p>
+
+<p>The youth of S&aelig;mund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and
+France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John
+Ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death
+was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell
+in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland,
+in the year 1076. S&aelig;mund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he
+instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which
+were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as
+witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, S&aelig;mund's predilection for the sagas
+and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so
+well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him
+as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or
+innocuous and <span class="pagenum">[Pg viii.]</span>defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his
+memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it
+through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them
+highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to
+generation.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> S&aelig;mund died at the age of 77, leaving behind him a work
+on the history of Norway and Iceland, which is now almost entirely
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>The first who ascribed to S&aelig;mund the collection of poems known as the
+Poetic Edda,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> was Brynjolf Svensson, bishop of Skalholt. This
+prelate, who was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found in
+the year 1643, the <span class="pagenum">[Pg ix.]</span>old vellum codex, which is the most complete of
+all the known manuscripts of the Edda; of this he caused a transcript
+to be made, which he entitled <i>Edda Saemundi Multiscii</i>. The
+transcript came into the possession of the royal historiographer
+Torf&aelig;us; the original, together with other MSS., was presented to the
+King of Denmark, Frederick. III., and placed in the royal library at
+Copenhagen, where it now is.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> As many of the Eddaic poems appear to
+have been orally transmitted in an imperfect state, the collector has
+supplied the deficiencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
+of the subject is to a certain degree restored.</p>
+
+<p>The collection called S&aelig;mund's Edda consists of two parts, viz., the
+Mythological and the Heroic. It is the former of those which is now
+offered to the public in an English version. In the year 1797, a
+translation of this first part, by A.S. Cottle, was published at
+Bristol. This work I have never met with; nor have I seen any English
+version of any part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spirited
+but free translation of the Vegtamskvida.</p>
+
+<p>The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) celebrates the story of Volund's
+doings and sufferings during his sojourn in the territory of the
+Swedish king Nidud. Volund (<i>Ger</i>. Wieland, <i>Fr</i>. Veland and Galans)
+is the Scandinavian and Germanic Vulcan (Hephaistos) and D&aelig;dalus. In
+England his story, as a skillful smith, is traceable to a very early
+period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf we find that hero desiring,
+in the event of his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his
+corslets may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says, the work of
+Weland; and king &AElig;lfred, in his translation of Boethius de
+Consolatione, renders the words <i>fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc</i>. by Hw&aelig;t
+(hw&aelig;r) Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the famous and wise
+goldsmith Weland?), evidently taking the proper name of Fabricius for
+an appellative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book, too, there is
+a poem in substance closely resembling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of
+Kenilworth, Walter Scott has been guilty of a woeful perversion of the
+old tradition, travestied from the Berkshire legend of Wayland Smith.
+As a land-boundary we find Weland's smithy in a Charter of king Eadred
+A.D. 955.</p>
+
+<p>On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is nothing to remark beyond
+what appears in the poem itself.</p>
+
+<p>The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the first of the series of stories
+relating to the Volsung race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.</p>
+
+<p>The connection of the several personages celebrated in these poems
+will appear plain from the following tables:<span class="pagenum">[Pg x.]</span></p>
+
+<pre>
+                <b>Sigi</b>, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin
+                 |
+                <b>Rerir</b>
+                 |
+                <b>Volsung</b> = a daughter of the giant Hrimnir
+           __________________|
+          |
+      <b>Sigmund</b>  =  Signi  =    Borghild    =  Hiordis
+         |     |         |                |
+    Hamund.  <b>Sinfiotli</b>. <b>Helgi</b> = Sigrun <b>Sigurd</b> = Gudrun
+                                            __|____________
+                                           |               |
+                                           <b>Sigmund</b>, Svanhild.
+                                                    m Jornmnrek.
+
+
+                           <b>Giuki</b> = Grimhild.
+          _______________________|
+         |
+      <b>Gunnar</b>=Glaumvor. <b>Hogni</b>=Kostbera. <b>Guthorm</b>. <b>Gudrun</b>, = 1 Sigurd.
+                            |                             2 Atli.
+                 Solar. Giuki. Sn&aelig;var.                    3 Jonakr.
+
+
+
+                   <b>Budli</b>.
+                     |
+    <b>Atli</b> = Gudrun: <b>Brynhild</b> = Gunnar.  Oddrun.  Beckhild = Heimir.
+                |                                        |
+            Erp. Eitil                                Alsvid.
+
+
+                   Jonakr = Gudrun
+                 _____|   |_____________
+                |                       |
+                 Erp       Hamdir. Sorli.
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg xi.]</span>The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Niflung lays terminates with the
+Lay of Hamdir; the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
+comparatively late composition; yet being written in the true ancient
+spirit of the North is well deserving of a place among the Eddaic
+poems. Nor, indeed, is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank among
+the poems collected by S&aelig;mund, by any means clear, we know it only
+from its existence in the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its
+intrinsic worth, and its reception in other editions of the Edda, both
+in original and translation, the present work would seem, and justly
+so, incomplete without it.</p>
+
+<p>The Prose, or Younger Edda, is generally ascribed to the celebrated
+Snorre Sturleson, who was born of a distinguished Icelandic family, in
+the year 1178, and after leading a turbulent and ambitious life, and
+being twice the supreme magistrate of the Republic, was killed A.D.
+1241,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4" /><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> by three of his sons-in-law and a stepson. When Snorre was
+three years <span class="pagenum">[Pg xii.]</span>old, John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of S&aelig;mund the
+Wise, took him into fosterage. Snorre resided at Oddi until his
+twentieth year, and appears to have received an excellent education
+from his foster father, who was one of the most learned men of that
+period. How far he may have made use of the manuscripts of S&aelig;mund and
+Ari, which were preserved at Oddi, it is impossible to say, neither do
+we know the precise contents of these manuscripts; but it is highly
+probable that the most important parts of the work, now known under
+the title of &quot;The Prose Edda,&quot; formed a part of them, and that
+Snorre&mdash;who may be regarded as the Scandinavian Euhemerus&mdash;merely
+added a few chapters, in order to render the mythology more
+conformable to the erroneous notions he appears to have entertained
+respecting its signification. Be this as it may, the Prose Edda, in
+its present form, dates from the thirteenth century, and consists
+of&mdash;1. <i>Formali</i> (Fore discourse); or the prologue. 2. <i>Gylfa-ginning</i>
+(The deluding of Gylfi). 3. <i>Braga-roedur</i> (Conversations of Bragi).
+4. <i>Eptirmali</i> (After discourse); or Epilogue. The Prologue and
+Epilogue were probably written by Snorre himself, and are nothing more
+than an absurd syncretism of Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian
+myths and legends, in which Noah, Priam, Odin, Hector, Thor, &AElig;neas,
+&amp;c, are jumbled together much in the same manner as in the romances of
+the Middle Ages. These dissertations, utterly worthless in themselves,
+have obviously nothing in common with the so-called &quot;Prose Edda,&quot; the
+first part of which, containing fifty-three chapters, forms a complete
+synopsis of Scandinavian mythology, derived principally from the
+Poetical Edda.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;">THE TRANSLATOR.<br /></p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The following, the first among many, may serve as a
+specimen.
+</p><p>
+S&aelig;mund was residing, in the south of Europe, with a famous Master, by
+whom he was instructed in every kind of lore; while, on the other
+hand, he forgot (apparently through intense study) all that he had
+previously learned, even to his own name; so that when the holy man
+John Ogmundson came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll;
+but on John insisting that he was no other than S&aelig;mund Sigfusson, born
+at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many particulars regarding
+himself, he at length became conscious of his own identity, and
+resolved to flee from the place with his kinsman. For the purpose of
+deceiving the master, John continued some time in the place, and often
+came to visit him and S&aelig;mund; till at last, one dark night, they
+betook themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them than
+he sent in pursuit of them; but in vain, and the heavens were too
+overcast to admit, according to his custom, of reading their
+whereabouts in the stars. So they traveled day and night and all the
+following day. But the next night was clear, and the Master at once
+read in the stars where they were, and set out after them at full
+speed. Then S&aelig;mund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said, &quot;Now is
+my Master in chase of us, and sees where we are.&quot; And on John asking
+what was to be done, he answered: &quot;Take one of my shoes off, fill it
+with water, and set it on my head.&quot; John did so, and at the same
+moment, the Master, looking up at the heavens, says to his companion:
+&quot;Bad news; the stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water
+about his forehead.&quot; And thereupon returned home. The pair now again
+prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the following night,
+the Master again consults the stars, when, to his great amazement, he
+sees the star of S&aelig;mund directly above his head, and again sets off
+after the fugitives. Observing this, S&aelig;mund says: &quot;The astrologer is
+again after us, and again we must look to ourselves; take my shoe off
+again, and with your knife stab me in the thigh; fill the shoe with
+blood, and place it on the top of my head.&quot; John does as directed, and
+the Master, again gazing at the stars, says: &quot;There is blood now about
+the star of Master Koll, and the stranger has for certain murdered
+him,&quot; and so returns home. The old man now has once more recourse to
+his art; but on seeing S&aelig;mund's star shining brightly above him, he
+exclaimed: &quot;My pupil is still living; so much the better. I have
+taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both in astrology and
+magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I am unable to hinder their
+departure.&quot;</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Bishop P.E. Muller supposes the greater number of the
+Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek II, p, 131.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this MS.
+is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4" /><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Snorre, at the death of John Loptson (A.D. 1197), does
+not appear to have possessed any property whatever, though he
+afterwards became the wealthiest man in Iceland. His rise in the world
+was chiefly owing to his marriage with Herdisa, the daughter of a
+priest called Bersi the Rich,&mdash;a very enviable surname, which no doubt
+enabled the Rev. gentleman to brave the decrees of Popes and Councils,
+and take to himself a wife&mdash;who brought him a very considerable
+fortune. If we may judge from Snorre's biography, Christianity appears
+to have effected very little change in the character of the
+Icelanders. We have the same turbulent and sanguinary scenes, the same
+loose conduct of the women, and perfidy, and remorseless cruelty of
+the men, as in the Pagan times.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg xiii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" id="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" />INTRODUCTION TO THE VOLUSPA.</h2>
+
+<p>As introductory to the Voluspa, the following description of a
+wandering Vala or prophetess may be thought both desirable and
+interesting: &quot;We find them present at the birth of children, when they
+seem to represent the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either by
+means of <i>seid</i>, during the night, while all others in the house were
+sleeping, and uttered their oracles in the morning; or they received
+sudden inspirations during the singing of certain songs appropriate to
+the purpose, without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
+These seid-women were common over all the North. When invited by the
+master of a family, they appeared in a peculiar costume, sometimes
+with a considerable number of followers, e.g. with fifteen young men
+and fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received money, gold
+rings, and other precious things. Sometimes it was necessary to compel
+them to prophesy. An old description of such a Vala, who went from
+guild to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
+women and their proceedings&quot;:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the winter attended the
+guilds, at the invitation of those who desired to know their fate, or
+the quality of the coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
+sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an elevated seat, on
+which lay a cushion stuffed with feathers. A man was sent to meet her.
+She came in the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with thongs
+and set with stones down to the lap; <span class="pagenum">[Pg xiv.]</span>round her neck she had a
+necklace of glass beads, on her head a hood of black lambskin lined
+with white catskin; in her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted
+with brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she wore a
+girdle of agaric (knoske), from which hung a bag containing her
+conjuring apparatus; on her feet were rough calfskin shoes with long
+ties and tin buttons, on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
+within. All bade her welcome with a reverent salutation; the master
+himself conducted her by the hand to her seat. She undertook no
+prophecy on the first day, but would first pass a night there. In the
+evening of the following day she ascended her elevated seat, caused
+the women to place themselves round her, and desired them to sing
+certain songs, which they did in a strong, clear voice. She then
+prophesied of the coming year, and afterwards, all that would advanced
+and asked her such questions as they thought proper, to which they
+received plain answers.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most probably from the
+time of heathenism, are set forth, as the utterances of a Vala, or
+wandering prophetess, as above described, the story of the creation of
+the world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods, the
+dwarfs, and the human race, together with other events relating to the
+mythology of the North, and ending with the destruction of the gods
+and the world, and their renewal.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 1]</div>
+<h2><a name="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" id="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1" />V&Ouml;LUSP&Acirc;. THE VALA'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of
+Heimdall,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5" /><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> they will that I Valfather's deeds recount, men's ancient
+saws, those that I best remember.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The J&ouml;tuns I remember early born, those who me of old have
+reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree,
+beneath the earth.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There was in times of old, where Ymir dwelt, nor sand nor sea,
+nor gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven above, 'twas a chaotic
+chasm, and grass nowhere.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Before Bur's sons raised up heaven's vault, they who the noble
+mid-earth shaped. The sun shone from the south over the structure's
+rocks: then was the earth begrown with herbage green.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> The sun from the south, the moon's companion, her right hand cast
+about the heavenly horses. The sun knew not where she<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6" /><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> a dwelling
+had, the moon knew not what power he possessed, the stars knew not
+where they had a station.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 2]</span><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2" /><b>6.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: to night and to the waning moon gave
+names; morn they named, and mid-day, afternoon and eve, whereby to
+reckon years.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> The &AElig;sir met on Ida's plain; they altar-steads and temples high
+constructed; their strength they proved, all things tried, furnaces
+established, precious things forged, formed tongs, and fabricated
+tools;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> At tables played at home; joyous they were; to them was naught
+the want of gold, until there came Thurs-maidens three, all powerful,
+from J&ouml;tunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then went all the powers to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, who should of the dwarfs the race
+create, from the sea-giant's blood and livid bones.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then was M&ocirc;tsognir created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin
+second; there in man's likeness they created many dwarfs from earth,
+as Durin said.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> N&yacute;i and Nidi, Nordri and Sudri, Austri and Vestri, Althi&ocirc;f,
+Dvalin N&acirc;r and N&acirc;in, Niping, Dain, Biv&ouml;r, Bav&ouml;r, B&ouml;mbur, Nori, An and
+Anar, Ai, Miodvitnir,</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Veig and Gand&acirc;lf, Vind&acirc;lf, Thrain, Thekk and Thorin, Thr&ocirc;r,
+Vitr, and Litr, N&ucirc;r and N&yacute;r&acirc;d, Regin and R&acirc;dsvid. Now of the dwarfs I
+have rightly told.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, Billing,
+Bruni, Bild, B&ucirc;ri, Fr&acirc;r, Hornbori, Fr&aelig;g and L&ocirc;ni, Aurvang, Iari,
+Eikinskialdi.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Time 'tis of the dwarfs in Dvalin's band, to the sons of men, to
+Lofar up to reckon, those who came forth from the world's rock,
+earth's foundation, to Iora's plains.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 3]</span><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" /><b>15.</b> There were Draupnir, and D&ocirc;lgthrasir, H&acirc;r, Haugspori, Hl&aelig;vang,
+Gl&ocirc;i, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, H&ouml;ggstari, Hli&ocirc;d&ocirc;lf,
+Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
+accounted be.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Until there came three mighty and benevolent &AElig;sir to the world
+from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
+Embla, void of destiny.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
+powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
+gave Lodur, and goodly colour.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
+limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
+stands it green over Urd's fountain.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
+under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,&mdash;on a
+tablet they graved&mdash;Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
+allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Alone she<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7" /><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> sat without, when came that ancient dread &AElig;sir's
+prince; and in his eye she gazed.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
+all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim.&quot; Mim
+drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8" /><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> Understand ye yet,
+or what?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" /><b>23.</b> The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
+discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
+world.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
+god's people: Skuld held a shield, Sk&ouml;gul was second, then Gunn, Hild
+G&ouml;ndul, and Geirsk&ouml;gul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
+Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9" /><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>
+they with lances pierced, and in the high one's<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10" /><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> hall her burnt,
+thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
+lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
+well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
+arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, whether the &AElig;sir should avenge the
+crime,<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11" /><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> or all the gods receive atonement.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Broken was the outer wall of the &AElig;sir's burgh. The Vanir,
+foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], and
+mid the people hurled it: that was the first warfare in the world.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: who had all the air with evil mingled?
+or to the J&ouml;tun race Od's maid had given?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" /><b>30.</b> There alone was Thor with anger swollen. He seldom sits, when
+of the like he hears. Oaths are not held sacred; nor words, nor
+swearing, nor binding compacts reciprocally made.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> She knows that Heimdall's horn is hidden under the heaven-bright
+holy tree. A river she sees flow, with foamy fall, from Valfather's
+pledge. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> East sat the crone, in I&acirc;rnvidir, and there reared up Fenrir's
+progeny: of all shall be one especially the moon's devourer, in a
+troll's semblance.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He is sated with the last breath of dying men; the god's seat he
+with red gore defiles: swart is the sunshine then for summers after;
+all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> There on a height sat, striking a harp, the giantess's watch,
+the joyous Egdir; by him crowed, in the bird-wood, the bright red
+cock, which Fialar hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Crowed o'er the &AElig;sir Gullinkambi, which wakens heroes with the
+sire of hosts; but another crows beneath the earth, a soot-red cock,
+in the halls of Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> I saw of Baldr, the blood-stained god, Odin's son, the hidden
+fate. There stood grown up, high on the plain, slender and passing
+fair, the mistletoe.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> From that shrub was made, as to me it seemed, a deadly, noxious
+dart. H&ouml;dr shot it forth; but Frigg bewailed, in Fensalir, Valhall's
+calamity. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bound she saw lying, under Hveralund, a mon<span class="pagenum">[Pg 6]</span><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" />strous form, to Loki
+like. There sits Sigyn, for her consort's sake, not right glad.
+Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Then the Vala knew the fatal bonds were twisting, most rigid,
+bonds from entrails made.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> From the east a river falls, through venom dales, with mire and
+clods, Sl&icirc;d is its name.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> On the north there stood, on Nida-fells, a hall of gold, for
+Sindri's race; and another stood in Ok&ocirc;lnir, the J&ouml;tuns beer-hall
+which Br&icirc;mir hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She saw a hall standing, far from the sun, in N&acirc;str&ouml;nd; its
+doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in through its apertures:
+entwined is that hall with serpents' backs.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> She there saw wading the sluggish streams bloodthirsty men and
+perjurers, and him who the ear beguiles of another's wife. There
+Nidh&ouml;gg sucks the corpses of the dead; the wolf tears men. Understand
+ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Further forward I see, much can I say of Ragnar&ouml;k and the gods'
+conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Brothers shall fight, and slay each other; cousins shall kinship
+violate. The earth resounds, the giantesses flee; no man will another
+spare.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Hard is it in the world, great whoredom, an axe age, a sword
+age, shields shall be cloven, a wind age, a wolf age, ere the world
+sinks.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Mim's sons dance, but the central tree takes fire at the
+resounding Giallar-horn. Loud blows Heimdall, his horn is raised; Odin
+speaks with Mim's head.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans <span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" />that aged tree,
+and the j&ouml;tun is loosed. Loud bays Garm before the Gnupa-cave, his
+bonds he rends asunder; and the wolf runs.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is
+coiled in j&ouml;tun-rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams:
+the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> That ship fares from the east: come will Muspell's people o'er
+the sea, and Loki steers. The monster's kin goes all with the wolf;
+with them the brother is of Byleist on their course.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Surt from the south comes with flickering flame; shines from his
+sword the Val-gods' sun. The stony hills are dashed together, the
+giantesses totter; men tread the path of Hel, and heaven is cloven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> How is it with the &AElig;sir? How with the Alfar? All J&ouml;tunheim
+resounds; the &AElig;sir are in council. The dwarfs groan before their stony
+doors, the sages of the rocky walls. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then arises Hl&icirc;n's second grief, when Odin goes with the wolf to
+fight, and the bright slayer of Beli with Surt. Then will Frigg's
+beloved fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Then comes the great victor-sire's son, Vidar, to fight with the
+deadly beast. He with his hands will make his sword pierce to the
+heart of the giant's son: then avenges he his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Then comes the mighty son of Hl&ocirc;dyn: (Odin's son goes with the
+monster to fight); Midg&acirc;rd's Veor in his rage will slay the worm. Nine
+feet will go Fi&ouml;rgyn's son, bowed by the serpent, who feared no foe.
+All men will their homes forsake.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 8]</span><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" /></p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> The sun darkens, earth in ocean sinks, fall from heaven the
+bright stars, fire's breath assails the all-nourishing tree, towering
+fire plays against heaven itself.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> She sees arise, a second time, earth from ocean, beauteously
+green, waterfalls descending; the eagle flying over, which in the fell
+captures fish.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> The &AElig;sir meet on Ida's plain, and of the mighty earth-encircler
+speak, and there to memory call their mighty deeds, and the supreme
+god's ancient lore.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> There shall again the wondrous golden tables in the grass be
+found, which in days of old had possessed the ruler of the gods, and
+Fi&ouml;lnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Unsown shall the fields bring forth, all evil be amended; Baldr
+shall come; H&ouml;dr and Baldr, the heavenly gods, Hropt's glorious
+dwellings shall inhabit. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Then can Hoenir choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons
+inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold bedecked,
+in Gimill: there shall be righteous people dwell, and for evermore
+happiness enjoy.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Then comes the mighty one to the great judgment, the powerful
+from above, who rules o'er all. He shall dooms pronounce, and strifes
+allay, holy peace establish, which shall ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> There comes the dark dragon flying from beneath the glistening
+serpent, from Nida-fels. On his wings bears Nidh&ouml;gg, flying o'er the
+plain, a corpse. Now she will descend.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5" /><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, under the
+name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three orders of mankind.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6" /><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
+fem., the moon masc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7" /><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8" /><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> His eye here understood to signify the sun.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9" /><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
+was the end of the golden age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10" /><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i>, Odin's: his hall is the world.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11" /><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Of introducing the use of gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 9]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" /><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" />THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Odin visits the Giant (J&ouml;tun) Vafthr&ucirc;dnir, for the purpose of proving
+his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
+Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
+head. The J&ouml;tun incurs the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthr&ucirc;dnir to visit;
+great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise J&ouml;tun
+to contend.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> At home to bide H&aelig;rfather I would counsel, in the gods'
+dwellings; because no J&ouml;tun is, I believe, so mighty as is
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
+but this I fain would know, how in Vafthr&ucirc;dnir's halls it is.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
+journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
+shalt hold converse with the J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 10]</span><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" />J&ouml;tun. To the
+hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hail to thee, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
+see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
+J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
+thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gagnr&acirc;d is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
+halls, needing hospitality,&mdash;for I long have journeyed&mdash;and kind
+reception from thee, J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why then, Gagnr&acirc;d! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
+a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
+ancient talker.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
+hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
+visits an austere man.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
+human kind?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 11]</span><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
+kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
+sheds light that horse's mane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Tell me now, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
+o'er the beneficent powers?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
+beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
+in the dales comes dew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
+stream no ice shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
+and the gentle Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall <span class="pagenum">[Pg 12]</span><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" />meet Surt and
+the gentle Gods; a hundred rasts it is on every side. That plain is to
+them decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Wise art thou, O guest! Approach the J&ouml;tuns bench, and sitting
+let us together talk; we will our heads in the hall pledge, guest! for
+wise utterance.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me first, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence first came the earth, and the high heaven, thou,
+sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> From Ymir's flesh the earth was formed, and from his bones the
+hills, the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his
+blood the sea.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me secondly, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence came the moon, which over mankind passes, and the sun
+likewise?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Mundilfoeri hight he, who the moon's father is, and eke the
+sun's: round heaven journey each day they must, to count years for
+men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me thirdly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence came the day, which over people passes,
+and night with waning moons?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 13]</span><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" /><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Delling hight he who the day's father is, but night was of N&ouml;rvi
+born; the new and waning moons the beneficent powers created, to count
+years for men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me fourthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence winter came, and warm summer first among
+the wise gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Vindsval hight he, who winter's father is, and Sv&acirc;sud summer's;
+yearly they both shall ever journey, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me fifthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, which of the &AElig;sir earliest, or of Ymir's sons,
+in days of old existed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was Bergelmir born;
+Thr&ucirc;dgelmir was his sire, his grandsire Aurgelmir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me sixthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence first came Aurgelmir, among the J&ouml;tun's
+sons, thou sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> From Eliv&acirc;gar sprang venom drops, which grew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 14]</span><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" />till they became a
+J&ouml;tun; but sparks flew from the south-world: to the ice the fire gave
+life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! how he children begat, the bold J&ouml;tun, as he had
+no giantess's company?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Under the armpit grew, 'tis said, of the Hr&icirc;mthurs, a girl and
+boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise J&ouml;tun, a six-headed
+son.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
+knowest? Thou art an all-wise J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
+That I first remember, when that wise J&ouml;tun in an ark was laid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
+itself invisible to man?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a J&ouml;tun
+in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
+that over all men passes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 15]</span><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence Ni&ouml;rd came among the &AElig;sir's sons? O'er fanes and
+offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the &AElig;sir born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
+gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
+until the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
+fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the &AElig;sir
+drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! of the J&ouml;tuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
+say what truest is, thou all-knowing J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of the secrets of the J&ouml;tuns and of all the gods, I can truly
+tell; for I have over each world travelled; to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 16]</span><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" />nine worlds I came, to
+Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. What mortals will live, when the great &quot;Fimbul&quot;-winter shall
+from men have passed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
+holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
+be born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
+this devoured?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> A daughter shall Alfr&ouml;dull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed
+her. The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother's course.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Who are the maidens that o'er the
+ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> O'er people's dwellings three descend of M&ouml;gthrasir's maidens,
+the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with J&ouml;tuns
+nurtured.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 17]</span><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Which of the &AElig;sir will rule o'er the
+gods' possession, when Surt's fire shall be quenched?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Vidar and Vali will the gods' holy fanes inhabit, when Surt's
+fire shall be quenched. M&ocirc;di and Magni will Mi&ouml;llnir possess, and
+warfare strive to end.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be,
+when the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:
+he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What said Odin in his son's ear, ere
+he on the pile was laid?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy
+son's ear. With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods'
+destruction. With Odin I have contended in wise utterances: of men
+thou ever art the wisest!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 18]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" /><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" />THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>The subject is wholly mythological.</p>
+
+
+<p>King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirr&ouml;d. Agnar
+was ten, and Geirr&ouml;d eight winters old. They both rowed out in a boat,
+with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove
+them out to sea. In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the
+shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with
+whom they stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought up
+Agnar, and the cottager, Geirr&ouml;d, and gave him good advice. In the
+spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied
+them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirr&ouml;d. They had a fair
+wind, and reached their father's place. Geirr&ouml;d was at the ship's
+prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, &quot;Go where
+an evil spirit may get thee.&quot; The vessel was driven out to sea, but
+Geirr&ouml;d went up to the town, where he was well received; but his
+father was dead. Geirr&ouml;d was then taken for king, and became a famous
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidski&acirc;lf, looking over all the world.
+Odin said, &quot;Seest thou Agnar, thy foster-son, where he is, getting
+children with a giantess in a cave? while Geirr&ouml;d, my foster-son, is a
+king residing in his country.&quot; Frigg answered, &quot;He is so inhos<span class="pagenum">[Pg 19]</span><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" />pitable
+that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that too many come.&quot; Odin
+replied that that was the greatest falsehood; and they wagered
+thereupon. Frigg sent her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirr&ouml;d be on his
+guard, lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm, and also
+say that a token whereby he might be known was, that no dog, however
+fierce, would attack him. But that King Geirr&ouml;d was not hospitable was
+mere idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured whom no
+dog would assail. He was clad in a blue cloak, and was named Grimnir,
+and would say no more concerning himself, although he was questioned.
+The king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess, and to be set
+between two fires; and there he sat for eight nights. King Geirr&ouml;d had
+a son ten years old, whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar
+went to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from, saying that
+the king did wrong in causing him to be tortured, though innocent.
+Grimnir drank from it. The fire had then so approached him that his
+cloak was burnt; whereupon he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Fire! thou art hot, and much too great; flame! let us separate.
+My garment is singed, although I lift it up, my cloak is scorched
+before it.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Eight nights have I sat between fires here, and to me no one food
+has offered, save only Agnar, the son of Geirr&ouml;d, who alone shall rule
+over the land of Goths.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to
+be. For one draught thou never shalt get better recompense.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 20]</span><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Holy is the land, which I see lying to &AElig;sir and Alfar near; but
+in Thr&ucirc;dheim Thor shall dwell until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Ydalir it is called, where Ullr has himself a dwelling made.
+Alfheim the gods to Frey gave in days of yore for a tooth-gift.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The third dwelling is, where the kind powers have with silver
+decked the hall; Valaski&acirc;lf 'tis called, which for himself acquired
+the As in days of old.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> S&ouml;kkvabekk the fourth is named o'er which the gelid waves
+resound; Odin and Saga there, joyful each day, from golden beakers
+quaff.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gladsheim the fifth is named, there the golden-bright Valhall
+stands spacious, there Hropt selects each day those men who die by
+weapons.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, its hall with shields is
+decked, with corslets are its benches strewed.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. A wolf hangs before the western door, over it an eagle
+hovers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymheim the sixth is named, where Thiassi dwelt that
+all-powerful J&ouml;tun; but Skadi now inhabits, the bright bride of gods,
+her father's ancient home.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Breidablik is the seventh, where Baldr has built for himself a
+hall, in that land, in which I know exists the fewest crimes.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinbi&ouml;rg is the eighth, where Heimdall, it is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 21]</span><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" />said, rules
+o'er the holy fanes: there the gods' watchman, in his tranquil home,
+drinks joyful the good mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> F&ocirc;lkvang is the ninth, there Freyia directs the sittings in the
+hall. She half the fallen chooses each day, but Odin th' other half.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Glitnir is the tenth; it is on gold sustained, and eke with
+silver decked. There Forseti dwells throughout all time, and every
+strife allays.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> N&ocirc;at&ucirc;n is the eleventh, there Ni&ouml;rd has himself a dwelling made,
+prince of men; guiltless of sin, he rules o'er the high-built fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> O'ergrown with branches and high grass is Vidar's spacious
+Landv&icirc;di: There will the son descend, from the steed's back, bold to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Andhrimnir makes, in Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir to boil, of meats the
+best; but few know how many Einheriar it feeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts;
+but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for
+Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thund roars; joyful in Thiodvitnir's water lives the fish; the
+rapid river seems too great for the battle-steed to ford.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Valgrind is the lattice called, in the plain that stands, holy
+before the holy gates: ancient is that lattice, but few only know how
+it is closed with lock.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Five hundred doors, and forty eke, I think, are <span class="pagenum">[Pg 22]</span><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" />in Valhall.
+Eight hundred Einheriar will at once from each door go when they issue
+with the wolf to fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Five hundred floors, and forty eke, I think, has Bilskirnir with
+its windings. Of all the roofed houses that I know, is my son's the
+greatest.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Heidr&ucirc;n the goat is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches. He a bowl shall fill with the bright
+mead; that drink shall never fail.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches; from his horns fall drops into
+Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sid and Vid, Soekin and Eikin, Sv&ouml;l and Gunnthr&ocirc;, Fi&ouml;rm and
+Fimbulthul, Rin and Rennandi, Gipul and G&ouml;pul, G&ouml;mul and Geirvimul:
+they round the gods' dwelling wind. Thyn and Vin, Th&ouml;ll and H&ouml;ll, Gr&acirc;d
+and Gunnthorin.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Vina one is called, a second Vegsvin, a third Thiodnuma; Nyt and
+N&ouml;n and Hr&ouml;n, Slid and Hrid, Sylg and Ylg, V&icirc;d and V&acirc;n, V&ouml;nd and
+Str&ouml;nd, Gioll and Leipt; these (two) fall near to men, but fall hence
+to Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> K&ouml;rmt and Ormt, and the Kerlaugs twain: these Thor must wade
+each day, when he to council goes at Yggdrasil's ash; for the
+As-bridge is all on fire, the holy waters boil.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glad and Gyllir, Gler and Skeidbrimir, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
+Gisl and Falh&ocirc;fnir, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on these steeds the &AElig;sir
+each day ride, when they to council go, at Yggdrasil's ash.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 23]</span><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" /></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Three roots stand on three ways under Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under
+one abides, under the second the Hrimthursar, under the third mankind.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Ratat&ouml;sk is the squirrel named, which, has to run in Yggdrasil's
+ash; he from above the eagle's words must carry, and beneath to
+Nidh&ouml;gg repeat.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Harts there are also four, which from its summits, arch-necked,
+gnaw. D&acirc;in and Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathr&ocirc;r.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> More serpents lie under Yggdrasil's ash, than any one would
+think of witless mortals: G&ocirc;in and M&ocirc;in,&mdash;they are Grafvitnir's
+sons&mdash;Gr&acirc;bak and Grafv&ouml;llud, Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ween, the
+branches of that tree ever lacerate.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Yggdrasil's ash hardship suffers greater than men know of; a
+hart bites it above, and in its side it rots, Nidh&ouml;gg beneath tears
+it.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Hrist and Mist the horn shall bear me Skegg&ouml;ld and Sk&ouml;gul, Hl&ouml;kk
+and Herfiotur, Hildi and Thr&ucirc;di, G&ouml;ll and Geir&ouml;lul, Randgr&iacute;d and
+R&acirc;dgr&icirc;d, and Reginleif, these bear beer to the Einheriar.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Arvakr and Alsvid, theirs 'tis up hence fasting the sun to draw:
+under their shoulder the gentle powers, the &AElig;sir, have concealed an
+iron-coolness.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Svalin the shield is called, which stands before the sun, the
+refulgent deity; rocks and ocean must, I ween, be burnt, fell it from
+its place.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Sk&ouml;ll the wolf is named, that the fair-faced goddess to the
+ocean chases; another Hati hight, he is Hr&ocirc;dvitnir's son; he the
+bright maid of heaven shall precede.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 24]</span><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" /></p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of Ymir's flesh was earth created, of his blood the sea, of his
+bones the hills, of his hair trees and plants, of his skull the
+heaven;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> And of his brows the gentle powers formed Midgard for the sons
+of men; but of his brain the heavy clouds are all created.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Ullr's and all the gods' favour shall have, whoever first shall
+look to the fire; for open will the dwelling be, to the &AElig;sir's sons,
+when the kettles are lifted off.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12" /><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Ivaldi's sons went in days of old Skidbladnir to form, of ships
+the best, for the bright Frey, Ni&ouml;rd's benign son.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Yggdrasil's ash is of all trees most excellent, and of all
+ships, Skidbladnir, of the &AElig;sir, Odin, and of horses, Sleipnir,
+Bifr&ouml;st of bridges, and of skallds, Bragi, H&acirc;br&ocirc;k of hawks, and of
+dogs, Garm, [Brimir of swords.]</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Now I my face have raised to the gods' triumphant sons, at that
+will welcome help awake; from all the &AElig;sir, that shall penetrate, to
+Oegir's bench, to Oegir's compotation.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13" /><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> I am called Grim, I am called Gangleri, Herian and Hi&acirc;lmberi,
+Thekk and Thridi, Thund and Ud, Helblindi and Har,</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Sad and Svipall, and Sanngetall, Herteit and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 25]</span><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" />Hnikar Bileyg,
+B&acirc;leyg, B&ouml;lverk, Fi&ouml;lnir, Gr&icirc;m and Grimnir, Glapsvid and Fi&ouml;lsvid,</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> S&icirc;dh&ouml;tt, S&icirc;dskegg Sigf&ouml;dr, Hnikud, Alfodr, Valf&ouml;dr, Atrid and
+Farmatyr; by one name I never have been called, since among men I have
+gone.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Grimnir I am called at Geirr&ouml;d's, and at Asmund's J&acirc;lk and
+Kialar, when a sledge I drew; Thr&ocirc;r at the public meetings, Vidur in
+battles, Oski and Omi, Jafnh&acirc;r and Biflindi, G&ocirc;ndlir and Harbard with
+the gods.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Svidur and Svidrir I was at S&ouml;kkmimir's called, and beguiled
+that ancient J&ouml;tun, when of Midvitnir's renowned son I was the sole
+destroyer.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Drunken art thou, Geirr&ouml;d, thou hast drunk too much, thou art
+greatly by mead beguiled. Much didst thou lose, when thou wast of my
+help bereft, of all the Einheriar's and Odin's favour.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Many things I told thee, but thou hast few remembered: thy
+friends mislead thee. My friend's sword lying I see, with blood all
+dripping.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The fallen by the sword Ygg shall now have; thy life is now run
+out: Wroth with thee are the D&icirc;sir: Odin thou now shalt see: draw near
+to me if thou canst.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Odin I now am named, Ygg I was called before, before that,
+Thund, Vakr and Skilfing, V&acirc;fudr and Hr&ocirc;ptatyr, with the gods, Gaut
+and J&acirc;lk, Ofnir and Svafnir, all which I believe to be names of me
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>King Geirr&ouml;d was sitting with his sword lying across his knees, half
+drawn from the scabbard, but on finding <span class="pagenum">[Pg 26]</span><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" />that it was Odin, he rose for
+the purpose of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt from
+his hand with the hilt downwards; and the king having stumbled, the
+sword pierced him through and killed him. Odin then vanished, and
+Agnar was king for a long time after.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12" /><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently
+reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the intervention
+of the kettles, the &AElig;sir were unable to see Odin's unpleasant position
+between the two fires.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13" /><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> My version of this strophe is not in accordance with
+those of other interpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in
+full confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded him.
+Under the name of Oegir, Gierrod is generally understood: I rather
+think the meaning to be, that all the &AElig;sir who [sit at] Oegir's
+compotation will forthwith come to his aid.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" id="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" />THE LAY OF VEGTAM, OR BALDR'S DREAMS.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Together were the &AElig;sir all in council, and the Asyniur all in
+conference, and they consulted, the mighty gods, why Baldr had
+oppressive dreams.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious
+dreams seemed departed. They the J&ouml;tuns questioned, wise seers of the
+future, whether this might not forebode calamity?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of
+all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the
+other powers&mdash;On a course they resolved:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> That they would send to every being, assurance to solicit, Baldr
+not to harm. All species swore oaths to spare him; Frigg received all
+their vows and compacts.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Valfather fears something defective; he thinks the Hamingiur may
+have departed; the &AElig;sir he convenes, their counsel craves: at the
+deliberation much is devised.]</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Uprose Odin lord of men and on Sleipnir he the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 27]</span><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" />saddle laid; rode
+thence down to Niflhel. A dog he met, from Hel coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was blood-stained on its breast, on its slaughter-craving
+throat, and nether jaw. It bayed and widely gaped at the sire of magic
+song:&mdash;long it howled.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Forth rode Odin&mdash;the ground rattled&mdash;till to Hel's lofty house he
+came. Then rode Ygg to the eastern gate, where he knew there was a
+Vala's grave.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the prophetess, he began a magic song to chant, towards the
+north looked, potent runes applied, a spell pronounced, an answer
+demanded, until compelled she rose, and with deathlike voice she said:</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;What man is this, to me unknown, who has for me increased an
+irksome course? I have with snow been decked, by rain beaten, and with
+dew moistened: long have I been dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Vegtam is my name, I am Valtam's son. Tell thou me of Hel:
+from, earth I call on thee. For whom are those benches strewed o'er
+with rings, those costly couches o'erlaid with gold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Here stands mead, for Baldr brewed, over the bright potion a
+shield is laid; but the &AElig;sir race are in despair. By compulsion I have
+spoken. I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 28]</span><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" /><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who will Baldr's slayer be, and Odin's son of life
+bereave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;H&ouml;dr will hither his glorious brother send, he of Baldr will
+the slayer be, and Odin's son of life bereave. By compulsion I have
+spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who on H&ouml;dr vengeance will inflict, or Baldr's slayer
+raise on the pile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Rind a son shall bear, in the western halls: he shall slay
+Odin's son, when one night old. He a hand will not wash, nor his head
+comb, ere he to the pile has borne Baldr's adversary. By compulsion I
+have spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who the maidens are, that weep at will, and heavenward
+cast their neck-veils? Tell me but that: till then thou sleepest not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Not Vegtam art thou, as I before believed; rather art thou
+Odin, lord of men!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 29]</span><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" /><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of
+three Thursar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never more man
+again visit me, until Loki free from his bonds escapes, and Ragnar&ouml;k
+all-destroying comes.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" id="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" />THE HIGH ONE'S<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14" /><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> LAY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for
+difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much
+haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are
+frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has
+travelled.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and
+hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse
+and answer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A
+laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 30]</span><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in
+conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling,
+harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets
+than great sagacity.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A wary guest,<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15" /><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> who to refection comes, keeps a cautious
+silence, with his ears listens, and with his eyes observes: so
+explores every prudent man.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less
+sure is that which a man must have in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living;
+for bad counsels have oft been received from another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense;
+that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the
+recourse of the indigent.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much
+beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A worse provision no man can take from table than too much
+beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his
+own mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Oblivion's heron 'tis called that over potations hovers; he
+steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered in
+Gunnlods dwelling.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 31]</span><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fialar's. It's
+the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring, should a king's
+children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until his hour of
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids;
+but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is
+silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man's mind
+displayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by
+what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak
+sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if
+thou goest betimes to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow.
+Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the
+prudent comes.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a
+foolish man never knows his stomach's measure.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing: one
+thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from
+faults.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he
+then grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 32]</span><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he
+feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the
+clever.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends;
+but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> A foolish man thinks he knows everything if placed in unexpected
+difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for
+no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks too much. He who
+previously knew nothing will still know nothing, talk he ever so much.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also;
+conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous
+tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a
+stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not
+questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes
+to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he
+babbles among foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment
+each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Early meals a man should often take, unless to a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 33]</span><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" />friend's house
+he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can
+of few things inquire.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend's, though by the
+road he dwell; but to a good friend's the paths lie direct, though he
+be far away.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome
+becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be; at home is every
+one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a
+straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be, at home is every
+one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food
+at every meal-tide.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot's length
+forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he
+refused a present; or of his property so liberal that he scorned a
+recompense.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need;
+for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes
+worse than is expected.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those
+which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest
+friends, if all [else] goes well.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16" /><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 34]</span><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" /><b>42.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts
+requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with
+lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend; to him and to his
+friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend's friend be.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Know, if thou hast a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from
+whom thou woulds't good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his,
+and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst
+good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think
+craftily, and leasing pay with lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou
+suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary
+to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich
+I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but
+a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at
+gifts.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes
+they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked
+man.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither
+bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he
+live long?</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Hotter than fire love for five days burns between <span class="pagenum">[Pg 35]</span><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" />false
+friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and-friendship is
+all impaired.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Something great is not [always] to be given, praise is often for
+a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a
+comrade.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Little are the sand-grains, little the wits, little the minds of
+[some] men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by
+halves.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of
+those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a
+wise man's heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His
+destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from'
+care.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire
+quickened. Man to' man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his
+bashful silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> He should early rise, who another's property or wife desires to
+have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see
+to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half
+depends on energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the
+fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Washed and refected let a man ride to the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 36]</span><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" />Thing,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17" /><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> although
+his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be
+ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be
+accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the
+world knows.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagle over old
+ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he
+will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is
+doughtiest.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in
+trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often
+pays the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others:
+the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had
+needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend's, where of one I
+had eaten.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if
+his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his
+sons is happy, one in his kin, one in abundant wealth, one in his good
+works.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can
+always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man's property, and
+death stood without his door.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 37]</span><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" /></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the
+deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18" /><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>
+no one gets good from a corpse.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> A son is better, even if born late, after his father's
+departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a
+kinsman to a kinsman.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under
+every cloak I expect a hand. * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling entertainment.
+[A ship's yards are short.]<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19" /><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> Variable is an autumn night. Many are
+the weather's changes in five days, but more in a month.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> He [only] knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes
+another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought
+blameworthy.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair
+fame never dies of him who has earned it.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one
+thing that never dies,&mdash;judgment on each one dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Full storehouses I saw at Dives' sons': now bear they the
+beggar's staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of
+friends they are most fickle.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or woman's love, pride
+grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> Then 'tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those
+to the high ones known, which the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 38]</span><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" />great powers invented, and the
+great talker<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20" /><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> painted, that he had best hold silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a
+sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it
+has passed away, beer after it is drunk.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in
+the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages
+are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking,
+but a damsel for a kiss.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; buy a horse
+that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog
+at the farm.</p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> In a maiden's words no one should place faith, nor in what a
+woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and
+guile in their breasts been laid;</p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> In a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering
+crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling
+kettle,</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> A flying dart, a falling billow, a one night's ice, a coiled
+serpent, a woman's bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear's play, or a
+royal child,</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> A sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a
+corpse newly slain, [a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and
+a harlot's grief];</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> An early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son:
+weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 39]</span><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" /></p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> A brother's murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt
+house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken),
+no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.</p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one
+drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and
+unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or
+as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21" /><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are
+men's minds towards women; 'tis then we speak most fair when we most
+falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman's
+love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous
+countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> Let no one wonder at another's folly, it is the lot of many.
+All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is
+conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man
+than not to be content with himself.</p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my
+delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I
+possess her not.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 40]</span><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" /></p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Billing's lass<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22" /><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A
+prince's joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> &quot;Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the
+maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such
+misdeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I
+should obtain her whole heart and love.</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights
+burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.</p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household
+all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.</p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
+that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
+contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
+damsel gained I aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
+wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
+knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
+nature of the simple.</p>
+
+<p><b>105.</b> The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
+by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>106.</b> Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught <span class="pagenum">[Pg 41]</span><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" />of the precious
+mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
+fervent love.</p>
+
+<p><b>107.</b> Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
+over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>108.</b> Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
+wise; for Odhr&aelig;rir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>109.</b> 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
+courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
+my arm.</p>
+
+<p><b>110.</b> On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
+of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
+whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?</p>
+
+<p><b>111.</b> Odin, I believe, a ring-oath<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23" /><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> gave. Who in his faith will
+trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
+weep!</p>
+
+<p><b>112.</b> Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
+of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.</p>
+
+<p><b>113.</b> Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
+graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
+hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:</p>
+
+<p><b>114.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
+to go out.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 42]</span><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" /></p>
+
+<p><b>115.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
+that in her arms she clasp thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>116.</b> She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
+prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
+thou go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>117.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Another's wife entice thou never to secret
+converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>118.</b> I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel,
+provide thee well with food.</p>
+
+<p><b>119.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy
+misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for
+thy good will.</p>
+
+<p><b>120.</b> I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman's words; a false
+tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.</p>
+
+<p><b>121.</b> I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou hast a friend, whom
+thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood
+over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.</p>
+
+<p><b>122.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A good man attract to thee in pleasant
+converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.</p>
+
+<p><b>123.</b> I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to
+quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind
+disclose.</p>
+
+<p><b>124.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a
+witless fool;</p>
+
+<p><b>125.</b> For from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return
+for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 43]</span><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" /></p>
+
+<p><b>126.</b> There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another
+all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He
+is not another's friend who ever says as he says.</p>
+
+<p><b>127.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a
+worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.</p>
+
+<p><b>128.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker,
+unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if
+crooked, will call down evil on thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>129.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard
+that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.</p>
+
+<p><b>130.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let
+good give thee pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>131.</b> I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the
+sons of men then become) that men may not fascinate thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>132.</b> If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou
+must promise fair, and hold to it: no one turns from good if it can be
+got.</p>
+
+<p><b>133.</b> I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be
+thou most wary, and with another's wife; and thirdly, that thieves
+delude thee not.</p>
+
+<p><b>134.</b> With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer.
+They often little know, who sit within, of what race they are who
+come.</p>
+
+<p><b>135.</b> Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts
+mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as
+to be good for nothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 44]</span><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" /></p>
+
+<p><b>136.</b> At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which
+the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from
+those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go
+tottering among the vile.</p>
+
+<p><b>137.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate
+thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>138.</b> Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou
+give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>139.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to
+thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for
+distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery, a hall
+for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for
+bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth
+absorb.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14" /><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Odin is the &quot;High One.&quot; The poem is a collection of
+rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not very
+consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15" /><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins with
+the following three lines:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Wit is needful<br /></span>
+<span>to him who travels far:<br /></span>
+<span>harm seldom befalls the wary:<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original Afzelius and
+Bask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16" /><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> The sense of this line seems doubtful; I have adopted
+the version of Finn Magnusen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17" /><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> The public meeting.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18" /><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> That is dead on the funeral pyre.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19" /><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This line is evidently an interpolation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20" /><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Odin.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21" /><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> From this line it appears that the poem is of Norwegian
+or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in Iceland before the
+middle of the 18th century, when it was Introduced by royal command.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22" /><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> The story of Odin and Billing's daughter is no longer
+extant; but compare the story of Odin and Rinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit.
+Muller &amp; Veleschow.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23" /><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring or
+bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being kept in the
+temple for the purpose.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" id="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" />ODIN'S RUNE-SONG.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24" /><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></h2>
+
+<p><b>140.</b> I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
+with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that
+tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.</p>
+
+<p><b>141.</b> Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 45]</span><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" />downward I peered,
+to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.</p>
+
+<p><b>142.</b> Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bolthorn,
+Bestla's sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from
+Odhr&aelig;rir.</p>
+
+<p><b>143.</b> Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow
+and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I
+sought out facts.</p>
+
+<p><b>144.</b> Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large
+characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted,
+and the high powers formed, and the powers' prince graved:</p>
+
+<p><b>145.</b> Odin among the &AElig;sir, but among the Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin for
+the dwarfs, Asvid for the Jotuns: some I myself graved.</p>
+
+<p><b>146.</b> Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound
+them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them?
+knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how
+to send?<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25" /><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> knowest thou how to consume?</p>
+
+<p><b>147.</b> 'Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks
+to a return. 'Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund
+graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he
+afterwards came.</p>
+
+<p><b>148.</b> Those songs I know which the king's wife knows not nor son of
+man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes
+and cares.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 46]</span><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" /></p>
+
+<p><b>149.</b> For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will
+as leeches live. * * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>150.</b> For the third I know,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26" /><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> if I have great need to restrain my
+foes, the weapons' edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles
+harm aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>151.</b> For the fourth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so
+sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle
+from my hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>152.</b> For the fifth I know, if I see a shot from a hostile hand, a
+shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot
+arrest it, if only I get sight of it.</p>
+
+<p><b>153.</b> For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree's
+roots;<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27" /><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume
+them sooner than me.</p>
+
+<p><b>154.</b> For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o'er its
+inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That
+song I can sing.</p>
+
+<p><b>155.</b> For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where
+hatred grows among the sons of men&mdash;that I can quickly assuage.</p>
+
+<p><b>156.</b> For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water
+to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.</p>
+
+<p><b>157.</b> For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I
+can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own
+minds.</p>
+
+<p><b>158.</b> For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my <span class="pagenum">[Pg 47]</span><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" />ancient friends
+to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to
+the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.</p>
+
+<p><b>159.</b> For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging
+from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall
+walk, and with me converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>160.</b> For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water,
+he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink
+before swords.</p>
+
+<p><b>161.</b> For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to
+enumerate the gods, &AElig;sir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all.
+This few unskilled can do.</p>
+
+<p><b>162.</b> For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before
+Delling's doors. Strength he sang to the &AElig;sir, and to the Alfar
+prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>163.</b> For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden's favour and
+affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed
+damsel, and wholly turn her mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>164.</b> For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will
+reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have
+lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if
+thou learnest them.</p>
+
+<p><b>165.</b> For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or
+wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing
+of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my
+sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>166.</b> Now are sung the High-one's songs, in the High-one's hall, to
+the sons of men all-useful, but useless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 48]</span><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" />to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to
+him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who
+has learnt them! Hail to those who have listened to them!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24" /><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> The first eight strophes of this composition require an
+explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have had many
+interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea of Odin hanging on
+a tree would seem to have been suggested by what we read of the grove
+at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which the victims offered to that deity were
+suspended from the trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin
+may be supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself. It
+no doubt refers to some lost legend.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25" /><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
+missions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26" /><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
+bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
+to him by Snorri.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27" /><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
+roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
+witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
+similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
+trees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" />THE LAY OF HYMIR.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
+compotation, ere they the truth discovered.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28" /><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> Rods<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29" /><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> they shook,
+and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
+Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. &quot;Thou to the
+&AElig;sir shalt oft a compotation give.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
+meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
+him to bring, &quot;in which I beer for all of you may brew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
+powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
+friendly counsel gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
+heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
+cauldron, a rast in depth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 49]</span><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" /><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ.&quot; Rapidly they drove forward
+that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
+hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
+loathful; heads she had nine hundred.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
+beer-cup to her son:</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
+kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
+ill-humour prone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
+from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
+churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
+thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
+famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> See where they sit under the hall's gable, as if to shun thee:
+the pillar stands before them.&quot; In shivers flew the pillar at the
+Jotun's glance; the beam was first broken in two.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Eight kettles fell, but only one of them, a hard-hammered
+cauldron, whole from the column. The two came forth, but the old Jotun
+with eyes surveyed his adversary.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Augured to him his mind no good, when he saw <span class="pagenum">[Pg 50]</span><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" />the giantess's
+sorrow on the floor coming. Then were three oxen taken, and the Jotun
+bade them forthwith be boiled.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Each one they made by the head shorter, and to the fire
+afterwards bore them. Sif's consort ate, ere to sleep he went,
+completely, he alone, two of Hymir's beeves.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Seemed to the hoary friend of Hrungnir Hlorridi's refection full
+well large: &quot;We three to-morrow night shall be compelled on what we
+catch to live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Veor said he would on the sea row, if the bold Jotun him would
+with baits supply: &quot;To the herd betake thee, (if thou in thy courage
+trustest, crusher of the rock-dwellers!) for baits to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I expect that thou wilt bait from an ox easily obtain.&quot; The
+guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox before
+him.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The Thursar's bane wrung from an ox the high fastness of his two
+horns. &quot;To me thy work seems worse by far, ruler of keels! than if
+thou hadst sat quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The lord of goats the apes' kinsman besought the horse of plank
+farther out to move; but the Jotun declared his slight desire farther
+to row.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The mighty Hymir drew, he alone, two whales up with his hook;
+but at the stern abaft Veor cunningly made him a line.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Fixed on the hook the shield of men, the serpent's slayer, the
+ox's head. Gaped at the bait the foe of gods, the encircler beneath of
+every land.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30" /><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 51]</span><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" /><b>23.</b> Drew up boldly the mighty Thor the worm with venom glistening,
+up to the side; with his hammer struck, on his foul head's summit,
+like a rock towering, the wolf's own brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The icebergs resounded, the caverns howled, the old earth shrank
+together: at length the fish back into ocean sank.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31" /><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The Jotun was little glad, as they rowed back, so that the
+powerful Hymir nothing spake, but the oar moved in another course.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Wilt thou do half the work with me, either the whales home to
+the dwelling bear, or the boat fast bind?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hlorridi went, grasped the prow, quickly, with its hold-water,
+lifted the water-steed, together with its oars and scoop; bore to the
+dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved vessel, through the
+wooded hills.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But the Jotun yet ever frowned, to strife accustomed, with Thor
+disputed, said that no one was strong, however vigorously he might
+row, unless he his cup could break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> But Hlorridi, when to his hands it came, forthwith brake an
+upright stone in twain; sitting dashed the cup through the pillars:
+yet they brought it whole to Hymir back.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Until the beauteous woman gave important, friendly counsel,
+which she only knew: &quot;Strike at the head of Hymir, the Jotun with food
+oppressed, that is harder than any cup.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Rose then on his knee the stern lord of goats, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 52]</span><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" />clad in all his
+godlike power. Unhurt remained the old man's helm-block, but the round
+wine-bearer was in shivers broken.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Much good, I know, has departed from me, now that my cup I see
+hurled from my knees.&quot; Thus the old man spake: &quot;I can never say again,
+beer thou art too hot.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Now 'tis to be tried if ye can carry the beer-vessel out of our
+dwelling.&quot; Ty twice assayed to move the vessel, yet at each time stood
+the kettle fast.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Then Modi's father by the brim grasped it, and trod through the
+dwelling's floor. Sif's consort lifted the kettle on his head, while
+about his heels its rings jingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> They had far journeyed before Odin's son cast one look backward:
+he from the caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of
+many-headed monsters coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled
+forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain-giants, who
+with Hymir had him pursued.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Long they had not journeyed when of Hlorridi's goats one lay
+down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had sprung across the
+trace; but the false Loki was of this the cause.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Now ye have heard,&mdash;for what fabulist can more fully tell&mdash;what
+indemnity he from the giant got: he paid for it with his children
+both.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32" /><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 53]</span><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" /><b>39.</b> In his strength exulting he to the gods' council came, and had
+the kettle, which Hymir had possessed, out of which every god shall
+beer with Oegir drink at every harvest-tide.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28" /><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29" /><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> That is divining rods.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30" /><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> The great serpent that encircles the earth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31" /><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> According to the Prose Edda, the giant, overcome with
+fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32" /><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" id="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" />THE LAY OF THRYM, OR THE HAMMER RECOVERED.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wroth was Vingthor, when he awoke, and his hammer missed; his
+beard he shook, his forehead struck, the son of earth felt all around
+him;</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> And first of all these words he uttered: &quot;Hear now, Loki! what I
+now say, which no one knows anywhere on earth, nor in heaven above;
+the As's hammer is stolen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he these words first
+of all said: &quot;Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy feather-garment lend, that
+perchance my hammer I may find?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;That I would give thee, although of gold it were, and trust it
+to thee, though it were of silver.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+&AElig;sir's dwellings, and came within the Jotun's land.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> On a mound sat Thrym, the Thursar's lord, for his greyhounds
+plaiting gold bands and his horses' manes smoothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 54]</span><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;How goes it with the &AElig;sir? How goes it with the Alfar? Why art
+thou come alone to Jotunheim?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Ill it goes with the &AElig;sir, Ill it goes with the Alfar. Hast thou
+Hlorridi's hammer hidden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thrym</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;I have Hlorridi's hammer hidden eight rasts beneath the earth;
+it shall no man get again, unless he bring me Freyia to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+Jotun's dwellings, and came within the &AElig;sir's courts; there he met
+Thor, in the middle court, who these words first of all uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hast thou had success as well as labour? Tell me from the air
+the long tidings. Oft of him who sits are the tales defective, and he
+who lies down utters falsehood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;I have had labour and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the
+Thursar's lord. It shall no man get again, unless he bring him Freyia
+to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> They went the fair Freyia to find; and he those words first of
+all said: &quot;Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal raiment, we two must drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Wroth then was Freyia, and with anger chafed, all the &AElig;sir's
+hall beneath her trembled: in shivers flew the famed Brisinga
+necklace. &quot;Know me to be of women lewdest, if with thee I drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 55]</span><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Straightway went the &AElig;sir all to council, and the Asyniur all to
+hold converse; and deliberated the mighty gods, how they Hlorridi's
+hammer might get back.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then said Heimdall, of &AElig;sir brightest&mdash;he well foresaw, like
+other Vanir&mdash;&quot;Let us clothe Thor with bridal raiment, let him have the
+famed Brisinga necklace.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall round his
+knees, but on his breast place precious stones, and a neat coif set on
+his head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Thor, the mighty As: &quot;Me the &AElig;sir will call womanish,
+if I let myself be clad in bridal raiment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then spake Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;Do thou, Thor! refrain from
+suchlike words: forthwith the Jotuns will Asgard inhabit, unless thy
+hammer thou gettest back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they clad Thor in bridal raiment, and with the noble
+Brisinga necklace, let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall
+round his knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and a neat
+coif set on his head.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then said Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;I will with thee as a servant go:
+we two will drive to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Straightway were the goats homeward driven, hurried to the
+traces; they had fast to run. The rocks were shivered, the earth was
+in a blaze; Odin's son drove to Jotunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Rise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 56]</span><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" />up, Jotuns! and the
+benches deck, now they bring me Freyia to wife, Niord's daughter, from
+Noatun.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Hither to our court let bring gold-horned cows, all-black oxen,
+for the Jotuns' joy. Treasures I have many, necklaces many, Freyia
+alone seemed to me wanting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> In the evening they early came, and for the Jotuns beer was
+brought forth. Thor alone an ox devoured, salmons eight, and all the
+sweetmeats women should have. Sif's consort drank three salds of mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's prince: &quot;Where hast thou seen
+brides eat more voraciously? I never saw brides feed more amply, nor a
+maiden drink more mead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia has nothing eaten for eight
+nights, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Under her veil he stooped desirous to salute her, but sprang
+back along the hall. &quot;Why are so piercing Freyia's looks? Methinks
+that fire burns from her eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia for eight nights has not
+slept, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride-gift she dared
+to ask: &quot;Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain
+my love, my love and favour all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Bring the hammer in, the
+bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on <span class="pagenum">[Pg 57]</span><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" />the maiden's knee; unite us each
+with other by the hand of Vor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Laughed Hlorridi's soul in his breast, when the fierce-hearted
+his hammer recognized. He first slew Thrym, the Thursar's lord, and
+the Jotun's race all crushed;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He slew the Jotun's aged sister, her who a bride-gift had
+demanded; she a blow got instead of skillings, a hammer's stroke for
+many rings. So got Odin's son his hammer back.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" id="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" />THE LAY OF THE DWARF ALVIS.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The benches they are decking, now shall the bride<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33" /><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> with me
+bend her way home. That beyond my strength I have hurried will to
+every one appear: at home naught shall disturb my quiet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What man is this? Why about the nose art thou so pale? Hast thou
+last night with corpses lain? To me thou seemst to bear resemblance to
+the Thursar. Thou art not born to carry off a bride.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Alvis I am named, beneath the earth I dwell, under the rock I own
+a place. The lord of chariots I am <span class="pagenum">[Pg 58]</span><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" />come to visit. A promise once
+confirmed let no one break.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34" /><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> I will break it; for o'er the maid I have, as father, greatest
+power. I was from home when the promise was given thee. Among the gods
+I the sole giver am.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> What man is this, who lays claim to power over that fair, bright
+maiden? For far-reaching shafts few will know thee. Who has decked
+thee with bracelets?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Vingthor I am named, wide I have wandered; I am Sidgrani's son:
+with my dissent thou shalt not that young maiden have, nor that union
+obtain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thy consent I fain would have, and that union obtain. Rather
+would I possess than be without that snow-white maiden.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The maiden's love shall not, wise guest! be unto thee denied, if
+thou of every world canst tell all I desire to know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Vingthor! thou canst try, as thou art desirous the knowledge of
+the dwarf to prove. All the nine worlds I have travelled over, and
+every being known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 59]</span><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Alvis!&mdash;for all men's concerns I presume thee, dwarf,
+to know&mdash;how the earth is called, which lies before the sons of men,
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Jord among men 'tis called, but with the &AElig;sir fold; the Vanir
+call it vega, the Jotuns igroen, the Alfar groandi, the powers supreme
+aur.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc. how the heaven is called, which is
+perceptible in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinn 'tis called by men; but hlyrnir with the gods; vindofni
+the Vanir call it, uppheimr the Jotuns, the Alfar fagrar&aelig;fr, the
+dwarfs driupansal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the moon is called, which men see in
+every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Mani 'tis called by men, but mylinn with the gods, hverfanda
+hvel in Hel<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35" /><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> they call it, skyndi the Jotuns, but the dwarfs skin;
+the Alfar name it artali.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the sun is called, which men's sons
+see in every world.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 60]</span><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" /><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Sol among men 'tis called, but with the gods sunna, the dwarfs
+call it Dvalinn's leika, the Jotuns eyglo, the Alfar fagrahvel, the
+&AElig;sir's sons alskir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc., how the clouds are called, which with
+showers are mingled in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Sky they are called by men, but skurvan by the gods; the Vanir
+call them vindflot, the Jotuns urvan, the Alfar vedrmegin; in Hel they
+are called hialm hulids.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the wind is called, which widely
+passes over every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Windr 'tis called by men, but vavudr by the gods, the
+wide-ruling powers call it gneggiud, the Jotuns oepir, the Alfar
+dynfari, in Hel they call it hvidudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the calm is called, which has to rest
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Logn 'tis called by men, but l&aelig;gi by the gods, the Vanir call it
+vindslot, the Jotuns ofhly, the Alfar dagsevi, the Dwarfs call it dags
+vera.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 61]</span><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., what the sea is called, which men row over
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> S&aelig;r 'tis called by men, but sil&aelig;gia with the gods; the vanir
+call it vagr, the Jotuns alheimr, the Alfar lagastafr, the Dwarfs call
+it diupan mar.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the fire is called, which burns before
+men's sons in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Eldr 'tis called by men, but by the &AElig;sir funi; the Vanir call it
+vagr, the Jotuns frekr, but the Dwarfs forbrennir; in Hel they call it
+hrodudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the forest is called, which grows for
+the sons of men in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Vidr 'tis called by men, but vallarfax by the gods, Hel's
+inmates call it hlidthangr, the Jotuns eldi, the Alfar fagrlimi; the
+Vanir call it vondr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the night is called, that Norvi's
+daughter hight, in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Nott it is called by men, but by the gods niol; the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 62]</span><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" />wide-ruling
+powers call it grima, the Jotuns olios, the Alfar svefngaman; the
+Dwarfs call it draumniorunn.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the seed is called, which the sons of
+men sow in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Bygg it is called by men, but by the gods barr, the Vanir call
+it vaxtr, the Jotuns &aelig;ti, the Alfar lagastafr; in Hel 'tis hnipinn
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the beer is called, which the sons of
+men drink in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Ol it is called by men, but by the &AElig;sir biorr, the Vanir call it
+veig, hreina logr the Jotuns, but in Hel 'tis called miodr: Suttung's
+sons call it sumbl.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> In one breast I have never found more ancient lore. By great
+wiles thou hast, I tell thee, been deluded. Thou art above ground,
+dwarf! at dawn; already in the hall the sun is shining!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33" /><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif. <i>Skaldskap</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34" /><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> This appears to allude to a promise made to the dwarf;
+but of which the story is lost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35" /><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> When this composition was written, it appears that Hel
+was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 63]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" id="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" /><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" />THE LAY OF HARBARD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait or sound, on
+the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
+out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who is the knave of knaves, that by the sound stands yonder?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Who is the churl of churls, that cries across the water?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ferry me across the sound, to-morrow I'll regale thee. I have a
+basket on my back: there is no better food: at my ease I ate, before I
+quitted home, herrings and oats, with which I yet feel sated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Thou art in haste to praise thy meal: thou surely hast no
+foreknowledge; for sad will be thy home: thy mother, I believe, is
+dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thou sayest now what seems to every one most unwelcome to
+know&mdash;that my mother is dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Thou dost not look like one who owns three coun<span class="pagenum">[Pg 64]</span><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" />try dwellings,
+bare-legged thou standest, and like a beggar clothed; thou hast not
+even breeches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Steer hitherward thy boat; I will direct thee where to land. But
+who owns this skiff, which by the strand thou holdest?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Hildolf fief is named who bade me hold it, a man in council wise,
+who dwells in Radso sound. Robbers he bade me not to ferry, or
+horse-stealers, but good men only, and those whom I well knew. Tell me
+then thy name, if thou wilt cross the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I my name will tell, (although I am an outlaw) and all my kin: I
+am Odin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's sire, the gods' mighty
+leader: With Thor thou here mayest speak. I will now ask how thou art
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I am Harbard called; seldom I my name conceal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Why shouldst thou thy name conceal, unless thou crime hast
+perpetrated?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Yet, though I may crime have perpetrated, I will nathless guard
+my life against such as thou art; unless I death-doomed am.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 65]</span><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> It seems to me a foul annoyance to wade across the strait to
+thee, and wet my garments: but I will pay thee, mannikin! for thy
+sharp speeches, if o'er the sound I come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Here will I stand, and here await thee. Thou wilt have found no
+stouter one since Hrungnir's death.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Thou now remindest me how I with Hrungnir fought, that
+stout-hearted Jotun, whose head was all of stone; yet I made him fall,
+and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I was with Fiolvari five winters through, in the isle which
+Algron hight. There we could fight, and slaughter make, many perils
+prove, indulge in love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> How did your women prove towards you?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Sprightly women we had, had they but been meek; shrewd ones we
+had, had they but been kind. Of sand a rope they twisted, and from the
+deep valley dug the earth: to them all I alone was superior in
+cunning. I rested with the sisters seven, and their love and pleasures
+shared. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 66]</span><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I slew Thiassi, that stout-hearted Jotun: up I cast the eyes of
+Allvaldi's son into the heaven serene: they are signs the greatest of
+my deeds. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Great seductive arts I used against the riders of the night,<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36" /><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>
+when from their husbands I enticed them. A mighty Jotun I believed
+Hlebard to be: a magic wand he gave me, but from his wits I charmed
+him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> With evil mind then thou didst good gifts requit&egrave; <i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> One tree gets that which, is from another scraped: each one in
+such case is for self. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In the east I was, and slew the Jotun brides, crafty in evil, as
+they to the mountain went. Great would have been the Jotun race, had
+they all lived; and not a man left in Midgard. What meanwhile didst
+thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> I was in Valland, and followed warfare; princes I excited, but
+never reconciled. Odin has all the jarls that in conflict fall; but
+Thor the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 67]</span><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Unequally thou wouldst divide the folk among the &AElig;sir, if thou
+but hadst the power.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thor has strength over-much, but courage none; from cowardice
+and fear, thou wast crammed into a glove, and hardly thoughtest thou
+wast Thor. Thou durst not then, through thy terror, either sneeze or
+cough, lest Fialar it might hear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Harbard, thou wretch! I would strike thee dead, could I but
+stretch my arm across the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Why wouldst thou stretch thy arm across the sound, when there is
+altogether no offence? But what didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In the east I was, and a river I defended, when the sons of
+Svarang me assailed, and with stones pelted me, though in their
+success they little joyed: they were the first to sue for peace. What
+meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I was in the east, and with a certain lass held converse; with
+that fair I dallied, and long meetings had. I that gold-bright one
+delighted; the game amused her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then you had kind damsels there?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 68]</span><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" /><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of thy aid I had need, Thor! in retaining that maiden lily-fair.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> I would have given it thee, if I had had the opportunity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> I would have trusted thee, my confidence if thou hadst not
+betrayed it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> I am not such a heel-chafer as an old leather shoe in spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The Berserkers' brides I on L&aelig;sso cudgeled; they the worst had
+perpetrated, the whole people, had seduced.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Dastardly didst thou act, Thor! when thou didst cudgel women.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> She-wolves they were, and scarcely women. They crushed my ship,
+which with props I had secured, with iron clubs threatened me, and
+drove away Thialfi. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> I in the army was, which was hither sent, war-banners to raise,
+lances to redden.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 69]</span><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Of that thou now wilt speak, as thou wentest forth us hard terms
+to offer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> That shall be indemnified by a hand-ring, such as arbitrators
+give, who wish to reconcile us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Where didst thou learn words than which I never heard more
+irritating?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> From men I learned them, from ancient men, whose home is in the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou givest certainly a good name to grave-mounds, when thou
+callest them, homes in the woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> So speak I of such a subject.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Thy shrewd words will bring thee evil, if I resolve the sound to
+ford. Louder than a wolf thou wilt howl, I trow, if of my hammer thou
+gettest a touch.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Sif has a gallant at home; thou wilt anxious be to find him:
+thou shalt that arduous work perform; it will beseem thee better.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 70]</span><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou utterest what comes upmost, so that to me it be most
+annoying, thou dastardly varlet! I believe thou art lying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> I believe I am telling truth. Thou art travelling slowly; thou
+wouldst have long since arrived, hadst thou assumed another form.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Harbard! thou wretch! rather is it thou who hast detained me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> I never thought that a ferryman could the course of Asa-Thor
+retard.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> One advice I now will give thee: row hither with thy boat; let
+us cease from threats; approach the sire of Magni.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Go farther from the sound, the passage is refused thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Show me then the way, if thou wilt not ferry me across the
+water.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> That's too little to refuse. 'Tis far to go; 'tis to the stock
+an hour, and to the stone another; then keep the left hand way, until
+thou reachest Verland; there will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 71]</span><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" />Fiorgyn find her son Thor, and
+point out to him his kinsmen's ways to Odin's land.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Can I get there to-day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> With pain and toil thou mayest get there, while the sun is up,
+which, I believe, is now nigh.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Our talk shall now be short, as thou answerest with scoffing
+only. For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee, if another time we
+meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Just go to where all the powers of evil may have thee.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36" /><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Giantesses, witches, etc.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" id="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" />THE JOURNEY OR LAY OF SKIRNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Frey, son of Niord; had one day seated himself in Hlidskialf, and was
+looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there
+saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to
+her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey's
+attendant was named Skirnir; him Niord desired to speak with Frey;
+when Skadi said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Rise up now, Skirnir! go and request our son to speak; and
+inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 72]</span><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Harsh words I have from your son to fear, if I go to speak with
+him, and to inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me now, Frey, prince of gods! for I desire to know, why
+alone thou sittest in the spacious hall the livelong day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Why shall I tell thee, thou young man, my mind's great trouble?
+for the Alfs' illuminator shines every day, yet not for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thy care cannot, I think, be so great, that to me thou canst not
+tell it; for in early days we were young together: well might we trust
+each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> In Gymir's courts I saw walking a maid for whom I long. Her arms
+gave forth light wherewith shone all air and water.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Is more desirable to me that maid than to any youth in early
+days; yet will no one, &AElig;sir or Alfar, that we together live.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Give me but thy steed, which can bear me through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which brandishes itself against the
+Jotuns' race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 73]</span><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I will give thee my steed, which can bear thee through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which will itself brandish, if he is
+bold who raises it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir Speaks to the Horse</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Dark it is without, 'tis time, I say, for us to go across the
+misty fells, over the Thursar's land: we shall both return, or the
+all-potent Jotun will seize us both. Skirnir rides to Jotunheim, to
+Gymir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained at the gate of the
+enclosure that was round Gymir's hall. He rides on to where a cowherd
+was sitting on a mound, and says to him:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, cowherd! as on the mound thou sittest, and watchest all
+the ways, how I to the speech may come, of the young maiden, for
+Gymir's dogs?</p>
+
+<p><i>Cowherd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Either thou art death-doomed, or thou art a departed one. Speech
+wilt thou ever lack with the good maid of Gymir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Better choices than to whine there are for him who is prepared
+to die: for one day was my age decreed, and my whole life determined.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> What is that sound of sounds, which I now sounding hear within
+our dwelling? The earth is shaken, and with it all the house of Gymir
+trembles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 74]</span><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" /><i>A serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets
+his steed browse on the grass.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead;
+although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the &AElig;sir's sons, or of the
+wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our
+halls to visit?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the &AElig;sir's sons, nor of the wise
+Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to
+visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee,
+Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives
+dearest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure;
+nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young
+son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth
+night.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may <span class="pagenum">[Pg 75]</span><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" />have been with
+the young son of Odin. I have no lack of gold in Gymir's courts; for
+my father's wealth I share.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? I thy head will sever from thy neck, if
+thou speakst not favourably to me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Suffer compulsion will I never, to please any man; yet this I
+foresee, if thou and Gymir meet, ye will eagerly engage in fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? Beneath its edge shall the old Jotun fall:
+thy sire is death-doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> With a taming-wand I smite thee, and I will tame thee, maiden!
+to my will. Thou shalt go thither, where the sons of men shall never
+more behold thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On an eagle's mount thou shalt early sit, looking and turned
+towards Hel. Food shall to thee more loathsome be than is to any one
+the glistening serpent among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> As a prodigy thou shalt be, when thou goest forth; Hrimnir shall
+at thee gaze, all beings at thee stare; more wide-known thou shalt
+become than the watch among the gods,<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37" /><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> if thou from thy gratings
+gape.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Solitude and disgust, bonds and impatience, shall thy tears with
+grief augment. Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood
+of care, and a double grief.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 76]</span><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" /></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Terrors shall bow thee down the livelong day, in the Jotuns'
+courts. To the Hrimthursar's halls, thou shalt each day crawl
+exhausted, joyless crawl; wail for pastime shalt thou have, and tears
+and misery.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> With a three-headed Thurs thou shalt be ever bound, or be
+without a mate. Thy mind shall tear thee from morn to morn: as the
+thistle thou shalt be which has thrust itself on the house-top.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the wold I have been, and to the humid grove, a magic wand to
+get. A magic wand I got.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Wroth with thee is Odin, wroth with thee is the &AElig;sir's prince;
+Frey shall loathe thee, even ere thou, wicked maid! shalt have felt
+the gods' dire vengeance.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Hear ye, Jotuns! hear ye, Hrimthursar! sons of Suttung! also ye,
+Æsir's friends! how I forbid, how I prohibit man's joy unto the
+damsel, man's converse to the damsel.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named, that shall possess thee, in the
+grating of the dead beneath; there shall wretched thralls, from the
+tree's roots, goats' water give thee. Other drink shalt thou, maiden!
+never get, either for thy pleasure, or for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thurs<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38" /><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> I cut for thee, and three letters mere: ergi, and
+oedi, and othola. So will I cut them out, as I have cut them, in, if
+there need shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hail rather to thee, youth! and accept an icy cup, filled with
+old mead; although I thought not that I ever should love one of Vanir
+race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 77]</span><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> All my errand will I know, ere I hence ride home. When wilt thou
+converse hold with the powerful son of Niord?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p>Skimir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him,
+asking tidings:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Skirnir! ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, and a foot
+hence thou goest, what thou hast accomplished in Jotunheim, for my
+pleasure or thine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Long is one night, yet longer two will be; how shall I three
+endure. Often a month to me less has seemed than half a night of
+longing.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37" /><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Heimdall.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38" /><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Thurs, etc., the names of magical runes.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 78]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" id="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" /><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" />THE LAY OF RIG.</h2>
+
+<p>In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the &AElig;sir named Heimdall,
+being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where he
+called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In ancient days, they say, along the green ways went the powerful
+and upright sagacious As, the strong and active Rig, his onward course
+pursuing.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Forward he went on the mid-way, and to a dwelling came. The door
+stood ajar, he went in, fire was on the floor. The man and wife sat
+there, hoary-haired, by the hearth, Ai and Edda, in old guise clad.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated in the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then Edda from the ashes took a loaf, heavy and thick, and with
+bran mixed; more besides she laid on the middle of the board; there in
+a bowl was broth on the table set, there was a calf boiled, of cates
+most excellent.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then rose he up, prepared to sleep: Rig would counsel give to
+them both; laid him down in the middle of the bed; the domestic pair
+lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There he continued three nights together, then departed on the
+mid-way. Nine months then passed way.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Edda a child brought forth: they with water sprinkled its swarthy
+skin, and named it Thr&aelig;l.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 79]</span><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> It grew up, and well it throve; of its hands the skin was
+shriveled, the knuckles knotty, * * * and the fingers thick; a hideous
+countenance it had, a curved back, and protruding heels.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He then began his strength to prove, bast to bind, make of it
+loads; then faggots carried home, the livelong day.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then to the dwelling came a woman walking, scarred were her
+foot-soles, her arms sunburnt, her nose compressed, her name was Thy.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> In the middle seat herself she placed; by her sat the house's
+son. They spoke and whispered, prepared a bed, Thr&aelig;l and Thy, and days
+of care.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Children they begat, and lived content: Their names, I think,
+were Hreimr and Fiosnir, Klur and Kleggi, Kefsir, Fulnir, Drumb,
+Digraldi, Drott and Hosvir, Lut and Leggialdi. Fences they erected,
+fields manured, tended swine, kept goats, dug turf.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The daughters were Drumba and Kumba, Okkvinkalfa, and Arinnefia,
+Ysia and Ambatt, Eikintiasna, Totrughypia, and Tronubeina, whence are
+sprung the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Rig then went on, in a direct course, and came to a house; the
+door stood ajar: he went in; fire was on the floor, man and wife sat
+there engaged at work.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> The man was planing wood for a weaver's beam; his beard was
+trimmed, a lock was on his forehead, his shirt close; his chest stood
+on the floor.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His wife sat by, plied her rock, with outstretched arms,
+prepared for clothing. A hood was on her head, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 80]</span><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" />a loose sark over her
+breast, a kerchief round her neck, studs on her shoulders. Afi and
+Amma owned the house.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both; rose from the table,
+prepared to sleep; laid him down in the middle of the bed, the
+domestic pair lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> There he continued three nights together. Nine months then
+passed away. Amma a child brought forth, they with water sprinkled it,
+and called it Karl. The mother in linen swathed the ruddy redhead: its
+eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> It grew up, and well throve; learned to tame oxen, make a
+plough, houses build, and barns construct, make carts, and the plough
+drive.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they home conveyed a lass with pendent keys, and goatskin
+kirtle; married her to Karl. Snor was her name, under a veil she sat.
+The couple dwelt together, rings exchanged, spread couches, and a
+household formed.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Children they begat, and lived content. Hal and Dreng, these
+were named, Held, Thegn, Smith, Breidr-bondi, Bundinskegg, Bui and
+Boddi, Brattskegg and Segg.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> But [the daughters] were thus called, by other names: Snot,
+Brud, Svanni, Svarri, Sprakki, Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, Feima, Ristil;
+whence are sprung the races of churls.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Rig then went thence, in a direct course, and came to a hall:
+the entrance looked southward, the door was half closed, a ring was on
+the door-post.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 81]</span><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> He went in; the floor was strewed, a couple sat facing each
+other, Fadir and Modir, with fingers playing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The husband sat, and twisted string, bent his bow, and
+arrow-shafts prepared; but the housewife looked on her arms, smoothed
+her veil, and her sleeves fastened;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Her head-gear adjusted. A clasp was on her breast; ample her
+robe, her sark was blue; brighter was her brow, her breast fairer, her
+neck whiter than driven snow.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated on the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Then took Modir a figured cloth of white linen, and the table
+decked. She then took thin cakes of snow-white wheat, and on the table
+laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She set forth salvers full, adorned with silver, on the table
+game and pork, and roasted birds. In a can was wine; the cups were
+ornamented. They drank and talked; the day was fast departing, Rig
+would counsel give to them both.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Rig then rose, the bed prepared; there he then remained three
+nights together, then departed on the mid-way. Nine months after that
+passed away.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Modir then brought forth a boy: in silk they wrapped him, with
+water sprinkled him, and named him Jarl. Light was his hair, bright
+his cheeks, his eyes piercing as a young serpent's.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> There at home Jarl grew up, learned the shield to shake, to fix
+the string, the bow to bend, arrows to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 82]</span><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" />shaft, javelins to hurl,
+spears to brandish, horses to ride, dogs to let slip, swords to draw,
+swimming to practise.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thither from the forest came Rig walking, Rig walking: runes he
+taught him, his own name gave him, and his own son declared him, whom
+he bade possess his alodial fields, his alodial fields, his ancient
+dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Jarl then rode thence, through a murky way, over humid fells,
+till to a hall he came. His spear he brandished, his shield he shook,
+made his horse curvet, and his falchion drew, strife began to raise,
+the field to redden, carnage to make; and conquer lands.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Then he ruled alone over eight vills, riches distributed, gave
+to all treasures and precious things; lank-sided horses, rings he
+dispersed, and collars cut in pieces.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39" /><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> The nobles drove through humid ways, came to a hall, where
+Hersir dwelt; there they found a slender maiden, fair and elegant,
+Erna her name.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> They demanded her, and conveyed her home, to Jarl espoused her;
+she under the linen<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40" /><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> went. They together lived, and well throve,
+had offspring, and old age enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bur was their eldest, Barn the second, Jod and Adal, Arfi, Mog,
+Nid and Nidjung. They learned games; Son and Svein swam and at tables
+played. One was named Kund, Kon was youngest.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> There grew up Jarl's progeny; horses they broke, curved shields,
+cut arrows, brandished spears.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> But the young Kon understood runes, &aelig;fin-runes, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 83]</span><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" />and aldr-runes;
+he moreover knew men to preserve, edges to deaden, the sea to calm.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> He knew the voice of birds, how fires to mitigate, assuage and
+quench; sorrows to allay. He of eight men had the strength and energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> He with Rig Jarl in runes contended, artifices practised, and
+superior proved; then acquired Rig to be called, and skilled in runes.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The young Kon rode through swamps and forests, hurled forth
+darts, and tamed birds.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then sang the crow, sitting lonely on a bough! &quot;Why wilt thou,
+young Kon: tame the birds? rather shouldst thou, young Kon! on horses
+ride * * * and armies overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Nor Dan nor Danp halls more costly had, nobler paternal seats,
+than ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
+wounds to inflict.</p>
+
+<p>The rest is wanting.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39" /><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> A common practice: the pieces served as money.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40" /><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> The nuptial veil.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 84]</div>
+<h2><a name="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" id="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" /><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" />OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.</h2>
+
+<p>Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the &AElig;sir, after he
+had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
+entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
+in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
+and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
+being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
+and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
+attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other &AElig;sir and Alfar were also
+present.</p>
+
+<p>Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
+instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
+was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
+Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
+Fimafeng; whereupon the &AElig;sir shook their shields, exclaimed against
+Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
+came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
+what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 85]</span><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" /><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
+the triumphant gods. Of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar that are here within
+not one has a friendly word for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
+hate to the &AElig;sir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
+compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
+powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
+contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?</p>
+
+<p>Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
+in, they all sat silent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
+beseech the &AElig;sir one draught to give me of the bright mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
+seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A seat and place will the &AElig;sir never choose for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 86]</span><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" />thee at their
+board; for well the &AElig;sir know for whom they ought to hold a joyous
+compotation.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Odin! dost thou remember when we in early days blended our blood
+together? When to taste beer thou didst constantly refuse, unless to
+both 'twas offered?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Rise up, Vidar! and let the wolf's sire sit at our compotation;
+that Loki may not utter words of contumely in Oegir's hall.</p>
+
+<p>Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus
+addressed the &AElig;sir:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Hail, &AElig;sir! Hail, Asyniur! And ye, all-holy gods! all, save that
+one As, who sits within there, Bragi, on yonder bench.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A horse and falchion I from my stores will give thee, and also
+with a ring reward thee, if thou the &AElig;sir wilt not requite with
+malice. Provoke not the gods against thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Of horse and rings wilt thou ever, Bragi! be in want. Of the
+&AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are here present, in conflict thou art the
+most backward, and in the play of darts most timid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I know that were I without, as I am now within, the hall of
+Oegir, I thy head would bear in my hand, and so for lying punish thee.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 87]</span><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi! but so thou shouldst not
+be, Bragi, the bench's pride! Go and fight, if thou art angry; a brave
+man sits not considering.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I pray thee, Bragi! let avail the bond of children, and of all
+adopted sons, and to Loki speak not in reproachful words, in Oegir's
+hall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Be silent, Idun! of all women I declare thee most fond of men,
+since thou thy arms, carefully washed, didst twine round thy brother's
+murderer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Loki I address not with opprobrious words, in Oegir's hall.
+Bragi I soothe, by beer excited. I desire not that angry ye fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gefion</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Why will ye, &AElig;sir twain, here within, strive with reproachful
+words? Lopt perceives not that he is deluded, and is urged on by fate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Be silent, Gefion! I will now just mention, how that fair youth
+thy mind corrupted, who thee a necklace gave, and around whom thou thy
+limbs didst twine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thou art raving, Loki! and hast lost thy wits, in calling
+Gefion's anger on thee; for all men's destinies, I ween, she knows as
+thoroughly as I do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 88]</span><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Be silent, Odin! Thou never couldst allot conflicts between men:
+oft hast thou given to those to whom thou oughtest not&mdash;victory to
+cowards.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Knowest thou that I gave to those I ought not&mdash;victory to
+cowards? Thou wast eight winters on the earth below, a milch cow and a
+woman, and didst there bear children. Now that, methinks, betokens a
+base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and
+knocked at houses as a Vala. In likeness of a fortune teller, thou
+wentest among people. Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Your doings ye should never publish among men, what ye, &AElig;sir
+twain, did in days of yore. Ever forgotten be men's former deeds!</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Be thou silent, Frigg! Thou art Fiorgyn's daughter, and ever
+hast been fond of men, since Ve and Vili, it is said, thou, Vidrir's
+wife, didst both to thy bosom take.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Know thou that if I had, in Oegir's halls, a son like Baldr, out
+thou shouldst not go from the &AElig;sir's sons: thou should'st have been
+fiercely assailed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 89]</span><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But wilt thou, Frigg! that of my wickedness I more recount? I am
+the cause that thou seest not Baldr riding to the halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Mad art thou, Loki! in recounting thy foul misdeeds. Frigg, I
+believe, knows all that happens, although she says it not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Be thou silent, Freyia! I know thee full well; thou art not free
+from vices: of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been
+thy paramour.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> False is thy tongue. Henceforth it will, I think, prate no good
+to thee. Wroth with thee are the &AElig;sir, and the Asyniur. Sad shalt thou
+home depart.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Be silent, Freyia! Thou art a sorceress, and with much evil
+blended; since against thy brother thou the gentle powers excited. And
+then, Freyia! what didst thou do?</p>
+
+<p><i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> It is no great wonder, if silk-clad dames get themselves
+husbands, lovers; but 'tis a wonder that a wretched As, that has borne
+children, should herein enter.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Be silent, Niord! Thou wast sent eastward <span class="pagenum">[Pg 90]</span><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" />hence, a hostage from
+the gods. Hymir's daughters had thee for an utensil, and flowed into
+thy mouth.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41" /><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> <i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> 'Tis to me a solace, as I a long way hence was sent, a hostage
+from the gods, that I had a son, whom no one hates, and accounted is a
+chief among the &AElig;sir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Cease now, Niord! in bounds contain thyself; I will no longer
+keep it secret: it was with thy sister thou hadst such a son; hardly
+worse than thyself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Frey is best of all the exalted gods in the &AElig;sir's courts: no
+maid he makes to weep, no wife of man, and from bonds looses all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Be silent, Ty! Thou couldst never settle a strife 'twixt two; of
+thy right hand also I must mention make, which Fenrir from thee tore.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I of a hand am wanting, but thou of honest fame; sad is the lack
+of either. Nor is the wolf at ease: he in bonds must bide, until the
+gods' destruction.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Be silent, Ty; to thy wife it happened to have a son by me. Nor
+rag nor penny ever hadst thou, poor wretch! for this injury.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 91]</span><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I the wolf see lying at the river's mouth, until the powers are
+swept away. So shalt thou be bound, if thou art not silent, thou
+framer of evil.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> With gold thou boughtest Gymir's daughter, and so gavest away
+thy sword: but when Muspell's sons through the dark forest ride, thou,
+unhappy, wilt not have wherewith to fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Know that were I of noble race, like Ingun's Frey, and had so
+fair a dwelling, than marrow softer I would bray that ill-boding crow,
+and crush him limb by limb.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> What little thing is that I see wagging its tail, and snapping
+eagerly? At the ears of Frey thou shouldst ever be, and clatter under
+mills.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Byggvir I am named, and am thought alert, by all gods and men;
+therefore am I joyful here, that all the sons of Hropt drink beer
+together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Be silent, Byggvir! Thou couldst never dole out food to men,
+when, lying in thy truckle bed, thou wast not to be found, while men
+were fighting.</p>
+
+<p><i>Heimdall</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Loki, thou art drunk, and hast lost thy wits. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 92]</span><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" />Why dost thou not
+leave off, Loki? But drunkenness so rules every man, that he knows not
+of his garrulity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Be silent, Heimdall! For thee in early days was that hateful
+life decreed: with a wet back thou must ever be, and keep watch as
+guardian of the gods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou art merry, Loki! Not long wilt thou frisk with an unbound
+tail; for thee, on a rock's point, with the entrails of thy ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Know, if on a rock's point, with the entrails of my ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind me, that first and foremost I was at the
+slaying, when we assailed Thiassi.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Know, if first and foremost thou wast at the slaying, when ye
+assailed Thiassi, that from my dwellings and fields shall to thee ever
+cold counsels come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Milder wast thou of speech to Laufey's son, when to thy bed thou
+didst invite me. Such matters must be mentioned, if we accurately must
+recount our vices.</p>
+
+<p>Then came Sif forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Hail to thee, Loki! and this cool cup receive, full of old mead:
+at least me alone, among the blameless &AElig;sir race, leave stainless.</p>
+
+<p>He took the horn, drank, and said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 93]</span><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" /></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> So alone shouldst thou be, hadst thou strict and prudent been
+towards thy mate; but one I know, and, I think, know him well, a
+favoured rival of Hlorridi, and that is the wily Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Beyla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The fells all tremble: I think Hlorridi is from home journeying.
+He will bid be quiet him who here insults all gods and men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Be silent, Beyla! Thou art Byggvir's wife, and with much evil
+mingled: never came a greater monster among the &AElig;sir's sons. Thou art
+a dirty strumpet.</p>
+
+<p>Thor then came in and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. I will thy head from thy neck strike; then will thy
+life be ended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Now the son of earth is hither come. Why dost thou chafe so,
+Thor? Thou wilt not dare do so, when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
+and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Up I will hurl thee to the east region, and none
+shall see thee after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of thy eastern travels thou shouldest never to people speak,
+since in a glove-thumb thou, Einheri! wast doubled up, and hardly
+thoughtest thou wast Thor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 94]</span><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating: with this right hand I, Hrungnir's bane, will smite
+thee, so that thy every bone be broken.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though with thy hammer
+thou dost threaten me. Skrymir's thongs seemed to thee hard, when at
+the food thou couldst not get, when, in full health, of hunger dying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Hrungnir's bane shall cast thee down to Hel, beneath
+the gratings of the dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I have said before the &AElig;sir, I have said before the &AElig;sir's sons,
+that which my mind suggested: but for thee alone will I go out;
+because I know that thou wilt fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Oegir! thou hast brewed beer; but thou never shalt henceforth a
+compotation hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame shall
+play over, and on thy back shall burn thee.</p>
+
+<p>After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the
+waterfall of Franangr, where the &AElig;sir caught him, and bound him with
+the entrails of his son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed
+into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous serpent, and fastened it up over
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 95]</span><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" />Loki's face. The venom trickled down from it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat
+by, and held a basin under the venom; and when the basin was full,
+carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki, who shrank
+from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
+are now called earthquakes.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41" /><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The events related in this strophe are probably a mere
+perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niord's history.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" id="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" />THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the
+giant race.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place
+for thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering
+round the perilous flame? Whom dost thou seek? Of what art thou in
+quest? Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the
+wayfarer offers not hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast
+thou lived: but hence hie thee home.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not
+prodigal. Within these courts thou shalt never come: so now, wretch!
+take thyself off.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 96]</span><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" /><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> From the eye's delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is
+something pleasant to be seen. These walls, methinks, shine around
+golden halls. Here I could live contented with my lot.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast
+sprung.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was
+Fiolkald.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to
+know: who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin's
+son. She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which
+among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi's three sons constructed
+it: a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 97]</span><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" />called, than
+which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's
+limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world
+lasts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase
+away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst
+know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those
+fierce assailants sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the
+watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so
+that no wight can enter if he comes.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can
+get, such that they can run in while they eat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 98]</span><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" />wouldst know:
+that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they
+eat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its
+branches spreads itself over every land?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it
+springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron
+will harm it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed
+tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out
+then will pass what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the cock is called that sits in
+that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs
+of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the
+swart bird at his lonely meal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before
+which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 99]</span><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" /><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> H&aelig;vatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the
+gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with
+nine strong locks secured.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who
+seeks after, and will take, that rod?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he
+bears that which few possess to the dame of the glassy clay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that
+mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag
+shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an
+arm for conflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is
+girt round with a curious flickering flame?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's
+point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay
+known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 100]</span><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the &AElig;sir's sons has that
+constructed, which within the court I saw?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri,
+Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I
+see a splendid maiden stand?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the
+bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a
+year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., how those maids are called, who sit at
+Menglod's knees in harmony together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Hlif the first is called, the second is Hlifthursa, the third
+Thiodvarta, Biort and Blid, Blidr, Frid, Eir and Orboda.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether they protect those who offer
+to them, if it should, be needful?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Every summer in which men offer to them, at the holy place, no
+pestilence so great shall come to the sons of men, but they will free
+each from peril.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 101]</span><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any man that may in
+Menglod's soft arms sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> There is no man who may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only
+Svipdag; to him the sun-bright maid is for wife betrothed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Set the doors open! Let the gate stand wide; here thou mayest
+Svipdag see; but yet go learn if Menglod will accept my love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Hear, Menglod! A man is hither come: go and behold the stranger;
+the dogs rejoice; the house has itself opened. I think it must be
+Svipdag.</p>
+
+<p><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fierce ravens shall, on the high gallows, tear out thy eyes, if
+thou art lying, that hither from afar is come the youth unto my halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Whence art thou come? Whence hast thou journeyed? How do thy
+kindred call thee? Of thy race and name I must have a token, if I was
+betrothed to thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Svipdag I am named, Solbiart was my father named; thence the
+winds on the cold ways drove me. Urd's decree may no one gainsay,
+however lightly uttered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 102]</span><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" /><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Welcome thou art: my will I have obtained; greeting a kiss shall
+follow. A sight unlooked-for gladdens most persons, when one the other
+loves.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Long have I sat on my loved hill, day and night expecting thee.
+Now that is come to pass which I have hoped, that thou, dear youth,
+again to my halls art come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Longing I have undergone for thy love; and thou, for my
+affection. Now it is certain, that we shall pass our lives together.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" />THE LAY OF HYNDLA.</h2>
+
+<p>Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the
+purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's genealogy, such
+information being required by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr.
+Having obtained this, Freyia further requests Hyndla to give Ottar a
+potion (minnisol) that will enable him to remember all that has been
+told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having
+encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but
+accompanied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a blessing.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake, maid of maids! Wake, my friend! Hyndla! Sister! who in the
+cavern dwellest. Now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 103]</span><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" />there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall
+ride, and to the holy fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and
+grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet,
+and from him Sigmund a sword received.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to
+the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy
+to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may
+be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with
+runic rein.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42" /><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> <i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I will my noble palfrey saddle.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest
+it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43" /><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>
+the young Ottar, Innstein's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest
+that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles
+with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two
+skilful <span class="pagenum">[Pg 104]</span><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" />dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. From the saddle we will talk: let us
+sit, and of princely families discourse, of those chieftains who from
+the gods descend. They have contested for the dead's gold, Ottar the
+young and Angantyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A duty 'tis to act so that the young prince his paternal
+heritage may have, after his kindred.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> An offer-stead to me he raised, with stones constructed; now is
+that stone as glass become. With the blood of oxen he newly sprinkled
+it. Ottar ever trusted in the Asyniur.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Now let us reckon up the ancient families, and the races of
+exalted men. Who are the Skioldungs? Who are the Skilfings? Who the
+Odlings? Who the Ylfings? Who the hold-born? Who the hers-born? The
+choicest race of men under heaven?</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou, Ottar! art of Innstein born, but Innstein was from Alf the
+Old, Alf was from Ulf, Ulf from S&aelig;fari, but S&aelig;fari from Svan the Red.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces famed, she, I think,
+was named Hledis the priestess; Frodi her father was, and her mother
+Friant: all that stock is reckoned among chieftains.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Ali was of old of men the strongest, Halfdan before him, the
+highest of the Skioldungs; (Famed were the wars by those chieftains
+led) his deeds seemed to soar to the skirts of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> By Eimund aided, chief of men, he Sigtrygg slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 105]</span><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" />with the cold
+steel. He Almveig had to wife, first of women. They begat and had
+eighteen sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> From them the Skioldungs, from them the Skilfings, from them the
+Odlings, from them the Ynglings, from them the hold-born, from them
+the hers-born, the choicest race of men under heaven. All that race is
+thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Hildegun her mother was, of Svafa born and a sea-king. All that
+race is thine, Ottar Heimski! Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a
+longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Dag wedded Thora, mother of warriors: of that race were born the
+noble champions, Fradmar, Gyrd, and the Frekis both, Am, Josur, Mar,
+Alf the Old. Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Ketil their friend was named, heir of Klyp; he was maternal
+grandsire of thy mother. Then was Frodi yet before Kari, but the
+eldest born was Alf.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Nanna was next, Nokkvi's daughter; her son was thy father's
+kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd and Horfi. All
+that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's sons and Skurhild's Skekkil's daughter;
+thou shalt yet count chieftains many. All that race is thine, Ottar
+Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Gunnar, Balk, Grim, Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi,
+Bui and Brami, Barri and Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, the two Haddingis.
+All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> To toil and tumult were the sons of Arngrim born, and of Eyfura:
+ferocious berserkir, calamity of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 106]</span><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" />every kind, by land and sea, like
+fire they carried. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> I knew both Brodd and Horfi, they were in the court of Hrolf the
+Old; all descended from Jormunrek, son-in-law of Sigurd. (Listen to my
+story) the dread of nations, him who Fafnir slew.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He was a king, from Volsung sprung, and Hiordis from Hrodung;
+but Eylimi from the Odlings. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Gunnar and Hogni, sons of Giuki; and Gudrun likewise, their
+sister. Guttorm; was not of Giuki's race, although he brother was of
+them both. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Harald Hildetonn, born of Hr&aelig;rekir Slongvanbaugi; he was a son
+of Aud, Aud the rich was Ivar's daughter; but Radbard was Randver's
+father. They were heroes to the gods devoted. All that race is thine,
+Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> There were eleven &AElig;sir reckoned, when Baldr on the pile was
+laid; him Vali showed himself worthy to avenge, his own brother: he
+the slayer slew. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Baldr's father was son of Bur: Frey to wife had Gerd, she was
+Gymir's daughter, from Jotuns sprung and Aurboda; Thiassi also was
+their relation, that haughty Jotun; Skadi was his daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> We tell thee much, and remember more: I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Haki was not the worst of Hvedna's sons, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 107]</span><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" />Hiorvard was
+Hvedna's father; Heid and Hrossthiof were of Hrimnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> All the Valas are from Vidolf; all the soothsayers from
+Vilmeidr, all the sorcerers from Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns come from
+Ymir.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> We tell thee much, and more remember, I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There was one born, in times of old, with wondrous might
+endowed, of origin divine: nine Jotun maids gave birth to the gracious
+god, at the world's margin.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Gialp gave him birth, Greip gave him birth, Eistla gave him
+birth, and Angeia; Ulfrun gave him birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd and Atla,
+and Jarnsaxa.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The boy was nourished with the strength of earth, with the
+ice-cold sea, and with Son's blood. We tell thee much, and more
+remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. Wishest thou a yet longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Loki begat the wolf with Angrboda, but Sleipnir he begat with
+Svadilfari: one monster seemed of all most deadly, which from
+Byleist's brother sprang.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Loki, scorched up in his heart's affections, had found a
+half-burnt woman's heart. Loki became guileful from that wicked woman;
+thence in the world are all giantesses come.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Ocean towers with storms to heaven itself, flows o'er the land;
+the air is rent: thence come snows and rapid winds; then it is decreed
+that the rain should cease.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> There was one born greater than all, the boy was <span class="pagenum">[Pg 108]</span><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" />nourished with
+the strength of earth; he was declared a ruler, mightiest and richest,
+allied by kinship to all princes.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Then shall another come, yet mightier, although I dare not his
+name declare. Few may see further forth than when Odin meets the wolf.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Bear thou the memory-cup to my guest, so that he may all the
+words repeat of this, discourse, on the third morn, when he and
+Angantyr reckon up races.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Go thou quickly hence, I long to sleep; more of my wondrous
+power thou gettest not from me. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at
+nights, as among he-goats the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen
+under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among
+he-goats, the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so that thou goest
+not ever away from hence.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Fire I see burning, and the earth blazing; many will have their
+lives to save. Bear thou the cup to Ottar's hand, the mead with venom
+mingled, in an evil hour!</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Thy malediction shall be powerless; although thou, Jotun-maid!
+dost evil threaten. He shall drink delicious draughts. All the gods I
+pray to favour Ottar.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42" /><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> That is, with a rein inscribed with runes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43" /><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> The road to Valhall.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 109]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" id="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" /><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" />THE INCANTATION OF GROA.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake up, Groa! wake up, good woman! at the gates of death I wake
+thee! if thou rememberest, that thou thy son badest to thy grave-mound
+to come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What now troubles my only son? With what affliction art thou
+burthened, that thou thy mother callest, who to dust is come, and from
+human homes departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my
+has father in his bosom cherished, when thou badest me go no one knows
+whither, Menglod to meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Long is the journey, long are the ways, long are men's desires.
+If it so fall out, that thou thy will obtainest, the event must then
+be as it may.</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Sing to me songs which are good. Mother! protect thy son. Dead on
+my way I fear to be. I seem too young in years.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I will sing to thee first one that is thought most <span class="pagenum">[Pg 110]</span><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" />useful, which
+Rind sang to Ran; that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast what to
+thee seems irksome: let thyself thyself direct.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A second I will sing to thee, as thou hast to wander joyless on
+thy ways. May Urd's protection hold thee on every side, where thou
+seest turpitude.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A third I will sing to thee. If the mighty rivers to thy life's
+peril fall, Horn and Rud, may they flow down to Hel, and for thee ever
+be diminished.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A fourth I will sing to thee. If foes assail thee ready on the
+dangerous road, their hearts shall fail them, and to thee be power,
+and their minds to peace be turned.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A fifth I will sing to thee. If bonds be cast on thy limbs,
+friendly spells I will let on thy joints be sung, and the lock from
+thy arms shall start, [and from thy feet the fetter].</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A sixth I will sing to thee. If on the sea thou comest, more
+stormy than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag attend
+thee, and a tranquil course afford thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A seventh I will sing to thee. If on a mountain high frost
+should assail thee, deadly cold shall not thy carcase injure, nor draw
+thy body to thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out
+on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to
+do thee harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed spear-armed
+Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart
+abundance shall be given.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Go now ever where calamity may be, and no <span class="pagenum">[Pg 111]</span><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" />harm shall obstruct
+thy wishes. On a stone fast in the earth I have stood within the door,
+while songs I sang to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> My son! bear hence thy mother's words, and in thy breast let
+them dwell; for happiness abundant shalt thou have in life, while of
+my words thou art mindful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" id="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" />THE SONG OF THE SUN.</h2>
+
+<p>This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts,
+assigned to S&aelig;mund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given
+under the form of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to
+address his son from another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly
+connected with the following ones, which, as far as the 32nd consist
+chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling those in
+the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital of the last
+illness of the supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
+passed through on the way to its final home.</p>
+
+<p>The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and
+Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's own religion was in a
+transition state. Of the allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be
+observed that they are chiefly to persons and actions of which there
+is no trace in the Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly
+the fruits of the poet's own imagination. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 112]</span><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" />The title of the poem is no
+doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning of
+strophes 39-45.</p>
+
+<p>For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version
+of &quot;the Song of the Sun,&quot; the reader may consult &quot;Les Chants de Sol,&quot;
+by Professor Bergmann, Strasbourg &amp; Paris, 1858.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over
+the ways beset by him might no one living pass.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast;
+until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from
+the way.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be:
+with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so
+evil-minded.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart;
+on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was
+an evil-doer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly
+treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his
+wary cautious host.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke;
+but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he
+had slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in
+a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with
+him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command
+his tranquillity.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 113]</span><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" /></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Unnar and S&aelig;valdi never imagined that happiness would fall from
+them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran
+to the forest.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often
+caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them
+pure created.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the
+other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was
+destined for their perdition.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or
+joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright
+form.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they
+enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful
+friends.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm
+they went,<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44" /><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> for that fair woman, and each one found his death.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those
+who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their
+well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be
+above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to
+appoint.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 114]</span><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" />gold for
+sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and
+fire.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair:
+promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in
+Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer,
+but he proved false.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return
+promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together
+drank; but then came forth their guile.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode,
+they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go
+forth.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal)
+into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but
+the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in
+spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy
+will.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with
+evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to
+the soul.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind
+created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 115]</span><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" /></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that
+which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing
+asks: few heed the wants of the silent.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door;
+thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of
+the feast partake.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no
+one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he
+will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to
+thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all
+useful to learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and
+secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money
+crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow: many have riches driven
+to madness.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me:
+our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous;
+but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the
+doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend
+them, but they were strong. 'Tis easy free to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 116]</span><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of
+Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but
+Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from
+this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she
+was before.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I
+bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to
+know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with
+blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for
+my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world
+declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the
+mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away;
+high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I
+lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: &quot;Man is the same as
+earth.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 117]</span><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" /></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven
+and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of
+my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too
+much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> In the Norns' seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a
+horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping
+clouds of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether
+worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the
+readiest paths.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds
+of torment came:&mdash;scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as
+flies.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Gl&aelig;val's paths
+obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and
+heaven to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two
+together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to
+heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in
+all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's
+well.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I
+heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground
+earth for food.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 118]</span><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" /></p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts
+hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed-strewed paths; their
+faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not
+have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly
+characters.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune;
+bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild:
+this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's
+property: in shoals they went to Castle-covetous, and burthens bore of
+lead.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft:
+through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands
+were on hot stones firmly nailed.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly;
+their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered:
+Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which <span class="pagenum">[Pg 119]</span><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" />Hel's inmates
+suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties: pains ever follow
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights
+were above their heads brightly burning.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid:
+angels, read holy books above their heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted:
+God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> I saw those men who had put food into their mothers' mouth:
+their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of those men,
+who for a long time had themselves tormented.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to
+God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I
+pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Biugvor and Iyistvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat;
+iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her
+sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone <span class="pagenum">[Pg 120]</span><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" />obtained for
+thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise
+Vigdvalin.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine,
+Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi!
+bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil
+custom.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living
+sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's
+rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living
+comfort.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen
+the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the
+Sun-song.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44" /><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> That is, <i>they engaged in single combat</i>; the spot for
+such encounters being called a <i>holm</i>, consisting of a circular space
+marked out by stones.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 121]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" id="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" /><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" />THE LAY OF VOLUND.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king in Sweden named Nidud: he had two sons and a
+daughter, whose name was Bodvild. There were three brothers, sons of a
+king of the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil, the third
+Volund. They went on snow-shoes and hunted wild-beasts. They came to
+Ulfdal, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water
+called Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake
+three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their
+swan-plumages: they were Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and
+Hervor-Alvit, were daughters of King Hlodver; the third was Olrun, a
+daughter of Kiar of Valland. They took them home with them to their
+dwelling. Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit. They
+lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and
+did not return. Egil then went on snow-shoes in search of Olrun, and
+Slagfid in search of Svanhvit, but Volund remained in Ulfdal. He was a
+most skilful man, as we learn from old traditions. King Nidud ordered
+him to be seized, so as it is here related.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Maids flew from the south, through the murky wood, Alvit the
+young, fate to fulfil. On the lake's margin they sat to repose, the
+southern damsels; precious flax they spun.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 122]</span><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" /></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil
+clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the
+third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were
+with longing seized; and in the ninth fate parted them. The maidens
+yearned for the murky wood, the young Alvit, fate to fulfil.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> From the chase came the ardent hunters, Slagfid and Egil, found
+their house deserted, went out and in, and looked around. Egil went
+east after Olrun, and Slagfid west after Svanhvit;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> But Volund alone remained in Ulfdal. He the red gold set with the
+hard gem, well fastened all the rings on linden bast, and so awaited
+his bright consort, if to him she would return.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> It was told to Nidud, the Niarars' lord, that Volund alone
+remained in Ulfdal. In the night went men, in studded corslets, their
+shields glistened in the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> From their saddles they alighted at the house's gable, thence
+went in through the house. On the bast they saw the rings all drawn,
+seven hundred, which the warrior owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> And they took them off, and they put them on, all save one, which
+they bore away. Came then from the chase the ardent hunter, Volund,
+gliding<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45" /><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> on the long way.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the fire he went, bear's flesh to roast. Soon <span class="pagenum">[Pg 123]</span><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" />blazed the
+brushwood, and the arid fir, the wind-dried wood, before Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> On the bearskin sat, his rings counted, the Alfar's companion:
+one was missing. He thought that Hlodver's daughter had it, the young
+Alvit, and that she was returned.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> So long he sat until he slept; and he awoke of joy bereft: on
+his hands he felt heavy constraints, and round his feet fetters
+clasped.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Who are the men that on the rings' possessor have laid bonds?
+and me have bound?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then cried Nidud, the Niarars' lord: &quot;Whence gottest thou,
+Volund! Alfars' chief!<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46" /><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> our gold, in Ulfdal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;No gold was here in Grani's path, far I thought our land from
+the hills of Rhine. I mind me that we more treasures possessed, when,
+a whole family, we were at home.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hladgud and Hervor were of Hlodver born; known was Olrun, Kiar's
+daughter, she entered into the house, stood on the floor, her voice
+moderated: Now is he not mirthful, who from the forest comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>King Nidud gave to his daughter Bodvild the ring which had been taken
+from the bast in Volund's house; but he himself bore the sword that
+had belonged to Volund. The queen said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His teeth he shows, when the sword he sees, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 124]</span><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" />Bodvild's ring
+he recognizes: threatening are his eyes as a glistening serpent's: let
+be severed his sinews' strength; and set him then in S&aelig;varstad.</p>
+
+<p>This was done; he was hamstrung, and then set on a certain small
+island near the shore, called S&aelig;varstad. He there forged for the king
+all kinds of jewellery work. No one was allowed to go to him, except
+the king. Volund said:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could
+most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly. That
+bright blade forever is taken from me: never shall I see it borne into
+Volund's smithy.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now Bodvild wears my consort's red-gold rings: for this I have
+no indemnity.&quot; He sat and never slept, and his hammer plied; but much
+more speedy vengeance devised on Nidud.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The two young sons of Nidud ran in at the door to look, in
+S&aelig;varstad. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was
+their grudge, when therein they looked.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Many necklaces were there, which to those youths appeared of the
+red gold to be, and treasures. &quot;Come ye two alone, to-morrow come;
+that gold shall be given to you.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Tell it not to the maidens, nor to the household folk, nor to
+any one, that ye have been with me.&quot; Early called one the other,
+brother, brother: &quot;Let us go see the rings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> To the chest they came, for the keys asked; mani<span class="pagenum">[Pg 125]</span><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" />fest was their
+grudge, when therein they looked. Of those children he the heads cut
+off, and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair he in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones he formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife he sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But of the teeth of the two breast-ornaments he made, and to
+Bodvild sent. Then did Bodvild praise the ring: to Volund brought it,
+when she had broken it: &quot;I dare to no tell it, save alone to thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Volund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;I will so repair the fractured gold, that to thy father it
+shall fairer seem, and to thy mother much more beautiful, and to
+thyself, in the same degree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He then brought her beer, that he might succeed the better, as
+on her seat she fell asleep. &quot;Now have I my wrongs avenged, all save
+one in the wood perpetrated.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47" /><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I wish,&quot; said Volund, &quot;that on my feet I were, of the use of
+which Nidud's men have deprived me.&quot; Laughing Volund rose in air:
+Bodvild weeping from the isle departed. She mourned her lover's
+absence, and for her father's wrath.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Stood without Nidud's wily wife; then she went in through the
+hall; but he on the enclosure sat down to rest. &quot;Art thou awake
+Niarars' lord!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Ever am I awake, joyless I lie to rest, when I call to mind my
+children's death: my head is chilled, cold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 126]</span><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" />are to me thy counsels.
+Now with Volund I desire to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Tell me, Volund, Alfars' chief! of my brave boys what is
+become?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Oaths shalt thou first to me swear, by board of ship, by rim of
+shield, by shoulder of steed, by edge of sword, that thou wilt not
+slay the wife of Volund, nor of my bride cause the death; although a
+wife I have whom ye know, or offspring within thy court.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the smithy go, which thou hast made, there wilt thou the
+bellows find with blood besprinkled. The heads I severed of thy boys,
+and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair I in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones I formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife I sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Of the teeth of the two, breast-ornaments I made, and to Bodvild
+sent. Now Bodvild goes big with child, the only daughter of you both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Word didst thou never speak that more afflicted me, or for
+which I would more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that
+he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee
+down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Laughing Volund rose in air, but Nidud sad remained sitting.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;Rise up Thakrad, my best of thralls! bid Bodvild, my
+fair-browed daughter, in bright attire come, with her sire to speak.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 127]</span><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it, Bodvild! true what has been told to me, that thou and
+Volund in the isle together sat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;True it is, Nidud! what has been told to thee, that Volund and
+I in the isle together sat, in an unlucky hour: would it had never
+been! I could not against him strive, I might not against him
+prevail.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45" /><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> On snow-shoes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46" /><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> The designation of Alfars' chief, or prince, applied to
+Volund, who, as we learn from the prose introduction, was a son of a
+king of the Finns, may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance
+that the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology, and was
+probably composed when that system was in its decline and giving place
+to the heroic or romantic.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47" /><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> The translation of this line is founded solely on a
+conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded to may be the
+hamstringing.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" id="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" />THE LAY OF HELGI HIORVARD'S SON.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four wives, one of whom was
+named Alfhild, their son was named Hedin; the second was named S&aelig;reid,
+their son was Humlung; the third was named Sinriod, their son was
+Hymling. King Hiorvard made a vow that he would have to wife the most
+beautiful woman he knew of, and was told that King Svafnir had a
+daughter of incomparable beauty, named Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named
+Idmund, whose son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for the
+king. He stayed throughout the winter with King Svafnir. There was a
+jarl there named Franmar, who was the foster-father of Sigrlinn, and
+had a daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the maiden should be
+refused, and Atli returned home. One day when the jarl's son Atli was
+standing in a grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above him,
+which had heard that his men called the wives which King Hiorvard had
+the most beautiful. The bird talked, and Atli listened to what it
+said. The bird said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 128]</span><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, Svafnir's daughter, of maidens fairest,
+in her pleasant home? though fair the wives of Hiorvard seem to men in
+Glasis-lund.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> With Atli, Idmund's son, sagacious bird! wilt thou further speak?</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p>I will if the prince will offer to me, and I may choose what I will
+from the king's court.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Choose not Hiorvard nor his sons, nor the fair daughters of that
+prince, nor the wives which the king has. Let us together bargain;
+that is the part of friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> A fane I will chose, offer steads many, gold-horned cows from the
+chief's land, if Sigrlinn sleep in his arms, and unconstrained with
+that prince shall live.</p>
+
+<p>This took place before Atli's journey; but after his return, when the
+king asked his tidings, he said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Labour we have had, but errand none performed; our horses failed
+us in the vast fell; we had afterwards a swampy lake to ford; then was
+denied us Svafnir's daughter with rings adorned, whom we would obtain.</p>
+
+<p>The king commanded them to go a second time, and also went himself.
+But when they had ascended a fell, and saw in Svavaland the country on
+fire, and a great reek from the horses of cavalry, the king rode down
+the fell into the country, and took up his night-quarters by a river.
+Atli kept watch, and crossed the river, and came <span class="pagenum">[Pg 129]</span><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" />to a house, on which
+sat a great bird to guard it, but was asleep. Atli shot the bird dead
+with an arrow. In the house he found the king's daughter Sigrlinn, and
+Alof daughter of Franmar, and brought them both away with him. The
+jarl Franmar had taken the form of an eagle, and protected them from a
+hostile army by sorcery. There was a king named Hrodmar, a wooer of
+Sigrlinn: he had slain the king of Svavaland, and ravaged and burnt
+the country. Hiorvard obtained Sigrlinn, and Atli Alof. Hiorvard and
+Sigrlinn had a son tall and comely: he was taciturn and had no fixed
+name. As he was sitting on a mound he saw nine Valkyriur, one of whom
+was of most noble aspect. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Late wilt thou, Helgi! rings possess, a potent warrior, or
+Rodulsvellir,&mdash;so at morn the eagle sang&mdash;if thou art ever silent;
+although thou, prince! a fierce mood mayest show.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What wilt thou let accompany the name of Helgi, maid of aspect
+bright! since that thou art pleased to give me? Think well over what
+thou art saying. I will not accept it, unless I have thee also.</p>
+
+<p><i>Valkyria</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Swords I know lying in Sigarsholm, fewer by four than five times
+ten: one of them is of all the best, of shields the bale, with gold
+adorned.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A ring is on the hilt, courage in the midst, in the point terror
+for his use who owns it: along the edge a blood-stained serpent lies,
+and on the guard the serpent casts its tail.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 130]</span><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" />There was a king named Eylimi; Svava was his daughter; she was a
+Valkyria and rode through air and water. It was she who gave Helgi
+that name, and afterwards often protected him in battle. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hiorvard! thou art not a king of wholesome counsel, leader of
+people! renowned though thou mayest be. Thou hast let fire devour the
+homes of princes, though harm to thee they none have done.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> But Hrodmar shall of the rings dispose, which our relations have
+possessed. That chief recks little of his life; he thinks only to
+obtain the heritage of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Hiorvard answers, that he will supply Helgi with an army, if he will
+avenge his mother's father. Helgi thereupon seeks the sword that Svava
+had indicated to him. Afterwards he and Atli went and slew Hrodmar,
+and performed many deeds of valour. He killed the Jotun Hati, as he
+sat on a crag. Helgi and Atli lay with their ships in Hatafiord. Atli
+kept watch in the first part of the night. Hrimgerd, Hati's daughter,
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Who are the chieftains in Hatafiord? With shields are your ships
+bedecked; boldly ye bear yourselves, few things ye fear, I ween: tell
+me how your king is named.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Helgi is his name; but thou nowhere canst to the chief do harm;
+iron forts are around the prince's fleet; giantesses may not assail
+us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> How art thou named? most powerful champion! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 131]</span><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" />How do men call
+thee? Thy king confides in thee, since in the ship's fair prow he
+grants thee place.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Atli I am named, fierce I shall prove to thee; towards
+giantesses I am most hostile. The humid prow I have oft occupied, and
+the night-riders slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> How art thou called? corpse-greedy giantess! hag! name thy
+father. Nine rasts shouldst thou be underground, and a forest grow on
+thy breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Hrimgerd I am called, Hati was my father called, whom I knew the
+mightiest Jotun. He many women had from their dwellings taken, until
+him Helgi slew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Thou wast, hag! before the prince's ships, and layest before
+them in the fiord's mouth. The chieftain's warriors thou wouldst to
+Ran consign, had a bar not crossed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Now, Atli! thou art wrong, methinks thou art dreaming; thy brows
+thou lettest over thy eyelids fall. My mother lay before the prince's
+ships; I Hlodvard's sons drowned in the ocean.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thou wouldst neigh, Atli! if thou wert not a gelding. See!
+Hrimgerd cocks her tail. Thy heart, methinks, Atli! is in thy hinder
+part, although thy voice is clear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I think I shall the stronger prove, if thou desirest <span class="pagenum">[Pg 132]</span><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" />to try;
+and I can step from the port to land. Thou shalt be soundly cudgeled,
+if I heartily begin, and let thy tail fall, Hrimgerd!</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Just come on shore, Atli! if in thy strength thou trustest, and
+let us meet in Varinsvik. A rib-roasting thou shalt get, brave boy! if
+in my claws thou comest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> I will not come before the men awake, and o'er the king hold
+watch. It would not surprise me, if from beneath our ship some hag
+arose.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Keep watch, Atli! and to Hrimgerd pay the blood-fine for Hati's
+death. If one night she may sleep with the prince, she for the slain
+will be indemnified.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Lodin is named he who shall thee possess, thou to mankind art
+loathsome. In Tholley dwells that Thurs, that dog-wise Jotun, of all
+rock-dwellers the worst: he is a fitting man for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Helgi would rather have her who last night guarded the port and
+men, the gold-bright maiden. She methought had strength, she stept
+from port to land, and so secured your fleet. She was alone the cause
+that I could not the king's men slay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hear now, Hrimgerd! If I may indemnify thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 133]</span><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" />say fully to the
+king: was it one being only, that saved the prince's ships, or went
+many together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Three troops of maidens; though one maid foremost rode, bright,
+with helmed head. Their horses shook themselves, and from their manes
+there sprang dew into the deep dales, hail on the lofty trees, whence
+comes fruitfulness to man. To me all that I saw was hateful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Look eastward now, Hrimgerd! whether Helgi has not stricken thee
+with death-bearing words. By land and water the king's fleet is safe,
+and the chief's men also.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> It is now day, Hrimgerd! and Atli has thee detained to thy loss
+of life. A ludicrous haven-mark 'twill, indeed, be, where thou a
+stone-image standest.</p>
+
+<p>King Helgi was a renowned warrior. He came to King Eylimi and demanded
+his daughter Svava. Helgi and Svava were united, and loved each other
+ardently. Svava remained at home with her father, but Helgi was
+engaged in warfare. Svava was a Valkyria as before. Hedin was at home
+with his father, King Hiorvard in Norway. Returning home alone from
+the forest on a Yule-eve, Hedin met a troll-wife riding on a wolf,
+with serpents for reins, who offered to attend him, but he declined
+her offer; whereupon she said: &quot;Thou shalt pay for this at the
+Bragi-cup.&quot; In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
+led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
+vows at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 134]</span><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" />the Bragi-cup.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48" /><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
+Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
+that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
+lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
+Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
+to find us?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
+daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
+us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
+nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
+well such befall, if it so must be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
+gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
+peace to thy foes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
+and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 135]</span><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" />accosted Hedin, when he
+saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
+Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
+plain within three days. Then said Helgi:</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> On a wolf rode, at evening twilight, a woman who him offered to
+attend. She well knew, that the son of Sigrlinn would be slain, on
+Sigar's plain.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great conflict, in which Helgi got his death-wound.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Helgi sent Sigar riding, after Eylimi's only daughter: he bade
+her quickly be in readiness, if she would find the king alive.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Helgi has me hither sent, with thee, Svava! thyself to speak.
+Thee, said the king, he fain would see, ere the noble-born breathes
+forth his last.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> What has befallen Helgi, Hiorvard's son? I am sorely by
+afflictions stricken. Has the sea him deluded, or the sword wounded?
+On that man I will harm inflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> This morning fell, at Frekastein, the king who beneath the sun
+was of all the best. Alf has complete victory, though this time it
+should not have been!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Hail to thee, Svava! Thy love thou must divide: this in this
+world, methinks, is our last meeting. They say the chieftain's wounds
+are bleeding. The sword came too near my heart.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 136]</span><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I pray thee, Svava!&mdash;weep not, my wife!&mdash;if thou wilt my voice
+obey, that for Hedin thou a couch prepare, and the young prince in thy
+arms clasp.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> I had said, in our pleasant home, when for me Helgi rings
+selected, that I would not gladly, after my king's departure, an
+unknown prince clasp in my arms.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Kiss me, Svava! I will not return, Rogheim to behold, nor
+Rodulsfioll, before I have avenged Hiorvard's son, who was of kings
+under the sun the best.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48" /><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk. It was
+the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls, that the heir
+should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull was brought in, that
+he should then rise to receive it, make a vow, and drink the contents
+of the cup (full). He was then led to his father's high seat. At an
+offering guild, the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer both
+the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup, for victory and
+power to the king; then Niord's cup, and Frey's, for a good year and
+peace; after which it was the custom with many to drink a Bragafull.
+The peculiarity of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on
+drinking it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous deed,
+that might be made a subject for the song of the skalld.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 137]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" /><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" />THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters
+fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul,
+Borghild gave birth in Bralund.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the
+prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be,
+and of leaders accounted best.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he]
+burghs should overthrow<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49" /><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> in Bralund. They stretched out the golden
+cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands
+between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade
+last for ever.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who
+had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent,
+a raven to a raven said: &quot;I know something.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day
+come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he:
+we shall rejoice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said
+that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war,
+noble garlic to bring to the young prince;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 138]</span><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" />Solfioll, Sn&aelig;fioll,
+and Sigarsvellir, Hringstad, Hatun, and Himinvangar, a sword ornate,
+to Sinfiotli's brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then grew up, in his friends' bosom, the high-born youth, in
+joyous splendour. He paid and gave gold for deserts; nor spared the
+chief the blood-stained sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A short time only the leader let warfare cease. When the prince
+was fifteen winters old, he caused the fierce Hunding to fall, who
+long had ruled over lands and people.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The sons of Hunding afterwards demanded from Sigmund's son
+treasure and rings; because they had on the prince to avenge their
+great loss of wealth, and their father's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> The prince would neither the blood-fine pay, nor for the slain
+indemnity would give. They might expect, he said, a terrific storm of
+grey arrows, and Odin's ire.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors went to the trysting place of swords, which they
+had appointed at Logafioll. Broken was Frodi's peace between the foes:
+Vidrir's hounds went about the isle slaughter-greedy.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> The leader sat under the Arastein, after he had slain Alf and
+Eyiolf, Hiorvard and Havard, sons of Hunding: he had destroyed all
+Geirmimir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then gleamed a ray from Logafioll, and from that ray lightnings
+issued; then appeared, in the field of air, a helmed band of
+Valkyriur: their corslets were with blood besprinkled, and from their
+spears shone beams of light.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Forthwith inquired the chieftain bold, from the wolf-congress of
+the southern Disir, whether they would, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 139]</span><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" />with the warriors, that night
+go home?&mdash;then was a clash of arms!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of
+shields, and to the leader said: &quot;We have, I ween, other objects than
+with princely warriors to drink beer.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of
+Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like
+to a cat's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a
+hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of
+foes, unless I am dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over
+water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to
+offer, and to their sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to
+hold them ready.&quot; There the king abode, until thither came warriors in
+hundreds from Hedinsey.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went
+out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: &quot;Hast thou
+mustered the valiant people?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But the young king the other answered: &quot;Slowly&quot; said he &quot;are
+counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which
+sail without in the Oresund,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun <span class="pagenum">[Pg 140]</span><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" />there is more than
+half of the king's host&mdash;We are to war inured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then the steersman threw the ship's tents aside, that the
+princes' people might awake, and the noble chiefs the dawn might see;
+and the warriors hauled the sails up to the mast in Varinsfiord.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There was a dash of oars, and clash of iron, shield against
+shield resounded: the vikings rowed; roaring went, under the
+chieftains the royal fleet far from the land.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> So might be heard, when together came the tempest's sister<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50" /><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>
+and the long keels, as when rock and surge on each other break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Higher still bade Helgi the deep sail be hauled. No port gave
+shelter to the crews; when Oegir's terrific daughter the chieftains'
+vessels would o'erwhelm,</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> But from above Sigrun intrepid, saved them and their fleet also;
+from the hand of Ran powerfully was wrested the royal ship at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into
+port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood,
+espied the host.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then demanded the god-born Gudmund: &quot;Who is the chieftain that
+commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with
+golden rim;&mdash;He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and
+with nobles words exchange&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your <span class="pagenum">[Pg 141]</span><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" />dogs lead to
+their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet's midst, a king hard to
+make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills,
+kissing the thrall-wenches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble
+thou falsehoods utterest. Thou hast been eating wolves' dainties, and
+of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with
+cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader
+of lies. Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted
+warrior, save Sinfiotli.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent,
+monstrous, in Alfather's hall. All the Einheriar fought with each
+other, deceitful woman! for thy sake. Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes;
+I alone was father of them all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as
+I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated
+upon Thorsnes.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Thou wast Siggeir's stepson, at home under the benches layest,
+accustomed to the wolf's howl out in the forests: calamity of every
+kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother's breast.
+Notorious thou mad'st thyself by thy atrocious works.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 142]</span><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" /><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wast Grani's bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready
+for the course. Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and
+saddled, through the fells, thou hag!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir's goats
+thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
+tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
+than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
+with thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
+to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
+however princes<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51" /><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> may foster hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
+princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
+they have courage to draw the sword.&quot;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
+Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
+mist, where the men went.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
+the hostile advent. Without stood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 143]</span><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" />Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
+speed noticed of his kinsmen. &quot;Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
+countenances?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> &quot;Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
+long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
+joyous Ylfings.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
+Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
+there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
+conflict.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hodbrodd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
+to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
+of those who swords can brandish.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
+the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
+find resistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52" /><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> blades at
+Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
+men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
+chieftain had a valiant heart.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above&mdash;the clash of
+arms increased&mdash;for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun&mdash;well
+skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove&mdash;<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53" /><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 144]</span><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" />pillar of
+Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
+the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
+beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: unscathed shalt thou,
+prince! both enjoy, Hogni's daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and
+lands: then is conflict ended.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49" /><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> That is, when they came to spin that period of his
+destiny.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50" /><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Kolga Systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr
+and Ran; they were the waves.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51" /><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Literally <i>ring-breakers, or-dispensers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52" /><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> It would appear that their swords were of bronze.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53" /><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i.e., the battlefield,
+strewed with corpses, the raven's food.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" />THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund. They
+named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered
+by Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land
+was called Hundland. He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who
+were engaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and concealed,
+between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other's
+kinsmen. King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and
+Ylfings. Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King
+Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home. On departing Helgi met a
+herdsman, and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Say thou to Heming, that Helgi bears in mind who the mailed
+warrior was, whom the men laid low, when the grey wolf ye had within,
+and King Hunding thought it was Hamal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 145]</span><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" />Hamal was the son of Hagal. King Hunding sent men to Hagal in search
+of Helgi, and Helgi had no other way to save himself than by taking
+the clothes of a female slave and going to grind. They sought but did
+not find him. Then said Blind the Baleful:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sharp are the eyes of Hagal's thrall-wench; of no churlish race
+is she who at the mill stands. The millstones are split, the receiver
+flies asunder. Now a hard fate has befallen the warrior, when a prince
+must barley grind: much more fitting to that hand is the falchion's
+hilt than a mill-handle.</p>
+
+<p>Hagal answered and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> No wonder 'tis that the receiver rattles, when a royal damsel the
+handle turns. She hovered higher than the clouds, and, like the
+vikings, dared to fight, until Helgi made her captive. She is a sister
+of Sigar and Hogni; therefore has fierce eyes the Ylfing maid.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi escaped and went on board a ship of war. He slew King Hunding,
+and was afterwards named Helgi Hundingsbani. He lay with his force in
+Brunavagar, and carried on &quot;strand-hogg&quot;<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54" /><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> and ate raw flesh. There
+was a king named Hogni, whose daughter was Sigrun: she was a Valkyria,
+and rode through the air and over the sea. She was Svava regenerated.
+Sigrun rode to Helgi, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> What men cause a ship along the coasts to float? where do ye
+warriors a home possess? what await ye in Brunavagar? whither desire
+ye to explore a way?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 146]</span><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hamal causes a ship along the coasts to float; we have home in
+Hlesey; a fair wind we await in Brunavagar; eastward we desire to
+explore a way.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Where, O prince! hast thou wakened war, or fed the birds of
+conflict's sisters?<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55" /><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> Why is thy corslet sprinkled with blood? Why
+beneath the helm eat ye raw flesh?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was the Ylfings' son's last achievement,&mdash;if thou desirest to
+know&mdash;west of the ocean, that I took bears in Bragalund, and the
+eagles' race with our weapons sated. Now, maiden! I have said what the
+reasons were, why at sea we little cooked meat ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> To a battle thou alludest. Before Helgi has King Hunding been
+doomed to fall. In conflict ye have engaged, when your kindred ye
+avenged, and stained with blood the falchion's edge.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why dost thou suppose, sagacious maiden! that it was they, who
+their kin avenged? Many a warrior's bold sons there are, and hostile
+to our kindred.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I was not far, leader of people! eager, at many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 147]</span><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" />chieftain's
+end: yet crafty I account Sigmund's son, when in val-runes<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56" /><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> the
+slaughter he announces.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A while ago I saw thee commanding the warships, when thou hadst
+station on the bloody prow, and the cold sea waves were playing. Now,
+prince! thou wilt from me conceal it, but Hogni's daughter recognizes
+thee.</p>
+
+<p>Granmar was the name of a powerful prince who dwelt at Svarinshaug. He
+had many sons: one was called Hodbrodd, the second Gudmund, the third
+Starkadr. Hodbrodd was at the assembly of kings, and there betrothed
+himself to Sigrun, the daughter of Hogni. But when she was informed of
+it, she rode with the Valkyriur through the air and over the sea in
+quest of Helgi. Helgi was at that time at Logafioll, warring against
+the sons of Hunding, where he slew Alf and Eyiolf, Hiorvard and
+Hervard. Being over-fatigued with the conflict, he was sitting under
+the Arastein, where Sigrun found him, and running to him, threw her
+arms around his neck, and, kissing him, told him her errand so as it
+related in the first Volsungakvida.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Sigrun sought the joyous prince, Helgi's hand she forthwith
+grasped, kissed and addressed the helm-decked king.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then was the chieftain's mind to the lady turned. She declared
+that she had loved, with her whole heart, Sigmund's son, before she
+had seen him.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To Hodbrodd I was in th' assembly betrothed, but I another
+prince would have: yet, chieftain! I foresee my kindred's wrath: I
+have my father's promise broken.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 148]</span><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hogni's daughter spoke not at variance with her heart: she said
+that Helgi's affection she must possess.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Care thou not for Hogni's wrath, nor for the evil mind of thy
+kin. Thou shalt, young maiden! live with me: of a good race thou art,
+as I perceive.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi then collected a large fleet and proceeded to Frekastein, and at
+sea experienced a perilous storm. Lightnings came over them, and the
+flashes entered the ships. They saw that nine Valkyriur were riding in
+the air, and recognized Sigrun among them. The storm then abated and
+they reached land in safety. The sons of Granmar were sitting on a
+hill as the ships were sailing towards the land. Gudmund leapt on a
+horse, and rode to explore on the hill by the haven. The Volsungs then
+lowered their sails, and Gudmund spoke as is before written in the
+Helgakvida:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who is the leader that commands the fleet, and an appalling host
+leads to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This said Gudmund, Granmar's son:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is the warrior that commands the ships, and lets his golden
+banner wave o'er his prow? No peace seems to me in that ship's front;
+it casts a warlike glow around the vikings.</p>
+
+<p>Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son, answered:</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Here may Hodbrodd Helgi learn to know, the hard of flight, in
+the fleet's midst: he the possession holds of thy race; he the fishes'
+heritage has to him subjected.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 149]</span><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" /><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Therefore ought we first, at Frekastein, to settle together, and
+decide our quarrels! Hodbrodd! 'tis time vengeance to take, if an
+inferior lot we long have borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Rather shalt thou, Gudmund! tend goats, and steep mountain-tops
+shalt climb, have in thy hand a hazel staff, that will better please
+thee than judgments of the sword.</p>
+
+<p>Gudmund rode home with intelligence of the hostile armament; whereupon
+the sons of Granmar collected a host, and many kings came thither.
+Among them were Hogni, the father of Sigrun, with his sons, Bragi and
+Dag. There was a great battle, and all the sons of Hogni, and all
+their chiefs were slain, except Dag, who obtained peace, and swore
+oaths to the Volsungs. Sigrun, going among the slain, found Hodbrodd
+at the point of death. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not will Sigrun of Sefafioll, King Hodbrodd! sink in thy arms:
+thy life is departed. Oft the axe's blade the head approaches of
+Granmar's sons.</p>
+
+<p>She then met Helgi, and was overjoyed. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Not to thee, all-wise maiden! are all things granted, though, I
+say, in somewhat are the Norns to blame. This morn have fallen at
+Frekastein Bragi and Hogni: I was their slayer.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> But at Styrkleifar King Starkadr, and at Hlebiorg the son of
+Hrollaug. That prince I saw of all most fierce, whose trunk yet fought
+when the head was far.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 150]</span><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" /></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> On the earth lie the greater number of thy kinsmen, to corpses
+turned. Thou hast not fought the battle, yet 'twas decreed, that thou,
+potent maiden! shouldst cause the strife.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun then wept. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sigrun! console thyself; a Hild thou hast been to us. Kings
+cannot conquer fate: gladly would I have them living who are departed,
+if I might clasp thee to my breast.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi obtained Sigrun, and they had sons. Helgi lived not to be old.
+Dag, the son of Hogni, sacrificed to Odin, for vengeance for his
+father. Odin lent Dag his spear. Dag met with his relation Helgi in a
+place called Fioturlund, and pierced him through with his spear. Helgi
+fell there, but Dag rode to the mountains and told Sigrun what had
+taken place.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Loath am I, sister! sad news to tell thee; for unwillingly I
+have my sister caused to weep. This morning fell, in Fioturlund, the
+prince who was on earth the best, and on the necks of warriors stood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Thee shall the oaths all gnaw, which to Helgi thou didst swear,
+at the limpid Leiptr's water, and at the cold dank wave-washed rock.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> May the ship not move forward, which under thee should move,
+although the wished-for wind behind thee blow. May the horse not run,
+which under thee should run, although from enemies thou hast to flee!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> May the sword not bite which thou drawest, unless it sing round
+thy own head. Then would Helgi's <span class="pagenum">[Pg 151]</span><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" />death be on thee avenged, if a wolf
+thou wert, out in the woods, of all good bereft, and every joy, have
+no sustenance, unless on corpses thou shouldst spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Sister! thou ravest, and hast lost thy wits, when on thy brother
+thou callest down such miseries. Odin alone is cause of all the evil;
+for between relatives he brought the runes of strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thy brother offers thee rings of red gold, all Vandilsve and
+Vigdalir: have half the land, thy grief to compensate, woman
+ring-adorned! thou and thy sons.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> So happy I shall not sit at Sefafioll, neither at morn nor
+night, as to feel joy in life, if o'er the people plays not the
+prince's beam of light; if his war-steed runs not under the chieftain
+hither, to the gold bit accustomed; if in the king I cannot rejoice.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> So had Helgi struck with fear all his foes and their kindred, as
+before the wolf the goats run frantic from the fell, of terror full.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> So himself Helgi among warriors bore, as the towering ash is
+among thorns, or as the fawn, moistened with dew, that more proudly
+stalks than all the other beasts, and its horns glisten against the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>A mound was raised for Helgi; but when he came to Valhall, Odin
+offered him the rule over all jointly with himself. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou, Hunding! shalt for every man a foot-bath <span class="pagenum">[Pg 152]</span><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" />get, and fire
+kindle; shalt bind the dogs, to the horses look, to the swine give
+wash, ere to sleep thou goest.</p>
+
+<p>A female slave passing at evening by Helgi's mound, saw him riding
+towards it with many men:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it a delusion which methinks I see, or the powers'
+dissolution, that ye, dead men, ride, and your horses with spurs urge
+on, or to warriors is a home journey granted?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> 'Tis no delusion which thou thinkst to see, nor of mankind the
+end, although thou seest us, although our horses we with spurs urge
+on, nor to warriors is a home-journey granted.</p>
+
+<p>The slave went home and said to Sigrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Sigrun! go forth from Sefafioll, if the people's chief thou
+desirest to meet. The mound is opened, Helgi is come, his wounds still
+bleed; the prince prayed thee that thou wouldst still the trickling
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun entered the mound to Helgi and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Now am I as glad, at our meeting, as the voracious hawks of
+Odin, when they of slaughter know; of warm prey, or, dewy-feathered,
+see the peep of day.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I will kiss my lifeless king, ere thou thy bloody corslet layest
+aside. Thy hair is, Helgi! tumid with sweat of death; my prince is all
+bathed in slaughter-dew; cold, clammy are the hands of Hogni's son.
+How shall I, prince! for this make thee amends?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 153]</span><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Thou art alone the cause,<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57" /><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> Sigrun of Sefafioll! that Helgi is
+with sorrow's dew suffused. Thou weepest, gold-adorned! cruel tears,
+sun-bright daughter of the south! ere to sleep thou goest; each one
+falls bloody on the prince's breast, wet, cold, and piercing, with
+sorrow big.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> We shall surely drink delicious draughts, though we have lost
+life and lands. No one shall a song of mourning sing, though on my
+breast he wounds behold. Now are women in the mound enclosed,
+daughters of kings, with us the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun prepares a bed in the mound.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Here, Helgi! have I for thee a peaceful couch prepared, for the
+Ylfings' son. On thy breast I will, chieftain! repose, as in my hero's
+lifetime I was wont.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Nothing I now declare unlooked for, at Sefafioll, late or early,
+since in a corpse's arms thou sleepest, Hogni's fair daughter! in a
+mound, and thou art living, daughter of kings!</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Time 'tis for me to ride on the reddening ways: let the pale
+horse tread the aerial path. I towards the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 154]</span><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" />west must go over
+Vindhialm's bridge, ere Salgofnir awakens heroes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and his attendants rode their way, but Sigrun and hers proceeded
+to their habitation. The following evening Sigrun ordered her
+serving-maid to hold watch at the mound; but at nightfall, when Sigrun
+came thither, she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Now would he come, if he to come intended, Sigmund's son, from
+Odin's halls. I think the hope lessens of the king's coming, since on
+the ash's boughs the eagles sit, and all the folk to the dreams' tryst
+are hastening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Be not so rash alone to go, daughter of heroes! to the house of
+draugs:<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58" /><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> more powerful are, in the night-season, all dead warriors,
+than in the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun's life was shortened by grief and mourning. It was a belief in
+ancient times that men were regenerated, but that is now regarded as
+an old crone's fancy. Helgi and Sigrun are said to have been
+regenerated. He was then called Helgi Haddingiaskadi, and she Kara
+Halfdan's daughter, as it is said in the songs of Kara; and she also
+was a Valkyria.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54" /><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the
+sea-shore.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55" /><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> The Valkyriur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56" /><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Dark words of deadly import.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57" /><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> The superstition commemorated In this strophe is, no
+doubt, the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
+literature of Scandinavia and Germany referring to this superstition:
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;When thou, my dear, art cheerful,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And easy in thy mind,<br /></span>
+<span>The coffin where I slumber<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Is all with roses lined.<br /></span>
+<span><br /></span>
+<span>But oft as thou'rt in sorrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And bow'd with grief so sore,<br /></span>
+<span>Is all the while my coffin<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Brim full of blood and gore.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58" /><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Probably house of draffs; place of swine, swill, lees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 155]</div>
+<h2><a name="SINFIOTLIS_END" id="SINFIOTLIS_END" /><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" />SINFIOTLI'S END.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland. Sinfiotli was the
+eldest of his sons, the second was Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild,
+Sigmund's wife, had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her stepson
+and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which account Sinfiotli slew
+Gunnar. When he came home, Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund
+offered the blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept. At
+the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer: she took a large horn
+full of poison, and offered it to Sinfiotli; who, when he looked into
+the horn, and saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund: &quot;the
+drink ferments!&quot; Sigmund took the horn and drank up the contents. It
+is said that Sigmund was so strong that no poison could hurt him,
+either outwardly or inwardly; but that all his sons could endure
+poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to Sinfiotli, and prayed
+him to drink, when all took place as before. Yet a third time she
+offered him the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing to
+drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the latter answered: &quot;Let it
+pass through thy lips, my son.&quot; Sinfiotli drank and instantly died.
+Sigmund bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a long and narrow
+firth, where there was a little vessel and one man in it. He offered
+Sigmund to convey him over the firth; but when Sigmund had borne <span class="pagenum">[Pg 156]</span><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" />the
+corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The man then said
+that Sigmund should go before through the firth. He then pushed off
+his boat and instantly departed.</p>
+
+<p>King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in Borghild's kingdom, after
+having espoused her. He then went south to Frankland, to the kingdom
+he there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the daughter of Eylimi.
+Sigurd was their son. King Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of
+Hunding. Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King Hialprek,
+with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood. Sigmund and his sons exceeded
+all other men in strength, and stature, and courage, and all
+accomplishments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
+traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and as the most
+renowned of warlike kings.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" id="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" />
+<img src="images/fig02.jpg" width="600" height="417" alt="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" title="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" />
+<p class="center"><b>SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>after the painting of R. Bung.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>The story of Siegfried and Brynhild constitutes the greatest epic in
+Teutonic Gothic literature. Its origin is hard to trace, but parts of
+the legends carry the investigator back to Iranian sources. Its
+greatest development, however, may justly be credited to Icelandic
+sagas, in which the mythology of the Norse people has a prominent
+place. In both the Gothic and Teutonic versions, while considerable
+variation of incident is noticeable, the awakening of Brynhild, a
+valkyrie maiden, and daughter of Wotan, is represented as having been
+accomplished by Siegfried, who rides through a wall of flames which
+surrounds her, and thus breaks the spell which binds her to sleep
+until a warrior fearless enough to brave fire shall come to claim her
+for a bride.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 157]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" />THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE, OR GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p>Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiordis. He
+ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
+future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
+of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
+whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
+name him?</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
+people.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
+and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
+Gripir to see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
+speech of Gripir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
+mother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 158]</span><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: &quot;Here is a man without, a
+stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
+with thee to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
+kindly greets: &quot;Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
+thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
+together met. &quot;Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
+Sigurd's life fall out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
+every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
+and wise of words.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
+if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
+when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
+Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
+low; thou wilt have victory.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
+friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
+will highest soar under heaven's regions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 159]</span><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" /><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
+on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
+Gripir tells truly.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
+for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
+life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt take splendid
+riches, with gold wilt load Grani's back. Thou wilt to Giuki ride, the
+war-famed prince.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Yet must thou, prince! in friendly speech, foresighted king!
+more relate. I shall be Giuki's guest, and I shall thence depart: what
+will next my life befall?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A king's daughter will on a mountain sleep, fair, in corslet
+cased, after Helgi's death. Thou wilt strike with a keen sword, wilt
+the corslet sever with Fafnir's bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> The corslet is ript open, the maid begins to speak. When
+awakened from her sleep, on what will she chiefly with Sigurd converse
+hold, which to the prince's benefit may tend?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> She to thee, powerful one! runes will teach, all <span class="pagenum">[Pg 160]</span><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" />those which
+men ought to know; and in every man's tongue to speak, and medicines
+for healing. May good await thee, king!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now that is past, the knowledge is acquired, and I am ready
+thence away to ride. Apply thy mind, and at length say what more will
+my life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou wilt find Heimir's dwellings, and the glad guest wilt be of
+that great king. Vanished is, Sigurd! that which I foresaw; no further
+mayest thou Gripir question.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now bring me grief the words thou speakest; for thou foreseest,
+king! much further; thou knowest of too great calamity to Sigurd;
+therefore thou, Gripir! wilt not utter it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Of thy life the early portion lay before me clearest to
+contemplate. I am not truly accounted sage, nor of the future
+prescient: that which I knew is gone.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> No man I know on the earth's surface, who greater prescience has
+than thou, Gripir! Thou mayest not conceal it, unhappy though it be,
+or if ill betide my life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not with vices will thy life be sullied; let that, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 161]</span><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" />noble
+prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name,
+director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to
+part in such uncertainty. Show me the way&mdash;all is decreed
+before&mdash;great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto
+compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for
+thy death decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's
+good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not
+be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men
+Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures
+the hard-souled damsel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair?
+nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou
+foreseest my whole destiny.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced
+foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 162]</span><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" />nor of affairs
+discourse, nor men regard; only this maiden thou wilt see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> What remedy for Sigurd will be applied; tell me that, Gripir! if
+it seem good to thee. Shall I obtain the damsel? with dowry purchase
+the lovely royal daughter?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Ye will each swear unnumbered oaths, solemnly binding, but few
+will keep. Hast thou been Giuki's guest one night, thou wilt have
+forgotten the fair ward of Heimir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> How is that, Gripir! explain it to me: seest thou such
+fickleness in the king's mind, that with that maiden I shall my
+engagement break, whom with my whole heart I thought to love?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Prince! thou wilt be snared in another's wiles, thou wilt pay
+the penalty of Grimhild's craft; the bright-haired maiden, her
+daughter, she to thee will offer. This snare for the king she lays.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Shall I then with Gunnar form relationship, and with Gudrun join
+in wedlock? Well wived then the king would be, if the pangs of perjury
+caused me no pain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Thee will Grimhild wholly beguile; she will implore thee
+Brynhild to demand for the hand of Gunnar, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 163]</span><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" />king of Goths: the journey
+thou wilt forthwith promise to the king's mother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd's wits will have
+wholly perished, if I shall demand for another's hand, a noble maiden
+whom I well love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou
+the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar
+and thou: Gripir lies not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners,
+when on the way we are? Another fraud will surely follow this,
+altogether horrible. But say on, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Thou wilt have Gunnar's semblance, and his manners, thy own
+eloquence, and great sagacity: there thou wilt betroth the high-minded
+ward of Heimir: no one can that prevent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false
+traitor called, if such take place. I would not deception practise on
+a royal maid the most excellent I know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she
+thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world
+endures thy name will be.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 164]</span><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of
+Gunnar, in Giuki's halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home
+return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed? Tell me
+that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain's bride glad
+of heart has slept? The like has no example.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity? Tell me
+that, Gripir! Will the alliance for Gunnar's solace henceforth prove,
+or even for mine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let
+Gudrun enjoy a happy union. Brynhild nathless will herself think an
+ill-married woman. She will wiles devise to avenge herself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall
+have practised on her? From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never
+kept, and but little joy.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the
+oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki's heir, with his whole soul,
+in thee confided.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> What will then follow? let me know that. Will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 165]</span><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" />that tale appear
+as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.
+Tell me that, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> From spite towards thee, and from o'erwhelming grief, the
+powerful dame will not most wisely act. To the noble woman do thou no
+further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast
+circumvented.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation,
+then proceed? Will Giuki's sons on their relative redden their swords?
+Tell me further, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then will Gudrun be furious at heart, when her brothers shall on
+thy death resolve. In nothing then will that wise woman take delight.
+Such is Grimhild's work.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> In this thou shalt find comfort, leader of hosts! This fortune
+is allotted to the hero's life: a more renowned man on earth shall
+never be, under the sun's abode, than thou wilt be accounted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Now part we, now farewell! Fate may not be withstood. Now hast
+thou, Gripir! done as I prayed thee: thou wouldst have fain a happier
+end foretold me of my life's days, hadst thou been able.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 166]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" /><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" />THE SECOND LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose himself a horse, which was
+afterwards named Grani. Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to
+Hialprek; he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in stature; he
+was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin undertook the rearing and
+instruction of Sigurd, and bore him great affection. He informed
+Sigurd of his parentage, and how it befell that Odin, and Hoenir, and
+Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of Andvari). In the fall there
+was an abundance of fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari, who had
+long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and in which he
+supplied himself with food. &quot;Our brother,&quot; continued Regin, &quot;was named
+Otr, who often went into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had
+caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the river with his
+eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed him with a stone. The &AElig;sir
+thought themselves very lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That
+same evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar, and showed their
+prize. Thereupon we laid hands on them, and imposed on them, as the
+redemption of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin with
+gold, and cover it over with red gold. They thereupon sent Loki to
+procure gold. He went to Ran, and obtained her net, and thence
+proceeded to Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which leapt
+into the net. Whereupon Loki said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 167]</span><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What fish is this, that in the river swims, and cannot from harm
+itself protect? Redeem thy life from Hel, and find me the water's
+flame.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59" /><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> <i>The Pike</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Andvari I am named, Oin was my father named; many a cataract have
+I passed. A luckless Norn in times of old decreed, that in the water I
+should wade.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me, Andvari! if thou wilt enjoy life in the halls of men,
+what retribution get the sons of mortals, if with foul words they
+assail each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Andvari</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Cruel retribution get the sons of mortals, who in Vadgelmir wade:
+for the false words they have against others uttered, the punishments
+too long endure.</p>
+
+<p>Loki viewed all the gold that Andvari owned; but when he had produced
+the gold, he retained a single ring, which Loki also took from him.
+The dwarf went into his stone and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> That gold which the dwarf possessed, shall to two brothers be
+cause of death, and to eight princes, of dissension. From my wealth no
+one shall good derive.</p>
+
+<p>The &AElig;sir produced the gold to Hreidmar, and with it crammed the
+otter's skin full, and set it up on the feet. They then had to heap up
+the gold and cover it; but when that was done, Hreidmar, stepping
+forward, observed a whisker, and required it to be covered; whereupon
+Odin <span class="pagenum">[Pg 168]</span><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" />drew forth the ring &quot;Andvaranaut,&quot; and covered the hair. Loki
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There is gold for thee, and thou hast a great redemption for my
+life. For thy son no blessing is decreed; of both it shall prove the
+bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gifts thou hast given, friendly gifts thou hast given not; with a
+kind heart thou hast not given. Of your lives ye should have been
+deprived, had I foreknown that peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But that is worse, what I seem to know,&mdash;a strife of kinsmen for
+a woman. Princes yet unborn I think them to be, for whose hate that
+gold is destined.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The red gold, I trust, I shall possess while I am living: of thy
+threats I entertain no fear; so take yourselves hence home.</p>
+
+<p>Fafnir and Regin demanded of Hreidmar their share of the blood-fine
+for their slain brother Otr, which he refused, and Fafnir stabbed his
+father with a sword while sleeping. Hreidmar called out to his
+daughters:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Lyngheid and Lofnheid! Know my life is departing. To many things
+need compels.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60" /><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> <i>Lyngheid</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Few sisters will, although they lose a father, avenge a brother's
+crime.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Then bring forth a daughter, wolf-hearted fury! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 169]</span><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" />If by a chief
+thou have not a son. Get for the maid a spouse, in thy great need;
+then will her son thy wrong avenge.</p>
+
+<p>Hreidmar then died, and Fafnir took all the gold. Regin then requested
+to have his share of the patrimony, but met with a refusal from
+Fafnir. Regin thereupon sought counsel of his sister Lyngheid, how he
+might obtain his patrimony. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Thou of thy brother shalt mildly demand thy patrimony and a
+better spirit. It is not seemly, that with the sword thou shouldst
+demand thy property of Fafnir.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing is what Regin related to Sigurd. One day, when he came
+to Regin's dwelling, he was kindly received, and Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hither is come the son of Sigmund to our Hall, that man of
+energy: courage he has greater than I aged man: now of a conflict have
+I hope from the fierce wolf.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61" /><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I will nurture the bold-hearted prince: now Yngvi's kinsman is
+to us come; he will be a king under the sun most powerful; over all
+lands will his destinies resound.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd was thence forward constantly with Regin, who related to him
+how Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid in the likeness of a serpent. He had an
+&quot;Oegis-helm,&quot;<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62" /><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> at which all living beings were terror-stricken.
+Regin forged a sword for Sigurd, that was named Gram, and was so sharp
+that immersing it in the Rhine, he let a piece of wool down the
+stream, when it clove the fleece asunder as water. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 170]</span><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" />With that sword
+Sigurd clove in two Regin's anvil. After that Regin instigated Sigurd
+to slay Fafnir. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Loud will laugh Hunding's sons, they who Eylimi of life
+deprived, if the prince is more desirous to seek red rings, than to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p>King Hialprek collected a fleet to enable Sigurd to avenge his father.
+They encountered a great storm, and were driven past a certain
+promontory. A man was standing on the cliff who said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Who ride yonder, on R&aelig;vils horses, the towering billows, the
+roaring main: the sail-steeds are with sweat bedewed, the
+wave-coursers will not the wind withstand.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Here am I and Sigurd in sea-trees; a fair wind is given us for
+death itself: higher than our prows the steep waves dash, the rolling
+horses plunge. Who is it that inquires?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> They called me Hnikar, when I Hugin gladdened, young Volsung!
+and battles fought. Now they mayest call me the ancient of the rock,
+Feng, or Fiolnir.&mdash;I desire a passage.</p>
+
+<p>They turn to the land, the old man goes on board, and the storm
+abates. Sigurd said:</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Tell me, Hnikar! since thou knowest the omens both of gods and
+men, which omens are the best&mdash;if to fight 'tis needful&mdash;at the swing
+of glaves?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 171]</span><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" /><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Good omens there are many, if men but knew them, at the swing of
+glaves, a faithful fellowship, I think, is the dark raven's, with the
+sworded warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The second is, if, when thou art gone out, and about to depart,
+thou seest two renown-seeking men standing in the fore-court.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The third omen is, if wolves thou hearest howl under the
+ash-boughs, it will victory to thee announce over helmed warriors, if
+thou seest them go before thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> No man should fight against the moon's late-shining sister. They
+have victory, who can see keenly at the play of swords, or to form the
+wedge-array.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Most perilous it is, if with thy foot thou strikest, when thou
+to battle goest. Wily Disir stand on either side of thee, and wish to
+see thee wounded.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Combed and washed let every brave man be, and at morning fed;
+for 'tis uncertain whither he at eve may come. 'Tis bad to succumb to
+fate.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd fought a great battle with Lyngvi, Hunding's son, and his
+brothers, in which Lyngvi and his three brothers fell. After the
+battle Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Now is the bloody eagle, with the trenchant blade, graven on the
+back of Sigmund's slayer. No son of king, who the earth reddens, and
+the raven gladdens, is more excellent.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd returned home to Hialprek, when Regin instigated him to slay
+Fafnir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59" /><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> One of many periphrases for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60" /><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> To wit, <i>to avenge my death on your brothers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61" /><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62" /><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> A terrific helm or headpiece.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 172]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" /><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" />THE LAY OF FAFNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and there found Fafnir's slot,
+or track, along which he crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
+made a large pit, and went down into it. When Fafnir crawled from the
+gold he blew forth venom, but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir
+crept over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to the heart.
+Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his head and tail. Sigurd leapt
+from the pit, and each looked at the other. Fafnir said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Young fellow! young fellow! by what fellow art thou begot? of
+what people are thou the son? that thou in Fafnir reddenst thy
+glittering falchion? Thy sword has pierced my heart.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd concealed his name, because it was the belief in those times,
+that the words of dying persons were of great power, if they cursed an
+enemy by his name.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Gofugt-dyr I am called, but I have wandered a motherless child;
+nor have I a father like the sons of men: alone I wander.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> If thou hast no father like the sons of men, by what wonder art
+thou begotten?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> My race, I tell thee, is to thee unknown, and my<span class="pagenum">[Pg 173]</span><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" />self also.
+Sigmund was my father named, my name is Sigurd, who with weapon have
+assailed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Who has incited thee? why hast thou suffered thyself to be
+incited to take my life? youth of the sparkling eyes! Thou hadst a
+cruel father&mdash; * * * *</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> My heart incited me, my hands gave me aid, and my keen sword.
+Rarely a man is bold, when of mature age, if in childhood he was
+faint-hearted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I know if thou hadst chanced to grow in the lap of friends, they
+would have seen thee fierce in fight. Now thou art a captive, taken in
+war, and, 'tis said, slaves ever tremble.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Why Fafnir! dost thou upbraid me that I am far from my paternal
+home? I am not a captive, although in war I was taken: thou hast found
+that I am free.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Thou wilt account only as angry words all I to thee shall say,
+but I will say the truth. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red
+treasure, those rings, shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Treasure at command every one desires, ever till that one day;
+for at some time each mortal shall hence to Hel depart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 174]</span><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The Norns' decree thou wilt hold in contempt as from a witless
+wight: In water thou shalt be drowned, if in wind thou rowest. All
+things bring peril to the fated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know: who those Norns are, who help in need, and from babes loose the
+mothers.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Very diversely born I take those Norns to be: they have no
+common race. Some are of &AElig;sir-race, some of Alfar-race, some are
+Dvalin's daughters.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know, how that holm is called, where Surt and the &AElig;sir will
+sword-liquor together mingle?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Oskopnir it is called; there shall the gods with lances play;
+Bifrost shall be broken, when they go forth, and their steeds in the
+river swim.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> An Oegis-helm I bore among the sons of men, while I o'er the
+treasures lay; stronger than all I thought myself to be; stronger I
+found not many!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> An Oegis-helm is no protection, where men impelled by anger
+fight: soon he finds, who among many comes, that no one is alone the
+boldest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 175]</span><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Venom I blew forth, when on my father's great heritage I lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou, glistening serpent! didst a great belching make, and wast
+so hard of heart. Fierceness so much the greater have the sons of men,
+when they possess that helm.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sigurd! I now counsel thee, do thou take my counsel; and hence
+ride home. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red treasure, those rings,
+shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Counsel regarding thee is taken, and I to the gold will ride, on
+the heath that lies. But lie thou, Fafnir! in the pangs of death,
+until Hel have thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Regin betrayed me, he will thee betray, he of us both will be
+the bane. Fafnir must, I trow, let forth his life: thine was the
+greater might!</p>
+
+<p>Regin had gone away while Sigurd slew Fafnir, but came back as Sigurd
+was wiping the blood from his sword. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Hail to thee now, Sigurd! Now hast thou victory won and Fafnir
+slain: of all the men who tread the earth, thou art, I say, the
+bravest born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Uncertain 'tis to know, when we all come to<span class="pagenum">[Pg 176]</span><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" />gether, sons of
+victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who
+sword has never broken in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while
+Gram, in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded,
+yet in some degree was I the cause.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells
+hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent,
+hadst thou my anger not excited.</p>
+
+<p>Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named
+Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sit now, Sigurd!&mdash;but I must go to sleep&mdash;and Fafnir's heart
+hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that
+drink of blood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened.
+With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the
+ling thou layest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst
+thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Valour is better than might of sword, when foes <span class="pagenum">[Pg 177]</span><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" />embittered
+fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> For the brave 'tis better than for the timid to join in the game
+of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come
+whatever may.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd took Fafnir's heart and roasted it on a stick. When he thought
+it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with
+his finger, to try whether it were quite done. He burnt his finger and
+put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir's heart's blood touched his
+tongue he understood the language of birds. He heard the eagles
+chattering among the branches. One eagle said:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir's heart at the
+fire he roasts. Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the
+glistening life-pulp ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the
+youth, who in him trusts: in rage he brings malicious words together,
+the framer of evil will avenge his brother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to
+Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under
+Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly
+counsel, my sisters! If he would bethink <span class="pagenum">[Pg 178]</span><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" />himself, and Hugin gladden.
+There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader
+had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of
+life bereft.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> He is most simple, if he longer spares that people's pest. There
+lies Regin, who has betrayed him.&mdash;He cannot guard against it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seventh eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his
+rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63" /><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> which Fafnir owned,
+sole lord wilt be!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word
+bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir's heart, and
+drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir. He then heard the eagles
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings. It is not kingly many
+things to fear. I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.
+Couldst thou but her obtain!</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point <span class="pagenum">[Pg 179]</span><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" />out to
+wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou,
+Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> There stands a hall on the high Hindarfiall, without 'tis all
+with fire surrounded; sagacious men have it constructed of the
+resplendent radiance of the flood.<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64" /><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> On the fell I know a warrior maid to sleep, over her waves the
+linden's bane.<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65" /><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> Ygg whilom stuck a sleep-thorn in the robe of the
+maid who would heroes choose.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Thou, youth! mayest see the helmed maiden, her whom Vingskornir
+from battle bore. May not Sigrdrifa's slumber break the son of
+warriors,<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66" /><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> against the Norns' decrees.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode along Fafnir's track to his lair, which he found open. The
+doors and door-posts were of iron; of iron also were all the beams in
+the house; but the treasure was buried in the earth. Sigurd found
+there a great quantity of gold, and filled two chests with it. He took
+thence the Oegis-helm, a golden corslet, the sword named Hrotti, and
+many precious things, all which he laid on Grani; but the horse would
+not proceed until Sigurd had mounted on his back.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63" /><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> I.e., Sigurd; a transition from the 3d person to the
+2nd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64" /><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Another periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65" /><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> A periphrasis for fire.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66" /><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Of Skioldungs.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 180]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" id="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" /><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" />THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his course southwards
+towards Frankland. In the fell he saw a great light, as if a fire were
+burning, which blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood a
+&quot;skialdborg,&quot; and over it a banner. Sigurd went into the skialdborg,
+and saw a warrior lying within it asleep, completely armed. He first
+took the helmet off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
+Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her body. With his sword
+Gram he ripped the corslet from the upper opening downwards, and then
+through both sleeves. He then took the corslet off from her, when she
+awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd, said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What has my corslet cut? why from sleep have I started? who has
+cast from me the fallow bands?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigmund's son has just now ript the raven's perch,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67" /><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> with Sigurd's
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Long have I slept, long been with sleep oppressed, long are
+mortals' sufferings! Odin is the cause that I have been unable to cast
+off torpor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 181]</span><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" />Sigurd sat down and asked her name. She then took a horn filled with
+mead, and gave him the <i>minnis-cup</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Hail to Day! Hail to the sons of Day! To Night and her daughter
+hail! With placid eyes behold us here, and here sitting give us
+victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Hail to the &AElig;sir! Hail to the Asyniur! Hail to the bounteous
+earth! Words and wisdom give to us noble twain, and healing hands<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68" /><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a>
+while we live.</p>
+
+<p>She was named Sigrdrifa, and was a Valkyria. She said that two kings
+had made war on each other, one of whom was named Hialmgunnar; he was
+old and a great warrior, and Odin had promised him victory. The other
+was Agnar, a brother of Hoda, whom no divinity would patronize.
+Sigrdrifa overcame Hialmgunnar in battle; in revenge for which Odin
+pricked her with a sleep-thorn, and declared that henceforth she
+should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage.
+&quot;But I said to him, that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse
+any man who could be made to fear.&quot; Sigurd answers, and implores her
+to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all regions:</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Beer I bear to thee, column<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69" /><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> of battle! with might mingled,
+and with bright glory: 'tis full of song, and salutary saws, of potent
+incantations, and joyous discourses.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 182]</span><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sig-runes thou must know, if victory (sigr) thou wilt have, and
+on thy sword's hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard,
+and twice name the name of Ty.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Ol- (beer-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt not that another's
+wife thy trust betray, if thou in her confide. On the horn must they
+be graven, and on the hand's back, and Naud<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70" /><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> on the nail be scored.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A cup must be blessed, and against peril guarded, and garlick in
+the liquor cast: then I know thou wilt never have mead with treachery
+mingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Biarg- (help-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose
+the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the
+joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Brim- (sea-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt have secure
+afloat thy sailing steeds. On the prow they must be graven, and on the
+helm-blade, and with fire to the oar applied. No surge shall be so
+towering, nor waves so dark, but from the ocean thou safe shalt come.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Lim- (branch-) runes thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be,
+and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on
+the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mal- (speech-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt that no one
+for injury with hate requite thee. Those thou must wind, those thou
+must wrap round, those thou must altogether place in the assembly,
+where people have into full court to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 183]</span><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" /></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hug- (thought-) runes thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt
+be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised
+Hropt, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddraupnir's head, and
+from Hoddropnir's horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> On a rock he stood, with edged sword, a helm on his head he
+bore. Then spake Mim's head its first wise word, and true sayings
+uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> They are, it said, on the shield graven, which stands before the
+shining god, on Arvakr's ear, and on Alsvid's hoof, on the wheel which
+rolls under Rognir's car, on Sleipnir's teeth, and on the sledge's
+bands.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> On the bear's paw, and on Bragi's tongue, on the wolf's claws,
+and the eagle's beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge's end, on the
+releasing hand, and on healing's track.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort,
+and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, on
+the Norn's nail, and the owl's neb.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred
+mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the &AElig;sir, they are with
+the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Those are bok-runes,<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71" /><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> those are biarg-runes, and all
+ol- (beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who
+can, without confusion or corruption, turn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 184]</span><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" />them to his welfare. Use,
+if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen
+armed warrior! my speech, or silence: think over it in thy mind. All
+evils<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72" /><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> have their measure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed. I am not
+born a craven. Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as
+life is in me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> This I thee counsel first: that towards thy kin thou bear thee
+blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:
+that, it is said, benefits the dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> This I thee counsel secondly: that no oath thou swear, if it be
+not true. Cruel bonds follow broken faith: accursed is the
+faith-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> This I thee counsel thirdly: that in the assembly thou contend
+not with a fool; for an unwise man oft utters words worse than he
+knows of.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> All is vain, if thou holdest silence; then wilt thou seem a
+craven born, or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
+unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day let his life go forth,
+and so men's lies reward.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> This I counsel thee fourthly: if a wicked sorceress dwells by
+the way, to go on is better than there to lodge, though night may
+overtake thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Of searching eyes the sons of men have need, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 185]</span><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" />when fiercely they
+have to fight: oft pernicious women by the way-side sit, who swords
+and valour deaden.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> This I thee counsel fifthly: although thou see fair women on the
+benches sitting, let not their kindred's silver over thy sleep have
+power. To kiss thee entice no woman.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> This I thee counsel sixthly: although among men pass offensive
+tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war: wine steals
+the wits of many.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to
+some their death, to some calamity: many are the griefs of men!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> This I thee counsel seventhly: if thou hast disputes with a
+daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within
+their dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> This I thee counsel eighthly: that thou guard thee against evil,
+and eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to
+wantonness incite.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on
+the earth thou findest them, whether from sickness they have died, or
+from the sea, or are from weapons dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and
+head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are
+laid: and pray for their happy sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's
+kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low.
+there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 186]</span><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Strifes and fierce enmities think not to be lulled, no more than
+deadly injury. Wisdom and fame in arms a prince not easily acquires,
+who shall of men be foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> This I counsel thee eleventhly: that thou at evil look, what
+course it may take. A long life, it seems to me the prince may [not]
+enjoy;&mdash;fierce disputes will arise.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd said: &quot;A wiser mortal exists not, and I swear that I will
+possess thee, for thou art after my heart.&quot; She answered: &quot;Thee I will
+have before all others, though I have to choose among all men.&quot; And
+this they confirmed with oaths to each other.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67" /><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> The original words, hrafns hr&aelig;lundir, <i>the raven's
+corpse-trees.</i> So Grimm understands the line; because that bird hops
+about upon the armour as upon a tree.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68" /><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> The superstition of the <i>healing hand</i> is not yet
+extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man in Reykjavik
+to whom it would seem to have been communicated by an elfin, in a
+dream.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69" /><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Literally <i>apple-tree</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70" /><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> The name of a rune.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71" /><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used for book
+writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok), whence our <i>book</i>.
+Bok also signifies <i>acupictile</i>, vel <i>acupictum (velum, auloeum</i>).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72" /><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> An allusion to Sigurd's unhappy end.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF SIGURD AND BRYNHILD.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73" /><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></h2>
+
+<p>[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he
+comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild,
+Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd
+arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay
+with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild
+was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the
+great exploits of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 187]</span><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" />One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the
+window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it,
+saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On
+the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood
+outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: &quot;Hail to thee, lady!&quot;
+or &quot;How fares it with thee?&quot; She answered: &quot;We are well, my kindred
+and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be
+till their last day.&quot; He sat down by her. Brynhild said: &quot;This seat
+will be allowed to few, unless my father comes.&quot; Sigurd answered: &quot;Now
+is that come to pass which thou didst promise me.&quot; She said: &quot;Here
+shalt thou be welcome.&quot; She then arose, and her four maidens with her,
+and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached
+towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and
+placed her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said:
+&quot;A fairer than thou was never born.&quot; She said: &quot;It is not wise to
+place faith in women, for they so often break their promise.&quot; He said:
+&quot;Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness,&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I
+am a shield-maiden (skjaldm&aelig;r).&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;Then will our happiness
+be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the
+pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;I
+shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrun,
+Giuki's daughter.&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;No king's daughter shall ensnare me,
+therefore have not two thoughts on that sub<span class="pagenum">[Pg 188]</span><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" />ject; and I swear by the
+gods that I will possess thee and no other woman.&quot; She answered to the
+same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
+her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came
+to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
+three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun was the name of their
+daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he
+remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
+the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying:
+&quot;Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall
+thee. Take this horn and drink.&quot; He took it and drank, and with that
+drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that,
+Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrun, and
+all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd
+gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far
+more austere than before. Their son was named Sigmund.</p>
+
+<p>Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted
+with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed
+that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid
+around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it.
+Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards
+the fire, but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: &quot;Why dost thou shrink
+back, Gunnar?&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 189]</span><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" />Gunnar answers: &quot;My horse will not leap this fire,&quot;
+and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. &quot;He is at thy service,&quot; said
+Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go
+over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the
+sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the
+fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The fire began to rage, and the earth to tremble, high rose the
+flame to heaven itself: there ventured few chiefs of people through
+that fire to ride, or to leap over.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sigurd Grani with his word urged, the fire was quenched before
+the prince, the flame allayed before the glory-seeker with the bright
+saddle that Rok had owned.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered. She asks who he is,
+and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. &quot;And thou art destined to be
+my wife with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
+flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition.&quot; She said: &quot;I know not
+well how I shall answer this.&quot; Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting
+on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a
+swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head,
+and wearing a corslet. &quot;Gunnar,&quot; said she, &quot;speak not so to me, unless
+thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has
+sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself.&quot; Sigurd said:
+&quot;Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who
+should ride through the flickering flame.&quot; She acknowledged the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 190]</span><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" />truth
+of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there
+three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and
+laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was
+enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he
+would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called
+Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After
+this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar
+and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and
+said: &quot;A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame,
+and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might
+so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the
+man.&quot; Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was.
+Brynhild said: &quot;Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with
+thee.&quot; Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his
+daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was
+afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and
+yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank
+wine.</p>
+
+<p>One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went
+farther out into the water. Gudrun asked why she did so? Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in
+anything else?&quot; &quot;I presume that my father was more potent than thine,
+and my husband has performed more valorous <span class="pagenum">[Pg 191]</span><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" />deeds, and ridden through
+the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's thrall.&quot; Gudrun
+answered angrily: &quot;Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my
+husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every
+respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to
+vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode
+through the fire, whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
+with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest
+thou recognize it.&quot; Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it,
+and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
+that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He
+dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all
+events it would soon be known.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrun said: &quot;Be
+cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart.&quot;
+&quot;Judge not so,&quot; said Gudrun. Brynhild continued: &quot;Ask about that only
+which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high
+degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
+to thy wishes.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;It is premature to glory in that: this
+forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I
+grudge thee the possession of him.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;We knew not of your
+secret.&quot; Brynhild answered: &quot;We have had no secret, though we have
+sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I <span class="pagenum">[Pg 192]</span><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" />have been deceived,
+and I will avenge it.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Thou art better married than thou
+deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled.&quot; &quot;Content should I
+be,&quot; said Brynhild, &quot;didst thou not possess a more renowned husband
+than I.&quot; Gudrun answered: &quot;Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is
+doubtful which is the greater king.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Sigurd overcame
+Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sigurd the serpent slew, and that henceforth shall be by none
+forgotten, while mankind lives: but thy brother neither dared through
+the fire to ride, nor over it to leap.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun said: &quot;Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar:
+but he [Gunnar] dared to ride.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Let us not contend: I
+bear no good will to Grimhild.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Blame her not; for she
+is towards thee as to her own daughter.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;She is the
+cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the
+pernicious drink, so that he no more remembered me.&quot; Gudrun said:
+&quot;Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood.&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may
+it go with thee as I imagine.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Better shall I enjoy him
+than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with
+me at any time.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of
+it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle.
+Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I
+have also felt regard <span class="pagenum">[Pg 193]</span><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" />for thy brother. But let us talk of other
+things.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Your imagination looks far forward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and
+begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not
+listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether
+her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths,
+and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry
+her and put away Gudrun; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the
+apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of
+his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
+Sigurdarkvida:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Out went Sigurd from that interview into the hall of kings, writhing
+with anguish; so that began to start the ardent warrior's iron-woven
+sark off from his sides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he
+had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with
+Hogni, and revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly strove
+to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar
+removed the difficulty, saying: &quot;Let us instigate our brother Guthorm;
+he is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover, free of all
+oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced
+Brynhild.&quot; They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had
+them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a
+large realm, to do the deed, as is said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The forest-fish they roasted, and the wolf's carcase <span class="pagenum">[Pg 194]</span><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" />took, while
+some to Guthorm dealt out gold; gave him Geri's<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74" /><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> flesh with his
+drink, and many other things steeped therein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly
+perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurdarkvida,
+when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.]</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73" /><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which are
+inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and containing matter
+probably derived from the lost poems relative to Sigurd and Brynhild,
+are printed in the Stockholm edition of the Edda. They are also given
+by Afzelius in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
+Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into Danish of the
+entire Saga has since been given, by Prof. Rafn at Copenhagen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74" /><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used poetically
+for <i>wolf</i> in general.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" />THE THIRD LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was of old that Sigurd, the young Volsung, Giuki sought, after
+his conflict, received the pledge of friendship from the two brothers;
+oaths exchanged the bold of deed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> A maid they offered him, and treasures many, Gudrun, Giuki's
+youthful daughter. Drank and conversed, many days together, Sigurd the
+young and Giuki's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until they went to woo Brynhild, and with them Sigurd, the
+youthful Volsung, rode in company, who knew the way. He would have
+possessed her, if her possess he might.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Sigurd the southern laid a naked sword, a glittering falchion,
+between them; nor the damsel did he kiss, nor did the Hunnish king to
+his arm lift her. He the blooming maid to Giuki's son delivered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> She to herself of body was of no sin conscious, nor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 195]</span><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" />at her
+death-day, of any crime, that could be a stain, or thought to be:
+intervened therein the grisly fates.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Alone she sat without, at eve of day, began aloud with herself to
+speak: &quot;Sigurd must be mine; I must die, or that blooming youth clasp
+in my arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Of the words I have uttered I now repent; he is Gudrun's
+consort, and I am Gunnar's. The hateful Norns long suffering have
+decreed us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Oftentimes she wandered, filled with evil thoughts, o'er ice and
+icebergs, every eve, when he and Gudrun had to their couch withdrawn,
+and Sigurd her in the coverings wrapt, the Hunnish king his wife
+caressed.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Devoid I go of spouse and pleasure; I will beguile myself with
+vengeful thoughts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> By those fits of fury she was impelled to murder. &quot;Thou, Gunnar!
+shalt wholly lose my land, and myself also. Never shall I be happy,
+king! with thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> I will return thither from whence I came, to my near kindred, my
+relations; there will I remain, and slumber life away, unless thou
+Sigurd cause to be slain, and a king become than the other greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Let the son go together with the father, the young wolf may not
+longer be fostered. For whom will vengeance be the easier to appease,
+if the son lives?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Wroth was Gunnar, and with grief borne down; in his mind
+revolved, sat the whole day; he knew not well, nor could devise, what
+were most desirable for him to do, or were most fitting to be done,
+when he should find himself of the Volsung bereft, and in Sigurd a
+great loss sustain.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 196]</span><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Much he thought, and also long, that it did not often happen,
+that from their royal state women withdrew. Hogni he then to counsel
+summoned, in whom he placed the fullest trust.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Of all to me Brynhild, Budli's daughter, is the dearest; she is
+the chief of women: rather will I my life lay down than that fair
+one's treasures lose.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Wilt thou the prince for his wealth circumvent? good 'tis to
+command the ore of Rhine, and at ease over riches rule, and in
+tranquillity happiness enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> This alone Hogni for answer gave: &quot;It beseems us not so to do,
+by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
+people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
+race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
+progeny can increase.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
+importunity is over-great.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
+deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
+faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
+Sigurd stood his sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
+after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
+steel from the king's hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
+his feet's part fell backwards on the place.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 197]</span><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
+side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
+she swam.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
+heart rose in his bed. &quot;Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
+bride! thy brothers live.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
+house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
+devised.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
+the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
+Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
+sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
+was called his consort's friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
+she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
+rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
+whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: &quot;Laugh not thereat,
+thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
+hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
+death thou art doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Well dost thou deserve, above all women, that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 198]</span><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" />before thy eyes,
+we should lay Atli low, that thou shouldst see thy brother's
+blood-streaming sore, his gory wounds shouldst have to bind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;No one provokes thee,
+Gunnar! complete is thy work of death. Little does Atli thy hatred
+fear; his life will outlast thine, and his might be ever greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early
+we resolved on crimes. I was o'er-young and unrestrained, with wealth
+endowed, in my brother's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to
+our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings: would that journey
+had never been!</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on
+Grani's back. In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in
+aspect like: yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage
+divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant
+me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to
+possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in
+conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother's
+quarrel. That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one
+bring heartfelt anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Our reconciliation we let follow: to me it had been more
+pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 199]</span><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" />rings of Sigmund's
+son: nor did I another's gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.
+Menskogul<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75" /><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> had not a changing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my
+funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with
+another's husband pass her life. Then will my wrongs be all avenged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort's neck
+laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest
+feeling, to dissuade her.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her
+from her long journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> He then called Hogni to consultation. &quot;I will that all our folk
+to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine&mdash;now 'tis most needful&mdash;to
+see if we can hinder my consort's fatal course, till from our speech a
+hindrance may come: then let us leave necessity to rule.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> To him Hogni answer gave: &quot;Let no one hinder her from the long
+journey, whence may she never born again return. Unblest she came on
+her mother's lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a
+man's heartfelt sorrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures
+distributed. She was viewing all she owned: hungry female thralls and
+chamber-women. She put on her golden corslet&mdash;no good meditated&mdash;ere
+herself she pierced, with the sword's point.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> On the pillow she turned to the other side, and, wounded with
+the glave, on her last counsels thought.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 200]</span><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" /></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to
+receive from me. To every one I give a gilded necklace,<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76" /><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a>
+needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer
+gave: &quot;Too many are there dead: we will yet live, still be hungry
+hall-servants, to do what fitting is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> At length after reflection, the lady linen-clad, young in years,
+words in answer uttered: &quot;I desire that none, dead to entreaty, should
+by force, for our sake, lose their life.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Yet o'er your bones will burn fewer ornaments, Menia's good
+meal,<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77" /><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> when ye go hence me to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Gunnar! sit down, I will tell to thee, that of life now hopeless
+is thy bright consort. Thy vessel will not be always afloat, though I
+shall have my life resigned.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> With Gudrun thou wilt be reconciled, sooner than thou thinkest:
+that wise woman has by the king sad memorials, after her consort's
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> There is born a maid, which her mother rears; brighter far than
+the clear day, than the sun's beam, will Svanhild be.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Gudrun thou wilt give to an illustrious one, a warrior, the bane
+of many men: not to her wish will she be married; Atli will come her
+to espouse, Budli's son, my brother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 201]</span><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Much have I in memory how I was treated, when ye me so cruelly
+had deceived: robbed I was of happiness, while my life lasted.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Thou wilt desire Oddrun to possess, but Atli will permit it not;
+in secret ye will each other meet. She will love thee, as I had done,
+if us a better fate had been allotted.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Thee will Atli barbarously treat; in the narrow serpent-den wilt
+thou be cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> It will too come to pass, not long after, that Atli will his
+soul resign, his prosperity, and cease to live; for Gudrun in her
+vengeance him in his bed will slay, through bitterness of spirit, with
+the sword's sharp edge.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> More seemly would appear our sister Gudrun, had she in death her
+first consort followed, had but good counsel been to her given, or she
+a soul possessed resembling mine&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Faintly I now speak&mdash;but for our sake she will not lose her
+life. She will be borne on towering billows to King Jonakr's paternal
+soil. Doubts will be in the resolves of Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> She will Svanhild send from the land, her daughter, and
+Sigurd's. Her will destroy Bikki's counsel; for Jormunrek for evil
+lives. Then will have passed away all Sigurd's race, and Gudrun's
+tears will be the more.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> One prayer I have to thee yet to make, in this world 'twill be
+my last request: Let in the plain be raised a pile so spacious, that
+for us all like room may be, for those who shall have died with
+Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Bedeck the pile about with shields and hangings, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 202]</span><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" />a variegated
+corpse-cloth, and multitude of slain. Let them burn the Hun<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78" /><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> on the
+one side of me;</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Let them with the Hun burn on the other side, my household
+slaves, with collars splendid, two at our heads, and two hawks; then
+will all be equally distributed.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Let also lie between us both the sword with rings adorned, the
+keen-edged iron, so again be placed, as when we both one couch
+ascended, and were then called by the name of consorts.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Then will not clang against his heel the hall's bright gates,
+with splendid ring, if my train him hence shall follow. Then will our
+procession appear not mean.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> For him will follow five female thralls, eight male slaves of
+gentle birth, fostered with me, and with my patrimony, which to his,
+daughter Budli gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Much I have said, and more would say, if the sword would grant
+me power of speech. My voice fails, my wounds swell: truth only I have
+uttered; so I will cease.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75" /><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> That is, Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies this
+name to herself, which is a compound of men, <i>necklace, monile</i>, and
+Skogul, the name of a Valkyria.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76" /><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Necklaces usually consisted in gold and silver chains or
+laces with ornaments attached to them; if these resembled the sun or
+moon they were called Sigli, <i>suns</i> (such were those here spoken of);
+and such was the necklace worn by Freyia, the bright goddess of the
+Vanir.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77" /><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Menia's meal, or flour, is gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78" /><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" id="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" />
+<img src="images/fig03.jpg" width="600" height="411" alt="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" title="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" />
+<p class="center"><b>A FEAST IN VALHALLA.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by Jno. Kellar.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>An admirable description of a feast of the gods, in Valhalla, will be
+found on pages 293-94-95 of this volume. It was a strong belief among
+the Goths, prior to the introduction of Christianity among them, that
+the bodies of all warriors who met their deaths in battle were
+transported directly to Valhalla by Valkyrie maidens on the backs of
+winged horses. Upon reaching this mythological heaven the dead were
+revived and ever thereafter enjoyed drinking mead, eating swine flesh,
+and in fighting their battles over again every day.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 203]</div>
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" /><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF BRYNHILD.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Why art thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! absorbed in evil and
+murderous thoughts? What injury has Sigurd done thee, that thou the
+hero wilt of life bereave?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Sigurd to me oaths has sworn, oaths sworn, all falsehoods. He at
+a time deceived me when he should have been of all oaths most
+observant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Thee Brynhild has in anger instigated evil to perpetrate, harm
+to execute. She grudges Gudrun her happy marriage, and thee,
+possession of herself.&quot; * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Some a wolf roasted, some a snake cut up, some to Guthorm served
+the wolf, before they might, eager for crime, on the mighty man lay
+their hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Without stood Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, and these words first of
+all uttered: &quot;Where is now Sigurd, lord of warriors, seeing that my
+kinsmen foremost ride?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hogni alone to her answer gave: &quot;Asunder have we Sigurd hewed
+with our swords; his grey steed bends o'er the dead chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Well shall ye now enjoy
+arms and lands. Sigurd would alone over all have ruled, had he a
+little longer life retained.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 204]</span><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Unseemly it had been that he should so have ruled over Giuki's
+heritage and the Goths' people, when he five sons, for the fall of
+hosts, eager for warfare, had begotten.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then laughed Brynhild&mdash;the whole burgh resounded&mdash;once only from
+her whole heart: &quot;Well shall ye enjoy lands and subjects, now the
+daring king ye have caused to fall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Much thou speakest, things
+most atrocious: may fiends have Gunnar, Sigurd's murderer! Souls
+malevolent vengeance awaits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Sigurd had fallen south of Rhine: loud from a tree a raven
+screamed: &quot;With your blood will Atli his sword's edges redden; the
+oaths ye have sworn your slaughter shall dissolve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Evening was advanced, much was drunken, then did pleasant talk
+of all kinds pass: all sank in sleep, when to rest they went. Gunnar
+alone was wakeful longer than all:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> He began his foot to move, and much with himself to speak; the
+warlike chief in his mind pondered, what during the conflict the raven
+and the eagle were ever saying, as they rode home.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Brynhild awoke, Budli's daughter, daughter of Skioldungs, a
+little ere day: &quot;Urge me or stay me&mdash;the mischief is perpetrated&mdash;my
+sorrow to pour forth, or to suppress it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> All were silent at these words; few understood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 205]</span><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" />the lady's
+conduct, that weeping she should begin to speak of what she laughing
+had desired.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;In my dream, Gunnar! all seemed so horrid, in the chamber all
+was dead; my bed was cold; and thou, king! wast riding of joy bereft,
+with fetters loaded, to a hostile host. So will ye all, race of
+Niflungs! be of power deprived, perjurers as ye are!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Ill Gunnar! didst thou remember, when blood ye in your footsteps
+both let flow; now hast thou him ill for all that requited, because he
+would prove himself foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then was it proved, when the hero had ridden to see me, to woo
+me, how the warlike chief whilom held sacred his oath towards the
+youthful prince.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Laid his sword, with gold adorned, the illustrious king between
+us both: outward its edges were with fire wrought, but with venom
+drops tempered within.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears
+that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain
+sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the
+forest; and it is told in the &quot;Gudrunarkvida hin Forna,&quot; that Sigurd
+and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (thing) when
+he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they
+broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and
+unprepared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 206]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" />THE FIRST LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although
+ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her,
+but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had eaten of
+Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is
+also sung of Gudrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of old it was that Gudrun prepared to die, when she sorrowing
+over Sigurd sat. No sigh she uttered, nor with her hands beat, nor
+wailed, as other women.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Jarls came forward of great sagacity, from her sad state of mind
+to divert her. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction;
+ready she was to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Sat there noble wives of jarls, adorned with gold, before Gudrun;
+each of them told her sorrows, the bitterest she had known.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Giaflaug, Giuki's sister: &quot;I know myself to be on earth
+most joyless: of five consorts I the loss have suffered; of two
+daughters, sisters three, and brothers eight; I alone live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then said Herborg, Hunaland's queen: &quot;I a more cruel grief have
+to recount: my seven sons, in the south land, my spouse the eighth, in
+conflict fell.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 207]</span><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> My father and my mother, my brothers four, on the sea the wind
+deluded; the waves struck on the ship's timbers.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Their last honours 'twas mine to pay, 'twas mine to see them
+tombed, their funeral rites to prepare was mine. All this I underwent
+in one half-year, and to me no one consolation offered.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then I became a captive, taken in war, at the close of the same
+half-year. Then had I to adorn, and tie the shoes, of the Hersir's
+wife, each morn.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> From jealousy she threatened me, and with hard blows drove me:
+nowhere master found I a better, but mistress no where a worse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Little canst thou, my
+fosterer, wise as thou art, with a young wife fittingly talk.&quot; The
+king's body she forbade to be longer hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> She snatched the sheet from Sigurd's corpse, and turned his cheek
+towards his wife's knees: &quot;Behold thy loved one, lay thy mouth to his
+lip, as if thou wouldst embrace the living prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Gudrun upon him cast one look: she saw the prince's locks
+dripping with blood, the chief's sparkling eyes closed in death, his
+kingly breast cleft by the sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then sank down Gudrun back on her pillow, her head-gear was
+loosed, her cheeks grew red, and a flood of tears fell to her knees.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 208]</span><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" /></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then wept Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, so that the tears
+spontaneously flowed, and at the same time screamed the geese in the
+court, the noble birds, which the lady owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Then spake Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Your loves I know were
+the most ardent among living beings upon earth: thou hadst delight
+nowhere, sister mine! save with Sigurd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Such was my Sigurd among
+Giuki's sons, as is the garlick out from the grass which grows, or a
+bright stone on a thread drawn, a precious gem on kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I also seemed to the prince's warriors higher than any of
+Herian's Disir; now I am as little as the leaf oft is in the
+storm-winds, after the chieftain's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sitting I miss, and in my bed, my dearest friend. Giuki's sons
+have caused, Giuki's sons have caused my affliction, and their
+sister's tears of anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> So ye desolate the people's land, as ye have kept your sworn
+oaths. Gunnar! thou wilt not the gold enjoy; those rings will be thy
+bane, for the oaths thou to Sigurd gavest.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Oft in the mansion was the greater mirth, when my Sigurd Grani
+saddled, and Brynhild they went to woo, that which accursed, in an
+evil hour!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;May the hag lack spouse
+and children, who thee, Gudrun! has caused to weep, and this morning
+given thee runes of speech!&quot;<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79" /><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p>
+
+<p><b><span class="pagenum">[Pg 209]</span><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" />24.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Cease, thou loathed of
+all! from those words. The evil destiny of princes thou hast ever
+been; thee every billow drives of an evil nature; thou sore affliction
+of seven kings, the greatest bane of friendship among women!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Atli my brother, Budli's
+offspring, is the sole cause of all the evil;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> When in the hall of the Hunnish folk, with the king we beheld
+the fire of the serpent's bed.<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80" /><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> Of that journey, I have paid the
+penalty, that sight I have ever rued.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> She by a column stood, the wood violently clasped. From the eyes
+of Brynhild, Budli's daughter, fire gleamed forth; venom she snorted,
+when she beheld the wounds of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to
+Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's
+daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight
+thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself
+with a sword, as it is related in the &quot;Sigurdarkvida in Skemma&quot; (the
+Short Lay of Sigurd).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79" /><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Power of speech.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80" /><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> A periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 210]</div>
+<h2><a name="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" id="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" /><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" />BRYNHILD'S HEL-RIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was
+the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a
+chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said
+that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through
+a place in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Thou shalt not pass through my stone-supported dwelling place.
+Better had it beseemed thee to work broidery, than to seek after
+another's husband.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Why dost thou, vagrant woman! from Valland, my dwelling visit?
+Thou hast, golden dame! if thou desirest to know, gentle one! from thy
+hands washed human blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Upbraid me not, woman of the rock! although I have in warfare
+been. Of us, I trow, I shall the better seem, wherever men our
+conditions know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Giantess</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! wast in evil hour born in the
+world; thou hast been the bane of Giuki's children, and their happy
+house subverted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;From my chariot I will truly tell thee, thou wit<span class="pagenum">[Pg 211]</span><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" />less crone! if
+thou desirest to know, how Giuki's heirs made me both lovelorn and
+perjured.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The bold-hearted king<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81" /><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> caused the garbs of us eight sisters
+under an oak to be borne. Twelve years old was I, if thou desirest to
+know, when to the youthful king oaths I gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> By all in Hlymdalir I was called Hild with the helm, by all who
+knew me.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then caused I next, in the Gothic realm, the old Hialmgunnar to
+Hel to journey: I gave victory to the youthful brother of Oda, whereat
+Odin became hostile to me.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He with shields encompassed me, red and white, in Skatalund;
+their surfaces enclosed me; him he ordained my sleep to break, who in
+no place could be made to fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> He made around my hall, towards the south, towering burn the
+destroyer of all wood: then bade that man only over it to ride, who me
+the gold should bring, that under Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> On Grani rode the chief, the gold-disperser, to where my
+foster-father ruled o'er the dwellings. He alone seemed there to all
+superior, the Danish warrior, of the court.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> We slept and were content in the same bed, as if he had my born
+brother been; neither of us might on the other, for eight nights, lay
+a hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Reproached me Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, that I had slept in
+Sigurd's arms; then was I made aware of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 212]</span><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" />what I fain would not,&mdash;that
+they had deceived me, when a mate I took.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> To calamities all too lasting men and women, ever will be while
+living born. We two shall now, Sigurd and I pass our life together.
+Sink thou of giant-kind!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81" /><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> By depriving them of the swan-plumage, for they were
+Valkyriur like the wives of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced
+them under his subjection.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" id="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" />THE SLAUGHTER OF THE NIFLUNGS.</h2>
+
+<p>Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension
+prevailed afterwards between the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them
+with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it
+was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in marriage, to whom they
+administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse
+Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter
+of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to his
+residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of
+treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Hogni, as a
+token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some
+wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but
+did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took Kostbera
+to wife. Their sons were Solar, Sn&aelig;var, and Giuki. When the Giukungs
+came to Atli, Gudrun besought his sons to intercede for their lives,
+but they would not. The heart of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 213]</span><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" />Hogni was cut out, and Gunnar was
+cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the
+serpents, but an adder stung him to the liver.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" />THE SECOND LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of
+his men. Theodric and Gudrun mutually bewailed their afflictions. She
+related to him and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> A maid above all maids I was; my mother reared me bright in her
+bower; my brothers I much loved, until me Giuki, with gold adorned,
+with gold adorned, to Sigurd gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Such was Sigurd above Giuki's sons, as the green leek is,
+springing from the grass, or the high-limbed hart above the savage
+beasts, or gleed-red gold above grey silver.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until my brothers the possession grudged me of a consort to all
+superior. They could not sleep, nor on affairs deliberate, before they
+Sigurd had caused to die.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Grani to the assembly ran, his tramp was to be heard; but Sigurd
+then himself came not. All the saddle-beasts were splashed with blood,
+and with sweating faint, from the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Weeping I went to talk to Grani, with humid cheeks, I prayed the
+steed to tell: then Grani shuddered, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 214]</span><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" />in the grass bowed down his
+head. The steed knew that his master was no more.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Long I wandered, long was my mind distracted, ere of the people's
+guardian I inquired for my king.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gunnar hung his head, but Hogni told me of Sigurd's cruel death.
+&quot;Beyond the river slaughtered lies Guthorm's murderer, and to the
+wolves given.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Yonder behold Sigurd, towards the south, there thou wilt hear the
+ravens croak, the eagles scream, in their feast exulting; the wolves
+howling round thy consort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Why wilt thou, Hogni! to a joyless being such miseries recount?
+May thy heart by ravens be torn and scattered over the wide world,
+rather than thou shouldst walk with men.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hogni answered, for once cast down, from his cheerful mood by
+intense trouble: &quot;Gudrun! thou wouldst have greater cause to weep, if
+the ravens should tear my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Alone I turned from that interview to the wolves' scattered
+leavings. No sigh I uttered, nor with my hands beat, nor wailed, as
+other women, when I heartbroken sat by Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Night seemed to me of blackest darkness, when I sorrowing sat by
+Sigurd. Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or
+I had been burnt as a birchen tree.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> From the fell I journeyed five long days and nights, until the
+lofty hall of Half I recognized. Seven <span class="pagenum">[Pg 215]</span><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" />half-years I with Thora
+stayed, Hakon's daughter, in Denmark.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> She for my solace wrought in gold southern halls, and Danish
+swans.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> We had in pictures the game of warriors, and in handiworks a
+prince's nobles; red shields, Hunnish heroes, a sworded host, a helmed
+host, a prince's following.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Sigmund's ships from the land sailing, with gilded heads, and
+carved prows. We on our canvas wrought how Sigar and Siggeir both
+contended southward in Fyen.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> When Grimhild, the Gothic woman, heard how greatly I was
+afflicted, she cast aside her needle-work, and her sons called oft and
+earnestly, that she might know, who for her son would their sister
+compensate, or for her consort slain the blood-fine pay?</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Gunnar was ready gold to offer, for the injuries to atone, and
+Hogni also. * * * She then inquired who would go the steeds to saddle,
+the chariot to drive, on horseback ride, the hawk let fly, arrows
+shoot from the yew bow?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Valdar and the Danes with Jarizleif, Eymod the third with
+Jarizkar, then entered, to princes like. Red mantles had the
+Langbard's men, corslets ornamented, towering helms; girded they were
+with falchions, brown were their locks.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> For me each one would choose precious gifts, precious gifts, and
+to my heart would speak, if for my many woes they might gain my
+confidence, and I would in them trust.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 216]</span><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216" /></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Grimhild to me brought a potion to drink cold and bitter, that I
+my injuries might forget; it was mingled with Urd's power, with cold
+sea-water, and with Son's blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> In that horn were characters of every kind graven and red-hued;
+nor could I comprehend them: the long lyng-fish<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82" /><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> of the Haddings'
+land, an uncut ear of corn: the wild-beasts' entrance.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In that potion were many ills together, a herb from every wood,
+and the acorn, the fire-stead's dew,<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83" /><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> entrails of offerings,
+swine's liver seethed; for that deadens strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> And then I forgot, when I had taken it, all the king's words in
+the hall spoken. There to my feet three kings came, before she herself
+sought to speak with me.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Gudrun! I will give thee gold to possess, of all the riches
+much of thy dead father; rings of red gold, Hlodver's halls, all the
+hangings left by the fallen king.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Hunnish maids, those who weave tapestry, and in bright gold
+work, so that it may delight thee. Over Budli's wealth thou alone
+shalt rule, adorned with gold, and given to Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I will not have any man, nor Brynhild's brother marry: it
+beseems me not with Budli's son to increase a race, or life enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Take care not to pay the chiefs with hate; for 'tis we who have
+been the aggressors: so shouldst thou act as if yet lived Sigurd and
+Sigmund, if sons thou bearest.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 217]</span><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217" /></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Grimhild! I cannot in mirth indulge, nor, for my hero's sake,
+cherish a hope, since the bloodthirsty [wolf and] raven have together
+cruelly drunk my Sigurd's heart's blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Him<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84" /><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> of all I have found to be a king of noblest race, and
+in much most excellent: him shalt thou have until age lays thee low,
+or mateless be, if him thou wilt not take.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Cease to offer that cup of ills so pertinaciously, that race to
+me: he will Gunnar's destruction perpetrate, and will cut out Hogni's
+heart. I will not cease until the exulting strife-exciter's life I
+shall have taken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Weeping Grimhild caught the words, by which to her sons Gudrun
+foreboded evil, and to her kindred dire misfortunes. &quot;Lands I will
+also give thee, people and followers, Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, if thou
+wilt accept them; for life possess them, and be happy, daughter!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Him then I will choose among the kings, and from my relatives
+reluctantly receive him. Never will he be to me a welcome consort, nor
+my brothers' bale a protection to our sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Forthwith on horseback was each warrior to be seen; but the
+Walish women were in chariots placed. For seven days o'er a cold land
+we rode; but the second seven, we beat the waves; and the third seven,
+we reached dry land.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There the gate-wards of the lofty burgh the latticed entrance
+opened, ere the court we entered.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 218]</span><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Atli waked me, but I seemed to be full of evil thoughts, for my
+kinsmen's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;So me just now<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85" /><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> have the Norns waked,&mdash;a grateful
+interpretation I fain would have. Methought that thou, Gudrun! Giuki's
+daughter! with a treacherous sword didst pierce me through.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;Fire it forebodes,<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86" /><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> when one of iron dreams, arrogance and
+pleasure, a woman's anger. Against evil I will go burn thee, cure and
+medicate thee, although to me thou art hateful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;Seemed to me here in the garden<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87" /><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> that young shoots had
+fallen, which I wished to let grow: torn up with their roots, reddened
+with blood, to table they were brought, and offered me to eat.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;Seemed to me that hawks flew from my hand, lacking their
+quarry, to the house of woes; seemed to me I ate their hearts with
+honey swollen with blood, with sorrowing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Seemed to me from my hand whelps I let slip; lacking cause of
+joy, both of them howled: seemed to me their bodies became dead
+carcases: of the carrion I was compelled to eat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;There will warriors<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88" /><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> round thy couch converse, and of the
+white-locked ones take off the head; death-doomed they are within a
+few nights, a little ere day: thy court will eat of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Lie down I would not,<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89" /><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> nor sleep after, obstinate in my
+fate&mdash;That I will execute!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82" /><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> That is the long fish of the heath, or Ung, a snake or
+serpent.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83" /><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Soot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84" /><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Atli: Grimhild speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85" /><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86" /><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87" /><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88" /><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89" /><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Atll speaks.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 219]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219" />THE THIRD LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia,<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90" /><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> who had been his concubine.
+She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together;
+whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What ails thee ever, Atli! Budli's son! Hast thou sorrow in thy
+heart? Why never laughest thou? To thy jarls it would seem more
+desirable, that thou with men wouldst talk, and on me wouldst look.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It grieves me, Gudrun! Giuki's daughter! that in my palace here,
+Herkia has said, that thou and Thiodrek have under one covering slept,
+and wantonly been in the linen wrapt.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> For all this charge I will give my oaths by the white sacred
+stone, that with me and Thiodrek nothing has passed, which to man and
+wife only belongs;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Save that I embraced the prince of armies, the honoured king, a
+single time. Other were our cogitations, when sorrowful we two sat to
+converse.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 220]</span><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hither came Thiodrek, with thirty warriors; now there lives not
+one of those thirty men. Surround me with thy brothers, and with
+mailed warriors; surround me with all thy noblest kinsmen.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Send to Saxi the Southmen's prince; he can hallow the boiling
+cauldron.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Seven hundred men entered the hall, ere in the cauldron the queen
+dipt her hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Now Gunnar comes not, nor call I Hogni: I shall not see again my
+loved brothers: with his sword would Hogni such wrong avenge: now I
+must myself purify from crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> She to the bottom, plunged her snow-white hand, and up she drew
+the precious stones.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91" /><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> &quot;See now, ye men! I am proved guiltless in
+holy wise, boil the vessel as it may.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Laughed then Atli's heart within his breast, when he unscathed
+beheld the hand of Gudrun. &quot;Now must Herkia to the cauldron go, she
+who Gudrun had hoped to injure.&quot; No one has misery seen who saw not
+that, how the hand there of Herkia was burnt. They then the woman led
+to a foul slough.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92" /><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> So were Gudrun's wrongs avenged.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90" /><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who
+here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition,
+the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kreimhilt (Gudrun) until
+after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful
+subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the
+other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron,
+sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Muller
+(II., p. 319) ascribes it to S&aelig;mund himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91" /><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> The iarknastein of the original was a milk-white opal.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92" /><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> This punishment was known to the old Germans.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 221]</div>
+<h2><a name="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" id="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" /><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221" />ODDRUN'S LAMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgny. Her
+lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until
+Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar,
+Giuki's son. Of this story it is here sung:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> I have heard tell, in ancient stories how a damsel came to the
+eastern land: no one was able, on the face of earth, help to afford to
+Heidrek's daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> When Oddrun, Atli's sister, heard that the damsel had great
+pains, from the stall she led her well-bridled steed, and on the swart
+one the saddle laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> She the horse made run on the smooth, dusty way, until she came
+to where a high hall stood. She the saddle snatched from the hungry
+steed, and in she went along the court, and these words first of all
+uttered:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;What is most noteworthy in this country? or what most desirable
+in the Hunnish land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Here lies Borgny with pains overwhelmed, thy friend, Oddrun! See
+if thou canst help her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> What chieftain has on thee brought this dishonour? Why so acute
+are Borgny's pains?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 222]</span><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222" /><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vilmund is named the falcon-bearer's friend: he the damsel wrapt
+in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
+hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
+the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
+of power over Borgny.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
+of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
+had no word uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
+other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
+of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said&mdash;when
+the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
+spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
+upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
+a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
+happen, to any maiden, save to me alone.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 223]</span><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
+great grief:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
+council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
+only, while my father lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
+departed hence.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
+to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
+be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
+and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
+Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
+taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long&mdash;which was not
+surprising&mdash;ere she discovered all those frauds.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
+great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
+she caused herself to die with Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
+Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
+Valkyria should become.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> They forthwith offered<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93" /><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> ruddy rings to my brother, and
+indemnity not small. He<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94" /><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> besides offered <span class="pagenum">[Pg 224]</span><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224" />for me fifteen vills, and
+the load of Grani's sides, if he would accept them.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But Atli said he never would a marriage-gift receive from
+Giuki's son. Still we could not our loves withstand, but I my head
+must lay upon the ring-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Many things said my relations; declared they had surprised us
+both together; but Atli said, that I would not crime commit, nor
+scandal perpetrate. But such should no one for another ever deny, when
+love has part.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Atli sent his emissaries about the Murkwood, that he might prove
+me; and they came to where they ought not to have come, to where we
+had one couch prepared.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> To the men we offered red-gold rings, that they it might not to
+Atli tell; but they forthwith hastened home, and it quickly to Atli
+told.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half
+she should have known it.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95" /><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode
+Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a
+serpent-pen the other cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * *
+* The brave king<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96" /><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble
+race hoped that I to his aid might come.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings
+sang.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life <span class="pagenum">[Pg 225]</span><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225" />would save.
+The vessel we let float past the forest,<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97" /><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> until I saw all Atli's
+courts.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:&mdash;may she
+perish!&mdash;she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not
+save.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned!<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98" /><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> how I after can
+life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to
+love:</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil
+fate, my own and theirs.&quot; Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended
+<i>Oddrun's lament</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93" /><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> For Brynhild's death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94" /><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> Gunnar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95" /><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> From here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96" /><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Gunnar while in the serpent-pen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97" /><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> For &quot;lund&quot; (<i>forest, wood</i>), which is the reading of the
+MSS., the Copenhagen editor favors the correction to sund (a <i>sound</i>
+or <i>strait, the Sound</i>)?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98" /><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Borgny.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 226]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226" />THE LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She
+first killed Atli's sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the
+palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Atli sent riding a messenger to Gunnar, a crafty man, Knefrud was
+his name. To Giuki's courts he came, and to Gunnar's hall, to the
+seats of state,<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99" /><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> and the glad potation:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> There drank the courtiers wine in their Valhall&mdash;but the guileful
+ones<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100" /><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> silence kept&mdash;the Huns' wrath they<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101" /><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> feared. Then said
+Knefrud, with chilling voice:&mdash;the southern warrior on a high bench
+sat&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Atli has sent me hither on his errand riding on a bit-griping
+steed, through the unknown Murkwood, to pray you, Gunnar! that to his
+bench ye come, with helms of state, Atli's home to visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red
+helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks
+gory-red, the dart's obstruction, and bit-griping steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;The plain he will also give you, the broad Gnita<span class="pagenum">[Pg 227]</span><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227" />heid, whistling
+javelins, and gilded prows, vast treasures, and Danp's towns, with
+that famed forest, which men the Murkwood call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Gunnar his head then turned, and to Hogni said: &quot;What counselest
+thou, bold warrior? now suchlike we hear? Of no gold I knew on Gnita's
+heath, to which we possess not other equal.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Seven halls have we filled with swords, of each of which the
+hilt is gold. My horse I know the best, and my sword the keenest; my
+bow adorns my seat, my corslets are of gold, my helm and shield the
+brightest, brought from the hall of Kiar: mine alone are better than
+all the Hunnish ones.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;What thinkest thou the woman<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102" /><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> means, by sending us a ring in
+a wolf's clothing wrapt? I think that she caution enjoins. Wolf's hair
+I found twined in the red-gold ring: wolfish is the way we on our
+errand ride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> No sons persuaded Gunnar, nor other kinsman, interpreters nor
+counsellors, nor those who potent were. Then spake Gunnar, as beseemed
+a king, great in his mead-hall, from his large soul:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Rise now up, Fiornir! let along the benches pass the golden
+cups of heroes, from the attendants' hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;The wolf shall rule the Niflungs' heritage, O bearded sages! if
+Gunnar perish; black-coated bears earth's fruit tear with their teeth,
+to the dogs' delight, if Gunnar come not back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Honoured men, weeping led the land's ruler from <span class="pagenum">[Pg 228]</span><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228" />the Huns'
+court. Then said Hogni's youthful heir: &quot;Go now, prudent and
+prosperous, whither your wishes lead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors made their bit-griping steeds over the mountains
+fly, through the unknown Murkwood. The whole Hunnish forest trembled
+where'er the warriors rode; over the shrubless, all-green plains they
+sped.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Atli's land they saw, and the high watch-towers; Bikki's people
+stood on that lofty fortress; the south people's hall was round with
+benches set, with well-bound bucklers, and white shields, the
+javelin's obstruction. There Atli drank wine in his Valhall: his
+guards sat without, Gunnar and his men to watch, lest they there
+should come with yelling dart, to excite their prince to conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Their sister forthwith saw, when the hall they had entered, her
+brothers both&mdash;beer had she little drunken&mdash;&quot;Betrayed art thou now,
+Gunnar! though strong, how wilt thou contend with the Huns' deadly
+wiles? Go quickly from this hall!</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Better hadst thou, Gunnar! in corslet come, than with helm of
+state, to see the home of Atli; thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
+whole sun-bright days, and o'er the pallid dead let the Norns weep,
+the Hunnish shield-maids misery suffer; but Atli himself thou shouldst
+into the serpent-pen have cast; but now the serpent-pen is for you two
+reserved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Sister! 'tis now too late the Niflungs to assemble, long 'tis
+to seek the aid of men, of valiant heroes, over the rugged fells of
+Rhine.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 229]</span><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229" /></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then the Burgundians' friends<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103" /><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> Gunnar seized, in fetters
+laid, and him fast bound.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Hogni hewed down seven, with the keen sword, but the eighth he
+thrust into the raging fire. So should a valiant man defend himself
+from foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hogni had Gunnar's hands<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104" /><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> protected. The bold chief they
+asked, if the Goths' lord would with gold his life redeem?</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;Hogni's heart in my hand shall lie, cut bloody from the breast
+of the valiant chief, the king's son, with a dull-edged knife.&quot; * * *
+They the heart cut out from Hialli's breast; on a dish bleeding laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Gunnar, lord of men: &quot;Here have I the heart of the
+timid Hialli, unlike the heart of the bold Hogni; for much it trembles
+as in the dish it lies: it trembled more by half, while in his breast
+it lay.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Hogni laughed, when to his heart they cut the living
+crest-crasher; no lament uttered he. All bleeding on a dish they laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Calmly said Gunnar, the warrior Niflung: &quot;Here have I the heart
+of the bold Hogni, unlike the heart of the timid Hialli; for it little
+trembles, as in the dish it lies: it trembled less, while in his
+breast it lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;So far shalt thou, Atli! be from the eyes of men as thou wilt
+from the treasures be. In my power alone is all the hidden Niflungs'
+gold, now that Hogni lives not.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Ever was I wavering, while we both lived; now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 230]</span><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230" />am I so no
+longer, as I alone survive. Rhine shall possess men's baleful metal,
+the mighty stream, the As-known Niflungs' heritage. In the rolling
+water the choice rings shall glitter, rather than on the hands of the
+Huns' children shine.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Drive your wheel-chariots, the captive is now in bonds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Atli the mighty, their sister's husband, rode with resounding
+steeds, with strife-thorns<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105" /><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> surrounded. Gudrun perceived the
+heroes' peril, she from tears refrained, on entering the hall of
+tumult.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;So be it with thee, Atli! as towards Gunnar thou hast held the
+oft-sworn oaths, formerly taken&mdash;by the southward verging sun, and by
+Sigty's hill, the secluded bed of rest, and by Ullr's ring.&quot; Yet
+thence the more did the bit-shaker<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106" /><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> the treasure's guardian, the
+warrior chief, drag to death.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The living prince then did a host of men into a pen cast down,
+which was within with serpents over-crawled. But Gunnar there alone a
+harp in wrathful mood with his hand struck: the strings resounded. So
+should a daring chief, a ring-dispenser, gold from men withhold.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Atli turned his brass-shod<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107" /><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> steed, his home to revisit, back
+from the murder. Din was in the court with horses thronged, men's
+weapon-song, from the heath they were come.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Out then went Gudrun, Atli to meet, with a golden cup to do her
+duty to the king. &quot;Thou canst, O <span class="pagenum">[Pg 231]</span><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231" />King! joyful in thy hall receive
+from Gudrun the arms of the departed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> The drinking-cups of Atli groaned with wine heavy, when in the
+hall together the Huns were counted. Long-bearded, bold, the warriors
+entered.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hastened the bright-faced dame to bear their potions to them,
+the wondrous lady to the chiefs; and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
+the festal dainties offered, and uttered words of hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Thou, swords' dispenser! hast thy two sons' hearts,
+slaughter-gory, with honey eaten. I resolved that thou, bold chief!
+shouldst of a human dish eat at thy feasting, and to the place of
+honour send it. Henceforth thou wilt not to thy knees call Erp and
+Eitil, joyous with beer the two: thou wilt not henceforth, see them
+from thy middle seat, gold-dispersing, javelins shafting, manes
+clipping, or horses urging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Uproar was on the benches, portentous the cry of men, noise
+beneath the costly hangings. The children of the Huns wept, all wept
+save Gudrun, who never wept, or for her bear-fierce brothers, or her
+dear sons, young, simple, whom she had borne to Atli.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Gold scattered the swan-fair dame; with ruddy rings the
+household gifted. Fate she let ripen, but the bright gold flow. The
+woman spared not the treasure-houses.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli incautious had himself drunk weary; weapon he had none, nor
+was 'gainst Gudrun guarded. Oft had their sport been better, when they
+lovingly embraced each other before the nobles.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 232]</span><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With the sword's point she gave the bed of blood to drink with
+death-bent hand, and the dogs loosed, out at the hall-door drove them,
+and the lady wakened the household with burning brand. That vengeance
+she for her brothers took.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> To fire she then gave all that were therein, and from her
+brothers' murder were from the dark den<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108" /><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> returned. The old
+structures fell, the treasure-houses smoked, the Budlungs' dwelling.
+Burnt too were the shield-maids within, their lives cut short; in the
+raging fire they sank.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of this enough is said. No such woman will henceforth arms again
+bear, to avenge her brothers. That bright woman had to three kings of
+men the death-doom borne, before she died.</p>
+
+<p>Yet more clearly is this told in &quot;Atlamalum inum Groenlenzkum&quot; (the
+Groenland lay of Atli).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99" /><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> The epithet aringreypr is applied both to benches and
+helmets (see Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is doubtful: it has been
+rendered <i>iron-bound</i>, <i>brass-bound</i>, <i>hearth-encircling</i>, <i>curved
+like an eagle's beak</i>, etc. Benches and helmets of ceremony are
+evidently intended, probably ornamented with brass-work or figures of
+eagles. But to whichever substantive applied, I take its meaning to be
+the same.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100" /><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> The messengers of Atli.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101" /><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> The Giukungs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102" /><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Gudrun: she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring to
+her brothers, as a warning, in which a wolf's hair was entwined,
+together with a note in runes, which were falsified by Vingi.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103" /><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Atli's men.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104" /><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> That is Gunnar himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105" /><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Spears.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106" /><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> The horse.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107" /><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> The original word is eyrskan, a word of doubtful
+signification.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108" /><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> The serpent-pen.</p></div>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" id="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" />
+<img src="images/fig04.jpg" width="600" height="393" alt="THE DEATH OF ATLI" title="THE DEATH OF ATLI" />
+<p class="center"><b>THE DEATH OF ATLI.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by S. Goldberg.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>Atli has been identified as Attila, called in history &quot;the Scourge of
+God,&quot; a king of the Huns who twice defeated the Romans under
+Theodosius, and plundered the eternal city itself. He was guilty of
+many excesses and is reported to have died of a hemorrhage on the day
+following his marriage with Ildico (453). In the story of Seigfried
+and Brynhild, however, he is represented as having married Gudran,
+daughter of Grimhild and King Giuki, who it will be recalled by
+readers of the other volumes of this series, beguiled Siegfried by
+means of a magic potion, into marriage with her. Her feelings revolted
+against an alliance with Atli, but she accepted him for a husband in
+order thereby to obtain the power to gratify her vengeance against
+Hogni (Hagan), who had assassinated Siegfried.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 233]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233" />THE GROENLAND LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of those misdeeds men have heard tell, when warriors of old a
+compact made, which by pledges they confirmed, a secret consultation
+held: terrible it was to them after, and to Giuki's sons likewise, who
+were betrayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The warriors' fate ripened, they were death-doomed: ill advised
+was Atli, though he possessed sagacity: he felled a mighty column,
+strove hardly against himself; with speed he messengers despatched,
+that his wife's brothers should come quickly.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Wise was the house-dame, prudently she thought; the words in
+order she had heard, that in secret they had said: the sage lady was
+at a loss: fain would she help them; they<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109" /><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> o'er the sea must sail,
+but she herself could not go.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Runes she graved, Vingi them falsified, before he gave them from
+him; of ill he was the bearer. Then departed Atli's messengers,
+through the branched firth, for where the bold warriors dwelt.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> They with beer were cheered, and fires they kindled, naught
+thought they of guile, when they were come; they the gifts accepted,
+which the prince sent them, on a column hung them, and of no evil
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then came Kostbera, she was Hogni's wife, a woman greatly
+cautious, and them both greeted. Glad <span class="pagenum">[Pg 234]</span><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234" />was also Glaumvor, Gunnar's
+consort, the prudent dame her duty forgot not, she to the guests' need
+attended.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Hogni they home invited, if he would be pleased to go. Treachery
+was manifest, had they but reflected! Gunnar then promised, if only
+Hogni would, but Hogni refused what the other proposed.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The noble dames bore mead, of many things there was abundance,
+many horns passed round, until it seemed they had full drunken.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The household prepared their couches, as to them seemed best.
+Cunning was Kostbera, she could runes interpret; she the letters read
+by the bright fire;&mdash;her tongue she had to guard between both her
+gums&mdash;so perverted were they, it was difficult to understand them.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> To their bed they went, she and Hogni. The gentle lady dreamed,
+and concealed it not, to the prince wisely said it as soon as she
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;From home thou art going, Hogni! give ear to counsel; few are
+fully prudent: go another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> I have the runes interpreted, which thy sister graved: that fair
+dame has not this time invited thee. At one thing I wonder most, I
+cannot even conceive, why so wise a woman so confusedly should grave;
+for it is so set down as if it intimated death to you both, if you
+should straightway come. Either she has left out a letter, or others
+are the cause.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110" /><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;They are,&quot; said Hogni, &quot;all suspicious; I have no knowledge of
+them, nor will I into it inquire, unless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 235]</span><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235" />we have to make requital.
+The king will gift us with gleed-red gold. I never fear, though we may
+hear of terror.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;Tottering ye will go, if thitherward ye tend. No kind
+entertainment there will ye at this time find. Hogni! I have dreamed,
+I will not conceal it: in an evil hour ye will go, or so at least I
+fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Methought thy coverlet was with fire consumed; that the
+towering flame rushed through my dwelling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Here lie linen cloths, which thou hadst little noticed: these
+will quickly burn where thou the coverlet sawest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Methought a bear came in, and broke down the columns; and so
+his talons shook, that we were terror-stricken; by his mouth held many
+of us, so that we were helpless: there, too, was a din far from
+little.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;A tempest there will be furious and sudden: the white bear thou
+sawest will be a storm from the east.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Methought an eagle flew herein, all through the house: that
+will largely concern us. He sprinkled all with blood: from his threats
+I thought it to be the 'ham'<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111" /><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> of Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 236]</span><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236" /><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;We often slaughter largely, and then red we see: often are oxen
+meant, when we of eagles dream. Sound is the heart of Atli, dream thou
+as thou mayest.&quot; With this they ended: all speeches have an end.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The high-born awoke, there the like befell: Glaumvor had
+perceived that her dreams were ill-boding, adverse to Gunnar's going
+to and fro.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Methought a gallows was for thee erected,<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112" /><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> thou wentest to
+be hanged, that serpents ate thee, that I inter'd thee living, that
+the Powers' dissolution came&mdash;Divine thou what that portends.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;Methought a bloody glave from thy sark was drawn&mdash;ill 'tis such
+a dream to a consort to recount&mdash;methought a lance was thrust through
+thy middle: wolves howled on every side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Where dogs run they are wont to bark: oft bodes the bay of dogs
+the flight of javelins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Glaumvor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Methought a river ran herein, through the whole house, that it
+roared violently, rushed o'er the benches, brake the feet of you
+brothers twain; nothing the water spared: something will that portend!</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad
+were they: they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their
+seats. I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 237]</span><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237" /><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
+journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
+seems that our lives will be short.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
+up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
+&quot;hus-carls&quot; there were present twice that number&mdash;it was ill
+devised&mdash;Sn&aelig;var and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
+named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
+brother of Hogni's wife.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
+would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
+to her seemed fitting: &quot;I know not whether ye will requite us as we
+would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: &quot;May him the Jotuns
+have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
+peace he meditates!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: &quot;Sail ye prosperous,
+and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
+hinder!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;he to his kin meant well&mdash;&quot;Be of good cheer, ye
+prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
+difference; for many little care how they depart from home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
+their fates were severed, and their ways divided.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 238]</span><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238" /></p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
+bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
+broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
+they quitted it.<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113" /><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> A little after&mdash;I will the end relate&mdash;they saw the mansion
+stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
+Hogni knocked.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Then said Vingi, what he had better not, &quot;Go far from the house,
+'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
+forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
+was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;little thought he of yielding, or of aught
+fearful that was to be proved:&mdash;&quot;Think not to frighten us: try that
+seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
+while life within him throbbed.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went
+prepared so that a fence was between them. Words they bandied, all
+with rage boiling: &quot;Already had we resolved to take your lives away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;It looks but ill, if ye before have counselled: e'en now ye are
+unprepared, and we one have felled, smitten to death: one of your host
+was he.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 239]</span><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Furious they became, when those words they heard; their fingers
+they stretched forth, and their bowstrings seized; sharply shot, and
+with shields themselves protected.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> In then came the tale of what without was passing; loud before
+the hall they a thrall heard speak.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then incensed was Gudrun, when the sad news she heard: adorned
+with necklaces, she tore them all asunder; so hurled the silver, that
+the rings in shivers flew.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Then she went out, not gently moved the doors; went forth, void
+of fear, and the comers hailed, turned to the Niflungs: that was her
+last greeting, truth attended it; more words she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;I sought by symbols to prevent your leaving home,&mdash;fate may no
+one resist&mdash;and yet must you come hither.&quot; Wisely she asked: might
+they not be appeased? No one consented, all answered no.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Saw then the high-born lady that a hard game they played; a
+deadly deed she meditated, and her robe dashed aside, a naked falchion
+seized, and her kinsmen's lives defended: skilful she was in warfare,
+where her hand she applied.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Giuki's daughter caused two warriors to fall; Atli's brother she
+struck down,&mdash;he must henceforth be borne&mdash;so she the conflict
+managed, that she his foot struck off. Another too she smote, so that
+he never rose, to Hel she sent him: her hand trembled not.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> A conflict then ensued, which was widely famed, but that
+excelled all else which Giuki's sons performed. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 240]</span><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240" />So 'tis said the
+Niflungs, while yet they lived, with swords maintained the fight,
+corslets rent, helmets hewed, as their hearts prompted.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> At morning most they fought, until mid-day had passed; all early
+morn, and the forenoon, ere the fight was ended, the field flowed with
+blood, until eighteen had fallen: Bera's two sons, and her brother,
+had them overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then the fierce Atli spoke, wroth though he was: &quot;'Tis ill to
+look around; this is long of you. We were thirty warlike thanes,
+eleven survive: the chasm is too great. We were five brothers, when
+Budli died; now has Hel the half, two lie slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> &quot;A great affinity I obtained, that I cannot deny, pernicious
+woman! of which I have no benefit: peace we have seldom had, since
+thou among us camest. Of kinsmen ye have bereft me, of riches often
+wronged. To Hel my sister ye have sent; that is to me most bitter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;This thou callest to mind, Atli! but thou so first didst act:
+my mother thou didst take, and for her treasures murder; my gifted
+niece with hunger thou didst cause to perish. Laughable to me it
+seems, when thou sorrows dost recount. The gods are to be thanked,
+that it goes ill with thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Jarls! I exhort you the sorrow to augment of that presumptuous
+woman: I would fain see it. Strive so to do, that Gudrun may lament.
+Might I but see that in her lot she joys not!<span class="pagenum">[Pg 241]</span><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Take ye Hogni, and with a knife hack him: cut out his heart:
+this ye shall do. Gunnar the fierce of soul to a gallows fasten; do
+the work thoroughly, lure up the serpents.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Do as thou listest, glad I will await it; stout I shall prove
+myself: I have ere now things much harder proved. Ye had a hindrance
+while unscathed we were: now are we so wounded that our fate thou
+mayest command.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Beiti spake,&mdash;he was Atli's steward&mdash;Take we Hialli, but Hogni
+let us save. Let us do half the work; he is death-worthy. As long as
+he lives a slug he will ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Terrified was the kettle-watcher, the place no longer held him:
+he could be a whiner, he clomb into every nook: their conflict was his
+bane, as he the penalty must pay; and the day sad, when he must from
+the swine die, from all good things, which he had enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Budli's cook they took, and the knife brought towards him.
+Howled the wretched thrall, ere the point he felt; declared that he
+had time the gardens to manure, the vilest offices to do, if from
+death he might escape. Joyful indeed was Hialli, could he but save his
+life.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Hogni all this observed&mdash;few so act, as for a slave to
+intercede, that he may escape!&mdash;&quot;Less 'tis, I say, for me to play this
+game myself. Why shall we here desire to listen to that screaming?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Hands on the good prince they laid. Then was no option for the
+bold warriors, the sentence longer to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 242]</span><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242" />delay. Then laughed Hogni;
+heard the sons of day how he could hold out: torment he well endured!</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> A harp Gunnar took, with his foot-branches touched it. He could
+so strike it, that women wept, and the men sobbed, who best could hear
+it. He the noble queen counselled: the rafters burst asunder.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> There died the noble, as the dawn of day; at the last they
+caused their deeds to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Atli thought himself great: over them both he strode, to the
+sagacious woman told the evil, and bitterly reproached her. &quot;It is now
+morning, Gudrun! thy loved ones thou hast lost; partly thou art the
+cause that it has so befallen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Joyful art thou, Atli! slaughter to announce: repentance shall
+await thee, when thou hast all proved. That heritage shall be left
+thee&mdash;that I can tell thee&mdash;that ill shall never from thee go, unless
+I also die.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> That I can prevent; another course I see, easier by half: the
+good we oft reject. With slaves I will console thee, with things most
+precious, with snow-white silver, as thou thyself mayest desire.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Of that there is <i>no</i> hope; I will all reject; atonement I have
+spurned for smaller injuries. Hard I was ever thought, now will that
+be aggravated. I every grudge concealed, while Hogni lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> We were both nurtured in one house; many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 243]</span><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243" />play we played, and
+in the wood grew up; Grimhild us adorned with gold and necklaces; for
+my brothers' death never wilt thou indemnify me, nor ever do what
+shall to me seem good.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> Men's too great power women's lot oppresses; on the knee the
+hand sinks, if the arms wither; the tree inclines, if its root-fibres
+are severed. Now, Atli! thou mayest alone over all here command.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> Most unwise it was, when to this the prince gave credit: the
+guile was manifest, had he been on his guard. Dissembling then was
+Gudrun, against her heart she could speak, made herself gay appear,
+with two shields she played.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114" /><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> A banquet she would prepare, her brothers' funeral feast; the
+same would Atli also for his own do.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> With this they ended; the banquet was prepared; the feasting was
+too luxurious. The woman great of heart was stern, she warred on
+Budli's race; on her spouse she would cruel vengeance wreak.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> The young ones she enticed, and on a block laid them, the fierce
+babes were terrified, and wept not, to their mother's bosom crept,
+asked what she was going to do.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> &quot;Ask no questions, both I intend to kill; long have I desired to
+cut short your days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> &quot;Slay as thou wilt thy children, no one hinders it; thy rage
+will have short peace, if thou destroyest us in our blooming years,
+thou desperate woman!&quot; It fell out accordingly: she cut the throats of
+both.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 244]</span><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244" /></p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Atli oft inquired whither his boys were gone to play, as he
+nowhere saw them?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Over I am resolved to go, and to Atli tell it. Grimhild's
+daughter will not conceal it from thee. Little glad, Atli! wilt thou
+be, when all thou learnest; great woe didst thou raise up, when thou
+my brother slewest.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Very seldom have I slept since they fell. Bitterly I threatened
+thee: now I have reminded thee. &quot;It is now morning,&quot; saidst thou: I
+yet it well remember; and it now is eve, when thou the like shalt
+learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Thou thy sons hast lost, as thou least shouldest; know that
+their skulls thou hast had for beer-cups; thy drink I prepared, I
+their red blood have shed.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> I their hearts took, and on a spit staked them, then to thee
+gave them. I said they were of calves,&mdash;it was long of thee
+alone&mdash;thou didst leave none, voraciously didst devour, well didst ply
+thy teeth.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> Thy children's fate thou knowest, few a worse awaits. I have my
+part performed, though in it glory not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Cruel wast thou, Gudrun! who couldst so act, with thy children's
+blood my drink to mingle. Thou hast destroyed thy offspring, as thou
+least shouldest; and to myself thou leavest a short interval from ill.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> I could still desire thyself to slay; rarely too ill it fares
+with such a prince. Thou hast already perpe<span class="pagenum">[Pg 245]</span><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245" />trated crimes unexampled
+among men of frantic cruelty, in this world: now thou hast added what
+we have just witnessed. A great misdeed hast thou committed, thy
+death-feast thou hast prepared.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> On the pile thou shalt be burnt, but first be stoned; then wilt
+thou have earned what thou hast ever sought.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> Tell to thyself such griefs early to-morrow: by a fairer death I
+will pass to another light.</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> In the same hall they sat, exchanged hostile thoughts, bandied
+words of hate: each was ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> Hate waxed in a Hniflung, a great deed he meditated; to Gudrun
+he declared that he was Atli's deadly foe.</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> Into her mind came Hogni's treatment; happy she him accounted,
+if he vengeance wreaked. Then was Atli slain, within a little space;
+Hogni's son him slew, and Gudrun herself.</p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> The bold king spake, roused up from sleep; quickly he felt the
+wounds, said he no binding needed. &quot;Tell me most truly who has slain
+Budli's son. I am hardly treated: of life I have no hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> I, Grimhild's daughter, will not from thee hide, that I am the
+cause that thy life passes away; but partly Hogni's son, that thy
+wounds make thee faint.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> To the slaughter thou hast rushed, although it ill <span class="pagenum">[Pg 246]</span><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246" />beseemed
+thee; 'tis bad to circumvent a friend, who well confided in thee.
+Besought I went from home, to woo thee, Gudrun!</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> A widow thou was left, fierce thou wast accounted, which was no
+falsehood, as we have proved. Hither home thou earnest, us a host of
+men attended; all was splendid on our journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> Pomp of all kinds was there, of illustrious men, beeves in
+abundance: largely we enjoyed them. Of all things there was plenty
+partaken of by many.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> A marriage gift to my bride I gave, treasures for her
+acceptance, thralls thrice ten, seven fair female slaves: in such
+things was honour; silver there was yet more.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> All seemed to thee as it were naught, while the lands untouched
+lay, which Budli had left me. So didst thou undermine, dist allow me
+nothing to receive. Thou didst my mother let often sit weeping: with
+heart content I found not one of my household after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> Now, Atli! thou liest, though of that I little reck. Gentle I
+seldom was, yet didst thou greatly aggravate it. Young brothers ye
+fought together, among yourselves contended; to Hel went the half from
+thy house: all went to ruin that should be for benefit.</p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Brothers and sisters we were three, we thought ourselves
+invincible: from the land we departed, we followed Sigurd. We roved
+about, each steered a ship; seeking luck we went, till to the east we
+came.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> The chief king we slew, there a land obtained, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 247]</span><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247" />the &quot;hersar&quot;
+yielded to us; that manifested fear. We from the forest freed him whom
+we wished harmless, raised him to prosperity who nothing had
+possessed.</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> The Hun king<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115" /><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> died, then suddenly my fortune changed: great
+was the young wife's grief, the widow's lot was hers. A torment to me
+it seemed to come living to the house of Atli. A hero had possessed
+me: sad was that loss!</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> Thou didst never from a contest come, as we had heard, where
+thou didst gain thy cause, or others overcome; ever wouldst thou give
+way, and never stand, lettest all pass off quietly, as ill beseemed a
+king.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> Gudrun! now thou liest. Little will be bettered the lot of
+either: we have all suffered. Now act thou, Gudrun! of thy goodness,
+and for our honour, when I forth am borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> I a ship will buy, and a painted cist;<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116" /><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> will the
+winding-sheet well wax, to enwrap thy corpse; will think of every
+requisite, as if we had each other loved.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> Atli was now a corpse, lament from his kin arose: the
+illustrious woman did all she had promised. The wise woman would go to
+destroy herself; her days were lengthened: she died another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Happy is every one hereafter who shall give birth to such a
+daughter famed for deeds, as Giuki begat: <span class="pagenum">[Pg 248]</span><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248" />ever will live, in every
+land, their oft-told tale, wherever people shall give ear.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109" /><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> The messengers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110" /><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> It would seem that the original runes, as graved by
+Gudrun, had not been so completely erased as to leave no traces of
+them; but that they were still sufficiently legible to enable Kostbera
+to ascertain the real purport of the communication.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111" /><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Ham (hamr. <i>fem.</i> hamingia) a guardian angel, an
+attendant spirit.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112" /><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Here a gallows in our sense of the word, but usually a
+stake on a scaffold, to which the condemned to a death of torture was
+bound hand and foot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113" /><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> So great was their haste to land.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114" /><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> She played a double game.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115" /><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116" /><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship and
+sending it adrift, seems inconsistent with the later custom of
+depositing it in a cist or coffin.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" id="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" />GUDRUN'S INCITEMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore. She went out into the
+sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne
+across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
+sons were Sorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the
+daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jormunrek the
+Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
+son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to
+be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard
+of this she said to her sons:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Then heard I tell of quarrels dire, hard sayings uttered from
+great affliction, when her sons the fierce-hearted Gudrun, in deadly
+words, to slaughter instigated.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Why sit ye here? why sleep life away? why does it pain you not
+joyous words to speak, now Jormunrek your sister young in years has
+with horses trodden, white and black, in the public way, with grey and
+way-wont Gothic steeds?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ye are not like to Gunnar and the others, nor of soul so valiant
+as Hogni was. Her ye should seek to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 249]</span><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249" />avenge, if ye had the courage of
+my brothers, or the fierce spirit of the Hunnish kings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Little didst thou care
+Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd he from sleep awaked. Thy
+blue-white bed-clothes were red with thy husband's gore, with
+death-blood covered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;For thy brothers thou didst o'er-hasty vengeance take, dire and
+bitter, when thou thy sons didst murder. We young ones<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117" /><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> could on
+Jormunrek, acting all together, have avenged our sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Bring forth the arms of the Hunnish kings: thou hast us
+stimulated to a sword-mote.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Laughing Gudrun to the storehouse turned, the kings' crested
+helms from the coffers drew, their ample corslets, and to her sons
+them bore. The young heroes loaded their horses' shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;So will no more come his
+mother to see, the warrior felled in the Gothic land, so that thou the
+funeral-beer after us all may drink, after Svanhild and thy sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Weeping Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, sorrowing went, to sit in the
+fore-court, and to recount, with tear-worn cheeks, sad of soul, her
+calamities, in many ways.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Three fires I have known, three hearths I have known, of three
+consorts I have been borne to the house. Sigurd alone to me was better
+than all, of whom my brothers were the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Of my painful wounds I might not complain; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 250]</span><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250" />yet they even more
+seemed to afflict me, when those chieftains to Atli gave me.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;My bright boys I called to speak with me; for my injuries I
+could not get revenge, ere I had severed the Hniflungs' heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;To the sea-shore I went, against the Norns I was embittered; I
+would cast off their persecution; bore, and submerged me not the
+towering billows; up on land I rose, because I was to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To the nuptial couch I went&mdash;as I thought better for me,&mdash;for
+the third time, with a mighty king. I brought forth offspring,
+guardians of the heritage, guardians of the heritage, Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;But around Svanhild bond-maidens sat; of all my children her I
+loved the best. Svanhild was, in my hall, as was the sun-beam, fair to
+behold.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;I with gold adorned her, and with fine raiment, before I gave
+her to the Gothic people. That is to me the hardest of all my woes,
+that Svanhild's beauteous locks should in the mire be trodden under
+horses' feet.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;But that was yet more painful, when my Sigurd they ingloriously
+slew in his bed; though of all most cruel, when of Gunnar the
+glistening serpents to the vitals crawled; but the most agonizing,
+which to my heart flew, when the brave king's heart they while quick
+cut out.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Many griefs I call to memory, many ills I call to memory.
+Guide, Sigurd! thy black steed, thy swift courser, hither let it run.
+Here sits no son's wife, no daughter, who to Gudrun precious things
+may give.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 251]</span><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251" /></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Remember, Sigurd! what we together said, when on our bed we
+both were sitting, that thou, brave one, wouldst come to me from Hel's
+abode, but I from the world to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Raise, ye Jarls! an oaken pile; let it under heaven the highest
+be. May it burn a breast full of woes! the fire round my heart its
+sorrows melt!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> May all men's lot be bettered, all women's sorrow lessened, to
+whom this tale of woes shall be recounted.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117" /><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> Themselves and the two sons of Atli.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" />THE LAY OF HAMDIR.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In that court<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118" /><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> arose woeful deeds, at the Alfar's doleful
+lament;<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119" /><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> at early morn, men's afflictions, troubles of various
+kinds; sorrows were quickened.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It was not now, nor yesterday, a long time since has passed
+away,&mdash;few things are more ancient, it was by much earlier&mdash;when
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, her young sons instigated Svanhild to
+avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;She was your sister, her name Svanhild, she whom Jormunrek with
+horses trod to death, white and black, on the public way, with grey
+and way-wont Gothic steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thenceforth all is sad to you, kings of people! Ye alone
+survive,<span class="pagenum">[Pg 252]</span><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Branches of my race. Lonely I am become, as the asp-tree in the
+forest, of kindred bereft, as the fir of branches; of joy deprived, as
+is the tree of foliage, when the branch-spoiler comes in the warm
+day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then spake Hamdir, the great of soul, &quot;Little, Gudrun! didst thou
+care Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd they from sleep awaked on the
+bed thou satst, and the murderers laughed.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Thy bed-clothes, blue and white, woven by cunning hands, swam in
+thy husband's gore. When Sigurd perished, o'er the dead thou satst,
+caredst not for mirth&mdash;so Gunnar willed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Atli thou wouldst afflict by Erp's murder, and by Eitil's life's
+destruction: that proved for thyself the worse: therefore should every
+one so against others use, for life's destruction, a sharp-biting
+sword, that he harm not himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then said Sorli&mdash;he had a prudent mind&mdash;&quot;I with my mother will
+not speeches exchange: though words to each of you to me seem wanting.
+What, Gudrun! dost thou desire, which for tears thou canst not utter?</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;For thy brothers weep, and thy dear sons, thy nearest kin,
+drawn to the strife: for us both shalt thou, Gudrun! also have to
+weep, who here sit fated on our steeds, far away to die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> From the court they went, for conflict ready. The young men
+journeyed over humid fells, on Hunnish steeds, murder to avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Erp, all at once&mdash;the noble youth was joking on his
+horse's back&mdash;&quot;Ill 'tis to a timid man to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 253]</span><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253" />point out the ways.&quot; They
+said the bastard<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120" /><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> was over bold.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> On their way they had found the wily jester. &quot;How will the
+swarthy dwarf afford us aid?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> He of another mother answered: so he said aid he would to his
+kin afford, as one foot to the other<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121" /><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> [or, grown to the body, one
+hand the other].</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;What can a foot to a foot give; or, grown to the body, one hand
+the other?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> From the sheath they drew the iron blade, the falchion's edges,
+for Hel's delight. They their strength diminished by a third part,
+they their young kinsman caused to earth to sink.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Their mantles then they shook, their weapons grasped; the
+high-born were clad in sumptuous raiment.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Forward lay the ways, a woeful path they found, and their
+sister's son wounded on a gibbet, wind-cold outlaw-trees,<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122" /><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> on the
+town's west. Ever vibrated the ravens' whet: there to tarry was not
+good.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Uproar was in the hall, men were with drink excited, so that the
+horses' tramp no one heard, until a mindful man winded his horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> To announce they went to Jormunrek that were seen helm-decked
+warriors. &quot;Take ye counsel, potent ones are come; before mighty men ye
+have on a damsel trampled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then laughed Jormunrek, with his hand stroked <span class="pagenum">[Pg 254]</span><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254" />his beard, asked
+not for his corslet; with wine he struggled, shook his dark locks, on
+his white shield looked, and in his hand swung the golden cup.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Happy should I seem, if I could see Hamdir and Sorli within my
+hall. I would them then with bowstrings bind, the good sons of Giuki
+on the gallows hang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Hrodrglod, on the high steps standing; &quot;Prince&quot; said
+she to her son&mdash;for that was threatened which ought not to
+happen&mdash;&quot;shall two men alone bind or slay ten hundred Goths in this
+lofty burgh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tumult was in the mansion, the beer-cups flew in shivers, men
+lay in blood from the Goths' breasts flowing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Jormunrek! thou didst
+desire our coming, brothers of one mother, into thy burgh:<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123" /><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> now
+seest thou thy feet, seest thy hands Jormunrek! cast into the glowing
+fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then roared forth a godlike<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124" /><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> mail-clad warrior, as a bear
+roars: &quot;On the men hurl stones, since spears bite not, nor edge of
+sword, nor point, the sons of Jonakr.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Harm didst thou, brother!
+when thou that mouth didst ope. Oft from that mouth bad counsel
+comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Courage hast thou, Hamdir! if only thou hadst sense: that man
+lacks much who wisdom lacks.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Off would the head now be, had but Erp lived, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 255]</span><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255" />our brother bold
+in fight, whom on the way we slew, that warrior brave&mdash;me the Disir
+instigated&mdash;that man sacred to us, whom we resolved to slay.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;I ween not that ours should be the wolves' example, that with
+ourselves we should contend, like the Norns' dogs, that voracious are
+in the desert nurtured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Well have we fought, on slaughtered Goths we stand, on those
+fallen by the sword, like eagles on a branch. Great glory we have
+gained, though now or to-morrow we shall die. No one lives till eve
+against the Norns' decree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There fell Sorli, at the mansion's front; but Hamdir sank at the
+house's back.</p>
+
+<p>This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118" /><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, and. Luning, Glossar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119" /><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> &quot;The Alfar's Lament&quot; is the early dawn, and is in
+apposition to &quot;early morn,&quot; in the following line. The swart Alfar are
+meant, who were turned to stone if they did not flee from the light of
+day. This is the best interpretation I can offer of this obscure
+strophe.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120" /><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> In this and the four following strophes the person
+alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story nothing more is
+known. He, it appears, had preceded or outridden the others.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121" /><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> Malmesbury relates a similar story of King &AElig;thelstan
+and his cupbearer.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122" /><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> Lit. wolf-trees; a fugitive criminal being called vargr
+<i>wolf</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123" /><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> According to the Skalda it would appear that they cut
+off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had they not murdered
+him, was to have cut off his head.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124" /><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 256]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" id="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" /><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256" />THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h4><a name="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" id="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" />THE DELUDING OF GYLFI.</h4>
+<h4>GEFJON'S PLOUGHING.<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125" /><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></h4>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> King Gylfi ruled over the land which is now called Svithiod
+(Sweden). It is related of him that he once gave a wayfaring woman, as
+a recompense for her having diverted him, as much land in his realm as
+she could plough with four oxen in a day and a night. This woman was,
+however, of the race of the &AElig;sir, and was called Gefjon. She took four
+oxen from the north, out of Jotunheim (but they were the sons she had
+had with a giant), and set them before a plough. Now the plough made
+such deep furrows that it tore up the land, which the oxen drew
+westward out to sea until they came to a sound. There Gefjon fixed the
+land, and called it S&aelig;lund. And the place where the land had stood
+became water, and formed a lake which is now called &quot;The Water&quot;
+(Laugur), and the inlets of this lake correspond exactly with the
+headlands of Sealund. As Skald Bragi the Old saith:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 257]<a name="Page_257" id="Page_257" /></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Gefjon drew from Gylfi,<br /></span>
+<span>Rich in stored up treasure,<br /></span>
+<span>The land she joined to Denmark.<br /></span>
+<span>Four heads and eight eyes bearing,<br /></span>
+<span>While hot sweat trickled down them,<br /></span>
+<span>The oxen dragged the reft mass<br /></span>
+<span>That formed this winsome island.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />GYLFI'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>2.</b> King Gylfi was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He
+beheld with astonishment that whatever the &AElig;sir willed took place; and
+was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of
+their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty
+gods whom they worshipped. To be satisfied in this particular, he
+resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an
+old man, set out on his journey. But the &AElig;sir, being too well skilled
+in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with
+various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty
+mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered
+with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being
+roofed with shields.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Warriors all care-worn,<br /></span>
+<span>(Stones had poured upon them),<br /></span>
+<span>On their backs let glisten<br /></span>
+<span>Valhalla's golden shingles.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by
+tossing seven small-swords in the air, and catching them as they fell,
+one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said
+that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and
+begged for a night's lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this
+mansion belonged. The other told him that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 258]</span><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258" />it belonged to their king,
+and added, &quot;But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask
+him his name.&quot; So saying he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed
+the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded
+with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with
+various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of
+which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse
+(from the Havamal, st. i.):&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Scan every gate<br /></span>
+<span>Ere thou go on,<br /></span>
+<span>With greatest caution;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>For hard to say 'tis<br /></span>
+<span>Where foes are sitting<br /></span>
+<span>In this fair mansion.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He afterwards beheld three thrones raised one above another, with a
+man sitting on each of them. Upon his asking what the names of these
+lords might be, his guide answered: &quot;He who sitteth on the lowest
+throne is a king; his name is Har (the High or Lofty One); the second
+is Jafnhar (<i>i.e</i>. equal to the High); but he who sitteth on the
+highest throne is called Thridi (the Third).&quot; Har, perceiving the
+stranger, asked him what his errand was, adding that he should be
+welcome to eat and drink without cost, as were all those who remained
+in Hava Hall. Gangler said he desired first to ascertain whether there
+was any person present renowned for his wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If thou art not the most knowing,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I fear thou wilt
+hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy
+questions, here sits one who will be able to answer them.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 259]</span><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" id="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" />OF THE SUPREME DEITY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Gangler thus began his discourse:&mdash;&quot;'Who is the first, or eldest
+of the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In our language,&quot; replied Har, &quot;he is called Alfadir (All-Father, or
+the Father of all); but in the old Asgard he had twelve names.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is this God?&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what is his power? and what hath
+he done to display his glory?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He liveth,&quot; replied Har, &quot;from all ages, he governeth all realms and
+swayeth all things great and small.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He hath formed,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;heaven and earth, and the air, and
+all things thereunto belonging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what is more,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;he hath made man, and given him
+a soul which shall live and never perish though the body shall have
+mouldered away, or have been burnt to ashes. And all that are
+righteous shall dwell with him in the place called Gimli, or Vingolf;
+but the wicked shall go to Hel, and thence to Niflhel, which is below,
+in the ninth world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And where did this god remain before he made heaven and earth?&quot;
+demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was then,&quot; replied Har, &quot;with the Hrimthursar.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126" /><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />OF THE PRIMORDIAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;But with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of
+things?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear,&quot; replied Har, &quot;what is said in the Voluspa.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 260]</span><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260" />
+<span>&quot;'Twas time's first dawn,<br /></span>
+<span>When nought yet was,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor sand nor sea,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor cooling wave;<br /></span>
+<span>Earth was not there,<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Nor heaven above.<br /></span>
+<span>Nought save a void<br /></span>
+<span>And yawning gulf.<br /></span>
+<span>But verdure none.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Many ages before the earth was made,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;was Niflheim
+formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from
+which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the
+abode of death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, first of all,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;there was in the southern
+region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous
+and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127" /><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a>
+He who sitteth on its borders (or the land's-end) to guard it is named
+Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of
+the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the
+gods, and consume the universe with fire.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" />ORIGIN OF THE HRIMTHURSAR, OR FROST-GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what was the state of things ere the
+races mingled, and nations came into being.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the rivers that are called Elivagar had flowed far from their
+sources,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the venom which they rolled along hardened, as
+does dross that runs from a furnace, and became ice. When the rivers
+flowed no longer, and the ice stood still, the vapour arising from the
+venom gathered over it, and froze to rime, and in this <span class="pagenum">[Pg 261]</span><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261" />manner were
+formed, in Ginnungagap, many layers of congealed vapour, piled one
+over the other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That part of Ginnungagap,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;that lies towards the
+north was thus filled with heavy masses of gelid vapour and ice,
+whilst everywhere within were whirlwinds and fleeting mists. But the
+southern part of Ginnungagap was lighted by the sparks and flakes that
+flew into it from Muspellheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thus,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;whilst freezing cold and gathering gloom
+proceeded from Niflheim, that part of Ginnungagap looking towards
+Muspellheim was filled with glowing radiancy, the intervening space
+remaining calm and light as wind-still air. And when the heated blast
+met the gelid vapour it melted it into drops, and, by the might of him
+who sent the heat, these drops quickened into life, and took a human
+semblance. The being thus formed was named Ymir, but the Frost-giants
+call him Orgelmir. From him descend the race of the Frost-giants
+(Hrimthursar), as it is said in the Voluspa, 'From Vidolf come all
+witches; from Vilmeith all wizards; from Svarthofdi all
+poison-seethers; and all giants from Ymir.' And the giant Vafthr&ucirc;dnir,
+when Gangrad asked, 'Whence came Orgelmir the first of the sons of
+giants?' answered, 'The Elivagar cast out drops of venom that
+quickened into a giant. From him spring all our race, and hence are we
+so strong and mighty.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did the race of Ymir spread itself?&quot; asked Gangler; &quot;or dost thou
+believe that this giant was a god?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are far from believing him to have been a god,&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 262]</span><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262" />replied Har, &quot;for
+he was wicked as are all of his race, whom we call Frost-giants. And
+it is said that, when Ymir slept, he fell into a sweat, and from the
+pit of his left arm was born a man and a woman, and one of his feet
+engendered with the other a son, from whom descend the Frost-giants,
+and we therefore call Ymir the old Frost-giant.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" id="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" />OF THE COW AUDHUMLA, AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Where dwelt Ymir, and on what did he live?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Immediately after the gelid vapours had been resolved into drops,&quot;
+replied Kar, &quot;there was formed out of them the cow named Audhumla.
+Four streams of milk ran from her teats, and thus fed she Ymir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But on what did the cow feed?&quot; questioned Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The cow,&quot; answered Har, &quot;supported herself by licking the stones that
+were covered with salt and hoar frost. The first day that she licked
+these stones there sprang from them, towards evening, the hairs of a
+man, the second day a head, and on the third an entire man, who was
+endowed with beauty, agility and power. He was called Bur, and was the
+father of Bor, who took for his wife Besla, the daughter of the giant
+Bolthorn. And they had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve; and it is our
+belief that this Odin, with his brothers, ruleth both heaven and
+earth, and that Odin is his true name, and that he is the most mighty
+of all the gods.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 263]</span><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" id="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" />HOW THE SONS OF BOR SLEW YMIR AND FROM HIS BODY MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.</h4>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Was there,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;any kind of equality or any degree
+of good understanding between these two races?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Far from it,&quot; replied Har; &quot;for the sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir,
+and when he fell there ran so much blood from his wounds, that the
+whole race of Frost-giants was drowned in it, except a single giant,
+who saved himself with his household. He is called by the giants
+Bergelmir. He escaped by going on board his bark, and with him went
+his wife, and from them are descended the Frost-giants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;And what became of the sons of Bor, whom ye look upon as gods?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To relate this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is no trivial matter. They dragged the
+body of Ymir into the middle of Ginnungagap, and of it formed the
+earth. From Ymir's blood they made the seas and waters; from his flesh
+the land; from his bones the mountains; and his teeth and jaws,
+together with some bits of broken bones, served them to make the
+stones and pebbles.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With the blood that ran from his wounds,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;they made
+the vast ocean, in the midst of which they fixed the earth, the ocean
+encircling it as a ring, and hardy will he be who attempts to pass
+those waters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From his skull,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;they formed the heavens, which
+they placed over the earth, and set a dwarf at the corner of each of
+the four quarters. These dwarfs are called East, West, North, and
+South. They after<span class="pagenum">[Pg 264]</span><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264" />wards took the wandering sparks and red hot flakes
+that had been cast out of Muspellheim, and placed them in the heavens,
+both above and below, to give light unto the world, and assigned to
+every other errant coruscation a prescribed locality and motion. Hence
+it is recorded in ancient lore that from this time were marked out the
+days, and nights, and seasons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Such are the events that took place ere the earth obtained the form
+it now beareth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Truly great were the deeds ye tell me of!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;and
+wondrous in all its parts is the work thereby accomplished. But how is
+the earth fashioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is round without,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and encircled by the deep ocean,
+the outward shores of which were assigned for a dwelling to the race
+of giants. But within, round about the earth, they (the sons of Bor)
+raised a bulwark against turbulent giants, employing for this
+structure Ymir's eyebrows. To this bulwark they gave the name of
+Midgard<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128" /><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> They afterwards tossed Ymir's brains into the air, and
+they became the clouds, for thus we find it recorded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of Ymir's flesh was formed the earth; of his sweat (blood), the seas;
+of his bones, the mountains; of his hair the trees; of his skull, the
+heavens; but with his eyebrows the blithe gods built Midgard for the
+sons of men, whilst from his brains the lowering clouds were
+fashioned.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 265]</span><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265" /></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" id="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" />OF THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MAN AND WOMAN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;To make heaven and earth, to fix the sun and the moon in the
+firmament, and mark out the days and seasons, were, indeed, important
+labours,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;but whence came the men who at present dwell
+in the world?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One day.&quot; replied Har, &quot;as the sons of Bor were walking along the
+sea-beach they found two stems of wood, out of which they shaped a man
+and a woman. The first (Odin) infused into them life and spirit; the
+second (Vili) endowed them with reason and the power of motion; the
+third (Ve) gave them speech and features, hearing and vision. The man
+they called Ask, and the woman, Embla. From these two descend the
+whole human race whose assigned dwelling was within Midgard. Then the
+sons of Bor built in the middle of the universe the city called
+Asgard, where dwell the gods and their kindred, and from that abode
+work out so many wondrous things, both on the earth and in the heavens
+above it. There is in that city a place called Hlidskjalf, and when
+Odin is seated there on his lofty throne he sees over the whole world,
+discerns all the actions of men, and comprehends whatever he
+contemplates. His wife is Frigga, the daughter of Fjorgyn, and they
+and their offspring form the race that we call &AElig;sir, a race that
+dwells in Asgard the old, and the regions around it, and that we know
+to be entirely divine. Wherefore Odin may justly be called All-father,
+for he is verily the father of all, of gods as well as of men, and to
+his power all things owe their existence. Earth is his daughter and
+his wife, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 266]</span><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266" />with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is
+endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything
+that hath life.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" id="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" />OF NIGHT AND DAY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;A giant called Njorvi,&quot; continued Har, &quot;who dwelt in Jotunheim,
+had a daughter called Night (Nott) who, like all her race, was of a
+dark and swarthy complexion. She was first wedded to a man called
+Naglfari, and had by him a son named Aud, and afterwards to another
+man called Annar, by whom she had a daughter called Earth (Jord). She
+then espoused Delling, of the &AElig;sir race, and their son was Day, (Dagr)
+a child light and beauteous like his father. Then took All-father,
+Night, and Day, her son, and gave them two horses and two cars, and
+set them up in the heavens that they might drive successively one
+after the other, each in twelve hours' time, round the world. Night
+rides first on her horse called Hrimfaxi, that every morn, as he ends
+his course, bedews the earth with the foam that falls from his bit.
+The horse made use of by Day is named Skinfaxi, from whose mane is
+shed light over the earth and the heavens.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE SUN AND MOON.</h4>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;How doth All-father regulate the course of the sun and moon?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was formerly a man,&quot; replied Har, &quot;named Mundilfari, who had
+two children so lovely and graceful that he called the male, Mani
+(moon), and the female, Sol (sun), who espoused the man named Glenur.
+But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 267]</span><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267" />the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his
+children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses
+that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to
+the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses
+are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed
+two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to
+some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called
+<i>isarnkul</i>.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129" /><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and
+regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from
+the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning
+from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called
+Saegr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children,
+who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from
+the earth.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON</h4>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;But the sun,&quot; said Gangler, speeds at such a rate as if she
+feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And well she may,&quot; replied Har, &quot;for he that seeks her is not far
+behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But who is he,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;that causes her this anxiety?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are two wolves,&quot; answered Har; &quot;the one called Skoll pursues
+the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake
+and devour her; the other, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 268]</span><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268" />called Hati, the son of Hrodvitnir, runs
+before her, and as eagerly pursues the moon that will one day be
+caught by him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whence come these wolves?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A hag,&quot; replied Har, &quot;dwells in a wood, to the eastward of Midgard,
+called Jarnvid, (the Iron Wood,) which is the abode of a race of
+witches called Jarnvidjur. This old hag is the mother of many gigantic
+sons, who are all of them shaped like wolves, two of whom are the
+wolves thou askest about. There is one of that race, who is said to be
+the most formidable of all, called Managarm: he will be filled with
+the life-blood of men who draw near their end, and will swallow up the
+moon, and stain the heavens and the earth with blood. Then shall the
+sun grow dim, and the winds howl tumultuously to and fro.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" id="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" />OF THE WAY THAT LEADS TO HEAVEN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;I must now ask,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which is the path leading from
+earth to heaven?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a senseless question,&quot; replied Har, with a smile of derision.
+&quot;Hast thou not been told that the gods made a bridge from earth to
+heaven, and called it Bifrost? Thou must surely have seen it; but,
+perhaps, thou callest it the rainbow. It is of three hues, and is
+constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it
+be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell, after having
+traversed great rivers, shall ride over it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the gods could not have <span class="pagenum">[Pg 269]</span><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269" />been in earnest to
+erect a bridge so liable to be broken down, since it is in their power
+to make whatever they please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;are not to be blamed on that account;
+Bifrost is of itself a very good bridge, but there is nothing in
+nature that can hope to make resistance when the sons of Muspell sally
+forth to the great combat.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" id="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" />THE GOLDEN AGE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;What did All-father do after Asgard was made?&quot; demanded
+Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the beginning,&quot; answered Har, &quot;he appointed rulers, and bade them
+judge with him the fate of men, and regulate the government of the
+celestial city. They met for this purpose in a place called Idavoll,
+which is in the centre of the divine abode. Their first work was to
+erect a court or hall wherein are twelve seats for themselves, besides
+the throne which is occupied by All-father. This hall is the largest
+and most magnificent in the universe, being resplendent on all sides,
+both within and without, with the finest gold. Its name is Gladsheim.
+They also erected another hall for the sanctuary of the goddesses. It
+is a very fair structure, and called by men Vingolf. Lastly they built
+a smithy, and furnished it with hammers, tongs, and anvils, and with
+these made all the other requisite instruments, with which they worked
+in metal, stone and wood, and composed so large a quantity of the
+metal called gold that they made all their moveables of it. Hence that
+age was named the Golden Age. This was the age that lasted until the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 270]</span><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270" />arrival of the women out of Jotunheim, who corrupted it.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" />ORIGIN OF THE DWARFS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Then the gods, seating themselves upon their thrones,
+distributed justice, and bethought them how the dwarfs had been bred
+in the mould of the earth, just as worms are in a dead body. It was,
+in fact, in Ymir's flesh that the dwarfs were engendered, and began to
+move and live. At first they were only maggots, but by the will of the
+gods they at length partook both of human shape and understanding,
+although they always dwell in rocks and caverns.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Modsognir and Durin are the principal ones. As it is said in the
+Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Then went the rulers there,<br /></span>
+<span>All gods most holy,<br /></span>
+<span>To their seats aloft,<br /></span>
+<span>And counsel together took,<br /></span>
+<span>Who should of dwarfs<br /></span>
+<span>The race then fashion,<br /></span>
+<span>From the livid bones<br /></span>
+<span>And blood of the giant.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Modsognir, chief<br /></span>
+<span>Of the dwarfish race,<br /></span>
+<span>And Durin too<br /></span>
+<span>Were then created.<br /></span>
+<span>And like to men<br /></span>
+<span>Dwarfs in the earth<br /></span>
+<span>Were formed in numbers<br /></span>
+<span>As Durin ordered.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" id="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" />OF THE ASH YGGDRASILL, MIMIR'S WELL., AND THE NORNS OR DESTINIES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Where,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;is the chief or holiest seat of
+the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is under the ash Yggdrasill,&quot; replied Har, &quot;where the gods
+assemble every day in council.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is there remarkable in regard to that place?&quot; said Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 271]</span><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271" />That ash,&quot; answered Jafnhar, &quot;is the greatest and best of all trees.
+Its branches spread over the whole world, and even reach above heaven.
+It has three roots very wide asunder. One of them extends to the &AElig;sir,
+another to the Frost-giants in that very place where was formerly
+Ginnungagap, and the third stands over Nifelheim, and under this root,
+which is constantly gnawed by Nidhogg, is Hvergelmir. But under the
+root that stretches out towards the Frost-giants there is Mimir's
+well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden. The owner of this well is
+called Mimir. He is full of wisdom, because he drinks the waters of
+the well from the horn Gjoll every morning. One day All-father came
+and begged a draught of this water, which he obtained, but was obliged
+to leave one of his eyes as a pledge for it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The third root of the ash is in heaven, and under it is the holy
+Urdar-fount. 'Tis here that the gods sit in judgment. Every day they
+ride up hither on horseback over Bifrost, which is called the &AElig;sir
+Bridge. These are the names of the horses of the &AElig;sir. Sleipnir is the
+best of them; he has eight legs, and belongs to Odin. The others are
+Gladr, Gyllir, Gl&aelig;r, Skeidbrimir, Silfrintoppr, Synir, Gils,
+Falhofnir, Gulltoppr, and Lettfeti. Baldur's horse was burnt with his
+master's body. As for Thor, he goes on foot, and is obliged every day
+to wade the rivers called Kormt and OErmt, and two others called
+Kerlaung.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Through these shall Thor wade every day, as he fares to the doomstead
+under Yggdrasill's ash, else the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 272]</span><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272" />&AElig;sir Bridge would be in flames, and
+boiling hot would become the holy waters.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130" /><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> &quot;But tell me,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;does fire burn over Bifrost?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That,&quot; replied Har, &quot;which thou seest red in the bow, is burning
+fire; for the Frost-giants and the Mountain-giants would go up to
+heaven by that bridge if it were easy for every one to walk over it.
+There are in heaven many goodly homesteads, and none without a
+celestial ward. Near the fountain, which is under the ash, stands a
+very beauteous dwelling, out of which go three maidens, named Urd,
+Verdandi, and Skuld.<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131" /><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> These maidens fix the lifetime of all men,
+and are called Norns. But there are, indeed, many other Norns, for,
+when a man is born, there is a Norn to determine his fate. Some are
+known to be of heavenly origin, but others belong to the races of the
+elves and dwarfs; as it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks the Norns were born far asunder, for they are not of the
+same race. Some belong to the &AElig;sir, some to the Elves, and some are
+Dvalin's daughters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But if these Norns dispense the destinies of men,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;they are, methinks, very unequal in their distribution; for some men
+are fortunate and wealthy, others acquire neither riches nor honours,
+some live to a good old age, while others are cut off in their prime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Norns,&quot; replied Har, &quot;who are of a good origin, are good
+themselves, and dispense good destinies. But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 273]</span><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273" />those men to whom
+misfortunes happen ought to ascribe them to the evil Norns.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;What more wonders hast thou to tell me,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;concerning the ash?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What I have further to say respecting it,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is, that
+there is an eagle perched upon its branches who knows many things:
+between his eyes sits the hawk called Vedurfolnir. The squirrel named
+Ratatosk runs up and down the ash, and seeks to cause strife between
+the eagle and Nidhogg. Four harts run across the branches of the tree,
+and bite the buds. They are called Dainn, Divalinn, Duneyr, and
+Durathror. But there are so many snakes with Nidhogg in Hvergelmir
+that no tongue can recount them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is also said that the Norns who dwell by the Urdar-fount draw
+every day water from the spring, and with it and the clay that lies
+around the fount sprinkle the ash, in order that its branches may not
+rot and wither away. This water is so holy that everything placed in
+the spring becomes as white as the film, within an eggshell. As it is
+said in the Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'An Ash know I standing,<br /></span>
+<span>Named Yggdrasill,<br /></span>
+<span>A stately tree sprinkled<br /></span>
+<span>With water the purest;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Thence come the dewdrops<br /></span>
+<span>That fall in the dales;<br /></span>
+<span>Ever blooming, it stands<br /></span>
+<span>O'er the Urdar-fountain.&quot;'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;The dew that falls thence on the earth men call honey-dew, and it is
+the food of the bees. Two fowls are fed in the Urdar-fount; they are
+called swans, and from them are descended all the birds of this
+species.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 274]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" id="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" /><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274" />OF THE VARIOUS CELESTIAL REGIONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Thou tellest me many wonderful things of heaven,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;but what other homesteads are to be seen there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many other fair homesteads there,&quot; replied Har; &quot;one of
+them is named Elf-home (Alfheim), wherein dwell the beings called the
+Elves of Light; but the Elves of Darkness live under the earth, and
+differ from the others still more in their actions than in their
+appearance. The Elves of Light are fairer than the sun, but the Elves
+of Darkness blacker than pitch. There is also a mansion called
+Breidablik, which is not inferior to any other in beauty; and another
+named Glitnir, the wall, columns and beams of which are of ruddy gold,
+and the roof of silver. There is also the stead called Himinbjorg,
+that stands on the borders where Bifrost touches heaven, and the
+stately mansion belonging to Odin, called Valaskjalf, which was built
+by the gods, and roofed with pure silver, and in which is the throne
+called Hlidskjalf. When All-father is seated on this throne, he can
+see over the whole world. On the southern edge of heaven is the most
+beautiful homestead of all, brighter than the sun itself. It is called
+Gimli, and shall stand when both heaven and earth have passed away,
+and good and righteous men shall dwell therein for everlasting ages.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what will preserve this abode when Surtur's fire consumes heaven
+and earth?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are told,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that towards the south <span class="pagenum">[Pg 275]</span><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275" />there is another
+heaven above this called Andlang, and again above this a third heaven
+called Vidblain. In this last, we think Gimli must be seated, but we
+deem that the Elves of Light abide in it now.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" id="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" />OF THE WIND AND THE SEASONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;whence comes the wind, which is so
+strong that it moves the ocean and fans fire to flame, yet, strong
+though it be, no mortal eye can discern it? wonderfully, therefore,
+must it be shapen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell thee all about it,&quot; answered Har; &quot;thou must know that at
+the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hr&aelig;svelgur,
+clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
+the winds arise from under them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Tell me further,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;why the summer should be hot,
+and the winter cold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
+answer,&quot; replied Har; &quot;but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
+heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
+question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
+ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
+Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
+from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
+and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
+icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 276]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_ODIN" id="OF_ODIN" /><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276" />OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;I must now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;who are the gods that men
+are bound to believe in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are twelve gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;to whom divine honours ought to
+be rendered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor are the goddesses,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;less divine and mighty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first and eldest of the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;is Odin. He
+governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
+all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his
+wife. She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to
+come. For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, 'Senseless
+Loki, why wilt thou pry into futurity, Frigga alone knoweth the
+destinies of all, though she telleth them never?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
+the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
+his sons all of those who fall in combat. For their abode he has
+prepared Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes
+or Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud,
+and, besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
+Geirraudr,&quot; forty-nine names in all.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A great many names, indeed!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;surely that man must
+be very wise who knows them all distinctly, and can tell on what
+occasions they were given.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 277]</span><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;It requires, no doubt,&quot; replied Har, &quot;a good memory to recollect
+readily all these names, but I will tell thee in a few words what
+principally contributed to confer them upon him. It was the great
+variety of languages; for the various nations were obliged to
+translate his name into their respective tongues, in order that they
+might supplicate and worship him. Some of his names, however, have
+been owing to adventures that happened to him on his journeys, and
+which are related in old stories. Nor canst thou ever pass for a wise
+man if thou are not able to give an account of these wonderful
+adventures.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THOR" id="OF_THOR" />OF THOR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;I now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what are the names of the other
+gods. What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The mightiest of them.&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
+and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is
+named Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred
+and forty halls. It is the largest house ever built.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
+From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
+(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
+The first is a mallet called Mjolnir, which both the Frost and
+Mountain Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against
+them in the air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their
+fathers and kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the
+belt of strength or <span class="pagenum">[Pg 278]</span><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278" />prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about
+him his divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very
+precious, being his iron gauntlets, which he is obliged to put on
+whenever he would lay hold of the handle of his mallet. There is no
+one so wise as to be able to relate all Thor's marvellous exploits,
+yet I could tell thee so many myself that hours would be whiled away
+ere all that I know had been recounted.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_BALDUR" id="OF_BALDUR" />OF BALDUR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;I would rather,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;hear something about the other
+&AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The second son of Odin,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Baldur, and it may be truly
+said of him that he is the best, and that all mankind are loud in his
+praise. So fair and dazzling is he in form and features, that rays of
+light seem to issue from him; and thou mayst have some idea of the
+beauty of his hair, when I tell thee that the whitest of all plants is
+called Baldur's brow. Baldur is the mildest, the wisest, and the most
+eloquent of all the &AElig;sir, yet such is his nature that the judgment he
+has pronounced can never be altered. He dwells in the heavenly mansion
+called Breidablik, in which nothing unclean can enter.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NJORD" id="OF_NJORD" />OF NJORD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;The third god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;is Njord, who dwells in the
+heavenly region called Noatun. He rules over the winds, and checks the
+fury of the sea and of fire, and is therefore invoked by sea-farers
+and fisher<span class="pagenum">[Pg 279]</span><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279" />men. He is so wealthy that he can give possessions and
+treasures to those who call on him for them. Yet Njord is not of the
+lineage of the &AElig;sir, for he was born and bred in Vanaheim. But the
+Vanir gave him as hostage to the &AElig;sir, receiving from them in his
+stead Hoenir. By this means was peace re-established between the &AElig;sir
+and Vanir. Njord took to wife Skadi, the daughter of the giant
+Thjassi. She preferred dwelling in the abode formerly belonging to her
+father, which is situated among rocky mountains, in the region called
+Thrymheim, but Njord loved to reside near the sea. They at last agreed
+that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then
+three in Noatun. One day, when Njord came back from the mountains to
+Noatun, he thus sang&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Of mountains I'm weary,<br /></span>
+<span>Not long was I there,<br /></span>
+<span>Not more than nine nights;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>But the howl of the wolf<br /></span>
+<span>Methought sounded ill<br /></span>
+<span>To the song of the swan-bird.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;To which Skadi sang in reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Ne'er can I sleep<br /></span>
+<span>In my couch on the strand,<br /></span>
+<span>For the screams of the sea-fowl,<br /></span>
+<span>The mew as he comes<br /></span>
+<span>Every morn from the main<br /></span>
+<span>Is sure to awake me.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Skadi then returned to the rocky mountains, and abode in Thrymheim.
+There, fastening on her snow-skates and taking her bow, she passes her
+time in the chase of savage beasts, and is called the Ondur goddess,
+or Ondurdis. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 280]</span><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280" />
+<span>&quot;'Thrymheim's the land<br /></span>
+<span>Where Thjassi abode<br /></span>
+<span>That mightiest of giants.<br /></span>
+<span>But snow-skating Skadi<br /></span>
+<span>Now dwells there, I trow,<br /></span>
+<span>In her father's old mansion.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" id="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" />OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,
+a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous
+and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He
+presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and
+should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for
+peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most
+propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.
+To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one
+half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Folkvang 'tis called<br /></span>
+<span>Where Freyja hath right<br /></span>
+<span>To dispose of the hall seats<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Every day of the slain,<br /></span>
+<span>She chooseth the half,<br /></span>
+<span>And half leaves to Odin.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she
+sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable
+ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that
+women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is
+very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke
+her.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 281]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_TYR" id="OF_TYR" /><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281" />OF TYR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;All the gods appear to me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;to have great power,
+and I am not at all surprised that ye are able to perform so many
+great achievements, since ye are so well acquainted with the
+attributes and functions of each god, and know what is befitting to
+ask from each, in order to succeed. But are there any more of them
+besides those you have already mentioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; answered Har, &quot;there is Tyr, who is the most daring and intrepid
+of all the gods. 'Tis he who dispenses valour in war, hence warriors
+do well to invoke him. It has become proverbial to say of a man who
+surpasses all others in valour that he is <i>Tyr-strong</i>, or valiant as
+Tyr. A man noted for his wisdom is also said to be 'wise as Tyr.' Let
+me give thee a proof of his intrepidity. When the &AElig;sir were trying to
+persuade the wolf, Fenrir, to let himself be bound up with the chain,
+Gleipnir, he, fearing that they would never afterwards unloose him,
+only consented on the condition that while they were chaining him he
+should keep Tyr's right hand between his jaws. Tyr did not hesitate to
+put his hand in the monster's mouth, but when Fenrir perceived that
+the &AElig;sir had no intention to unchain him, he bit the hand off at that
+point, which has ever since been called the wolf's joint. From that
+time Tyr has had but one hand. He is not regarded as a peacemaker
+among men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" id="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" />OF THE OTHER GODS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;There is another god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Bragi, who is
+celebrated for his wisdom, and more <span class="pagenum">[Pg 282]</span><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282" />especially for his eloquence and
+correct forms of speech. He is not only eminently skilled in poetry,
+but the art itself is called from his name <i>Bragr</i>, which epithet is
+also applied to denote a distinguished poet or poetess. His wife is
+named Iduna. She keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they
+feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.
+It is in this manner that they will be kept in renovated youth until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;the gods have committed a great
+treasure to the guardianship and good faith of Iduna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And hence it happened,&quot; replied Har, smiling, &quot;that they once ran the
+greatest risk imaginable, as I shall have occasion to tell thee when
+thou hast heard the names of the other deities.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;One of them is Heimdall, called also the White God. He is the
+son of nine virgins, who were sisters, and is a very sacred and
+powerful deity. He also bears the appellation of the Gold-toothed, on
+account of his teeth being of pure gold, and also that of
+Hallinskithi. His horse is called Gulltopp, and he dwells in
+Himinbjorg at the end of Bifrost. He is the warder of the gods, and is
+therefore placed on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from
+forcing their way over the bridge. He requires less sleep than a bird,
+and sees by night, as well as by day, a hundred miles around him. So
+acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the
+grass growing on the earth, and the wool on a sheep's back. He has a
+horn called the Gjallar-horn, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 283]</span><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283" />which is heard throughout the universe.
+His sword is called Hofud (Head).</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HODUR_THE_BLING_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" id="HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" />HODUR THE BLIND, ASSASSIN OF BALDUR</h4>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Among the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Har, &quot;we also reckon Hodur, who is
+blind, but extremely strong. Both gods and men would be very glad if
+they never had occasion to pronounce his name, for they will long have
+cause to remember the deed perpetrated by his hand.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132" /><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Another god is Vidar, surnamed the Silent, who wears very thick
+shoes. He is almost as strong as Thor himself, and the gods place
+great reliance on him in all critical conjunctures.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Vali, another god, is the son of Odin and Rinda, he is bold in
+war, and an excellent archer.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Another is called Ullur, who is the son of Sif, and stepson of
+Thor. He is so well skilled in the use of the bow, and can go so fast
+on his snow-skates, that in these arts no one can contend with him. He
+is also very handsome in his person, and possesses every quality of a
+warrior, wherefore it is befitting to invoke him in single combats.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;The name of another god is Forseti, who is the son of Baldur
+and Nanna, the daughter of Nef. He possesses the heavenly mansion
+called Glitnir, and all disputants at law who bring their cases before
+him go away perfectly reconciled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His tribunal is the best that is to be found among gods or men.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 284]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" id="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" /><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284" />OF LOKI AND HIS PROGENY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;There is another deity,&quot; continued Har, &quot;reckoned in the number
+of the &AElig;sir, whom some call the calumniator of the gods, the contriver
+of all fraud and mischief, and the disgrace of gods and men. His name
+is Loki or Loptur. He is the son of the giant Farbauti. His mother is
+Laufey or Nal; his brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki is
+handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood, and most evil
+disposition. He surpasses all beings in those arts called Cunning and
+Perfidy. Many a time has he exposed the gods to very great perils, and
+often extricated them again by his artifices. His wife is called
+Siguna, and their son Nari.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Loki,&quot; continued Har, &quot;has likewise had three children by
+Angurbodi, a giantess of Jotunheim. The first is the wolf Fenrir; the
+second Jormungand, the Midgard serpent; the third Hela (Death). The
+gods were not long ignorant that these monsters continued to be bred
+up in Jotunheim, and, having had recourse to divination, became aware
+of all the evils they would have to suffer from them; their being
+sprung from such a mother was a bad presage, and from such a sire was
+still worse. All-father therefore deemed it advisable to send one of
+the gods to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent
+into that deep ocean by which the earth is engirdled. But the monster
+has grown to such an enormous size that, holding his tail in his
+mouth, he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifelheim, and
+gave her power over nine worlds (regions), into which she <span class="pagenum">[Pg 285]</span><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285" />distributes
+those who are sent to her, that is to say, all who die through
+sickness or old age. Here she possesses a habitation protected by
+exceedingly high walls and strongly barred gates. Her hall is called
+Elvidnir; Hunger is her table; Starvation, her knife; Delay, her man;
+Slowness, her maid; Precipice, her threshold; Care, her bed; and
+Burning Anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. The one half of
+her body is livid, the other half the colour of human flesh. She may
+therefore easily be recognized; the more so, as she has a dreadfully
+stern and grim countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir was bred up among the gods; but Tyr alone had the
+daring to go and feed him. Nevertheless, when the gods perceived that
+he every day increased prodigiously in size, and that the oracles
+warned them that he would one day become fatal to them, they
+determined to make a very strong iron fetter for him, which they
+called L&aelig;ding. Taking this fetter to the wolf, they bade him try his
+strength on it. Fenrir, perceiving that the enterprise would not be
+very difficult for him, let them do what they pleased, and then, by
+great muscular exertion, burst the chain and set himself at liberty.
+The gods, having seen this, made another fetter, half as strong again
+as the former, which they called Dromi, and prevailed on the wolf to
+put it on, assuring him that, by breaking this, he would give an
+undeniable proof of his vigour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf saw well enough that it would not be so easy to break this
+fetter, but finding at the same time that his strength had increased
+since he broke L&aelig;ding, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 286]</span><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286" />thinking that he could never become famous
+without running some risk, voluntarily submitted to be chained. When
+the gods told him that they had finished their task, Fenrir shook
+himself violently, stretched his limbs, rolled on the ground, and at
+last burst his chains, which flew in pieces all around him. He then
+freed himself from Dromi, which gave rise to the proverb, 'to get
+loose out of L&aelig;ding, or to dash out of Dromi,' when anything is to be
+accomplished by strong efforts.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" id="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" />BINDING THE WOLF FENIR</h4>
+
+<p>&quot;After this, the gods despaired of ever being able to bind the wolf;
+wherefore All-father sent Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, into the
+country of the Dark Elves (Svartalfaheim) to engage certain dwarfs to
+make the fetter called Gleipnir. It was fashioned out of six things;
+to wit, the noise made by the footfall of a cat; the beards of women;
+the roots of stones; the sinews of bears; the breath of fish; and the
+spittle of birds. Though thou mayest not have heard of these things
+before, thou mayest easily convince thyself that we have not been
+telling thee lies. Thou must have seen that women have no beards, that
+cats make no noise when they run, and that there are no roots under
+stones. Now I know what has been told thee to be equally true,
+although there may be some things thou art not able to furnish a proof
+of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe what thou hast told me to be true,&quot; replied Gangler, &quot;for
+what thou hast adduced in corroboration of thy statement is
+conceivable. But how was the fetter smithied?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This can I tell thee,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that the fetter was as smooth
+and soft as a silken string, and yet, as <span class="pagenum">[Pg 287]</span><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287" />thou wilt presently hear, of
+very great strength. When it was brought to the gods, they were
+profuse in their thanks to the messenger for the trouble he had given
+himself; and taking the wolf with them to the island called Lyngvi, in
+the Lake Amsvartnir, they showed him the cord, and expressed their
+wish that he would try to break it, assuring him at the same time that
+it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would warrant a person in
+supposing it to be. They took it themselves, one after another, in
+their hands, and after attempting in vain to break it, said, 'Thou
+alone, Fenrir, art able to accomplish such a feat.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks,' replied the wolf, 'that I shall acquire no fame in
+breaking such a slender cord; but if any artifice has been employed in
+making it, slender though it seems, it shall never come on my feet.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods assured him that he would easily break a limber silken cord,
+since he had already burst asunder iron fetters of the most solid
+construction. 'But if thou shouldst not succeed in breaking it,' they
+added, 'thou wilt show that thou art too weak to cause the gods any
+fear, and we will not hesitate to set thee at liberty without delay.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I fear me much,' replied he wolf, 'that if ye once bind me so fast
+that I shall be unable to free myself by my own efforts, ye will be in
+no haste to unloose me. Loath am I, therefore, to have this cord wound
+round me; but in order that ye may not doubt my courage, I will
+consent, provided one of you put his hand into my mouth as a pledge
+that ye intend me no deceit.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 288]</span><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288" />The gods wistfully looked at each other, and found that they had
+only the choice of two evils, until Tyr stepped forward and intrepidly
+put his right hand between the monster's jaws. Hereupon the gods,
+having tied up the wolf, he forcibly stretched himself as he had
+formerly done, and used all his might to disengage himself, but the
+more efforts he made the tighter became the cord, until all the gods,
+except Tyr, who lost his hand, burst into laughter at the sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the gods saw that the wolf was effectually bound, they took the
+chain called Gelgja, which was fixed to the fetter, and drew it
+through the middle of a large rock named Gjoll, which they sank very
+deep into the earth; afterwards, to make it still more secure, they
+fastened the end of the cord to a massive stone called Thviti, which
+they sank still deeper. The wolf made in vain the most violent efforts
+to break loose, and opening his tremendous jaws endeavoured to bite
+them. The gods seeing this, thrust a sword into his mouth, which
+pierced his under-jaw to the hilt, so that the point touched the
+palate. He then began to howl horribly, and since that time the foam
+flows continually from his mouth in such abundance that it forms the
+river called Von. There will he remain until Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;an evil progeny is that of Loki, yet most
+mighty and powerful; but since the gods have so much to fear from the
+wolf, why did they not slay him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods have so much respect for the sanctity of their
+peace-steads,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that they would not <span class="pagenum">[Pg 289]</span><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289" />stain them with the
+blood of the wolf, although prophecy had intimated to them that he
+must one day become the bane of Odin.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GODDESSES" id="OF_THE_GODDESSES" />OF THE GODDESSES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Tell me now,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which are the goddesses?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Frigga, who has a magnificent mansion
+called Fensalir. The second is Saga, who dwells at Sokkvabekk, a very
+large and stately abode. The third is Eir, the best of all in the
+healing art. The fourth, named Gefjon, is a maid, and all those who
+die maids become her hand-maidens. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a
+maid, and goes about with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her
+head adorned with a gold ribbon. She is entrusted with the toilette
+and slippers of Frigga, and admitted into the most important secrets
+of that goddess. Freyja is ranked next to Frigga: she is wedded to a
+person called Odur, and their daughter, named Hnossa, is so very
+handsome that whatever is beautiful and precious is called by her name
+(<i>hnosir</i>.) But Odur left his wife in order to travel into very remote
+countries. Since that time Freyja continually weeps, and her tears are
+drops of pure gold. She has a great variety of names, for having gone
+over many countries in search of her husband, each people gave her a
+different name. She is thus called Mardoll, Horn, Gefn, and Syr, and
+also Vanadis. She possesses the necklace Brising. The seventh goddess
+is Sjofna, who delights in turning men's hearts and thoughts to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 290]</span><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290" />love;
+hence a wooer is called, from her name, <i>Sjafni</i>. The eighth, called
+Lofna, is so mild and gracious to those who invoke her, that by a
+peculiar privilege which either All-Father himself or Frigga has given
+her, she can remove every obstacle that may prevent the union of
+lovers sincerely attached to each other. Hence her name is applied to
+denote love, and whatever is beloved by men. Vora, the ninth goddess,
+listens to the oaths that men take, and particularly to the troth
+plighted between man and woman, and punishes those who keep not their
+promises. She is wise and prudent, and so penetrating that nothing
+remains hidden from her. Syn, the tenth, keeps the door in the hall,
+and shuts it against those who ought not to enter. She presides at
+trials when any thing is to be denied on oath, whence the proverb,
+'Syn (negation) is set against it,' when ought is denied. Hlina, the
+eleventh, has the care of those whom Frigga intends to deliver from
+peril. Snotra, the twelfth, is wise and courteous, and men and women
+who possess these qualities have her name applied to them. Gna, the
+thirteenth, is the messenger that Frigga sends into the various worlds
+on her errands. She has a horse that can run through air and water,
+called Hofvarpnir. Once, as she drove out, certain Vanir saw her car
+in the air, when one of them exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'What flieth there?<br /></span>
+<span>What goeth there?<br /></span>
+<span>In the air aloft what glideth?'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;She answered,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 291]</span><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291" />
+<span>&quot;'I fly not though I go,<br /></span>
+<span>And glide through the air<br /></span>
+<span>On Hofvarpnir,<br /></span>
+<span>Whose sire's Hamskerpir,<br /></span>
+<span>And dam Gardrofa.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Sol and Bil are also reckoned among the goddesses, but their nature
+has already been explained to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;There are besides these a great many other goddesses, whose
+duty it is to serve in Valhalla; to bear in the drink and take care of
+the drinking-horns and whatever belongs to the table. They are named
+in Grimnismal, and are called Valkyrjor. Odin sends them to every
+field of battle, to make choice of those who are to be slain, and to
+sway the victory. Gudur, Rota, and the youngest of the Norns, Skuld,
+also ride forth to choose the slain and turn the combat. Jord (earth),
+the mother of Thor, and Rinda, the mother of Vali, are also reckoned
+amongst the goddesses.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" id="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" />OF FREY AND GERDA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;There was a man,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Gymir, who had for wife
+Aurboda, of the race of the Mountain-giants. Their daughter is Gerda,
+who is the most beautiful of all women. One day Frey having placed
+himself in Hlidskjalf, to take a view of the whole universe,
+perceived, as he looked towards the north, a large and stately mansion
+which a woman was going to enter, and as she lifted up the latch of
+the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand that the air and
+waters, and all worlds were illuminated by it. At this sight, Frey, as
+a just punishment for his audacity in <span class="pagenum">[Pg 292]</span><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292" />mounting on that sacred throne,
+was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch so, that on his return home
+he could neither speak, nor sleep, nor drink, nor did any one dare to
+inquire the cause of his affliction; but Njord, at last, sent for
+Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, and charged him to demand of his
+master why he thus refused to speak to any one. Skirnir promised to do
+this, though with great reluctance, fearing that all he had to expect
+was a severe reprimand. He, however, went to Frey, and asked him
+boldly why he was so sad and silent. Frey answered, that he had seen a
+maiden of such surpassing beauty that if he could not possess her he
+should not live much longer, and that this was what rendered him so
+melancholy. 'Go, therefore,' he added, 'and ask her hand for me, and
+bring her here whether her father be willing or not, and I will amply
+reward thee.' Skirnir undertook to perform the task, provided he might
+be previously put in possession of Frey's sword, which was of such
+excellent quality that it would of itself strew a field with carnage
+whenever the owner ordered it. Frey, impatient of delay, immediately
+made him a present of the sword, and Skirnir set out on his journey
+and obtained the maiden's promise, that within nine nights she would
+come to a place called Barey, and there wed Frey. Skirnir having
+reported the success of his message, Frey exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Long is one night,<br /></span>
+<span>Long are two nights,<br /></span>
+<span>But how shall I hold out three?<br /></span>
+<span>Shorter hath seemed<br /></span>
+<span>A month to me oft<br /></span>
+<span>Than of this longing-time the half.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 293]</span><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293" />Frey having thus given away his sword, found himself without arms
+when he fought with Beli, and hence it was that he slew him with a
+stag's antlers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it seems very astonishing,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;that such a
+brave hero as Frey should give away his sword without keeping another
+equally good for himself. He must have been in a very bad plight when
+he encountered Beli, and methinks must have mightily repented him of
+the gift.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That combat,&quot; replied Har, &quot;was a trifling affair. Frey could have
+killed Beli with a blow of his fist had he felt inclined: but the time
+will come when the sons of Muspell shall issue forth to the fight, and
+then, indeed, will Frey truly regret having parted with his falchion.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" id="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" />OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;If it be as thou hast told me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that all men who
+have fallen in fight since the beginning of the world are gone to
+Odin, in Valhalla, what has he to give them to eat, for methinks there
+must be a great crowd there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What thou sayest is quite true,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the crowd there is
+indeed great, but great though it be, it will still increase, and will
+be thought too little when the wolf cometh. But however great the band
+of men in Valhalla may be, the flesh of the boar S&aelig;hrimnir will more
+than suffice for their sustenance. For although this boar is sodden
+every morning he becomes whole again every night. But there are few,
+methinks, who are wise enough to give thee, in this respect, a
+satisfactory answer to thy <span class="pagenum">[Pg 294]</span><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294" />question. The cook is called Andhrimnir,
+and the kettle Eldhrimnir. As it is said,&mdash;'Andhrimnir cooks in
+Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir.' 'Tis the best of flesh, though few know how
+much is required for the Einherjar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But has Odin,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the same food as the heroes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin,' replied Har, 'gives the meat that is set before him to two
+wolves, called Geri and Freki, for he himself stands in no need of
+food. Wine is for him both meat and drink.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and whisper in his ear the tidings
+and events they have heard and witnessed. They are called Hugin and
+Munin.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133" /><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> He sends them out at dawn of day to fly over the whole
+world, and they return at eve towards meal time. Hence it is that Odin
+knows so many things, and is called the Raven's God. As it is said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>'Hugin and Munin<br /></span>
+<span>Each dawn take their flight<br /></span>
+<span>Earth's fields over.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>I fear me for Hugin,<br /></span>
+<span>Lest he come not back,<br /></span>
+<span>But much more for Munin.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;What have the heroes to drink,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;in sufficient
+quantity to correspond to their plentiful supply of meat: do they only
+drink water?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very silly question is that,&quot; replied Har; &quot;dost thou imagine that
+All-Father would invite kings and jarls and other great men and give
+them nothing to drink but water! In that case, methinks, many of those
+who had endured the greatest hardships, and received deadly wounds in
+order to obtain access to Valhalla, would find <span class="pagenum">[Pg 295]</span><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295" />that they had paid too
+great a price for their water drink, and would indeed have reason to
+complain were they there to meet with no better entertainment. But
+thou wilt see that the case is quite otherwise. For the she-goat,
+named Heidrun, stands above Valhalla, and feeds on the leaves of a
+very famous tree called L&aelig;rath, and from her teats flows mead in such
+great abundance that every day a stoop, large enough to hold more than
+would suffice for all the heroes, is filled with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;a mighty useful goat is this, and methinks
+the tree she feeds on must have very singular virtues.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Still more wonderful,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is what is told of the stag
+Eikthyrnir. This stag also stands over Valhalla and feeds upon the
+leaves of the same tree, and whilst he is feeding so many drops fall
+from his antlers down into Hvergelmir that they furnish sufficient
+water for the rivers that issuing thence flow through the celestial
+abodes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Wondrous things are these which thou tellest me of,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;and Valhalla must needs be an immense building, but methinks
+there must often be a great press at the door among such a number of
+people constantly thronging in and out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why dost thou not ask,&quot; replied Har, &quot;how many doors there are, and
+what are their dimensions; then wouldst thou be able to judge whether
+there is any difficulty in going in and out. Know, then, that there is
+no lack of either seats or doors. As it is said in Grimnismal:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 296]</span><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296" />
+<span>&quot;'Five hundred doors<br /></span>
+<span>And forty more<br /></span>
+<span>Methinks are in Valhalla.<br /></span>
+<span>Eight hundred heroes through each door<br /></span>
+<span>Shall issue forth<br /></span>
+<span>Against the wolf to combat.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;A mighty band of men must be in Valhalla,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and
+methinks Odin must be a great chieftain to command such a numerous
+host. But how do the heroes pass their time when they are not
+drinking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every day,&quot; replied Har, &quot;as soon as they have dressed themselves
+they ride out into the court (or field), and there fight until they
+cut each other to pieces. This is their pastime, but when meal-time
+approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.
+As it is said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The Einherjar all<br /></span>
+<span>On Odin's plain<br /></span>
+<span>Hew daily each other,<br /></span>
+<span>While chosen the slain are.<br /></span>
+<span>From the fray they then ride,<br /></span>
+<span>And drink ale with the &AElig;sir.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou hast thus reason to say that Odin is great and mighty, for there
+are many proofs of this. As it is said in the very words of the
+&AElig;sir:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The ash Yggdrasill<br /></span>
+<span>Is the first of trees,<br /></span>
+<span>As Skidbladnir of ships,<br /></span>
+<span>Odin of &AElig;sir,<br /></span>
+<span>Sleipnir of steeds,<br /></span>
+<span>Bifrost of bridges,<br /></span>
+<span>Bragi of bards,<br /></span>
+<span>Habrok of hawks,<br /></span>
+<span>And Garm of hounds is.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" id="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" />OF THE HORSE SLEIPNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Thou mad'st mention,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;of the horse Sleipnir. To
+whom does he belong, and what is there to say respecting him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 297]</span><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297" />Thou seemest to know nothing either about Sleipnir or his origin,&quot;
+replied Har, &quot;but thou wilt no doubt find what thou wilt hear worthy
+of thy notice. Once on a time when the gods were constructing their
+abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
+artificer came and offered to build them, in the space of three half
+years, a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly
+safe from the incursion of the Frost-giants, and the giants of the
+mountains, even although they should have penetrated within Midgard.
+But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freyja, together with the
+sun and moon. After long deliberation the &AElig;sir agreed to his terms,
+provided he would finish the whole work himself without any one's
+assistance, and all within the space of one winter, but if anything
+remained unfinished on the first day of summer, he should forfeit the
+recompense agreed on. On being told these terms, the artificer
+stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse, called
+Svadilfari, and this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He
+accordingly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the
+night let his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of
+the stones struck the &AElig;sir with astonishment, and they saw clearly
+that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than his master.
+Their bargain, however, had been concluded in the presence of
+witnesses, and confirmed by solemn oaths, for without these
+precautions a giant would not have thought himself safe among the
+&AElig;sir, especially when Thor returned <span class="pagenum">[Pg 298]</span><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298" />from an expedition he had then
+undertaken towards the east against evil demons.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, and the
+bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render this residence
+impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer the
+only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the
+gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation,
+inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give
+Freyja away to Jotunheim, or to plunge the heavens in darkness by
+permitting the giant to carry away the sun and moon. They all agreed
+that no one but Loki, the son of Laufey, and the author of so many
+evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be
+put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way or other to
+prevent the artificer from completing his task and obtaining the
+stipulated recompense. They immediately proceeded to lay hands on
+Loki, who, in his fright, promised upon oath that let it cost him what
+it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose his
+reward. That very night, when the artificer went with Svadilfari for
+building stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest and began to
+neigh. The horse being thus excited, broke loose and ran after the
+mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after his
+horse, and thus between one and the other the whole night was lost, so
+that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man seeing
+that he had no other means of completing his task, resumed <span class="pagenum">[Pg 299]</span><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299" />his own
+gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly perceived that it was in
+reality a Mountain-giant who had come amongst them. No longer
+regarding their oaths, they, therefore, called on Thor, who
+immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet Mjolnir
+paid the workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
+sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he shattered
+the giant's skull to pieces, and hurled him headlong into Nifelhel.
+But Loki had run such a race with Svadilfari that shortly after he
+bore a grey foal with eight legs. This is the horse Sleipnir, which
+excels all horses ever possessed by gods or men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" id="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" />OF THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;What hast thou to say,&quot; demanded Gangler, &quot;of Skidbladnir,
+which thou toldst me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as
+good or as large?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skidbladnir,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is without doubt the best and most
+artfully constructed of any, but the ship Nagffar is of larger size.
+They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made
+a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the &AElig;sir with their
+weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails
+are set a favourable breeze arises and carries her to her place of
+destination, and she is made of so many pieces, and with so much
+skill, that when she is not wanted for a voyage Frey may fold her
+together like a piece of cloth, and put her in his pocket.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good ship truly, is Skidbladnir,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 300]</span><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300" />and many cunning
+contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her
+construction.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" id="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" />THOR'S ADVENTURES ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> &quot;But tell me,&quot; he (Gangler) continued, &quot;did it ever happen to
+Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by
+downright force?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Few can take upon them to affirm this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and yet it has
+often fared hard enough with him; but had he in reality been worsted
+in any rencounter there would be no need to make mention of it, since
+all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It would, therefore, appear,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that I have asked of you
+things that none of you are able to tell me of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are, indeed, some such rumours current among us,&quot; answered
+Jafnhar, &quot;but they are hardly credible; however, there is one sitting
+here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe
+him, for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to
+deceive thee with false stories.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here then will I stand,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and listen to what ye have to
+say, but if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily I shall look
+upon you as vanquished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then spake Thridi and said, &quot;We can easily conceive that thou art
+desirous of knowing these tidings, but it behooves thee to guard a
+becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is
+this:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;One day the God Thor set out in his car drawn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 301]</span><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301" />by two he-goats,
+and accompanied by Loki, on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at
+a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats, and after flaying
+them, put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down
+with his fellow-traveller to supper, and invited the peasant and his
+family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi,
+and his daughter Roska. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the
+goats' skins which were spread out near the fire-place, but young
+Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the
+marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage, rose at the dawn
+of day, and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjolnir, and lifting
+it up, consecrated the goats' skins, which he had no sooner done than
+the two goats re-assumed their wonted form, only that one of them now
+limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this, said that the
+peasant, or one of his family, had handled the shank bone of this goat
+too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be
+imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his
+brows, and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the
+joints of his fingers became white from the exertion. Fearing to be
+struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family
+made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an
+atonement for the offence committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted
+from his wrath, and became more placable, and finally contented
+himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thjalfi and Roska, who
+became his bond-servants, and have followed him ever since.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 302]</span><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302" />'Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the
+road to Jotunheim, until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea,
+which having passed over he penetrated into a strange country along
+with his companions, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roska. They had not gone far
+before they saw before them an immense forest, through which they
+wandered all day. Thjalfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore
+Thor's wallet, but the forest was a bad place for finding anything
+eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides
+for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a
+very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one
+of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in;
+but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the
+whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with
+him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber,
+into which they entered, but while the others, trembling with fear,
+crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the
+doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself,
+whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night,
+and at dawn of day, Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of
+enormous bulk, who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now
+account for the noise they had heard over night, and girding on his
+Belt of Prowess, increased that divine strength which he now stood in
+need of. The giant awakening, rose up, and it is said that for once in
+his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 303]</span><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303" />and contented
+himself by simply asking the giant his name.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'My name is Skrymir, said the other, 'but I need not ask thy name,
+for I know thou art the God Thor. But what hast thou done with my
+glove?' And stretching out his hand Skrymir picked up his glove, which
+Thor then perceived was what they had taken over night for a hall, the
+chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then
+asked whether they would have his fellowship, and Thor consenting, the
+giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his
+companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another
+place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions
+together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat
+into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them,
+taking tremendous strides, the whole day, and at dusk sought out for
+them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree.
+Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep. 'But take ye
+the wallet,' he added, 'and prepare your supper.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skrymir soon fell asleep, and began to snore strongly, but incredible
+though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told, that when Thor
+came to open the wallet he could not untie a single knot, nor render a
+single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labour was in
+vain, Thor became wroth, and grasping his mallet with both hands while
+he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir,
+awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and
+whether <span class="pagenum">[Pg 304]</span><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304" />they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered
+that they were just going to sleep, and so saying, went and laid
+himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to
+Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the
+forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his mallet,
+launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to
+the handle. Skrymir awakening, cried out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What's the matter? did an acorn fall on my head? How fares it with
+thee, Thor?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and
+that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He
+however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third
+blow, it should settle all matters between them. A little before
+daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again
+grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its
+way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and
+stroking his cheek, said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke
+some moss from the branches fell on my head. What! Art thou awake,
+Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but
+you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I
+have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small
+dimensions; but if you come into Utgard you will see there many men
+much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there,
+not to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 305]</span><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305" />make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki
+will not brook the boasting of such mannikins as ye are. The best
+thing you could do would probably be to turn back again, but if you
+persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward, for mine now
+lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hereupon, he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from
+them, into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet
+with him a second time.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards
+noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so
+lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their
+shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the
+walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly
+locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with
+his companions through the bars, and thus succeeded in gaining
+admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them, with the
+door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious
+stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came
+before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect.
+Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from
+the king, who, after regarding them for some time, said with a
+scornful smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey, yet if I do not
+mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps,' he added,
+addressing himself to Thor, 'thou mayst be taller than thou appearest
+to be. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 306]</span><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306" />But what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem
+yourselves skilled in, for no one is permitted to remain here who does
+not, in some feat or other, excel all other men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'The feat I know,' replied Loki, 'is to eat quicker than any one
+else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any one here who
+may choose to compete with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'That will indeed be a feat,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou performest
+what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the further end of
+the bench, and whose name was Logi,<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134" /><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> to come forward and try his
+skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on
+the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end, and Logi at the other,
+and each of them, began to eat as fast as he could, until they met in
+the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten
+the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and
+the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was
+vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor
+could perform. Thjalfi answered that he would run a race with any one
+who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in
+running was something to boast of, but that if the youth would win the
+match he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all
+who were present to a plain <span class="pagenum">[Pg 307]</span><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307" />where there was a good ground for running
+on, and calling a young man named Hugi,<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135" /><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> bade him run a match with
+Thjalfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor
+that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Thou must ply thy legs better, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou
+wilt win the match, though I must needs say that there never came a
+man here swifter of foot than thou art.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the second course, Thjalfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when
+Hugi arrived at it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Most bravely dost thou run, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'though thou
+wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third, course must decide.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They accordingly ran a third time, but Hugi had already reached the
+goal before Thjalfi had got half way. All who were present then cried
+out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of
+exercise.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to
+give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor
+replied, that he would begin a drinking match with any one.
+Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cupbearer
+bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of
+when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The
+cupbearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 308]</span><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308" />a single draught,
+though some men make two of it, but the most puny drinker of all can
+do it at three.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size,
+though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
+his lips, and without drawing breath pulled as long and as deeply as
+he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it;
+but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely
+perceive that the liquor was diminished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;''Tis well drunken,' exclaimed Utgard-Loki, 'though nothing much to
+boast of; and I would not have believed had it been told me that
+Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught, but thou no doubt
+meanest to make amends at the second pull.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might, but
+when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him as if he had
+drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried
+without spilling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'How now, Thor,' said Utgard-Loki; 'thou must not spare thyself more
+in performing a feat than befits thy skill; but if thou meanest to
+drain the horn at the third draught thou must pull deeply; and I must
+needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou
+art among the &AElig;sir, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats
+than, methinks, will be shown in this.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted
+himself to the utmost to empty it entirely, but on looking in found
+that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to
+make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cupbearer.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 309]</span><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309" /></p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> &quot;'I now see plainly,' said Utgard-Loki, 'that thou are not quite
+so stout as we thought thee, but wilt thou try any other feat, though,
+methinks, thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I will try another feat,' replied Thor, 'and I am sure such draughts
+as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the
+&AElig;sir; but what new trial hast thou to propose?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'We have a very, trifling game here,' answered Ut-gard-Loki, 'in
+which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my
+cat from the ground, nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to
+Asa-Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what
+we took thee for.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As he finished speaking, a large grey cat sprung on the hall floor.
+Thor advancing put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost
+to raise him from the floor, but the cat bending his back had,
+notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up,
+seeing which, Thor made no further attempt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'This trial has turned out,' said Utgard-Loki, 'just as I imagined it
+would; the cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Little as ye call me,' answered Thor, 'let me see who amongst you
+will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I see no one here,' said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on
+the benches, 'who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee;
+let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli,<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136" /><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a>
+and let Thor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 310]</span><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310" />wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the
+ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is.'</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by
+Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more
+Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length,
+after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was
+finally brought down upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to
+desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in
+the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He
+therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats, and they
+passed the night there in good cheer.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions
+dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then
+came and ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no
+lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led
+them to the gate of the city, and, on parting, asked Thor how he
+thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any
+men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but
+that he had brought great shame on himself. 'And what grieves me
+most,' he added, 'is that ye will call me a man of little worth.'</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> &quot;'Nay,' said Utgard-Loki, 'it behooves me to tell thee the truth
+now thou are out of the city which so long as I live, and have my way,
+thou shalt never re-enter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand
+that thou hadst so much strength in thee, and wouldst have brought me
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 311]</span><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311" />so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter
+this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my
+illusions; first, in the forest, where I arrived before thee, and
+there thou wert not able to untie the wallet, because I had bound it
+with iron wire, in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how
+the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows
+with thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days
+had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which
+thou didst not perceive, and in this mountain thou wilt find three
+glens, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy
+mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have
+had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself,
+devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was, in reality,
+nothing else than ardent fire, and therefore consumed not only the
+meat but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thjalfi contended
+in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thjalfi to keep
+pace with that. When thou, in thy turn, didst try to empty the horn,
+thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not
+seen it myself I should never have believed it. For one end of that
+horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou
+comest to the shore thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by
+thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst
+perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat, and to tell
+thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we
+were all of us terror-stricken, for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 312]</span><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312" />what thou tookest for a cat was
+in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth,
+and he was then barely long enough to inclose it between his head and
+tail, so high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling
+with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a
+man, nor ever shall be, whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will
+not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are
+going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us
+if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so, I shall
+again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt never
+prevail against me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On hearing these words, Thor, in a rage, laid hold of his mallet and
+would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and
+when Thor would have returned to the city to-destroy it, he found
+nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding, therefore, on his
+way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already
+resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards
+took place. I trust,&quot; concluded Thridi, &quot;that thou wilt now
+acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou
+hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" id="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" />HOW THOR WENT TO FISH FOR THE MIDGARD SERPENT.</h4>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> &quot;I find by your account,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that Utgard-Loki
+possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and
+illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every
+respect so skillful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge
+this affront?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 313]</span><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313" />It is not unknown,&quot; replied Har, &quot;though nobody has talked of it,
+that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken
+of, and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily
+that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him.
+He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at
+dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the
+night, but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making
+his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged
+the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that
+a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him.
+'Besides,' he added, 'thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far
+out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.' Thor said, that for
+all that, he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and
+was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row
+back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely
+inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further
+delay, but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his
+wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to
+look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen
+that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore
+the name of Himinbrjot, wrung off his head, and returning with it to
+the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and
+with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise,
+how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He <span class="pagenum">[Pg 314]</span><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314" />then observed that they
+were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flat fish, but
+Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They
+accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if
+they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard
+serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and
+in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would
+lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong,
+furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's
+head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the
+bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard
+serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he
+obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand: for the monster
+greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate.
+Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently, that
+Thor was obliged to hold fast with both hands by the pegs that bear
+against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his
+divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their
+way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst
+with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is
+impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place.
+Thor, on one hand, darting looks of ire on the serpent, whilst the
+monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is
+said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent, he turned pale and
+trembled with fright and seeing, more<span class="pagenum">[Pg 315]</span><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315" />over, that the water was
+entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife, just as Thor
+raised his mallet aloft, and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk
+again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and
+there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the
+bottom of the sea, but one may assert with more certainty that he
+still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow
+with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the
+water, and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" id="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" />THE DEATH OF BALDUR THE GOOD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>57</b>. &quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;it was a famous exploit which Thor
+performed on that journey, but did any other such events take place
+among the &AElig;sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I can tell thee of another event which the &AElig;sir
+deemed of much greater importance. Thou must know, therefore, that
+Baldur the Good having been tormented with terrible dreams, indicating
+that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled
+&AElig;sir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the
+threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water,
+from iron, and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths,
+diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of
+them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a
+favourite pastime of the &AElig;sir, at their meetings, to get Baldur to
+stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some
+stones, while <span class="pagenum">[Pg 316]</span><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316" />others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes,
+for do they what they would none of therm could harm him, and this was
+regarded by all as a great honour shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the
+son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was
+not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a woman, he went to
+Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the
+pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the &AElig;sir were doing
+at their meetings. She replied, that they were throwing darts and
+stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ay,' said Frigga, 'neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I
+have exacted an oath from all of them.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What!' exclaimed the woman, 'have all things sworn to spare Baldur?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'All things,' replied Frigga, 'except one little shrub that grows on
+the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I
+thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and, resuming his natural
+shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place where the gods
+were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart, without partaking
+of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him, said,
+'Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Because I am blind,' answered Hodur, 'and see not where Baldur is,
+and have, moreover, nothing to throw with.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Come then,' said Loki, 'do like the rest, and show <span class="pagenum">[Pg 317]</span><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317" />honour to Baldur
+by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm, toward the
+place where he stands.'</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> &quot;Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki,
+darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, fell down
+lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either among gods or men,
+a more atrocious deed than this! When Baldur fell the &AElig;sir were struck
+speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all
+were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they
+were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred
+place (Peace-stead) where they were assembled. They at length gave
+vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could
+find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin, especially,
+was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for
+he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the &AElig;sir. When
+the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to
+gain all her love and good will; 'For this,' said she, 'shall he have
+who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur, and offer Hela a ransom
+if she will let him return to Asgard;' whereupon Hermod, surnamed the
+Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's
+horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and
+galloped away on his mission.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> &quot;The &AElig;sir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore,
+where stood Baldur's ship Hringhorn, which passed for the largest in
+the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's
+funeral <span class="pagenum">[Pg 318]</span><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318" />pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this
+conjuncture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named
+Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a
+bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four Berserkir to hold
+her steed fast, who were, however, obliged to throw the animal on the
+ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the
+ship, and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so
+violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers, and the earth shook
+all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but
+for the interference of the &AElig;sir would have broken the woman's skull.
+Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship,
+and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep,
+that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same
+pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with
+Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was
+running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of
+various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin,
+accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrjor and his ravens; then Frey in his
+car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni; Heimdall rode
+his horse called Gulltopp, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by
+cats. There were also a great many Frost-giants and giants of the
+mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called
+Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing every
+ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Baldur's horse was led to the
+pile fully capari<span class="pagenum">[Pg 319]</span><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319" />soned, and consumed in the same flames on the body
+of his master.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" id="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" />BALDUR IN THE ABODE OF THE DEAD</h4>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> &quot;Meanwhile, Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space
+of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark
+that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river
+Gjoll, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold.
+Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and
+lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons
+had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it so much as he alone.
+'But,' she added, 'thou hast not death's hue on thee, why then ridest
+them here on the way to Hel?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I ride to Hel,' answered Hermod, 'to seek Baldur. Hast thou
+perchance seen him pass this way?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Baldur,' she replied, 'hath ridden over Gjoll's bridge, but there
+below, towards the north, lies the way to the abodes of death.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of
+Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting,
+clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous
+leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he
+found his brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished seat in the
+hall, and passed the night in his company. The next morning he
+besought Hela (Death) to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her
+that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela
+answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as
+he was said to be.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 320]</span><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320" />'If therefore,' she added, 'all things in the world, both living and
+lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to the &AElig;sir, but if any
+one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in
+Hel.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then rose, and Baldur led him out of the hall and gave him the
+ring Draupnir, to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nanna also sent
+Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold
+finger-ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of
+all he had heard and witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world, to beg
+everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel.
+All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and
+every other living being, as well as earths and stones, and trees and
+metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are
+brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were
+returning with the conviction that their mission had been quite
+successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern,
+and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki
+himself who never ceased to work evil among the &AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" id="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" />THE FLIGHT AND PUNISHMENT OF LOKI.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>61.</b> &quot;Evil are the deeds of Loki truly,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;first of all
+in his having caused Baldur to be slain, and then preventing him from
+being delivered out of Hel. But was he not punished for these crimes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 321]</span><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321" />Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and in such a manner that he will long repent
+having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods
+were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a
+dwelling with four doors, so that he could see everything that passed
+around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon,
+and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade called
+Franangursfors, where he employed himself in divining and
+circumventing whatever stratagems the &AElig;sir might have recourse to in
+order to catch him. One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax
+and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have
+since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat
+out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were
+approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself
+in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the
+most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration,
+traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been
+burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish.
+Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw
+imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the
+river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net,
+and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly
+drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions the
+net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods
+only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They
+therefore cast their <span class="pagenum">[Pg 322]</span><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322" />net a second time, hanging so great a weight to
+it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving
+that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt
+over the net into the waterfall. The &AElig;sir instantly followed him, and
+divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream,
+followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea.
+Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to
+swim out to sea, or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter,
+but as he took a tremendous leap Thor caught him in his hand. Being,
+however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held
+him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had
+their tails ever since so fine and thin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration
+into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a
+hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali
+and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he
+tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords
+of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the
+rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins,
+and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords
+into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a
+manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But
+Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in
+a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 323]</span><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323" />doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror,
+and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and
+this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" id="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" />OF RAGNAROK, OR THE TWILIGHT OE THE GODS, AND THE CONFLAGRATION OF THE
+UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> &quot;I have not heard before of Ragnarok,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what hast
+thou to tell me about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many very notable circumstances concerning it,&quot; replied
+Har, &quot;which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the
+winter, called Fimbul-winter, during which snow will fall from the
+four corners of the world; the frosts will be very severe, the wind
+piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness.
+Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single
+summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and
+discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of
+mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his
+parents or his children.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> &quot;Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great
+prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that
+be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will
+cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens,
+and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the
+roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations,
+and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks
+loose, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 324]</span><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324" />the sea rushes over the earth, on account of the Midgard
+serpent turning with giant force, and gaining the land. On the waters
+floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead
+men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with pared
+nails, for he who dies with his nails unpared, supplies materials for
+the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be
+finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float,
+and the giant Hrym be its steersman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir advancing, opens his enormous mouth; the lower jaw
+reaches to the earth, and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact
+reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from
+his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the
+side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the
+air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain,
+and the sons of Muspell ride through the breach. Surtur rides first,
+and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword
+outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to
+pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called
+Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent,
+and also Loki, with all the followers of Hel, and Hrym with all the
+Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspell keep their effulgent bands apart
+on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> &quot;Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the
+Gjallar-horn to arouse the gods, who <span class="pagenum">[Pg 325]</span><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325" />assemble without delay. Odin
+then rides to Mimir's well and consults Mimir how he and his warriors
+ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasill begins to shake, nor is
+there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible
+hour. The &AElig;sir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves and speed
+forth to the field, led on by Odin, with his golden helm and
+resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself
+against the wolf Fenrir; Thor stands by his side, but can render him
+no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey
+encounters Surtur, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls;
+and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to
+Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa
+cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks
+Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the
+Midgard serpent, but at the same time, recoiling nine paces, falls
+dead upon the spot suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying
+serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that
+instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower
+jaw, seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till
+he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for
+which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely, the shreds of
+leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it
+is on this account that those who would render a service to the &AElig;sir
+should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight,
+and mutually kill each other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 326]</span><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326" />After this, Surtur darts fire and flame over the earth, and the
+whole universe is consumed.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" id="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" />OF THE ABODES OF FUTURE BLISS AND MISERY.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>66.</b> &quot;What will remain,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;after heaven and earth and
+the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods, and the
+heroes of Valhalla, and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have
+already told me that every one shall continue to exist in some world
+or other, throughout eternity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will be many abodes,&quot; replied Thridi, &quot;some good, others bad.
+The best place of all to be in will be Gimli, in heaven, and all who
+delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall
+called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolni. There is
+also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the
+mountains of Nida, (Nidafjoll). In those halls righteous and
+well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful
+structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the
+backs of serpents, wattled together like wicker work. But the
+serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall, and
+continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those
+who-commit murder, or who forswear themselves.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />THE RENOVATION OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> &quot;Will any of the gods survive, and will there be any longer a
+heaven and an earth?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will arise out of the sea,&quot; replied Har, &quot;another <span class="pagenum">[Pg 327]</span><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327" />earth most
+lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow
+unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's
+fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where
+Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and
+Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Baldur and
+Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death (Hel). There
+shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former
+knowledge and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf
+Fenrir and the Midgard serpent. There too shall they find in the grass
+those golden tablets (orbs) which the &AElig;sir once possessed. As it is
+said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'There dwell Vidar and Vali<br /></span>
+<span>In the gods' holy seats,<br /></span>
+<span>When slaked Surtur's fire is<br /></span>
+<span>But Modi and Magni<br /></span>
+<span>Will Mjolnir possess,<br /></span>
+<span>And strife put an end to.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by
+Surtur's fire, a woman named Lif (Life), and a man named Lifthrasir,
+lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew,
+and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have
+brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the
+same track formerly trodden by her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;if thou hast any further questions to
+ask, I know not who can answer thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 328]</span><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328" />for I never heard tell of any
+one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world.
+Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to
+thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him: he looked
+everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a
+vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom,
+where he related all that he had seen and heard, and ever since that
+time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />&AElig;GIR'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>68.</b> &AElig;gir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where
+he met with a very good reception. Supper time being come, the twelve
+mighty &AElig;sir,&mdash;Odin, Thor, Njord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar,
+Vali, Ullur, Hoenir and Forseti, together with the Asynjor,&mdash;Frigga,
+Freyja, Gefjon, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla and Nanna, seated
+themselves on their lofty doom seats, in a hall around which were
+ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was
+requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very
+superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking
+horns, &AElig;gir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something
+concerning the &AElig;sir. Bragi instantly complied with his request, by
+informing him of what had happened to Iduna.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 329]</div>
+<h4><a name="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" id="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" /><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329" />IDUNA AND HER APPLES.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>69.</b> &quot;Once,&quot; he said, &quot;when Odin, Loki, and Hoenir went on a journey,
+they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being
+sadly in want of provisions did not scruple to kill one for their
+supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh; they
+found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as
+when first put in. While they were endeavouring to account for this
+singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up
+they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree.
+'If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh,' said the
+eagle, 'it shall soon be boiled;' and on their assenting to this
+proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the
+ox&mdash;a proceeding which so incensed Loki, that he laid hold of a large
+stock, and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was,
+however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant
+Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his
+cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back,
+he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was
+consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests,
+until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to
+sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released
+from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna
+and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to
+effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his
+companions.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 330]</span><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330" /></p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> &quot;On his return to Asgard, Loki told Iduna that, in a forest at a
+short distance from the celestial residence, he had found apples
+growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own,
+and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between
+them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples, and went with him
+into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad
+in his eagle-plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up
+Iduna, carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being
+thus deprived of their renovating apples, soon became wrinkled and
+grey; old age was creeping fast upon them, when they discovered that
+Loki had been, as usual, the contriver of all the mischief that had
+befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment
+if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back
+Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her
+falcon-plumage, flew to Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at
+sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying
+off with her; but when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had
+happened, he donned his eagle-plumage, and flew after them. When the
+&AElig;sir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow
+between his claws, and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to
+overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips,
+which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them; and
+as Thjassi could not stop his flight, the fire caught his plumage, and
+he thus fell into the power of the &AElig;sir, who slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 331]</span><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331" />him within the
+portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to
+Thjassi's daughter, Skadi, she put on her armour and went to Asgard,
+fully determined to avenge her father's death; but the &AElig;sir having
+declared their willingness to atone for the deed, an amicable
+arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard,
+and the &AElig;sir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered
+herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice
+of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of
+the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of
+their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In
+inspecting the row of feet placed before her, Skadi took a fancy to a
+pair which she flattered herself, from their fine proportions, must be
+those of Baldur. They were however Njord's, and Njord was accordingly
+given her for a husband, and as Loki managed to make her laugh, by
+playing some diverting antics with a goat, the atonement was fully
+effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated,
+by taking out Thjassi's eyes, and placing them to shine as stars in
+the firmament.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137" /><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" id="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" />THE ORIGIN OF POETRY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> &AElig;gir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated,
+Bragi informed him that the &AElig;sir and Vanir having met to put an end to
+the war which had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 332]</span><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332" />long been carried on between them, a treaty of
+peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As
+a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforward to subsist between
+the contending parties, the gods formed out of this spittle a being to
+whom they gave the name of Kvasir, and whom they endowed with such a
+high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that
+he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to
+teach men wisdom, but was at length treacherously murdered by the
+dwarfs, Fjalar and Galar, who, by mixing up his blood with honey,
+composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of
+it acquires the gift of song. When the &AElig;sir inquired what had become
+of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his
+own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a
+sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its
+superabundance. Not long after this event, Fjalar and Galar managed to
+drown the giant Gilling and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged
+by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea, and placing them on
+a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position
+they implored Suttung to spare their lives, and accept the
+verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for
+their having killed his parents. Suttung having agreed to these
+conditions, released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him,
+committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is
+indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarf's
+ransom, etc.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 333]<a name="Page_333" id="Page_333" /></div>
+<h4><a name="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" id="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" />ODIN BEGUILES THE DAUGHTER OF BAUGI</h4>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> &AElig;sir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable
+a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully
+determined to acquire it, set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying
+for some time, came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing.
+Entering into conversation with them, Odin, offered to whet their
+scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the
+whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary
+sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin,
+however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it
+as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one
+of his comrades, so that they were all killed in the scramble. Odin
+took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother, Baugi,
+who told him that he was sadly at a loss for labourers, his nine
+thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of
+Baulverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the
+work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi
+the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties,
+and would not part with a drop of the precious liquor, which was
+carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into
+this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded
+Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done
+than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the
+crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth.
+After passing three nights with the fair maiden, he had no great
+difficulty in induc<span class="pagenum">[Pg 334]</span><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334" />ing her to let him take a draught out of each of
+the three jars, called Odhroerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was
+kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep
+that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an
+eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but
+Suttung becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an
+eagle's guise, and flew after him. The &AElig;sir, on seeing him approach
+Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands
+on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the
+wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was however, so near being
+caught by Suttung, that some of the liquor escaped him by an impurer
+vent, and as no care was taken of this it fell to the share of the
+poetasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the
+gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of
+it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the
+beverage of the gods, &amp;c, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125" /><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> This chapter is probably the interpolation of an early
+copyist, for it has evidently no connection with the following one,
+and is not found in the Upsal MS. of the Prose Edda, which is supposed
+to be the oldest extant. Gefjon's ploughing is obviously a mythic way
+of accounting for some convulsions of nature, perhaps the convulsion
+that produced the Sound, and thus effected a junction between the
+Baltic and the Northern Ocean.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126" /><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Rime Giants, or Giants of the Frost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127" /><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Literally, &quot;It is light and hot, insomuch so that it is
+flaming and burning, and it is impervious to those who are outlandish
+(foreign), and not indigenous there&quot; (or who have no home or heritage
+therein).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128" /><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> More properly speaking, to the earth which it
+encircled.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129" /><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130" /><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> If Thor drove over Bifrost with his thunder
+chariot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131" /><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Present, Past, and Future.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132" /><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> Namely, his having killed Baldur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133" /><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> Mind or Thought, and Memory.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134" /><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Devouring flame.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135" /><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Spirit or thought.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136" /><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Eld or Old Age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137" /><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Finn Magnusen's explanation of this myth is, that
+Iduna&mdash;the ever-renovating Spring&mdash;being in the possession of
+Thjassi&mdash;the desolating winter&mdash;all nature languishes until she is
+delivered from her captivity. On this being effected, her presence
+again diffuses joy and gladness, and all things revive; while her
+pursuer, Winter, with his icy breath, dissolves in the solar rays
+indicated by the fires lighted on the walls of Asgard.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 335]</div>
+<h2><a name="GLOSSARY" id="GLOSSARY" /><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335" />GLOSSARY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&AElig;GIR or OEGIR, horror, terror.</p>
+
+<p>&AElig;SIR, sing. AS; God, Gods. ASYNJA, ASYNJOR; Goddess, Goddesses.</p>
+
+<p>AI, from a, a river.</p>
+
+<p>ALFADIR, or ALFODUR, All-Father, or the Father of All.</p>
+
+<p>ALFR, Elf.</p>
+
+<p>ALSVIDR, All-scorching.</p>
+
+<p>ALTHJOFR, lit. All-thief, an accomplished rascal.</p>
+
+<p>ALVISS, All-wise.</p>
+
+<p>AMSVARTNIR, grief, black, gloomy, swart.</p>
+
+<p>ANDHRIMNIR, soul, spirit, breath: from hrim, congealed vapour, <i>rime</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ANDLANGR, from aund, spirit, breath; and langr, long.</p>
+
+<p>ANDVARI, prob. from aund, spirit; cautious, timid.</p>
+
+<p>ANGURBODI, Anguish-boding, announcing or presaging calamity.</p>
+
+<p>ARVAKR, awakening early; ar, the dawn, Aurora.</p>
+
+<p>ASGARD, prop. ASGARDR, lit. God's-ward, or the abode of the gods.</p>
+
+<p>ASKR, an ash-tree.</p>
+
+<p>AUDHUMLA, void, vacuity, darkness, tenebrosity.</p>
+
+<p>AUDR, rich, wealthy.</p>
+
+<p>AURBODA, prop. AURBODA, snow, rain, storm; to announce whence; a
+messenger; hence an ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>AUSTRI, East, Oriental.</p>
+
+
+<p>BALDUR, prop. BALDR or BALLDR, fire, flame, bold.</p>
+
+<p>BALEYGR, Bale-eyed, <i>i.e.</i> endowed with a clear, piercing vision.</p>
+
+<p>BAREY, the Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>BAULVERKR, Evil-worker; producing evil, calamity.</p>
+
+<p>BAUMBURR, prob. cog. with bumbr, belly, cavity.</p>
+
+<p>BELI, prob. from belja, to bellow.</p>
+
+<p>BERGELMIR, Mountain-old, <i>i.e.</i> the old man of the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>BIFLINDI, the Inconstant: from bif, motion; and lyndi, disposition,
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>BIFROST, BIF-RAUST, the Tremulous-bridge of the Aerial-bridge,
+signifying also aerial: a certain space, a mile, a rest.</p>
+
+<p>BIL, a moment, an interval, an interstice.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILEYGR, endowed with fulminating eyes, a tempest, especially a
+fulminating tempest or thunder-storm.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILSKIRNIR, sometimes stormy, and sometimes serene; which, as Thor's
+mansion prob. denotes the atmosphere, would be a very appropriate
+term; or storm-stilling, <i>i.e.</i> imparting serenity to the tempest.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 336]</span><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336" /></p>
+
+<p>BIVAURR, BIVORR, or BIFUR, the Tremulous.</p>
+
+<p>BODN, originally signified an offer-table or altar; an oblation; also
+one of the jars in which the dwarfs' poetical beverage was kept.</p>
+
+<p>BOLTHORN, lit. Calamitous or Evil-thorn.</p>
+
+<p>BOR, prop. BORR, and BUR, prop. BURR or BURI, means <i>born</i>, to bear;
+whence also the <i>Old G.</i> barn, and the <i>Scotch, bairn</i>, a child.</p>
+
+<p>BRAGI, the name of the God of Poetry; from braga, to glisten, to
+shine, or from bragga, to adorn; ph. cog. with <i>G</i>. pracht, splendour.</p>
+
+<p>BREIDABLIK: lit. Broad-blink&mdash;wide-glancing, Expanded splendour, to
+blink.</p>
+
+<p>BRIMIR, prob. from brimi, flame.</p>
+
+<p>BRISINGR, may prob. mean flaming.</p>
+
+<p>BYLEISTR, a dwelling, a town; to destroy, to break to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>BYRGIR, prob. from v. byrgja, to conceal; <i>E.</i> to bury, whence barrow,
+a tumulus.</p>
+
+
+<p>DAINN, prob. the Soporiferous; from da, a swoon, or complete repose.</p>
+
+<p>DELLINGR&mdash;a <i>day-ling</i>. with the dawn, daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>DIS, pi. DISIR, it originally sig. a female, but was afterwards used
+in the sense of Nymph and Goddess. It enters into the composition of
+several female names, as Thordis, Freydis, Vegdis, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>DOLGTHRASIR: a dolgr, a warrior; contentious, obstinate, persisting,
+from the v. thrasa, to litigate, to quarrel.</p>
+
+<p>DRAUPNIR, from the v. drupa, to droop, or the v. drjupa, to drip.</p>
+
+<p>DROMI, strongly binding.</p>
+
+<p>DUNEYRR, a hollow sound, from the v. dynja, to sound, to resound.</p>
+
+<p>DURATHROR. The first sylb. may be derived either from dur, a light
+sleep, or from dyr, a door; and the last, either from the v. threyja,
+to expect, to wait for; or from throa, to increase, to enlarge.</p>
+
+<p>DURINN, prob. from dur, a light sleep, to fall asleep; whence prob.
+the <i>E.</i> to doze, and ph. also dusk.</p>
+
+<p>DVALJNN, from dvali, sleep.</p>
+
+
+<p>EIKINSKJALDI, furnished with an oaken shield, scarlet oak.</p>
+
+<p>EIKTHYRNIR. Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn;
+metaphorically for a stag's antlers.</p>
+
+<p>EINHERJAR, a hero; select, chosen heroes.</p>
+
+<p>EIR, to befriend, to tranquilize.</p>
+
+<p>ELDHRIMNIR: eldr, elementary flre: brim, congealed vapour, rime, also
+soot; hence (a kettle) sooty from flre.</p>
+
+<p>ELIVAGAR, stormy waves; a storm; the sea; an estuary; water; wave.</p>
+
+<p>ELLI, old age.</p>
+
+<p>ELVIDNIR, ph. from el, a storm; and vidr, wide.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 337]</span><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337" /></p>
+
+<p>EMBLA. The etymologies of the name of the first woman given by the
+<i>E.E.</i> are merely <i>conjectural</i>. Grimm says the word embla, emla,
+signifies a busy woman, from amr, ambr, amil ambl, assiduous labour;
+the same relation as Meshia and Meshiane, the ancient Persian names of
+the first man and woman, who were also formed from trees.</p>
+
+
+<p>FALHOFNIR, a nail, a lamina, hoof.</p>
+
+<p>FARMAGUD, the God of Carriers and Sea-farers.</p>
+
+<p>FENRIR, FENRIS-ULFR, may mean dweller in an abyss, or the monster
+wolf.</p>
+
+<p>FENSALIR, lit. Fen-saloon, from fen, a fen, but which it would appear
+may also be made to sig. the watery deep, or the sea; and salr, a
+hall, mansion, saloon. <i>See</i> Valhalla.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBUL. From fimbulfambi comes the <i>E.</i> provincialism, to
+fimble-famble; and the <i>D.</i> famle, to stammer, to hesitate in
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULTHUL. Thulr means an orator or reciter, to speechify.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULVETR: vetr, winter; according to Grimm's explanation of fimbul,
+<i>the Great Winter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>FJALARR and FJOLNIR. Multiform: in composition fjol, many.</p>
+
+<p>FJOLSVIDR or FJOLSVITHR, to scorch: or ph. from svithr, wise,
+powerful, potent, strong.</p>
+
+<p>FJORGYN. Grimm, we think, has satisfactorily shown that fjorg is the
+<i>G.</i> berg, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>FOLKVANGR, lit. the folk's field, or habitation.</p>
+
+<p>FORSETI, lit. the Fore-seated, <i>i.e.</i> the Judge.</p>
+
+<p>FRANANGURS-FORS, prob. from frann, glittering, and ongr, narrow.</p>
+
+<p>FREKI, <i>G.</i> frech, froward: the word has also the sig. of voracious.</p>
+
+<p>FREYR and FREYJA. The name of the deity who was the symbol of the
+sun&mdash;to mean Seminator, the Fructifler, Freyja&mdash;the symbolical
+representation of the moon&mdash;means the Seminated, the Fructified; the
+original sig, is that of glad, joyful, imparting gladness, beautous,
+lovely.</p>
+
+<p>FRIGGA, prop. FRIGG. Grimm has shown that the root of this word is, if
+not strictly syn., at least very nearly allied with that of the word
+Freyja, and explains it to mean the Free, the Beauteous, the Winsome.</p>
+
+<p>FROSTI, the <i>E.</i> frosty.</p>
+
+<p>FULLA, abundance; from fullr, full.</p>
+
+<p>FUNDINN, found; from v. finna, to find.</p>
+
+
+<p>GANDALFR. Alfr, an elf, prob. sig. a wolf, a serpent.</p>
+
+<p>GANGLER, the tired wanderer; to debilitate, to tire.</p>
+
+<p>GANGRAD, prop. GANGRADR, indicates a person directing his steps.</p>
+
+<p>GARDROFA, Fence-breaker; to break, to break through.</p>
+
+<p>GARMR, voracious; to gorge; gourmand.</p>
+
+<p>GAUTR, ph. may sig. a keeper, to keep.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 338]</span><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338" /></p>
+
+<p>GEFJON, the earth; also separation, disruption.</p>
+
+<p>GEFN, from the v. gefa, to give.</p>
+
+<p>GEIROLUL, lit. Spear-alimentrix: from the v. ala, to aliment, to
+nourish.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRRAUDR, lit. spear-red; hence King Spear-rubifler.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRVIMUL, a river rushing or vibrating like a spear or javelin.</p>
+
+<p>GELGJA, from galgi, a gallows.</p>
+
+<p>GERDA, prop. GERDUR, to gird. Both gerd and gard are common
+terminations of female names, as Hildigard, Irminigard, Thorgerda, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>GERI. Geri may be derived from gerr, covetous, greedy.</p>
+
+<p>GIMLI, had the same sig. as himill, heaven, the original sig. of which
+may have been fire, but afterwards a gem, as in the <i>N.</i> word
+gimsteinn; whence also our colloquial words, gim, gimmy (neat), and
+gimcrack.</p>
+
+<p>GINNARR, Seducer; from v. ginna, to seduce.</p>
+
+<p>GINNUNGA-GAP may be rendered the gap of gaps; a gaping abyss.</p>
+
+<p>GJALLAR (horn); from the v. gjalla, to resound, to clang; to yell.</p>
+
+<p>GJOIX, prob. from gjallr, sonorous, fulgid.</p>
+
+<p>GLADR, glad; from v. gledja, to gladden.</p>
+
+<p>GLADSHEIMR: lit. Glad's-home; the abode of gladness or bliss.</p>
+
+<p>GL&AElig;R, from gl&aelig;r, clear, pellucid; cog. with <i>E.</i> glare.</p>
+
+<p>GLEIPNIR, the Devouring; from the v. gleipa, to devour.</p>
+
+<p>GLITNIR, the Glittering; from the v. glitra; to glitter, and to
+glisten.</p>
+
+<p>GLOINN, the Glowing; from v. gloa, to glow.</p>
+
+<p>GOD. The <i>Old N.</i> lang. has two words for God, viz. God and Gud; and
+it would appear that the n. god was used for an idol, and the m. gud.
+for a God. Both words are, however, frequently applied to denote a
+celestial deity. The Scandinavian Pontiff-chieftains were called Godar
+(in the sing. Godi).</p>
+
+<p>GOMUL, prob. from gamall, old.</p>
+
+<p>GRABAKR, Gray-back.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFJOLLUDR, Gray-skin; the skin of an animal.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFVITNIR, from the v. grafa, to dig, to delve; cog. with <i>E.</i> grave:
+and the v. vita, to know; <i>to</i> wit, wist, wot.</p>
+
+<p>GRIMAR, and GRIMNIR, a helmet, or any kind of a covering; used
+poetically for night, the sun being then veiled or covered.</p>
+
+<p>GULLINBURSTI, Golden-bristles.</p>
+
+<p>GULLTOPPR, Golden-mane; crest, the top of anything, hence mane.</p>
+
+<p>GUNNTHRA. The first sylb. of this word is from gunnr, war, a combat;
+to increase, to enlarge; thra sig. grief, calamity; and thro, a
+cavity, a fosse. From gunnr is derived the <i>N.</i> gunn-fani, a
+war-banner.</p>
+
+<p>GYLLIR, from gull, gold.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 339]</span><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339" /></p>
+
+
+<p>HABROK. The E.E. render this word by <i>Altipes</i>, from bar, high; and
+brok, lit. breeches, brogues, but which they assume may also sig. a
+bird's leg.</p>
+
+<p>HALLINSKITHI, to decline; hence it would be an appropriate term for
+the post-meridian sun.</p>
+
+<p>HAMSKEKPIR, prob. from hams, hide; and the v. skerpa, to sharpen, also
+to dry, to indurate.</p>
+
+<p>HAPTAGUD, ph. from haupt, a nexus, a tie, a band.</p>
+
+<p>HAR, prop. HARR, may mean either <i>high</i> or <i>hairy</i>. As a designation
+of Odin it has undoubtedly the former signification. As the name of a
+dwarf, the latter sig. would be more appropriate.</p>
+
+<p>HARBARDR, Hairy-beard.</p>
+
+<p>HEIDRUN, serene, etherial; a heath.</p>
+
+<p>HEIMDALLR: heimr, home, the world.</p>
+
+<p>HELA, prop. HEL., gen. HELJAR, the Goddess of the Infernal Regions,
+used instead of Helheimr for those regions themselves.</p>
+
+<p>HELBLINDI: hel, see the preceding word; blindi, from blundr, slumber.</p>
+
+<p>HEPTI, prob. means impeding, constraining; to seize, to take by force,
+to adhere to.</p>
+
+<p>HERFJOTUR, lit. Host's-fetter, <i>i.e.</i> having the power to impede or
+constrain an army at will: her, an army, a host, a multitude.</p>
+
+<p>HERJANN, the leader of an army; from her.</p>
+
+<p>HERMOD, prop. HERMODR: her from her, courage, (<i>see</i> Modgudur).</p>
+
+<p>HERTEITR, gay amongst warriors, a jovial soldier; glad, joyful.</p>
+
+<p>HILDUR (Hilda), war, a combat. Hence we find it in a number of
+Teutonic prop, names both m. and f., as Hilderic, Childeric, Hildegrim
+(the Helm of War), Brynhildr (Brunhilda), Clothild (Clothilda), &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBJORG, the Heavenly-Mountains, the Comprehending, the
+All-embracing.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBRJOTR, Heaven-breaking: from the v. brjota, to break.</p>
+
+<p>HJALMBERI, Helmet-bearing.</p>
+
+<p>HJUKI, to keep warm, to nourish, to cherish.</p>
+
+<p>HLIDSKJALF, a slope, a declivity; also to waver, to tremble.</p>
+
+<p>HLINA, prop. HLIN, the <i>support</i> on which a person leans, <i>i.e.</i> a
+tutelary deity.</p>
+
+<p>HLJODALFR, the Genius or Elf of Sound.</p>
+
+<p>HLODYN, the name of Frigga, as the symbol of the earth; <i>protectress
+of the hearth</i>&mdash;of the household. The Romans also worshipped a goddess
+of the earth and of fire under the common name of Fornax, dea
+fornacalis. Grimm mentions a stone found at Cleves with the remarkable
+inscription&mdash;DEAE HLUDANAE SACRVM C. TIBERIVS VERVS, and remarks that
+Hludana was neither a Roman nor a Celtic goddess, and could be no
+other than Hlodyn, which shows the identity of the German and
+Scandinavian Mythology.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 340]</span><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340" /></p>
+
+<p>HLOKK, or HLAUKK, to exalt, to clang, to cry like an eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HNIKARR, or NIKARR, victor, a conqueror; to move, to agitate; to
+thrust forward, to take by violence; to repel, to impede. <i>G.</i> m. Nix,
+fern. Nixe, an aquatic genius. We may remark that the monks having
+transformed Odin into the devil, our designation of his Satanic
+Majesty, as <i>Old Nick</i> appears to be a mere corruption of these
+appellations of the Teutonic divinity.</p>
+
+<p>HNOSSA, a ball of yarn, a clew of thread, a knot.</p>
+
+<p>HODUR, prop. HODR. Grimm thinks that the original signification may
+have been war, combat.</p>
+
+<p>HOFVARPNIR, a horse that plies well its hoofs, a good goer.</p>
+
+<p>HR&AElig;SVELGUR, lit. Raw-swallower, <i>i.e.</i> swallowing raw flesh like an
+eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HRAFNAGUD, the Ravens' god; brafn; <i>G.</i> rabe; <i>E.</i> raven.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMFAXI: brim, rime, or hoar frost; fax, a crest, a mane. The <i>E.</i>
+prop, name Fairfax, means fair-haired.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMTHURSAR, the Rim or Frost Giants: thurs, a giant.</p>
+
+<p>HRINGHORN, lit. a ringed or annulated horn.</p>
+
+<p>HRIST, from v. hrista, to shake, to agitate.</p>
+
+<p>HRYM, HRYMUR, prob. from brim, rime&mdash;hoar frost.</p>
+
+<p>HUGI, and HUGINN, from hugr, spirit, breath, thought, mind, reason.</p>
+
+<p>HVERGELMIR, the roaring cauldron; a spring of hot water.</p>
+
+<p>HYRROKIN, lit. Smoky-fire; utter darkness, also smoke.</p>
+
+
+<p>IDAVOLLR: vollr, a field, a place; to flow together; to ramble, to
+take a pleasant walk.</p>
+
+<p>IDUNA, prop. IDUNN or ITHUNN. May mean one who loves either the
+confluence of waters, or to work, or to take a pleasant ramble.</p>
+
+
+<p>JAFNHAR. <i>The Equally High</i>; lit. even so high.</p>
+
+<p>JARNVIDR, Iron-wood.</p>
+
+<p>JORD, JORTH, the earth.</p>
+
+<p>JORMUNGANDR. Gandr sig. serpent, and more prop, wolf: jormun is a word
+of uncertain origin, but appears in all the anc. Teutonic lang. to
+have expressed the idea of great, maximus, universal. The reader will
+find much curious information on this subject in Grimm's admirable
+work.</p>
+
+<p>JOTUNHEIMR, lit. Giants'-home, the region of the Giants.</p>
+
+
+<p>KERLAUG: ker, any kind of vessel, cup, bowl, &amp;c; also used to denote
+the bed of a river.</p>
+
+<p>KJALARR, prob. from v. kjala, to transport, to convey; a ship, <i>a
+keel</i>.</p>
+
+<p>KVASIR. This word seems to be used in the sense of a <i>drinking bout.</i></p>
+
+
+<p>LAUFEY, lit. Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>LETTFETI, Lightfoot: light.</p>
+
+<p>LIFTHRASIR, vital energy, longevity, life; enduring a long time.</p>
+
+<p>LITUR, colour, complexion, form, the face.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 341]</span><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341" /></p>
+
+<p>LODURR, LODR, LOTHR, from the ob. <i>N.</i> lod, fire.</p>
+
+<p>LOFNA, prop. LOFN, appears allegorlcally to denote perennial and
+unchangeable love.</p>
+
+<p>LOGI, Flame; a log of wood burnt or to be burnt.</p>
+
+<p>LOKI, to shut; whence the <i>E.</i> to lock, to finish.</p>
+
+<p>LOPTUR, the Aerial, the Sublime; the air; whence the <i>E.</i> lofty and
+aloft, also a (hay) loft.</p>
+
+<p>LYNGVI, from lyng or ling, the sweet broom, heath or ling.</p>
+
+
+<p>MAGNI, the Potent, the Powerful; force, energy.</p>
+
+<p>MANAGARMR, lit. the moon's wolf; a monster wolf or dog, voracious.</p>
+
+<p>MANI, the moon.</p>
+
+<p>MARDOLL, Sea-nymph; mere, the sea; whence our word mere, as
+Windermere, Buttermere, &amp;c: doll, a nymph; poetically a woman.</p>
+
+<p>MEGINGJARDIR, the Girdle of Might, the Belt of Prowess.</p>
+
+<p>MIDGARD, middleweard, the middleward; <i>see</i> Asgard. Middling, mean.</p>
+
+<p>MIMIR, or MIMER, to keep In memory; to be fanciful; mindful.</p>
+
+<p>MJODVITNIR, lit. knowing in mead; wine; madja, palm-wine,</p>
+
+<p>MJOLNIR, or MJOLLNIR, prob. from v. melja, to pound, or v. mala, to
+grind; <i>E.</i> mill, and prob. with <i>L.</i> malleus, a mallet.</p>
+
+<p>MODGUDUR, a valiant female warrior, <i>animosa bellona</i>: courage; mind;
+<i>E.</i> mood; gracefulness, delectation.</p>
+
+<p>MODSOGNIR, lit. sucking in courage or vigour.</p>
+
+<p>MOINN, dwelling on a moor.</p>
+
+<p>MUNINN, mind; <i>memory</i>, recollection; <i>G.</i> minne, love.</p>
+
+<p>MUSPELLHEIMR, Muspell's region or home; used in the sense of elemental
+or empyreal fire.</p>
+
+
+<p>NAGLFAR, a nail from nagl, a human nail; according to the Prose Edda,
+&quot;constructed of the nails of dead men&quot;; a seafaring man.</p>
+
+<p>NAL. <i>G.</i> nadel; <i>A.S.</i> n&aelig;dl; <i>E.</i> a needle.</p>
+
+<p>NANNA. Grimm derives this word from the v. nenna, to dare.</p>
+
+<p>NAR, a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>NASTROND, a corpse; The Strand of the Dead.</p>
+
+<p>NAUDUR, necessity; need.</p>
+
+<p>NAUT, ph. from the v. njota, to make use of.</p>
+
+<p>NIDAFJOLL, a rock, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>NIDHOGG, a phrase used to indicate the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p>NIDI, from nidr, downwards.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEIMR, lit. Nebulous-home&mdash;the shadowy region of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEL, from nifi and hel. <i>See</i> the latter word.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLUNGAR, the mythic-heroic ghosts of the shadowy realms of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIPINGR, handsome; to contract, to curve.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 342]</span><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342" /></p>
+
+<p>NJORD, prop. NJORDR, humid; <i>Sk.</i> nar, nir, water; a wave; and
+Neriman, an aquatic man.</p>
+
+<p>NOTT; <i>D.</i> nat; <i>M.G.</i> naht; <i>G.</i> nacht; <i>A.S.</i> niht; <i>E.</i> night.</p>
+
+<p>NYI, these dwarfs were symbolical of the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+
+<p>ODIN. <i>E.</i> to <i>wade</i> through, consequently the Omnipotent Being that
+<i>permeates all things</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ODUR, the name of Freyja's husband. Odur may, like Kvasir, be the
+personification of poetry.</p>
+
+<p>ODHROERIR, Mind-exciting; the name of a vessel or kettle.</p>
+
+<p>OFNIR, <i>E.</i> to weave. The word would thus sig. the textile or creating
+power of Odin.</p>
+
+<p>OMI, from omr, a sound, a crash; a name given to Odin, when like, the
+Brahmlnlc Indra, he rattles aloft during a battle, or at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>ONDURDIS, Snow skates; <i>E.</i> to wander; dis, a nymph, a goddess.</p>
+
+<p>ORGELMIR, Primordial Giant; also to roar, to howl, to clang, to
+resound.</p>
+
+<p>ORI, delirious (with love), one of the Erotic Genii.</p>
+
+<p>OSKI, hence one who listens to the wishes of mankind.</p>
+
+
+<p>RADGRID, lit. seeking power with avidity; power, empire council.</p>
+
+<p>RADSVITHR, wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>RAGNAROKR. The n. ragin signified <i>rath</i>, council, the pl. of which,
+regin, Is used in the Eddaic Poems for the gods; that is to say, the
+consulting, deliberating deities. It answers in fact fully to the <i>E.</i>
+word <i>rack</i>, Indicating atmospheric nebulosity; hence Ragnarok is very
+approp. rendered by &quot;The Twilight of the Gods.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>RAN, to plunder; her spoil being those who were drowned at sea.</p>
+
+<p>RANDGRID: rand, from rond, a shield.</p>
+
+<p>RATATOSKR, from the v. rata; to permeate; the last sylb. may be
+derived from <i>G.</i> tasche, a pocket or pouch; hence the Permeating
+Pouch?</p>
+
+<p>REGIN, Is often used In the sense of vast, immense; the vast sea.</p>
+
+<p>REGINLEIF, dear to the gods, <i>see</i> Regin.</p>
+
+<p>RIGR, Rajah, a king.</p>
+
+<p>RINDA, prop. RINDUR, sig. symbolically, the crust of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>ROSKA, quick, lively, active.</p>
+
+
+<p>SADR, SATHR, just, true, in sooth, verily.</p>
+
+<p>S&AElig;GR, a large vessel of any kind. The word was used by the Skalds
+metaphorically for the sea.</p>
+
+<p>SAGA. The personified saga or narration, from the v. segja, to say;
+<i>G.</i> sage; <i>E.</i> a saying; <i>L.</i> Saga, a sorceress; sagax, saga-clous,
+to foretell.</p>
+
+<p>SANNGETALL, inquiring after; guessing at truth.</p>
+
+<p>SESSRUMNIR, lit. Seat-roomy, <i>i.e.</i> having room for plenty of seats.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 343]</span><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343" /></p>
+
+<p>SID, declining, hanging, tending downward.</p>
+
+<p>SIDHOTTR, lit. Hanging-hat or hood.</p>
+
+<p>SIDSKEGGR, lit. Hanging-beard; <i>E.</i> shag and shaggy.</p>
+
+<p>SIF, signifying peace, friendship, relationship, a goddess, Sibja,
+Sippia, and Sib.</p>
+
+<p>SIGFADIR, or SIGFODUR, the Father of Victory; <i>L.</i> pater.</p>
+
+<p>SILFRINTOPPR, Silver-mane; <i>E.</i> silver: toppr, <i>see</i> Gulltoppr.</p>
+
+<p>SINDRI, either scintillating or producing dross.</p>
+
+<p>SJOFNA. F. Mag. derives it from the v. sja, to see.</p>
+
+<p>SKADI, the magpie received its name from this goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SKAFIDR, shaving, scraping.</p>
+
+<p>SKEGGOLD, lit. Old-beard; also denoted a particular kind of
+battle-axe.</p>
+
+<p>SKEIDBRIMIR, any space of time that is elapsing.</p>
+
+<p>SKIDBLADNIR, lath, shingle, billet of wood, a sheath; <i>E.</i> blade, a
+blade or <i>leaf</i> of grass.</p>
+
+<p>SKILFINGR, prob. to shake, to shatter.</p>
+
+<p>SKINFAXI, Shining-mane: skin, splendour, light.</p>
+
+<p>SKIRNIR, serene, pure, clear; E. sheer, which had formerly the same
+meaning.</p>
+
+<p>SKOGUL, prob. from v. skaga, to jut out; whence skagi, a promontory.</p>
+
+<p>SKOLL, to stick to, to adhere, to strike, to smite.</p>
+
+<p>SLEIPNIR. <i>E.</i> slippery.</p>
+
+<p>SLIDRUGTANNI, cruel, fierce, savage.</p>
+
+<p>SNOTRA, to blow the nose; a person, even a goddess, being much more
+<i>tidy</i> when the nostrils are thoroughly <i>emunctated.</i></p>
+
+<p>SOKKVABEKKR, lit. Sinking-brook; to sink; an estuary, a shore, a
+brook.</p>
+
+<p>SON, sound, song, <i>sonus</i>, <i>cantus</i>.</p>
+
+<p>SURTUR, obscure, invisible; and invisible, unintelligible!! Surtur,
+according to Fin Magnusen, the invisible, unintelligible being whom
+the ancient Scandinavians regarded as &quot;the great First Cause least
+understood&quot; of all things.</p>
+
+<p>SVADILFARI, lubricity, also slippery ice.</p>
+
+<p>SVAFNIR, prob. from v. svefa, to cast asleep; sleep, quiet, repose.</p>
+
+<p>SVALINN, the Refrigerating; to cool, to refrigerate.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTALFAHEIMR, lit. Black or Swart Elves' home, region of the Elves
+of Darkness in contradistincition to that of the Elves of Light.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTHOFDI, Black-head; svartr, black, swart.</p>
+
+<p>SVASUTHR, Sweet-south; blithe, jocund, dear.</p>
+
+<p>SVIDR and SVIDRIR, from v. svida, to scorch; or wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>SVIPALL, to hasten, to vibrate; to wave, to hover; also with <i>E.</i> v.
+to sweep.</p>
+
+<p>SYLGR, a draught or deglutition; to swallow; to swill; to guzzle, to
+feast.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 344]</span><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344" /></p>
+
+<p>SYN, signifying equity; syn. defence, excuse, negation, impediment,
+which has been personified into a judicial goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SYNIR, having a fine appearance.</p>
+
+
+<p>TANNGNIOSTR, Gnashing-teeth; to bruise, crack, grind, gnash.</p>
+
+<p>THEKKR, to know; <i>E.</i> to think. The adj. thekkr means also amiable.</p>
+
+<p>THODNUMA, men, people, nations.</p>
+
+<p>THOR, contraction of Thonar, a word indicating a God who, like Thor,
+presided over <i>thunder</i> and atmospherical phenomena.</p>
+
+<p>THORINN, from thor, audacity; whence the v. thora; to dare.</p>
+
+<p>THRAINN, the Pertinacious; from the v. thra, to desire vehemently.</p>
+
+<p>THRIDI, <i>The Third</i>.</p>
+
+<p>THROR, ph. from v. throa, to increase, to amplify.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDUR. Thrudr is an obsolete <i>N.</i> word signifying fortitude,
+firmness; but it appears to have originally had, in most of the
+Teutonic languages the sig. of maiden, virgin; and was afterwards used
+in the sense of witch, sorceress.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDVANGR, the Abode or Region or Fortitude.</p>
+
+<p>THRYM. F. Mag. says the word is <i>undoubtedly</i> derived from thruma,
+thunder.</p>
+
+<p>THUNDR, can be derived from thund, a breastplate, a coat of mail.</p>
+
+<p>THYN, to thunder, to make a thundering noise, as a rapid current does.</p>
+
+<p>TYR, signifying God; as well as the <i>L.</i> Jupiter, for which he assumes
+a nom. Ju or Jus, Jupiter.</p>
+
+
+<p>URD, VERDANDI, and SKULD, the Present, Past, and Future. The names of
+the Destinies of the Present and Past.</p>
+
+<p>UTGARD, prop. UTGARDR, lit. Outer-ward. <i>See</i> Midgard.</p>
+
+
+<p>VAFTHRUDNIR, from the v. vefa, to involve, prop, to weave.</p>
+
+<p>VAFUDR, the Weaver, or the Constrainer.</p>
+
+<p>VAKR, VAKUR, alert, lively, vigilant.</p>
+
+<p>VALASKJALF, choice, election.</p>
+
+<p>VALFADIR, or VALFODUR, lit. the Choosing Father.</p>
+
+<p>VALHALLA, prop, VALHOLL, lit. the Hall of the Chosen: may also have
+originally indicated a temple.</p>
+
+<p>VALKYRJOR, or VALKYRJUR, sing. VALKYRJA, lit. Choosers of the Slain;
+denoted the slain in battle; a poetical word for a field of battle.</p>
+
+<p>VANADIS, prop, a Goddess of the Vanir. <i>See</i> that word, and <i>Dis</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VANIR, beautiful; with the <i>L.</i> venustus and Venus, and ph. with the
+<i>E. wench</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VASADR, from vas, moisture, a word cog. with the <i>E.</i> wet and wash.</p>
+
+<p>VE. Was used in the m. sing, to express a particular god; that in the
+pi. it would be vear, gods, idols; a temple.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 345]</span><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345" /></p>
+
+<p>VEDURFOLNIR might be rendered Storm-stilling; causing serenity.</p>
+
+<p>VEGSVINN, lit Road-knowing.</p>
+
+<p>VERATYR, lit. the Man-god.</p>
+
+<p>VESTRI, west, occidental.</p>
+
+<p>VIDAR, a tree; wood; and prob. also weed and withy.</p>
+
+<p>VIDBLAINN, expanded azure (lit. Wide-blue).</p>
+
+<p>VIDFINNR, wide, vast.</p>
+
+<p>VIDOLFR, or VIDALFR, lit. Sylvan Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VIDRIR, Moderator of the weather; to still the weather.</p>
+
+<p>VIGRID, from vig, a battle; battle craft, the art of war.</p>
+
+<p>VILI, Will. To will; to choose; to elect.</p>
+
+<p>VILMEITHR, an old word for tree.</p>
+
+<p>VIN, and VINA, a friend, to love, to favour; winsome.</p>
+
+<p>VINDALFR, Wind Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VINDSVALR; vindr, wind: and svalr, cold, glacial.</p>
+
+<p>VINGOLF, lit. the Abode of Friends; golf means lit. a floor.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUNDR. The word denotes a skilful artificer, in which sense it is
+still used by the Icelanders; he is a famous workman&mdash;a Wayland&mdash;in
+iron; and they very appropriately term a labyrinth a Wayland-house.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUSPA, a sybil or prophetess.</p>
+
+
+<p>YGGDRASILL, from Ygg, one of Odin's names (see the following word) and
+drasill, bearing; hence, according to F. Mag., it would sig. bearing
+(producing) rain, or bearing Odin.</p>
+
+<p>YGGR., to meditate, and also to fear; hence the word might be rendered
+by either the Meditating or the Terrible.</p>
+
+<p>YLG, the Howling; to howl.</p>
+
+<p>YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the
+wind; also the clang of metals.</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14726 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
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+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
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+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #14726 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14726)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and
+the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson
+
+Author: Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2005 [EBook #14726]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Stephen Schulze and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team. This ebook was produced using images from the
+University of Georgia Libraries.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE ELDER EDDAS
+
+OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON.
+
+_Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English_
+
+BY
+
+BENJAMIN THORPE,
+
+AND THE
+
+YOUNGER EDDAS
+
+OF SNORRE STURLESON.
+
+_Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English_
+
+BY
+
+I.A. BLACKWELL.
+
+
+
+HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,
+
+EDITOR IN CHIEF.
+
+
+
+J. W. BUEL, Ph.D.,
+
+MANAGING EDITOR.
+
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE
+
+NORROENA SOCIETY,
+
+LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERLIN NEW YORK
+
+1906
+
+
+
+[Illustration KING GUNTHER.]
+
+(_After a painting by B. Guth_.)
+
+
+Gunnar, Gunther, or Gunter, King of Burgundy, was probably a real
+personage of the troubled times with which his name is associated--a
+period distinguished as much for heroic characters as for tragic
+events. Gunther represents the best type of kinghood of his age; a man
+swayed by his affections rather than by ambition, who scrupled at
+misdeeds, yet yielded to the mastering passions of love; one whose
+instincts were loyalty to friends and country, and who shrank from
+cruelties to gain his ends, but who fell a victim to woman's
+fascinations. History accordingly praises him more for a lover than
+for a sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.
+
+(ELDER AND YOUNGER EDDAS.)
+
+
+Frontispiece--Gunnar (Gunther) Page
+
+Siegfried Awakens Brynhild 159
+
+Death of Atli 247
+
+A Feast in Valhalla 331
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.
+
+                                                  Page
+
+  Preface by the Translator                        ix
+  Introduction to the Voluspa                      xv
+  The Vala's Prophecy                               1
+  The Lay of Vafthrudnir                            9
+  The Lay of Vegtam, or Baldur's Dream             26
+  The High One's Lay                               29
+  Odin's Rune Song                                 44
+  The Lay of Hymir                                 48
+  The Lay of Thrym, or the Hammer Recovered        53
+  The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis                       57
+  The Lay of Harbard                               63
+  The Journey, or Lay of Skirnir                   71
+  The Lay of Rig                                   78
+  Egir's Compotation, or Loki's Altercation        84
+  The Lay of Fiolsvith                             95
+  The Lay of Hyndla                               102
+  The Incantation of Groa                         109
+  The Song of the Sun                             111
+  The Lay of Volund                               121
+  The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son                 127
+  The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide              137
+  The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide             144
+  Sinfiotli's End                                 155
+  The Lay of Sigurd, or Gripir's Prophecy         157
+  The Lay of Fafnir                               172
+  The Lay of Sigrdrifa                            180
+  Fragments of the Lay of Sigurd and Brynhild     186
+  The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide               194
+  Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild                203
+  The First Lay of Gudrun                         206
+  Brynhild's Hel-ride                             210
+  The Slaughter of the Niflungs                   212
+  The Second Lay of Gudrun                        213
+  The Third Lay of Gudrun                         219
+  Oddrun's Lament                                 221
+  The Lay of Atli                                 226
+  The Groenland Lay of Atli                       233
+  Gudrun's Incitement                             248
+  The Lay of Hamdir                               251
+
+THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.
+
+  The Deluding of Gylfi                           256
+  Of the Primordial State of the Universe         259
+  Origin of the Frost-Giants                      260
+  Of the Cow Audhumla, and Birth of Odin          262
+  The Making of Heaven and Earth                  263
+  Creation of Man and Woman                       265
+  Night and Day, Sun and Moon                     266
+  Wolves that Pursue the Sun and Moon             267
+  The Way that Leads to Heaven                    268
+  The Golden Age                                  269
+  Origin of the Dwarfs, and Norns of Destiny      270
+  The Ash Yggdrasill and Mimer's Well             271
+  The Norns that Tend Yggdrasill                  273
+  The Wind and the Seasons                        275
+  Thor and His Hammer                             277
+  Balder and Njord                                278
+  Njord and His Wife Skadi                        279
+  The God Frey and Goddess Freyja                 280
+  Tyr and Other Gods                              281
+  Hodur the Blind, Assassin of Baldur             283
+  Loki and His Progeny                            284
+  Binding the Wolf Fenrir                         285
+  The Goddesses and their Attributes              289
+  Frey, and Gerda the Beautiful                   291
+  The Joys of Valhalla                            293
+  The Wonderful Horse Sleipnir                    297
+  The Ship Adapted to Sail on Sea or Land         299
+  Thor's Adventures in the Land of Giants         300
+  The Death of Baldur                             315
+  Baldur in the Abode of the Dead                 319
+  Loki's Capture and Punishment                   321
+  Destruction of the Universe                     323
+  Restoration of the Universe                     327
+  How Loki Carried Away Iduna                     329
+  The Origin of Poetry                            331
+  Odin Beguiles the Daughter of Baugi             333
+
+Glossary                                          335
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+Sæmund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his
+name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda,
+was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line
+from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling
+in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50
+years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that
+island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized
+favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his
+days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his
+unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.
+
+The youth of Sæmund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and
+France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John
+Ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death
+was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell
+in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland,
+in the year 1076. Sæmund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he
+instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which
+were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as
+witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, Sæmund's predilection for the sagas
+and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so
+well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him
+as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or
+innocuous and defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his
+memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it
+through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them
+highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to
+generation.[1] Sæmund died at the age of 77, leaving behind him a work
+on the history of Norway and Iceland, which is now almost entirely
+lost.
+
+The first who ascribed to Sæmund the collection of poems known as the
+Poetic Edda,[2] was Brynjolf Svensson, bishop of Skalholt. This
+prelate, who was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found in
+the year 1643, the old vellum codex, which is the most complete of
+all the known manuscripts of the Edda; of this he caused a transcript
+to be made, which he entitled _Edda Saemundi Multiscii_. The
+transcript came into the possession of the royal historiographer
+Torfæus; the original, together with other MSS., was presented to the
+King of Denmark, Frederick. III., and placed in the royal library at
+Copenhagen, where it now is.[3] As many of the Eddaic poems appear to
+have been orally transmitted in an imperfect state, the collector has
+supplied the deficiencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
+of the subject is to a certain degree restored.
+
+The collection called Sæmund's Edda consists of two parts, viz., the
+Mythological and the Heroic. It is the former of those which is now
+offered to the public in an English version. In the year 1797, a
+translation of this first part, by A.S. Cottle, was published at
+Bristol. This work I have never met with; nor have I seen any English
+version of any part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spirited
+but free translation of the Vegtamskvida.
+
+The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) celebrates the story of Volund's
+doings and sufferings during his sojourn in the territory of the
+Swedish king Nidud. Volund (_Ger_. Wieland, _Fr_. Veland and Galans)
+is the Scandinavian and Germanic Vulcan (Hephaistos) and Dædalus. In
+England his story, as a skillful smith, is traceable to a very early
+period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf we find that hero desiring,
+in the event of his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his
+corslets may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says, the work of
+Weland; and king Ælfred, in his translation of Boethius de
+Consolatione, renders the words _fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc_. by Hwæt
+(hwær) Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the famous and wise
+goldsmith Weland?), evidently taking the proper name of Fabricius for
+an appellative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book, too, there is
+a poem in substance closely resembling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of
+Kenilworth, Walter Scott has been guilty of a woeful perversion of the
+old tradition, travestied from the Berkshire legend of Wayland Smith.
+As a land-boundary we find Weland's smithy in a Charter of king Eadred
+A.D. 955.
+
+On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is nothing to remark beyond
+what appears in the poem itself.
+
+The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the first of the series of stories
+relating to the Volsung race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.
+
+The connection of the several personages celebrated in these poems
+will appear plain from the following tables:
+
+              Sigi, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin
+                |
+              Rerir
+                |
+              Volsung = a daughter of the giant Hrimnir
+     __________________|
+     |
+    Sigmund  =  Signi  =    Borghild    =  Hiordis
+       |     |         |                |
+    Hamund. Sinfiotli. Helgi = Sigrun Sigurd = Gudrun
+                                           __|____________
+                                          |               |
+                                          Sigmund, Svanhild.
+                                                     m Jornmnrek.
+
+
+                           Giuki = Grimhild.
+          _______________________|
+         |
+    Gunnar=Glaumvor. Hogni=Kostbera. Guthorm. Gudrun,=1 Sigurd.
+                          |                           2 Atli.
+                 Solar. Giuki. Snævar.                3 Jonakr.
+
+
+
+                   Budli.
+                     |
+    Atli = Gudrun: Brynhild = Gunnar.  Oddrun.  Beckhild = Heimir.
+         |                                               |
+       Erp. Eitil                                      Alsvid.
+
+
+                   Jonakr = Gudrun
+                 _____|   |__________
+                |                    |
+                 Erp    Hamdir. Sorli.
+
+The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Niflung lays terminates with the
+Lay of Hamdir; the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
+comparatively late composition; yet being written in the true ancient
+spirit of the North is well deserving of a place among the Eddaic
+poems. Nor, indeed, is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank among
+the poems collected by Sæmund, by any means clear, we know it only
+from its existence in the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its
+intrinsic worth, and its reception in other editions of the Edda, both
+in original and translation, the present work would seem, and justly
+so, incomplete without it.
+
+The Prose, or Younger Edda, is generally ascribed to the celebrated
+Snorre Sturleson, who was born of a distinguished Icelandic family, in
+the year 1178, and after leading a turbulent and ambitious life, and
+being twice the supreme magistrate of the Republic, was killed A.D.
+1241,[4] by three of his sons-in-law and a stepson. When Snorre was
+three years old, John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of Sæmund the
+Wise, took him into fosterage. Snorre resided at Oddi until his
+twentieth year, and appears to have received an excellent education
+from his foster father, who was one of the most learned men of that
+period. How far he may have made use of the manuscripts of Sæmund and
+Ari, which were preserved at Oddi, it is impossible to say, neither do
+we know the precise contents of these manuscripts; but it is highly
+probable that the most important parts of the work, now known under
+the title of "The Prose Edda," formed a part of them, and that
+Snorre--who may be regarded as the Scandinavian Euhemerus--merely
+added a few chapters, in order to render the mythology more
+conformable to the erroneous notions he appears to have entertained
+respecting its signification. Be this as it may, the Prose Edda, in
+its present form, dates from the thirteenth century, and consists
+of--1. _Formali_ (Fore discourse); or the prologue. 2. _Gylfa-ginning_
+(The deluding of Gylfi). 3. _Braga-roedur_ (Conversations of Bragi).
+4. _Eptirmali_ (After discourse); or Epilogue. The Prologue and
+Epilogue were probably written by Snorre himself, and are nothing more
+than an absurd syncretism of Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian
+myths and legends, in which Noah, Priam, Odin, Hector, Thor, Æneas,
+&c, are jumbled together much in the same manner as in the romances of
+the Middle Ages. These dissertations, utterly worthless in themselves,
+have obviously nothing in common with the so-called "Prose Edda," the
+first part of which, containing fifty-three chapters, forms a complete
+synopsis of Scandinavian mythology, derived principally from the
+Poetical Edda.
+
+THE TRANSLATOR.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: The following, the first among many, may serve as a
+specimen.
+
+Sæmund was residing, in the south of Europe, with a famous Master, by
+whom he was instructed in every kind of lore; while, on the other
+hand, he forgot (apparently through intense study) all that he had
+previously learned, even to his own name; so that when the holy man
+John Ogmundson came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll;
+but on John insisting that he was no other than Sæmund Sigfusson, born
+at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many particulars regarding
+himself, he at length became conscious of his own identity, and
+resolved to flee from the place with his kinsman. For the purpose of
+deceiving the master, John continued some time in the place, and often
+came to visit him and Sæmund; till at last, one dark night, they
+betook themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them than
+he sent in pursuit of them; but in vain, and the heavens were too
+overcast to admit, according to his custom, of reading their
+whereabouts in the stars. So they traveled day and night and all the
+following day. But the next night was clear, and the Master at once
+read in the stars where they were, and set out after them at full
+speed. Then Sæmund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said, "Now is
+my Master in chase of us, and sees where we are." And on John asking
+what was to be done, he answered: "Take one of my shoes off, fill it
+with water, and set it on my head." John did so, and at the same
+moment, the Master, looking up at the heavens, says to his companion:
+"Bad news; the stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water
+about his forehead." And thereupon returned home. The pair now again
+prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the following night,
+the Master again consults the stars, when, to his great amazement, he
+sees the star of Sæmund directly above his head, and again sets off
+after the fugitives. Observing this, Sæmund says: "The astrologer is
+again after us, and again we must look to ourselves; take my shoe off
+again, and with your knife stab me in the thigh; fill the shoe with
+blood, and place it on the top of my head." John does as directed, and
+the Master, again gazing at the stars, says: "There is blood now about
+the star of Master Koll, and the stranger has for certain murdered
+him," and so returns home. The old man now has once more recourse to
+his art; but on seeing Sæmund's star shining brightly above him, he
+exclaimed: "My pupil is still living; so much the better. I have
+taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both in astrology and
+magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I am unable to hinder their
+departure."]
+
+[Footnote 2: Bishop P.E. Muller supposes the greater number of the
+Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek II, p, 131.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this MS.
+is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Snorre, at the death of John Loptson (A.D. 1197), does
+not appear to have possessed any property whatever, though he
+afterwards became the wealthiest man in Iceland. His rise in the world
+was chiefly owing to his marriage with Herdisa, the daughter of a
+priest called Bersi the Rich,--a very enviable surname, which no doubt
+enabled the Rev. gentleman to brave the decrees of Popes and Councils,
+and take to himself a wife--who brought him a very considerable
+fortune. If we may judge from Snorre's biography, Christianity appears
+to have effected very little change in the character of the
+Icelanders. We have the same turbulent and sanguinary scenes, the same
+loose conduct of the women, and perfidy, and remorseless cruelty of
+the men, as in the Pagan times.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION TO THE VOLUSPA.
+
+As introductory to the Voluspa, the following description of a
+wandering Vala or prophetess may be thought both desirable and
+interesting: "We find them present at the birth of children, when they
+seem to represent the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either by
+means of _seid_, during the night, while all others in the house were
+sleeping, and uttered their oracles in the morning; or they received
+sudden inspirations during the singing of certain songs appropriate to
+the purpose, without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
+These seid-women were common over all the North. When invited by the
+master of a family, they appeared in a peculiar costume, sometimes
+with a considerable number of followers, e.g. with fifteen young men
+and fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received money, gold
+rings, and other precious things. Sometimes it was necessary to compel
+them to prophesy. An old description of such a Vala, who went from
+guild to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
+women and their proceedings":--
+
+"Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the winter attended the
+guilds, at the invitation of those who desired to know their fate, or
+the quality of the coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
+sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an elevated seat, on
+which lay a cushion stuffed with feathers. A man was sent to meet her.
+She came in the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with thongs
+and set with stones down to the lap; round her neck she had a
+necklace of glass beads, on her head a hood of black lambskin lined
+with white catskin; in her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted
+with brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she wore a
+girdle of agaric (knoske), from which hung a bag containing her
+conjuring apparatus; on her feet were rough calfskin shoes with long
+ties and tin buttons, on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
+within. All bade her welcome with a reverent salutation; the master
+himself conducted her by the hand to her seat. She undertook no
+prophecy on the first day, but would first pass a night there. In the
+evening of the following day she ascended her elevated seat, caused
+the women to place themselves round her, and desired them to sing
+certain songs, which they did in a strong, clear voice. She then
+prophesied of the coming year, and afterwards, all that would advanced
+and asked her such questions as they thought proper, to which they
+received plain answers."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most probably from the
+time of heathenism, are set forth, as the utterances of a Vala, or
+wandering prophetess, as above described, the story of the creation of
+the world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods, the
+dwarfs, and the human race, together with other events relating to the
+mythology of the North, and ending with the destruction of the gods
+and the world, and their renewal.
+
+
+
+
+VÖLUSPÂ. THE VALA'S PROPHECY.
+
+1. For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of
+Heimdall,[5] they will that I Valfather's deeds recount, men's ancient
+saws, those that I best remember.
+
+2. The Jötuns I remember early born, those who me of old have
+reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree,
+beneath the earth.
+
+3. There was in times of old, where Ymir dwelt, nor sand nor sea,
+nor gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven above, 'twas a chaotic
+chasm, and grass nowhere.
+
+4. Before Bur's sons raised up heaven's vault, they who the noble
+mid-earth shaped. The sun shone from the south over the structure's
+rocks: then was the earth begrown with herbage green.
+
+5. The sun from the south, the moon's companion, her right hand cast
+about the heavenly horses. The sun knew not where she[6] a dwelling
+had, the moon knew not what power he possessed, the stars knew not
+where they had a station.
+
+6. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: to night and to the waning moon gave
+names; morn they named, and mid-day, afternoon and eve, whereby to
+reckon years.
+
+7. The Æsir met on Ida's plain; they altar-steads and temples high
+constructed; their strength they proved, all things tried, furnaces
+established, precious things forged, formed tongs, and fabricated
+tools;
+
+8. At tables played at home; joyous they were; to them was naught
+the want of gold, until there came Thurs-maidens three, all powerful,
+from Jötunheim.
+
+9. Then went all the powers to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, who should of the dwarfs the race
+create, from the sea-giant's blood and livid bones.
+
+10. Then was Môtsognir created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin
+second; there in man's likeness they created many dwarfs from earth,
+as Durin said.
+
+11. Nýi and Nidi, Nordri and Sudri, Austri and Vestri, Althiôf,
+Dvalin Nâr and Nâin, Niping, Dain, Bivör, Bavör, Bömbur, Nori, An and
+Anar, Ai, Miodvitnir,
+
+12. Veig and Gandâlf, Vindâlf, Thrain, Thekk and Thorin, Thrôr,
+Vitr, and Litr, Nûr and Nýrâd, Regin and Râdsvid. Now of the dwarfs I
+have rightly told.
+
+13. Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, Billing,
+Bruni, Bild, Bûri, Frâr, Hornbori, Fræg and Lôni, Aurvang, Iari,
+Eikinskialdi.
+
+14. Time 'tis of the dwarfs in Dvalin's band, to the sons of men, to
+Lofar up to reckon, those who came forth from the world's rock,
+earth's foundation, to Iora's plains.
+
+15. There were Draupnir, and Dôlgthrasir, Hâr, Haugspori, Hlævang,
+Glôi, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,
+
+16. Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, Höggstari, Hliôdôlf,
+Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
+accounted be.
+
+17. Until there came three mighty and benevolent Æsir to the world
+from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
+Embla, void of destiny.
+
+18. Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
+powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
+gave Lodur, and goodly colour.
+
+19. I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
+limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
+stands it green over Urd's fountain.
+
+20. Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
+under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,--on a
+tablet they graved--Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
+allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.
+
+21. Alone she[7] sat without, when came that ancient dread Æsir's
+prince; and in his eye she gazed.
+
+22. "Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
+all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim." Mim
+drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.[8] Understand ye yet,
+or what?
+
+23. The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
+discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
+world.
+
+24. She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
+god's people: Skuld held a shield, Skögul was second, then Gunn, Hild
+Göndul, and Geirskögul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
+Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.
+
+25. She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig[9]
+they with lances pierced, and in the high one's[10] hall her burnt,
+thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
+lives.
+
+26. Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
+well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
+arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.
+
+27. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, whether the Æsir should avenge the
+crime,[11] or all the gods receive atonement.
+
+28. Broken was the outer wall of the Æsir's burgh. The Vanir,
+foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], and
+mid the people hurled it: that was the first warfare in the world.
+
+29. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: who had all the air with evil mingled?
+or to the Jötun race Od's maid had given?
+
+30. There alone was Thor with anger swollen. He seldom sits, when
+of the like he hears. Oaths are not held sacred; nor words, nor
+swearing, nor binding compacts reciprocally made.
+
+31. She knows that Heimdall's horn is hidden under the heaven-bright
+holy tree. A river she sees flow, with foamy fall, from Valfather's
+pledge. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+32. East sat the crone, in Iârnvidir, and there reared up Fenrir's
+progeny: of all shall be one especially the moon's devourer, in a
+troll's semblance.
+
+33. He is sated with the last breath of dying men; the god's seat he
+with red gore defiles: swart is the sunshine then for summers after;
+all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+34. There on a height sat, striking a harp, the giantess's watch,
+the joyous Egdir; by him crowed, in the bird-wood, the bright red
+cock, which Fialar hight.
+
+35. Crowed o'er the Æsir Gullinkambi, which wakens heroes with the
+sire of hosts; but another crows beneath the earth, a soot-red cock,
+in the halls of Hel.
+
+36. I saw of Baldr, the blood-stained god, Odin's son, the hidden
+fate. There stood grown up, high on the plain, slender and passing
+fair, the mistletoe.
+
+37. From that shrub was made, as to me it seemed, a deadly, noxious
+dart. Hödr shot it forth; but Frigg bewailed, in Fensalir, Valhall's
+calamity. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+38. Bound she saw lying, under Hveralund, a monstrous form, to Loki
+like. There sits Sigyn, for her consort's sake, not right glad.
+Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+39. Then the Vala knew the fatal bonds were twisting, most rigid,
+bonds from entrails made.
+
+40. From the east a river falls, through venom dales, with mire and
+clods, Slîd is its name.
+
+41. On the north there stood, on Nida-fells, a hall of gold, for
+Sindri's race; and another stood in Okôlnir, the Jötuns beer-hall
+which Brîmir hight.
+
+42. She saw a hall standing, far from the sun, in Nâströnd; its
+doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in through its apertures:
+entwined is that hall with serpents' backs.
+
+43. She there saw wading the sluggish streams bloodthirsty men and
+perjurers, and him who the ear beguiles of another's wife. There
+Nidhögg sucks the corpses of the dead; the wolf tears men. Understand
+ye yet, or what?
+
+44. Further forward I see, much can I say of Ragnarök and the gods'
+conflict.
+
+45. Brothers shall fight, and slay each other; cousins shall kinship
+violate. The earth resounds, the giantesses flee; no man will another
+spare.
+
+46. Hard is it in the world, great whoredom, an axe age, a sword
+age, shields shall be cloven, a wind age, a wolf age, ere the world
+sinks.
+
+47. Mim's sons dance, but the central tree takes fire at the
+resounding Giallar-horn. Loud blows Heimdall, his horn is raised; Odin
+speaks with Mim's head.
+
+48. Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans that aged tree,
+and the jötun is loosed. Loud bays Garm before the Gnupa-cave, his
+bonds he rends asunder; and the wolf runs.
+
+49. Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is
+coiled in jötun-rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams:
+the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.
+
+50. That ship fares from the east: come will Muspell's people o'er
+the sea, and Loki steers. The monster's kin goes all with the wolf;
+with them the brother is of Byleist on their course.
+
+51. Surt from the south comes with flickering flame; shines from his
+sword the Val-gods' sun. The stony hills are dashed together, the
+giantesses totter; men tread the path of Hel, and heaven is cloven.
+
+52. How is it with the Æsir? How with the Alfar? All Jötunheim
+resounds; the Æsir are in council. The dwarfs groan before their stony
+doors, the sages of the rocky walls. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+53. Then arises Hlîn's second grief, when Odin goes with the wolf to
+fight, and the bright slayer of Beli with Surt. Then will Frigg's
+beloved fall.
+
+54. Then comes the great victor-sire's son, Vidar, to fight with the
+deadly beast. He with his hands will make his sword pierce to the
+heart of the giant's son: then avenges he his father.
+
+55. Then comes the mighty son of Hlôdyn: (Odin's son goes with the
+monster to fight); Midgârd's Veor in his rage will slay the worm. Nine
+feet will go Fiörgyn's son, bowed by the serpent, who feared no foe.
+All men will their homes forsake.
+
+56. The sun darkens, earth in ocean sinks, fall from heaven the
+bright stars, fire's breath assails the all-nourishing tree, towering
+fire plays against heaven itself.
+
+57. She sees arise, a second time, earth from ocean, beauteously
+green, waterfalls descending; the eagle flying over, which in the fell
+captures fish.
+
+58. The Æsir meet on Ida's plain, and of the mighty earth-encircler
+speak, and there to memory call their mighty deeds, and the supreme
+god's ancient lore.
+
+59. There shall again the wondrous golden tables in the grass be
+found, which in days of old had possessed the ruler of the gods, and
+Fiölnir's race.
+
+60. Unsown shall the fields bring forth, all evil be amended; Baldr
+shall come; Hödr and Baldr, the heavenly gods, Hropt's glorious
+dwellings shall inhabit. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+61. Then can Hoenir choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons
+inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what?
+
+62. She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold bedecked,
+in Gimill: there shall be righteous people dwell, and for evermore
+happiness enjoy.
+
+64. Then comes the mighty one to the great judgment, the powerful
+from above, who rules o'er all. He shall dooms pronounce, and strifes
+allay, holy peace establish, which shall ever be.
+
+65. There comes the dark dragon flying from beneath the glistening
+serpent, from Nida-fels. On his wings bears Nidhögg, flying o'er the
+plain, a corpse. Now she will descend.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 5: In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, under the
+name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three orders of mankind.]
+
+[Footnote 6: In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
+fem., the moon masc.]
+
+[Footnote 7: The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.]
+
+[Footnote 8: His eye here understood to signify the sun.]
+
+[Footnote 9: A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
+was the end of the golden age.]
+
+[Footnote 10: _i.e._, Odin's: his hall is the world.]
+
+[Footnote 11: Of introducing the use of gold.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.
+
+Odin visits the Giant (Jötun) Vafthrûdnir, for the purpose of proving
+his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
+Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
+head. The Jötun incurs the penalty.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+1. Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthrûdnir to visit;
+great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise Jötun
+to contend.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+2. At home to bide Hærfather I would counsel, in the gods'
+dwellings; because no Jötun is, I believe, so mighty as is
+Vafthrûdnir.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+3. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
+but this I fain would know, how in Vafthrûdnir's halls it is.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+4. In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
+journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
+shalt hold converse with the Jötun.
+
+5. Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise Jötun. To the
+hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.
+
+_Odin._
+
+6. Hail to thee, Vafthrûdnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
+see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
+Jötun.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+7. What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
+thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.
+
+_Odin._
+
+8. Gagnrâd is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
+halls, needing hospitality,--for I long have journeyed--and kind
+reception from thee, Jötun!
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+9. Why then, Gagnrâd! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
+a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
+ancient talker.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+10. A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
+hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
+visits an austere man.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+11. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
+human kind?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+12. Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
+kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
+sheds light that horse's mane.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+13. Tell me now, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
+o'er the beneficent powers?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+14. Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
+beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
+in the dales comes dew.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+15. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
+Jötuns and the Gods?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+16. Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
+Jötuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
+stream no ice shall be.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+17. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
+and the gentle Gods?
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+18. Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall meet Surt and
+the gentle Gods; a hundred rasts it is on every side. That plain is to
+them decreed.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+19. Wise art thou, O guest! Approach the Jötuns bench, and sitting
+let us together talk; we will our heads in the hall pledge, guest! for
+wise utterance.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+20. Tell me first, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthrûdnir!
+knowest, whence first came the earth, and the high heaven, thou,
+sagacious Jötun?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+21. From Ymir's flesh the earth was formed, and from his bones the
+hills, the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his
+blood the sea.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+22. Tell me secondly, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthrûdnir!
+knowest, whence came the moon, which over mankind passes, and the sun
+likewise?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+23. Mundilfoeri hight he, who the moon's father is, and eke the
+sun's: round heaven journey each day they must, to count years for
+men.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+24. Tell me thirdly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence came the day, which over people passes,
+and night with waning moons?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+25. Delling hight he who the day's father is, but night was of Nörvi
+born; the new and waning moons the beneficent powers created, to count
+years for men.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+26. Tell me fourthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence winter came, and warm summer first among
+the wise gods?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+27. Vindsval hight he, who winter's father is, and Svâsud summer's;
+yearly they both shall ever journey, until the powers perish.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+28. Tell me fifthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, which of the Æsir earliest, or of Ymir's sons,
+in days of old existed?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+29. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was Bergelmir born;
+Thrûdgelmir was his sire, his grandsire Aurgelmir.
+
+_Gagnrâd._
+
+30. Tell me sixthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthrûdnir! knowest, whence first came Aurgelmir, among the Jötun's
+sons, thou sagacious Jötun?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir._
+
+31. From Elivâgar sprang venom drops, which grew till they became a
+Jötun; but sparks flew from the south-world: to the ice the fire gave
+life.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+33. Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! how he children begat, the bold Jötun, as he had
+no giantess's company?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+33. Under the armpit grew, 'tis said, of the Hrîmthurs, a girl and
+boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise Jötun, a six-headed
+son.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+34. Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
+knowest? Thou art an all-wise Jötun.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+35. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
+That I first remember, when that wise Jötun in an ark was laid.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+36. Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
+itself invisible to man?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+37. Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a Jötun
+in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
+that over all men passes.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+38. Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
+Vafthrûdnir! whence Niörd came among the Æsir's sons? O'er fanes and
+offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the Æsir born.
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+39. In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
+gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+40. Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
+until the powers perish?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+41. All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
+fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the Æsir
+drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+42. Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
+knowest, Vafthrûdnir! of the Jötuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
+say what truest is, thou all-knowing Jötun!
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+43. Of the secrets of the Jötuns and of all the gods, I can truly
+tell; for I have over each world travelled; to nine worlds I came, to
+Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+44. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. What mortals will live, when the great "Fimbul"-winter shall
+from men have passed?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+45. Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
+holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
+be born.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+46. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
+this devoured?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+47. A daughter shall Alfrödull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed
+her. The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother's course.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+48. Much have I journeyed, etc. Who are the maidens that o'er the
+ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+49. O'er people's dwellings three descend of Mögthrasir's maidens,
+the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with Jötuns
+nurtured.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+50. Much have I journeyed, etc. Which of the Æsir will rule o'er the
+gods' possession, when Surt's fire shall be quenched?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+51. Vidar and Vali will the gods' holy fanes inhabit, when Surt's
+fire shall be quenched. Môdi and Magni will Miöllnir possess, and
+warfare strive to end.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+52. Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be,
+when the powers perish?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+53. The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:
+he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.
+
+_Gagnrâd_.
+
+54. Much have I journeyed, etc. What said Odin in his son's ear, ere
+he on the pile was laid?
+
+_Vafthrûdnir_.
+
+55. That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy
+son's ear. With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods'
+destruction. With Odin I have contended in wise utterances: of men
+thou ever art the wisest!
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.
+
+The subject is wholly mythological.
+
+
+King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirröd. Agnar
+was ten, and Geirröd eight winters old. They both rowed out in a boat,
+with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove
+them out to sea. In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the
+shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with
+whom they stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought up
+Agnar, and the cottager, Geirröd, and gave him good advice. In the
+spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied
+them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirröd. They had a fair
+wind, and reached their father's place. Geirröd was at the ship's
+prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, "Go where
+an evil spirit may get thee." The vessel was driven out to sea, but
+Geirröd went up to the town, where he was well received; but his
+father was dead. Geirröd was then taken for king, and became a famous
+man.
+
+Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidskiâlf, looking over all the world.
+Odin said, "Seest thou Agnar, thy foster-son, where he is, getting
+children with a giantess in a cave? while Geirröd, my foster-son, is a
+king residing in his country." Frigg answered, "He is so inhospitable
+that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that too many come." Odin
+replied that that was the greatest falsehood; and they wagered
+thereupon. Frigg sent her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirröd be on his
+guard, lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm, and also
+say that a token whereby he might be known was, that no dog, however
+fierce, would attack him. But that King Geirröd was not hospitable was
+mere idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured whom no
+dog would assail. He was clad in a blue cloak, and was named Grimnir,
+and would say no more concerning himself, although he was questioned.
+The king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess, and to be set
+between two fires; and there he sat for eight nights. King Geirröd had
+a son ten years old, whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar
+went to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from, saying that
+the king did wrong in causing him to be tortured, though innocent.
+Grimnir drank from it. The fire had then so approached him that his
+cloak was burnt; whereupon he said:--
+
+
+1. Fire! thou art hot, and much too great; flame! let us separate.
+My garment is singed, although I lift it up, my cloak is scorched
+before it.
+
+2. Eight nights have I sat between fires here, and to me no one food
+has offered, save only Agnar, the son of Geirröd, who alone shall rule
+over the land of Goths.
+
+3. Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to
+be. For one draught thou never shalt get better recompense.
+
+4. Holy is the land, which I see lying to Æsir and Alfar near; but
+in Thrûdheim Thor shall dwell until the powers perish.
+
+5. Ydalir it is called, where Ullr has himself a dwelling made.
+Alfheim the gods to Frey gave in days of yore for a tooth-gift.
+
+6. The third dwelling is, where the kind powers have with silver
+decked the hall; Valaskiâlf 'tis called, which for himself acquired
+the As in days of old.
+
+7. Sökkvabekk the fourth is named o'er which the gelid waves
+resound; Odin and Saga there, joyful each day, from golden beakers
+quaff.
+
+8. Gladsheim the fifth is named, there the golden-bright Valhall
+stands spacious, there Hropt selects each day those men who die by
+weapons.
+
+9. Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, its hall with shields is
+decked, with corslets are its benches strewed.
+
+10. Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. A wolf hangs before the western door, over it an eagle
+hovers.
+
+11. Thrymheim the sixth is named, where Thiassi dwelt that
+all-powerful Jötun; but Skadi now inhabits, the bright bride of gods,
+her father's ancient home.
+
+12. Breidablik is the seventh, where Baldr has built for himself a
+hall, in that land, in which I know exists the fewest crimes.
+
+13. Himinbiörg is the eighth, where Heimdall, it is said, rules
+o'er the holy fanes: there the gods' watchman, in his tranquil home,
+drinks joyful the good mead.
+
+14. Fôlkvang is the ninth, there Freyia directs the sittings in the
+hall. She half the fallen chooses each day, but Odin th' other half.
+
+15. Glitnir is the tenth; it is on gold sustained, and eke with
+silver decked. There Forseti dwells throughout all time, and every
+strife allays.
+
+16. Nôatûn is the eleventh, there Niörd has himself a dwelling made,
+prince of men; guiltless of sin, he rules o'er the high-built fane.
+
+17. O'ergrown with branches and high grass is Vidar's spacious
+Landvîdi: There will the son descend, from the steed's back, bold to
+avenge his father.
+
+18. Andhrimnir makes, in Eldhrimnir, Sæhrimnir to boil, of meats the
+best; but few know how many Einheriar it feeds.
+
+19. Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts;
+but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives.
+
+20. Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for
+Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin.
+
+21. Thund roars; joyful in Thiodvitnir's water lives the fish; the
+rapid river seems too great for the battle-steed to ford.
+
+22. Valgrind is the lattice called, in the plain that stands, holy
+before the holy gates: ancient is that lattice, but few only know how
+it is closed with lock.
+
+23. Five hundred doors, and forty eke, I think, are in Valhall.
+Eight hundred Einheriar will at once from each door go when they issue
+with the wolf to fight.
+
+24. Five hundred floors, and forty eke, I think, has Bilskirnir with
+its windings. Of all the roofed houses that I know, is my son's the
+greatest.
+
+25. Heidrûn the goat is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from Lærâd's branches. He a bowl shall fill with the bright
+mead; that drink shall never fail.
+
+26. Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from Lærâd's branches; from his horns fall drops into
+Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise:--
+
+27. Sid and Vid, Soekin and Eikin, Svöl and Gunnthrô, Fiörm and
+Fimbulthul, Rin and Rennandi, Gipul and Göpul, Gömul and Geirvimul:
+they round the gods' dwelling wind. Thyn and Vin, Thöll and Höll, Grâd
+and Gunnthorin.
+
+28. Vina one is called, a second Vegsvin, a third Thiodnuma; Nyt and
+Nön and Hrön, Slid and Hrid, Sylg and Ylg, Vîd and Vân, Vönd and
+Strönd, Gioll and Leipt; these (two) fall near to men, but fall hence
+to Hel.
+
+29. Körmt and Ormt, and the Kerlaugs twain: these Thor must wade
+each day, when he to council goes at Yggdrasil's ash; for the
+As-bridge is all on fire, the holy waters boil.
+
+30. Glad and Gyllir, Gler and Skeidbrimir, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
+Gisl and Falhôfnir, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on these steeds the Æsir
+each day ride, when they to council go, at Yggdrasil's ash.
+
+31. Three roots stand on three ways under Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under
+one abides, under the second the Hrimthursar, under the third mankind.
+
+32. Ratatösk is the squirrel named, which, has to run in Yggdrasil's
+ash; he from above the eagle's words must carry, and beneath to
+Nidhögg repeat.
+
+33. Harts there are also four, which from its summits, arch-necked,
+gnaw. Dâin and Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathrôr.
+
+34. More serpents lie under Yggdrasil's ash, than any one would
+think of witless mortals: Gôin and Môin,--they are Grafvitnir's
+sons--Grâbak and Grafvöllud, Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ween, the
+branches of that tree ever lacerate.
+
+35. Yggdrasil's ash hardship suffers greater than men know of; a
+hart bites it above, and in its side it rots, Nidhögg beneath tears
+it.
+
+36. Hrist and Mist the horn shall bear me Skeggöld and Skögul, Hlökk
+and Herfiotur, Hildi and Thrûdi, Göll and Geirölul, Randgríd and
+Râdgrîd, and Reginleif, these bear beer to the Einheriar.
+
+37. Arvakr and Alsvid, theirs 'tis up hence fasting the sun to draw:
+under their shoulder the gentle powers, the Æsir, have concealed an
+iron-coolness.
+
+38. Svalin the shield is called, which stands before the sun, the
+refulgent deity; rocks and ocean must, I ween, be burnt, fell it from
+its place.
+
+39. Sköll the wolf is named, that the fair-faced goddess to the
+ocean chases; another Hati hight, he is Hrôdvitnir's son; he the
+bright maid of heaven shall precede.
+
+40. Of Ymir's flesh was earth created, of his blood the sea, of his
+bones the hills, of his hair trees and plants, of his skull the
+heaven;
+
+41. And of his brows the gentle powers formed Midgard for the sons
+of men; but of his brain the heavy clouds are all created.
+
+42. Ullr's and all the gods' favour shall have, whoever first shall
+look to the fire; for open will the dwelling be, to the Æsir's sons,
+when the kettles are lifted off.[12]
+
+43. Ivaldi's sons went in days of old Skidbladnir to form, of ships
+the best, for the bright Frey, Niörd's benign son.
+
+44. Yggdrasil's ash is of all trees most excellent, and of all
+ships, Skidbladnir, of the Æsir, Odin, and of horses, Sleipnir,
+Bifröst of bridges, and of skallds, Bragi, Hâbrôk of hawks, and of
+dogs, Garm, [Brimir of swords.]
+
+45. Now I my face have raised to the gods' triumphant sons, at that
+will welcome help awake; from all the Æsir, that shall penetrate, to
+Oegir's bench, to Oegir's compotation.[13]
+
+46. I am called Grim, I am called Gangleri, Herian and Hiâlmberi,
+Thekk and Thridi, Thund and Ud, Helblindi and Har,
+
+47. Sad and Svipall, and Sanngetall, Herteit and Hnikar Bileyg,
+Bâleyg, Bölverk, Fiölnir, Grîm and Grimnir, Glapsvid and Fiölsvid,
+
+48. Sîdhött, Sîdskegg Sigfödr, Hnikud, Alfodr, Valfödr, Atrid and
+Farmatyr; by one name I never have been called, since among men I have
+gone.
+
+49. Grimnir I am called at Geirröd's, and at Asmund's Jâlk and
+Kialar, when a sledge I drew; Thrôr at the public meetings, Vidur in
+battles, Oski and Omi, Jafnhâr and Biflindi, Gôndlir and Harbard with
+the gods.
+
+50. Svidur and Svidrir I was at Sökkmimir's called, and beguiled
+that ancient Jötun, when of Midvitnir's renowned son I was the sole
+destroyer.
+
+51. Drunken art thou, Geirröd, thou hast drunk too much, thou art
+greatly by mead beguiled. Much didst thou lose, when thou wast of my
+help bereft, of all the Einheriar's and Odin's favour.
+
+52. Many things I told thee, but thou hast few remembered: thy
+friends mislead thee. My friend's sword lying I see, with blood all
+dripping.
+
+53. The fallen by the sword Ygg shall now have; thy life is now run
+out: Wroth with thee are the Dîsir: Odin thou now shalt see: draw near
+to me if thou canst.
+
+54. Odin I now am named, Ygg I was called before, before that,
+Thund, Vakr and Skilfing, Vâfudr and Hrôptatyr, with the gods, Gaut
+and Jâlk, Ofnir and Svafnir, all which I believe to be names of me
+alone.
+
+King Geirröd was sitting with his sword lying across his knees, half
+drawn from the scabbard, but on finding that it was Odin, he rose for
+the purpose of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt from
+his hand with the hilt downwards; and the king having stumbled, the
+sword pierced him through and killed him. Odin then vanished, and
+Agnar was king for a long time after.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 12: What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently
+reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the intervention
+of the kettles, the Æsir were unable to see Odin's unpleasant position
+between the two fires.]
+
+[Footnote 13: My version of this strophe is not in accordance with
+those of other interpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in
+full confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded him.
+Under the name of Oegir, Gierrod is generally understood: I rather
+think the meaning to be, that all the Æsir who [sit at] Oegir's
+compotation will forthwith come to his aid.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VEGTAM, OR BALDR'S DREAMS.
+
+1. Together were the Æsir all in council, and the Asyniur all in
+conference, and they consulted, the mighty gods, why Baldr had
+oppressive dreams.
+
+2. [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious
+dreams seemed departed. They the Jötuns questioned, wise seers of the
+future, whether this might not forebode calamity?
+
+3. The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of
+all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the
+other powers--On a course they resolved:
+
+4. That they would send to every being, assurance to solicit, Baldr
+not to harm. All species swore oaths to spare him; Frigg received all
+their vows and compacts.
+
+5. Valfather fears something defective; he thinks the Hamingiur may
+have departed; the Æsir he convenes, their counsel craves: at the
+deliberation much is devised.]
+
+6. Uprose Odin lord of men and on Sleipnir he the saddle laid; rode
+thence down to Niflhel. A dog he met, from Hel coming.
+
+7. It was blood-stained on its breast, on its slaughter-craving
+throat, and nether jaw. It bayed and widely gaped at the sire of magic
+song:--long it howled.
+
+8. Forth rode Odin--the ground rattled--till to Hel's lofty house he
+came. Then rode Ygg to the eastern gate, where he knew there was a
+Vala's grave.
+
+9. To the prophetess, he began a magic song to chant, towards the
+north looked, potent runes applied, a spell pronounced, an answer
+demanded, until compelled she rose, and with deathlike voice she said:
+
+_Vala_.
+
+10. "What man is this, to me unknown, who has for me increased an
+irksome course? I have with snow been decked, by rain beaten, and with
+dew moistened: long have I been dead."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+11. "Vegtam is my name, I am Valtam's son. Tell thou me of Hel:
+from, earth I call on thee. For whom are those benches strewed o'er
+with rings, those costly couches o'erlaid with gold?"
+
+_Vala_.
+
+12. "Here stands mead, for Baldr brewed, over the bright potion a
+shield is laid; but the Æsir race are in despair. By compulsion I have
+spoken. I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+13. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who will Baldr's slayer be, and Odin's son of life
+bereave."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+14. "Hödr will hither his glorious brother send, he of Baldr will
+the slayer be, and Odin's son of life bereave. By compulsion I have
+spoken; I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+15. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who on Hödr vengeance will inflict, or Baldr's slayer
+raise on the pile."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+16. "Rind a son shall bear, in the western halls: he shall slay
+Odin's son, when one night old. He a hand will not wash, nor his head
+comb, ere he to the pile has borne Baldr's adversary. By compulsion I
+have spoken; I will now be silent."
+
+_Vegtam_.
+
+17. "Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who the maidens are, that weep at will, and heavenward
+cast their neck-veils? Tell me but that: till then thou sleepest not."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+18. "Not Vegtam art thou, as I before believed; rather art thou
+Odin, lord of men!"
+
+_Odin_.
+
+19. "Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of
+three Thursar."
+
+_Vala_.
+
+20. "Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never more man
+again visit me, until Loki free from his bonds escapes, and Ragnarök
+all-destroying comes."
+
+
+
+
+THE HIGH ONE'S[14] LAY.
+
+1. All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for
+difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.
+
+2. Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much
+haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.
+
+3. Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are
+frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has
+travelled.
+
+4. Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and
+hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse
+and answer.
+
+5. Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A
+laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.
+
+6. Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in
+conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling,
+harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets
+than great sagacity.
+
+7. A wary guest,[15] who to refection comes, keeps a cautious
+silence, with his ears listens, and with his eyes observes: so
+explores every prudent man.
+
+8. He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less
+sure is that which a man must have in another's breast.
+
+9. He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living;
+for bad counsels have oft been received from another's breast.
+
+10. A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense;
+that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the
+recourse of the indigent.
+
+11. A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much
+beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.
+
+12. A worse provision no man can take from table than too much
+beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his
+own mind.
+
+13. Oblivion's heron 'tis called that over potations hovers; he
+steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered in
+Gunnlods dwelling.
+
+14. Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fialar's. It's
+the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.
+
+15. Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring, should a king's
+children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until his hour of
+death.
+
+16. A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids;
+but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.
+
+17. A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is
+silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man's mind
+displayed.
+
+18. He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by
+what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.
+
+19. Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak
+sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if
+thou goest betimes to sleep.
+
+20. A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow.
+Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the
+prudent comes.
+
+21. Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a
+foolish man never knows his stomach's measure.
+
+22. A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing: one
+thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from
+faults.
+
+23. A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he
+then grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.
+
+24. A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he
+feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the
+clever.
+
+25. A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends;
+but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.
+
+26. A foolish man thinks he knows everything if placed in unexpected
+difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.
+
+27. A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for
+no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks too much. He who
+previously knew nothing will still know nothing, talk he ever so much.
+
+28. He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also;
+conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.
+
+29. He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous
+tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.
+
+30. For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a
+stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not
+questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.
+
+31. Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes
+to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he
+babbles among foes.
+
+32. Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment
+each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.
+
+33. Early meals a man should often take, unless to a friend's house
+he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can
+of few things inquire.
+
+34. Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend's, though by the
+road he dwell; but to a good friend's the paths lie direct, though he
+be far away.
+
+35. A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome
+becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another's house.
+
+36. One's own house is best, small though it be; at home is every
+one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a
+straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.
+
+37. One's own house is best, small though it be, at home is every
+one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food
+at every meal-tide.
+
+38. Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot's length
+forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his
+weapon.
+
+39. I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he
+refused a present; or of his property so liberal that he scorned a
+recompense.
+
+40. Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need;
+for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes
+worse than is expected.
+
+41. With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those
+which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest
+friends, if all [else] goes well.[16]
+
+42. To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts
+requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with
+lying.
+
+43. To his friend a man should be a friend; to him and to his
+friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend's friend be.
+
+44. Know, if thou hast a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from
+whom thou woulds't good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his,
+and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.
+
+45. If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst
+good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think
+craftily, and leasing pay with lying.
+
+46. But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou
+suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary
+to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.
+
+47. I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich
+I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.
+
+48. Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but
+a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at
+gifts.
+
+49. My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes
+they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked
+man.
+
+50. A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither
+bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he
+live long?
+
+51. Hotter than fire love for five days burns between false
+friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and-friendship is
+all impaired.
+
+52. Something great is not [always] to be given, praise is often for
+a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a
+comrade.
+
+53. Little are the sand-grains, little the wits, little the minds of
+[some] men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by
+halves.
+
+54. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of
+those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.
+
+55. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a
+wise man's heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.
+
+56. Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His
+destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from'
+care.
+
+57. Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire
+quickened. Man to' man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his
+bashful silence.
+
+58. He should early rise, who another's property or wife desires to
+have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.
+
+59. Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see
+to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half
+depends on energy.
+
+60. Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the
+fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.
+
+61. Washed and refected let a man ride to the Thing,[17] although
+his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be
+ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.
+
+62. Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be
+accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the
+world knows.
+
+63. Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagle over old
+ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.
+
+64. His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he
+will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is
+doughtiest.
+
+65. Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in
+trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often
+pays the penalty.
+
+66. Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others:
+the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.
+
+67. Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had
+needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend's, where of one I
+had eaten.
+
+68. Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if
+his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.
+
+69. No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his
+sons is happy, one in his kin, one in abundant wealth, one in his good
+works.
+
+70. It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can
+always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man's property, and
+death stood without his door.
+
+71. The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the
+deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt[18]
+no one gets good from a corpse.
+
+72. A son is better, even if born late, after his father's
+departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a
+kinsman to a kinsman.
+
+73. Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under
+every cloak I expect a hand. * * *
+
+74. At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling entertainment.
+[A ship's yards are short.][19] Variable is an autumn night. Many are
+the weather's changes in five days, but more in a month.
+
+75. He [only] knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes
+another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought
+blameworthy.
+
+76. Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair
+fame never dies of him who has earned it.
+
+77. Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one
+thing that never dies,--judgment on each one dead.
+
+78. Full storehouses I saw at Dives' sons': now bear they the
+beggar's staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of
+friends they are most fickle.
+
+79. A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or woman's love, pride
+grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.
+
+80. Then 'tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those
+to the high ones known, which the great powers invented, and the
+great talker[20] painted, that he had best hold silence.
+
+81. At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a
+sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it
+has passed away, beer after it is drunk.
+
+82. In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in
+the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages
+are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking,
+but a damsel for a kiss.
+
+83. By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; buy a horse
+that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog
+at the farm.
+
+84. In a maiden's words no one should place faith, nor in what a
+woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and
+guile in their breasts been laid;
+
+85. In a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering
+crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling
+kettle,
+
+86. A flying dart, a falling billow, a one night's ice, a coiled
+serpent, a woman's bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear's play, or a
+royal child,
+
+87. A sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a
+corpse newly slain, [a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and
+a harlot's grief];
+
+88. An early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son:
+weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;
+
+89. A brother's murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt
+house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken),
+no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.
+
+90. Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one
+drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and
+unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or
+as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.[21]
+
+91. Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are
+men's minds towards women; 'tis then we speak most fair when we most
+falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.
+
+92. Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman's
+love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.
+
+93. At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous
+countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.
+
+94. Let no one wonder at another's folly, it is the lot of many.
+All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.
+
+95. The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is
+conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man
+than not to be content with himself.
+
+96. That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my
+delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I
+possess her not.
+
+97. Billing's lass[22] on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A
+prince's joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.
+
+98. "Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the
+maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such
+misdeed."
+
+99. I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I
+should obtain her whole heart and love.
+
+100. When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights
+burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.
+
+101. But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household
+all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.
+
+102. Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
+that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
+contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
+damsel gained I aught.
+
+103. At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
+wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
+knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.
+
+104. Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
+nature of the simple.
+
+105. The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
+by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.
+
+106. Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught of the precious
+mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
+fervent love.
+
+107. Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
+over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.
+
+108. Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
+wise; for Odhrærir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.
+
+109. 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
+courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
+my arm.
+
+110. On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
+of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
+whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?
+
+111. Odin, I believe, a ring-oath[23] gave. Who in his faith will
+trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
+weep!
+
+112. Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
+of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.
+
+113. Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
+graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
+hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:
+
+114. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
+to go out.
+
+115. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
+that in her arms she clasp thee.
+
+116. She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
+prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
+thou go to sleep.
+
+117. I counsel thee, etc. Another's wife entice thou never to secret
+converse.
+
+118. I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel,
+provide thee well with food.
+
+119. I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy
+misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for
+thy good will.
+
+120. I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman's words; a false
+tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.
+
+121. I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou hast a friend, whom
+thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood
+over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.
+
+122. I counsel thee, etc. A good man attract to thee in pleasant
+converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.
+
+123. I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to
+quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind
+disclose.
+
+124. I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a
+witless fool;
+
+125. For from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return
+for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.
+
+126. There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another
+all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He
+is not another's friend who ever says as he says.
+
+127. I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a
+worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.
+
+128. I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker,
+unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if
+crooked, will call down evil on thee.
+
+129. I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard
+that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.
+
+130. I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let
+good give thee pleasure.
+
+131. I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the
+sons of men then become) that men may not fascinate thee.
+
+132. If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou
+must promise fair, and hold to it: no one turns from good if it can be
+got.
+
+133. I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be
+thou most wary, and with another's wife; and thirdly, that thieves
+delude thee not.
+
+134. With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer.
+They often little know, who sit within, of what race they are who
+come.
+
+135. Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts
+mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as
+to be good for nothing.
+
+136. At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which
+the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from
+those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go
+tottering among the vile.
+
+137. I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate
+thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.
+
+138. Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou
+give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.
+
+139. I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to
+thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for
+distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery, a hall
+for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for
+bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth
+absorb.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 14: Odin is the "High One." The poem is a collection of
+rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not very
+consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.]
+
+[Footnote 15: In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins with
+the following three lines:--
+
+    Wit is needful
+    to him who travels far:
+    harm seldom befalls the wary:
+
+They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original Afzelius and
+Bask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.]
+
+[Footnote 16: The sense of this line seems doubtful; I have adopted
+the version of Finn Magnusen.]
+
+[Footnote 17: The public meeting.]
+
+[Footnote 18: That is dead on the funeral pyre.]
+
+[Footnote 19: This line is evidently an interpolation.]
+
+[Footnote 20: Odin.]
+
+[Footnote 21: From this line it appears that the poem is of Norwegian
+or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in Iceland before the
+middle of the 18th century, when it was Introduced by royal command.]
+
+[Footnote 22: The story of Odin and Billing's daughter is no longer
+extant; but compare the story of Odin and Rinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit.
+Muller & Veleschow.]
+
+[Footnote 23: In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring or
+bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being kept in the
+temple for the purpose.]
+
+
+
+
+ODIN'S RUNE-SONG.[24]
+
+140. I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
+with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that
+tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.
+
+141. Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, downward I peered,
+to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.
+
+142. Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bolthorn,
+Bestla's sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from
+Odhrærir.
+
+143. Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow
+and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I
+sought out facts.
+
+144. Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large
+characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted,
+and the high powers formed, and the powers' prince graved:
+
+145. Odin among the Æsir, but among the Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin for
+the dwarfs, Asvid for the Jotuns: some I myself graved.
+
+146. Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound
+them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them?
+knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how
+to send?[25] knowest thou how to consume?
+
+147. 'Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks
+to a return. 'Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund
+graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he
+afterwards came.
+
+148. Those songs I know which the king's wife knows not nor son of
+man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes
+and cares.
+
+149. For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will
+as leeches live. * * * *
+
+150. For the third I know,[26] if I have great need to restrain my
+foes, the weapons' edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles
+harm aught.
+
+151. For the fourth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so
+sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle
+from my hands.
+
+152. For the fifth I know, if I see a shot from a hostile hand, a
+shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot
+arrest it, if only I get sight of it.
+
+153. For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree's
+roots;[27] also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume
+them sooner than me.
+
+154. For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o'er its
+inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That
+song I can sing.
+
+155. For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where
+hatred grows among the sons of men--that I can quickly assuage.
+
+156. For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water
+to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.
+
+157. For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I
+can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own
+minds.
+
+158. For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my ancient friends
+to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to
+the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.
+
+159. For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging
+from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall
+walk, and with me converse.
+
+160. For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water,
+he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink
+before swords.
+
+161. For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to
+enumerate the gods, Æsir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all.
+This few unskilled can do.
+
+162. For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before
+Delling's doors. Strength he sang to the Æsir, and to the Alfar
+prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatyr.
+
+163. For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden's favour and
+affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed
+damsel, and wholly turn her mind.
+
+164. For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will
+reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have
+lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if
+thou learnest them.
+
+165. For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or
+wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing
+of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my
+sister.
+
+166. Now are sung the High-one's songs, in the High-one's hall, to
+the sons of men all-useful, but useless to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to
+him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who
+has learnt them! Hail to those who have listened to them!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 24: The first eight strophes of this composition require an
+explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have had many
+interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea of Odin hanging on
+a tree would seem to have been suggested by what we read of the grove
+at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which the victims offered to that deity were
+suspended from the trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin
+may be supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself. It
+no doubt refers to some lost legend.]
+
+[Footnote 25: Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
+missions.]
+
+[Footnote 26: The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
+bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
+to him by Snorri.]
+
+[Footnote 27: The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
+roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
+witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
+similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
+trees.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HYMIR.
+
+1. Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
+compotation, ere they the truth discovered.[28] Rods[29] they shook,
+and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.
+
+2. Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
+Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. "Thou to the
+Æsir shalt oft a compotation give."
+
+3. Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
+meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
+him to bring, "in which I beer for all of you may brew."
+
+4. The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
+powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
+friendly counsel gave.
+
+5. "There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
+heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
+cauldron, a rast in depth."
+
+_Thor_.
+
+6. "Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?"
+
+_Ty_.
+
+"Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ." Rapidly they drove forward
+that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.
+
+7. Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
+hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
+loathful; heads she had nine hundred.
+
+8. But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
+beer-cup to her son:
+
+9. "Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
+kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
+ill-humour prone."
+
+10. But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
+from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
+churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.
+
+11. "Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
+thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
+famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.
+
+12. See where they sit under the hall's gable, as if to shun thee:
+the pillar stands before them." In shivers flew the pillar at the
+Jotun's glance; the beam was first broken in two.
+
+13. Eight kettles fell, but only one of them, a hard-hammered
+cauldron, whole from the column. The two came forth, but the old Jotun
+with eyes surveyed his adversary.
+
+14. Augured to him his mind no good, when he saw the giantess's
+sorrow on the floor coming. Then were three oxen taken, and the Jotun
+bade them forthwith be boiled.
+
+15. Each one they made by the head shorter, and to the fire
+afterwards bore them. Sif's consort ate, ere to sleep he went,
+completely, he alone, two of Hymir's beeves.
+
+16. Seemed to the hoary friend of Hrungnir Hlorridi's refection full
+well large: "We three to-morrow night shall be compelled on what we
+catch to live."
+
+17. Veor said he would on the sea row, if the bold Jotun him would
+with baits supply: "To the herd betake thee, (if thou in thy courage
+trustest, crusher of the rock-dwellers!) for baits to seek.
+
+18. I expect that thou wilt bait from an ox easily obtain." The
+guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox before
+him.
+
+19. The Thursar's bane wrung from an ox the high fastness of his two
+horns. "To me thy work seems worse by far, ruler of keels! than if
+thou hadst sat quiet."
+
+20. The lord of goats the apes' kinsman besought the horse of plank
+farther out to move; but the Jotun declared his slight desire farther
+to row.
+
+21. The mighty Hymir drew, he alone, two whales up with his hook;
+but at the stern abaft Veor cunningly made him a line.
+
+22. Fixed on the hook the shield of men, the serpent's slayer, the
+ox's head. Gaped at the bait the foe of gods, the encircler beneath of
+every land.[30]
+
+23. Drew up boldly the mighty Thor the worm with venom glistening,
+up to the side; with his hammer struck, on his foul head's summit,
+like a rock towering, the wolf's own brother.
+
+24. The icebergs resounded, the caverns howled, the old earth shrank
+together: at length the fish back into ocean sank.[31]
+
+25. The Jotun was little glad, as they rowed back, so that the
+powerful Hymir nothing spake, but the oar moved in another course.
+
+26. "Wilt thou do half the work with me, either the whales home to
+the dwelling bear, or the boat fast bind?"
+
+27. Hlorridi went, grasped the prow, quickly, with its hold-water,
+lifted the water-steed, together with its oars and scoop; bore to the
+dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved vessel, through the
+wooded hills.
+
+28. But the Jotun yet ever frowned, to strife accustomed, with Thor
+disputed, said that no one was strong, however vigorously he might
+row, unless he his cup could break.
+
+29. But Hlorridi, when to his hands it came, forthwith brake an
+upright stone in twain; sitting dashed the cup through the pillars:
+yet they brought it whole to Hymir back.
+
+30. Until the beauteous woman gave important, friendly counsel,
+which she only knew: "Strike at the head of Hymir, the Jotun with food
+oppressed, that is harder than any cup."
+
+31. Rose then on his knee the stern lord of goats, clad in all his
+godlike power. Unhurt remained the old man's helm-block, but the round
+wine-bearer was in shivers broken.
+
+32. "Much good, I know, has departed from me, now that my cup I see
+hurled from my knees." Thus the old man spake: "I can never say again,
+beer thou art too hot.
+
+33. "Now 'tis to be tried if ye can carry the beer-vessel out of our
+dwelling." Ty twice assayed to move the vessel, yet at each time stood
+the kettle fast.
+
+34. Then Modi's father by the brim grasped it, and trod through the
+dwelling's floor. Sif's consort lifted the kettle on his head, while
+about his heels its rings jingled.
+
+35. They had far journeyed before Odin's son cast one look backward:
+he from the caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of
+many-headed monsters coming.
+
+36. From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled
+forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain-giants, who
+with Hymir had him pursued.
+
+37. Long they had not journeyed when of Hlorridi's goats one lay
+down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had sprung across the
+trace; but the false Loki was of this the cause.
+
+38. Now ye have heard,--for what fabulist can more fully tell--what
+indemnity he from the giant got: he paid for it with his children
+both.[32]
+
+39. In his strength exulting he to the gods' council came, and had
+the kettle, which Hymir had possessed, out of which every god shall
+beer with Oegir drink at every harvest-tide.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 28: To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.]
+
+[Footnote 29: That is divining rods.]
+
+[Footnote 30: The great serpent that encircles the earth.]
+
+[Footnote 31: According to the Prose Edda, the giant, overcome with
+fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.]
+
+[Footnote 32: This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF THRYM, OR THE HAMMER RECOVERED.
+
+1. Wroth was Vingthor, when he awoke, and his hammer missed; his
+beard he shook, his forehead struck, the son of earth felt all around
+him;
+
+2. And first of all these words he uttered: "Hear now, Loki! what I
+now say, which no one knows anywhere on earth, nor in heaven above;
+the As's hammer is stolen!"
+
+3. They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he these words first
+of all said: "Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy feather-garment lend, that
+perchance my hammer I may find?"
+
+_Freyia._
+
+4. "That I would give thee, although of gold it were, and trust it
+to thee, though it were of silver."
+
+5. Flew then Loki--the plumage rattled--until he came beyond the
+Æsir's dwellings, and came within the Jotun's land.
+
+6. On a mound sat Thrym, the Thursar's lord, for his greyhounds
+plaiting gold bands and his horses' manes smoothing.
+
+7. "How goes it with the Æsir? How goes it with the Alfar? Why art
+thou come alone to Jotunheim?"
+
+_Loki_.
+
+8. "Ill it goes with the Æsir, Ill it goes with the Alfar. Hast thou
+Hlorridi's hammer hidden?"
+
+_Thrym_.
+
+9. "I have Hlorridi's hammer hidden eight rasts beneath the earth;
+it shall no man get again, unless he bring me Freyia to wife."
+
+10. Flew then Loki--the plumage rattled--until he came beyond the
+Jotun's dwellings, and came within the Æsir's courts; there he met
+Thor, in the middle court, who these words first of all uttered.
+
+11. "Hast thou had success as well as labour? Tell me from the air
+the long tidings. Oft of him who sits are the tales defective, and he
+who lies down utters falsehood."
+
+_Loki_.
+
+12. "I have had labour and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the
+Thursar's lord. It shall no man get again, unless he bring him Freyia
+to wife."
+
+13. They went the fair Freyia to find; and he those words first of
+all said: "Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal raiment, we two must drive to
+Jotunheim."
+
+14. Wroth then was Freyia, and with anger chafed, all the Æsir's
+hall beneath her trembled: in shivers flew the famed Brisinga
+necklace. "Know me to be of women lewdest, if with thee I drive to
+Jotunheim."
+
+15. Straightway went the Æsir all to council, and the Asyniur all to
+hold converse; and deliberated the mighty gods, how they Hlorridi's
+hammer might get back.
+
+16. Then said Heimdall, of Æsir brightest--he well foresaw, like
+other Vanir--"Let us clothe Thor with bridal raiment, let him have the
+famed Brisinga necklace.
+
+17. "Let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall round his
+knees, but on his breast place precious stones, and a neat coif set on
+his head."
+
+18. Then said Thor, the mighty As: "Me the Æsir will call womanish,
+if I let myself be clad in bridal raiment."
+
+19. Then spake Loki, Laufey's son: "Do thou, Thor! refrain from
+suchlike words: forthwith the Jotuns will Asgard inhabit, unless thy
+hammer thou gettest back."
+
+20. Then they clad Thor in bridal raiment, and with the noble
+Brisinga necklace, let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall
+round his knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and a neat
+coif set on his head.
+
+21. Then said Loki, Laufey's son: "I will with thee as a servant go:
+we two will drive to Jotunheim."
+
+22. Straightway were the goats homeward driven, hurried to the
+traces; they had fast to run. The rocks were shivered, the earth was
+in a blaze; Odin's son drove to Jotunheim.
+
+23. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: "Rise up, Jotuns! and the
+benches deck, now they bring me Freyia to wife, Niord's daughter, from
+Noatun.
+
+24. "Hither to our court let bring gold-horned cows, all-black oxen,
+for the Jotuns' joy. Treasures I have many, necklaces many, Freyia
+alone seemed to me wanting."
+
+25. In the evening they early came, and for the Jotuns beer was
+brought forth. Thor alone an ox devoured, salmons eight, and all the
+sweetmeats women should have. Sif's consort drank three salds of mead.
+
+26. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's prince: "Where hast thou seen
+brides eat more voraciously? I never saw brides feed more amply, nor a
+maiden drink more mead."
+
+27. Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: "Freyia has nothing eaten for eight
+nights, so eager was she for Jotunheim."
+
+28. Under her veil he stooped desirous to salute her, but sprang
+back along the hall. "Why are so piercing Freyia's looks? Methinks
+that fire burns from her eyes."
+
+29. Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: "Freyia for eight nights has not
+slept, so eager was she for Jotunheim."
+
+30. In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride-gift she dared
+to ask: "Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain
+my love, my love and favour all."
+
+31. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: "Bring the hammer in, the
+bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on the maiden's knee; unite us each
+with other by the hand of Vor."
+
+32. Laughed Hlorridi's soul in his breast, when the fierce-hearted
+his hammer recognized. He first slew Thrym, the Thursar's lord, and
+the Jotun's race all crushed;
+
+33. He slew the Jotun's aged sister, her who a bride-gift had
+demanded; she a blow got instead of skillings, a hammer's stroke for
+many rings. So got Odin's son his hammer back.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF THE DWARF ALVIS.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+1. The benches they are decking, now shall the bride[33] with me
+bend her way home. That beyond my strength I have hurried will to
+every one appear: at home naught shall disturb my quiet.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+2. What man is this? Why about the nose art thou so pale? Hast thou
+last night with corpses lain? To me thou seemst to bear resemblance to
+the Thursar. Thou art not born to carry off a bride.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+3. Alvis I am named, beneath the earth I dwell, under the rock I own
+a place. The lord of chariots I am come to visit. A promise once
+confirmed let no one break.[34]
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+4. I will break it; for o'er the maid I have, as father, greatest
+power. I was from home when the promise was given thee. Among the gods
+I the sole giver am.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+5. What man is this, who lays claim to power over that fair, bright
+maiden? For far-reaching shafts few will know thee. Who has decked
+thee with bracelets?
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+6. Vingthor I am named, wide I have wandered; I am Sidgrani's son:
+with my dissent thou shalt not that young maiden have, nor that union
+obtain.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+7. Thy consent I fain would have, and that union obtain. Rather
+would I possess than be without that snow-white maiden.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+8. The maiden's love shall not, wise guest! be unto thee denied, if
+thou of every world canst tell all I desire to know.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+9. Vingthor! thou canst try, as thou art desirous the knowledge of
+the dwarf to prove. All the nine worlds I have travelled over, and
+every being known.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+10. Tell me, Alvis!--for all men's concerns I presume thee, dwarf,
+to know--how the earth is called, which lies before the sons of men,
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+11. Jord among men 'tis called, but with the Æsir fold; the Vanir
+call it vega, the Jotuns igroen, the Alfar groandi, the powers supreme
+aur.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+12. Tell me, Alvis, etc. how the heaven is called, which is
+perceptible in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+13. Himinn 'tis called by men; but hlyrnir with the gods; vindofni
+the Vanir call it, uppheimr the Jotuns, the Alfar fagraræfr, the
+dwarfs driupansal.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+14. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the moon is called, which men see in
+every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+15. Mani 'tis called by men, but mylinn with the gods, hverfanda
+hvel in Hel[35] they call it, skyndi the Jotuns, but the dwarfs skin;
+the Alfar name it artali.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+16. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the sun is called, which men's sons
+see in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+17. Sol among men 'tis called, but with the gods sunna, the dwarfs
+call it Dvalinn's leika, the Jotuns eyglo, the Alfar fagrahvel, the
+Æsir's sons alskir.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+18. Tell me, Alvis, etc., how the clouds are called, which with
+showers are mingled in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+19. Sky they are called by men, but skurvan by the gods; the Vanir
+call them vindflot, the Jotuns urvan, the Alfar vedrmegin; in Hel they
+are called hialm hulids.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+20. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the wind is called, which widely
+passes over every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+21. Windr 'tis called by men, but vavudr by the gods, the
+wide-ruling powers call it gneggiud, the Jotuns oepir, the Alfar
+dynfari, in Hel they call it hvidudr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+22. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the calm is called, which has to rest
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+23. Logn 'tis called by men, but lægi by the gods, the Vanir call it
+vindslot, the Jotuns ofhly, the Alfar dagsevi, the Dwarfs call it dags
+vera.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+24. Tell me, Alvis! etc., what the sea is called, which men row over
+in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+25. Sær 'tis called by men, but silægia with the gods; the vanir
+call it vagr, the Jotuns alheimr, the Alfar lagastafr, the Dwarfs call
+it diupan mar.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+26. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the fire is called, which burns before
+men's sons in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+27. Eldr 'tis called by men, but by the Æsir funi; the Vanir call it
+vagr, the Jotuns frekr, but the Dwarfs forbrennir; in Hel they call it
+hrodudr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+28. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the forest is called, which grows for
+the sons of men in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+29. Vidr 'tis called by men, but vallarfax by the gods, Hel's
+inmates call it hlidthangr, the Jotuns eldi, the Alfar fagrlimi; the
+Vanir call it vondr.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+30. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the night is called, that Norvi's
+daughter hight, in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+31. Nott it is called by men, but by the gods niol; the wide-ruling
+powers call it grima, the Jotuns olios, the Alfar svefngaman; the
+Dwarfs call it draumniorunn.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+32. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the seed is called, which the sons of
+men sow in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+33. Bygg it is called by men, but by the gods barr, the Vanir call
+it vaxtr, the Jotuns æti, the Alfar lagastafr; in Hel 'tis hnipinn
+called.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+34. Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the beer is called, which the sons of
+men drink in every world.
+
+_Alvis_.
+
+35. Ol it is called by men, but by the Æsir biorr, the Vanir call it
+veig, hreina logr the Jotuns, but in Hel 'tis called miodr: Suttung's
+sons call it sumbl.
+
+_Vingthor_.
+
+36. In one breast I have never found more ancient lore. By great
+wiles thou hast, I tell thee, been deluded. Thou art above ground,
+dwarf! at dawn; already in the hall the sun is shining!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 33: Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif. _Skaldskap_.]
+
+[Footnote 34: This appears to allude to a promise made to the dwarf;
+but of which the story is lost.]
+
+[Footnote 35: When this composition was written, it appears that Hel
+was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HARBARD.
+
+
+Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait or sound, on
+the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
+out:--
+
+1. Who is the knave of knaves, that by the sound stands yonder?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+2. Who is the churl of churls, that cries across the water?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+3. Ferry me across the sound, to-morrow I'll regale thee. I have a
+basket on my back: there is no better food: at my ease I ate, before I
+quitted home, herrings and oats, with which I yet feel sated.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+4. Thou art in haste to praise thy meal: thou surely hast no
+foreknowledge; for sad will be thy home: thy mother, I believe, is
+dead.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+5. Thou sayest now what seems to every one most unwelcome to
+know--that my mother is dead.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+6. Thou dost not look like one who owns three country dwellings,
+bare-legged thou standest, and like a beggar clothed; thou hast not
+even breeches.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+7. Steer hitherward thy boat; I will direct thee where to land. But
+who owns this skiff, which by the strand thou holdest?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+8. Hildolf fief is named who bade me hold it, a man in council wise,
+who dwells in Radso sound. Robbers he bade me not to ferry, or
+horse-stealers, but good men only, and those whom I well knew. Tell me
+then thy name, if thou wilt cross the sound.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+9. I my name will tell, (although I am an outlaw) and all my kin: I
+am Odin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's sire, the gods' mighty
+leader: With Thor thou here mayest speak. I will now ask how thou art
+called.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+10. I am Harbard called; seldom I my name conceal.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+11. Why shouldst thou thy name conceal, unless thou crime hast
+perpetrated?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+12. Yet, though I may crime have perpetrated, I will nathless guard
+my life against such as thou art; unless I death-doomed am.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+13. It seems to me a foul annoyance to wade across the strait to
+thee, and wet my garments: but I will pay thee, mannikin! for thy
+sharp speeches, if o'er the sound I come.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+14. Here will I stand, and here await thee. Thou wilt have found no
+stouter one since Hrungnir's death.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+15. Thou now remindest me how I with Hrungnir fought, that
+stout-hearted Jotun, whose head was all of stone; yet I made him fall,
+and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+16. I was with Fiolvari five winters through, in the isle which
+Algron hight. There we could fight, and slaughter make, many perils
+prove, indulge in love.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+17. How did your women prove towards you?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+18. Sprightly women we had, had they but been meek; shrewd ones we
+had, had they but been kind. Of sand a rope they twisted, and from the
+deep valley dug the earth: to them all I alone was superior in
+cunning. I rested with the sisters seven, and their love and pleasures
+shared. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+19. I slew Thiassi, that stout-hearted Jotun: up I cast the eyes of
+Allvaldi's son into the heaven serene: they are signs the greatest of
+my deeds. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+20. Great seductive arts I used against the riders of the night,[36]
+when from their husbands I enticed them. A mighty Jotun I believed
+Hlebard to be: a magic wand he gave me, but from his wits I charmed
+him.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+21. With evil mind then thou didst good gifts requitè _Harbard_.
+
+22. One tree gets that which, is from another scraped: each one in
+such case is for self. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+23. In the east I was, and slew the Jotun brides, crafty in evil, as
+they to the mountain went. Great would have been the Jotun race, had
+they all lived; and not a man left in Midgard. What meanwhile didst
+thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+24. I was in Valland, and followed warfare; princes I excited, but
+never reconciled. Odin has all the jarls that in conflict fall; but
+Thor the race of thralls.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+25. Unequally thou wouldst divide the folk among the Æsir, if thou
+but hadst the power.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+36. Thor has strength over-much, but courage none; from cowardice
+and fear, thou wast crammed into a glove, and hardly thoughtest thou
+wast Thor. Thou durst not then, through thy terror, either sneeze or
+cough, lest Fialar it might hear.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+27. Harbard, thou wretch! I would strike thee dead, could I but
+stretch my arm across the sound.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+28. Why wouldst thou stretch thy arm across the sound, when there is
+altogether no offence? But what didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+39. In the east I was, and a river I defended, when the sons of
+Svarang me assailed, and with stones pelted me, though in their
+success they little joyed: they were the first to sue for peace. What
+meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+30. I was in the east, and with a certain lass held converse; with
+that fair I dallied, and long meetings had. I that gold-bright one
+delighted; the game amused her.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+31. Then you had kind damsels there?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+32. Of thy aid I had need, Thor! in retaining that maiden lily-fair.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+33. I would have given it thee, if I had had the opportunity.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+34. I would have trusted thee, my confidence if thou hadst not
+betrayed it.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+35. I am not such a heel-chafer as an old leather shoe in spring.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+36. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
+
+_Thor_.
+
+37. The Berserkers' brides I on Læsso cudgeled; they the worst had
+perpetrated, the whole people, had seduced.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+38. Dastardly didst thou act, Thor! when thou didst cudgel women.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+39. She-wolves they were, and scarcely women. They crushed my ship,
+which with props I had secured, with iron clubs threatened me, and
+drove away Thialfi. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+40. I in the army was, which was hither sent, war-banners to raise,
+lances to redden.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+41. Of that thou now wilt speak, as thou wentest forth us hard terms
+to offer.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+42. That shall be indemnified by a hand-ring, such as arbitrators
+give, who wish to reconcile us.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+43. Where didst thou learn words than which I never heard more
+irritating?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+44. From men I learned them, from ancient men, whose home is in the
+woods.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+45. Thou givest certainly a good name to grave-mounds, when thou
+callest them, homes in the woods.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+46. So speak I of such a subject.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+47. Thy shrewd words will bring thee evil, if I resolve the sound to
+ford. Louder than a wolf thou wilt howl, I trow, if of my hammer thou
+gettest a touch.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+48. Sif has a gallant at home; thou wilt anxious be to find him:
+thou shalt that arduous work perform; it will beseem thee better.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+49. Thou utterest what comes upmost, so that to me it be most
+annoying, thou dastardly varlet! I believe thou art lying.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+50. I believe I am telling truth. Thou art travelling slowly; thou
+wouldst have long since arrived, hadst thou assumed another form.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+51. Harbard! thou wretch! rather is it thou who hast detained me.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+52. I never thought that a ferryman could the course of Asa-Thor
+retard.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+53. One advice I now will give thee: row hither with thy boat; let
+us cease from threats; approach the sire of Magni.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+54. Go farther from the sound, the passage is refused thee.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+55. Show me then the way, if thou wilt not ferry me across the
+water.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+56. That's too little to refuse. 'Tis far to go; 'tis to the stock
+an hour, and to the stone another; then keep the left hand way, until
+thou reachest Verland; there will Fiorgyn find her son Thor, and
+point out to him his kinsmen's ways to Odin's land.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+57. Can I get there to-day?
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+58. With pain and toil thou mayest get there, while the sun is up,
+which, I believe, is now nigh.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+59. Our talk shall now be short, as thou answerest with scoffing
+only. For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee, if another time we
+meet.
+
+_Harbard_.
+
+60. Just go to where all the powers of evil may have thee.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 36: Giantesses, witches, etc.]
+
+
+
+
+THE JOURNEY OR LAY OF SKIRNIR.
+
+Frey, son of Niord; had one day seated himself in Hlidskialf, and was
+looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there
+saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to
+her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey's
+attendant was named Skirnir; him Niord desired to speak with Frey;
+when Skadi said:--
+
+1. Rise up now, Skirnir! go and request our son to speak; and
+inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+2. Harsh words I have from your son to fear, if I go to speak with
+him, and to inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+3. Tell me now, Frey, prince of gods! for I desire to know, why
+alone thou sittest in the spacious hall the livelong day?
+
+_Frey_.
+
+4. Why shall I tell thee, thou young man, my mind's great trouble?
+for the Alfs' illuminator shines every day, yet not for my pleasure.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+5. Thy care cannot, I think, be so great, that to me thou canst not
+tell it; for in early days we were young together: well might we trust
+each other.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+6. In Gymir's courts I saw walking a maid for whom I long. Her arms
+gave forth light wherewith shone all air and water.
+
+7. Is more desirable to me that maid than to any youth in early
+days; yet will no one, Æsir or Alfar, that we together live.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+8. Give me but thy steed, which can bear me through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which brandishes itself against the
+Jotuns' race.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+9. I will give thee my steed, which can bear thee through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which will itself brandish, if he is
+bold who raises it.
+
+_Skirnir Speaks to the Horse_.
+
+10. Dark it is without, 'tis time, I say, for us to go across the
+misty fells, over the Thursar's land: we shall both return, or the
+all-potent Jotun will seize us both. Skirnir rides to Jotunheim, to
+Gymir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained at the gate of the
+enclosure that was round Gymir's hall. He rides on to where a cowherd
+was sitting on a mound, and says to him:
+
+11. Tell me, cowherd! as on the mound thou sittest, and watchest all
+the ways, how I to the speech may come, of the young maiden, for
+Gymir's dogs?
+
+_Cowherd_.
+
+12. Either thou art death-doomed, or thou art a departed one. Speech
+wilt thou ever lack with the good maid of Gymir.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+13. Better choices than to whine there are for him who is prepared
+to die: for one day was my age decreed, and my whole life determined.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+14. What is that sound of sounds, which I now sounding hear within
+our dwelling? The earth is shaken, and with it all the house of Gymir
+trembles.
+
+_A serving-maid_.
+
+15. A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets
+his steed browse on the grass.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+16. Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead;
+although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.
+
+17. Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the Æsir's sons, or of the
+wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our
+halls to visit?
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+18. I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the Æsir's sons, nor of the wise
+Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to
+visit.
+
+19. Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee,
+Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives
+dearest.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+20. The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure;
+nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+21. The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young
+son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth
+night.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+22. The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may have been with
+the young son of Odin. I have no lack of gold in Gymir's courts; for
+my father's wealth I share.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+23. Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? I thy head will sever from thy neck, if
+thou speakst not favourably to me.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+24. Suffer compulsion will I never, to please any man; yet this I
+foresee, if thou and Gymir meet, ye will eagerly engage in fight.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+25. Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? Beneath its edge shall the old Jotun fall:
+thy sire is death-doomed.
+
+26. With a taming-wand I smite thee, and I will tame thee, maiden!
+to my will. Thou shalt go thither, where the sons of men shall never
+more behold thee.
+
+27. On an eagle's mount thou shalt early sit, looking and turned
+towards Hel. Food shall to thee more loathsome be than is to any one
+the glistening serpent among men.
+
+28. As a prodigy thou shalt be, when thou goest forth; Hrimnir shall
+at thee gaze, all beings at thee stare; more wide-known thou shalt
+become than the watch among the gods,[37] if thou from thy gratings
+gape.
+
+29. Solitude and disgust, bonds and impatience, shall thy tears with
+grief augment. Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood
+of care, and a double grief.
+
+30. Terrors shall bow thee down the livelong day, in the Jotuns'
+courts. To the Hrimthursar's halls, thou shalt each day crawl
+exhausted, joyless crawl; wail for pastime shalt thou have, and tears
+and misery.
+
+31. With a three-headed Thurs thou shalt be ever bound, or be
+without a mate. Thy mind shall tear thee from morn to morn: as the
+thistle thou shalt be which has thrust itself on the house-top.
+
+32. To the wold I have been, and to the humid grove, a magic wand to
+get. A magic wand I got.
+
+33. Wroth with thee is Odin, wroth with thee is the Æsir's prince;
+Frey shall loathe thee, even ere thou, wicked maid! shalt have felt
+the gods' dire vengeance.
+
+34. Hear ye, Jotuns! hear ye, Hrimthursar! sons of Suttung! also ye,
+Æsir's friends! how I forbid, how I prohibit man's joy unto the
+damsel, man's converse to the damsel.
+
+35. Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named, that shall possess thee, in the
+grating of the dead beneath; there shall wretched thralls, from the
+tree's roots, goats' water give thee. Other drink shalt thou, maiden!
+never get, either for thy pleasure, or for my pleasure.
+
+36. Thurs[38] I cut for thee, and three letters mere: ergi, and
+oedi, and othola. So will I cut them out, as I have cut them, in, if
+there need shall be.
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+37. Hail rather to thee, youth! and accept an icy cup, filled with
+old mead; although I thought not that I ever should love one of Vanir
+race.
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+38. All my errand will I know, ere I hence ride home. When wilt thou
+converse hold with the powerful son of Niord?
+
+_Gerd_.
+
+39. Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.
+
+Skimir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him,
+asking tidings:
+
+40. Tell me, Skirnir! ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, and a foot
+hence thou goest, what thou hast accomplished in Jotunheim, for my
+pleasure or thine?
+
+_Skirnir_.
+
+41. Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+42. Long is one night, yet longer two will be; how shall I three
+endure. Often a month to me less has seemed than half a night of
+longing.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 37: Heimdall.]
+
+[Footnote 38: Thurs, etc., the names of magical runes.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF RIG.
+
+In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the Æsir named Heimdall,
+being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where he
+called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:
+
+1. In ancient days, they say, along the green ways went the powerful
+and upright sagacious As, the strong and active Rig, his onward course
+pursuing.
+
+2. Forward he went on the mid-way, and to a dwelling came. The door
+stood ajar, he went in, fire was on the floor. The man and wife sat
+there, hoary-haired, by the hearth, Ai and Edda, in old guise clad.
+
+3. Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated in the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.
+
+4. Then Edda from the ashes took a loaf, heavy and thick, and with
+bran mixed; more besides she laid on the middle of the board; there in
+a bowl was broth on the table set, there was a calf boiled, of cates
+most excellent.
+
+5. Then rose he up, prepared to sleep: Rig would counsel give to
+them both; laid him down in the middle of the bed; the domestic pair
+lay one on either side.
+
+6. There he continued three nights together, then departed on the
+mid-way. Nine months then passed way.
+
+7. Edda a child brought forth: they with water sprinkled its swarthy
+skin, and named it Thræl.
+
+8. It grew up, and well it throve; of its hands the skin was
+shriveled, the knuckles knotty, * * * and the fingers thick; a hideous
+countenance it had, a curved back, and protruding heels.
+
+9. He then began his strength to prove, bast to bind, make of it
+loads; then faggots carried home, the livelong day.
+
+10. Then to the dwelling came a woman walking, scarred were her
+foot-soles, her arms sunburnt, her nose compressed, her name was Thy.
+
+11. In the middle seat herself she placed; by her sat the house's
+son. They spoke and whispered, prepared a bed, Thræl and Thy, and days
+of care.
+
+12. Children they begat, and lived content: Their names, I think,
+were Hreimr and Fiosnir, Klur and Kleggi, Kefsir, Fulnir, Drumb,
+Digraldi, Drott and Hosvir, Lut and Leggialdi. Fences they erected,
+fields manured, tended swine, kept goats, dug turf.
+
+13. The daughters were Drumba and Kumba, Okkvinkalfa, and Arinnefia,
+Ysia and Ambatt, Eikintiasna, Totrughypia, and Tronubeina, whence are
+sprung the race of thralls.
+
+14. Rig then went on, in a direct course, and came to a house; the
+door stood ajar: he went in; fire was on the floor, man and wife sat
+there engaged at work.
+
+15. The man was planing wood for a weaver's beam; his beard was
+trimmed, a lock was on his forehead, his shirt close; his chest stood
+on the floor.
+
+16. His wife sat by, plied her rock, with outstretched arms,
+prepared for clothing. A hood was on her head, a loose sark over her
+breast, a kerchief round her neck, studs on her shoulders. Afi and
+Amma owned the house.
+
+17. Rig would counsel give to them both; rose from the table,
+prepared to sleep; laid him down in the middle of the bed, the
+domestic pair lay one on either side.
+
+18. There he continued three nights together. Nine months then
+passed away. Amma a child brought forth, they with water sprinkled it,
+and called it Karl. The mother in linen swathed the ruddy redhead: its
+eyes twinkled.
+
+19. It grew up, and well throve; learned to tame oxen, make a
+plough, houses build, and barns construct, make carts, and the plough
+drive.
+
+20. Then they home conveyed a lass with pendent keys, and goatskin
+kirtle; married her to Karl. Snor was her name, under a veil she sat.
+The couple dwelt together, rings exchanged, spread couches, and a
+household formed.
+
+21. Children they begat, and lived content. Hal and Dreng, these
+were named, Held, Thegn, Smith, Breidr-bondi, Bundinskegg, Bui and
+Boddi, Brattskegg and Segg.
+
+22. But [the daughters] were thus called, by other names: Snot,
+Brud, Svanni, Svarri, Sprakki, Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, Feima, Ristil;
+whence are sprung the races of churls.
+
+23. Rig then went thence, in a direct course, and came to a hall:
+the entrance looked southward, the door was half closed, a ring was on
+the door-post.
+
+24. He went in; the floor was strewed, a couple sat facing each
+other, Fadir and Modir, with fingers playing.
+
+25. The husband sat, and twisted string, bent his bow, and
+arrow-shafts prepared; but the housewife looked on her arms, smoothed
+her veil, and her sleeves fastened;
+
+26. Her head-gear adjusted. A clasp was on her breast; ample her
+robe, her sark was blue; brighter was her brow, her breast fairer, her
+neck whiter than driven snow.
+
+27. Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated on the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.
+
+28. Then took Modir a figured cloth of white linen, and the table
+decked. She then took thin cakes of snow-white wheat, and on the table
+laid.
+
+29. She set forth salvers full, adorned with silver, on the table
+game and pork, and roasted birds. In a can was wine; the cups were
+ornamented. They drank and talked; the day was fast departing, Rig
+would counsel give to them both.
+
+30. Rig then rose, the bed prepared; there he then remained three
+nights together, then departed on the mid-way. Nine months after that
+passed away.
+
+31. Modir then brought forth a boy: in silk they wrapped him, with
+water sprinkled him, and named him Jarl. Light was his hair, bright
+his cheeks, his eyes piercing as a young serpent's.
+
+32. There at home Jarl grew up, learned the shield to shake, to fix
+the string, the bow to bend, arrows to shaft, javelins to hurl,
+spears to brandish, horses to ride, dogs to let slip, swords to draw,
+swimming to practise.
+
+33. Thither from the forest came Rig walking, Rig walking: runes he
+taught him, his own name gave him, and his own son declared him, whom
+he bade possess his alodial fields, his alodial fields, his ancient
+dwellings.
+
+34. Jarl then rode thence, through a murky way, over humid fells,
+till to a hall he came. His spear he brandished, his shield he shook,
+made his horse curvet, and his falchion drew, strife began to raise,
+the field to redden, carnage to make; and conquer lands.
+
+35. Then he ruled alone over eight vills, riches distributed, gave
+to all treasures and precious things; lank-sided horses, rings he
+dispersed, and collars cut in pieces.[39]
+
+36. The nobles drove through humid ways, came to a hall, where
+Hersir dwelt; there they found a slender maiden, fair and elegant,
+Erna her name.
+
+37. They demanded her, and conveyed her home, to Jarl espoused her;
+she under the linen[40] went. They together lived, and well throve,
+had offspring, and old age enjoyed.
+
+38. Bur was their eldest, Barn the second, Jod and Adal, Arfi, Mog,
+Nid and Nidjung. They learned games; Son and Svein swam and at tables
+played. One was named Kund, Kon was youngest.
+
+39. There grew up Jarl's progeny; horses they broke, curved shields,
+cut arrows, brandished spears.
+
+40. But the young Kon understood runes, æfin-runes, and aldr-runes;
+he moreover knew men to preserve, edges to deaden, the sea to calm.
+
+41. He knew the voice of birds, how fires to mitigate, assuage and
+quench; sorrows to allay. He of eight men had the strength and energy.
+
+42. He with Rig Jarl in runes contended, artifices practised, and
+superior proved; then acquired Rig to be called, and skilled in runes.
+
+43. The young Kon rode through swamps and forests, hurled forth
+darts, and tamed birds.
+
+44. Then sang the crow, sitting lonely on a bough! "Why wilt thou,
+young Kon: tame the birds? rather shouldst thou, young Kon! on horses
+ride * * * and armies overcome.
+
+45. Nor Dan nor Danp halls more costly had, nobler paternal seats,
+than ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
+wounds to inflict.
+
+The rest is wanting.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 39: A common practice: the pieces served as money.]
+
+[Footnote 40: The nuptial veil.]
+
+
+
+
+OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.
+
+Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the Æsir, after he
+had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
+entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
+in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
+and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
+being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
+and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
+attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other Æsir and Alfar were also
+present.
+
+Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
+instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
+was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
+Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
+Fimafeng; whereupon the Æsir shook their shields, exclaimed against
+Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
+came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:
+
+1. Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
+what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?
+
+_Eldir_.
+
+2. Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
+the triumphant gods. Of the Æsir and the Alfar that are here within
+not one has a friendly word for thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+3. I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
+hate to the Æsir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.
+
+_Eldir_.
+
+4. Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
+compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
+powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?
+
+_Loki_.
+
+5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
+contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?
+
+Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
+in, they all sat silent.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+6. I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
+beseech the Æsir one draught to give me of the bright mead.
+
+7. Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
+seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+8. A seat and place will the Æsir never choose for thee at their
+board; for well the Æsir know for whom they ought to hold a joyous
+compotation.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+9. Odin! dost thou remember when we in early days blended our blood
+together? When to taste beer thou didst constantly refuse, unless to
+both 'twas offered?
+
+_Odin_.
+
+10. Rise up, Vidar! and let the wolf's sire sit at our compotation;
+that Loki may not utter words of contumely in Oegir's hall.
+
+Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus
+addressed the Æsir:
+
+11. Hail, Æsir! Hail, Asyniur! And ye, all-holy gods! all, save that
+one As, who sits within there, Bragi, on yonder bench.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+12. A horse and falchion I from my stores will give thee, and also
+with a ring reward thee, if thou the Æsir wilt not requite with
+malice. Provoke not the gods against thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+13. Of horse and rings wilt thou ever, Bragi! be in want. Of the
+Æsir and the Alfar, that are here present, in conflict thou art the
+most backward, and in the play of darts most timid.
+
+_Bragi_.
+
+14. I know that were I without, as I am now within, the hall of
+Oegir, I thy head would bear in my hand, and so for lying punish thee.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+15. Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi! but so thou shouldst not
+be, Bragi, the bench's pride! Go and fight, if thou art angry; a brave
+man sits not considering.
+
+_Idun_.
+
+16. I pray thee, Bragi! let avail the bond of children, and of all
+adopted sons, and to Loki speak not in reproachful words, in Oegir's
+hall.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+17. Be silent, Idun! of all women I declare thee most fond of men,
+since thou thy arms, carefully washed, didst twine round thy brother's
+murderer.
+
+_Idun_.
+
+18. Loki I address not with opprobrious words, in Oegir's hall.
+Bragi I soothe, by beer excited. I desire not that angry ye fight.
+
+_Gefion_.
+
+19. Why will ye, Æsir twain, here within, strive with reproachful
+words? Lopt perceives not that he is deluded, and is urged on by fate.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+20. Be silent, Gefion! I will now just mention, how that fair youth
+thy mind corrupted, who thee a necklace gave, and around whom thou thy
+limbs didst twine?
+
+_Odin_.
+
+21. Thou art raving, Loki! and hast lost thy wits, in calling
+Gefion's anger on thee; for all men's destinies, I ween, she knows as
+thoroughly as I do.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+22. Be silent, Odin! Thou never couldst allot conflicts between men:
+oft hast thou given to those to whom thou oughtest not--victory to
+cowards.
+
+_Odin_.
+
+23. Knowest thou that I gave to those I ought not--victory to
+cowards? Thou wast eight winters on the earth below, a milch cow and a
+woman, and didst there bear children. Now that, methinks, betokens a
+base nature.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+24. But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and
+knocked at houses as a Vala. In likeness of a fortune teller, thou
+wentest among people. Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+25. Your doings ye should never publish among men, what ye, Æsir
+twain, did in days of yore. Ever forgotten be men's former deeds!
+
+_Loki_.
+
+26. Be thou silent, Frigg! Thou art Fiorgyn's daughter, and ever
+hast been fond of men, since Ve and Vili, it is said, thou, Vidrir's
+wife, didst both to thy bosom take.
+
+_Frigg_.
+
+27. Know thou that if I had, in Oegir's halls, a son like Baldr, out
+thou shouldst not go from the Æsir's sons: thou should'st have been
+fiercely assailed.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+28. But wilt thou, Frigg! that of my wickedness I more recount? I am
+the cause that thou seest not Baldr riding to the halls.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+29. Mad art thou, Loki! in recounting thy foul misdeeds. Frigg, I
+believe, knows all that happens, although she says it not.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+30. Be thou silent, Freyia! I know thee full well; thou art not free
+from vices: of the Æsir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been
+thy paramour.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+31. False is thy tongue. Henceforth it will, I think, prate no good
+to thee. Wroth with thee are the Æsir, and the Asyniur. Sad shalt thou
+home depart.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+32. Be silent, Freyia! Thou art a sorceress, and with much evil
+blended; since against thy brother thou the gentle powers excited. And
+then, Freyia! what didst thou do?
+
+_Niord_.
+
+33. It is no great wonder, if silk-clad dames get themselves
+husbands, lovers; but 'tis a wonder that a wretched As, that has borne
+children, should herein enter.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+34. Be silent, Niord! Thou wast sent eastward hence, a hostage from
+the gods. Hymir's daughters had thee for an utensil, and flowed into
+thy mouth.[41] _Niord_.
+
+35. 'Tis to me a solace, as I a long way hence was sent, a hostage
+from the gods, that I had a son, whom no one hates, and accounted is a
+chief among the Æsir.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+36. Cease now, Niord! in bounds contain thyself; I will no longer
+keep it secret: it was with thy sister thou hadst such a son; hardly
+worse than thyself.
+
+_Ty_.
+
+37. Frey is best of all the exalted gods in the Æsir's courts: no
+maid he makes to weep, no wife of man, and from bonds looses all.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+38. Be silent, Ty! Thou couldst never settle a strife 'twixt two; of
+thy right hand also I must mention make, which Fenrir from thee tore.
+
+_Ty_.
+
+39. I of a hand am wanting, but thou of honest fame; sad is the lack
+of either. Nor is the wolf at ease: he in bonds must bide, until the
+gods' destruction.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+40. Be silent, Ty; to thy wife it happened to have a son by me. Nor
+rag nor penny ever hadst thou, poor wretch! for this injury.
+
+_Frey_.
+
+41. I the wolf see lying at the river's mouth, until the powers are
+swept away. So shalt thou be bound, if thou art not silent, thou
+framer of evil.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+42. With gold thou boughtest Gymir's daughter, and so gavest away
+thy sword: but when Muspell's sons through the dark forest ride, thou,
+unhappy, wilt not have wherewith to fight.
+
+_Byggvir_.
+
+43. Know that were I of noble race, like Ingun's Frey, and had so
+fair a dwelling, than marrow softer I would bray that ill-boding crow,
+and crush him limb by limb.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+44. What little thing is that I see wagging its tail, and snapping
+eagerly? At the ears of Frey thou shouldst ever be, and clatter under
+mills.
+
+_Byggvir_.
+
+45. Byggvir I am named, and am thought alert, by all gods and men;
+therefore am I joyful here, that all the sons of Hropt drink beer
+together.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+46. Be silent, Byggvir! Thou couldst never dole out food to men,
+when, lying in thy truckle bed, thou wast not to be found, while men
+were fighting.
+
+_Heimdall_.
+
+47. Loki, thou art drunk, and hast lost thy wits. Why dost thou not
+leave off, Loki? But drunkenness so rules every man, that he knows not
+of his garrulity.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+48. Be silent, Heimdall! For thee in early days was that hateful
+life decreed: with a wet back thou must ever be, and keep watch as
+guardian of the gods.
+
+_Skadi_.
+
+49. Thou art merry, Loki! Not long wilt thou frisk with an unbound
+tail; for thee, on a rock's point, with the entrails of thy ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+50. Know, if on a rock's point, with the entrails of my ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind me, that first and foremost I was at the
+slaying, when we assailed Thiassi.
+
+_Skadi_.
+
+51. Know, if first and foremost thou wast at the slaying, when ye
+assailed Thiassi, that from my dwellings and fields shall to thee ever
+cold counsels come.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+52. Milder wast thou of speech to Laufey's son, when to thy bed thou
+didst invite me. Such matters must be mentioned, if we accurately must
+recount our vices.
+
+Then came Sif forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup,
+saying:
+
+53. Hail to thee, Loki! and this cool cup receive, full of old mead:
+at least me alone, among the blameless Æsir race, leave stainless.
+
+He took the horn, drank, and said:
+
+54. So alone shouldst thou be, hadst thou strict and prudent been
+towards thy mate; but one I know, and, I think, know him well, a
+favoured rival of Hlorridi, and that is the wily Loki.
+
+_Beyla_.
+
+55. The fells all tremble: I think Hlorridi is from home journeying.
+He will bid be quiet him who here insults all gods and men.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+56. Be silent, Beyla! Thou art Byggvir's wife, and with much evil
+mingled: never came a greater monster among the Æsir's sons. Thou art
+a dirty strumpet.
+
+Thor then came in and said:
+
+57. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. I will thy head from thy neck strike; then will thy
+life be ended.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+58. Now the son of earth is hither come. Why dost thou chafe so,
+Thor? Thou wilt not dare do so, when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
+and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+59. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Up I will hurl thee to the east region, and none
+shall see thee after.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+60. Of thy eastern travels thou shouldest never to people speak,
+since in a glove-thumb thou, Einheri! wast doubled up, and hardly
+thoughtest thou wast Thor.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+61. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating: with this right hand I, Hrungnir's bane, will smite
+thee, so that thy every bone be broken.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+62. 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though with thy hammer
+thou dost threaten me. Skrymir's thongs seemed to thee hard, when at
+the food thou couldst not get, when, in full health, of hunger dying.
+
+_Thor_.
+
+63. Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Hrungnir's bane shall cast thee down to Hel, beneath
+the gratings of the dead.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+64. I have said before the Æsir, I have said before the Æsir's sons,
+that which my mind suggested: but for thee alone will I go out;
+because I know that thou wilt fight.
+
+65. Oegir! thou hast brewed beer; but thou never shalt henceforth a
+compotation hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame shall
+play over, and on thy back shall burn thee.
+
+After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the
+waterfall of Franangr, where the Æsir caught him, and bound him with
+the entrails of his son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed
+into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous serpent, and fastened it up over
+Loki's face. The venom trickled down from it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat
+by, and held a basin under the venom; and when the basin was full,
+carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki, who shrank
+from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
+are now called earthquakes.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 41: The events related in this strophe are probably a mere
+perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niord's history.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.
+
+1. From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the
+giant race.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place
+for thee.
+
+2. What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering
+round the perilous flame? Whom dost thou seek? Of what art thou in
+quest? Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+3. What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the
+wayfarer offers not hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast
+thou lived: but hence hie thee home.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+4. Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not
+prodigal. Within these courts thou shalt never come: so now, wretch!
+take thyself off.
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+5. From the eye's delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is
+something pleasant to be seen. These walls, methinks, shine around
+golden halls. Here I could live contented with my lot.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+6. Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast
+sprung.
+
+_Wanderer_.
+
+7. Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was
+Fiolkald.
+
+8. Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to
+know: who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+9. Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin's
+son. She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+10. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which
+among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+11. Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi's three sons constructed
+it: a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+12. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is called, than
+which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+13. Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's
+limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world
+lasts.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+14. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase
+away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+15. Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst
+know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+16. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those
+fierce assailants sleep?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+17. Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the
+watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so
+that no wight can enter if he comes.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+18. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can
+get, such that they can run in while they eat?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+19. Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that wouldst know:
+that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they
+eat.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+20. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its
+branches spreads itself over every land?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+21. Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it
+springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron
+will harm it.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+22. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed
+tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+23. Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out
+then will pass what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+24. Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the cock is called that sits in
+that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+25. Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs
+of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the
+swart bird at his lonely meal.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+26. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before
+which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+27. Hævatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the
+gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with
+nine strong locks secured.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+28. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who
+seeks after, and will take, that rod?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+29. He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he
+bears that which few possess to the dame of the glassy clay.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+30. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that
+mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+31. The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag
+shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an
+arm for conflict.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+32. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is
+girt round with a curious flickering flame?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+33. Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's
+point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay
+known.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+34. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the Æsir's sons has that
+constructed, which within the court I saw?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+35. Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri,
+Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+36. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I
+see a splendid maiden stand?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the
+bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a
+year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+38. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., how those maids are called, who sit at
+Menglod's knees in harmony together?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+39. Hlif the first is called, the second is Hlifthursa, the third
+Thiodvarta, Biort and Blid, Blidr, Frid, Eir and Orboda.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+40. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether they protect those who offer
+to them, if it should, be needful?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+41. Every summer in which men offer to them, at the holy place, no
+pestilence so great shall come to the sons of men, but they will free
+each from peril.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+42. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any man that may in
+Menglod's soft arms sleep?
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+43. There is no man who may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only
+Svipdag; to him the sun-bright maid is for wife betrothed.
+
+_Vindkald_.
+
+44. Set the doors open! Let the gate stand wide; here thou mayest
+Svipdag see; but yet go learn if Menglod will accept my love.
+
+_Fiolsvith_.
+
+45. Hear, Menglod! A man is hither come: go and behold the stranger;
+the dogs rejoice; the house has itself opened. I think it must be
+Svipdag.
+
+_Menglod_.
+
+46. Fierce ravens shall, on the high gallows, tear out thy eyes, if
+thou art lying, that hither from afar is come the youth unto my halls.
+
+47. Whence art thou come? Whence hast thou journeyed? How do thy
+kindred call thee? Of thy race and name I must have a token, if I was
+betrothed to thee.
+
+_Svipdag_.
+
+48. Svipdag I am named, Solbiart was my father named; thence the
+winds on the cold ways drove me. Urd's decree may no one gainsay,
+however lightly uttered.
+
+_Menglod_.
+
+49. Welcome thou art: my will I have obtained; greeting a kiss shall
+follow. A sight unlooked-for gladdens most persons, when one the other
+loves.
+
+50. Long have I sat on my loved hill, day and night expecting thee.
+Now that is come to pass which I have hoped, that thou, dear youth,
+again to my halls art come.
+
+_Svipdag_.
+
+51. Longing I have undergone for thy love; and thou, for my
+affection. Now it is certain, that we shall pass our lives together.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HYNDLA.
+
+Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the
+purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's genealogy, such
+information being required by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr.
+Having obtained this, Freyia further requests Hyndla to give Ottar a
+potion (minnisol) that will enable him to remember all that has been
+told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having
+encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but
+accompanied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a blessing.
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+1. Wake, maid of maids! Wake, my friend! Hyndla! Sister! who in the
+cavern dwellest. Now there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall
+ride, and to the holy fane.
+
+2. Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and
+grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet,
+and from him Sigmund a sword received.
+
+3. Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to
+the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy
+to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.
+
+4. She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may
+be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.
+
+5. Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with
+runic rein.[42] _Hyndla_.
+
+6. Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+7. I will my noble palfrey saddle.
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+8. False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest
+it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,[43]
+the young Ottar, Innstein's son.
+
+9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest
+that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles
+with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two
+skilful dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. From the saddle we will talk: let us
+sit, and of princely families discourse, of those chieftains who from
+the gods descend. They have contested for the dead's gold, Ottar the
+young and Angantyr.
+
+10. A duty 'tis to act so that the young prince his paternal
+heritage may have, after his kindred.
+
+11. An offer-stead to me he raised, with stones constructed; now is
+that stone as glass become. With the blood of oxen he newly sprinkled
+it. Ottar ever trusted in the Asyniur.
+
+12. Now let us reckon up the ancient families, and the races of
+exalted men. Who are the Skioldungs? Who are the Skilfings? Who the
+Odlings? Who the Ylfings? Who the hold-born? Who the hers-born? The
+choicest race of men under heaven?
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+13. Thou, Ottar! art of Innstein born, but Innstein was from Alf the
+Old, Alf was from Ulf, Ulf from Sæfari, but Sæfari from Svan the Red.
+
+14. Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces famed, she, I think,
+was named Hledis the priestess; Frodi her father was, and her mother
+Friant: all that stock is reckoned among chieftains.
+
+15. Ali was of old of men the strongest, Halfdan before him, the
+highest of the Skioldungs; (Famed were the wars by those chieftains
+led) his deeds seemed to soar to the skirts of heaven.
+
+16. By Eimund aided, chief of men, he Sigtrygg slew with the cold
+steel. He Almveig had to wife, first of women. They begat and had
+eighteen sons.
+
+17. From them the Skioldungs, from them the Skilfings, from them the
+Odlings, from them the Ynglings, from them the hold-born, from them
+the hers-born, the choicest race of men under heaven. All that race is
+thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+18. Hildegun her mother was, of Svafa born and a sea-king. All that
+race is thine, Ottar Heimski! Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a
+longer narrative?
+
+19. Dag wedded Thora, mother of warriors: of that race were born the
+noble champions, Fradmar, Gyrd, and the Frekis both, Am, Josur, Mar,
+Alf the Old. Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a longer
+narrative?
+
+20. Ketil their friend was named, heir of Klyp; he was maternal
+grandsire of thy mother. Then was Frodi yet before Kari, but the
+eldest born was Alf.
+
+21. Nanna was next, Nokkvi's daughter; her son was thy father's
+kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd and Horfi. All
+that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+22. Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's sons and Skurhild's Skekkil's daughter;
+thou shalt yet count chieftains many. All that race is thine, Ottar
+Heimski!
+
+23. Gunnar, Balk, Grim, Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi,
+Bui and Brami, Barri and Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, the two Haddingis.
+All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+24. To toil and tumult were the sons of Arngrim born, and of Eyfura:
+ferocious berserkir, calamity of every kind, by land and sea, like
+fire they carried. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+25. I knew both Brodd and Horfi, they were in the court of Hrolf the
+Old; all descended from Jormunrek, son-in-law of Sigurd. (Listen to my
+story) the dread of nations, him who Fafnir slew.
+
+26. He was a king, from Volsung sprung, and Hiordis from Hrodung;
+but Eylimi from the Odlings. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+27. Gunnar and Hogni, sons of Giuki; and Gudrun likewise, their
+sister. Guttorm; was not of Giuki's race, although he brother was of
+them both. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+28. Harald Hildetonn, born of Hrærekir Slongvanbaugi; he was a son
+of Aud, Aud the rich was Ivar's daughter; but Radbard was Randver's
+father. They were heroes to the gods devoted. All that race is thine,
+Ottar Heimski!
+
+29. There were eleven Æsir reckoned, when Baldr on the pile was
+laid; him Vali showed himself worthy to avenge, his own brother: he
+the slayer slew. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!
+
+30. Baldr's father was son of Bur: Frey to wife had Gerd, she was
+Gymir's daughter, from Jotuns sprung and Aurboda; Thiassi also was
+their relation, that haughty Jotun; Skadi was his daughter.
+
+31. We tell thee much, and remember more: I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
+
+32. Haki was not the worst of Hvedna's sons, and Hiorvard was
+Hvedna's father; Heid and Hrossthiof were of Hrimnir's race.
+
+33. All the Valas are from Vidolf; all the soothsayers from
+Vilmeidr, all the sorcerers from Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns come from
+Ymir.
+
+34. We tell thee much, and more remember, I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
+
+35. There was one born, in times of old, with wondrous might
+endowed, of origin divine: nine Jotun maids gave birth to the gracious
+god, at the world's margin.
+
+36. Gialp gave him birth, Greip gave him birth, Eistla gave him
+birth, and Angeia; Ulfrun gave him birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd and Atla,
+and Jarnsaxa.
+
+37. The boy was nourished with the strength of earth, with the
+ice-cold sea, and with Son's blood. We tell thee much, and more
+remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. Wishest thou a yet longer
+narrative?
+
+38. Loki begat the wolf with Angrboda, but Sleipnir he begat with
+Svadilfari: one monster seemed of all most deadly, which from
+Byleist's brother sprang.
+
+39. Loki, scorched up in his heart's affections, had found a
+half-burnt woman's heart. Loki became guileful from that wicked woman;
+thence in the world are all giantesses come.
+
+40. Ocean towers with storms to heaven itself, flows o'er the land;
+the air is rent: thence come snows and rapid winds; then it is decreed
+that the rain should cease.
+
+41. There was one born greater than all, the boy was nourished with
+the strength of earth; he was declared a ruler, mightiest and richest,
+allied by kinship to all princes.
+
+42. Then shall another come, yet mightier, although I dare not his
+name declare. Few may see further forth than when Odin meets the wolf.
+
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+43. Bear thou the memory-cup to my guest, so that he may all the
+words repeat of this, discourse, on the third morn, when he and
+Angantyr reckon up races.
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+44. Go thou quickly hence, I long to sleep; more of my wondrous
+power thou gettest not from me. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at
+nights, as among he-goats the she-goat goes.
+
+45. Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen
+under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among
+he-goats, the she-goat goes.
+
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+46. Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so that thou goest
+not ever away from hence.
+
+
+_Hyndla_.
+
+47. Fire I see burning, and the earth blazing; many will have their
+lives to save. Bear thou the cup to Ottar's hand, the mead with venom
+mingled, in an evil hour!
+
+_Freyia_.
+
+48. Thy malediction shall be powerless; although thou, Jotun-maid!
+dost evil threaten. He shall drink delicious draughts. All the gods I
+pray to favour Ottar.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 42: That is, with a rein inscribed with runes.]
+
+[Footnote 43: The road to Valhall.]
+
+
+
+
+THE INCANTATION OF GROA.
+
+_Son_.
+
+1. Wake up, Groa! wake up, good woman! at the gates of death I wake
+thee! if thou rememberest, that thou thy son badest to thy grave-mound
+to come.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+2. What now troubles my only son? With what affliction art thou
+burthened, that thou thy mother callest, who to dust is come, and from
+human homes departed?
+
+_Son_.
+
+3. A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my
+has father in his bosom cherished, when thou badest me go no one knows
+whither, Menglod to meet.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+4. Long is the journey, long are the ways, long are men's desires.
+If it so fall out, that thou thy will obtainest, the event must then
+be as it may.
+
+_Son_.
+
+5. Sing to me songs which are good. Mother! protect thy son. Dead on
+my way I fear to be. I seem too young in years.
+
+_Mother_.
+
+6. I will sing to thee first one that is thought most useful, which
+Rind sang to Ran; that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast what to
+thee seems irksome: let thyself thyself direct.
+
+7. A second I will sing to thee, as thou hast to wander joyless on
+thy ways. May Urd's protection hold thee on every side, where thou
+seest turpitude.
+
+8. A third I will sing to thee. If the mighty rivers to thy life's
+peril fall, Horn and Rud, may they flow down to Hel, and for thee ever
+be diminished.
+
+9. A fourth I will sing to thee. If foes assail thee ready on the
+dangerous road, their hearts shall fail them, and to thee be power,
+and their minds to peace be turned.
+
+10. A fifth I will sing to thee. If bonds be cast on thy limbs,
+friendly spells I will let on thy joints be sung, and the lock from
+thy arms shall start, [and from thy feet the fetter].
+
+11. A sixth I will sing to thee. If on the sea thou comest, more
+stormy than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag attend
+thee, and a tranquil course afford thee.
+
+12. A seventh I will sing to thee. If on a mountain high frost
+should assail thee, deadly cold shall not thy carcase injure, nor draw
+thy body to thy limbs.
+
+13. An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out
+on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to
+do thee harm.
+
+14. A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed spear-armed
+Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart
+abundance shall be given.
+
+15. Go now ever where calamity may be, and no harm shall obstruct
+thy wishes. On a stone fast in the earth I have stood within the door,
+while songs I sang to thee.
+
+16. My son! bear hence thy mother's words, and in thy breast let
+them dwell; for happiness abundant shalt thou have in life, while of
+my words thou art mindful.
+
+
+
+
+THE SONG OF THE SUN.
+
+This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts,
+assigned to Sæmund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given
+under the form of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to
+address his son from another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly
+connected with the following ones, which, as far as the 32nd consist
+chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling those in
+the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital of the last
+illness of the supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
+passed through on the way to its final home.
+
+The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and
+Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's own religion was in a
+transition state. Of the allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be
+observed that they are chiefly to persons and actions of which there
+is no trace in the Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly
+the fruits of the poet's own imagination. The title of the poem is no
+doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning of
+strophes 39-45.
+
+For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version
+of "the Song of the Sun," the reader may consult "Les Chants de Sol,"
+by Professor Bergmann, Strasbourg & Paris, 1858.
+
+1. Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over
+the ways beset by him might no one living pass.
+
+2. Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast;
+until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from
+the way.
+
+3. In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be:
+with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so
+evil-minded.
+
+4. Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart;
+on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was
+an evil-doer.
+
+5. Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly
+treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his
+wary cautious host.
+
+6. The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke;
+but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he
+had slain.
+
+7. Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in
+a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.
+
+8. Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with
+him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command
+his tranquillity.
+
+9. Unnar and Sævaldi never imagined that happiness would fall from
+them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran
+to the forest.
+
+10. The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often
+caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them
+pure created.
+
+11. United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the
+other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was
+destined for their perdition.
+
+12. On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or
+joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright
+form.
+
+13. Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they
+enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful
+friends.
+
+14. Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm
+they went,[44] for that fair woman, and each one found his death.
+
+15. Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those
+who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.
+
+16. Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their
+well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.
+
+17. They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be
+above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to
+appoint.
+
+18. A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had gold for
+sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and
+fire.
+
+19. To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair:
+promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.
+
+20. So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in
+Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer,
+but he proved false.
+
+21. Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return
+promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together
+drank; but then came forth their guile.
+
+22. Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode,
+they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go
+forth.
+
+23. His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal)
+into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.
+
+24. His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but
+the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.
+
+25. Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in
+spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy
+will.
+
+26. For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with
+evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to
+the soul.
+
+27. On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind
+created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.
+
+28. To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that
+which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing
+asks: few heed the wants of the silent.
+
+29. Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door;
+thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of
+the feast partake.
+
+30. Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no
+one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.
+
+31. Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he
+will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.
+
+32. Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to
+thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all
+useful to learn.
+
+33. Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and
+secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.
+
+34. Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money
+crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow: many have riches driven
+to madness.
+
+35. Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me:
+our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.
+
+36. Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous;
+but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the
+doomed.
+
+37. The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend
+them, but they were strong. 'Tis easy free to go.
+
+38. I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of
+Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.
+
+39. The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but
+Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.
+
+40. The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from
+this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she
+was before.
+
+41. The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I
+bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.
+
+42. The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to
+know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with
+blood.
+
+43. The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for
+my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.
+
+44. The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world
+declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.
+
+45. The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the
+mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.
+
+46. The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away;
+high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.
+
+47. Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I
+lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: "Man is the same as
+earth."
+
+48. The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven
+and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.
+
+49. Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of
+my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.
+
+50. Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too
+much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.
+
+51. In the Norns' seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a
+horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping
+clouds of heaven.
+
+52. Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether
+worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the
+readiest paths.
+
+53. Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds
+of torment came:--scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as
+flies.
+
+54. From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Glæval's paths
+obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and
+heaven to burst.
+
+55. The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two
+together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to
+heaven.
+
+56. From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in
+all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's
+well.
+
+57. The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I
+heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground
+earth for food.
+
+58. Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts
+hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.
+
+59. Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed-strewed paths; their
+faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.
+
+60. Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not
+have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly
+characters.
+
+61. I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune;
+bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.
+
+62. I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild:
+this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.
+
+63. I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's
+property: in shoals they went to Castle-covetous, and burthens bore of
+lead.
+
+64. I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft:
+through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.
+
+65. I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands
+were on hot stones firmly nailed.
+
+66. I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly;
+their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.
+
+67. I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered:
+Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.
+
+68. All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which Hel's inmates
+suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties: pains ever follow
+pleasure.
+
+69. I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights
+were above their heads brightly burning.
+
+70. I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid:
+angels, read holy books above their heads.
+
+71. I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted:
+God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.
+
+72. I saw those men who had put food into their mothers' mouth:
+their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.
+
+73. Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of those men,
+who for a long time had themselves tormented.
+
+74. Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to
+God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.
+
+75. Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I
+pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.
+
+76. Biugvor and Iyistvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat;
+iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.
+
+77. Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her
+sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.
+
+78. Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone obtained for
+thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise
+Vigdvalin.
+
+79. Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine,
+Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.
+
+80. How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi!
+bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil
+custom.
+
+81. This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living
+sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.
+
+82. Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's
+rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living
+comfort.
+
+83. Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen
+the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the
+Sun-song.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 44: That is, _they engaged in single combat_; the spot for
+such encounters being called a _holm_, consisting of a circular space
+marked out by stones.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF VOLUND.
+
+There was a king in Sweden named Nidud: he had two sons and a
+daughter, whose name was Bodvild. There were three brothers, sons of a
+king of the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil, the third
+Volund. They went on snow-shoes and hunted wild-beasts. They came to
+Ulfdal, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water
+called Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake
+three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their
+swan-plumages: they were Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and
+Hervor-Alvit, were daughters of King Hlodver; the third was Olrun, a
+daughter of Kiar of Valland. They took them home with them to their
+dwelling. Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit. They
+lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and
+did not return. Egil then went on snow-shoes in search of Olrun, and
+Slagfid in search of Svanhvit, but Volund remained in Ulfdal. He was a
+most skilful man, as we learn from old traditions. King Nidud ordered
+him to be seized, so as it is here related.
+
+1. Maids flew from the south, through the murky wood, Alvit the
+young, fate to fulfil. On the lake's margin they sat to repose, the
+southern damsels; precious flax they spun.
+
+2. One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil
+clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the
+third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund.
+
+3. There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were
+with longing seized; and in the ninth fate parted them. The maidens
+yearned for the murky wood, the young Alvit, fate to fulfil.
+
+4. From the chase came the ardent hunters, Slagfid and Egil, found
+their house deserted, went out and in, and looked around. Egil went
+east after Olrun, and Slagfid west after Svanhvit;
+
+5. But Volund alone remained in Ulfdal. He the red gold set with the
+hard gem, well fastened all the rings on linden bast, and so awaited
+his bright consort, if to him she would return.
+
+6. It was told to Nidud, the Niarars' lord, that Volund alone
+remained in Ulfdal. In the night went men, in studded corslets, their
+shields glistened in the waning moon.
+
+7. From their saddles they alighted at the house's gable, thence
+went in through the house. On the bast they saw the rings all drawn,
+seven hundred, which the warrior owned.
+
+8. And they took them off, and they put them on, all save one, which
+they bore away. Came then from the chase the ardent hunter, Volund,
+gliding[45] on the long way.
+
+9. To the fire he went, bear's flesh to roast. Soon blazed the
+brushwood, and the arid fir, the wind-dried wood, before Volund.
+
+10. On the bearskin sat, his rings counted, the Alfar's companion:
+one was missing. He thought that Hlodver's daughter had it, the young
+Alvit, and that she was returned.
+
+11. So long he sat until he slept; and he awoke of joy bereft: on
+his hands he felt heavy constraints, and round his feet fetters
+clasped.
+
+12. "Who are the men that on the rings' possessor have laid bonds?
+and me have bound?"
+
+13. Then cried Nidud, the Niarars' lord: "Whence gottest thou,
+Volund! Alfars' chief![46] our gold, in Ulfdal?"
+
+14. "No gold was here in Grani's path, far I thought our land from
+the hills of Rhine. I mind me that we more treasures possessed, when,
+a whole family, we were at home.
+
+15. Hladgud and Hervor were of Hlodver born; known was Olrun, Kiar's
+daughter, she entered into the house, stood on the floor, her voice
+moderated: Now is he not mirthful, who from the forest comes."
+
+King Nidud gave to his daughter Bodvild the ring which had been taken
+from the bast in Volund's house; but he himself bore the sword that
+had belonged to Volund. The queen said:
+
+16. His teeth he shows, when the sword he sees, and Bodvild's ring
+he recognizes: threatening are his eyes as a glistening serpent's: let
+be severed his sinews' strength; and set him then in Sævarstad.
+
+This was done; he was hamstrung, and then set on a certain small
+island near the shore, called Sævarstad. He there forged for the king
+all kinds of jewellery work. No one was allowed to go to him, except
+the king. Volund said:
+
+17. "The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could
+most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly. That
+bright blade forever is taken from me: never shall I see it borne into
+Volund's smithy.
+
+18. Now Bodvild wears my consort's red-gold rings: for this I have
+no indemnity." He sat and never slept, and his hammer plied; but much
+more speedy vengeance devised on Nidud.
+
+19. The two young sons of Nidud ran in at the door to look, in
+Sævarstad. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was
+their grudge, when therein they looked.
+
+20. Many necklaces were there, which to those youths appeared of the
+red gold to be, and treasures. "Come ye two alone, to-morrow come;
+that gold shall be given to you.
+
+21. Tell it not to the maidens, nor to the household folk, nor to
+any one, that ye have been with me." Early called one the other,
+brother, brother: "Let us go see the rings."
+
+22. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was their
+grudge, when therein they looked. Of those children he the heads cut
+off, and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.
+
+23. But their skulls beneath the hair he in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones he formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife he sent.
+
+24. But of the teeth of the two breast-ornaments he made, and to
+Bodvild sent. Then did Bodvild praise the ring: to Volund brought it,
+when she had broken it: "I dare to no tell it, save alone to thee."
+
+_Volund_.
+
+25. "I will so repair the fractured gold, that to thy father it
+shall fairer seem, and to thy mother much more beautiful, and to
+thyself, in the same degree."
+
+26. He then brought her beer, that he might succeed the better, as
+on her seat she fell asleep. "Now have I my wrongs avenged, all save
+one in the wood perpetrated."[47]
+
+27. "I wish," said Volund, "that on my feet I were, of the use of
+which Nidud's men have deprived me." Laughing Volund rose in air:
+Bodvild weeping from the isle departed. She mourned her lover's
+absence, and for her father's wrath.
+
+28. Stood without Nidud's wily wife; then she went in through the
+hall; but he on the enclosure sat down to rest. "Art thou awake
+Niarars' lord!"
+
+29. "Ever am I awake, joyless I lie to rest, when I call to mind my
+children's death: my head is chilled, cold are to me thy counsels.
+Now with Volund I desire to speak."
+
+30. "Tell me, Volund, Alfars' chief! of my brave boys what is
+become?"
+
+31. "Oaths shalt thou first to me swear, by board of ship, by rim of
+shield, by shoulder of steed, by edge of sword, that thou wilt not
+slay the wife of Volund, nor of my bride cause the death; although a
+wife I have whom ye know, or offspring within thy court.
+
+32. To the smithy go, which thou hast made, there wilt thou the
+bellows find with blood besprinkled. The heads I severed of thy boys,
+and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.
+
+33. But their skulls beneath the hair I in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones I formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife I sent.
+
+34. Of the teeth of the two, breast-ornaments I made, and to Bodvild
+sent. Now Bodvild goes big with child, the only daughter of you both."
+
+35. "Word didst thou never speak that more afflicted me, or for
+which I would more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that
+he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee
+down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky."
+
+36. Laughing Volund rose in air, but Nidud sad remained sitting.
+
+37. "Rise up Thakrad, my best of thralls! bid Bodvild, my
+fair-browed daughter, in bright attire come, with her sire to speak.
+
+38. Is it, Bodvild! true what has been told to me, that thou and
+Volund in the isle together sat?"
+
+39. "True it is, Nidud! what has been told to thee, that Volund and
+I in the isle together sat, in an unlucky hour: would it had never
+been! I could not against him strive, I might not against him
+prevail."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 45: On snow-shoes.]
+
+[Footnote 46: The designation of Alfars' chief, or prince, applied to
+Volund, who, as we learn from the prose introduction, was a son of a
+king of the Finns, may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance
+that the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology, and was
+probably composed when that system was in its decline and giving place
+to the heroic or romantic.]
+
+[Footnote 47: The translation of this line is founded solely on a
+conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded to may be the
+hamstringing.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HELGI HIORVARD'S SON.
+
+There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four wives, one of whom was
+named Alfhild, their son was named Hedin; the second was named Særeid,
+their son was Humlung; the third was named Sinriod, their son was
+Hymling. King Hiorvard made a vow that he would have to wife the most
+beautiful woman he knew of, and was told that King Svafnir had a
+daughter of incomparable beauty, named Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named
+Idmund, whose son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for the
+king. He stayed throughout the winter with King Svafnir. There was a
+jarl there named Franmar, who was the foster-father of Sigrlinn, and
+had a daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the maiden should be
+refused, and Atli returned home. One day when the jarl's son Atli was
+standing in a grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above him,
+which had heard that his men called the wives which King Hiorvard had
+the most beautiful. The bird talked, and Atli listened to what it
+said. The bird said:
+
+1. Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, Svafnir's daughter, of maidens fairest,
+in her pleasant home? though fair the wives of Hiorvard seem to men in
+Glasis-lund.
+
+_Atli._
+
+2. With Atli, Idmund's son, sagacious bird! wilt thou further speak?
+
+_Bird._
+
+I will if the prince will offer to me, and I may choose what I will
+from the king's court.
+
+_Atli._
+
+3. Choose not Hiorvard nor his sons, nor the fair daughters of that
+prince, nor the wives which the king has. Let us together bargain;
+that is the part of friends.
+
+_Bird._
+
+4. A fane I will chose, offer steads many, gold-horned cows from the
+chief's land, if Sigrlinn sleep in his arms, and unconstrained with
+that prince shall live.
+
+This took place before Atli's journey; but after his return, when the
+king asked his tidings, he said:
+
+5. Labour we have had, but errand none performed; our horses failed
+us in the vast fell; we had afterwards a swampy lake to ford; then was
+denied us Svafnir's daughter with rings adorned, whom we would obtain.
+
+The king commanded them to go a second time, and also went himself.
+But when they had ascended a fell, and saw in Svavaland the country on
+fire, and a great reek from the horses of cavalry, the king rode down
+the fell into the country, and took up his night-quarters by a river.
+Atli kept watch, and crossed the river, and came to a house, on which
+sat a great bird to guard it, but was asleep. Atli shot the bird dead
+with an arrow. In the house he found the king's daughter Sigrlinn, and
+Alof daughter of Franmar, and brought them both away with him. The
+jarl Franmar had taken the form of an eagle, and protected them from a
+hostile army by sorcery. There was a king named Hrodmar, a wooer of
+Sigrlinn: he had slain the king of Svavaland, and ravaged and burnt
+the country. Hiorvard obtained Sigrlinn, and Atli Alof. Hiorvard and
+Sigrlinn had a son tall and comely: he was taciturn and had no fixed
+name. As he was sitting on a mound he saw nine Valkyriur, one of whom
+was of most noble aspect. She said:
+
+6. Late wilt thou, Helgi! rings possess, a potent warrior, or
+Rodulsvellir,--so at morn the eagle sang--if thou art ever silent;
+although thou, prince! a fierce mood mayest show.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+7. What wilt thou let accompany the name of Helgi, maid of aspect
+bright! since that thou art pleased to give me? Think well over what
+thou art saying. I will not accept it, unless I have thee also.
+
+_Valkyria_.
+
+8. Swords I know lying in Sigarsholm, fewer by four than five times
+ten: one of them is of all the best, of shields the bale, with gold
+adorned.
+
+9. A ring is on the hilt, courage in the midst, in the point terror
+for his use who owns it: along the edge a blood-stained serpent lies,
+and on the guard the serpent casts its tail.
+
+There was a king named Eylimi; Svava was his daughter; she was a
+Valkyria and rode through air and water. It was she who gave Helgi
+that name, and afterwards often protected him in battle. Helgi said:
+
+10. Hiorvard! thou art not a king of wholesome counsel, leader of
+people! renowned though thou mayest be. Thou hast let fire devour the
+homes of princes, though harm to thee they none have done.
+
+11. But Hrodmar shall of the rings dispose, which our relations have
+possessed. That chief recks little of his life; he thinks only to
+obtain the heritage of the dead.
+
+Hiorvard answers, that he will supply Helgi with an army, if he will
+avenge his mother's father. Helgi thereupon seeks the sword that Svava
+had indicated to him. Afterwards he and Atli went and slew Hrodmar,
+and performed many deeds of valour. He killed the Jotun Hati, as he
+sat on a crag. Helgi and Atli lay with their ships in Hatafiord. Atli
+kept watch in the first part of the night. Hrimgerd, Hati's daughter,
+said:
+
+12. Who are the chieftains in Hatafiord? With shields are your ships
+bedecked; boldly ye bear yourselves, few things ye fear, I ween: tell
+me how your king is named.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+13. Helgi is his name; but thou nowhere canst to the chief do harm;
+iron forts are around the prince's fleet; giantesses may not assail
+us.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+14. How art thou named? most powerful champion! How do men call
+thee? Thy king confides in thee, since in the ship's fair prow he
+grants thee place.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+15. Atli I am named, fierce I shall prove to thee; towards
+giantesses I am most hostile. The humid prow I have oft occupied, and
+the night-riders slain.
+
+16. How art thou called? corpse-greedy giantess! hag! name thy
+father. Nine rasts shouldst thou be underground, and a forest grow on
+thy breast.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+17. Hrimgerd I am called, Hati was my father called, whom I knew the
+mightiest Jotun. He many women had from their dwellings taken, until
+him Helgi slew.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+18. Thou wast, hag! before the prince's ships, and layest before
+them in the fiord's mouth. The chieftain's warriors thou wouldst to
+Ran consign, had a bar not crossed thee.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+19. Now, Atli! thou art wrong, methinks thou art dreaming; thy brows
+thou lettest over thy eyelids fall. My mother lay before the prince's
+ships; I Hlodvard's sons drowned in the ocean.
+
+20. Thou wouldst neigh, Atli! if thou wert not a gelding. See!
+Hrimgerd cocks her tail. Thy heart, methinks, Atli! is in thy hinder
+part, although thy voice is clear.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+21. I think I shall the stronger prove, if thou desirest to try;
+and I can step from the port to land. Thou shalt be soundly cudgeled,
+if I heartily begin, and let thy tail fall, Hrimgerd!
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+22. Just come on shore, Atli! if in thy strength thou trustest, and
+let us meet in Varinsvik. A rib-roasting thou shalt get, brave boy! if
+in my claws thou comest.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+23. I will not come before the men awake, and o'er the king hold
+watch. It would not surprise me, if from beneath our ship some hag
+arose.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+24. Keep watch, Atli! and to Hrimgerd pay the blood-fine for Hati's
+death. If one night she may sleep with the prince, she for the slain
+will be indemnified.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+25. Lodin is named he who shall thee possess, thou to mankind art
+loathsome. In Tholley dwells that Thurs, that dog-wise Jotun, of all
+rock-dwellers the worst: he is a fitting man for thee.
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+26. Helgi would rather have her who last night guarded the port and
+men, the gold-bright maiden. She methought had strength, she stept
+from port to land, and so secured your fleet. She was alone the cause
+that I could not the king's men slay.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+27. Hear now, Hrimgerd! If I may indemnify thee, say fully to the
+king: was it one being only, that saved the prince's ships, or went
+many together?
+
+_Hrimgerd_.
+
+28. Three troops of maidens; though one maid foremost rode, bright,
+with helmed head. Their horses shook themselves, and from their manes
+there sprang dew into the deep dales, hail on the lofty trees, whence
+comes fruitfulness to man. To me all that I saw was hateful.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+29. Look eastward now, Hrimgerd! whether Helgi has not stricken thee
+with death-bearing words. By land and water the king's fleet is safe,
+and the chief's men also.
+
+30. It is now day, Hrimgerd! and Atli has thee detained to thy loss
+of life. A ludicrous haven-mark 'twill, indeed, be, where thou a
+stone-image standest.
+
+King Helgi was a renowned warrior. He came to King Eylimi and demanded
+his daughter Svava. Helgi and Svava were united, and loved each other
+ardently. Svava remained at home with her father, but Helgi was
+engaged in warfare. Svava was a Valkyria as before. Hedin was at home
+with his father, King Hiorvard in Norway. Returning home alone from
+the forest on a Yule-eve, Hedin met a troll-wife riding on a wolf,
+with serpents for reins, who offered to attend him, but he declined
+her offer; whereupon she said: "Thou shalt pay for this at the
+Bragi-cup." In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
+led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
+vows at the Bragi-cup.[48] Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
+Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
+that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
+lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:
+
+31. Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
+Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
+to find us?
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+32. Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
+daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+33. Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
+us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
+nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
+well such befall, if it so must be.
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+34. Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
+gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
+peace to thy foes.
+
+Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
+and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had accosted Hedin, when he
+saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
+Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
+plain within three days. Then said Helgi:
+
+35. On a wolf rode, at evening twilight, a woman who him offered to
+attend. She well knew, that the son of Sigrlinn would be slain, on
+Sigar's plain.
+
+There was a great conflict, in which Helgi got his death-wound.
+
+36. Helgi sent Sigar riding, after Eylimi's only daughter: he bade
+her quickly be in readiness, if she would find the king alive.
+
+_Sigar_.
+
+37. Helgi has me hither sent, with thee, Svava! thyself to speak.
+Thee, said the king, he fain would see, ere the noble-born breathes
+forth his last.
+
+_Svava_.
+
+38. What has befallen Helgi, Hiorvard's son? I am sorely by
+afflictions stricken. Has the sea him deluded, or the sword wounded?
+On that man I will harm inflict.
+
+_Sigar_.
+
+39. This morning fell, at Frekastein, the king who beneath the sun
+was of all the best. Alf has complete victory, though this time it
+should not have been!
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+40. Hail to thee, Svava! Thy love thou must divide: this in this
+world, methinks, is our last meeting. They say the chieftain's wounds
+are bleeding. The sword came too near my heart.
+
+41. I pray thee, Svava!--weep not, my wife!--if thou wilt my voice
+obey, that for Hedin thou a couch prepare, and the young prince in thy
+arms clasp.
+
+_Svava_.
+
+42. I had said, in our pleasant home, when for me Helgi rings
+selected, that I would not gladly, after my king's departure, an
+unknown prince clasp in my arms.
+
+_Hedin_.
+
+43. Kiss me, Svava! I will not return, Rogheim to behold, nor
+Rodulsfioll, before I have avenged Hiorvard's son, who was of kings
+under the sun the best.
+
+Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 48: At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk. It was
+the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls, that the heir
+should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull was brought in, that
+he should then rise to receive it, make a vow, and drink the contents
+of the cup (full). He was then led to his father's high seat. At an
+offering guild, the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer both
+the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup, for victory and
+power to the king; then Niord's cup, and Frey's, for a good year and
+peace; after which it was the custom with many to drink a Bragafull.
+The peculiarity of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on
+drinking it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous deed,
+that might be made a subject for the song of the skalld.]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.
+
+1. It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters
+fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul,
+Borghild gave birth in Bralund.
+
+2. In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the
+prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be,
+and of leaders accounted best.
+
+3. With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he]
+burghs should overthrow[49] in Bralund. They stretched out the golden
+cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.
+
+4. East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands
+between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade
+last for ever.
+
+5. One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who
+had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent,
+a raven to a raven said: "I know something.
+
+6. Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day
+come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he:
+we shall rejoice!"
+
+7. He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said
+that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war,
+noble garlic to bring to the young prince;
+
+8. Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir, Solfioll, Snæfioll,
+and Sigarsvellir, Hringstad, Hatun, and Himinvangar, a sword ornate,
+to Sinfiotli's brother.
+
+9. Then grew up, in his friends' bosom, the high-born youth, in
+joyous splendour. He paid and gave gold for deserts; nor spared the
+chief the blood-stained sword.
+
+10. A short time only the leader let warfare cease. When the prince
+was fifteen winters old, he caused the fierce Hunding to fall, who
+long had ruled over lands and people.
+
+11. The sons of Hunding afterwards demanded from Sigmund's son
+treasure and rings; because they had on the prince to avenge their
+great loss of wealth, and their father's death.
+
+12. The prince would neither the blood-fine pay, nor for the slain
+indemnity would give. They might expect, he said, a terrific storm of
+grey arrows, and Odin's ire.
+
+13. The warriors went to the trysting place of swords, which they
+had appointed at Logafioll. Broken was Frodi's peace between the foes:
+Vidrir's hounds went about the isle slaughter-greedy.
+
+14. The leader sat under the Arastein, after he had slain Alf and
+Eyiolf, Hiorvard and Havard, sons of Hunding: he had destroyed all
+Geirmimir's race.
+
+15. Then gleamed a ray from Logafioll, and from that ray lightnings
+issued; then appeared, in the field of air, a helmed band of
+Valkyriur: their corslets were with blood besprinkled, and from their
+spears shone beams of light.
+
+16. Forthwith inquired the chieftain bold, from the wolf-congress of
+the southern Disir, whether they would, with the warriors, that night
+go home?--then was a clash of arms!
+
+17. One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of
+shields, and to the leader said: "We have, I ween, other objects than
+with princely warriors to drink beer.
+
+18. My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of
+Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like
+to a cat's son.
+
+19. That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a
+hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince."
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+20. Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of
+foes, unless I am dead.
+
+21. Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over
+water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to
+offer, and to their sons.
+
+22. "Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to
+hold them ready." There the king abode, until thither came warriors in
+hundreds from Hedinsey.
+
+23. From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went
+out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: "Hast thou
+mustered the valiant people?"
+
+24. But the young king the other answered: "Slowly" said he "are
+counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which
+sail without in the Oresund,--
+
+25. Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun there is more than
+half of the king's host--We are to war inured."
+
+26. Then the steersman threw the ship's tents aside, that the
+princes' people might awake, and the noble chiefs the dawn might see;
+and the warriors hauled the sails up to the mast in Varinsfiord.
+
+27. There was a dash of oars, and clash of iron, shield against
+shield resounded: the vikings rowed; roaring went, under the
+chieftains the royal fleet far from the land.
+
+28. So might be heard, when together came the tempest's sister[50]
+and the long keels, as when rock and surge on each other break.
+
+29. Higher still bade Helgi the deep sail be hauled. No port gave
+shelter to the crews; when Oegir's terrific daughter the chieftains'
+vessels would o'erwhelm,
+
+30. But from above Sigrun intrepid, saved them and their fleet also;
+from the hand of Ran powerfully was wrested the royal ship at
+Gnipalund.
+
+31. At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into
+port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood,
+espied the host.
+
+32. Then demanded the god-born Gudmund: "Who is the chieftain that
+commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?"
+
+33. Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with
+golden rim;--He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and
+with nobles words exchange--
+
+34. "Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your dogs lead to
+their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at
+Gnipalund.
+
+35. Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet's midst, a king hard to
+make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills,
+kissing the thrall-wenches.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+36. Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble
+thou falsehoods utterest. Thou hast been eating wolves' dainties, and
+of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with
+cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+37. Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader
+of lies. Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted
+warrior, save Sinfiotli.
+
+38. A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent,
+monstrous, in Alfather's hall. All the Einheriar fought with each
+other, deceitful woman! for thy sake. Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes;
+I alone was father of them all.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+39. Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as
+I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated
+upon Thorsnes.
+
+40. Thou wast Siggeir's stepson, at home under the benches layest,
+accustomed to the wolf's howl out in the forests: calamity of every
+kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother's breast.
+Notorious thou mad'st thyself by thy atrocious works.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+41. Thou wast Grani's bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready
+for the course. Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and
+saddled, through the fells, thou hag!
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+42. A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir's goats
+thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
+tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+43. I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
+than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
+with thee!
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+44. "Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
+to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
+however princes[51] may foster hate.
+
+45. Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
+princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
+they have courage to draw the sword."--
+
+46. Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
+Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
+mist, where the men went.
+
+47. The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
+the hostile advent. Without stood Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
+speed noticed of his kinsmen. "Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
+countenances?"
+
+48. "Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
+long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
+joyous Ylfings.
+
+49. Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
+Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
+there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
+conflict."
+
+_Hodbrodd_.
+
+50. "Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
+to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
+of those who swords can brandish.
+
+51. Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
+the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
+find resistance."
+
+52. It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow[52] blades at
+Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
+men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
+chieftain had a valiant heart.
+
+53. Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above--the clash of
+arms increased--for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun--well
+skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove--[53]
+
+54. "Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, pillar of
+Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
+the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
+beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: unscathed shalt thou,
+prince! both enjoy, Hogni's daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and
+lands: then is conflict ended."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 49: That is, when they came to spin that period of his
+destiny.]
+
+[Footnote 50: Kolga Systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr
+and Ran; they were the waves.]
+
+[Footnote 51: Literally _ring-breakers, or-dispensers_.]
+
+[Footnote 52: It would appear that their swords were of bronze.]
+
+[Footnote 53: Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i.e., the battlefield,
+strewed with corpses, the raven's food.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.
+
+King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund. They
+named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered
+by Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land
+was called Hundland. He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who
+were engaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and concealed,
+between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other's
+kinsmen. King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and
+Ylfings. Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King
+Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home. On departing Helgi met a
+herdsman, and said:
+
+1. "Say thou to Heming, that Helgi bears in mind who the mailed
+warrior was, whom the men laid low, when the grey wolf ye had within,
+and King Hunding thought it was Hamal."
+
+Hamal was the son of Hagal. King Hunding sent men to Hagal in search
+of Helgi, and Helgi had no other way to save himself than by taking
+the clothes of a female slave and going to grind. They sought but did
+not find him. Then said Blind the Baleful:
+
+2. Sharp are the eyes of Hagal's thrall-wench; of no churlish race
+is she who at the mill stands. The millstones are split, the receiver
+flies asunder. Now a hard fate has befallen the warrior, when a prince
+must barley grind: much more fitting to that hand is the falchion's
+hilt than a mill-handle.
+
+Hagal answered and said:--
+
+3. No wonder 'tis that the receiver rattles, when a royal damsel the
+handle turns. She hovered higher than the clouds, and, like the
+vikings, dared to fight, until Helgi made her captive. She is a sister
+of Sigar and Hogni; therefore has fierce eyes the Ylfing maid.
+
+Helgi escaped and went on board a ship of war. He slew King Hunding,
+and was afterwards named Helgi Hundingsbani. He lay with his force in
+Brunavagar, and carried on "strand-hogg"[54] and ate raw flesh. There
+was a king named Hogni, whose daughter was Sigrun: she was a Valkyria,
+and rode through the air and over the sea. She was Svava regenerated.
+Sigrun rode to Helgi, and said:--
+
+4. What men cause a ship along the coasts to float? where do ye
+warriors a home possess? what await ye in Brunavagar? whither desire
+ye to explore a way?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+5. Hamal causes a ship along the coasts to float; we have home in
+Hlesey; a fair wind we await in Brunavagar; eastward we desire to
+explore a way.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+6. Where, O prince! hast thou wakened war, or fed the birds of
+conflict's sisters?[55] Why is thy corslet sprinkled with blood? Why
+beneath the helm eat ye raw flesh?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+7. It was the Ylfings' son's last achievement,--if thou desirest to
+know--west of the ocean, that I took bears in Bragalund, and the
+eagles' race with our weapons sated. Now, maiden! I have said what the
+reasons were, why at sea we little cooked meat ate.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+8. To a battle thou alludest. Before Helgi has King Hunding been
+doomed to fall. In conflict ye have engaged, when your kindred ye
+avenged, and stained with blood the falchion's edge.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+9. Why dost thou suppose, sagacious maiden! that it was they, who
+their kin avenged? Many a warrior's bold sons there are, and hostile
+to our kindred.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+10. I was not far, leader of people! eager, at many a chieftain's
+end: yet crafty I account Sigmund's son, when in val-runes[56] the
+slaughter he announces.
+
+11. A while ago I saw thee commanding the warships, when thou hadst
+station on the bloody prow, and the cold sea waves were playing. Now,
+prince! thou wilt from me conceal it, but Hogni's daughter recognizes
+thee.
+
+Granmar was the name of a powerful prince who dwelt at Svarinshaug. He
+had many sons: one was called Hodbrodd, the second Gudmund, the third
+Starkadr. Hodbrodd was at the assembly of kings, and there betrothed
+himself to Sigrun, the daughter of Hogni. But when she was informed of
+it, she rode with the Valkyriur through the air and over the sea in
+quest of Helgi. Helgi was at that time at Logafioll, warring against
+the sons of Hunding, where he slew Alf and Eyiolf, Hiorvard and
+Hervard. Being over-fatigued with the conflict, he was sitting under
+the Arastein, where Sigrun found him, and running to him, threw her
+arms around his neck, and, kissing him, told him her errand so as it
+related in the first Volsungakvida.
+
+12. Sigrun sought the joyous prince, Helgi's hand she forthwith
+grasped, kissed and addressed the helm-decked king.
+
+13. Then was the chieftain's mind to the lady turned. She declared
+that she had loved, with her whole heart, Sigmund's son, before she
+had seen him.
+
+14. "To Hodbrodd I was in th' assembly betrothed, but I another
+prince would have: yet, chieftain! I foresee my kindred's wrath: I
+have my father's promise broken."
+
+15. Hogni's daughter spoke not at variance with her heart: she said
+that Helgi's affection she must possess.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+16. Care thou not for Hogni's wrath, nor for the evil mind of thy
+kin. Thou shalt, young maiden! live with me: of a good race thou art,
+as I perceive.
+
+Helgi then collected a large fleet and proceeded to Frekastein, and at
+sea experienced a perilous storm. Lightnings came over them, and the
+flashes entered the ships. They saw that nine Valkyriur were riding in
+the air, and recognized Sigrun among them. The storm then abated and
+they reached land in safety. The sons of Granmar were sitting on a
+hill as the ships were sailing towards the land. Gudmund leapt on a
+horse, and rode to explore on the hill by the haven. The Volsungs then
+lowered their sails, and Gudmund spoke as is before written in the
+Helgakvida:--
+
+"Who is the leader that commands the fleet, and an appalling host
+leads to our land?"
+
+This said Gudmund, Granmar's son:
+
+17. Who is the warrior that commands the ships, and lets his golden
+banner wave o'er his prow? No peace seems to me in that ship's front;
+it casts a warlike glow around the vikings.
+
+Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son, answered:
+
+18. Here may Hodbrodd Helgi learn to know, the hard of flight, in
+the fleet's midst: he the possession holds of thy race; he the fishes'
+heritage has to him subjected.
+
+_Gudmund_.
+
+19. Therefore ought we first, at Frekastein, to settle together, and
+decide our quarrels! Hodbrodd! 'tis time vengeance to take, if an
+inferior lot we long have borne.
+
+_Sinfiotli_.
+
+20. Rather shalt thou, Gudmund! tend goats, and steep mountain-tops
+shalt climb, have in thy hand a hazel staff, that will better please
+thee than judgments of the sword.
+
+Gudmund rode home with intelligence of the hostile armament; whereupon
+the sons of Granmar collected a host, and many kings came thither.
+Among them were Hogni, the father of Sigrun, with his sons, Bragi and
+Dag. There was a great battle, and all the sons of Hogni, and all
+their chiefs were slain, except Dag, who obtained peace, and swore
+oaths to the Volsungs. Sigrun, going among the slain, found Hodbrodd
+at the point of death. She said:
+
+23. Not will Sigrun of Sefafioll, King Hodbrodd! sink in thy arms:
+thy life is departed. Oft the axe's blade the head approaches of
+Granmar's sons.
+
+She then met Helgi, and was overjoyed. He said:
+
+24. Not to thee, all-wise maiden! are all things granted, though, I
+say, in somewhat are the Norns to blame. This morn have fallen at
+Frekastein Bragi and Hogni: I was their slayer.
+
+25. But at Styrkleifar King Starkadr, and at Hlebiorg the son of
+Hrollaug. That prince I saw of all most fierce, whose trunk yet fought
+when the head was far.
+
+26. On the earth lie the greater number of thy kinsmen, to corpses
+turned. Thou hast not fought the battle, yet 'twas decreed, that thou,
+potent maiden! shouldst cause the strife.
+
+Sigrun then wept. Helgi said:
+
+27. Sigrun! console thyself; a Hild thou hast been to us. Kings
+cannot conquer fate: gladly would I have them living who are departed,
+if I might clasp thee to my breast.
+
+Helgi obtained Sigrun, and they had sons. Helgi lived not to be old.
+Dag, the son of Hogni, sacrificed to Odin, for vengeance for his
+father. Odin lent Dag his spear. Dag met with his relation Helgi in a
+place called Fioturlund, and pierced him through with his spear. Helgi
+fell there, but Dag rode to the mountains and told Sigrun what had
+taken place.
+
+28. Loath am I, sister! sad news to tell thee; for unwillingly I
+have my sister caused to weep. This morning fell, in Fioturlund, the
+prince who was on earth the best, and on the necks of warriors stood.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+29. Thee shall the oaths all gnaw, which to Helgi thou didst swear,
+at the limpid Leiptr's water, and at the cold dank wave-washed rock.
+
+30. May the ship not move forward, which under thee should move,
+although the wished-for wind behind thee blow. May the horse not run,
+which under thee should run, although from enemies thou hast to flee!
+
+31. May the sword not bite which thou drawest, unless it sing round
+thy own head. Then would Helgi's death be on thee avenged, if a wolf
+thou wert, out in the woods, of all good bereft, and every joy, have
+no sustenance, unless on corpses thou shouldst spring.
+
+_Dag_.
+
+32. Sister! thou ravest, and hast lost thy wits, when on thy brother
+thou callest down such miseries. Odin alone is cause of all the evil;
+for between relatives he brought the runes of strife.
+
+33. Thy brother offers thee rings of red gold, all Vandilsve and
+Vigdalir: have half the land, thy grief to compensate, woman
+ring-adorned! thou and thy sons.
+
+_Sigrun_.
+
+34. So happy I shall not sit at Sefafioll, neither at morn nor
+night, as to feel joy in life, if o'er the people plays not the
+prince's beam of light; if his war-steed runs not under the chieftain
+hither, to the gold bit accustomed; if in the king I cannot rejoice.
+
+35. So had Helgi struck with fear all his foes and their kindred, as
+before the wolf the goats run frantic from the fell, of terror full.
+
+36. So himself Helgi among warriors bore, as the towering ash is
+among thorns, or as the fawn, moistened with dew, that more proudly
+stalks than all the other beasts, and its horns glisten against the
+sky.
+
+A mound was raised for Helgi; but when he came to Valhall, Odin
+offered him the rule over all jointly with himself. Helgi said:
+
+37. Thou, Hunding! shalt for every man a foot-bath get, and fire
+kindle; shalt bind the dogs, to the horses look, to the swine give
+wash, ere to sleep thou goest.
+
+A female slave passing at evening by Helgi's mound, saw him riding
+towards it with many men:
+
+38. Is it a delusion which methinks I see, or the powers'
+dissolution, that ye, dead men, ride, and your horses with spurs urge
+on, or to warriors is a home journey granted?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+39. 'Tis no delusion which thou thinkst to see, nor of mankind the
+end, although thou seest us, although our horses we with spurs urge
+on, nor to warriors is a home-journey granted.
+
+The slave went home and said to Sigrun:
+
+40. Sigrun! go forth from Sefafioll, if the people's chief thou
+desirest to meet. The mound is opened, Helgi is come, his wounds still
+bleed; the prince prayed thee that thou wouldst still the trickling
+blood.
+
+Sigrun entered the mound to Helgi and said:
+
+41. Now am I as glad, at our meeting, as the voracious hawks of
+Odin, when they of slaughter know; of warm prey, or, dewy-feathered,
+see the peep of day.
+
+43. I will kiss my lifeless king, ere thou thy bloody corslet layest
+aside. Thy hair is, Helgi! tumid with sweat of death; my prince is all
+bathed in slaughter-dew; cold, clammy are the hands of Hogni's son.
+How shall I, prince! for this make thee amends?
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+43. Thou art alone the cause,[57] Sigrun of Sefafioll! that Helgi is
+with sorrow's dew suffused. Thou weepest, gold-adorned! cruel tears,
+sun-bright daughter of the south! ere to sleep thou goest; each one
+falls bloody on the prince's breast, wet, cold, and piercing, with
+sorrow big.
+
+44. We shall surely drink delicious draughts, though we have lost
+life and lands. No one shall a song of mourning sing, though on my
+breast he wounds behold. Now are women in the mound enclosed,
+daughters of kings, with us the dead.
+
+Sigrun prepares a bed in the mound.
+
+35. Here, Helgi! have I for thee a peaceful couch prepared, for the
+Ylfings' son. On thy breast I will, chieftain! repose, as in my hero's
+lifetime I was wont.
+
+_Helgi_.
+
+46. Nothing I now declare unlooked for, at Sefafioll, late or early,
+since in a corpse's arms thou sleepest, Hogni's fair daughter! in a
+mound, and thou art living, daughter of kings!
+
+47. Time 'tis for me to ride on the reddening ways: let the pale
+horse tread the aerial path. I towards the west must go over
+Vindhialm's bridge, ere Salgofnir awakens heroes.
+
+Helgi and his attendants rode their way, but Sigrun and hers proceeded
+to their habitation. The following evening Sigrun ordered her
+serving-maid to hold watch at the mound; but at nightfall, when Sigrun
+came thither, she said:
+
+48. Now would he come, if he to come intended, Sigmund's son, from
+Odin's halls. I think the hope lessens of the king's coming, since on
+the ash's boughs the eagles sit, and all the folk to the dreams' tryst
+are hastening.
+
+_Serving-maid_.
+
+49. Be not so rash alone to go, daughter of heroes! to the house of
+draugs:[58] more powerful are, in the night-season, all dead warriors,
+than in the light of day.
+
+Sigrun's life was shortened by grief and mourning. It was a belief in
+ancient times that men were regenerated, but that is now regarded as
+an old crone's fancy. Helgi and Sigrun are said to have been
+regenerated. He was then called Helgi Haddingiaskadi, and she Kara
+Halfdan's daughter, as it is said in the songs of Kara; and she also
+was a Valkyria.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 54: Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the
+sea-shore.]
+
+[Footnote 55: The Valkyriur.]
+
+[Footnote 56: Dark words of deadly import.]
+
+[Footnote 57: The superstition commemorated In this strophe is, no
+doubt, the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
+literature of Scandinavia and Germany referring to this superstition:
+
+    "When thou, my dear, art cheerful,
+      And easy in thy mind,
+    The coffin where I slumber
+      Is all with roses lined.
+
+    But oft as thou'rt in sorrow,
+      And bow'd with grief so sore,
+    Is all the while my coffin
+      Brim full of blood and gore."
+
+]
+
+[Footnote 58: Probably house of draffs; place of swine, swill, lees.]
+
+
+
+
+SINFIOTLI'S END.
+
+Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland. Sinfiotli was the
+eldest of his sons, the second was Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild,
+Sigmund's wife, had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her stepson
+and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which account Sinfiotli slew
+Gunnar. When he came home, Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund
+offered the blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept. At
+the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer: she took a large horn
+full of poison, and offered it to Sinfiotli; who, when he looked into
+the horn, and saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund: "the
+drink ferments!" Sigmund took the horn and drank up the contents. It
+is said that Sigmund was so strong that no poison could hurt him,
+either outwardly or inwardly; but that all his sons could endure
+poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to Sinfiotli, and prayed
+him to drink, when all took place as before. Yet a third time she
+offered him the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing to
+drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the latter answered: "Let it
+pass through thy lips, my son." Sinfiotli drank and instantly died.
+Sigmund bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a long and narrow
+firth, where there was a little vessel and one man in it. He offered
+Sigmund to convey him over the firth; but when Sigmund had borne the
+corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The man then said
+that Sigmund should go before through the firth. He then pushed off
+his boat and instantly departed.
+
+King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in Borghild's kingdom, after
+having espoused her. He then went south to Frankland, to the kingdom
+he there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the daughter of Eylimi.
+Sigurd was their son. King Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of
+Hunding. Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King Hialprek,
+with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood. Sigmund and his sons exceeded
+all other men in strength, and stature, and courage, and all
+accomplishments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
+traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and as the most
+renowned of warlike kings.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE, OR GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.
+
+Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiordis. He
+ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
+future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
+of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
+whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:
+
+1. Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
+name him?
+
+_Geitir_.
+
+Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
+people.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+2. Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
+and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
+Gripir to see.
+
+_Geitir_.
+
+3. The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
+speech of Gripir.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
+mother.
+
+4. Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: "Here is a man without, a
+stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
+with thee to speak."
+
+5. Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
+kindly greets: "Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
+thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani."
+
+6. They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
+together met. "Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
+Sigurd's life fall out?"
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+7. Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
+every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
+and wise of words.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+8. Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
+if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
+when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+9. First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
+Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
+low; thou wilt have victory.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+10. Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
+friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
+will highest soar under heaven's regions?"
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+11. Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
+on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
+Gripir tells truly.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+12. Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
+for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
+life befall.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+13. Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt take splendid
+riches, with gold wilt load Grani's back. Thou wilt to Giuki ride, the
+war-famed prince.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+14. Yet must thou, prince! in friendly speech, foresighted king!
+more relate. I shall be Giuki's guest, and I shall thence depart: what
+will next my life befall?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+15. A king's daughter will on a mountain sleep, fair, in corslet
+cased, after Helgi's death. Thou wilt strike with a keen sword, wilt
+the corslet sever with Fafnir's bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+16. The corslet is ript open, the maid begins to speak. When
+awakened from her sleep, on what will she chiefly with Sigurd converse
+hold, which to the prince's benefit may tend?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+17. She to thee, powerful one! runes will teach, all those which
+men ought to know; and in every man's tongue to speak, and medicines
+for healing. May good await thee, king!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+18. Now that is past, the knowledge is acquired, and I am ready
+thence away to ride. Apply thy mind, and at length say what more will
+my life befall.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+19. Thou wilt find Heimir's dwellings, and the glad guest wilt be of
+that great king. Vanished is, Sigurd! that which I foresaw; no further
+mayest thou Gripir question.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+20. Now bring me grief the words thou speakest; for thou foreseest,
+king! much further; thou knowest of too great calamity to Sigurd;
+therefore thou, Gripir! wilt not utter it.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+21. Of thy life the early portion lay before me clearest to
+contemplate. I am not truly accounted sage, nor of the future
+prescient: that which I knew is gone.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+22. No man I know on the earth's surface, who greater prescience has
+than thou, Gripir! Thou mayest not conceal it, unhappy though it be,
+or if ill betide my life.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+23. Not with vices will thy life be sullied; let that, noble
+prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name,
+director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+24. The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to
+part in such uncertainty. Show me the way--all is decreed
+before--great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+25. To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto
+compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for
+thy death decreed.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+26. I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's
+good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not
+be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+27. There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men
+Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures
+the hard-souled damsel.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+28. What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair?
+nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou
+foreseest my whole destiny.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+29. She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced
+foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep, nor of affairs
+discourse, nor men regard; only this maiden thou wilt see.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+30. What remedy for Sigurd will be applied; tell me that, Gripir! if
+it seem good to thee. Shall I obtain the damsel? with dowry purchase
+the lovely royal daughter?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+31. Ye will each swear unnumbered oaths, solemnly binding, but few
+will keep. Hast thou been Giuki's guest one night, thou wilt have
+forgotten the fair ward of Heimir.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+32. How is that, Gripir! explain it to me: seest thou such
+fickleness in the king's mind, that with that maiden I shall my
+engagement break, whom with my whole heart I thought to love?
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+33. Prince! thou wilt be snared in another's wiles, thou wilt pay
+the penalty of Grimhild's craft; the bright-haired maiden, her
+daughter, she to thee will offer. This snare for the king she lays.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+34. Shall I then with Gunnar form relationship, and with Gudrun join
+in wedlock? Well wived then the king would be, if the pangs of perjury
+caused me no pain.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+35. Thee will Grimhild wholly beguile; she will implore thee
+Brynhild to demand for the hand of Gunnar, king of Goths: the journey
+thou wilt forthwith promise to the king's mother.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+36. Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd's wits will have
+wholly perished, if I shall demand for another's hand, a noble maiden
+whom I well love.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+37. All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou
+the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar
+and thou: Gripir lies not.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+38. To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners,
+when on the way we are? Another fraud will surely follow this,
+altogether horrible. But say on, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+39. Thou wilt have Gunnar's semblance, and his manners, thy own
+eloquence, and great sagacity: there thou wilt betroth the high-minded
+ward of Heimir: no one can that prevent.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+40. To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false
+traitor called, if such take place. I would not deception practise on
+a royal maid the most excellent I know.
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+41. Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she
+thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world
+endures thy name will be.
+
+42. The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of
+Gunnar, in Giuki's halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home
+return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+43. Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed? Tell me
+that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain's bride glad
+of heart has slept? The like has no example.
+
+44. How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity? Tell me
+that, Gripir! Will the alliance for Gunnar's solace henceforth prove,
+or even for mine?
+
+_Gripir._
+
+45. Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let
+Gudrun enjoy a happy union. Brynhild nathless will herself think an
+ill-married woman. She will wiles devise to avenge herself.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+46. What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall
+have practised on her? From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never
+kept, and but little joy.
+
+_Gripir._
+
+47. She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the
+oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki's heir, with his whole soul,
+in thee confided.
+
+_Sigurd._
+
+48. What will then follow? let me know that. Will that tale appear
+as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.
+Tell me that, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+49. From spite towards thee, and from o'erwhelming grief, the
+powerful dame will not most wisely act. To the noble woman do thou no
+further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast
+circumvented.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+50. Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation,
+then proceed? Will Giuki's sons on their relative redden their swords?
+Tell me further, Gripir!
+
+_Gripir_.
+
+51. Then will Gudrun be furious at heart, when her brothers shall on
+thy death resolve. In nothing then will that wise woman take delight.
+Such is Grimhild's work.
+
+52. In this thou shalt find comfort, leader of hosts! This fortune
+is allotted to the hero's life: a more renowned man on earth shall
+never be, under the sun's abode, than thou wilt be accounted.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+53. Now part we, now farewell! Fate may not be withstood. Now hast
+thou, Gripir! done as I prayed thee: thou wouldst have fain a happier
+end foretold me of my life's days, hadst thou been able.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.
+
+Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose himself a horse, which was
+afterwards named Grani. Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to
+Hialprek; he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in stature; he
+was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin undertook the rearing and
+instruction of Sigurd, and bore him great affection. He informed
+Sigurd of his parentage, and how it befell that Odin, and Hoenir, and
+Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of Andvari). In the fall there
+was an abundance of fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari, who had
+long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and in which he
+supplied himself with food. "Our brother," continued Regin, "was named
+Otr, who often went into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had
+caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the river with his
+eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed him with a stone. The Æsir
+thought themselves very lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That
+same evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar, and showed their
+prize. Thereupon we laid hands on them, and imposed on them, as the
+redemption of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin with
+gold, and cover it over with red gold. They thereupon sent Loki to
+procure gold. He went to Ran, and obtained her net, and thence
+proceeded to Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which leapt
+into the net. Whereupon Loki said:
+
+1. What fish is this, that in the river swims, and cannot from harm
+itself protect? Redeem thy life from Hel, and find me the water's
+flame.[59] _The Pike_.
+
+2. Andvari I am named, Oin was my father named; many a cataract have
+I passed. A luckless Norn in times of old decreed, that in the water I
+should wade.
+
+_Loki_.
+
+3. Tell me, Andvari! if thou wilt enjoy life in the halls of men,
+what retribution get the sons of mortals, if with foul words they
+assail each other.
+
+_Andvari_.
+
+4. Cruel retribution get the sons of mortals, who in Vadgelmir wade:
+for the false words they have against others uttered, the punishments
+too long endure.
+
+Loki viewed all the gold that Andvari owned; but when he had produced
+the gold, he retained a single ring, which Loki also took from him.
+The dwarf went into his stone and said:
+
+5. That gold which the dwarf possessed, shall to two brothers be
+cause of death, and to eight princes, of dissension. From my wealth no
+one shall good derive.
+
+The Æsir produced the gold to Hreidmar, and with it crammed the
+otter's skin full, and set it up on the feet. They then had to heap up
+the gold and cover it; but when that was done, Hreidmar, stepping
+forward, observed a whisker, and required it to be covered; whereupon
+Odin drew forth the ring "Andvaranaut," and covered the hair. Loki
+said:
+
+6. There is gold for thee, and thou hast a great redemption for my
+life. For thy son no blessing is decreed; of both it shall prove the
+bane.
+
+_Hreidmar_.
+
+7. Gifts thou hast given, friendly gifts thou hast given not; with a
+kind heart thou hast not given. Of your lives ye should have been
+deprived, had I foreknown that peril.
+
+8. But that is worse, what I seem to know,--a strife of kinsmen for
+a woman. Princes yet unborn I think them to be, for whose hate that
+gold is destined.
+
+9. The red gold, I trust, I shall possess while I am living: of thy
+threats I entertain no fear; so take yourselves hence home.
+
+Fafnir and Regin demanded of Hreidmar their share of the blood-fine
+for their slain brother Otr, which he refused, and Fafnir stabbed his
+father with a sword while sleeping. Hreidmar called out to his
+daughters:
+
+10. Lyngheid and Lofnheid! Know my life is departing. To many things
+need compels.[60] _Lyngheid_.
+
+Few sisters will, although they lose a father, avenge a brother's
+crime.
+
+_Hreidmar_.
+
+11. Then bring forth a daughter, wolf-hearted fury! If by a chief
+thou have not a son. Get for the maid a spouse, in thy great need;
+then will her son thy wrong avenge.
+
+Hreidmar then died, and Fafnir took all the gold. Regin then requested
+to have his share of the patrimony, but met with a refusal from
+Fafnir. Regin thereupon sought counsel of his sister Lyngheid, how he
+might obtain his patrimony. She said:
+
+12. Thou of thy brother shalt mildly demand thy patrimony and a
+better spirit. It is not seemly, that with the sword thou shouldst
+demand thy property of Fafnir.
+
+The foregoing is what Regin related to Sigurd. One day, when he came
+to Regin's dwelling, he was kindly received, and Regin said:
+
+13. Hither is come the son of Sigmund to our Hall, that man of
+energy: courage he has greater than I aged man: now of a conflict have
+I hope from the fierce wolf.[61]
+
+14. I will nurture the bold-hearted prince: now Yngvi's kinsman is
+to us come; he will be a king under the sun most powerful; over all
+lands will his destinies resound.
+
+Sigurd was thence forward constantly with Regin, who related to him
+how Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid in the likeness of a serpent. He had an
+"Oegis-helm,"[62] at which all living beings were terror-stricken.
+Regin forged a sword for Sigurd, that was named Gram, and was so sharp
+that immersing it in the Rhine, he let a piece of wool down the
+stream, when it clove the fleece asunder as water. With that sword
+Sigurd clove in two Regin's anvil. After that Regin instigated Sigurd
+to slay Fafnir. He said:
+
+15. Loud will laugh Hunding's sons, they who Eylimi of life
+deprived, if the prince is more desirous to seek red rings, than to
+avenge his father.
+
+King Hialprek collected a fleet to enable Sigurd to avenge his father.
+They encountered a great storm, and were driven past a certain
+promontory. A man was standing on the cliff who said:
+
+16. Who ride yonder, on Rævils horses, the towering billows, the
+roaring main: the sail-steeds are with sweat bedewed, the
+wave-coursers will not the wind withstand.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+17. Here am I and Sigurd in sea-trees; a fair wind is given us for
+death itself: higher than our prows the steep waves dash, the rolling
+horses plunge. Who is it that inquires?
+
+_Hnikar_.
+
+18. They called me Hnikar, when I Hugin gladdened, young Volsung!
+and battles fought. Now they mayest call me the ancient of the rock,
+Feng, or Fiolnir.--I desire a passage.
+
+They turn to the land, the old man goes on board, and the storm
+abates. Sigurd said:
+
+19. Tell me, Hnikar! since thou knowest the omens both of gods and
+men, which omens are the best--if to fight 'tis needful--at the swing
+of glaves?
+
+_Hnikar_.
+
+20. Good omens there are many, if men but knew them, at the swing of
+glaves, a faithful fellowship, I think, is the dark raven's, with the
+sworded warrior.
+
+21. The second is, if, when thou art gone out, and about to depart,
+thou seest two renown-seeking men standing in the fore-court.
+
+22. The third omen is, if wolves thou hearest howl under the
+ash-boughs, it will victory to thee announce over helmed warriors, if
+thou seest them go before thee.
+
+23. No man should fight against the moon's late-shining sister. They
+have victory, who can see keenly at the play of swords, or to form the
+wedge-array.
+
+24. Most perilous it is, if with thy foot thou strikest, when thou
+to battle goest. Wily Disir stand on either side of thee, and wish to
+see thee wounded.
+
+25. Combed and washed let every brave man be, and at morning fed;
+for 'tis uncertain whither he at eve may come. 'Tis bad to succumb to
+fate.
+
+Sigurd fought a great battle with Lyngvi, Hunding's son, and his
+brothers, in which Lyngvi and his three brothers fell. After the
+battle Regin said:
+
+26. Now is the bloody eagle, with the trenchant blade, graven on the
+back of Sigmund's slayer. No son of king, who the earth reddens, and
+the raven gladdens, is more excellent.
+
+Sigurd returned home to Hialprek, when Regin instigated him to slay
+Fafnir.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 59: One of many periphrases for gold.]
+
+[Footnote 60: To wit, _to avenge my death on your brothers_.]
+
+[Footnote 61: Sigurd.]
+
+[Footnote 62: A terrific helm or headpiece.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF FAFNIR.
+
+Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and there found Fafnir's slot,
+or track, along which he crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
+made a large pit, and went down into it. When Fafnir crawled from the
+gold he blew forth venom, but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir
+crept over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to the heart.
+Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his head and tail. Sigurd leapt
+from the pit, and each looked at the other. Fafnir said:
+
+1. Young fellow! young fellow! by what fellow art thou begot? of
+what people are thou the son? that thou in Fafnir reddenst thy
+glittering falchion? Thy sword has pierced my heart.
+
+Sigurd concealed his name, because it was the belief in those times,
+that the words of dying persons were of great power, if they cursed an
+enemy by his name.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+2. Gofugt-dyr I am called, but I have wandered a motherless child;
+nor have I a father like the sons of men: alone I wander.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+3. If thou hast no father like the sons of men, by what wonder art
+thou begotten?
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+4. My race, I tell thee, is to thee unknown, and myself also.
+Sigmund was my father named, my name is Sigurd, who with weapon have
+assailed thee.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+5. Who has incited thee? why hast thou suffered thyself to be
+incited to take my life? youth of the sparkling eyes! Thou hadst a
+cruel father-- * * * *
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+6. My heart incited me, my hands gave me aid, and my keen sword.
+Rarely a man is bold, when of mature age, if in childhood he was
+faint-hearted.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+7. I know if thou hadst chanced to grow in the lap of friends, they
+would have seen thee fierce in fight. Now thou art a captive, taken in
+war, and, 'tis said, slaves ever tremble.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+8. Why Fafnir! dost thou upbraid me that I am far from my paternal
+home? I am not a captive, although in war I was taken: thou hast found
+that I am free.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+9. Thou wilt account only as angry words all I to thee shall say,
+but I will say the truth. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red
+treasure, those rings, shall be thy bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+10. Treasure at command every one desires, ever till that one day;
+for at some time each mortal shall hence to Hel depart.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+11. The Norns' decree thou wilt hold in contempt as from a witless
+wight: In water thou shalt be drowned, if in wind thou rowest. All
+things bring peril to the fated.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+12. Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know: who those Norns are, who help in need, and from babes loose the
+mothers.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+13. Very diversely born I take those Norns to be: they have no
+common race. Some are of Æsir-race, some of Alfar-race, some are
+Dvalin's daughters.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+14. Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know, how that holm is called, where Surt and the Æsir will
+sword-liquor together mingle?
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+15. Oskopnir it is called; there shall the gods with lances play;
+Bifrost shall be broken, when they go forth, and their steeds in the
+river swim.
+
+16. An Oegis-helm I bore among the sons of men, while I o'er the
+treasures lay; stronger than all I thought myself to be; stronger I
+found not many!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+17. An Oegis-helm is no protection, where men impelled by anger
+fight: soon he finds, who among many comes, that no one is alone the
+boldest.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+18. Venom I blew forth, when on my father's great heritage I lay.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+19. Thou, glistening serpent! didst a great belching make, and wast
+so hard of heart. Fierceness so much the greater have the sons of men,
+when they possess that helm.
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+20. Sigurd! I now counsel thee, do thou take my counsel; and hence
+ride home. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red treasure, those rings,
+shall be thy bane.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+21. Counsel regarding thee is taken, and I to the gold will ride, on
+the heath that lies. But lie thou, Fafnir! in the pangs of death,
+until Hel have thee!
+
+_Fafnir_.
+
+22. Regin betrayed me, he will thee betray, he of us both will be
+the bane. Fafnir must, I trow, let forth his life: thine was the
+greater might!
+
+Regin had gone away while Sigurd slew Fafnir, but came back as Sigurd
+was wiping the blood from his sword. He said:
+
+23. Hail to thee now, Sigurd! Now hast thou victory won and Fafnir
+slain: of all the men who tread the earth, thou art, I say, the
+bravest born.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+24. Uncertain 'tis to know, when we all come together, sons of
+victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who
+sword has never broken in another's breast.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+25. Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while
+Gram, in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded,
+yet in some degree was I the cause.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+26. Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells
+hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent,
+hadst thou my anger not excited.
+
+Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named
+Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:
+
+27. Sit now, Sigurd!--but I must go to sleep--and Fafnir's heart
+hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that
+drink of blood.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+28. Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened.
+With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the
+ling thou layest.
+
+_Regin_.
+
+29. Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst
+thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+30. Valour is better than might of sword, when foes embittered
+fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull
+sword.
+
+31. For the brave 'tis better than for the timid to join in the game
+of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come
+whatever may.
+
+Sigurd took Fafnir's heart and roasted it on a stick. When he thought
+it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with
+his finger, to try whether it were quite done. He burnt his finger and
+put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir's heart's blood touched his
+tongue he understood the language of birds. He heard the eagles
+chattering among the branches. One eagle said:
+
+38. There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir's heart at the
+fire he roasts. Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the
+glistening life-pulp ate.
+
+_Second eagle_.
+
+33. There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the
+youth, who in him trusts: in rage he brings malicious words together,
+the framer of evil will avenge his brother.
+
+_Third eagle_.
+
+34. By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to
+Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under
+Fafnir lay.
+
+_Fourth eagle_.
+
+35. He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly
+counsel, my sisters! If he would bethink himself, and Hugin gladden.
+There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.
+
+_Fifth eagle_.
+
+36. Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader
+had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of
+life bereft.
+
+_Sixth eagle_.
+
+37. He is most simple, if he longer spares that people's pest. There
+lies Regin, who has betrayed him.--He cannot guard against it.
+
+_Seventh eagle_.
+
+38. By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his
+rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,[63] which Fafnir owned,
+sole lord wilt be!
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+39. Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word
+bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.
+
+Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir's heart, and
+drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir. He then heard the eagles
+saying:
+
+40. Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings. It is not kingly many
+things to fear. I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.
+Couldst thou but her obtain!
+
+_Second eagle_.
+
+41. To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point out to
+wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou,
+Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.
+
+_Third eagle_.
+
+42. There stands a hall on the high Hindarfiall, without 'tis all
+with fire surrounded; sagacious men have it constructed of the
+resplendent radiance of the flood.[64] _Fourth eagle_.
+
+43. On the fell I know a warrior maid to sleep, over her waves the
+linden's bane.[65] Ygg whilom stuck a sleep-thorn in the robe of the
+maid who would heroes choose.
+
+44. Thou, youth! mayest see the helmed maiden, her whom Vingskornir
+from battle bore. May not Sigrdrifa's slumber break the son of
+warriors,[66] against the Norns' decrees.
+
+Sigurd rode along Fafnir's track to his lair, which he found open. The
+doors and door-posts were of iron; of iron also were all the beams in
+the house; but the treasure was buried in the earth. Sigurd found
+there a great quantity of gold, and filled two chests with it. He took
+thence the Oegis-helm, a golden corslet, the sword named Hrotti, and
+many precious things, all which he laid on Grani; but the horse would
+not proceed until Sigurd had mounted on his back.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 63: I.e., Sigurd; a transition from the 3d person to the
+2nd.]
+
+[Footnote 64: Another periphrasis for gold.]
+
+[Footnote 65: A periphrasis for fire.]
+
+[Footnote 66: Of Skioldungs.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA.
+
+Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his course southwards
+towards Frankland. In the fell he saw a great light, as if a fire were
+burning, which blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood a
+"skialdborg," and over it a banner. Sigurd went into the skialdborg,
+and saw a warrior lying within it asleep, completely armed. He first
+took the helmet off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
+Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her body. With his sword
+Gram he ripped the corslet from the upper opening downwards, and then
+through both sleeves. He then took the corslet off from her, when she
+awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd, said:
+
+1. What has my corslet cut? why from sleep have I started? who has
+cast from me the fallow bands?
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+Sigmund's son has just now ript the raven's perch,[67] with Sigurd's
+sword.
+
+_She_.
+
+2. Long have I slept, long been with sleep oppressed, long are
+mortals' sufferings! Odin is the cause that I have been unable to cast
+off torpor.
+
+Sigurd sat down and asked her name. She then took a horn filled with
+mead, and gave him the _minnis-cup_.
+
+_She_.
+
+3. Hail to Day! Hail to the sons of Day! To Night and her daughter
+hail! With placid eyes behold us here, and here sitting give us
+victory.
+
+4. Hail to the Æsir! Hail to the Asyniur! Hail to the bounteous
+earth! Words and wisdom give to us noble twain, and healing hands[68]
+while we live.
+
+She was named Sigrdrifa, and was a Valkyria. She said that two kings
+had made war on each other, one of whom was named Hialmgunnar; he was
+old and a great warrior, and Odin had promised him victory. The other
+was Agnar, a brother of Hoda, whom no divinity would patronize.
+Sigrdrifa overcame Hialmgunnar in battle; in revenge for which Odin
+pricked her with a sleep-thorn, and declared that henceforth she
+should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage.
+"But I said to him, that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse
+any man who could be made to fear." Sigurd answers, and implores her
+to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all regions:
+
+_Sigrdrifa_.
+
+5. Beer I bear to thee, column[69] of battle! with might mingled,
+and with bright glory: 'tis full of song, and salutary saws, of potent
+incantations, and joyous discourses.
+
+6. Sig-runes thou must know, if victory (sigr) thou wilt have, and
+on thy sword's hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard,
+and twice name the name of Ty.
+
+7. Ol- (beer-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt not that another's
+wife thy trust betray, if thou in her confide. On the horn must they
+be graven, and on the hand's back, and Naud[70] on the nail be scored.
+
+8. A cup must be blessed, and against peril guarded, and garlick in
+the liquor cast: then I know thou wilt never have mead with treachery
+mingled.
+
+9. Biarg- (help-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose
+the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the
+joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid.
+
+10. Brim- (sea-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt have secure
+afloat thy sailing steeds. On the prow they must be graven, and on the
+helm-blade, and with fire to the oar applied. No surge shall be so
+towering, nor waves so dark, but from the ocean thou safe shalt come.
+
+11. Lim- (branch-) runes thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be,
+and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on
+the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.
+
+12. Mal- (speech-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt that no one
+for injury with hate requite thee. Those thou must wind, those thou
+must wrap round, those thou must altogether place in the assembly,
+where people have into full court to go.
+
+13. Hug- (thought-) runes thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt
+be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised
+Hropt, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddraupnir's head, and
+from Hoddropnir's horn.
+
+14. On a rock he stood, with edged sword, a helm on his head he
+bore. Then spake Mim's head its first wise word, and true sayings
+uttered.
+
+15. They are, it said, on the shield graven, which stands before the
+shining god, on Arvakr's ear, and on Alsvid's hoof, on the wheel which
+rolls under Rognir's car, on Sleipnir's teeth, and on the sledge's
+bands.
+
+16. On the bear's paw, and on Bragi's tongue, on the wolf's claws,
+and the eagle's beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge's end, on the
+releasing hand, and on healing's track.
+
+17. On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort,
+and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, on
+the Norn's nail, and the owl's neb.
+
+18. All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred
+mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the Æsir, they are with
+the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.
+
+19. Those are bok-runes,[71] those are biarg-runes, and all
+ol- (beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who
+can, without confusion or corruption, turn them to his welfare. Use,
+if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.
+
+20. Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen
+armed warrior! my speech, or silence: think over it in thy mind. All
+evils[72] have their measure.
+
+_Sigurd_.
+
+21. I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed. I am not
+born a craven. Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as
+life is in me.
+
+_Sigrdrifa_.
+
+22. This I thee counsel first: that towards thy kin thou bear thee
+blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:
+that, it is said, benefits the dead.
+
+23. This I thee counsel secondly: that no oath thou swear, if it be
+not true. Cruel bonds follow broken faith: accursed is the
+faith-breaker.
+
+24. This I thee counsel thirdly: that in the assembly thou contend
+not with a fool; for an unwise man oft utters words worse than he
+knows of.
+
+25. All is vain, if thou holdest silence; then wilt thou seem a
+craven born, or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
+unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day let his life go forth,
+and so men's lies reward.
+
+26. This I counsel thee fourthly: if a wicked sorceress dwells by
+the way, to go on is better than there to lodge, though night may
+overtake thee.
+
+27. Of searching eyes the sons of men have need, when fiercely they
+have to fight: oft pernicious women by the way-side sit, who swords
+and valour deaden.
+
+28. This I thee counsel fifthly: although thou see fair women on the
+benches sitting, let not their kindred's silver over thy sleep have
+power. To kiss thee entice no woman.
+
+29. This I thee counsel sixthly: although among men pass offensive
+tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war: wine steals
+the wits of many.
+
+30. Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to
+some their death, to some calamity: many are the griefs of men!
+
+31. This I thee counsel seventhly: if thou hast disputes with a
+daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within
+their dwelling.
+
+32. This I thee counsel eighthly: that thou guard thee against evil,
+and eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to
+wantonness incite.
+
+33. This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on
+the earth thou findest them, whether from sickness they have died, or
+from the sea, or are from weapons dead.
+
+34. Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and
+head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are
+laid: and pray for their happy sleep.
+
+35. This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's
+kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low.
+there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.
+
+36. Strifes and fierce enmities think not to be lulled, no more than
+deadly injury. Wisdom and fame in arms a prince not easily acquires,
+who shall of men be foremost.
+
+37. This I counsel thee eleventhly: that thou at evil look, what
+course it may take. A long life, it seems to me the prince may [not]
+enjoy;--fierce disputes will arise.
+
+Sigurd said: "A wiser mortal exists not, and I swear that I will
+possess thee, for thou art after my heart." She answered: "Thee I will
+have before all others, though I have to choose among all men." And
+this they confirmed with oaths to each other.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 67: The original words, hrafns hrælundir, _the raven's
+corpse-trees._ So Grimm understands the line; because that bird hops
+about upon the armour as upon a tree.]
+
+[Footnote 68: The superstition of the _healing hand_ is not yet
+extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man in Reykjavik
+to whom it would seem to have been communicated by an elfin, in a
+dream.]
+
+[Footnote 69: Literally _apple-tree_.]
+
+[Footnote 70: The name of a rune.]
+
+[Footnote 71: Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used for book
+writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok), whence our _book_.
+Bok also signifies _acupictile_, vel _acupictum (velum, auloeum_).]
+
+[Footnote 72: An allusion to Sigurd's unhappy end.]
+
+
+
+
+FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF SIGURD AND BRYNHILD.[73]
+
+[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he
+comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild,
+Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd
+arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay
+with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild
+was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the
+great exploits of Sigurd.
+
+One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the
+window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it,
+saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On
+the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood
+outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: "Hail to thee, lady!"
+or "How fares it with thee?" She answered: "We are well, my kindred
+and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be
+till their last day." He sat down by her. Brynhild said: "This seat
+will be allowed to few, unless my father comes." Sigurd answered: "Now
+is that come to pass which thou didst promise me." She said: "Here
+shalt thou be welcome." She then arose, and her four maidens with her,
+and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached
+towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and
+placed her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said:
+"A fairer than thou was never born." She said: "It is not wise to
+place faith in women, for they so often break their promise." He said:
+"Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness,"
+Brynhild said: "It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I
+am a shield-maiden (skjaldmær)." Sigurd said: "Then will our happiness
+be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the
+pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon." Brynhild said: "I
+shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrun,
+Giuki's daughter." Sigurd said: "No king's daughter shall ensnare me,
+therefore have not two thoughts on that subject; and I swear by the
+gods that I will possess thee and no other woman." She answered to the
+same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
+her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.
+
+Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came
+to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
+three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun was the name of their
+daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he
+remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
+the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying:
+"Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall
+thee. Take this horn and drink." He took it and drank, and with that
+drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that,
+Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrun, and
+all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd
+gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far
+more austere than before. Their son was named Sigmund.
+
+Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted
+with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed
+that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid
+around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it.
+Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards
+the fire, but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: "Why dost thou shrink
+back, Gunnar?" Gunnar answers: "My horse will not leap this fire,"
+and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. "He is at thy service," said
+Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go
+over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the
+sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the
+fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, as it is
+said:
+
+1. The fire began to rage, and the earth to tremble, high rose the
+flame to heaven itself: there ventured few chiefs of people through
+that fire to ride, or to leap over.
+
+2. Sigurd Grani with his word urged, the fire was quenched before
+the prince, the flame allayed before the glory-seeker with the bright
+saddle that Rok had owned.
+
+Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered. She asks who he is,
+and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. "And thou art destined to be
+my wife with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
+flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition." She said: "I know not
+well how I shall answer this." Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting
+on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a
+swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head,
+and wearing a corslet. "Gunnar," said she, "speak not so to me, unless
+thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has
+sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself." Sigurd said:
+"Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who
+should ride through the flickering flame." She acknowledged the truth
+of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there
+three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and
+laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was
+enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he
+would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called
+Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After
+this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar
+and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.
+
+Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and
+said: "A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame,
+and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might
+so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the
+man." Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was.
+Brynhild said: "Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with
+thee." Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his
+daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was
+afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and
+yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank
+wine.
+
+One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went
+farther out into the water. Gudrun asked why she did so? Brynhild
+answered: "Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in
+anything else?" "I presume that my father was more potent than thine,
+and my husband has performed more valorous deeds, and ridden through
+the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's thrall." Gudrun
+answered angrily: "Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my
+husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every
+respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to
+vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode
+through the fire, whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
+with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest
+thou recognize it." Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it,
+and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
+that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He
+dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all
+events it would soon be known.
+
+On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrun said: "Be
+cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?" Brynhild
+answered: "Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart."
+"Judge not so," said Gudrun. Brynhild continued: "Ask about that only
+which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high
+degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
+to thy wishes." Gudrun said: "It is premature to glory in that: this
+forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?" Brynhild
+answered: "Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I
+grudge thee the possession of him." Gudrun said: "We knew not of your
+secret." Brynhild answered: "We have had no secret, though we have
+sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I have been deceived,
+and I will avenge it." Gudrun said: "Thou art better married than thou
+deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled." "Content should I
+be," said Brynhild, "didst thou not possess a more renowned husband
+than I." Gudrun answered: "Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is
+doubtful which is the greater king." Brynhild said: "Sigurd overcame
+Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is
+said:
+
+"Sigurd the serpent slew, and that henceforth shall be by none
+forgotten, while mankind lives: but thy brother neither dared through
+the fire to ride, nor over it to leap."
+
+Gudrun said: "Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar:
+but he [Gunnar] dared to ride." Brynhild said: "Let us not contend: I
+bear no good will to Grimhild." Gudrun said: "Blame her not; for she
+is towards thee as to her own daughter." Brynhild said: "She is the
+cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the
+pernicious drink, so that he no more remembered me." Gudrun said:
+"Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood."
+Brynhild said: "So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may
+it go with thee as I imagine." Gudrun said: "Better shall I enjoy him
+than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with
+me at any time." Brynhild said: "Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of
+it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle.
+Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I
+have also felt regard for thy brother. But let us talk of other
+things." Gudrun said: "Your imagination looks far forward."
+
+Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and
+begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not
+listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether
+her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths,
+and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry
+her and put away Gudrun; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the
+apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of
+his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
+Sigurdarkvida:
+
+"Out went Sigurd from that interview into the hall of kings, writhing
+with anguish; so that began to start the ardent warrior's iron-woven
+sark off from his sides."
+
+Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he
+had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with
+Hogni, and revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly strove
+to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar
+removed the difficulty, saying: "Let us instigate our brother Guthorm;
+he is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover, free of all
+oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced
+Brynhild." They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had
+them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a
+large realm, to do the deed, as is said:
+
+"The forest-fish they roasted, and the wolf's carcase took, while
+some to Guthorm dealt out gold; gave him Geri's[74] flesh with his
+drink, and many other things steeped therein."
+
+With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly
+perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurdarkvida,
+when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 73: These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which are
+inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and containing matter
+probably derived from the lost poems relative to Sigurd and Brynhild,
+are printed in the Stockholm edition of the Edda. They are also given
+by Afzelius in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
+Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into Danish of the
+entire Saga has since been given, by Prof. Rafn at Copenhagen.]
+
+[Footnote 74: The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used poetically
+for _wolf_ in general.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.
+
+1. It was of old that Sigurd, the young Volsung, Giuki sought, after
+his conflict, received the pledge of friendship from the two brothers;
+oaths exchanged the bold of deed.
+
+2. A maid they offered him, and treasures many, Gudrun, Giuki's
+youthful daughter. Drank and conversed, many days together, Sigurd the
+young and Giuki's sons.
+
+3. Until they went to woo Brynhild, and with them Sigurd, the
+youthful Volsung, rode in company, who knew the way. He would have
+possessed her, if her possess he might.
+
+4. Sigurd the southern laid a naked sword, a glittering falchion,
+between them; nor the damsel did he kiss, nor did the Hunnish king to
+his arm lift her. He the blooming maid to Giuki's son delivered.
+
+5. She to herself of body was of no sin conscious, nor at her
+death-day, of any crime, that could be a stain, or thought to be:
+intervened therein the grisly fates.
+
+6. Alone she sat without, at eve of day, began aloud with herself to
+speak: "Sigurd must be mine; I must die, or that blooming youth clasp
+in my arms."
+
+7. "Of the words I have uttered I now repent; he is Gudrun's
+consort, and I am Gunnar's. The hateful Norns long suffering have
+decreed us."
+
+8. Oftentimes she wandered, filled with evil thoughts, o'er ice and
+icebergs, every eve, when he and Gudrun had to their couch withdrawn,
+and Sigurd her in the coverings wrapt, the Hunnish king his wife
+caressed.
+
+9. "Devoid I go of spouse and pleasure; I will beguile myself with
+vengeful thoughts."
+
+10. By those fits of fury she was impelled to murder. "Thou, Gunnar!
+shalt wholly lose my land, and myself also. Never shall I be happy,
+king! with thee.
+
+11. I will return thither from whence I came, to my near kindred, my
+relations; there will I remain, and slumber life away, unless thou
+Sigurd cause to be slain, and a king become than the other greater.
+
+12. Let the son go together with the father, the young wolf may not
+longer be fostered. For whom will vengeance be the easier to appease,
+if the son lives?"
+
+13. Wroth was Gunnar, and with grief borne down; in his mind
+revolved, sat the whole day; he knew not well, nor could devise, what
+were most desirable for him to do, or were most fitting to be done,
+when he should find himself of the Volsung bereft, and in Sigurd a
+great loss sustain.
+
+14. Much he thought, and also long, that it did not often happen,
+that from their royal state women withdrew. Hogni he then to counsel
+summoned, in whom he placed the fullest trust.
+
+15. "Of all to me Brynhild, Budli's daughter, is the dearest; she is
+the chief of women: rather will I my life lay down than that fair
+one's treasures lose.
+
+16. "Wilt thou the prince for his wealth circumvent? good 'tis to
+command the ore of Rhine, and at ease over riches rule, and in
+tranquillity happiness enjoy."
+
+17. This alone Hogni for answer gave: "It beseems us not so to do,
+by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.
+
+18. "We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
+people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
+race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
+progeny can increase.
+
+19. I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
+importunity is over-great.
+
+20. We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
+deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
+faith."
+
+21. Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
+Sigurd stood his sword.
+
+22. On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
+after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
+steel from the king's hand.
+
+23. Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
+his feet's part fell backwards on the place.
+
+24. Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
+side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
+she swam.
+
+25. So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
+heart rose in his bed. "Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
+bride! thy brothers live.
+
+26. An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
+house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
+devised.
+
+27. Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
+the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
+Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.
+
+28. Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
+sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
+was called his consort's friend."
+
+29. The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
+she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
+rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.
+
+30. Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
+whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
+daughter.
+
+31. Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: "Laugh not thereat,
+thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
+hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
+death thou art doomed.
+
+32. Well dost thou deserve, above all women, that before thy eyes,
+we should lay Atli low, that thou shouldst see thy brother's
+blood-streaming sore, his gory wounds shouldst have to bind."
+
+33. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "No one provokes thee,
+Gunnar! complete is thy work of death. Little does Atli thy hatred
+fear; his life will outlast thine, and his might be ever greater.
+
+34. Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early
+we resolved on crimes. I was o'er-young and unrestrained, with wealth
+endowed, in my brother's house.
+
+35. Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to
+our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings: would that journey
+had never been!
+
+36. Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on
+Grani's back. In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in
+aspect like: yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.
+
+37. And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage
+divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant
+me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to
+possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.
+
+38. Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in
+conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother's
+quarrel. That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one
+bring heartfelt anguish.
+
+39. Our reconciliation we let follow: to me it had been more
+pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold rings of Sigmund's
+son: nor did I another's gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.
+Menskogul[75] had not a changing mind.
+
+40. All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my
+funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with
+another's husband pass her life. Then will my wrongs be all avenged."
+
+41. Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort's neck
+laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest
+feeling, to dissuade her.
+
+42. She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her
+from her long journey.
+
+43. He then called Hogni to consultation. "I will that all our folk
+to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine--now 'tis most needful--to
+see if we can hinder my consort's fatal course, till from our speech a
+hindrance may come: then let us leave necessity to rule."
+
+44. To him Hogni answer gave: "Let no one hinder her from the long
+journey, whence may she never born again return. Unblest she came on
+her mother's lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a
+man's heartfelt sorrow."
+
+45. Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures
+distributed. She was viewing all she owned: hungry female thralls and
+chamber-women. She put on her golden corslet--no good meditated--ere
+herself she pierced, with the sword's point.
+
+46. On the pillow she turned to the other side, and, wounded with
+the glave, on her last counsels thought.
+
+47. "Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to
+receive from me. To every one I give a gilded necklace,[76]
+needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds."
+
+48. All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer
+gave: "Too many are there dead: we will yet live, still be hungry
+hall-servants, to do what fitting is."
+
+49. At length after reflection, the lady linen-clad, young in years,
+words in answer uttered: "I desire that none, dead to entreaty, should
+by force, for our sake, lose their life.
+
+50. Yet o'er your bones will burn fewer ornaments, Menia's good
+meal,[77] when ye go hence me to seek.
+
+51. Gunnar! sit down, I will tell to thee, that of life now hopeless
+is thy bright consort. Thy vessel will not be always afloat, though I
+shall have my life resigned.
+
+52. With Gudrun thou wilt be reconciled, sooner than thou thinkest:
+that wise woman has by the king sad memorials, after her consort's
+death.
+
+53. There is born a maid, which her mother rears; brighter far than
+the clear day, than the sun's beam, will Svanhild be.
+
+54. Gudrun thou wilt give to an illustrious one, a warrior, the bane
+of many men: not to her wish will she be married; Atli will come her
+to espouse, Budli's son, my brother.
+
+55. Much have I in memory how I was treated, when ye me so cruelly
+had deceived: robbed I was of happiness, while my life lasted.
+
+56. Thou wilt desire Oddrun to possess, but Atli will permit it not;
+in secret ye will each other meet. She will love thee, as I had done,
+if us a better fate had been allotted.
+
+57. Thee will Atli barbarously treat; in the narrow serpent-den wilt
+thou be cast.
+
+58. It will too come to pass, not long after, that Atli will his
+soul resign, his prosperity, and cease to live; for Gudrun in her
+vengeance him in his bed will slay, through bitterness of spirit, with
+the sword's sharp edge.
+
+59. More seemly would appear our sister Gudrun, had she in death her
+first consort followed, had but good counsel been to her given, or she
+a soul possessed resembling mine--
+
+60. Faintly I now speak--but for our sake she will not lose her
+life. She will be borne on towering billows to King Jonakr's paternal
+soil. Doubts will be in the resolves of Jonakr's sons.
+
+61. She will Svanhild send from the land, her daughter, and
+Sigurd's. Her will destroy Bikki's counsel; for Jormunrek for evil
+lives. Then will have passed away all Sigurd's race, and Gudrun's
+tears will be the more.
+
+62. One prayer I have to thee yet to make, in this world 'twill be
+my last request: Let in the plain be raised a pile so spacious, that
+for us all like room may be, for those who shall have died with
+Sigurd.
+
+63. Bedeck the pile about with shields and hangings, a variegated
+corpse-cloth, and multitude of slain. Let them burn the Hun[78] on the
+one side of me;
+
+64. Let them with the Hun burn on the other side, my household
+slaves, with collars splendid, two at our heads, and two hawks; then
+will all be equally distributed.
+
+65. Let also lie between us both the sword with rings adorned, the
+keen-edged iron, so again be placed, as when we both one couch
+ascended, and were then called by the name of consorts.
+
+66. Then will not clang against his heel the hall's bright gates,
+with splendid ring, if my train him hence shall follow. Then will our
+procession appear not mean.
+
+67. For him will follow five female thralls, eight male slaves of
+gentle birth, fostered with me, and with my patrimony, which to his,
+daughter Budli gave.
+
+68. Much I have said, and more would say, if the sword would grant
+me power of speech. My voice fails, my wounds swell: truth only I have
+uttered; so I will cease."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 75: That is, Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies this
+name to herself, which is a compound of men, _necklace, monile_, and
+Skogul, the name of a Valkyria.]
+
+[Footnote 76: Necklaces usually consisted in gold and silver chains or
+laces with ornaments attached to them; if these resembled the sun or
+moon they were called Sigli, _suns_ (such were those here spoken of);
+and such was the necklace worn by Freyia, the bright goddess of the
+Vanir.]
+
+[Footnote 77: Menia's meal, or flour, is gold.]
+
+[Footnote 78: Sigurd.]
+
+
+
+
+FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF BRYNHILD.
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+1. "Why art thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! absorbed in evil and
+murderous thoughts? What injury has Sigurd done thee, that thou the
+hero wilt of life bereave?"
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+2. "Sigurd to me oaths has sworn, oaths sworn, all falsehoods. He at
+a time deceived me when he should have been of all oaths most
+observant."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+3. "Thee Brynhild has in anger instigated evil to perpetrate, harm
+to execute. She grudges Gudrun her happy marriage, and thee,
+possession of herself." * * *
+
+4. Some a wolf roasted, some a snake cut up, some to Guthorm served
+the wolf, before they might, eager for crime, on the mighty man lay
+their hands.
+
+5. Without stood Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, and these words first of
+all uttered: "Where is now Sigurd, lord of warriors, seeing that my
+kinsmen foremost ride?"
+
+6. Hogni alone to her answer gave: "Asunder have we Sigurd hewed
+with our swords; his grey steed bends o'er the dead chief."
+
+7. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "Well shall ye now enjoy
+arms and lands. Sigurd would alone over all have ruled, had he a
+little longer life retained.
+
+8. Unseemly it had been that he should so have ruled over Giuki's
+heritage and the Goths' people, when he five sons, for the fall of
+hosts, eager for warfare, had begotten."
+
+9. Then laughed Brynhild--the whole burgh resounded--once only from
+her whole heart: "Well shall ye enjoy lands and subjects, now the
+daring king ye have caused to fall."
+
+10. Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: "Much thou speakest, things
+most atrocious: may fiends have Gunnar, Sigurd's murderer! Souls
+malevolent vengeance awaits."
+
+11. Sigurd had fallen south of Rhine: loud from a tree a raven
+screamed: "With your blood will Atli his sword's edges redden; the
+oaths ye have sworn your slaughter shall dissolve."
+
+12. Evening was advanced, much was drunken, then did pleasant talk
+of all kinds pass: all sank in sleep, when to rest they went. Gunnar
+alone was wakeful longer than all:
+
+13. He began his foot to move, and much with himself to speak; the
+warlike chief in his mind pondered, what during the conflict the raven
+and the eagle were ever saying, as they rode home.
+
+14. Brynhild awoke, Budli's daughter, daughter of Skioldungs, a
+little ere day: "Urge me or stay me--the mischief is perpetrated--my
+sorrow to pour forth, or to suppress it."
+
+15. All were silent at these words; few understood the lady's
+conduct, that weeping she should begin to speak of what she laughing
+had desired.
+
+16. "In my dream, Gunnar! all seemed so horrid, in the chamber all
+was dead; my bed was cold; and thou, king! wast riding of joy bereft,
+with fetters loaded, to a hostile host. So will ye all, race of
+Niflungs! be of power deprived, perjurers as ye are!
+
+17. Ill Gunnar! didst thou remember, when blood ye in your footsteps
+both let flow; now hast thou him ill for all that requited, because he
+would prove himself foremost.
+
+18. Then was it proved, when the hero had ridden to see me, to woo
+me, how the warlike chief whilom held sacred his oath towards the
+youthful prince.
+
+19. Laid his sword, with gold adorned, the illustrious king between
+us both: outward its edges were with fire wrought, but with venom
+drops tempered within."
+
+From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears
+that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain
+sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the
+forest; and it is told in the "Gudrunarkvida hin Forna," that Sigurd
+and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (thing) when
+he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they
+broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and
+unprepared.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although
+ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her,
+but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had eaten of
+Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is
+also sung of Gudrun:
+
+1. Of old it was that Gudrun prepared to die, when she sorrowing
+over Sigurd sat. No sigh she uttered, nor with her hands beat, nor
+wailed, as other women.
+
+2. Jarls came forward of great sagacity, from her sad state of mind
+to divert her. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction;
+ready she was to burst.
+
+3. Sat there noble wives of jarls, adorned with gold, before Gudrun;
+each of them told her sorrows, the bitterest she had known.
+
+4. Then said Giaflaug, Giuki's sister: "I know myself to be on earth
+most joyless: of five consorts I the loss have suffered; of two
+daughters, sisters three, and brothers eight; I alone live."
+
+5. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.
+
+6. Then said Herborg, Hunaland's queen: "I a more cruel grief have
+to recount: my seven sons, in the south land, my spouse the eighth, in
+conflict fell.
+
+7. My father and my mother, my brothers four, on the sea the wind
+deluded; the waves struck on the ship's timbers.
+
+8. Their last honours 'twas mine to pay, 'twas mine to see them
+tombed, their funeral rites to prepare was mine. All this I underwent
+in one half-year, and to me no one consolation offered.
+
+9. Then I became a captive, taken in war, at the close of the same
+half-year. Then had I to adorn, and tie the shoes, of the Hersir's
+wife, each morn.
+
+10. From jealousy she threatened me, and with hard blows drove me:
+nowhere master found I a better, but mistress no where a worse."
+
+11. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.
+
+12. Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Little canst thou, my
+fosterer, wise as thou art, with a young wife fittingly talk." The
+king's body she forbade to be longer hidden.
+
+13. She snatched the sheet from Sigurd's corpse, and turned his cheek
+towards his wife's knees: "Behold thy loved one, lay thy mouth to his
+lip, as if thou wouldst embrace the living prince."
+
+14. Gudrun upon him cast one look: she saw the prince's locks
+dripping with blood, the chief's sparkling eyes closed in death, his
+kingly breast cleft by the sword.
+
+15. Then sank down Gudrun back on her pillow, her head-gear was
+loosed, her cheeks grew red, and a flood of tears fell to her knees.
+
+16. Then wept Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, so that the tears
+spontaneously flowed, and at the same time screamed the geese in the
+court, the noble birds, which the lady owned.
+
+17. Then spake Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Your loves I know were
+the most ardent among living beings upon earth: thou hadst delight
+nowhere, sister mine! save with Sigurd."
+
+18. Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: "Such was my Sigurd among
+Giuki's sons, as is the garlick out from the grass which grows, or a
+bright stone on a thread drawn, a precious gem on kings.
+
+19. I also seemed to the prince's warriors higher than any of
+Herian's Disir; now I am as little as the leaf oft is in the
+storm-winds, after the chieftain's death.
+
+20. Sitting I miss, and in my bed, my dearest friend. Giuki's sons
+have caused, Giuki's sons have caused my affliction, and their
+sister's tears of anguish.
+
+21. So ye desolate the people's land, as ye have kept your sworn
+oaths. Gunnar! thou wilt not the gold enjoy; those rings will be thy
+bane, for the oaths thou to Sigurd gavest.
+
+22. Oft in the mansion was the greater mirth, when my Sigurd Grani
+saddled, and Brynhild they went to woo, that which accursed, in an
+evil hour!"
+
+23. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "May the hag lack spouse
+and children, who thee, Gudrun! has caused to weep, and this morning
+given thee runes of speech!"[79]
+
+24. Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: "Cease, thou loathed of
+all! from those words. The evil destiny of princes thou hast ever
+been; thee every billow drives of an evil nature; thou sore affliction
+of seven kings, the greatest bane of friendship among women!"
+
+25. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: "Atli my brother, Budli's
+offspring, is the sole cause of all the evil;
+
+26. When in the hall of the Hunnish folk, with the king we beheld
+the fire of the serpent's bed.[80] Of that journey, I have paid the
+penalty, that sight I have ever rued."
+
+27. She by a column stood, the wood violently clasped. From the eyes
+of Brynhild, Budli's daughter, fire gleamed forth; venom she snorted,
+when she beheld the wounds of Sigurd.
+
+Gudrun then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to
+Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's
+daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight
+thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself
+with a sword, as it is related in the "Sigurdarkvida in Skemma" (the
+Short Lay of Sigurd).
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 79: Power of speech.]
+
+[Footnote 80: A periphrasis for gold.]
+
+
+
+
+BRYNHILD'S HEL-RIDE.
+
+After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was
+the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a
+chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said
+that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through
+a place in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:
+
+1. "Thou shalt not pass through my stone-supported dwelling place.
+Better had it beseemed thee to work broidery, than to seek after
+another's husband.
+
+2. Why dost thou, vagrant woman! from Valland, my dwelling visit?
+Thou hast, golden dame! if thou desirest to know, gentle one! from thy
+hands washed human blood."
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+3. "Upbraid me not, woman of the rock! although I have in warfare
+been. Of us, I trow, I shall the better seem, wherever men our
+conditions know."
+
+_Giantess_.
+
+4. "Thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! wast in evil hour born in the
+world; thou hast been the bane of Giuki's children, and their happy
+house subverted."
+
+_Brynhild_.
+
+5. "From my chariot I will truly tell thee, thou witless crone! if
+thou desirest to know, how Giuki's heirs made me both lovelorn and
+perjured.
+
+6. The bold-hearted king[81] caused the garbs of us eight sisters
+under an oak to be borne. Twelve years old was I, if thou desirest to
+know, when to the youthful king oaths I gave.
+
+7. By all in Hlymdalir I was called Hild with the helm, by all who
+knew me.
+
+8. Then caused I next, in the Gothic realm, the old Hialmgunnar to
+Hel to journey: I gave victory to the youthful brother of Oda, whereat
+Odin became hostile to me.
+
+9. He with shields encompassed me, red and white, in Skatalund;
+their surfaces enclosed me; him he ordained my sleep to break, who in
+no place could be made to fear.
+
+10. He made around my hall, towards the south, towering burn the
+destroyer of all wood: then bade that man only over it to ride, who me
+the gold should bring, that under Fafnir lay.
+
+11. On Grani rode the chief, the gold-disperser, to where my
+foster-father ruled o'er the dwellings. He alone seemed there to all
+superior, the Danish warrior, of the court.
+
+12. We slept and were content in the same bed, as if he had my born
+brother been; neither of us might on the other, for eight nights, lay
+a hand.
+
+13. Reproached me Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, that I had slept in
+Sigurd's arms; then was I made aware of what I fain would not,--that
+they had deceived me, when a mate I took.
+
+14. To calamities all too lasting men and women, ever will be while
+living born. We two shall now, Sigurd and I pass our life together.
+Sink thou of giant-kind!"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 81: By depriving them of the swan-plumage, for they were
+Valkyriur like the wives of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced
+them under his subjection.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SLAUGHTER OF THE NIFLUNGS.
+
+Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension
+prevailed afterwards between the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them
+with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it
+was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in marriage, to whom they
+administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse
+Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter
+of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to his
+residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of
+treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Hogni, as a
+token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some
+wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but
+did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took Kostbera
+to wife. Their sons were Solar, Snævar, and Giuki. When the Giukungs
+came to Atli, Gudrun besought his sons to intercede for their lives,
+but they would not. The heart of Hogni was cut out, and Gunnar was
+cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the
+serpents, but an adder stung him to the liver.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of
+his men. Theodric and Gudrun mutually bewailed their afflictions. She
+related to him and said:
+
+1. A maid above all maids I was; my mother reared me bright in her
+bower; my brothers I much loved, until me Giuki, with gold adorned,
+with gold adorned, to Sigurd gave.
+
+2. Such was Sigurd above Giuki's sons, as the green leek is,
+springing from the grass, or the high-limbed hart above the savage
+beasts, or gleed-red gold above grey silver.
+
+3. Until my brothers the possession grudged me of a consort to all
+superior. They could not sleep, nor on affairs deliberate, before they
+Sigurd had caused to die.
+
+4. Grani to the assembly ran, his tramp was to be heard; but Sigurd
+then himself came not. All the saddle-beasts were splashed with blood,
+and with sweating faint, from the murderers.
+
+5. Weeping I went to talk to Grani, with humid cheeks, I prayed the
+steed to tell: then Grani shuddered, in the grass bowed down his
+head. The steed knew that his master was no more.
+
+6. Long I wandered, long was my mind distracted, ere of the people's
+guardian I inquired for my king.
+
+7. Gunnar hung his head, but Hogni told me of Sigurd's cruel death.
+"Beyond the river slaughtered lies Guthorm's murderer, and to the
+wolves given.
+
+8. Yonder behold Sigurd, towards the south, there thou wilt hear the
+ravens croak, the eagles scream, in their feast exulting; the wolves
+howling round thy consort."
+
+9. "Why wilt thou, Hogni! to a joyless being such miseries recount?
+May thy heart by ravens be torn and scattered over the wide world,
+rather than thou shouldst walk with men."
+
+10. Hogni answered, for once cast down, from his cheerful mood by
+intense trouble: "Gudrun! thou wouldst have greater cause to weep, if
+the ravens should tear my heart."
+
+11. Alone I turned from that interview to the wolves' scattered
+leavings. No sigh I uttered, nor with my hands beat, nor wailed, as
+other women, when I heartbroken sat by Sigurd.
+
+12. Night seemed to me of blackest darkness, when I sorrowing sat by
+Sigurd. Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or
+I had been burnt as a birchen tree.
+
+13. From the fell I journeyed five long days and nights, until the
+lofty hall of Half I recognized. Seven half-years I with Thora
+stayed, Hakon's daughter, in Denmark.
+
+14. She for my solace wrought in gold southern halls, and Danish
+swans.
+
+15. We had in pictures the game of warriors, and in handiworks a
+prince's nobles; red shields, Hunnish heroes, a sworded host, a helmed
+host, a prince's following.
+
+16. Sigmund's ships from the land sailing, with gilded heads, and
+carved prows. We on our canvas wrought how Sigar and Siggeir both
+contended southward in Fyen.
+
+17. When Grimhild, the Gothic woman, heard how greatly I was
+afflicted, she cast aside her needle-work, and her sons called oft and
+earnestly, that she might know, who for her son would their sister
+compensate, or for her consort slain the blood-fine pay?
+
+18. Gunnar was ready gold to offer, for the injuries to atone, and
+Hogni also. * * * She then inquired who would go the steeds to saddle,
+the chariot to drive, on horseback ride, the hawk let fly, arrows
+shoot from the yew bow?
+
+19. Valdar and the Danes with Jarizleif, Eymod the third with
+Jarizkar, then entered, to princes like. Red mantles had the
+Langbard's men, corslets ornamented, towering helms; girded they were
+with falchions, brown were their locks.
+
+20. For me each one would choose precious gifts, precious gifts, and
+to my heart would speak, if for my many woes they might gain my
+confidence, and I would in them trust.
+
+21. Grimhild to me brought a potion to drink cold and bitter, that I
+my injuries might forget; it was mingled with Urd's power, with cold
+sea-water, and with Son's blood.
+
+22. In that horn were characters of every kind graven and red-hued;
+nor could I comprehend them: the long lyng-fish[82] of the Haddings'
+land, an uncut ear of corn: the wild-beasts' entrance.
+
+23. In that potion were many ills together, a herb from every wood,
+and the acorn, the fire-stead's dew,[83] entrails of offerings,
+swine's liver seethed; for that deadens strife.
+
+24. And then I forgot, when I had taken it, all the king's words in
+the hall spoken. There to my feet three kings came, before she herself
+sought to speak with me.
+
+25. "Gudrun! I will give thee gold to possess, of all the riches
+much of thy dead father; rings of red gold, Hlodver's halls, all the
+hangings left by the fallen king.
+
+26. Hunnish maids, those who weave tapestry, and in bright gold
+work, so that it may delight thee. Over Budli's wealth thou alone
+shalt rule, adorned with gold, and given to Atli."
+
+27. "I will not have any man, nor Brynhild's brother marry: it
+beseems me not with Budli's son to increase a race, or life enjoy."
+
+28. "Take care not to pay the chiefs with hate; for 'tis we who have
+been the aggressors: so shouldst thou act as if yet lived Sigurd and
+Sigmund, if sons thou bearest."
+
+29. "Grimhild! I cannot in mirth indulge, nor, for my hero's sake,
+cherish a hope, since the bloodthirsty [wolf and] raven have together
+cruelly drunk my Sigurd's heart's blood."
+
+30. "Him[84] of all I have found to be a king of noblest race, and
+in much most excellent: him shalt thou have until age lays thee low,
+or mateless be, if him thou wilt not take."
+
+31. "Cease to offer that cup of ills so pertinaciously, that race to
+me: he will Gunnar's destruction perpetrate, and will cut out Hogni's
+heart. I will not cease until the exulting strife-exciter's life I
+shall have taken."
+
+32. Weeping Grimhild caught the words, by which to her sons Gudrun
+foreboded evil, and to her kindred dire misfortunes. "Lands I will
+also give thee, people and followers, Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, if thou
+wilt accept them; for life possess them, and be happy, daughter!"
+
+33. "Him then I will choose among the kings, and from my relatives
+reluctantly receive him. Never will he be to me a welcome consort, nor
+my brothers' bale a protection to our sons."
+
+34. Forthwith on horseback was each warrior to be seen; but the
+Walish women were in chariots placed. For seven days o'er a cold land
+we rode; but the second seven, we beat the waves; and the third seven,
+we reached dry land.
+
+35. There the gate-wards of the lofty burgh the latticed entrance
+opened, ere the court we entered.
+
+36. Atli waked me, but I seemed to be full of evil thoughts, for my
+kinsmen's death.
+
+37. "So me just now[85] have the Norns waked,--a grateful
+interpretation I fain would have. Methought that thou, Gudrun! Giuki's
+daughter! with a treacherous sword didst pierce me through."
+
+38. "Fire it forebodes,[86] when one of iron dreams, arrogance and
+pleasure, a woman's anger. Against evil I will go burn thee, cure and
+medicate thee, although to me thou art hateful."
+
+39. "Seemed to me here in the garden[87] that young shoots had
+fallen, which I wished to let grow: torn up with their roots, reddened
+with blood, to table they were brought, and offered me to eat.
+
+40. "Seemed to me that hawks flew from my hand, lacking their
+quarry, to the house of woes; seemed to me I ate their hearts with
+honey swollen with blood, with sorrowing mind.
+
+41. "Seemed to me from my hand whelps I let slip; lacking cause of
+joy, both of them howled: seemed to me their bodies became dead
+carcases: of the carrion I was compelled to eat."
+
+42. "There will warriors[88] round thy couch converse, and of the
+white-locked ones take off the head; death-doomed they are within a
+few nights, a little ere day: thy court will eat of them."
+
+43. "Lie down I would not,[89] nor sleep after, obstinate in my
+fate--That I will execute!"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 82: That is the long fish of the heath, or Ung, a snake or
+serpent.]
+
+[Footnote 83: Soot.]
+
+[Footnote 84: Atli: Grimhild speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 85: Atli speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 86: Gudrun answers.]
+
+[Footnote 87: Atli speaks.]
+
+[Footnote 88: Gudrun answers.]
+
+[Footnote 89: Atll speaks.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD LAY OF GUDRUN.
+
+Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia,[90] who had been his concubine.
+She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together;
+whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:
+
+1. What ails thee ever, Atli! Budli's son! Hast thou sorrow in thy
+heart? Why never laughest thou? To thy jarls it would seem more
+desirable, that thou with men wouldst talk, and on me wouldst look.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+2. It grieves me, Gudrun! Giuki's daughter! that in my palace here,
+Herkia has said, that thou and Thiodrek have under one covering slept,
+and wantonly been in the linen wrapt.
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+3. For all this charge I will give my oaths by the white sacred
+stone, that with me and Thiodrek nothing has passed, which to man and
+wife only belongs;
+
+4. Save that I embraced the prince of armies, the honoured king, a
+single time. Other were our cogitations, when sorrowful we two sat to
+converse.
+
+5. Hither came Thiodrek, with thirty warriors; now there lives not
+one of those thirty men. Surround me with thy brothers, and with
+mailed warriors; surround me with all thy noblest kinsmen.
+
+6. Send to Saxi the Southmen's prince; he can hallow the boiling
+cauldron."
+
+7. Seven hundred men entered the hall, ere in the cauldron the queen
+dipt her hand.
+
+8. "Now Gunnar comes not, nor call I Hogni: I shall not see again my
+loved brothers: with his sword would Hogni such wrong avenge: now I
+must myself purify from crime."
+
+9. She to the bottom, plunged her snow-white hand, and up she drew
+the precious stones.[91] "See now, ye men! I am proved guiltless in
+holy wise, boil the vessel as it may."
+
+10. Laughed then Atli's heart within his breast, when he unscathed
+beheld the hand of Gudrun. "Now must Herkia to the cauldron go, she
+who Gudrun had hoped to injure." No one has misery seen who saw not
+that, how the hand there of Herkia was burnt. They then the woman led
+to a foul slough.[92] So were Gudrun's wrongs avenged.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 90: Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who
+here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition,
+the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kreimhilt (Gudrun) until
+after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful
+subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the
+other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron,
+sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Muller
+(II., p. 319) ascribes it to Sæmund himself.]
+
+[Footnote 91: The iarknastein of the original was a milk-white opal.]
+
+[Footnote 92: This punishment was known to the old Germans.]
+
+
+
+
+ODDRUN'S LAMENT.
+
+There was a king named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgny. Her
+lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until
+Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar,
+Giuki's son. Of this story it is here sung:
+
+1. I have heard tell, in ancient stories how a damsel came to the
+eastern land: no one was able, on the face of earth, help to afford to
+Heidrek's daughter.
+
+2. When Oddrun, Atli's sister, heard that the damsel had great
+pains, from the stall she led her well-bridled steed, and on the swart
+one the saddle laid.
+
+3. She the horse made run on the smooth, dusty way, until she came
+to where a high hall stood. She the saddle snatched from the hungry
+steed, and in she went along the court, and these words first of all
+uttered:
+
+4. "What is most noteworthy in this country? or what most desirable
+in the Hunnish land?"
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+5. Here lies Borgny with pains overwhelmed, thy friend, Oddrun! See
+if thou canst help her.
+
+_Oddrun_.
+
+6. What chieftain has on thee brought this dishonour? Why so acute
+are Borgny's pains?
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+7. Vilmund is named the falcon-bearer's friend: he the damsel wrapt
+in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
+hidden.
+
+8. They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
+the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
+of power over Borgny.
+
+9. A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
+of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
+had no word uttered.
+
+10. "So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
+other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!"
+
+11. "I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
+of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said--when
+the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford."
+
+_Borgny_.
+
+12. Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
+spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
+upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.
+
+_Oddrun_.
+
+13. I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
+a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
+happen, to any maiden, save to me alone."
+
+14. Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
+great grief:
+
+15. "I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
+council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
+only, while my father lived.
+
+16. These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
+departed hence.
+
+17. He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
+to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
+be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.
+
+18. Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
+and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
+Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.
+
+19. Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
+taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long--which was not
+surprising--ere she discovered all those frauds.
+
+20. These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
+great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
+she caused herself to die with Sigurd.
+
+21. But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
+Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
+Valkyria should become.
+
+22. They forthwith offered[93] ruddy rings to my brother, and
+indemnity not small. He[94] besides offered for me fifteen vills, and
+the load of Grani's sides, if he would accept them.
+
+23. But Atli said he never would a marriage-gift receive from
+Giuki's son. Still we could not our loves withstand, but I my head
+must lay upon the ring-breaker.
+
+24. Many things said my relations; declared they had surprised us
+both together; but Atli said, that I would not crime commit, nor
+scandal perpetrate. But such should no one for another ever deny, when
+love has part.
+
+25. Atli sent his emissaries about the Murkwood, that he might prove
+me; and they came to where they ought not to have come, to where we
+had one couch prepared.
+
+26. To the men we offered red-gold rings, that they it might not to
+Atli tell; but they forthwith hastened home, and it quickly to Atli
+told.
+
+27. But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half
+she should have known it.[95]
+
+28. A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode
+Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a
+serpent-pen the other cast.
+
+29. I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * *
+* The brave king[96] began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble
+race hoped that I to his aid might come.
+
+30. I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings
+sang.
+
+31. I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life would save.
+The vessel we let float past the forest,[97] until I saw all Atli's
+courts.
+
+32. Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:--may she
+perish!--she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not
+save.
+
+33. Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned![98] how I after can
+life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to
+love:
+
+34. Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil
+fate, my own and theirs." Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended
+_Oddrun's lament_.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 93: For Brynhild's death.]
+
+[Footnote 94: Gunnar.]
+
+[Footnote 95: From here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.]
+
+[Footnote 96: Gunnar while in the serpent-pen.]
+
+[Footnote 97: For "lund" (_forest, wood_), which is the reading of the
+MSS., the Copenhagen editor favors the correction to sund (a _sound_
+or _strait, the Sound_)?]
+
+[Footnote 98: Borgny.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF ATLI.
+
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She
+first killed Atli's sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the
+palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.
+
+1. Atli sent riding a messenger to Gunnar, a crafty man, Knefrud was
+his name. To Giuki's courts he came, and to Gunnar's hall, to the
+seats of state,[99] and the glad potation:
+
+2. There drank the courtiers wine in their Valhall--but the guileful
+ones[100] silence kept--the Huns' wrath they[101] feared. Then said
+Knefrud, with chilling voice:--the southern warrior on a high bench
+sat--
+
+3. "Atli has sent me hither on his errand riding on a bit-griping
+steed, through the unknown Murkwood, to pray you, Gunnar! that to his
+bench ye come, with helms of state, Atli's home to visit.
+
+4. "Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red
+helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks
+gory-red, the dart's obstruction, and bit-griping steeds.
+
+5. "The plain he will also give you, the broad Gnitaheid, whistling
+javelins, and gilded prows, vast treasures, and Danp's towns, with
+that famed forest, which men the Murkwood call."
+
+6. Gunnar his head then turned, and to Hogni said: "What counselest
+thou, bold warrior? now suchlike we hear? Of no gold I knew on Gnita's
+heath, to which we possess not other equal.
+
+7. "Seven halls have we filled with swords, of each of which the
+hilt is gold. My horse I know the best, and my sword the keenest; my
+bow adorns my seat, my corslets are of gold, my helm and shield the
+brightest, brought from the hall of Kiar: mine alone are better than
+all the Hunnish ones.
+
+8. "What thinkest thou the woman[102] means, by sending us a ring in
+a wolf's clothing wrapt? I think that she caution enjoins. Wolf's hair
+I found twined in the red-gold ring: wolfish is the way we on our
+errand ride."
+
+9. No sons persuaded Gunnar, nor other kinsman, interpreters nor
+counsellors, nor those who potent were. Then spake Gunnar, as beseemed
+a king, great in his mead-hall, from his large soul:
+
+10. "Rise now up, Fiornir! let along the benches pass the golden
+cups of heroes, from the attendants' hands.
+
+11. "The wolf shall rule the Niflungs' heritage, O bearded sages! if
+Gunnar perish; black-coated bears earth's fruit tear with their teeth,
+to the dogs' delight, if Gunnar come not back."
+
+12. Honoured men, weeping led the land's ruler from the Huns'
+court. Then said Hogni's youthful heir: "Go now, prudent and
+prosperous, whither your wishes lead."
+
+13. The warriors made their bit-griping steeds over the mountains
+fly, through the unknown Murkwood. The whole Hunnish forest trembled
+where'er the warriors rode; over the shrubless, all-green plains they
+sped.
+
+14. Atli's land they saw, and the high watch-towers; Bikki's people
+stood on that lofty fortress; the south people's hall was round with
+benches set, with well-bound bucklers, and white shields, the
+javelin's obstruction. There Atli drank wine in his Valhall: his
+guards sat without, Gunnar and his men to watch, lest they there
+should come with yelling dart, to excite their prince to conflict.
+
+15. Their sister forthwith saw, when the hall they had entered, her
+brothers both--beer had she little drunken--"Betrayed art thou now,
+Gunnar! though strong, how wilt thou contend with the Huns' deadly
+wiles? Go quickly from this hall!
+
+16. "Better hadst thou, Gunnar! in corslet come, than with helm of
+state, to see the home of Atli; thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
+whole sun-bright days, and o'er the pallid dead let the Norns weep,
+the Hunnish shield-maids misery suffer; but Atli himself thou shouldst
+into the serpent-pen have cast; but now the serpent-pen is for you two
+reserved."
+
+17. "Sister! 'tis now too late the Niflungs to assemble, long 'tis
+to seek the aid of men, of valiant heroes, over the rugged fells of
+Rhine."
+
+18. Then the Burgundians' friends[103] Gunnar seized, in fetters
+laid, and him fast bound.
+
+19. Hogni hewed down seven, with the keen sword, but the eighth he
+thrust into the raging fire. So should a valiant man defend himself
+from foes.
+
+20. Hogni had Gunnar's hands[104] protected. The bold chief they
+asked, if the Goths' lord would with gold his life redeem?
+
+21. "Hogni's heart in my hand shall lie, cut bloody from the breast
+of the valiant chief, the king's son, with a dull-edged knife." * * *
+They the heart cut out from Hialli's breast; on a dish bleeding laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.
+
+23. Then said Gunnar, lord of men: "Here have I the heart of the
+timid Hialli, unlike the heart of the bold Hogni; for much it trembles
+as in the dish it lies: it trembled more by half, while in his breast
+it lay."
+
+24. Hogni laughed, when to his heart they cut the living
+crest-crasher; no lament uttered he. All bleeding on a dish they laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.
+
+25. Calmly said Gunnar, the warrior Niflung: "Here have I the heart
+of the bold Hogni, unlike the heart of the timid Hialli; for it little
+trembles, as in the dish it lies: it trembled less, while in his
+breast it lay.
+
+26. "So far shalt thou, Atli! be from the eyes of men as thou wilt
+from the treasures be. In my power alone is all the hidden Niflungs'
+gold, now that Hogni lives not.
+
+27. "Ever was I wavering, while we both lived; now am I so no
+longer, as I alone survive. Rhine shall possess men's baleful metal,
+the mighty stream, the As-known Niflungs' heritage. In the rolling
+water the choice rings shall glitter, rather than on the hands of the
+Huns' children shine.
+
+28. "Drive your wheel-chariots, the captive is now in bonds."
+
+29. Atli the mighty, their sister's husband, rode with resounding
+steeds, with strife-thorns[105] surrounded. Gudrun perceived the
+heroes' peril, she from tears refrained, on entering the hall of
+tumult.
+
+30. "So be it with thee, Atli! as towards Gunnar thou hast held the
+oft-sworn oaths, formerly taken--by the southward verging sun, and by
+Sigty's hill, the secluded bed of rest, and by Ullr's ring." Yet
+thence the more did the bit-shaker[106] the treasure's guardian, the
+warrior chief, drag to death.
+
+31. The living prince then did a host of men into a pen cast down,
+which was within with serpents over-crawled. But Gunnar there alone a
+harp in wrathful mood with his hand struck: the strings resounded. So
+should a daring chief, a ring-dispenser, gold from men withhold.
+
+32. Atli turned his brass-shod[107] steed, his home to revisit, back
+from the murder. Din was in the court with horses thronged, men's
+weapon-song, from the heath they were come.
+
+33. Out then went Gudrun, Atli to meet, with a golden cup to do her
+duty to the king. "Thou canst, O King! joyful in thy hall receive
+from Gudrun the arms of the departed."
+
+34. The drinking-cups of Atli groaned with wine heavy, when in the
+hall together the Huns were counted. Long-bearded, bold, the warriors
+entered.
+
+35. Hastened the bright-faced dame to bear their potions to them,
+the wondrous lady to the chiefs; and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
+the festal dainties offered, and uttered words of hate.
+
+36. "Thou, swords' dispenser! hast thy two sons' hearts,
+slaughter-gory, with honey eaten. I resolved that thou, bold chief!
+shouldst of a human dish eat at thy feasting, and to the place of
+honour send it. Henceforth thou wilt not to thy knees call Erp and
+Eitil, joyous with beer the two: thou wilt not henceforth, see them
+from thy middle seat, gold-dispersing, javelins shafting, manes
+clipping, or horses urging."
+
+38. Uproar was on the benches, portentous the cry of men, noise
+beneath the costly hangings. The children of the Huns wept, all wept
+save Gudrun, who never wept, or for her bear-fierce brothers, or her
+dear sons, young, simple, whom she had borne to Atli.
+
+39. Gold scattered the swan-fair dame; with ruddy rings the
+household gifted. Fate she let ripen, but the bright gold flow. The
+woman spared not the treasure-houses.
+
+40. Atli incautious had himself drunk weary; weapon he had none, nor
+was 'gainst Gudrun guarded. Oft had their sport been better, when they
+lovingly embraced each other before the nobles.
+
+41. With the sword's point she gave the bed of blood to drink with
+death-bent hand, and the dogs loosed, out at the hall-door drove them,
+and the lady wakened the household with burning brand. That vengeance
+she for her brothers took.
+
+42. To fire she then gave all that were therein, and from her
+brothers' murder were from the dark den[108] returned. The old
+structures fell, the treasure-houses smoked, the Budlungs' dwelling.
+Burnt too were the shield-maids within, their lives cut short; in the
+raging fire they sank.
+
+43. Of this enough is said. No such woman will henceforth arms again
+bear, to avenge her brothers. That bright woman had to three kings of
+men the death-doom borne, before she died.
+
+Yet more clearly is this told in "Atlamalum inum Groenlenzkum" (the
+Groenland lay of Atli).
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 99: The epithet aringreypr is applied both to benches and
+helmets (see Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is doubtful: it has been
+rendered _iron-bound_, _brass-bound_, _hearth-encircling_, _curved
+like an eagle's beak_, etc. Benches and helmets of ceremony are
+evidently intended, probably ornamented with brass-work or figures of
+eagles. But to whichever substantive applied, I take its meaning to be
+the same.]
+
+[Footnote 100: The messengers of Atli.]
+
+[Footnote 101: The Giukungs.]
+
+[Footnote 102: Gudrun: she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring to
+her brothers, as a warning, in which a wolf's hair was entwined,
+together with a note in runes, which were falsified by Vingi.]
+
+[Footnote 103: Atli's men.]
+
+[Footnote 104: That is Gunnar himself.]
+
+[Footnote 105: Spears.]
+
+[Footnote 106: The horse.]
+
+[Footnote 107: The original word is eyrskan, a word of doubtful
+signification.]
+
+[Footnote 108: The serpent-pen.]
+
+
+
+
+THE GROENLAND LAY OF ATLI.
+
+
+1. Of those misdeeds men have heard tell, when warriors of old a
+compact made, which by pledges they confirmed, a secret consultation
+held: terrible it was to them after, and to Giuki's sons likewise, who
+were betrayed.
+
+2. The warriors' fate ripened, they were death-doomed: ill advised
+was Atli, though he possessed sagacity: he felled a mighty column,
+strove hardly against himself; with speed he messengers despatched,
+that his wife's brothers should come quickly.
+
+3. Wise was the house-dame, prudently she thought; the words in
+order she had heard, that in secret they had said: the sage lady was
+at a loss: fain would she help them; they[109] o'er the sea must sail,
+but she herself could not go.
+
+4. Runes she graved, Vingi them falsified, before he gave them from
+him; of ill he was the bearer. Then departed Atli's messengers,
+through the branched firth, for where the bold warriors dwelt.
+
+5. They with beer were cheered, and fires they kindled, naught
+thought they of guile, when they were come; they the gifts accepted,
+which the prince sent them, on a column hung them, and of no evil
+thought.
+
+6. Then came Kostbera, she was Hogni's wife, a woman greatly
+cautious, and them both greeted. Glad was also Glaumvor, Gunnar's
+consort, the prudent dame her duty forgot not, she to the guests' need
+attended.
+
+7. Hogni they home invited, if he would be pleased to go. Treachery
+was manifest, had they but reflected! Gunnar then promised, if only
+Hogni would, but Hogni refused what the other proposed.
+
+8. The noble dames bore mead, of many things there was abundance,
+many horns passed round, until it seemed they had full drunken.
+
+9. The household prepared their couches, as to them seemed best.
+Cunning was Kostbera, she could runes interpret; she the letters read
+by the bright fire;--her tongue she had to guard between both her
+gums--so perverted were they, it was difficult to understand them.
+
+10. To their bed they went, she and Hogni. The gentle lady dreamed,
+and concealed it not, to the prince wisely said it as soon as she
+awoke.
+
+11. "From home thou art going, Hogni! give ear to counsel; few are
+fully prudent: go another time.
+
+12. I have the runes interpreted, which thy sister graved: that fair
+dame has not this time invited thee. At one thing I wonder most, I
+cannot even conceive, why so wise a woman so confusedly should grave;
+for it is so set down as if it intimated death to you both, if you
+should straightway come. Either she has left out a letter, or others
+are the cause."[110]
+
+13. "They are," said Hogni, "all suspicious; I have no knowledge of
+them, nor will I into it inquire, unless we have to make requital.
+The king will gift us with gleed-red gold. I never fear, though we may
+hear of terror."
+
+14. "Tottering ye will go, if thitherward ye tend. No kind
+entertainment there will ye at this time find. Hogni! I have dreamed,
+I will not conceal it: in an evil hour ye will go, or so at least I
+fear.
+
+15. "Methought thy coverlet was with fire consumed; that the
+towering flame rushed through my dwelling."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+16. "Here lie linen cloths, which thou hadst little noticed: these
+will quickly burn where thou the coverlet sawest."
+
+_Kostbera_.
+
+17. "Methought a bear came in, and broke down the columns; and so
+his talons shook, that we were terror-stricken; by his mouth held many
+of us, so that we were helpless: there, too, was a din far from
+little."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+18. "A tempest there will be furious and sudden: the white bear thou
+sawest will be a storm from the east."
+
+_Kostbera_.
+
+19. "Methought an eagle flew herein, all through the house: that
+will largely concern us. He sprinkled all with blood: from his threats
+I thought it to be the 'ham'[111] of Atli."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+20. "We often slaughter largely, and then red we see: often are oxen
+meant, when we of eagles dream. Sound is the heart of Atli, dream thou
+as thou mayest." With this they ended: all speeches have an end.
+
+21. The high-born awoke, there the like befell: Glaumvor had
+perceived that her dreams were ill-boding, adverse to Gunnar's going
+to and fro.
+
+22. "Methought a gallows was for thee erected,[112] thou wentest to
+be hanged, that serpents ate thee, that I inter'd thee living, that
+the Powers' dissolution came--Divine thou what that portends.
+
+23. "Methought a bloody glave from thy sark was drawn--ill 'tis such
+a dream to a consort to recount--methought a lance was thrust through
+thy middle: wolves howled on every side."
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+24. "Where dogs run they are wont to bark: oft bodes the bay of dogs
+the flight of javelins."
+
+_Glaumvor_.
+
+25. "Methought a river ran herein, through the whole house, that it
+roared violently, rushed o'er the benches, brake the feet of you
+brothers twain; nothing the water spared: something will that portend!
+
+26. "Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad
+were they: they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their
+seats. I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee."
+
+_Gunnar_.
+
+27. "Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
+journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
+seems that our lives will be short."
+
+28. When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
+up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
+"hus-carls" there were present twice that number--it was ill
+devised--Snævar and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
+named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
+brother of Hogni's wife.
+
+29. They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
+would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.
+
+30. Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
+to her seemed fitting: "I know not whether ye will requite us as we
+would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide."
+
+31. Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: "May him the Jotuns
+have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
+peace he meditates!"
+
+32. Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: "Sail ye prosperous,
+and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
+hinder!"
+
+33. Hogni answered--he to his kin meant well--"Be of good cheer, ye
+prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
+difference; for many little care how they depart from home."
+
+34. On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
+their fates were severed, and their ways divided.
+
+35. Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
+bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
+broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
+they quitted it.[113]
+
+36. A little after--I will the end relate--they saw the mansion
+stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
+Hogni knocked.
+
+37. Then said Vingi, what he had better not, "Go far from the house,
+'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
+forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
+was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare."
+
+38. Hogni answered--little thought he of yielding, or of aught
+fearful that was to be proved:--"Think not to frighten us: try that
+seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong."
+
+39. They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
+while life within him throbbed.
+
+40. Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went
+prepared so that a fence was between them. Words they bandied, all
+with rage boiling: "Already had we resolved to take your lives away."
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+41. "It looks but ill, if ye before have counselled: e'en now ye are
+unprepared, and we one have felled, smitten to death: one of your host
+was he."
+
+42. Furious they became, when those words they heard; their fingers
+they stretched forth, and their bowstrings seized; sharply shot, and
+with shields themselves protected.
+
+43. In then came the tale of what without was passing; loud before
+the hall they a thrall heard speak.
+
+44. Then incensed was Gudrun, when the sad news she heard: adorned
+with necklaces, she tore them all asunder; so hurled the silver, that
+the rings in shivers flew.
+
+45. Then she went out, not gently moved the doors; went forth, void
+of fear, and the comers hailed, turned to the Niflungs: that was her
+last greeting, truth attended it; more words she said:
+
+46. "I sought by symbols to prevent your leaving home,--fate may no
+one resist--and yet must you come hither." Wisely she asked: might
+they not be appeased? No one consented, all answered no.
+
+47. Saw then the high-born lady that a hard game they played; a
+deadly deed she meditated, and her robe dashed aside, a naked falchion
+seized, and her kinsmen's lives defended: skilful she was in warfare,
+where her hand she applied.
+
+48. Giuki's daughter caused two warriors to fall; Atli's brother she
+struck down,--he must henceforth be borne--so she the conflict
+managed, that she his foot struck off. Another too she smote, so that
+he never rose, to Hel she sent him: her hand trembled not.
+
+49. A conflict then ensued, which was widely famed, but that
+excelled all else which Giuki's sons performed. So 'tis said the
+Niflungs, while yet they lived, with swords maintained the fight,
+corslets rent, helmets hewed, as their hearts prompted.
+
+50. At morning most they fought, until mid-day had passed; all early
+morn, and the forenoon, ere the fight was ended, the field flowed with
+blood, until eighteen had fallen: Bera's two sons, and her brother,
+had them overcome.
+
+51. Then the fierce Atli spoke, wroth though he was: "'Tis ill to
+look around; this is long of you. We were thirty warlike thanes,
+eleven survive: the chasm is too great. We were five brothers, when
+Budli died; now has Hel the half, two lie slain.
+
+52. "A great affinity I obtained, that I cannot deny, pernicious
+woman! of which I have no benefit: peace we have seldom had, since
+thou among us camest. Of kinsmen ye have bereft me, of riches often
+wronged. To Hel my sister ye have sent; that is to me most bitter."
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+53. "This thou callest to mind, Atli! but thou so first didst act:
+my mother thou didst take, and for her treasures murder; my gifted
+niece with hunger thou didst cause to perish. Laughable to me it
+seems, when thou sorrows dost recount. The gods are to be thanked,
+that it goes ill with thee."
+
+_Atli_.
+
+54. Jarls! I exhort you the sorrow to augment of that presumptuous
+woman: I would fain see it. Strive so to do, that Gudrun may lament.
+Might I but see that in her lot she joys not!
+
+55. Take ye Hogni, and with a knife hack him: cut out his heart:
+this ye shall do. Gunnar the fierce of soul to a gallows fasten; do
+the work thoroughly, lure up the serpents.
+
+_Hogni_.
+
+56. Do as thou listest, glad I will await it; stout I shall prove
+myself: I have ere now things much harder proved. Ye had a hindrance
+while unscathed we were: now are we so wounded that our fate thou
+mayest command.
+
+57. Beiti spake,--he was Atli's steward--Take we Hialli, but Hogni
+let us save. Let us do half the work; he is death-worthy. As long as
+he lives a slug he will ever be.
+
+58. Terrified was the kettle-watcher, the place no longer held him:
+he could be a whiner, he clomb into every nook: their conflict was his
+bane, as he the penalty must pay; and the day sad, when he must from
+the swine die, from all good things, which he had enjoyed.
+
+59. Budli's cook they took, and the knife brought towards him.
+Howled the wretched thrall, ere the point he felt; declared that he
+had time the gardens to manure, the vilest offices to do, if from
+death he might escape. Joyful indeed was Hialli, could he but save his
+life.
+
+60. Hogni all this observed--few so act, as for a slave to
+intercede, that he may escape!--"Less 'tis, I say, for me to play this
+game myself. Why shall we here desire to listen to that screaming?"
+
+61. Hands on the good prince they laid. Then was no option for the
+bold warriors, the sentence longer to delay. Then laughed Hogni;
+heard the sons of day how he could hold out: torment he well endured!
+
+62. A harp Gunnar took, with his foot-branches touched it. He could
+so strike it, that women wept, and the men sobbed, who best could hear
+it. He the noble queen counselled: the rafters burst asunder.
+
+63. There died the noble, as the dawn of day; at the last they
+caused their deeds to live.
+
+64. Atli thought himself great: over them both he strode, to the
+sagacious woman told the evil, and bitterly reproached her. "It is now
+morning, Gudrun! thy loved ones thou hast lost; partly thou art the
+cause that it has so befallen."
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+65. Joyful art thou, Atli! slaughter to announce: repentance shall
+await thee, when thou hast all proved. That heritage shall be left
+thee--that I can tell thee--that ill shall never from thee go, unless
+I also die.
+
+_Atli_.
+
+66. That I can prevent; another course I see, easier by half: the
+good we oft reject. With slaves I will console thee, with things most
+precious, with snow-white silver, as thou thyself mayest desire.
+
+_Gudrun_.
+
+67. Of that there is _no_ hope; I will all reject; atonement I have
+spurned for smaller injuries. Hard I was ever thought, now will that
+be aggravated. I every grudge concealed, while Hogni lived.
+
+68. We were both nurtured in one house; many a play we played, and
+in the wood grew up; Grimhild us adorned with gold and necklaces; for
+my brothers' death never wilt thou indemnify me, nor ever do what
+shall to me seem good.
+
+69. Men's too great power women's lot oppresses; on the knee the
+hand sinks, if the arms wither; the tree inclines, if its root-fibres
+are severed. Now, Atli! thou mayest alone over all here command.
+
+70. Most unwise it was, when to this the prince gave credit: the
+guile was manifest, had he been on his guard. Dissembling then was
+Gudrun, against her heart she could speak, made herself gay appear,
+with two shields she played.[114]
+
+71. A banquet she would prepare, her brothers' funeral feast; the
+same would Atli also for his own do.
+
+72. With this they ended; the banquet was prepared; the feasting was
+too luxurious. The woman great of heart was stern, she warred on
+Budli's race; on her spouse she would cruel vengeance wreak.
+
+73. The young ones she enticed, and on a block laid them, the fierce
+babes were terrified, and wept not, to their mother's bosom crept,
+asked what she was going to do.
+
+74. "Ask no questions, both I intend to kill; long have I desired to
+cut short your days."
+
+75. "Slay as thou wilt thy children, no one hinders it; thy rage
+will have short peace, if thou destroyest us in our blooming years,
+thou desperate woman!" It fell out accordingly: she cut the throats of
+both.
+
+76. Atli oft inquired whither his boys were gone to play, as he
+nowhere saw them?
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+77. Over I am resolved to go, and to Atli tell it. Grimhild's
+daughter will not conceal it from thee. Little glad, Atli! wilt thou
+be, when all thou learnest; great woe didst thou raise up, when thou
+my brother slewest.
+
+78. Very seldom have I slept since they fell. Bitterly I threatened
+thee: now I have reminded thee. "It is now morning," saidst thou: I
+yet it well remember; and it now is eve, when thou the like shalt
+learn.
+
+79. Thou thy sons hast lost, as thou least shouldest; know that
+their skulls thou hast had for beer-cups; thy drink I prepared, I
+their red blood have shed.
+
+80. I their hearts took, and on a spit staked them, then to thee
+gave them. I said they were of calves,--it was long of thee
+alone--thou didst leave none, voraciously didst devour, well didst ply
+thy teeth.
+
+81. Thy children's fate thou knowest, few a worse awaits. I have my
+part performed, though in it glory not.
+
+_Atli._
+
+82. Cruel wast thou, Gudrun! who couldst so act, with thy children's
+blood my drink to mingle. Thou hast destroyed thy offspring, as thou
+least shouldest; and to myself thou leavest a short interval from ill.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+83. I could still desire thyself to slay; rarely too ill it fares
+with such a prince. Thou hast already perpetrated crimes unexampled
+among men of frantic cruelty, in this world: now thou hast added what
+we have just witnessed. A great misdeed hast thou committed, thy
+death-feast thou hast prepared.
+
+_Atli._
+
+84. On the pile thou shalt be burnt, but first be stoned; then wilt
+thou have earned what thou hast ever sought.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+85. Tell to thyself such griefs early to-morrow: by a fairer death I
+will pass to another light.
+
+86. In the same hall they sat, exchanged hostile thoughts, bandied
+words of hate: each was ill at ease.
+
+87. Hate waxed in a Hniflung, a great deed he meditated; to Gudrun
+he declared that he was Atli's deadly foe.
+
+88. Into her mind came Hogni's treatment; happy she him accounted,
+if he vengeance wreaked. Then was Atli slain, within a little space;
+Hogni's son him slew, and Gudrun herself.
+
+89. The bold king spake, roused up from sleep; quickly he felt the
+wounds, said he no binding needed. "Tell me most truly who has slain
+Budli's son. I am hardly treated: of life I have no hope."
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+90. I, Grimhild's daughter, will not from thee hide, that I am the
+cause that thy life passes away; but partly Hogni's son, that thy
+wounds make thee faint.
+
+_Atli._
+
+91. To the slaughter thou hast rushed, although it ill beseemed
+thee; 'tis bad to circumvent a friend, who well confided in thee.
+Besought I went from home, to woo thee, Gudrun!
+
+92. A widow thou was left, fierce thou wast accounted, which was no
+falsehood, as we have proved. Hither home thou earnest, us a host of
+men attended; all was splendid on our journey.
+
+93. Pomp of all kinds was there, of illustrious men, beeves in
+abundance: largely we enjoyed them. Of all things there was plenty
+partaken of by many.
+
+94. A marriage gift to my bride I gave, treasures for her
+acceptance, thralls thrice ten, seven fair female slaves: in such
+things was honour; silver there was yet more.
+
+95. All seemed to thee as it were naught, while the lands untouched
+lay, which Budli had left me. So didst thou undermine, dist allow me
+nothing to receive. Thou didst my mother let often sit weeping: with
+heart content I found not one of my household after.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+96. Now, Atli! thou liest, though of that I little reck. Gentle I
+seldom was, yet didst thou greatly aggravate it. Young brothers ye
+fought together, among yourselves contended; to Hel went the half from
+thy house: all went to ruin that should be for benefit.
+
+97. Brothers and sisters we were three, we thought ourselves
+invincible: from the land we departed, we followed Sigurd. We roved
+about, each steered a ship; seeking luck we went, till to the east we
+came.
+
+98. The chief king we slew, there a land obtained, the "hersar"
+yielded to us; that manifested fear. We from the forest freed him whom
+we wished harmless, raised him to prosperity who nothing had
+possessed.
+
+99. The Hun king[115] died, then suddenly my fortune changed: great
+was the young wife's grief, the widow's lot was hers. A torment to me
+it seemed to come living to the house of Atli. A hero had possessed
+me: sad was that loss!
+
+100. Thou didst never from a contest come, as we had heard, where
+thou didst gain thy cause, or others overcome; ever wouldst thou give
+way, and never stand, lettest all pass off quietly, as ill beseemed a
+king.
+
+_Atli._
+
+101. Gudrun! now thou liest. Little will be bettered the lot of
+either: we have all suffered. Now act thou, Gudrun! of thy goodness,
+and for our honour, when I forth am borne.
+
+_Gudrun._
+
+102. I a ship will buy, and a painted cist;[116] will the
+winding-sheet well wax, to enwrap thy corpse; will think of every
+requisite, as if we had each other loved.
+
+103. Atli was now a corpse, lament from his kin arose: the
+illustrious woman did all she had promised. The wise woman would go to
+destroy herself; her days were lengthened: she died another time.
+
+104. Happy is every one hereafter who shall give birth to such a
+daughter famed for deeds, as Giuki begat: ever will live, in every
+land, their oft-told tale, wherever people shall give ear.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 109: The messengers.]
+
+[Footnote 110: It would seem that the original runes, as graved by
+Gudrun, had not been so completely erased as to leave no traces of
+them; but that they were still sufficiently legible to enable Kostbera
+to ascertain the real purport of the communication.]
+
+[Footnote 111: Ham (hamr. _fem._ hamingia) a guardian angel, an
+attendant spirit.]
+
+[Footnote 112: Here a gallows in our sense of the word, but usually a
+stake on a scaffold, to which the condemned to a death of torture was
+bound hand and foot.]
+
+[Footnote 113: So great was their haste to land.]
+
+[Footnote 114: She played a double game.]
+
+[Footnote 115: Sigurd.]
+
+[Footnote 116: The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship and
+sending it adrift, seems inconsistent with the later custom of
+depositing it in a cist or coffin.]
+
+
+
+
+GUDRUN'S INCITEMENT.
+
+Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore. She went out into the
+sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne
+across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
+sons were Sorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the
+daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jormunrek the
+Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
+son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to
+be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard
+of this she said to her sons:--
+
+1. Then heard I tell of quarrels dire, hard sayings uttered from
+great affliction, when her sons the fierce-hearted Gudrun, in deadly
+words, to slaughter instigated.
+
+2. "Why sit ye here? why sleep life away? why does it pain you not
+joyous words to speak, now Jormunrek your sister young in years has
+with horses trodden, white and black, in the public way, with grey and
+way-wont Gothic steeds?
+
+3. Ye are not like to Gunnar and the others, nor of soul so valiant
+as Hogni was. Her ye should seek to avenge, if ye had the courage of
+my brothers, or the fierce spirit of the Hunnish kings."
+
+4. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Little didst thou care
+Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd he from sleep awaked. Thy
+blue-white bed-clothes were red with thy husband's gore, with
+death-blood covered.
+
+5. "For thy brothers thou didst o'er-hasty vengeance take, dire and
+bitter, when thou thy sons didst murder. We young ones[117] could on
+Jormunrek, acting all together, have avenged our sister.
+
+6. "Bring forth the arms of the Hunnish kings: thou hast us
+stimulated to a sword-mote."
+
+7. Laughing Gudrun to the storehouse turned, the kings' crested
+helms from the coffers drew, their ample corslets, and to her sons
+them bore. The young heroes loaded their horses' shoulders.
+
+8. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "So will no more come his
+mother to see, the warrior felled in the Gothic land, so that thou the
+funeral-beer after us all may drink, after Svanhild and thy sons."
+
+9. Weeping Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, sorrowing went, to sit in the
+fore-court, and to recount, with tear-worn cheeks, sad of soul, her
+calamities, in many ways.
+
+10. "Three fires I have known, three hearths I have known, of three
+consorts I have been borne to the house. Sigurd alone to me was better
+than all, of whom my brothers were the murderers.
+
+11. "Of my painful wounds I might not complain; yet they even more
+seemed to afflict me, when those chieftains to Atli gave me.
+
+12. "My bright boys I called to speak with me; for my injuries I
+could not get revenge, ere I had severed the Hniflungs' heads.
+
+13. "To the sea-shore I went, against the Norns I was embittered; I
+would cast off their persecution; bore, and submerged me not the
+towering billows; up on land I rose, because I was to live.
+
+14. "To the nuptial couch I went--as I thought better for me,--for
+the third time, with a mighty king. I brought forth offspring,
+guardians of the heritage, guardians of the heritage, Jonakr's sons.
+
+15. "But around Svanhild bond-maidens sat; of all my children her I
+loved the best. Svanhild was, in my hall, as was the sun-beam, fair to
+behold.
+
+16. "I with gold adorned her, and with fine raiment, before I gave
+her to the Gothic people. That is to me the hardest of all my woes,
+that Svanhild's beauteous locks should in the mire be trodden under
+horses' feet.
+
+17. "But that was yet more painful, when my Sigurd they ingloriously
+slew in his bed; though of all most cruel, when of Gunnar the
+glistening serpents to the vitals crawled; but the most agonizing,
+which to my heart flew, when the brave king's heart they while quick
+cut out.
+
+18. "Many griefs I call to memory, many ills I call to memory.
+Guide, Sigurd! thy black steed, thy swift courser, hither let it run.
+Here sits no son's wife, no daughter, who to Gudrun precious things
+may give.
+
+19. "Remember, Sigurd! what we together said, when on our bed we
+both were sitting, that thou, brave one, wouldst come to me from Hel's
+abode, but I from the world to thee.
+
+20. "Raise, ye Jarls! an oaken pile; let it under heaven the highest
+be. May it burn a breast full of woes! the fire round my heart its
+sorrows melt!"
+
+21. May all men's lot be bettered, all women's sorrow lessened, to
+whom this tale of woes shall be recounted.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 117: Themselves and the two sons of Atli.]
+
+
+
+
+THE LAY OF HAMDIR.
+
+
+1. In that court[118] arose woeful deeds, at the Alfar's doleful
+lament;[119] at early morn, men's afflictions, troubles of various
+kinds; sorrows were quickened.
+
+2. It was not now, nor yesterday, a long time since has passed
+away,--few things are more ancient, it was by much earlier--when
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, her young sons instigated Svanhild to
+avenge.
+
+3. "She was your sister, her name Svanhild, she whom Jormunrek with
+horses trod to death, white and black, on the public way, with grey
+and way-wont Gothic steeds.
+
+4. "Thenceforth all is sad to you, kings of people! Ye alone
+survive,
+
+5. "Branches of my race. Lonely I am become, as the asp-tree in the
+forest, of kindred bereft, as the fir of branches; of joy deprived, as
+is the tree of foliage, when the branch-spoiler comes in the warm
+day."
+
+6. Then spake Hamdir, the great of soul, "Little, Gudrun! didst thou
+care Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd they from sleep awaked on the
+bed thou satst, and the murderers laughed.
+
+7. "Thy bed-clothes, blue and white, woven by cunning hands, swam in
+thy husband's gore. When Sigurd perished, o'er the dead thou satst,
+caredst not for mirth--so Gunnar willed it.
+
+8. "Atli thou wouldst afflict by Erp's murder, and by Eitil's life's
+destruction: that proved for thyself the worse: therefore should every
+one so against others use, for life's destruction, a sharp-biting
+sword, that he harm not himself."
+
+9. Then said Sorli--he had a prudent mind--"I with my mother will
+not speeches exchange: though words to each of you to me seem wanting.
+What, Gudrun! dost thou desire, which for tears thou canst not utter?
+
+10. "For thy brothers weep, and thy dear sons, thy nearest kin,
+drawn to the strife: for us both shalt thou, Gudrun! also have to
+weep, who here sit fated on our steeds, far away to die."
+
+11. From the court they went, for conflict ready. The young men
+journeyed over humid fells, on Hunnish steeds, murder to avenge.
+
+12. Then said Erp, all at once--the noble youth was joking on his
+horse's back--"Ill 'tis to a timid man to point out the ways." They
+said the bastard[120] was over bold.
+
+13. On their way they had found the wily jester. "How will the
+swarthy dwarf afford us aid?"
+
+14. He of another mother answered: so he said aid he would to his
+kin afford, as one foot to the other[121] [or, grown to the body, one
+hand the other].
+
+15. "What can a foot to a foot give; or, grown to the body, one hand
+the other?"
+
+16. From the sheath they drew the iron blade, the falchion's edges,
+for Hel's delight. They their strength diminished by a third part,
+they their young kinsman caused to earth to sink.
+
+17. Their mantles then they shook, their weapons grasped; the
+high-born were clad in sumptuous raiment.
+
+18. Forward lay the ways, a woeful path they found, and their
+sister's son wounded on a gibbet, wind-cold outlaw-trees,[122] on the
+town's west. Ever vibrated the ravens' whet: there to tarry was not
+good.
+
+19. Uproar was in the hall, men were with drink excited, so that the
+horses' tramp no one heard, until a mindful man winded his horn.
+
+20. To announce they went to Jormunrek that were seen helm-decked
+warriors. "Take ye counsel, potent ones are come; before mighty men ye
+have on a damsel trampled."
+
+21. Then laughed Jormunrek, with his hand stroked his beard, asked
+not for his corslet; with wine he struggled, shook his dark locks, on
+his white shield looked, and in his hand swung the golden cup.
+
+22. "Happy should I seem, if I could see Hamdir and Sorli within my
+hall. I would them then with bowstrings bind, the good sons of Giuki
+on the gallows hang."
+
+23. Then said Hrodrglod, on the high steps standing; "Prince" said
+she to her son--for that was threatened which ought not to
+happen--"shall two men alone bind or slay ten hundred Goths in this
+lofty burgh?"
+
+24. Tumult was in the mansion, the beer-cups flew in shivers, men
+lay in blood from the Goths' breasts flowing.
+
+25. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Jormunrek! thou didst
+desire our coming, brothers of one mother, into thy burgh:[123] now
+seest thou thy feet, seest thy hands Jormunrek! cast into the glowing
+fire."
+
+26. Then roared forth a godlike[124] mail-clad warrior, as a bear
+roars: "On the men hurl stones, since spears bite not, nor edge of
+sword, nor point, the sons of Jonakr."
+
+27. Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: "Harm didst thou, brother!
+when thou that mouth didst ope. Oft from that mouth bad counsel
+comes."
+
+28. "Courage hast thou, Hamdir! if only thou hadst sense: that man
+lacks much who wisdom lacks.
+
+29. "Off would the head now be, had but Erp lived, our brother bold
+in fight, whom on the way we slew, that warrior brave--me the Disir
+instigated--that man sacred to us, whom we resolved to slay.
+
+30. "I ween not that ours should be the wolves' example, that with
+ourselves we should contend, like the Norns' dogs, that voracious are
+in the desert nurtured."
+
+31. "Well have we fought, on slaughtered Goths we stand, on those
+fallen by the sword, like eagles on a branch. Great glory we have
+gained, though now or to-morrow we shall die. No one lives till eve
+against the Norns' decree."
+
+33. There fell Sorli, at the mansion's front; but Hamdir sank at the
+house's back.
+
+This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 118: See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, and. Luning, Glossar.]
+
+[Footnote 119: "The Alfar's Lament" is the early dawn, and is in
+apposition to "early morn," in the following line. The swart Alfar are
+meant, who were turned to stone if they did not flee from the light of
+day. This is the best interpretation I can offer of this obscure
+strophe.]
+
+[Footnote 120: In this and the four following strophes the person
+alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story nothing more is
+known. He, it appears, had preceded or outridden the others.]
+
+[Footnote 121: Malmesbury relates a similar story of King Æthelstan
+and his cupbearer.]
+
+[Footnote 122: Lit. wolf-trees; a fugitive criminal being called vargr
+_wolf_.]
+
+[Footnote 123: According to the Skalda it would appear that they cut
+off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had they not murdered
+him, was to have cut off his head.]
+
+[Footnote 124: Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla.]
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.
+
+
+
+
+THE DELUDING OF GYLFI.
+
+GEFJON'S PLOUGHING.[125]
+
+1. King Gylfi ruled over the land which is now called Svithiod
+(Sweden). It is related of him that he once gave a wayfaring woman, as
+a recompense for her having diverted him, as much land in his realm as
+she could plough with four oxen in a day and a night. This woman was,
+however, of the race of the Æsir, and was called Gefjon. She took four
+oxen from the north, out of Jotunheim (but they were the sons she had
+had with a giant), and set them before a plough. Now the plough made
+such deep furrows that it tore up the land, which the oxen drew
+westward out to sea until they came to a sound. There Gefjon fixed the
+land, and called it Sælund. And the place where the land had stood
+became water, and formed a lake which is now called "The Water"
+(Laugur), and the inlets of this lake correspond exactly with the
+headlands of Sealund. As Skald Bragi the Old saith:--
+
+    "Gefjon drew from Gylfi,
+    Rich in stored up treasure,
+    The land she joined to Denmark.
+    Four heads and eight eyes bearing,
+    While hot sweat trickled down them,
+    The oxen dragged the reft mass
+    That formed this winsome island."
+
+
+GYLFI'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.
+
+
+2. King Gylfi was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He
+beheld with astonishment that whatever the Æsir willed took place; and
+was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of
+their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty
+gods whom they worshipped. To be satisfied in this particular, he
+resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an
+old man, set out on his journey. But the Æsir, being too well skilled
+in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with
+various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty
+mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered
+with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being
+roofed with shields.
+
+    "Warriors all care-worn,
+    (Stones had poured upon them),
+    On their backs let glisten
+    Valhalla's golden shingles."
+
+At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by
+tossing seven small-swords in the air, and catching them as they fell,
+one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said
+that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and
+begged for a night's lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this
+mansion belonged. The other told him that it belonged to their king,
+and added, "But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask
+him his name." So saying he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed
+the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded
+with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with
+various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of
+which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse
+(from the Havamal, st. i.):--
+
+    "Scan every gate
+    Ere thou go on,
+    With greatest caution;
+
+    For hard to say 'tis
+    Where foes are sitting
+    In this fair mansion."
+
+He afterwards beheld three thrones raised one above another, with a
+man sitting on each of them. Upon his asking what the names of these
+lords might be, his guide answered: "He who sitteth on the lowest
+throne is a king; his name is Har (the High or Lofty One); the second
+is Jafnhar (_i.e_. equal to the High); but he who sitteth on the
+highest throne is called Thridi (the Third)." Har, perceiving the
+stranger, asked him what his errand was, adding that he should be
+welcome to eat and drink without cost, as were all those who remained
+in Hava Hall. Gangler said he desired first to ascertain whether there
+was any person present renowned for his wisdom.
+
+"If thou art not the most knowing," replied Har, "I fear thou wilt
+hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy
+questions, here sits one who will be able to answer them."
+
+
+OF THE SUPREME DEITY.
+
+3. Gangler thus began his discourse:--"'Who is the first, or eldest
+of the gods?"
+
+"In our language," replied Har, "he is called Alfadir (All-Father, or
+the Father of all); but in the old Asgard he had twelve names."
+
+"Where is this God?" said Gangler; "what is his power? and what hath
+he done to display his glory?"
+
+"He liveth," replied Har, "from all ages, he governeth all realms and
+swayeth all things great and small."
+
+"He hath formed," added Jafnhar, "heaven and earth, and the air, and
+all things thereunto belonging."
+
+"And what is more," continued Thridi, "he hath made man, and given him
+a soul which shall live and never perish though the body shall have
+mouldered away, or have been burnt to ashes. And all that are
+righteous shall dwell with him in the place called Gimli, or Vingolf;
+but the wicked shall go to Hel, and thence to Niflhel, which is below,
+in the ninth world."
+
+"And where did this god remain before he made heaven and earth?"
+demanded Gangler.
+
+"He was then," replied Har, "with the Hrimthursar."[126]
+
+
+OF THE PRIMORDIAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSE.
+
+4. "But with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of
+things?" demanded Gangler.
+
+"Hear," replied Har, "what is said in the Voluspa."
+
+    "'Twas time's first dawn,
+    When nought yet was,
+    Nor sand nor sea,
+    Nor cooling wave;
+    Earth was not there,
+
+    Nor heaven above.
+    Nought save a void
+    And yawning gulf.
+    But verdure none.'"
+
+"Many ages before the earth was made," added Jafnhar, "was Niflheim
+formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from
+which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the
+abode of death."
+
+"But, first of all," continued Thridi, "there was in the southern
+region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous
+and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there.[127]
+He who sitteth on its borders (or the land's-end) to guard it is named
+Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of
+the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the
+gods, and consume the universe with fire."
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE HRIMTHURSAR, OR FROST-GIANTS.
+
+5. "Tell me," said Gangler, "what was the state of things ere the
+races mingled, and nations came into being."
+
+"When the rivers that are called Elivagar had flowed far from their
+sources," replied Har, "the venom which they rolled along hardened, as
+does dross that runs from a furnace, and became ice. When the rivers
+flowed no longer, and the ice stood still, the vapour arising from the
+venom gathered over it, and froze to rime, and in this manner were
+formed, in Ginnungagap, many layers of congealed vapour, piled one
+over the other."
+
+"That part of Ginnungagap," added Jafnhar, "that lies towards the
+north was thus filled with heavy masses of gelid vapour and ice,
+whilst everywhere within were whirlwinds and fleeting mists. But the
+southern part of Ginnungagap was lighted by the sparks and flakes that
+flew into it from Muspellheim."
+
+"Thus," continued Thridi, "whilst freezing cold and gathering gloom
+proceeded from Niflheim, that part of Ginnungagap looking towards
+Muspellheim was filled with glowing radiancy, the intervening space
+remaining calm and light as wind-still air. And when the heated blast
+met the gelid vapour it melted it into drops, and, by the might of him
+who sent the heat, these drops quickened into life, and took a human
+semblance. The being thus formed was named Ymir, but the Frost-giants
+call him Orgelmir. From him descend the race of the Frost-giants
+(Hrimthursar), as it is said in the Voluspa, 'From Vidolf come all
+witches; from Vilmeith all wizards; from Svarthofdi all
+poison-seethers; and all giants from Ymir.' And the giant Vafthrûdnir,
+when Gangrad asked, 'Whence came Orgelmir the first of the sons of
+giants?' answered, 'The Elivagar cast out drops of venom that
+quickened into a giant. From him spring all our race, and hence are we
+so strong and mighty.'"
+
+"How did the race of Ymir spread itself?" asked Gangler; "or dost thou
+believe that this giant was a god?"
+
+"We are far from believing him to have been a god," replied Har, "for
+he was wicked as are all of his race, whom we call Frost-giants. And
+it is said that, when Ymir slept, he fell into a sweat, and from the
+pit of his left arm was born a man and a woman, and one of his feet
+engendered with the other a son, from whom descend the Frost-giants,
+and we therefore call Ymir the old Frost-giant."
+
+
+OF THE COW AUDHUMLA, AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.
+
+6. "Where dwelt Ymir, and on what did he live?" asked Gangler.
+
+"Immediately after the gelid vapours had been resolved into drops,"
+replied Kar, "there was formed out of them the cow named Audhumla.
+Four streams of milk ran from her teats, and thus fed she Ymir."
+
+"But on what did the cow feed?" questioned Gangler.
+
+"The cow," answered Har, "supported herself by licking the stones that
+were covered with salt and hoar frost. The first day that she licked
+these stones there sprang from them, towards evening, the hairs of a
+man, the second day a head, and on the third an entire man, who was
+endowed with beauty, agility and power. He was called Bur, and was the
+father of Bor, who took for his wife Besla, the daughter of the giant
+Bolthorn. And they had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve; and it is our
+belief that this Odin, with his brothers, ruleth both heaven and
+earth, and that Odin is his true name, and that he is the most mighty
+of all the gods."
+
+
+HOW THE SONS OF BOR SLEW YMIR AND FROM HIS BODY MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.
+
+7. "Was there," asked Gangler, "any kind of equality or any degree
+of good understanding between these two races?"
+
+"Far from it," replied Har; "for the sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir,
+and when he fell there ran so much blood from his wounds, that the
+whole race of Frost-giants was drowned in it, except a single giant,
+who saved himself with his household. He is called by the giants
+Bergelmir. He escaped by going on board his bark, and with him went
+his wife, and from them are descended the Frost-giants."
+
+8. "And what became of the sons of Bor, whom ye look upon as gods?"
+asked Gangler.
+
+"To relate this," replied Har, "is no trivial matter. They dragged the
+body of Ymir into the middle of Ginnungagap, and of it formed the
+earth. From Ymir's blood they made the seas and waters; from his flesh
+the land; from his bones the mountains; and his teeth and jaws,
+together with some bits of broken bones, served them to make the
+stones and pebbles."
+
+"With the blood that ran from his wounds," added Jafnhar, "they made
+the vast ocean, in the midst of which they fixed the earth, the ocean
+encircling it as a ring, and hardy will he be who attempts to pass
+those waters."
+
+"From his skull," continued Thridi, "they formed the heavens, which
+they placed over the earth, and set a dwarf at the corner of each of
+the four quarters. These dwarfs are called East, West, North, and
+South. They afterwards took the wandering sparks and red hot flakes
+that had been cast out of Muspellheim, and placed them in the heavens,
+both above and below, to give light unto the world, and assigned to
+every other errant coruscation a prescribed locality and motion. Hence
+it is recorded in ancient lore that from this time were marked out the
+days, and nights, and seasons."
+
+"Such are the events that took place ere the earth obtained the form
+it now beareth."
+
+"Truly great were the deeds ye tell me of!" exclaimed Gangler; "and
+wondrous in all its parts is the work thereby accomplished. But how is
+the earth fashioned?"
+
+"It is round without," replied Har, "and encircled by the deep ocean,
+the outward shores of which were assigned for a dwelling to the race
+of giants. But within, round about the earth, they (the sons of Bor)
+raised a bulwark against turbulent giants, employing for this
+structure Ymir's eyebrows. To this bulwark they gave the name of
+Midgard[128] They afterwards tossed Ymir's brains into the air, and
+they became the clouds, for thus we find it recorded.
+
+"Of Ymir's flesh was formed the earth; of his sweat (blood), the seas;
+of his bones, the mountains; of his hair the trees; of his skull, the
+heavens; but with his eyebrows the blithe gods built Midgard for the
+sons of men, whilst from his brains the lowering clouds were
+fashioned."
+
+
+OF THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MAN AND WOMAN.
+
+9. "To make heaven and earth, to fix the sun and the moon in the
+firmament, and mark out the days and seasons, were, indeed, important
+labours," said Gangler; "but whence came the men who at present dwell
+in the world?"
+
+"One day." replied Har, "as the sons of Bor were walking along the
+sea-beach they found two stems of wood, out of which they shaped a man
+and a woman. The first (Odin) infused into them life and spirit; the
+second (Vili) endowed them with reason and the power of motion; the
+third (Ve) gave them speech and features, hearing and vision. The man
+they called Ask, and the woman, Embla. From these two descend the
+whole human race whose assigned dwelling was within Midgard. Then the
+sons of Bor built in the middle of the universe the city called
+Asgard, where dwell the gods and their kindred, and from that abode
+work out so many wondrous things, both on the earth and in the heavens
+above it. There is in that city a place called Hlidskjalf, and when
+Odin is seated there on his lofty throne he sees over the whole world,
+discerns all the actions of men, and comprehends whatever he
+contemplates. His wife is Frigga, the daughter of Fjorgyn, and they
+and their offspring form the race that we call Æsir, a race that
+dwells in Asgard the old, and the regions around it, and that we know
+to be entirely divine. Wherefore Odin may justly be called All-father,
+for he is verily the father of all, of gods as well as of men, and to
+his power all things owe their existence. Earth is his daughter and
+his wife, and with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is
+endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything
+that hath life."
+
+
+OF NIGHT AND DAY.
+
+10. "A giant called Njorvi," continued Har, "who dwelt in Jotunheim,
+had a daughter called Night (Nott) who, like all her race, was of a
+dark and swarthy complexion. She was first wedded to a man called
+Naglfari, and had by him a son named Aud, and afterwards to another
+man called Annar, by whom she had a daughter called Earth (Jord). She
+then espoused Delling, of the Æsir race, and their son was Day, (Dagr)
+a child light and beauteous like his father. Then took All-father,
+Night, and Day, her son, and gave them two horses and two cars, and
+set them up in the heavens that they might drive successively one
+after the other, each in twelve hours' time, round the world. Night
+rides first on her horse called Hrimfaxi, that every morn, as he ends
+his course, bedews the earth with the foam that falls from his bit.
+The horse made use of by Day is named Skinfaxi, from whose mane is
+shed light over the earth and the heavens."
+
+
+OF THE SUN AND MOON.
+
+11. "How doth All-father regulate the course of the sun and moon?"
+asked Gangler.
+
+"There was formerly a man," replied Har, "named Mundilfari, who had
+two children so lovely and graceful that he called the male, Mani
+(moon), and the female, Sol (sun), who espoused the man named Glenur.
+But the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his
+children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses
+that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to
+the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses
+are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed
+two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to
+some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called
+_isarnkul_.[129] Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and
+regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from
+the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning
+from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called
+Saegr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children,
+who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from
+the earth."
+
+
+OF THE WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON
+
+12. "But the sun," said Gangler, speeds at such a rate as if she
+feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction."
+
+"And well she may," replied Har, "for he that seeks her is not far
+behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him."
+
+"But who is he," asked Gangler, "that causes her this anxiety?"
+
+"There are two wolves," answered Har; "the one called Skoll pursues
+the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake
+and devour her; the other, called Hati, the son of Hrodvitnir, runs
+before her, and as eagerly pursues the moon that will one day be
+caught by him."
+
+"Whence come these wolves?" asked Gangler.
+
+"A hag," replied Har, "dwells in a wood, to the eastward of Midgard,
+called Jarnvid, (the Iron Wood,) which is the abode of a race of
+witches called Jarnvidjur. This old hag is the mother of many gigantic
+sons, who are all of them shaped like wolves, two of whom are the
+wolves thou askest about. There is one of that race, who is said to be
+the most formidable of all, called Managarm: he will be filled with
+the life-blood of men who draw near their end, and will swallow up the
+moon, and stain the heavens and the earth with blood. Then shall the
+sun grow dim, and the winds howl tumultuously to and fro."
+
+
+OF THE WAY THAT LEADS TO HEAVEN.
+
+13. "I must now ask," said Gangler, "which is the path leading from
+earth to heaven?"
+
+"That is a senseless question," replied Har, with a smile of derision.
+"Hast thou not been told that the gods made a bridge from earth to
+heaven, and called it Bifrost? Thou must surely have seen it; but,
+perhaps, thou callest it the rainbow. It is of three hues, and is
+constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it
+be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell, after having
+traversed great rivers, shall ride over it."
+
+"Methinks," said Gangler, "the gods could not have been in earnest to
+erect a bridge so liable to be broken down, since it is in their power
+to make whatever they please."
+
+"The gods," replied Har, "are not to be blamed on that account;
+Bifrost is of itself a very good bridge, but there is nothing in
+nature that can hope to make resistance when the sons of Muspell sally
+forth to the great combat."
+
+
+THE GOLDEN AGE.
+
+14. "What did All-father do after Asgard was made?" demanded
+Gangler.
+
+"In the beginning," answered Har, "he appointed rulers, and bade them
+judge with him the fate of men, and regulate the government of the
+celestial city. They met for this purpose in a place called Idavoll,
+which is in the centre of the divine abode. Their first work was to
+erect a court or hall wherein are twelve seats for themselves, besides
+the throne which is occupied by All-father. This hall is the largest
+and most magnificent in the universe, being resplendent on all sides,
+both within and without, with the finest gold. Its name is Gladsheim.
+They also erected another hall for the sanctuary of the goddesses. It
+is a very fair structure, and called by men Vingolf. Lastly they built
+a smithy, and furnished it with hammers, tongs, and anvils, and with
+these made all the other requisite instruments, with which they worked
+in metal, stone and wood, and composed so large a quantity of the
+metal called gold that they made all their moveables of it. Hence that
+age was named the Golden Age. This was the age that lasted until the
+arrival of the women out of Jotunheim, who corrupted it."
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE DWARFS.
+
+15. "Then the gods, seating themselves upon their thrones,
+distributed justice, and bethought them how the dwarfs had been bred
+in the mould of the earth, just as worms are in a dead body. It was,
+in fact, in Ymir's flesh that the dwarfs were engendered, and began to
+move and live. At first they were only maggots, but by the will of the
+gods they at length partook both of human shape and understanding,
+although they always dwell in rocks and caverns.
+
+"Modsognir and Durin are the principal ones. As it is said in the
+Voluspa--
+
+    "'Then went the rulers there,
+    All gods most holy,
+    To their seats aloft,
+    And counsel together took,
+    Who should of dwarfs
+    The race then fashion,
+    From the livid bones
+    And blood of the giant.
+
+    Modsognir, chief
+    Of the dwarfish race,
+    And Durin too
+    Were then created.
+    And like to men
+    Dwarfs in the earth
+    Were formed in numbers
+    As Durin ordered.'"
+
+
+OF THE ASH YGGDRASILL, MIMIR'S WELL., AND THE NORNS OR DESTINIES.
+
+16. "Where," asked Gangler, "is the chief or holiest seat of
+the gods?"
+
+"It is under the ash Yggdrasill," replied Har, "where the gods
+assemble every day in council."
+
+"What is there remarkable in regard to that place?" said Gangler.
+
+"That ash," answered Jafnhar, "is the greatest and best of all trees.
+Its branches spread over the whole world, and even reach above heaven.
+It has three roots very wide asunder. One of them extends to the Æsir,
+another to the Frost-giants in that very place where was formerly
+Ginnungagap, and the third stands over Nifelheim, and under this root,
+which is constantly gnawed by Nidhogg, is Hvergelmir. But under the
+root that stretches out towards the Frost-giants there is Mimir's
+well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden. The owner of this well is
+called Mimir. He is full of wisdom, because he drinks the waters of
+the well from the horn Gjoll every morning. One day All-father came
+and begged a draught of this water, which he obtained, but was obliged
+to leave one of his eyes as a pledge for it.
+
+"The third root of the ash is in heaven, and under it is the holy
+Urdar-fount. 'Tis here that the gods sit in judgment. Every day they
+ride up hither on horseback over Bifrost, which is called the Æsir
+Bridge. These are the names of the horses of the Æsir. Sleipnir is the
+best of them; he has eight legs, and belongs to Odin. The others are
+Gladr, Gyllir, Glær, Skeidbrimir, Silfrintoppr, Synir, Gils,
+Falhofnir, Gulltoppr, and Lettfeti. Baldur's horse was burnt with his
+master's body. As for Thor, he goes on foot, and is obliged every day
+to wade the rivers called Kormt and OErmt, and two others called
+Kerlaung.
+
+"Through these shall Thor wade every day, as he fares to the doomstead
+under Yggdrasill's ash, else the Æsir Bridge would be in flames, and
+boiling hot would become the holy waters."[130] "But tell me," said
+Gangler, "does fire burn over Bifrost?"
+
+"That," replied Har, "which thou seest red in the bow, is burning
+fire; for the Frost-giants and the Mountain-giants would go up to
+heaven by that bridge if it were easy for every one to walk over it.
+There are in heaven many goodly homesteads, and none without a
+celestial ward. Near the fountain, which is under the ash, stands a
+very beauteous dwelling, out of which go three maidens, named Urd,
+Verdandi, and Skuld.[131] These maidens fix the lifetime of all men,
+and are called Norns. But there are, indeed, many other Norns, for,
+when a man is born, there is a Norn to determine his fate. Some are
+known to be of heavenly origin, but others belong to the races of the
+elves and dwarfs; as it is said--
+
+"'Methinks the Norns were born far asunder, for they are not of the
+same race. Some belong to the Æsir, some to the Elves, and some are
+Dvalin's daughters."
+
+"But if these Norns dispense the destinies of men," said Gangler,
+"they are, methinks, very unequal in their distribution; for some men
+are fortunate and wealthy, others acquire neither riches nor honours,
+some live to a good old age, while others are cut off in their prime."
+
+"The Norns," replied Har, "who are of a good origin, are good
+themselves, and dispense good destinies. But those men to whom
+misfortunes happen ought to ascribe them to the evil Norns."
+
+17. "What more wonders hast thou to tell me," said Gangler,
+"concerning the ash?"
+
+"What I have further to say respecting it," replied Har, "is, that
+there is an eagle perched upon its branches who knows many things:
+between his eyes sits the hawk called Vedurfolnir. The squirrel named
+Ratatosk runs up and down the ash, and seeks to cause strife between
+the eagle and Nidhogg. Four harts run across the branches of the tree,
+and bite the buds. They are called Dainn, Divalinn, Duneyr, and
+Durathror. But there are so many snakes with Nidhogg in Hvergelmir
+that no tongue can recount them."
+
+"It is also said that the Norns who dwell by the Urdar-fount draw
+every day water from the spring, and with it and the clay that lies
+around the fount sprinkle the ash, in order that its branches may not
+rot and wither away. This water is so holy that everything placed in
+the spring becomes as white as the film, within an eggshell. As it is
+said in the Voluspa--
+
+    "'An Ash know I standing,
+    Named Yggdrasill,
+    A stately tree sprinkled
+    With water the purest;
+
+    Thence come the dewdrops
+    That fall in the dales;
+    Ever blooming, it stands
+    O'er the Urdar-fountain."'
+
+"The dew that falls thence on the earth men call honey-dew, and it is
+the food of the bees. Two fowls are fed in the Urdar-fount; they are
+called swans, and from them are descended all the birds of this
+species."
+
+
+OF THE VARIOUS CELESTIAL REGIONS.
+
+18. "Thou tellest me many wonderful things of heaven," said Gangler,
+"but what other homesteads are to be seen there?"
+
+"There are many other fair homesteads there," replied Har; "one of
+them is named Elf-home (Alfheim), wherein dwell the beings called the
+Elves of Light; but the Elves of Darkness live under the earth, and
+differ from the others still more in their actions than in their
+appearance. The Elves of Light are fairer than the sun, but the Elves
+of Darkness blacker than pitch. There is also a mansion called
+Breidablik, which is not inferior to any other in beauty; and another
+named Glitnir, the wall, columns and beams of which are of ruddy gold,
+and the roof of silver. There is also the stead called Himinbjorg,
+that stands on the borders where Bifrost touches heaven, and the
+stately mansion belonging to Odin, called Valaskjalf, which was built
+by the gods, and roofed with pure silver, and in which is the throne
+called Hlidskjalf. When All-father is seated on this throne, he can
+see over the whole world. On the southern edge of heaven is the most
+beautiful homestead of all, brighter than the sun itself. It is called
+Gimli, and shall stand when both heaven and earth have passed away,
+and good and righteous men shall dwell therein for everlasting ages."
+
+"But what will preserve this abode when Surtur's fire consumes heaven
+and earth?" asked Gangler.
+
+"We are told," replied Har, "that towards the south there is another
+heaven above this called Andlang, and again above this a third heaven
+called Vidblain. In this last, we think Gimli must be seated, but we
+deem that the Elves of Light abide in it now."
+
+
+OF THE WIND AND THE SEASONS.
+
+19. "Tell me," said Gangler, "whence comes the wind, which is so
+strong that it moves the ocean and fans fire to flame, yet, strong
+though it be, no mortal eye can discern it? wonderfully, therefore,
+must it be shapen."
+
+"I can tell thee all about it," answered Har; "thou must know that at
+the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hræsvelgur,
+clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
+the winds arise from under them."
+
+20. "Tell me further," said Gangler, "why the summer should be hot,
+and the winter cold."
+
+"A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
+answer," replied Har; "but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
+heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
+question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
+ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
+Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
+from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
+and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
+icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect."
+
+
+OF ODIN.
+
+21. "I must now ask thee," said Gangler, "who are the gods that men
+are bound to believe in?"
+
+"There are twelve gods," replied Har, "to whom divine honours ought to
+be rendered."
+
+"Nor are the goddesses," added Jafnhar, "less divine and mighty."
+
+"The first and eldest of the Æsir," continued Thridi, "is Odin. He
+governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
+all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his
+wife. She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to
+come. For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, 'Senseless
+Loki, why wilt thou pry into futurity, Frigga alone knoweth the
+destinies of all, though she telleth them never?'
+
+"Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
+the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
+his sons all of those who fall in combat. For their abode he has
+prepared Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes
+or Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud,
+and, besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
+Geirraudr," forty-nine names in all.
+
+"A great many names, indeed!" exclaimed Gangler; "surely that man must
+be very wise who knows them all distinctly, and can tell on what
+occasions they were given."
+
+"It requires, no doubt," replied Har, "a good memory to recollect
+readily all these names, but I will tell thee in a few words what
+principally contributed to confer them upon him. It was the great
+variety of languages; for the various nations were obliged to
+translate his name into their respective tongues, in order that they
+might supplicate and worship him. Some of his names, however, have
+been owing to adventures that happened to him on his journeys, and
+which are related in old stories. Nor canst thou ever pass for a wise
+man if thou are not able to give an account of these wonderful
+adventures."
+
+
+OF THOR.
+
+22. "I now ask thee," said Gangler, "what are the names of the other
+gods. What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?"
+
+"The mightiest of them." replied Har, "is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
+and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is
+named Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred
+and forty halls. It is the largest house ever built."
+
+"Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
+From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
+(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
+The first is a mallet called Mjolnir, which both the Frost and
+Mountain Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against
+them in the air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their
+fathers and kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the
+belt of strength or prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about
+him his divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very
+precious, being his iron gauntlets, which he is obliged to put on
+whenever he would lay hold of the handle of his mallet. There is no
+one so wise as to be able to relate all Thor's marvellous exploits,
+yet I could tell thee so many myself that hours would be whiled away
+ere all that I know had been recounted."
+
+
+OF BALDUR.
+
+23. "I would rather," said Gangler, "hear something about the other
+Æsir."
+
+"The second son of Odin," replied Har, "is Baldur, and it may be truly
+said of him that he is the best, and that all mankind are loud in his
+praise. So fair and dazzling is he in form and features, that rays of
+light seem to issue from him; and thou mayst have some idea of the
+beauty of his hair, when I tell thee that the whitest of all plants is
+called Baldur's brow. Baldur is the mildest, the wisest, and the most
+eloquent of all the Æsir, yet such is his nature that the judgment he
+has pronounced can never be altered. He dwells in the heavenly mansion
+called Breidablik, in which nothing unclean can enter."
+
+
+
+OF NJORD.
+
+24. "The third god," continued Har, "is Njord, who dwells in the
+heavenly region called Noatun. He rules over the winds, and checks the
+fury of the sea and of fire, and is therefore invoked by sea-farers
+and fishermen. He is so wealthy that he can give possessions and
+treasures to those who call on him for them. Yet Njord is not of the
+lineage of the Æsir, for he was born and bred in Vanaheim. But the
+Vanir gave him as hostage to the Æsir, receiving from them in his
+stead Hoenir. By this means was peace re-established between the Æsir
+and Vanir. Njord took to wife Skadi, the daughter of the giant
+Thjassi. She preferred dwelling in the abode formerly belonging to her
+father, which is situated among rocky mountains, in the region called
+Thrymheim, but Njord loved to reside near the sea. They at last agreed
+that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then
+three in Noatun. One day, when Njord came back from the mountains to
+Noatun, he thus sang--
+
+    "'Of mountains I'm weary,
+    Not long was I there,
+    Not more than nine nights;
+
+    But the howl of the wolf
+    Methought sounded ill
+    To the song of the swan-bird.'
+
+"To which Skadi sang in reply--
+
+    "'Ne'er can I sleep
+    In my couch on the strand,
+    For the screams of the sea-fowl,
+    The mew as he comes
+    Every morn from the main
+    Is sure to awake me.'
+
+"Skadi then returned to the rocky mountains, and abode in Thrymheim.
+There, fastening on her snow-skates and taking her bow, she passes her
+time in the chase of savage beasts, and is called the Ondur goddess,
+or Ondurdis. As it is said--
+
+    "'Thrymheim's the land
+    Where Thjassi abode
+    That mightiest of giants.
+    But snow-skating Skadi
+    Now dwells there, I trow,
+    In her father's old mansion.'"
+
+
+OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.
+
+25. "Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,
+a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous
+and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He
+presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and
+should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for
+peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most
+propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.
+To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one
+half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said--
+
+    "'Folkvang 'tis called
+    Where Freyja hath right
+    To dispose of the hall seats
+
+    Every day of the slain,
+    She chooseth the half,
+    And half leaves to Odin.'
+
+"Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she
+sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable
+ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that
+women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is
+very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke
+her."
+
+
+OF TYR.
+
+26. "All the gods appear to me," said Gangler, "to have great power,
+and I am not at all surprised that ye are able to perform so many
+great achievements, since ye are so well acquainted with the
+attributes and functions of each god, and know what is befitting to
+ask from each, in order to succeed. But are there any more of them
+besides those you have already mentioned?"
+
+"Ay," answered Har, "there is Tyr, who is the most daring and intrepid
+of all the gods. 'Tis he who dispenses valour in war, hence warriors
+do well to invoke him. It has become proverbial to say of a man who
+surpasses all others in valour that he is _Tyr-strong_, or valiant as
+Tyr. A man noted for his wisdom is also said to be 'wise as Tyr.' Let
+me give thee a proof of his intrepidity. When the Æsir were trying to
+persuade the wolf, Fenrir, to let himself be bound up with the chain,
+Gleipnir, he, fearing that they would never afterwards unloose him,
+only consented on the condition that while they were chaining him he
+should keep Tyr's right hand between his jaws. Tyr did not hesitate to
+put his hand in the monster's mouth, but when Fenrir perceived that
+the Æsir had no intention to unchain him, he bit the hand off at that
+point, which has ever since been called the wolf's joint. From that
+time Tyr has had but one hand. He is not regarded as a peacemaker
+among men."
+
+
+OF THE OTHER GODS.
+
+27. "There is another god," continued Har, "named Bragi, who is
+celebrated for his wisdom, and more especially for his eloquence and
+correct forms of speech. He is not only eminently skilled in poetry,
+but the art itself is called from his name _Bragr_, which epithet is
+also applied to denote a distinguished poet or poetess. His wife is
+named Iduna. She keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they
+feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.
+It is in this manner that they will be kept in renovated youth until
+Ragnarok."
+
+"Methinks," interrupted Gangler, "the gods have committed a great
+treasure to the guardianship and good faith of Iduna."
+
+"And hence it happened," replied Har, smiling, "that they once ran the
+greatest risk imaginable, as I shall have occasion to tell thee when
+thou hast heard the names of the other deities.
+
+28. "One of them is Heimdall, called also the White God. He is the
+son of nine virgins, who were sisters, and is a very sacred and
+powerful deity. He also bears the appellation of the Gold-toothed, on
+account of his teeth being of pure gold, and also that of
+Hallinskithi. His horse is called Gulltopp, and he dwells in
+Himinbjorg at the end of Bifrost. He is the warder of the gods, and is
+therefore placed on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from
+forcing their way over the bridge. He requires less sleep than a bird,
+and sees by night, as well as by day, a hundred miles around him. So
+acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the
+grass growing on the earth, and the wool on a sheep's back. He has a
+horn called the Gjallar-horn, which is heard throughout the universe.
+His sword is called Hofud (Head).
+
+
+HODUR THE BLIND, ASSASSIN OF BALDUR
+
+29. "Among the Æsir," continued Har, "we also reckon Hodur, who is
+blind, but extremely strong. Both gods and men would be very glad if
+they never had occasion to pronounce his name, for they will long have
+cause to remember the deed perpetrated by his hand.[132]
+
+30. "Another god is Vidar, surnamed the Silent, who wears very thick
+shoes. He is almost as strong as Thor himself, and the gods place
+great reliance on him in all critical conjunctures.
+
+31. "Vali, another god, is the son of Odin and Rinda, he is bold in
+war, and an excellent archer.
+
+32. "Another is called Ullur, who is the son of Sif, and stepson of
+Thor. He is so well skilled in the use of the bow, and can go so fast
+on his snow-skates, that in these arts no one can contend with him. He
+is also very handsome in his person, and possesses every quality of a
+warrior, wherefore it is befitting to invoke him in single combats.
+
+33. "The name of another god is Forseti, who is the son of Baldur
+and Nanna, the daughter of Nef. He possesses the heavenly mansion
+called Glitnir, and all disputants at law who bring their cases before
+him go away perfectly reconciled.
+
+"His tribunal is the best that is to be found among gods or men.
+
+
+OF LOKI AND HIS PROGENY.
+
+34. "There is another deity," continued Har, "reckoned in the number
+of the Æsir, whom some call the calumniator of the gods, the contriver
+of all fraud and mischief, and the disgrace of gods and men. His name
+is Loki or Loptur. He is the son of the giant Farbauti. His mother is
+Laufey or Nal; his brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki is
+handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood, and most evil
+disposition. He surpasses all beings in those arts called Cunning and
+Perfidy. Many a time has he exposed the gods to very great perils, and
+often extricated them again by his artifices. His wife is called
+Siguna, and their son Nari.
+
+35. "Loki," continued Har, "has likewise had three children by
+Angurbodi, a giantess of Jotunheim. The first is the wolf Fenrir; the
+second Jormungand, the Midgard serpent; the third Hela (Death). The
+gods were not long ignorant that these monsters continued to be bred
+up in Jotunheim, and, having had recourse to divination, became aware
+of all the evils they would have to suffer from them; their being
+sprung from such a mother was a bad presage, and from such a sire was
+still worse. All-father therefore deemed it advisable to send one of
+the gods to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent
+into that deep ocean by which the earth is engirdled. But the monster
+has grown to such an enormous size that, holding his tail in his
+mouth, he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifelheim, and
+gave her power over nine worlds (regions), into which she distributes
+those who are sent to her, that is to say, all who die through
+sickness or old age. Here she possesses a habitation protected by
+exceedingly high walls and strongly barred gates. Her hall is called
+Elvidnir; Hunger is her table; Starvation, her knife; Delay, her man;
+Slowness, her maid; Precipice, her threshold; Care, her bed; and
+Burning Anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. The one half of
+her body is livid, the other half the colour of human flesh. She may
+therefore easily be recognized; the more so, as she has a dreadfully
+stern and grim countenance.
+
+"The wolf Fenrir was bred up among the gods; but Tyr alone had the
+daring to go and feed him. Nevertheless, when the gods perceived that
+he every day increased prodigiously in size, and that the oracles
+warned them that he would one day become fatal to them, they
+determined to make a very strong iron fetter for him, which they
+called Læding. Taking this fetter to the wolf, they bade him try his
+strength on it. Fenrir, perceiving that the enterprise would not be
+very difficult for him, let them do what they pleased, and then, by
+great muscular exertion, burst the chain and set himself at liberty.
+The gods, having seen this, made another fetter, half as strong again
+as the former, which they called Dromi, and prevailed on the wolf to
+put it on, assuring him that, by breaking this, he would give an
+undeniable proof of his vigour.
+
+"The wolf saw well enough that it would not be so easy to break this
+fetter, but finding at the same time that his strength had increased
+since he broke Læding, and thinking that he could never become famous
+without running some risk, voluntarily submitted to be chained. When
+the gods told him that they had finished their task, Fenrir shook
+himself violently, stretched his limbs, rolled on the ground, and at
+last burst his chains, which flew in pieces all around him. He then
+freed himself from Dromi, which gave rise to the proverb, 'to get
+loose out of Læding, or to dash out of Dromi,' when anything is to be
+accomplished by strong efforts.
+
+
+BINDING THE WOLF FENIR
+
+"After this, the gods despaired of ever being able to bind the wolf;
+wherefore All-father sent Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, into the
+country of the Dark Elves (Svartalfaheim) to engage certain dwarfs to
+make the fetter called Gleipnir. It was fashioned out of six things;
+to wit, the noise made by the footfall of a cat; the beards of women;
+the roots of stones; the sinews of bears; the breath of fish; and the
+spittle of birds. Though thou mayest not have heard of these things
+before, thou mayest easily convince thyself that we have not been
+telling thee lies. Thou must have seen that women have no beards, that
+cats make no noise when they run, and that there are no roots under
+stones. Now I know what has been told thee to be equally true,
+although there may be some things thou art not able to furnish a proof
+of."
+
+"I believe what thou hast told me to be true," replied Gangler, "for
+what thou hast adduced in corroboration of thy statement is
+conceivable. But how was the fetter smithied?"
+
+"This can I tell thee," replied Har, "that the fetter was as smooth
+and soft as a silken string, and yet, as thou wilt presently hear, of
+very great strength. When it was brought to the gods, they were
+profuse in their thanks to the messenger for the trouble he had given
+himself; and taking the wolf with them to the island called Lyngvi, in
+the Lake Amsvartnir, they showed him the cord, and expressed their
+wish that he would try to break it, assuring him at the same time that
+it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would warrant a person in
+supposing it to be. They took it themselves, one after another, in
+their hands, and after attempting in vain to break it, said, 'Thou
+alone, Fenrir, art able to accomplish such a feat.'
+
+"'Methinks,' replied the wolf, 'that I shall acquire no fame in
+breaking such a slender cord; but if any artifice has been employed in
+making it, slender though it seems, it shall never come on my feet.'
+
+"The gods assured him that he would easily break a limber silken cord,
+since he had already burst asunder iron fetters of the most solid
+construction. 'But if thou shouldst not succeed in breaking it,' they
+added, 'thou wilt show that thou art too weak to cause the gods any
+fear, and we will not hesitate to set thee at liberty without delay.'
+
+"'I fear me much,' replied he wolf, 'that if ye once bind me so fast
+that I shall be unable to free myself by my own efforts, ye will be in
+no haste to unloose me. Loath am I, therefore, to have this cord wound
+round me; but in order that ye may not doubt my courage, I will
+consent, provided one of you put his hand into my mouth as a pledge
+that ye intend me no deceit.'
+
+"The gods wistfully looked at each other, and found that they had
+only the choice of two evils, until Tyr stepped forward and intrepidly
+put his right hand between the monster's jaws. Hereupon the gods,
+having tied up the wolf, he forcibly stretched himself as he had
+formerly done, and used all his might to disengage himself, but the
+more efforts he made the tighter became the cord, until all the gods,
+except Tyr, who lost his hand, burst into laughter at the sight.
+
+"When the gods saw that the wolf was effectually bound, they took the
+chain called Gelgja, which was fixed to the fetter, and drew it
+through the middle of a large rock named Gjoll, which they sank very
+deep into the earth; afterwards, to make it still more secure, they
+fastened the end of the cord to a massive stone called Thviti, which
+they sank still deeper. The wolf made in vain the most violent efforts
+to break loose, and opening his tremendous jaws endeavoured to bite
+them. The gods seeing this, thrust a sword into his mouth, which
+pierced his under-jaw to the hilt, so that the point touched the
+palate. He then began to howl horribly, and since that time the foam
+flows continually from his mouth in such abundance that it forms the
+river called Von. There will he remain until Ragnarok."
+
+"Verily," said Gangler, "an evil progeny is that of Loki, yet most
+mighty and powerful; but since the gods have so much to fear from the
+wolf, why did they not slay him?"
+
+"The gods have so much respect for the sanctity of their
+peace-steads," replied Har, "that they would not stain them with the
+blood of the wolf, although prophecy had intimated to them that he
+must one day become the bane of Odin."
+
+
+OF THE GODDESSES.
+
+36. "Tell me now," said Gangler, "which are the goddesses?"
+
+"The first," replied Har, "is Frigga, who has a magnificent mansion
+called Fensalir. The second is Saga, who dwells at Sokkvabekk, a very
+large and stately abode. The third is Eir, the best of all in the
+healing art. The fourth, named Gefjon, is a maid, and all those who
+die maids become her hand-maidens. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a
+maid, and goes about with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her
+head adorned with a gold ribbon. She is entrusted with the toilette
+and slippers of Frigga, and admitted into the most important secrets
+of that goddess. Freyja is ranked next to Frigga: she is wedded to a
+person called Odur, and their daughter, named Hnossa, is so very
+handsome that whatever is beautiful and precious is called by her name
+(_hnosir_.) But Odur left his wife in order to travel into very remote
+countries. Since that time Freyja continually weeps, and her tears are
+drops of pure gold. She has a great variety of names, for having gone
+over many countries in search of her husband, each people gave her a
+different name. She is thus called Mardoll, Horn, Gefn, and Syr, and
+also Vanadis. She possesses the necklace Brising. The seventh goddess
+is Sjofna, who delights in turning men's hearts and thoughts to love;
+hence a wooer is called, from her name, _Sjafni_. The eighth, called
+Lofna, is so mild and gracious to those who invoke her, that by a
+peculiar privilege which either All-Father himself or Frigga has given
+her, she can remove every obstacle that may prevent the union of
+lovers sincerely attached to each other. Hence her name is applied to
+denote love, and whatever is beloved by men. Vora, the ninth goddess,
+listens to the oaths that men take, and particularly to the troth
+plighted between man and woman, and punishes those who keep not their
+promises. She is wise and prudent, and so penetrating that nothing
+remains hidden from her. Syn, the tenth, keeps the door in the hall,
+and shuts it against those who ought not to enter. She presides at
+trials when any thing is to be denied on oath, whence the proverb,
+'Syn (negation) is set against it,' when ought is denied. Hlina, the
+eleventh, has the care of those whom Frigga intends to deliver from
+peril. Snotra, the twelfth, is wise and courteous, and men and women
+who possess these qualities have her name applied to them. Gna, the
+thirteenth, is the messenger that Frigga sends into the various worlds
+on her errands. She has a horse that can run through air and water,
+called Hofvarpnir. Once, as she drove out, certain Vanir saw her car
+in the air, when one of them exclaimed,
+
+    "'What flieth there?
+    What goeth there?
+    In the air aloft what glideth?'
+
+"She answered,
+
+    "'I fly not though I go,
+    And glide through the air
+    On Hofvarpnir,
+    Whose sire's Hamskerpir,
+    And dam Gardrofa.'
+
+"Sol and Bil are also reckoned among the goddesses, but their nature
+has already been explained to thee.
+
+37. "There are besides these a great many other goddesses, whose
+duty it is to serve in Valhalla; to bear in the drink and take care of
+the drinking-horns and whatever belongs to the table. They are named
+in Grimnismal, and are called Valkyrjor. Odin sends them to every
+field of battle, to make choice of those who are to be slain, and to
+sway the victory. Gudur, Rota, and the youngest of the Norns, Skuld,
+also ride forth to choose the slain and turn the combat. Jord (earth),
+the mother of Thor, and Rinda, the mother of Vali, are also reckoned
+amongst the goddesses."
+
+
+OF FREY AND GERDA.
+
+38. "There was a man," continued Har, "named Gymir, who had for wife
+Aurboda, of the race of the Mountain-giants. Their daughter is Gerda,
+who is the most beautiful of all women. One day Frey having placed
+himself in Hlidskjalf, to take a view of the whole universe,
+perceived, as he looked towards the north, a large and stately mansion
+which a woman was going to enter, and as she lifted up the latch of
+the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand that the air and
+waters, and all worlds were illuminated by it. At this sight, Frey, as
+a just punishment for his audacity in mounting on that sacred throne,
+was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch so, that on his return home
+he could neither speak, nor sleep, nor drink, nor did any one dare to
+inquire the cause of his affliction; but Njord, at last, sent for
+Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, and charged him to demand of his
+master why he thus refused to speak to any one. Skirnir promised to do
+this, though with great reluctance, fearing that all he had to expect
+was a severe reprimand. He, however, went to Frey, and asked him
+boldly why he was so sad and silent. Frey answered, that he had seen a
+maiden of such surpassing beauty that if he could not possess her he
+should not live much longer, and that this was what rendered him so
+melancholy. 'Go, therefore,' he added, 'and ask her hand for me, and
+bring her here whether her father be willing or not, and I will amply
+reward thee.' Skirnir undertook to perform the task, provided he might
+be previously put in possession of Frey's sword, which was of such
+excellent quality that it would of itself strew a field with carnage
+whenever the owner ordered it. Frey, impatient of delay, immediately
+made him a present of the sword, and Skirnir set out on his journey
+and obtained the maiden's promise, that within nine nights she would
+come to a place called Barey, and there wed Frey. Skirnir having
+reported the success of his message, Frey exclaimed,
+
+    "'Long is one night,
+    Long are two nights,
+    But how shall I hold out three?
+    Shorter hath seemed
+    A month to me oft
+    Than of this longing-time the half.'
+
+"Frey having thus given away his sword, found himself without arms
+when he fought with Beli, and hence it was that he slew him with a
+stag's antlers."
+
+"But it seems very astonishing," interrupted Gangler, "that such a
+brave hero as Frey should give away his sword without keeping another
+equally good for himself. He must have been in a very bad plight when
+he encountered Beli, and methinks must have mightily repented him of
+the gift."
+
+"That combat," replied Har, "was a trifling affair. Frey could have
+killed Beli with a blow of his fist had he felt inclined: but the time
+will come when the sons of Muspell shall issue forth to the fight, and
+then, indeed, will Frey truly regret having parted with his falchion."
+
+
+OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA.
+
+39. "If it be as thou hast told me," said Gangler, "that all men who
+have fallen in fight since the beginning of the world are gone to
+Odin, in Valhalla, what has he to give them to eat, for methinks there
+must be a great crowd there?"
+
+"What thou sayest is quite true," replied Har, "the crowd there is
+indeed great, but great though it be, it will still increase, and will
+be thought too little when the wolf cometh. But however great the band
+of men in Valhalla may be, the flesh of the boar Sæhrimnir will more
+than suffice for their sustenance. For although this boar is sodden
+every morning he becomes whole again every night. But there are few,
+methinks, who are wise enough to give thee, in this respect, a
+satisfactory answer to thy question. The cook is called Andhrimnir,
+and the kettle Eldhrimnir. As it is said,--'Andhrimnir cooks in
+Eldhrimnir, Sæhrimnir.' 'Tis the best of flesh, though few know how
+much is required for the Einherjar."
+
+"But has Odin," said Gangler, "the same food as the heroes?"
+
+"Odin,' replied Har, 'gives the meat that is set before him to two
+wolves, called Geri and Freki, for he himself stands in no need of
+food. Wine is for him both meat and drink.
+
+"Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and whisper in his ear the tidings
+and events they have heard and witnessed. They are called Hugin and
+Munin.[133] He sends them out at dawn of day to fly over the whole
+world, and they return at eve towards meal time. Hence it is that Odin
+knows so many things, and is called the Raven's God. As it is said,--
+
+    'Hugin and Munin
+    Each dawn take their flight
+    Earth's fields over.
+
+    I fear me for Hugin,
+    Lest he come not back,
+    But much more for Munin.'"
+
+40. "What have the heroes to drink," said Gangler, "in sufficient
+quantity to correspond to their plentiful supply of meat: do they only
+drink water?"
+
+"A very silly question is that," replied Har; "dost thou imagine that
+All-Father would invite kings and jarls and other great men and give
+them nothing to drink but water! In that case, methinks, many of those
+who had endured the greatest hardships, and received deadly wounds in
+order to obtain access to Valhalla, would find that they had paid too
+great a price for their water drink, and would indeed have reason to
+complain were they there to meet with no better entertainment. But
+thou wilt see that the case is quite otherwise. For the she-goat,
+named Heidrun, stands above Valhalla, and feeds on the leaves of a
+very famous tree called Lærath, and from her teats flows mead in such
+great abundance that every day a stoop, large enough to hold more than
+would suffice for all the heroes, is filled with it."
+
+"Verily," said Gangler, "a mighty useful goat is this, and methinks
+the tree she feeds on must have very singular virtues."
+
+"Still more wonderful," replied Har, "is what is told of the stag
+Eikthyrnir. This stag also stands over Valhalla and feeds upon the
+leaves of the same tree, and whilst he is feeding so many drops fall
+from his antlers down into Hvergelmir that they furnish sufficient
+water for the rivers that issuing thence flow through the celestial
+abodes."
+
+41. "Wondrous things are these which thou tellest me of," said
+Gangler, "and Valhalla must needs be an immense building, but methinks
+there must often be a great press at the door among such a number of
+people constantly thronging in and out?"
+
+"Why dost thou not ask," replied Har, "how many doors there are, and
+what are their dimensions; then wouldst thou be able to judge whether
+there is any difficulty in going in and out. Know, then, that there is
+no lack of either seats or doors. As it is said in Grimnismal:--
+
+    "'Five hundred doors
+    And forty more
+    Methinks are in Valhalla.
+    Eight hundred heroes through each door
+    Shall issue forth
+    Against the wolf to combat.'"
+
+42. "A mighty band of men must be in Valhalla," said Gangler, "and
+methinks Odin must be a great chieftain to command such a numerous
+host. But how do the heroes pass their time when they are not
+drinking?"
+
+"Every day," replied Har, "as soon as they have dressed themselves
+they ride out into the court (or field), and there fight until they
+cut each other to pieces. This is their pastime, but when meal-time
+approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.
+As it is said:--
+
+    "'The Einherjar all
+    On Odin's plain
+    Hew daily each other,
+    While chosen the slain are.
+    From the fray they then ride,
+    And drink ale with the Æsir.'
+
+"Thou hast thus reason to say that Odin is great and mighty, for there
+are many proofs of this. As it is said in the very words of the
+Æsir:--
+
+    "'The ash Yggdrasill
+    Is the first of trees,
+    As Skidbladnir of ships,
+    Odin of Æsir,
+    Sleipnir of steeds,
+    Bifrost of bridges,
+    Bragi of bards,
+    Habrok of hawks,
+    And Garm of hounds is.'
+
+
+OF THE HORSE SLEIPNIR.
+
+43. "Thou mad'st mention," said Gangler, "of the horse Sleipnir. To
+whom does he belong, and what is there to say respecting him?"
+
+"Thou seemest to know nothing either about Sleipnir or his origin,"
+replied Har, "but thou wilt no doubt find what thou wilt hear worthy
+of thy notice. Once on a time when the gods were constructing their
+abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
+artificer came and offered to build them, in the space of three half
+years, a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly
+safe from the incursion of the Frost-giants, and the giants of the
+mountains, even although they should have penetrated within Midgard.
+But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freyja, together with the
+sun and moon. After long deliberation the Æsir agreed to his terms,
+provided he would finish the whole work himself without any one's
+assistance, and all within the space of one winter, but if anything
+remained unfinished on the first day of summer, he should forfeit the
+recompense agreed on. On being told these terms, the artificer
+stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse, called
+Svadilfari, and this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He
+accordingly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the
+night let his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of
+the stones struck the Æsir with astonishment, and they saw clearly
+that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than his master.
+Their bargain, however, had been concluded in the presence of
+witnesses, and confirmed by solemn oaths, for without these
+precautions a giant would not have thought himself safe among the
+Æsir, especially when Thor returned from an expedition he had then
+undertaken towards the east against evil demons.
+
+"As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, and the
+bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render this residence
+impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer the
+only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the
+gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation,
+inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give
+Freyja away to Jotunheim, or to plunge the heavens in darkness by
+permitting the giant to carry away the sun and moon. They all agreed
+that no one but Loki, the son of Laufey, and the author of so many
+evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be
+put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way or other to
+prevent the artificer from completing his task and obtaining the
+stipulated recompense. They immediately proceeded to lay hands on
+Loki, who, in his fright, promised upon oath that let it cost him what
+it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose his
+reward. That very night, when the artificer went with Svadilfari for
+building stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest and began to
+neigh. The horse being thus excited, broke loose and ran after the
+mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after his
+horse, and thus between one and the other the whole night was lost, so
+that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man seeing
+that he had no other means of completing his task, resumed his own
+gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly perceived that it was in
+reality a Mountain-giant who had come amongst them. No longer
+regarding their oaths, they, therefore, called on Thor, who
+immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet Mjolnir
+paid the workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
+sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he shattered
+the giant's skull to pieces, and hurled him headlong into Nifelhel.
+But Loki had run such a race with Svadilfari that shortly after he
+bore a grey foal with eight legs. This is the horse Sleipnir, which
+excels all horses ever possessed by gods or men."
+
+
+OF THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR.
+
+44. "What hast thou to say," demanded Gangler, "of Skidbladnir,
+which thou toldst me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as
+good or as large?"
+
+"Skidbladnir," replied Har, "is without doubt the best and most
+artfully constructed of any, but the ship Nagffar is of larger size.
+They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made
+a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the Æsir with their
+weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails
+are set a favourable breeze arises and carries her to her place of
+destination, and she is made of so many pieces, and with so much
+skill, that when she is not wanted for a voyage Frey may fold her
+together like a piece of cloth, and put her in his pocket."
+
+"A good ship truly, is Skidbladnir," said Gangler, "and many cunning
+contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her
+construction."
+
+
+THOR'S ADVENTURES ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.
+
+45. "But tell me," he (Gangler) continued, "did it ever happen to
+Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by
+downright force?"
+
+"Few can take upon them to affirm this," replied Har, "and yet it has
+often fared hard enough with him; but had he in reality been worsted
+in any rencounter there would be no need to make mention of it, since
+all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power."
+
+"It would, therefore, appear," said Gangler, "that I have asked of you
+things that none of you are able to tell me of."
+
+"There are, indeed, some such rumours current among us," answered
+Jafnhar, "but they are hardly credible; however, there is one sitting
+here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe
+him, for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to
+deceive thee with false stories."
+
+"Here then will I stand," said Gangler, "and listen to what ye have to
+say, but if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily I shall look
+upon you as vanquished."
+
+Then spake Thridi and said, "We can easily conceive that thou art
+desirous of knowing these tidings, but it behooves thee to guard a
+becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is
+this:--
+
+46. "One day the God Thor set out in his car drawn by two he-goats,
+and accompanied by Loki, on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at
+a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats, and after flaying
+them, put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down
+with his fellow-traveller to supper, and invited the peasant and his
+family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi,
+and his daughter Roska. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the
+goats' skins which were spread out near the fire-place, but young
+Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the
+marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage, rose at the dawn
+of day, and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjolnir, and lifting
+it up, consecrated the goats' skins, which he had no sooner done than
+the two goats re-assumed their wonted form, only that one of them now
+limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this, said that the
+peasant, or one of his family, had handled the shank bone of this goat
+too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be
+imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his
+brows, and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the
+joints of his fingers became white from the exertion. Fearing to be
+struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family
+made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an
+atonement for the offence committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted
+from his wrath, and became more placable, and finally contented
+himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thjalfi and Roska, who
+became his bond-servants, and have followed him ever since.
+
+'Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the
+road to Jotunheim, until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea,
+which having passed over he penetrated into a strange country along
+with his companions, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roska. They had not gone far
+before they saw before them an immense forest, through which they
+wandered all day. Thjalfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore
+Thor's wallet, but the forest was a bad place for finding anything
+eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides
+for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a
+very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one
+of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in;
+but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the
+whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with
+him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber,
+into which they entered, but while the others, trembling with fear,
+crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the
+doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself,
+whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night,
+and at dawn of day, Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of
+enormous bulk, who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now
+account for the noise they had heard over night, and girding on his
+Belt of Prowess, increased that divine strength which he now stood in
+need of. The giant awakening, rose up, and it is said that for once in
+his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet, and contented
+himself by simply asking the giant his name.
+
+"'My name is Skrymir, said the other, 'but I need not ask thy name,
+for I know thou art the God Thor. But what hast thou done with my
+glove?' And stretching out his hand Skrymir picked up his glove, which
+Thor then perceived was what they had taken over night for a hall, the
+chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then
+asked whether they would have his fellowship, and Thor consenting, the
+giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his
+companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another
+place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions
+together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat
+into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them,
+taking tremendous strides, the whole day, and at dusk sought out for
+them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree.
+Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep. 'But take ye
+the wallet,' he added, 'and prepare your supper.'
+
+"Skrymir soon fell asleep, and began to snore strongly, but incredible
+though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told, that when Thor
+came to open the wallet he could not untie a single knot, nor render a
+single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labour was in
+vain, Thor became wroth, and grasping his mallet with both hands while
+he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir,
+awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and
+whether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered
+that they were just going to sleep, and so saying, went and laid
+himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to
+Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the
+forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his mallet,
+launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to
+the handle. Skrymir awakening, cried out--
+
+"'What's the matter? did an acorn fall on my head? How fares it with
+thee, Thor?'
+
+"But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and
+that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He
+however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third
+blow, it should settle all matters between them. A little before
+daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again
+grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its
+way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and
+stroking his cheek, said--
+
+"'Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke
+some moss from the branches fell on my head. What! Art thou awake,
+Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but
+you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I
+have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small
+dimensions; but if you come into Utgard you will see there many men
+much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there,
+not to make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki
+will not brook the boasting of such mannikins as ye are. The best
+thing you could do would probably be to turn back again, but if you
+persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward, for mine now
+lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance.'
+
+"Hereupon, he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from
+them, into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet
+with him a second time.
+
+47. "Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards
+noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so
+lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their
+shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the
+walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly
+locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with
+his companions through the bars, and thus succeeded in gaining
+admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them, with the
+door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious
+stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came
+before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect.
+Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from
+the king, who, after regarding them for some time, said with a
+scornful smile--
+
+"'It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey, yet if I do not
+mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps,' he added,
+addressing himself to Thor, 'thou mayst be taller than thou appearest
+to be. But what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem
+yourselves skilled in, for no one is permitted to remain here who does
+not, in some feat or other, excel all other men.'
+
+"'The feat I know,' replied Loki, 'is to eat quicker than any one
+else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any one here who
+may choose to compete with me.'
+
+"'That will indeed be a feat,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou performest
+what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.'
+
+"He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the further end of
+the bench, and whose name was Logi,[134] to come forward and try his
+skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on
+the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end, and Logi at the other,
+and each of them, began to eat as fast as he could, until they met in
+the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten
+the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and
+the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was
+vanquished.
+
+"Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor
+could perform. Thjalfi answered that he would run a race with any one
+who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in
+running was something to boast of, but that if the youth would win the
+match he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all
+who were present to a plain where there was a good ground for running
+on, and calling a young man named Hugi,[135] bade him run a match with
+Thjalfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor
+that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place.
+
+"'Thou must ply thy legs better, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou
+wilt win the match, though I must needs say that there never came a
+man here swifter of foot than thou art.'
+
+"In the second course, Thjalfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when
+Hugi arrived at it.
+
+"'Most bravely dost thou run, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'though thou
+wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third, course must decide.'
+
+"They accordingly ran a third time, but Hugi had already reached the
+goal before Thjalfi had got half way. All who were present then cried
+out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of
+exercise.
+
+50. "Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to
+give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor
+replied, that he would begin a drinking match with any one.
+Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cupbearer
+bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of
+when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The
+cupbearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said--
+
+"'Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at a single draught,
+though some men make two of it, but the most puny drinker of all can
+do it at three.'
+
+"Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size,
+though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
+his lips, and without drawing breath pulled as long and as deeply as
+he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it;
+but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely
+perceive that the liquor was diminished.
+
+"''Tis well drunken,' exclaimed Utgard-Loki, 'though nothing much to
+boast of; and I would not have believed had it been told me that
+Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught, but thou no doubt
+meanest to make amends at the second pull.'
+
+"Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might, but
+when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him as if he had
+drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried
+without spilling.
+
+"'How now, Thor,' said Utgard-Loki; 'thou must not spare thyself more
+in performing a feat than befits thy skill; but if thou meanest to
+drain the horn at the third draught thou must pull deeply; and I must
+needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou
+art among the Æsir, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats
+than, methinks, will be shown in this.'
+
+"Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted
+himself to the utmost to empty it entirely, but on looking in found
+that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to
+make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cupbearer.
+
+51. "'I now see plainly,' said Utgard-Loki, 'that thou are not quite
+so stout as we thought thee, but wilt thou try any other feat, though,
+methinks, thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence.'
+
+"'I will try another feat,' replied Thor, 'and I am sure such draughts
+as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the
+Æsir; but what new trial hast thou to propose?'
+
+"'We have a very, trifling game here,' answered Ut-gard-Loki, 'in
+which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my
+cat from the ground, nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to
+Asa-Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what
+we took thee for.'
+
+"As he finished speaking, a large grey cat sprung on the hall floor.
+Thor advancing put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost
+to raise him from the floor, but the cat bending his back had,
+notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up,
+seeing which, Thor made no further attempt.
+
+"'This trial has turned out,' said Utgard-Loki, 'just as I imagined it
+would; the cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.'
+
+"'Little as ye call me,' answered Thor, 'let me see who amongst you
+will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me.'
+
+"'I see no one here,' said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on
+the benches, 'who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee;
+let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli,[136]
+and let Thor wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the
+ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is.'
+
+53. "A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by
+Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more
+Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length,
+after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was
+finally brought down upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to
+desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in
+the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He
+therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats, and they
+passed the night there in good cheer.
+
+54. "The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions
+dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then
+came and ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no
+lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led
+them to the gate of the city, and, on parting, asked Thor how he
+thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any
+men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but
+that he had brought great shame on himself. 'And what grieves me
+most,' he added, 'is that ye will call me a man of little worth.'
+
+55. "'Nay,' said Utgard-Loki, 'it behooves me to tell thee the truth
+now thou are out of the city which so long as I live, and have my way,
+thou shalt never re-enter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand
+that thou hadst so much strength in thee, and wouldst have brought me
+so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter
+this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my
+illusions; first, in the forest, where I arrived before thee, and
+there thou wert not able to untie the wallet, because I had bound it
+with iron wire, in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how
+the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows
+with thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days
+had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which
+thou didst not perceive, and in this mountain thou wilt find three
+glens, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy
+mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have
+had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself,
+devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was, in reality,
+nothing else than ardent fire, and therefore consumed not only the
+meat but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thjalfi contended
+in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thjalfi to keep
+pace with that. When thou, in thy turn, didst try to empty the horn,
+thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not
+seen it myself I should never have believed it. For one end of that
+horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou
+comest to the shore thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by
+thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst
+perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat, and to tell
+thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we
+were all of us terror-stricken, for what thou tookest for a cat was
+in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth,
+and he was then barely long enough to inclose it between his head and
+tail, so high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling
+with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a
+man, nor ever shall be, whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will
+not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are
+going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us
+if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so, I shall
+again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt never
+prevail against me.'
+
+"On hearing these words, Thor, in a rage, laid hold of his mallet and
+would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and
+when Thor would have returned to the city to-destroy it, he found
+nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding, therefore, on his
+way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already
+resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards
+took place. I trust," concluded Thridi, "that thou wilt now
+acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou
+hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotunheim."
+
+
+HOW THOR WENT TO FISH FOR THE MIDGARD SERPENT.
+
+56. "I find by your account," said Gangler, "that Utgard-Loki
+possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and
+illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every
+respect so skillful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge
+this affront?"
+
+"It is not unknown," replied Har, "though nobody has talked of it,
+that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken
+of, and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily
+that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him.
+He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at
+dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the
+night, but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making
+his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged
+the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that
+a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him.
+'Besides,' he added, 'thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far
+out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.' Thor said, that for
+all that, he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and
+was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row
+back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely
+inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further
+delay, but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his
+wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to
+look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen
+that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore
+the name of Himinbrjot, wrung off his head, and returning with it to
+the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and
+with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise,
+how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He then observed that they
+were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flat fish, but
+Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They
+accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if
+they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard
+serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and
+in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would
+lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong,
+furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's
+head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the
+bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard
+serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he
+obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand: for the monster
+greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate.
+Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently, that
+Thor was obliged to hold fast with both hands by the pegs that bear
+against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his
+divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their
+way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst
+with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is
+impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place.
+Thor, on one hand, darting looks of ire on the serpent, whilst the
+monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is
+said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent, he turned pale and
+trembled with fright and seeing, moreover, that the water was
+entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife, just as Thor
+raised his mallet aloft, and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk
+again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and
+there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the
+bottom of the sea, but one may assert with more certainty that he
+still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow
+with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the
+water, and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land
+again."
+
+
+THE DEATH OF BALDUR THE GOOD.
+
+57. "Verily," said Gangler, "it was a famous exploit which Thor
+performed on that journey, but did any other such events take place
+among the Æsir?"
+
+"Ay," replied Har, "I can tell thee of another event which the Æsir
+deemed of much greater importance. Thou must know, therefore, that
+Baldur the Good having been tormented with terrible dreams, indicating
+that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled
+Æsir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the
+threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water,
+from iron, and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths,
+diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of
+them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a
+favourite pastime of the Æsir, at their meetings, to get Baldur to
+stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some
+stones, while others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes,
+for do they what they would none of therm could harm him, and this was
+regarded by all as a great honour shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the
+son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was
+not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a woman, he went to
+Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the
+pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the Æsir were doing
+at their meetings. She replied, that they were throwing darts and
+stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him.
+
+"'Ay,' said Frigga, 'neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I
+have exacted an oath from all of them.'
+
+"'What!' exclaimed the woman, 'have all things sworn to spare Baldur?'
+
+"'All things,' replied Frigga, 'except one little shrub that grows on
+the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I
+thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from.'
+
+"As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and, resuming his natural
+shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place where the gods
+were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart, without partaking
+of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him, said,
+'Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?"
+
+"'Because I am blind,' answered Hodur, 'and see not where Baldur is,
+and have, moreover, nothing to throw with.'
+
+"'Come then,' said Loki, 'do like the rest, and show honour to Baldur
+by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm, toward the
+place where he stands.'
+
+58. "Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki,
+darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, fell down
+lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either among gods or men,
+a more atrocious deed than this! When Baldur fell the Æsir were struck
+speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all
+were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they
+were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred
+place (Peace-stead) where they were assembled. They at length gave
+vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could
+find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin, especially,
+was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for
+he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the Æsir. When
+the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to
+gain all her love and good will; 'For this,' said she, 'shall he have
+who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur, and offer Hela a ransom
+if she will let him return to Asgard;' whereupon Hermod, surnamed the
+Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's
+horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and
+galloped away on his mission.
+
+59. "The Æsir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore,
+where stood Baldur's ship Hringhorn, which passed for the largest in
+the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's
+funeral pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this
+conjuncture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named
+Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a
+bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four Berserkir to hold
+her steed fast, who were, however, obliged to throw the animal on the
+ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the
+ship, and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so
+violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers, and the earth shook
+all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but
+for the interference of the Æsir would have broken the woman's skull.
+Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship,
+and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep,
+that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same
+pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with
+Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was
+running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of
+various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin,
+accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrjor and his ravens; then Frey in his
+car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni; Heimdall rode
+his horse called Gulltopp, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by
+cats. There were also a great many Frost-giants and giants of the
+mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called
+Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing every
+ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Baldur's horse was led to the
+pile fully caparisoned, and consumed in the same flames on the body
+of his master.
+
+
+BALDUR IN THE ABODE OF THE DEAD
+
+60. "Meanwhile, Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space
+of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark
+that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river
+Gjoll, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold.
+Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and
+lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons
+had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it so much as he alone.
+'But,' she added, 'thou hast not death's hue on thee, why then ridest
+them here on the way to Hel?'
+
+"'I ride to Hel,' answered Hermod, 'to seek Baldur. Hast thou
+perchance seen him pass this way?'
+
+"'Baldur,' she replied, 'hath ridden over Gjoll's bridge, but there
+below, towards the north, lies the way to the abodes of death.'
+
+"Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of
+Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting,
+clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous
+leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he
+found his brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished seat in the
+hall, and passed the night in his company. The next morning he
+besought Hela (Death) to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her
+that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela
+answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as
+he was said to be.
+
+"'If therefore,' she added, 'all things in the world, both living and
+lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to the Æsir, but if any
+one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in
+Hel.'
+
+"Hermod then rose, and Baldur led him out of the hall and gave him the
+ring Draupnir, to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nanna also sent
+Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold
+finger-ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of
+all he had heard and witnessed.
+
+"The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world, to beg
+everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel.
+All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and
+every other living being, as well as earths and stones, and trees and
+metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are
+brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were
+returning with the conviction that their mission had been quite
+successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern,
+and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel.
+
+"It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki
+himself who never ceased to work evil among the Æsir."
+
+
+THE FLIGHT AND PUNISHMENT OF LOKI.
+
+
+61. "Evil are the deeds of Loki truly," said Gangler; "first of all
+in his having caused Baldur to be slain, and then preventing him from
+being delivered out of Hel. But was he not punished for these crimes?"
+
+"Ay," replied Har, "and in such a manner that he will long repent
+having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods
+were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a
+dwelling with four doors, so that he could see everything that passed
+around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon,
+and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade called
+Franangursfors, where he employed himself in divining and
+circumventing whatever stratagems the Æsir might have recourse to in
+order to catch him. One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax
+and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have
+since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat
+out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were
+approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself
+in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the
+most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration,
+traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been
+burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish.
+Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw
+imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the
+river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net,
+and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly
+drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions the
+net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods
+only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They
+therefore cast their net a second time, hanging so great a weight to
+it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving
+that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt
+over the net into the waterfall. The Æsir instantly followed him, and
+divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream,
+followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea.
+Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to
+swim out to sea, or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter,
+but as he took a tremendous leap Thor caught him in his hand. Being,
+however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held
+him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had
+their tails ever since so fine and thin.
+
+"The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration
+into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a
+hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali
+and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he
+tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords
+of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the
+rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins,
+and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords
+into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a
+manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But
+Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in
+a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is
+doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror,
+and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and
+this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until
+Ragnarok."
+
+
+OF RAGNAROK, OR THE TWILIGHT OE THE GODS, AND THE CONFLAGRATION OF THE
+UNIVERSE.
+
+63. "I have not heard before of Ragnarok," said Gangler; "what hast
+thou to tell me about it?"
+
+"There are many very notable circumstances concerning it," replied
+Har, "which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the
+winter, called Fimbul-winter, during which snow will fall from the
+four corners of the world; the frosts will be very severe, the wind
+piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness.
+Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single
+summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and
+discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of
+mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his
+parents or his children.
+
+64. "Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great
+prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that
+be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will
+cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens,
+and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the
+roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations,
+and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks
+loose, and the sea rushes over the earth, on account of the Midgard
+serpent turning with giant force, and gaining the land. On the waters
+floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead
+men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with pared
+nails, for he who dies with his nails unpared, supplies materials for
+the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be
+finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float,
+and the giant Hrym be its steersman.
+
+"The wolf Fenrir advancing, opens his enormous mouth; the lower jaw
+reaches to the earth, and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact
+reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from
+his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the
+side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the
+air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain,
+and the sons of Muspell ride through the breach. Surtur rides first,
+and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword
+outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to
+pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called
+Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent,
+and also Loki, with all the followers of Hel, and Hrym with all the
+Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspell keep their effulgent bands apart
+on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side.
+
+65. "Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the
+Gjallar-horn to arouse the gods, who assemble without delay. Odin
+then rides to Mimir's well and consults Mimir how he and his warriors
+ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasill begins to shake, nor is
+there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible
+hour. The Æsir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves and speed
+forth to the field, led on by Odin, with his golden helm and
+resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself
+against the wolf Fenrir; Thor stands by his side, but can render him
+no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey
+encounters Surtur, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls;
+and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to
+Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa
+cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks
+Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the
+Midgard serpent, but at the same time, recoiling nine paces, falls
+dead upon the spot suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying
+serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that
+instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower
+jaw, seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till
+he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for
+which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely, the shreds of
+leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it
+is on this account that those who would render a service to the Æsir
+should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight,
+and mutually kill each other.
+
+"After this, Surtur darts fire and flame over the earth, and the
+whole universe is consumed."
+
+
+OF THE ABODES OF FUTURE BLISS AND MISERY.
+
+66. "What will remain," said Gangler, "after heaven and earth and
+the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods, and the
+heroes of Valhalla, and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have
+already told me that every one shall continue to exist in some world
+or other, throughout eternity."
+
+"There will be many abodes," replied Thridi, "some good, others bad.
+The best place of all to be in will be Gimli, in heaven, and all who
+delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall
+called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolni. There is
+also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the
+mountains of Nida, (Nidafjoll). In those halls righteous and
+well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful
+structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the
+backs of serpents, wattled together like wicker work. But the
+serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall, and
+continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those
+who-commit murder, or who forswear themselves."
+
+
+THE RENOVATION OF THE UNIVERSE.
+
+67. "Will any of the gods survive, and will there be any longer a
+heaven and an earth?" demanded Gangler.
+
+"There will arise out of the sea," replied Har, "another earth most
+lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow
+unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's
+fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where
+Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and
+Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Baldur and
+Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death (Hel). There
+shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former
+knowledge and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf
+Fenrir and the Midgard serpent. There too shall they find in the grass
+those golden tablets (orbs) which the Æsir once possessed. As it is
+said,--
+
+    "'There dwell Vidar and Vali
+    In the gods' holy seats,
+    When slaked Surtur's fire is
+    But Modi and Magni
+    Will Mjolnir possess,
+    And strife put an end to.'
+
+"Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by
+Surtur's fire, a woman named Lif (Life), and a man named Lifthrasir,
+lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew,
+and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth.
+
+"But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have
+brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the
+same track formerly trodden by her mother.
+
+"And now," continued Thridi, "if thou hast any further questions to
+ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of any
+one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world.
+Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to
+thee."
+
+Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him: he looked
+everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a
+vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom,
+where he related all that he had seen and heard, and ever since that
+time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition.
+
+
+ÆGIR'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.
+
+68. Ægir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where
+he met with a very good reception. Supper time being come, the twelve
+mighty Æsir,--Odin, Thor, Njord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar,
+Vali, Ullur, Hoenir and Forseti, together with the Asynjor,--Frigga,
+Freyja, Gefjon, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla and Nanna, seated
+themselves on their lofty doom seats, in a hall around which were
+ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was
+requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very
+superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking
+horns, Ægir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something
+concerning the Æsir. Bragi instantly complied with his request, by
+informing him of what had happened to Iduna.
+
+
+IDUNA AND HER APPLES.
+
+69. "Once," he said, "when Odin, Loki, and Hoenir went on a journey,
+they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being
+sadly in want of provisions did not scruple to kill one for their
+supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh; they
+found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as
+when first put in. While they were endeavouring to account for this
+singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up
+they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree.
+'If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh,' said the
+eagle, 'it shall soon be boiled;' and on their assenting to this
+proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the
+ox--a proceeding which so incensed Loki, that he laid hold of a large
+stock, and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was,
+however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant
+Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his
+cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back,
+he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was
+consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests,
+until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to
+sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released
+from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna
+and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to
+effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his
+companions.
+
+70. "On his return to Asgard, Loki told Iduna that, in a forest at a
+short distance from the celestial residence, he had found apples
+growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own,
+and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between
+them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples, and went with him
+into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad
+in his eagle-plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up
+Iduna, carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being
+thus deprived of their renovating apples, soon became wrinkled and
+grey; old age was creeping fast upon them, when they discovered that
+Loki had been, as usual, the contriver of all the mischief that had
+befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment
+if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back
+Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her
+falcon-plumage, flew to Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at
+sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying
+off with her; but when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had
+happened, he donned his eagle-plumage, and flew after them. When the
+Æsir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow
+between his claws, and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to
+overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips,
+which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them; and
+as Thjassi could not stop his flight, the fire caught his plumage, and
+he thus fell into the power of the Æsir, who slew him within the
+portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to
+Thjassi's daughter, Skadi, she put on her armour and went to Asgard,
+fully determined to avenge her father's death; but the Æsir having
+declared their willingness to atone for the deed, an amicable
+arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard,
+and the Æsir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered
+herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice
+of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of
+the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of
+their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In
+inspecting the row of feet placed before her, Skadi took a fancy to a
+pair which she flattered herself, from their fine proportions, must be
+those of Baldur. They were however Njord's, and Njord was accordingly
+given her for a husband, and as Loki managed to make her laugh, by
+playing some diverting antics with a goat, the atonement was fully
+effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated,
+by taking out Thjassi's eyes, and placing them to shine as stars in
+the firmament.[137]
+
+
+THE ORIGIN OF POETRY.
+
+71. Ægir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated,
+Bragi informed him that the Æsir and Vanir having met to put an end to
+the war which had long been carried on between them, a treaty of
+peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As
+a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforward to subsist between
+the contending parties, the gods formed out of this spittle a being to
+whom they gave the name of Kvasir, and whom they endowed with such a
+high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that
+he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to
+teach men wisdom, but was at length treacherously murdered by the
+dwarfs, Fjalar and Galar, who, by mixing up his blood with honey,
+composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of
+it acquires the gift of song. When the Æsir inquired what had become
+of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his
+own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a
+sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its
+superabundance. Not long after this event, Fjalar and Galar managed to
+drown the giant Gilling and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged
+by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea, and placing them on
+a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position
+they implored Suttung to spare their lives, and accept the
+verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for
+their having killed his parents. Suttung having agreed to these
+conditions, released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him,
+committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is
+indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarf's
+ransom, etc.
+
+
+ODIN BEGUILES THE DAUGHTER OF BAUGI
+
+72. Æsir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable
+a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully
+determined to acquire it, set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying
+for some time, came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing.
+Entering into conversation with them, Odin, offered to whet their
+scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the
+whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary
+sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin,
+however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it
+as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one
+of his comrades, so that they were all killed in the scramble. Odin
+took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother, Baugi,
+who told him that he was sadly at a loss for labourers, his nine
+thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of
+Baulverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the
+work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi
+the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties,
+and would not part with a drop of the precious liquor, which was
+carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into
+this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded
+Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done
+than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the
+crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth.
+After passing three nights with the fair maiden, he had no great
+difficulty in inducing her to let him take a draught out of each of
+the three jars, called Odhroerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was
+kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep
+that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an
+eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but
+Suttung becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an
+eagle's guise, and flew after him. The Æsir, on seeing him approach
+Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands
+on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the
+wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was however, so near being
+caught by Suttung, that some of the liquor escaped him by an impurer
+vent, and as no care was taken of this it fell to the share of the
+poetasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the
+gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of
+it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the
+beverage of the gods, &c, &c.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 125: This chapter is probably the interpolation of an early
+copyist, for it has evidently no connection with the following one,
+and is not found in the Upsal MS. of the Prose Edda, which is supposed
+to be the oldest extant. Gefjon's ploughing is obviously a mythic way
+of accounting for some convulsions of nature, perhaps the convulsion
+that produced the Sound, and thus effected a junction between the
+Baltic and the Northern Ocean.]
+
+[Footnote 126: Rime Giants, or Giants of the Frost.]
+
+[Footnote 127: Literally, "It is light and hot, insomuch so that it is
+flaming and burning, and it is impervious to those who are outlandish
+(foreign), and not indigenous there" (or who have no home or heritage
+therein).]
+
+[Footnote 128: More properly speaking, to the earth which it
+encircled.]
+
+[Footnote 129: A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.]
+
+[Footnote 130: _i.e._ If Thor drove over Bifrost with his thunder
+chariot.]
+
+[Footnote 131: _i.e._ Present, Past, and Future.]
+
+[Footnote 132: Namely, his having killed Baldur.]
+
+[Footnote 133: Mind or Thought, and Memory.]
+
+[Footnote 134: _i.e._ Devouring flame.]
+
+[Footnote 135: _i.e._ Spirit or thought.]
+
+[Footnote 136: _i.e._ Eld or Old Age.]
+
+[Footnote 137: Finn Magnusen's explanation of this myth is, that
+Iduna--the ever-renovating Spring--being in the possession of
+Thjassi--the desolating winter--all nature languishes until she is
+delivered from her captivity. On this being effected, her presence
+again diffuses joy and gladness, and all things revive; while her
+pursuer, Winter, with his icy breath, dissolves in the solar rays
+indicated by the fires lighted on the walls of Asgard.]
+
+
+
+
+GLOSSARY.
+
+
+ÆGIR or OEGIR, horror, terror.
+
+ÆSIR, sing. AS; God, Gods. ASYNJA, ASYNJOR; Goddess, Goddesses.
+
+AI, from a, a river.
+
+ALFADIR, or ALFODUR, All-Father, or the Father of All.
+
+ALFR, Elf.
+
+ALSVIDR, All-scorching.
+
+ALTHJOFR, lit. All-thief, an accomplished rascal.
+
+ALVISS, All-wise.
+
+AMSVARTNIR, grief, black, gloomy, swart.
+
+ANDHRIMNIR, soul, spirit, breath: from hrim, congealed vapour, _rime_.
+
+ANDLANGR, from aund, spirit, breath; and langr, long.
+
+ANDVARI, prob. from aund, spirit; cautious, timid.
+
+ANGURBODI, Anguish-boding, announcing or presaging calamity.
+
+ARVAKR, awakening early; ar, the dawn, Aurora.
+
+ASGARD, prop. ASGARDR, lit. God's-ward, or the abode of the gods.
+
+ASKR, an ash-tree.
+
+AUDHUMLA, void, vacuity, darkness, tenebrosity.
+
+AUDR, rich, wealthy.
+
+AURBODA, prop. AURBODA, snow, rain, storm; to announce whence; a
+messenger; hence an ambassador.
+
+AUSTRI, East, Oriental.
+
+
+BALDUR, prop. BALDR or BALLDR, fire, flame, bold.
+
+BALEYGR, Bale-eyed, _i.e._ endowed with a clear, piercing vision.
+
+BAREY, the Frondiferous-isle; an island.
+
+BAULVERKR, Evil-worker; producing evil, calamity.
+
+BAUMBURR, prob. cog. with bumbr, belly, cavity.
+
+BELI, prob. from belja, to bellow.
+
+BERGELMIR, Mountain-old, _i.e._ the old man of the mountain.
+
+BIFLINDI, the Inconstant: from bif, motion; and lyndi, disposition,
+mind.
+
+BIFROST, BIF-RAUST, the Tremulous-bridge of the Aerial-bridge,
+signifying also aerial: a certain space, a mile, a rest.
+
+BIL, a moment, an interval, an interstice.
+
+
+BILEYGR, endowed with fulminating eyes, a tempest, especially a
+fulminating tempest or thunder-storm.
+
+
+BILSKIRNIR, sometimes stormy, and sometimes serene; which, as Thor's
+mansion prob. denotes the atmosphere, would be a very appropriate
+term; or storm-stilling, _i.e._ imparting serenity to the tempest.
+
+BIVAURR, BIVORR, or BIFUR, the Tremulous.
+
+BODN, originally signified an offer-table or altar; an oblation; also
+one of the jars in which the dwarfs' poetical beverage was kept.
+
+BOLTHORN, lit. Calamitous or Evil-thorn.
+
+BOR, prop. BORR, and BUR, prop. BURR or BURI, means _born_, to bear;
+whence also the _Old G._ barn, and the _Scotch, bairn_, a child.
+
+BRAGI, the name of the God of Poetry; from braga, to glisten, to
+shine, or from bragga, to adorn; ph. cog. with _G_. pracht, splendour.
+
+BREIDABLIK: lit. Broad-blink--wide-glancing, Expanded splendour, to
+blink.
+
+BRIMIR, prob. from brimi, flame.
+
+BRISINGR, may prob. mean flaming.
+
+BYLEISTR, a dwelling, a town; to destroy, to break to pieces.
+
+BYRGIR, prob. from v. byrgja, to conceal; _E._ to bury, whence barrow,
+a tumulus.
+
+
+DAINN, prob. the Soporiferous; from da, a swoon, or complete repose.
+
+DELLINGR--a _day-ling_. with the dawn, daybreak.
+
+DIS, pi. DISIR, it originally sig. a female, but was afterwards used
+in the sense of Nymph and Goddess. It enters into the composition of
+several female names, as Thordis, Freydis, Vegdis, &c.
+
+DOLGTHRASIR: a dolgr, a warrior; contentious, obstinate, persisting,
+from the v. thrasa, to litigate, to quarrel.
+
+DRAUPNIR, from the v. drupa, to droop, or the v. drjupa, to drip.
+
+DROMI, strongly binding.
+
+DUNEYRR, a hollow sound, from the v. dynja, to sound, to resound.
+
+DURATHROR. The first sylb. may be derived either from dur, a light
+sleep, or from dyr, a door; and the last, either from the v. threyja,
+to expect, to wait for; or from throa, to increase, to enlarge.
+
+DURINN, prob. from dur, a light sleep, to fall asleep; whence prob.
+the _E._ to doze, and ph. also dusk.
+
+DVALJNN, from dvali, sleep.
+
+
+EIKINSKJALDI, furnished with an oaken shield, scarlet oak.
+
+EIKTHYRNIR. Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn;
+metaphorically for a stag's antlers.
+
+EINHERJAR, a hero; select, chosen heroes.
+
+EIR, to befriend, to tranquilize.
+
+ELDHRIMNIR: eldr, elementary flre: brim, congealed vapour, rime, also
+soot; hence (a kettle) sooty from flre.
+
+ELIVAGAR, stormy waves; a storm; the sea; an estuary; water; wave.
+
+ELLI, old age.
+
+ELVIDNIR, ph. from el, a storm; and vidr, wide.
+
+EMBLA. The etymologies of the name of the first woman given by the
+_E.E._ are merely _conjectural_. Grimm says the word embla, emla,
+signifies a busy woman, from amr, ambr, amil ambl, assiduous labour;
+the same relation as Meshia and Meshiane, the ancient Persian names of
+the first man and woman, who were also formed from trees.
+
+
+FALHOFNIR, a nail, a lamina, hoof.
+
+FARMAGUD, the God of Carriers and Sea-farers.
+
+FENRIR, FENRIS-ULFR, may mean dweller in an abyss, or the monster
+wolf.
+
+FENSALIR, lit. Fen-saloon, from fen, a fen, but which it would appear
+may also be made to sig. the watery deep, or the sea; and salr, a
+hall, mansion, saloon. _See_ Valhalla.
+
+FIMBUL. From fimbulfambi comes the _E._ provincialism, to
+fimble-famble; and the _D._ famle, to stammer, to hesitate in
+speaking.
+
+FIMBULTHUL. Thulr means an orator or reciter, to speechify.
+
+FIMBULVETR: vetr, winter; according to Grimm's explanation of fimbul,
+_the Great Winter_.
+
+FJALARR and FJOLNIR. Multiform: in composition fjol, many.
+
+FJOLSVIDR or FJOLSVITHR, to scorch: or ph. from svithr, wise,
+powerful, potent, strong.
+
+FJORGYN. Grimm, we think, has satisfactorily shown that fjorg is the
+_G._ berg, a mountain.
+
+FOLKVANGR, lit. the folk's field, or habitation.
+
+FORSETI, lit. the Fore-seated, _i.e._ the Judge.
+
+FRANANGURS-FORS, prob. from frann, glittering, and ongr, narrow.
+
+FREKI, _G._ frech, froward: the word has also the sig. of voracious.
+
+FREYR and FREYJA. The name of the deity who was the symbol of the
+sun--to mean Seminator, the Fructifler, Freyja--the symbolical
+representation of the moon--means the Seminated, the Fructified; the
+original sig, is that of glad, joyful, imparting gladness, beautous,
+lovely.
+
+FRIGGA, prop. FRIGG. Grimm has shown that the root of this word is, if
+not strictly syn., at least very nearly allied with that of the word
+Freyja, and explains it to mean the Free, the Beauteous, the Winsome.
+
+FROSTI, the _E._ frosty.
+
+FULLA, abundance; from fullr, full.
+
+FUNDINN, found; from v. finna, to find.
+
+
+GANDALFR. Alfr, an elf, prob. sig. a wolf, a serpent.
+
+GANGLER, the tired wanderer; to debilitate, to tire.
+
+GANGRAD, prop. GANGRADR, indicates a person directing his steps.
+
+GARDROFA, Fence-breaker; to break, to break through.
+
+GARMR, voracious; to gorge; gourmand.
+
+GAUTR, ph. may sig. a keeper, to keep.
+
+GEFJON, the earth; also separation, disruption.
+
+GEFN, from the v. gefa, to give.
+
+GEIROLUL, lit. Spear-alimentrix: from the v. ala, to aliment, to
+nourish.
+
+GEIRRAUDR, lit. spear-red; hence King Spear-rubifler.
+
+GEIRVIMUL, a river rushing or vibrating like a spear or javelin.
+
+GELGJA, from galgi, a gallows.
+
+GERDA, prop. GERDUR, to gird. Both gerd and gard are common
+terminations of female names, as Hildigard, Irminigard, Thorgerda, &c.
+
+GERI. Geri may be derived from gerr, covetous, greedy.
+
+GIMLI, had the same sig. as himill, heaven, the original sig. of which
+may have been fire, but afterwards a gem, as in the _N._ word
+gimsteinn; whence also our colloquial words, gim, gimmy (neat), and
+gimcrack.
+
+GINNARR, Seducer; from v. ginna, to seduce.
+
+GINNUNGA-GAP may be rendered the gap of gaps; a gaping abyss.
+
+GJALLAR (horn); from the v. gjalla, to resound, to clang; to yell.
+
+GJOIX, prob. from gjallr, sonorous, fulgid.
+
+GLADR, glad; from v. gledja, to gladden.
+
+GLADSHEIMR: lit. Glad's-home; the abode of gladness or bliss.
+
+GLÆR, from glær, clear, pellucid; cog. with _E._ glare.
+
+GLEIPNIR, the Devouring; from the v. gleipa, to devour.
+
+GLITNIR, the Glittering; from the v. glitra; to glitter, and to
+glisten.
+
+GLOINN, the Glowing; from v. gloa, to glow.
+
+GOD. The _Old N._ lang. has two words for God, viz. God and Gud; and
+it would appear that the n. god was used for an idol, and the m. gud.
+for a God. Both words are, however, frequently applied to denote a
+celestial deity. The Scandinavian Pontiff-chieftains were called Godar
+(in the sing. Godi).
+
+GOMUL, prob. from gamall, old.
+
+GRABAKR, Gray-back.
+
+GRAFJOLLUDR, Gray-skin; the skin of an animal.
+
+GRAFVITNIR, from the v. grafa, to dig, to delve; cog. with _E._ grave:
+and the v. vita, to know; _to_ wit, wist, wot.
+
+GRIMAR, and GRIMNIR, a helmet, or any kind of a covering; used
+poetically for night, the sun being then veiled or covered.
+
+GULLINBURSTI, Golden-bristles.
+
+GULLTOPPR, Golden-mane; crest, the top of anything, hence mane.
+
+GUNNTHRA. The first sylb. of this word is from gunnr, war, a combat;
+to increase, to enlarge; thra sig. grief, calamity; and thro, a
+cavity, a fosse. From gunnr is derived the _N._ gunn-fani, a
+war-banner.
+
+GYLLIR, from gull, gold.
+
+
+HABROK. The E.E. render this word by _Altipes_, from bar, high; and
+brok, lit. breeches, brogues, but which they assume may also sig. a
+bird's leg.
+
+HALLINSKITHI, to decline; hence it would be an appropriate term for
+the post-meridian sun.
+
+HAMSKEKPIR, prob. from hams, hide; and the v. skerpa, to sharpen, also
+to dry, to indurate.
+
+HAPTAGUD, ph. from haupt, a nexus, a tie, a band.
+
+HAR, prop. HARR, may mean either _high_ or _hairy_. As a designation
+of Odin it has undoubtedly the former signification. As the name of a
+dwarf, the latter sig. would be more appropriate.
+
+HARBARDR, Hairy-beard.
+
+HEIDRUN, serene, etherial; a heath.
+
+HEIMDALLR: heimr, home, the world.
+
+HELA, prop. HEL., gen. HELJAR, the Goddess of the Infernal Regions,
+used instead of Helheimr for those regions themselves.
+
+HELBLINDI: hel, see the preceding word; blindi, from blundr, slumber.
+
+HEPTI, prob. means impeding, constraining; to seize, to take by force,
+to adhere to.
+
+HERFJOTUR, lit. Host's-fetter, _i.e._ having the power to impede or
+constrain an army at will: her, an army, a host, a multitude.
+
+HERJANN, the leader of an army; from her.
+
+HERMOD, prop. HERMODR: her from her, courage, (_see_ Modgudur).
+
+HERTEITR, gay amongst warriors, a jovial soldier; glad, joyful.
+
+HILDUR (Hilda), war, a combat. Hence we find it in a number of
+Teutonic prop, names both m. and f., as Hilderic, Childeric, Hildegrim
+(the Helm of War), Brynhildr (Brunhilda), Clothild (Clothilda), &c.
+
+HIMINBJORG, the Heavenly-Mountains, the Comprehending, the
+All-embracing.
+
+HIMINBRJOTR, Heaven-breaking: from the v. brjota, to break.
+
+HJALMBERI, Helmet-bearing.
+
+HJUKI, to keep warm, to nourish, to cherish.
+
+HLIDSKJALF, a slope, a declivity; also to waver, to tremble.
+
+HLINA, prop. HLIN, the _support_ on which a person leans, _i.e._ a
+tutelary deity.
+
+HLJODALFR, the Genius or Elf of Sound.
+
+HLODYN, the name of Frigga, as the symbol of the earth; _protectress
+of the hearth_--of the household. The Romans also worshipped a goddess
+of the earth and of fire under the common name of Fornax, dea
+fornacalis. Grimm mentions a stone found at Cleves with the remarkable
+inscription--DEAE HLUDANAE SACRVM C. TIBERIVS VERVS, and remarks that
+Hludana was neither a Roman nor a Celtic goddess, and could be no
+other than Hlodyn, which shows the identity of the German and
+Scandinavian Mythology.
+
+HLOKK, or HLAUKK, to exalt, to clang, to cry like an eagle.
+
+HNIKARR, or NIKARR, victor, a conqueror; to move, to agitate; to
+thrust forward, to take by violence; to repel, to impede. _G._ m. Nix,
+fern. Nixe, an aquatic genius. We may remark that the monks having
+transformed Odin into the devil, our designation of his Satanic
+Majesty, as _Old Nick_ appears to be a mere corruption of these
+appellations of the Teutonic divinity.
+
+HNOSSA, a ball of yarn, a clew of thread, a knot.
+
+HODUR, prop. HODR. Grimm thinks that the original signification may
+have been war, combat.
+
+HOFVARPNIR, a horse that plies well its hoofs, a good goer.
+
+HRÆSVELGUR, lit. Raw-swallower, _i.e._ swallowing raw flesh like an
+eagle.
+
+HRAFNAGUD, the Ravens' god; brafn; _G._ rabe; _E._ raven.
+
+HRIMFAXI: brim, rime, or hoar frost; fax, a crest, a mane. The _E._
+prop, name Fairfax, means fair-haired.
+
+HRIMTHURSAR, the Rim or Frost Giants: thurs, a giant.
+
+HRINGHORN, lit. a ringed or annulated horn.
+
+HRIST, from v. hrista, to shake, to agitate.
+
+HRYM, HRYMUR, prob. from brim, rime--hoar frost.
+
+HUGI, and HUGINN, from hugr, spirit, breath, thought, mind, reason.
+
+HVERGELMIR, the roaring cauldron; a spring of hot water.
+
+HYRROKIN, lit. Smoky-fire; utter darkness, also smoke.
+
+
+IDAVOLLR: vollr, a field, a place; to flow together; to ramble, to
+take a pleasant walk.
+
+IDUNA, prop. IDUNN or ITHUNN. May mean one who loves either the
+confluence of waters, or to work, or to take a pleasant ramble.
+
+
+JAFNHAR. _The Equally High_; lit. even so high.
+
+JARNVIDR, Iron-wood.
+
+JORD, JORTH, the earth.
+
+JORMUNGANDR. Gandr sig. serpent, and more prop, wolf: jormun is a word
+of uncertain origin, but appears in all the anc. Teutonic lang. to
+have expressed the idea of great, maximus, universal. The reader will
+find much curious information on this subject in Grimm's admirable
+work.
+
+JOTUNHEIMR, lit. Giants'-home, the region of the Giants.
+
+
+KERLAUG: ker, any kind of vessel, cup, bowl, &c; also used to denote
+the bed of a river.
+
+KJALARR, prob. from v. kjala, to transport, to convey; a ship, _a
+keel_.
+
+KVASIR. This word seems to be used in the sense of a _drinking bout._
+
+
+LAUFEY, lit. Frondiferous-isle; an island.
+
+LETTFETI, Lightfoot: light.
+
+LIFTHRASIR, vital energy, longevity, life; enduring a long time.
+
+LITUR, colour, complexion, form, the face.
+
+LODURR, LODR, LOTHR, from the ob. _N._ lod, fire.
+
+LOFNA, prop. LOFN, appears allegorlcally to denote perennial and
+unchangeable love.
+
+LOGI, Flame; a log of wood burnt or to be burnt.
+
+LOKI, to shut; whence the _E._ to lock, to finish.
+
+LOPTUR, the Aerial, the Sublime; the air; whence the _E._ lofty and
+aloft, also a (hay) loft.
+
+LYNGVI, from lyng or ling, the sweet broom, heath or ling.
+
+
+MAGNI, the Potent, the Powerful; force, energy.
+
+MANAGARMR, lit. the moon's wolf; a monster wolf or dog, voracious.
+
+MANI, the moon.
+
+MARDOLL, Sea-nymph; mere, the sea; whence our word mere, as
+Windermere, Buttermere, &c: doll, a nymph; poetically a woman.
+
+MEGINGJARDIR, the Girdle of Might, the Belt of Prowess.
+
+MIDGARD, middleweard, the middleward; _see_ Asgard. Middling, mean.
+
+MIMIR, or MIMER, to keep In memory; to be fanciful; mindful.
+
+MJODVITNIR, lit. knowing in mead; wine; madja, palm-wine,
+
+MJOLNIR, or MJOLLNIR, prob. from v. melja, to pound, or v. mala, to
+grind; _E._ mill, and prob. with _L._ malleus, a mallet.
+
+MODGUDUR, a valiant female warrior, _animosa bellona_: courage; mind;
+_E._ mood; gracefulness, delectation.
+
+MODSOGNIR, lit. sucking in courage or vigour.
+
+MOINN, dwelling on a moor.
+
+MUNINN, mind; _memory_, recollection; _G._ minne, love.
+
+MUSPELLHEIMR, Muspell's region or home; used in the sense of elemental
+or empyreal fire.
+
+
+NAGLFAR, a nail from nagl, a human nail; according to the Prose Edda,
+"constructed of the nails of dead men"; a seafaring man.
+
+NAL. _G._ nadel; _A.S._ nædl; _E._ a needle.
+
+NANNA. Grimm derives this word from the v. nenna, to dare.
+
+NAR, a corpse.
+
+NASTROND, a corpse; The Strand of the Dead.
+
+NAUDUR, necessity; need.
+
+NAUT, ph. from the v. njota, to make use of.
+
+NIDAFJOLL, a rock, a mountain.
+
+NIDHOGG, a phrase used to indicate the new and the waning moon.
+
+NIDI, from nidr, downwards.
+
+NIFLHEIMR, lit. Nebulous-home--the shadowy region of death.
+
+NIFLHEL, from nifi and hel. _See_ the latter word.
+
+NIFLUNGAR, the mythic-heroic ghosts of the shadowy realms of death.
+
+NIPINGR, handsome; to contract, to curve.
+
+NJORD, prop. NJORDR, humid; _Sk._ nar, nir, water; a wave; and
+Neriman, an aquatic man.
+
+NOTT; _D._ nat; _M.G._ naht; _G._ nacht; _A.S._ niht; _E._ night.
+
+NYI, these dwarfs were symbolical of the new and the waning moon.
+
+
+ODIN. _E._ to _wade_ through, consequently the Omnipotent Being that
+_permeates all things_.
+
+ODUR, the name of Freyja's husband. Odur may, like Kvasir, be the
+personification of poetry.
+
+ODHROERIR, Mind-exciting; the name of a vessel or kettle.
+
+OFNIR, _E._ to weave. The word would thus sig. the textile or creating
+power of Odin.
+
+OMI, from omr, a sound, a crash; a name given to Odin, when like, the
+Brahmlnlc Indra, he rattles aloft during a battle, or at daybreak.
+
+ONDURDIS, Snow skates; _E._ to wander; dis, a nymph, a goddess.
+
+ORGELMIR, Primordial Giant; also to roar, to howl, to clang, to
+resound.
+
+ORI, delirious (with love), one of the Erotic Genii.
+
+OSKI, hence one who listens to the wishes of mankind.
+
+
+RADGRID, lit. seeking power with avidity; power, empire council.
+
+RADSVITHR, wise, powerful.
+
+RAGNAROKR. The n. ragin signified _rath_, council, the pl. of which,
+regin, Is used in the Eddaic Poems for the gods; that is to say, the
+consulting, deliberating deities. It answers in fact fully to the _E._
+word _rack_, Indicating atmospheric nebulosity; hence Ragnarok is very
+approp. rendered by "The Twilight of the Gods."
+
+RAN, to plunder; her spoil being those who were drowned at sea.
+
+RANDGRID: rand, from rond, a shield.
+
+RATATOSKR, from the v. rata; to permeate; the last sylb. may be
+derived from _G._ tasche, a pocket or pouch; hence the Permeating
+Pouch?
+
+REGIN, Is often used In the sense of vast, immense; the vast sea.
+
+REGINLEIF, dear to the gods, _see_ Regin.
+
+RIGR, Rajah, a king.
+
+RINDA, prop. RINDUR, sig. symbolically, the crust of the earth.
+
+ROSKA, quick, lively, active.
+
+
+SADR, SATHR, just, true, in sooth, verily.
+
+SÆGR, a large vessel of any kind. The word was used by the Skalds
+metaphorically for the sea.
+
+SAGA. The personified saga or narration, from the v. segja, to say;
+_G._ sage; _E._ a saying; _L._ Saga, a sorceress; sagax, saga-clous,
+to foretell.
+
+SANNGETALL, inquiring after; guessing at truth.
+
+SESSRUMNIR, lit. Seat-roomy, _i.e._ having room for plenty of seats.
+
+SID, declining, hanging, tending downward.
+
+SIDHOTTR, lit. Hanging-hat or hood.
+
+SIDSKEGGR, lit. Hanging-beard; _E._ shag and shaggy.
+
+SIF, signifying peace, friendship, relationship, a goddess, Sibja,
+Sippia, and Sib.
+
+SIGFADIR, or SIGFODUR, the Father of Victory; _L._ pater.
+
+SILFRINTOPPR, Silver-mane; _E._ silver: toppr, _see_ Gulltoppr.
+
+SINDRI, either scintillating or producing dross.
+
+SJOFNA. F. Mag. derives it from the v. sja, to see.
+
+SKADI, the magpie received its name from this goddess.
+
+SKAFIDR, shaving, scraping.
+
+SKEGGOLD, lit. Old-beard; also denoted a particular kind of
+battle-axe.
+
+SKEIDBRIMIR, any space of time that is elapsing.
+
+SKIDBLADNIR, lath, shingle, billet of wood, a sheath; _E._ blade, a
+blade or _leaf_ of grass.
+
+SKILFINGR, prob. to shake, to shatter.
+
+SKINFAXI, Shining-mane: skin, splendour, light.
+
+SKIRNIR, serene, pure, clear; E. sheer, which had formerly the same
+meaning.
+
+SKOGUL, prob. from v. skaga, to jut out; whence skagi, a promontory.
+
+SKOLL, to stick to, to adhere, to strike, to smite.
+
+SLEIPNIR. _E._ slippery.
+
+SLIDRUGTANNI, cruel, fierce, savage.
+
+SNOTRA, to blow the nose; a person, even a goddess, being much more
+_tidy_ when the nostrils are thoroughly _emunctated._
+
+SOKKVABEKKR, lit. Sinking-brook; to sink; an estuary, a shore, a
+brook.
+
+SON, sound, song, _sonus_, _cantus_.
+
+SURTUR, obscure, invisible; and invisible, unintelligible!! Surtur,
+according to Fin Magnusen, the invisible, unintelligible being whom
+the ancient Scandinavians regarded as "the great First Cause least
+understood" of all things.
+
+SVADILFARI, lubricity, also slippery ice.
+
+SVAFNIR, prob. from v. svefa, to cast asleep; sleep, quiet, repose.
+
+SVALINN, the Refrigerating; to cool, to refrigerate.
+
+SVARTALFAHEIMR, lit. Black or Swart Elves' home, region of the Elves
+of Darkness in contradistincition to that of the Elves of Light.
+
+SVARTHOFDI, Black-head; svartr, black, swart.
+
+SVASUTHR, Sweet-south; blithe, jocund, dear.
+
+SVIDR and SVIDRIR, from v. svida, to scorch; or wise, powerful.
+
+SVIPALL, to hasten, to vibrate; to wave, to hover; also with _E._ v.
+to sweep.
+
+SYLGR, a draught or deglutition; to swallow; to swill; to guzzle, to
+feast.
+
+SYN, signifying equity; syn. defence, excuse, negation, impediment,
+which has been personified into a judicial goddess.
+
+SYNIR, having a fine appearance.
+
+
+TANNGNIOSTR, Gnashing-teeth; to bruise, crack, grind, gnash.
+
+THEKKR, to know; _E._ to think. The adj. thekkr means also amiable.
+
+THODNUMA, men, people, nations.
+
+THOR, contraction of Thonar, a word indicating a God who, like Thor,
+presided over _thunder_ and atmospherical phenomena.
+
+THORINN, from thor, audacity; whence the v. thora; to dare.
+
+THRAINN, the Pertinacious; from the v. thra, to desire vehemently.
+
+THRIDI, _The Third_.
+
+THROR, ph. from v. throa, to increase, to amplify.
+
+THRUDUR. Thrudr is an obsolete _N._ word signifying fortitude,
+firmness; but it appears to have originally had, in most of the
+Teutonic languages the sig. of maiden, virgin; and was afterwards used
+in the sense of witch, sorceress.
+
+THRUDVANGR, the Abode or Region or Fortitude.
+
+THRYM. F. Mag. says the word is _undoubtedly_ derived from thruma,
+thunder.
+
+THUNDR, can be derived from thund, a breastplate, a coat of mail.
+
+THYN, to thunder, to make a thundering noise, as a rapid current does.
+
+TYR, signifying God; as well as the _L._ Jupiter, for which he assumes
+a nom. Ju or Jus, Jupiter.
+
+
+URD, VERDANDI, and SKULD, the Present, Past, and Future. The names of
+the Destinies of the Present and Past.
+
+UTGARD, prop. UTGARDR, lit. Outer-ward. _See_ Midgard.
+
+
+VAFTHRUDNIR, from the v. vefa, to involve, prop, to weave.
+
+VAFUDR, the Weaver, or the Constrainer.
+
+VAKR, VAKUR, alert, lively, vigilant.
+
+VALASKJALF, choice, election.
+
+VALFADIR, or VALFODUR, lit. the Choosing Father.
+
+VALHALLA, prop, VALHOLL, lit. the Hall of the Chosen: may also have
+originally indicated a temple.
+
+VALKYRJOR, or VALKYRJUR, sing. VALKYRJA, lit. Choosers of the Slain;
+denoted the slain in battle; a poetical word for a field of battle.
+
+VANADIS, prop, a Goddess of the Vanir. _See_ that word, and _Dis_.
+
+VANIR, beautiful; with the _L._ venustus and Venus, and ph. with the
+_E. wench_.
+
+VASADR, from vas, moisture, a word cog. with the _E._ wet and wash.
+
+VE. Was used in the m. sing, to express a particular god; that in the
+pi. it would be vear, gods, idols; a temple.
+
+VEDURFOLNIR might be rendered Storm-stilling; causing serenity.
+
+VEGSVINN, lit Road-knowing.
+
+VERATYR, lit. the Man-god.
+
+VESTRI, west, occidental.
+
+VIDAR, a tree; wood; and prob. also weed and withy.
+
+VIDBLAINN, expanded azure (lit. Wide-blue).
+
+VIDFINNR, wide, vast.
+
+VIDOLFR, or VIDALFR, lit. Sylvan Elf.
+
+VIDRIR, Moderator of the weather; to still the weather.
+
+VIGRID, from vig, a battle; battle craft, the art of war.
+
+VILI, Will. To will; to choose; to elect.
+
+VILMEITHR, an old word for tree.
+
+VIN, and VINA, a friend, to love, to favour; winsome.
+
+VINDALFR, Wind Elf.
+
+VINDSVALR; vindr, wind: and svalr, cold, glacial.
+
+VINGOLF, lit. the Abode of Friends; golf means lit. a floor.
+
+VOLUNDR. The word denotes a skilful artificer, in which sense it is
+still used by the Icelanders; he is a famous workman--a Wayland--in
+iron; and they very appropriately term a labyrinth a Wayland-house.
+
+VOLUSPA, a sybil or prophetess.
+
+
+YGGDRASILL, from Ygg, one of Odin's names (see the following word) and
+drasill, bearing; hence, according to F. Mag., it would sig. bearing
+(producing) rain, or bearing Odin.
+
+YGGR., to meditate, and also to fear; hence the word might be rendered
+by either the Meditating or the Terrible.
+
+YLG, the Howling; to howl.
+
+YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the
+wind; also the clang of metals.
+
+
+
+
+SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD.
+
+(_after the painting of R. Bung._)
+
+
+The story of Siegfried and Brynhild constitutes the greatest epic in
+Teutonic Gothic literature. Its origin is hard to trace, but parts of
+the legends carry the investigator back to Iranian sources. Its
+greatest development, however, may justly be credited to Icelandic
+sagas, in which the mythology of the Norse people has a prominent
+place. In both the Gothic and Teutonic versions, while considerable
+variation of incident is noticeable, the awakening of Brynhild, a
+valkyrie maiden, and daughter of Wotan, is represented as having been
+accomplished by Siegfried, who rides through a wall of flames which
+surrounds her, and thus breaks the spell which binds her to sleep
+until a warrior fearless enough to brave fire shall come to claim her
+for a bride.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+A FEAST IN VALHALLA.
+
+(_From a painting by Jno. Kellar._)
+
+
+An admirable description of a feast of the gods, in Valhalla, will be
+found on pages 293-94-95 of this volume. It was a strong belief among
+the Goths, prior to the introduction of Christianity among them, that
+the bodies of all warriors who met their deaths in battle were
+transported directly to Valhalla by Valkyrie maidens on the backs of
+winged horses. Upon reaching this mythological heaven the dead were
+revived and ever thereafter enjoyed drinking mead, eating swine flesh,
+and in fighting their battles over again every day.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE DEATH OF ATLI.
+
+(_From a painting by S. Goldberg._)
+
+
+Atli has been identified as Attila, called in history "the Scourge of
+God," a king of the Huns who twice defeated the Romans under
+Theodosius, and plundered the eternal city itself. He was guilty of
+many excesses and is reported to have died of a hemorrhage on the day
+following his marriage with Ildico (453). In the story of Seigfried
+and Brynhild, however, he is represented as having married Gudran,
+daughter of Grimhild and King Giuki, who it will be recalled by
+readers of the other volumes of this series, beguiled Siegfried by
+means of a magic potion, into marriage with her. Her feelings revolted
+against an alliance with Atli, but she accepted him for a husband in
+order thereby to obtain the power to gratify her vengeance against
+Hogni (Hagan), who had assassinated Siegfried.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson;
+and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON ***
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and
+the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson
+
+Author: Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2005 [EBook #14726]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Stephen Schulze and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team. This ebook was produced using images from the
+University of Georgia Libraries.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE ELDER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>BENJAMIN THORPE,</h2>
+
+<h3>AND THE</h3>
+
+<h1>YOUNGER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SNORRE STURLESON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>I.A. BLACKWELL.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">EDITOR IN CHIEF.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">J. W. BUEL, Ph.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">MANAGING EDITOR.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">PUBLISHED BY THE</p>
+
+<p class="center">NORROENA SOCIETY,</p>
+
+<p class="center">LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERLIN NEW YORK</p>
+
+<p class="center">1906</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"><a name="KING_GUNTHER" id="KING_GUNTHER" />
+<img src="images/fig01.jpg" width="418" height="600" alt="KING GUNTHER" title="KING GUNTHER" />
+<p class="center"><b>KING GUNTHER</b></p>
+<p class="center">(<i>After a painting by B. Guth</i>.)</p>
+
+
+<p>Gunnar, Gunther, or Gunter, King of Burgundy, was probably a real
+personage of the troubled times with which his name is associated&mdash;a
+period distinguished as much for heroic characters as for tragic
+events. Gunther represents the best type of kinghood of his age; a man
+swayed by his affections rather than by ambition, who scrupled at
+misdeeds, yet yielded to the mastering passions of love; one whose
+instincts were loyalty to friends and country, and who shrank from
+cruelties to gain his ends, but who fell a victim to woman's
+fascinations. History accordingly praises him more for a lover than
+for a sovereign.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iii.]</div>
+<h2>LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.</h2>
+
+<h3>(ELDER AND YOUNGER EDDAS.)</h3>
+
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#KING_GUNTHER">Frontispiece&mdash;Gunnar (Gunther)</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD">Siegfried Awakens Brynhild</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI">Death of Atli</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA">A Feast in Valhalla</a></p>
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iv.]</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg v.]</div>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<a href="#PREFACE"><big><b>THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.</b></big></a><br /><br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#PREFACE"><b>Preface.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA"><b>Introduction To The Voluspa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY"><b>V&ouml;lusp&acirc;. The Vala's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR"><b>The Lay Of Vafthrudnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR"><b>The Lay Of Grimnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS"><b>The Lay Of Vegtam, Or Baldr's Dreams.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY"><b>The High One's Lay.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODINS_RUNE_SONG24"><b>Odin's Rune-song.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR"><b>The Lay Of Hymir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED"><b>The Lay Of Thrym, Or The Hammer Recovered.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS"><b>The Lay Of The Dwarf Alvis.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD"><b>The Lay Of Harbard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR"><b>The Journey Or Lay Of Skirnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_RIG"><b>The Lay Of Rig.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION"><b>Oegir's Compotation, Or Loki's Altercation.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH"><b>The Lay Of Fiolsvith.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA"><b>The Lay Of Hyndla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA"><b>The Incantation Of Groa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN"><b>The Song Of The Sun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND"><b>The Lay Of Volund.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON"><b>The Lay Of Helgi Hiorvard's Son.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The First Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#SINFIOTLIS_END"><b>Sinfiotli's End.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY"><b>The First Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide, Or Gripir's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR"><b>The Lay Of Fafnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA"><b>The Lay Of Sigrdrifa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Sigurd And Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Third Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The First Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE"><b>Brynhild's Hel-ride.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS"><b>The Slaughter Of The Niflungs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Second Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Third Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODDRUNS_LAMENT"><b>Oddrun's Lament.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Groenland Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT"><b>Gudrun's Incitement.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR"><b>The Lay Of Hamdir.</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg vi.]</span><a href="#THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON"><big><b>THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</b></big></a><br />
+<br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI"><b>The Deluding Of Gylfi.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>Gylfi's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY"><b>Of The Supreme Deity.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>Of The Primordial State Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS"><b>Origin Of The Hrimthursar, Or Frost-giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN"><b>Of The Cow Audhumla, And The Birth Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH"><b>How The Sons Of Bor Slew Ymir And From His Body Made Heaven And Earth.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN"><b>Of The Formation Of The First Man And Woman.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY"><b>Of Night And Day.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Sun And Moon.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Wolves That Pursue The Sun And Moon</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN"><b>Of The Way That Leads To Heaven.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GOLDEN_AGE"><b>The Golden Age.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS"><b>Origin Of The Dwarfs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES"><b>Of The Ash Yggdrasill, Mimir's Well., And The Norns Or Destinies.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS"><b>Of The Various Celestial Regions.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS"><b>Of The Wind And The Seasons.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_ODIN"><b>Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THOR"><b>Of Thor.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_BALDUR"><b>Of Baldur.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NJORD"><b>Of Njord.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA"><b>Of The God Frey, And The Goddess Freyja.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_TYR"><b>Of Tyr.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_OTHER_GODS"><b>Of The Other Gods.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR"><b>Hodur The Blind, Assassin Of Baldur</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY"><b>Of Loki And His Progeny.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR"><b>Binding The Wolf Fenir</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GODDESSES"><b>Of The Goddesses.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_FREY_AND_GERDA"><b>Of Frey And Gerda.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA"><b>Of The Joys Of Valhalla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR"><b>Of The Horse Sleipnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR"><b>Of The Ship Skidbladnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS"><b>Thor's Adventures On His Journey To The Land Of The Giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT"><b>How Thor Went To Fish For The Midgard Serpent.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD"><b>The Death Of Baldur The Good.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD"><b>Baldur In The Abode Of The Dead</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI"><b>The Flight And Punishment Of Loki.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE"><b>Of Ragnarok, Or The Twilight Oe The Gods, And The Conflagration Of The</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY"><b>Of The Abodes Of Future Bliss And Misery.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>The Renovation Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>&AElig;gir's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES"><b>Iduna And Her Apples.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY"><b>The Origin Of Poetry.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI"><b>Odin Beguiles The Daughter Of Baugi</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<a href="#GLOSSARY"><b>GLOSSARY.</b></a>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg vii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE" />THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.<br /></h2>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p>S&aelig;mund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his
+name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda,
+was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line
+from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling
+in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50
+years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that
+island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized
+favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his
+days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his
+unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.</p>
+
+<p>The youth of S&aelig;mund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and
+France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John
+Ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death
+was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell
+in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland,
+in the year 1076. S&aelig;mund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he
+instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which
+were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as
+witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, S&aelig;mund's predilection for the sagas
+and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so
+well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him
+as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or
+innocuous and <span class="pagenum">[Pg viii.]</span>defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his
+memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it
+through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them
+highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to
+generation.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> S&aelig;mund died at the age of 77, leaving behind him a work
+on the history of Norway and Iceland, which is now almost entirely
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>The first who ascribed to S&aelig;mund the collection of poems known as the
+Poetic Edda,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> was Brynjolf Svensson, bishop of Skalholt. This
+prelate, who was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found in
+the year 1643, the <span class="pagenum">[Pg ix.]</span>old vellum codex, which is the most complete of
+all the known manuscripts of the Edda; of this he caused a transcript
+to be made, which he entitled <i>Edda Saemundi Multiscii</i>. The
+transcript came into the possession of the royal historiographer
+Torf&aelig;us; the original, together with other MSS., was presented to the
+King of Denmark, Frederick. III., and placed in the royal library at
+Copenhagen, where it now is.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> As many of the Eddaic poems appear to
+have been orally transmitted in an imperfect state, the collector has
+supplied the deficiencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
+of the subject is to a certain degree restored.</p>
+
+<p>The collection called S&aelig;mund's Edda consists of two parts, viz., the
+Mythological and the Heroic. It is the former of those which is now
+offered to the public in an English version. In the year 1797, a
+translation of this first part, by A.S. Cottle, was published at
+Bristol. This work I have never met with; nor have I seen any English
+version of any part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spirited
+but free translation of the Vegtamskvida.</p>
+
+<p>The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) celebrates the story of Volund's
+doings and sufferings during his sojourn in the territory of the
+Swedish king Nidud. Volund (<i>Ger</i>. Wieland, <i>Fr</i>. Veland and Galans)
+is the Scandinavian and Germanic Vulcan (Hephaistos) and D&aelig;dalus. In
+England his story, as a skillful smith, is traceable to a very early
+period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf we find that hero desiring,
+in the event of his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his
+corslets may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says, the work of
+Weland; and king &AElig;lfred, in his translation of Boethius de
+Consolatione, renders the words <i>fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc</i>. by Hw&aelig;t
+(hw&aelig;r) Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the famous and wise
+goldsmith Weland?), evidently taking the proper name of Fabricius for
+an appellative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book, too, there is
+a poem in substance closely resembling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of
+Kenilworth, Walter Scott has been guilty of a woeful perversion of the
+old tradition, travestied from the Berkshire legend of Wayland Smith.
+As a land-boundary we find Weland's smithy in a Charter of king Eadred
+A.D. 955.</p>
+
+<p>On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is nothing to remark beyond
+what appears in the poem itself.</p>
+
+<p>The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the first of the series of stories
+relating to the Volsung race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.</p>
+
+<p>The connection of the several personages celebrated in these poems
+will appear plain from the following tables:<span class="pagenum">[Pg x.]</span></p>
+
+<pre>
+                <b>Sigi</b>, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin
+                 |
+                <b>Rerir</b>
+                 |
+                <b>Volsung</b> = a daughter of the giant Hrimnir
+           __________________|
+          |
+      <b>Sigmund</b>  =  Signi  =    Borghild    =  Hiordis
+         |     |         |                |
+    Hamund.  <b>Sinfiotli</b>. <b>Helgi</b> = Sigrun <b>Sigurd</b> = Gudrun
+                                            __|____________
+                                           |               |
+                                           <b>Sigmund</b>, Svanhild.
+                                                    m Jornmnrek.
+
+
+                           <b>Giuki</b> = Grimhild.
+          _______________________|
+         |
+      <b>Gunnar</b>=Glaumvor. <b>Hogni</b>=Kostbera. <b>Guthorm</b>. <b>Gudrun</b>, = 1 Sigurd.
+                            |                             2 Atli.
+                 Solar. Giuki. Sn&aelig;var.                    3 Jonakr.
+
+
+
+                   <b>Budli</b>.
+                     |
+    <b>Atli</b> = Gudrun: <b>Brynhild</b> = Gunnar.  Oddrun.  Beckhild = Heimir.
+                |                                        |
+            Erp. Eitil                                Alsvid.
+
+
+                   Jonakr = Gudrun
+                 _____|   |_____________
+                |                       |
+                 Erp       Hamdir. Sorli.
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg xi.]</span>The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Niflung lays terminates with the
+Lay of Hamdir; the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
+comparatively late composition; yet being written in the true ancient
+spirit of the North is well deserving of a place among the Eddaic
+poems. Nor, indeed, is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank among
+the poems collected by S&aelig;mund, by any means clear, we know it only
+from its existence in the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its
+intrinsic worth, and its reception in other editions of the Edda, both
+in original and translation, the present work would seem, and justly
+so, incomplete without it.</p>
+
+<p>The Prose, or Younger Edda, is generally ascribed to the celebrated
+Snorre Sturleson, who was born of a distinguished Icelandic family, in
+the year 1178, and after leading a turbulent and ambitious life, and
+being twice the supreme magistrate of the Republic, was killed A.D.
+1241,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4" /><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> by three of his sons-in-law and a stepson. When Snorre was
+three years <span class="pagenum">[Pg xii.]</span>old, John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of S&aelig;mund the
+Wise, took him into fosterage. Snorre resided at Oddi until his
+twentieth year, and appears to have received an excellent education
+from his foster father, who was one of the most learned men of that
+period. How far he may have made use of the manuscripts of S&aelig;mund and
+Ari, which were preserved at Oddi, it is impossible to say, neither do
+we know the precise contents of these manuscripts; but it is highly
+probable that the most important parts of the work, now known under
+the title of &quot;The Prose Edda,&quot; formed a part of them, and that
+Snorre&mdash;who may be regarded as the Scandinavian Euhemerus&mdash;merely
+added a few chapters, in order to render the mythology more
+conformable to the erroneous notions he appears to have entertained
+respecting its signification. Be this as it may, the Prose Edda, in
+its present form, dates from the thirteenth century, and consists
+of&mdash;1. <i>Formali</i> (Fore discourse); or the prologue. 2. <i>Gylfa-ginning</i>
+(The deluding of Gylfi). 3. <i>Braga-roedur</i> (Conversations of Bragi).
+4. <i>Eptirmali</i> (After discourse); or Epilogue. The Prologue and
+Epilogue were probably written by Snorre himself, and are nothing more
+than an absurd syncretism of Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian
+myths and legends, in which Noah, Priam, Odin, Hector, Thor, &AElig;neas,
+&amp;c, are jumbled together much in the same manner as in the romances of
+the Middle Ages. These dissertations, utterly worthless in themselves,
+have obviously nothing in common with the so-called &quot;Prose Edda,&quot; the
+first part of which, containing fifty-three chapters, forms a complete
+synopsis of Scandinavian mythology, derived principally from the
+Poetical Edda.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;">THE TRANSLATOR.<br /></p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The following, the first among many, may serve as a
+specimen.
+</p><p>
+S&aelig;mund was residing, in the south of Europe, with a famous Master, by
+whom he was instructed in every kind of lore; while, on the other
+hand, he forgot (apparently through intense study) all that he had
+previously learned, even to his own name; so that when the holy man
+John Ogmundson came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll;
+but on John insisting that he was no other than S&aelig;mund Sigfusson, born
+at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many particulars regarding
+himself, he at length became conscious of his own identity, and
+resolved to flee from the place with his kinsman. For the purpose of
+deceiving the master, John continued some time in the place, and often
+came to visit him and S&aelig;mund; till at last, one dark night, they
+betook themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them than
+he sent in pursuit of them; but in vain, and the heavens were too
+overcast to admit, according to his custom, of reading their
+whereabouts in the stars. So they traveled day and night and all the
+following day. But the next night was clear, and the Master at once
+read in the stars where they were, and set out after them at full
+speed. Then S&aelig;mund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said, &quot;Now is
+my Master in chase of us, and sees where we are.&quot; And on John asking
+what was to be done, he answered: &quot;Take one of my shoes off, fill it
+with water, and set it on my head.&quot; John did so, and at the same
+moment, the Master, looking up at the heavens, says to his companion:
+&quot;Bad news; the stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water
+about his forehead.&quot; And thereupon returned home. The pair now again
+prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the following night,
+the Master again consults the stars, when, to his great amazement, he
+sees the star of S&aelig;mund directly above his head, and again sets off
+after the fugitives. Observing this, S&aelig;mund says: &quot;The astrologer is
+again after us, and again we must look to ourselves; take my shoe off
+again, and with your knife stab me in the thigh; fill the shoe with
+blood, and place it on the top of my head.&quot; John does as directed, and
+the Master, again gazing at the stars, says: &quot;There is blood now about
+the star of Master Koll, and the stranger has for certain murdered
+him,&quot; and so returns home. The old man now has once more recourse to
+his art; but on seeing S&aelig;mund's star shining brightly above him, he
+exclaimed: &quot;My pupil is still living; so much the better. I have
+taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both in astrology and
+magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I am unable to hinder their
+departure.&quot;</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Bishop P.E. Muller supposes the greater number of the
+Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek II, p, 131.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this MS.
+is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4" /><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Snorre, at the death of John Loptson (A.D. 1197), does
+not appear to have possessed any property whatever, though he
+afterwards became the wealthiest man in Iceland. His rise in the world
+was chiefly owing to his marriage with Herdisa, the daughter of a
+priest called Bersi the Rich,&mdash;a very enviable surname, which no doubt
+enabled the Rev. gentleman to brave the decrees of Popes and Councils,
+and take to himself a wife&mdash;who brought him a very considerable
+fortune. If we may judge from Snorre's biography, Christianity appears
+to have effected very little change in the character of the
+Icelanders. We have the same turbulent and sanguinary scenes, the same
+loose conduct of the women, and perfidy, and remorseless cruelty of
+the men, as in the Pagan times.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg xiii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" id="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" />INTRODUCTION TO THE VOLUSPA.</h2>
+
+<p>As introductory to the Voluspa, the following description of a
+wandering Vala or prophetess may be thought both desirable and
+interesting: &quot;We find them present at the birth of children, when they
+seem to represent the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either by
+means of <i>seid</i>, during the night, while all others in the house were
+sleeping, and uttered their oracles in the morning; or they received
+sudden inspirations during the singing of certain songs appropriate to
+the purpose, without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
+These seid-women were common over all the North. When invited by the
+master of a family, they appeared in a peculiar costume, sometimes
+with a considerable number of followers, e.g. with fifteen young men
+and fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received money, gold
+rings, and other precious things. Sometimes it was necessary to compel
+them to prophesy. An old description of such a Vala, who went from
+guild to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
+women and their proceedings&quot;:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the winter attended the
+guilds, at the invitation of those who desired to know their fate, or
+the quality of the coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
+sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an elevated seat, on
+which lay a cushion stuffed with feathers. A man was sent to meet her.
+She came in the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with thongs
+and set with stones down to the lap; <span class="pagenum">[Pg xiv.]</span>round her neck she had a
+necklace of glass beads, on her head a hood of black lambskin lined
+with white catskin; in her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted
+with brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she wore a
+girdle of agaric (knoske), from which hung a bag containing her
+conjuring apparatus; on her feet were rough calfskin shoes with long
+ties and tin buttons, on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
+within. All bade her welcome with a reverent salutation; the master
+himself conducted her by the hand to her seat. She undertook no
+prophecy on the first day, but would first pass a night there. In the
+evening of the following day she ascended her elevated seat, caused
+the women to place themselves round her, and desired them to sing
+certain songs, which they did in a strong, clear voice. She then
+prophesied of the coming year, and afterwards, all that would advanced
+and asked her such questions as they thought proper, to which they
+received plain answers.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most probably from the
+time of heathenism, are set forth, as the utterances of a Vala, or
+wandering prophetess, as above described, the story of the creation of
+the world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods, the
+dwarfs, and the human race, together with other events relating to the
+mythology of the North, and ending with the destruction of the gods
+and the world, and their renewal.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 1]</div>
+<h2><a name="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" id="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1" />V&Ouml;LUSP&Acirc;. THE VALA'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of
+Heimdall,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5" /><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> they will that I Valfather's deeds recount, men's ancient
+saws, those that I best remember.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The J&ouml;tuns I remember early born, those who me of old have
+reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree,
+beneath the earth.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There was in times of old, where Ymir dwelt, nor sand nor sea,
+nor gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven above, 'twas a chaotic
+chasm, and grass nowhere.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Before Bur's sons raised up heaven's vault, they who the noble
+mid-earth shaped. The sun shone from the south over the structure's
+rocks: then was the earth begrown with herbage green.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> The sun from the south, the moon's companion, her right hand cast
+about the heavenly horses. The sun knew not where she<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6" /><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> a dwelling
+had, the moon knew not what power he possessed, the stars knew not
+where they had a station.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 2]</span><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2" /><b>6.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: to night and to the waning moon gave
+names; morn they named, and mid-day, afternoon and eve, whereby to
+reckon years.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> The &AElig;sir met on Ida's plain; they altar-steads and temples high
+constructed; their strength they proved, all things tried, furnaces
+established, precious things forged, formed tongs, and fabricated
+tools;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> At tables played at home; joyous they were; to them was naught
+the want of gold, until there came Thurs-maidens three, all powerful,
+from J&ouml;tunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then went all the powers to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, who should of the dwarfs the race
+create, from the sea-giant's blood and livid bones.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then was M&ocirc;tsognir created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin
+second; there in man's likeness they created many dwarfs from earth,
+as Durin said.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> N&yacute;i and Nidi, Nordri and Sudri, Austri and Vestri, Althi&ocirc;f,
+Dvalin N&acirc;r and N&acirc;in, Niping, Dain, Biv&ouml;r, Bav&ouml;r, B&ouml;mbur, Nori, An and
+Anar, Ai, Miodvitnir,</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Veig and Gand&acirc;lf, Vind&acirc;lf, Thrain, Thekk and Thorin, Thr&ocirc;r,
+Vitr, and Litr, N&ucirc;r and N&yacute;r&acirc;d, Regin and R&acirc;dsvid. Now of the dwarfs I
+have rightly told.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, Billing,
+Bruni, Bild, B&ucirc;ri, Fr&acirc;r, Hornbori, Fr&aelig;g and L&ocirc;ni, Aurvang, Iari,
+Eikinskialdi.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Time 'tis of the dwarfs in Dvalin's band, to the sons of men, to
+Lofar up to reckon, those who came forth from the world's rock,
+earth's foundation, to Iora's plains.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 3]</span><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" /><b>15.</b> There were Draupnir, and D&ocirc;lgthrasir, H&acirc;r, Haugspori, Hl&aelig;vang,
+Gl&ocirc;i, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, H&ouml;ggstari, Hli&ocirc;d&ocirc;lf,
+Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
+accounted be.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Until there came three mighty and benevolent &AElig;sir to the world
+from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
+Embla, void of destiny.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
+powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
+gave Lodur, and goodly colour.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
+limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
+stands it green over Urd's fountain.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
+under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,&mdash;on a
+tablet they graved&mdash;Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
+allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Alone she<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7" /><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> sat without, when came that ancient dread &AElig;sir's
+prince; and in his eye she gazed.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
+all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim.&quot; Mim
+drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8" /><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> Understand ye yet,
+or what?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" /><b>23.</b> The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
+discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
+world.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
+god's people: Skuld held a shield, Sk&ouml;gul was second, then Gunn, Hild
+G&ouml;ndul, and Geirsk&ouml;gul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
+Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9" /><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>
+they with lances pierced, and in the high one's<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10" /><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> hall her burnt,
+thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
+lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
+well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
+arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, whether the &AElig;sir should avenge the
+crime,<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11" /><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> or all the gods receive atonement.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Broken was the outer wall of the &AElig;sir's burgh. The Vanir,
+foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], and
+mid the people hurled it: that was the first warfare in the world.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: who had all the air with evil mingled?
+or to the J&ouml;tun race Od's maid had given?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" /><b>30.</b> There alone was Thor with anger swollen. He seldom sits, when
+of the like he hears. Oaths are not held sacred; nor words, nor
+swearing, nor binding compacts reciprocally made.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> She knows that Heimdall's horn is hidden under the heaven-bright
+holy tree. A river she sees flow, with foamy fall, from Valfather's
+pledge. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> East sat the crone, in I&acirc;rnvidir, and there reared up Fenrir's
+progeny: of all shall be one especially the moon's devourer, in a
+troll's semblance.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He is sated with the last breath of dying men; the god's seat he
+with red gore defiles: swart is the sunshine then for summers after;
+all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> There on a height sat, striking a harp, the giantess's watch,
+the joyous Egdir; by him crowed, in the bird-wood, the bright red
+cock, which Fialar hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Crowed o'er the &AElig;sir Gullinkambi, which wakens heroes with the
+sire of hosts; but another crows beneath the earth, a soot-red cock,
+in the halls of Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> I saw of Baldr, the blood-stained god, Odin's son, the hidden
+fate. There stood grown up, high on the plain, slender and passing
+fair, the mistletoe.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> From that shrub was made, as to me it seemed, a deadly, noxious
+dart. H&ouml;dr shot it forth; but Frigg bewailed, in Fensalir, Valhall's
+calamity. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bound she saw lying, under Hveralund, a mon<span class="pagenum">[Pg 6]</span><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" />strous form, to Loki
+like. There sits Sigyn, for her consort's sake, not right glad.
+Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Then the Vala knew the fatal bonds were twisting, most rigid,
+bonds from entrails made.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> From the east a river falls, through venom dales, with mire and
+clods, Sl&icirc;d is its name.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> On the north there stood, on Nida-fells, a hall of gold, for
+Sindri's race; and another stood in Ok&ocirc;lnir, the J&ouml;tuns beer-hall
+which Br&icirc;mir hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She saw a hall standing, far from the sun, in N&acirc;str&ouml;nd; its
+doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in through its apertures:
+entwined is that hall with serpents' backs.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> She there saw wading the sluggish streams bloodthirsty men and
+perjurers, and him who the ear beguiles of another's wife. There
+Nidh&ouml;gg sucks the corpses of the dead; the wolf tears men. Understand
+ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Further forward I see, much can I say of Ragnar&ouml;k and the gods'
+conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Brothers shall fight, and slay each other; cousins shall kinship
+violate. The earth resounds, the giantesses flee; no man will another
+spare.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Hard is it in the world, great whoredom, an axe age, a sword
+age, shields shall be cloven, a wind age, a wolf age, ere the world
+sinks.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Mim's sons dance, but the central tree takes fire at the
+resounding Giallar-horn. Loud blows Heimdall, his horn is raised; Odin
+speaks with Mim's head.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans <span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" />that aged tree,
+and the j&ouml;tun is loosed. Loud bays Garm before the Gnupa-cave, his
+bonds he rends asunder; and the wolf runs.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is
+coiled in j&ouml;tun-rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams:
+the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> That ship fares from the east: come will Muspell's people o'er
+the sea, and Loki steers. The monster's kin goes all with the wolf;
+with them the brother is of Byleist on their course.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Surt from the south comes with flickering flame; shines from his
+sword the Val-gods' sun. The stony hills are dashed together, the
+giantesses totter; men tread the path of Hel, and heaven is cloven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> How is it with the &AElig;sir? How with the Alfar? All J&ouml;tunheim
+resounds; the &AElig;sir are in council. The dwarfs groan before their stony
+doors, the sages of the rocky walls. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then arises Hl&icirc;n's second grief, when Odin goes with the wolf to
+fight, and the bright slayer of Beli with Surt. Then will Frigg's
+beloved fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Then comes the great victor-sire's son, Vidar, to fight with the
+deadly beast. He with his hands will make his sword pierce to the
+heart of the giant's son: then avenges he his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Then comes the mighty son of Hl&ocirc;dyn: (Odin's son goes with the
+monster to fight); Midg&acirc;rd's Veor in his rage will slay the worm. Nine
+feet will go Fi&ouml;rgyn's son, bowed by the serpent, who feared no foe.
+All men will their homes forsake.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 8]</span><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" /></p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> The sun darkens, earth in ocean sinks, fall from heaven the
+bright stars, fire's breath assails the all-nourishing tree, towering
+fire plays against heaven itself.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> She sees arise, a second time, earth from ocean, beauteously
+green, waterfalls descending; the eagle flying over, which in the fell
+captures fish.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> The &AElig;sir meet on Ida's plain, and of the mighty earth-encircler
+speak, and there to memory call their mighty deeds, and the supreme
+god's ancient lore.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> There shall again the wondrous golden tables in the grass be
+found, which in days of old had possessed the ruler of the gods, and
+Fi&ouml;lnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Unsown shall the fields bring forth, all evil be amended; Baldr
+shall come; H&ouml;dr and Baldr, the heavenly gods, Hropt's glorious
+dwellings shall inhabit. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Then can Hoenir choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons
+inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold bedecked,
+in Gimill: there shall be righteous people dwell, and for evermore
+happiness enjoy.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Then comes the mighty one to the great judgment, the powerful
+from above, who rules o'er all. He shall dooms pronounce, and strifes
+allay, holy peace establish, which shall ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> There comes the dark dragon flying from beneath the glistening
+serpent, from Nida-fels. On his wings bears Nidh&ouml;gg, flying o'er the
+plain, a corpse. Now she will descend.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5" /><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, under the
+name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three orders of mankind.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6" /><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
+fem., the moon masc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7" /><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8" /><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> His eye here understood to signify the sun.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9" /><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
+was the end of the golden age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10" /><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i>, Odin's: his hall is the world.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11" /><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Of introducing the use of gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 9]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" /><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" />THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Odin visits the Giant (J&ouml;tun) Vafthr&ucirc;dnir, for the purpose of proving
+his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
+Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
+head. The J&ouml;tun incurs the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthr&ucirc;dnir to visit;
+great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise J&ouml;tun
+to contend.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> At home to bide H&aelig;rfather I would counsel, in the gods'
+dwellings; because no J&ouml;tun is, I believe, so mighty as is
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
+but this I fain would know, how in Vafthr&ucirc;dnir's halls it is.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
+journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
+shalt hold converse with the J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 10]</span><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" />J&ouml;tun. To the
+hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hail to thee, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
+see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
+J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
+thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gagnr&acirc;d is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
+halls, needing hospitality,&mdash;for I long have journeyed&mdash;and kind
+reception from thee, J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why then, Gagnr&acirc;d! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
+a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
+ancient talker.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
+hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
+visits an austere man.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
+human kind?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 11]</span><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
+kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
+sheds light that horse's mane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Tell me now, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
+o'er the beneficent powers?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
+beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
+in the dales comes dew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
+stream no ice shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
+and the gentle Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall <span class="pagenum">[Pg 12]</span><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" />meet Surt and
+the gentle Gods; a hundred rasts it is on every side. That plain is to
+them decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Wise art thou, O guest! Approach the J&ouml;tuns bench, and sitting
+let us together talk; we will our heads in the hall pledge, guest! for
+wise utterance.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me first, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence first came the earth, and the high heaven, thou,
+sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> From Ymir's flesh the earth was formed, and from his bones the
+hills, the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his
+blood the sea.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me secondly, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence came the moon, which over mankind passes, and the sun
+likewise?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Mundilfoeri hight he, who the moon's father is, and eke the
+sun's: round heaven journey each day they must, to count years for
+men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me thirdly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence came the day, which over people passes,
+and night with waning moons?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 13]</span><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" /><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Delling hight he who the day's father is, but night was of N&ouml;rvi
+born; the new and waning moons the beneficent powers created, to count
+years for men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me fourthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence winter came, and warm summer first among
+the wise gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Vindsval hight he, who winter's father is, and Sv&acirc;sud summer's;
+yearly they both shall ever journey, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me fifthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, which of the &AElig;sir earliest, or of Ymir's sons,
+in days of old existed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was Bergelmir born;
+Thr&ucirc;dgelmir was his sire, his grandsire Aurgelmir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me sixthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence first came Aurgelmir, among the J&ouml;tun's
+sons, thou sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> From Eliv&acirc;gar sprang venom drops, which grew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 14]</span><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" />till they became a
+J&ouml;tun; but sparks flew from the south-world: to the ice the fire gave
+life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! how he children begat, the bold J&ouml;tun, as he had
+no giantess's company?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Under the armpit grew, 'tis said, of the Hr&icirc;mthurs, a girl and
+boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise J&ouml;tun, a six-headed
+son.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
+knowest? Thou art an all-wise J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
+That I first remember, when that wise J&ouml;tun in an ark was laid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
+itself invisible to man?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a J&ouml;tun
+in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
+that over all men passes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 15]</span><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence Ni&ouml;rd came among the &AElig;sir's sons? O'er fanes and
+offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the &AElig;sir born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
+gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
+until the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
+fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the &AElig;sir
+drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! of the J&ouml;tuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
+say what truest is, thou all-knowing J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of the secrets of the J&ouml;tuns and of all the gods, I can truly
+tell; for I have over each world travelled; to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 16]</span><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" />nine worlds I came, to
+Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. What mortals will live, when the great &quot;Fimbul&quot;-winter shall
+from men have passed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
+holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
+be born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
+this devoured?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> A daughter shall Alfr&ouml;dull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed
+her. The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother's course.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Who are the maidens that o'er the
+ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> O'er people's dwellings three descend of M&ouml;gthrasir's maidens,
+the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with J&ouml;tuns
+nurtured.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 17]</span><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Which of the &AElig;sir will rule o'er the
+gods' possession, when Surt's fire shall be quenched?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Vidar and Vali will the gods' holy fanes inhabit, when Surt's
+fire shall be quenched. M&ocirc;di and Magni will Mi&ouml;llnir possess, and
+warfare strive to end.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be,
+when the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:
+he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What said Odin in his son's ear, ere
+he on the pile was laid?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy
+son's ear. With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods'
+destruction. With Odin I have contended in wise utterances: of men
+thou ever art the wisest!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 18]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" /><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" />THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>The subject is wholly mythological.</p>
+
+
+<p>King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirr&ouml;d. Agnar
+was ten, and Geirr&ouml;d eight winters old. They both rowed out in a boat,
+with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove
+them out to sea. In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the
+shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with
+whom they stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought up
+Agnar, and the cottager, Geirr&ouml;d, and gave him good advice. In the
+spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied
+them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirr&ouml;d. They had a fair
+wind, and reached their father's place. Geirr&ouml;d was at the ship's
+prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, &quot;Go where
+an evil spirit may get thee.&quot; The vessel was driven out to sea, but
+Geirr&ouml;d went up to the town, where he was well received; but his
+father was dead. Geirr&ouml;d was then taken for king, and became a famous
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidski&acirc;lf, looking over all the world.
+Odin said, &quot;Seest thou Agnar, thy foster-son, where he is, getting
+children with a giantess in a cave? while Geirr&ouml;d, my foster-son, is a
+king residing in his country.&quot; Frigg answered, &quot;He is so inhos<span class="pagenum">[Pg 19]</span><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" />pitable
+that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that too many come.&quot; Odin
+replied that that was the greatest falsehood; and they wagered
+thereupon. Frigg sent her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirr&ouml;d be on his
+guard, lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm, and also
+say that a token whereby he might be known was, that no dog, however
+fierce, would attack him. But that King Geirr&ouml;d was not hospitable was
+mere idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured whom no
+dog would assail. He was clad in a blue cloak, and was named Grimnir,
+and would say no more concerning himself, although he was questioned.
+The king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess, and to be set
+between two fires; and there he sat for eight nights. King Geirr&ouml;d had
+a son ten years old, whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar
+went to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from, saying that
+the king did wrong in causing him to be tortured, though innocent.
+Grimnir drank from it. The fire had then so approached him that his
+cloak was burnt; whereupon he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Fire! thou art hot, and much too great; flame! let us separate.
+My garment is singed, although I lift it up, my cloak is scorched
+before it.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Eight nights have I sat between fires here, and to me no one food
+has offered, save only Agnar, the son of Geirr&ouml;d, who alone shall rule
+over the land of Goths.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to
+be. For one draught thou never shalt get better recompense.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 20]</span><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Holy is the land, which I see lying to &AElig;sir and Alfar near; but
+in Thr&ucirc;dheim Thor shall dwell until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Ydalir it is called, where Ullr has himself a dwelling made.
+Alfheim the gods to Frey gave in days of yore for a tooth-gift.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The third dwelling is, where the kind powers have with silver
+decked the hall; Valaski&acirc;lf 'tis called, which for himself acquired
+the As in days of old.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> S&ouml;kkvabekk the fourth is named o'er which the gelid waves
+resound; Odin and Saga there, joyful each day, from golden beakers
+quaff.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gladsheim the fifth is named, there the golden-bright Valhall
+stands spacious, there Hropt selects each day those men who die by
+weapons.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, its hall with shields is
+decked, with corslets are its benches strewed.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. A wolf hangs before the western door, over it an eagle
+hovers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymheim the sixth is named, where Thiassi dwelt that
+all-powerful J&ouml;tun; but Skadi now inhabits, the bright bride of gods,
+her father's ancient home.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Breidablik is the seventh, where Baldr has built for himself a
+hall, in that land, in which I know exists the fewest crimes.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinbi&ouml;rg is the eighth, where Heimdall, it is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 21]</span><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" />said, rules
+o'er the holy fanes: there the gods' watchman, in his tranquil home,
+drinks joyful the good mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> F&ocirc;lkvang is the ninth, there Freyia directs the sittings in the
+hall. She half the fallen chooses each day, but Odin th' other half.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Glitnir is the tenth; it is on gold sustained, and eke with
+silver decked. There Forseti dwells throughout all time, and every
+strife allays.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> N&ocirc;at&ucirc;n is the eleventh, there Ni&ouml;rd has himself a dwelling made,
+prince of men; guiltless of sin, he rules o'er the high-built fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> O'ergrown with branches and high grass is Vidar's spacious
+Landv&icirc;di: There will the son descend, from the steed's back, bold to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Andhrimnir makes, in Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir to boil, of meats the
+best; but few know how many Einheriar it feeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts;
+but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for
+Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thund roars; joyful in Thiodvitnir's water lives the fish; the
+rapid river seems too great for the battle-steed to ford.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Valgrind is the lattice called, in the plain that stands, holy
+before the holy gates: ancient is that lattice, but few only know how
+it is closed with lock.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Five hundred doors, and forty eke, I think, are <span class="pagenum">[Pg 22]</span><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" />in Valhall.
+Eight hundred Einheriar will at once from each door go when they issue
+with the wolf to fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Five hundred floors, and forty eke, I think, has Bilskirnir with
+its windings. Of all the roofed houses that I know, is my son's the
+greatest.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Heidr&ucirc;n the goat is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches. He a bowl shall fill with the bright
+mead; that drink shall never fail.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches; from his horns fall drops into
+Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sid and Vid, Soekin and Eikin, Sv&ouml;l and Gunnthr&ocirc;, Fi&ouml;rm and
+Fimbulthul, Rin and Rennandi, Gipul and G&ouml;pul, G&ouml;mul and Geirvimul:
+they round the gods' dwelling wind. Thyn and Vin, Th&ouml;ll and H&ouml;ll, Gr&acirc;d
+and Gunnthorin.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Vina one is called, a second Vegsvin, a third Thiodnuma; Nyt and
+N&ouml;n and Hr&ouml;n, Slid and Hrid, Sylg and Ylg, V&icirc;d and V&acirc;n, V&ouml;nd and
+Str&ouml;nd, Gioll and Leipt; these (two) fall near to men, but fall hence
+to Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> K&ouml;rmt and Ormt, and the Kerlaugs twain: these Thor must wade
+each day, when he to council goes at Yggdrasil's ash; for the
+As-bridge is all on fire, the holy waters boil.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glad and Gyllir, Gler and Skeidbrimir, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
+Gisl and Falh&ocirc;fnir, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on these steeds the &AElig;sir
+each day ride, when they to council go, at Yggdrasil's ash.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 23]</span><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" /></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Three roots stand on three ways under Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under
+one abides, under the second the Hrimthursar, under the third mankind.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Ratat&ouml;sk is the squirrel named, which, has to run in Yggdrasil's
+ash; he from above the eagle's words must carry, and beneath to
+Nidh&ouml;gg repeat.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Harts there are also four, which from its summits, arch-necked,
+gnaw. D&acirc;in and Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathr&ocirc;r.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> More serpents lie under Yggdrasil's ash, than any one would
+think of witless mortals: G&ocirc;in and M&ocirc;in,&mdash;they are Grafvitnir's
+sons&mdash;Gr&acirc;bak and Grafv&ouml;llud, Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ween, the
+branches of that tree ever lacerate.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Yggdrasil's ash hardship suffers greater than men know of; a
+hart bites it above, and in its side it rots, Nidh&ouml;gg beneath tears
+it.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Hrist and Mist the horn shall bear me Skegg&ouml;ld and Sk&ouml;gul, Hl&ouml;kk
+and Herfiotur, Hildi and Thr&ucirc;di, G&ouml;ll and Geir&ouml;lul, Randgr&iacute;d and
+R&acirc;dgr&icirc;d, and Reginleif, these bear beer to the Einheriar.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Arvakr and Alsvid, theirs 'tis up hence fasting the sun to draw:
+under their shoulder the gentle powers, the &AElig;sir, have concealed an
+iron-coolness.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Svalin the shield is called, which stands before the sun, the
+refulgent deity; rocks and ocean must, I ween, be burnt, fell it from
+its place.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Sk&ouml;ll the wolf is named, that the fair-faced goddess to the
+ocean chases; another Hati hight, he is Hr&ocirc;dvitnir's son; he the
+bright maid of heaven shall precede.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 24]</span><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" /></p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of Ymir's flesh was earth created, of his blood the sea, of his
+bones the hills, of his hair trees and plants, of his skull the
+heaven;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> And of his brows the gentle powers formed Midgard for the sons
+of men; but of his brain the heavy clouds are all created.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Ullr's and all the gods' favour shall have, whoever first shall
+look to the fire; for open will the dwelling be, to the &AElig;sir's sons,
+when the kettles are lifted off.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12" /><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Ivaldi's sons went in days of old Skidbladnir to form, of ships
+the best, for the bright Frey, Ni&ouml;rd's benign son.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Yggdrasil's ash is of all trees most excellent, and of all
+ships, Skidbladnir, of the &AElig;sir, Odin, and of horses, Sleipnir,
+Bifr&ouml;st of bridges, and of skallds, Bragi, H&acirc;br&ocirc;k of hawks, and of
+dogs, Garm, [Brimir of swords.]</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Now I my face have raised to the gods' triumphant sons, at that
+will welcome help awake; from all the &AElig;sir, that shall penetrate, to
+Oegir's bench, to Oegir's compotation.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13" /><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> I am called Grim, I am called Gangleri, Herian and Hi&acirc;lmberi,
+Thekk and Thridi, Thund and Ud, Helblindi and Har,</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Sad and Svipall, and Sanngetall, Herteit and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 25]</span><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" />Hnikar Bileyg,
+B&acirc;leyg, B&ouml;lverk, Fi&ouml;lnir, Gr&icirc;m and Grimnir, Glapsvid and Fi&ouml;lsvid,</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> S&icirc;dh&ouml;tt, S&icirc;dskegg Sigf&ouml;dr, Hnikud, Alfodr, Valf&ouml;dr, Atrid and
+Farmatyr; by one name I never have been called, since among men I have
+gone.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Grimnir I am called at Geirr&ouml;d's, and at Asmund's J&acirc;lk and
+Kialar, when a sledge I drew; Thr&ocirc;r at the public meetings, Vidur in
+battles, Oski and Omi, Jafnh&acirc;r and Biflindi, G&ocirc;ndlir and Harbard with
+the gods.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Svidur and Svidrir I was at S&ouml;kkmimir's called, and beguiled
+that ancient J&ouml;tun, when of Midvitnir's renowned son I was the sole
+destroyer.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Drunken art thou, Geirr&ouml;d, thou hast drunk too much, thou art
+greatly by mead beguiled. Much didst thou lose, when thou wast of my
+help bereft, of all the Einheriar's and Odin's favour.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Many things I told thee, but thou hast few remembered: thy
+friends mislead thee. My friend's sword lying I see, with blood all
+dripping.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The fallen by the sword Ygg shall now have; thy life is now run
+out: Wroth with thee are the D&icirc;sir: Odin thou now shalt see: draw near
+to me if thou canst.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Odin I now am named, Ygg I was called before, before that,
+Thund, Vakr and Skilfing, V&acirc;fudr and Hr&ocirc;ptatyr, with the gods, Gaut
+and J&acirc;lk, Ofnir and Svafnir, all which I believe to be names of me
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>King Geirr&ouml;d was sitting with his sword lying across his knees, half
+drawn from the scabbard, but on finding <span class="pagenum">[Pg 26]</span><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" />that it was Odin, he rose for
+the purpose of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt from
+his hand with the hilt downwards; and the king having stumbled, the
+sword pierced him through and killed him. Odin then vanished, and
+Agnar was king for a long time after.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12" /><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently
+reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the intervention
+of the kettles, the &AElig;sir were unable to see Odin's unpleasant position
+between the two fires.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13" /><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> My version of this strophe is not in accordance with
+those of other interpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in
+full confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded him.
+Under the name of Oegir, Gierrod is generally understood: I rather
+think the meaning to be, that all the &AElig;sir who [sit at] Oegir's
+compotation will forthwith come to his aid.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" id="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" />THE LAY OF VEGTAM, OR BALDR'S DREAMS.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Together were the &AElig;sir all in council, and the Asyniur all in
+conference, and they consulted, the mighty gods, why Baldr had
+oppressive dreams.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious
+dreams seemed departed. They the J&ouml;tuns questioned, wise seers of the
+future, whether this might not forebode calamity?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of
+all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the
+other powers&mdash;On a course they resolved:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> That they would send to every being, assurance to solicit, Baldr
+not to harm. All species swore oaths to spare him; Frigg received all
+their vows and compacts.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Valfather fears something defective; he thinks the Hamingiur may
+have departed; the &AElig;sir he convenes, their counsel craves: at the
+deliberation much is devised.]</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Uprose Odin lord of men and on Sleipnir he the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 27]</span><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" />saddle laid; rode
+thence down to Niflhel. A dog he met, from Hel coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was blood-stained on its breast, on its slaughter-craving
+throat, and nether jaw. It bayed and widely gaped at the sire of magic
+song:&mdash;long it howled.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Forth rode Odin&mdash;the ground rattled&mdash;till to Hel's lofty house he
+came. Then rode Ygg to the eastern gate, where he knew there was a
+Vala's grave.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the prophetess, he began a magic song to chant, towards the
+north looked, potent runes applied, a spell pronounced, an answer
+demanded, until compelled she rose, and with deathlike voice she said:</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;What man is this, to me unknown, who has for me increased an
+irksome course? I have with snow been decked, by rain beaten, and with
+dew moistened: long have I been dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Vegtam is my name, I am Valtam's son. Tell thou me of Hel:
+from, earth I call on thee. For whom are those benches strewed o'er
+with rings, those costly couches o'erlaid with gold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Here stands mead, for Baldr brewed, over the bright potion a
+shield is laid; but the &AElig;sir race are in despair. By compulsion I have
+spoken. I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 28]</span><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" /><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who will Baldr's slayer be, and Odin's son of life
+bereave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;H&ouml;dr will hither his glorious brother send, he of Baldr will
+the slayer be, and Odin's son of life bereave. By compulsion I have
+spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who on H&ouml;dr vengeance will inflict, or Baldr's slayer
+raise on the pile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Rind a son shall bear, in the western halls: he shall slay
+Odin's son, when one night old. He a hand will not wash, nor his head
+comb, ere he to the pile has borne Baldr's adversary. By compulsion I
+have spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who the maidens are, that weep at will, and heavenward
+cast their neck-veils? Tell me but that: till then thou sleepest not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Not Vegtam art thou, as I before believed; rather art thou
+Odin, lord of men!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 29]</span><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" /><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of
+three Thursar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never more man
+again visit me, until Loki free from his bonds escapes, and Ragnar&ouml;k
+all-destroying comes.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" id="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" />THE HIGH ONE'S<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14" /><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> LAY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for
+difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much
+haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are
+frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has
+travelled.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and
+hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse
+and answer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A
+laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 30]</span><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in
+conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling,
+harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets
+than great sagacity.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A wary guest,<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15" /><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> who to refection comes, keeps a cautious
+silence, with his ears listens, and with his eyes observes: so
+explores every prudent man.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less
+sure is that which a man must have in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living;
+for bad counsels have oft been received from another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense;
+that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the
+recourse of the indigent.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much
+beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A worse provision no man can take from table than too much
+beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his
+own mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Oblivion's heron 'tis called that over potations hovers; he
+steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered in
+Gunnlods dwelling.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 31]</span><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fialar's. It's
+the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring, should a king's
+children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until his hour of
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids;
+but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is
+silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man's mind
+displayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by
+what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak
+sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if
+thou goest betimes to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow.
+Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the
+prudent comes.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a
+foolish man never knows his stomach's measure.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing: one
+thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from
+faults.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he
+then grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 32]</span><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he
+feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the
+clever.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends;
+but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> A foolish man thinks he knows everything if placed in unexpected
+difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for
+no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks too much. He who
+previously knew nothing will still know nothing, talk he ever so much.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also;
+conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous
+tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a
+stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not
+questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes
+to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he
+babbles among foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment
+each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Early meals a man should often take, unless to a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 33]</span><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" />friend's house
+he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can
+of few things inquire.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend's, though by the
+road he dwell; but to a good friend's the paths lie direct, though he
+be far away.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome
+becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be; at home is every
+one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a
+straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be, at home is every
+one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food
+at every meal-tide.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot's length
+forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he
+refused a present; or of his property so liberal that he scorned a
+recompense.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need;
+for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes
+worse than is expected.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those
+which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest
+friends, if all [else] goes well.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16" /><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 34]</span><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" /><b>42.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts
+requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with
+lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend; to him and to his
+friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend's friend be.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Know, if thou hast a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from
+whom thou woulds't good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his,
+and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst
+good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think
+craftily, and leasing pay with lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou
+suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary
+to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich
+I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but
+a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at
+gifts.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes
+they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked
+man.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither
+bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he
+live long?</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Hotter than fire love for five days burns between <span class="pagenum">[Pg 35]</span><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" />false
+friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and-friendship is
+all impaired.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Something great is not [always] to be given, praise is often for
+a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a
+comrade.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Little are the sand-grains, little the wits, little the minds of
+[some] men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by
+halves.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of
+those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a
+wise man's heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His
+destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from'
+care.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire
+quickened. Man to' man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his
+bashful silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> He should early rise, who another's property or wife desires to
+have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see
+to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half
+depends on energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the
+fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Washed and refected let a man ride to the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 36]</span><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" />Thing,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17" /><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> although
+his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be
+ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be
+accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the
+world knows.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagle over old
+ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he
+will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is
+doughtiest.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in
+trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often
+pays the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others:
+the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had
+needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend's, where of one I
+had eaten.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if
+his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his
+sons is happy, one in his kin, one in abundant wealth, one in his good
+works.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can
+always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man's property, and
+death stood without his door.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 37]</span><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" /></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the
+deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18" /><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>
+no one gets good from a corpse.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> A son is better, even if born late, after his father's
+departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a
+kinsman to a kinsman.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under
+every cloak I expect a hand. * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling entertainment.
+[A ship's yards are short.]<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19" /><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> Variable is an autumn night. Many are
+the weather's changes in five days, but more in a month.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> He [only] knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes
+another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought
+blameworthy.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair
+fame never dies of him who has earned it.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one
+thing that never dies,&mdash;judgment on each one dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Full storehouses I saw at Dives' sons': now bear they the
+beggar's staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of
+friends they are most fickle.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or woman's love, pride
+grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> Then 'tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those
+to the high ones known, which the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 38]</span><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" />great powers invented, and the
+great talker<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20" /><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> painted, that he had best hold silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a
+sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it
+has passed away, beer after it is drunk.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in
+the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages
+are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking,
+but a damsel for a kiss.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; buy a horse
+that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog
+at the farm.</p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> In a maiden's words no one should place faith, nor in what a
+woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and
+guile in their breasts been laid;</p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> In a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering
+crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling
+kettle,</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> A flying dart, a falling billow, a one night's ice, a coiled
+serpent, a woman's bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear's play, or a
+royal child,</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> A sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a
+corpse newly slain, [a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and
+a harlot's grief];</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> An early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son:
+weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 39]</span><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" /></p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> A brother's murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt
+house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken),
+no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.</p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one
+drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and
+unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or
+as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21" /><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are
+men's minds towards women; 'tis then we speak most fair when we most
+falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman's
+love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous
+countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> Let no one wonder at another's folly, it is the lot of many.
+All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is
+conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man
+than not to be content with himself.</p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my
+delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I
+possess her not.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 40]</span><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" /></p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Billing's lass<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22" /><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A
+prince's joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> &quot;Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the
+maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such
+misdeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I
+should obtain her whole heart and love.</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights
+burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.</p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household
+all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.</p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
+that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
+contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
+damsel gained I aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
+wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
+knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
+nature of the simple.</p>
+
+<p><b>105.</b> The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
+by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>106.</b> Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught <span class="pagenum">[Pg 41]</span><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" />of the precious
+mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
+fervent love.</p>
+
+<p><b>107.</b> Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
+over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>108.</b> Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
+wise; for Odhr&aelig;rir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>109.</b> 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
+courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
+my arm.</p>
+
+<p><b>110.</b> On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
+of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
+whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?</p>
+
+<p><b>111.</b> Odin, I believe, a ring-oath<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23" /><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> gave. Who in his faith will
+trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
+weep!</p>
+
+<p><b>112.</b> Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
+of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.</p>
+
+<p><b>113.</b> Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
+graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
+hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:</p>
+
+<p><b>114.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
+to go out.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 42]</span><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" /></p>
+
+<p><b>115.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
+that in her arms she clasp thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>116.</b> She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
+prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
+thou go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>117.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Another's wife entice thou never to secret
+converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>118.</b> I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel,
+provide thee well with food.</p>
+
+<p><b>119.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy
+misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for
+thy good will.</p>
+
+<p><b>120.</b> I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman's words; a false
+tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.</p>
+
+<p><b>121.</b> I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou hast a friend, whom
+thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood
+over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.</p>
+
+<p><b>122.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A good man attract to thee in pleasant
+converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.</p>
+
+<p><b>123.</b> I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to
+quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind
+disclose.</p>
+
+<p><b>124.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a
+witless fool;</p>
+
+<p><b>125.</b> For from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return
+for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 43]</span><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" /></p>
+
+<p><b>126.</b> There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another
+all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He
+is not another's friend who ever says as he says.</p>
+
+<p><b>127.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a
+worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.</p>
+
+<p><b>128.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker,
+unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if
+crooked, will call down evil on thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>129.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard
+that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.</p>
+
+<p><b>130.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let
+good give thee pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>131.</b> I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the
+sons of men then become) that men may not fascinate thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>132.</b> If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou
+must promise fair, and hold to it: no one turns from good if it can be
+got.</p>
+
+<p><b>133.</b> I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be
+thou most wary, and with another's wife; and thirdly, that thieves
+delude thee not.</p>
+
+<p><b>134.</b> With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer.
+They often little know, who sit within, of what race they are who
+come.</p>
+
+<p><b>135.</b> Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts
+mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as
+to be good for nothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 44]</span><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" /></p>
+
+<p><b>136.</b> At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which
+the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from
+those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go
+tottering among the vile.</p>
+
+<p><b>137.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate
+thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>138.</b> Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou
+give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>139.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to
+thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for
+distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery, a hall
+for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for
+bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth
+absorb.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14" /><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Odin is the &quot;High One.&quot; The poem is a collection of
+rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not very
+consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15" /><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins with
+the following three lines:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Wit is needful<br /></span>
+<span>to him who travels far:<br /></span>
+<span>harm seldom befalls the wary:<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original Afzelius and
+Bask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16" /><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> The sense of this line seems doubtful; I have adopted
+the version of Finn Magnusen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17" /><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> The public meeting.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18" /><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> That is dead on the funeral pyre.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19" /><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This line is evidently an interpolation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20" /><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Odin.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21" /><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> From this line it appears that the poem is of Norwegian
+or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in Iceland before the
+middle of the 18th century, when it was Introduced by royal command.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22" /><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> The story of Odin and Billing's daughter is no longer
+extant; but compare the story of Odin and Rinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit.
+Muller &amp; Veleschow.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23" /><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring or
+bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being kept in the
+temple for the purpose.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" id="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" />ODIN'S RUNE-SONG.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24" /><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></h2>
+
+<p><b>140.</b> I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
+with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that
+tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.</p>
+
+<p><b>141.</b> Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 45]</span><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" />downward I peered,
+to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.</p>
+
+<p><b>142.</b> Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bolthorn,
+Bestla's sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from
+Odhr&aelig;rir.</p>
+
+<p><b>143.</b> Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow
+and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I
+sought out facts.</p>
+
+<p><b>144.</b> Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large
+characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted,
+and the high powers formed, and the powers' prince graved:</p>
+
+<p><b>145.</b> Odin among the &AElig;sir, but among the Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin for
+the dwarfs, Asvid for the Jotuns: some I myself graved.</p>
+
+<p><b>146.</b> Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound
+them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them?
+knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how
+to send?<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25" /><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> knowest thou how to consume?</p>
+
+<p><b>147.</b> 'Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks
+to a return. 'Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund
+graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he
+afterwards came.</p>
+
+<p><b>148.</b> Those songs I know which the king's wife knows not nor son of
+man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes
+and cares.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 46]</span><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" /></p>
+
+<p><b>149.</b> For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will
+as leeches live. * * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>150.</b> For the third I know,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26" /><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> if I have great need to restrain my
+foes, the weapons' edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles
+harm aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>151.</b> For the fourth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so
+sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle
+from my hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>152.</b> For the fifth I know, if I see a shot from a hostile hand, a
+shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot
+arrest it, if only I get sight of it.</p>
+
+<p><b>153.</b> For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree's
+roots;<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27" /><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume
+them sooner than me.</p>
+
+<p><b>154.</b> For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o'er its
+inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That
+song I can sing.</p>
+
+<p><b>155.</b> For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where
+hatred grows among the sons of men&mdash;that I can quickly assuage.</p>
+
+<p><b>156.</b> For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water
+to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.</p>
+
+<p><b>157.</b> For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I
+can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own
+minds.</p>
+
+<p><b>158.</b> For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my <span class="pagenum">[Pg 47]</span><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" />ancient friends
+to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to
+the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.</p>
+
+<p><b>159.</b> For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging
+from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall
+walk, and with me converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>160.</b> For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water,
+he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink
+before swords.</p>
+
+<p><b>161.</b> For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to
+enumerate the gods, &AElig;sir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all.
+This few unskilled can do.</p>
+
+<p><b>162.</b> For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before
+Delling's doors. Strength he sang to the &AElig;sir, and to the Alfar
+prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>163.</b> For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden's favour and
+affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed
+damsel, and wholly turn her mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>164.</b> For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will
+reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have
+lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if
+thou learnest them.</p>
+
+<p><b>165.</b> For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or
+wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing
+of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my
+sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>166.</b> Now are sung the High-one's songs, in the High-one's hall, to
+the sons of men all-useful, but useless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 48]</span><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" />to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to
+him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who
+has learnt them! Hail to those who have listened to them!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24" /><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> The first eight strophes of this composition require an
+explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have had many
+interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea of Odin hanging on
+a tree would seem to have been suggested by what we read of the grove
+at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which the victims offered to that deity were
+suspended from the trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin
+may be supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself. It
+no doubt refers to some lost legend.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25" /><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
+missions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26" /><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
+bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
+to him by Snorri.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27" /><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
+roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
+witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
+similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
+trees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" />THE LAY OF HYMIR.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
+compotation, ere they the truth discovered.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28" /><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> Rods<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29" /><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> they shook,
+and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
+Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. &quot;Thou to the
+&AElig;sir shalt oft a compotation give.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
+meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
+him to bring, &quot;in which I beer for all of you may brew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
+powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
+friendly counsel gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
+heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
+cauldron, a rast in depth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 49]</span><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" /><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ.&quot; Rapidly they drove forward
+that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
+hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
+loathful; heads she had nine hundred.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
+beer-cup to her son:</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
+kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
+ill-humour prone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
+from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
+churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
+thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
+famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> See where they sit under the hall's gable, as if to shun thee:
+the pillar stands before them.&quot; In shivers flew the pillar at the
+Jotun's glance; the beam was first broken in two.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Eight kettles fell, but only one of them, a hard-hammered
+cauldron, whole from the column. The two came forth, but the old Jotun
+with eyes surveyed his adversary.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Augured to him his mind no good, when he saw <span class="pagenum">[Pg 50]</span><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" />the giantess's
+sorrow on the floor coming. Then were three oxen taken, and the Jotun
+bade them forthwith be boiled.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Each one they made by the head shorter, and to the fire
+afterwards bore them. Sif's consort ate, ere to sleep he went,
+completely, he alone, two of Hymir's beeves.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Seemed to the hoary friend of Hrungnir Hlorridi's refection full
+well large: &quot;We three to-morrow night shall be compelled on what we
+catch to live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Veor said he would on the sea row, if the bold Jotun him would
+with baits supply: &quot;To the herd betake thee, (if thou in thy courage
+trustest, crusher of the rock-dwellers!) for baits to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I expect that thou wilt bait from an ox easily obtain.&quot; The
+guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox before
+him.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The Thursar's bane wrung from an ox the high fastness of his two
+horns. &quot;To me thy work seems worse by far, ruler of keels! than if
+thou hadst sat quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The lord of goats the apes' kinsman besought the horse of plank
+farther out to move; but the Jotun declared his slight desire farther
+to row.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The mighty Hymir drew, he alone, two whales up with his hook;
+but at the stern abaft Veor cunningly made him a line.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Fixed on the hook the shield of men, the serpent's slayer, the
+ox's head. Gaped at the bait the foe of gods, the encircler beneath of
+every land.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30" /><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 51]</span><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" /><b>23.</b> Drew up boldly the mighty Thor the worm with venom glistening,
+up to the side; with his hammer struck, on his foul head's summit,
+like a rock towering, the wolf's own brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The icebergs resounded, the caverns howled, the old earth shrank
+together: at length the fish back into ocean sank.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31" /><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The Jotun was little glad, as they rowed back, so that the
+powerful Hymir nothing spake, but the oar moved in another course.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Wilt thou do half the work with me, either the whales home to
+the dwelling bear, or the boat fast bind?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hlorridi went, grasped the prow, quickly, with its hold-water,
+lifted the water-steed, together with its oars and scoop; bore to the
+dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved vessel, through the
+wooded hills.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But the Jotun yet ever frowned, to strife accustomed, with Thor
+disputed, said that no one was strong, however vigorously he might
+row, unless he his cup could break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> But Hlorridi, when to his hands it came, forthwith brake an
+upright stone in twain; sitting dashed the cup through the pillars:
+yet they brought it whole to Hymir back.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Until the beauteous woman gave important, friendly counsel,
+which she only knew: &quot;Strike at the head of Hymir, the Jotun with food
+oppressed, that is harder than any cup.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Rose then on his knee the stern lord of goats, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 52]</span><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" />clad in all his
+godlike power. Unhurt remained the old man's helm-block, but the round
+wine-bearer was in shivers broken.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Much good, I know, has departed from me, now that my cup I see
+hurled from my knees.&quot; Thus the old man spake: &quot;I can never say again,
+beer thou art too hot.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Now 'tis to be tried if ye can carry the beer-vessel out of our
+dwelling.&quot; Ty twice assayed to move the vessel, yet at each time stood
+the kettle fast.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Then Modi's father by the brim grasped it, and trod through the
+dwelling's floor. Sif's consort lifted the kettle on his head, while
+about his heels its rings jingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> They had far journeyed before Odin's son cast one look backward:
+he from the caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of
+many-headed monsters coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled
+forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain-giants, who
+with Hymir had him pursued.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Long they had not journeyed when of Hlorridi's goats one lay
+down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had sprung across the
+trace; but the false Loki was of this the cause.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Now ye have heard,&mdash;for what fabulist can more fully tell&mdash;what
+indemnity he from the giant got: he paid for it with his children
+both.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32" /><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 53]</span><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" /><b>39.</b> In his strength exulting he to the gods' council came, and had
+the kettle, which Hymir had possessed, out of which every god shall
+beer with Oegir drink at every harvest-tide.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28" /><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29" /><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> That is divining rods.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30" /><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> The great serpent that encircles the earth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31" /><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> According to the Prose Edda, the giant, overcome with
+fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32" /><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" id="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" />THE LAY OF THRYM, OR THE HAMMER RECOVERED.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wroth was Vingthor, when he awoke, and his hammer missed; his
+beard he shook, his forehead struck, the son of earth felt all around
+him;</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> And first of all these words he uttered: &quot;Hear now, Loki! what I
+now say, which no one knows anywhere on earth, nor in heaven above;
+the As's hammer is stolen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he these words first
+of all said: &quot;Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy feather-garment lend, that
+perchance my hammer I may find?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;That I would give thee, although of gold it were, and trust it
+to thee, though it were of silver.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+&AElig;sir's dwellings, and came within the Jotun's land.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> On a mound sat Thrym, the Thursar's lord, for his greyhounds
+plaiting gold bands and his horses' manes smoothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 54]</span><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;How goes it with the &AElig;sir? How goes it with the Alfar? Why art
+thou come alone to Jotunheim?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Ill it goes with the &AElig;sir, Ill it goes with the Alfar. Hast thou
+Hlorridi's hammer hidden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thrym</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;I have Hlorridi's hammer hidden eight rasts beneath the earth;
+it shall no man get again, unless he bring me Freyia to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+Jotun's dwellings, and came within the &AElig;sir's courts; there he met
+Thor, in the middle court, who these words first of all uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hast thou had success as well as labour? Tell me from the air
+the long tidings. Oft of him who sits are the tales defective, and he
+who lies down utters falsehood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;I have had labour and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the
+Thursar's lord. It shall no man get again, unless he bring him Freyia
+to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> They went the fair Freyia to find; and he those words first of
+all said: &quot;Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal raiment, we two must drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Wroth then was Freyia, and with anger chafed, all the &AElig;sir's
+hall beneath her trembled: in shivers flew the famed Brisinga
+necklace. &quot;Know me to be of women lewdest, if with thee I drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 55]</span><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Straightway went the &AElig;sir all to council, and the Asyniur all to
+hold converse; and deliberated the mighty gods, how they Hlorridi's
+hammer might get back.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then said Heimdall, of &AElig;sir brightest&mdash;he well foresaw, like
+other Vanir&mdash;&quot;Let us clothe Thor with bridal raiment, let him have the
+famed Brisinga necklace.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall round his
+knees, but on his breast place precious stones, and a neat coif set on
+his head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Thor, the mighty As: &quot;Me the &AElig;sir will call womanish,
+if I let myself be clad in bridal raiment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then spake Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;Do thou, Thor! refrain from
+suchlike words: forthwith the Jotuns will Asgard inhabit, unless thy
+hammer thou gettest back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they clad Thor in bridal raiment, and with the noble
+Brisinga necklace, let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall
+round his knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and a neat
+coif set on his head.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then said Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;I will with thee as a servant go:
+we two will drive to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Straightway were the goats homeward driven, hurried to the
+traces; they had fast to run. The rocks were shivered, the earth was
+in a blaze; Odin's son drove to Jotunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Rise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 56]</span><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" />up, Jotuns! and the
+benches deck, now they bring me Freyia to wife, Niord's daughter, from
+Noatun.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Hither to our court let bring gold-horned cows, all-black oxen,
+for the Jotuns' joy. Treasures I have many, necklaces many, Freyia
+alone seemed to me wanting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> In the evening they early came, and for the Jotuns beer was
+brought forth. Thor alone an ox devoured, salmons eight, and all the
+sweetmeats women should have. Sif's consort drank three salds of mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's prince: &quot;Where hast thou seen
+brides eat more voraciously? I never saw brides feed more amply, nor a
+maiden drink more mead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia has nothing eaten for eight
+nights, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Under her veil he stooped desirous to salute her, but sprang
+back along the hall. &quot;Why are so piercing Freyia's looks? Methinks
+that fire burns from her eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia for eight nights has not
+slept, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride-gift she dared
+to ask: &quot;Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain
+my love, my love and favour all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Bring the hammer in, the
+bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on <span class="pagenum">[Pg 57]</span><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" />the maiden's knee; unite us each
+with other by the hand of Vor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Laughed Hlorridi's soul in his breast, when the fierce-hearted
+his hammer recognized. He first slew Thrym, the Thursar's lord, and
+the Jotun's race all crushed;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He slew the Jotun's aged sister, her who a bride-gift had
+demanded; she a blow got instead of skillings, a hammer's stroke for
+many rings. So got Odin's son his hammer back.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" id="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" />THE LAY OF THE DWARF ALVIS.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The benches they are decking, now shall the bride<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33" /><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> with me
+bend her way home. That beyond my strength I have hurried will to
+every one appear: at home naught shall disturb my quiet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What man is this? Why about the nose art thou so pale? Hast thou
+last night with corpses lain? To me thou seemst to bear resemblance to
+the Thursar. Thou art not born to carry off a bride.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Alvis I am named, beneath the earth I dwell, under the rock I own
+a place. The lord of chariots I am <span class="pagenum">[Pg 58]</span><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" />come to visit. A promise once
+confirmed let no one break.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34" /><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> I will break it; for o'er the maid I have, as father, greatest
+power. I was from home when the promise was given thee. Among the gods
+I the sole giver am.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> What man is this, who lays claim to power over that fair, bright
+maiden? For far-reaching shafts few will know thee. Who has decked
+thee with bracelets?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Vingthor I am named, wide I have wandered; I am Sidgrani's son:
+with my dissent thou shalt not that young maiden have, nor that union
+obtain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thy consent I fain would have, and that union obtain. Rather
+would I possess than be without that snow-white maiden.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The maiden's love shall not, wise guest! be unto thee denied, if
+thou of every world canst tell all I desire to know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Vingthor! thou canst try, as thou art desirous the knowledge of
+the dwarf to prove. All the nine worlds I have travelled over, and
+every being known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 59]</span><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Alvis!&mdash;for all men's concerns I presume thee, dwarf,
+to know&mdash;how the earth is called, which lies before the sons of men,
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Jord among men 'tis called, but with the &AElig;sir fold; the Vanir
+call it vega, the Jotuns igroen, the Alfar groandi, the powers supreme
+aur.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc. how the heaven is called, which is
+perceptible in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinn 'tis called by men; but hlyrnir with the gods; vindofni
+the Vanir call it, uppheimr the Jotuns, the Alfar fagrar&aelig;fr, the
+dwarfs driupansal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the moon is called, which men see in
+every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Mani 'tis called by men, but mylinn with the gods, hverfanda
+hvel in Hel<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35" /><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> they call it, skyndi the Jotuns, but the dwarfs skin;
+the Alfar name it artali.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the sun is called, which men's sons
+see in every world.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 60]</span><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" /><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Sol among men 'tis called, but with the gods sunna, the dwarfs
+call it Dvalinn's leika, the Jotuns eyglo, the Alfar fagrahvel, the
+&AElig;sir's sons alskir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc., how the clouds are called, which with
+showers are mingled in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Sky they are called by men, but skurvan by the gods; the Vanir
+call them vindflot, the Jotuns urvan, the Alfar vedrmegin; in Hel they
+are called hialm hulids.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the wind is called, which widely
+passes over every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Windr 'tis called by men, but vavudr by the gods, the
+wide-ruling powers call it gneggiud, the Jotuns oepir, the Alfar
+dynfari, in Hel they call it hvidudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the calm is called, which has to rest
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Logn 'tis called by men, but l&aelig;gi by the gods, the Vanir call it
+vindslot, the Jotuns ofhly, the Alfar dagsevi, the Dwarfs call it dags
+vera.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 61]</span><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., what the sea is called, which men row over
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> S&aelig;r 'tis called by men, but sil&aelig;gia with the gods; the vanir
+call it vagr, the Jotuns alheimr, the Alfar lagastafr, the Dwarfs call
+it diupan mar.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the fire is called, which burns before
+men's sons in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Eldr 'tis called by men, but by the &AElig;sir funi; the Vanir call it
+vagr, the Jotuns frekr, but the Dwarfs forbrennir; in Hel they call it
+hrodudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the forest is called, which grows for
+the sons of men in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Vidr 'tis called by men, but vallarfax by the gods, Hel's
+inmates call it hlidthangr, the Jotuns eldi, the Alfar fagrlimi; the
+Vanir call it vondr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the night is called, that Norvi's
+daughter hight, in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Nott it is called by men, but by the gods niol; the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 62]</span><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" />wide-ruling
+powers call it grima, the Jotuns olios, the Alfar svefngaman; the
+Dwarfs call it draumniorunn.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the seed is called, which the sons of
+men sow in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Bygg it is called by men, but by the gods barr, the Vanir call
+it vaxtr, the Jotuns &aelig;ti, the Alfar lagastafr; in Hel 'tis hnipinn
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the beer is called, which the sons of
+men drink in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Ol it is called by men, but by the &AElig;sir biorr, the Vanir call it
+veig, hreina logr the Jotuns, but in Hel 'tis called miodr: Suttung's
+sons call it sumbl.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> In one breast I have never found more ancient lore. By great
+wiles thou hast, I tell thee, been deluded. Thou art above ground,
+dwarf! at dawn; already in the hall the sun is shining!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33" /><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif. <i>Skaldskap</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34" /><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> This appears to allude to a promise made to the dwarf;
+but of which the story is lost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35" /><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> When this composition was written, it appears that Hel
+was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 63]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" id="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" /><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" />THE LAY OF HARBARD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait or sound, on
+the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
+out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who is the knave of knaves, that by the sound stands yonder?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Who is the churl of churls, that cries across the water?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ferry me across the sound, to-morrow I'll regale thee. I have a
+basket on my back: there is no better food: at my ease I ate, before I
+quitted home, herrings and oats, with which I yet feel sated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Thou art in haste to praise thy meal: thou surely hast no
+foreknowledge; for sad will be thy home: thy mother, I believe, is
+dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thou sayest now what seems to every one most unwelcome to
+know&mdash;that my mother is dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Thou dost not look like one who owns three coun<span class="pagenum">[Pg 64]</span><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" />try dwellings,
+bare-legged thou standest, and like a beggar clothed; thou hast not
+even breeches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Steer hitherward thy boat; I will direct thee where to land. But
+who owns this skiff, which by the strand thou holdest?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Hildolf fief is named who bade me hold it, a man in council wise,
+who dwells in Radso sound. Robbers he bade me not to ferry, or
+horse-stealers, but good men only, and those whom I well knew. Tell me
+then thy name, if thou wilt cross the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I my name will tell, (although I am an outlaw) and all my kin: I
+am Odin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's sire, the gods' mighty
+leader: With Thor thou here mayest speak. I will now ask how thou art
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I am Harbard called; seldom I my name conceal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Why shouldst thou thy name conceal, unless thou crime hast
+perpetrated?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Yet, though I may crime have perpetrated, I will nathless guard
+my life against such as thou art; unless I death-doomed am.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 65]</span><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> It seems to me a foul annoyance to wade across the strait to
+thee, and wet my garments: but I will pay thee, mannikin! for thy
+sharp speeches, if o'er the sound I come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Here will I stand, and here await thee. Thou wilt have found no
+stouter one since Hrungnir's death.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Thou now remindest me how I with Hrungnir fought, that
+stout-hearted Jotun, whose head was all of stone; yet I made him fall,
+and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I was with Fiolvari five winters through, in the isle which
+Algron hight. There we could fight, and slaughter make, many perils
+prove, indulge in love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> How did your women prove towards you?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Sprightly women we had, had they but been meek; shrewd ones we
+had, had they but been kind. Of sand a rope they twisted, and from the
+deep valley dug the earth: to them all I alone was superior in
+cunning. I rested with the sisters seven, and their love and pleasures
+shared. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 66]</span><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I slew Thiassi, that stout-hearted Jotun: up I cast the eyes of
+Allvaldi's son into the heaven serene: they are signs the greatest of
+my deeds. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Great seductive arts I used against the riders of the night,<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36" /><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>
+when from their husbands I enticed them. A mighty Jotun I believed
+Hlebard to be: a magic wand he gave me, but from his wits I charmed
+him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> With evil mind then thou didst good gifts requit&egrave; <i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> One tree gets that which, is from another scraped: each one in
+such case is for self. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In the east I was, and slew the Jotun brides, crafty in evil, as
+they to the mountain went. Great would have been the Jotun race, had
+they all lived; and not a man left in Midgard. What meanwhile didst
+thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> I was in Valland, and followed warfare; princes I excited, but
+never reconciled. Odin has all the jarls that in conflict fall; but
+Thor the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 67]</span><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Unequally thou wouldst divide the folk among the &AElig;sir, if thou
+but hadst the power.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thor has strength over-much, but courage none; from cowardice
+and fear, thou wast crammed into a glove, and hardly thoughtest thou
+wast Thor. Thou durst not then, through thy terror, either sneeze or
+cough, lest Fialar it might hear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Harbard, thou wretch! I would strike thee dead, could I but
+stretch my arm across the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Why wouldst thou stretch thy arm across the sound, when there is
+altogether no offence? But what didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In the east I was, and a river I defended, when the sons of
+Svarang me assailed, and with stones pelted me, though in their
+success they little joyed: they were the first to sue for peace. What
+meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I was in the east, and with a certain lass held converse; with
+that fair I dallied, and long meetings had. I that gold-bright one
+delighted; the game amused her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then you had kind damsels there?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 68]</span><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" /><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of thy aid I had need, Thor! in retaining that maiden lily-fair.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> I would have given it thee, if I had had the opportunity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> I would have trusted thee, my confidence if thou hadst not
+betrayed it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> I am not such a heel-chafer as an old leather shoe in spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The Berserkers' brides I on L&aelig;sso cudgeled; they the worst had
+perpetrated, the whole people, had seduced.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Dastardly didst thou act, Thor! when thou didst cudgel women.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> She-wolves they were, and scarcely women. They crushed my ship,
+which with props I had secured, with iron clubs threatened me, and
+drove away Thialfi. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> I in the army was, which was hither sent, war-banners to raise,
+lances to redden.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 69]</span><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Of that thou now wilt speak, as thou wentest forth us hard terms
+to offer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> That shall be indemnified by a hand-ring, such as arbitrators
+give, who wish to reconcile us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Where didst thou learn words than which I never heard more
+irritating?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> From men I learned them, from ancient men, whose home is in the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou givest certainly a good name to grave-mounds, when thou
+callest them, homes in the woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> So speak I of such a subject.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Thy shrewd words will bring thee evil, if I resolve the sound to
+ford. Louder than a wolf thou wilt howl, I trow, if of my hammer thou
+gettest a touch.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Sif has a gallant at home; thou wilt anxious be to find him:
+thou shalt that arduous work perform; it will beseem thee better.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 70]</span><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou utterest what comes upmost, so that to me it be most
+annoying, thou dastardly varlet! I believe thou art lying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> I believe I am telling truth. Thou art travelling slowly; thou
+wouldst have long since arrived, hadst thou assumed another form.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Harbard! thou wretch! rather is it thou who hast detained me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> I never thought that a ferryman could the course of Asa-Thor
+retard.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> One advice I now will give thee: row hither with thy boat; let
+us cease from threats; approach the sire of Magni.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Go farther from the sound, the passage is refused thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Show me then the way, if thou wilt not ferry me across the
+water.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> That's too little to refuse. 'Tis far to go; 'tis to the stock
+an hour, and to the stone another; then keep the left hand way, until
+thou reachest Verland; there will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 71]</span><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" />Fiorgyn find her son Thor, and
+point out to him his kinsmen's ways to Odin's land.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Can I get there to-day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> With pain and toil thou mayest get there, while the sun is up,
+which, I believe, is now nigh.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Our talk shall now be short, as thou answerest with scoffing
+only. For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee, if another time we
+meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Just go to where all the powers of evil may have thee.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36" /><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Giantesses, witches, etc.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" id="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" />THE JOURNEY OR LAY OF SKIRNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Frey, son of Niord; had one day seated himself in Hlidskialf, and was
+looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there
+saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to
+her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey's
+attendant was named Skirnir; him Niord desired to speak with Frey;
+when Skadi said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Rise up now, Skirnir! go and request our son to speak; and
+inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 72]</span><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Harsh words I have from your son to fear, if I go to speak with
+him, and to inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me now, Frey, prince of gods! for I desire to know, why
+alone thou sittest in the spacious hall the livelong day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Why shall I tell thee, thou young man, my mind's great trouble?
+for the Alfs' illuminator shines every day, yet not for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thy care cannot, I think, be so great, that to me thou canst not
+tell it; for in early days we were young together: well might we trust
+each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> In Gymir's courts I saw walking a maid for whom I long. Her arms
+gave forth light wherewith shone all air and water.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Is more desirable to me that maid than to any youth in early
+days; yet will no one, &AElig;sir or Alfar, that we together live.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Give me but thy steed, which can bear me through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which brandishes itself against the
+Jotuns' race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 73]</span><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I will give thee my steed, which can bear thee through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which will itself brandish, if he is
+bold who raises it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir Speaks to the Horse</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Dark it is without, 'tis time, I say, for us to go across the
+misty fells, over the Thursar's land: we shall both return, or the
+all-potent Jotun will seize us both. Skirnir rides to Jotunheim, to
+Gymir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained at the gate of the
+enclosure that was round Gymir's hall. He rides on to where a cowherd
+was sitting on a mound, and says to him:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, cowherd! as on the mound thou sittest, and watchest all
+the ways, how I to the speech may come, of the young maiden, for
+Gymir's dogs?</p>
+
+<p><i>Cowherd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Either thou art death-doomed, or thou art a departed one. Speech
+wilt thou ever lack with the good maid of Gymir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Better choices than to whine there are for him who is prepared
+to die: for one day was my age decreed, and my whole life determined.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> What is that sound of sounds, which I now sounding hear within
+our dwelling? The earth is shaken, and with it all the house of Gymir
+trembles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 74]</span><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" /><i>A serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets
+his steed browse on the grass.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead;
+although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the &AElig;sir's sons, or of the
+wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our
+halls to visit?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the &AElig;sir's sons, nor of the wise
+Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to
+visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee,
+Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives
+dearest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure;
+nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young
+son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth
+night.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may <span class="pagenum">[Pg 75]</span><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" />have been with
+the young son of Odin. I have no lack of gold in Gymir's courts; for
+my father's wealth I share.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? I thy head will sever from thy neck, if
+thou speakst not favourably to me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Suffer compulsion will I never, to please any man; yet this I
+foresee, if thou and Gymir meet, ye will eagerly engage in fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? Beneath its edge shall the old Jotun fall:
+thy sire is death-doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> With a taming-wand I smite thee, and I will tame thee, maiden!
+to my will. Thou shalt go thither, where the sons of men shall never
+more behold thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On an eagle's mount thou shalt early sit, looking and turned
+towards Hel. Food shall to thee more loathsome be than is to any one
+the glistening serpent among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> As a prodigy thou shalt be, when thou goest forth; Hrimnir shall
+at thee gaze, all beings at thee stare; more wide-known thou shalt
+become than the watch among the gods,<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37" /><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> if thou from thy gratings
+gape.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Solitude and disgust, bonds and impatience, shall thy tears with
+grief augment. Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood
+of care, and a double grief.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 76]</span><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" /></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Terrors shall bow thee down the livelong day, in the Jotuns'
+courts. To the Hrimthursar's halls, thou shalt each day crawl
+exhausted, joyless crawl; wail for pastime shalt thou have, and tears
+and misery.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> With a three-headed Thurs thou shalt be ever bound, or be
+without a mate. Thy mind shall tear thee from morn to morn: as the
+thistle thou shalt be which has thrust itself on the house-top.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the wold I have been, and to the humid grove, a magic wand to
+get. A magic wand I got.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Wroth with thee is Odin, wroth with thee is the &AElig;sir's prince;
+Frey shall loathe thee, even ere thou, wicked maid! shalt have felt
+the gods' dire vengeance.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Hear ye, Jotuns! hear ye, Hrimthursar! sons of Suttung! also ye,
+Æsir's friends! how I forbid, how I prohibit man's joy unto the
+damsel, man's converse to the damsel.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named, that shall possess thee, in the
+grating of the dead beneath; there shall wretched thralls, from the
+tree's roots, goats' water give thee. Other drink shalt thou, maiden!
+never get, either for thy pleasure, or for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thurs<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38" /><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> I cut for thee, and three letters mere: ergi, and
+oedi, and othola. So will I cut them out, as I have cut them, in, if
+there need shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hail rather to thee, youth! and accept an icy cup, filled with
+old mead; although I thought not that I ever should love one of Vanir
+race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 77]</span><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> All my errand will I know, ere I hence ride home. When wilt thou
+converse hold with the powerful son of Niord?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p>Skimir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him,
+asking tidings:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Skirnir! ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, and a foot
+hence thou goest, what thou hast accomplished in Jotunheim, for my
+pleasure or thine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Long is one night, yet longer two will be; how shall I three
+endure. Often a month to me less has seemed than half a night of
+longing.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37" /><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Heimdall.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38" /><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Thurs, etc., the names of magical runes.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 78]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" id="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" /><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" />THE LAY OF RIG.</h2>
+
+<p>In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the &AElig;sir named Heimdall,
+being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where he
+called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In ancient days, they say, along the green ways went the powerful
+and upright sagacious As, the strong and active Rig, his onward course
+pursuing.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Forward he went on the mid-way, and to a dwelling came. The door
+stood ajar, he went in, fire was on the floor. The man and wife sat
+there, hoary-haired, by the hearth, Ai and Edda, in old guise clad.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated in the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then Edda from the ashes took a loaf, heavy and thick, and with
+bran mixed; more besides she laid on the middle of the board; there in
+a bowl was broth on the table set, there was a calf boiled, of cates
+most excellent.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then rose he up, prepared to sleep: Rig would counsel give to
+them both; laid him down in the middle of the bed; the domestic pair
+lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There he continued three nights together, then departed on the
+mid-way. Nine months then passed way.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Edda a child brought forth: they with water sprinkled its swarthy
+skin, and named it Thr&aelig;l.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 79]</span><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> It grew up, and well it throve; of its hands the skin was
+shriveled, the knuckles knotty, * * * and the fingers thick; a hideous
+countenance it had, a curved back, and protruding heels.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He then began his strength to prove, bast to bind, make of it
+loads; then faggots carried home, the livelong day.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then to the dwelling came a woman walking, scarred were her
+foot-soles, her arms sunburnt, her nose compressed, her name was Thy.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> In the middle seat herself she placed; by her sat the house's
+son. They spoke and whispered, prepared a bed, Thr&aelig;l and Thy, and days
+of care.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Children they begat, and lived content: Their names, I think,
+were Hreimr and Fiosnir, Klur and Kleggi, Kefsir, Fulnir, Drumb,
+Digraldi, Drott and Hosvir, Lut and Leggialdi. Fences they erected,
+fields manured, tended swine, kept goats, dug turf.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The daughters were Drumba and Kumba, Okkvinkalfa, and Arinnefia,
+Ysia and Ambatt, Eikintiasna, Totrughypia, and Tronubeina, whence are
+sprung the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Rig then went on, in a direct course, and came to a house; the
+door stood ajar: he went in; fire was on the floor, man and wife sat
+there engaged at work.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> The man was planing wood for a weaver's beam; his beard was
+trimmed, a lock was on his forehead, his shirt close; his chest stood
+on the floor.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His wife sat by, plied her rock, with outstretched arms,
+prepared for clothing. A hood was on her head, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 80]</span><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" />a loose sark over her
+breast, a kerchief round her neck, studs on her shoulders. Afi and
+Amma owned the house.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both; rose from the table,
+prepared to sleep; laid him down in the middle of the bed, the
+domestic pair lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> There he continued three nights together. Nine months then
+passed away. Amma a child brought forth, they with water sprinkled it,
+and called it Karl. The mother in linen swathed the ruddy redhead: its
+eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> It grew up, and well throve; learned to tame oxen, make a
+plough, houses build, and barns construct, make carts, and the plough
+drive.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they home conveyed a lass with pendent keys, and goatskin
+kirtle; married her to Karl. Snor was her name, under a veil she sat.
+The couple dwelt together, rings exchanged, spread couches, and a
+household formed.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Children they begat, and lived content. Hal and Dreng, these
+were named, Held, Thegn, Smith, Breidr-bondi, Bundinskegg, Bui and
+Boddi, Brattskegg and Segg.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> But [the daughters] were thus called, by other names: Snot,
+Brud, Svanni, Svarri, Sprakki, Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, Feima, Ristil;
+whence are sprung the races of churls.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Rig then went thence, in a direct course, and came to a hall:
+the entrance looked southward, the door was half closed, a ring was on
+the door-post.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 81]</span><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> He went in; the floor was strewed, a couple sat facing each
+other, Fadir and Modir, with fingers playing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The husband sat, and twisted string, bent his bow, and
+arrow-shafts prepared; but the housewife looked on her arms, smoothed
+her veil, and her sleeves fastened;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Her head-gear adjusted. A clasp was on her breast; ample her
+robe, her sark was blue; brighter was her brow, her breast fairer, her
+neck whiter than driven snow.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated on the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Then took Modir a figured cloth of white linen, and the table
+decked. She then took thin cakes of snow-white wheat, and on the table
+laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She set forth salvers full, adorned with silver, on the table
+game and pork, and roasted birds. In a can was wine; the cups were
+ornamented. They drank and talked; the day was fast departing, Rig
+would counsel give to them both.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Rig then rose, the bed prepared; there he then remained three
+nights together, then departed on the mid-way. Nine months after that
+passed away.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Modir then brought forth a boy: in silk they wrapped him, with
+water sprinkled him, and named him Jarl. Light was his hair, bright
+his cheeks, his eyes piercing as a young serpent's.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> There at home Jarl grew up, learned the shield to shake, to fix
+the string, the bow to bend, arrows to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 82]</span><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" />shaft, javelins to hurl,
+spears to brandish, horses to ride, dogs to let slip, swords to draw,
+swimming to practise.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thither from the forest came Rig walking, Rig walking: runes he
+taught him, his own name gave him, and his own son declared him, whom
+he bade possess his alodial fields, his alodial fields, his ancient
+dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Jarl then rode thence, through a murky way, over humid fells,
+till to a hall he came. His spear he brandished, his shield he shook,
+made his horse curvet, and his falchion drew, strife began to raise,
+the field to redden, carnage to make; and conquer lands.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Then he ruled alone over eight vills, riches distributed, gave
+to all treasures and precious things; lank-sided horses, rings he
+dispersed, and collars cut in pieces.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39" /><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> The nobles drove through humid ways, came to a hall, where
+Hersir dwelt; there they found a slender maiden, fair and elegant,
+Erna her name.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> They demanded her, and conveyed her home, to Jarl espoused her;
+she under the linen<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40" /><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> went. They together lived, and well throve,
+had offspring, and old age enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bur was their eldest, Barn the second, Jod and Adal, Arfi, Mog,
+Nid and Nidjung. They learned games; Son and Svein swam and at tables
+played. One was named Kund, Kon was youngest.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> There grew up Jarl's progeny; horses they broke, curved shields,
+cut arrows, brandished spears.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> But the young Kon understood runes, &aelig;fin-runes, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 83]</span><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" />and aldr-runes;
+he moreover knew men to preserve, edges to deaden, the sea to calm.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> He knew the voice of birds, how fires to mitigate, assuage and
+quench; sorrows to allay. He of eight men had the strength and energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> He with Rig Jarl in runes contended, artifices practised, and
+superior proved; then acquired Rig to be called, and skilled in runes.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The young Kon rode through swamps and forests, hurled forth
+darts, and tamed birds.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then sang the crow, sitting lonely on a bough! &quot;Why wilt thou,
+young Kon: tame the birds? rather shouldst thou, young Kon! on horses
+ride * * * and armies overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Nor Dan nor Danp halls more costly had, nobler paternal seats,
+than ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
+wounds to inflict.</p>
+
+<p>The rest is wanting.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39" /><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> A common practice: the pieces served as money.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40" /><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> The nuptial veil.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 84]</div>
+<h2><a name="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" id="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" /><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" />OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.</h2>
+
+<p>Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the &AElig;sir, after he
+had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
+entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
+in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
+and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
+being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
+and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
+attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other &AElig;sir and Alfar were also
+present.</p>
+
+<p>Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
+instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
+was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
+Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
+Fimafeng; whereupon the &AElig;sir shook their shields, exclaimed against
+Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
+came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
+what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 85]</span><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" /><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
+the triumphant gods. Of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar that are here within
+not one has a friendly word for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
+hate to the &AElig;sir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
+compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
+powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
+contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?</p>
+
+<p>Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
+in, they all sat silent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
+beseech the &AElig;sir one draught to give me of the bright mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
+seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A seat and place will the &AElig;sir never choose for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 86]</span><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" />thee at their
+board; for well the &AElig;sir know for whom they ought to hold a joyous
+compotation.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Odin! dost thou remember when we in early days blended our blood
+together? When to taste beer thou didst constantly refuse, unless to
+both 'twas offered?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Rise up, Vidar! and let the wolf's sire sit at our compotation;
+that Loki may not utter words of contumely in Oegir's hall.</p>
+
+<p>Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus
+addressed the &AElig;sir:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Hail, &AElig;sir! Hail, Asyniur! And ye, all-holy gods! all, save that
+one As, who sits within there, Bragi, on yonder bench.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A horse and falchion I from my stores will give thee, and also
+with a ring reward thee, if thou the &AElig;sir wilt not requite with
+malice. Provoke not the gods against thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Of horse and rings wilt thou ever, Bragi! be in want. Of the
+&AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are here present, in conflict thou art the
+most backward, and in the play of darts most timid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I know that were I without, as I am now within, the hall of
+Oegir, I thy head would bear in my hand, and so for lying punish thee.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 87]</span><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi! but so thou shouldst not
+be, Bragi, the bench's pride! Go and fight, if thou art angry; a brave
+man sits not considering.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I pray thee, Bragi! let avail the bond of children, and of all
+adopted sons, and to Loki speak not in reproachful words, in Oegir's
+hall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Be silent, Idun! of all women I declare thee most fond of men,
+since thou thy arms, carefully washed, didst twine round thy brother's
+murderer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Loki I address not with opprobrious words, in Oegir's hall.
+Bragi I soothe, by beer excited. I desire not that angry ye fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gefion</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Why will ye, &AElig;sir twain, here within, strive with reproachful
+words? Lopt perceives not that he is deluded, and is urged on by fate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Be silent, Gefion! I will now just mention, how that fair youth
+thy mind corrupted, who thee a necklace gave, and around whom thou thy
+limbs didst twine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thou art raving, Loki! and hast lost thy wits, in calling
+Gefion's anger on thee; for all men's destinies, I ween, she knows as
+thoroughly as I do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 88]</span><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Be silent, Odin! Thou never couldst allot conflicts between men:
+oft hast thou given to those to whom thou oughtest not&mdash;victory to
+cowards.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Knowest thou that I gave to those I ought not&mdash;victory to
+cowards? Thou wast eight winters on the earth below, a milch cow and a
+woman, and didst there bear children. Now that, methinks, betokens a
+base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and
+knocked at houses as a Vala. In likeness of a fortune teller, thou
+wentest among people. Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Your doings ye should never publish among men, what ye, &AElig;sir
+twain, did in days of yore. Ever forgotten be men's former deeds!</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Be thou silent, Frigg! Thou art Fiorgyn's daughter, and ever
+hast been fond of men, since Ve and Vili, it is said, thou, Vidrir's
+wife, didst both to thy bosom take.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Know thou that if I had, in Oegir's halls, a son like Baldr, out
+thou shouldst not go from the &AElig;sir's sons: thou should'st have been
+fiercely assailed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 89]</span><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But wilt thou, Frigg! that of my wickedness I more recount? I am
+the cause that thou seest not Baldr riding to the halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Mad art thou, Loki! in recounting thy foul misdeeds. Frigg, I
+believe, knows all that happens, although she says it not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Be thou silent, Freyia! I know thee full well; thou art not free
+from vices: of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been
+thy paramour.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> False is thy tongue. Henceforth it will, I think, prate no good
+to thee. Wroth with thee are the &AElig;sir, and the Asyniur. Sad shalt thou
+home depart.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Be silent, Freyia! Thou art a sorceress, and with much evil
+blended; since against thy brother thou the gentle powers excited. And
+then, Freyia! what didst thou do?</p>
+
+<p><i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> It is no great wonder, if silk-clad dames get themselves
+husbands, lovers; but 'tis a wonder that a wretched As, that has borne
+children, should herein enter.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Be silent, Niord! Thou wast sent eastward <span class="pagenum">[Pg 90]</span><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" />hence, a hostage from
+the gods. Hymir's daughters had thee for an utensil, and flowed into
+thy mouth.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41" /><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> <i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> 'Tis to me a solace, as I a long way hence was sent, a hostage
+from the gods, that I had a son, whom no one hates, and accounted is a
+chief among the &AElig;sir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Cease now, Niord! in bounds contain thyself; I will no longer
+keep it secret: it was with thy sister thou hadst such a son; hardly
+worse than thyself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Frey is best of all the exalted gods in the &AElig;sir's courts: no
+maid he makes to weep, no wife of man, and from bonds looses all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Be silent, Ty! Thou couldst never settle a strife 'twixt two; of
+thy right hand also I must mention make, which Fenrir from thee tore.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I of a hand am wanting, but thou of honest fame; sad is the lack
+of either. Nor is the wolf at ease: he in bonds must bide, until the
+gods' destruction.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Be silent, Ty; to thy wife it happened to have a son by me. Nor
+rag nor penny ever hadst thou, poor wretch! for this injury.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 91]</span><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I the wolf see lying at the river's mouth, until the powers are
+swept away. So shalt thou be bound, if thou art not silent, thou
+framer of evil.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> With gold thou boughtest Gymir's daughter, and so gavest away
+thy sword: but when Muspell's sons through the dark forest ride, thou,
+unhappy, wilt not have wherewith to fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Know that were I of noble race, like Ingun's Frey, and had so
+fair a dwelling, than marrow softer I would bray that ill-boding crow,
+and crush him limb by limb.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> What little thing is that I see wagging its tail, and snapping
+eagerly? At the ears of Frey thou shouldst ever be, and clatter under
+mills.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Byggvir I am named, and am thought alert, by all gods and men;
+therefore am I joyful here, that all the sons of Hropt drink beer
+together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Be silent, Byggvir! Thou couldst never dole out food to men,
+when, lying in thy truckle bed, thou wast not to be found, while men
+were fighting.</p>
+
+<p><i>Heimdall</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Loki, thou art drunk, and hast lost thy wits. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 92]</span><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" />Why dost thou not
+leave off, Loki? But drunkenness so rules every man, that he knows not
+of his garrulity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Be silent, Heimdall! For thee in early days was that hateful
+life decreed: with a wet back thou must ever be, and keep watch as
+guardian of the gods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou art merry, Loki! Not long wilt thou frisk with an unbound
+tail; for thee, on a rock's point, with the entrails of thy ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Know, if on a rock's point, with the entrails of my ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind me, that first and foremost I was at the
+slaying, when we assailed Thiassi.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Know, if first and foremost thou wast at the slaying, when ye
+assailed Thiassi, that from my dwellings and fields shall to thee ever
+cold counsels come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Milder wast thou of speech to Laufey's son, when to thy bed thou
+didst invite me. Such matters must be mentioned, if we accurately must
+recount our vices.</p>
+
+<p>Then came Sif forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Hail to thee, Loki! and this cool cup receive, full of old mead:
+at least me alone, among the blameless &AElig;sir race, leave stainless.</p>
+
+<p>He took the horn, drank, and said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 93]</span><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" /></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> So alone shouldst thou be, hadst thou strict and prudent been
+towards thy mate; but one I know, and, I think, know him well, a
+favoured rival of Hlorridi, and that is the wily Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Beyla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The fells all tremble: I think Hlorridi is from home journeying.
+He will bid be quiet him who here insults all gods and men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Be silent, Beyla! Thou art Byggvir's wife, and with much evil
+mingled: never came a greater monster among the &AElig;sir's sons. Thou art
+a dirty strumpet.</p>
+
+<p>Thor then came in and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. I will thy head from thy neck strike; then will thy
+life be ended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Now the son of earth is hither come. Why dost thou chafe so,
+Thor? Thou wilt not dare do so, when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
+and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Up I will hurl thee to the east region, and none
+shall see thee after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of thy eastern travels thou shouldest never to people speak,
+since in a glove-thumb thou, Einheri! wast doubled up, and hardly
+thoughtest thou wast Thor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 94]</span><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating: with this right hand I, Hrungnir's bane, will smite
+thee, so that thy every bone be broken.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though with thy hammer
+thou dost threaten me. Skrymir's thongs seemed to thee hard, when at
+the food thou couldst not get, when, in full health, of hunger dying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Hrungnir's bane shall cast thee down to Hel, beneath
+the gratings of the dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I have said before the &AElig;sir, I have said before the &AElig;sir's sons,
+that which my mind suggested: but for thee alone will I go out;
+because I know that thou wilt fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Oegir! thou hast brewed beer; but thou never shalt henceforth a
+compotation hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame shall
+play over, and on thy back shall burn thee.</p>
+
+<p>After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the
+waterfall of Franangr, where the &AElig;sir caught him, and bound him with
+the entrails of his son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed
+into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous serpent, and fastened it up over
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 95]</span><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" />Loki's face. The venom trickled down from it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat
+by, and held a basin under the venom; and when the basin was full,
+carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki, who shrank
+from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
+are now called earthquakes.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41" /><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The events related in this strophe are probably a mere
+perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niord's history.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" id="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" />THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the
+giant race.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place
+for thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering
+round the perilous flame? Whom dost thou seek? Of what art thou in
+quest? Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the
+wayfarer offers not hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast
+thou lived: but hence hie thee home.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not
+prodigal. Within these courts thou shalt never come: so now, wretch!
+take thyself off.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 96]</span><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" /><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> From the eye's delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is
+something pleasant to be seen. These walls, methinks, shine around
+golden halls. Here I could live contented with my lot.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast
+sprung.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was
+Fiolkald.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to
+know: who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin's
+son. She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which
+among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi's three sons constructed
+it: a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 97]</span><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" />called, than
+which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's
+limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world
+lasts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase
+away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst
+know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those
+fierce assailants sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the
+watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so
+that no wight can enter if he comes.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can
+get, such that they can run in while they eat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 98]</span><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" />wouldst know:
+that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they
+eat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its
+branches spreads itself over every land?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it
+springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron
+will harm it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed
+tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out
+then will pass what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the cock is called that sits in
+that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs
+of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the
+swart bird at his lonely meal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before
+which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 99]</span><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" /><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> H&aelig;vatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the
+gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with
+nine strong locks secured.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who
+seeks after, and will take, that rod?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he
+bears that which few possess to the dame of the glassy clay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that
+mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag
+shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an
+arm for conflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is
+girt round with a curious flickering flame?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's
+point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay
+known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 100]</span><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the &AElig;sir's sons has that
+constructed, which within the court I saw?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri,
+Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I
+see a splendid maiden stand?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the
+bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a
+year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., how those maids are called, who sit at
+Menglod's knees in harmony together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Hlif the first is called, the second is Hlifthursa, the third
+Thiodvarta, Biort and Blid, Blidr, Frid, Eir and Orboda.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether they protect those who offer
+to them, if it should, be needful?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Every summer in which men offer to them, at the holy place, no
+pestilence so great shall come to the sons of men, but they will free
+each from peril.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 101]</span><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any man that may in
+Menglod's soft arms sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> There is no man who may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only
+Svipdag; to him the sun-bright maid is for wife betrothed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Set the doors open! Let the gate stand wide; here thou mayest
+Svipdag see; but yet go learn if Menglod will accept my love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Hear, Menglod! A man is hither come: go and behold the stranger;
+the dogs rejoice; the house has itself opened. I think it must be
+Svipdag.</p>
+
+<p><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fierce ravens shall, on the high gallows, tear out thy eyes, if
+thou art lying, that hither from afar is come the youth unto my halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Whence art thou come? Whence hast thou journeyed? How do thy
+kindred call thee? Of thy race and name I must have a token, if I was
+betrothed to thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Svipdag I am named, Solbiart was my father named; thence the
+winds on the cold ways drove me. Urd's decree may no one gainsay,
+however lightly uttered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 102]</span><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" /><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Welcome thou art: my will I have obtained; greeting a kiss shall
+follow. A sight unlooked-for gladdens most persons, when one the other
+loves.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Long have I sat on my loved hill, day and night expecting thee.
+Now that is come to pass which I have hoped, that thou, dear youth,
+again to my halls art come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Longing I have undergone for thy love; and thou, for my
+affection. Now it is certain, that we shall pass our lives together.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" />THE LAY OF HYNDLA.</h2>
+
+<p>Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the
+purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's genealogy, such
+information being required by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr.
+Having obtained this, Freyia further requests Hyndla to give Ottar a
+potion (minnisol) that will enable him to remember all that has been
+told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having
+encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but
+accompanied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a blessing.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake, maid of maids! Wake, my friend! Hyndla! Sister! who in the
+cavern dwellest. Now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 103]</span><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" />there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall
+ride, and to the holy fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and
+grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet,
+and from him Sigmund a sword received.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to
+the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy
+to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may
+be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with
+runic rein.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42" /><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> <i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I will my noble palfrey saddle.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest
+it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43" /><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>
+the young Ottar, Innstein's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest
+that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles
+with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two
+skilful <span class="pagenum">[Pg 104]</span><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" />dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. From the saddle we will talk: let us
+sit, and of princely families discourse, of those chieftains who from
+the gods descend. They have contested for the dead's gold, Ottar the
+young and Angantyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A duty 'tis to act so that the young prince his paternal
+heritage may have, after his kindred.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> An offer-stead to me he raised, with stones constructed; now is
+that stone as glass become. With the blood of oxen he newly sprinkled
+it. Ottar ever trusted in the Asyniur.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Now let us reckon up the ancient families, and the races of
+exalted men. Who are the Skioldungs? Who are the Skilfings? Who the
+Odlings? Who the Ylfings? Who the hold-born? Who the hers-born? The
+choicest race of men under heaven?</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou, Ottar! art of Innstein born, but Innstein was from Alf the
+Old, Alf was from Ulf, Ulf from S&aelig;fari, but S&aelig;fari from Svan the Red.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces famed, she, I think,
+was named Hledis the priestess; Frodi her father was, and her mother
+Friant: all that stock is reckoned among chieftains.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Ali was of old of men the strongest, Halfdan before him, the
+highest of the Skioldungs; (Famed were the wars by those chieftains
+led) his deeds seemed to soar to the skirts of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> By Eimund aided, chief of men, he Sigtrygg slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 105]</span><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" />with the cold
+steel. He Almveig had to wife, first of women. They begat and had
+eighteen sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> From them the Skioldungs, from them the Skilfings, from them the
+Odlings, from them the Ynglings, from them the hold-born, from them
+the hers-born, the choicest race of men under heaven. All that race is
+thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Hildegun her mother was, of Svafa born and a sea-king. All that
+race is thine, Ottar Heimski! Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a
+longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Dag wedded Thora, mother of warriors: of that race were born the
+noble champions, Fradmar, Gyrd, and the Frekis both, Am, Josur, Mar,
+Alf the Old. Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Ketil their friend was named, heir of Klyp; he was maternal
+grandsire of thy mother. Then was Frodi yet before Kari, but the
+eldest born was Alf.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Nanna was next, Nokkvi's daughter; her son was thy father's
+kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd and Horfi. All
+that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's sons and Skurhild's Skekkil's daughter;
+thou shalt yet count chieftains many. All that race is thine, Ottar
+Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Gunnar, Balk, Grim, Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi,
+Bui and Brami, Barri and Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, the two Haddingis.
+All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> To toil and tumult were the sons of Arngrim born, and of Eyfura:
+ferocious berserkir, calamity of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 106]</span><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" />every kind, by land and sea, like
+fire they carried. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> I knew both Brodd and Horfi, they were in the court of Hrolf the
+Old; all descended from Jormunrek, son-in-law of Sigurd. (Listen to my
+story) the dread of nations, him who Fafnir slew.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He was a king, from Volsung sprung, and Hiordis from Hrodung;
+but Eylimi from the Odlings. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Gunnar and Hogni, sons of Giuki; and Gudrun likewise, their
+sister. Guttorm; was not of Giuki's race, although he brother was of
+them both. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Harald Hildetonn, born of Hr&aelig;rekir Slongvanbaugi; he was a son
+of Aud, Aud the rich was Ivar's daughter; but Radbard was Randver's
+father. They were heroes to the gods devoted. All that race is thine,
+Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> There were eleven &AElig;sir reckoned, when Baldr on the pile was
+laid; him Vali showed himself worthy to avenge, his own brother: he
+the slayer slew. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Baldr's father was son of Bur: Frey to wife had Gerd, she was
+Gymir's daughter, from Jotuns sprung and Aurboda; Thiassi also was
+their relation, that haughty Jotun; Skadi was his daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> We tell thee much, and remember more: I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Haki was not the worst of Hvedna's sons, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 107]</span><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" />Hiorvard was
+Hvedna's father; Heid and Hrossthiof were of Hrimnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> All the Valas are from Vidolf; all the soothsayers from
+Vilmeidr, all the sorcerers from Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns come from
+Ymir.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> We tell thee much, and more remember, I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There was one born, in times of old, with wondrous might
+endowed, of origin divine: nine Jotun maids gave birth to the gracious
+god, at the world's margin.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Gialp gave him birth, Greip gave him birth, Eistla gave him
+birth, and Angeia; Ulfrun gave him birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd and Atla,
+and Jarnsaxa.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The boy was nourished with the strength of earth, with the
+ice-cold sea, and with Son's blood. We tell thee much, and more
+remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. Wishest thou a yet longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Loki begat the wolf with Angrboda, but Sleipnir he begat with
+Svadilfari: one monster seemed of all most deadly, which from
+Byleist's brother sprang.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Loki, scorched up in his heart's affections, had found a
+half-burnt woman's heart. Loki became guileful from that wicked woman;
+thence in the world are all giantesses come.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Ocean towers with storms to heaven itself, flows o'er the land;
+the air is rent: thence come snows and rapid winds; then it is decreed
+that the rain should cease.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> There was one born greater than all, the boy was <span class="pagenum">[Pg 108]</span><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" />nourished with
+the strength of earth; he was declared a ruler, mightiest and richest,
+allied by kinship to all princes.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Then shall another come, yet mightier, although I dare not his
+name declare. Few may see further forth than when Odin meets the wolf.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Bear thou the memory-cup to my guest, so that he may all the
+words repeat of this, discourse, on the third morn, when he and
+Angantyr reckon up races.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Go thou quickly hence, I long to sleep; more of my wondrous
+power thou gettest not from me. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at
+nights, as among he-goats the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen
+under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among
+he-goats, the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so that thou goest
+not ever away from hence.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Fire I see burning, and the earth blazing; many will have their
+lives to save. Bear thou the cup to Ottar's hand, the mead with venom
+mingled, in an evil hour!</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Thy malediction shall be powerless; although thou, Jotun-maid!
+dost evil threaten. He shall drink delicious draughts. All the gods I
+pray to favour Ottar.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42" /><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> That is, with a rein inscribed with runes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43" /><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> The road to Valhall.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 109]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" id="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" /><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" />THE INCANTATION OF GROA.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake up, Groa! wake up, good woman! at the gates of death I wake
+thee! if thou rememberest, that thou thy son badest to thy grave-mound
+to come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What now troubles my only son? With what affliction art thou
+burthened, that thou thy mother callest, who to dust is come, and from
+human homes departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my
+has father in his bosom cherished, when thou badest me go no one knows
+whither, Menglod to meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Long is the journey, long are the ways, long are men's desires.
+If it so fall out, that thou thy will obtainest, the event must then
+be as it may.</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Sing to me songs which are good. Mother! protect thy son. Dead on
+my way I fear to be. I seem too young in years.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I will sing to thee first one that is thought most <span class="pagenum">[Pg 110]</span><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" />useful, which
+Rind sang to Ran; that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast what to
+thee seems irksome: let thyself thyself direct.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A second I will sing to thee, as thou hast to wander joyless on
+thy ways. May Urd's protection hold thee on every side, where thou
+seest turpitude.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A third I will sing to thee. If the mighty rivers to thy life's
+peril fall, Horn and Rud, may they flow down to Hel, and for thee ever
+be diminished.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A fourth I will sing to thee. If foes assail thee ready on the
+dangerous road, their hearts shall fail them, and to thee be power,
+and their minds to peace be turned.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A fifth I will sing to thee. If bonds be cast on thy limbs,
+friendly spells I will let on thy joints be sung, and the lock from
+thy arms shall start, [and from thy feet the fetter].</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A sixth I will sing to thee. If on the sea thou comest, more
+stormy than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag attend
+thee, and a tranquil course afford thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A seventh I will sing to thee. If on a mountain high frost
+should assail thee, deadly cold shall not thy carcase injure, nor draw
+thy body to thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out
+on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to
+do thee harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed spear-armed
+Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart
+abundance shall be given.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Go now ever where calamity may be, and no <span class="pagenum">[Pg 111]</span><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" />harm shall obstruct
+thy wishes. On a stone fast in the earth I have stood within the door,
+while songs I sang to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> My son! bear hence thy mother's words, and in thy breast let
+them dwell; for happiness abundant shalt thou have in life, while of
+my words thou art mindful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" id="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" />THE SONG OF THE SUN.</h2>
+
+<p>This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts,
+assigned to S&aelig;mund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given
+under the form of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to
+address his son from another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly
+connected with the following ones, which, as far as the 32nd consist
+chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling those in
+the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital of the last
+illness of the supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
+passed through on the way to its final home.</p>
+
+<p>The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and
+Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's own religion was in a
+transition state. Of the allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be
+observed that they are chiefly to persons and actions of which there
+is no trace in the Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly
+the fruits of the poet's own imagination. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 112]</span><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" />The title of the poem is no
+doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning of
+strophes 39-45.</p>
+
+<p>For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version
+of &quot;the Song of the Sun,&quot; the reader may consult &quot;Les Chants de Sol,&quot;
+by Professor Bergmann, Strasbourg &amp; Paris, 1858.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over
+the ways beset by him might no one living pass.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast;
+until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from
+the way.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be:
+with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so
+evil-minded.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart;
+on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was
+an evil-doer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly
+treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his
+wary cautious host.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke;
+but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he
+had slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in
+a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with
+him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command
+his tranquillity.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 113]</span><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" /></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Unnar and S&aelig;valdi never imagined that happiness would fall from
+them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran
+to the forest.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often
+caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them
+pure created.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the
+other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was
+destined for their perdition.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or
+joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright
+form.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they
+enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful
+friends.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm
+they went,<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44" /><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> for that fair woman, and each one found his death.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those
+who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their
+well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be
+above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to
+appoint.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 114]</span><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" />gold for
+sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and
+fire.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair:
+promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in
+Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer,
+but he proved false.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return
+promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together
+drank; but then came forth their guile.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode,
+they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go
+forth.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal)
+into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but
+the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in
+spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy
+will.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with
+evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to
+the soul.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind
+created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 115]</span><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" /></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that
+which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing
+asks: few heed the wants of the silent.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door;
+thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of
+the feast partake.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no
+one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he
+will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to
+thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all
+useful to learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and
+secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money
+crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow: many have riches driven
+to madness.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me:
+our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous;
+but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the
+doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend
+them, but they were strong. 'Tis easy free to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 116]</span><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of
+Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but
+Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from
+this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she
+was before.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I
+bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to
+know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with
+blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for
+my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world
+declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the
+mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away;
+high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I
+lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: &quot;Man is the same as
+earth.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 117]</span><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" /></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven
+and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of
+my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too
+much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> In the Norns' seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a
+horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping
+clouds of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether
+worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the
+readiest paths.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds
+of torment came:&mdash;scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as
+flies.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Gl&aelig;val's paths
+obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and
+heaven to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two
+together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to
+heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in
+all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's
+well.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I
+heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground
+earth for food.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 118]</span><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" /></p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts
+hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed-strewed paths; their
+faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not
+have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly
+characters.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune;
+bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild:
+this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's
+property: in shoals they went to Castle-covetous, and burthens bore of
+lead.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft:
+through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands
+were on hot stones firmly nailed.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly;
+their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered:
+Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which <span class="pagenum">[Pg 119]</span><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" />Hel's inmates
+suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties: pains ever follow
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights
+were above their heads brightly burning.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid:
+angels, read holy books above their heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted:
+God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> I saw those men who had put food into their mothers' mouth:
+their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of those men,
+who for a long time had themselves tormented.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to
+God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I
+pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Biugvor and Iyistvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat;
+iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her
+sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone <span class="pagenum">[Pg 120]</span><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" />obtained for
+thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise
+Vigdvalin.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine,
+Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi!
+bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil
+custom.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living
+sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's
+rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living
+comfort.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen
+the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the
+Sun-song.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44" /><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> That is, <i>they engaged in single combat</i>; the spot for
+such encounters being called a <i>holm</i>, consisting of a circular space
+marked out by stones.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 121]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" id="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" /><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" />THE LAY OF VOLUND.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king in Sweden named Nidud: he had two sons and a
+daughter, whose name was Bodvild. There were three brothers, sons of a
+king of the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil, the third
+Volund. They went on snow-shoes and hunted wild-beasts. They came to
+Ulfdal, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water
+called Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake
+three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their
+swan-plumages: they were Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and
+Hervor-Alvit, were daughters of King Hlodver; the third was Olrun, a
+daughter of Kiar of Valland. They took them home with them to their
+dwelling. Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit. They
+lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and
+did not return. Egil then went on snow-shoes in search of Olrun, and
+Slagfid in search of Svanhvit, but Volund remained in Ulfdal. He was a
+most skilful man, as we learn from old traditions. King Nidud ordered
+him to be seized, so as it is here related.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Maids flew from the south, through the murky wood, Alvit the
+young, fate to fulfil. On the lake's margin they sat to repose, the
+southern damsels; precious flax they spun.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 122]</span><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" /></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil
+clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the
+third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were
+with longing seized; and in the ninth fate parted them. The maidens
+yearned for the murky wood, the young Alvit, fate to fulfil.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> From the chase came the ardent hunters, Slagfid and Egil, found
+their house deserted, went out and in, and looked around. Egil went
+east after Olrun, and Slagfid west after Svanhvit;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> But Volund alone remained in Ulfdal. He the red gold set with the
+hard gem, well fastened all the rings on linden bast, and so awaited
+his bright consort, if to him she would return.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> It was told to Nidud, the Niarars' lord, that Volund alone
+remained in Ulfdal. In the night went men, in studded corslets, their
+shields glistened in the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> From their saddles they alighted at the house's gable, thence
+went in through the house. On the bast they saw the rings all drawn,
+seven hundred, which the warrior owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> And they took them off, and they put them on, all save one, which
+they bore away. Came then from the chase the ardent hunter, Volund,
+gliding<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45" /><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> on the long way.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the fire he went, bear's flesh to roast. Soon <span class="pagenum">[Pg 123]</span><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" />blazed the
+brushwood, and the arid fir, the wind-dried wood, before Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> On the bearskin sat, his rings counted, the Alfar's companion:
+one was missing. He thought that Hlodver's daughter had it, the young
+Alvit, and that she was returned.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> So long he sat until he slept; and he awoke of joy bereft: on
+his hands he felt heavy constraints, and round his feet fetters
+clasped.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Who are the men that on the rings' possessor have laid bonds?
+and me have bound?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then cried Nidud, the Niarars' lord: &quot;Whence gottest thou,
+Volund! Alfars' chief!<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46" /><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> our gold, in Ulfdal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;No gold was here in Grani's path, far I thought our land from
+the hills of Rhine. I mind me that we more treasures possessed, when,
+a whole family, we were at home.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hladgud and Hervor were of Hlodver born; known was Olrun, Kiar's
+daughter, she entered into the house, stood on the floor, her voice
+moderated: Now is he not mirthful, who from the forest comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>King Nidud gave to his daughter Bodvild the ring which had been taken
+from the bast in Volund's house; but he himself bore the sword that
+had belonged to Volund. The queen said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His teeth he shows, when the sword he sees, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 124]</span><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" />Bodvild's ring
+he recognizes: threatening are his eyes as a glistening serpent's: let
+be severed his sinews' strength; and set him then in S&aelig;varstad.</p>
+
+<p>This was done; he was hamstrung, and then set on a certain small
+island near the shore, called S&aelig;varstad. He there forged for the king
+all kinds of jewellery work. No one was allowed to go to him, except
+the king. Volund said:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could
+most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly. That
+bright blade forever is taken from me: never shall I see it borne into
+Volund's smithy.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now Bodvild wears my consort's red-gold rings: for this I have
+no indemnity.&quot; He sat and never slept, and his hammer plied; but much
+more speedy vengeance devised on Nidud.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The two young sons of Nidud ran in at the door to look, in
+S&aelig;varstad. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was
+their grudge, when therein they looked.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Many necklaces were there, which to those youths appeared of the
+red gold to be, and treasures. &quot;Come ye two alone, to-morrow come;
+that gold shall be given to you.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Tell it not to the maidens, nor to the household folk, nor to
+any one, that ye have been with me.&quot; Early called one the other,
+brother, brother: &quot;Let us go see the rings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> To the chest they came, for the keys asked; mani<span class="pagenum">[Pg 125]</span><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" />fest was their
+grudge, when therein they looked. Of those children he the heads cut
+off, and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair he in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones he formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife he sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But of the teeth of the two breast-ornaments he made, and to
+Bodvild sent. Then did Bodvild praise the ring: to Volund brought it,
+when she had broken it: &quot;I dare to no tell it, save alone to thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Volund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;I will so repair the fractured gold, that to thy father it
+shall fairer seem, and to thy mother much more beautiful, and to
+thyself, in the same degree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He then brought her beer, that he might succeed the better, as
+on her seat she fell asleep. &quot;Now have I my wrongs avenged, all save
+one in the wood perpetrated.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47" /><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I wish,&quot; said Volund, &quot;that on my feet I were, of the use of
+which Nidud's men have deprived me.&quot; Laughing Volund rose in air:
+Bodvild weeping from the isle departed. She mourned her lover's
+absence, and for her father's wrath.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Stood without Nidud's wily wife; then she went in through the
+hall; but he on the enclosure sat down to rest. &quot;Art thou awake
+Niarars' lord!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Ever am I awake, joyless I lie to rest, when I call to mind my
+children's death: my head is chilled, cold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 126]</span><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" />are to me thy counsels.
+Now with Volund I desire to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Tell me, Volund, Alfars' chief! of my brave boys what is
+become?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Oaths shalt thou first to me swear, by board of ship, by rim of
+shield, by shoulder of steed, by edge of sword, that thou wilt not
+slay the wife of Volund, nor of my bride cause the death; although a
+wife I have whom ye know, or offspring within thy court.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the smithy go, which thou hast made, there wilt thou the
+bellows find with blood besprinkled. The heads I severed of thy boys,
+and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair I in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones I formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife I sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Of the teeth of the two, breast-ornaments I made, and to Bodvild
+sent. Now Bodvild goes big with child, the only daughter of you both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Word didst thou never speak that more afflicted me, or for
+which I would more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that
+he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee
+down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Laughing Volund rose in air, but Nidud sad remained sitting.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;Rise up Thakrad, my best of thralls! bid Bodvild, my
+fair-browed daughter, in bright attire come, with her sire to speak.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 127]</span><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it, Bodvild! true what has been told to me, that thou and
+Volund in the isle together sat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;True it is, Nidud! what has been told to thee, that Volund and
+I in the isle together sat, in an unlucky hour: would it had never
+been! I could not against him strive, I might not against him
+prevail.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45" /><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> On snow-shoes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46" /><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> The designation of Alfars' chief, or prince, applied to
+Volund, who, as we learn from the prose introduction, was a son of a
+king of the Finns, may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance
+that the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology, and was
+probably composed when that system was in its decline and giving place
+to the heroic or romantic.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47" /><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> The translation of this line is founded solely on a
+conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded to may be the
+hamstringing.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" id="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" />THE LAY OF HELGI HIORVARD'S SON.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four wives, one of whom was
+named Alfhild, their son was named Hedin; the second was named S&aelig;reid,
+their son was Humlung; the third was named Sinriod, their son was
+Hymling. King Hiorvard made a vow that he would have to wife the most
+beautiful woman he knew of, and was told that King Svafnir had a
+daughter of incomparable beauty, named Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named
+Idmund, whose son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for the
+king. He stayed throughout the winter with King Svafnir. There was a
+jarl there named Franmar, who was the foster-father of Sigrlinn, and
+had a daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the maiden should be
+refused, and Atli returned home. One day when the jarl's son Atli was
+standing in a grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above him,
+which had heard that his men called the wives which King Hiorvard had
+the most beautiful. The bird talked, and Atli listened to what it
+said. The bird said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 128]</span><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, Svafnir's daughter, of maidens fairest,
+in her pleasant home? though fair the wives of Hiorvard seem to men in
+Glasis-lund.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> With Atli, Idmund's son, sagacious bird! wilt thou further speak?</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p>I will if the prince will offer to me, and I may choose what I will
+from the king's court.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Choose not Hiorvard nor his sons, nor the fair daughters of that
+prince, nor the wives which the king has. Let us together bargain;
+that is the part of friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> A fane I will chose, offer steads many, gold-horned cows from the
+chief's land, if Sigrlinn sleep in his arms, and unconstrained with
+that prince shall live.</p>
+
+<p>This took place before Atli's journey; but after his return, when the
+king asked his tidings, he said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Labour we have had, but errand none performed; our horses failed
+us in the vast fell; we had afterwards a swampy lake to ford; then was
+denied us Svafnir's daughter with rings adorned, whom we would obtain.</p>
+
+<p>The king commanded them to go a second time, and also went himself.
+But when they had ascended a fell, and saw in Svavaland the country on
+fire, and a great reek from the horses of cavalry, the king rode down
+the fell into the country, and took up his night-quarters by a river.
+Atli kept watch, and crossed the river, and came <span class="pagenum">[Pg 129]</span><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" />to a house, on which
+sat a great bird to guard it, but was asleep. Atli shot the bird dead
+with an arrow. In the house he found the king's daughter Sigrlinn, and
+Alof daughter of Franmar, and brought them both away with him. The
+jarl Franmar had taken the form of an eagle, and protected them from a
+hostile army by sorcery. There was a king named Hrodmar, a wooer of
+Sigrlinn: he had slain the king of Svavaland, and ravaged and burnt
+the country. Hiorvard obtained Sigrlinn, and Atli Alof. Hiorvard and
+Sigrlinn had a son tall and comely: he was taciturn and had no fixed
+name. As he was sitting on a mound he saw nine Valkyriur, one of whom
+was of most noble aspect. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Late wilt thou, Helgi! rings possess, a potent warrior, or
+Rodulsvellir,&mdash;so at morn the eagle sang&mdash;if thou art ever silent;
+although thou, prince! a fierce mood mayest show.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What wilt thou let accompany the name of Helgi, maid of aspect
+bright! since that thou art pleased to give me? Think well over what
+thou art saying. I will not accept it, unless I have thee also.</p>
+
+<p><i>Valkyria</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Swords I know lying in Sigarsholm, fewer by four than five times
+ten: one of them is of all the best, of shields the bale, with gold
+adorned.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A ring is on the hilt, courage in the midst, in the point terror
+for his use who owns it: along the edge a blood-stained serpent lies,
+and on the guard the serpent casts its tail.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 130]</span><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" />There was a king named Eylimi; Svava was his daughter; she was a
+Valkyria and rode through air and water. It was she who gave Helgi
+that name, and afterwards often protected him in battle. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hiorvard! thou art not a king of wholesome counsel, leader of
+people! renowned though thou mayest be. Thou hast let fire devour the
+homes of princes, though harm to thee they none have done.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> But Hrodmar shall of the rings dispose, which our relations have
+possessed. That chief recks little of his life; he thinks only to
+obtain the heritage of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Hiorvard answers, that he will supply Helgi with an army, if he will
+avenge his mother's father. Helgi thereupon seeks the sword that Svava
+had indicated to him. Afterwards he and Atli went and slew Hrodmar,
+and performed many deeds of valour. He killed the Jotun Hati, as he
+sat on a crag. Helgi and Atli lay with their ships in Hatafiord. Atli
+kept watch in the first part of the night. Hrimgerd, Hati's daughter,
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Who are the chieftains in Hatafiord? With shields are your ships
+bedecked; boldly ye bear yourselves, few things ye fear, I ween: tell
+me how your king is named.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Helgi is his name; but thou nowhere canst to the chief do harm;
+iron forts are around the prince's fleet; giantesses may not assail
+us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> How art thou named? most powerful champion! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 131]</span><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" />How do men call
+thee? Thy king confides in thee, since in the ship's fair prow he
+grants thee place.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Atli I am named, fierce I shall prove to thee; towards
+giantesses I am most hostile. The humid prow I have oft occupied, and
+the night-riders slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> How art thou called? corpse-greedy giantess! hag! name thy
+father. Nine rasts shouldst thou be underground, and a forest grow on
+thy breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Hrimgerd I am called, Hati was my father called, whom I knew the
+mightiest Jotun. He many women had from their dwellings taken, until
+him Helgi slew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Thou wast, hag! before the prince's ships, and layest before
+them in the fiord's mouth. The chieftain's warriors thou wouldst to
+Ran consign, had a bar not crossed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Now, Atli! thou art wrong, methinks thou art dreaming; thy brows
+thou lettest over thy eyelids fall. My mother lay before the prince's
+ships; I Hlodvard's sons drowned in the ocean.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thou wouldst neigh, Atli! if thou wert not a gelding. See!
+Hrimgerd cocks her tail. Thy heart, methinks, Atli! is in thy hinder
+part, although thy voice is clear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I think I shall the stronger prove, if thou desirest <span class="pagenum">[Pg 132]</span><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" />to try;
+and I can step from the port to land. Thou shalt be soundly cudgeled,
+if I heartily begin, and let thy tail fall, Hrimgerd!</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Just come on shore, Atli! if in thy strength thou trustest, and
+let us meet in Varinsvik. A rib-roasting thou shalt get, brave boy! if
+in my claws thou comest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> I will not come before the men awake, and o'er the king hold
+watch. It would not surprise me, if from beneath our ship some hag
+arose.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Keep watch, Atli! and to Hrimgerd pay the blood-fine for Hati's
+death. If one night she may sleep with the prince, she for the slain
+will be indemnified.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Lodin is named he who shall thee possess, thou to mankind art
+loathsome. In Tholley dwells that Thurs, that dog-wise Jotun, of all
+rock-dwellers the worst: he is a fitting man for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Helgi would rather have her who last night guarded the port and
+men, the gold-bright maiden. She methought had strength, she stept
+from port to land, and so secured your fleet. She was alone the cause
+that I could not the king's men slay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hear now, Hrimgerd! If I may indemnify thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 133]</span><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" />say fully to the
+king: was it one being only, that saved the prince's ships, or went
+many together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Three troops of maidens; though one maid foremost rode, bright,
+with helmed head. Their horses shook themselves, and from their manes
+there sprang dew into the deep dales, hail on the lofty trees, whence
+comes fruitfulness to man. To me all that I saw was hateful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Look eastward now, Hrimgerd! whether Helgi has not stricken thee
+with death-bearing words. By land and water the king's fleet is safe,
+and the chief's men also.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> It is now day, Hrimgerd! and Atli has thee detained to thy loss
+of life. A ludicrous haven-mark 'twill, indeed, be, where thou a
+stone-image standest.</p>
+
+<p>King Helgi was a renowned warrior. He came to King Eylimi and demanded
+his daughter Svava. Helgi and Svava were united, and loved each other
+ardently. Svava remained at home with her father, but Helgi was
+engaged in warfare. Svava was a Valkyria as before. Hedin was at home
+with his father, King Hiorvard in Norway. Returning home alone from
+the forest on a Yule-eve, Hedin met a troll-wife riding on a wolf,
+with serpents for reins, who offered to attend him, but he declined
+her offer; whereupon she said: &quot;Thou shalt pay for this at the
+Bragi-cup.&quot; In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
+led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
+vows at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 134]</span><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" />the Bragi-cup.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48" /><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
+Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
+that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
+lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
+Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
+to find us?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
+daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
+us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
+nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
+well such befall, if it so must be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
+gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
+peace to thy foes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
+and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 135]</span><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" />accosted Hedin, when he
+saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
+Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
+plain within three days. Then said Helgi:</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> On a wolf rode, at evening twilight, a woman who him offered to
+attend. She well knew, that the son of Sigrlinn would be slain, on
+Sigar's plain.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great conflict, in which Helgi got his death-wound.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Helgi sent Sigar riding, after Eylimi's only daughter: he bade
+her quickly be in readiness, if she would find the king alive.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Helgi has me hither sent, with thee, Svava! thyself to speak.
+Thee, said the king, he fain would see, ere the noble-born breathes
+forth his last.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> What has befallen Helgi, Hiorvard's son? I am sorely by
+afflictions stricken. Has the sea him deluded, or the sword wounded?
+On that man I will harm inflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> This morning fell, at Frekastein, the king who beneath the sun
+was of all the best. Alf has complete victory, though this time it
+should not have been!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Hail to thee, Svava! Thy love thou must divide: this in this
+world, methinks, is our last meeting. They say the chieftain's wounds
+are bleeding. The sword came too near my heart.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 136]</span><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I pray thee, Svava!&mdash;weep not, my wife!&mdash;if thou wilt my voice
+obey, that for Hedin thou a couch prepare, and the young prince in thy
+arms clasp.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> I had said, in our pleasant home, when for me Helgi rings
+selected, that I would not gladly, after my king's departure, an
+unknown prince clasp in my arms.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Kiss me, Svava! I will not return, Rogheim to behold, nor
+Rodulsfioll, before I have avenged Hiorvard's son, who was of kings
+under the sun the best.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48" /><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk. It was
+the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls, that the heir
+should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull was brought in, that
+he should then rise to receive it, make a vow, and drink the contents
+of the cup (full). He was then led to his father's high seat. At an
+offering guild, the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer both
+the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup, for victory and
+power to the king; then Niord's cup, and Frey's, for a good year and
+peace; after which it was the custom with many to drink a Bragafull.
+The peculiarity of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on
+drinking it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous deed,
+that might be made a subject for the song of the skalld.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 137]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" /><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" />THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters
+fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul,
+Borghild gave birth in Bralund.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the
+prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be,
+and of leaders accounted best.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he]
+burghs should overthrow<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49" /><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> in Bralund. They stretched out the golden
+cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands
+between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade
+last for ever.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who
+had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent,
+a raven to a raven said: &quot;I know something.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day
+come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he:
+we shall rejoice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said
+that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war,
+noble garlic to bring to the young prince;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 138]</span><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" />Solfioll, Sn&aelig;fioll,
+and Sigarsvellir, Hringstad, Hatun, and Himinvangar, a sword ornate,
+to Sinfiotli's brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then grew up, in his friends' bosom, the high-born youth, in
+joyous splendour. He paid and gave gold for deserts; nor spared the
+chief the blood-stained sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A short time only the leader let warfare cease. When the prince
+was fifteen winters old, he caused the fierce Hunding to fall, who
+long had ruled over lands and people.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The sons of Hunding afterwards demanded from Sigmund's son
+treasure and rings; because they had on the prince to avenge their
+great loss of wealth, and their father's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> The prince would neither the blood-fine pay, nor for the slain
+indemnity would give. They might expect, he said, a terrific storm of
+grey arrows, and Odin's ire.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors went to the trysting place of swords, which they
+had appointed at Logafioll. Broken was Frodi's peace between the foes:
+Vidrir's hounds went about the isle slaughter-greedy.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> The leader sat under the Arastein, after he had slain Alf and
+Eyiolf, Hiorvard and Havard, sons of Hunding: he had destroyed all
+Geirmimir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then gleamed a ray from Logafioll, and from that ray lightnings
+issued; then appeared, in the field of air, a helmed band of
+Valkyriur: their corslets were with blood besprinkled, and from their
+spears shone beams of light.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Forthwith inquired the chieftain bold, from the wolf-congress of
+the southern Disir, whether they would, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 139]</span><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" />with the warriors, that night
+go home?&mdash;then was a clash of arms!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of
+shields, and to the leader said: &quot;We have, I ween, other objects than
+with princely warriors to drink beer.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of
+Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like
+to a cat's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a
+hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of
+foes, unless I am dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over
+water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to
+offer, and to their sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to
+hold them ready.&quot; There the king abode, until thither came warriors in
+hundreds from Hedinsey.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went
+out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: &quot;Hast thou
+mustered the valiant people?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But the young king the other answered: &quot;Slowly&quot; said he &quot;are
+counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which
+sail without in the Oresund,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun <span class="pagenum">[Pg 140]</span><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" />there is more than
+half of the king's host&mdash;We are to war inured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then the steersman threw the ship's tents aside, that the
+princes' people might awake, and the noble chiefs the dawn might see;
+and the warriors hauled the sails up to the mast in Varinsfiord.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There was a dash of oars, and clash of iron, shield against
+shield resounded: the vikings rowed; roaring went, under the
+chieftains the royal fleet far from the land.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> So might be heard, when together came the tempest's sister<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50" /><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>
+and the long keels, as when rock and surge on each other break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Higher still bade Helgi the deep sail be hauled. No port gave
+shelter to the crews; when Oegir's terrific daughter the chieftains'
+vessels would o'erwhelm,</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> But from above Sigrun intrepid, saved them and their fleet also;
+from the hand of Ran powerfully was wrested the royal ship at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into
+port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood,
+espied the host.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then demanded the god-born Gudmund: &quot;Who is the chieftain that
+commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with
+golden rim;&mdash;He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and
+with nobles words exchange&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your <span class="pagenum">[Pg 141]</span><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" />dogs lead to
+their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet's midst, a king hard to
+make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills,
+kissing the thrall-wenches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble
+thou falsehoods utterest. Thou hast been eating wolves' dainties, and
+of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with
+cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader
+of lies. Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted
+warrior, save Sinfiotli.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent,
+monstrous, in Alfather's hall. All the Einheriar fought with each
+other, deceitful woman! for thy sake. Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes;
+I alone was father of them all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as
+I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated
+upon Thorsnes.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Thou wast Siggeir's stepson, at home under the benches layest,
+accustomed to the wolf's howl out in the forests: calamity of every
+kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother's breast.
+Notorious thou mad'st thyself by thy atrocious works.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 142]</span><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" /><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wast Grani's bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready
+for the course. Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and
+saddled, through the fells, thou hag!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir's goats
+thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
+tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
+than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
+with thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
+to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
+however princes<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51" /><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> may foster hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
+princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
+they have courage to draw the sword.&quot;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
+Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
+mist, where the men went.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
+the hostile advent. Without stood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 143]</span><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" />Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
+speed noticed of his kinsmen. &quot;Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
+countenances?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> &quot;Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
+long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
+joyous Ylfings.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
+Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
+there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
+conflict.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hodbrodd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
+to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
+of those who swords can brandish.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
+the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
+find resistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52" /><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> blades at
+Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
+men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
+chieftain had a valiant heart.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above&mdash;the clash of
+arms increased&mdash;for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun&mdash;well
+skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove&mdash;<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53" /><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 144]</span><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" />pillar of
+Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
+the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
+beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: unscathed shalt thou,
+prince! both enjoy, Hogni's daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and
+lands: then is conflict ended.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49" /><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> That is, when they came to spin that period of his
+destiny.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50" /><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Kolga Systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr
+and Ran; they were the waves.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51" /><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Literally <i>ring-breakers, or-dispensers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52" /><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> It would appear that their swords were of bronze.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53" /><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i.e., the battlefield,
+strewed with corpses, the raven's food.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" />THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund. They
+named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered
+by Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land
+was called Hundland. He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who
+were engaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and concealed,
+between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other's
+kinsmen. King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and
+Ylfings. Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King
+Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home. On departing Helgi met a
+herdsman, and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Say thou to Heming, that Helgi bears in mind who the mailed
+warrior was, whom the men laid low, when the grey wolf ye had within,
+and King Hunding thought it was Hamal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 145]</span><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" />Hamal was the son of Hagal. King Hunding sent men to Hagal in search
+of Helgi, and Helgi had no other way to save himself than by taking
+the clothes of a female slave and going to grind. They sought but did
+not find him. Then said Blind the Baleful:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sharp are the eyes of Hagal's thrall-wench; of no churlish race
+is she who at the mill stands. The millstones are split, the receiver
+flies asunder. Now a hard fate has befallen the warrior, when a prince
+must barley grind: much more fitting to that hand is the falchion's
+hilt than a mill-handle.</p>
+
+<p>Hagal answered and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> No wonder 'tis that the receiver rattles, when a royal damsel the
+handle turns. She hovered higher than the clouds, and, like the
+vikings, dared to fight, until Helgi made her captive. She is a sister
+of Sigar and Hogni; therefore has fierce eyes the Ylfing maid.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi escaped and went on board a ship of war. He slew King Hunding,
+and was afterwards named Helgi Hundingsbani. He lay with his force in
+Brunavagar, and carried on &quot;strand-hogg&quot;<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54" /><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> and ate raw flesh. There
+was a king named Hogni, whose daughter was Sigrun: she was a Valkyria,
+and rode through the air and over the sea. She was Svava regenerated.
+Sigrun rode to Helgi, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> What men cause a ship along the coasts to float? where do ye
+warriors a home possess? what await ye in Brunavagar? whither desire
+ye to explore a way?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 146]</span><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hamal causes a ship along the coasts to float; we have home in
+Hlesey; a fair wind we await in Brunavagar; eastward we desire to
+explore a way.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Where, O prince! hast thou wakened war, or fed the birds of
+conflict's sisters?<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55" /><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> Why is thy corslet sprinkled with blood? Why
+beneath the helm eat ye raw flesh?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was the Ylfings' son's last achievement,&mdash;if thou desirest to
+know&mdash;west of the ocean, that I took bears in Bragalund, and the
+eagles' race with our weapons sated. Now, maiden! I have said what the
+reasons were, why at sea we little cooked meat ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> To a battle thou alludest. Before Helgi has King Hunding been
+doomed to fall. In conflict ye have engaged, when your kindred ye
+avenged, and stained with blood the falchion's edge.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why dost thou suppose, sagacious maiden! that it was they, who
+their kin avenged? Many a warrior's bold sons there are, and hostile
+to our kindred.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I was not far, leader of people! eager, at many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 147]</span><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" />chieftain's
+end: yet crafty I account Sigmund's son, when in val-runes<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56" /><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> the
+slaughter he announces.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A while ago I saw thee commanding the warships, when thou hadst
+station on the bloody prow, and the cold sea waves were playing. Now,
+prince! thou wilt from me conceal it, but Hogni's daughter recognizes
+thee.</p>
+
+<p>Granmar was the name of a powerful prince who dwelt at Svarinshaug. He
+had many sons: one was called Hodbrodd, the second Gudmund, the third
+Starkadr. Hodbrodd was at the assembly of kings, and there betrothed
+himself to Sigrun, the daughter of Hogni. But when she was informed of
+it, she rode with the Valkyriur through the air and over the sea in
+quest of Helgi. Helgi was at that time at Logafioll, warring against
+the sons of Hunding, where he slew Alf and Eyiolf, Hiorvard and
+Hervard. Being over-fatigued with the conflict, he was sitting under
+the Arastein, where Sigrun found him, and running to him, threw her
+arms around his neck, and, kissing him, told him her errand so as it
+related in the first Volsungakvida.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Sigrun sought the joyous prince, Helgi's hand she forthwith
+grasped, kissed and addressed the helm-decked king.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then was the chieftain's mind to the lady turned. She declared
+that she had loved, with her whole heart, Sigmund's son, before she
+had seen him.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To Hodbrodd I was in th' assembly betrothed, but I another
+prince would have: yet, chieftain! I foresee my kindred's wrath: I
+have my father's promise broken.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 148]</span><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hogni's daughter spoke not at variance with her heart: she said
+that Helgi's affection she must possess.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Care thou not for Hogni's wrath, nor for the evil mind of thy
+kin. Thou shalt, young maiden! live with me: of a good race thou art,
+as I perceive.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi then collected a large fleet and proceeded to Frekastein, and at
+sea experienced a perilous storm. Lightnings came over them, and the
+flashes entered the ships. They saw that nine Valkyriur were riding in
+the air, and recognized Sigrun among them. The storm then abated and
+they reached land in safety. The sons of Granmar were sitting on a
+hill as the ships were sailing towards the land. Gudmund leapt on a
+horse, and rode to explore on the hill by the haven. The Volsungs then
+lowered their sails, and Gudmund spoke as is before written in the
+Helgakvida:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who is the leader that commands the fleet, and an appalling host
+leads to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This said Gudmund, Granmar's son:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is the warrior that commands the ships, and lets his golden
+banner wave o'er his prow? No peace seems to me in that ship's front;
+it casts a warlike glow around the vikings.</p>
+
+<p>Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son, answered:</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Here may Hodbrodd Helgi learn to know, the hard of flight, in
+the fleet's midst: he the possession holds of thy race; he the fishes'
+heritage has to him subjected.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 149]</span><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" /><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Therefore ought we first, at Frekastein, to settle together, and
+decide our quarrels! Hodbrodd! 'tis time vengeance to take, if an
+inferior lot we long have borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Rather shalt thou, Gudmund! tend goats, and steep mountain-tops
+shalt climb, have in thy hand a hazel staff, that will better please
+thee than judgments of the sword.</p>
+
+<p>Gudmund rode home with intelligence of the hostile armament; whereupon
+the sons of Granmar collected a host, and many kings came thither.
+Among them were Hogni, the father of Sigrun, with his sons, Bragi and
+Dag. There was a great battle, and all the sons of Hogni, and all
+their chiefs were slain, except Dag, who obtained peace, and swore
+oaths to the Volsungs. Sigrun, going among the slain, found Hodbrodd
+at the point of death. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not will Sigrun of Sefafioll, King Hodbrodd! sink in thy arms:
+thy life is departed. Oft the axe's blade the head approaches of
+Granmar's sons.</p>
+
+<p>She then met Helgi, and was overjoyed. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Not to thee, all-wise maiden! are all things granted, though, I
+say, in somewhat are the Norns to blame. This morn have fallen at
+Frekastein Bragi and Hogni: I was their slayer.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> But at Styrkleifar King Starkadr, and at Hlebiorg the son of
+Hrollaug. That prince I saw of all most fierce, whose trunk yet fought
+when the head was far.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 150]</span><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" /></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> On the earth lie the greater number of thy kinsmen, to corpses
+turned. Thou hast not fought the battle, yet 'twas decreed, that thou,
+potent maiden! shouldst cause the strife.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun then wept. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sigrun! console thyself; a Hild thou hast been to us. Kings
+cannot conquer fate: gladly would I have them living who are departed,
+if I might clasp thee to my breast.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi obtained Sigrun, and they had sons. Helgi lived not to be old.
+Dag, the son of Hogni, sacrificed to Odin, for vengeance for his
+father. Odin lent Dag his spear. Dag met with his relation Helgi in a
+place called Fioturlund, and pierced him through with his spear. Helgi
+fell there, but Dag rode to the mountains and told Sigrun what had
+taken place.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Loath am I, sister! sad news to tell thee; for unwillingly I
+have my sister caused to weep. This morning fell, in Fioturlund, the
+prince who was on earth the best, and on the necks of warriors stood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Thee shall the oaths all gnaw, which to Helgi thou didst swear,
+at the limpid Leiptr's water, and at the cold dank wave-washed rock.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> May the ship not move forward, which under thee should move,
+although the wished-for wind behind thee blow. May the horse not run,
+which under thee should run, although from enemies thou hast to flee!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> May the sword not bite which thou drawest, unless it sing round
+thy own head. Then would Helgi's <span class="pagenum">[Pg 151]</span><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" />death be on thee avenged, if a wolf
+thou wert, out in the woods, of all good bereft, and every joy, have
+no sustenance, unless on corpses thou shouldst spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Sister! thou ravest, and hast lost thy wits, when on thy brother
+thou callest down such miseries. Odin alone is cause of all the evil;
+for between relatives he brought the runes of strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thy brother offers thee rings of red gold, all Vandilsve and
+Vigdalir: have half the land, thy grief to compensate, woman
+ring-adorned! thou and thy sons.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> So happy I shall not sit at Sefafioll, neither at morn nor
+night, as to feel joy in life, if o'er the people plays not the
+prince's beam of light; if his war-steed runs not under the chieftain
+hither, to the gold bit accustomed; if in the king I cannot rejoice.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> So had Helgi struck with fear all his foes and their kindred, as
+before the wolf the goats run frantic from the fell, of terror full.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> So himself Helgi among warriors bore, as the towering ash is
+among thorns, or as the fawn, moistened with dew, that more proudly
+stalks than all the other beasts, and its horns glisten against the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>A mound was raised for Helgi; but when he came to Valhall, Odin
+offered him the rule over all jointly with himself. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou, Hunding! shalt for every man a foot-bath <span class="pagenum">[Pg 152]</span><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" />get, and fire
+kindle; shalt bind the dogs, to the horses look, to the swine give
+wash, ere to sleep thou goest.</p>
+
+<p>A female slave passing at evening by Helgi's mound, saw him riding
+towards it with many men:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it a delusion which methinks I see, or the powers'
+dissolution, that ye, dead men, ride, and your horses with spurs urge
+on, or to warriors is a home journey granted?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> 'Tis no delusion which thou thinkst to see, nor of mankind the
+end, although thou seest us, although our horses we with spurs urge
+on, nor to warriors is a home-journey granted.</p>
+
+<p>The slave went home and said to Sigrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Sigrun! go forth from Sefafioll, if the people's chief thou
+desirest to meet. The mound is opened, Helgi is come, his wounds still
+bleed; the prince prayed thee that thou wouldst still the trickling
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun entered the mound to Helgi and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Now am I as glad, at our meeting, as the voracious hawks of
+Odin, when they of slaughter know; of warm prey, or, dewy-feathered,
+see the peep of day.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I will kiss my lifeless king, ere thou thy bloody corslet layest
+aside. Thy hair is, Helgi! tumid with sweat of death; my prince is all
+bathed in slaughter-dew; cold, clammy are the hands of Hogni's son.
+How shall I, prince! for this make thee amends?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 153]</span><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Thou art alone the cause,<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57" /><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> Sigrun of Sefafioll! that Helgi is
+with sorrow's dew suffused. Thou weepest, gold-adorned! cruel tears,
+sun-bright daughter of the south! ere to sleep thou goest; each one
+falls bloody on the prince's breast, wet, cold, and piercing, with
+sorrow big.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> We shall surely drink delicious draughts, though we have lost
+life and lands. No one shall a song of mourning sing, though on my
+breast he wounds behold. Now are women in the mound enclosed,
+daughters of kings, with us the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun prepares a bed in the mound.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Here, Helgi! have I for thee a peaceful couch prepared, for the
+Ylfings' son. On thy breast I will, chieftain! repose, as in my hero's
+lifetime I was wont.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Nothing I now declare unlooked for, at Sefafioll, late or early,
+since in a corpse's arms thou sleepest, Hogni's fair daughter! in a
+mound, and thou art living, daughter of kings!</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Time 'tis for me to ride on the reddening ways: let the pale
+horse tread the aerial path. I towards the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 154]</span><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" />west must go over
+Vindhialm's bridge, ere Salgofnir awakens heroes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and his attendants rode their way, but Sigrun and hers proceeded
+to their habitation. The following evening Sigrun ordered her
+serving-maid to hold watch at the mound; but at nightfall, when Sigrun
+came thither, she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Now would he come, if he to come intended, Sigmund's son, from
+Odin's halls. I think the hope lessens of the king's coming, since on
+the ash's boughs the eagles sit, and all the folk to the dreams' tryst
+are hastening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Be not so rash alone to go, daughter of heroes! to the house of
+draugs:<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58" /><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> more powerful are, in the night-season, all dead warriors,
+than in the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun's life was shortened by grief and mourning. It was a belief in
+ancient times that men were regenerated, but that is now regarded as
+an old crone's fancy. Helgi and Sigrun are said to have been
+regenerated. He was then called Helgi Haddingiaskadi, and she Kara
+Halfdan's daughter, as it is said in the songs of Kara; and she also
+was a Valkyria.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54" /><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the
+sea-shore.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55" /><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> The Valkyriur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56" /><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Dark words of deadly import.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57" /><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> The superstition commemorated In this strophe is, no
+doubt, the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
+literature of Scandinavia and Germany referring to this superstition:
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;When thou, my dear, art cheerful,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And easy in thy mind,<br /></span>
+<span>The coffin where I slumber<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Is all with roses lined.<br /></span>
+<span><br /></span>
+<span>But oft as thou'rt in sorrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And bow'd with grief so sore,<br /></span>
+<span>Is all the while my coffin<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Brim full of blood and gore.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58" /><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Probably house of draffs; place of swine, swill, lees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 155]</div>
+<h2><a name="SINFIOTLIS_END" id="SINFIOTLIS_END" /><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" />SINFIOTLI'S END.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland. Sinfiotli was the
+eldest of his sons, the second was Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild,
+Sigmund's wife, had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her stepson
+and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which account Sinfiotli slew
+Gunnar. When he came home, Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund
+offered the blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept. At
+the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer: she took a large horn
+full of poison, and offered it to Sinfiotli; who, when he looked into
+the horn, and saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund: &quot;the
+drink ferments!&quot; Sigmund took the horn and drank up the contents. It
+is said that Sigmund was so strong that no poison could hurt him,
+either outwardly or inwardly; but that all his sons could endure
+poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to Sinfiotli, and prayed
+him to drink, when all took place as before. Yet a third time she
+offered him the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing to
+drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the latter answered: &quot;Let it
+pass through thy lips, my son.&quot; Sinfiotli drank and instantly died.
+Sigmund bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a long and narrow
+firth, where there was a little vessel and one man in it. He offered
+Sigmund to convey him over the firth; but when Sigmund had borne <span class="pagenum">[Pg 156]</span><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" />the
+corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The man then said
+that Sigmund should go before through the firth. He then pushed off
+his boat and instantly departed.</p>
+
+<p>King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in Borghild's kingdom, after
+having espoused her. He then went south to Frankland, to the kingdom
+he there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the daughter of Eylimi.
+Sigurd was their son. King Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of
+Hunding. Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King Hialprek,
+with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood. Sigmund and his sons exceeded
+all other men in strength, and stature, and courage, and all
+accomplishments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
+traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and as the most
+renowned of warlike kings.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" id="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" />
+<img src="images/fig02.jpg" width="600" height="417" alt="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" title="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" />
+<p class="center"><b>SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>after the painting of R. Bung.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>The story of Siegfried and Brynhild constitutes the greatest epic in
+Teutonic Gothic literature. Its origin is hard to trace, but parts of
+the legends carry the investigator back to Iranian sources. Its
+greatest development, however, may justly be credited to Icelandic
+sagas, in which the mythology of the Norse people has a prominent
+place. In both the Gothic and Teutonic versions, while considerable
+variation of incident is noticeable, the awakening of Brynhild, a
+valkyrie maiden, and daughter of Wotan, is represented as having been
+accomplished by Siegfried, who rides through a wall of flames which
+surrounds her, and thus breaks the spell which binds her to sleep
+until a warrior fearless enough to brave fire shall come to claim her
+for a bride.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 157]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" />THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE, OR GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p>Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiordis. He
+ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
+future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
+of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
+whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
+name him?</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
+people.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
+and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
+Gripir to see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
+speech of Gripir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
+mother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 158]</span><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: &quot;Here is a man without, a
+stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
+with thee to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
+kindly greets: &quot;Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
+thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
+together met. &quot;Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
+Sigurd's life fall out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
+every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
+and wise of words.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
+if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
+when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
+Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
+low; thou wilt have victory.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
+friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
+will highest soar under heaven's regions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 159]</span><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" /><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
+on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
+Gripir tells truly.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
+for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
+life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt take splendid
+riches, with gold wilt load Grani's back. Thou wilt to Giuki ride, the
+war-famed prince.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Yet must thou, prince! in friendly speech, foresighted king!
+more relate. I shall be Giuki's guest, and I shall thence depart: what
+will next my life befall?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A king's daughter will on a mountain sleep, fair, in corslet
+cased, after Helgi's death. Thou wilt strike with a keen sword, wilt
+the corslet sever with Fafnir's bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> The corslet is ript open, the maid begins to speak. When
+awakened from her sleep, on what will she chiefly with Sigurd converse
+hold, which to the prince's benefit may tend?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> She to thee, powerful one! runes will teach, all <span class="pagenum">[Pg 160]</span><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" />those which
+men ought to know; and in every man's tongue to speak, and medicines
+for healing. May good await thee, king!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now that is past, the knowledge is acquired, and I am ready
+thence away to ride. Apply thy mind, and at length say what more will
+my life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou wilt find Heimir's dwellings, and the glad guest wilt be of
+that great king. Vanished is, Sigurd! that which I foresaw; no further
+mayest thou Gripir question.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now bring me grief the words thou speakest; for thou foreseest,
+king! much further; thou knowest of too great calamity to Sigurd;
+therefore thou, Gripir! wilt not utter it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Of thy life the early portion lay before me clearest to
+contemplate. I am not truly accounted sage, nor of the future
+prescient: that which I knew is gone.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> No man I know on the earth's surface, who greater prescience has
+than thou, Gripir! Thou mayest not conceal it, unhappy though it be,
+or if ill betide my life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not with vices will thy life be sullied; let that, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 161]</span><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" />noble
+prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name,
+director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to
+part in such uncertainty. Show me the way&mdash;all is decreed
+before&mdash;great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto
+compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for
+thy death decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's
+good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not
+be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men
+Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures
+the hard-souled damsel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair?
+nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou
+foreseest my whole destiny.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced
+foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 162]</span><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" />nor of affairs
+discourse, nor men regard; only this maiden thou wilt see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> What remedy for Sigurd will be applied; tell me that, Gripir! if
+it seem good to thee. Shall I obtain the damsel? with dowry purchase
+the lovely royal daughter?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Ye will each swear unnumbered oaths, solemnly binding, but few
+will keep. Hast thou been Giuki's guest one night, thou wilt have
+forgotten the fair ward of Heimir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> How is that, Gripir! explain it to me: seest thou such
+fickleness in the king's mind, that with that maiden I shall my
+engagement break, whom with my whole heart I thought to love?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Prince! thou wilt be snared in another's wiles, thou wilt pay
+the penalty of Grimhild's craft; the bright-haired maiden, her
+daughter, she to thee will offer. This snare for the king she lays.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Shall I then with Gunnar form relationship, and with Gudrun join
+in wedlock? Well wived then the king would be, if the pangs of perjury
+caused me no pain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Thee will Grimhild wholly beguile; she will implore thee
+Brynhild to demand for the hand of Gunnar, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 163]</span><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" />king of Goths: the journey
+thou wilt forthwith promise to the king's mother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd's wits will have
+wholly perished, if I shall demand for another's hand, a noble maiden
+whom I well love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou
+the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar
+and thou: Gripir lies not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners,
+when on the way we are? Another fraud will surely follow this,
+altogether horrible. But say on, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Thou wilt have Gunnar's semblance, and his manners, thy own
+eloquence, and great sagacity: there thou wilt betroth the high-minded
+ward of Heimir: no one can that prevent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false
+traitor called, if such take place. I would not deception practise on
+a royal maid the most excellent I know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she
+thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world
+endures thy name will be.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 164]</span><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of
+Gunnar, in Giuki's halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home
+return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed? Tell me
+that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain's bride glad
+of heart has slept? The like has no example.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity? Tell me
+that, Gripir! Will the alliance for Gunnar's solace henceforth prove,
+or even for mine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let
+Gudrun enjoy a happy union. Brynhild nathless will herself think an
+ill-married woman. She will wiles devise to avenge herself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall
+have practised on her? From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never
+kept, and but little joy.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the
+oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki's heir, with his whole soul,
+in thee confided.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> What will then follow? let me know that. Will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 165]</span><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" />that tale appear
+as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.
+Tell me that, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> From spite towards thee, and from o'erwhelming grief, the
+powerful dame will not most wisely act. To the noble woman do thou no
+further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast
+circumvented.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation,
+then proceed? Will Giuki's sons on their relative redden their swords?
+Tell me further, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then will Gudrun be furious at heart, when her brothers shall on
+thy death resolve. In nothing then will that wise woman take delight.
+Such is Grimhild's work.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> In this thou shalt find comfort, leader of hosts! This fortune
+is allotted to the hero's life: a more renowned man on earth shall
+never be, under the sun's abode, than thou wilt be accounted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Now part we, now farewell! Fate may not be withstood. Now hast
+thou, Gripir! done as I prayed thee: thou wouldst have fain a happier
+end foretold me of my life's days, hadst thou been able.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 166]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" /><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" />THE SECOND LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose himself a horse, which was
+afterwards named Grani. Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to
+Hialprek; he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in stature; he
+was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin undertook the rearing and
+instruction of Sigurd, and bore him great affection. He informed
+Sigurd of his parentage, and how it befell that Odin, and Hoenir, and
+Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of Andvari). In the fall there
+was an abundance of fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari, who had
+long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and in which he
+supplied himself with food. &quot;Our brother,&quot; continued Regin, &quot;was named
+Otr, who often went into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had
+caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the river with his
+eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed him with a stone. The &AElig;sir
+thought themselves very lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That
+same evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar, and showed their
+prize. Thereupon we laid hands on them, and imposed on them, as the
+redemption of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin with
+gold, and cover it over with red gold. They thereupon sent Loki to
+procure gold. He went to Ran, and obtained her net, and thence
+proceeded to Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which leapt
+into the net. Whereupon Loki said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 167]</span><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What fish is this, that in the river swims, and cannot from harm
+itself protect? Redeem thy life from Hel, and find me the water's
+flame.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59" /><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> <i>The Pike</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Andvari I am named, Oin was my father named; many a cataract have
+I passed. A luckless Norn in times of old decreed, that in the water I
+should wade.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me, Andvari! if thou wilt enjoy life in the halls of men,
+what retribution get the sons of mortals, if with foul words they
+assail each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Andvari</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Cruel retribution get the sons of mortals, who in Vadgelmir wade:
+for the false words they have against others uttered, the punishments
+too long endure.</p>
+
+<p>Loki viewed all the gold that Andvari owned; but when he had produced
+the gold, he retained a single ring, which Loki also took from him.
+The dwarf went into his stone and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> That gold which the dwarf possessed, shall to two brothers be
+cause of death, and to eight princes, of dissension. From my wealth no
+one shall good derive.</p>
+
+<p>The &AElig;sir produced the gold to Hreidmar, and with it crammed the
+otter's skin full, and set it up on the feet. They then had to heap up
+the gold and cover it; but when that was done, Hreidmar, stepping
+forward, observed a whisker, and required it to be covered; whereupon
+Odin <span class="pagenum">[Pg 168]</span><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" />drew forth the ring &quot;Andvaranaut,&quot; and covered the hair. Loki
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There is gold for thee, and thou hast a great redemption for my
+life. For thy son no blessing is decreed; of both it shall prove the
+bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gifts thou hast given, friendly gifts thou hast given not; with a
+kind heart thou hast not given. Of your lives ye should have been
+deprived, had I foreknown that peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But that is worse, what I seem to know,&mdash;a strife of kinsmen for
+a woman. Princes yet unborn I think them to be, for whose hate that
+gold is destined.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The red gold, I trust, I shall possess while I am living: of thy
+threats I entertain no fear; so take yourselves hence home.</p>
+
+<p>Fafnir and Regin demanded of Hreidmar their share of the blood-fine
+for their slain brother Otr, which he refused, and Fafnir stabbed his
+father with a sword while sleeping. Hreidmar called out to his
+daughters:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Lyngheid and Lofnheid! Know my life is departing. To many things
+need compels.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60" /><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> <i>Lyngheid</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Few sisters will, although they lose a father, avenge a brother's
+crime.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Then bring forth a daughter, wolf-hearted fury! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 169]</span><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" />If by a chief
+thou have not a son. Get for the maid a spouse, in thy great need;
+then will her son thy wrong avenge.</p>
+
+<p>Hreidmar then died, and Fafnir took all the gold. Regin then requested
+to have his share of the patrimony, but met with a refusal from
+Fafnir. Regin thereupon sought counsel of his sister Lyngheid, how he
+might obtain his patrimony. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Thou of thy brother shalt mildly demand thy patrimony and a
+better spirit. It is not seemly, that with the sword thou shouldst
+demand thy property of Fafnir.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing is what Regin related to Sigurd. One day, when he came
+to Regin's dwelling, he was kindly received, and Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hither is come the son of Sigmund to our Hall, that man of
+energy: courage he has greater than I aged man: now of a conflict have
+I hope from the fierce wolf.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61" /><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I will nurture the bold-hearted prince: now Yngvi's kinsman is
+to us come; he will be a king under the sun most powerful; over all
+lands will his destinies resound.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd was thence forward constantly with Regin, who related to him
+how Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid in the likeness of a serpent. He had an
+&quot;Oegis-helm,&quot;<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62" /><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> at which all living beings were terror-stricken.
+Regin forged a sword for Sigurd, that was named Gram, and was so sharp
+that immersing it in the Rhine, he let a piece of wool down the
+stream, when it clove the fleece asunder as water. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 170]</span><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" />With that sword
+Sigurd clove in two Regin's anvil. After that Regin instigated Sigurd
+to slay Fafnir. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Loud will laugh Hunding's sons, they who Eylimi of life
+deprived, if the prince is more desirous to seek red rings, than to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p>King Hialprek collected a fleet to enable Sigurd to avenge his father.
+They encountered a great storm, and were driven past a certain
+promontory. A man was standing on the cliff who said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Who ride yonder, on R&aelig;vils horses, the towering billows, the
+roaring main: the sail-steeds are with sweat bedewed, the
+wave-coursers will not the wind withstand.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Here am I and Sigurd in sea-trees; a fair wind is given us for
+death itself: higher than our prows the steep waves dash, the rolling
+horses plunge. Who is it that inquires?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> They called me Hnikar, when I Hugin gladdened, young Volsung!
+and battles fought. Now they mayest call me the ancient of the rock,
+Feng, or Fiolnir.&mdash;I desire a passage.</p>
+
+<p>They turn to the land, the old man goes on board, and the storm
+abates. Sigurd said:</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Tell me, Hnikar! since thou knowest the omens both of gods and
+men, which omens are the best&mdash;if to fight 'tis needful&mdash;at the swing
+of glaves?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 171]</span><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" /><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Good omens there are many, if men but knew them, at the swing of
+glaves, a faithful fellowship, I think, is the dark raven's, with the
+sworded warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The second is, if, when thou art gone out, and about to depart,
+thou seest two renown-seeking men standing in the fore-court.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The third omen is, if wolves thou hearest howl under the
+ash-boughs, it will victory to thee announce over helmed warriors, if
+thou seest them go before thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> No man should fight against the moon's late-shining sister. They
+have victory, who can see keenly at the play of swords, or to form the
+wedge-array.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Most perilous it is, if with thy foot thou strikest, when thou
+to battle goest. Wily Disir stand on either side of thee, and wish to
+see thee wounded.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Combed and washed let every brave man be, and at morning fed;
+for 'tis uncertain whither he at eve may come. 'Tis bad to succumb to
+fate.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd fought a great battle with Lyngvi, Hunding's son, and his
+brothers, in which Lyngvi and his three brothers fell. After the
+battle Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Now is the bloody eagle, with the trenchant blade, graven on the
+back of Sigmund's slayer. No son of king, who the earth reddens, and
+the raven gladdens, is more excellent.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd returned home to Hialprek, when Regin instigated him to slay
+Fafnir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59" /><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> One of many periphrases for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60" /><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> To wit, <i>to avenge my death on your brothers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61" /><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62" /><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> A terrific helm or headpiece.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 172]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" /><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" />THE LAY OF FAFNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and there found Fafnir's slot,
+or track, along which he crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
+made a large pit, and went down into it. When Fafnir crawled from the
+gold he blew forth venom, but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir
+crept over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to the heart.
+Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his head and tail. Sigurd leapt
+from the pit, and each looked at the other. Fafnir said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Young fellow! young fellow! by what fellow art thou begot? of
+what people are thou the son? that thou in Fafnir reddenst thy
+glittering falchion? Thy sword has pierced my heart.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd concealed his name, because it was the belief in those times,
+that the words of dying persons were of great power, if they cursed an
+enemy by his name.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Gofugt-dyr I am called, but I have wandered a motherless child;
+nor have I a father like the sons of men: alone I wander.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> If thou hast no father like the sons of men, by what wonder art
+thou begotten?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> My race, I tell thee, is to thee unknown, and my<span class="pagenum">[Pg 173]</span><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" />self also.
+Sigmund was my father named, my name is Sigurd, who with weapon have
+assailed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Who has incited thee? why hast thou suffered thyself to be
+incited to take my life? youth of the sparkling eyes! Thou hadst a
+cruel father&mdash; * * * *</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> My heart incited me, my hands gave me aid, and my keen sword.
+Rarely a man is bold, when of mature age, if in childhood he was
+faint-hearted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I know if thou hadst chanced to grow in the lap of friends, they
+would have seen thee fierce in fight. Now thou art a captive, taken in
+war, and, 'tis said, slaves ever tremble.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Why Fafnir! dost thou upbraid me that I am far from my paternal
+home? I am not a captive, although in war I was taken: thou hast found
+that I am free.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Thou wilt account only as angry words all I to thee shall say,
+but I will say the truth. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red
+treasure, those rings, shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Treasure at command every one desires, ever till that one day;
+for at some time each mortal shall hence to Hel depart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 174]</span><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The Norns' decree thou wilt hold in contempt as from a witless
+wight: In water thou shalt be drowned, if in wind thou rowest. All
+things bring peril to the fated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know: who those Norns are, who help in need, and from babes loose the
+mothers.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Very diversely born I take those Norns to be: they have no
+common race. Some are of &AElig;sir-race, some of Alfar-race, some are
+Dvalin's daughters.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know, how that holm is called, where Surt and the &AElig;sir will
+sword-liquor together mingle?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Oskopnir it is called; there shall the gods with lances play;
+Bifrost shall be broken, when they go forth, and their steeds in the
+river swim.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> An Oegis-helm I bore among the sons of men, while I o'er the
+treasures lay; stronger than all I thought myself to be; stronger I
+found not many!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> An Oegis-helm is no protection, where men impelled by anger
+fight: soon he finds, who among many comes, that no one is alone the
+boldest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 175]</span><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Venom I blew forth, when on my father's great heritage I lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou, glistening serpent! didst a great belching make, and wast
+so hard of heart. Fierceness so much the greater have the sons of men,
+when they possess that helm.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sigurd! I now counsel thee, do thou take my counsel; and hence
+ride home. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red treasure, those rings,
+shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Counsel regarding thee is taken, and I to the gold will ride, on
+the heath that lies. But lie thou, Fafnir! in the pangs of death,
+until Hel have thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Regin betrayed me, he will thee betray, he of us both will be
+the bane. Fafnir must, I trow, let forth his life: thine was the
+greater might!</p>
+
+<p>Regin had gone away while Sigurd slew Fafnir, but came back as Sigurd
+was wiping the blood from his sword. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Hail to thee now, Sigurd! Now hast thou victory won and Fafnir
+slain: of all the men who tread the earth, thou art, I say, the
+bravest born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Uncertain 'tis to know, when we all come to<span class="pagenum">[Pg 176]</span><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" />gether, sons of
+victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who
+sword has never broken in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while
+Gram, in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded,
+yet in some degree was I the cause.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells
+hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent,
+hadst thou my anger not excited.</p>
+
+<p>Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named
+Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sit now, Sigurd!&mdash;but I must go to sleep&mdash;and Fafnir's heart
+hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that
+drink of blood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened.
+With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the
+ling thou layest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst
+thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Valour is better than might of sword, when foes <span class="pagenum">[Pg 177]</span><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" />embittered
+fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> For the brave 'tis better than for the timid to join in the game
+of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come
+whatever may.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd took Fafnir's heart and roasted it on a stick. When he thought
+it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with
+his finger, to try whether it were quite done. He burnt his finger and
+put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir's heart's blood touched his
+tongue he understood the language of birds. He heard the eagles
+chattering among the branches. One eagle said:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir's heart at the
+fire he roasts. Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the
+glistening life-pulp ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the
+youth, who in him trusts: in rage he brings malicious words together,
+the framer of evil will avenge his brother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to
+Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under
+Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly
+counsel, my sisters! If he would bethink <span class="pagenum">[Pg 178]</span><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" />himself, and Hugin gladden.
+There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader
+had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of
+life bereft.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> He is most simple, if he longer spares that people's pest. There
+lies Regin, who has betrayed him.&mdash;He cannot guard against it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seventh eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his
+rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63" /><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> which Fafnir owned,
+sole lord wilt be!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word
+bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir's heart, and
+drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir. He then heard the eagles
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings. It is not kingly many
+things to fear. I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.
+Couldst thou but her obtain!</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point <span class="pagenum">[Pg 179]</span><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" />out to
+wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou,
+Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> There stands a hall on the high Hindarfiall, without 'tis all
+with fire surrounded; sagacious men have it constructed of the
+resplendent radiance of the flood.<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64" /><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> On the fell I know a warrior maid to sleep, over her waves the
+linden's bane.<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65" /><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> Ygg whilom stuck a sleep-thorn in the robe of the
+maid who would heroes choose.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Thou, youth! mayest see the helmed maiden, her whom Vingskornir
+from battle bore. May not Sigrdrifa's slumber break the son of
+warriors,<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66" /><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> against the Norns' decrees.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode along Fafnir's track to his lair, which he found open. The
+doors and door-posts were of iron; of iron also were all the beams in
+the house; but the treasure was buried in the earth. Sigurd found
+there a great quantity of gold, and filled two chests with it. He took
+thence the Oegis-helm, a golden corslet, the sword named Hrotti, and
+many precious things, all which he laid on Grani; but the horse would
+not proceed until Sigurd had mounted on his back.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63" /><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> I.e., Sigurd; a transition from the 3d person to the
+2nd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64" /><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Another periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65" /><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> A periphrasis for fire.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66" /><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Of Skioldungs.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 180]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" id="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" /><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" />THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his course southwards
+towards Frankland. In the fell he saw a great light, as if a fire were
+burning, which blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood a
+&quot;skialdborg,&quot; and over it a banner. Sigurd went into the skialdborg,
+and saw a warrior lying within it asleep, completely armed. He first
+took the helmet off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
+Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her body. With his sword
+Gram he ripped the corslet from the upper opening downwards, and then
+through both sleeves. He then took the corslet off from her, when she
+awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd, said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What has my corslet cut? why from sleep have I started? who has
+cast from me the fallow bands?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigmund's son has just now ript the raven's perch,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67" /><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> with Sigurd's
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Long have I slept, long been with sleep oppressed, long are
+mortals' sufferings! Odin is the cause that I have been unable to cast
+off torpor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 181]</span><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" />Sigurd sat down and asked her name. She then took a horn filled with
+mead, and gave him the <i>minnis-cup</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Hail to Day! Hail to the sons of Day! To Night and her daughter
+hail! With placid eyes behold us here, and here sitting give us
+victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Hail to the &AElig;sir! Hail to the Asyniur! Hail to the bounteous
+earth! Words and wisdom give to us noble twain, and healing hands<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68" /><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a>
+while we live.</p>
+
+<p>She was named Sigrdrifa, and was a Valkyria. She said that two kings
+had made war on each other, one of whom was named Hialmgunnar; he was
+old and a great warrior, and Odin had promised him victory. The other
+was Agnar, a brother of Hoda, whom no divinity would patronize.
+Sigrdrifa overcame Hialmgunnar in battle; in revenge for which Odin
+pricked her with a sleep-thorn, and declared that henceforth she
+should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage.
+&quot;But I said to him, that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse
+any man who could be made to fear.&quot; Sigurd answers, and implores her
+to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all regions:</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Beer I bear to thee, column<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69" /><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> of battle! with might mingled,
+and with bright glory: 'tis full of song, and salutary saws, of potent
+incantations, and joyous discourses.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 182]</span><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sig-runes thou must know, if victory (sigr) thou wilt have, and
+on thy sword's hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard,
+and twice name the name of Ty.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Ol- (beer-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt not that another's
+wife thy trust betray, if thou in her confide. On the horn must they
+be graven, and on the hand's back, and Naud<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70" /><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> on the nail be scored.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A cup must be blessed, and against peril guarded, and garlick in
+the liquor cast: then I know thou wilt never have mead with treachery
+mingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Biarg- (help-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose
+the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the
+joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Brim- (sea-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt have secure
+afloat thy sailing steeds. On the prow they must be graven, and on the
+helm-blade, and with fire to the oar applied. No surge shall be so
+towering, nor waves so dark, but from the ocean thou safe shalt come.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Lim- (branch-) runes thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be,
+and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on
+the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mal- (speech-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt that no one
+for injury with hate requite thee. Those thou must wind, those thou
+must wrap round, those thou must altogether place in the assembly,
+where people have into full court to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 183]</span><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" /></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hug- (thought-) runes thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt
+be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised
+Hropt, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddraupnir's head, and
+from Hoddropnir's horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> On a rock he stood, with edged sword, a helm on his head he
+bore. Then spake Mim's head its first wise word, and true sayings
+uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> They are, it said, on the shield graven, which stands before the
+shining god, on Arvakr's ear, and on Alsvid's hoof, on the wheel which
+rolls under Rognir's car, on Sleipnir's teeth, and on the sledge's
+bands.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> On the bear's paw, and on Bragi's tongue, on the wolf's claws,
+and the eagle's beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge's end, on the
+releasing hand, and on healing's track.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort,
+and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, on
+the Norn's nail, and the owl's neb.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred
+mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the &AElig;sir, they are with
+the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Those are bok-runes,<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71" /><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> those are biarg-runes, and all
+ol- (beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who
+can, without confusion or corruption, turn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 184]</span><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" />them to his welfare. Use,
+if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen
+armed warrior! my speech, or silence: think over it in thy mind. All
+evils<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72" /><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> have their measure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed. I am not
+born a craven. Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as
+life is in me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> This I thee counsel first: that towards thy kin thou bear thee
+blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:
+that, it is said, benefits the dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> This I thee counsel secondly: that no oath thou swear, if it be
+not true. Cruel bonds follow broken faith: accursed is the
+faith-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> This I thee counsel thirdly: that in the assembly thou contend
+not with a fool; for an unwise man oft utters words worse than he
+knows of.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> All is vain, if thou holdest silence; then wilt thou seem a
+craven born, or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
+unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day let his life go forth,
+and so men's lies reward.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> This I counsel thee fourthly: if a wicked sorceress dwells by
+the way, to go on is better than there to lodge, though night may
+overtake thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Of searching eyes the sons of men have need, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 185]</span><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" />when fiercely they
+have to fight: oft pernicious women by the way-side sit, who swords
+and valour deaden.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> This I thee counsel fifthly: although thou see fair women on the
+benches sitting, let not their kindred's silver over thy sleep have
+power. To kiss thee entice no woman.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> This I thee counsel sixthly: although among men pass offensive
+tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war: wine steals
+the wits of many.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to
+some their death, to some calamity: many are the griefs of men!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> This I thee counsel seventhly: if thou hast disputes with a
+daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within
+their dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> This I thee counsel eighthly: that thou guard thee against evil,
+and eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to
+wantonness incite.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on
+the earth thou findest them, whether from sickness they have died, or
+from the sea, or are from weapons dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and
+head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are
+laid: and pray for their happy sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's
+kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low.
+there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 186]</span><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Strifes and fierce enmities think not to be lulled, no more than
+deadly injury. Wisdom and fame in arms a prince not easily acquires,
+who shall of men be foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> This I counsel thee eleventhly: that thou at evil look, what
+course it may take. A long life, it seems to me the prince may [not]
+enjoy;&mdash;fierce disputes will arise.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd said: &quot;A wiser mortal exists not, and I swear that I will
+possess thee, for thou art after my heart.&quot; She answered: &quot;Thee I will
+have before all others, though I have to choose among all men.&quot; And
+this they confirmed with oaths to each other.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67" /><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> The original words, hrafns hr&aelig;lundir, <i>the raven's
+corpse-trees.</i> So Grimm understands the line; because that bird hops
+about upon the armour as upon a tree.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68" /><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> The superstition of the <i>healing hand</i> is not yet
+extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man in Reykjavik
+to whom it would seem to have been communicated by an elfin, in a
+dream.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69" /><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Literally <i>apple-tree</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70" /><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> The name of a rune.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71" /><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used for book
+writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok), whence our <i>book</i>.
+Bok also signifies <i>acupictile</i>, vel <i>acupictum (velum, auloeum</i>).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72" /><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> An allusion to Sigurd's unhappy end.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF SIGURD AND BRYNHILD.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73" /><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></h2>
+
+<p>[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he
+comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild,
+Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd
+arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay
+with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild
+was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the
+great exploits of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 187]</span><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" />One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the
+window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it,
+saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On
+the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood
+outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: &quot;Hail to thee, lady!&quot;
+or &quot;How fares it with thee?&quot; She answered: &quot;We are well, my kindred
+and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be
+till their last day.&quot; He sat down by her. Brynhild said: &quot;This seat
+will be allowed to few, unless my father comes.&quot; Sigurd answered: &quot;Now
+is that come to pass which thou didst promise me.&quot; She said: &quot;Here
+shalt thou be welcome.&quot; She then arose, and her four maidens with her,
+and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached
+towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and
+placed her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said:
+&quot;A fairer than thou was never born.&quot; She said: &quot;It is not wise to
+place faith in women, for they so often break their promise.&quot; He said:
+&quot;Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness,&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I
+am a shield-maiden (skjaldm&aelig;r).&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;Then will our happiness
+be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the
+pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;I
+shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrun,
+Giuki's daughter.&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;No king's daughter shall ensnare me,
+therefore have not two thoughts on that sub<span class="pagenum">[Pg 188]</span><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" />ject; and I swear by the
+gods that I will possess thee and no other woman.&quot; She answered to the
+same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
+her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came
+to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
+three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun was the name of their
+daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he
+remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
+the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying:
+&quot;Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall
+thee. Take this horn and drink.&quot; He took it and drank, and with that
+drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that,
+Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrun, and
+all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd
+gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far
+more austere than before. Their son was named Sigmund.</p>
+
+<p>Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted
+with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed
+that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid
+around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it.
+Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards
+the fire, but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: &quot;Why dost thou shrink
+back, Gunnar?&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 189]</span><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" />Gunnar answers: &quot;My horse will not leap this fire,&quot;
+and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. &quot;He is at thy service,&quot; said
+Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go
+over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the
+sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the
+fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The fire began to rage, and the earth to tremble, high rose the
+flame to heaven itself: there ventured few chiefs of people through
+that fire to ride, or to leap over.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sigurd Grani with his word urged, the fire was quenched before
+the prince, the flame allayed before the glory-seeker with the bright
+saddle that Rok had owned.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered. She asks who he is,
+and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. &quot;And thou art destined to be
+my wife with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
+flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition.&quot; She said: &quot;I know not
+well how I shall answer this.&quot; Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting
+on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a
+swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head,
+and wearing a corslet. &quot;Gunnar,&quot; said she, &quot;speak not so to me, unless
+thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has
+sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself.&quot; Sigurd said:
+&quot;Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who
+should ride through the flickering flame.&quot; She acknowledged the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 190]</span><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" />truth
+of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there
+three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and
+laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was
+enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he
+would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called
+Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After
+this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar
+and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and
+said: &quot;A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame,
+and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might
+so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the
+man.&quot; Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was.
+Brynhild said: &quot;Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with
+thee.&quot; Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his
+daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was
+afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and
+yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank
+wine.</p>
+
+<p>One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went
+farther out into the water. Gudrun asked why she did so? Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in
+anything else?&quot; &quot;I presume that my father was more potent than thine,
+and my husband has performed more valorous <span class="pagenum">[Pg 191]</span><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" />deeds, and ridden through
+the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's thrall.&quot; Gudrun
+answered angrily: &quot;Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my
+husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every
+respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to
+vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode
+through the fire, whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
+with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest
+thou recognize it.&quot; Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it,
+and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
+that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He
+dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all
+events it would soon be known.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrun said: &quot;Be
+cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart.&quot;
+&quot;Judge not so,&quot; said Gudrun. Brynhild continued: &quot;Ask about that only
+which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high
+degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
+to thy wishes.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;It is premature to glory in that: this
+forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I
+grudge thee the possession of him.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;We knew not of your
+secret.&quot; Brynhild answered: &quot;We have had no secret, though we have
+sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I <span class="pagenum">[Pg 192]</span><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" />have been deceived,
+and I will avenge it.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Thou art better married than thou
+deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled.&quot; &quot;Content should I
+be,&quot; said Brynhild, &quot;didst thou not possess a more renowned husband
+than I.&quot; Gudrun answered: &quot;Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is
+doubtful which is the greater king.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Sigurd overcame
+Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sigurd the serpent slew, and that henceforth shall be by none
+forgotten, while mankind lives: but thy brother neither dared through
+the fire to ride, nor over it to leap.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun said: &quot;Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar:
+but he [Gunnar] dared to ride.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Let us not contend: I
+bear no good will to Grimhild.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Blame her not; for she
+is towards thee as to her own daughter.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;She is the
+cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the
+pernicious drink, so that he no more remembered me.&quot; Gudrun said:
+&quot;Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood.&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may
+it go with thee as I imagine.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Better shall I enjoy him
+than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with
+me at any time.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of
+it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle.
+Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I
+have also felt regard <span class="pagenum">[Pg 193]</span><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" />for thy brother. But let us talk of other
+things.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Your imagination looks far forward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and
+begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not
+listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether
+her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths,
+and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry
+her and put away Gudrun; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the
+apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of
+his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
+Sigurdarkvida:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Out went Sigurd from that interview into the hall of kings, writhing
+with anguish; so that began to start the ardent warrior's iron-woven
+sark off from his sides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he
+had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with
+Hogni, and revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly strove
+to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar
+removed the difficulty, saying: &quot;Let us instigate our brother Guthorm;
+he is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover, free of all
+oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced
+Brynhild.&quot; They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had
+them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a
+large realm, to do the deed, as is said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The forest-fish they roasted, and the wolf's carcase <span class="pagenum">[Pg 194]</span><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" />took, while
+some to Guthorm dealt out gold; gave him Geri's<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74" /><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> flesh with his
+drink, and many other things steeped therein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly
+perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurdarkvida,
+when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.]</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73" /><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which are
+inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and containing matter
+probably derived from the lost poems relative to Sigurd and Brynhild,
+are printed in the Stockholm edition of the Edda. They are also given
+by Afzelius in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
+Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into Danish of the
+entire Saga has since been given, by Prof. Rafn at Copenhagen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74" /><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used poetically
+for <i>wolf</i> in general.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" />THE THIRD LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was of old that Sigurd, the young Volsung, Giuki sought, after
+his conflict, received the pledge of friendship from the two brothers;
+oaths exchanged the bold of deed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> A maid they offered him, and treasures many, Gudrun, Giuki's
+youthful daughter. Drank and conversed, many days together, Sigurd the
+young and Giuki's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until they went to woo Brynhild, and with them Sigurd, the
+youthful Volsung, rode in company, who knew the way. He would have
+possessed her, if her possess he might.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Sigurd the southern laid a naked sword, a glittering falchion,
+between them; nor the damsel did he kiss, nor did the Hunnish king to
+his arm lift her. He the blooming maid to Giuki's son delivered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> She to herself of body was of no sin conscious, nor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 195]</span><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" />at her
+death-day, of any crime, that could be a stain, or thought to be:
+intervened therein the grisly fates.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Alone she sat without, at eve of day, began aloud with herself to
+speak: &quot;Sigurd must be mine; I must die, or that blooming youth clasp
+in my arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Of the words I have uttered I now repent; he is Gudrun's
+consort, and I am Gunnar's. The hateful Norns long suffering have
+decreed us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Oftentimes she wandered, filled with evil thoughts, o'er ice and
+icebergs, every eve, when he and Gudrun had to their couch withdrawn,
+and Sigurd her in the coverings wrapt, the Hunnish king his wife
+caressed.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Devoid I go of spouse and pleasure; I will beguile myself with
+vengeful thoughts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> By those fits of fury she was impelled to murder. &quot;Thou, Gunnar!
+shalt wholly lose my land, and myself also. Never shall I be happy,
+king! with thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> I will return thither from whence I came, to my near kindred, my
+relations; there will I remain, and slumber life away, unless thou
+Sigurd cause to be slain, and a king become than the other greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Let the son go together with the father, the young wolf may not
+longer be fostered. For whom will vengeance be the easier to appease,
+if the son lives?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Wroth was Gunnar, and with grief borne down; in his mind
+revolved, sat the whole day; he knew not well, nor could devise, what
+were most desirable for him to do, or were most fitting to be done,
+when he should find himself of the Volsung bereft, and in Sigurd a
+great loss sustain.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 196]</span><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Much he thought, and also long, that it did not often happen,
+that from their royal state women withdrew. Hogni he then to counsel
+summoned, in whom he placed the fullest trust.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Of all to me Brynhild, Budli's daughter, is the dearest; she is
+the chief of women: rather will I my life lay down than that fair
+one's treasures lose.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Wilt thou the prince for his wealth circumvent? good 'tis to
+command the ore of Rhine, and at ease over riches rule, and in
+tranquillity happiness enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> This alone Hogni for answer gave: &quot;It beseems us not so to do,
+by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
+people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
+race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
+progeny can increase.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
+importunity is over-great.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
+deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
+faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
+Sigurd stood his sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
+after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
+steel from the king's hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
+his feet's part fell backwards on the place.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 197]</span><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
+side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
+she swam.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
+heart rose in his bed. &quot;Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
+bride! thy brothers live.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
+house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
+devised.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
+the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
+Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
+sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
+was called his consort's friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
+she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
+rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
+whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: &quot;Laugh not thereat,
+thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
+hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
+death thou art doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Well dost thou deserve, above all women, that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 198]</span><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" />before thy eyes,
+we should lay Atli low, that thou shouldst see thy brother's
+blood-streaming sore, his gory wounds shouldst have to bind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;No one provokes thee,
+Gunnar! complete is thy work of death. Little does Atli thy hatred
+fear; his life will outlast thine, and his might be ever greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early
+we resolved on crimes. I was o'er-young and unrestrained, with wealth
+endowed, in my brother's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to
+our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings: would that journey
+had never been!</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on
+Grani's back. In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in
+aspect like: yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage
+divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant
+me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to
+possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in
+conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother's
+quarrel. That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one
+bring heartfelt anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Our reconciliation we let follow: to me it had been more
+pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 199]</span><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" />rings of Sigmund's
+son: nor did I another's gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.
+Menskogul<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75" /><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> had not a changing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my
+funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with
+another's husband pass her life. Then will my wrongs be all avenged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort's neck
+laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest
+feeling, to dissuade her.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her
+from her long journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> He then called Hogni to consultation. &quot;I will that all our folk
+to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine&mdash;now 'tis most needful&mdash;to
+see if we can hinder my consort's fatal course, till from our speech a
+hindrance may come: then let us leave necessity to rule.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> To him Hogni answer gave: &quot;Let no one hinder her from the long
+journey, whence may she never born again return. Unblest she came on
+her mother's lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a
+man's heartfelt sorrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures
+distributed. She was viewing all she owned: hungry female thralls and
+chamber-women. She put on her golden corslet&mdash;no good meditated&mdash;ere
+herself she pierced, with the sword's point.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> On the pillow she turned to the other side, and, wounded with
+the glave, on her last counsels thought.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 200]</span><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" /></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to
+receive from me. To every one I give a gilded necklace,<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76" /><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a>
+needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer
+gave: &quot;Too many are there dead: we will yet live, still be hungry
+hall-servants, to do what fitting is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> At length after reflection, the lady linen-clad, young in years,
+words in answer uttered: &quot;I desire that none, dead to entreaty, should
+by force, for our sake, lose their life.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Yet o'er your bones will burn fewer ornaments, Menia's good
+meal,<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77" /><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> when ye go hence me to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Gunnar! sit down, I will tell to thee, that of life now hopeless
+is thy bright consort. Thy vessel will not be always afloat, though I
+shall have my life resigned.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> With Gudrun thou wilt be reconciled, sooner than thou thinkest:
+that wise woman has by the king sad memorials, after her consort's
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> There is born a maid, which her mother rears; brighter far than
+the clear day, than the sun's beam, will Svanhild be.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Gudrun thou wilt give to an illustrious one, a warrior, the bane
+of many men: not to her wish will she be married; Atli will come her
+to espouse, Budli's son, my brother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 201]</span><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Much have I in memory how I was treated, when ye me so cruelly
+had deceived: robbed I was of happiness, while my life lasted.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Thou wilt desire Oddrun to possess, but Atli will permit it not;
+in secret ye will each other meet. She will love thee, as I had done,
+if us a better fate had been allotted.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Thee will Atli barbarously treat; in the narrow serpent-den wilt
+thou be cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> It will too come to pass, not long after, that Atli will his
+soul resign, his prosperity, and cease to live; for Gudrun in her
+vengeance him in his bed will slay, through bitterness of spirit, with
+the sword's sharp edge.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> More seemly would appear our sister Gudrun, had she in death her
+first consort followed, had but good counsel been to her given, or she
+a soul possessed resembling mine&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Faintly I now speak&mdash;but for our sake she will not lose her
+life. She will be borne on towering billows to King Jonakr's paternal
+soil. Doubts will be in the resolves of Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> She will Svanhild send from the land, her daughter, and
+Sigurd's. Her will destroy Bikki's counsel; for Jormunrek for evil
+lives. Then will have passed away all Sigurd's race, and Gudrun's
+tears will be the more.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> One prayer I have to thee yet to make, in this world 'twill be
+my last request: Let in the plain be raised a pile so spacious, that
+for us all like room may be, for those who shall have died with
+Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Bedeck the pile about with shields and hangings, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 202]</span><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" />a variegated
+corpse-cloth, and multitude of slain. Let them burn the Hun<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78" /><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> on the
+one side of me;</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Let them with the Hun burn on the other side, my household
+slaves, with collars splendid, two at our heads, and two hawks; then
+will all be equally distributed.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Let also lie between us both the sword with rings adorned, the
+keen-edged iron, so again be placed, as when we both one couch
+ascended, and were then called by the name of consorts.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Then will not clang against his heel the hall's bright gates,
+with splendid ring, if my train him hence shall follow. Then will our
+procession appear not mean.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> For him will follow five female thralls, eight male slaves of
+gentle birth, fostered with me, and with my patrimony, which to his,
+daughter Budli gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Much I have said, and more would say, if the sword would grant
+me power of speech. My voice fails, my wounds swell: truth only I have
+uttered; so I will cease.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75" /><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> That is, Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies this
+name to herself, which is a compound of men, <i>necklace, monile</i>, and
+Skogul, the name of a Valkyria.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76" /><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Necklaces usually consisted in gold and silver chains or
+laces with ornaments attached to them; if these resembled the sun or
+moon they were called Sigli, <i>suns</i> (such were those here spoken of);
+and such was the necklace worn by Freyia, the bright goddess of the
+Vanir.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77" /><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Menia's meal, or flour, is gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78" /><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" id="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" />
+<img src="images/fig03.jpg" width="600" height="411" alt="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" title="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" />
+<p class="center"><b>A FEAST IN VALHALLA.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by Jno. Kellar.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>An admirable description of a feast of the gods, in Valhalla, will be
+found on pages 293-94-95 of this volume. It was a strong belief among
+the Goths, prior to the introduction of Christianity among them, that
+the bodies of all warriors who met their deaths in battle were
+transported directly to Valhalla by Valkyrie maidens on the backs of
+winged horses. Upon reaching this mythological heaven the dead were
+revived and ever thereafter enjoyed drinking mead, eating swine flesh,
+and in fighting their battles over again every day.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 203]</div>
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" /><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF BRYNHILD.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Why art thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! absorbed in evil and
+murderous thoughts? What injury has Sigurd done thee, that thou the
+hero wilt of life bereave?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Sigurd to me oaths has sworn, oaths sworn, all falsehoods. He at
+a time deceived me when he should have been of all oaths most
+observant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Thee Brynhild has in anger instigated evil to perpetrate, harm
+to execute. She grudges Gudrun her happy marriage, and thee,
+possession of herself.&quot; * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Some a wolf roasted, some a snake cut up, some to Guthorm served
+the wolf, before they might, eager for crime, on the mighty man lay
+their hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Without stood Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, and these words first of
+all uttered: &quot;Where is now Sigurd, lord of warriors, seeing that my
+kinsmen foremost ride?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hogni alone to her answer gave: &quot;Asunder have we Sigurd hewed
+with our swords; his grey steed bends o'er the dead chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Well shall ye now enjoy
+arms and lands. Sigurd would alone over all have ruled, had he a
+little longer life retained.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 204]</span><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Unseemly it had been that he should so have ruled over Giuki's
+heritage and the Goths' people, when he five sons, for the fall of
+hosts, eager for warfare, had begotten.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then laughed Brynhild&mdash;the whole burgh resounded&mdash;once only from
+her whole heart: &quot;Well shall ye enjoy lands and subjects, now the
+daring king ye have caused to fall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Much thou speakest, things
+most atrocious: may fiends have Gunnar, Sigurd's murderer! Souls
+malevolent vengeance awaits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Sigurd had fallen south of Rhine: loud from a tree a raven
+screamed: &quot;With your blood will Atli his sword's edges redden; the
+oaths ye have sworn your slaughter shall dissolve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Evening was advanced, much was drunken, then did pleasant talk
+of all kinds pass: all sank in sleep, when to rest they went. Gunnar
+alone was wakeful longer than all:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> He began his foot to move, and much with himself to speak; the
+warlike chief in his mind pondered, what during the conflict the raven
+and the eagle were ever saying, as they rode home.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Brynhild awoke, Budli's daughter, daughter of Skioldungs, a
+little ere day: &quot;Urge me or stay me&mdash;the mischief is perpetrated&mdash;my
+sorrow to pour forth, or to suppress it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> All were silent at these words; few understood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 205]</span><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" />the lady's
+conduct, that weeping she should begin to speak of what she laughing
+had desired.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;In my dream, Gunnar! all seemed so horrid, in the chamber all
+was dead; my bed was cold; and thou, king! wast riding of joy bereft,
+with fetters loaded, to a hostile host. So will ye all, race of
+Niflungs! be of power deprived, perjurers as ye are!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Ill Gunnar! didst thou remember, when blood ye in your footsteps
+both let flow; now hast thou him ill for all that requited, because he
+would prove himself foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then was it proved, when the hero had ridden to see me, to woo
+me, how the warlike chief whilom held sacred his oath towards the
+youthful prince.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Laid his sword, with gold adorned, the illustrious king between
+us both: outward its edges were with fire wrought, but with venom
+drops tempered within.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears
+that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain
+sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the
+forest; and it is told in the &quot;Gudrunarkvida hin Forna,&quot; that Sigurd
+and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (thing) when
+he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they
+broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and
+unprepared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 206]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" />THE FIRST LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although
+ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her,
+but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had eaten of
+Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is
+also sung of Gudrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of old it was that Gudrun prepared to die, when she sorrowing
+over Sigurd sat. No sigh she uttered, nor with her hands beat, nor
+wailed, as other women.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Jarls came forward of great sagacity, from her sad state of mind
+to divert her. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction;
+ready she was to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Sat there noble wives of jarls, adorned with gold, before Gudrun;
+each of them told her sorrows, the bitterest she had known.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Giaflaug, Giuki's sister: &quot;I know myself to be on earth
+most joyless: of five consorts I the loss have suffered; of two
+daughters, sisters three, and brothers eight; I alone live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then said Herborg, Hunaland's queen: &quot;I a more cruel grief have
+to recount: my seven sons, in the south land, my spouse the eighth, in
+conflict fell.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 207]</span><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> My father and my mother, my brothers four, on the sea the wind
+deluded; the waves struck on the ship's timbers.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Their last honours 'twas mine to pay, 'twas mine to see them
+tombed, their funeral rites to prepare was mine. All this I underwent
+in one half-year, and to me no one consolation offered.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then I became a captive, taken in war, at the close of the same
+half-year. Then had I to adorn, and tie the shoes, of the Hersir's
+wife, each morn.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> From jealousy she threatened me, and with hard blows drove me:
+nowhere master found I a better, but mistress no where a worse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Little canst thou, my
+fosterer, wise as thou art, with a young wife fittingly talk.&quot; The
+king's body she forbade to be longer hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> She snatched the sheet from Sigurd's corpse, and turned his cheek
+towards his wife's knees: &quot;Behold thy loved one, lay thy mouth to his
+lip, as if thou wouldst embrace the living prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Gudrun upon him cast one look: she saw the prince's locks
+dripping with blood, the chief's sparkling eyes closed in death, his
+kingly breast cleft by the sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then sank down Gudrun back on her pillow, her head-gear was
+loosed, her cheeks grew red, and a flood of tears fell to her knees.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 208]</span><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" /></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then wept Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, so that the tears
+spontaneously flowed, and at the same time screamed the geese in the
+court, the noble birds, which the lady owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Then spake Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Your loves I know were
+the most ardent among living beings upon earth: thou hadst delight
+nowhere, sister mine! save with Sigurd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Such was my Sigurd among
+Giuki's sons, as is the garlick out from the grass which grows, or a
+bright stone on a thread drawn, a precious gem on kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I also seemed to the prince's warriors higher than any of
+Herian's Disir; now I am as little as the leaf oft is in the
+storm-winds, after the chieftain's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sitting I miss, and in my bed, my dearest friend. Giuki's sons
+have caused, Giuki's sons have caused my affliction, and their
+sister's tears of anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> So ye desolate the people's land, as ye have kept your sworn
+oaths. Gunnar! thou wilt not the gold enjoy; those rings will be thy
+bane, for the oaths thou to Sigurd gavest.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Oft in the mansion was the greater mirth, when my Sigurd Grani
+saddled, and Brynhild they went to woo, that which accursed, in an
+evil hour!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;May the hag lack spouse
+and children, who thee, Gudrun! has caused to weep, and this morning
+given thee runes of speech!&quot;<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79" /><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p>
+
+<p><b><span class="pagenum">[Pg 209]</span><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" />24.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Cease, thou loathed of
+all! from those words. The evil destiny of princes thou hast ever
+been; thee every billow drives of an evil nature; thou sore affliction
+of seven kings, the greatest bane of friendship among women!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Atli my brother, Budli's
+offspring, is the sole cause of all the evil;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> When in the hall of the Hunnish folk, with the king we beheld
+the fire of the serpent's bed.<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80" /><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> Of that journey, I have paid the
+penalty, that sight I have ever rued.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> She by a column stood, the wood violently clasped. From the eyes
+of Brynhild, Budli's daughter, fire gleamed forth; venom she snorted,
+when she beheld the wounds of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to
+Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's
+daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight
+thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself
+with a sword, as it is related in the &quot;Sigurdarkvida in Skemma&quot; (the
+Short Lay of Sigurd).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79" /><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Power of speech.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80" /><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> A periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 210]</div>
+<h2><a name="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" id="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" /><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" />BRYNHILD'S HEL-RIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was
+the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a
+chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said
+that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through
+a place in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Thou shalt not pass through my stone-supported dwelling place.
+Better had it beseemed thee to work broidery, than to seek after
+another's husband.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Why dost thou, vagrant woman! from Valland, my dwelling visit?
+Thou hast, golden dame! if thou desirest to know, gentle one! from thy
+hands washed human blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Upbraid me not, woman of the rock! although I have in warfare
+been. Of us, I trow, I shall the better seem, wherever men our
+conditions know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Giantess</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! wast in evil hour born in the
+world; thou hast been the bane of Giuki's children, and their happy
+house subverted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;From my chariot I will truly tell thee, thou wit<span class="pagenum">[Pg 211]</span><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" />less crone! if
+thou desirest to know, how Giuki's heirs made me both lovelorn and
+perjured.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The bold-hearted king<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81" /><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> caused the garbs of us eight sisters
+under an oak to be borne. Twelve years old was I, if thou desirest to
+know, when to the youthful king oaths I gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> By all in Hlymdalir I was called Hild with the helm, by all who
+knew me.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then caused I next, in the Gothic realm, the old Hialmgunnar to
+Hel to journey: I gave victory to the youthful brother of Oda, whereat
+Odin became hostile to me.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He with shields encompassed me, red and white, in Skatalund;
+their surfaces enclosed me; him he ordained my sleep to break, who in
+no place could be made to fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> He made around my hall, towards the south, towering burn the
+destroyer of all wood: then bade that man only over it to ride, who me
+the gold should bring, that under Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> On Grani rode the chief, the gold-disperser, to where my
+foster-father ruled o'er the dwellings. He alone seemed there to all
+superior, the Danish warrior, of the court.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> We slept and were content in the same bed, as if he had my born
+brother been; neither of us might on the other, for eight nights, lay
+a hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Reproached me Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, that I had slept in
+Sigurd's arms; then was I made aware of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 212]</span><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" />what I fain would not,&mdash;that
+they had deceived me, when a mate I took.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> To calamities all too lasting men and women, ever will be while
+living born. We two shall now, Sigurd and I pass our life together.
+Sink thou of giant-kind!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81" /><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> By depriving them of the swan-plumage, for they were
+Valkyriur like the wives of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced
+them under his subjection.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" id="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" />THE SLAUGHTER OF THE NIFLUNGS.</h2>
+
+<p>Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension
+prevailed afterwards between the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them
+with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it
+was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in marriage, to whom they
+administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse
+Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter
+of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to his
+residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of
+treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Hogni, as a
+token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some
+wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but
+did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took Kostbera
+to wife. Their sons were Solar, Sn&aelig;var, and Giuki. When the Giukungs
+came to Atli, Gudrun besought his sons to intercede for their lives,
+but they would not. The heart of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 213]</span><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" />Hogni was cut out, and Gunnar was
+cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the
+serpents, but an adder stung him to the liver.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" />THE SECOND LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of
+his men. Theodric and Gudrun mutually bewailed their afflictions. She
+related to him and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> A maid above all maids I was; my mother reared me bright in her
+bower; my brothers I much loved, until me Giuki, with gold adorned,
+with gold adorned, to Sigurd gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Such was Sigurd above Giuki's sons, as the green leek is,
+springing from the grass, or the high-limbed hart above the savage
+beasts, or gleed-red gold above grey silver.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until my brothers the possession grudged me of a consort to all
+superior. They could not sleep, nor on affairs deliberate, before they
+Sigurd had caused to die.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Grani to the assembly ran, his tramp was to be heard; but Sigurd
+then himself came not. All the saddle-beasts were splashed with blood,
+and with sweating faint, from the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Weeping I went to talk to Grani, with humid cheeks, I prayed the
+steed to tell: then Grani shuddered, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 214]</span><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" />in the grass bowed down his
+head. The steed knew that his master was no more.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Long I wandered, long was my mind distracted, ere of the people's
+guardian I inquired for my king.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gunnar hung his head, but Hogni told me of Sigurd's cruel death.
+&quot;Beyond the river slaughtered lies Guthorm's murderer, and to the
+wolves given.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Yonder behold Sigurd, towards the south, there thou wilt hear the
+ravens croak, the eagles scream, in their feast exulting; the wolves
+howling round thy consort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Why wilt thou, Hogni! to a joyless being such miseries recount?
+May thy heart by ravens be torn and scattered over the wide world,
+rather than thou shouldst walk with men.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hogni answered, for once cast down, from his cheerful mood by
+intense trouble: &quot;Gudrun! thou wouldst have greater cause to weep, if
+the ravens should tear my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Alone I turned from that interview to the wolves' scattered
+leavings. No sigh I uttered, nor with my hands beat, nor wailed, as
+other women, when I heartbroken sat by Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Night seemed to me of blackest darkness, when I sorrowing sat by
+Sigurd. Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or
+I had been burnt as a birchen tree.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> From the fell I journeyed five long days and nights, until the
+lofty hall of Half I recognized. Seven <span class="pagenum">[Pg 215]</span><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" />half-years I with Thora
+stayed, Hakon's daughter, in Denmark.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> She for my solace wrought in gold southern halls, and Danish
+swans.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> We had in pictures the game of warriors, and in handiworks a
+prince's nobles; red shields, Hunnish heroes, a sworded host, a helmed
+host, a prince's following.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Sigmund's ships from the land sailing, with gilded heads, and
+carved prows. We on our canvas wrought how Sigar and Siggeir both
+contended southward in Fyen.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> When Grimhild, the Gothic woman, heard how greatly I was
+afflicted, she cast aside her needle-work, and her sons called oft and
+earnestly, that she might know, who for her son would their sister
+compensate, or for her consort slain the blood-fine pay?</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Gunnar was ready gold to offer, for the injuries to atone, and
+Hogni also. * * * She then inquired who would go the steeds to saddle,
+the chariot to drive, on horseback ride, the hawk let fly, arrows
+shoot from the yew bow?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Valdar and the Danes with Jarizleif, Eymod the third with
+Jarizkar, then entered, to princes like. Red mantles had the
+Langbard's men, corslets ornamented, towering helms; girded they were
+with falchions, brown were their locks.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> For me each one would choose precious gifts, precious gifts, and
+to my heart would speak, if for my many woes they might gain my
+confidence, and I would in them trust.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 216]</span><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216" /></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Grimhild to me brought a potion to drink cold and bitter, that I
+my injuries might forget; it was mingled with Urd's power, with cold
+sea-water, and with Son's blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> In that horn were characters of every kind graven and red-hued;
+nor could I comprehend them: the long lyng-fish<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82" /><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> of the Haddings'
+land, an uncut ear of corn: the wild-beasts' entrance.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In that potion were many ills together, a herb from every wood,
+and the acorn, the fire-stead's dew,<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83" /><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> entrails of offerings,
+swine's liver seethed; for that deadens strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> And then I forgot, when I had taken it, all the king's words in
+the hall spoken. There to my feet three kings came, before she herself
+sought to speak with me.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Gudrun! I will give thee gold to possess, of all the riches
+much of thy dead father; rings of red gold, Hlodver's halls, all the
+hangings left by the fallen king.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Hunnish maids, those who weave tapestry, and in bright gold
+work, so that it may delight thee. Over Budli's wealth thou alone
+shalt rule, adorned with gold, and given to Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I will not have any man, nor Brynhild's brother marry: it
+beseems me not with Budli's son to increase a race, or life enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Take care not to pay the chiefs with hate; for 'tis we who have
+been the aggressors: so shouldst thou act as if yet lived Sigurd and
+Sigmund, if sons thou bearest.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 217]</span><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217" /></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Grimhild! I cannot in mirth indulge, nor, for my hero's sake,
+cherish a hope, since the bloodthirsty [wolf and] raven have together
+cruelly drunk my Sigurd's heart's blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Him<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84" /><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> of all I have found to be a king of noblest race, and
+in much most excellent: him shalt thou have until age lays thee low,
+or mateless be, if him thou wilt not take.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Cease to offer that cup of ills so pertinaciously, that race to
+me: he will Gunnar's destruction perpetrate, and will cut out Hogni's
+heart. I will not cease until the exulting strife-exciter's life I
+shall have taken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Weeping Grimhild caught the words, by which to her sons Gudrun
+foreboded evil, and to her kindred dire misfortunes. &quot;Lands I will
+also give thee, people and followers, Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, if thou
+wilt accept them; for life possess them, and be happy, daughter!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Him then I will choose among the kings, and from my relatives
+reluctantly receive him. Never will he be to me a welcome consort, nor
+my brothers' bale a protection to our sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Forthwith on horseback was each warrior to be seen; but the
+Walish women were in chariots placed. For seven days o'er a cold land
+we rode; but the second seven, we beat the waves; and the third seven,
+we reached dry land.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There the gate-wards of the lofty burgh the latticed entrance
+opened, ere the court we entered.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 218]</span><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Atli waked me, but I seemed to be full of evil thoughts, for my
+kinsmen's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;So me just now<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85" /><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> have the Norns waked,&mdash;a grateful
+interpretation I fain would have. Methought that thou, Gudrun! Giuki's
+daughter! with a treacherous sword didst pierce me through.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;Fire it forebodes,<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86" /><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> when one of iron dreams, arrogance and
+pleasure, a woman's anger. Against evil I will go burn thee, cure and
+medicate thee, although to me thou art hateful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;Seemed to me here in the garden<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87" /><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> that young shoots had
+fallen, which I wished to let grow: torn up with their roots, reddened
+with blood, to table they were brought, and offered me to eat.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;Seemed to me that hawks flew from my hand, lacking their
+quarry, to the house of woes; seemed to me I ate their hearts with
+honey swollen with blood, with sorrowing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Seemed to me from my hand whelps I let slip; lacking cause of
+joy, both of them howled: seemed to me their bodies became dead
+carcases: of the carrion I was compelled to eat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;There will warriors<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88" /><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> round thy couch converse, and of the
+white-locked ones take off the head; death-doomed they are within a
+few nights, a little ere day: thy court will eat of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Lie down I would not,<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89" /><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> nor sleep after, obstinate in my
+fate&mdash;That I will execute!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82" /><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> That is the long fish of the heath, or Ung, a snake or
+serpent.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83" /><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Soot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84" /><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Atli: Grimhild speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85" /><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86" /><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87" /><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88" /><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89" /><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Atll speaks.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 219]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219" />THE THIRD LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia,<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90" /><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> who had been his concubine.
+She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together;
+whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What ails thee ever, Atli! Budli's son! Hast thou sorrow in thy
+heart? Why never laughest thou? To thy jarls it would seem more
+desirable, that thou with men wouldst talk, and on me wouldst look.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It grieves me, Gudrun! Giuki's daughter! that in my palace here,
+Herkia has said, that thou and Thiodrek have under one covering slept,
+and wantonly been in the linen wrapt.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> For all this charge I will give my oaths by the white sacred
+stone, that with me and Thiodrek nothing has passed, which to man and
+wife only belongs;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Save that I embraced the prince of armies, the honoured king, a
+single time. Other were our cogitations, when sorrowful we two sat to
+converse.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 220]</span><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hither came Thiodrek, with thirty warriors; now there lives not
+one of those thirty men. Surround me with thy brothers, and with
+mailed warriors; surround me with all thy noblest kinsmen.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Send to Saxi the Southmen's prince; he can hallow the boiling
+cauldron.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Seven hundred men entered the hall, ere in the cauldron the queen
+dipt her hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Now Gunnar comes not, nor call I Hogni: I shall not see again my
+loved brothers: with his sword would Hogni such wrong avenge: now I
+must myself purify from crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> She to the bottom, plunged her snow-white hand, and up she drew
+the precious stones.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91" /><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> &quot;See now, ye men! I am proved guiltless in
+holy wise, boil the vessel as it may.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Laughed then Atli's heart within his breast, when he unscathed
+beheld the hand of Gudrun. &quot;Now must Herkia to the cauldron go, she
+who Gudrun had hoped to injure.&quot; No one has misery seen who saw not
+that, how the hand there of Herkia was burnt. They then the woman led
+to a foul slough.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92" /><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> So were Gudrun's wrongs avenged.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90" /><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who
+here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition,
+the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kreimhilt (Gudrun) until
+after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful
+subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the
+other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron,
+sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Muller
+(II., p. 319) ascribes it to S&aelig;mund himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91" /><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> The iarknastein of the original was a milk-white opal.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92" /><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> This punishment was known to the old Germans.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 221]</div>
+<h2><a name="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" id="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" /><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221" />ODDRUN'S LAMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgny. Her
+lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until
+Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar,
+Giuki's son. Of this story it is here sung:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> I have heard tell, in ancient stories how a damsel came to the
+eastern land: no one was able, on the face of earth, help to afford to
+Heidrek's daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> When Oddrun, Atli's sister, heard that the damsel had great
+pains, from the stall she led her well-bridled steed, and on the swart
+one the saddle laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> She the horse made run on the smooth, dusty way, until she came
+to where a high hall stood. She the saddle snatched from the hungry
+steed, and in she went along the court, and these words first of all
+uttered:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;What is most noteworthy in this country? or what most desirable
+in the Hunnish land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Here lies Borgny with pains overwhelmed, thy friend, Oddrun! See
+if thou canst help her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> What chieftain has on thee brought this dishonour? Why so acute
+are Borgny's pains?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 222]</span><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222" /><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vilmund is named the falcon-bearer's friend: he the damsel wrapt
+in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
+hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
+the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
+of power over Borgny.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
+of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
+had no word uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
+other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
+of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said&mdash;when
+the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
+spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
+upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
+a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
+happen, to any maiden, save to me alone.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 223]</span><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
+great grief:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
+council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
+only, while my father lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
+departed hence.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
+to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
+be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
+and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
+Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
+taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long&mdash;which was not
+surprising&mdash;ere she discovered all those frauds.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
+great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
+she caused herself to die with Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
+Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
+Valkyria should become.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> They forthwith offered<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93" /><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> ruddy rings to my brother, and
+indemnity not small. He<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94" /><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> besides offered <span class="pagenum">[Pg 224]</span><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224" />for me fifteen vills, and
+the load of Grani's sides, if he would accept them.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But Atli said he never would a marriage-gift receive from
+Giuki's son. Still we could not our loves withstand, but I my head
+must lay upon the ring-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Many things said my relations; declared they had surprised us
+both together; but Atli said, that I would not crime commit, nor
+scandal perpetrate. But such should no one for another ever deny, when
+love has part.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Atli sent his emissaries about the Murkwood, that he might prove
+me; and they came to where they ought not to have come, to where we
+had one couch prepared.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> To the men we offered red-gold rings, that they it might not to
+Atli tell; but they forthwith hastened home, and it quickly to Atli
+told.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half
+she should have known it.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95" /><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode
+Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a
+serpent-pen the other cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * *
+* The brave king<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96" /><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble
+race hoped that I to his aid might come.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings
+sang.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life <span class="pagenum">[Pg 225]</span><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225" />would save.
+The vessel we let float past the forest,<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97" /><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> until I saw all Atli's
+courts.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:&mdash;may she
+perish!&mdash;she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not
+save.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned!<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98" /><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> how I after can
+life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to
+love:</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil
+fate, my own and theirs.&quot; Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended
+<i>Oddrun's lament</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93" /><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> For Brynhild's death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94" /><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> Gunnar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95" /><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> From here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96" /><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Gunnar while in the serpent-pen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97" /><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> For &quot;lund&quot; (<i>forest, wood</i>), which is the reading of the
+MSS., the Copenhagen editor favors the correction to sund (a <i>sound</i>
+or <i>strait, the Sound</i>)?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98" /><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Borgny.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 226]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226" />THE LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She
+first killed Atli's sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the
+palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Atli sent riding a messenger to Gunnar, a crafty man, Knefrud was
+his name. To Giuki's courts he came, and to Gunnar's hall, to the
+seats of state,<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99" /><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> and the glad potation:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> There drank the courtiers wine in their Valhall&mdash;but the guileful
+ones<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100" /><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> silence kept&mdash;the Huns' wrath they<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101" /><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> feared. Then said
+Knefrud, with chilling voice:&mdash;the southern warrior on a high bench
+sat&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Atli has sent me hither on his errand riding on a bit-griping
+steed, through the unknown Murkwood, to pray you, Gunnar! that to his
+bench ye come, with helms of state, Atli's home to visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red
+helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks
+gory-red, the dart's obstruction, and bit-griping steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;The plain he will also give you, the broad Gnita<span class="pagenum">[Pg 227]</span><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227" />heid, whistling
+javelins, and gilded prows, vast treasures, and Danp's towns, with
+that famed forest, which men the Murkwood call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Gunnar his head then turned, and to Hogni said: &quot;What counselest
+thou, bold warrior? now suchlike we hear? Of no gold I knew on Gnita's
+heath, to which we possess not other equal.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Seven halls have we filled with swords, of each of which the
+hilt is gold. My horse I know the best, and my sword the keenest; my
+bow adorns my seat, my corslets are of gold, my helm and shield the
+brightest, brought from the hall of Kiar: mine alone are better than
+all the Hunnish ones.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;What thinkest thou the woman<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102" /><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> means, by sending us a ring in
+a wolf's clothing wrapt? I think that she caution enjoins. Wolf's hair
+I found twined in the red-gold ring: wolfish is the way we on our
+errand ride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> No sons persuaded Gunnar, nor other kinsman, interpreters nor
+counsellors, nor those who potent were. Then spake Gunnar, as beseemed
+a king, great in his mead-hall, from his large soul:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Rise now up, Fiornir! let along the benches pass the golden
+cups of heroes, from the attendants' hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;The wolf shall rule the Niflungs' heritage, O bearded sages! if
+Gunnar perish; black-coated bears earth's fruit tear with their teeth,
+to the dogs' delight, if Gunnar come not back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Honoured men, weeping led the land's ruler from <span class="pagenum">[Pg 228]</span><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228" />the Huns'
+court. Then said Hogni's youthful heir: &quot;Go now, prudent and
+prosperous, whither your wishes lead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors made their bit-griping steeds over the mountains
+fly, through the unknown Murkwood. The whole Hunnish forest trembled
+where'er the warriors rode; over the shrubless, all-green plains they
+sped.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Atli's land they saw, and the high watch-towers; Bikki's people
+stood on that lofty fortress; the south people's hall was round with
+benches set, with well-bound bucklers, and white shields, the
+javelin's obstruction. There Atli drank wine in his Valhall: his
+guards sat without, Gunnar and his men to watch, lest they there
+should come with yelling dart, to excite their prince to conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Their sister forthwith saw, when the hall they had entered, her
+brothers both&mdash;beer had she little drunken&mdash;&quot;Betrayed art thou now,
+Gunnar! though strong, how wilt thou contend with the Huns' deadly
+wiles? Go quickly from this hall!</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Better hadst thou, Gunnar! in corslet come, than with helm of
+state, to see the home of Atli; thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
+whole sun-bright days, and o'er the pallid dead let the Norns weep,
+the Hunnish shield-maids misery suffer; but Atli himself thou shouldst
+into the serpent-pen have cast; but now the serpent-pen is for you two
+reserved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Sister! 'tis now too late the Niflungs to assemble, long 'tis
+to seek the aid of men, of valiant heroes, over the rugged fells of
+Rhine.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 229]</span><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229" /></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then the Burgundians' friends<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103" /><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> Gunnar seized, in fetters
+laid, and him fast bound.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Hogni hewed down seven, with the keen sword, but the eighth he
+thrust into the raging fire. So should a valiant man defend himself
+from foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hogni had Gunnar's hands<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104" /><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> protected. The bold chief they
+asked, if the Goths' lord would with gold his life redeem?</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;Hogni's heart in my hand shall lie, cut bloody from the breast
+of the valiant chief, the king's son, with a dull-edged knife.&quot; * * *
+They the heart cut out from Hialli's breast; on a dish bleeding laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Gunnar, lord of men: &quot;Here have I the heart of the
+timid Hialli, unlike the heart of the bold Hogni; for much it trembles
+as in the dish it lies: it trembled more by half, while in his breast
+it lay.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Hogni laughed, when to his heart they cut the living
+crest-crasher; no lament uttered he. All bleeding on a dish they laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Calmly said Gunnar, the warrior Niflung: &quot;Here have I the heart
+of the bold Hogni, unlike the heart of the timid Hialli; for it little
+trembles, as in the dish it lies: it trembled less, while in his
+breast it lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;So far shalt thou, Atli! be from the eyes of men as thou wilt
+from the treasures be. In my power alone is all the hidden Niflungs'
+gold, now that Hogni lives not.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Ever was I wavering, while we both lived; now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 230]</span><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230" />am I so no
+longer, as I alone survive. Rhine shall possess men's baleful metal,
+the mighty stream, the As-known Niflungs' heritage. In the rolling
+water the choice rings shall glitter, rather than on the hands of the
+Huns' children shine.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Drive your wheel-chariots, the captive is now in bonds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Atli the mighty, their sister's husband, rode with resounding
+steeds, with strife-thorns<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105" /><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> surrounded. Gudrun perceived the
+heroes' peril, she from tears refrained, on entering the hall of
+tumult.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;So be it with thee, Atli! as towards Gunnar thou hast held the
+oft-sworn oaths, formerly taken&mdash;by the southward verging sun, and by
+Sigty's hill, the secluded bed of rest, and by Ullr's ring.&quot; Yet
+thence the more did the bit-shaker<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106" /><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> the treasure's guardian, the
+warrior chief, drag to death.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The living prince then did a host of men into a pen cast down,
+which was within with serpents over-crawled. But Gunnar there alone a
+harp in wrathful mood with his hand struck: the strings resounded. So
+should a daring chief, a ring-dispenser, gold from men withhold.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Atli turned his brass-shod<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107" /><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> steed, his home to revisit, back
+from the murder. Din was in the court with horses thronged, men's
+weapon-song, from the heath they were come.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Out then went Gudrun, Atli to meet, with a golden cup to do her
+duty to the king. &quot;Thou canst, O <span class="pagenum">[Pg 231]</span><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231" />King! joyful in thy hall receive
+from Gudrun the arms of the departed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> The drinking-cups of Atli groaned with wine heavy, when in the
+hall together the Huns were counted. Long-bearded, bold, the warriors
+entered.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hastened the bright-faced dame to bear their potions to them,
+the wondrous lady to the chiefs; and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
+the festal dainties offered, and uttered words of hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Thou, swords' dispenser! hast thy two sons' hearts,
+slaughter-gory, with honey eaten. I resolved that thou, bold chief!
+shouldst of a human dish eat at thy feasting, and to the place of
+honour send it. Henceforth thou wilt not to thy knees call Erp and
+Eitil, joyous with beer the two: thou wilt not henceforth, see them
+from thy middle seat, gold-dispersing, javelins shafting, manes
+clipping, or horses urging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Uproar was on the benches, portentous the cry of men, noise
+beneath the costly hangings. The children of the Huns wept, all wept
+save Gudrun, who never wept, or for her bear-fierce brothers, or her
+dear sons, young, simple, whom she had borne to Atli.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Gold scattered the swan-fair dame; with ruddy rings the
+household gifted. Fate she let ripen, but the bright gold flow. The
+woman spared not the treasure-houses.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli incautious had himself drunk weary; weapon he had none, nor
+was 'gainst Gudrun guarded. Oft had their sport been better, when they
+lovingly embraced each other before the nobles.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 232]</span><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With the sword's point she gave the bed of blood to drink with
+death-bent hand, and the dogs loosed, out at the hall-door drove them,
+and the lady wakened the household with burning brand. That vengeance
+she for her brothers took.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> To fire she then gave all that were therein, and from her
+brothers' murder were from the dark den<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108" /><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> returned. The old
+structures fell, the treasure-houses smoked, the Budlungs' dwelling.
+Burnt too were the shield-maids within, their lives cut short; in the
+raging fire they sank.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of this enough is said. No such woman will henceforth arms again
+bear, to avenge her brothers. That bright woman had to three kings of
+men the death-doom borne, before she died.</p>
+
+<p>Yet more clearly is this told in &quot;Atlamalum inum Groenlenzkum&quot; (the
+Groenland lay of Atli).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99" /><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> The epithet aringreypr is applied both to benches and
+helmets (see Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is doubtful: it has been
+rendered <i>iron-bound</i>, <i>brass-bound</i>, <i>hearth-encircling</i>, <i>curved
+like an eagle's beak</i>, etc. Benches and helmets of ceremony are
+evidently intended, probably ornamented with brass-work or figures of
+eagles. But to whichever substantive applied, I take its meaning to be
+the same.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100" /><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> The messengers of Atli.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101" /><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> The Giukungs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102" /><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Gudrun: she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring to
+her brothers, as a warning, in which a wolf's hair was entwined,
+together with a note in runes, which were falsified by Vingi.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103" /><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Atli's men.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104" /><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> That is Gunnar himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105" /><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Spears.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106" /><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> The horse.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107" /><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> The original word is eyrskan, a word of doubtful
+signification.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108" /><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> The serpent-pen.</p></div>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" id="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" />
+<img src="images/fig04.jpg" width="600" height="393" alt="THE DEATH OF ATLI" title="THE DEATH OF ATLI" />
+<p class="center"><b>THE DEATH OF ATLI.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by S. Goldberg.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>Atli has been identified as Attila, called in history &quot;the Scourge of
+God,&quot; a king of the Huns who twice defeated the Romans under
+Theodosius, and plundered the eternal city itself. He was guilty of
+many excesses and is reported to have died of a hemorrhage on the day
+following his marriage with Ildico (453). In the story of Seigfried
+and Brynhild, however, he is represented as having married Gudran,
+daughter of Grimhild and King Giuki, who it will be recalled by
+readers of the other volumes of this series, beguiled Siegfried by
+means of a magic potion, into marriage with her. Her feelings revolted
+against an alliance with Atli, but she accepted him for a husband in
+order thereby to obtain the power to gratify her vengeance against
+Hogni (Hagan), who had assassinated Siegfried.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 233]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233" />THE GROENLAND LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of those misdeeds men have heard tell, when warriors of old a
+compact made, which by pledges they confirmed, a secret consultation
+held: terrible it was to them after, and to Giuki's sons likewise, who
+were betrayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The warriors' fate ripened, they were death-doomed: ill advised
+was Atli, though he possessed sagacity: he felled a mighty column,
+strove hardly against himself; with speed he messengers despatched,
+that his wife's brothers should come quickly.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Wise was the house-dame, prudently she thought; the words in
+order she had heard, that in secret they had said: the sage lady was
+at a loss: fain would she help them; they<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109" /><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> o'er the sea must sail,
+but she herself could not go.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Runes she graved, Vingi them falsified, before he gave them from
+him; of ill he was the bearer. Then departed Atli's messengers,
+through the branched firth, for where the bold warriors dwelt.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> They with beer were cheered, and fires they kindled, naught
+thought they of guile, when they were come; they the gifts accepted,
+which the prince sent them, on a column hung them, and of no evil
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then came Kostbera, she was Hogni's wife, a woman greatly
+cautious, and them both greeted. Glad <span class="pagenum">[Pg 234]</span><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234" />was also Glaumvor, Gunnar's
+consort, the prudent dame her duty forgot not, she to the guests' need
+attended.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Hogni they home invited, if he would be pleased to go. Treachery
+was manifest, had they but reflected! Gunnar then promised, if only
+Hogni would, but Hogni refused what the other proposed.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The noble dames bore mead, of many things there was abundance,
+many horns passed round, until it seemed they had full drunken.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The household prepared their couches, as to them seemed best.
+Cunning was Kostbera, she could runes interpret; she the letters read
+by the bright fire;&mdash;her tongue she had to guard between both her
+gums&mdash;so perverted were they, it was difficult to understand them.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> To their bed they went, she and Hogni. The gentle lady dreamed,
+and concealed it not, to the prince wisely said it as soon as she
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;From home thou art going, Hogni! give ear to counsel; few are
+fully prudent: go another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> I have the runes interpreted, which thy sister graved: that fair
+dame has not this time invited thee. At one thing I wonder most, I
+cannot even conceive, why so wise a woman so confusedly should grave;
+for it is so set down as if it intimated death to you both, if you
+should straightway come. Either she has left out a letter, or others
+are the cause.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110" /><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;They are,&quot; said Hogni, &quot;all suspicious; I have no knowledge of
+them, nor will I into it inquire, unless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 235]</span><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235" />we have to make requital.
+The king will gift us with gleed-red gold. I never fear, though we may
+hear of terror.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;Tottering ye will go, if thitherward ye tend. No kind
+entertainment there will ye at this time find. Hogni! I have dreamed,
+I will not conceal it: in an evil hour ye will go, or so at least I
+fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Methought thy coverlet was with fire consumed; that the
+towering flame rushed through my dwelling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Here lie linen cloths, which thou hadst little noticed: these
+will quickly burn where thou the coverlet sawest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Methought a bear came in, and broke down the columns; and so
+his talons shook, that we were terror-stricken; by his mouth held many
+of us, so that we were helpless: there, too, was a din far from
+little.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;A tempest there will be furious and sudden: the white bear thou
+sawest will be a storm from the east.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Methought an eagle flew herein, all through the house: that
+will largely concern us. He sprinkled all with blood: from his threats
+I thought it to be the 'ham'<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111" /><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> of Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 236]</span><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236" /><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;We often slaughter largely, and then red we see: often are oxen
+meant, when we of eagles dream. Sound is the heart of Atli, dream thou
+as thou mayest.&quot; With this they ended: all speeches have an end.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The high-born awoke, there the like befell: Glaumvor had
+perceived that her dreams were ill-boding, adverse to Gunnar's going
+to and fro.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Methought a gallows was for thee erected,<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112" /><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> thou wentest to
+be hanged, that serpents ate thee, that I inter'd thee living, that
+the Powers' dissolution came&mdash;Divine thou what that portends.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;Methought a bloody glave from thy sark was drawn&mdash;ill 'tis such
+a dream to a consort to recount&mdash;methought a lance was thrust through
+thy middle: wolves howled on every side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Where dogs run they are wont to bark: oft bodes the bay of dogs
+the flight of javelins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Glaumvor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Methought a river ran herein, through the whole house, that it
+roared violently, rushed o'er the benches, brake the feet of you
+brothers twain; nothing the water spared: something will that portend!</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad
+were they: they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their
+seats. I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 237]</span><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237" /><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
+journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
+seems that our lives will be short.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
+up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
+&quot;hus-carls&quot; there were present twice that number&mdash;it was ill
+devised&mdash;Sn&aelig;var and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
+named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
+brother of Hogni's wife.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
+would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
+to her seemed fitting: &quot;I know not whether ye will requite us as we
+would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: &quot;May him the Jotuns
+have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
+peace he meditates!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: &quot;Sail ye prosperous,
+and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
+hinder!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;he to his kin meant well&mdash;&quot;Be of good cheer, ye
+prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
+difference; for many little care how they depart from home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
+their fates were severed, and their ways divided.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 238]</span><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238" /></p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
+bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
+broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
+they quitted it.<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113" /><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> A little after&mdash;I will the end relate&mdash;they saw the mansion
+stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
+Hogni knocked.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Then said Vingi, what he had better not, &quot;Go far from the house,
+'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
+forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
+was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;little thought he of yielding, or of aught
+fearful that was to be proved:&mdash;&quot;Think not to frighten us: try that
+seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
+while life within him throbbed.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went
+prepared so that a fence was between them. Words they bandied, all
+with rage boiling: &quot;Already had we resolved to take your lives away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;It looks but ill, if ye before have counselled: e'en now ye are
+unprepared, and we one have felled, smitten to death: one of your host
+was he.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 239]</span><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Furious they became, when those words they heard; their fingers
+they stretched forth, and their bowstrings seized; sharply shot, and
+with shields themselves protected.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> In then came the tale of what without was passing; loud before
+the hall they a thrall heard speak.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then incensed was Gudrun, when the sad news she heard: adorned
+with necklaces, she tore them all asunder; so hurled the silver, that
+the rings in shivers flew.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Then she went out, not gently moved the doors; went forth, void
+of fear, and the comers hailed, turned to the Niflungs: that was her
+last greeting, truth attended it; more words she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;I sought by symbols to prevent your leaving home,&mdash;fate may no
+one resist&mdash;and yet must you come hither.&quot; Wisely she asked: might
+they not be appeased? No one consented, all answered no.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Saw then the high-born lady that a hard game they played; a
+deadly deed she meditated, and her robe dashed aside, a naked falchion
+seized, and her kinsmen's lives defended: skilful she was in warfare,
+where her hand she applied.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Giuki's daughter caused two warriors to fall; Atli's brother she
+struck down,&mdash;he must henceforth be borne&mdash;so she the conflict
+managed, that she his foot struck off. Another too she smote, so that
+he never rose, to Hel she sent him: her hand trembled not.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> A conflict then ensued, which was widely famed, but that
+excelled all else which Giuki's sons performed. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 240]</span><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240" />So 'tis said the
+Niflungs, while yet they lived, with swords maintained the fight,
+corslets rent, helmets hewed, as their hearts prompted.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> At morning most they fought, until mid-day had passed; all early
+morn, and the forenoon, ere the fight was ended, the field flowed with
+blood, until eighteen had fallen: Bera's two sons, and her brother,
+had them overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then the fierce Atli spoke, wroth though he was: &quot;'Tis ill to
+look around; this is long of you. We were thirty warlike thanes,
+eleven survive: the chasm is too great. We were five brothers, when
+Budli died; now has Hel the half, two lie slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> &quot;A great affinity I obtained, that I cannot deny, pernicious
+woman! of which I have no benefit: peace we have seldom had, since
+thou among us camest. Of kinsmen ye have bereft me, of riches often
+wronged. To Hel my sister ye have sent; that is to me most bitter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;This thou callest to mind, Atli! but thou so first didst act:
+my mother thou didst take, and for her treasures murder; my gifted
+niece with hunger thou didst cause to perish. Laughable to me it
+seems, when thou sorrows dost recount. The gods are to be thanked,
+that it goes ill with thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Jarls! I exhort you the sorrow to augment of that presumptuous
+woman: I would fain see it. Strive so to do, that Gudrun may lament.
+Might I but see that in her lot she joys not!<span class="pagenum">[Pg 241]</span><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Take ye Hogni, and with a knife hack him: cut out his heart:
+this ye shall do. Gunnar the fierce of soul to a gallows fasten; do
+the work thoroughly, lure up the serpents.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Do as thou listest, glad I will await it; stout I shall prove
+myself: I have ere now things much harder proved. Ye had a hindrance
+while unscathed we were: now are we so wounded that our fate thou
+mayest command.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Beiti spake,&mdash;he was Atli's steward&mdash;Take we Hialli, but Hogni
+let us save. Let us do half the work; he is death-worthy. As long as
+he lives a slug he will ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Terrified was the kettle-watcher, the place no longer held him:
+he could be a whiner, he clomb into every nook: their conflict was his
+bane, as he the penalty must pay; and the day sad, when he must from
+the swine die, from all good things, which he had enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Budli's cook they took, and the knife brought towards him.
+Howled the wretched thrall, ere the point he felt; declared that he
+had time the gardens to manure, the vilest offices to do, if from
+death he might escape. Joyful indeed was Hialli, could he but save his
+life.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Hogni all this observed&mdash;few so act, as for a slave to
+intercede, that he may escape!&mdash;&quot;Less 'tis, I say, for me to play this
+game myself. Why shall we here desire to listen to that screaming?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Hands on the good prince they laid. Then was no option for the
+bold warriors, the sentence longer to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 242]</span><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242" />delay. Then laughed Hogni;
+heard the sons of day how he could hold out: torment he well endured!</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> A harp Gunnar took, with his foot-branches touched it. He could
+so strike it, that women wept, and the men sobbed, who best could hear
+it. He the noble queen counselled: the rafters burst asunder.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> There died the noble, as the dawn of day; at the last they
+caused their deeds to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Atli thought himself great: over them both he strode, to the
+sagacious woman told the evil, and bitterly reproached her. &quot;It is now
+morning, Gudrun! thy loved ones thou hast lost; partly thou art the
+cause that it has so befallen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Joyful art thou, Atli! slaughter to announce: repentance shall
+await thee, when thou hast all proved. That heritage shall be left
+thee&mdash;that I can tell thee&mdash;that ill shall never from thee go, unless
+I also die.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> That I can prevent; another course I see, easier by half: the
+good we oft reject. With slaves I will console thee, with things most
+precious, with snow-white silver, as thou thyself mayest desire.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Of that there is <i>no</i> hope; I will all reject; atonement I have
+spurned for smaller injuries. Hard I was ever thought, now will that
+be aggravated. I every grudge concealed, while Hogni lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> We were both nurtured in one house; many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 243]</span><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243" />play we played, and
+in the wood grew up; Grimhild us adorned with gold and necklaces; for
+my brothers' death never wilt thou indemnify me, nor ever do what
+shall to me seem good.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> Men's too great power women's lot oppresses; on the knee the
+hand sinks, if the arms wither; the tree inclines, if its root-fibres
+are severed. Now, Atli! thou mayest alone over all here command.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> Most unwise it was, when to this the prince gave credit: the
+guile was manifest, had he been on his guard. Dissembling then was
+Gudrun, against her heart she could speak, made herself gay appear,
+with two shields she played.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114" /><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> A banquet she would prepare, her brothers' funeral feast; the
+same would Atli also for his own do.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> With this they ended; the banquet was prepared; the feasting was
+too luxurious. The woman great of heart was stern, she warred on
+Budli's race; on her spouse she would cruel vengeance wreak.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> The young ones she enticed, and on a block laid them, the fierce
+babes were terrified, and wept not, to their mother's bosom crept,
+asked what she was going to do.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> &quot;Ask no questions, both I intend to kill; long have I desired to
+cut short your days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> &quot;Slay as thou wilt thy children, no one hinders it; thy rage
+will have short peace, if thou destroyest us in our blooming years,
+thou desperate woman!&quot; It fell out accordingly: she cut the throats of
+both.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 244]</span><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244" /></p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Atli oft inquired whither his boys were gone to play, as he
+nowhere saw them?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Over I am resolved to go, and to Atli tell it. Grimhild's
+daughter will not conceal it from thee. Little glad, Atli! wilt thou
+be, when all thou learnest; great woe didst thou raise up, when thou
+my brother slewest.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Very seldom have I slept since they fell. Bitterly I threatened
+thee: now I have reminded thee. &quot;It is now morning,&quot; saidst thou: I
+yet it well remember; and it now is eve, when thou the like shalt
+learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Thou thy sons hast lost, as thou least shouldest; know that
+their skulls thou hast had for beer-cups; thy drink I prepared, I
+their red blood have shed.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> I their hearts took, and on a spit staked them, then to thee
+gave them. I said they were of calves,&mdash;it was long of thee
+alone&mdash;thou didst leave none, voraciously didst devour, well didst ply
+thy teeth.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> Thy children's fate thou knowest, few a worse awaits. I have my
+part performed, though in it glory not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Cruel wast thou, Gudrun! who couldst so act, with thy children's
+blood my drink to mingle. Thou hast destroyed thy offspring, as thou
+least shouldest; and to myself thou leavest a short interval from ill.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> I could still desire thyself to slay; rarely too ill it fares
+with such a prince. Thou hast already perpe<span class="pagenum">[Pg 245]</span><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245" />trated crimes unexampled
+among men of frantic cruelty, in this world: now thou hast added what
+we have just witnessed. A great misdeed hast thou committed, thy
+death-feast thou hast prepared.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> On the pile thou shalt be burnt, but first be stoned; then wilt
+thou have earned what thou hast ever sought.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> Tell to thyself such griefs early to-morrow: by a fairer death I
+will pass to another light.</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> In the same hall they sat, exchanged hostile thoughts, bandied
+words of hate: each was ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> Hate waxed in a Hniflung, a great deed he meditated; to Gudrun
+he declared that he was Atli's deadly foe.</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> Into her mind came Hogni's treatment; happy she him accounted,
+if he vengeance wreaked. Then was Atli slain, within a little space;
+Hogni's son him slew, and Gudrun herself.</p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> The bold king spake, roused up from sleep; quickly he felt the
+wounds, said he no binding needed. &quot;Tell me most truly who has slain
+Budli's son. I am hardly treated: of life I have no hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> I, Grimhild's daughter, will not from thee hide, that I am the
+cause that thy life passes away; but partly Hogni's son, that thy
+wounds make thee faint.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> To the slaughter thou hast rushed, although it ill <span class="pagenum">[Pg 246]</span><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246" />beseemed
+thee; 'tis bad to circumvent a friend, who well confided in thee.
+Besought I went from home, to woo thee, Gudrun!</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> A widow thou was left, fierce thou wast accounted, which was no
+falsehood, as we have proved. Hither home thou earnest, us a host of
+men attended; all was splendid on our journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> Pomp of all kinds was there, of illustrious men, beeves in
+abundance: largely we enjoyed them. Of all things there was plenty
+partaken of by many.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> A marriage gift to my bride I gave, treasures for her
+acceptance, thralls thrice ten, seven fair female slaves: in such
+things was honour; silver there was yet more.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> All seemed to thee as it were naught, while the lands untouched
+lay, which Budli had left me. So didst thou undermine, dist allow me
+nothing to receive. Thou didst my mother let often sit weeping: with
+heart content I found not one of my household after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> Now, Atli! thou liest, though of that I little reck. Gentle I
+seldom was, yet didst thou greatly aggravate it. Young brothers ye
+fought together, among yourselves contended; to Hel went the half from
+thy house: all went to ruin that should be for benefit.</p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Brothers and sisters we were three, we thought ourselves
+invincible: from the land we departed, we followed Sigurd. We roved
+about, each steered a ship; seeking luck we went, till to the east we
+came.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> The chief king we slew, there a land obtained, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 247]</span><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247" />the &quot;hersar&quot;
+yielded to us; that manifested fear. We from the forest freed him whom
+we wished harmless, raised him to prosperity who nothing had
+possessed.</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> The Hun king<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115" /><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> died, then suddenly my fortune changed: great
+was the young wife's grief, the widow's lot was hers. A torment to me
+it seemed to come living to the house of Atli. A hero had possessed
+me: sad was that loss!</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> Thou didst never from a contest come, as we had heard, where
+thou didst gain thy cause, or others overcome; ever wouldst thou give
+way, and never stand, lettest all pass off quietly, as ill beseemed a
+king.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> Gudrun! now thou liest. Little will be bettered the lot of
+either: we have all suffered. Now act thou, Gudrun! of thy goodness,
+and for our honour, when I forth am borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> I a ship will buy, and a painted cist;<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116" /><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> will the
+winding-sheet well wax, to enwrap thy corpse; will think of every
+requisite, as if we had each other loved.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> Atli was now a corpse, lament from his kin arose: the
+illustrious woman did all she had promised. The wise woman would go to
+destroy herself; her days were lengthened: she died another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Happy is every one hereafter who shall give birth to such a
+daughter famed for deeds, as Giuki begat: <span class="pagenum">[Pg 248]</span><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248" />ever will live, in every
+land, their oft-told tale, wherever people shall give ear.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109" /><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> The messengers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110" /><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> It would seem that the original runes, as graved by
+Gudrun, had not been so completely erased as to leave no traces of
+them; but that they were still sufficiently legible to enable Kostbera
+to ascertain the real purport of the communication.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111" /><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Ham (hamr. <i>fem.</i> hamingia) a guardian angel, an
+attendant spirit.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112" /><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Here a gallows in our sense of the word, but usually a
+stake on a scaffold, to which the condemned to a death of torture was
+bound hand and foot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113" /><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> So great was their haste to land.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114" /><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> She played a double game.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115" /><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116" /><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship and
+sending it adrift, seems inconsistent with the later custom of
+depositing it in a cist or coffin.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" id="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" />GUDRUN'S INCITEMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore. She went out into the
+sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne
+across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
+sons were Sorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the
+daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jormunrek the
+Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
+son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to
+be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard
+of this she said to her sons:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Then heard I tell of quarrels dire, hard sayings uttered from
+great affliction, when her sons the fierce-hearted Gudrun, in deadly
+words, to slaughter instigated.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Why sit ye here? why sleep life away? why does it pain you not
+joyous words to speak, now Jormunrek your sister young in years has
+with horses trodden, white and black, in the public way, with grey and
+way-wont Gothic steeds?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ye are not like to Gunnar and the others, nor of soul so valiant
+as Hogni was. Her ye should seek to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 249]</span><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249" />avenge, if ye had the courage of
+my brothers, or the fierce spirit of the Hunnish kings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Little didst thou care
+Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd he from sleep awaked. Thy
+blue-white bed-clothes were red with thy husband's gore, with
+death-blood covered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;For thy brothers thou didst o'er-hasty vengeance take, dire and
+bitter, when thou thy sons didst murder. We young ones<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117" /><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> could on
+Jormunrek, acting all together, have avenged our sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Bring forth the arms of the Hunnish kings: thou hast us
+stimulated to a sword-mote.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Laughing Gudrun to the storehouse turned, the kings' crested
+helms from the coffers drew, their ample corslets, and to her sons
+them bore. The young heroes loaded their horses' shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;So will no more come his
+mother to see, the warrior felled in the Gothic land, so that thou the
+funeral-beer after us all may drink, after Svanhild and thy sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Weeping Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, sorrowing went, to sit in the
+fore-court, and to recount, with tear-worn cheeks, sad of soul, her
+calamities, in many ways.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Three fires I have known, three hearths I have known, of three
+consorts I have been borne to the house. Sigurd alone to me was better
+than all, of whom my brothers were the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Of my painful wounds I might not complain; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 250]</span><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250" />yet they even more
+seemed to afflict me, when those chieftains to Atli gave me.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;My bright boys I called to speak with me; for my injuries I
+could not get revenge, ere I had severed the Hniflungs' heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;To the sea-shore I went, against the Norns I was embittered; I
+would cast off their persecution; bore, and submerged me not the
+towering billows; up on land I rose, because I was to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To the nuptial couch I went&mdash;as I thought better for me,&mdash;for
+the third time, with a mighty king. I brought forth offspring,
+guardians of the heritage, guardians of the heritage, Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;But around Svanhild bond-maidens sat; of all my children her I
+loved the best. Svanhild was, in my hall, as was the sun-beam, fair to
+behold.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;I with gold adorned her, and with fine raiment, before I gave
+her to the Gothic people. That is to me the hardest of all my woes,
+that Svanhild's beauteous locks should in the mire be trodden under
+horses' feet.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;But that was yet more painful, when my Sigurd they ingloriously
+slew in his bed; though of all most cruel, when of Gunnar the
+glistening serpents to the vitals crawled; but the most agonizing,
+which to my heart flew, when the brave king's heart they while quick
+cut out.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Many griefs I call to memory, many ills I call to memory.
+Guide, Sigurd! thy black steed, thy swift courser, hither let it run.
+Here sits no son's wife, no daughter, who to Gudrun precious things
+may give.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 251]</span><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251" /></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Remember, Sigurd! what we together said, when on our bed we
+both were sitting, that thou, brave one, wouldst come to me from Hel's
+abode, but I from the world to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Raise, ye Jarls! an oaken pile; let it under heaven the highest
+be. May it burn a breast full of woes! the fire round my heart its
+sorrows melt!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> May all men's lot be bettered, all women's sorrow lessened, to
+whom this tale of woes shall be recounted.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117" /><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> Themselves and the two sons of Atli.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" />THE LAY OF HAMDIR.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In that court<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118" /><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> arose woeful deeds, at the Alfar's doleful
+lament;<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119" /><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> at early morn, men's afflictions, troubles of various
+kinds; sorrows were quickened.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It was not now, nor yesterday, a long time since has passed
+away,&mdash;few things are more ancient, it was by much earlier&mdash;when
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, her young sons instigated Svanhild to
+avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;She was your sister, her name Svanhild, she whom Jormunrek with
+horses trod to death, white and black, on the public way, with grey
+and way-wont Gothic steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thenceforth all is sad to you, kings of people! Ye alone
+survive,<span class="pagenum">[Pg 252]</span><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Branches of my race. Lonely I am become, as the asp-tree in the
+forest, of kindred bereft, as the fir of branches; of joy deprived, as
+is the tree of foliage, when the branch-spoiler comes in the warm
+day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then spake Hamdir, the great of soul, &quot;Little, Gudrun! didst thou
+care Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd they from sleep awaked on the
+bed thou satst, and the murderers laughed.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Thy bed-clothes, blue and white, woven by cunning hands, swam in
+thy husband's gore. When Sigurd perished, o'er the dead thou satst,
+caredst not for mirth&mdash;so Gunnar willed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Atli thou wouldst afflict by Erp's murder, and by Eitil's life's
+destruction: that proved for thyself the worse: therefore should every
+one so against others use, for life's destruction, a sharp-biting
+sword, that he harm not himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then said Sorli&mdash;he had a prudent mind&mdash;&quot;I with my mother will
+not speeches exchange: though words to each of you to me seem wanting.
+What, Gudrun! dost thou desire, which for tears thou canst not utter?</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;For thy brothers weep, and thy dear sons, thy nearest kin,
+drawn to the strife: for us both shalt thou, Gudrun! also have to
+weep, who here sit fated on our steeds, far away to die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> From the court they went, for conflict ready. The young men
+journeyed over humid fells, on Hunnish steeds, murder to avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Erp, all at once&mdash;the noble youth was joking on his
+horse's back&mdash;&quot;Ill 'tis to a timid man to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 253]</span><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253" />point out the ways.&quot; They
+said the bastard<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120" /><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> was over bold.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> On their way they had found the wily jester. &quot;How will the
+swarthy dwarf afford us aid?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> He of another mother answered: so he said aid he would to his
+kin afford, as one foot to the other<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121" /><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> [or, grown to the body, one
+hand the other].</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;What can a foot to a foot give; or, grown to the body, one hand
+the other?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> From the sheath they drew the iron blade, the falchion's edges,
+for Hel's delight. They their strength diminished by a third part,
+they their young kinsman caused to earth to sink.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Their mantles then they shook, their weapons grasped; the
+high-born were clad in sumptuous raiment.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Forward lay the ways, a woeful path they found, and their
+sister's son wounded on a gibbet, wind-cold outlaw-trees,<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122" /><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> on the
+town's west. Ever vibrated the ravens' whet: there to tarry was not
+good.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Uproar was in the hall, men were with drink excited, so that the
+horses' tramp no one heard, until a mindful man winded his horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> To announce they went to Jormunrek that were seen helm-decked
+warriors. &quot;Take ye counsel, potent ones are come; before mighty men ye
+have on a damsel trampled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then laughed Jormunrek, with his hand stroked <span class="pagenum">[Pg 254]</span><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254" />his beard, asked
+not for his corslet; with wine he struggled, shook his dark locks, on
+his white shield looked, and in his hand swung the golden cup.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Happy should I seem, if I could see Hamdir and Sorli within my
+hall. I would them then with bowstrings bind, the good sons of Giuki
+on the gallows hang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Hrodrglod, on the high steps standing; &quot;Prince&quot; said
+she to her son&mdash;for that was threatened which ought not to
+happen&mdash;&quot;shall two men alone bind or slay ten hundred Goths in this
+lofty burgh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tumult was in the mansion, the beer-cups flew in shivers, men
+lay in blood from the Goths' breasts flowing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Jormunrek! thou didst
+desire our coming, brothers of one mother, into thy burgh:<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123" /><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> now
+seest thou thy feet, seest thy hands Jormunrek! cast into the glowing
+fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then roared forth a godlike<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124" /><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> mail-clad warrior, as a bear
+roars: &quot;On the men hurl stones, since spears bite not, nor edge of
+sword, nor point, the sons of Jonakr.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Harm didst thou, brother!
+when thou that mouth didst ope. Oft from that mouth bad counsel
+comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Courage hast thou, Hamdir! if only thou hadst sense: that man
+lacks much who wisdom lacks.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Off would the head now be, had but Erp lived, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 255]</span><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255" />our brother bold
+in fight, whom on the way we slew, that warrior brave&mdash;me the Disir
+instigated&mdash;that man sacred to us, whom we resolved to slay.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;I ween not that ours should be the wolves' example, that with
+ourselves we should contend, like the Norns' dogs, that voracious are
+in the desert nurtured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Well have we fought, on slaughtered Goths we stand, on those
+fallen by the sword, like eagles on a branch. Great glory we have
+gained, though now or to-morrow we shall die. No one lives till eve
+against the Norns' decree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There fell Sorli, at the mansion's front; but Hamdir sank at the
+house's back.</p>
+
+<p>This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118" /><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, and. Luning, Glossar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119" /><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> &quot;The Alfar's Lament&quot; is the early dawn, and is in
+apposition to &quot;early morn,&quot; in the following line. The swart Alfar are
+meant, who were turned to stone if they did not flee from the light of
+day. This is the best interpretation I can offer of this obscure
+strophe.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120" /><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> In this and the four following strophes the person
+alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story nothing more is
+known. He, it appears, had preceded or outridden the others.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121" /><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> Malmesbury relates a similar story of King &AElig;thelstan
+and his cupbearer.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122" /><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> Lit. wolf-trees; a fugitive criminal being called vargr
+<i>wolf</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123" /><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> According to the Skalda it would appear that they cut
+off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had they not murdered
+him, was to have cut off his head.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124" /><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 256]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" id="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" /><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256" />THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h4><a name="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" id="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" />THE DELUDING OF GYLFI.</h4>
+<h4>GEFJON'S PLOUGHING.<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125" /><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></h4>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> King Gylfi ruled over the land which is now called Svithiod
+(Sweden). It is related of him that he once gave a wayfaring woman, as
+a recompense for her having diverted him, as much land in his realm as
+she could plough with four oxen in a day and a night. This woman was,
+however, of the race of the &AElig;sir, and was called Gefjon. She took four
+oxen from the north, out of Jotunheim (but they were the sons she had
+had with a giant), and set them before a plough. Now the plough made
+such deep furrows that it tore up the land, which the oxen drew
+westward out to sea until they came to a sound. There Gefjon fixed the
+land, and called it S&aelig;lund. And the place where the land had stood
+became water, and formed a lake which is now called &quot;The Water&quot;
+(Laugur), and the inlets of this lake correspond exactly with the
+headlands of Sealund. As Skald Bragi the Old saith:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 257]<a name="Page_257" id="Page_257" /></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Gefjon drew from Gylfi,<br /></span>
+<span>Rich in stored up treasure,<br /></span>
+<span>The land she joined to Denmark.<br /></span>
+<span>Four heads and eight eyes bearing,<br /></span>
+<span>While hot sweat trickled down them,<br /></span>
+<span>The oxen dragged the reft mass<br /></span>
+<span>That formed this winsome island.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />GYLFI'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>2.</b> King Gylfi was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He
+beheld with astonishment that whatever the &AElig;sir willed took place; and
+was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of
+their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty
+gods whom they worshipped. To be satisfied in this particular, he
+resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an
+old man, set out on his journey. But the &AElig;sir, being too well skilled
+in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with
+various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty
+mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered
+with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being
+roofed with shields.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Warriors all care-worn,<br /></span>
+<span>(Stones had poured upon them),<br /></span>
+<span>On their backs let glisten<br /></span>
+<span>Valhalla's golden shingles.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by
+tossing seven small-swords in the air, and catching them as they fell,
+one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said
+that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and
+begged for a night's lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this
+mansion belonged. The other told him that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 258]</span><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258" />it belonged to their king,
+and added, &quot;But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask
+him his name.&quot; So saying he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed
+the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded
+with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with
+various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of
+which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse
+(from the Havamal, st. i.):&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Scan every gate<br /></span>
+<span>Ere thou go on,<br /></span>
+<span>With greatest caution;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>For hard to say 'tis<br /></span>
+<span>Where foes are sitting<br /></span>
+<span>In this fair mansion.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He afterwards beheld three thrones raised one above another, with a
+man sitting on each of them. Upon his asking what the names of these
+lords might be, his guide answered: &quot;He who sitteth on the lowest
+throne is a king; his name is Har (the High or Lofty One); the second
+is Jafnhar (<i>i.e</i>. equal to the High); but he who sitteth on the
+highest throne is called Thridi (the Third).&quot; Har, perceiving the
+stranger, asked him what his errand was, adding that he should be
+welcome to eat and drink without cost, as were all those who remained
+in Hava Hall. Gangler said he desired first to ascertain whether there
+was any person present renowned for his wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If thou art not the most knowing,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I fear thou wilt
+hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy
+questions, here sits one who will be able to answer them.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 259]</span><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" id="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" />OF THE SUPREME DEITY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Gangler thus began his discourse:&mdash;&quot;'Who is the first, or eldest
+of the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In our language,&quot; replied Har, &quot;he is called Alfadir (All-Father, or
+the Father of all); but in the old Asgard he had twelve names.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is this God?&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what is his power? and what hath
+he done to display his glory?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He liveth,&quot; replied Har, &quot;from all ages, he governeth all realms and
+swayeth all things great and small.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He hath formed,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;heaven and earth, and the air, and
+all things thereunto belonging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what is more,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;he hath made man, and given him
+a soul which shall live and never perish though the body shall have
+mouldered away, or have been burnt to ashes. And all that are
+righteous shall dwell with him in the place called Gimli, or Vingolf;
+but the wicked shall go to Hel, and thence to Niflhel, which is below,
+in the ninth world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And where did this god remain before he made heaven and earth?&quot;
+demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was then,&quot; replied Har, &quot;with the Hrimthursar.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126" /><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />OF THE PRIMORDIAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;But with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of
+things?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear,&quot; replied Har, &quot;what is said in the Voluspa.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 260]</span><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260" />
+<span>&quot;'Twas time's first dawn,<br /></span>
+<span>When nought yet was,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor sand nor sea,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor cooling wave;<br /></span>
+<span>Earth was not there,<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Nor heaven above.<br /></span>
+<span>Nought save a void<br /></span>
+<span>And yawning gulf.<br /></span>
+<span>But verdure none.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Many ages before the earth was made,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;was Niflheim
+formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from
+which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the
+abode of death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, first of all,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;there was in the southern
+region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous
+and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127" /><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a>
+He who sitteth on its borders (or the land's-end) to guard it is named
+Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of
+the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the
+gods, and consume the universe with fire.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" />ORIGIN OF THE HRIMTHURSAR, OR FROST-GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what was the state of things ere the
+races mingled, and nations came into being.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the rivers that are called Elivagar had flowed far from their
+sources,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the venom which they rolled along hardened, as
+does dross that runs from a furnace, and became ice. When the rivers
+flowed no longer, and the ice stood still, the vapour arising from the
+venom gathered over it, and froze to rime, and in this <span class="pagenum">[Pg 261]</span><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261" />manner were
+formed, in Ginnungagap, many layers of congealed vapour, piled one
+over the other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That part of Ginnungagap,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;that lies towards the
+north was thus filled with heavy masses of gelid vapour and ice,
+whilst everywhere within were whirlwinds and fleeting mists. But the
+southern part of Ginnungagap was lighted by the sparks and flakes that
+flew into it from Muspellheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thus,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;whilst freezing cold and gathering gloom
+proceeded from Niflheim, that part of Ginnungagap looking towards
+Muspellheim was filled with glowing radiancy, the intervening space
+remaining calm and light as wind-still air. And when the heated blast
+met the gelid vapour it melted it into drops, and, by the might of him
+who sent the heat, these drops quickened into life, and took a human
+semblance. The being thus formed was named Ymir, but the Frost-giants
+call him Orgelmir. From him descend the race of the Frost-giants
+(Hrimthursar), as it is said in the Voluspa, 'From Vidolf come all
+witches; from Vilmeith all wizards; from Svarthofdi all
+poison-seethers; and all giants from Ymir.' And the giant Vafthr&ucirc;dnir,
+when Gangrad asked, 'Whence came Orgelmir the first of the sons of
+giants?' answered, 'The Elivagar cast out drops of venom that
+quickened into a giant. From him spring all our race, and hence are we
+so strong and mighty.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did the race of Ymir spread itself?&quot; asked Gangler; &quot;or dost thou
+believe that this giant was a god?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are far from believing him to have been a god,&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 262]</span><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262" />replied Har, &quot;for
+he was wicked as are all of his race, whom we call Frost-giants. And
+it is said that, when Ymir slept, he fell into a sweat, and from the
+pit of his left arm was born a man and a woman, and one of his feet
+engendered with the other a son, from whom descend the Frost-giants,
+and we therefore call Ymir the old Frost-giant.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" id="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" />OF THE COW AUDHUMLA, AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Where dwelt Ymir, and on what did he live?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Immediately after the gelid vapours had been resolved into drops,&quot;
+replied Kar, &quot;there was formed out of them the cow named Audhumla.
+Four streams of milk ran from her teats, and thus fed she Ymir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But on what did the cow feed?&quot; questioned Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The cow,&quot; answered Har, &quot;supported herself by licking the stones that
+were covered with salt and hoar frost. The first day that she licked
+these stones there sprang from them, towards evening, the hairs of a
+man, the second day a head, and on the third an entire man, who was
+endowed with beauty, agility and power. He was called Bur, and was the
+father of Bor, who took for his wife Besla, the daughter of the giant
+Bolthorn. And they had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve; and it is our
+belief that this Odin, with his brothers, ruleth both heaven and
+earth, and that Odin is his true name, and that he is the most mighty
+of all the gods.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 263]</span><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" id="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" />HOW THE SONS OF BOR SLEW YMIR AND FROM HIS BODY MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.</h4>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Was there,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;any kind of equality or any degree
+of good understanding between these two races?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Far from it,&quot; replied Har; &quot;for the sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir,
+and when he fell there ran so much blood from his wounds, that the
+whole race of Frost-giants was drowned in it, except a single giant,
+who saved himself with his household. He is called by the giants
+Bergelmir. He escaped by going on board his bark, and with him went
+his wife, and from them are descended the Frost-giants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;And what became of the sons of Bor, whom ye look upon as gods?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To relate this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is no trivial matter. They dragged the
+body of Ymir into the middle of Ginnungagap, and of it formed the
+earth. From Ymir's blood they made the seas and waters; from his flesh
+the land; from his bones the mountains; and his teeth and jaws,
+together with some bits of broken bones, served them to make the
+stones and pebbles.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With the blood that ran from his wounds,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;they made
+the vast ocean, in the midst of which they fixed the earth, the ocean
+encircling it as a ring, and hardy will he be who attempts to pass
+those waters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From his skull,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;they formed the heavens, which
+they placed over the earth, and set a dwarf at the corner of each of
+the four quarters. These dwarfs are called East, West, North, and
+South. They after<span class="pagenum">[Pg 264]</span><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264" />wards took the wandering sparks and red hot flakes
+that had been cast out of Muspellheim, and placed them in the heavens,
+both above and below, to give light unto the world, and assigned to
+every other errant coruscation a prescribed locality and motion. Hence
+it is recorded in ancient lore that from this time were marked out the
+days, and nights, and seasons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Such are the events that took place ere the earth obtained the form
+it now beareth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Truly great were the deeds ye tell me of!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;and
+wondrous in all its parts is the work thereby accomplished. But how is
+the earth fashioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is round without,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and encircled by the deep ocean,
+the outward shores of which were assigned for a dwelling to the race
+of giants. But within, round about the earth, they (the sons of Bor)
+raised a bulwark against turbulent giants, employing for this
+structure Ymir's eyebrows. To this bulwark they gave the name of
+Midgard<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128" /><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> They afterwards tossed Ymir's brains into the air, and
+they became the clouds, for thus we find it recorded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of Ymir's flesh was formed the earth; of his sweat (blood), the seas;
+of his bones, the mountains; of his hair the trees; of his skull, the
+heavens; but with his eyebrows the blithe gods built Midgard for the
+sons of men, whilst from his brains the lowering clouds were
+fashioned.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 265]</span><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265" /></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" id="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" />OF THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MAN AND WOMAN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;To make heaven and earth, to fix the sun and the moon in the
+firmament, and mark out the days and seasons, were, indeed, important
+labours,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;but whence came the men who at present dwell
+in the world?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One day.&quot; replied Har, &quot;as the sons of Bor were walking along the
+sea-beach they found two stems of wood, out of which they shaped a man
+and a woman. The first (Odin) infused into them life and spirit; the
+second (Vili) endowed them with reason and the power of motion; the
+third (Ve) gave them speech and features, hearing and vision. The man
+they called Ask, and the woman, Embla. From these two descend the
+whole human race whose assigned dwelling was within Midgard. Then the
+sons of Bor built in the middle of the universe the city called
+Asgard, where dwell the gods and their kindred, and from that abode
+work out so many wondrous things, both on the earth and in the heavens
+above it. There is in that city a place called Hlidskjalf, and when
+Odin is seated there on his lofty throne he sees over the whole world,
+discerns all the actions of men, and comprehends whatever he
+contemplates. His wife is Frigga, the daughter of Fjorgyn, and they
+and their offspring form the race that we call &AElig;sir, a race that
+dwells in Asgard the old, and the regions around it, and that we know
+to be entirely divine. Wherefore Odin may justly be called All-father,
+for he is verily the father of all, of gods as well as of men, and to
+his power all things owe their existence. Earth is his daughter and
+his wife, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 266]</span><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266" />with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is
+endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything
+that hath life.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" id="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" />OF NIGHT AND DAY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;A giant called Njorvi,&quot; continued Har, &quot;who dwelt in Jotunheim,
+had a daughter called Night (Nott) who, like all her race, was of a
+dark and swarthy complexion. She was first wedded to a man called
+Naglfari, and had by him a son named Aud, and afterwards to another
+man called Annar, by whom she had a daughter called Earth (Jord). She
+then espoused Delling, of the &AElig;sir race, and their son was Day, (Dagr)
+a child light and beauteous like his father. Then took All-father,
+Night, and Day, her son, and gave them two horses and two cars, and
+set them up in the heavens that they might drive successively one
+after the other, each in twelve hours' time, round the world. Night
+rides first on her horse called Hrimfaxi, that every morn, as he ends
+his course, bedews the earth with the foam that falls from his bit.
+The horse made use of by Day is named Skinfaxi, from whose mane is
+shed light over the earth and the heavens.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE SUN AND MOON.</h4>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;How doth All-father regulate the course of the sun and moon?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was formerly a man,&quot; replied Har, &quot;named Mundilfari, who had
+two children so lovely and graceful that he called the male, Mani
+(moon), and the female, Sol (sun), who espoused the man named Glenur.
+But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 267]</span><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267" />the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his
+children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses
+that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to
+the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses
+are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed
+two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to
+some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called
+<i>isarnkul</i>.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129" /><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and
+regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from
+the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning
+from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called
+Saegr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children,
+who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from
+the earth.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON</h4>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;But the sun,&quot; said Gangler, speeds at such a rate as if she
+feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And well she may,&quot; replied Har, &quot;for he that seeks her is not far
+behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But who is he,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;that causes her this anxiety?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are two wolves,&quot; answered Har; &quot;the one called Skoll pursues
+the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake
+and devour her; the other, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 268]</span><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268" />called Hati, the son of Hrodvitnir, runs
+before her, and as eagerly pursues the moon that will one day be
+caught by him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whence come these wolves?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A hag,&quot; replied Har, &quot;dwells in a wood, to the eastward of Midgard,
+called Jarnvid, (the Iron Wood,) which is the abode of a race of
+witches called Jarnvidjur. This old hag is the mother of many gigantic
+sons, who are all of them shaped like wolves, two of whom are the
+wolves thou askest about. There is one of that race, who is said to be
+the most formidable of all, called Managarm: he will be filled with
+the life-blood of men who draw near their end, and will swallow up the
+moon, and stain the heavens and the earth with blood. Then shall the
+sun grow dim, and the winds howl tumultuously to and fro.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" id="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" />OF THE WAY THAT LEADS TO HEAVEN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;I must now ask,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which is the path leading from
+earth to heaven?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a senseless question,&quot; replied Har, with a smile of derision.
+&quot;Hast thou not been told that the gods made a bridge from earth to
+heaven, and called it Bifrost? Thou must surely have seen it; but,
+perhaps, thou callest it the rainbow. It is of three hues, and is
+constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it
+be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell, after having
+traversed great rivers, shall ride over it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the gods could not have <span class="pagenum">[Pg 269]</span><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269" />been in earnest to
+erect a bridge so liable to be broken down, since it is in their power
+to make whatever they please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;are not to be blamed on that account;
+Bifrost is of itself a very good bridge, but there is nothing in
+nature that can hope to make resistance when the sons of Muspell sally
+forth to the great combat.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" id="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" />THE GOLDEN AGE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;What did All-father do after Asgard was made?&quot; demanded
+Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the beginning,&quot; answered Har, &quot;he appointed rulers, and bade them
+judge with him the fate of men, and regulate the government of the
+celestial city. They met for this purpose in a place called Idavoll,
+which is in the centre of the divine abode. Their first work was to
+erect a court or hall wherein are twelve seats for themselves, besides
+the throne which is occupied by All-father. This hall is the largest
+and most magnificent in the universe, being resplendent on all sides,
+both within and without, with the finest gold. Its name is Gladsheim.
+They also erected another hall for the sanctuary of the goddesses. It
+is a very fair structure, and called by men Vingolf. Lastly they built
+a smithy, and furnished it with hammers, tongs, and anvils, and with
+these made all the other requisite instruments, with which they worked
+in metal, stone and wood, and composed so large a quantity of the
+metal called gold that they made all their moveables of it. Hence that
+age was named the Golden Age. This was the age that lasted until the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 270]</span><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270" />arrival of the women out of Jotunheim, who corrupted it.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" />ORIGIN OF THE DWARFS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Then the gods, seating themselves upon their thrones,
+distributed justice, and bethought them how the dwarfs had been bred
+in the mould of the earth, just as worms are in a dead body. It was,
+in fact, in Ymir's flesh that the dwarfs were engendered, and began to
+move and live. At first they were only maggots, but by the will of the
+gods they at length partook both of human shape and understanding,
+although they always dwell in rocks and caverns.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Modsognir and Durin are the principal ones. As it is said in the
+Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Then went the rulers there,<br /></span>
+<span>All gods most holy,<br /></span>
+<span>To their seats aloft,<br /></span>
+<span>And counsel together took,<br /></span>
+<span>Who should of dwarfs<br /></span>
+<span>The race then fashion,<br /></span>
+<span>From the livid bones<br /></span>
+<span>And blood of the giant.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Modsognir, chief<br /></span>
+<span>Of the dwarfish race,<br /></span>
+<span>And Durin too<br /></span>
+<span>Were then created.<br /></span>
+<span>And like to men<br /></span>
+<span>Dwarfs in the earth<br /></span>
+<span>Were formed in numbers<br /></span>
+<span>As Durin ordered.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" id="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" />OF THE ASH YGGDRASILL, MIMIR'S WELL., AND THE NORNS OR DESTINIES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Where,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;is the chief or holiest seat of
+the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is under the ash Yggdrasill,&quot; replied Har, &quot;where the gods
+assemble every day in council.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is there remarkable in regard to that place?&quot; said Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 271]</span><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271" />That ash,&quot; answered Jafnhar, &quot;is the greatest and best of all trees.
+Its branches spread over the whole world, and even reach above heaven.
+It has three roots very wide asunder. One of them extends to the &AElig;sir,
+another to the Frost-giants in that very place where was formerly
+Ginnungagap, and the third stands over Nifelheim, and under this root,
+which is constantly gnawed by Nidhogg, is Hvergelmir. But under the
+root that stretches out towards the Frost-giants there is Mimir's
+well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden. The owner of this well is
+called Mimir. He is full of wisdom, because he drinks the waters of
+the well from the horn Gjoll every morning. One day All-father came
+and begged a draught of this water, which he obtained, but was obliged
+to leave one of his eyes as a pledge for it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The third root of the ash is in heaven, and under it is the holy
+Urdar-fount. 'Tis here that the gods sit in judgment. Every day they
+ride up hither on horseback over Bifrost, which is called the &AElig;sir
+Bridge. These are the names of the horses of the &AElig;sir. Sleipnir is the
+best of them; he has eight legs, and belongs to Odin. The others are
+Gladr, Gyllir, Gl&aelig;r, Skeidbrimir, Silfrintoppr, Synir, Gils,
+Falhofnir, Gulltoppr, and Lettfeti. Baldur's horse was burnt with his
+master's body. As for Thor, he goes on foot, and is obliged every day
+to wade the rivers called Kormt and OErmt, and two others called
+Kerlaung.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Through these shall Thor wade every day, as he fares to the doomstead
+under Yggdrasill's ash, else the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 272]</span><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272" />&AElig;sir Bridge would be in flames, and
+boiling hot would become the holy waters.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130" /><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> &quot;But tell me,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;does fire burn over Bifrost?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That,&quot; replied Har, &quot;which thou seest red in the bow, is burning
+fire; for the Frost-giants and the Mountain-giants would go up to
+heaven by that bridge if it were easy for every one to walk over it.
+There are in heaven many goodly homesteads, and none without a
+celestial ward. Near the fountain, which is under the ash, stands a
+very beauteous dwelling, out of which go three maidens, named Urd,
+Verdandi, and Skuld.<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131" /><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> These maidens fix the lifetime of all men,
+and are called Norns. But there are, indeed, many other Norns, for,
+when a man is born, there is a Norn to determine his fate. Some are
+known to be of heavenly origin, but others belong to the races of the
+elves and dwarfs; as it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks the Norns were born far asunder, for they are not of the
+same race. Some belong to the &AElig;sir, some to the Elves, and some are
+Dvalin's daughters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But if these Norns dispense the destinies of men,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;they are, methinks, very unequal in their distribution; for some men
+are fortunate and wealthy, others acquire neither riches nor honours,
+some live to a good old age, while others are cut off in their prime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Norns,&quot; replied Har, &quot;who are of a good origin, are good
+themselves, and dispense good destinies. But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 273]</span><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273" />those men to whom
+misfortunes happen ought to ascribe them to the evil Norns.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;What more wonders hast thou to tell me,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;concerning the ash?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What I have further to say respecting it,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is, that
+there is an eagle perched upon its branches who knows many things:
+between his eyes sits the hawk called Vedurfolnir. The squirrel named
+Ratatosk runs up and down the ash, and seeks to cause strife between
+the eagle and Nidhogg. Four harts run across the branches of the tree,
+and bite the buds. They are called Dainn, Divalinn, Duneyr, and
+Durathror. But there are so many snakes with Nidhogg in Hvergelmir
+that no tongue can recount them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is also said that the Norns who dwell by the Urdar-fount draw
+every day water from the spring, and with it and the clay that lies
+around the fount sprinkle the ash, in order that its branches may not
+rot and wither away. This water is so holy that everything placed in
+the spring becomes as white as the film, within an eggshell. As it is
+said in the Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'An Ash know I standing,<br /></span>
+<span>Named Yggdrasill,<br /></span>
+<span>A stately tree sprinkled<br /></span>
+<span>With water the purest;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Thence come the dewdrops<br /></span>
+<span>That fall in the dales;<br /></span>
+<span>Ever blooming, it stands<br /></span>
+<span>O'er the Urdar-fountain.&quot;'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;The dew that falls thence on the earth men call honey-dew, and it is
+the food of the bees. Two fowls are fed in the Urdar-fount; they are
+called swans, and from them are descended all the birds of this
+species.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 274]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" id="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" /><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274" />OF THE VARIOUS CELESTIAL REGIONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Thou tellest me many wonderful things of heaven,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;but what other homesteads are to be seen there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many other fair homesteads there,&quot; replied Har; &quot;one of
+them is named Elf-home (Alfheim), wherein dwell the beings called the
+Elves of Light; but the Elves of Darkness live under the earth, and
+differ from the others still more in their actions than in their
+appearance. The Elves of Light are fairer than the sun, but the Elves
+of Darkness blacker than pitch. There is also a mansion called
+Breidablik, which is not inferior to any other in beauty; and another
+named Glitnir, the wall, columns and beams of which are of ruddy gold,
+and the roof of silver. There is also the stead called Himinbjorg,
+that stands on the borders where Bifrost touches heaven, and the
+stately mansion belonging to Odin, called Valaskjalf, which was built
+by the gods, and roofed with pure silver, and in which is the throne
+called Hlidskjalf. When All-father is seated on this throne, he can
+see over the whole world. On the southern edge of heaven is the most
+beautiful homestead of all, brighter than the sun itself. It is called
+Gimli, and shall stand when both heaven and earth have passed away,
+and good and righteous men shall dwell therein for everlasting ages.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what will preserve this abode when Surtur's fire consumes heaven
+and earth?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are told,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that towards the south <span class="pagenum">[Pg 275]</span><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275" />there is another
+heaven above this called Andlang, and again above this a third heaven
+called Vidblain. In this last, we think Gimli must be seated, but we
+deem that the Elves of Light abide in it now.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" id="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" />OF THE WIND AND THE SEASONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;whence comes the wind, which is so
+strong that it moves the ocean and fans fire to flame, yet, strong
+though it be, no mortal eye can discern it? wonderfully, therefore,
+must it be shapen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell thee all about it,&quot; answered Har; &quot;thou must know that at
+the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hr&aelig;svelgur,
+clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
+the winds arise from under them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Tell me further,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;why the summer should be hot,
+and the winter cold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
+answer,&quot; replied Har; &quot;but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
+heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
+question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
+ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
+Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
+from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
+and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
+icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 276]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_ODIN" id="OF_ODIN" /><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276" />OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;I must now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;who are the gods that men
+are bound to believe in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are twelve gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;to whom divine honours ought to
+be rendered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor are the goddesses,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;less divine and mighty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first and eldest of the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;is Odin. He
+governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
+all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his
+wife. She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to
+come. For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, 'Senseless
+Loki, why wilt thou pry into futurity, Frigga alone knoweth the
+destinies of all, though she telleth them never?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
+the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
+his sons all of those who fall in combat. For their abode he has
+prepared Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes
+or Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud,
+and, besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
+Geirraudr,&quot; forty-nine names in all.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A great many names, indeed!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;surely that man must
+be very wise who knows them all distinctly, and can tell on what
+occasions they were given.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 277]</span><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;It requires, no doubt,&quot; replied Har, &quot;a good memory to recollect
+readily all these names, but I will tell thee in a few words what
+principally contributed to confer them upon him. It was the great
+variety of languages; for the various nations were obliged to
+translate his name into their respective tongues, in order that they
+might supplicate and worship him. Some of his names, however, have
+been owing to adventures that happened to him on his journeys, and
+which are related in old stories. Nor canst thou ever pass for a wise
+man if thou are not able to give an account of these wonderful
+adventures.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THOR" id="OF_THOR" />OF THOR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;I now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what are the names of the other
+gods. What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The mightiest of them.&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
+and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is
+named Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred
+and forty halls. It is the largest house ever built.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
+From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
+(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
+The first is a mallet called Mjolnir, which both the Frost and
+Mountain Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against
+them in the air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their
+fathers and kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the
+belt of strength or <span class="pagenum">[Pg 278]</span><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278" />prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about
+him his divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very
+precious, being his iron gauntlets, which he is obliged to put on
+whenever he would lay hold of the handle of his mallet. There is no
+one so wise as to be able to relate all Thor's marvellous exploits,
+yet I could tell thee so many myself that hours would be whiled away
+ere all that I know had been recounted.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_BALDUR" id="OF_BALDUR" />OF BALDUR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;I would rather,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;hear something about the other
+&AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The second son of Odin,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Baldur, and it may be truly
+said of him that he is the best, and that all mankind are loud in his
+praise. So fair and dazzling is he in form and features, that rays of
+light seem to issue from him; and thou mayst have some idea of the
+beauty of his hair, when I tell thee that the whitest of all plants is
+called Baldur's brow. Baldur is the mildest, the wisest, and the most
+eloquent of all the &AElig;sir, yet such is his nature that the judgment he
+has pronounced can never be altered. He dwells in the heavenly mansion
+called Breidablik, in which nothing unclean can enter.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NJORD" id="OF_NJORD" />OF NJORD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;The third god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;is Njord, who dwells in the
+heavenly region called Noatun. He rules over the winds, and checks the
+fury of the sea and of fire, and is therefore invoked by sea-farers
+and fisher<span class="pagenum">[Pg 279]</span><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279" />men. He is so wealthy that he can give possessions and
+treasures to those who call on him for them. Yet Njord is not of the
+lineage of the &AElig;sir, for he was born and bred in Vanaheim. But the
+Vanir gave him as hostage to the &AElig;sir, receiving from them in his
+stead Hoenir. By this means was peace re-established between the &AElig;sir
+and Vanir. Njord took to wife Skadi, the daughter of the giant
+Thjassi. She preferred dwelling in the abode formerly belonging to her
+father, which is situated among rocky mountains, in the region called
+Thrymheim, but Njord loved to reside near the sea. They at last agreed
+that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then
+three in Noatun. One day, when Njord came back from the mountains to
+Noatun, he thus sang&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Of mountains I'm weary,<br /></span>
+<span>Not long was I there,<br /></span>
+<span>Not more than nine nights;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>But the howl of the wolf<br /></span>
+<span>Methought sounded ill<br /></span>
+<span>To the song of the swan-bird.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;To which Skadi sang in reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Ne'er can I sleep<br /></span>
+<span>In my couch on the strand,<br /></span>
+<span>For the screams of the sea-fowl,<br /></span>
+<span>The mew as he comes<br /></span>
+<span>Every morn from the main<br /></span>
+<span>Is sure to awake me.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Skadi then returned to the rocky mountains, and abode in Thrymheim.
+There, fastening on her snow-skates and taking her bow, she passes her
+time in the chase of savage beasts, and is called the Ondur goddess,
+or Ondurdis. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 280]</span><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280" />
+<span>&quot;'Thrymheim's the land<br /></span>
+<span>Where Thjassi abode<br /></span>
+<span>That mightiest of giants.<br /></span>
+<span>But snow-skating Skadi<br /></span>
+<span>Now dwells there, I trow,<br /></span>
+<span>In her father's old mansion.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" id="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" />OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,
+a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous
+and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He
+presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and
+should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for
+peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most
+propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.
+To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one
+half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Folkvang 'tis called<br /></span>
+<span>Where Freyja hath right<br /></span>
+<span>To dispose of the hall seats<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Every day of the slain,<br /></span>
+<span>She chooseth the half,<br /></span>
+<span>And half leaves to Odin.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she
+sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable
+ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that
+women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is
+very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke
+her.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 281]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_TYR" id="OF_TYR" /><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281" />OF TYR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;All the gods appear to me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;to have great power,
+and I am not at all surprised that ye are able to perform so many
+great achievements, since ye are so well acquainted with the
+attributes and functions of each god, and know what is befitting to
+ask from each, in order to succeed. But are there any more of them
+besides those you have already mentioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; answered Har, &quot;there is Tyr, who is the most daring and intrepid
+of all the gods. 'Tis he who dispenses valour in war, hence warriors
+do well to invoke him. It has become proverbial to say of a man who
+surpasses all others in valour that he is <i>Tyr-strong</i>, or valiant as
+Tyr. A man noted for his wisdom is also said to be 'wise as Tyr.' Let
+me give thee a proof of his intrepidity. When the &AElig;sir were trying to
+persuade the wolf, Fenrir, to let himself be bound up with the chain,
+Gleipnir, he, fearing that they would never afterwards unloose him,
+only consented on the condition that while they were chaining him he
+should keep Tyr's right hand between his jaws. Tyr did not hesitate to
+put his hand in the monster's mouth, but when Fenrir perceived that
+the &AElig;sir had no intention to unchain him, he bit the hand off at that
+point, which has ever since been called the wolf's joint. From that
+time Tyr has had but one hand. He is not regarded as a peacemaker
+among men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" id="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" />OF THE OTHER GODS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;There is another god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Bragi, who is
+celebrated for his wisdom, and more <span class="pagenum">[Pg 282]</span><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282" />especially for his eloquence and
+correct forms of speech. He is not only eminently skilled in poetry,
+but the art itself is called from his name <i>Bragr</i>, which epithet is
+also applied to denote a distinguished poet or poetess. His wife is
+named Iduna. She keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they
+feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.
+It is in this manner that they will be kept in renovated youth until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;the gods have committed a great
+treasure to the guardianship and good faith of Iduna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And hence it happened,&quot; replied Har, smiling, &quot;that they once ran the
+greatest risk imaginable, as I shall have occasion to tell thee when
+thou hast heard the names of the other deities.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;One of them is Heimdall, called also the White God. He is the
+son of nine virgins, who were sisters, and is a very sacred and
+powerful deity. He also bears the appellation of the Gold-toothed, on
+account of his teeth being of pure gold, and also that of
+Hallinskithi. His horse is called Gulltopp, and he dwells in
+Himinbjorg at the end of Bifrost. He is the warder of the gods, and is
+therefore placed on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from
+forcing their way over the bridge. He requires less sleep than a bird,
+and sees by night, as well as by day, a hundred miles around him. So
+acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the
+grass growing on the earth, and the wool on a sheep's back. He has a
+horn called the Gjallar-horn, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 283]</span><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283" />which is heard throughout the universe.
+His sword is called Hofud (Head).</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HODUR_THE_BLING_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" id="HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" />HODUR THE BLIND, ASSASSIN OF BALDUR</h4>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Among the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Har, &quot;we also reckon Hodur, who is
+blind, but extremely strong. Both gods and men would be very glad if
+they never had occasion to pronounce his name, for they will long have
+cause to remember the deed perpetrated by his hand.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132" /><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Another god is Vidar, surnamed the Silent, who wears very thick
+shoes. He is almost as strong as Thor himself, and the gods place
+great reliance on him in all critical conjunctures.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Vali, another god, is the son of Odin and Rinda, he is bold in
+war, and an excellent archer.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Another is called Ullur, who is the son of Sif, and stepson of
+Thor. He is so well skilled in the use of the bow, and can go so fast
+on his snow-skates, that in these arts no one can contend with him. He
+is also very handsome in his person, and possesses every quality of a
+warrior, wherefore it is befitting to invoke him in single combats.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;The name of another god is Forseti, who is the son of Baldur
+and Nanna, the daughter of Nef. He possesses the heavenly mansion
+called Glitnir, and all disputants at law who bring their cases before
+him go away perfectly reconciled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His tribunal is the best that is to be found among gods or men.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 284]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" id="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" /><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284" />OF LOKI AND HIS PROGENY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;There is another deity,&quot; continued Har, &quot;reckoned in the number
+of the &AElig;sir, whom some call the calumniator of the gods, the contriver
+of all fraud and mischief, and the disgrace of gods and men. His name
+is Loki or Loptur. He is the son of the giant Farbauti. His mother is
+Laufey or Nal; his brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki is
+handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood, and most evil
+disposition. He surpasses all beings in those arts called Cunning and
+Perfidy. Many a time has he exposed the gods to very great perils, and
+often extricated them again by his artifices. His wife is called
+Siguna, and their son Nari.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Loki,&quot; continued Har, &quot;has likewise had three children by
+Angurbodi, a giantess of Jotunheim. The first is the wolf Fenrir; the
+second Jormungand, the Midgard serpent; the third Hela (Death). The
+gods were not long ignorant that these monsters continued to be bred
+up in Jotunheim, and, having had recourse to divination, became aware
+of all the evils they would have to suffer from them; their being
+sprung from such a mother was a bad presage, and from such a sire was
+still worse. All-father therefore deemed it advisable to send one of
+the gods to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent
+into that deep ocean by which the earth is engirdled. But the monster
+has grown to such an enormous size that, holding his tail in his
+mouth, he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifelheim, and
+gave her power over nine worlds (regions), into which she <span class="pagenum">[Pg 285]</span><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285" />distributes
+those who are sent to her, that is to say, all who die through
+sickness or old age. Here she possesses a habitation protected by
+exceedingly high walls and strongly barred gates. Her hall is called
+Elvidnir; Hunger is her table; Starvation, her knife; Delay, her man;
+Slowness, her maid; Precipice, her threshold; Care, her bed; and
+Burning Anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. The one half of
+her body is livid, the other half the colour of human flesh. She may
+therefore easily be recognized; the more so, as she has a dreadfully
+stern and grim countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir was bred up among the gods; but Tyr alone had the
+daring to go and feed him. Nevertheless, when the gods perceived that
+he every day increased prodigiously in size, and that the oracles
+warned them that he would one day become fatal to them, they
+determined to make a very strong iron fetter for him, which they
+called L&aelig;ding. Taking this fetter to the wolf, they bade him try his
+strength on it. Fenrir, perceiving that the enterprise would not be
+very difficult for him, let them do what they pleased, and then, by
+great muscular exertion, burst the chain and set himself at liberty.
+The gods, having seen this, made another fetter, half as strong again
+as the former, which they called Dromi, and prevailed on the wolf to
+put it on, assuring him that, by breaking this, he would give an
+undeniable proof of his vigour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf saw well enough that it would not be so easy to break this
+fetter, but finding at the same time that his strength had increased
+since he broke L&aelig;ding, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 286]</span><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286" />thinking that he could never become famous
+without running some risk, voluntarily submitted to be chained. When
+the gods told him that they had finished their task, Fenrir shook
+himself violently, stretched his limbs, rolled on the ground, and at
+last burst his chains, which flew in pieces all around him. He then
+freed himself from Dromi, which gave rise to the proverb, 'to get
+loose out of L&aelig;ding, or to dash out of Dromi,' when anything is to be
+accomplished by strong efforts.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" id="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" />BINDING THE WOLF FENIR</h4>
+
+<p>&quot;After this, the gods despaired of ever being able to bind the wolf;
+wherefore All-father sent Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, into the
+country of the Dark Elves (Svartalfaheim) to engage certain dwarfs to
+make the fetter called Gleipnir. It was fashioned out of six things;
+to wit, the noise made by the footfall of a cat; the beards of women;
+the roots of stones; the sinews of bears; the breath of fish; and the
+spittle of birds. Though thou mayest not have heard of these things
+before, thou mayest easily convince thyself that we have not been
+telling thee lies. Thou must have seen that women have no beards, that
+cats make no noise when they run, and that there are no roots under
+stones. Now I know what has been told thee to be equally true,
+although there may be some things thou art not able to furnish a proof
+of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe what thou hast told me to be true,&quot; replied Gangler, &quot;for
+what thou hast adduced in corroboration of thy statement is
+conceivable. But how was the fetter smithied?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This can I tell thee,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that the fetter was as smooth
+and soft as a silken string, and yet, as <span class="pagenum">[Pg 287]</span><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287" />thou wilt presently hear, of
+very great strength. When it was brought to the gods, they were
+profuse in their thanks to the messenger for the trouble he had given
+himself; and taking the wolf with them to the island called Lyngvi, in
+the Lake Amsvartnir, they showed him the cord, and expressed their
+wish that he would try to break it, assuring him at the same time that
+it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would warrant a person in
+supposing it to be. They took it themselves, one after another, in
+their hands, and after attempting in vain to break it, said, 'Thou
+alone, Fenrir, art able to accomplish such a feat.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks,' replied the wolf, 'that I shall acquire no fame in
+breaking such a slender cord; but if any artifice has been employed in
+making it, slender though it seems, it shall never come on my feet.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods assured him that he would easily break a limber silken cord,
+since he had already burst asunder iron fetters of the most solid
+construction. 'But if thou shouldst not succeed in breaking it,' they
+added, 'thou wilt show that thou art too weak to cause the gods any
+fear, and we will not hesitate to set thee at liberty without delay.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I fear me much,' replied he wolf, 'that if ye once bind me so fast
+that I shall be unable to free myself by my own efforts, ye will be in
+no haste to unloose me. Loath am I, therefore, to have this cord wound
+round me; but in order that ye may not doubt my courage, I will
+consent, provided one of you put his hand into my mouth as a pledge
+that ye intend me no deceit.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 288]</span><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288" />The gods wistfully looked at each other, and found that they had
+only the choice of two evils, until Tyr stepped forward and intrepidly
+put his right hand between the monster's jaws. Hereupon the gods,
+having tied up the wolf, he forcibly stretched himself as he had
+formerly done, and used all his might to disengage himself, but the
+more efforts he made the tighter became the cord, until all the gods,
+except Tyr, who lost his hand, burst into laughter at the sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the gods saw that the wolf was effectually bound, they took the
+chain called Gelgja, which was fixed to the fetter, and drew it
+through the middle of a large rock named Gjoll, which they sank very
+deep into the earth; afterwards, to make it still more secure, they
+fastened the end of the cord to a massive stone called Thviti, which
+they sank still deeper. The wolf made in vain the most violent efforts
+to break loose, and opening his tremendous jaws endeavoured to bite
+them. The gods seeing this, thrust a sword into his mouth, which
+pierced his under-jaw to the hilt, so that the point touched the
+palate. He then began to howl horribly, and since that time the foam
+flows continually from his mouth in such abundance that it forms the
+river called Von. There will he remain until Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;an evil progeny is that of Loki, yet most
+mighty and powerful; but since the gods have so much to fear from the
+wolf, why did they not slay him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods have so much respect for the sanctity of their
+peace-steads,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that they would not <span class="pagenum">[Pg 289]</span><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289" />stain them with the
+blood of the wolf, although prophecy had intimated to them that he
+must one day become the bane of Odin.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GODDESSES" id="OF_THE_GODDESSES" />OF THE GODDESSES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Tell me now,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which are the goddesses?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Frigga, who has a magnificent mansion
+called Fensalir. The second is Saga, who dwells at Sokkvabekk, a very
+large and stately abode. The third is Eir, the best of all in the
+healing art. The fourth, named Gefjon, is a maid, and all those who
+die maids become her hand-maidens. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a
+maid, and goes about with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her
+head adorned with a gold ribbon. She is entrusted with the toilette
+and slippers of Frigga, and admitted into the most important secrets
+of that goddess. Freyja is ranked next to Frigga: she is wedded to a
+person called Odur, and their daughter, named Hnossa, is so very
+handsome that whatever is beautiful and precious is called by her name
+(<i>hnosir</i>.) But Odur left his wife in order to travel into very remote
+countries. Since that time Freyja continually weeps, and her tears are
+drops of pure gold. She has a great variety of names, for having gone
+over many countries in search of her husband, each people gave her a
+different name. She is thus called Mardoll, Horn, Gefn, and Syr, and
+also Vanadis. She possesses the necklace Brising. The seventh goddess
+is Sjofna, who delights in turning men's hearts and thoughts to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 290]</span><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290" />love;
+hence a wooer is called, from her name, <i>Sjafni</i>. The eighth, called
+Lofna, is so mild and gracious to those who invoke her, that by a
+peculiar privilege which either All-Father himself or Frigga has given
+her, she can remove every obstacle that may prevent the union of
+lovers sincerely attached to each other. Hence her name is applied to
+denote love, and whatever is beloved by men. Vora, the ninth goddess,
+listens to the oaths that men take, and particularly to the troth
+plighted between man and woman, and punishes those who keep not their
+promises. She is wise and prudent, and so penetrating that nothing
+remains hidden from her. Syn, the tenth, keeps the door in the hall,
+and shuts it against those who ought not to enter. She presides at
+trials when any thing is to be denied on oath, whence the proverb,
+'Syn (negation) is set against it,' when ought is denied. Hlina, the
+eleventh, has the care of those whom Frigga intends to deliver from
+peril. Snotra, the twelfth, is wise and courteous, and men and women
+who possess these qualities have her name applied to them. Gna, the
+thirteenth, is the messenger that Frigga sends into the various worlds
+on her errands. She has a horse that can run through air and water,
+called Hofvarpnir. Once, as she drove out, certain Vanir saw her car
+in the air, when one of them exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'What flieth there?<br /></span>
+<span>What goeth there?<br /></span>
+<span>In the air aloft what glideth?'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;She answered,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 291]</span><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291" />
+<span>&quot;'I fly not though I go,<br /></span>
+<span>And glide through the air<br /></span>
+<span>On Hofvarpnir,<br /></span>
+<span>Whose sire's Hamskerpir,<br /></span>
+<span>And dam Gardrofa.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Sol and Bil are also reckoned among the goddesses, but their nature
+has already been explained to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;There are besides these a great many other goddesses, whose
+duty it is to serve in Valhalla; to bear in the drink and take care of
+the drinking-horns and whatever belongs to the table. They are named
+in Grimnismal, and are called Valkyrjor. Odin sends them to every
+field of battle, to make choice of those who are to be slain, and to
+sway the victory. Gudur, Rota, and the youngest of the Norns, Skuld,
+also ride forth to choose the slain and turn the combat. Jord (earth),
+the mother of Thor, and Rinda, the mother of Vali, are also reckoned
+amongst the goddesses.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" id="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" />OF FREY AND GERDA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;There was a man,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Gymir, who had for wife
+Aurboda, of the race of the Mountain-giants. Their daughter is Gerda,
+who is the most beautiful of all women. One day Frey having placed
+himself in Hlidskjalf, to take a view of the whole universe,
+perceived, as he looked towards the north, a large and stately mansion
+which a woman was going to enter, and as she lifted up the latch of
+the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand that the air and
+waters, and all worlds were illuminated by it. At this sight, Frey, as
+a just punishment for his audacity in <span class="pagenum">[Pg 292]</span><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292" />mounting on that sacred throne,
+was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch so, that on his return home
+he could neither speak, nor sleep, nor drink, nor did any one dare to
+inquire the cause of his affliction; but Njord, at last, sent for
+Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, and charged him to demand of his
+master why he thus refused to speak to any one. Skirnir promised to do
+this, though with great reluctance, fearing that all he had to expect
+was a severe reprimand. He, however, went to Frey, and asked him
+boldly why he was so sad and silent. Frey answered, that he had seen a
+maiden of such surpassing beauty that if he could not possess her he
+should not live much longer, and that this was what rendered him so
+melancholy. 'Go, therefore,' he added, 'and ask her hand for me, and
+bring her here whether her father be willing or not, and I will amply
+reward thee.' Skirnir undertook to perform the task, provided he might
+be previously put in possession of Frey's sword, which was of such
+excellent quality that it would of itself strew a field with carnage
+whenever the owner ordered it. Frey, impatient of delay, immediately
+made him a present of the sword, and Skirnir set out on his journey
+and obtained the maiden's promise, that within nine nights she would
+come to a place called Barey, and there wed Frey. Skirnir having
+reported the success of his message, Frey exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Long is one night,<br /></span>
+<span>Long are two nights,<br /></span>
+<span>But how shall I hold out three?<br /></span>
+<span>Shorter hath seemed<br /></span>
+<span>A month to me oft<br /></span>
+<span>Than of this longing-time the half.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 293]</span><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293" />Frey having thus given away his sword, found himself without arms
+when he fought with Beli, and hence it was that he slew him with a
+stag's antlers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it seems very astonishing,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;that such a
+brave hero as Frey should give away his sword without keeping another
+equally good for himself. He must have been in a very bad plight when
+he encountered Beli, and methinks must have mightily repented him of
+the gift.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That combat,&quot; replied Har, &quot;was a trifling affair. Frey could have
+killed Beli with a blow of his fist had he felt inclined: but the time
+will come when the sons of Muspell shall issue forth to the fight, and
+then, indeed, will Frey truly regret having parted with his falchion.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" id="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" />OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;If it be as thou hast told me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that all men who
+have fallen in fight since the beginning of the world are gone to
+Odin, in Valhalla, what has he to give them to eat, for methinks there
+must be a great crowd there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What thou sayest is quite true,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the crowd there is
+indeed great, but great though it be, it will still increase, and will
+be thought too little when the wolf cometh. But however great the band
+of men in Valhalla may be, the flesh of the boar S&aelig;hrimnir will more
+than suffice for their sustenance. For although this boar is sodden
+every morning he becomes whole again every night. But there are few,
+methinks, who are wise enough to give thee, in this respect, a
+satisfactory answer to thy <span class="pagenum">[Pg 294]</span><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294" />question. The cook is called Andhrimnir,
+and the kettle Eldhrimnir. As it is said,&mdash;'Andhrimnir cooks in
+Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir.' 'Tis the best of flesh, though few know how
+much is required for the Einherjar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But has Odin,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the same food as the heroes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin,' replied Har, 'gives the meat that is set before him to two
+wolves, called Geri and Freki, for he himself stands in no need of
+food. Wine is for him both meat and drink.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and whisper in his ear the tidings
+and events they have heard and witnessed. They are called Hugin and
+Munin.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133" /><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> He sends them out at dawn of day to fly over the whole
+world, and they return at eve towards meal time. Hence it is that Odin
+knows so many things, and is called the Raven's God. As it is said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>'Hugin and Munin<br /></span>
+<span>Each dawn take their flight<br /></span>
+<span>Earth's fields over.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>I fear me for Hugin,<br /></span>
+<span>Lest he come not back,<br /></span>
+<span>But much more for Munin.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;What have the heroes to drink,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;in sufficient
+quantity to correspond to their plentiful supply of meat: do they only
+drink water?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very silly question is that,&quot; replied Har; &quot;dost thou imagine that
+All-Father would invite kings and jarls and other great men and give
+them nothing to drink but water! In that case, methinks, many of those
+who had endured the greatest hardships, and received deadly wounds in
+order to obtain access to Valhalla, would find <span class="pagenum">[Pg 295]</span><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295" />that they had paid too
+great a price for their water drink, and would indeed have reason to
+complain were they there to meet with no better entertainment. But
+thou wilt see that the case is quite otherwise. For the she-goat,
+named Heidrun, stands above Valhalla, and feeds on the leaves of a
+very famous tree called L&aelig;rath, and from her teats flows mead in such
+great abundance that every day a stoop, large enough to hold more than
+would suffice for all the heroes, is filled with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;a mighty useful goat is this, and methinks
+the tree she feeds on must have very singular virtues.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Still more wonderful,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is what is told of the stag
+Eikthyrnir. This stag also stands over Valhalla and feeds upon the
+leaves of the same tree, and whilst he is feeding so many drops fall
+from his antlers down into Hvergelmir that they furnish sufficient
+water for the rivers that issuing thence flow through the celestial
+abodes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Wondrous things are these which thou tellest me of,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;and Valhalla must needs be an immense building, but methinks
+there must often be a great press at the door among such a number of
+people constantly thronging in and out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why dost thou not ask,&quot; replied Har, &quot;how many doors there are, and
+what are their dimensions; then wouldst thou be able to judge whether
+there is any difficulty in going in and out. Know, then, that there is
+no lack of either seats or doors. As it is said in Grimnismal:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 296]</span><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296" />
+<span>&quot;'Five hundred doors<br /></span>
+<span>And forty more<br /></span>
+<span>Methinks are in Valhalla.<br /></span>
+<span>Eight hundred heroes through each door<br /></span>
+<span>Shall issue forth<br /></span>
+<span>Against the wolf to combat.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;A mighty band of men must be in Valhalla,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and
+methinks Odin must be a great chieftain to command such a numerous
+host. But how do the heroes pass their time when they are not
+drinking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every day,&quot; replied Har, &quot;as soon as they have dressed themselves
+they ride out into the court (or field), and there fight until they
+cut each other to pieces. This is their pastime, but when meal-time
+approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.
+As it is said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The Einherjar all<br /></span>
+<span>On Odin's plain<br /></span>
+<span>Hew daily each other,<br /></span>
+<span>While chosen the slain are.<br /></span>
+<span>From the fray they then ride,<br /></span>
+<span>And drink ale with the &AElig;sir.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou hast thus reason to say that Odin is great and mighty, for there
+are many proofs of this. As it is said in the very words of the
+&AElig;sir:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The ash Yggdrasill<br /></span>
+<span>Is the first of trees,<br /></span>
+<span>As Skidbladnir of ships,<br /></span>
+<span>Odin of &AElig;sir,<br /></span>
+<span>Sleipnir of steeds,<br /></span>
+<span>Bifrost of bridges,<br /></span>
+<span>Bragi of bards,<br /></span>
+<span>Habrok of hawks,<br /></span>
+<span>And Garm of hounds is.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" id="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" />OF THE HORSE SLEIPNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Thou mad'st mention,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;of the horse Sleipnir. To
+whom does he belong, and what is there to say respecting him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 297]</span><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297" />Thou seemest to know nothing either about Sleipnir or his origin,&quot;
+replied Har, &quot;but thou wilt no doubt find what thou wilt hear worthy
+of thy notice. Once on a time when the gods were constructing their
+abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
+artificer came and offered to build them, in the space of three half
+years, a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly
+safe from the incursion of the Frost-giants, and the giants of the
+mountains, even although they should have penetrated within Midgard.
+But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freyja, together with the
+sun and moon. After long deliberation the &AElig;sir agreed to his terms,
+provided he would finish the whole work himself without any one's
+assistance, and all within the space of one winter, but if anything
+remained unfinished on the first day of summer, he should forfeit the
+recompense agreed on. On being told these terms, the artificer
+stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse, called
+Svadilfari, and this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He
+accordingly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the
+night let his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of
+the stones struck the &AElig;sir with astonishment, and they saw clearly
+that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than his master.
+Their bargain, however, had been concluded in the presence of
+witnesses, and confirmed by solemn oaths, for without these
+precautions a giant would not have thought himself safe among the
+&AElig;sir, especially when Thor returned <span class="pagenum">[Pg 298]</span><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298" />from an expedition he had then
+undertaken towards the east against evil demons.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, and the
+bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render this residence
+impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer the
+only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the
+gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation,
+inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give
+Freyja away to Jotunheim, or to plunge the heavens in darkness by
+permitting the giant to carry away the sun and moon. They all agreed
+that no one but Loki, the son of Laufey, and the author of so many
+evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be
+put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way or other to
+prevent the artificer from completing his task and obtaining the
+stipulated recompense. They immediately proceeded to lay hands on
+Loki, who, in his fright, promised upon oath that let it cost him what
+it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose his
+reward. That very night, when the artificer went with Svadilfari for
+building stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest and began to
+neigh. The horse being thus excited, broke loose and ran after the
+mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after his
+horse, and thus between one and the other the whole night was lost, so
+that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man seeing
+that he had no other means of completing his task, resumed <span class="pagenum">[Pg 299]</span><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299" />his own
+gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly perceived that it was in
+reality a Mountain-giant who had come amongst them. No longer
+regarding their oaths, they, therefore, called on Thor, who
+immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet Mjolnir
+paid the workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
+sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he shattered
+the giant's skull to pieces, and hurled him headlong into Nifelhel.
+But Loki had run such a race with Svadilfari that shortly after he
+bore a grey foal with eight legs. This is the horse Sleipnir, which
+excels all horses ever possessed by gods or men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" id="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" />OF THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;What hast thou to say,&quot; demanded Gangler, &quot;of Skidbladnir,
+which thou toldst me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as
+good or as large?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skidbladnir,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is without doubt the best and most
+artfully constructed of any, but the ship Nagffar is of larger size.
+They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made
+a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the &AElig;sir with their
+weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails
+are set a favourable breeze arises and carries her to her place of
+destination, and she is made of so many pieces, and with so much
+skill, that when she is not wanted for a voyage Frey may fold her
+together like a piece of cloth, and put her in his pocket.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good ship truly, is Skidbladnir,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 300]</span><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300" />and many cunning
+contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her
+construction.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" id="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" />THOR'S ADVENTURES ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> &quot;But tell me,&quot; he (Gangler) continued, &quot;did it ever happen to
+Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by
+downright force?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Few can take upon them to affirm this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and yet it has
+often fared hard enough with him; but had he in reality been worsted
+in any rencounter there would be no need to make mention of it, since
+all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It would, therefore, appear,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that I have asked of you
+things that none of you are able to tell me of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are, indeed, some such rumours current among us,&quot; answered
+Jafnhar, &quot;but they are hardly credible; however, there is one sitting
+here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe
+him, for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to
+deceive thee with false stories.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here then will I stand,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and listen to what ye have to
+say, but if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily I shall look
+upon you as vanquished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then spake Thridi and said, &quot;We can easily conceive that thou art
+desirous of knowing these tidings, but it behooves thee to guard a
+becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is
+this:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;One day the God Thor set out in his car drawn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 301]</span><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301" />by two he-goats,
+and accompanied by Loki, on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at
+a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats, and after flaying
+them, put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down
+with his fellow-traveller to supper, and invited the peasant and his
+family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi,
+and his daughter Roska. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the
+goats' skins which were spread out near the fire-place, but young
+Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the
+marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage, rose at the dawn
+of day, and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjolnir, and lifting
+it up, consecrated the goats' skins, which he had no sooner done than
+the two goats re-assumed their wonted form, only that one of them now
+limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this, said that the
+peasant, or one of his family, had handled the shank bone of this goat
+too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be
+imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his
+brows, and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the
+joints of his fingers became white from the exertion. Fearing to be
+struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family
+made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an
+atonement for the offence committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted
+from his wrath, and became more placable, and finally contented
+himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thjalfi and Roska, who
+became his bond-servants, and have followed him ever since.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 302]</span><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302" />'Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the
+road to Jotunheim, until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea,
+which having passed over he penetrated into a strange country along
+with his companions, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roska. They had not gone far
+before they saw before them an immense forest, through which they
+wandered all day. Thjalfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore
+Thor's wallet, but the forest was a bad place for finding anything
+eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides
+for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a
+very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one
+of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in;
+but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the
+whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with
+him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber,
+into which they entered, but while the others, trembling with fear,
+crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the
+doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself,
+whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night,
+and at dawn of day, Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of
+enormous bulk, who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now
+account for the noise they had heard over night, and girding on his
+Belt of Prowess, increased that divine strength which he now stood in
+need of. The giant awakening, rose up, and it is said that for once in
+his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 303]</span><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303" />and contented
+himself by simply asking the giant his name.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'My name is Skrymir, said the other, 'but I need not ask thy name,
+for I know thou art the God Thor. But what hast thou done with my
+glove?' And stretching out his hand Skrymir picked up his glove, which
+Thor then perceived was what they had taken over night for a hall, the
+chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then
+asked whether they would have his fellowship, and Thor consenting, the
+giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his
+companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another
+place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions
+together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat
+into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them,
+taking tremendous strides, the whole day, and at dusk sought out for
+them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree.
+Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep. 'But take ye
+the wallet,' he added, 'and prepare your supper.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skrymir soon fell asleep, and began to snore strongly, but incredible
+though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told, that when Thor
+came to open the wallet he could not untie a single knot, nor render a
+single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labour was in
+vain, Thor became wroth, and grasping his mallet with both hands while
+he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir,
+awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and
+whether <span class="pagenum">[Pg 304]</span><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304" />they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered
+that they were just going to sleep, and so saying, went and laid
+himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to
+Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the
+forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his mallet,
+launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to
+the handle. Skrymir awakening, cried out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What's the matter? did an acorn fall on my head? How fares it with
+thee, Thor?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and
+that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He
+however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third
+blow, it should settle all matters between them. A little before
+daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again
+grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its
+way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and
+stroking his cheek, said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke
+some moss from the branches fell on my head. What! Art thou awake,
+Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but
+you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I
+have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small
+dimensions; but if you come into Utgard you will see there many men
+much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there,
+not to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 305]</span><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305" />make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki
+will not brook the boasting of such mannikins as ye are. The best
+thing you could do would probably be to turn back again, but if you
+persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward, for mine now
+lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hereupon, he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from
+them, into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet
+with him a second time.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards
+noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so
+lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their
+shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the
+walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly
+locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with
+his companions through the bars, and thus succeeded in gaining
+admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them, with the
+door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious
+stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came
+before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect.
+Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from
+the king, who, after regarding them for some time, said with a
+scornful smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey, yet if I do not
+mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps,' he added,
+addressing himself to Thor, 'thou mayst be taller than thou appearest
+to be. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 306]</span><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306" />But what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem
+yourselves skilled in, for no one is permitted to remain here who does
+not, in some feat or other, excel all other men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'The feat I know,' replied Loki, 'is to eat quicker than any one
+else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any one here who
+may choose to compete with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'That will indeed be a feat,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou performest
+what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the further end of
+the bench, and whose name was Logi,<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134" /><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> to come forward and try his
+skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on
+the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end, and Logi at the other,
+and each of them, began to eat as fast as he could, until they met in
+the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten
+the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and
+the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was
+vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor
+could perform. Thjalfi answered that he would run a race with any one
+who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in
+running was something to boast of, but that if the youth would win the
+match he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all
+who were present to a plain <span class="pagenum">[Pg 307]</span><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307" />where there was a good ground for running
+on, and calling a young man named Hugi,<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135" /><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> bade him run a match with
+Thjalfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor
+that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Thou must ply thy legs better, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou
+wilt win the match, though I must needs say that there never came a
+man here swifter of foot than thou art.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the second course, Thjalfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when
+Hugi arrived at it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Most bravely dost thou run, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'though thou
+wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third, course must decide.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They accordingly ran a third time, but Hugi had already reached the
+goal before Thjalfi had got half way. All who were present then cried
+out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of
+exercise.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to
+give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor
+replied, that he would begin a drinking match with any one.
+Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cupbearer
+bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of
+when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The
+cupbearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 308]</span><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308" />a single draught,
+though some men make two of it, but the most puny drinker of all can
+do it at three.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size,
+though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
+his lips, and without drawing breath pulled as long and as deeply as
+he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it;
+but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely
+perceive that the liquor was diminished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;''Tis well drunken,' exclaimed Utgard-Loki, 'though nothing much to
+boast of; and I would not have believed had it been told me that
+Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught, but thou no doubt
+meanest to make amends at the second pull.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might, but
+when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him as if he had
+drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried
+without spilling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'How now, Thor,' said Utgard-Loki; 'thou must not spare thyself more
+in performing a feat than befits thy skill; but if thou meanest to
+drain the horn at the third draught thou must pull deeply; and I must
+needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou
+art among the &AElig;sir, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats
+than, methinks, will be shown in this.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted
+himself to the utmost to empty it entirely, but on looking in found
+that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to
+make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cupbearer.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 309]</span><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309" /></p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> &quot;'I now see plainly,' said Utgard-Loki, 'that thou are not quite
+so stout as we thought thee, but wilt thou try any other feat, though,
+methinks, thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I will try another feat,' replied Thor, 'and I am sure such draughts
+as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the
+&AElig;sir; but what new trial hast thou to propose?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'We have a very, trifling game here,' answered Ut-gard-Loki, 'in
+which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my
+cat from the ground, nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to
+Asa-Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what
+we took thee for.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As he finished speaking, a large grey cat sprung on the hall floor.
+Thor advancing put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost
+to raise him from the floor, but the cat bending his back had,
+notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up,
+seeing which, Thor made no further attempt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'This trial has turned out,' said Utgard-Loki, 'just as I imagined it
+would; the cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Little as ye call me,' answered Thor, 'let me see who amongst you
+will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I see no one here,' said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on
+the benches, 'who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee;
+let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli,<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136" /><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a>
+and let Thor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 310]</span><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310" />wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the
+ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is.'</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by
+Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more
+Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length,
+after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was
+finally brought down upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to
+desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in
+the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He
+therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats, and they
+passed the night there in good cheer.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions
+dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then
+came and ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no
+lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led
+them to the gate of the city, and, on parting, asked Thor how he
+thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any
+men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but
+that he had brought great shame on himself. 'And what grieves me
+most,' he added, 'is that ye will call me a man of little worth.'</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> &quot;'Nay,' said Utgard-Loki, 'it behooves me to tell thee the truth
+now thou are out of the city which so long as I live, and have my way,
+thou shalt never re-enter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand
+that thou hadst so much strength in thee, and wouldst have brought me
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 311]</span><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311" />so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter
+this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my
+illusions; first, in the forest, where I arrived before thee, and
+there thou wert not able to untie the wallet, because I had bound it
+with iron wire, in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how
+the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows
+with thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days
+had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which
+thou didst not perceive, and in this mountain thou wilt find three
+glens, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy
+mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have
+had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself,
+devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was, in reality,
+nothing else than ardent fire, and therefore consumed not only the
+meat but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thjalfi contended
+in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thjalfi to keep
+pace with that. When thou, in thy turn, didst try to empty the horn,
+thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not
+seen it myself I should never have believed it. For one end of that
+horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou
+comest to the shore thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by
+thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst
+perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat, and to tell
+thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we
+were all of us terror-stricken, for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 312]</span><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312" />what thou tookest for a cat was
+in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth,
+and he was then barely long enough to inclose it between his head and
+tail, so high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling
+with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a
+man, nor ever shall be, whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will
+not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are
+going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us
+if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so, I shall
+again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt never
+prevail against me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On hearing these words, Thor, in a rage, laid hold of his mallet and
+would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and
+when Thor would have returned to the city to-destroy it, he found
+nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding, therefore, on his
+way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already
+resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards
+took place. I trust,&quot; concluded Thridi, &quot;that thou wilt now
+acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou
+hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" id="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" />HOW THOR WENT TO FISH FOR THE MIDGARD SERPENT.</h4>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> &quot;I find by your account,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that Utgard-Loki
+possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and
+illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every
+respect so skillful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge
+this affront?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 313]</span><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313" />It is not unknown,&quot; replied Har, &quot;though nobody has talked of it,
+that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken
+of, and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily
+that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him.
+He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at
+dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the
+night, but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making
+his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged
+the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that
+a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him.
+'Besides,' he added, 'thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far
+out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.' Thor said, that for
+all that, he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and
+was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row
+back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely
+inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further
+delay, but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his
+wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to
+look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen
+that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore
+the name of Himinbrjot, wrung off his head, and returning with it to
+the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and
+with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise,
+how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He <span class="pagenum">[Pg 314]</span><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314" />then observed that they
+were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flat fish, but
+Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They
+accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if
+they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard
+serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and
+in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would
+lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong,
+furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's
+head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the
+bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard
+serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he
+obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand: for the monster
+greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate.
+Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently, that
+Thor was obliged to hold fast with both hands by the pegs that bear
+against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his
+divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their
+way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst
+with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is
+impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place.
+Thor, on one hand, darting looks of ire on the serpent, whilst the
+monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is
+said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent, he turned pale and
+trembled with fright and seeing, more<span class="pagenum">[Pg 315]</span><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315" />over, that the water was
+entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife, just as Thor
+raised his mallet aloft, and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk
+again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and
+there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the
+bottom of the sea, but one may assert with more certainty that he
+still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow
+with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the
+water, and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" id="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" />THE DEATH OF BALDUR THE GOOD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>57</b>. &quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;it was a famous exploit which Thor
+performed on that journey, but did any other such events take place
+among the &AElig;sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I can tell thee of another event which the &AElig;sir
+deemed of much greater importance. Thou must know, therefore, that
+Baldur the Good having been tormented with terrible dreams, indicating
+that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled
+&AElig;sir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the
+threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water,
+from iron, and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths,
+diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of
+them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a
+favourite pastime of the &AElig;sir, at their meetings, to get Baldur to
+stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some
+stones, while <span class="pagenum">[Pg 316]</span><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316" />others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes,
+for do they what they would none of therm could harm him, and this was
+regarded by all as a great honour shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the
+son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was
+not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a woman, he went to
+Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the
+pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the &AElig;sir were doing
+at their meetings. She replied, that they were throwing darts and
+stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ay,' said Frigga, 'neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I
+have exacted an oath from all of them.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What!' exclaimed the woman, 'have all things sworn to spare Baldur?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'All things,' replied Frigga, 'except one little shrub that grows on
+the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I
+thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and, resuming his natural
+shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place where the gods
+were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart, without partaking
+of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him, said,
+'Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Because I am blind,' answered Hodur, 'and see not where Baldur is,
+and have, moreover, nothing to throw with.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Come then,' said Loki, 'do like the rest, and show <span class="pagenum">[Pg 317]</span><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317" />honour to Baldur
+by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm, toward the
+place where he stands.'</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> &quot;Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki,
+darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, fell down
+lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either among gods or men,
+a more atrocious deed than this! When Baldur fell the &AElig;sir were struck
+speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all
+were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they
+were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred
+place (Peace-stead) where they were assembled. They at length gave
+vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could
+find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin, especially,
+was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for
+he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the &AElig;sir. When
+the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to
+gain all her love and good will; 'For this,' said she, 'shall he have
+who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur, and offer Hela a ransom
+if she will let him return to Asgard;' whereupon Hermod, surnamed the
+Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's
+horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and
+galloped away on his mission.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> &quot;The &AElig;sir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore,
+where stood Baldur's ship Hringhorn, which passed for the largest in
+the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's
+funeral <span class="pagenum">[Pg 318]</span><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318" />pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this
+conjuncture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named
+Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a
+bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four Berserkir to hold
+her steed fast, who were, however, obliged to throw the animal on the
+ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the
+ship, and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so
+violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers, and the earth shook
+all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but
+for the interference of the &AElig;sir would have broken the woman's skull.
+Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship,
+and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep,
+that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same
+pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with
+Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was
+running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of
+various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin,
+accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrjor and his ravens; then Frey in his
+car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni; Heimdall rode
+his horse called Gulltopp, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by
+cats. There were also a great many Frost-giants and giants of the
+mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called
+Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing every
+ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Baldur's horse was led to the
+pile fully capari<span class="pagenum">[Pg 319]</span><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319" />soned, and consumed in the same flames on the body
+of his master.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" id="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" />BALDUR IN THE ABODE OF THE DEAD</h4>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> &quot;Meanwhile, Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space
+of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark
+that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river
+Gjoll, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold.
+Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and
+lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons
+had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it so much as he alone.
+'But,' she added, 'thou hast not death's hue on thee, why then ridest
+them here on the way to Hel?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I ride to Hel,' answered Hermod, 'to seek Baldur. Hast thou
+perchance seen him pass this way?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Baldur,' she replied, 'hath ridden over Gjoll's bridge, but there
+below, towards the north, lies the way to the abodes of death.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of
+Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting,
+clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous
+leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he
+found his brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished seat in the
+hall, and passed the night in his company. The next morning he
+besought Hela (Death) to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her
+that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela
+answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as
+he was said to be.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 320]</span><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320" />'If therefore,' she added, 'all things in the world, both living and
+lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to the &AElig;sir, but if any
+one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in
+Hel.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then rose, and Baldur led him out of the hall and gave him the
+ring Draupnir, to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nanna also sent
+Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold
+finger-ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of
+all he had heard and witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world, to beg
+everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel.
+All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and
+every other living being, as well as earths and stones, and trees and
+metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are
+brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were
+returning with the conviction that their mission had been quite
+successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern,
+and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki
+himself who never ceased to work evil among the &AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" id="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" />THE FLIGHT AND PUNISHMENT OF LOKI.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>61.</b> &quot;Evil are the deeds of Loki truly,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;first of all
+in his having caused Baldur to be slain, and then preventing him from
+being delivered out of Hel. But was he not punished for these crimes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 321]</span><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321" />Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and in such a manner that he will long repent
+having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods
+were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a
+dwelling with four doors, so that he could see everything that passed
+around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon,
+and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade called
+Franangursfors, where he employed himself in divining and
+circumventing whatever stratagems the &AElig;sir might have recourse to in
+order to catch him. One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax
+and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have
+since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat
+out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were
+approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself
+in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the
+most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration,
+traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been
+burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish.
+Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw
+imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the
+river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net,
+and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly
+drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions the
+net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods
+only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They
+therefore cast their <span class="pagenum">[Pg 322]</span><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322" />net a second time, hanging so great a weight to
+it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving
+that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt
+over the net into the waterfall. The &AElig;sir instantly followed him, and
+divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream,
+followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea.
+Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to
+swim out to sea, or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter,
+but as he took a tremendous leap Thor caught him in his hand. Being,
+however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held
+him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had
+their tails ever since so fine and thin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration
+into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a
+hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali
+and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he
+tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords
+of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the
+rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins,
+and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords
+into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a
+manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But
+Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in
+a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 323]</span><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323" />doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror,
+and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and
+this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" id="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" />OF RAGNAROK, OR THE TWILIGHT OE THE GODS, AND THE CONFLAGRATION OF THE
+UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> &quot;I have not heard before of Ragnarok,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what hast
+thou to tell me about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many very notable circumstances concerning it,&quot; replied
+Har, &quot;which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the
+winter, called Fimbul-winter, during which snow will fall from the
+four corners of the world; the frosts will be very severe, the wind
+piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness.
+Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single
+summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and
+discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of
+mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his
+parents or his children.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> &quot;Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great
+prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that
+be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will
+cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens,
+and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the
+roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations,
+and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks
+loose, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 324]</span><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324" />the sea rushes over the earth, on account of the Midgard
+serpent turning with giant force, and gaining the land. On the waters
+floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead
+men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with pared
+nails, for he who dies with his nails unpared, supplies materials for
+the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be
+finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float,
+and the giant Hrym be its steersman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir advancing, opens his enormous mouth; the lower jaw
+reaches to the earth, and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact
+reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from
+his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the
+side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the
+air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain,
+and the sons of Muspell ride through the breach. Surtur rides first,
+and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword
+outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to
+pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called
+Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent,
+and also Loki, with all the followers of Hel, and Hrym with all the
+Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspell keep their effulgent bands apart
+on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> &quot;Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the
+Gjallar-horn to arouse the gods, who <span class="pagenum">[Pg 325]</span><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325" />assemble without delay. Odin
+then rides to Mimir's well and consults Mimir how he and his warriors
+ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasill begins to shake, nor is
+there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible
+hour. The &AElig;sir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves and speed
+forth to the field, led on by Odin, with his golden helm and
+resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself
+against the wolf Fenrir; Thor stands by his side, but can render him
+no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey
+encounters Surtur, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls;
+and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to
+Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa
+cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks
+Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the
+Midgard serpent, but at the same time, recoiling nine paces, falls
+dead upon the spot suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying
+serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that
+instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower
+jaw, seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till
+he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for
+which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely, the shreds of
+leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it
+is on this account that those who would render a service to the &AElig;sir
+should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight,
+and mutually kill each other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 326]</span><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326" />After this, Surtur darts fire and flame over the earth, and the
+whole universe is consumed.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" id="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" />OF THE ABODES OF FUTURE BLISS AND MISERY.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>66.</b> &quot;What will remain,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;after heaven and earth and
+the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods, and the
+heroes of Valhalla, and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have
+already told me that every one shall continue to exist in some world
+or other, throughout eternity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will be many abodes,&quot; replied Thridi, &quot;some good, others bad.
+The best place of all to be in will be Gimli, in heaven, and all who
+delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall
+called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolni. There is
+also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the
+mountains of Nida, (Nidafjoll). In those halls righteous and
+well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful
+structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the
+backs of serpents, wattled together like wicker work. But the
+serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall, and
+continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those
+who-commit murder, or who forswear themselves.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />THE RENOVATION OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> &quot;Will any of the gods survive, and will there be any longer a
+heaven and an earth?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will arise out of the sea,&quot; replied Har, &quot;another <span class="pagenum">[Pg 327]</span><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327" />earth most
+lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow
+unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's
+fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where
+Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and
+Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Baldur and
+Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death (Hel). There
+shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former
+knowledge and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf
+Fenrir and the Midgard serpent. There too shall they find in the grass
+those golden tablets (orbs) which the &AElig;sir once possessed. As it is
+said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'There dwell Vidar and Vali<br /></span>
+<span>In the gods' holy seats,<br /></span>
+<span>When slaked Surtur's fire is<br /></span>
+<span>But Modi and Magni<br /></span>
+<span>Will Mjolnir possess,<br /></span>
+<span>And strife put an end to.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by
+Surtur's fire, a woman named Lif (Life), and a man named Lifthrasir,
+lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew,
+and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have
+brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the
+same track formerly trodden by her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;if thou hast any further questions to
+ask, I know not who can answer thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 328]</span><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328" />for I never heard tell of any
+one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world.
+Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to
+thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him: he looked
+everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a
+vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom,
+where he related all that he had seen and heard, and ever since that
+time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />&AElig;GIR'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>68.</b> &AElig;gir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where
+he met with a very good reception. Supper time being come, the twelve
+mighty &AElig;sir,&mdash;Odin, Thor, Njord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar,
+Vali, Ullur, Hoenir and Forseti, together with the Asynjor,&mdash;Frigga,
+Freyja, Gefjon, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla and Nanna, seated
+themselves on their lofty doom seats, in a hall around which were
+ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was
+requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very
+superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking
+horns, &AElig;gir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something
+concerning the &AElig;sir. Bragi instantly complied with his request, by
+informing him of what had happened to Iduna.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 329]</div>
+<h4><a name="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" id="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" /><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329" />IDUNA AND HER APPLES.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>69.</b> &quot;Once,&quot; he said, &quot;when Odin, Loki, and Hoenir went on a journey,
+they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being
+sadly in want of provisions did not scruple to kill one for their
+supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh; they
+found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as
+when first put in. While they were endeavouring to account for this
+singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up
+they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree.
+'If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh,' said the
+eagle, 'it shall soon be boiled;' and on their assenting to this
+proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the
+ox&mdash;a proceeding which so incensed Loki, that he laid hold of a large
+stock, and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was,
+however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant
+Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his
+cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back,
+he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was
+consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests,
+until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to
+sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released
+from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna
+and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to
+effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his
+companions.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 330]</span><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330" /></p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> &quot;On his return to Asgard, Loki told Iduna that, in a forest at a
+short distance from the celestial residence, he had found apples
+growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own,
+and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between
+them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples, and went with him
+into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad
+in his eagle-plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up
+Iduna, carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being
+thus deprived of their renovating apples, soon became wrinkled and
+grey; old age was creeping fast upon them, when they discovered that
+Loki had been, as usual, the contriver of all the mischief that had
+befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment
+if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back
+Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her
+falcon-plumage, flew to Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at
+sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying
+off with her; but when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had
+happened, he donned his eagle-plumage, and flew after them. When the
+&AElig;sir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow
+between his claws, and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to
+overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips,
+which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them; and
+as Thjassi could not stop his flight, the fire caught his plumage, and
+he thus fell into the power of the &AElig;sir, who slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 331]</span><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331" />him within the
+portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to
+Thjassi's daughter, Skadi, she put on her armour and went to Asgard,
+fully determined to avenge her father's death; but the &AElig;sir having
+declared their willingness to atone for the deed, an amicable
+arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard,
+and the &AElig;sir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered
+herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice
+of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of
+the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of
+their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In
+inspecting the row of feet placed before her, Skadi took a fancy to a
+pair which she flattered herself, from their fine proportions, must be
+those of Baldur. They were however Njord's, and Njord was accordingly
+given her for a husband, and as Loki managed to make her laugh, by
+playing some diverting antics with a goat, the atonement was fully
+effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated,
+by taking out Thjassi's eyes, and placing them to shine as stars in
+the firmament.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137" /><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" id="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" />THE ORIGIN OF POETRY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> &AElig;gir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated,
+Bragi informed him that the &AElig;sir and Vanir having met to put an end to
+the war which had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 332]</span><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332" />long been carried on between them, a treaty of
+peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As
+a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforward to subsist between
+the contending parties, the gods formed out of this spittle a being to
+whom they gave the name of Kvasir, and whom they endowed with such a
+high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that
+he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to
+teach men wisdom, but was at length treacherously murdered by the
+dwarfs, Fjalar and Galar, who, by mixing up his blood with honey,
+composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of
+it acquires the gift of song. When the &AElig;sir inquired what had become
+of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his
+own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a
+sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its
+superabundance. Not long after this event, Fjalar and Galar managed to
+drown the giant Gilling and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged
+by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea, and placing them on
+a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position
+they implored Suttung to spare their lives, and accept the
+verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for
+their having killed his parents. Suttung having agreed to these
+conditions, released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him,
+committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is
+indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarf's
+ransom, etc.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 333]<a name="Page_333" id="Page_333" /></div>
+<h4><a name="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" id="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" />ODIN BEGUILES THE DAUGHTER OF BAUGI</h4>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> &AElig;sir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable
+a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully
+determined to acquire it, set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying
+for some time, came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing.
+Entering into conversation with them, Odin, offered to whet their
+scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the
+whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary
+sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin,
+however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it
+as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one
+of his comrades, so that they were all killed in the scramble. Odin
+took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother, Baugi,
+who told him that he was sadly at a loss for labourers, his nine
+thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of
+Baulverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the
+work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi
+the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties,
+and would not part with a drop of the precious liquor, which was
+carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into
+this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded
+Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done
+than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the
+crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth.
+After passing three nights with the fair maiden, he had no great
+difficulty in induc<span class="pagenum">[Pg 334]</span><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334" />ing her to let him take a draught out of each of
+the three jars, called Odhroerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was
+kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep
+that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an
+eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but
+Suttung becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an
+eagle's guise, and flew after him. The &AElig;sir, on seeing him approach
+Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands
+on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the
+wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was however, so near being
+caught by Suttung, that some of the liquor escaped him by an impurer
+vent, and as no care was taken of this it fell to the share of the
+poetasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the
+gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of
+it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the
+beverage of the gods, &amp;c, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125" /><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> This chapter is probably the interpolation of an early
+copyist, for it has evidently no connection with the following one,
+and is not found in the Upsal MS. of the Prose Edda, which is supposed
+to be the oldest extant. Gefjon's ploughing is obviously a mythic way
+of accounting for some convulsions of nature, perhaps the convulsion
+that produced the Sound, and thus effected a junction between the
+Baltic and the Northern Ocean.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126" /><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Rime Giants, or Giants of the Frost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127" /><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Literally, &quot;It is light and hot, insomuch so that it is
+flaming and burning, and it is impervious to those who are outlandish
+(foreign), and not indigenous there&quot; (or who have no home or heritage
+therein).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128" /><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> More properly speaking, to the earth which it
+encircled.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129" /><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130" /><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> If Thor drove over Bifrost with his thunder
+chariot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131" /><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Present, Past, and Future.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132" /><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> Namely, his having killed Baldur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133" /><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> Mind or Thought, and Memory.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134" /><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Devouring flame.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135" /><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Spirit or thought.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136" /><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Eld or Old Age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137" /><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Finn Magnusen's explanation of this myth is, that
+Iduna&mdash;the ever-renovating Spring&mdash;being in the possession of
+Thjassi&mdash;the desolating winter&mdash;all nature languishes until she is
+delivered from her captivity. On this being effected, her presence
+again diffuses joy and gladness, and all things revive; while her
+pursuer, Winter, with his icy breath, dissolves in the solar rays
+indicated by the fires lighted on the walls of Asgard.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 335]</div>
+<h2><a name="GLOSSARY" id="GLOSSARY" /><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335" />GLOSSARY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&AElig;GIR or OEGIR, horror, terror.</p>
+
+<p>&AElig;SIR, sing. AS; God, Gods. ASYNJA, ASYNJOR; Goddess, Goddesses.</p>
+
+<p>AI, from a, a river.</p>
+
+<p>ALFADIR, or ALFODUR, All-Father, or the Father of All.</p>
+
+<p>ALFR, Elf.</p>
+
+<p>ALSVIDR, All-scorching.</p>
+
+<p>ALTHJOFR, lit. All-thief, an accomplished rascal.</p>
+
+<p>ALVISS, All-wise.</p>
+
+<p>AMSVARTNIR, grief, black, gloomy, swart.</p>
+
+<p>ANDHRIMNIR, soul, spirit, breath: from hrim, congealed vapour, <i>rime</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ANDLANGR, from aund, spirit, breath; and langr, long.</p>
+
+<p>ANDVARI, prob. from aund, spirit; cautious, timid.</p>
+
+<p>ANGURBODI, Anguish-boding, announcing or presaging calamity.</p>
+
+<p>ARVAKR, awakening early; ar, the dawn, Aurora.</p>
+
+<p>ASGARD, prop. ASGARDR, lit. God's-ward, or the abode of the gods.</p>
+
+<p>ASKR, an ash-tree.</p>
+
+<p>AUDHUMLA, void, vacuity, darkness, tenebrosity.</p>
+
+<p>AUDR, rich, wealthy.</p>
+
+<p>AURBODA, prop. AURBODA, snow, rain, storm; to announce whence; a
+messenger; hence an ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>AUSTRI, East, Oriental.</p>
+
+
+<p>BALDUR, prop. BALDR or BALLDR, fire, flame, bold.</p>
+
+<p>BALEYGR, Bale-eyed, <i>i.e.</i> endowed with a clear, piercing vision.</p>
+
+<p>BAREY, the Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>BAULVERKR, Evil-worker; producing evil, calamity.</p>
+
+<p>BAUMBURR, prob. cog. with bumbr, belly, cavity.</p>
+
+<p>BELI, prob. from belja, to bellow.</p>
+
+<p>BERGELMIR, Mountain-old, <i>i.e.</i> the old man of the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>BIFLINDI, the Inconstant: from bif, motion; and lyndi, disposition,
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>BIFROST, BIF-RAUST, the Tremulous-bridge of the Aerial-bridge,
+signifying also aerial: a certain space, a mile, a rest.</p>
+
+<p>BIL, a moment, an interval, an interstice.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILEYGR, endowed with fulminating eyes, a tempest, especially a
+fulminating tempest or thunder-storm.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILSKIRNIR, sometimes stormy, and sometimes serene; which, as Thor's
+mansion prob. denotes the atmosphere, would be a very appropriate
+term; or storm-stilling, <i>i.e.</i> imparting serenity to the tempest.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 336]</span><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336" /></p>
+
+<p>BIVAURR, BIVORR, or BIFUR, the Tremulous.</p>
+
+<p>BODN, originally signified an offer-table or altar; an oblation; also
+one of the jars in which the dwarfs' poetical beverage was kept.</p>
+
+<p>BOLTHORN, lit. Calamitous or Evil-thorn.</p>
+
+<p>BOR, prop. BORR, and BUR, prop. BURR or BURI, means <i>born</i>, to bear;
+whence also the <i>Old G.</i> barn, and the <i>Scotch, bairn</i>, a child.</p>
+
+<p>BRAGI, the name of the God of Poetry; from braga, to glisten, to
+shine, or from bragga, to adorn; ph. cog. with <i>G</i>. pracht, splendour.</p>
+
+<p>BREIDABLIK: lit. Broad-blink&mdash;wide-glancing, Expanded splendour, to
+blink.</p>
+
+<p>BRIMIR, prob. from brimi, flame.</p>
+
+<p>BRISINGR, may prob. mean flaming.</p>
+
+<p>BYLEISTR, a dwelling, a town; to destroy, to break to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>BYRGIR, prob. from v. byrgja, to conceal; <i>E.</i> to bury, whence barrow,
+a tumulus.</p>
+
+
+<p>DAINN, prob. the Soporiferous; from da, a swoon, or complete repose.</p>
+
+<p>DELLINGR&mdash;a <i>day-ling</i>. with the dawn, daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>DIS, pi. DISIR, it originally sig. a female, but was afterwards used
+in the sense of Nymph and Goddess. It enters into the composition of
+several female names, as Thordis, Freydis, Vegdis, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>DOLGTHRASIR: a dolgr, a warrior; contentious, obstinate, persisting,
+from the v. thrasa, to litigate, to quarrel.</p>
+
+<p>DRAUPNIR, from the v. drupa, to droop, or the v. drjupa, to drip.</p>
+
+<p>DROMI, strongly binding.</p>
+
+<p>DUNEYRR, a hollow sound, from the v. dynja, to sound, to resound.</p>
+
+<p>DURATHROR. The first sylb. may be derived either from dur, a light
+sleep, or from dyr, a door; and the last, either from the v. threyja,
+to expect, to wait for; or from throa, to increase, to enlarge.</p>
+
+<p>DURINN, prob. from dur, a light sleep, to fall asleep; whence prob.
+the <i>E.</i> to doze, and ph. also dusk.</p>
+
+<p>DVALJNN, from dvali, sleep.</p>
+
+
+<p>EIKINSKJALDI, furnished with an oaken shield, scarlet oak.</p>
+
+<p>EIKTHYRNIR. Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn;
+metaphorically for a stag's antlers.</p>
+
+<p>EINHERJAR, a hero; select, chosen heroes.</p>
+
+<p>EIR, to befriend, to tranquilize.</p>
+
+<p>ELDHRIMNIR: eldr, elementary flre: brim, congealed vapour, rime, also
+soot; hence (a kettle) sooty from flre.</p>
+
+<p>ELIVAGAR, stormy waves; a storm; the sea; an estuary; water; wave.</p>
+
+<p>ELLI, old age.</p>
+
+<p>ELVIDNIR, ph. from el, a storm; and vidr, wide.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 337]</span><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337" /></p>
+
+<p>EMBLA. The etymologies of the name of the first woman given by the
+<i>E.E.</i> are merely <i>conjectural</i>. Grimm says the word embla, emla,
+signifies a busy woman, from amr, ambr, amil ambl, assiduous labour;
+the same relation as Meshia and Meshiane, the ancient Persian names of
+the first man and woman, who were also formed from trees.</p>
+
+
+<p>FALHOFNIR, a nail, a lamina, hoof.</p>
+
+<p>FARMAGUD, the God of Carriers and Sea-farers.</p>
+
+<p>FENRIR, FENRIS-ULFR, may mean dweller in an abyss, or the monster
+wolf.</p>
+
+<p>FENSALIR, lit. Fen-saloon, from fen, a fen, but which it would appear
+may also be made to sig. the watery deep, or the sea; and salr, a
+hall, mansion, saloon. <i>See</i> Valhalla.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBUL. From fimbulfambi comes the <i>E.</i> provincialism, to
+fimble-famble; and the <i>D.</i> famle, to stammer, to hesitate in
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULTHUL. Thulr means an orator or reciter, to speechify.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULVETR: vetr, winter; according to Grimm's explanation of fimbul,
+<i>the Great Winter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>FJALARR and FJOLNIR. Multiform: in composition fjol, many.</p>
+
+<p>FJOLSVIDR or FJOLSVITHR, to scorch: or ph. from svithr, wise,
+powerful, potent, strong.</p>
+
+<p>FJORGYN. Grimm, we think, has satisfactorily shown that fjorg is the
+<i>G.</i> berg, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>FOLKVANGR, lit. the folk's field, or habitation.</p>
+
+<p>FORSETI, lit. the Fore-seated, <i>i.e.</i> the Judge.</p>
+
+<p>FRANANGURS-FORS, prob. from frann, glittering, and ongr, narrow.</p>
+
+<p>FREKI, <i>G.</i> frech, froward: the word has also the sig. of voracious.</p>
+
+<p>FREYR and FREYJA. The name of the deity who was the symbol of the
+sun&mdash;to mean Seminator, the Fructifler, Freyja&mdash;the symbolical
+representation of the moon&mdash;means the Seminated, the Fructified; the
+original sig, is that of glad, joyful, imparting gladness, beautous,
+lovely.</p>
+
+<p>FRIGGA, prop. FRIGG. Grimm has shown that the root of this word is, if
+not strictly syn., at least very nearly allied with that of the word
+Freyja, and explains it to mean the Free, the Beauteous, the Winsome.</p>
+
+<p>FROSTI, the <i>E.</i> frosty.</p>
+
+<p>FULLA, abundance; from fullr, full.</p>
+
+<p>FUNDINN, found; from v. finna, to find.</p>
+
+
+<p>GANDALFR. Alfr, an elf, prob. sig. a wolf, a serpent.</p>
+
+<p>GANGLER, the tired wanderer; to debilitate, to tire.</p>
+
+<p>GANGRAD, prop. GANGRADR, indicates a person directing his steps.</p>
+
+<p>GARDROFA, Fence-breaker; to break, to break through.</p>
+
+<p>GARMR, voracious; to gorge; gourmand.</p>
+
+<p>GAUTR, ph. may sig. a keeper, to keep.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 338]</span><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338" /></p>
+
+<p>GEFJON, the earth; also separation, disruption.</p>
+
+<p>GEFN, from the v. gefa, to give.</p>
+
+<p>GEIROLUL, lit. Spear-alimentrix: from the v. ala, to aliment, to
+nourish.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRRAUDR, lit. spear-red; hence King Spear-rubifler.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRVIMUL, a river rushing or vibrating like a spear or javelin.</p>
+
+<p>GELGJA, from galgi, a gallows.</p>
+
+<p>GERDA, prop. GERDUR, to gird. Both gerd and gard are common
+terminations of female names, as Hildigard, Irminigard, Thorgerda, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>GERI. Geri may be derived from gerr, covetous, greedy.</p>
+
+<p>GIMLI, had the same sig. as himill, heaven, the original sig. of which
+may have been fire, but afterwards a gem, as in the <i>N.</i> word
+gimsteinn; whence also our colloquial words, gim, gimmy (neat), and
+gimcrack.</p>
+
+<p>GINNARR, Seducer; from v. ginna, to seduce.</p>
+
+<p>GINNUNGA-GAP may be rendered the gap of gaps; a gaping abyss.</p>
+
+<p>GJALLAR (horn); from the v. gjalla, to resound, to clang; to yell.</p>
+
+<p>GJOIX, prob. from gjallr, sonorous, fulgid.</p>
+
+<p>GLADR, glad; from v. gledja, to gladden.</p>
+
+<p>GLADSHEIMR: lit. Glad's-home; the abode of gladness or bliss.</p>
+
+<p>GL&AElig;R, from gl&aelig;r, clear, pellucid; cog. with <i>E.</i> glare.</p>
+
+<p>GLEIPNIR, the Devouring; from the v. gleipa, to devour.</p>
+
+<p>GLITNIR, the Glittering; from the v. glitra; to glitter, and to
+glisten.</p>
+
+<p>GLOINN, the Glowing; from v. gloa, to glow.</p>
+
+<p>GOD. The <i>Old N.</i> lang. has two words for God, viz. God and Gud; and
+it would appear that the n. god was used for an idol, and the m. gud.
+for a God. Both words are, however, frequently applied to denote a
+celestial deity. The Scandinavian Pontiff-chieftains were called Godar
+(in the sing. Godi).</p>
+
+<p>GOMUL, prob. from gamall, old.</p>
+
+<p>GRABAKR, Gray-back.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFJOLLUDR, Gray-skin; the skin of an animal.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFVITNIR, from the v. grafa, to dig, to delve; cog. with <i>E.</i> grave:
+and the v. vita, to know; <i>to</i> wit, wist, wot.</p>
+
+<p>GRIMAR, and GRIMNIR, a helmet, or any kind of a covering; used
+poetically for night, the sun being then veiled or covered.</p>
+
+<p>GULLINBURSTI, Golden-bristles.</p>
+
+<p>GULLTOPPR, Golden-mane; crest, the top of anything, hence mane.</p>
+
+<p>GUNNTHRA. The first sylb. of this word is from gunnr, war, a combat;
+to increase, to enlarge; thra sig. grief, calamity; and thro, a
+cavity, a fosse. From gunnr is derived the <i>N.</i> gunn-fani, a
+war-banner.</p>
+
+<p>GYLLIR, from gull, gold.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 339]</span><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339" /></p>
+
+
+<p>HABROK. The E.E. render this word by <i>Altipes</i>, from bar, high; and
+brok, lit. breeches, brogues, but which they assume may also sig. a
+bird's leg.</p>
+
+<p>HALLINSKITHI, to decline; hence it would be an appropriate term for
+the post-meridian sun.</p>
+
+<p>HAMSKEKPIR, prob. from hams, hide; and the v. skerpa, to sharpen, also
+to dry, to indurate.</p>
+
+<p>HAPTAGUD, ph. from haupt, a nexus, a tie, a band.</p>
+
+<p>HAR, prop. HARR, may mean either <i>high</i> or <i>hairy</i>. As a designation
+of Odin it has undoubtedly the former signification. As the name of a
+dwarf, the latter sig. would be more appropriate.</p>
+
+<p>HARBARDR, Hairy-beard.</p>
+
+<p>HEIDRUN, serene, etherial; a heath.</p>
+
+<p>HEIMDALLR: heimr, home, the world.</p>
+
+<p>HELA, prop. HEL., gen. HELJAR, the Goddess of the Infernal Regions,
+used instead of Helheimr for those regions themselves.</p>
+
+<p>HELBLINDI: hel, see the preceding word; blindi, from blundr, slumber.</p>
+
+<p>HEPTI, prob. means impeding, constraining; to seize, to take by force,
+to adhere to.</p>
+
+<p>HERFJOTUR, lit. Host's-fetter, <i>i.e.</i> having the power to impede or
+constrain an army at will: her, an army, a host, a multitude.</p>
+
+<p>HERJANN, the leader of an army; from her.</p>
+
+<p>HERMOD, prop. HERMODR: her from her, courage, (<i>see</i> Modgudur).</p>
+
+<p>HERTEITR, gay amongst warriors, a jovial soldier; glad, joyful.</p>
+
+<p>HILDUR (Hilda), war, a combat. Hence we find it in a number of
+Teutonic prop, names both m. and f., as Hilderic, Childeric, Hildegrim
+(the Helm of War), Brynhildr (Brunhilda), Clothild (Clothilda), &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBJORG, the Heavenly-Mountains, the Comprehending, the
+All-embracing.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBRJOTR, Heaven-breaking: from the v. brjota, to break.</p>
+
+<p>HJALMBERI, Helmet-bearing.</p>
+
+<p>HJUKI, to keep warm, to nourish, to cherish.</p>
+
+<p>HLIDSKJALF, a slope, a declivity; also to waver, to tremble.</p>
+
+<p>HLINA, prop. HLIN, the <i>support</i> on which a person leans, <i>i.e.</i> a
+tutelary deity.</p>
+
+<p>HLJODALFR, the Genius or Elf of Sound.</p>
+
+<p>HLODYN, the name of Frigga, as the symbol of the earth; <i>protectress
+of the hearth</i>&mdash;of the household. The Romans also worshipped a goddess
+of the earth and of fire under the common name of Fornax, dea
+fornacalis. Grimm mentions a stone found at Cleves with the remarkable
+inscription&mdash;DEAE HLUDANAE SACRVM C. TIBERIVS VERVS, and remarks that
+Hludana was neither a Roman nor a Celtic goddess, and could be no
+other than Hlodyn, which shows the identity of the German and
+Scandinavian Mythology.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 340]</span><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340" /></p>
+
+<p>HLOKK, or HLAUKK, to exalt, to clang, to cry like an eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HNIKARR, or NIKARR, victor, a conqueror; to move, to agitate; to
+thrust forward, to take by violence; to repel, to impede. <i>G.</i> m. Nix,
+fern. Nixe, an aquatic genius. We may remark that the monks having
+transformed Odin into the devil, our designation of his Satanic
+Majesty, as <i>Old Nick</i> appears to be a mere corruption of these
+appellations of the Teutonic divinity.</p>
+
+<p>HNOSSA, a ball of yarn, a clew of thread, a knot.</p>
+
+<p>HODUR, prop. HODR. Grimm thinks that the original signification may
+have been war, combat.</p>
+
+<p>HOFVARPNIR, a horse that plies well its hoofs, a good goer.</p>
+
+<p>HR&AElig;SVELGUR, lit. Raw-swallower, <i>i.e.</i> swallowing raw flesh like an
+eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HRAFNAGUD, the Ravens' god; brafn; <i>G.</i> rabe; <i>E.</i> raven.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMFAXI: brim, rime, or hoar frost; fax, a crest, a mane. The <i>E.</i>
+prop, name Fairfax, means fair-haired.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMTHURSAR, the Rim or Frost Giants: thurs, a giant.</p>
+
+<p>HRINGHORN, lit. a ringed or annulated horn.</p>
+
+<p>HRIST, from v. hrista, to shake, to agitate.</p>
+
+<p>HRYM, HRYMUR, prob. from brim, rime&mdash;hoar frost.</p>
+
+<p>HUGI, and HUGINN, from hugr, spirit, breath, thought, mind, reason.</p>
+
+<p>HVERGELMIR, the roaring cauldron; a spring of hot water.</p>
+
+<p>HYRROKIN, lit. Smoky-fire; utter darkness, also smoke.</p>
+
+
+<p>IDAVOLLR: vollr, a field, a place; to flow together; to ramble, to
+take a pleasant walk.</p>
+
+<p>IDUNA, prop. IDUNN or ITHUNN. May mean one who loves either the
+confluence of waters, or to work, or to take a pleasant ramble.</p>
+
+
+<p>JAFNHAR. <i>The Equally High</i>; lit. even so high.</p>
+
+<p>JARNVIDR, Iron-wood.</p>
+
+<p>JORD, JORTH, the earth.</p>
+
+<p>JORMUNGANDR. Gandr sig. serpent, and more prop, wolf: jormun is a word
+of uncertain origin, but appears in all the anc. Teutonic lang. to
+have expressed the idea of great, maximus, universal. The reader will
+find much curious information on this subject in Grimm's admirable
+work.</p>
+
+<p>JOTUNHEIMR, lit. Giants'-home, the region of the Giants.</p>
+
+
+<p>KERLAUG: ker, any kind of vessel, cup, bowl, &amp;c; also used to denote
+the bed of a river.</p>
+
+<p>KJALARR, prob. from v. kjala, to transport, to convey; a ship, <i>a
+keel</i>.</p>
+
+<p>KVASIR. This word seems to be used in the sense of a <i>drinking bout.</i></p>
+
+
+<p>LAUFEY, lit. Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>LETTFETI, Lightfoot: light.</p>
+
+<p>LIFTHRASIR, vital energy, longevity, life; enduring a long time.</p>
+
+<p>LITUR, colour, complexion, form, the face.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 341]</span><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341" /></p>
+
+<p>LODURR, LODR, LOTHR, from the ob. <i>N.</i> lod, fire.</p>
+
+<p>LOFNA, prop. LOFN, appears allegorlcally to denote perennial and
+unchangeable love.</p>
+
+<p>LOGI, Flame; a log of wood burnt or to be burnt.</p>
+
+<p>LOKI, to shut; whence the <i>E.</i> to lock, to finish.</p>
+
+<p>LOPTUR, the Aerial, the Sublime; the air; whence the <i>E.</i> lofty and
+aloft, also a (hay) loft.</p>
+
+<p>LYNGVI, from lyng or ling, the sweet broom, heath or ling.</p>
+
+
+<p>MAGNI, the Potent, the Powerful; force, energy.</p>
+
+<p>MANAGARMR, lit. the moon's wolf; a monster wolf or dog, voracious.</p>
+
+<p>MANI, the moon.</p>
+
+<p>MARDOLL, Sea-nymph; mere, the sea; whence our word mere, as
+Windermere, Buttermere, &amp;c: doll, a nymph; poetically a woman.</p>
+
+<p>MEGINGJARDIR, the Girdle of Might, the Belt of Prowess.</p>
+
+<p>MIDGARD, middleweard, the middleward; <i>see</i> Asgard. Middling, mean.</p>
+
+<p>MIMIR, or MIMER, to keep In memory; to be fanciful; mindful.</p>
+
+<p>MJODVITNIR, lit. knowing in mead; wine; madja, palm-wine,</p>
+
+<p>MJOLNIR, or MJOLLNIR, prob. from v. melja, to pound, or v. mala, to
+grind; <i>E.</i> mill, and prob. with <i>L.</i> malleus, a mallet.</p>
+
+<p>MODGUDUR, a valiant female warrior, <i>animosa bellona</i>: courage; mind;
+<i>E.</i> mood; gracefulness, delectation.</p>
+
+<p>MODSOGNIR, lit. sucking in courage or vigour.</p>
+
+<p>MOINN, dwelling on a moor.</p>
+
+<p>MUNINN, mind; <i>memory</i>, recollection; <i>G.</i> minne, love.</p>
+
+<p>MUSPELLHEIMR, Muspell's region or home; used in the sense of elemental
+or empyreal fire.</p>
+
+
+<p>NAGLFAR, a nail from nagl, a human nail; according to the Prose Edda,
+&quot;constructed of the nails of dead men&quot;; a seafaring man.</p>
+
+<p>NAL. <i>G.</i> nadel; <i>A.S.</i> n&aelig;dl; <i>E.</i> a needle.</p>
+
+<p>NANNA. Grimm derives this word from the v. nenna, to dare.</p>
+
+<p>NAR, a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>NASTROND, a corpse; The Strand of the Dead.</p>
+
+<p>NAUDUR, necessity; need.</p>
+
+<p>NAUT, ph. from the v. njota, to make use of.</p>
+
+<p>NIDAFJOLL, a rock, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>NIDHOGG, a phrase used to indicate the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p>NIDI, from nidr, downwards.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEIMR, lit. Nebulous-home&mdash;the shadowy region of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEL, from nifi and hel. <i>See</i> the latter word.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLUNGAR, the mythic-heroic ghosts of the shadowy realms of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIPINGR, handsome; to contract, to curve.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 342]</span><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342" /></p>
+
+<p>NJORD, prop. NJORDR, humid; <i>Sk.</i> nar, nir, water; a wave; and
+Neriman, an aquatic man.</p>
+
+<p>NOTT; <i>D.</i> nat; <i>M.G.</i> naht; <i>G.</i> nacht; <i>A.S.</i> niht; <i>E.</i> night.</p>
+
+<p>NYI, these dwarfs were symbolical of the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+
+<p>ODIN. <i>E.</i> to <i>wade</i> through, consequently the Omnipotent Being that
+<i>permeates all things</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ODUR, the name of Freyja's husband. Odur may, like Kvasir, be the
+personification of poetry.</p>
+
+<p>ODHROERIR, Mind-exciting; the name of a vessel or kettle.</p>
+
+<p>OFNIR, <i>E.</i> to weave. The word would thus sig. the textile or creating
+power of Odin.</p>
+
+<p>OMI, from omr, a sound, a crash; a name given to Odin, when like, the
+Brahmlnlc Indra, he rattles aloft during a battle, or at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>ONDURDIS, Snow skates; <i>E.</i> to wander; dis, a nymph, a goddess.</p>
+
+<p>ORGELMIR, Primordial Giant; also to roar, to howl, to clang, to
+resound.</p>
+
+<p>ORI, delirious (with love), one of the Erotic Genii.</p>
+
+<p>OSKI, hence one who listens to the wishes of mankind.</p>
+
+
+<p>RADGRID, lit. seeking power with avidity; power, empire council.</p>
+
+<p>RADSVITHR, wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>RAGNAROKR. The n. ragin signified <i>rath</i>, council, the pl. of which,
+regin, Is used in the Eddaic Poems for the gods; that is to say, the
+consulting, deliberating deities. It answers in fact fully to the <i>E.</i>
+word <i>rack</i>, Indicating atmospheric nebulosity; hence Ragnarok is very
+approp. rendered by &quot;The Twilight of the Gods.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>RAN, to plunder; her spoil being those who were drowned at sea.</p>
+
+<p>RANDGRID: rand, from rond, a shield.</p>
+
+<p>RATATOSKR, from the v. rata; to permeate; the last sylb. may be
+derived from <i>G.</i> tasche, a pocket or pouch; hence the Permeating
+Pouch?</p>
+
+<p>REGIN, Is often used In the sense of vast, immense; the vast sea.</p>
+
+<p>REGINLEIF, dear to the gods, <i>see</i> Regin.</p>
+
+<p>RIGR, Rajah, a king.</p>
+
+<p>RINDA, prop. RINDUR, sig. symbolically, the crust of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>ROSKA, quick, lively, active.</p>
+
+
+<p>SADR, SATHR, just, true, in sooth, verily.</p>
+
+<p>S&AElig;GR, a large vessel of any kind. The word was used by the Skalds
+metaphorically for the sea.</p>
+
+<p>SAGA. The personified saga or narration, from the v. segja, to say;
+<i>G.</i> sage; <i>E.</i> a saying; <i>L.</i> Saga, a sorceress; sagax, saga-clous,
+to foretell.</p>
+
+<p>SANNGETALL, inquiring after; guessing at truth.</p>
+
+<p>SESSRUMNIR, lit. Seat-roomy, <i>i.e.</i> having room for plenty of seats.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 343]</span><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343" /></p>
+
+<p>SID, declining, hanging, tending downward.</p>
+
+<p>SIDHOTTR, lit. Hanging-hat or hood.</p>
+
+<p>SIDSKEGGR, lit. Hanging-beard; <i>E.</i> shag and shaggy.</p>
+
+<p>SIF, signifying peace, friendship, relationship, a goddess, Sibja,
+Sippia, and Sib.</p>
+
+<p>SIGFADIR, or SIGFODUR, the Father of Victory; <i>L.</i> pater.</p>
+
+<p>SILFRINTOPPR, Silver-mane; <i>E.</i> silver: toppr, <i>see</i> Gulltoppr.</p>
+
+<p>SINDRI, either scintillating or producing dross.</p>
+
+<p>SJOFNA. F. Mag. derives it from the v. sja, to see.</p>
+
+<p>SKADI, the magpie received its name from this goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SKAFIDR, shaving, scraping.</p>
+
+<p>SKEGGOLD, lit. Old-beard; also denoted a particular kind of
+battle-axe.</p>
+
+<p>SKEIDBRIMIR, any space of time that is elapsing.</p>
+
+<p>SKIDBLADNIR, lath, shingle, billet of wood, a sheath; <i>E.</i> blade, a
+blade or <i>leaf</i> of grass.</p>
+
+<p>SKILFINGR, prob. to shake, to shatter.</p>
+
+<p>SKINFAXI, Shining-mane: skin, splendour, light.</p>
+
+<p>SKIRNIR, serene, pure, clear; E. sheer, which had formerly the same
+meaning.</p>
+
+<p>SKOGUL, prob. from v. skaga, to jut out; whence skagi, a promontory.</p>
+
+<p>SKOLL, to stick to, to adhere, to strike, to smite.</p>
+
+<p>SLEIPNIR. <i>E.</i> slippery.</p>
+
+<p>SLIDRUGTANNI, cruel, fierce, savage.</p>
+
+<p>SNOTRA, to blow the nose; a person, even a goddess, being much more
+<i>tidy</i> when the nostrils are thoroughly <i>emunctated.</i></p>
+
+<p>SOKKVABEKKR, lit. Sinking-brook; to sink; an estuary, a shore, a
+brook.</p>
+
+<p>SON, sound, song, <i>sonus</i>, <i>cantus</i>.</p>
+
+<p>SURTUR, obscure, invisible; and invisible, unintelligible!! Surtur,
+according to Fin Magnusen, the invisible, unintelligible being whom
+the ancient Scandinavians regarded as &quot;the great First Cause least
+understood&quot; of all things.</p>
+
+<p>SVADILFARI, lubricity, also slippery ice.</p>
+
+<p>SVAFNIR, prob. from v. svefa, to cast asleep; sleep, quiet, repose.</p>
+
+<p>SVALINN, the Refrigerating; to cool, to refrigerate.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTALFAHEIMR, lit. Black or Swart Elves' home, region of the Elves
+of Darkness in contradistincition to that of the Elves of Light.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTHOFDI, Black-head; svartr, black, swart.</p>
+
+<p>SVASUTHR, Sweet-south; blithe, jocund, dear.</p>
+
+<p>SVIDR and SVIDRIR, from v. svida, to scorch; or wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>SVIPALL, to hasten, to vibrate; to wave, to hover; also with <i>E.</i> v.
+to sweep.</p>
+
+<p>SYLGR, a draught or deglutition; to swallow; to swill; to guzzle, to
+feast.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 344]</span><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344" /></p>
+
+<p>SYN, signifying equity; syn. defence, excuse, negation, impediment,
+which has been personified into a judicial goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SYNIR, having a fine appearance.</p>
+
+
+<p>TANNGNIOSTR, Gnashing-teeth; to bruise, crack, grind, gnash.</p>
+
+<p>THEKKR, to know; <i>E.</i> to think. The adj. thekkr means also amiable.</p>
+
+<p>THODNUMA, men, people, nations.</p>
+
+<p>THOR, contraction of Thonar, a word indicating a God who, like Thor,
+presided over <i>thunder</i> and atmospherical phenomena.</p>
+
+<p>THORINN, from thor, audacity; whence the v. thora; to dare.</p>
+
+<p>THRAINN, the Pertinacious; from the v. thra, to desire vehemently.</p>
+
+<p>THRIDI, <i>The Third</i>.</p>
+
+<p>THROR, ph. from v. throa, to increase, to amplify.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDUR. Thrudr is an obsolete <i>N.</i> word signifying fortitude,
+firmness; but it appears to have originally had, in most of the
+Teutonic languages the sig. of maiden, virgin; and was afterwards used
+in the sense of witch, sorceress.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDVANGR, the Abode or Region or Fortitude.</p>
+
+<p>THRYM. F. Mag. says the word is <i>undoubtedly</i> derived from thruma,
+thunder.</p>
+
+<p>THUNDR, can be derived from thund, a breastplate, a coat of mail.</p>
+
+<p>THYN, to thunder, to make a thundering noise, as a rapid current does.</p>
+
+<p>TYR, signifying God; as well as the <i>L.</i> Jupiter, for which he assumes
+a nom. Ju or Jus, Jupiter.</p>
+
+
+<p>URD, VERDANDI, and SKULD, the Present, Past, and Future. The names of
+the Destinies of the Present and Past.</p>
+
+<p>UTGARD, prop. UTGARDR, lit. Outer-ward. <i>See</i> Midgard.</p>
+
+
+<p>VAFTHRUDNIR, from the v. vefa, to involve, prop, to weave.</p>
+
+<p>VAFUDR, the Weaver, or the Constrainer.</p>
+
+<p>VAKR, VAKUR, alert, lively, vigilant.</p>
+
+<p>VALASKJALF, choice, election.</p>
+
+<p>VALFADIR, or VALFODUR, lit. the Choosing Father.</p>
+
+<p>VALHALLA, prop, VALHOLL, lit. the Hall of the Chosen: may also have
+originally indicated a temple.</p>
+
+<p>VALKYRJOR, or VALKYRJUR, sing. VALKYRJA, lit. Choosers of the Slain;
+denoted the slain in battle; a poetical word for a field of battle.</p>
+
+<p>VANADIS, prop, a Goddess of the Vanir. <i>See</i> that word, and <i>Dis</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VANIR, beautiful; with the <i>L.</i> venustus and Venus, and ph. with the
+<i>E. wench</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VASADR, from vas, moisture, a word cog. with the <i>E.</i> wet and wash.</p>
+
+<p>VE. Was used in the m. sing, to express a particular god; that in the
+pi. it would be vear, gods, idols; a temple.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 345]</span><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345" /></p>
+
+<p>VEDURFOLNIR might be rendered Storm-stilling; causing serenity.</p>
+
+<p>VEGSVINN, lit Road-knowing.</p>
+
+<p>VERATYR, lit. the Man-god.</p>
+
+<p>VESTRI, west, occidental.</p>
+
+<p>VIDAR, a tree; wood; and prob. also weed and withy.</p>
+
+<p>VIDBLAINN, expanded azure (lit. Wide-blue).</p>
+
+<p>VIDFINNR, wide, vast.</p>
+
+<p>VIDOLFR, or VIDALFR, lit. Sylvan Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VIDRIR, Moderator of the weather; to still the weather.</p>
+
+<p>VIGRID, from vig, a battle; battle craft, the art of war.</p>
+
+<p>VILI, Will. To will; to choose; to elect.</p>
+
+<p>VILMEITHR, an old word for tree.</p>
+
+<p>VIN, and VINA, a friend, to love, to favour; winsome.</p>
+
+<p>VINDALFR, Wind Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VINDSVALR; vindr, wind: and svalr, cold, glacial.</p>
+
+<p>VINGOLF, lit. the Abode of Friends; golf means lit. a floor.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUNDR. The word denotes a skilful artificer, in which sense it is
+still used by the Icelanders; he is a famous workman&mdash;a Wayland&mdash;in
+iron; and they very appropriately term a labyrinth a Wayland-house.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUSPA, a sybil or prophetess.</p>
+
+
+<p>YGGDRASILL, from Ygg, one of Odin's names (see the following word) and
+drasill, bearing; hence, according to F. Mag., it would sig. bearing
+(producing) rain, or bearing Odin.</p>
+
+<p>YGGR., to meditate, and also to fear; hence the word might be rendered
+by either the Meditating or the Terrible.</p>
+
+<p>YLG, the Howling; to howl.</p>
+
+<p>YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the
+wind; also the clang of metals.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
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+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and
+the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson
+
+Author: Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2005 [EBook #14726]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Stephen Schulze and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team. This ebook was produced using images from the
+University of Georgia Libraries.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE ELDER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SAEMUND SIGFUSSON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>BENJAMIN THORPE,</h2>
+
+<h3>AND THE</h3>
+
+<h1>YOUNGER EDDAS</h1>
+
+<h1>OF SNORRE STURLESON.</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Translated from the Original Old Norse Text into English</i></p>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>I.A. BLACKWELL.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">EDITOR IN CHIEF.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">J. W. BUEL, Ph.D.,</p>
+
+<p class="center">MANAGING EDITOR.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">PUBLISHED BY THE</p>
+
+<p class="center">NORROENA SOCIETY,</p>
+
+<p class="center">LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERLIN NEW YORK</p>
+
+<p class="center">1906</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"><a name="KING_GUNTHER" id="KING_GUNTHER" />
+<img src="images/fig01.jpg" width="418" height="600" alt="KING GUNTHER" title="KING GUNTHER" />
+<p class="center"><b>KING GUNTHER</b></p>
+<p class="center">(<i>After a painting by B. Guth</i>.)</p>
+
+
+<p>Gunnar, Gunther, or Gunter, King of Burgundy, was probably a real
+personage of the troubled times with which his name is associated&mdash;a
+period distinguished as much for heroic characters as for tragic
+events. Gunther represents the best type of kinghood of his age; a man
+swayed by his affections rather than by ambition, who scrupled at
+misdeeds, yet yielded to the mastering passions of love; one whose
+instincts were loyalty to friends and country, and who shrank from
+cruelties to gain his ends, but who fell a victim to woman's
+fascinations. History accordingly praises him more for a lover than
+for a sovereign.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iii.]</div>
+<h2>LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.</h2>
+
+<h3>(ELDER AND YOUNGER EDDAS.)</h3>
+
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#KING_GUNTHER">Frontispiece&mdash;Gunnar (Gunther)</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD">Siegfried Awakens Brynhild</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI">Death of Atli</a></p>
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA">A Feast in Valhalla</a></p>
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg iv.]</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg v.]</div>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<a href="#PREFACE"><big><b>THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.</b></big></a><br /><br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#PREFACE"><b>Preface.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA"><b>Introduction To The Voluspa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY"><b>V&ouml;lusp&acirc;. The Vala's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR"><b>The Lay Of Vafthrudnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR"><b>The Lay Of Grimnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS"><b>The Lay Of Vegtam, Or Baldr's Dreams.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY"><b>The High One's Lay.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODINS_RUNE_SONG24"><b>Odin's Rune-song.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR"><b>The Lay Of Hymir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED"><b>The Lay Of Thrym, Or The Hammer Recovered.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS"><b>The Lay Of The Dwarf Alvis.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD"><b>The Lay Of Harbard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR"><b>The Journey Or Lay Of Skirnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_RIG"><b>The Lay Of Rig.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION"><b>Oegir's Compotation, Or Loki's Altercation.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH"><b>The Lay Of Fiolsvith.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA"><b>The Lay Of Hyndla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA"><b>The Incantation Of Groa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN"><b>The Song Of The Sun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND"><b>The Lay Of Volund.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON"><b>The Lay Of Helgi Hiorvard's Son.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The First Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Helgi Hundingcide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#SINFIOTLIS_END"><b>Sinfiotli's End.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY"><b>The First Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide, Or Gripir's Prophecy.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Second Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR"><b>The Lay Of Fafnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA"><b>The Lay Of Sigrdrifa.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Sigurd And Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE"><b>The Third Lay Of Sigurd Fafnicide.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD"><b>Fragments Of The Lay Of Brynhild.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The First Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE"><b>Brynhild's Hel-ride.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS"><b>The Slaughter Of The Niflungs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Second Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN"><b>The Third Lay Of Gudrun.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODDRUNS_LAMENT"><b>Oddrun's Lament.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI"><b>The Groenland Lay Of Atli.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT"><b>Gudrun's Incitement.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR"><b>The Lay Of Hamdir.</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg vi.]</span><a href="#THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON"><big><b>THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</b></big></a><br />
+<br />
+<div style="margin-left: 2em;"><a href="#THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI"><b>The Deluding Of Gylfi.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>Gylfi's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY"><b>Of The Supreme Deity.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>Of The Primordial State Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS"><b>Origin Of The Hrimthursar, Or Frost-giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN"><b>Of The Cow Audhumla, And The Birth Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH"><b>How The Sons Of Bor Slew Ymir And From His Body Made Heaven And Earth.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN"><b>Of The Formation Of The First Man And Woman.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY"><b>Of Night And Day.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Sun And Moon.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON"><b>Of The Wolves That Pursue The Sun And Moon</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN"><b>Of The Way That Leads To Heaven.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_GOLDEN_AGE"><b>The Golden Age.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS"><b>Origin Of The Dwarfs.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES"><b>Of The Ash Yggdrasill, Mimir's Well., And The Norns Or Destinies.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS"><b>Of The Various Celestial Regions.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS"><b>Of The Wind And The Seasons.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_ODIN"><b>Of Odin.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THOR"><b>Of Thor.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_BALDUR"><b>Of Baldur.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_NJORD"><b>Of Njord.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA"><b>Of The God Frey, And The Goddess Freyja.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_TYR"><b>Of Tyr.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_OTHER_GODS"><b>Of The Other Gods.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR"><b>Hodur The Blind, Assassin Of Baldur</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY"><b>Of Loki And His Progeny.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR"><b>Binding The Wolf Fenir</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_GODDESSES"><b>Of The Goddesses.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_FREY_AND_GERDA"><b>Of Frey And Gerda.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA"><b>Of The Joys Of Valhalla.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR"><b>Of The Horse Sleipnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR"><b>Of The Ship Skidbladnir.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS"><b>Thor's Adventures On His Journey To The Land Of The Giants.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT"><b>How Thor Went To Fish For The Midgard Serpent.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD"><b>The Death Of Baldur The Good.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD"><b>Baldur In The Abode Of The Dead</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI"><b>The Flight And Punishment Of Loki.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE"><b>Of Ragnarok, Or The Twilight Oe The Gods, And The Conflagration Of The</b></a><br />
+<a href="#OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY"><b>Of The Abodes Of Future Bliss And Misery.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE"><b>The Renovation Of The Universe.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD"><b>&AElig;gir's Journey To Asgard.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES"><b>Iduna And Her Apples.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY"><b>The Origin Of Poetry.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI"><b>Odin Beguiles The Daughter Of Baugi</b></a><br /></div>
+<br />
+<a href="#GLOSSARY"><b>GLOSSARY.</b></a>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg vii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE" />THE ELDER EDDAS OF SAEMUND.<br /></h2>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p>S&aelig;mund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector of the poems bearing his
+name, which is sometimes also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda,
+was of a highly distinguished family, being descended in a direct line
+from King Harald Hildetonn. He was born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling
+in the south of Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about 50
+years after the establishment by law of the Christian religion in that
+island; hence it is easy to imagine that many heathens, or baptized
+favourers of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have lived in his
+days and imparted to him the lays of the times of old, which his
+unfettered mind induced him to hand down to posterity.</p>
+
+<p>The youth of S&aelig;mund was passed in travel and study, in Germany and
+France, and, according to some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John
+Ogmundson, who later became first bishop of Holum, and after his death
+was received among the number of saints, when on his way to Rome, fell
+in with his youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to Iceland,
+in the year 1076. S&aelig;mund afterwards became a priest at Oddi, where he
+instructed many young men in useful learning; but the effects of which
+were not improbably such as to the common people might appear as
+witchcraft or magic: and, indeed, S&aelig;mund's predilection for the sagas
+and songs of the old heathen times (even for the magical ones) was so
+well known, that among his countrymen there were some who regarded him
+as a great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white or
+innocuous and <span class="pagenum">[Pg viii.]</span>defensive sorcery, a repute which still clings to his
+memory among the common people of Iceland, and will long adhere to it
+through the numerous and popular stories regarding him (some of them
+highly entertaining) that are orally transmitted from generation to
+generation.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> S&aelig;mund died at the age of 77, leaving behind him a work
+on the history of Norway and Iceland, which is now almost entirely
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>The first who ascribed to S&aelig;mund the collection of poems known as the
+Poetic Edda,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> was Brynjolf Svensson, bishop of Skalholt. This
+prelate, who was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found in
+the year 1643, the <span class="pagenum">[Pg ix.]</span>old vellum codex, which is the most complete of
+all the known manuscripts of the Edda; of this he caused a transcript
+to be made, which he entitled <i>Edda Saemundi Multiscii</i>. The
+transcript came into the possession of the royal historiographer
+Torf&aelig;us; the original, together with other MSS., was presented to the
+King of Denmark, Frederick. III., and placed in the royal library at
+Copenhagen, where it now is.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> As many of the Eddaic poems appear to
+have been orally transmitted in an imperfect state, the collector has
+supplied the deficiencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
+of the subject is to a certain degree restored.</p>
+
+<p>The collection called S&aelig;mund's Edda consists of two parts, viz., the
+Mythological and the Heroic. It is the former of those which is now
+offered to the public in an English version. In the year 1797, a
+translation of this first part, by A.S. Cottle, was published at
+Bristol. This work I have never met with; nor have I seen any English
+version of any part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spirited
+but free translation of the Vegtamskvida.</p>
+
+<p>The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) celebrates the story of Volund's
+doings and sufferings during his sojourn in the territory of the
+Swedish king Nidud. Volund (<i>Ger</i>. Wieland, <i>Fr</i>. Veland and Galans)
+is the Scandinavian and Germanic Vulcan (Hephaistos) and D&aelig;dalus. In
+England his story, as a skillful smith, is traceable to a very early
+period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf we find that hero desiring,
+in the event of his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his
+corslets may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says, the work of
+Weland; and king &AElig;lfred, in his translation of Boethius de
+Consolatione, renders the words <i>fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc</i>. by Hw&aelig;t
+(hw&aelig;r) Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the famous and wise
+goldsmith Weland?), evidently taking the proper name of Fabricius for
+an appellative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book, too, there is
+a poem in substance closely resembling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of
+Kenilworth, Walter Scott has been guilty of a woeful perversion of the
+old tradition, travestied from the Berkshire legend of Wayland Smith.
+As a land-boundary we find Weland's smithy in a Charter of king Eadred
+A.D. 955.</p>
+
+<p>On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is nothing to remark beyond
+what appears in the poem itself.</p>
+
+<p>The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the first of the series of stories
+relating to the Volsung race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.</p>
+
+<p>The connection of the several personages celebrated in these poems
+will appear plain from the following tables:<span class="pagenum">[Pg x.]</span></p>
+
+<pre>
+                <b>Sigi</b>, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin
+                 |
+                <b>Rerir</b>
+                 |
+                <b>Volsung</b> = a daughter of the giant Hrimnir
+           __________________|
+          |
+      <b>Sigmund</b>  =  Signi  =    Borghild    =  Hiordis
+         |     |         |                |
+    Hamund.  <b>Sinfiotli</b>. <b>Helgi</b> = Sigrun <b>Sigurd</b> = Gudrun
+                                            __|____________
+                                           |               |
+                                           <b>Sigmund</b>, Svanhild.
+                                                    m Jornmnrek.
+
+
+                           <b>Giuki</b> = Grimhild.
+          _______________________|
+         |
+      <b>Gunnar</b>=Glaumvor. <b>Hogni</b>=Kostbera. <b>Guthorm</b>. <b>Gudrun</b>, = 1 Sigurd.
+                            |                             2 Atli.
+                 Solar. Giuki. Sn&aelig;var.                    3 Jonakr.
+
+
+
+                   <b>Budli</b>.
+                     |
+    <b>Atli</b> = Gudrun: <b>Brynhild</b> = Gunnar.  Oddrun.  Beckhild = Heimir.
+                |                                        |
+            Erp. Eitil                                Alsvid.
+
+
+                   Jonakr = Gudrun
+                 _____|   |_____________
+                |                       |
+                 Erp       Hamdir. Sorli.
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg xi.]</span>The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Niflung lays terminates with the
+Lay of Hamdir; the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
+comparatively late composition; yet being written in the true ancient
+spirit of the North is well deserving of a place among the Eddaic
+poems. Nor, indeed, is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank among
+the poems collected by S&aelig;mund, by any means clear, we know it only
+from its existence in the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its
+intrinsic worth, and its reception in other editions of the Edda, both
+in original and translation, the present work would seem, and justly
+so, incomplete without it.</p>
+
+<p>The Prose, or Younger Edda, is generally ascribed to the celebrated
+Snorre Sturleson, who was born of a distinguished Icelandic family, in
+the year 1178, and after leading a turbulent and ambitious life, and
+being twice the supreme magistrate of the Republic, was killed A.D.
+1241,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4" /><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> by three of his sons-in-law and a stepson. When Snorre was
+three years <span class="pagenum">[Pg xii.]</span>old, John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of S&aelig;mund the
+Wise, took him into fosterage. Snorre resided at Oddi until his
+twentieth year, and appears to have received an excellent education
+from his foster father, who was one of the most learned men of that
+period. How far he may have made use of the manuscripts of S&aelig;mund and
+Ari, which were preserved at Oddi, it is impossible to say, neither do
+we know the precise contents of these manuscripts; but it is highly
+probable that the most important parts of the work, now known under
+the title of &quot;The Prose Edda,&quot; formed a part of them, and that
+Snorre&mdash;who may be regarded as the Scandinavian Euhemerus&mdash;merely
+added a few chapters, in order to render the mythology more
+conformable to the erroneous notions he appears to have entertained
+respecting its signification. Be this as it may, the Prose Edda, in
+its present form, dates from the thirteenth century, and consists
+of&mdash;1. <i>Formali</i> (Fore discourse); or the prologue. 2. <i>Gylfa-ginning</i>
+(The deluding of Gylfi). 3. <i>Braga-roedur</i> (Conversations of Bragi).
+4. <i>Eptirmali</i> (After discourse); or Epilogue. The Prologue and
+Epilogue were probably written by Snorre himself, and are nothing more
+than an absurd syncretism of Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian
+myths and legends, in which Noah, Priam, Odin, Hector, Thor, &AElig;neas,
+&amp;c, are jumbled together much in the same manner as in the romances of
+the Middle Ages. These dissertations, utterly worthless in themselves,
+have obviously nothing in common with the so-called &quot;Prose Edda,&quot; the
+first part of which, containing fifty-three chapters, forms a complete
+synopsis of Scandinavian mythology, derived principally from the
+Poetical Edda.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;">THE TRANSLATOR.<br /></p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The following, the first among many, may serve as a
+specimen.
+</p><p>
+S&aelig;mund was residing, in the south of Europe, with a famous Master, by
+whom he was instructed in every kind of lore; while, on the other
+hand, he forgot (apparently through intense study) all that he had
+previously learned, even to his own name; so that when the holy man
+John Ogmundson came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll;
+but on John insisting that he was no other than S&aelig;mund Sigfusson, born
+at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many particulars regarding
+himself, he at length became conscious of his own identity, and
+resolved to flee from the place with his kinsman. For the purpose of
+deceiving the master, John continued some time in the place, and often
+came to visit him and S&aelig;mund; till at last, one dark night, they
+betook themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them than
+he sent in pursuit of them; but in vain, and the heavens were too
+overcast to admit, according to his custom, of reading their
+whereabouts in the stars. So they traveled day and night and all the
+following day. But the next night was clear, and the Master at once
+read in the stars where they were, and set out after them at full
+speed. Then S&aelig;mund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said, &quot;Now is
+my Master in chase of us, and sees where we are.&quot; And on John asking
+what was to be done, he answered: &quot;Take one of my shoes off, fill it
+with water, and set it on my head.&quot; John did so, and at the same
+moment, the Master, looking up at the heavens, says to his companion:
+&quot;Bad news; the stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water
+about his forehead.&quot; And thereupon returned home. The pair now again
+prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the following night,
+the Master again consults the stars, when, to his great amazement, he
+sees the star of S&aelig;mund directly above his head, and again sets off
+after the fugitives. Observing this, S&aelig;mund says: &quot;The astrologer is
+again after us, and again we must look to ourselves; take my shoe off
+again, and with your knife stab me in the thigh; fill the shoe with
+blood, and place it on the top of my head.&quot; John does as directed, and
+the Master, again gazing at the stars, says: &quot;There is blood now about
+the star of Master Koll, and the stranger has for certain murdered
+him,&quot; and so returns home. The old man now has once more recourse to
+his art; but on seeing S&aelig;mund's star shining brightly above him, he
+exclaimed: &quot;My pupil is still living; so much the better. I have
+taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both in astrology and
+magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I am unable to hinder their
+departure.&quot;</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Bishop P.E. Muller supposes the greater number of the
+Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek II, p, 131.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this MS.
+is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4" /><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Snorre, at the death of John Loptson (A.D. 1197), does
+not appear to have possessed any property whatever, though he
+afterwards became the wealthiest man in Iceland. His rise in the world
+was chiefly owing to his marriage with Herdisa, the daughter of a
+priest called Bersi the Rich,&mdash;a very enviable surname, which no doubt
+enabled the Rev. gentleman to brave the decrees of Popes and Councils,
+and take to himself a wife&mdash;who brought him a very considerable
+fortune. If we may judge from Snorre's biography, Christianity appears
+to have effected very little change in the character of the
+Icelanders. We have the same turbulent and sanguinary scenes, the same
+loose conduct of the women, and perfidy, and remorseless cruelty of
+the men, as in the Pagan times.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg xiii.]</div>
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" id="INTRODUCTION_TO_THE_VOLUSPA" />INTRODUCTION TO THE VOLUSPA.</h2>
+
+<p>As introductory to the Voluspa, the following description of a
+wandering Vala or prophetess may be thought both desirable and
+interesting: &quot;We find them present at the birth of children, when they
+seem to represent the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either by
+means of <i>seid</i>, during the night, while all others in the house were
+sleeping, and uttered their oracles in the morning; or they received
+sudden inspirations during the singing of certain songs appropriate to
+the purpose, without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
+These seid-women were common over all the North. When invited by the
+master of a family, they appeared in a peculiar costume, sometimes
+with a considerable number of followers, e.g. with fifteen young men
+and fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received money, gold
+rings, and other precious things. Sometimes it was necessary to compel
+them to prophesy. An old description of such a Vala, who went from
+guild to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
+women and their proceedings&quot;:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the winter attended the
+guilds, at the invitation of those who desired to know their fate, or
+the quality of the coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
+sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an elevated seat, on
+which lay a cushion stuffed with feathers. A man was sent to meet her.
+She came in the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with thongs
+and set with stones down to the lap; <span class="pagenum">[Pg xiv.]</span>round her neck she had a
+necklace of glass beads, on her head a hood of black lambskin lined
+with white catskin; in her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted
+with brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she wore a
+girdle of agaric (knoske), from which hung a bag containing her
+conjuring apparatus; on her feet were rough calfskin shoes with long
+ties and tin buttons, on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
+within. All bade her welcome with a reverent salutation; the master
+himself conducted her by the hand to her seat. She undertook no
+prophecy on the first day, but would first pass a night there. In the
+evening of the following day she ascended her elevated seat, caused
+the women to place themselves round her, and desired them to sing
+certain songs, which they did in a strong, clear voice. She then
+prophesied of the coming year, and afterwards, all that would advanced
+and asked her such questions as they thought proper, to which they
+received plain answers.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most probably from the
+time of heathenism, are set forth, as the utterances of a Vala, or
+wandering prophetess, as above described, the story of the creation of
+the world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods, the
+dwarfs, and the human race, together with other events relating to the
+mythology of the North, and ending with the destruction of the gods
+and the world, and their renewal.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 1]</div>
+<h2><a name="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" id="VOLUSPA_THE_VALAS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1" />V&Ouml;LUSP&Acirc;. THE VALA'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of
+Heimdall,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5" /><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> they will that I Valfather's deeds recount, men's ancient
+saws, those that I best remember.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The J&ouml;tuns I remember early born, those who me of old have
+reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree,
+beneath the earth.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There was in times of old, where Ymir dwelt, nor sand nor sea,
+nor gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven above, 'twas a chaotic
+chasm, and grass nowhere.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Before Bur's sons raised up heaven's vault, they who the noble
+mid-earth shaped. The sun shone from the south over the structure's
+rocks: then was the earth begrown with herbage green.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> The sun from the south, the moon's companion, her right hand cast
+about the heavenly horses. The sun knew not where she<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6" /><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> a dwelling
+had, the moon knew not what power he possessed, the stars knew not
+where they had a station.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 2]</span><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2" /><b>6.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: to night and to the waning moon gave
+names; morn they named, and mid-day, afternoon and eve, whereby to
+reckon years.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> The &AElig;sir met on Ida's plain; they altar-steads and temples high
+constructed; their strength they proved, all things tried, furnaces
+established, precious things forged, formed tongs, and fabricated
+tools;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> At tables played at home; joyous they were; to them was naught
+the want of gold, until there came Thurs-maidens three, all powerful,
+from J&ouml;tunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then went all the powers to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, who should of the dwarfs the race
+create, from the sea-giant's blood and livid bones.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then was M&ocirc;tsognir created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin
+second; there in man's likeness they created many dwarfs from earth,
+as Durin said.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> N&yacute;i and Nidi, Nordri and Sudri, Austri and Vestri, Althi&ocirc;f,
+Dvalin N&acirc;r and N&acirc;in, Niping, Dain, Biv&ouml;r, Bav&ouml;r, B&ouml;mbur, Nori, An and
+Anar, Ai, Miodvitnir,</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Veig and Gand&acirc;lf, Vind&acirc;lf, Thrain, Thekk and Thorin, Thr&ocirc;r,
+Vitr, and Litr, N&ucirc;r and N&yacute;r&acirc;d, Regin and R&acirc;dsvid. Now of the dwarfs I
+have rightly told.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, Billing,
+Bruni, Bild, B&ucirc;ri, Fr&acirc;r, Hornbori, Fr&aelig;g and L&ocirc;ni, Aurvang, Iari,
+Eikinskialdi.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Time 'tis of the dwarfs in Dvalin's band, to the sons of men, to
+Lofar up to reckon, those who came forth from the world's rock,
+earth's foundation, to Iora's plains.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 3]</span><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" /><b>15.</b> There were Draupnir, and D&ocirc;lgthrasir, H&acirc;r, Haugspori, Hl&aelig;vang,
+Gl&ocirc;i, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, H&ouml;ggstari, Hli&ocirc;d&ocirc;lf,
+Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
+accounted be.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Until there came three mighty and benevolent &AElig;sir to the world
+from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
+Embla, void of destiny.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
+powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
+gave Lodur, and goodly colour.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
+limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
+stands it green over Urd's fountain.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
+under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,&mdash;on a
+tablet they graved&mdash;Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
+allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Alone she<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7" /><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> sat without, when came that ancient dread &AElig;sir's
+prince; and in his eye she gazed.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
+all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim.&quot; Mim
+drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8" /><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> Understand ye yet,
+or what?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" /><b>23.</b> The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
+discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
+world.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
+god's people: Skuld held a shield, Sk&ouml;gul was second, then Gunn, Hild
+G&ouml;ndul, and Geirsk&ouml;gul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
+Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9" /><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>
+they with lances pierced, and in the high one's<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10" /><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> hall her burnt,
+thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
+lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
+well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
+arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council, whether the &AElig;sir should avenge the
+crime,<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11" /><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> or all the gods receive atonement.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Broken was the outer wall of the &AElig;sir's burgh. The Vanir,
+foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], and
+mid the people hurled it: that was the first warfare in the world.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
+gods, and thereon held council: who had all the air with evil mingled?
+or to the J&ouml;tun race Od's maid had given?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" /><b>30.</b> There alone was Thor with anger swollen. He seldom sits, when
+of the like he hears. Oaths are not held sacred; nor words, nor
+swearing, nor binding compacts reciprocally made.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> She knows that Heimdall's horn is hidden under the heaven-bright
+holy tree. A river she sees flow, with foamy fall, from Valfather's
+pledge. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> East sat the crone, in I&acirc;rnvidir, and there reared up Fenrir's
+progeny: of all shall be one especially the moon's devourer, in a
+troll's semblance.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He is sated with the last breath of dying men; the god's seat he
+with red gore defiles: swart is the sunshine then for summers after;
+all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> There on a height sat, striking a harp, the giantess's watch,
+the joyous Egdir; by him crowed, in the bird-wood, the bright red
+cock, which Fialar hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Crowed o'er the &AElig;sir Gullinkambi, which wakens heroes with the
+sire of hosts; but another crows beneath the earth, a soot-red cock,
+in the halls of Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> I saw of Baldr, the blood-stained god, Odin's son, the hidden
+fate. There stood grown up, high on the plain, slender and passing
+fair, the mistletoe.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> From that shrub was made, as to me it seemed, a deadly, noxious
+dart. H&ouml;dr shot it forth; but Frigg bewailed, in Fensalir, Valhall's
+calamity. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bound she saw lying, under Hveralund, a mon<span class="pagenum">[Pg 6]</span><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" />strous form, to Loki
+like. There sits Sigyn, for her consort's sake, not right glad.
+Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Then the Vala knew the fatal bonds were twisting, most rigid,
+bonds from entrails made.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> From the east a river falls, through venom dales, with mire and
+clods, Sl&icirc;d is its name.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> On the north there stood, on Nida-fells, a hall of gold, for
+Sindri's race; and another stood in Ok&ocirc;lnir, the J&ouml;tuns beer-hall
+which Br&icirc;mir hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She saw a hall standing, far from the sun, in N&acirc;str&ouml;nd; its
+doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in through its apertures:
+entwined is that hall with serpents' backs.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> She there saw wading the sluggish streams bloodthirsty men and
+perjurers, and him who the ear beguiles of another's wife. There
+Nidh&ouml;gg sucks the corpses of the dead; the wolf tears men. Understand
+ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Further forward I see, much can I say of Ragnar&ouml;k and the gods'
+conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Brothers shall fight, and slay each other; cousins shall kinship
+violate. The earth resounds, the giantesses flee; no man will another
+spare.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Hard is it in the world, great whoredom, an axe age, a sword
+age, shields shall be cloven, a wind age, a wolf age, ere the world
+sinks.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Mim's sons dance, but the central tree takes fire at the
+resounding Giallar-horn. Loud blows Heimdall, his horn is raised; Odin
+speaks with Mim's head.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans <span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" />that aged tree,
+and the j&ouml;tun is loosed. Loud bays Garm before the Gnupa-cave, his
+bonds he rends asunder; and the wolf runs.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Hrym steers from the east, the waters rise, the mundane snake is
+coiled in j&ouml;tun-rage. The worm beats the water, and the eagle screams:
+the pale of beak tears carcases; Naglfar is loosed.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> That ship fares from the east: come will Muspell's people o'er
+the sea, and Loki steers. The monster's kin goes all with the wolf;
+with them the brother is of Byleist on their course.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Surt from the south comes with flickering flame; shines from his
+sword the Val-gods' sun. The stony hills are dashed together, the
+giantesses totter; men tread the path of Hel, and heaven is cloven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> How is it with the &AElig;sir? How with the Alfar? All J&ouml;tunheim
+resounds; the &AElig;sir are in council. The dwarfs groan before their stony
+doors, the sages of the rocky walls. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then arises Hl&icirc;n's second grief, when Odin goes with the wolf to
+fight, and the bright slayer of Beli with Surt. Then will Frigg's
+beloved fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Then comes the great victor-sire's son, Vidar, to fight with the
+deadly beast. He with his hands will make his sword pierce to the
+heart of the giant's son: then avenges he his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Then comes the mighty son of Hl&ocirc;dyn: (Odin's son goes with the
+monster to fight); Midg&acirc;rd's Veor in his rage will slay the worm. Nine
+feet will go Fi&ouml;rgyn's son, bowed by the serpent, who feared no foe.
+All men will their homes forsake.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 8]</span><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" /></p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> The sun darkens, earth in ocean sinks, fall from heaven the
+bright stars, fire's breath assails the all-nourishing tree, towering
+fire plays against heaven itself.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> She sees arise, a second time, earth from ocean, beauteously
+green, waterfalls descending; the eagle flying over, which in the fell
+captures fish.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> The &AElig;sir meet on Ida's plain, and of the mighty earth-encircler
+speak, and there to memory call their mighty deeds, and the supreme
+god's ancient lore.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> There shall again the wondrous golden tables in the grass be
+found, which in days of old had possessed the ruler of the gods, and
+Fi&ouml;lnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Unsown shall the fields bring forth, all evil be amended; Baldr
+shall come; H&ouml;dr and Baldr, the heavenly gods, Hropt's glorious
+dwellings shall inhabit. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Then can Hoenir choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons
+inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what?</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold bedecked,
+in Gimill: there shall be righteous people dwell, and for evermore
+happiness enjoy.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Then comes the mighty one to the great judgment, the powerful
+from above, who rules o'er all. He shall dooms pronounce, and strifes
+allay, holy peace establish, which shall ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> There comes the dark dragon flying from beneath the glistening
+serpent, from Nida-fels. On his wings bears Nidh&ouml;gg, flying o'er the
+plain, a corpse. Now she will descend.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5" /><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, under the
+name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three orders of mankind.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6" /><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
+fem., the moon masc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7" /><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8" /><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> His eye here understood to signify the sun.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9" /><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
+was the end of the golden age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10" /><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i>, Odin's: his hall is the world.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11" /><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Of introducing the use of gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 9]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_VAFTHRUDNIR" /><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" />THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Odin visits the Giant (J&ouml;tun) Vafthr&ucirc;dnir, for the purpose of proving
+his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
+Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
+head. The J&ouml;tun incurs the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthr&ucirc;dnir to visit;
+great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise J&ouml;tun
+to contend.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> At home to bide H&aelig;rfather I would counsel, in the gods'
+dwellings; because no J&ouml;tun is, I believe, so mighty as is
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
+but this I fain would know, how in Vafthr&ucirc;dnir's halls it is.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
+journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
+shalt hold converse with the J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 10]</span><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" />J&ouml;tun. To the
+hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hail to thee, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
+see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
+J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
+thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gagnr&acirc;d is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
+halls, needing hospitality,&mdash;for I long have journeyed&mdash;and kind
+reception from thee, J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why then, Gagnr&acirc;d! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
+a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
+ancient talker.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
+hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
+visits an austere man.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
+human kind?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 11]</span><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
+kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
+sheds light that horse's mane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Tell me now, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
+o'er the beneficent powers?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
+beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
+in the dales comes dew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
+J&ouml;tuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
+stream no ice shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Tell me, Gagnr&acirc;d! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
+proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
+and the gentle Gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall <span class="pagenum">[Pg 12]</span><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" />meet Surt and
+the gentle Gods; a hundred rasts it is on every side. That plain is to
+them decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Wise art thou, O guest! Approach the J&ouml;tuns bench, and sitting
+let us together talk; we will our heads in the hall pledge, guest! for
+wise utterance.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me first, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence first came the earth, and the high heaven, thou,
+sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> From Ymir's flesh the earth was formed, and from his bones the
+hills, the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his
+blood the sea.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me secondly, if thy wit suffices, and thou, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir!
+knowest, whence came the moon, which over mankind passes, and the sun
+likewise?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Mundilfoeri hight he, who the moon's father is, and eke the
+sun's: round heaven journey each day they must, to count years for
+men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me thirdly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence came the day, which over people passes,
+and night with waning moons?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 13]</span><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" /><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Delling hight he who the day's father is, but night was of N&ouml;rvi
+born; the new and waning moons the beneficent powers created, to count
+years for men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me fourthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence winter came, and warm summer first among
+the wise gods?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Vindsval hight he, who winter's father is, and Sv&acirc;sud summer's;
+yearly they both shall ever journey, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me fifthly, since they pronounce thee sage, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, which of the &AElig;sir earliest, or of Ymir's sons,
+in days of old existed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was Bergelmir born;
+Thr&ucirc;dgelmir was his sire, his grandsire Aurgelmir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me sixthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! knowest, whence first came Aurgelmir, among the J&ouml;tun's
+sons, thou sagacious J&ouml;tun?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> From Eliv&acirc;gar sprang venom drops, which grew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 14]</span><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" />till they became a
+J&ouml;tun; but sparks flew from the south-world: to the ice the fire gave
+life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! how he children begat, the bold J&ouml;tun, as he had
+no giantess's company?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Under the armpit grew, 'tis said, of the Hr&icirc;mthurs, a girl and
+boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise J&ouml;tun, a six-headed
+son.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
+knowest? Thou art an all-wise J&ouml;tun.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
+That I first remember, when that wise J&ouml;tun in an ark was laid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
+itself invisible to man?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a J&ouml;tun
+in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
+that over all men passes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 15]</span><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
+Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! whence Ni&ouml;rd came among the &AElig;sir's sons? O'er fanes and
+offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the &AElig;sir born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
+gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
+until the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
+fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the &AElig;sir
+drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
+knowest, Vafthr&ucirc;dnir! of the J&ouml;tuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
+say what truest is, thou all-knowing J&ouml;tun!</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of the secrets of the J&ouml;tuns and of all the gods, I can truly
+tell; for I have over each world travelled; to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 16]</span><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" />nine worlds I came, to
+Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. What mortals will live, when the great &quot;Fimbul&quot;-winter shall
+from men have passed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
+holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
+be born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
+proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
+this devoured?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> A daughter shall Alfr&ouml;dull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed
+her. The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother's course.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Who are the maidens that o'er the
+ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> O'er people's dwellings three descend of M&ouml;gthrasir's maidens,
+the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with J&ouml;tuns
+nurtured.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 17]</span><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" /><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. Which of the &AElig;sir will rule o'er the
+gods' possession, when Surt's fire shall be quenched?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Vidar and Vali will the gods' holy fanes inhabit, when Surt's
+fire shall be quenched. M&ocirc;di and Magni will Mi&ouml;llnir possess, and
+warfare strive to end.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be,
+when the powers perish?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:
+he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gagnr&acirc;d</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Much have I journeyed, etc. What said Odin in his son's ear, ere
+he on the pile was laid?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vafthr&ucirc;dnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy
+son's ear. With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods'
+destruction. With Odin I have contended in wise utterances: of men
+thou ever art the wisest!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 18]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_GRIMNIR" /><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" />THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>The subject is wholly mythological.</p>
+
+
+<p>King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirr&ouml;d. Agnar
+was ten, and Geirr&ouml;d eight winters old. They both rowed out in a boat,
+with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove
+them out to sea. In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the
+shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with
+whom they stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought up
+Agnar, and the cottager, Geirr&ouml;d, and gave him good advice. In the
+spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied
+them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirr&ouml;d. They had a fair
+wind, and reached their father's place. Geirr&ouml;d was at the ship's
+prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, &quot;Go where
+an evil spirit may get thee.&quot; The vessel was driven out to sea, but
+Geirr&ouml;d went up to the town, where he was well received; but his
+father was dead. Geirr&ouml;d was then taken for king, and became a famous
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidski&acirc;lf, looking over all the world.
+Odin said, &quot;Seest thou Agnar, thy foster-son, where he is, getting
+children with a giantess in a cave? while Geirr&ouml;d, my foster-son, is a
+king residing in his country.&quot; Frigg answered, &quot;He is so inhos<span class="pagenum">[Pg 19]</span><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" />pitable
+that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that too many come.&quot; Odin
+replied that that was the greatest falsehood; and they wagered
+thereupon. Frigg sent her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirr&ouml;d be on his
+guard, lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm, and also
+say that a token whereby he might be known was, that no dog, however
+fierce, would attack him. But that King Geirr&ouml;d was not hospitable was
+mere idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured whom no
+dog would assail. He was clad in a blue cloak, and was named Grimnir,
+and would say no more concerning himself, although he was questioned.
+The king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess, and to be set
+between two fires; and there he sat for eight nights. King Geirr&ouml;d had
+a son ten years old, whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar
+went to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from, saying that
+the king did wrong in causing him to be tortured, though innocent.
+Grimnir drank from it. The fire had then so approached him that his
+cloak was burnt; whereupon he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Fire! thou art hot, and much too great; flame! let us separate.
+My garment is singed, although I lift it up, my cloak is scorched
+before it.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Eight nights have I sat between fires here, and to me no one food
+has offered, save only Agnar, the son of Geirr&ouml;d, who alone shall rule
+over the land of Goths.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to
+be. For one draught thou never shalt get better recompense.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 20]</span><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Holy is the land, which I see lying to &AElig;sir and Alfar near; but
+in Thr&ucirc;dheim Thor shall dwell until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Ydalir it is called, where Ullr has himself a dwelling made.
+Alfheim the gods to Frey gave in days of yore for a tooth-gift.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The third dwelling is, where the kind powers have with silver
+decked the hall; Valaski&acirc;lf 'tis called, which for himself acquired
+the As in days of old.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> S&ouml;kkvabekk the fourth is named o'er which the gelid waves
+resound; Odin and Saga there, joyful each day, from golden beakers
+quaff.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gladsheim the fifth is named, there the golden-bright Valhall
+stands spacious, there Hropt selects each day those men who die by
+weapons.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, its hall with shields is
+decked, with corslets are its benches strewed.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Easily to be known is, by those who to Odin come, the mansion by
+its aspect. A wolf hangs before the western door, over it an eagle
+hovers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymheim the sixth is named, where Thiassi dwelt that
+all-powerful J&ouml;tun; but Skadi now inhabits, the bright bride of gods,
+her father's ancient home.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Breidablik is the seventh, where Baldr has built for himself a
+hall, in that land, in which I know exists the fewest crimes.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinbi&ouml;rg is the eighth, where Heimdall, it is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 21]</span><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" />said, rules
+o'er the holy fanes: there the gods' watchman, in his tranquil home,
+drinks joyful the good mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> F&ocirc;lkvang is the ninth, there Freyia directs the sittings in the
+hall. She half the fallen chooses each day, but Odin th' other half.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Glitnir is the tenth; it is on gold sustained, and eke with
+silver decked. There Forseti dwells throughout all time, and every
+strife allays.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> N&ocirc;at&ucirc;n is the eleventh, there Ni&ouml;rd has himself a dwelling made,
+prince of men; guiltless of sin, he rules o'er the high-built fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> O'ergrown with branches and high grass is Vidar's spacious
+Landv&icirc;di: There will the son descend, from the steed's back, bold to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Andhrimnir makes, in Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir to boil, of meats the
+best; but few know how many Einheriar it feeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts;
+but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for
+Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thund roars; joyful in Thiodvitnir's water lives the fish; the
+rapid river seems too great for the battle-steed to ford.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Valgrind is the lattice called, in the plain that stands, holy
+before the holy gates: ancient is that lattice, but few only know how
+it is closed with lock.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Five hundred doors, and forty eke, I think, are <span class="pagenum">[Pg 22]</span><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" />in Valhall.
+Eight hundred Einheriar will at once from each door go when they issue
+with the wolf to fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Five hundred floors, and forty eke, I think, has Bilskirnir with
+its windings. Of all the roofed houses that I know, is my son's the
+greatest.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Heidr&ucirc;n the goat is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches. He a bowl shall fill with the bright
+mead; that drink shall never fail.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o'er Odin's hall, and
+bites from L&aelig;r&acirc;d's branches; from his horns fall drops into
+Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sid and Vid, Soekin and Eikin, Sv&ouml;l and Gunnthr&ocirc;, Fi&ouml;rm and
+Fimbulthul, Rin and Rennandi, Gipul and G&ouml;pul, G&ouml;mul and Geirvimul:
+they round the gods' dwelling wind. Thyn and Vin, Th&ouml;ll and H&ouml;ll, Gr&acirc;d
+and Gunnthorin.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Vina one is called, a second Vegsvin, a third Thiodnuma; Nyt and
+N&ouml;n and Hr&ouml;n, Slid and Hrid, Sylg and Ylg, V&icirc;d and V&acirc;n, V&ouml;nd and
+Str&ouml;nd, Gioll and Leipt; these (two) fall near to men, but fall hence
+to Hel.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> K&ouml;rmt and Ormt, and the Kerlaugs twain: these Thor must wade
+each day, when he to council goes at Yggdrasil's ash; for the
+As-bridge is all on fire, the holy waters boil.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glad and Gyllir, Gler and Skeidbrimir, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
+Gisl and Falh&ocirc;fnir, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on these steeds the &AElig;sir
+each day ride, when they to council go, at Yggdrasil's ash.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 23]</span><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" /></p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Three roots stand on three ways under Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under
+one abides, under the second the Hrimthursar, under the third mankind.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Ratat&ouml;sk is the squirrel named, which, has to run in Yggdrasil's
+ash; he from above the eagle's words must carry, and beneath to
+Nidh&ouml;gg repeat.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Harts there are also four, which from its summits, arch-necked,
+gnaw. D&acirc;in and Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathr&ocirc;r.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> More serpents lie under Yggdrasil's ash, than any one would
+think of witless mortals: G&ocirc;in and M&ocirc;in,&mdash;they are Grafvitnir's
+sons&mdash;Gr&acirc;bak and Grafv&ouml;llud, Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ween, the
+branches of that tree ever lacerate.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Yggdrasil's ash hardship suffers greater than men know of; a
+hart bites it above, and in its side it rots, Nidh&ouml;gg beneath tears
+it.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Hrist and Mist the horn shall bear me Skegg&ouml;ld and Sk&ouml;gul, Hl&ouml;kk
+and Herfiotur, Hildi and Thr&ucirc;di, G&ouml;ll and Geir&ouml;lul, Randgr&iacute;d and
+R&acirc;dgr&icirc;d, and Reginleif, these bear beer to the Einheriar.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Arvakr and Alsvid, theirs 'tis up hence fasting the sun to draw:
+under their shoulder the gentle powers, the &AElig;sir, have concealed an
+iron-coolness.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Svalin the shield is called, which stands before the sun, the
+refulgent deity; rocks and ocean must, I ween, be burnt, fell it from
+its place.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Sk&ouml;ll the wolf is named, that the fair-faced goddess to the
+ocean chases; another Hati hight, he is Hr&ocirc;dvitnir's son; he the
+bright maid of heaven shall precede.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 24]</span><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" /></p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of Ymir's flesh was earth created, of his blood the sea, of his
+bones the hills, of his hair trees and plants, of his skull the
+heaven;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> And of his brows the gentle powers formed Midgard for the sons
+of men; but of his brain the heavy clouds are all created.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Ullr's and all the gods' favour shall have, whoever first shall
+look to the fire; for open will the dwelling be, to the &AElig;sir's sons,
+when the kettles are lifted off.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12" /><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Ivaldi's sons went in days of old Skidbladnir to form, of ships
+the best, for the bright Frey, Ni&ouml;rd's benign son.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Yggdrasil's ash is of all trees most excellent, and of all
+ships, Skidbladnir, of the &AElig;sir, Odin, and of horses, Sleipnir,
+Bifr&ouml;st of bridges, and of skallds, Bragi, H&acirc;br&ocirc;k of hawks, and of
+dogs, Garm, [Brimir of swords.]</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Now I my face have raised to the gods' triumphant sons, at that
+will welcome help awake; from all the &AElig;sir, that shall penetrate, to
+Oegir's bench, to Oegir's compotation.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13" /><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> I am called Grim, I am called Gangleri, Herian and Hi&acirc;lmberi,
+Thekk and Thridi, Thund and Ud, Helblindi and Har,</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Sad and Svipall, and Sanngetall, Herteit and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 25]</span><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" />Hnikar Bileyg,
+B&acirc;leyg, B&ouml;lverk, Fi&ouml;lnir, Gr&icirc;m and Grimnir, Glapsvid and Fi&ouml;lsvid,</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> S&icirc;dh&ouml;tt, S&icirc;dskegg Sigf&ouml;dr, Hnikud, Alfodr, Valf&ouml;dr, Atrid and
+Farmatyr; by one name I never have been called, since among men I have
+gone.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Grimnir I am called at Geirr&ouml;d's, and at Asmund's J&acirc;lk and
+Kialar, when a sledge I drew; Thr&ocirc;r at the public meetings, Vidur in
+battles, Oski and Omi, Jafnh&acirc;r and Biflindi, G&ocirc;ndlir and Harbard with
+the gods.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Svidur and Svidrir I was at S&ouml;kkmimir's called, and beguiled
+that ancient J&ouml;tun, when of Midvitnir's renowned son I was the sole
+destroyer.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Drunken art thou, Geirr&ouml;d, thou hast drunk too much, thou art
+greatly by mead beguiled. Much didst thou lose, when thou wast of my
+help bereft, of all the Einheriar's and Odin's favour.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Many things I told thee, but thou hast few remembered: thy
+friends mislead thee. My friend's sword lying I see, with blood all
+dripping.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> The fallen by the sword Ygg shall now have; thy life is now run
+out: Wroth with thee are the D&icirc;sir: Odin thou now shalt see: draw near
+to me if thou canst.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Odin I now am named, Ygg I was called before, before that,
+Thund, Vakr and Skilfing, V&acirc;fudr and Hr&ocirc;ptatyr, with the gods, Gaut
+and J&acirc;lk, Ofnir and Svafnir, all which I believe to be names of me
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>King Geirr&ouml;d was sitting with his sword lying across his knees, half
+drawn from the scabbard, but on finding <span class="pagenum">[Pg 26]</span><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" />that it was Odin, he rose for
+the purpose of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt from
+his hand with the hilt downwards; and the king having stumbled, the
+sword pierced him through and killed him. Odin then vanished, and
+Agnar was king for a long time after.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12" /><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently
+reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the intervention
+of the kettles, the &AElig;sir were unable to see Odin's unpleasant position
+between the two fires.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13" /><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> My version of this strophe is not in accordance with
+those of other interpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in
+full confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded him.
+Under the name of Oegir, Gierrod is generally understood: I rather
+think the meaning to be, that all the &AElig;sir who [sit at] Oegir's
+compotation will forthwith come to his aid.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" id="THE_LAY_OF_VEGTAM_OR_BALDRS_DREAMS" />THE LAY OF VEGTAM, OR BALDR'S DREAMS.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Together were the &AElig;sir all in council, and the Asyniur all in
+conference, and they consulted, the mighty gods, why Baldr had
+oppressive dreams.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious
+dreams seemed departed. They the J&ouml;tuns questioned, wise seers of the
+future, whether this might not forebode calamity?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of
+all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the
+other powers&mdash;On a course they resolved:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> That they would send to every being, assurance to solicit, Baldr
+not to harm. All species swore oaths to spare him; Frigg received all
+their vows and compacts.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Valfather fears something defective; he thinks the Hamingiur may
+have departed; the &AElig;sir he convenes, their counsel craves: at the
+deliberation much is devised.]</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Uprose Odin lord of men and on Sleipnir he the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 27]</span><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" />saddle laid; rode
+thence down to Niflhel. A dog he met, from Hel coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was blood-stained on its breast, on its slaughter-craving
+throat, and nether jaw. It bayed and widely gaped at the sire of magic
+song:&mdash;long it howled.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Forth rode Odin&mdash;the ground rattled&mdash;till to Hel's lofty house he
+came. Then rode Ygg to the eastern gate, where he knew there was a
+Vala's grave.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the prophetess, he began a magic song to chant, towards the
+north looked, potent runes applied, a spell pronounced, an answer
+demanded, until compelled she rose, and with deathlike voice she said:</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;What man is this, to me unknown, who has for me increased an
+irksome course? I have with snow been decked, by rain beaten, and with
+dew moistened: long have I been dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Vegtam is my name, I am Valtam's son. Tell thou me of Hel:
+from, earth I call on thee. For whom are those benches strewed o'er
+with rings, those costly couches o'erlaid with gold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Here stands mead, for Baldr brewed, over the bright potion a
+shield is laid; but the &AElig;sir race are in despair. By compulsion I have
+spoken. I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 28]</span><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" /><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who will Baldr's slayer be, and Odin's son of life
+bereave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;H&ouml;dr will hither his glorious brother send, he of Baldr will
+the slayer be, and Odin's son of life bereave. By compulsion I have
+spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who on H&ouml;dr vengeance will inflict, or Baldr's slayer
+raise on the pile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Rind a son shall bear, in the western halls: he shall slay
+Odin's son, when one night old. He a hand will not wash, nor his head
+comb, ere he to the pile has borne Baldr's adversary. By compulsion I
+have spoken; I will now be silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vegtam</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Be not silent, Vala! I will question thee, until I know all. I
+will yet know who the maidens are, that weep at will, and heavenward
+cast their neck-veils? Tell me but that: till then thou sleepest not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Not Vegtam art thou, as I before believed; rather art thou
+Odin, lord of men!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 29]</span><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" /><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of
+three Thursar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Vala</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never more man
+again visit me, until Loki free from his bonds escapes, and Ragnar&ouml;k
+all-destroying comes.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" id="THE_HIGH_ONES14_LAY" />THE HIGH ONE'S<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14" /><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> LAY.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for
+difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much
+haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are
+frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has
+travelled.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and
+hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse
+and answer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A
+laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 30]</span><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in
+conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling,
+harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets
+than great sagacity.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A wary guest,<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15" /><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> who to refection comes, keeps a cautious
+silence, with his ears listens, and with his eyes observes: so
+explores every prudent man.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less
+sure is that which a man must have in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living;
+for bad counsels have oft been received from another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense;
+that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the
+recourse of the indigent.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much
+beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A worse provision no man can take from table than too much
+beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his
+own mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Oblivion's heron 'tis called that over potations hovers; he
+steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered in
+Gunnlods dwelling.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 31]</span><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fialar's. It's
+the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring, should a king's
+children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until his hour of
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids;
+but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is
+silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man's mind
+displayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by
+what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak
+sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if
+thou goest betimes to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow.
+Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the
+prudent comes.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a
+foolish man never knows his stomach's measure.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing: one
+thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from
+faults.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he
+then grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 32]</span><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he
+feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the
+clever.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends;
+but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> A foolish man thinks he knows everything if placed in unexpected
+difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for
+no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks too much. He who
+previously knew nothing will still know nothing, talk he ever so much.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also;
+conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous
+tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a
+stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not
+questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes
+to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he
+babbles among foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment
+each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Early meals a man should often take, unless to a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 33]</span><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" />friend's house
+he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can
+of few things inquire.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend's, though by the
+road he dwell; but to a good friend's the paths lie direct, though he
+be far away.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome
+becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be; at home is every
+one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a
+straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> One's own house is best, small though it be, at home is every
+one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food
+at every meal-tide.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot's length
+forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he
+refused a present; or of his property so liberal that he scorned a
+recompense.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need;
+for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes
+worse than is expected.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those
+which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest
+friends, if all [else] goes well.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16" /><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 34]</span><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" /><b>42.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts
+requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with
+lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> To his friend a man should be a friend; to him and to his
+friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend's friend be.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Know, if thou hast a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from
+whom thou woulds't good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his,
+and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst
+good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think
+craftily, and leasing pay with lying.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou
+suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary
+to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich
+I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but
+a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at
+gifts.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes
+they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked
+man.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither
+bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he
+live long?</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Hotter than fire love for five days burns between <span class="pagenum">[Pg 35]</span><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" />false
+friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and-friendship is
+all impaired.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Something great is not [always] to be given, praise is often for
+a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a
+comrade.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Little are the sand-grains, little the wits, little the minds of
+[some] men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by
+halves.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of
+those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a
+wise man's heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His
+destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from'
+care.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire
+quickened. Man to' man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his
+bashful silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> He should early rise, who another's property or wife desires to
+have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see
+to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half
+depends on energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the
+fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Washed and refected let a man ride to the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 36]</span><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" />Thing,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17" /><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> although
+his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be
+ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be
+accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the
+world knows.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagle over old
+ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he
+will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is
+doughtiest.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in
+trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often
+pays the penalty.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others:
+the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had
+needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend's, where of one I
+had eaten.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if
+his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his
+sons is happy, one in his kin, one in abundant wealth, one in his good
+works.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can
+always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man's property, and
+death stood without his door.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 37]</span><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" /></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the
+deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18" /><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>
+no one gets good from a corpse.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> A son is better, even if born late, after his father's
+departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a
+kinsman to a kinsman.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under
+every cloak I expect a hand. * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling entertainment.
+[A ship's yards are short.]<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19" /><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> Variable is an autumn night. Many are
+the weather's changes in five days, but more in a month.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> He [only] knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes
+another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought
+blameworthy.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair
+fame never dies of him who has earned it.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one
+thing that never dies,&mdash;judgment on each one dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Full storehouses I saw at Dives' sons': now bear they the
+beggar's staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of
+friends they are most fickle.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or woman's love, pride
+grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> Then 'tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those
+to the high ones known, which the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 38]</span><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" />great powers invented, and the
+great talker<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20" /><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> painted, that he had best hold silence.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a
+sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it
+has passed away, beer after it is drunk.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in
+the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages
+are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking,
+but a damsel for a kiss.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; buy a horse
+that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog
+at the farm.</p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> In a maiden's words no one should place faith, nor in what a
+woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and
+guile in their breasts been laid;</p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> In a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering
+crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling
+kettle,</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> A flying dart, a falling billow, a one night's ice, a coiled
+serpent, a woman's bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear's play, or a
+royal child,</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> A sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a
+corpse newly slain, [a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and
+a harlot's grief];</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> An early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son:
+weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 39]</span><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" /></p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> A brother's murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt
+house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken),
+no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.</p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one
+drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and
+unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or
+as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21" /><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are
+men's minds towards women; 'tis then we speak most fair when we most
+falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman's
+love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous
+countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> Let no one wonder at another's folly, it is the lot of many.
+All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is
+conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man
+than not to be content with himself.</p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my
+delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I
+possess her not.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 40]</span><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" /></p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Billing's lass<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22" /><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A
+prince's joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> &quot;Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the
+maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such
+misdeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I
+should obtain her whole heart and love.</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights
+burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.</p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household
+all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.</p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
+that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
+contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
+damsel gained I aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
+wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
+knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
+nature of the simple.</p>
+
+<p><b>105.</b> The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
+by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>106.</b> Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught <span class="pagenum">[Pg 41]</span><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" />of the precious
+mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
+fervent love.</p>
+
+<p><b>107.</b> Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
+over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>108.</b> Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
+wise; for Odhr&aelig;rir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>109.</b> 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
+courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
+my arm.</p>
+
+<p><b>110.</b> On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
+of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
+whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?</p>
+
+<p><b>111.</b> Odin, I believe, a ring-oath<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23" /><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> gave. Who in his faith will
+trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
+weep!</p>
+
+<p><b>112.</b> Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
+of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.</p>
+
+<p><b>113.</b> Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
+graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
+hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:</p>
+
+<p><b>114.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
+to go out.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 42]</span><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" /></p>
+
+<p><b>115.</b> I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
+thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
+that in her arms she clasp thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>116.</b> She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
+prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
+thou go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>117.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Another's wife entice thou never to secret
+converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>118.</b> I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel,
+provide thee well with food.</p>
+
+<p><b>119.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy
+misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for
+thy good will.</p>
+
+<p><b>120.</b> I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman's words; a false
+tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.</p>
+
+<p><b>121.</b> I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou hast a friend, whom
+thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood
+over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.</p>
+
+<p><b>122.</b> I counsel thee, etc. A good man attract to thee in pleasant
+converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.</p>
+
+<p><b>123.</b> I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to
+quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind
+disclose.</p>
+
+<p><b>124.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a
+witless fool;</p>
+
+<p><b>125.</b> For from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return
+for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 43]</span><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" /></p>
+
+<p><b>126.</b> There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another
+all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He
+is not another's friend who ever says as he says.</p>
+
+<p><b>127.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a
+worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.</p>
+
+<p><b>128.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker,
+unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if
+crooked, will call down evil on thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>129.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard
+that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.</p>
+
+<p><b>130.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let
+good give thee pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>131.</b> I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the
+sons of men then become) that men may not fascinate thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>132.</b> If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou
+must promise fair, and hold to it: no one turns from good if it can be
+got.</p>
+
+<p><b>133.</b> I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be
+thou most wary, and with another's wife; and thirdly, that thieves
+delude thee not.</p>
+
+<p><b>134.</b> With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer.
+They often little know, who sit within, of what race they are who
+come.</p>
+
+<p><b>135.</b> Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts
+mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as
+to be good for nothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 44]</span><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" /></p>
+
+<p><b>136.</b> At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which
+the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from
+those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go
+tottering among the vile.</p>
+
+<p><b>137.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate
+thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>138.</b> Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou
+give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>139.</b> I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to
+thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for
+distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery, a hall
+for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for
+bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth
+absorb.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14" /><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Odin is the &quot;High One.&quot; The poem is a collection of
+rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not very
+consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15" /><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins with
+the following three lines:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Wit is needful<br /></span>
+<span>to him who travels far:<br /></span>
+<span>harm seldom befalls the wary:<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original Afzelius and
+Bask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16" /><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> The sense of this line seems doubtful; I have adopted
+the version of Finn Magnusen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17" /><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> The public meeting.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18" /><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> That is dead on the funeral pyre.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19" /><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This line is evidently an interpolation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20" /><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Odin.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21" /><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> From this line it appears that the poem is of Norwegian
+or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in Iceland before the
+middle of the 18th century, when it was Introduced by royal command.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22" /><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> The story of Odin and Billing's daughter is no longer
+extant; but compare the story of Odin and Rinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit.
+Muller &amp; Veleschow.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23" /><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring or
+bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being kept in the
+temple for the purpose.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" id="ODINS_RUNE_SONG24" />ODIN'S RUNE-SONG.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24" /><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></h2>
+
+<p><b>140.</b> I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
+with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that
+tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.</p>
+
+<p><b>141.</b> Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 45]</span><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" />downward I peered,
+to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.</p>
+
+<p><b>142.</b> Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bolthorn,
+Bestla's sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from
+Odhr&aelig;rir.</p>
+
+<p><b>143.</b> Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow
+and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I
+sought out facts.</p>
+
+<p><b>144.</b> Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large
+characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted,
+and the high powers formed, and the powers' prince graved:</p>
+
+<p><b>145.</b> Odin among the &AElig;sir, but among the Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin for
+the dwarfs, Asvid for the Jotuns: some I myself graved.</p>
+
+<p><b>146.</b> Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound
+them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them?
+knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how
+to send?<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25" /><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> knowest thou how to consume?</p>
+
+<p><b>147.</b> 'Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks
+to a return. 'Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund
+graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he
+afterwards came.</p>
+
+<p><b>148.</b> Those songs I know which the king's wife knows not nor son of
+man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes
+and cares.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 46]</span><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" /></p>
+
+<p><b>149.</b> For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will
+as leeches live. * * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>150.</b> For the third I know,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26" /><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> if I have great need to restrain my
+foes, the weapons' edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles
+harm aught.</p>
+
+<p><b>151.</b> For the fourth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so
+sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle
+from my hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>152.</b> For the fifth I know, if I see a shot from a hostile hand, a
+shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot
+arrest it, if only I get sight of it.</p>
+
+<p><b>153.</b> For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree's
+roots;<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27" /><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume
+them sooner than me.</p>
+
+<p><b>154.</b> For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o'er its
+inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That
+song I can sing.</p>
+
+<p><b>155.</b> For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where
+hatred grows among the sons of men&mdash;that I can quickly assuage.</p>
+
+<p><b>156.</b> For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water
+to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.</p>
+
+<p><b>157.</b> For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I
+can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own
+minds.</p>
+
+<p><b>158.</b> For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my <span class="pagenum">[Pg 47]</span><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" />ancient friends
+to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to
+the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.</p>
+
+<p><b>159.</b> For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging
+from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall
+walk, and with me converse.</p>
+
+<p><b>160.</b> For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water,
+he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink
+before swords.</p>
+
+<p><b>161.</b> For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to
+enumerate the gods, &AElig;sir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all.
+This few unskilled can do.</p>
+
+<p><b>162.</b> For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before
+Delling's doors. Strength he sang to the &AElig;sir, and to the Alfar
+prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>163.</b> For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden's favour and
+affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed
+damsel, and wholly turn her mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>164.</b> For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will
+reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have
+lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if
+thou learnest them.</p>
+
+<p><b>165.</b> For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or
+wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing
+of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my
+sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>166.</b> Now are sung the High-one's songs, in the High-one's hall, to
+the sons of men all-useful, but useless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 48]</span><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" />to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to
+him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who
+has learnt them! Hail to those who have listened to them!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24" /><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> The first eight strophes of this composition require an
+explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have had many
+interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea of Odin hanging on
+a tree would seem to have been suggested by what we read of the grove
+at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which the victims offered to that deity were
+suspended from the trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin
+may be supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself. It
+no doubt refers to some lost legend.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25" /><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
+missions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26" /><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
+bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
+to him by Snorri.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27" /><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
+roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
+witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
+similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
+trees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYMIR" />THE LAY OF HYMIR.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
+compotation, ere they the truth discovered.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28" /><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> Rods<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29" /><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> they shook,
+and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
+Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. &quot;Thou to the
+&AElig;sir shalt oft a compotation give.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
+meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
+him to bring, &quot;in which I beer for all of you may brew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
+powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
+friendly counsel gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
+heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
+cauldron, a rast in depth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 49]</span><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" /><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ.&quot; Rapidly they drove forward
+that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
+hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
+loathful; heads she had nine hundred.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
+beer-cup to her son:</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
+kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
+ill-humour prone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
+from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
+churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
+thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
+famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> See where they sit under the hall's gable, as if to shun thee:
+the pillar stands before them.&quot; In shivers flew the pillar at the
+Jotun's glance; the beam was first broken in two.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Eight kettles fell, but only one of them, a hard-hammered
+cauldron, whole from the column. The two came forth, but the old Jotun
+with eyes surveyed his adversary.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Augured to him his mind no good, when he saw <span class="pagenum">[Pg 50]</span><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" />the giantess's
+sorrow on the floor coming. Then were three oxen taken, and the Jotun
+bade them forthwith be boiled.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Each one they made by the head shorter, and to the fire
+afterwards bore them. Sif's consort ate, ere to sleep he went,
+completely, he alone, two of Hymir's beeves.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Seemed to the hoary friend of Hrungnir Hlorridi's refection full
+well large: &quot;We three to-morrow night shall be compelled on what we
+catch to live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Veor said he would on the sea row, if the bold Jotun him would
+with baits supply: &quot;To the herd betake thee, (if thou in thy courage
+trustest, crusher of the rock-dwellers!) for baits to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I expect that thou wilt bait from an ox easily obtain.&quot; The
+guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox before
+him.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The Thursar's bane wrung from an ox the high fastness of his two
+horns. &quot;To me thy work seems worse by far, ruler of keels! than if
+thou hadst sat quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The lord of goats the apes' kinsman besought the horse of plank
+farther out to move; but the Jotun declared his slight desire farther
+to row.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The mighty Hymir drew, he alone, two whales up with his hook;
+but at the stern abaft Veor cunningly made him a line.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Fixed on the hook the shield of men, the serpent's slayer, the
+ox's head. Gaped at the bait the foe of gods, the encircler beneath of
+every land.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30" /><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 51]</span><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" /><b>23.</b> Drew up boldly the mighty Thor the worm with venom glistening,
+up to the side; with his hammer struck, on his foul head's summit,
+like a rock towering, the wolf's own brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The icebergs resounded, the caverns howled, the old earth shrank
+together: at length the fish back into ocean sank.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31" /><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The Jotun was little glad, as they rowed back, so that the
+powerful Hymir nothing spake, but the oar moved in another course.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Wilt thou do half the work with me, either the whales home to
+the dwelling bear, or the boat fast bind?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hlorridi went, grasped the prow, quickly, with its hold-water,
+lifted the water-steed, together with its oars and scoop; bore to the
+dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved vessel, through the
+wooded hills.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But the Jotun yet ever frowned, to strife accustomed, with Thor
+disputed, said that no one was strong, however vigorously he might
+row, unless he his cup could break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> But Hlorridi, when to his hands it came, forthwith brake an
+upright stone in twain; sitting dashed the cup through the pillars:
+yet they brought it whole to Hymir back.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Until the beauteous woman gave important, friendly counsel,
+which she only knew: &quot;Strike at the head of Hymir, the Jotun with food
+oppressed, that is harder than any cup.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Rose then on his knee the stern lord of goats, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 52]</span><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" />clad in all his
+godlike power. Unhurt remained the old man's helm-block, but the round
+wine-bearer was in shivers broken.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Much good, I know, has departed from me, now that my cup I see
+hurled from my knees.&quot; Thus the old man spake: &quot;I can never say again,
+beer thou art too hot.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Now 'tis to be tried if ye can carry the beer-vessel out of our
+dwelling.&quot; Ty twice assayed to move the vessel, yet at each time stood
+the kettle fast.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Then Modi's father by the brim grasped it, and trod through the
+dwelling's floor. Sif's consort lifted the kettle on his head, while
+about his heels its rings jingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> They had far journeyed before Odin's son cast one look backward:
+he from the caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of
+many-headed monsters coming.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled
+forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain-giants, who
+with Hymir had him pursued.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Long they had not journeyed when of Hlorridi's goats one lay
+down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had sprung across the
+trace; but the false Loki was of this the cause.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Now ye have heard,&mdash;for what fabulist can more fully tell&mdash;what
+indemnity he from the giant got: he paid for it with his children
+both.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32" /><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 53]</span><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" /><b>39.</b> In his strength exulting he to the gods' council came, and had
+the kettle, which Hymir had possessed, out of which every god shall
+beer with Oegir drink at every harvest-tide.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28" /><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29" /><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> That is divining rods.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30" /><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> The great serpent that encircles the earth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31" /><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> According to the Prose Edda, the giant, overcome with
+fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32" /><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" id="THE_LAY_OF_THRYM_OR_THE_HAMMER_RECOVERED" />THE LAY OF THRYM, OR THE HAMMER RECOVERED.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wroth was Vingthor, when he awoke, and his hammer missed; his
+beard he shook, his forehead struck, the son of earth felt all around
+him;</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> And first of all these words he uttered: &quot;Hear now, Loki! what I
+now say, which no one knows anywhere on earth, nor in heaven above;
+the As's hammer is stolen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he these words first
+of all said: &quot;Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy feather-garment lend, that
+perchance my hammer I may find?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;That I would give thee, although of gold it were, and trust it
+to thee, though it were of silver.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+&AElig;sir's dwellings, and came within the Jotun's land.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> On a mound sat Thrym, the Thursar's lord, for his greyhounds
+plaiting gold bands and his horses' manes smoothing.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 54]</span><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;How goes it with the &AElig;sir? How goes it with the Alfar? Why art
+thou come alone to Jotunheim?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Ill it goes with the &AElig;sir, Ill it goes with the Alfar. Hast thou
+Hlorridi's hammer hidden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Thrym</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;I have Hlorridi's hammer hidden eight rasts beneath the earth;
+it shall no man get again, unless he bring me Freyia to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Flew then Loki&mdash;the plumage rattled&mdash;until he came beyond the
+Jotun's dwellings, and came within the &AElig;sir's courts; there he met
+Thor, in the middle court, who these words first of all uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Hast thou had success as well as labour? Tell me from the air
+the long tidings. Oft of him who sits are the tales defective, and he
+who lies down utters falsehood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;I have had labour and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the
+Thursar's lord. It shall no man get again, unless he bring him Freyia
+to wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> They went the fair Freyia to find; and he those words first of
+all said: &quot;Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal raiment, we two must drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Wroth then was Freyia, and with anger chafed, all the &AElig;sir's
+hall beneath her trembled: in shivers flew the famed Brisinga
+necklace. &quot;Know me to be of women lewdest, if with thee I drive to
+Jotunheim.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 55]</span><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Straightway went the &AElig;sir all to council, and the Asyniur all to
+hold converse; and deliberated the mighty gods, how they Hlorridi's
+hammer might get back.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then said Heimdall, of &AElig;sir brightest&mdash;he well foresaw, like
+other Vanir&mdash;&quot;Let us clothe Thor with bridal raiment, let him have the
+famed Brisinga necklace.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall round his
+knees, but on his breast place precious stones, and a neat coif set on
+his head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Thor, the mighty As: &quot;Me the &AElig;sir will call womanish,
+if I let myself be clad in bridal raiment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then spake Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;Do thou, Thor! refrain from
+suchlike words: forthwith the Jotuns will Asgard inhabit, unless thy
+hammer thou gettest back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they clad Thor in bridal raiment, and with the noble
+Brisinga necklace, let by his side keys jingle, and woman's weeds fall
+round his knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and a neat
+coif set on his head.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then said Loki, Laufey's son: &quot;I will with thee as a servant go:
+we two will drive to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Straightway were the goats homeward driven, hurried to the
+traces; they had fast to run. The rocks were shivered, the earth was
+in a blaze; Odin's son drove to Jotunheim.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Rise <span class="pagenum">[Pg 56]</span><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" />up, Jotuns! and the
+benches deck, now they bring me Freyia to wife, Niord's daughter, from
+Noatun.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Hither to our court let bring gold-horned cows, all-black oxen,
+for the Jotuns' joy. Treasures I have many, necklaces many, Freyia
+alone seemed to me wanting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> In the evening they early came, and for the Jotuns beer was
+brought forth. Thor alone an ox devoured, salmons eight, and all the
+sweetmeats women should have. Sif's consort drank three salds of mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's prince: &quot;Where hast thou seen
+brides eat more voraciously? I never saw brides feed more amply, nor a
+maiden drink more mead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia has nothing eaten for eight
+nights, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Under her veil he stooped desirous to salute her, but sprang
+back along the hall. &quot;Why are so piercing Freyia's looks? Methinks
+that fire burns from her eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Sat the all-crafty serving-maid close by, who words fitting
+found against the Jotun's speech: &quot;Freyia for eight nights has not
+slept, so eager was she for Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride-gift she dared
+to ask: &quot;Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain
+my love, my love and favour all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: &quot;Bring the hammer in, the
+bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on <span class="pagenum">[Pg 57]</span><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" />the maiden's knee; unite us each
+with other by the hand of Vor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Laughed Hlorridi's soul in his breast, when the fierce-hearted
+his hammer recognized. He first slew Thrym, the Thursar's lord, and
+the Jotun's race all crushed;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> He slew the Jotun's aged sister, her who a bride-gift had
+demanded; she a blow got instead of skillings, a hammer's stroke for
+many rings. So got Odin's son his hammer back.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" id="THE_LAY_OF_THE_DWARF_ALVIS" />THE LAY OF THE DWARF ALVIS.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The benches they are decking, now shall the bride<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33" /><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> with me
+bend her way home. That beyond my strength I have hurried will to
+every one appear: at home naught shall disturb my quiet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What man is this? Why about the nose art thou so pale? Hast thou
+last night with corpses lain? To me thou seemst to bear resemblance to
+the Thursar. Thou art not born to carry off a bride.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Alvis I am named, beneath the earth I dwell, under the rock I own
+a place. The lord of chariots I am <span class="pagenum">[Pg 58]</span><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" />come to visit. A promise once
+confirmed let no one break.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34" /><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> I will break it; for o'er the maid I have, as father, greatest
+power. I was from home when the promise was given thee. Among the gods
+I the sole giver am.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> What man is this, who lays claim to power over that fair, bright
+maiden? For far-reaching shafts few will know thee. Who has decked
+thee with bracelets?</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Vingthor I am named, wide I have wandered; I am Sidgrani's son:
+with my dissent thou shalt not that young maiden have, nor that union
+obtain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thy consent I fain would have, and that union obtain. Rather
+would I possess than be without that snow-white maiden.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The maiden's love shall not, wise guest! be unto thee denied, if
+thou of every world canst tell all I desire to know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Vingthor! thou canst try, as thou art desirous the knowledge of
+the dwarf to prove. All the nine worlds I have travelled over, and
+every being known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 59]</span><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Alvis!&mdash;for all men's concerns I presume thee, dwarf,
+to know&mdash;how the earth is called, which lies before the sons of men,
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Jord among men 'tis called, but with the &AElig;sir fold; the Vanir
+call it vega, the Jotuns igroen, the Alfar groandi, the powers supreme
+aur.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc. how the heaven is called, which is
+perceptible in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Himinn 'tis called by men; but hlyrnir with the gods; vindofni
+the Vanir call it, uppheimr the Jotuns, the Alfar fagrar&aelig;fr, the
+dwarfs driupansal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the moon is called, which men see in
+every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Mani 'tis called by men, but mylinn with the gods, hverfanda
+hvel in Hel<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35" /><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> they call it, skyndi the Jotuns, but the dwarfs skin;
+the Alfar name it artali.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the sun is called, which men's sons
+see in every world.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 60]</span><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" /><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Sol among men 'tis called, but with the gods sunna, the dwarfs
+call it Dvalinn's leika, the Jotuns eyglo, the Alfar fagrahvel, the
+&AElig;sir's sons alskir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Alvis, etc., how the clouds are called, which with
+showers are mingled in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Sky they are called by men, but skurvan by the gods; the Vanir
+call them vindflot, the Jotuns urvan, the Alfar vedrmegin; in Hel they
+are called hialm hulids.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the wind is called, which widely
+passes over every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Windr 'tis called by men, but vavudr by the gods, the
+wide-ruling powers call it gneggiud, the Jotuns oepir, the Alfar
+dynfari, in Hel they call it hvidudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the calm is called, which has to rest
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Logn 'tis called by men, but l&aelig;gi by the gods, the Vanir call it
+vindslot, the Jotuns ofhly, the Alfar dagsevi, the Dwarfs call it dags
+vera.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 61]</span><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" /><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., what the sea is called, which men row over
+in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> S&aelig;r 'tis called by men, but sil&aelig;gia with the gods; the vanir
+call it vagr, the Jotuns alheimr, the Alfar lagastafr, the Dwarfs call
+it diupan mar.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the fire is called, which burns before
+men's sons in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Eldr 'tis called by men, but by the &AElig;sir funi; the Vanir call it
+vagr, the Jotuns frekr, but the Dwarfs forbrennir; in Hel they call it
+hrodudr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the forest is called, which grows for
+the sons of men in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Vidr 'tis called by men, but vallarfax by the gods, Hel's
+inmates call it hlidthangr, the Jotuns eldi, the Alfar fagrlimi; the
+Vanir call it vondr.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the night is called, that Norvi's
+daughter hight, in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Nott it is called by men, but by the gods niol; the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 62]</span><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" />wide-ruling
+powers call it grima, the Jotuns olios, the Alfar svefngaman; the
+Dwarfs call it draumniorunn.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the seed is called, which the sons of
+men sow in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Bygg it is called by men, but by the gods barr, the Vanir call
+it vaxtr, the Jotuns &aelig;ti, the Alfar lagastafr; in Hel 'tis hnipinn
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Alvis! etc., how the beer is called, which the sons of
+men drink in every world.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alvis</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Ol it is called by men, but by the &AElig;sir biorr, the Vanir call it
+veig, hreina logr the Jotuns, but in Hel 'tis called miodr: Suttung's
+sons call it sumbl.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vingthor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> In one breast I have never found more ancient lore. By great
+wiles thou hast, I tell thee, been deluded. Thou art above ground,
+dwarf! at dawn; already in the hall the sun is shining!</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33" /><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif. <i>Skaldskap</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34" /><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> This appears to allude to a promise made to the dwarf;
+but of which the story is lost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35" /><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> When this composition was written, it appears that Hel
+was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 63]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" id="THE_LAY_OF_HARBARD" /><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" />THE LAY OF HARBARD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait or sound, on
+the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
+out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who is the knave of knaves, that by the sound stands yonder?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Who is the churl of churls, that cries across the water?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ferry me across the sound, to-morrow I'll regale thee. I have a
+basket on my back: there is no better food: at my ease I ate, before I
+quitted home, herrings and oats, with which I yet feel sated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Thou art in haste to praise thy meal: thou surely hast no
+foreknowledge; for sad will be thy home: thy mother, I believe, is
+dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thou sayest now what seems to every one most unwelcome to
+know&mdash;that my mother is dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Thou dost not look like one who owns three coun<span class="pagenum">[Pg 64]</span><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" />try dwellings,
+bare-legged thou standest, and like a beggar clothed; thou hast not
+even breeches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Steer hitherward thy boat; I will direct thee where to land. But
+who owns this skiff, which by the strand thou holdest?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Hildolf fief is named who bade me hold it, a man in council wise,
+who dwells in Radso sound. Robbers he bade me not to ferry, or
+horse-stealers, but good men only, and those whom I well knew. Tell me
+then thy name, if thou wilt cross the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I my name will tell, (although I am an outlaw) and all my kin: I
+am Odin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's sire, the gods' mighty
+leader: With Thor thou here mayest speak. I will now ask how thou art
+called.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I am Harbard called; seldom I my name conceal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Why shouldst thou thy name conceal, unless thou crime hast
+perpetrated?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Yet, though I may crime have perpetrated, I will nathless guard
+my life against such as thou art; unless I death-doomed am.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 65]</span><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> It seems to me a foul annoyance to wade across the strait to
+thee, and wet my garments: but I will pay thee, mannikin! for thy
+sharp speeches, if o'er the sound I come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Here will I stand, and here await thee. Thou wilt have found no
+stouter one since Hrungnir's death.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Thou now remindest me how I with Hrungnir fought, that
+stout-hearted Jotun, whose head was all of stone; yet I made him fall,
+and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I was with Fiolvari five winters through, in the isle which
+Algron hight. There we could fight, and slaughter make, many perils
+prove, indulge in love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> How did your women prove towards you?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Sprightly women we had, had they but been meek; shrewd ones we
+had, had they but been kind. Of sand a rope they twisted, and from the
+deep valley dug the earth: to them all I alone was superior in
+cunning. I rested with the sisters seven, and their love and pleasures
+shared. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 66]</span><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I slew Thiassi, that stout-hearted Jotun: up I cast the eyes of
+Allvaldi's son into the heaven serene: they are signs the greatest of
+my deeds. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Great seductive arts I used against the riders of the night,<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36" /><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>
+when from their husbands I enticed them. A mighty Jotun I believed
+Hlebard to be: a magic wand he gave me, but from his wits I charmed
+him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> With evil mind then thou didst good gifts requit&egrave; <i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> One tree gets that which, is from another scraped: each one in
+such case is for self. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In the east I was, and slew the Jotun brides, crafty in evil, as
+they to the mountain went. Great would have been the Jotun race, had
+they all lived; and not a man left in Midgard. What meanwhile didst
+thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> I was in Valland, and followed warfare; princes I excited, but
+never reconciled. Odin has all the jarls that in conflict fall; but
+Thor the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 67]</span><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Unequally thou wouldst divide the folk among the &AElig;sir, if thou
+but hadst the power.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thor has strength over-much, but courage none; from cowardice
+and fear, thou wast crammed into a glove, and hardly thoughtest thou
+wast Thor. Thou durst not then, through thy terror, either sneeze or
+cough, lest Fialar it might hear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Harbard, thou wretch! I would strike thee dead, could I but
+stretch my arm across the sound.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Why wouldst thou stretch thy arm across the sound, when there is
+altogether no offence? But what didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> In the east I was, and a river I defended, when the sons of
+Svarang me assailed, and with stones pelted me, though in their
+success they little joyed: they were the first to sue for peace. What
+meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I was in the east, and with a certain lass held converse; with
+that fair I dallied, and long meetings had. I that gold-bright one
+delighted; the game amused her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then you had kind damsels there?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 68]</span><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" /><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of thy aid I had need, Thor! in retaining that maiden lily-fair.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> I would have given it thee, if I had had the opportunity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> I would have trusted thee, my confidence if thou hadst not
+betrayed it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> I am not such a heel-chafer as an old leather shoe in spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The Berserkers' brides I on L&aelig;sso cudgeled; they the worst had
+perpetrated, the whole people, had seduced.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Dastardly didst thou act, Thor! when thou didst cudgel women.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> She-wolves they were, and scarcely women. They crushed my ship,
+which with props I had secured, with iron clubs threatened me, and
+drove away Thialfi. What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> I in the army was, which was hither sent, war-banners to raise,
+lances to redden.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 69]</span><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Of that thou now wilt speak, as thou wentest forth us hard terms
+to offer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> That shall be indemnified by a hand-ring, such as arbitrators
+give, who wish to reconcile us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Where didst thou learn words than which I never heard more
+irritating?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> From men I learned them, from ancient men, whose home is in the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou givest certainly a good name to grave-mounds, when thou
+callest them, homes in the woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> So speak I of such a subject.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Thy shrewd words will bring thee evil, if I resolve the sound to
+ford. Louder than a wolf thou wilt howl, I trow, if of my hammer thou
+gettest a touch.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Sif has a gallant at home; thou wilt anxious be to find him:
+thou shalt that arduous work perform; it will beseem thee better.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 70]</span><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou utterest what comes upmost, so that to me it be most
+annoying, thou dastardly varlet! I believe thou art lying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> I believe I am telling truth. Thou art travelling slowly; thou
+wouldst have long since arrived, hadst thou assumed another form.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Harbard! thou wretch! rather is it thou who hast detained me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> I never thought that a ferryman could the course of Asa-Thor
+retard.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> One advice I now will give thee: row hither with thy boat; let
+us cease from threats; approach the sire of Magni.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Go farther from the sound, the passage is refused thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Show me then the way, if thou wilt not ferry me across the
+water.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> That's too little to refuse. 'Tis far to go; 'tis to the stock
+an hour, and to the stone another; then keep the left hand way, until
+thou reachest Verland; there will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 71]</span><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" />Fiorgyn find her son Thor, and
+point out to him his kinsmen's ways to Odin's land.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Can I get there to-day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> With pain and toil thou mayest get there, while the sun is up,
+which, I believe, is now nigh.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Our talk shall now be short, as thou answerest with scoffing
+only. For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee, if another time we
+meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Harbard</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Just go to where all the powers of evil may have thee.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36" /><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Giantesses, witches, etc.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" id="THE_JOURNEY_OR_LAY_OF_SKIRNIR" />THE JOURNEY OR LAY OF SKIRNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Frey, son of Niord; had one day seated himself in Hlidskialf, and was
+looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there
+saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to
+her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey's
+attendant was named Skirnir; him Niord desired to speak with Frey;
+when Skadi said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Rise up now, Skirnir! go and request our son to speak; and
+inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 72]</span><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Harsh words I have from your son to fear, if I go to speak with
+him, and to inquire with whom he so sage may be offended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me now, Frey, prince of gods! for I desire to know, why
+alone thou sittest in the spacious hall the livelong day?</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Why shall I tell thee, thou young man, my mind's great trouble?
+for the Alfs' illuminator shines every day, yet not for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Thy care cannot, I think, be so great, that to me thou canst not
+tell it; for in early days we were young together: well might we trust
+each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> In Gymir's courts I saw walking a maid for whom I long. Her arms
+gave forth light wherewith shone all air and water.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Is more desirable to me that maid than to any youth in early
+days; yet will no one, &AElig;sir or Alfar, that we together live.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Give me but thy steed, which can bear me through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which brandishes itself against the
+Jotuns' race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 73]</span><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> I will give thee my steed, which can bear thee through the dusk,
+flickering flame, and that sword, which will itself brandish, if he is
+bold who raises it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir Speaks to the Horse</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Dark it is without, 'tis time, I say, for us to go across the
+misty fells, over the Thursar's land: we shall both return, or the
+all-potent Jotun will seize us both. Skirnir rides to Jotunheim, to
+Gymir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained at the gate of the
+enclosure that was round Gymir's hall. He rides on to where a cowherd
+was sitting on a mound, and says to him:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Tell me, cowherd! as on the mound thou sittest, and watchest all
+the ways, how I to the speech may come, of the young maiden, for
+Gymir's dogs?</p>
+
+<p><i>Cowherd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Either thou art death-doomed, or thou art a departed one. Speech
+wilt thou ever lack with the good maid of Gymir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Better choices than to whine there are for him who is prepared
+to die: for one day was my age decreed, and my whole life determined.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> What is that sound of sounds, which I now sounding hear within
+our dwelling? The earth is shaken, and with it all the house of Gymir
+trembles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 74]</span><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" /><i>A serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets
+his steed browse on the grass.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead;
+although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the &AElig;sir's sons, or of the
+wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our
+halls to visit?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the &AElig;sir's sons, nor of the wise
+Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to
+visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee,
+Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives
+dearest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure;
+nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young
+son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth
+night.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may <span class="pagenum">[Pg 75]</span><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" />have been with
+the young son of Odin. I have no lack of gold in Gymir's courts; for
+my father's wealth I share.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? I thy head will sever from thy neck, if
+thou speakst not favourably to me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Suffer compulsion will I never, to please any man; yet this I
+foresee, if thou and Gymir meet, ye will eagerly engage in fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Seest thou this sword, young maiden! thin, glittering-bright,
+which I have here in hand? Beneath its edge shall the old Jotun fall:
+thy sire is death-doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> With a taming-wand I smite thee, and I will tame thee, maiden!
+to my will. Thou shalt go thither, where the sons of men shall never
+more behold thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On an eagle's mount thou shalt early sit, looking and turned
+towards Hel. Food shall to thee more loathsome be than is to any one
+the glistening serpent among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> As a prodigy thou shalt be, when thou goest forth; Hrimnir shall
+at thee gaze, all beings at thee stare; more wide-known thou shalt
+become than the watch among the gods,<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37" /><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> if thou from thy gratings
+gape.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Solitude and disgust, bonds and impatience, shall thy tears with
+grief augment. Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood
+of care, and a double grief.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 76]</span><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" /></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Terrors shall bow thee down the livelong day, in the Jotuns'
+courts. To the Hrimthursar's halls, thou shalt each day crawl
+exhausted, joyless crawl; wail for pastime shalt thou have, and tears
+and misery.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> With a three-headed Thurs thou shalt be ever bound, or be
+without a mate. Thy mind shall tear thee from morn to morn: as the
+thistle thou shalt be which has thrust itself on the house-top.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the wold I have been, and to the humid grove, a magic wand to
+get. A magic wand I got.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Wroth with thee is Odin, wroth with thee is the &AElig;sir's prince;
+Frey shall loathe thee, even ere thou, wicked maid! shalt have felt
+the gods' dire vengeance.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Hear ye, Jotuns! hear ye, Hrimthursar! sons of Suttung! also ye,
+Æsir's friends! how I forbid, how I prohibit man's joy unto the
+damsel, man's converse to the damsel.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named, that shall possess thee, in the
+grating of the dead beneath; there shall wretched thralls, from the
+tree's roots, goats' water give thee. Other drink shalt thou, maiden!
+never get, either for thy pleasure, or for my pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Thurs<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38" /><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> I cut for thee, and three letters mere: ergi, and
+oedi, and othola. So will I cut them out, as I have cut them, in, if
+there need shall be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hail rather to thee, youth! and accept an icy cup, filled with
+old mead; although I thought not that I ever should love one of Vanir
+race.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 77]</span><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" /><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> All my errand will I know, ere I hence ride home. When wilt thou
+converse hold with the powerful son of Niord?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p>Skimir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him,
+asking tidings:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Skirnir! ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, and a foot
+hence thou goest, what thou hast accomplished in Jotunheim, for my
+pleasure or thine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Skirnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Barri the grove is named, which we both know, the grove of
+tranquil paths. Nine nights hence, there to Niord's son Gerd will
+grant delight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Long is one night, yet longer two will be; how shall I three
+endure. Often a month to me less has seemed than half a night of
+longing.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37" /><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Heimdall.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38" /><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Thurs, etc., the names of magical runes.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 78]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" id="THE_LAY_OF_RIG" /><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" />THE LAY OF RIG.</h2>
+
+<p>In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the &AElig;sir named Heimdall,
+being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where he
+called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In ancient days, they say, along the green ways went the powerful
+and upright sagacious As, the strong and active Rig, his onward course
+pursuing.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Forward he went on the mid-way, and to a dwelling came. The door
+stood ajar, he went in, fire was on the floor. The man and wife sat
+there, hoary-haired, by the hearth, Ai and Edda, in old guise clad.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated in the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then Edda from the ashes took a loaf, heavy and thick, and with
+bran mixed; more besides she laid on the middle of the board; there in
+a bowl was broth on the table set, there was a calf boiled, of cates
+most excellent.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Then rose he up, prepared to sleep: Rig would counsel give to
+them both; laid him down in the middle of the bed; the domestic pair
+lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There he continued three nights together, then departed on the
+mid-way. Nine months then passed way.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Edda a child brought forth: they with water sprinkled its swarthy
+skin, and named it Thr&aelig;l.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 79]</span><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> It grew up, and well it throve; of its hands the skin was
+shriveled, the knuckles knotty, * * * and the fingers thick; a hideous
+countenance it had, a curved back, and protruding heels.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He then began his strength to prove, bast to bind, make of it
+loads; then faggots carried home, the livelong day.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then to the dwelling came a woman walking, scarred were her
+foot-soles, her arms sunburnt, her nose compressed, her name was Thy.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> In the middle seat herself she placed; by her sat the house's
+son. They spoke and whispered, prepared a bed, Thr&aelig;l and Thy, and days
+of care.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Children they begat, and lived content: Their names, I think,
+were Hreimr and Fiosnir, Klur and Kleggi, Kefsir, Fulnir, Drumb,
+Digraldi, Drott and Hosvir, Lut and Leggialdi. Fences they erected,
+fields manured, tended swine, kept goats, dug turf.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The daughters were Drumba and Kumba, Okkvinkalfa, and Arinnefia,
+Ysia and Ambatt, Eikintiasna, Totrughypia, and Tronubeina, whence are
+sprung the race of thralls.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Rig then went on, in a direct course, and came to a house; the
+door stood ajar: he went in; fire was on the floor, man and wife sat
+there engaged at work.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> The man was planing wood for a weaver's beam; his beard was
+trimmed, a lock was on his forehead, his shirt close; his chest stood
+on the floor.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His wife sat by, plied her rock, with outstretched arms,
+prepared for clothing. A hood was on her head, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 80]</span><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" />a loose sark over her
+breast, a kerchief round her neck, studs on her shoulders. Afi and
+Amma owned the house.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both; rose from the table,
+prepared to sleep; laid him down in the middle of the bed, the
+domestic pair lay one on either side.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> There he continued three nights together. Nine months then
+passed away. Amma a child brought forth, they with water sprinkled it,
+and called it Karl. The mother in linen swathed the ruddy redhead: its
+eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> It grew up, and well throve; learned to tame oxen, make a
+plough, houses build, and barns construct, make carts, and the plough
+drive.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Then they home conveyed a lass with pendent keys, and goatskin
+kirtle; married her to Karl. Snor was her name, under a veil she sat.
+The couple dwelt together, rings exchanged, spread couches, and a
+household formed.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Children they begat, and lived content. Hal and Dreng, these
+were named, Held, Thegn, Smith, Breidr-bondi, Bundinskegg, Bui and
+Boddi, Brattskegg and Segg.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> But [the daughters] were thus called, by other names: Snot,
+Brud, Svanni, Svarri, Sprakki, Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, Feima, Ristil;
+whence are sprung the races of churls.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Rig then went thence, in a direct course, and came to a hall:
+the entrance looked southward, the door was half closed, a ring was on
+the door-post.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 81]</span><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> He went in; the floor was strewed, a couple sat facing each
+other, Fadir and Modir, with fingers playing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> The husband sat, and twisted string, bent his bow, and
+arrow-shafts prepared; but the housewife looked on her arms, smoothed
+her veil, and her sleeves fastened;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Her head-gear adjusted. A clasp was on her breast; ample her
+robe, her sark was blue; brighter was her brow, her breast fairer, her
+neck whiter than driven snow.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Rig would counsel give to them both, and himself seated on the
+middle seat, having on either side the domestic pair.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Then took Modir a figured cloth of white linen, and the table
+decked. She then took thin cakes of snow-white wheat, and on the table
+laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She set forth salvers full, adorned with silver, on the table
+game and pork, and roasted birds. In a can was wine; the cups were
+ornamented. They drank and talked; the day was fast departing, Rig
+would counsel give to them both.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Rig then rose, the bed prepared; there he then remained three
+nights together, then departed on the mid-way. Nine months after that
+passed away.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Modir then brought forth a boy: in silk they wrapped him, with
+water sprinkled him, and named him Jarl. Light was his hair, bright
+his cheeks, his eyes piercing as a young serpent's.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> There at home Jarl grew up, learned the shield to shake, to fix
+the string, the bow to bend, arrows to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 82]</span><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" />shaft, javelins to hurl,
+spears to brandish, horses to ride, dogs to let slip, swords to draw,
+swimming to practise.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thither from the forest came Rig walking, Rig walking: runes he
+taught him, his own name gave him, and his own son declared him, whom
+he bade possess his alodial fields, his alodial fields, his ancient
+dwellings.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Jarl then rode thence, through a murky way, over humid fells,
+till to a hall he came. His spear he brandished, his shield he shook,
+made his horse curvet, and his falchion drew, strife began to raise,
+the field to redden, carnage to make; and conquer lands.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Then he ruled alone over eight vills, riches distributed, gave
+to all treasures and precious things; lank-sided horses, rings he
+dispersed, and collars cut in pieces.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39" /><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> The nobles drove through humid ways, came to a hall, where
+Hersir dwelt; there they found a slender maiden, fair and elegant,
+Erna her name.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> They demanded her, and conveyed her home, to Jarl espoused her;
+she under the linen<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40" /><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> went. They together lived, and well throve,
+had offspring, and old age enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Bur was their eldest, Barn the second, Jod and Adal, Arfi, Mog,
+Nid and Nidjung. They learned games; Son and Svein swam and at tables
+played. One was named Kund, Kon was youngest.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> There grew up Jarl's progeny; horses they broke, curved shields,
+cut arrows, brandished spears.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> But the young Kon understood runes, &aelig;fin-runes, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 83]</span><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" />and aldr-runes;
+he moreover knew men to preserve, edges to deaden, the sea to calm.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> He knew the voice of birds, how fires to mitigate, assuage and
+quench; sorrows to allay. He of eight men had the strength and energy.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> He with Rig Jarl in runes contended, artifices practised, and
+superior proved; then acquired Rig to be called, and skilled in runes.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The young Kon rode through swamps and forests, hurled forth
+darts, and tamed birds.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then sang the crow, sitting lonely on a bough! &quot;Why wilt thou,
+young Kon: tame the birds? rather shouldst thou, young Kon! on horses
+ride * * * and armies overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Nor Dan nor Danp halls more costly had, nobler paternal seats,
+than ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
+wounds to inflict.</p>
+
+<p>The rest is wanting.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39" /><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> A common practice: the pieces served as money.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40" /><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> The nuptial veil.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 84]</div>
+<h2><a name="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" id="OEGIRS_COMPOTATION_OR_LOKIS_ALTERCATION" /><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" />OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.</h2>
+
+<p>Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the &AElig;sir, after he
+had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
+entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
+in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
+and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
+being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
+and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
+attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other &AElig;sir and Alfar were also
+present.</p>
+
+<p>Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
+instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
+was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
+Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
+Fimafeng; whereupon the &AElig;sir shook their shields, exclaimed against
+Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
+came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
+what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 85]</span><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" /><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
+the triumphant gods. Of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar that are here within
+not one has a friendly word for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
+hate to the &AElig;sir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eldir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
+compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
+powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
+contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?</p>
+
+<p>Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
+in, they all sat silent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
+beseech the &AElig;sir one draught to give me of the bright mead.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
+seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A seat and place will the &AElig;sir never choose for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 86]</span><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" />thee at their
+board; for well the &AElig;sir know for whom they ought to hold a joyous
+compotation.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Odin! dost thou remember when we in early days blended our blood
+together? When to taste beer thou didst constantly refuse, unless to
+both 'twas offered?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Rise up, Vidar! and let the wolf's sire sit at our compotation;
+that Loki may not utter words of contumely in Oegir's hall.</p>
+
+<p>Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus
+addressed the &AElig;sir:</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Hail, &AElig;sir! Hail, Asyniur! And ye, all-holy gods! all, save that
+one As, who sits within there, Bragi, on yonder bench.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A horse and falchion I from my stores will give thee, and also
+with a ring reward thee, if thou the &AElig;sir wilt not requite with
+malice. Provoke not the gods against thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Of horse and rings wilt thou ever, Bragi! be in want. Of the
+&AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are here present, in conflict thou art the
+most backward, and in the play of darts most timid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bragi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I know that were I without, as I am now within, the hall of
+Oegir, I thy head would bear in my hand, and so for lying punish thee.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 87]</span><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi! but so thou shouldst not
+be, Bragi, the bench's pride! Go and fight, if thou art angry; a brave
+man sits not considering.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> I pray thee, Bragi! let avail the bond of children, and of all
+adopted sons, and to Loki speak not in reproachful words, in Oegir's
+hall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Be silent, Idun! of all women I declare thee most fond of men,
+since thou thy arms, carefully washed, didst twine round thy brother's
+murderer.</p>
+
+<p><i>Idun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Loki I address not with opprobrious words, in Oegir's hall.
+Bragi I soothe, by beer excited. I desire not that angry ye fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gefion</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Why will ye, &AElig;sir twain, here within, strive with reproachful
+words? Lopt perceives not that he is deluded, and is urged on by fate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Be silent, Gefion! I will now just mention, how that fair youth
+thy mind corrupted, who thee a necklace gave, and around whom thou thy
+limbs didst twine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thou art raving, Loki! and hast lost thy wits, in calling
+Gefion's anger on thee; for all men's destinies, I ween, she knows as
+thoroughly as I do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 88]</span><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Be silent, Odin! Thou never couldst allot conflicts between men:
+oft hast thou given to those to whom thou oughtest not&mdash;victory to
+cowards.</p>
+
+<p><i>Odin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Knowest thou that I gave to those I ought not&mdash;victory to
+cowards? Thou wast eight winters on the earth below, a milch cow and a
+woman, and didst there bear children. Now that, methinks, betokens a
+base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and
+knocked at houses as a Vala. In likeness of a fortune teller, thou
+wentest among people. Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Your doings ye should never publish among men, what ye, &AElig;sir
+twain, did in days of yore. Ever forgotten be men's former deeds!</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Be thou silent, Frigg! Thou art Fiorgyn's daughter, and ever
+hast been fond of men, since Ve and Vili, it is said, thou, Vidrir's
+wife, didst both to thy bosom take.</p>
+
+<p><i>Frigg</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Know thou that if I had, in Oegir's halls, a son like Baldr, out
+thou shouldst not go from the &AElig;sir's sons: thou should'st have been
+fiercely assailed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 89]</span><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" /><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> But wilt thou, Frigg! that of my wickedness I more recount? I am
+the cause that thou seest not Baldr riding to the halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Mad art thou, Loki! in recounting thy foul misdeeds. Frigg, I
+believe, knows all that happens, although she says it not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Be thou silent, Freyia! I know thee full well; thou art not free
+from vices: of the &AElig;sir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been
+thy paramour.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> False is thy tongue. Henceforth it will, I think, prate no good
+to thee. Wroth with thee are the &AElig;sir, and the Asyniur. Sad shalt thou
+home depart.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Be silent, Freyia! Thou art a sorceress, and with much evil
+blended; since against thy brother thou the gentle powers excited. And
+then, Freyia! what didst thou do?</p>
+
+<p><i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> It is no great wonder, if silk-clad dames get themselves
+husbands, lovers; but 'tis a wonder that a wretched As, that has borne
+children, should herein enter.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Be silent, Niord! Thou wast sent eastward <span class="pagenum">[Pg 90]</span><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" />hence, a hostage from
+the gods. Hymir's daughters had thee for an utensil, and flowed into
+thy mouth.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41" /><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> <i>Niord</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> 'Tis to me a solace, as I a long way hence was sent, a hostage
+from the gods, that I had a son, whom no one hates, and accounted is a
+chief among the &AElig;sir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Cease now, Niord! in bounds contain thyself; I will no longer
+keep it secret: it was with thy sister thou hadst such a son; hardly
+worse than thyself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Frey is best of all the exalted gods in the &AElig;sir's courts: no
+maid he makes to weep, no wife of man, and from bonds looses all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Be silent, Ty! Thou couldst never settle a strife 'twixt two; of
+thy right hand also I must mention make, which Fenrir from thee tore.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ty</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> I of a hand am wanting, but thou of honest fame; sad is the lack
+of either. Nor is the wolf at ease: he in bonds must bide, until the
+gods' destruction.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Be silent, Ty; to thy wife it happened to have a son by me. Nor
+rag nor penny ever hadst thou, poor wretch! for this injury.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 91]</span><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" /><i>Frey</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I the wolf see lying at the river's mouth, until the powers are
+swept away. So shalt thou be bound, if thou art not silent, thou
+framer of evil.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> With gold thou boughtest Gymir's daughter, and so gavest away
+thy sword: but when Muspell's sons through the dark forest ride, thou,
+unhappy, wilt not have wherewith to fight.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Know that were I of noble race, like Ingun's Frey, and had so
+fair a dwelling, than marrow softer I would bray that ill-boding crow,
+and crush him limb by limb.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> What little thing is that I see wagging its tail, and snapping
+eagerly? At the ears of Frey thou shouldst ever be, and clatter under
+mills.</p>
+
+<p><i>Byggvir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Byggvir I am named, and am thought alert, by all gods and men;
+therefore am I joyful here, that all the sons of Hropt drink beer
+together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Be silent, Byggvir! Thou couldst never dole out food to men,
+when, lying in thy truckle bed, thou wast not to be found, while men
+were fighting.</p>
+
+<p><i>Heimdall</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Loki, thou art drunk, and hast lost thy wits. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 92]</span><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" />Why dost thou not
+leave off, Loki? But drunkenness so rules every man, that he knows not
+of his garrulity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Be silent, Heimdall! For thee in early days was that hateful
+life decreed: with a wet back thou must ever be, and keep watch as
+guardian of the gods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Thou art merry, Loki! Not long wilt thou frisk with an unbound
+tail; for thee, on a rock's point, with the entrails of thy ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Know, if on a rock's point, with the entrails of my ice-cold
+son, the gods will bind me, that first and foremost I was at the
+slaying, when we assailed Thiassi.</p>
+
+<p><i>Skadi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Know, if first and foremost thou wast at the slaying, when ye
+assailed Thiassi, that from my dwellings and fields shall to thee ever
+cold counsels come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Milder wast thou of speech to Laufey's son, when to thy bed thou
+didst invite me. Such matters must be mentioned, if we accurately must
+recount our vices.</p>
+
+<p>Then came Sif forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Hail to thee, Loki! and this cool cup receive, full of old mead:
+at least me alone, among the blameless &AElig;sir race, leave stainless.</p>
+
+<p>He took the horn, drank, and said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 93]</span><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" /></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> So alone shouldst thou be, hadst thou strict and prudent been
+towards thy mate; but one I know, and, I think, know him well, a
+favoured rival of Hlorridi, and that is the wily Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Beyla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The fells all tremble: I think Hlorridi is from home journeying.
+He will bid be quiet him who here insults all gods and men.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Be silent, Beyla! Thou art Byggvir's wife, and with much evil
+mingled: never came a greater monster among the &AElig;sir's sons. Thou art
+a dirty strumpet.</p>
+
+<p>Thor then came in and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. I will thy head from thy neck strike; then will thy
+life be ended.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Now the son of earth is hither come. Why dost thou chafe so,
+Thor? Thou wilt not dare do so, when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
+and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Up I will hurl thee to the east region, and none
+shall see thee after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Of thy eastern travels thou shouldest never to people speak,
+since in a glove-thumb thou, Einheri! wast doubled up, and hardly
+thoughtest thou wast Thor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 94]</span><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" /><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating: with this right hand I, Hrungnir's bane, will smite
+thee, so that thy every bone be broken.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though with thy hammer
+thou dost threaten me. Skrymir's thongs seemed to thee hard, when at
+the food thou couldst not get, when, in full health, of hunger dying.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Silence, thou impure being! My mighty hammer, Miollnir, shall
+stop thy prating. Hrungnir's bane shall cast thee down to Hel, beneath
+the gratings of the dead.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I have said before the &AElig;sir, I have said before the &AElig;sir's sons,
+that which my mind suggested: but for thee alone will I go out;
+because I know that thou wilt fight.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Oegir! thou hast brewed beer; but thou never shalt henceforth a
+compotation hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame shall
+play over, and on thy back shall burn thee.</p>
+
+<p>After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the
+waterfall of Franangr, where the &AElig;sir caught him, and bound him with
+the entrails of his son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed
+into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous serpent, and fastened it up over
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 95]</span><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" />Loki's face. The venom trickled down from it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat
+by, and held a basin under the venom; and when the basin was full,
+carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki, who shrank
+from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
+are now called earthquakes.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41" /><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The events related in this strophe are probably a mere
+perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niord's history.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" id="THE_LAY_OF_FIOLSVITH" />THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the
+giant race.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place
+for thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering
+round the perilous flame? Whom dost thou seek? Of what art thou in
+quest? Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the
+wayfarer offers not hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast
+thou lived: but hence hie thee home.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not
+prodigal. Within these courts thou shalt never come: so now, wretch!
+take thyself off.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 96]</span><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" /><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> From the eye's delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is
+something pleasant to be seen. These walls, methinks, shine around
+golden halls. Here I could live contented with my lot.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast
+sprung.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wanderer</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was
+Fiolkald.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to
+know: who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin's
+son. She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly
+halls.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which
+among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi's three sons constructed
+it: a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 97]</span><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" />called, than
+which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's
+limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world
+lasts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase
+away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst
+know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those
+fierce assailants sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the
+watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so
+that no wight can enter if he comes.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can
+get, such that they can run in while they eat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 98]</span><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" />wouldst know:
+that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they
+eat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its
+branches spreads itself over every land?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it
+springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron
+will harm it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed
+tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out
+then will pass what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the cock is called that sits in
+that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs
+of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the
+swart bird at his lonely meal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before
+which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 99]</span><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" /><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> H&aelig;vatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the
+gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with
+nine strong locks secured.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who
+seeks after, and will take, that rod?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he
+bears that which few possess to the dame of the glassy clay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that
+mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag
+shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an
+arm for conflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is
+girt round with a curious flickering flame?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's
+point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay
+known.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 100]</span><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the &AElig;sir's sons has that
+constructed, which within the court I saw?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri,
+Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I
+see a splendid maiden stand?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the
+bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a
+year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., how those maids are called, who sit at
+Menglod's knees in harmony together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Hlif the first is called, the second is Hlifthursa, the third
+Thiodvarta, Biort and Blid, Blidr, Frid, Eir and Orboda.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether they protect those who offer
+to them, if it should, be needful?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Every summer in which men offer to them, at the holy place, no
+pestilence so great shall come to the sons of men, but they will free
+each from peril.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 101]</span><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" /><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any man that may in
+Menglod's soft arms sleep?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> There is no man who may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only
+Svipdag; to him the sun-bright maid is for wife betrothed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vindkald</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Set the doors open! Let the gate stand wide; here thou mayest
+Svipdag see; but yet go learn if Menglod will accept my love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fiolsvith</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Hear, Menglod! A man is hither come: go and behold the stranger;
+the dogs rejoice; the house has itself opened. I think it must be
+Svipdag.</p>
+
+<p><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fierce ravens shall, on the high gallows, tear out thy eyes, if
+thou art lying, that hither from afar is come the youth unto my halls.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Whence art thou come? Whence hast thou journeyed? How do thy
+kindred call thee? Of thy race and name I must have a token, if I was
+betrothed to thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Svipdag I am named, Solbiart was my father named; thence the
+winds on the cold ways drove me. Urd's decree may no one gainsay,
+however lightly uttered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 102]</span><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" /><i>Menglod</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Welcome thou art: my will I have obtained; greeting a kiss shall
+follow. A sight unlooked-for gladdens most persons, when one the other
+loves.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Long have I sat on my loved hill, day and night expecting thee.
+Now that is come to pass which I have hoped, that thou, dear youth,
+again to my halls art come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svipdag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Longing I have undergone for thy love; and thou, for my
+affection. Now it is certain, that we shall pass our lives together.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" id="THE_LAY_OF_HYNDLA" />THE LAY OF HYNDLA.</h2>
+
+<p>Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the
+purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's genealogy, such
+information being required by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr.
+Having obtained this, Freyia further requests Hyndla to give Ottar a
+potion (minnisol) that will enable him to remember all that has been
+told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having
+encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but
+accompanied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a blessing.</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake, maid of maids! Wake, my friend! Hyndla! Sister! who in the
+cavern dwellest. Now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 103]</span><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" />there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall
+ride, and to the holy fane.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and
+grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet,
+and from him Sigmund a sword received.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to
+the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy
+to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may
+be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with
+runic rein.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42" /><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> <i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I will my noble palfrey saddle.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest
+it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43" /><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>
+the young Ottar, Innstein's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest
+that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles
+with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two
+skilful <span class="pagenum">[Pg 104]</span><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" />dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. From the saddle we will talk: let us
+sit, and of princely families discourse, of those chieftains who from
+the gods descend. They have contested for the dead's gold, Ottar the
+young and Angantyr.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A duty 'tis to act so that the young prince his paternal
+heritage may have, after his kindred.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> An offer-stead to me he raised, with stones constructed; now is
+that stone as glass become. With the blood of oxen he newly sprinkled
+it. Ottar ever trusted in the Asyniur.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Now let us reckon up the ancient families, and the races of
+exalted men. Who are the Skioldungs? Who are the Skilfings? Who the
+Odlings? Who the Ylfings? Who the hold-born? Who the hers-born? The
+choicest race of men under heaven?</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou, Ottar! art of Innstein born, but Innstein was from Alf the
+Old, Alf was from Ulf, Ulf from S&aelig;fari, but S&aelig;fari from Svan the Red.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces famed, she, I think,
+was named Hledis the priestess; Frodi her father was, and her mother
+Friant: all that stock is reckoned among chieftains.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Ali was of old of men the strongest, Halfdan before him, the
+highest of the Skioldungs; (Famed were the wars by those chieftains
+led) his deeds seemed to soar to the skirts of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> By Eimund aided, chief of men, he Sigtrygg slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 105]</span><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" />with the cold
+steel. He Almveig had to wife, first of women. They begat and had
+eighteen sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> From them the Skioldungs, from them the Skilfings, from them the
+Odlings, from them the Ynglings, from them the hold-born, from them
+the hers-born, the choicest race of men under heaven. All that race is
+thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Hildegun her mother was, of Svafa born and a sea-king. All that
+race is thine, Ottar Heimski! Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a
+longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Dag wedded Thora, mother of warriors: of that race were born the
+noble champions, Fradmar, Gyrd, and the Frekis both, Am, Josur, Mar,
+Alf the Old. Carest thou this to know? Wishest thou a longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Ketil their friend was named, heir of Klyp; he was maternal
+grandsire of thy mother. Then was Frodi yet before Kari, but the
+eldest born was Alf.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Nanna was next, Nokkvi's daughter; her son was thy father's
+kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd and Horfi. All
+that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's sons and Skurhild's Skekkil's daughter;
+thou shalt yet count chieftains many. All that race is thine, Ottar
+Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Gunnar, Balk, Grim, Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi,
+Bui and Brami, Barri and Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, the two Haddingis.
+All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> To toil and tumult were the sons of Arngrim born, and of Eyfura:
+ferocious berserkir, calamity of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 106]</span><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" />every kind, by land and sea, like
+fire they carried. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> I knew both Brodd and Horfi, they were in the court of Hrolf the
+Old; all descended from Jormunrek, son-in-law of Sigurd. (Listen to my
+story) the dread of nations, him who Fafnir slew.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He was a king, from Volsung sprung, and Hiordis from Hrodung;
+but Eylimi from the Odlings. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Gunnar and Hogni, sons of Giuki; and Gudrun likewise, their
+sister. Guttorm; was not of Giuki's race, although he brother was of
+them both. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Harald Hildetonn, born of Hr&aelig;rekir Slongvanbaugi; he was a son
+of Aud, Aud the rich was Ivar's daughter; but Radbard was Randver's
+father. They were heroes to the gods devoted. All that race is thine,
+Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> There were eleven &AElig;sir reckoned, when Baldr on the pile was
+laid; him Vali showed himself worthy to avenge, his own brother: he
+the slayer slew. All that race is thine, Ottar Heimski!</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Baldr's father was son of Bur: Frey to wife had Gerd, she was
+Gymir's daughter, from Jotuns sprung and Aurboda; Thiassi also was
+their relation, that haughty Jotun; Skadi was his daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> We tell thee much, and remember more: I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Haki was not the worst of Hvedna's sons, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 107]</span><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" />Hiorvard was
+Hvedna's father; Heid and Hrossthiof were of Hrimnir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> All the Valas are from Vidolf; all the soothsayers from
+Vilmeidr, all the sorcerers from Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns come from
+Ymir.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> We tell thee much, and more remember, I admonish thee thus much
+to know. Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There was one born, in times of old, with wondrous might
+endowed, of origin divine: nine Jotun maids gave birth to the gracious
+god, at the world's margin.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Gialp gave him birth, Greip gave him birth, Eistla gave him
+birth, and Angeia; Ulfrun gave him birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd and Atla,
+and Jarnsaxa.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The boy was nourished with the strength of earth, with the
+ice-cold sea, and with Son's blood. We tell thee much, and more
+remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. Wishest thou a yet longer
+narrative?</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Loki begat the wolf with Angrboda, but Sleipnir he begat with
+Svadilfari: one monster seemed of all most deadly, which from
+Byleist's brother sprang.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Loki, scorched up in his heart's affections, had found a
+half-burnt woman's heart. Loki became guileful from that wicked woman;
+thence in the world are all giantesses come.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Ocean towers with storms to heaven itself, flows o'er the land;
+the air is rent: thence come snows and rapid winds; then it is decreed
+that the rain should cease.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> There was one born greater than all, the boy was <span class="pagenum">[Pg 108]</span><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" />nourished with
+the strength of earth; he was declared a ruler, mightiest and richest,
+allied by kinship to all princes.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Then shall another come, yet mightier, although I dare not his
+name declare. Few may see further forth than when Odin meets the wolf.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Bear thou the memory-cup to my guest, so that he may all the
+words repeat of this, discourse, on the third morn, when he and
+Angantyr reckon up races.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Go thou quickly hence, I long to sleep; more of my wondrous
+power thou gettest not from me. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at
+nights, as among he-goats the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen
+under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among
+he-goats, the she-goat goes.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so that thou goest
+not ever away from hence.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>Hyndla</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Fire I see burning, and the earth blazing; many will have their
+lives to save. Bear thou the cup to Ottar's hand, the mead with venom
+mingled, in an evil hour!</p>
+
+<p><i>Freyia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Thy malediction shall be powerless; although thou, Jotun-maid!
+dost evil threaten. He shall drink delicious draughts. All the gods I
+pray to favour Ottar.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42" /><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> That is, with a rein inscribed with runes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43" /><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> The road to Valhall.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 109]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" id="THE_INCANTATION_OF_GROA" /><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" />THE INCANTATION OF GROA.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Wake up, Groa! wake up, good woman! at the gates of death I wake
+thee! if thou rememberest, that thou thy son badest to thy grave-mound
+to come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> What now troubles my only son? With what affliction art thou
+burthened, that thou thy mother callest, who to dust is come, and from
+human homes departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my
+has father in his bosom cherished, when thou badest me go no one knows
+whither, Menglod to meet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Long is the journey, long are the ways, long are men's desires.
+If it so fall out, that thou thy will obtainest, the event must then
+be as it may.</p>
+
+<p><i>Son</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Sing to me songs which are good. Mother! protect thy son. Dead on
+my way I fear to be. I seem too young in years.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mother</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> I will sing to thee first one that is thought most <span class="pagenum">[Pg 110]</span><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" />useful, which
+Rind sang to Ran; that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast what to
+thee seems irksome: let thyself thyself direct.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> A second I will sing to thee, as thou hast to wander joyless on
+thy ways. May Urd's protection hold thee on every side, where thou
+seest turpitude.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A third I will sing to thee. If the mighty rivers to thy life's
+peril fall, Horn and Rud, may they flow down to Hel, and for thee ever
+be diminished.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A fourth I will sing to thee. If foes assail thee ready on the
+dangerous road, their hearts shall fail them, and to thee be power,
+and their minds to peace be turned.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A fifth I will sing to thee. If bonds be cast on thy limbs,
+friendly spells I will let on thy joints be sung, and the lock from
+thy arms shall start, [and from thy feet the fetter].</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A sixth I will sing to thee. If on the sea thou comest, more
+stormy than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag attend
+thee, and a tranquil course afford thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> A seventh I will sing to thee. If on a mountain high frost
+should assail thee, deadly cold shall not thy carcase injure, nor draw
+thy body to thy limbs.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out
+on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to
+do thee harm.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed spear-armed
+Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart
+abundance shall be given.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Go now ever where calamity may be, and no <span class="pagenum">[Pg 111]</span><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" />harm shall obstruct
+thy wishes. On a stone fast in the earth I have stood within the door,
+while songs I sang to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> My son! bear hence thy mother's words, and in thy breast let
+them dwell; for happiness abundant shalt thou have in life, while of
+my words thou art mindful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" id="THE_SONG_OF_THE_SUN" />THE SONG OF THE SUN.</h2>
+
+<p>This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts,
+assigned to S&aelig;mund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given
+under the form of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to
+address his son from another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly
+connected with the following ones, which, as far as the 32nd consist
+chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling those in
+the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital of the last
+illness of the supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
+passed through on the way to its final home.</p>
+
+<p>The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and
+Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's own religion was in a
+transition state. Of the allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be
+observed that they are chiefly to persons and actions of which there
+is no trace in the Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly
+the fruits of the poet's own imagination. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 112]</span><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" />The title of the poem is no
+doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning of
+strophes 39-45.</p>
+
+<p>For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version
+of &quot;the Song of the Sun,&quot; the reader may consult &quot;Les Chants de Sol,&quot;
+by Professor Bergmann, Strasbourg &amp; Paris, 1858.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over
+the ways beset by him might no one living pass.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast;
+until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from
+the way.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be:
+with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so
+evil-minded.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart;
+on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was
+an evil-doer.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly
+treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his
+wary cautious host.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke;
+but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he
+had slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in
+a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with
+him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command
+his tranquillity.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 113]</span><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" /></p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Unnar and S&aelig;valdi never imagined that happiness would fall from
+them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran
+to the forest.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often
+caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them
+pure created.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the
+other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was
+destined for their perdition.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or
+joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright
+form.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they
+enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful
+friends.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm
+they went,<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44" /><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> for that fair woman, and each one found his death.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those
+who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their
+well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be
+above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to
+appoint.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 114]</span><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" />gold for
+sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and
+fire.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair:
+promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in
+Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer,
+but he proved false.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return
+promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together
+drank; but then came forth their guile.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode,
+they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go
+forth.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal)
+into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but
+the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in
+spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy
+will.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with
+evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to
+the soul.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind
+created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 115]</span><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" /></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that
+which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing
+asks: few heed the wants of the silent.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door;
+thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of
+the feast partake.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no
+one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he
+will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to
+thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all
+useful to learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and
+secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money
+crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow: many have riches driven
+to madness.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me:
+our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous;
+but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the
+doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend
+them, but they were strong. 'Tis easy free to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 116]</span><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of
+Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but
+Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from
+this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she
+was before.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I
+bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to
+know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with
+blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for
+my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world
+declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the
+mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away;
+high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I
+lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: &quot;Man is the same as
+earth.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 117]</span><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" /></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven
+and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of
+my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too
+much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> In the Norns' seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a
+horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping
+clouds of heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether
+worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the
+readiest paths.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds
+of torment came:&mdash;scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as
+flies.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Gl&aelig;val's paths
+obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and
+heaven to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two
+together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to
+heaven.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in
+all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's
+well.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I
+heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground
+earth for food.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 118]</span><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" /></p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts
+hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed-strewed paths; their
+faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not
+have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly
+characters.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune;
+bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild:
+this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's
+property: in shoals they went to Castle-covetous, and burthens bore of
+lead.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft:
+through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands
+were on hot stones firmly nailed.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly;
+their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered:
+Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which <span class="pagenum">[Pg 119]</span><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" />Hel's inmates
+suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties: pains ever follow
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights
+were above their heads brightly burning.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid:
+angels, read holy books above their heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted:
+God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> I saw those men who had put food into their mothers' mouth:
+their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of those men,
+who for a long time had themselves tormented.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to
+God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I
+pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.</p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Biugvor and Iyistvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat;
+iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.</p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her
+sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone <span class="pagenum">[Pg 120]</span><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" />obtained for
+thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise
+Vigdvalin.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine,
+Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi!
+bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil
+custom.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living
+sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.</p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's
+rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living
+comfort.</p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen
+the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the
+Sun-song.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44" /><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> That is, <i>they engaged in single combat</i>; the spot for
+such encounters being called a <i>holm</i>, consisting of a circular space
+marked out by stones.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 121]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" id="THE_LAY_OF_VOLUND" /><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" />THE LAY OF VOLUND.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king in Sweden named Nidud: he had two sons and a
+daughter, whose name was Bodvild. There were three brothers, sons of a
+king of the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil, the third
+Volund. They went on snow-shoes and hunted wild-beasts. They came to
+Ulfdal, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water
+called Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake
+three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their
+swan-plumages: they were Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and
+Hervor-Alvit, were daughters of King Hlodver; the third was Olrun, a
+daughter of Kiar of Valland. They took them home with them to their
+dwelling. Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit. They
+lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and
+did not return. Egil then went on snow-shoes in search of Olrun, and
+Slagfid in search of Svanhvit, but Volund remained in Ulfdal. He was a
+most skilful man, as we learn from old traditions. King Nidud ordered
+him to be seized, so as it is here related.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Maids flew from the south, through the murky wood, Alvit the
+young, fate to fulfil. On the lake's margin they sat to repose, the
+southern damsels; precious flax they spun.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 122]</span><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" /></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil
+clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the
+third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were
+with longing seized; and in the ninth fate parted them. The maidens
+yearned for the murky wood, the young Alvit, fate to fulfil.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> From the chase came the ardent hunters, Slagfid and Egil, found
+their house deserted, went out and in, and looked around. Egil went
+east after Olrun, and Slagfid west after Svanhvit;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> But Volund alone remained in Ulfdal. He the red gold set with the
+hard gem, well fastened all the rings on linden bast, and so awaited
+his bright consort, if to him she would return.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> It was told to Nidud, the Niarars' lord, that Volund alone
+remained in Ulfdal. In the night went men, in studded corslets, their
+shields glistened in the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> From their saddles they alighted at the house's gable, thence
+went in through the house. On the bast they saw the rings all drawn,
+seven hundred, which the warrior owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> And they took them off, and they put them on, all save one, which
+they bore away. Came then from the chase the ardent hunter, Volund,
+gliding<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45" /><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> on the long way.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> To the fire he went, bear's flesh to roast. Soon <span class="pagenum">[Pg 123]</span><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" />blazed the
+brushwood, and the arid fir, the wind-dried wood, before Volund.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> On the bearskin sat, his rings counted, the Alfar's companion:
+one was missing. He thought that Hlodver's daughter had it, the young
+Alvit, and that she was returned.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> So long he sat until he slept; and he awoke of joy bereft: on
+his hands he felt heavy constraints, and round his feet fetters
+clasped.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;Who are the men that on the rings' possessor have laid bonds?
+and me have bound?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then cried Nidud, the Niarars' lord: &quot;Whence gottest thou,
+Volund! Alfars' chief!<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46" /><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> our gold, in Ulfdal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;No gold was here in Grani's path, far I thought our land from
+the hills of Rhine. I mind me that we more treasures possessed, when,
+a whole family, we were at home.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hladgud and Hervor were of Hlodver born; known was Olrun, Kiar's
+daughter, she entered into the house, stood on the floor, her voice
+moderated: Now is he not mirthful, who from the forest comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>King Nidud gave to his daughter Bodvild the ring which had been taken
+from the bast in Volund's house; but he himself bore the sword that
+had belonged to Volund. The queen said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> His teeth he shows, when the sword he sees, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 124]</span><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" />Bodvild's ring
+he recognizes: threatening are his eyes as a glistening serpent's: let
+be severed his sinews' strength; and set him then in S&aelig;varstad.</p>
+
+<p>This was done; he was hamstrung, and then set on a certain small
+island near the shore, called S&aelig;varstad. He there forged for the king
+all kinds of jewellery work. No one was allowed to go to him, except
+the king. Volund said:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could
+most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly. That
+bright blade forever is taken from me: never shall I see it borne into
+Volund's smithy.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now Bodvild wears my consort's red-gold rings: for this I have
+no indemnity.&quot; He sat and never slept, and his hammer plied; but much
+more speedy vengeance devised on Nidud.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> The two young sons of Nidud ran in at the door to look, in
+S&aelig;varstad. To the chest they came, for the keys asked; manifest was
+their grudge, when therein they looked.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Many necklaces were there, which to those youths appeared of the
+red gold to be, and treasures. &quot;Come ye two alone, to-morrow come;
+that gold shall be given to you.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Tell it not to the maidens, nor to the household folk, nor to
+any one, that ye have been with me.&quot; Early called one the other,
+brother, brother: &quot;Let us go see the rings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> To the chest they came, for the keys asked; mani<span class="pagenum">[Pg 125]</span><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" />fest was their
+grudge, when therein they looked. Of those children he the heads cut
+off, and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair he in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones he formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife he sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But of the teeth of the two breast-ornaments he made, and to
+Bodvild sent. Then did Bodvild praise the ring: to Volund brought it,
+when she had broken it: &quot;I dare to no tell it, save alone to thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Volund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;I will so repair the fractured gold, that to thy father it
+shall fairer seem, and to thy mother much more beautiful, and to
+thyself, in the same degree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> He then brought her beer, that he might succeed the better, as
+on her seat she fell asleep. &quot;Now have I my wrongs avenged, all save
+one in the wood perpetrated.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47" /><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I wish,&quot; said Volund, &quot;that on my feet I were, of the use of
+which Nidud's men have deprived me.&quot; Laughing Volund rose in air:
+Bodvild weeping from the isle departed. She mourned her lover's
+absence, and for her father's wrath.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Stood without Nidud's wily wife; then she went in through the
+hall; but he on the enclosure sat down to rest. &quot;Art thou awake
+Niarars' lord!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Ever am I awake, joyless I lie to rest, when I call to mind my
+children's death: my head is chilled, cold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 126]</span><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" />are to me thy counsels.
+Now with Volund I desire to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Tell me, Volund, Alfars' chief! of my brave boys what is
+become?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Oaths shalt thou first to me swear, by board of ship, by rim of
+shield, by shoulder of steed, by edge of sword, that thou wilt not
+slay the wife of Volund, nor of my bride cause the death; although a
+wife I have whom ye know, or offspring within thy court.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> To the smithy go, which thou hast made, there wilt thou the
+bellows find with blood besprinkled. The heads I severed of thy boys,
+and under the prison's mixen laid their bodies.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> But their skulls beneath the hair I in silver set, and to Nidud
+gave; and of their eyes precious stones I formed, which to Nidud's
+wily wife I sent.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Of the teeth of the two, breast-ornaments I made, and to Bodvild
+sent. Now Bodvild goes big with child, the only daughter of you both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Word didst thou never speak that more afflicted me, or for
+which I would more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that
+he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee
+down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Laughing Volund rose in air, but Nidud sad remained sitting.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;Rise up Thakrad, my best of thralls! bid Bodvild, my
+fair-browed daughter, in bright attire come, with her sire to speak.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 127]</span><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" /></p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it, Bodvild! true what has been told to me, that thou and
+Volund in the isle together sat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;True it is, Nidud! what has been told to thee, that Volund and
+I in the isle together sat, in an unlucky hour: would it had never
+been! I could not against him strive, I might not against him
+prevail.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45" /><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> On snow-shoes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46" /><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> The designation of Alfars' chief, or prince, applied to
+Volund, who, as we learn from the prose introduction, was a son of a
+king of the Finns, may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance
+that the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology, and was
+probably composed when that system was in its decline and giving place
+to the heroic or romantic.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47" /><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> The translation of this line is founded solely on a
+conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded to may be the
+hamstringing.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" id="THE_LAY_OF_HELGI_HIORVARDS_SON" />THE LAY OF HELGI HIORVARD'S SON.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four wives, one of whom was
+named Alfhild, their son was named Hedin; the second was named S&aelig;reid,
+their son was Humlung; the third was named Sinriod, their son was
+Hymling. King Hiorvard made a vow that he would have to wife the most
+beautiful woman he knew of, and was told that King Svafnir had a
+daughter of incomparable beauty, named Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named
+Idmund, whose son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for the
+king. He stayed throughout the winter with King Svafnir. There was a
+jarl there named Franmar, who was the foster-father of Sigrlinn, and
+had a daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the maiden should be
+refused, and Atli returned home. One day when the jarl's son Atli was
+standing in a grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above him,
+which had heard that his men called the wives which King Hiorvard had
+the most beautiful. The bird talked, and Atli listened to what it
+said. The bird said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 128]</span><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, Svafnir's daughter, of maidens fairest,
+in her pleasant home? though fair the wives of Hiorvard seem to men in
+Glasis-lund.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> With Atli, Idmund's son, sagacious bird! wilt thou further speak?</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p>I will if the prince will offer to me, and I may choose what I will
+from the king's court.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Choose not Hiorvard nor his sons, nor the fair daughters of that
+prince, nor the wives which the king has. Let us together bargain;
+that is the part of friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bird.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> A fane I will chose, offer steads many, gold-horned cows from the
+chief's land, if Sigrlinn sleep in his arms, and unconstrained with
+that prince shall live.</p>
+
+<p>This took place before Atli's journey; but after his return, when the
+king asked his tidings, he said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Labour we have had, but errand none performed; our horses failed
+us in the vast fell; we had afterwards a swampy lake to ford; then was
+denied us Svafnir's daughter with rings adorned, whom we would obtain.</p>
+
+<p>The king commanded them to go a second time, and also went himself.
+But when they had ascended a fell, and saw in Svavaland the country on
+fire, and a great reek from the horses of cavalry, the king rode down
+the fell into the country, and took up his night-quarters by a river.
+Atli kept watch, and crossed the river, and came <span class="pagenum">[Pg 129]</span><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" />to a house, on which
+sat a great bird to guard it, but was asleep. Atli shot the bird dead
+with an arrow. In the house he found the king's daughter Sigrlinn, and
+Alof daughter of Franmar, and brought them both away with him. The
+jarl Franmar had taken the form of an eagle, and protected them from a
+hostile army by sorcery. There was a king named Hrodmar, a wooer of
+Sigrlinn: he had slain the king of Svavaland, and ravaged and burnt
+the country. Hiorvard obtained Sigrlinn, and Atli Alof. Hiorvard and
+Sigrlinn had a son tall and comely: he was taciturn and had no fixed
+name. As he was sitting on a mound he saw nine Valkyriur, one of whom
+was of most noble aspect. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Late wilt thou, Helgi! rings possess, a potent warrior, or
+Rodulsvellir,&mdash;so at morn the eagle sang&mdash;if thou art ever silent;
+although thou, prince! a fierce mood mayest show.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> What wilt thou let accompany the name of Helgi, maid of aspect
+bright! since that thou art pleased to give me? Think well over what
+thou art saying. I will not accept it, unless I have thee also.</p>
+
+<p><i>Valkyria</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Swords I know lying in Sigarsholm, fewer by four than five times
+ten: one of them is of all the best, of shields the bale, with gold
+adorned.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A ring is on the hilt, courage in the midst, in the point terror
+for his use who owns it: along the edge a blood-stained serpent lies,
+and on the guard the serpent casts its tail.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 130]</span><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" />There was a king named Eylimi; Svava was his daughter; she was a
+Valkyria and rode through air and water. It was she who gave Helgi
+that name, and afterwards often protected him in battle. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hiorvard! thou art not a king of wholesome counsel, leader of
+people! renowned though thou mayest be. Thou hast let fire devour the
+homes of princes, though harm to thee they none have done.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> But Hrodmar shall of the rings dispose, which our relations have
+possessed. That chief recks little of his life; he thinks only to
+obtain the heritage of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Hiorvard answers, that he will supply Helgi with an army, if he will
+avenge his mother's father. Helgi thereupon seeks the sword that Svava
+had indicated to him. Afterwards he and Atli went and slew Hrodmar,
+and performed many deeds of valour. He killed the Jotun Hati, as he
+sat on a crag. Helgi and Atli lay with their ships in Hatafiord. Atli
+kept watch in the first part of the night. Hrimgerd, Hati's daughter,
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Who are the chieftains in Hatafiord? With shields are your ships
+bedecked; boldly ye bear yourselves, few things ye fear, I ween: tell
+me how your king is named.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Helgi is his name; but thou nowhere canst to the chief do harm;
+iron forts are around the prince's fleet; giantesses may not assail
+us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> How art thou named? most powerful champion! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 131]</span><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" />How do men call
+thee? Thy king confides in thee, since in the ship's fair prow he
+grants thee place.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Atli I am named, fierce I shall prove to thee; towards
+giantesses I am most hostile. The humid prow I have oft occupied, and
+the night-riders slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> How art thou called? corpse-greedy giantess! hag! name thy
+father. Nine rasts shouldst thou be underground, and a forest grow on
+thy breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Hrimgerd I am called, Hati was my father called, whom I knew the
+mightiest Jotun. He many women had from their dwellings taken, until
+him Helgi slew.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Thou wast, hag! before the prince's ships, and layest before
+them in the fiord's mouth. The chieftain's warriors thou wouldst to
+Ran consign, had a bar not crossed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Now, Atli! thou art wrong, methinks thou art dreaming; thy brows
+thou lettest over thy eyelids fall. My mother lay before the prince's
+ships; I Hlodvard's sons drowned in the ocean.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Thou wouldst neigh, Atli! if thou wert not a gelding. See!
+Hrimgerd cocks her tail. Thy heart, methinks, Atli! is in thy hinder
+part, although thy voice is clear.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I think I shall the stronger prove, if thou desirest <span class="pagenum">[Pg 132]</span><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" />to try;
+and I can step from the port to land. Thou shalt be soundly cudgeled,
+if I heartily begin, and let thy tail fall, Hrimgerd!</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Just come on shore, Atli! if in thy strength thou trustest, and
+let us meet in Varinsvik. A rib-roasting thou shalt get, brave boy! if
+in my claws thou comest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> I will not come before the men awake, and o'er the king hold
+watch. It would not surprise me, if from beneath our ship some hag
+arose.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Keep watch, Atli! and to Hrimgerd pay the blood-fine for Hati's
+death. If one night she may sleep with the prince, she for the slain
+will be indemnified.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Lodin is named he who shall thee possess, thou to mankind art
+loathsome. In Tholley dwells that Thurs, that dog-wise Jotun, of all
+rock-dwellers the worst: he is a fitting man for thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Helgi would rather have her who last night guarded the port and
+men, the gold-bright maiden. She methought had strength, she stept
+from port to land, and so secured your fleet. She was alone the cause
+that I could not the king's men slay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Hear now, Hrimgerd! If I may indemnify thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 133]</span><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" />say fully to the
+king: was it one being only, that saved the prince's ships, or went
+many together?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hrimgerd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Three troops of maidens; though one maid foremost rode, bright,
+with helmed head. Their horses shook themselves, and from their manes
+there sprang dew into the deep dales, hail on the lofty trees, whence
+comes fruitfulness to man. To me all that I saw was hateful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Look eastward now, Hrimgerd! whether Helgi has not stricken thee
+with death-bearing words. By land and water the king's fleet is safe,
+and the chief's men also.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> It is now day, Hrimgerd! and Atli has thee detained to thy loss
+of life. A ludicrous haven-mark 'twill, indeed, be, where thou a
+stone-image standest.</p>
+
+<p>King Helgi was a renowned warrior. He came to King Eylimi and demanded
+his daughter Svava. Helgi and Svava were united, and loved each other
+ardently. Svava remained at home with her father, but Helgi was
+engaged in warfare. Svava was a Valkyria as before. Hedin was at home
+with his father, King Hiorvard in Norway. Returning home alone from
+the forest on a Yule-eve, Hedin met a troll-wife riding on a wolf,
+with serpents for reins, who offered to attend him, but he declined
+her offer; whereupon she said: &quot;Thou shalt pay for this at the
+Bragi-cup.&quot; In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
+led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
+vows at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 134]</span><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" />the Bragi-cup.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48" /><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
+Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
+that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
+lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
+Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
+to find us?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
+daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
+us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
+nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
+well such befall, if it so must be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
+gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
+peace to thy foes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
+and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 135]</span><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" />accosted Hedin, when he
+saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
+Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
+plain within three days. Then said Helgi:</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> On a wolf rode, at evening twilight, a woman who him offered to
+attend. She well knew, that the son of Sigrlinn would be slain, on
+Sigar's plain.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great conflict, in which Helgi got his death-wound.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Helgi sent Sigar riding, after Eylimi's only daughter: he bade
+her quickly be in readiness, if she would find the king alive.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Helgi has me hither sent, with thee, Svava! thyself to speak.
+Thee, said the king, he fain would see, ere the noble-born breathes
+forth his last.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> What has befallen Helgi, Hiorvard's son? I am sorely by
+afflictions stricken. Has the sea him deluded, or the sword wounded?
+On that man I will harm inflict.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> This morning fell, at Frekastein, the king who beneath the sun
+was of all the best. Alf has complete victory, though this time it
+should not have been!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Hail to thee, Svava! Thy love thou must divide: this in this
+world, methinks, is our last meeting. They say the chieftain's wounds
+are bleeding. The sword came too near my heart.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 136]</span><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> I pray thee, Svava!&mdash;weep not, my wife!&mdash;if thou wilt my voice
+obey, that for Hedin thou a couch prepare, and the young prince in thy
+arms clasp.</p>
+
+<p><i>Svava</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> I had said, in our pleasant home, when for me Helgi rings
+selected, that I would not gladly, after my king's departure, an
+unknown prince clasp in my arms.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hedin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Kiss me, Svava! I will not return, Rogheim to behold, nor
+Rodulsfioll, before I have avenged Hiorvard's son, who was of kings
+under the sun the best.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48" /><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk. It was
+the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls, that the heir
+should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull was brought in, that
+he should then rise to receive it, make a vow, and drink the contents
+of the cup (full). He was then led to his father's high seat. At an
+offering guild, the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer both
+the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup, for victory and
+power to the king; then Niord's cup, and Frey's, for a good year and
+peace; after which it was the custom with many to drink a Bragafull.
+The peculiarity of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on
+drinking it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous deed,
+that might be made a subject for the song of the skalld.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 137]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" /><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" />THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters
+fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul,
+Borghild gave birth in Bralund.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the
+prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be,
+and of leaders accounted best.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he]
+burghs should overthrow<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49" /><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> in Bralund. They stretched out the golden
+cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands
+between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade
+last for ever.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who
+had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent,
+a raven to a raven said: &quot;I know something.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day
+come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he:
+we shall rejoice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said
+that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war,
+noble garlic to bring to the young prince;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 138]</span><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" />Solfioll, Sn&aelig;fioll,
+and Sigarsvellir, Hringstad, Hatun, and Himinvangar, a sword ornate,
+to Sinfiotli's brother.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then grew up, in his friends' bosom, the high-born youth, in
+joyous splendour. He paid and gave gold for deserts; nor spared the
+chief the blood-stained sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> A short time only the leader let warfare cease. When the prince
+was fifteen winters old, he caused the fierce Hunding to fall, who
+long had ruled over lands and people.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The sons of Hunding afterwards demanded from Sigmund's son
+treasure and rings; because they had on the prince to avenge their
+great loss of wealth, and their father's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> The prince would neither the blood-fine pay, nor for the slain
+indemnity would give. They might expect, he said, a terrific storm of
+grey arrows, and Odin's ire.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors went to the trysting place of swords, which they
+had appointed at Logafioll. Broken was Frodi's peace between the foes:
+Vidrir's hounds went about the isle slaughter-greedy.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> The leader sat under the Arastein, after he had slain Alf and
+Eyiolf, Hiorvard and Havard, sons of Hunding: he had destroyed all
+Geirmimir's race.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then gleamed a ray from Logafioll, and from that ray lightnings
+issued; then appeared, in the field of air, a helmed band of
+Valkyriur: their corslets were with blood besprinkled, and from their
+spears shone beams of light.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Forthwith inquired the chieftain bold, from the wolf-congress of
+the southern Disir, whether they would, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 139]</span><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" />with the warriors, that night
+go home?&mdash;then was a clash of arms!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of
+shields, and to the leader said: &quot;We have, I ween, other objects than
+with princely warriors to drink beer.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of
+Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like
+to a cat's son.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a
+hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of
+foes, unless I am dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over
+water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to
+offer, and to their sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to
+hold them ready.&quot; There the king abode, until thither came warriors in
+hundreds from Hedinsey.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went
+out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: &quot;Hast thou
+mustered the valiant people?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> But the young king the other answered: &quot;Slowly&quot; said he &quot;are
+counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which
+sail without in the Oresund,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun <span class="pagenum">[Pg 140]</span><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" />there is more than
+half of the king's host&mdash;We are to war inured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then the steersman threw the ship's tents aside, that the
+princes' people might awake, and the noble chiefs the dawn might see;
+and the warriors hauled the sails up to the mast in Varinsfiord.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There was a dash of oars, and clash of iron, shield against
+shield resounded: the vikings rowed; roaring went, under the
+chieftains the royal fleet far from the land.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> So might be heard, when together came the tempest's sister<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50" /><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>
+and the long keels, as when rock and surge on each other break.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Higher still bade Helgi the deep sail be hauled. No port gave
+shelter to the crews; when Oegir's terrific daughter the chieftains'
+vessels would o'erwhelm,</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> But from above Sigrun intrepid, saved them and their fleet also;
+from the hand of Ran powerfully was wrested the royal ship at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into
+port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood,
+espied the host.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then demanded the god-born Gudmund: &quot;Who is the chieftain that
+commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with
+golden rim;&mdash;He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and
+with nobles words exchange&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your <span class="pagenum">[Pg 141]</span><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" />dogs lead to
+their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at
+Gnipalund.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet's midst, a king hard to
+make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills,
+kissing the thrall-wenches.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble
+thou falsehoods utterest. Thou hast been eating wolves' dainties, and
+of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with
+cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader
+of lies. Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted
+warrior, save Sinfiotli.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent,
+monstrous, in Alfather's hall. All the Einheriar fought with each
+other, deceitful woman! for thy sake. Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes;
+I alone was father of them all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as
+I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated
+upon Thorsnes.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Thou wast Siggeir's stepson, at home under the benches layest,
+accustomed to the wolf's howl out in the forests: calamity of every
+kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother's breast.
+Notorious thou mad'st thyself by thy atrocious works.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 142]</span><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" /><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wast Grani's bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready
+for the course. Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and
+saddled, through the fells, thou hag!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir's goats
+thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
+tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
+than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
+with thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
+to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
+however princes<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51" /><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> may foster hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
+princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
+they have courage to draw the sword.&quot;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
+Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
+mist, where the men went.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
+the hostile advent. Without stood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 143]</span><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" />Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
+speed noticed of his kinsmen. &quot;Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
+countenances?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> &quot;Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
+long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
+joyous Ylfings.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
+Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
+there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
+conflict.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hodbrodd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
+to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
+of those who swords can brandish.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
+the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
+find resistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52" /><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> blades at
+Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
+men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
+chieftain had a valiant heart.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above&mdash;the clash of
+arms increased&mdash;for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun&mdash;well
+skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove&mdash;<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53" /><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 144]</span><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" />pillar of
+Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
+the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
+beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: unscathed shalt thou,
+prince! both enjoy, Hogni's daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and
+lands: then is conflict ended.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49" /><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> That is, when they came to spin that period of his
+destiny.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50" /><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Kolga Systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr
+and Ran; they were the waves.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51" /><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Literally <i>ring-breakers, or-dispensers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52" /><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> It would appear that their swords were of bronze.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53" /><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i.e., the battlefield,
+strewed with corpses, the raven's food.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_HELGI_HUNDINGCIDE" />THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund. They
+named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered
+by Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land
+was called Hundland. He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who
+were engaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and concealed,
+between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other's
+kinsmen. King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and
+Ylfings. Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King
+Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home. On departing Helgi met a
+herdsman, and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Say thou to Heming, that Helgi bears in mind who the mailed
+warrior was, whom the men laid low, when the grey wolf ye had within,
+and King Hunding thought it was Hamal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 145]</span><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" />Hamal was the son of Hagal. King Hunding sent men to Hagal in search
+of Helgi, and Helgi had no other way to save himself than by taking
+the clothes of a female slave and going to grind. They sought but did
+not find him. Then said Blind the Baleful:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sharp are the eyes of Hagal's thrall-wench; of no churlish race
+is she who at the mill stands. The millstones are split, the receiver
+flies asunder. Now a hard fate has befallen the warrior, when a prince
+must barley grind: much more fitting to that hand is the falchion's
+hilt than a mill-handle.</p>
+
+<p>Hagal answered and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> No wonder 'tis that the receiver rattles, when a royal damsel the
+handle turns. She hovered higher than the clouds, and, like the
+vikings, dared to fight, until Helgi made her captive. She is a sister
+of Sigar and Hogni; therefore has fierce eyes the Ylfing maid.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi escaped and went on board a ship of war. He slew King Hunding,
+and was afterwards named Helgi Hundingsbani. He lay with his force in
+Brunavagar, and carried on &quot;strand-hogg&quot;<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54" /><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> and ate raw flesh. There
+was a king named Hogni, whose daughter was Sigrun: she was a Valkyria,
+and rode through the air and over the sea. She was Svava regenerated.
+Sigrun rode to Helgi, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> What men cause a ship along the coasts to float? where do ye
+warriors a home possess? what await ye in Brunavagar? whither desire
+ye to explore a way?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 146]</span><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hamal causes a ship along the coasts to float; we have home in
+Hlesey; a fair wind we await in Brunavagar; eastward we desire to
+explore a way.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Where, O prince! hast thou wakened war, or fed the birds of
+conflict's sisters?<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55" /><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> Why is thy corslet sprinkled with blood? Why
+beneath the helm eat ye raw flesh?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> It was the Ylfings' son's last achievement,&mdash;if thou desirest to
+know&mdash;west of the ocean, that I took bears in Bragalund, and the
+eagles' race with our weapons sated. Now, maiden! I have said what the
+reasons were, why at sea we little cooked meat ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> To a battle thou alludest. Before Helgi has King Hunding been
+doomed to fall. In conflict ye have engaged, when your kindred ye
+avenged, and stained with blood the falchion's edge.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Why dost thou suppose, sagacious maiden! that it was they, who
+their kin avenged? Many a warrior's bold sons there are, and hostile
+to our kindred.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> I was not far, leader of people! eager, at many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 147]</span><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" />chieftain's
+end: yet crafty I account Sigmund's son, when in val-runes<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56" /><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> the
+slaughter he announces.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> A while ago I saw thee commanding the warships, when thou hadst
+station on the bloody prow, and the cold sea waves were playing. Now,
+prince! thou wilt from me conceal it, but Hogni's daughter recognizes
+thee.</p>
+
+<p>Granmar was the name of a powerful prince who dwelt at Svarinshaug. He
+had many sons: one was called Hodbrodd, the second Gudmund, the third
+Starkadr. Hodbrodd was at the assembly of kings, and there betrothed
+himself to Sigrun, the daughter of Hogni. But when she was informed of
+it, she rode with the Valkyriur through the air and over the sea in
+quest of Helgi. Helgi was at that time at Logafioll, warring against
+the sons of Hunding, where he slew Alf and Eyiolf, Hiorvard and
+Hervard. Being over-fatigued with the conflict, he was sitting under
+the Arastein, where Sigrun found him, and running to him, threw her
+arms around his neck, and, kissing him, told him her errand so as it
+related in the first Volsungakvida.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Sigrun sought the joyous prince, Helgi's hand she forthwith
+grasped, kissed and addressed the helm-decked king.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Then was the chieftain's mind to the lady turned. She declared
+that she had loved, with her whole heart, Sigmund's son, before she
+had seen him.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To Hodbrodd I was in th' assembly betrothed, but I another
+prince would have: yet, chieftain! I foresee my kindred's wrath: I
+have my father's promise broken.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 148]</span><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" /></p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Hogni's daughter spoke not at variance with her heart: she said
+that Helgi's affection she must possess.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Care thou not for Hogni's wrath, nor for the evil mind of thy
+kin. Thou shalt, young maiden! live with me: of a good race thou art,
+as I perceive.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi then collected a large fleet and proceeded to Frekastein, and at
+sea experienced a perilous storm. Lightnings came over them, and the
+flashes entered the ships. They saw that nine Valkyriur were riding in
+the air, and recognized Sigrun among them. The storm then abated and
+they reached land in safety. The sons of Granmar were sitting on a
+hill as the ships were sailing towards the land. Gudmund leapt on a
+horse, and rode to explore on the hill by the haven. The Volsungs then
+lowered their sails, and Gudmund spoke as is before written in the
+Helgakvida:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who is the leader that commands the fleet, and an appalling host
+leads to our land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This said Gudmund, Granmar's son:</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Who is the warrior that commands the ships, and lets his golden
+banner wave o'er his prow? No peace seems to me in that ship's front;
+it casts a warlike glow around the vikings.</p>
+
+<p>Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son, answered:</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Here may Hodbrodd Helgi learn to know, the hard of flight, in
+the fleet's midst: he the possession holds of thy race; he the fishes'
+heritage has to him subjected.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 149]</span><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" /><i>Gudmund</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Therefore ought we first, at Frekastein, to settle together, and
+decide our quarrels! Hodbrodd! 'tis time vengeance to take, if an
+inferior lot we long have borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sinfiotli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Rather shalt thou, Gudmund! tend goats, and steep mountain-tops
+shalt climb, have in thy hand a hazel staff, that will better please
+thee than judgments of the sword.</p>
+
+<p>Gudmund rode home with intelligence of the hostile armament; whereupon
+the sons of Granmar collected a host, and many kings came thither.
+Among them were Hogni, the father of Sigrun, with his sons, Bragi and
+Dag. There was a great battle, and all the sons of Hogni, and all
+their chiefs were slain, except Dag, who obtained peace, and swore
+oaths to the Volsungs. Sigrun, going among the slain, found Hodbrodd
+at the point of death. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not will Sigrun of Sefafioll, King Hodbrodd! sink in thy arms:
+thy life is departed. Oft the axe's blade the head approaches of
+Granmar's sons.</p>
+
+<p>She then met Helgi, and was overjoyed. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Not to thee, all-wise maiden! are all things granted, though, I
+say, in somewhat are the Norns to blame. This morn have fallen at
+Frekastein Bragi and Hogni: I was their slayer.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> But at Styrkleifar King Starkadr, and at Hlebiorg the son of
+Hrollaug. That prince I saw of all most fierce, whose trunk yet fought
+when the head was far.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 150]</span><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" /></p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> On the earth lie the greater number of thy kinsmen, to corpses
+turned. Thou hast not fought the battle, yet 'twas decreed, that thou,
+potent maiden! shouldst cause the strife.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun then wept. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sigrun! console thyself; a Hild thou hast been to us. Kings
+cannot conquer fate: gladly would I have them living who are departed,
+if I might clasp thee to my breast.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi obtained Sigrun, and they had sons. Helgi lived not to be old.
+Dag, the son of Hogni, sacrificed to Odin, for vengeance for his
+father. Odin lent Dag his spear. Dag met with his relation Helgi in a
+place called Fioturlund, and pierced him through with his spear. Helgi
+fell there, but Dag rode to the mountains and told Sigrun what had
+taken place.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Loath am I, sister! sad news to tell thee; for unwillingly I
+have my sister caused to weep. This morning fell, in Fioturlund, the
+prince who was on earth the best, and on the necks of warriors stood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Thee shall the oaths all gnaw, which to Helgi thou didst swear,
+at the limpid Leiptr's water, and at the cold dank wave-washed rock.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> May the ship not move forward, which under thee should move,
+although the wished-for wind behind thee blow. May the horse not run,
+which under thee should run, although from enemies thou hast to flee!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> May the sword not bite which thou drawest, unless it sing round
+thy own head. Then would Helgi's <span class="pagenum">[Pg 151]</span><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" />death be on thee avenged, if a wolf
+thou wert, out in the woods, of all good bereft, and every joy, have
+no sustenance, unless on corpses thou shouldst spring.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dag</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Sister! thou ravest, and hast lost thy wits, when on thy brother
+thou callest down such miseries. Odin alone is cause of all the evil;
+for between relatives he brought the runes of strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Thy brother offers thee rings of red gold, all Vandilsve and
+Vigdalir: have half the land, thy grief to compensate, woman
+ring-adorned! thou and thy sons.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> So happy I shall not sit at Sefafioll, neither at morn nor
+night, as to feel joy in life, if o'er the people plays not the
+prince's beam of light; if his war-steed runs not under the chieftain
+hither, to the gold bit accustomed; if in the king I cannot rejoice.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> So had Helgi struck with fear all his foes and their kindred, as
+before the wolf the goats run frantic from the fell, of terror full.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> So himself Helgi among warriors bore, as the towering ash is
+among thorns, or as the fawn, moistened with dew, that more proudly
+stalks than all the other beasts, and its horns glisten against the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>A mound was raised for Helgi; but when he came to Valhall, Odin
+offered him the rule over all jointly with himself. Helgi said:</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Thou, Hunding! shalt for every man a foot-bath <span class="pagenum">[Pg 152]</span><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" />get, and fire
+kindle; shalt bind the dogs, to the horses look, to the swine give
+wash, ere to sleep thou goest.</p>
+
+<p>A female slave passing at evening by Helgi's mound, saw him riding
+towards it with many men:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Is it a delusion which methinks I see, or the powers'
+dissolution, that ye, dead men, ride, and your horses with spurs urge
+on, or to warriors is a home journey granted?</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> 'Tis no delusion which thou thinkst to see, nor of mankind the
+end, although thou seest us, although our horses we with spurs urge
+on, nor to warriors is a home-journey granted.</p>
+
+<p>The slave went home and said to Sigrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Sigrun! go forth from Sefafioll, if the people's chief thou
+desirest to meet. The mound is opened, Helgi is come, his wounds still
+bleed; the prince prayed thee that thou wouldst still the trickling
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun entered the mound to Helgi and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Now am I as glad, at our meeting, as the voracious hawks of
+Odin, when they of slaughter know; of warm prey, or, dewy-feathered,
+see the peep of day.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> I will kiss my lifeless king, ere thou thy bloody corslet layest
+aside. Thy hair is, Helgi! tumid with sweat of death; my prince is all
+bathed in slaughter-dew; cold, clammy are the hands of Hogni's son.
+How shall I, prince! for this make thee amends?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 153]</span><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" /><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Thou art alone the cause,<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57" /><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> Sigrun of Sefafioll! that Helgi is
+with sorrow's dew suffused. Thou weepest, gold-adorned! cruel tears,
+sun-bright daughter of the south! ere to sleep thou goest; each one
+falls bloody on the prince's breast, wet, cold, and piercing, with
+sorrow big.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> We shall surely drink delicious draughts, though we have lost
+life and lands. No one shall a song of mourning sing, though on my
+breast he wounds behold. Now are women in the mound enclosed,
+daughters of kings, with us the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun prepares a bed in the mound.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Here, Helgi! have I for thee a peaceful couch prepared, for the
+Ylfings' son. On thy breast I will, chieftain! repose, as in my hero's
+lifetime I was wont.</p>
+
+<p><i>Helgi</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> Nothing I now declare unlooked for, at Sefafioll, late or early,
+since in a corpse's arms thou sleepest, Hogni's fair daughter! in a
+mound, and thou art living, daughter of kings!</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Time 'tis for me to ride on the reddening ways: let the pale
+horse tread the aerial path. I towards the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 154]</span><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" />west must go over
+Vindhialm's bridge, ere Salgofnir awakens heroes.</p>
+
+<p>Helgi and his attendants rode their way, but Sigrun and hers proceeded
+to their habitation. The following evening Sigrun ordered her
+serving-maid to hold watch at the mound; but at nightfall, when Sigrun
+came thither, she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Now would he come, if he to come intended, Sigmund's son, from
+Odin's halls. I think the hope lessens of the king's coming, since on
+the ash's boughs the eagles sit, and all the folk to the dreams' tryst
+are hastening.</p>
+
+<p><i>Serving-maid</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> Be not so rash alone to go, daughter of heroes! to the house of
+draugs:<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58" /><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> more powerful are, in the night-season, all dead warriors,
+than in the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>Sigrun's life was shortened by grief and mourning. It was a belief in
+ancient times that men were regenerated, but that is now regarded as
+an old crone's fancy. Helgi and Sigrun are said to have been
+regenerated. He was then called Helgi Haddingiaskadi, and she Kara
+Halfdan's daughter, as it is said in the songs of Kara; and she also
+was a Valkyria.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54" /><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the
+sea-shore.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55" /><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> The Valkyriur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56" /><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Dark words of deadly import.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57" /><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> The superstition commemorated In this strophe is, no
+doubt, the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
+literature of Scandinavia and Germany referring to this superstition:
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;When thou, my dear, art cheerful,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And easy in thy mind,<br /></span>
+<span>The coffin where I slumber<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Is all with roses lined.<br /></span>
+<span><br /></span>
+<span>But oft as thou'rt in sorrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And bow'd with grief so sore,<br /></span>
+<span>Is all the while my coffin<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Brim full of blood and gore.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58" /><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Probably house of draffs; place of swine, swill, lees.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 155]</div>
+<h2><a name="SINFIOTLIS_END" id="SINFIOTLIS_END" /><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" />SINFIOTLI'S END.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland. Sinfiotli was the
+eldest of his sons, the second was Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild,
+Sigmund's wife, had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her stepson
+and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which account Sinfiotli slew
+Gunnar. When he came home, Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund
+offered the blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept. At
+the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer: she took a large horn
+full of poison, and offered it to Sinfiotli; who, when he looked into
+the horn, and saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund: &quot;the
+drink ferments!&quot; Sigmund took the horn and drank up the contents. It
+is said that Sigmund was so strong that no poison could hurt him,
+either outwardly or inwardly; but that all his sons could endure
+poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to Sinfiotli, and prayed
+him to drink, when all took place as before. Yet a third time she
+offered him the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing to
+drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the latter answered: &quot;Let it
+pass through thy lips, my son.&quot; Sinfiotli drank and instantly died.
+Sigmund bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a long and narrow
+firth, where there was a little vessel and one man in it. He offered
+Sigmund to convey him over the firth; but when Sigmund had borne <span class="pagenum">[Pg 156]</span><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" />the
+corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The man then said
+that Sigmund should go before through the firth. He then pushed off
+his boat and instantly departed.</p>
+
+<p>King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in Borghild's kingdom, after
+having espoused her. He then went south to Frankland, to the kingdom
+he there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the daughter of Eylimi.
+Sigurd was their son. King Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of
+Hunding. Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King Hialprek,
+with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood. Sigmund and his sons exceeded
+all other men in strength, and stature, and courage, and all
+accomplishments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
+traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and as the most
+renowned of warlike kings.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" id="SIEGFRIED_AWAKENS_BRYNHILD" />
+<img src="images/fig02.jpg" width="600" height="417" alt="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" title="SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD" />
+<p class="center"><b>SIEGFRIED AWAKENS BRYNHILD.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>after the painting of R. Bung.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>The story of Siegfried and Brynhild constitutes the greatest epic in
+Teutonic Gothic literature. Its origin is hard to trace, but parts of
+the legends carry the investigator back to Iranian sources. Its
+greatest development, however, may justly be credited to Icelandic
+sagas, in which the mythology of the Norse people has a prominent
+place. In both the Gothic and Teutonic versions, while considerable
+variation of incident is noticeable, the awakening of Brynhild, a
+valkyrie maiden, and daughter of Wotan, is represented as having been
+accomplished by Siegfried, who rides through a wall of flames which
+surrounds her, and thus breaks the spell which binds her to sleep
+until a warrior fearless enough to brave fire shall come to claim her
+for a bride.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 157]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE_OR_GRIPIRS_PROPHECY" /><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" />THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE, OR GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.</h2>
+
+<p>Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiordis. He
+ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
+future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
+of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
+whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
+name him?</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
+people.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
+and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
+Gripir to see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Geitir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
+speech of Gripir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
+mother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 158]</span><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" /></p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: &quot;Here is a man without, a
+stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
+with thee to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
+kindly greets: &quot;Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
+thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
+together met. &quot;Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
+Sigurd's life fall out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
+every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
+and wise of words.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
+if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
+when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
+Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
+low; thou wilt have victory.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
+friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
+will highest soar under heaven's regions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 159]</span><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" /><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
+on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
+Gripir tells truly.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
+for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
+life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt take splendid
+riches, with gold wilt load Grani's back. Thou wilt to Giuki ride, the
+war-famed prince.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Yet must thou, prince! in friendly speech, foresighted king!
+more relate. I shall be Giuki's guest, and I shall thence depart: what
+will next my life befall?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> A king's daughter will on a mountain sleep, fair, in corslet
+cased, after Helgi's death. Thou wilt strike with a keen sword, wilt
+the corslet sever with Fafnir's bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> The corslet is ript open, the maid begins to speak. When
+awakened from her sleep, on what will she chiefly with Sigurd converse
+hold, which to the prince's benefit may tend?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> She to thee, powerful one! runes will teach, all <span class="pagenum">[Pg 160]</span><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" />those which
+men ought to know; and in every man's tongue to speak, and medicines
+for healing. May good await thee, king!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Now that is past, the knowledge is acquired, and I am ready
+thence away to ride. Apply thy mind, and at length say what more will
+my life befall.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou wilt find Heimir's dwellings, and the glad guest wilt be of
+that great king. Vanished is, Sigurd! that which I foresaw; no further
+mayest thou Gripir question.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now bring me grief the words thou speakest; for thou foreseest,
+king! much further; thou knowest of too great calamity to Sigurd;
+therefore thou, Gripir! wilt not utter it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Of thy life the early portion lay before me clearest to
+contemplate. I am not truly accounted sage, nor of the future
+prescient: that which I knew is gone.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> No man I know on the earth's surface, who greater prescience has
+than thou, Gripir! Thou mayest not conceal it, unhappy though it be,
+or if ill betide my life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Not with vices will thy life be sullied; let that, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 161]</span><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" />noble
+prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name,
+director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to
+part in such uncertainty. Show me the way&mdash;all is decreed
+before&mdash;great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto
+compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for
+thy death decreed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's
+good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not
+be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men
+Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures
+the hard-souled damsel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair?
+nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou
+foreseest my whole destiny.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced
+foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 162]</span><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" />nor of affairs
+discourse, nor men regard; only this maiden thou wilt see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> What remedy for Sigurd will be applied; tell me that, Gripir! if
+it seem good to thee. Shall I obtain the damsel? with dowry purchase
+the lovely royal daughter?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Ye will each swear unnumbered oaths, solemnly binding, but few
+will keep. Hast thou been Giuki's guest one night, thou wilt have
+forgotten the fair ward of Heimir.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> How is that, Gripir! explain it to me: seest thou such
+fickleness in the king's mind, that with that maiden I shall my
+engagement break, whom with my whole heart I thought to love?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Prince! thou wilt be snared in another's wiles, thou wilt pay
+the penalty of Grimhild's craft; the bright-haired maiden, her
+daughter, she to thee will offer. This snare for the king she lays.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Shall I then with Gunnar form relationship, and with Gudrun join
+in wedlock? Well wived then the king would be, if the pangs of perjury
+caused me no pain.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Thee will Grimhild wholly beguile; she will implore thee
+Brynhild to demand for the hand of Gunnar, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 163]</span><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" />king of Goths: the journey
+thou wilt forthwith promise to the king's mother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd's wits will have
+wholly perished, if I shall demand for another's hand, a noble maiden
+whom I well love.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou
+the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar
+and thou: Gripir lies not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners,
+when on the way we are? Another fraud will surely follow this,
+altogether horrible. But say on, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Thou wilt have Gunnar's semblance, and his manners, thy own
+eloquence, and great sagacity: there thou wilt betroth the high-minded
+ward of Heimir: no one can that prevent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false
+traitor called, if such take place. I would not deception practise on
+a royal maid the most excellent I know.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she
+thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world
+endures thy name will be.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 164]</span><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of
+Gunnar, in Giuki's halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home
+return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed? Tell me
+that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain's bride glad
+of heart has slept? The like has no example.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity? Tell me
+that, Gripir! Will the alliance for Gunnar's solace henceforth prove,
+or even for mine?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let
+Gudrun enjoy a happy union. Brynhild nathless will herself think an
+ill-married woman. She will wiles devise to avenge herself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall
+have practised on her? From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never
+kept, and but little joy.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the
+oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki's heir, with his whole soul,
+in thee confided.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> What will then follow? let me know that. Will <span class="pagenum">[Pg 165]</span><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" />that tale appear
+as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.
+Tell me that, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> From spite towards thee, and from o'erwhelming grief, the
+powerful dame will not most wisely act. To the noble woman do thou no
+further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast
+circumvented.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation,
+then proceed? Will Giuki's sons on their relative redden their swords?
+Tell me further, Gripir!</p>
+
+<p><i>Gripir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then will Gudrun be furious at heart, when her brothers shall on
+thy death resolve. In nothing then will that wise woman take delight.
+Such is Grimhild's work.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> In this thou shalt find comfort, leader of hosts! This fortune
+is allotted to the hero's life: a more renowned man on earth shall
+never be, under the sun's abode, than thou wilt be accounted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> Now part we, now farewell! Fate may not be withstood. Now hast
+thou, Gripir! done as I prayed thee: thou wouldst have fain a happier
+end foretold me of my life's days, hadst thou been able.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 166]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" /><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" />THE SECOND LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose himself a horse, which was
+afterwards named Grani. Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to
+Hialprek; he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in stature; he
+was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin undertook the rearing and
+instruction of Sigurd, and bore him great affection. He informed
+Sigurd of his parentage, and how it befell that Odin, and Hoenir, and
+Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of Andvari). In the fall there
+was an abundance of fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari, who had
+long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and in which he
+supplied himself with food. &quot;Our brother,&quot; continued Regin, &quot;was named
+Otr, who often went into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had
+caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the river with his
+eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed him with a stone. The &AElig;sir
+thought themselves very lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That
+same evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar, and showed their
+prize. Thereupon we laid hands on them, and imposed on them, as the
+redemption of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin with
+gold, and cover it over with red gold. They thereupon sent Loki to
+procure gold. He went to Ran, and obtained her net, and thence
+proceeded to Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which leapt
+into the net. Whereupon Loki said:<span class="pagenum">[Pg 167]</span><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" /></p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What fish is this, that in the river swims, and cannot from harm
+itself protect? Redeem thy life from Hel, and find me the water's
+flame.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59" /><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> <i>The Pike</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Andvari I am named, Oin was my father named; many a cataract have
+I passed. A luckless Norn in times of old decreed, that in the water I
+should wade.</p>
+
+<p><i>Loki</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Tell me, Andvari! if thou wilt enjoy life in the halls of men,
+what retribution get the sons of mortals, if with foul words they
+assail each other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Andvari</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Cruel retribution get the sons of mortals, who in Vadgelmir wade:
+for the false words they have against others uttered, the punishments
+too long endure.</p>
+
+<p>Loki viewed all the gold that Andvari owned; but when he had produced
+the gold, he retained a single ring, which Loki also took from him.
+The dwarf went into his stone and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> That gold which the dwarf possessed, shall to two brothers be
+cause of death, and to eight princes, of dissension. From my wealth no
+one shall good derive.</p>
+
+<p>The &AElig;sir produced the gold to Hreidmar, and with it crammed the
+otter's skin full, and set it up on the feet. They then had to heap up
+the gold and cover it; but when that was done, Hreidmar, stepping
+forward, observed a whisker, and required it to be covered; whereupon
+Odin <span class="pagenum">[Pg 168]</span><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" />drew forth the ring &quot;Andvaranaut,&quot; and covered the hair. Loki
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> There is gold for thee, and thou hast a great redemption for my
+life. For thy son no blessing is decreed; of both it shall prove the
+bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gifts thou hast given, friendly gifts thou hast given not; with a
+kind heart thou hast not given. Of your lives ye should have been
+deprived, had I foreknown that peril.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> But that is worse, what I seem to know,&mdash;a strife of kinsmen for
+a woman. Princes yet unborn I think them to be, for whose hate that
+gold is destined.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The red gold, I trust, I shall possess while I am living: of thy
+threats I entertain no fear; so take yourselves hence home.</p>
+
+<p>Fafnir and Regin demanded of Hreidmar their share of the blood-fine
+for their slain brother Otr, which he refused, and Fafnir stabbed his
+father with a sword while sleeping. Hreidmar called out to his
+daughters:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Lyngheid and Lofnheid! Know my life is departing. To many things
+need compels.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60" /><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> <i>Lyngheid</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Few sisters will, although they lose a father, avenge a brother's
+crime.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hreidmar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Then bring forth a daughter, wolf-hearted fury! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 169]</span><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" />If by a chief
+thou have not a son. Get for the maid a spouse, in thy great need;
+then will her son thy wrong avenge.</p>
+
+<p>Hreidmar then died, and Fafnir took all the gold. Regin then requested
+to have his share of the patrimony, but met with a refusal from
+Fafnir. Regin thereupon sought counsel of his sister Lyngheid, how he
+might obtain his patrimony. She said:</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Thou of thy brother shalt mildly demand thy patrimony and a
+better spirit. It is not seemly, that with the sword thou shouldst
+demand thy property of Fafnir.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing is what Regin related to Sigurd. One day, when he came
+to Regin's dwelling, he was kindly received, and Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hither is come the son of Sigmund to our Hall, that man of
+energy: courage he has greater than I aged man: now of a conflict have
+I hope from the fierce wolf.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61" /><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> I will nurture the bold-hearted prince: now Yngvi's kinsman is
+to us come; he will be a king under the sun most powerful; over all
+lands will his destinies resound.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd was thence forward constantly with Regin, who related to him
+how Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid in the likeness of a serpent. He had an
+&quot;Oegis-helm,&quot;<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62" /><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> at which all living beings were terror-stricken.
+Regin forged a sword for Sigurd, that was named Gram, and was so sharp
+that immersing it in the Rhine, he let a piece of wool down the
+stream, when it clove the fleece asunder as water. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 170]</span><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" />With that sword
+Sigurd clove in two Regin's anvil. After that Regin instigated Sigurd
+to slay Fafnir. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Loud will laugh Hunding's sons, they who Eylimi of life
+deprived, if the prince is more desirous to seek red rings, than to
+avenge his father.</p>
+
+<p>King Hialprek collected a fleet to enable Sigurd to avenge his father.
+They encountered a great storm, and were driven past a certain
+promontory. A man was standing on the cliff who said:</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Who ride yonder, on R&aelig;vils horses, the towering billows, the
+roaring main: the sail-steeds are with sweat bedewed, the
+wave-coursers will not the wind withstand.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Here am I and Sigurd in sea-trees; a fair wind is given us for
+death itself: higher than our prows the steep waves dash, the rolling
+horses plunge. Who is it that inquires?</p>
+
+<p><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> They called me Hnikar, when I Hugin gladdened, young Volsung!
+and battles fought. Now they mayest call me the ancient of the rock,
+Feng, or Fiolnir.&mdash;I desire a passage.</p>
+
+<p>They turn to the land, the old man goes on board, and the storm
+abates. Sigurd said:</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Tell me, Hnikar! since thou knowest the omens both of gods and
+men, which omens are the best&mdash;if to fight 'tis needful&mdash;at the swing
+of glaves?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 171]</span><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" /><i>Hnikar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Good omens there are many, if men but knew them, at the swing of
+glaves, a faithful fellowship, I think, is the dark raven's, with the
+sworded warrior.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The second is, if, when thou art gone out, and about to depart,
+thou seest two renown-seeking men standing in the fore-court.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> The third omen is, if wolves thou hearest howl under the
+ash-boughs, it will victory to thee announce over helmed warriors, if
+thou seest them go before thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> No man should fight against the moon's late-shining sister. They
+have victory, who can see keenly at the play of swords, or to form the
+wedge-array.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Most perilous it is, if with thy foot thou strikest, when thou
+to battle goest. Wily Disir stand on either side of thee, and wish to
+see thee wounded.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Combed and washed let every brave man be, and at morning fed;
+for 'tis uncertain whither he at eve may come. 'Tis bad to succumb to
+fate.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd fought a great battle with Lyngvi, Hunding's son, and his
+brothers, in which Lyngvi and his three brothers fell. After the
+battle Regin said:</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Now is the bloody eagle, with the trenchant blade, graven on the
+back of Sigmund's slayer. No son of king, who the earth reddens, and
+the raven gladdens, is more excellent.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd returned home to Hialprek, when Regin instigated him to slay
+Fafnir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59" /><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> One of many periphrases for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60" /><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> To wit, <i>to avenge my death on your brothers</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61" /><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62" /><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> A terrific helm or headpiece.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 172]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_FAFNIR" /><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" />THE LAY OF FAFNIR.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and there found Fafnir's slot,
+or track, along which he crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
+made a large pit, and went down into it. When Fafnir crawled from the
+gold he blew forth venom, but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir
+crept over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to the heart.
+Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his head and tail. Sigurd leapt
+from the pit, and each looked at the other. Fafnir said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Young fellow! young fellow! by what fellow art thou begot? of
+what people are thou the son? that thou in Fafnir reddenst thy
+glittering falchion? Thy sword has pierced my heart.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd concealed his name, because it was the belief in those times,
+that the words of dying persons were of great power, if they cursed an
+enemy by his name.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Gofugt-dyr I am called, but I have wandered a motherless child;
+nor have I a father like the sons of men: alone I wander.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> If thou hast no father like the sons of men, by what wonder art
+thou begotten?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> My race, I tell thee, is to thee unknown, and my<span class="pagenum">[Pg 173]</span><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" />self also.
+Sigmund was my father named, my name is Sigurd, who with weapon have
+assailed thee.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Who has incited thee? why hast thou suffered thyself to be
+incited to take my life? youth of the sparkling eyes! Thou hadst a
+cruel father&mdash; * * * *</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> My heart incited me, my hands gave me aid, and my keen sword.
+Rarely a man is bold, when of mature age, if in childhood he was
+faint-hearted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> I know if thou hadst chanced to grow in the lap of friends, they
+would have seen thee fierce in fight. Now thou art a captive, taken in
+war, and, 'tis said, slaves ever tremble.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Why Fafnir! dost thou upbraid me that I am far from my paternal
+home? I am not a captive, although in war I was taken: thou hast found
+that I am free.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Thou wilt account only as angry words all I to thee shall say,
+but I will say the truth. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red
+treasure, those rings, shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Treasure at command every one desires, ever till that one day;
+for at some time each mortal shall hence to Hel depart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 174]</span><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> The Norns' decree thou wilt hold in contempt as from a witless
+wight: In water thou shalt be drowned, if in wind thou rowest. All
+things bring peril to the fated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know: who those Norns are, who help in need, and from babes loose the
+mothers.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Very diversely born I take those Norns to be: they have no
+common race. Some are of &AElig;sir-race, some of Alfar-race, some are
+Dvalin's daughters.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Tell me, Fafnir! as thou art wise declared, and many things to
+know, how that holm is called, where Surt and the &AElig;sir will
+sword-liquor together mingle?</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Oskopnir it is called; there shall the gods with lances play;
+Bifrost shall be broken, when they go forth, and their steeds in the
+river swim.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> An Oegis-helm I bore among the sons of men, while I o'er the
+treasures lay; stronger than all I thought myself to be; stronger I
+found not many!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> An Oegis-helm is no protection, where men impelled by anger
+fight: soon he finds, who among many comes, that no one is alone the
+boldest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 175]</span><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" /><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Venom I blew forth, when on my father's great heritage I lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Thou, glistening serpent! didst a great belching make, and wast
+so hard of heart. Fierceness so much the greater have the sons of men,
+when they possess that helm.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sigurd! I now counsel thee, do thou take my counsel; and hence
+ride home. The jingling gold, and the gleed-red treasure, those rings,
+shall be thy bane.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Counsel regarding thee is taken, and I to the gold will ride, on
+the heath that lies. But lie thou, Fafnir! in the pangs of death,
+until Hel have thee!</p>
+
+<p><i>Fafnir</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Regin betrayed me, he will thee betray, he of us both will be
+the bane. Fafnir must, I trow, let forth his life: thine was the
+greater might!</p>
+
+<p>Regin had gone away while Sigurd slew Fafnir, but came back as Sigurd
+was wiping the blood from his sword. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Hail to thee now, Sigurd! Now hast thou victory won and Fafnir
+slain: of all the men who tread the earth, thou art, I say, the
+bravest born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Uncertain 'tis to know, when we all come to<span class="pagenum">[Pg 176]</span><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" />gether, sons of
+victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who
+sword has never broken in another's breast.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while
+Gram, in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded,
+yet in some degree was I the cause.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells
+hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent,
+hadst thou my anger not excited.</p>
+
+<p>Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named
+Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Sit now, Sigurd!&mdash;but I must go to sleep&mdash;and Fafnir's heart
+hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that
+drink of blood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened.
+With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the
+ling thou layest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Regin</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst
+thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Valour is better than might of sword, when foes <span class="pagenum">[Pg 177]</span><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" />embittered
+fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> For the brave 'tis better than for the timid to join in the game
+of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come
+whatever may.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd took Fafnir's heart and roasted it on a stick. When he thought
+it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with
+his finger, to try whether it were quite done. He burnt his finger and
+put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir's heart's blood touched his
+tongue he understood the language of birds. He heard the eagles
+chattering among the branches. One eagle said:</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir's heart at the
+fire he roasts. Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the
+glistening life-pulp ate.</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the
+youth, who in him trusts: in rage he brings malicious words together,
+the framer of evil will avenge his brother.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to
+Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under
+Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly
+counsel, my sisters! If he would bethink <span class="pagenum">[Pg 178]</span><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" />himself, and Hugin gladden.
+There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader
+had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of
+life bereft.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> He is most simple, if he longer spares that people's pest. There
+lies Regin, who has betrayed him.&mdash;He cannot guard against it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seventh eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his
+rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63" /><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> which Fafnir owned,
+sole lord wilt be!</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word
+bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir's heart, and
+drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir. He then heard the eagles
+saying:</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings. It is not kingly many
+things to fear. I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.
+Couldst thou but her obtain!</p>
+
+<p><i>Second eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point <span class="pagenum">[Pg 179]</span><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" />out to
+wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou,
+Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> There stands a hall on the high Hindarfiall, without 'tis all
+with fire surrounded; sagacious men have it constructed of the
+resplendent radiance of the flood.<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64" /><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth eagle</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> On the fell I know a warrior maid to sleep, over her waves the
+linden's bane.<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65" /><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> Ygg whilom stuck a sleep-thorn in the robe of the
+maid who would heroes choose.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Thou, youth! mayest see the helmed maiden, her whom Vingskornir
+from battle bore. May not Sigrdrifa's slumber break the son of
+warriors,<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66" /><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> against the Norns' decrees.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode along Fafnir's track to his lair, which he found open. The
+doors and door-posts were of iron; of iron also were all the beams in
+the house; but the treasure was buried in the earth. Sigurd found
+there a great quantity of gold, and filled two chests with it. He took
+thence the Oegis-helm, a golden corslet, the sword named Hrotti, and
+many precious things, all which he laid on Grani; but the horse would
+not proceed until Sigurd had mounted on his back.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63" /><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> I.e., Sigurd; a transition from the 3d person to the
+2nd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64" /><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Another periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65" /><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> A periphrasis for fire.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66" /><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Of Skioldungs.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 180]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" id="THE_LAY_OF_SIGRDRIFA" /><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" />THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA.</h2>
+
+<p>Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his course southwards
+towards Frankland. In the fell he saw a great light, as if a fire were
+burning, which blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood a
+&quot;skialdborg,&quot; and over it a banner. Sigurd went into the skialdborg,
+and saw a warrior lying within it asleep, completely armed. He first
+took the helmet off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
+Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her body. With his sword
+Gram he ripped the corslet from the upper opening downwards, and then
+through both sleeves. He then took the corslet off from her, when she
+awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd, said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What has my corslet cut? why from sleep have I started? who has
+cast from me the fallow bands?</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sigmund's son has just now ript the raven's perch,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67" /><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> with Sigurd's
+sword.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Long have I slept, long been with sleep oppressed, long are
+mortals' sufferings! Odin is the cause that I have been unable to cast
+off torpor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 181]</span><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" />Sigurd sat down and asked her name. She then took a horn filled with
+mead, and gave him the <i>minnis-cup</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>She</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Hail to Day! Hail to the sons of Day! To Night and her daughter
+hail! With placid eyes behold us here, and here sitting give us
+victory.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Hail to the &AElig;sir! Hail to the Asyniur! Hail to the bounteous
+earth! Words and wisdom give to us noble twain, and healing hands<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68" /><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a>
+while we live.</p>
+
+<p>She was named Sigrdrifa, and was a Valkyria. She said that two kings
+had made war on each other, one of whom was named Hialmgunnar; he was
+old and a great warrior, and Odin had promised him victory. The other
+was Agnar, a brother of Hoda, whom no divinity would patronize.
+Sigrdrifa overcame Hialmgunnar in battle; in revenge for which Odin
+pricked her with a sleep-thorn, and declared that henceforth she
+should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage.
+&quot;But I said to him, that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse
+any man who could be made to fear.&quot; Sigurd answers, and implores her
+to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all regions:</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Beer I bear to thee, column<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69" /><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> of battle! with might mingled,
+and with bright glory: 'tis full of song, and salutary saws, of potent
+incantations, and joyous discourses.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 182]</span><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" /></p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Sig-runes thou must know, if victory (sigr) thou wilt have, and
+on thy sword's hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard,
+and twice name the name of Ty.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Ol- (beer-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt not that another's
+wife thy trust betray, if thou in her confide. On the horn must they
+be graven, and on the hand's back, and Naud<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70" /><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> on the nail be scored.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> A cup must be blessed, and against peril guarded, and garlick in
+the liquor cast: then I know thou wilt never have mead with treachery
+mingled.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Biarg- (help-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose
+the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the
+joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Brim- (sea-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt have secure
+afloat thy sailing steeds. On the prow they must be graven, and on the
+helm-blade, and with fire to the oar applied. No surge shall be so
+towering, nor waves so dark, but from the ocean thou safe shalt come.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Lim- (branch-) runes thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be,
+and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on
+the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mal- (speech-) runes thou must know, if thou wilt that no one
+for injury with hate requite thee. Those thou must wind, those thou
+must wrap round, those thou must altogether place in the assembly,
+where people have into full court to go.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 183]</span><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" /></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Hug- (thought-) runes thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt
+be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised
+Hropt, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddraupnir's head, and
+from Hoddropnir's horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> On a rock he stood, with edged sword, a helm on his head he
+bore. Then spake Mim's head its first wise word, and true sayings
+uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> They are, it said, on the shield graven, which stands before the
+shining god, on Arvakr's ear, and on Alsvid's hoof, on the wheel which
+rolls under Rognir's car, on Sleipnir's teeth, and on the sledge's
+bands.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> On the bear's paw, and on Bragi's tongue, on the wolf's claws,
+and the eagle's beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge's end, on the
+releasing hand, and on healing's track.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort,
+and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, on
+the Norn's nail, and the owl's neb.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred
+mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the &AElig;sir, they are with
+the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Those are bok-runes,<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71" /><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> those are biarg-runes, and all
+ol- (beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who
+can, without confusion or corruption, turn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 184]</span><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" />them to his welfare. Use,
+if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen
+armed warrior! my speech, or silence: think over it in thy mind. All
+evils<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72" /><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> have their measure.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigurd</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed. I am not
+born a craven. Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as
+life is in me.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sigrdrifa</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> This I thee counsel first: that towards thy kin thou bear thee
+blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:
+that, it is said, benefits the dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> This I thee counsel secondly: that no oath thou swear, if it be
+not true. Cruel bonds follow broken faith: accursed is the
+faith-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> This I thee counsel thirdly: that in the assembly thou contend
+not with a fool; for an unwise man oft utters words worse than he
+knows of.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> All is vain, if thou holdest silence; then wilt thou seem a
+craven born, or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
+unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day let his life go forth,
+and so men's lies reward.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> This I counsel thee fourthly: if a wicked sorceress dwells by
+the way, to go on is better than there to lodge, though night may
+overtake thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Of searching eyes the sons of men have need, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 185]</span><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" />when fiercely they
+have to fight: oft pernicious women by the way-side sit, who swords
+and valour deaden.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> This I thee counsel fifthly: although thou see fair women on the
+benches sitting, let not their kindred's silver over thy sleep have
+power. To kiss thee entice no woman.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> This I thee counsel sixthly: although among men pass offensive
+tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war: wine steals
+the wits of many.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to
+some their death, to some calamity: many are the griefs of men!</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> This I thee counsel seventhly: if thou hast disputes with a
+daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within
+their dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> This I thee counsel eighthly: that thou guard thee against evil,
+and eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to
+wantonness incite.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on
+the earth thou findest them, whether from sickness they have died, or
+from the sea, or are from weapons dead.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and
+head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are
+laid: and pray for their happy sleep.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's
+kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low.
+there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 186]</span><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Strifes and fierce enmities think not to be lulled, no more than
+deadly injury. Wisdom and fame in arms a prince not easily acquires,
+who shall of men be foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> This I counsel thee eleventhly: that thou at evil look, what
+course it may take. A long life, it seems to me the prince may [not]
+enjoy;&mdash;fierce disputes will arise.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd said: &quot;A wiser mortal exists not, and I swear that I will
+possess thee, for thou art after my heart.&quot; She answered: &quot;Thee I will
+have before all others, though I have to choose among all men.&quot; And
+this they confirmed with oaths to each other.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67" /><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> The original words, hrafns hr&aelig;lundir, <i>the raven's
+corpse-trees.</i> So Grimm understands the line; because that bird hops
+about upon the armour as upon a tree.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68" /><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> The superstition of the <i>healing hand</i> is not yet
+extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man in Reykjavik
+to whom it would seem to have been communicated by an elfin, in a
+dream.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69" /><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Literally <i>apple-tree</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70" /><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> The name of a rune.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71" /><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used for book
+writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok), whence our <i>book</i>.
+Bok also signifies <i>acupictile</i>, vel <i>acupictum (velum, auloeum</i>).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72" /><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> An allusion to Sigurd's unhappy end.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_SIGURD_AND_BRYNHILD73" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF SIGURD AND BRYNHILD.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73" /><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></h2>
+
+<p>[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he
+comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild,
+Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd
+arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay
+with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild
+was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the
+great exploits of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 187]</span><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" />One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the
+window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it,
+saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On
+the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood
+outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: &quot;Hail to thee, lady!&quot;
+or &quot;How fares it with thee?&quot; She answered: &quot;We are well, my kindred
+and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be
+till their last day.&quot; He sat down by her. Brynhild said: &quot;This seat
+will be allowed to few, unless my father comes.&quot; Sigurd answered: &quot;Now
+is that come to pass which thou didst promise me.&quot; She said: &quot;Here
+shalt thou be welcome.&quot; She then arose, and her four maidens with her,
+and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached
+towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and
+placed her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said:
+&quot;A fairer than thou was never born.&quot; She said: &quot;It is not wise to
+place faith in women, for they so often break their promise.&quot; He said:
+&quot;Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness,&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I
+am a shield-maiden (skjaldm&aelig;r).&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;Then will our happiness
+be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the
+pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;I
+shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrun,
+Giuki's daughter.&quot; Sigurd said: &quot;No king's daughter shall ensnare me,
+therefore have not two thoughts on that sub<span class="pagenum">[Pg 188]</span><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" />ject; and I swear by the
+gods that I will possess thee and no other woman.&quot; She answered to the
+same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
+her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.</p>
+
+<p>Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came
+to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
+three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun was the name of their
+daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he
+remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
+the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying:
+&quot;Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall
+thee. Take this horn and drink.&quot; He took it and drank, and with that
+drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that,
+Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrun, and
+all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd
+gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far
+more austere than before. Their son was named Sigmund.</p>
+
+<p>Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted
+with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed
+that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid
+around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it.
+Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards
+the fire, but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: &quot;Why dost thou shrink
+back, Gunnar?&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 189]</span><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" />Gunnar answers: &quot;My horse will not leap this fire,&quot;
+and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. &quot;He is at thy service,&quot; said
+Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go
+over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the
+sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the
+fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> The fire began to rage, and the earth to tremble, high rose the
+flame to heaven itself: there ventured few chiefs of people through
+that fire to ride, or to leap over.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Sigurd Grani with his word urged, the fire was quenched before
+the prince, the flame allayed before the glory-seeker with the bright
+saddle that Rok had owned.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered. She asks who he is,
+and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. &quot;And thou art destined to be
+my wife with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
+flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition.&quot; She said: &quot;I know not
+well how I shall answer this.&quot; Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting
+on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a
+swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head,
+and wearing a corslet. &quot;Gunnar,&quot; said she, &quot;speak not so to me, unless
+thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has
+sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself.&quot; Sigurd said:
+&quot;Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who
+should ride through the flickering flame.&quot; She acknowledged the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 190]</span><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" />truth
+of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there
+three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and
+laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was
+enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he
+would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called
+Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After
+this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar
+and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and
+said: &quot;A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame,
+and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might
+so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the
+man.&quot; Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was.
+Brynhild said: &quot;Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with
+thee.&quot; Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his
+daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was
+afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and
+yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank
+wine.</p>
+
+<p>One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went
+farther out into the water. Gudrun asked why she did so? Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in
+anything else?&quot; &quot;I presume that my father was more potent than thine,
+and my husband has performed more valorous <span class="pagenum">[Pg 191]</span><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" />deeds, and ridden through
+the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's thrall.&quot; Gudrun
+answered angrily: &quot;Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my
+husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every
+respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to
+vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode
+through the fire, whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
+with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest
+thou recognize it.&quot; Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it,
+and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
+that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He
+dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all
+events it would soon be known.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrun said: &quot;Be
+cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart.&quot;
+&quot;Judge not so,&quot; said Gudrun. Brynhild continued: &quot;Ask about that only
+which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high
+degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
+to thy wishes.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;It is premature to glory in that: this
+forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?&quot; Brynhild
+answered: &quot;Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I
+grudge thee the possession of him.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;We knew not of your
+secret.&quot; Brynhild answered: &quot;We have had no secret, though we have
+sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I <span class="pagenum">[Pg 192]</span><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" />have been deceived,
+and I will avenge it.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Thou art better married than thou
+deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled.&quot; &quot;Content should I
+be,&quot; said Brynhild, &quot;didst thou not possess a more renowned husband
+than I.&quot; Gudrun answered: &quot;Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is
+doubtful which is the greater king.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Sigurd overcame
+Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sigurd the serpent slew, and that henceforth shall be by none
+forgotten, while mankind lives: but thy brother neither dared through
+the fire to ride, nor over it to leap.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun said: &quot;Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar:
+but he [Gunnar] dared to ride.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Let us not contend: I
+bear no good will to Grimhild.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Blame her not; for she
+is towards thee as to her own daughter.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;She is the
+cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the
+pernicious drink, so that he no more remembered me.&quot; Gudrun said:
+&quot;Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood.&quot;
+Brynhild said: &quot;So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may
+it go with thee as I imagine.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Better shall I enjoy him
+than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with
+me at any time.&quot; Brynhild said: &quot;Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of
+it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle.
+Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I
+have also felt regard <span class="pagenum">[Pg 193]</span><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" />for thy brother. But let us talk of other
+things.&quot; Gudrun said: &quot;Your imagination looks far forward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and
+begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not
+listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether
+her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths,
+and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry
+her and put away Gudrun; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the
+apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of
+his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
+Sigurdarkvida:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Out went Sigurd from that interview into the hall of kings, writhing
+with anguish; so that began to start the ardent warrior's iron-woven
+sark off from his sides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he
+had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with
+Hogni, and revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly strove
+to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar
+removed the difficulty, saying: &quot;Let us instigate our brother Guthorm;
+he is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover, free of all
+oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced
+Brynhild.&quot; They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had
+them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a
+large realm, to do the deed, as is said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The forest-fish they roasted, and the wolf's carcase <span class="pagenum">[Pg 194]</span><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" />took, while
+some to Guthorm dealt out gold; gave him Geri's<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74" /><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> flesh with his
+drink, and many other things steeped therein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly
+perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurdarkvida,
+when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.]</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73" /><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which are
+inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and containing matter
+probably derived from the lost poems relative to Sigurd and Brynhild,
+are printed in the Stockholm edition of the Edda. They are also given
+by Afzelius in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
+Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into Danish of the
+entire Saga has since been given, by Prof. Rafn at Copenhagen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74" /><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used poetically
+for <i>wolf</i> in general.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_SIGURD_FAFNICIDE" />THE THIRD LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE.</h2>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> It was of old that Sigurd, the young Volsung, Giuki sought, after
+his conflict, received the pledge of friendship from the two brothers;
+oaths exchanged the bold of deed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> A maid they offered him, and treasures many, Gudrun, Giuki's
+youthful daughter. Drank and conversed, many days together, Sigurd the
+young and Giuki's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until they went to woo Brynhild, and with them Sigurd, the
+youthful Volsung, rode in company, who knew the way. He would have
+possessed her, if her possess he might.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Sigurd the southern laid a naked sword, a glittering falchion,
+between them; nor the damsel did he kiss, nor did the Hunnish king to
+his arm lift her. He the blooming maid to Giuki's son delivered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> She to herself of body was of no sin conscious, nor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 195]</span><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" />at her
+death-day, of any crime, that could be a stain, or thought to be:
+intervened therein the grisly fates.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Alone she sat without, at eve of day, began aloud with herself to
+speak: &quot;Sigurd must be mine; I must die, or that blooming youth clasp
+in my arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Of the words I have uttered I now repent; he is Gudrun's
+consort, and I am Gunnar's. The hateful Norns long suffering have
+decreed us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Oftentimes she wandered, filled with evil thoughts, o'er ice and
+icebergs, every eve, when he and Gudrun had to their couch withdrawn,
+and Sigurd her in the coverings wrapt, the Hunnish king his wife
+caressed.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Devoid I go of spouse and pleasure; I will beguile myself with
+vengeful thoughts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> By those fits of fury she was impelled to murder. &quot;Thou, Gunnar!
+shalt wholly lose my land, and myself also. Never shall I be happy,
+king! with thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> I will return thither from whence I came, to my near kindred, my
+relations; there will I remain, and slumber life away, unless thou
+Sigurd cause to be slain, and a king become than the other greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Let the son go together with the father, the young wolf may not
+longer be fostered. For whom will vengeance be the easier to appease,
+if the son lives?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Wroth was Gunnar, and with grief borne down; in his mind
+revolved, sat the whole day; he knew not well, nor could devise, what
+were most desirable for him to do, or were most fitting to be done,
+when he should find himself of the Volsung bereft, and in Sigurd a
+great loss sustain.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 196]</span><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Much he thought, and also long, that it did not often happen,
+that from their royal state women withdrew. Hogni he then to counsel
+summoned, in whom he placed the fullest trust.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Of all to me Brynhild, Budli's daughter, is the dearest; she is
+the chief of women: rather will I my life lay down than that fair
+one's treasures lose.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Wilt thou the prince for his wealth circumvent? good 'tis to
+command the ore of Rhine, and at ease over riches rule, and in
+tranquillity happiness enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> This alone Hogni for answer gave: &quot;It beseems us not so to do,
+by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
+people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
+race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
+progeny can increase.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
+importunity is over-great.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
+deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
+faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
+Sigurd stood his sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
+after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
+steel from the king's hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
+his feet's part fell backwards on the place.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 197]</span><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" /></p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
+side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
+she swam.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
+heart rose in his bed. &quot;Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
+bride! thy brothers live.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
+house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
+devised.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
+the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
+Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
+sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
+was called his consort's friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
+she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
+rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
+whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: &quot;Laugh not thereat,
+thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
+hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
+death thou art doomed.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Well dost thou deserve, above all women, that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 198]</span><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" />before thy eyes,
+we should lay Atli low, that thou shouldst see thy brother's
+blood-streaming sore, his gory wounds shouldst have to bind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;No one provokes thee,
+Gunnar! complete is thy work of death. Little does Atli thy hatred
+fear; his life will outlast thine, and his might be ever greater.</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early
+we resolved on crimes. I was o'er-young and unrestrained, with wealth
+endowed, in my brother's house.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to
+our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings: would that journey
+had never been!</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on
+Grani's back. In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in
+aspect like: yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage
+divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant
+me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to
+possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in
+conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother's
+quarrel. That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one
+bring heartfelt anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Our reconciliation we let follow: to me it had been more
+pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold <span class="pagenum">[Pg 199]</span><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" />rings of Sigmund's
+son: nor did I another's gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.
+Menskogul<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75" /><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> had not a changing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my
+funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with
+another's husband pass her life. Then will my wrongs be all avenged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort's neck
+laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest
+feeling, to dissuade her.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her
+from her long journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> He then called Hogni to consultation. &quot;I will that all our folk
+to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine&mdash;now 'tis most needful&mdash;to
+see if we can hinder my consort's fatal course, till from our speech a
+hindrance may come: then let us leave necessity to rule.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> To him Hogni answer gave: &quot;Let no one hinder her from the long
+journey, whence may she never born again return. Unblest she came on
+her mother's lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a
+man's heartfelt sorrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures
+distributed. She was viewing all she owned: hungry female thralls and
+chamber-women. She put on her golden corslet&mdash;no good meditated&mdash;ere
+herself she pierced, with the sword's point.</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> On the pillow she turned to the other side, and, wounded with
+the glave, on her last counsels thought.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 200]</span><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" /></p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to
+receive from me. To every one I give a gilded necklace,<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76" /><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a>
+needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer
+gave: &quot;Too many are there dead: we will yet live, still be hungry
+hall-servants, to do what fitting is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> At length after reflection, the lady linen-clad, young in years,
+words in answer uttered: &quot;I desire that none, dead to entreaty, should
+by force, for our sake, lose their life.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> Yet o'er your bones will burn fewer ornaments, Menia's good
+meal,<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77" /><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> when ye go hence me to seek.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Gunnar! sit down, I will tell to thee, that of life now hopeless
+is thy bright consort. Thy vessel will not be always afloat, though I
+shall have my life resigned.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> With Gudrun thou wilt be reconciled, sooner than thou thinkest:
+that wise woman has by the king sad memorials, after her consort's
+death.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> There is born a maid, which her mother rears; brighter far than
+the clear day, than the sun's beam, will Svanhild be.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Gudrun thou wilt give to an illustrious one, a warrior, the bane
+of many men: not to her wish will she be married; Atli will come her
+to espouse, Budli's son, my brother.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 201]</span><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Much have I in memory how I was treated, when ye me so cruelly
+had deceived: robbed I was of happiness, while my life lasted.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Thou wilt desire Oddrun to possess, but Atli will permit it not;
+in secret ye will each other meet. She will love thee, as I had done,
+if us a better fate had been allotted.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Thee will Atli barbarously treat; in the narrow serpent-den wilt
+thou be cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> It will too come to pass, not long after, that Atli will his
+soul resign, his prosperity, and cease to live; for Gudrun in her
+vengeance him in his bed will slay, through bitterness of spirit, with
+the sword's sharp edge.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> More seemly would appear our sister Gudrun, had she in death her
+first consort followed, had but good counsel been to her given, or she
+a soul possessed resembling mine&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Faintly I now speak&mdash;but for our sake she will not lose her
+life. She will be borne on towering billows to King Jonakr's paternal
+soil. Doubts will be in the resolves of Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> She will Svanhild send from the land, her daughter, and
+Sigurd's. Her will destroy Bikki's counsel; for Jormunrek for evil
+lives. Then will have passed away all Sigurd's race, and Gudrun's
+tears will be the more.</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> One prayer I have to thee yet to make, in this world 'twill be
+my last request: Let in the plain be raised a pile so spacious, that
+for us all like room may be, for those who shall have died with
+Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> Bedeck the pile about with shields and hangings, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 202]</span><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" />a variegated
+corpse-cloth, and multitude of slain. Let them burn the Hun<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78" /><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> on the
+one side of me;</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Let them with the Hun burn on the other side, my household
+slaves, with collars splendid, two at our heads, and two hawks; then
+will all be equally distributed.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Let also lie between us both the sword with rings adorned, the
+keen-edged iron, so again be placed, as when we both one couch
+ascended, and were then called by the name of consorts.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> Then will not clang against his heel the hall's bright gates,
+with splendid ring, if my train him hence shall follow. Then will our
+procession appear not mean.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> For him will follow five female thralls, eight male slaves of
+gentle birth, fostered with me, and with my patrimony, which to his,
+daughter Budli gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> Much I have said, and more would say, if the sword would grant
+me power of speech. My voice fails, my wounds swell: truth only I have
+uttered; so I will cease.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75" /><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> That is, Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies this
+name to herself, which is a compound of men, <i>necklace, monile</i>, and
+Skogul, the name of a Valkyria.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76" /><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Necklaces usually consisted in gold and silver chains or
+laces with ornaments attached to them; if these resembled the sun or
+moon they were called Sigli, <i>suns</i> (such were those here spoken of);
+and such was the necklace worn by Freyia, the bright goddess of the
+Vanir.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77" /><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Menia's meal, or flour, is gold.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78" /><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" id="A_FEAST_IN_VALHALLA" />
+<img src="images/fig03.jpg" width="600" height="411" alt="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" title="A FEAST IN VALHALLA" />
+<p class="center"><b>A FEAST IN VALHALLA.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by Jno. Kellar.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>An admirable description of a feast of the gods, in Valhalla, will be
+found on pages 293-94-95 of this volume. It was a strong belief among
+the Goths, prior to the introduction of Christianity among them, that
+the bodies of all warriors who met their deaths in battle were
+transported directly to Valhalla by Valkyrie maidens on the backs of
+winged horses. Upon reaching this mythological heaven the dead were
+revived and ever thereafter enjoyed drinking mead, eating swine flesh,
+and in fighting their battles over again every day.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 203]</div>
+<h2><a name="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" id="FRAGMENTS_OF_THE_LAY_OF_BRYNHILD" /><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" />FRAGMENTS OF THE LAY OF BRYNHILD.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Why art thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! absorbed in evil and
+murderous thoughts? What injury has Sigurd done thee, that thou the
+hero wilt of life bereave?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Sigurd to me oaths has sworn, oaths sworn, all falsehoods. He at
+a time deceived me when he should have been of all oaths most
+observant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Thee Brynhild has in anger instigated evil to perpetrate, harm
+to execute. She grudges Gudrun her happy marriage, and thee,
+possession of herself.&quot; * * *</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Some a wolf roasted, some a snake cut up, some to Guthorm served
+the wolf, before they might, eager for crime, on the mighty man lay
+their hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Without stood Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, and these words first of
+all uttered: &quot;Where is now Sigurd, lord of warriors, seeing that my
+kinsmen foremost ride?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Hogni alone to her answer gave: &quot;Asunder have we Sigurd hewed
+with our swords; his grey steed bends o'er the dead chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Well shall ye now enjoy
+arms and lands. Sigurd would alone over all have ruled, had he a
+little longer life retained.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 204]</span><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" /></p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Unseemly it had been that he should so have ruled over Giuki's
+heritage and the Goths' people, when he five sons, for the fall of
+hosts, eager for warfare, had begotten.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then laughed Brynhild&mdash;the whole burgh resounded&mdash;once only from
+her whole heart: &quot;Well shall ye enjoy lands and subjects, now the
+daring king ye have caused to fall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Much thou speakest, things
+most atrocious: may fiends have Gunnar, Sigurd's murderer! Souls
+malevolent vengeance awaits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Sigurd had fallen south of Rhine: loud from a tree a raven
+screamed: &quot;With your blood will Atli his sword's edges redden; the
+oaths ye have sworn your slaughter shall dissolve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Evening was advanced, much was drunken, then did pleasant talk
+of all kinds pass: all sank in sleep, when to rest they went. Gunnar
+alone was wakeful longer than all:</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> He began his foot to move, and much with himself to speak; the
+warlike chief in his mind pondered, what during the conflict the raven
+and the eagle were ever saying, as they rode home.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Brynhild awoke, Budli's daughter, daughter of Skioldungs, a
+little ere day: &quot;Urge me or stay me&mdash;the mischief is perpetrated&mdash;my
+sorrow to pour forth, or to suppress it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> All were silent at these words; few understood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 205]</span><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" />the lady's
+conduct, that weeping she should begin to speak of what she laughing
+had desired.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;In my dream, Gunnar! all seemed so horrid, in the chamber all
+was dead; my bed was cold; and thou, king! wast riding of joy bereft,
+with fetters loaded, to a hostile host. So will ye all, race of
+Niflungs! be of power deprived, perjurers as ye are!</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Ill Gunnar! didst thou remember, when blood ye in your footsteps
+both let flow; now hast thou him ill for all that requited, because he
+would prove himself foremost.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then was it proved, when the hero had ridden to see me, to woo
+me, how the warlike chief whilom held sacred his oath towards the
+youthful prince.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Laid his sword, with gold adorned, the illustrious king between
+us both: outward its edges were with fire wrought, but with venom
+drops tempered within.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears
+that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain
+sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the
+forest; and it is told in the &quot;Gudrunarkvida hin Forna,&quot; that Sigurd
+and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (thing) when
+he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they
+broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and
+unprepared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 206]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_FIRST_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" />THE FIRST LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although
+ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her,
+but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had eaten of
+Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is
+also sung of Gudrun:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of old it was that Gudrun prepared to die, when she sorrowing
+over Sigurd sat. No sigh she uttered, nor with her hands beat, nor
+wailed, as other women.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Jarls came forward of great sagacity, from her sad state of mind
+to divert her. Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction;
+ready she was to burst.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Sat there noble wives of jarls, adorned with gold, before Gudrun;
+each of them told her sorrows, the bitterest she had known.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Giaflaug, Giuki's sister: &quot;I know myself to be on earth
+most joyless: of five consorts I the loss have suffered; of two
+daughters, sisters three, and brothers eight; I alone live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then said Herborg, Hunaland's queen: &quot;I a more cruel grief have
+to recount: my seven sons, in the south land, my spouse the eighth, in
+conflict fell.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 207]</span><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" /></p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> My father and my mother, my brothers four, on the sea the wind
+deluded; the waves struck on the ship's timbers.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Their last honours 'twas mine to pay, 'twas mine to see them
+tombed, their funeral rites to prepare was mine. All this I underwent
+in one half-year, and to me no one consolation offered.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then I became a captive, taken in war, at the close of the same
+half-year. Then had I to adorn, and tie the shoes, of the Hersir's
+wife, each morn.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> From jealousy she threatened me, and with hard blows drove me:
+nowhere master found I a better, but mistress no where a worse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Gudrun could not shed a tear, such was her affliction for her
+dead consort, and her soul's anguish for the king's fall.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Little canst thou, my
+fosterer, wise as thou art, with a young wife fittingly talk.&quot; The
+king's body she forbade to be longer hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> She snatched the sheet from Sigurd's corpse, and turned his cheek
+towards his wife's knees: &quot;Behold thy loved one, lay thy mouth to his
+lip, as if thou wouldst embrace the living prince.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Gudrun upon him cast one look: she saw the prince's locks
+dripping with blood, the chief's sparkling eyes closed in death, his
+kingly breast cleft by the sword.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Then sank down Gudrun back on her pillow, her head-gear was
+loosed, her cheeks grew red, and a flood of tears fell to her knees.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 208]</span><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" /></p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Then wept Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, so that the tears
+spontaneously flowed, and at the same time screamed the geese in the
+court, the noble birds, which the lady owned.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Then spake Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Your loves I know were
+the most ardent among living beings upon earth: thou hadst delight
+nowhere, sister mine! save with Sigurd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then said Gudrun, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Such was my Sigurd among
+Giuki's sons, as is the garlick out from the grass which grows, or a
+bright stone on a thread drawn, a precious gem on kings.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> I also seemed to the prince's warriors higher than any of
+Herian's Disir; now I am as little as the leaf oft is in the
+storm-winds, after the chieftain's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Sitting I miss, and in my bed, my dearest friend. Giuki's sons
+have caused, Giuki's sons have caused my affliction, and their
+sister's tears of anguish.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> So ye desolate the people's land, as ye have kept your sworn
+oaths. Gunnar! thou wilt not the gold enjoy; those rings will be thy
+bane, for the oaths thou to Sigurd gavest.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> Oft in the mansion was the greater mirth, when my Sigurd Grani
+saddled, and Brynhild they went to woo, that which accursed, in an
+evil hour!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;May the hag lack spouse
+and children, who thee, Gudrun! has caused to weep, and this morning
+given thee runes of speech!&quot;<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79" /><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p>
+
+<p><b><span class="pagenum">[Pg 209]</span><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" />24.</b> Then said Gullrond, Giuki's daughter: &quot;Cease, thou loathed of
+all! from those words. The evil destiny of princes thou hast ever
+been; thee every billow drives of an evil nature; thou sore affliction
+of seven kings, the greatest bane of friendship among women!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter: &quot;Atli my brother, Budli's
+offspring, is the sole cause of all the evil;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> When in the hall of the Hunnish folk, with the king we beheld
+the fire of the serpent's bed.<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80" /><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> Of that journey, I have paid the
+penalty, that sight I have ever rued.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> She by a column stood, the wood violently clasped. From the eyes
+of Brynhild, Budli's daughter, fire gleamed forth; venom she snorted,
+when she beheld the wounds of Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p>Gudrun then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to
+Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's
+daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight
+thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself
+with a sword, as it is related in the &quot;Sigurdarkvida in Skemma&quot; (the
+Short Lay of Sigurd).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79" /><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Power of speech.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80" /><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> A periphrasis for gold.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 210]</div>
+<h2><a name="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" id="BRYNHILDS_HEL_RIDE" /><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" />BRYNHILD'S HEL-RIDE.</h2>
+
+<p>After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was
+the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a
+chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said
+that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through
+a place in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> &quot;Thou shalt not pass through my stone-supported dwelling place.
+Better had it beseemed thee to work broidery, than to seek after
+another's husband.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Why dost thou, vagrant woman! from Valland, my dwelling visit?
+Thou hast, golden dame! if thou desirest to know, gentle one! from thy
+hands washed human blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Upbraid me not, woman of the rock! although I have in warfare
+been. Of us, I trow, I shall the better seem, wherever men our
+conditions know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Giantess</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thou, Brynhild! Budli's daughter! wast in evil hour born in the
+world; thou hast been the bane of Giuki's children, and their happy
+house subverted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Brynhild</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;From my chariot I will truly tell thee, thou wit<span class="pagenum">[Pg 211]</span><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" />less crone! if
+thou desirest to know, how Giuki's heirs made me both lovelorn and
+perjured.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> The bold-hearted king<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81" /><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> caused the garbs of us eight sisters
+under an oak to be borne. Twelve years old was I, if thou desirest to
+know, when to the youthful king oaths I gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> By all in Hlymdalir I was called Hild with the helm, by all who
+knew me.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then caused I next, in the Gothic realm, the old Hialmgunnar to
+Hel to journey: I gave victory to the youthful brother of Oda, whereat
+Odin became hostile to me.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> He with shields encompassed me, red and white, in Skatalund;
+their surfaces enclosed me; him he ordained my sleep to break, who in
+no place could be made to fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> He made around my hall, towards the south, towering burn the
+destroyer of all wood: then bade that man only over it to ride, who me
+the gold should bring, that under Fafnir lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> On Grani rode the chief, the gold-disperser, to where my
+foster-father ruled o'er the dwellings. He alone seemed there to all
+superior, the Danish warrior, of the court.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> We slept and were content in the same bed, as if he had my born
+brother been; neither of us might on the other, for eight nights, lay
+a hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> Reproached me Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, that I had slept in
+Sigurd's arms; then was I made aware of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 212]</span><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" />what I fain would not,&mdash;that
+they had deceived me, when a mate I took.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> To calamities all too lasting men and women, ever will be while
+living born. We two shall now, Sigurd and I pass our life together.
+Sink thou of giant-kind!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81" /><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> By depriving them of the swan-plumage, for they were
+Valkyriur like the wives of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced
+them under his subjection.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" id="THE_SLAUGHTER_OF_THE_NIFLUNGS" />THE SLAUGHTER OF THE NIFLUNGS.</h2>
+
+<p>Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension
+prevailed afterwards between the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them
+with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it
+was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in marriage, to whom they
+administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse
+Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter
+of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to his
+residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of
+treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Hogni, as a
+token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some
+wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but
+did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took Kostbera
+to wife. Their sons were Solar, Sn&aelig;var, and Giuki. When the Giukungs
+came to Atli, Gudrun besought his sons to intercede for their lives,
+but they would not. The heart of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 213]</span><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" />Hogni was cut out, and Gunnar was
+cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the
+serpents, but an adder stung him to the liver.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_SECOND_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" />THE SECOND LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of
+his men. Theodric and Gudrun mutually bewailed their afflictions. She
+related to him and said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> A maid above all maids I was; my mother reared me bright in her
+bower; my brothers I much loved, until me Giuki, with gold adorned,
+with gold adorned, to Sigurd gave.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> Such was Sigurd above Giuki's sons, as the green leek is,
+springing from the grass, or the high-limbed hart above the savage
+beasts, or gleed-red gold above grey silver.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Until my brothers the possession grudged me of a consort to all
+superior. They could not sleep, nor on affairs deliberate, before they
+Sigurd had caused to die.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Grani to the assembly ran, his tramp was to be heard; but Sigurd
+then himself came not. All the saddle-beasts were splashed with blood,
+and with sweating faint, from the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Weeping I went to talk to Grani, with humid cheeks, I prayed the
+steed to tell: then Grani shuddered, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 214]</span><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" />in the grass bowed down his
+head. The steed knew that his master was no more.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Long I wandered, long was my mind distracted, ere of the people's
+guardian I inquired for my king.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Gunnar hung his head, but Hogni told me of Sigurd's cruel death.
+&quot;Beyond the river slaughtered lies Guthorm's murderer, and to the
+wolves given.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Yonder behold Sigurd, towards the south, there thou wilt hear the
+ravens croak, the eagles scream, in their feast exulting; the wolves
+howling round thy consort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;Why wilt thou, Hogni! to a joyless being such miseries recount?
+May thy heart by ravens be torn and scattered over the wide world,
+rather than thou shouldst walk with men.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Hogni answered, for once cast down, from his cheerful mood by
+intense trouble: &quot;Gudrun! thou wouldst have greater cause to weep, if
+the ravens should tear my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> Alone I turned from that interview to the wolves' scattered
+leavings. No sigh I uttered, nor with my hands beat, nor wailed, as
+other women, when I heartbroken sat by Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Night seemed to me of blackest darkness, when I sorrowing sat by
+Sigurd. Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or
+I had been burnt as a birchen tree.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> From the fell I journeyed five long days and nights, until the
+lofty hall of Half I recognized. Seven <span class="pagenum">[Pg 215]</span><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" />half-years I with Thora
+stayed, Hakon's daughter, in Denmark.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> She for my solace wrought in gold southern halls, and Danish
+swans.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> We had in pictures the game of warriors, and in handiworks a
+prince's nobles; red shields, Hunnish heroes, a sworded host, a helmed
+host, a prince's following.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> Sigmund's ships from the land sailing, with gilded heads, and
+carved prows. We on our canvas wrought how Sigar and Siggeir both
+contended southward in Fyen.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> When Grimhild, the Gothic woman, heard how greatly I was
+afflicted, she cast aside her needle-work, and her sons called oft and
+earnestly, that she might know, who for her son would their sister
+compensate, or for her consort slain the blood-fine pay?</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Gunnar was ready gold to offer, for the injuries to atone, and
+Hogni also. * * * She then inquired who would go the steeds to saddle,
+the chariot to drive, on horseback ride, the hawk let fly, arrows
+shoot from the yew bow?</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Valdar and the Danes with Jarizleif, Eymod the third with
+Jarizkar, then entered, to princes like. Red mantles had the
+Langbard's men, corslets ornamented, towering helms; girded they were
+with falchions, brown were their locks.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> For me each one would choose precious gifts, precious gifts, and
+to my heart would speak, if for my many woes they might gain my
+confidence, and I would in them trust.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 216]</span><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216" /></p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Grimhild to me brought a potion to drink cold and bitter, that I
+my injuries might forget; it was mingled with Urd's power, with cold
+sea-water, and with Son's blood.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> In that horn were characters of every kind graven and red-hued;
+nor could I comprehend them: the long lyng-fish<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82" /><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> of the Haddings'
+land, an uncut ear of corn: the wild-beasts' entrance.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> In that potion were many ills together, a herb from every wood,
+and the acorn, the fire-stead's dew,<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83" /><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> entrails of offerings,
+swine's liver seethed; for that deadens strife.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> And then I forgot, when I had taken it, all the king's words in
+the hall spoken. There to my feet three kings came, before she herself
+sought to speak with me.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Gudrun! I will give thee gold to possess, of all the riches
+much of thy dead father; rings of red gold, Hlodver's halls, all the
+hangings left by the fallen king.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Hunnish maids, those who weave tapestry, and in bright gold
+work, so that it may delight thee. Over Budli's wealth thou alone
+shalt rule, adorned with gold, and given to Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;I will not have any man, nor Brynhild's brother marry: it
+beseems me not with Budli's son to increase a race, or life enjoy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Take care not to pay the chiefs with hate; for 'tis we who have
+been the aggressors: so shouldst thou act as if yet lived Sigurd and
+Sigmund, if sons thou bearest.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 217]</span><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217" /></p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Grimhild! I cannot in mirth indulge, nor, for my hero's sake,
+cherish a hope, since the bloodthirsty [wolf and] raven have together
+cruelly drunk my Sigurd's heart's blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Him<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84" /><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> of all I have found to be a king of noblest race, and
+in much most excellent: him shalt thou have until age lays thee low,
+or mateless be, if him thou wilt not take.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Cease to offer that cup of ills so pertinaciously, that race to
+me: he will Gunnar's destruction perpetrate, and will cut out Hogni's
+heart. I will not cease until the exulting strife-exciter's life I
+shall have taken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Weeping Grimhild caught the words, by which to her sons Gudrun
+foreboded evil, and to her kindred dire misfortunes. &quot;Lands I will
+also give thee, people and followers, Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, if thou
+wilt accept them; for life possess them, and be happy, daughter!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;Him then I will choose among the kings, and from my relatives
+reluctantly receive him. Never will he be to me a welcome consort, nor
+my brothers' bale a protection to our sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Forthwith on horseback was each warrior to be seen; but the
+Walish women were in chariots placed. For seven days o'er a cold land
+we rode; but the second seven, we beat the waves; and the third seven,
+we reached dry land.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> There the gate-wards of the lofty burgh the latticed entrance
+opened, ere the court we entered.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 218]</span><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218" /></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> Atli waked me, but I seemed to be full of evil thoughts, for my
+kinsmen's death.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;So me just now<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85" /><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> have the Norns waked,&mdash;a grateful
+interpretation I fain would have. Methought that thou, Gudrun! Giuki's
+daughter! with a treacherous sword didst pierce me through.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;Fire it forebodes,<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86" /><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> when one of iron dreams, arrogance and
+pleasure, a woman's anger. Against evil I will go burn thee, cure and
+medicate thee, although to me thou art hateful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;Seemed to me here in the garden<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87" /><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> that young shoots had
+fallen, which I wished to let grow: torn up with their roots, reddened
+with blood, to table they were brought, and offered me to eat.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;Seemed to me that hawks flew from my hand, lacking their
+quarry, to the house of woes; seemed to me I ate their hearts with
+honey swollen with blood, with sorrowing mind.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Seemed to me from my hand whelps I let slip; lacking cause of
+joy, both of them howled: seemed to me their bodies became dead
+carcases: of the carrion I was compelled to eat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;There will warriors<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88" /><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> round thy couch converse, and of the
+white-locked ones take off the head; death-doomed they are within a
+few nights, a little ere day: thy court will eat of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Lie down I would not,<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89" /><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> nor sleep after, obstinate in my
+fate&mdash;That I will execute!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82" /><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> That is the long fish of the heath, or Ung, a snake or
+serpent.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83" /><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Soot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84" /><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Atli: Grimhild speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85" /><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86" /><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87" /><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Atli speaks.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88" /><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Gudrun answers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89" /><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Atll speaks.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 219]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" id="THE_THIRD_LAY_OF_GUDRUN" /><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219" />THE THIRD LAY OF GUDRUN.</h2>
+
+<p>Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia,<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90" /><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> who had been his concubine.
+She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together;
+whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> What ails thee ever, Atli! Budli's son! Hast thou sorrow in thy
+heart? Why never laughest thou? To thy jarls it would seem more
+desirable, that thou with men wouldst talk, and on me wouldst look.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It grieves me, Gudrun! Giuki's daughter! that in my palace here,
+Herkia has said, that thou and Thiodrek have under one covering slept,
+and wantonly been in the linen wrapt.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> For all this charge I will give my oaths by the white sacred
+stone, that with me and Thiodrek nothing has passed, which to man and
+wife only belongs;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Save that I embraced the prince of armies, the honoured king, a
+single time. Other were our cogitations, when sorrowful we two sat to
+converse.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 220]</span><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Hither came Thiodrek, with thirty warriors; now there lives not
+one of those thirty men. Surround me with thy brothers, and with
+mailed warriors; surround me with all thy noblest kinsmen.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Send to Saxi the Southmen's prince; he can hallow the boiling
+cauldron.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Seven hundred men entered the hall, ere in the cauldron the queen
+dipt her hand.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Now Gunnar comes not, nor call I Hogni: I shall not see again my
+loved brothers: with his sword would Hogni such wrong avenge: now I
+must myself purify from crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> She to the bottom, plunged her snow-white hand, and up she drew
+the precious stones.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91" /><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> &quot;See now, ye men! I am proved guiltless in
+holy wise, boil the vessel as it may.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> Laughed then Atli's heart within his breast, when he unscathed
+beheld the hand of Gudrun. &quot;Now must Herkia to the cauldron go, she
+who Gudrun had hoped to injure.&quot; No one has misery seen who saw not
+that, how the hand there of Herkia was burnt. They then the woman led
+to a foul slough.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92" /><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> So were Gudrun's wrongs avenged.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90" /><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who
+here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition,
+the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kreimhilt (Gudrun) until
+after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful
+subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the
+other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron,
+sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Muller
+(II., p. 319) ascribes it to S&aelig;mund himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91" /><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> The iarknastein of the original was a milk-white opal.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92" /><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> This punishment was known to the old Germans.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 221]</div>
+<h2><a name="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" id="ODDRUNS_LAMENT" /><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221" />ODDRUN'S LAMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>There was a king named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgny. Her
+lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until
+Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar,
+Giuki's son. Of this story it is here sung:</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> I have heard tell, in ancient stories how a damsel came to the
+eastern land: no one was able, on the face of earth, help to afford to
+Heidrek's daughter.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> When Oddrun, Atli's sister, heard that the damsel had great
+pains, from the stall she led her well-bridled steed, and on the swart
+one the saddle laid.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> She the horse made run on the smooth, dusty way, until she came
+to where a high hall stood. She the saddle snatched from the hungry
+steed, and in she went along the court, and these words first of all
+uttered:</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;What is most noteworthy in this country? or what most desirable
+in the Hunnish land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> Here lies Borgny with pains overwhelmed, thy friend, Oddrun! See
+if thou canst help her.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> What chieftain has on thee brought this dishonour? Why so acute
+are Borgny's pains?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 222]</span><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222" /><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Vilmund is named the falcon-bearer's friend: he the damsel wrapt
+in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
+hidden.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
+the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
+of power over Borgny.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
+of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
+had no word uttered.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
+other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
+of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said&mdash;when
+the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Borgny</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
+spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
+upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.</p>
+
+<p><i>Oddrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
+a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
+happen, to any maiden, save to me alone.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 223]</span><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223" /></p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
+great grief:</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
+council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
+only, while my father lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
+departed hence.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
+to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
+be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
+and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
+Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
+taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long&mdash;which was not
+surprising&mdash;ere she discovered all those frauds.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
+great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
+she caused herself to die with Sigurd.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
+Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
+Valkyria should become.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> They forthwith offered<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93" /><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> ruddy rings to my brother, and
+indemnity not small. He<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94" /><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> besides offered <span class="pagenum">[Pg 224]</span><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224" />for me fifteen vills, and
+the load of Grani's sides, if he would accept them.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> But Atli said he never would a marriage-gift receive from
+Giuki's son. Still we could not our loves withstand, but I my head
+must lay upon the ring-breaker.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Many things said my relations; declared they had surprised us
+both together; but Atli said, that I would not crime commit, nor
+scandal perpetrate. But such should no one for another ever deny, when
+love has part.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Atli sent his emissaries about the Murkwood, that he might prove
+me; and they came to where they ought not to have come, to where we
+had one couch prepared.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> To the men we offered red-gold rings, that they it might not to
+Atli tell; but they forthwith hastened home, and it quickly to Atli
+told.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half
+she should have known it.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95" /><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode
+Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a
+serpent-pen the other cast.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * *
+* The brave king<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96" /><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble
+race hoped that I to his aid might come.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings
+sang.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life <span class="pagenum">[Pg 225]</span><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225" />would save.
+The vessel we let float past the forest,<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97" /><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> until I saw all Atli's
+courts.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:&mdash;may she
+perish!&mdash;she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not
+save.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned!<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98" /><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> how I after can
+life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to
+love:</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil
+fate, my own and theirs.&quot; Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended
+<i>Oddrun's lament</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93" /><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> For Brynhild's death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94" /><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> Gunnar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95" /><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> From here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96" /><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Gunnar while in the serpent-pen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97" /><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> For &quot;lund&quot; (<i>forest, wood</i>), which is the reading of the
+MSS., the Copenhagen editor favors the correction to sund (a <i>sound</i>
+or <i>strait, the Sound</i>)?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98" /><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Borgny.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 226]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226" />THE LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+<p>Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She
+first killed Atli's sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the
+palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Atli sent riding a messenger to Gunnar, a crafty man, Knefrud was
+his name. To Giuki's courts he came, and to Gunnar's hall, to the
+seats of state,<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99" /><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> and the glad potation:</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> There drank the courtiers wine in their Valhall&mdash;but the guileful
+ones<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100" /><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> silence kept&mdash;the Huns' wrath they<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101" /><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> feared. Then said
+Knefrud, with chilling voice:&mdash;the southern warrior on a high bench
+sat&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;Atli has sent me hither on his errand riding on a bit-griping
+steed, through the unknown Murkwood, to pray you, Gunnar! that to his
+bench ye come, with helms of state, Atli's home to visit.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red
+helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks
+gory-red, the dart's obstruction, and bit-griping steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;The plain he will also give you, the broad Gnita<span class="pagenum">[Pg 227]</span><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227" />heid, whistling
+javelins, and gilded prows, vast treasures, and Danp's towns, with
+that famed forest, which men the Murkwood call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Gunnar his head then turned, and to Hogni said: &quot;What counselest
+thou, bold warrior? now suchlike we hear? Of no gold I knew on Gnita's
+heath, to which we possess not other equal.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Seven halls have we filled with swords, of each of which the
+hilt is gold. My horse I know the best, and my sword the keenest; my
+bow adorns my seat, my corslets are of gold, my helm and shield the
+brightest, brought from the hall of Kiar: mine alone are better than
+all the Hunnish ones.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;What thinkest thou the woman<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102" /><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> means, by sending us a ring in
+a wolf's clothing wrapt? I think that she caution enjoins. Wolf's hair
+I found twined in the red-gold ring: wolfish is the way we on our
+errand ride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> No sons persuaded Gunnar, nor other kinsman, interpreters nor
+counsellors, nor those who potent were. Then spake Gunnar, as beseemed
+a king, great in his mead-hall, from his large soul:</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Rise now up, Fiornir! let along the benches pass the golden
+cups of heroes, from the attendants' hands.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;The wolf shall rule the Niflungs' heritage, O bearded sages! if
+Gunnar perish; black-coated bears earth's fruit tear with their teeth,
+to the dogs' delight, if Gunnar come not back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Honoured men, weeping led the land's ruler from <span class="pagenum">[Pg 228]</span><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228" />the Huns'
+court. Then said Hogni's youthful heir: &quot;Go now, prudent and
+prosperous, whither your wishes lead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> The warriors made their bit-griping steeds over the mountains
+fly, through the unknown Murkwood. The whole Hunnish forest trembled
+where'er the warriors rode; over the shrubless, all-green plains they
+sped.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> Atli's land they saw, and the high watch-towers; Bikki's people
+stood on that lofty fortress; the south people's hall was round with
+benches set, with well-bound bucklers, and white shields, the
+javelin's obstruction. There Atli drank wine in his Valhall: his
+guards sat without, Gunnar and his men to watch, lest they there
+should come with yelling dart, to excite their prince to conflict.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> Their sister forthwith saw, when the hall they had entered, her
+brothers both&mdash;beer had she little drunken&mdash;&quot;Betrayed art thou now,
+Gunnar! though strong, how wilt thou contend with the Huns' deadly
+wiles? Go quickly from this hall!</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Better hadst thou, Gunnar! in corslet come, than with helm of
+state, to see the home of Atli; thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
+whole sun-bright days, and o'er the pallid dead let the Norns weep,
+the Hunnish shield-maids misery suffer; but Atli himself thou shouldst
+into the serpent-pen have cast; but now the serpent-pen is for you two
+reserved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Sister! 'tis now too late the Niflungs to assemble, long 'tis
+to seek the aid of men, of valiant heroes, over the rugged fells of
+Rhine.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 229]</span><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229" /></p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Then the Burgundians' friends<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103" /><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> Gunnar seized, in fetters
+laid, and him fast bound.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Hogni hewed down seven, with the keen sword, but the eighth he
+thrust into the raging fire. So should a valiant man defend himself
+from foes.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> Hogni had Gunnar's hands<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104" /><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> protected. The bold chief they
+asked, if the Goths' lord would with gold his life redeem?</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;Hogni's heart in my hand shall lie, cut bloody from the breast
+of the valiant chief, the king's son, with a dull-edged knife.&quot; * * *
+They the heart cut out from Hialli's breast; on a dish bleeding laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Gunnar, lord of men: &quot;Here have I the heart of the
+timid Hialli, unlike the heart of the bold Hogni; for much it trembles
+as in the dish it lies: it trembled more by half, while in his breast
+it lay.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Hogni laughed, when to his heart they cut the living
+crest-crasher; no lament uttered he. All bleeding on a dish they laid
+it, and it to Gunnar bare.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Calmly said Gunnar, the warrior Niflung: &quot;Here have I the heart
+of the bold Hogni, unlike the heart of the timid Hialli; for it little
+trembles, as in the dish it lies: it trembled less, while in his
+breast it lay.</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;So far shalt thou, Atli! be from the eyes of men as thou wilt
+from the treasures be. In my power alone is all the hidden Niflungs'
+gold, now that Hogni lives not.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Ever was I wavering, while we both lived; now <span class="pagenum">[Pg 230]</span><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230" />am I so no
+longer, as I alone survive. Rhine shall possess men's baleful metal,
+the mighty stream, the As-known Niflungs' heritage. In the rolling
+water the choice rings shall glitter, rather than on the hands of the
+Huns' children shine.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Drive your wheel-chariots, the captive is now in bonds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> Atli the mighty, their sister's husband, rode with resounding
+steeds, with strife-thorns<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105" /><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> surrounded. Gudrun perceived the
+heroes' peril, she from tears refrained, on entering the hall of
+tumult.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;So be it with thee, Atli! as towards Gunnar thou hast held the
+oft-sworn oaths, formerly taken&mdash;by the southward verging sun, and by
+Sigty's hill, the secluded bed of rest, and by Ullr's ring.&quot; Yet
+thence the more did the bit-shaker<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106" /><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> the treasure's guardian, the
+warrior chief, drag to death.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> The living prince then did a host of men into a pen cast down,
+which was within with serpents over-crawled. But Gunnar there alone a
+harp in wrathful mood with his hand struck: the strings resounded. So
+should a daring chief, a ring-dispenser, gold from men withhold.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Atli turned his brass-shod<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107" /><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> steed, his home to revisit, back
+from the murder. Din was in the court with horses thronged, men's
+weapon-song, from the heath they were come.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Out then went Gudrun, Atli to meet, with a golden cup to do her
+duty to the king. &quot;Thou canst, O <span class="pagenum">[Pg 231]</span><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231" />King! joyful in thy hall receive
+from Gudrun the arms of the departed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> The drinking-cups of Atli groaned with wine heavy, when in the
+hall together the Huns were counted. Long-bearded, bold, the warriors
+entered.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Hastened the bright-faced dame to bear their potions to them,
+the wondrous lady to the chiefs; and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
+the festal dainties offered, and uttered words of hate.</p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Thou, swords' dispenser! hast thy two sons' hearts,
+slaughter-gory, with honey eaten. I resolved that thou, bold chief!
+shouldst of a human dish eat at thy feasting, and to the place of
+honour send it. Henceforth thou wilt not to thy knees call Erp and
+Eitil, joyous with beer the two: thou wilt not henceforth, see them
+from thy middle seat, gold-dispersing, javelins shafting, manes
+clipping, or horses urging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Uproar was on the benches, portentous the cry of men, noise
+beneath the costly hangings. The children of the Huns wept, all wept
+save Gudrun, who never wept, or for her bear-fierce brothers, or her
+dear sons, young, simple, whom she had borne to Atli.</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> Gold scattered the swan-fair dame; with ruddy rings the
+household gifted. Fate she let ripen, but the bright gold flow. The
+woman spared not the treasure-houses.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli incautious had himself drunk weary; weapon he had none, nor
+was 'gainst Gudrun guarded. Oft had their sport been better, when they
+lovingly embraced each other before the nobles.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 232]</span><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232" /></p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> With the sword's point she gave the bed of blood to drink with
+death-bent hand, and the dogs loosed, out at the hall-door drove them,
+and the lady wakened the household with burning brand. That vengeance
+she for her brothers took.</p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> To fire she then gave all that were therein, and from her
+brothers' murder were from the dark den<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108" /><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> returned. The old
+structures fell, the treasure-houses smoked, the Budlungs' dwelling.
+Burnt too were the shield-maids within, their lives cut short; in the
+raging fire they sank.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> Of this enough is said. No such woman will henceforth arms again
+bear, to avenge her brothers. That bright woman had to three kings of
+men the death-doom borne, before she died.</p>
+
+<p>Yet more clearly is this told in &quot;Atlamalum inum Groenlenzkum&quot; (the
+Groenland lay of Atli).</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99" /><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> The epithet aringreypr is applied both to benches and
+helmets (see Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is doubtful: it has been
+rendered <i>iron-bound</i>, <i>brass-bound</i>, <i>hearth-encircling</i>, <i>curved
+like an eagle's beak</i>, etc. Benches and helmets of ceremony are
+evidently intended, probably ornamented with brass-work or figures of
+eagles. But to whichever substantive applied, I take its meaning to be
+the same.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100" /><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> The messengers of Atli.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101" /><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> The Giukungs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102" /><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Gudrun: she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring to
+her brothers, as a warning, in which a wolf's hair was entwined,
+together with a note in runes, which were falsified by Vingi.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103" /><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Atli's men.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104" /><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> That is Gunnar himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105" /><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Spears.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106" /><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> The horse.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107" /><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> The original word is eyrskan, a word of doubtful
+signification.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108" /><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> The serpent-pen.</p></div>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" id="THE_DEATH_OF_ATLI" />
+<img src="images/fig04.jpg" width="600" height="393" alt="THE DEATH OF ATLI" title="THE DEATH OF ATLI" />
+<p class="center"><b>THE DEATH OF ATLI.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>From a painting by S. Goldberg.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p>Atli has been identified as Attila, called in history &quot;the Scourge of
+God,&quot; a king of the Huns who twice defeated the Romans under
+Theodosius, and plundered the eternal city itself. He was guilty of
+many excesses and is reported to have died of a hemorrhage on the day
+following his marriage with Ildico (453). In the story of Seigfried
+and Brynhild, however, he is represented as having married Gudran,
+daughter of Grimhild and King Giuki, who it will be recalled by
+readers of the other volumes of this series, beguiled Siegfried by
+means of a magic potion, into marriage with her. Her feelings revolted
+against an alliance with Atli, but she accepted him for a husband in
+order thereby to obtain the power to gratify her vengeance against
+Hogni (Hagan), who had assassinated Siegfried.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 233]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" id="THE_GROENLAND_LAY_OF_ATLI" /><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233" />THE GROENLAND LAY OF ATLI.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Of those misdeeds men have heard tell, when warriors of old a
+compact made, which by pledges they confirmed, a secret consultation
+held: terrible it was to them after, and to Giuki's sons likewise, who
+were betrayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> The warriors' fate ripened, they were death-doomed: ill advised
+was Atli, though he possessed sagacity: he felled a mighty column,
+strove hardly against himself; with speed he messengers despatched,
+that his wife's brothers should come quickly.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Wise was the house-dame, prudently she thought; the words in
+order she had heard, that in secret they had said: the sage lady was
+at a loss: fain would she help them; they<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109" /><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> o'er the sea must sail,
+but she herself could not go.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Runes she graved, Vingi them falsified, before he gave them from
+him; of ill he was the bearer. Then departed Atli's messengers,
+through the branched firth, for where the bold warriors dwelt.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> They with beer were cheered, and fires they kindled, naught
+thought they of guile, when they were come; they the gifts accepted,
+which the prince sent them, on a column hung them, and of no evil
+thought.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then came Kostbera, she was Hogni's wife, a woman greatly
+cautious, and them both greeted. Glad <span class="pagenum">[Pg 234]</span><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234" />was also Glaumvor, Gunnar's
+consort, the prudent dame her duty forgot not, she to the guests' need
+attended.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Hogni they home invited, if he would be pleased to go. Treachery
+was manifest, had they but reflected! Gunnar then promised, if only
+Hogni would, but Hogni refused what the other proposed.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> The noble dames bore mead, of many things there was abundance,
+many horns passed round, until it seemed they had full drunken.</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> The household prepared their couches, as to them seemed best.
+Cunning was Kostbera, she could runes interpret; she the letters read
+by the bright fire;&mdash;her tongue she had to guard between both her
+gums&mdash;so perverted were they, it was difficult to understand them.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> To their bed they went, she and Hogni. The gentle lady dreamed,
+and concealed it not, to the prince wisely said it as soon as she
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;From home thou art going, Hogni! give ear to counsel; few are
+fully prudent: go another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> I have the runes interpreted, which thy sister graved: that fair
+dame has not this time invited thee. At one thing I wonder most, I
+cannot even conceive, why so wise a woman so confusedly should grave;
+for it is so set down as if it intimated death to you both, if you
+should straightway come. Either she has left out a letter, or others
+are the cause.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110" /><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;They are,&quot; said Hogni, &quot;all suspicious; I have no knowledge of
+them, nor will I into it inquire, unless <span class="pagenum">[Pg 235]</span><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235" />we have to make requital.
+The king will gift us with gleed-red gold. I never fear, though we may
+hear of terror.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;Tottering ye will go, if thitherward ye tend. No kind
+entertainment there will ye at this time find. Hogni! I have dreamed,
+I will not conceal it: in an evil hour ye will go, or so at least I
+fear.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Methought thy coverlet was with fire consumed; that the
+towering flame rushed through my dwelling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Here lie linen cloths, which thou hadst little noticed: these
+will quickly burn where thou the coverlet sawest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;Methought a bear came in, and broke down the columns; and so
+his talons shook, that we were terror-stricken; by his mouth held many
+of us, so that we were helpless: there, too, was a din far from
+little.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;A tempest there will be furious and sudden: the white bear thou
+sawest will be a storm from the east.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Kostbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Methought an eagle flew herein, all through the house: that
+will largely concern us. He sprinkled all with blood: from his threats
+I thought it to be the 'ham'<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111" /><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> of Atli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 236]</span><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236" /><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;We often slaughter largely, and then red we see: often are oxen
+meant, when we of eagles dream. Sound is the heart of Atli, dream thou
+as thou mayest.&quot; With this they ended: all speeches have an end.</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> The high-born awoke, there the like befell: Glaumvor had
+perceived that her dreams were ill-boding, adverse to Gunnar's going
+to and fro.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Methought a gallows was for thee erected,<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112" /><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> thou wentest to
+be hanged, that serpents ate thee, that I inter'd thee living, that
+the Powers' dissolution came&mdash;Divine thou what that portends.</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;Methought a bloody glave from thy sark was drawn&mdash;ill 'tis such
+a dream to a consort to recount&mdash;methought a lance was thrust through
+thy middle: wolves howled on every side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;Where dogs run they are wont to bark: oft bodes the bay of dogs
+the flight of javelins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Glaumvor</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Methought a river ran herein, through the whole house, that it
+roared violently, rushed o'er the benches, brake the feet of you
+brothers twain; nothing the water spared: something will that portend!</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad
+were they: they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their
+seats. I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 237]</span><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237" /><i>Gunnar</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
+journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
+seems that our lives will be short.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
+up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
+&quot;hus-carls&quot; there were present twice that number&mdash;it was ill
+devised&mdash;Sn&aelig;var and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
+named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
+brother of Hogni's wife.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
+would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
+to her seemed fitting: &quot;I know not whether ye will requite us as we
+would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: &quot;May him the Jotuns
+have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
+peace he meditates!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: &quot;Sail ye prosperous,
+and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
+hinder!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;he to his kin meant well&mdash;&quot;Be of good cheer, ye
+prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
+difference; for many little care how they depart from home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
+their fates were severed, and their ways divided.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 238]</span><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238" /></p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
+bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
+broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
+they quitted it.<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113" /><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> A little after&mdash;I will the end relate&mdash;they saw the mansion
+stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
+Hogni knocked.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> Then said Vingi, what he had better not, &quot;Go far from the house,
+'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
+forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
+was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> Hogni answered&mdash;little thought he of yielding, or of aught
+fearful that was to be proved:&mdash;&quot;Think not to frighten us: try that
+seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
+while life within him throbbed.</p>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went
+prepared so that a fence was between them. Words they bandied, all
+with rage boiling: &quot;Already had we resolved to take your lives away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;It looks but ill, if ye before have counselled: e'en now ye are
+unprepared, and we one have felled, smitten to death: one of your host
+was he.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 239]</span><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239" /></p>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> Furious they became, when those words they heard; their fingers
+they stretched forth, and their bowstrings seized; sharply shot, and
+with shields themselves protected.</p>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> In then came the tale of what without was passing; loud before
+the hall they a thrall heard speak.</p>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> Then incensed was Gudrun, when the sad news she heard: adorned
+with necklaces, she tore them all asunder; so hurled the silver, that
+the rings in shivers flew.</p>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> Then she went out, not gently moved the doors; went forth, void
+of fear, and the comers hailed, turned to the Niflungs: that was her
+last greeting, truth attended it; more words she said:</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;I sought by symbols to prevent your leaving home,&mdash;fate may no
+one resist&mdash;and yet must you come hither.&quot; Wisely she asked: might
+they not be appeased? No one consented, all answered no.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> Saw then the high-born lady that a hard game they played; a
+deadly deed she meditated, and her robe dashed aside, a naked falchion
+seized, and her kinsmen's lives defended: skilful she was in warfare,
+where her hand she applied.</p>
+
+<p><b>48.</b> Giuki's daughter caused two warriors to fall; Atli's brother she
+struck down,&mdash;he must henceforth be borne&mdash;so she the conflict
+managed, that she his foot struck off. Another too she smote, so that
+he never rose, to Hel she sent him: her hand trembled not.</p>
+
+<p><b>49.</b> A conflict then ensued, which was widely famed, but that
+excelled all else which Giuki's sons performed. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 240]</span><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240" />So 'tis said the
+Niflungs, while yet they lived, with swords maintained the fight,
+corslets rent, helmets hewed, as their hearts prompted.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> At morning most they fought, until mid-day had passed; all early
+morn, and the forenoon, ere the fight was ended, the field flowed with
+blood, until eighteen had fallen: Bera's two sons, and her brother,
+had them overcome.</p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> Then the fierce Atli spoke, wroth though he was: &quot;'Tis ill to
+look around; this is long of you. We were thirty warlike thanes,
+eleven survive: the chasm is too great. We were five brothers, when
+Budli died; now has Hel the half, two lie slain.</p>
+
+<p><b>52.</b> &quot;A great affinity I obtained, that I cannot deny, pernicious
+woman! of which I have no benefit: peace we have seldom had, since
+thou among us camest. Of kinsmen ye have bereft me, of riches often
+wronged. To Hel my sister ye have sent; that is to me most bitter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;This thou callest to mind, Atli! but thou so first didst act:
+my mother thou didst take, and for her treasures murder; my gifted
+niece with hunger thou didst cause to perish. Laughable to me it
+seems, when thou sorrows dost recount. The gods are to be thanked,
+that it goes ill with thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> Jarls! I exhort you the sorrow to augment of that presumptuous
+woman: I would fain see it. Strive so to do, that Gudrun may lament.
+Might I but see that in her lot she joys not!<span class="pagenum">[Pg 241]</span><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241" /></p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> Take ye Hogni, and with a knife hack him: cut out his heart:
+this ye shall do. Gunnar the fierce of soul to a gallows fasten; do
+the work thoroughly, lure up the serpents.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hogni</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> Do as thou listest, glad I will await it; stout I shall prove
+myself: I have ere now things much harder proved. Ye had a hindrance
+while unscathed we were: now are we so wounded that our fate thou
+mayest command.</p>
+
+<p><b>57.</b> Beiti spake,&mdash;he was Atli's steward&mdash;Take we Hialli, but Hogni
+let us save. Let us do half the work; he is death-worthy. As long as
+he lives a slug he will ever be.</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> Terrified was the kettle-watcher, the place no longer held him:
+he could be a whiner, he clomb into every nook: their conflict was his
+bane, as he the penalty must pay; and the day sad, when he must from
+the swine die, from all good things, which he had enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> Budli's cook they took, and the knife brought towards him.
+Howled the wretched thrall, ere the point he felt; declared that he
+had time the gardens to manure, the vilest offices to do, if from
+death he might escape. Joyful indeed was Hialli, could he but save his
+life.</p>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> Hogni all this observed&mdash;few so act, as for a slave to
+intercede, that he may escape!&mdash;&quot;Less 'tis, I say, for me to play this
+game myself. Why shall we here desire to listen to that screaming?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>61.</b> Hands on the good prince they laid. Then was no option for the
+bold warriors, the sentence longer to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 242]</span><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242" />delay. Then laughed Hogni;
+heard the sons of day how he could hold out: torment he well endured!</p>
+
+<p><b>62.</b> A harp Gunnar took, with his foot-branches touched it. He could
+so strike it, that women wept, and the men sobbed, who best could hear
+it. He the noble queen counselled: the rafters burst asunder.</p>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> There died the noble, as the dawn of day; at the last they
+caused their deeds to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> Atli thought himself great: over them both he strode, to the
+sagacious woman told the evil, and bitterly reproached her. &quot;It is now
+morning, Gudrun! thy loved ones thou hast lost; partly thou art the
+cause that it has so befallen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> Joyful art thou, Atli! slaughter to announce: repentance shall
+await thee, when thou hast all proved. That heritage shall be left
+thee&mdash;that I can tell thee&mdash;that ill shall never from thee go, unless
+I also die.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>66.</b> That I can prevent; another course I see, easier by half: the
+good we oft reject. With slaves I will console thee, with things most
+precious, with snow-white silver, as thou thyself mayest desire.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> Of that there is <i>no</i> hope; I will all reject; atonement I have
+spurned for smaller injuries. Hard I was ever thought, now will that
+be aggravated. I every grudge concealed, while Hogni lived.</p>
+
+<p><b>68.</b> We were both nurtured in one house; many a <span class="pagenum">[Pg 243]</span><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243" />play we played, and
+in the wood grew up; Grimhild us adorned with gold and necklaces; for
+my brothers' death never wilt thou indemnify me, nor ever do what
+shall to me seem good.</p>
+
+<p><b>69.</b> Men's too great power women's lot oppresses; on the knee the
+hand sinks, if the arms wither; the tree inclines, if its root-fibres
+are severed. Now, Atli! thou mayest alone over all here command.</p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> Most unwise it was, when to this the prince gave credit: the
+guile was manifest, had he been on his guard. Dissembling then was
+Gudrun, against her heart she could speak, made herself gay appear,
+with two shields she played.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114" /><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> A banquet she would prepare, her brothers' funeral feast; the
+same would Atli also for his own do.</p>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> With this they ended; the banquet was prepared; the feasting was
+too luxurious. The woman great of heart was stern, she warred on
+Budli's race; on her spouse she would cruel vengeance wreak.</p>
+
+<p><b>73.</b> The young ones she enticed, and on a block laid them, the fierce
+babes were terrified, and wept not, to their mother's bosom crept,
+asked what she was going to do.</p>
+
+<p><b>74.</b> &quot;Ask no questions, both I intend to kill; long have I desired to
+cut short your days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>75.</b> &quot;Slay as thou wilt thy children, no one hinders it; thy rage
+will have short peace, if thou destroyest us in our blooming years,
+thou desperate woman!&quot; It fell out accordingly: she cut the throats of
+both.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 244]</span><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244" /></p>
+
+<p><b>76.</b> Atli oft inquired whither his boys were gone to play, as he
+nowhere saw them?</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>77.</b> Over I am resolved to go, and to Atli tell it. Grimhild's
+daughter will not conceal it from thee. Little glad, Atli! wilt thou
+be, when all thou learnest; great woe didst thou raise up, when thou
+my brother slewest.</p>
+
+<p><b>78.</b> Very seldom have I slept since they fell. Bitterly I threatened
+thee: now I have reminded thee. &quot;It is now morning,&quot; saidst thou: I
+yet it well remember; and it now is eve, when thou the like shalt
+learn.</p>
+
+<p><b>79.</b> Thou thy sons hast lost, as thou least shouldest; know that
+their skulls thou hast had for beer-cups; thy drink I prepared, I
+their red blood have shed.</p>
+
+<p><b>80.</b> I their hearts took, and on a spit staked them, then to thee
+gave them. I said they were of calves,&mdash;it was long of thee
+alone&mdash;thou didst leave none, voraciously didst devour, well didst ply
+thy teeth.</p>
+
+<p><b>81.</b> Thy children's fate thou knowest, few a worse awaits. I have my
+part performed, though in it glory not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>82.</b> Cruel wast thou, Gudrun! who couldst so act, with thy children's
+blood my drink to mingle. Thou hast destroyed thy offspring, as thou
+least shouldest; and to myself thou leavest a short interval from ill.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>83.</b> I could still desire thyself to slay; rarely too ill it fares
+with such a prince. Thou hast already perpe<span class="pagenum">[Pg 245]</span><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245" />trated crimes unexampled
+among men of frantic cruelty, in this world: now thou hast added what
+we have just witnessed. A great misdeed hast thou committed, thy
+death-feast thou hast prepared.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>84.</b> On the pile thou shalt be burnt, but first be stoned; then wilt
+thou have earned what thou hast ever sought.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>85.</b> Tell to thyself such griefs early to-morrow: by a fairer death I
+will pass to another light.</p>
+
+<p><b>86.</b> In the same hall they sat, exchanged hostile thoughts, bandied
+words of hate: each was ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p><b>87.</b> Hate waxed in a Hniflung, a great deed he meditated; to Gudrun
+he declared that he was Atli's deadly foe.</p>
+
+<p><b>88.</b> Into her mind came Hogni's treatment; happy she him accounted,
+if he vengeance wreaked. Then was Atli slain, within a little space;
+Hogni's son him slew, and Gudrun herself.</p>
+
+<p><b>89.</b> The bold king spake, roused up from sleep; quickly he felt the
+wounds, said he no binding needed. &quot;Tell me most truly who has slain
+Budli's son. I am hardly treated: of life I have no hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>90.</b> I, Grimhild's daughter, will not from thee hide, that I am the
+cause that thy life passes away; but partly Hogni's son, that thy
+wounds make thee faint.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>91.</b> To the slaughter thou hast rushed, although it ill <span class="pagenum">[Pg 246]</span><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246" />beseemed
+thee; 'tis bad to circumvent a friend, who well confided in thee.
+Besought I went from home, to woo thee, Gudrun!</p>
+
+<p><b>92.</b> A widow thou was left, fierce thou wast accounted, which was no
+falsehood, as we have proved. Hither home thou earnest, us a host of
+men attended; all was splendid on our journey.</p>
+
+<p><b>93.</b> Pomp of all kinds was there, of illustrious men, beeves in
+abundance: largely we enjoyed them. Of all things there was plenty
+partaken of by many.</p>
+
+<p><b>94.</b> A marriage gift to my bride I gave, treasures for her
+acceptance, thralls thrice ten, seven fair female slaves: in such
+things was honour; silver there was yet more.</p>
+
+<p><b>95.</b> All seemed to thee as it were naught, while the lands untouched
+lay, which Budli had left me. So didst thou undermine, dist allow me
+nothing to receive. Thou didst my mother let often sit weeping: with
+heart content I found not one of my household after.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>96.</b> Now, Atli! thou liest, though of that I little reck. Gentle I
+seldom was, yet didst thou greatly aggravate it. Young brothers ye
+fought together, among yourselves contended; to Hel went the half from
+thy house: all went to ruin that should be for benefit.</p>
+
+<p><b>97.</b> Brothers and sisters we were three, we thought ourselves
+invincible: from the land we departed, we followed Sigurd. We roved
+about, each steered a ship; seeking luck we went, till to the east we
+came.</p>
+
+<p><b>98.</b> The chief king we slew, there a land obtained, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 247]</span><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247" />the &quot;hersar&quot;
+yielded to us; that manifested fear. We from the forest freed him whom
+we wished harmless, raised him to prosperity who nothing had
+possessed.</p>
+
+<p><b>99.</b> The Hun king<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115" /><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> died, then suddenly my fortune changed: great
+was the young wife's grief, the widow's lot was hers. A torment to me
+it seemed to come living to the house of Atli. A hero had possessed
+me: sad was that loss!</p>
+
+<p><b>100.</b> Thou didst never from a contest come, as we had heard, where
+thou didst gain thy cause, or others overcome; ever wouldst thou give
+way, and never stand, lettest all pass off quietly, as ill beseemed a
+king.</p>
+
+<p><i>Atli.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>101.</b> Gudrun! now thou liest. Little will be bettered the lot of
+either: we have all suffered. Now act thou, Gudrun! of thy goodness,
+and for our honour, when I forth am borne.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gudrun.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>102.</b> I a ship will buy, and a painted cist;<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116" /><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> will the
+winding-sheet well wax, to enwrap thy corpse; will think of every
+requisite, as if we had each other loved.</p>
+
+<p><b>103.</b> Atli was now a corpse, lament from his kin arose: the
+illustrious woman did all she had promised. The wise woman would go to
+destroy herself; her days were lengthened: she died another time.</p>
+
+<p><b>104.</b> Happy is every one hereafter who shall give birth to such a
+daughter famed for deeds, as Giuki begat: <span class="pagenum">[Pg 248]</span><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248" />ever will live, in every
+land, their oft-told tale, wherever people shall give ear.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109" /><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> The messengers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110" /><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> It would seem that the original runes, as graved by
+Gudrun, had not been so completely erased as to leave no traces of
+them; but that they were still sufficiently legible to enable Kostbera
+to ascertain the real purport of the communication.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111" /><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Ham (hamr. <i>fem.</i> hamingia) a guardian angel, an
+attendant spirit.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112" /><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Here a gallows in our sense of the word, but usually a
+stake on a scaffold, to which the condemned to a death of torture was
+bound hand and foot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113" /><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> So great was their haste to land.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114" /><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> She played a double game.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115" /><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Sigurd.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116" /><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship and
+sending it adrift, seems inconsistent with the later custom of
+depositing it in a cist or coffin.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" id="GUDRUNS_INCITEMENT" />GUDRUN'S INCITEMENT.</h2>
+
+<p>Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore. She went out into the
+sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne
+across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
+sons were Sorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the
+daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jormunrek the
+Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
+son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to
+be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard
+of this she said to her sons:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> Then heard I tell of quarrels dire, hard sayings uttered from
+great affliction, when her sons the fierce-hearted Gudrun, in deadly
+words, to slaughter instigated.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> &quot;Why sit ye here? why sleep life away? why does it pain you not
+joyous words to speak, now Jormunrek your sister young in years has
+with horses trodden, white and black, in the public way, with grey and
+way-wont Gothic steeds?</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Ye are not like to Gunnar and the others, nor of soul so valiant
+as Hogni was. Her ye should seek to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 249]</span><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249" />avenge, if ye had the courage of
+my brothers, or the fierce spirit of the Hunnish kings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Little didst thou care
+Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd he from sleep awaked. Thy
+blue-white bed-clothes were red with thy husband's gore, with
+death-blood covered.</p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;For thy brothers thou didst o'er-hasty vengeance take, dire and
+bitter, when thou thy sons didst murder. We young ones<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117" /><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> could on
+Jormunrek, acting all together, have avenged our sister.</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Bring forth the arms of the Hunnish kings: thou hast us
+stimulated to a sword-mote.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> Laughing Gudrun to the storehouse turned, the kings' crested
+helms from the coffers drew, their ample corslets, and to her sons
+them bore. The young heroes loaded their horses' shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;So will no more come his
+mother to see, the warrior felled in the Gothic land, so that thou the
+funeral-beer after us all may drink, after Svanhild and thy sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Weeping Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, sorrowing went, to sit in the
+fore-court, and to recount, with tear-worn cheeks, sad of soul, her
+calamities, in many ways.</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;Three fires I have known, three hearths I have known, of three
+consorts I have been borne to the house. Sigurd alone to me was better
+than all, of whom my brothers were the murderers.</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;Of my painful wounds I might not complain; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 250]</span><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250" />yet they even more
+seemed to afflict me, when those chieftains to Atli gave me.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;My bright boys I called to speak with me; for my injuries I
+could not get revenge, ere I had severed the Hniflungs' heads.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;To the sea-shore I went, against the Norns I was embittered; I
+would cast off their persecution; bore, and submerged me not the
+towering billows; up on land I rose, because I was to live.</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;To the nuptial couch I went&mdash;as I thought better for me,&mdash;for
+the third time, with a mighty king. I brought forth offspring,
+guardians of the heritage, guardians of the heritage, Jonakr's sons.</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;But around Svanhild bond-maidens sat; of all my children her I
+loved the best. Svanhild was, in my hall, as was the sun-beam, fair to
+behold.</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;I with gold adorned her, and with fine raiment, before I gave
+her to the Gothic people. That is to me the hardest of all my woes,
+that Svanhild's beauteous locks should in the mire be trodden under
+horses' feet.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;But that was yet more painful, when my Sigurd they ingloriously
+slew in his bed; though of all most cruel, when of Gunnar the
+glistening serpents to the vitals crawled; but the most agonizing,
+which to my heart flew, when the brave king's heart they while quick
+cut out.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Many griefs I call to memory, many ills I call to memory.
+Guide, Sigurd! thy black steed, thy swift courser, hither let it run.
+Here sits no son's wife, no daughter, who to Gudrun precious things
+may give.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 251]</span><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251" /></p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Remember, Sigurd! what we together said, when on our bed we
+both were sitting, that thou, brave one, wouldst come to me from Hel's
+abode, but I from the world to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Raise, ye Jarls! an oaken pile; let it under heaven the highest
+be. May it burn a breast full of woes! the fire round my heart its
+sorrows melt!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> May all men's lot be bettered, all women's sorrow lessened, to
+whom this tale of woes shall be recounted.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117" /><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> Themselves and the two sons of Atli.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" id="THE_LAY_OF_HAMDIR" />THE LAY OF HAMDIR.</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>1.</b> In that court<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118" /><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> arose woeful deeds, at the Alfar's doleful
+lament;<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119" /><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> at early morn, men's afflictions, troubles of various
+kinds; sorrows were quickened.</p>
+
+<p><b>2.</b> It was not now, nor yesterday, a long time since has passed
+away,&mdash;few things are more ancient, it was by much earlier&mdash;when
+Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, her young sons instigated Svanhild to
+avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> &quot;She was your sister, her name Svanhild, she whom Jormunrek with
+horses trod to death, white and black, on the public way, with grey
+and way-wont Gothic steeds.</p>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;Thenceforth all is sad to you, kings of people! Ye alone
+survive,<span class="pagenum">[Pg 252]</span><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252" /></p>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Branches of my race. Lonely I am become, as the asp-tree in the
+forest, of kindred bereft, as the fir of branches; of joy deprived, as
+is the tree of foliage, when the branch-spoiler comes in the warm
+day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> Then spake Hamdir, the great of soul, &quot;Little, Gudrun! didst thou
+care Hogni's deed to praise, when Sigurd they from sleep awaked on the
+bed thou satst, and the murderers laughed.</p>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Thy bed-clothes, blue and white, woven by cunning hands, swam in
+thy husband's gore. When Sigurd perished, o'er the dead thou satst,
+caredst not for mirth&mdash;so Gunnar willed it.</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;Atli thou wouldst afflict by Erp's murder, and by Eitil's life's
+destruction: that proved for thyself the worse: therefore should every
+one so against others use, for life's destruction, a sharp-biting
+sword, that he harm not himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> Then said Sorli&mdash;he had a prudent mind&mdash;&quot;I with my mother will
+not speeches exchange: though words to each of you to me seem wanting.
+What, Gudrun! dost thou desire, which for tears thou canst not utter?</p>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;For thy brothers weep, and thy dear sons, thy nearest kin,
+drawn to the strife: for us both shalt thou, Gudrun! also have to
+weep, who here sit fated on our steeds, far away to die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> From the court they went, for conflict ready. The young men
+journeyed over humid fells, on Hunnish steeds, murder to avenge.</p>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> Then said Erp, all at once&mdash;the noble youth was joking on his
+horse's back&mdash;&quot;Ill 'tis to a timid man to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 253]</span><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253" />point out the ways.&quot; They
+said the bastard<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120" /><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> was over bold.</p>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> On their way they had found the wily jester. &quot;How will the
+swarthy dwarf afford us aid?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> He of another mother answered: so he said aid he would to his
+kin afford, as one foot to the other<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121" /><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> [or, grown to the body, one
+hand the other].</p>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;What can a foot to a foot give; or, grown to the body, one hand
+the other?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> From the sheath they drew the iron blade, the falchion's edges,
+for Hel's delight. They their strength diminished by a third part,
+they their young kinsman caused to earth to sink.</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> Their mantles then they shook, their weapons grasped; the
+high-born were clad in sumptuous raiment.</p>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> Forward lay the ways, a woeful path they found, and their
+sister's son wounded on a gibbet, wind-cold outlaw-trees,<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122" /><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> on the
+town's west. Ever vibrated the ravens' whet: there to tarry was not
+good.</p>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> Uproar was in the hall, men were with drink excited, so that the
+horses' tramp no one heard, until a mindful man winded his horn.</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> To announce they went to Jormunrek that were seen helm-decked
+warriors. &quot;Take ye counsel, potent ones are come; before mighty men ye
+have on a damsel trampled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> Then laughed Jormunrek, with his hand stroked <span class="pagenum">[Pg 254]</span><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254" />his beard, asked
+not for his corslet; with wine he struggled, shook his dark locks, on
+his white shield looked, and in his hand swung the golden cup.</p>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;Happy should I seem, if I could see Hamdir and Sorli within my
+hall. I would them then with bowstrings bind, the good sons of Giuki
+on the gallows hang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> Then said Hrodrglod, on the high steps standing; &quot;Prince&quot; said
+she to her son&mdash;for that was threatened which ought not to
+happen&mdash;&quot;shall two men alone bind or slay ten hundred Goths in this
+lofty burgh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> Tumult was in the mansion, the beer-cups flew in shivers, men
+lay in blood from the Goths' breasts flowing.</p>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Jormunrek! thou didst
+desire our coming, brothers of one mother, into thy burgh:<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123" /><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> now
+seest thou thy feet, seest thy hands Jormunrek! cast into the glowing
+fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> Then roared forth a godlike<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124" /><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> mail-clad warrior, as a bear
+roars: &quot;On the men hurl stones, since spears bite not, nor edge of
+sword, nor point, the sons of Jonakr.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> Then said Hamdir, the great of heart: &quot;Harm didst thou, brother!
+when thou that mouth didst ope. Oft from that mouth bad counsel
+comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;Courage hast thou, Hamdir! if only thou hadst sense: that man
+lacks much who wisdom lacks.</p>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Off would the head now be, had but Erp lived, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 255]</span><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255" />our brother bold
+in fight, whom on the way we slew, that warrior brave&mdash;me the Disir
+instigated&mdash;that man sacred to us, whom we resolved to slay.</p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;I ween not that ours should be the wolves' example, that with
+ourselves we should contend, like the Norns' dogs, that voracious are
+in the desert nurtured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Well have we fought, on slaughtered Goths we stand, on those
+fallen by the sword, like eagles on a branch. Great glory we have
+gained, though now or to-morrow we shall die. No one lives till eve
+against the Norns' decree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> There fell Sorli, at the mansion's front; but Hamdir sank at the
+house's back.</p>
+
+<p>This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118" /><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, and. Luning, Glossar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119" /><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> &quot;The Alfar's Lament&quot; is the early dawn, and is in
+apposition to &quot;early morn,&quot; in the following line. The swart Alfar are
+meant, who were turned to stone if they did not flee from the light of
+day. This is the best interpretation I can offer of this obscure
+strophe.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120" /><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> In this and the four following strophes the person
+alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story nothing more is
+known. He, it appears, had preceded or outridden the others.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121" /><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> Malmesbury relates a similar story of King &AElig;thelstan
+and his cupbearer.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122" /><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> Lit. wolf-trees; a fugitive criminal being called vargr
+<i>wolf</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123" /><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> According to the Skalda it would appear that they cut
+off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had they not murdered
+him, was to have cut off his head.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124" /><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 256]</div>
+<h2><a name="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" id="THE_YOUNGER_EDDAS_OF_STURLESON" /><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256" />THE YOUNGER EDDAS OF STURLESON.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h4><a name="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" id="THE_DELUDING_OF_GYLFI" />THE DELUDING OF GYLFI.</h4>
+<h4>GEFJON'S PLOUGHING.<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125" /><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></h4>
+
+<p><b>1.</b> King Gylfi ruled over the land which is now called Svithiod
+(Sweden). It is related of him that he once gave a wayfaring woman, as
+a recompense for her having diverted him, as much land in his realm as
+she could plough with four oxen in a day and a night. This woman was,
+however, of the race of the &AElig;sir, and was called Gefjon. She took four
+oxen from the north, out of Jotunheim (but they were the sons she had
+had with a giant), and set them before a plough. Now the plough made
+such deep furrows that it tore up the land, which the oxen drew
+westward out to sea until they came to a sound. There Gefjon fixed the
+land, and called it S&aelig;lund. And the place where the land had stood
+became water, and formed a lake which is now called &quot;The Water&quot;
+(Laugur), and the inlets of this lake correspond exactly with the
+headlands of Sealund. As Skald Bragi the Old saith:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 257]<a name="Page_257" id="Page_257" /></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Gefjon drew from Gylfi,<br /></span>
+<span>Rich in stored up treasure,<br /></span>
+<span>The land she joined to Denmark.<br /></span>
+<span>Four heads and eight eyes bearing,<br /></span>
+<span>While hot sweat trickled down them,<br /></span>
+<span>The oxen dragged the reft mass<br /></span>
+<span>That formed this winsome island.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="GYLFIS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />GYLFI'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>2.</b> King Gylfi was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He
+beheld with astonishment that whatever the &AElig;sir willed took place; and
+was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of
+their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty
+gods whom they worshipped. To be satisfied in this particular, he
+resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an
+old man, set out on his journey. But the &AElig;sir, being too well skilled
+in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with
+various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty
+mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered
+with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being
+roofed with shields.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Warriors all care-worn,<br /></span>
+<span>(Stones had poured upon them),<br /></span>
+<span>On their backs let glisten<br /></span>
+<span>Valhalla's golden shingles.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by
+tossing seven small-swords in the air, and catching them as they fell,
+one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said
+that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and
+begged for a night's lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this
+mansion belonged. The other told him that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 258]</span><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258" />it belonged to their king,
+and added, &quot;But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask
+him his name.&quot; So saying he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed
+the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded
+with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with
+various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of
+which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse
+(from the Havamal, st. i.):&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Scan every gate<br /></span>
+<span>Ere thou go on,<br /></span>
+<span>With greatest caution;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>For hard to say 'tis<br /></span>
+<span>Where foes are sitting<br /></span>
+<span>In this fair mansion.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He afterwards beheld three thrones raised one above another, with a
+man sitting on each of them. Upon his asking what the names of these
+lords might be, his guide answered: &quot;He who sitteth on the lowest
+throne is a king; his name is Har (the High or Lofty One); the second
+is Jafnhar (<i>i.e</i>. equal to the High); but he who sitteth on the
+highest throne is called Thridi (the Third).&quot; Har, perceiving the
+stranger, asked him what his errand was, adding that he should be
+welcome to eat and drink without cost, as were all those who remained
+in Hava Hall. Gangler said he desired first to ascertain whether there
+was any person present renowned for his wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If thou art not the most knowing,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I fear thou wilt
+hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy
+questions, here sits one who will be able to answer them.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 259]</span><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" id="OF_THE_SUPREME_DEITY" />OF THE SUPREME DEITY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>3.</b> Gangler thus began his discourse:&mdash;&quot;'Who is the first, or eldest
+of the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In our language,&quot; replied Har, &quot;he is called Alfadir (All-Father, or
+the Father of all); but in the old Asgard he had twelve names.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is this God?&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what is his power? and what hath
+he done to display his glory?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He liveth,&quot; replied Har, &quot;from all ages, he governeth all realms and
+swayeth all things great and small.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He hath formed,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;heaven and earth, and the air, and
+all things thereunto belonging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what is more,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;he hath made man, and given him
+a soul which shall live and never perish though the body shall have
+mouldered away, or have been burnt to ashes. And all that are
+righteous shall dwell with him in the place called Gimli, or Vingolf;
+but the wicked shall go to Hel, and thence to Niflhel, which is below,
+in the ninth world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And where did this god remain before he made heaven and earth?&quot;
+demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was then,&quot; replied Har, &quot;with the Hrimthursar.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126" /><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="OF_THE_PRIMORDIAL_STATE_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />OF THE PRIMORDIAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>4.</b> &quot;But with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of
+things?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear,&quot; replied Har, &quot;what is said in the Voluspa.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 260]</span><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260" />
+<span>&quot;'Twas time's first dawn,<br /></span>
+<span>When nought yet was,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor sand nor sea,<br /></span>
+<span>Nor cooling wave;<br /></span>
+<span>Earth was not there,<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Nor heaven above.<br /></span>
+<span>Nought save a void<br /></span>
+<span>And yawning gulf.<br /></span>
+<span>But verdure none.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Many ages before the earth was made,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;was Niflheim
+formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from
+which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the
+abode of death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, first of all,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;there was in the southern
+region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous
+and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127" /><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a>
+He who sitteth on its borders (or the land's-end) to guard it is named
+Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of
+the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the
+gods, and consume the universe with fire.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_HRIMTHURSAR_OR_FROST_GIANTS" />ORIGIN OF THE HRIMTHURSAR, OR FROST-GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>5.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what was the state of things ere the
+races mingled, and nations came into being.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the rivers that are called Elivagar had flowed far from their
+sources,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the venom which they rolled along hardened, as
+does dross that runs from a furnace, and became ice. When the rivers
+flowed no longer, and the ice stood still, the vapour arising from the
+venom gathered over it, and froze to rime, and in this <span class="pagenum">[Pg 261]</span><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261" />manner were
+formed, in Ginnungagap, many layers of congealed vapour, piled one
+over the other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That part of Ginnungagap,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;that lies towards the
+north was thus filled with heavy masses of gelid vapour and ice,
+whilst everywhere within were whirlwinds and fleeting mists. But the
+southern part of Ginnungagap was lighted by the sparks and flakes that
+flew into it from Muspellheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thus,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;whilst freezing cold and gathering gloom
+proceeded from Niflheim, that part of Ginnungagap looking towards
+Muspellheim was filled with glowing radiancy, the intervening space
+remaining calm and light as wind-still air. And when the heated blast
+met the gelid vapour it melted it into drops, and, by the might of him
+who sent the heat, these drops quickened into life, and took a human
+semblance. The being thus formed was named Ymir, but the Frost-giants
+call him Orgelmir. From him descend the race of the Frost-giants
+(Hrimthursar), as it is said in the Voluspa, 'From Vidolf come all
+witches; from Vilmeith all wizards; from Svarthofdi all
+poison-seethers; and all giants from Ymir.' And the giant Vafthr&ucirc;dnir,
+when Gangrad asked, 'Whence came Orgelmir the first of the sons of
+giants?' answered, 'The Elivagar cast out drops of venom that
+quickened into a giant. From him spring all our race, and hence are we
+so strong and mighty.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did the race of Ymir spread itself?&quot; asked Gangler; &quot;or dost thou
+believe that this giant was a god?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are far from believing him to have been a god,&quot; <span class="pagenum">[Pg 262]</span><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262" />replied Har, &quot;for
+he was wicked as are all of his race, whom we call Frost-giants. And
+it is said that, when Ymir slept, he fell into a sweat, and from the
+pit of his left arm was born a man and a woman, and one of his feet
+engendered with the other a son, from whom descend the Frost-giants,
+and we therefore call Ymir the old Frost-giant.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" id="OF_THE_COW_AUDHUMLA_AND_THE_BIRTH_OF_ODIN" />OF THE COW AUDHUMLA, AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>6.</b> &quot;Where dwelt Ymir, and on what did he live?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Immediately after the gelid vapours had been resolved into drops,&quot;
+replied Kar, &quot;there was formed out of them the cow named Audhumla.
+Four streams of milk ran from her teats, and thus fed she Ymir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But on what did the cow feed?&quot; questioned Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The cow,&quot; answered Har, &quot;supported herself by licking the stones that
+were covered with salt and hoar frost. The first day that she licked
+these stones there sprang from them, towards evening, the hairs of a
+man, the second day a head, and on the third an entire man, who was
+endowed with beauty, agility and power. He was called Bur, and was the
+father of Bor, who took for his wife Besla, the daughter of the giant
+Bolthorn. And they had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve; and it is our
+belief that this Odin, with his brothers, ruleth both heaven and
+earth, and that Odin is his true name, and that he is the most mighty
+of all the gods.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">[Pg 263]</span><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263" /></div>
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" id="HOW_THE_SONS_OF_BOR_SLEW_YMIR_AND_FROM_HIS_BODY_MADE_HEAVEN_AND_EARTH" />HOW THE SONS OF BOR SLEW YMIR AND FROM HIS BODY MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.</h4>
+
+<p><b>7.</b> &quot;Was there,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;any kind of equality or any degree
+of good understanding between these two races?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Far from it,&quot; replied Har; &quot;for the sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir,
+and when he fell there ran so much blood from his wounds, that the
+whole race of Frost-giants was drowned in it, except a single giant,
+who saved himself with his household. He is called by the giants
+Bergelmir. He escaped by going on board his bark, and with him went
+his wife, and from them are descended the Frost-giants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>8.</b> &quot;And what became of the sons of Bor, whom ye look upon as gods?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To relate this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is no trivial matter. They dragged the
+body of Ymir into the middle of Ginnungagap, and of it formed the
+earth. From Ymir's blood they made the seas and waters; from his flesh
+the land; from his bones the mountains; and his teeth and jaws,
+together with some bits of broken bones, served them to make the
+stones and pebbles.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With the blood that ran from his wounds,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;they made
+the vast ocean, in the midst of which they fixed the earth, the ocean
+encircling it as a ring, and hardy will he be who attempts to pass
+those waters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From his skull,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;they formed the heavens, which
+they placed over the earth, and set a dwarf at the corner of each of
+the four quarters. These dwarfs are called East, West, North, and
+South. They after<span class="pagenum">[Pg 264]</span><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264" />wards took the wandering sparks and red hot flakes
+that had been cast out of Muspellheim, and placed them in the heavens,
+both above and below, to give light unto the world, and assigned to
+every other errant coruscation a prescribed locality and motion. Hence
+it is recorded in ancient lore that from this time were marked out the
+days, and nights, and seasons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Such are the events that took place ere the earth obtained the form
+it now beareth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Truly great were the deeds ye tell me of!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;and
+wondrous in all its parts is the work thereby accomplished. But how is
+the earth fashioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is round without,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and encircled by the deep ocean,
+the outward shores of which were assigned for a dwelling to the race
+of giants. But within, round about the earth, they (the sons of Bor)
+raised a bulwark against turbulent giants, employing for this
+structure Ymir's eyebrows. To this bulwark they gave the name of
+Midgard<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128" /><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> They afterwards tossed Ymir's brains into the air, and
+they became the clouds, for thus we find it recorded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of Ymir's flesh was formed the earth; of his sweat (blood), the seas;
+of his bones, the mountains; of his hair the trees; of his skull, the
+heavens; but with his eyebrows the blithe gods built Midgard for the
+sons of men, whilst from his brains the lowering clouds were
+fashioned.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 265]</span><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265" /></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" id="OF_THE_FORMATION_OF_THE_FIRST_MAN_AND_WOMAN" />OF THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MAN AND WOMAN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>9.</b> &quot;To make heaven and earth, to fix the sun and the moon in the
+firmament, and mark out the days and seasons, were, indeed, important
+labours,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;but whence came the men who at present dwell
+in the world?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One day.&quot; replied Har, &quot;as the sons of Bor were walking along the
+sea-beach they found two stems of wood, out of which they shaped a man
+and a woman. The first (Odin) infused into them life and spirit; the
+second (Vili) endowed them with reason and the power of motion; the
+third (Ve) gave them speech and features, hearing and vision. The man
+they called Ask, and the woman, Embla. From these two descend the
+whole human race whose assigned dwelling was within Midgard. Then the
+sons of Bor built in the middle of the universe the city called
+Asgard, where dwell the gods and their kindred, and from that abode
+work out so many wondrous things, both on the earth and in the heavens
+above it. There is in that city a place called Hlidskjalf, and when
+Odin is seated there on his lofty throne he sees over the whole world,
+discerns all the actions of men, and comprehends whatever he
+contemplates. His wife is Frigga, the daughter of Fjorgyn, and they
+and their offspring form the race that we call &AElig;sir, a race that
+dwells in Asgard the old, and the regions around it, and that we know
+to be entirely divine. Wherefore Odin may justly be called All-father,
+for he is verily the father of all, of gods as well as of men, and to
+his power all things owe their existence. Earth is his daughter and
+his wife, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 266]</span><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266" />with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is
+endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything
+that hath life.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" id="OF_NIGHT_AND_DAY" />OF NIGHT AND DAY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>10.</b> &quot;A giant called Njorvi,&quot; continued Har, &quot;who dwelt in Jotunheim,
+had a daughter called Night (Nott) who, like all her race, was of a
+dark and swarthy complexion. She was first wedded to a man called
+Naglfari, and had by him a son named Aud, and afterwards to another
+man called Annar, by whom she had a daughter called Earth (Jord). She
+then espoused Delling, of the &AElig;sir race, and their son was Day, (Dagr)
+a child light and beauteous like his father. Then took All-father,
+Night, and Day, her son, and gave them two horses and two cars, and
+set them up in the heavens that they might drive successively one
+after the other, each in twelve hours' time, round the world. Night
+rides first on her horse called Hrimfaxi, that every morn, as he ends
+his course, bedews the earth with the foam that falls from his bit.
+The horse made use of by Day is named Skinfaxi, from whose mane is
+shed light over the earth and the heavens.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE SUN AND MOON.</h4>
+
+<p><b>11.</b> &quot;How doth All-father regulate the course of the sun and moon?&quot;
+asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was formerly a man,&quot; replied Har, &quot;named Mundilfari, who had
+two children so lovely and graceful that he called the male, Mani
+(moon), and the female, Sol (sun), who espoused the man named Glenur.
+But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 267]</span><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267" />the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his
+children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses
+that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to
+the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses
+are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed
+two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to
+some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called
+<i>isarnkul</i>.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129" /><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and
+regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from
+the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning
+from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called
+Saegr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children,
+who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from
+the earth.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" id="OF_THE_WOLVES_THAT_PURSUE_THE_SUN_AND_MOON" />OF THE WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON</h4>
+
+<p><b>12.</b> &quot;But the sun,&quot; said Gangler, speeds at such a rate as if she
+feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And well she may,&quot; replied Har, &quot;for he that seeks her is not far
+behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But who is he,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;that causes her this anxiety?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are two wolves,&quot; answered Har; &quot;the one called Skoll pursues
+the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake
+and devour her; the other, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 268]</span><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268" />called Hati, the son of Hrodvitnir, runs
+before her, and as eagerly pursues the moon that will one day be
+caught by him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whence come these wolves?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A hag,&quot; replied Har, &quot;dwells in a wood, to the eastward of Midgard,
+called Jarnvid, (the Iron Wood,) which is the abode of a race of
+witches called Jarnvidjur. This old hag is the mother of many gigantic
+sons, who are all of them shaped like wolves, two of whom are the
+wolves thou askest about. There is one of that race, who is said to be
+the most formidable of all, called Managarm: he will be filled with
+the life-blood of men who draw near their end, and will swallow up the
+moon, and stain the heavens and the earth with blood. Then shall the
+sun grow dim, and the winds howl tumultuously to and fro.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" id="OF_THE_WAY_THAT_LEADS_TO_HEAVEN" />OF THE WAY THAT LEADS TO HEAVEN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>13.</b> &quot;I must now ask,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which is the path leading from
+earth to heaven?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a senseless question,&quot; replied Har, with a smile of derision.
+&quot;Hast thou not been told that the gods made a bridge from earth to
+heaven, and called it Bifrost? Thou must surely have seen it; but,
+perhaps, thou callest it the rainbow. It is of three hues, and is
+constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it
+be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell, after having
+traversed great rivers, shall ride over it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the gods could not have <span class="pagenum">[Pg 269]</span><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269" />been in earnest to
+erect a bridge so liable to be broken down, since it is in their power
+to make whatever they please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;are not to be blamed on that account;
+Bifrost is of itself a very good bridge, but there is nothing in
+nature that can hope to make resistance when the sons of Muspell sally
+forth to the great combat.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" id="THE_GOLDEN_AGE" />THE GOLDEN AGE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>14.</b> &quot;What did All-father do after Asgard was made?&quot; demanded
+Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the beginning,&quot; answered Har, &quot;he appointed rulers, and bade them
+judge with him the fate of men, and regulate the government of the
+celestial city. They met for this purpose in a place called Idavoll,
+which is in the centre of the divine abode. Their first work was to
+erect a court or hall wherein are twelve seats for themselves, besides
+the throne which is occupied by All-father. This hall is the largest
+and most magnificent in the universe, being resplendent on all sides,
+both within and without, with the finest gold. Its name is Gladsheim.
+They also erected another hall for the sanctuary of the goddesses. It
+is a very fair structure, and called by men Vingolf. Lastly they built
+a smithy, and furnished it with hammers, tongs, and anvils, and with
+these made all the other requisite instruments, with which they worked
+in metal, stone and wood, and composed so large a quantity of the
+metal called gold that they made all their moveables of it. Hence that
+age was named the Golden Age. This was the age that lasted until the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 270]</span><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270" />arrival of the women out of Jotunheim, who corrupted it.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" id="ORIGIN_OF_THE_DWARFS" />ORIGIN OF THE DWARFS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>15.</b> &quot;Then the gods, seating themselves upon their thrones,
+distributed justice, and bethought them how the dwarfs had been bred
+in the mould of the earth, just as worms are in a dead body. It was,
+in fact, in Ymir's flesh that the dwarfs were engendered, and began to
+move and live. At first they were only maggots, but by the will of the
+gods they at length partook both of human shape and understanding,
+although they always dwell in rocks and caverns.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Modsognir and Durin are the principal ones. As it is said in the
+Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Then went the rulers there,<br /></span>
+<span>All gods most holy,<br /></span>
+<span>To their seats aloft,<br /></span>
+<span>And counsel together took,<br /></span>
+<span>Who should of dwarfs<br /></span>
+<span>The race then fashion,<br /></span>
+<span>From the livid bones<br /></span>
+<span>And blood of the giant.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Modsognir, chief<br /></span>
+<span>Of the dwarfish race,<br /></span>
+<span>And Durin too<br /></span>
+<span>Were then created.<br /></span>
+<span>And like to men<br /></span>
+<span>Dwarfs in the earth<br /></span>
+<span>Were formed in numbers<br /></span>
+<span>As Durin ordered.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" id="OF_THE_ASH_YGGDRASILL_MIMIRS_WELL_AND_THE_NORNS_OR_DESTINIES" />OF THE ASH YGGDRASILL, MIMIR'S WELL., AND THE NORNS OR DESTINIES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>16.</b> &quot;Where,&quot; asked Gangler, &quot;is the chief or holiest seat of
+the gods?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is under the ash Yggdrasill,&quot; replied Har, &quot;where the gods
+assemble every day in council.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is there remarkable in regard to that place?&quot; said Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 271]</span><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271" />That ash,&quot; answered Jafnhar, &quot;is the greatest and best of all trees.
+Its branches spread over the whole world, and even reach above heaven.
+It has three roots very wide asunder. One of them extends to the &AElig;sir,
+another to the Frost-giants in that very place where was formerly
+Ginnungagap, and the third stands over Nifelheim, and under this root,
+which is constantly gnawed by Nidhogg, is Hvergelmir. But under the
+root that stretches out towards the Frost-giants there is Mimir's
+well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden. The owner of this well is
+called Mimir. He is full of wisdom, because he drinks the waters of
+the well from the horn Gjoll every morning. One day All-father came
+and begged a draught of this water, which he obtained, but was obliged
+to leave one of his eyes as a pledge for it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The third root of the ash is in heaven, and under it is the holy
+Urdar-fount. 'Tis here that the gods sit in judgment. Every day they
+ride up hither on horseback over Bifrost, which is called the &AElig;sir
+Bridge. These are the names of the horses of the &AElig;sir. Sleipnir is the
+best of them; he has eight legs, and belongs to Odin. The others are
+Gladr, Gyllir, Gl&aelig;r, Skeidbrimir, Silfrintoppr, Synir, Gils,
+Falhofnir, Gulltoppr, and Lettfeti. Baldur's horse was burnt with his
+master's body. As for Thor, he goes on foot, and is obliged every day
+to wade the rivers called Kormt and OErmt, and two others called
+Kerlaung.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Through these shall Thor wade every day, as he fares to the doomstead
+under Yggdrasill's ash, else the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 272]</span><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272" />&AElig;sir Bridge would be in flames, and
+boiling hot would become the holy waters.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130" /><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> &quot;But tell me,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;does fire burn over Bifrost?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That,&quot; replied Har, &quot;which thou seest red in the bow, is burning
+fire; for the Frost-giants and the Mountain-giants would go up to
+heaven by that bridge if it were easy for every one to walk over it.
+There are in heaven many goodly homesteads, and none without a
+celestial ward. Near the fountain, which is under the ash, stands a
+very beauteous dwelling, out of which go three maidens, named Urd,
+Verdandi, and Skuld.<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131" /><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> These maidens fix the lifetime of all men,
+and are called Norns. But there are, indeed, many other Norns, for,
+when a man is born, there is a Norn to determine his fate. Some are
+known to be of heavenly origin, but others belong to the races of the
+elves and dwarfs; as it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks the Norns were born far asunder, for they are not of the
+same race. Some belong to the &AElig;sir, some to the Elves, and some are
+Dvalin's daughters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But if these Norns dispense the destinies of men,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;they are, methinks, very unequal in their distribution; for some men
+are fortunate and wealthy, others acquire neither riches nor honours,
+some live to a good old age, while others are cut off in their prime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Norns,&quot; replied Har, &quot;who are of a good origin, are good
+themselves, and dispense good destinies. But <span class="pagenum">[Pg 273]</span><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273" />those men to whom
+misfortunes happen ought to ascribe them to the evil Norns.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>17.</b> &quot;What more wonders hast thou to tell me,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;concerning the ash?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What I have further to say respecting it,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is, that
+there is an eagle perched upon its branches who knows many things:
+between his eyes sits the hawk called Vedurfolnir. The squirrel named
+Ratatosk runs up and down the ash, and seeks to cause strife between
+the eagle and Nidhogg. Four harts run across the branches of the tree,
+and bite the buds. They are called Dainn, Divalinn, Duneyr, and
+Durathror. But there are so many snakes with Nidhogg in Hvergelmir
+that no tongue can recount them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is also said that the Norns who dwell by the Urdar-fount draw
+every day water from the spring, and with it and the clay that lies
+around the fount sprinkle the ash, in order that its branches may not
+rot and wither away. This water is so holy that everything placed in
+the spring becomes as white as the film, within an eggshell. As it is
+said in the Voluspa&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'An Ash know I standing,<br /></span>
+<span>Named Yggdrasill,<br /></span>
+<span>A stately tree sprinkled<br /></span>
+<span>With water the purest;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Thence come the dewdrops<br /></span>
+<span>That fall in the dales;<br /></span>
+<span>Ever blooming, it stands<br /></span>
+<span>O'er the Urdar-fountain.&quot;'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;The dew that falls thence on the earth men call honey-dew, and it is
+the food of the bees. Two fowls are fed in the Urdar-fount; they are
+called swans, and from them are descended all the birds of this
+species.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 274]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" id="OF_THE_VARIOUS_CELESTIAL_REGIONS" /><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274" />OF THE VARIOUS CELESTIAL REGIONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>18.</b> &quot;Thou tellest me many wonderful things of heaven,&quot; said Gangler,
+&quot;but what other homesteads are to be seen there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many other fair homesteads there,&quot; replied Har; &quot;one of
+them is named Elf-home (Alfheim), wherein dwell the beings called the
+Elves of Light; but the Elves of Darkness live under the earth, and
+differ from the others still more in their actions than in their
+appearance. The Elves of Light are fairer than the sun, but the Elves
+of Darkness blacker than pitch. There is also a mansion called
+Breidablik, which is not inferior to any other in beauty; and another
+named Glitnir, the wall, columns and beams of which are of ruddy gold,
+and the roof of silver. There is also the stead called Himinbjorg,
+that stands on the borders where Bifrost touches heaven, and the
+stately mansion belonging to Odin, called Valaskjalf, which was built
+by the gods, and roofed with pure silver, and in which is the throne
+called Hlidskjalf. When All-father is seated on this throne, he can
+see over the whole world. On the southern edge of heaven is the most
+beautiful homestead of all, brighter than the sun itself. It is called
+Gimli, and shall stand when both heaven and earth have passed away,
+and good and righteous men shall dwell therein for everlasting ages.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what will preserve this abode when Surtur's fire consumes heaven
+and earth?&quot; asked Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are told,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that towards the south <span class="pagenum">[Pg 275]</span><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275" />there is another
+heaven above this called Andlang, and again above this a third heaven
+called Vidblain. In this last, we think Gimli must be seated, but we
+deem that the Elves of Light abide in it now.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" id="OF_THE_WIND_AND_THE_SEASONS" />OF THE WIND AND THE SEASONS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>19.</b> &quot;Tell me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;whence comes the wind, which is so
+strong that it moves the ocean and fans fire to flame, yet, strong
+though it be, no mortal eye can discern it? wonderfully, therefore,
+must it be shapen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell thee all about it,&quot; answered Har; &quot;thou must know that at
+the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hr&aelig;svelgur,
+clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
+the winds arise from under them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>20.</b> &quot;Tell me further,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;why the summer should be hot,
+and the winter cold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
+answer,&quot; replied Har; &quot;but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
+heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
+question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
+ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
+Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
+from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
+and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
+icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 276]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_ODIN" id="OF_ODIN" /><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276" />OF ODIN.</h4>
+
+<p><b>21.</b> &quot;I must now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;who are the gods that men
+are bound to believe in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are twelve gods,&quot; replied Har, &quot;to whom divine honours ought to
+be rendered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor are the goddesses,&quot; added Jafnhar, &quot;less divine and mighty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first and eldest of the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;is Odin. He
+governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
+all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his
+wife. She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to
+come. For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, 'Senseless
+Loki, why wilt thou pry into futurity, Frigga alone knoweth the
+destinies of all, though she telleth them never?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
+the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
+his sons all of those who fall in combat. For their abode he has
+prepared Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes
+or Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud,
+and, besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
+Geirraudr,&quot; forty-nine names in all.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A great many names, indeed!&quot; exclaimed Gangler; &quot;surely that man must
+be very wise who knows them all distinctly, and can tell on what
+occasions they were given.&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 277]</span><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;It requires, no doubt,&quot; replied Har, &quot;a good memory to recollect
+readily all these names, but I will tell thee in a few words what
+principally contributed to confer them upon him. It was the great
+variety of languages; for the various nations were obliged to
+translate his name into their respective tongues, in order that they
+might supplicate and worship him. Some of his names, however, have
+been owing to adventures that happened to him on his journeys, and
+which are related in old stories. Nor canst thou ever pass for a wise
+man if thou are not able to give an account of these wonderful
+adventures.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THOR" id="OF_THOR" />OF THOR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>22.</b> &quot;I now ask thee,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;what are the names of the other
+gods. What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The mightiest of them.&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
+and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is
+named Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred
+and forty halls. It is the largest house ever built.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
+From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
+(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
+The first is a mallet called Mjolnir, which both the Frost and
+Mountain Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against
+them in the air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their
+fathers and kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the
+belt of strength or <span class="pagenum">[Pg 278]</span><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278" />prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about
+him his divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very
+precious, being his iron gauntlets, which he is obliged to put on
+whenever he would lay hold of the handle of his mallet. There is no
+one so wise as to be able to relate all Thor's marvellous exploits,
+yet I could tell thee so many myself that hours would be whiled away
+ere all that I know had been recounted.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_BALDUR" id="OF_BALDUR" />OF BALDUR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>23.</b> &quot;I would rather,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;hear something about the other
+&AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The second son of Odin,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Baldur, and it may be truly
+said of him that he is the best, and that all mankind are loud in his
+praise. So fair and dazzling is he in form and features, that rays of
+light seem to issue from him; and thou mayst have some idea of the
+beauty of his hair, when I tell thee that the whitest of all plants is
+called Baldur's brow. Baldur is the mildest, the wisest, and the most
+eloquent of all the &AElig;sir, yet such is his nature that the judgment he
+has pronounced can never be altered. He dwells in the heavenly mansion
+called Breidablik, in which nothing unclean can enter.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_NJORD" id="OF_NJORD" />OF NJORD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>24.</b> &quot;The third god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;is Njord, who dwells in the
+heavenly region called Noatun. He rules over the winds, and checks the
+fury of the sea and of fire, and is therefore invoked by sea-farers
+and fisher<span class="pagenum">[Pg 279]</span><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279" />men. He is so wealthy that he can give possessions and
+treasures to those who call on him for them. Yet Njord is not of the
+lineage of the &AElig;sir, for he was born and bred in Vanaheim. But the
+Vanir gave him as hostage to the &AElig;sir, receiving from them in his
+stead Hoenir. By this means was peace re-established between the &AElig;sir
+and Vanir. Njord took to wife Skadi, the daughter of the giant
+Thjassi. She preferred dwelling in the abode formerly belonging to her
+father, which is situated among rocky mountains, in the region called
+Thrymheim, but Njord loved to reside near the sea. They at last agreed
+that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then
+three in Noatun. One day, when Njord came back from the mountains to
+Noatun, he thus sang&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Of mountains I'm weary,<br /></span>
+<span>Not long was I there,<br /></span>
+<span>Not more than nine nights;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>But the howl of the wolf<br /></span>
+<span>Methought sounded ill<br /></span>
+<span>To the song of the swan-bird.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;To which Skadi sang in reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Ne'er can I sleep<br /></span>
+<span>In my couch on the strand,<br /></span>
+<span>For the screams of the sea-fowl,<br /></span>
+<span>The mew as he comes<br /></span>
+<span>Every morn from the main<br /></span>
+<span>Is sure to awake me.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Skadi then returned to the rocky mountains, and abode in Thrymheim.
+There, fastening on her snow-skates and taking her bow, she passes her
+time in the chase of savage beasts, and is called the Ondur goddess,
+or Ondurdis. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 280]</span><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280" />
+<span>&quot;'Thrymheim's the land<br /></span>
+<span>Where Thjassi abode<br /></span>
+<span>That mightiest of giants.<br /></span>
+<span>But snow-skating Skadi<br /></span>
+<span>Now dwells there, I trow,<br /></span>
+<span>In her father's old mansion.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" id="OF_THE_GOD_FREY_AND_THE_GODDESS_FREYJA" />OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>25.</b> &quot;Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,
+a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous
+and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He
+presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and
+should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for
+peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most
+propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.
+To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one
+half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Folkvang 'tis called<br /></span>
+<span>Where Freyja hath right<br /></span>
+<span>To dispose of the hall seats<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Every day of the slain,<br /></span>
+<span>She chooseth the half,<br /></span>
+<span>And half leaves to Odin.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she
+sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable
+ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that
+women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is
+very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke
+her.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 281]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_TYR" id="OF_TYR" /><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281" />OF TYR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>26.</b> &quot;All the gods appear to me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;to have great power,
+and I am not at all surprised that ye are able to perform so many
+great achievements, since ye are so well acquainted with the
+attributes and functions of each god, and know what is befitting to
+ask from each, in order to succeed. But are there any more of them
+besides those you have already mentioned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; answered Har, &quot;there is Tyr, who is the most daring and intrepid
+of all the gods. 'Tis he who dispenses valour in war, hence warriors
+do well to invoke him. It has become proverbial to say of a man who
+surpasses all others in valour that he is <i>Tyr-strong</i>, or valiant as
+Tyr. A man noted for his wisdom is also said to be 'wise as Tyr.' Let
+me give thee a proof of his intrepidity. When the &AElig;sir were trying to
+persuade the wolf, Fenrir, to let himself be bound up with the chain,
+Gleipnir, he, fearing that they would never afterwards unloose him,
+only consented on the condition that while they were chaining him he
+should keep Tyr's right hand between his jaws. Tyr did not hesitate to
+put his hand in the monster's mouth, but when Fenrir perceived that
+the &AElig;sir had no intention to unchain him, he bit the hand off at that
+point, which has ever since been called the wolf's joint. From that
+time Tyr has had but one hand. He is not regarded as a peacemaker
+among men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" id="OF_THE_OTHER_GODS" />OF THE OTHER GODS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>27.</b> &quot;There is another god,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Bragi, who is
+celebrated for his wisdom, and more <span class="pagenum">[Pg 282]</span><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282" />especially for his eloquence and
+correct forms of speech. He is not only eminently skilled in poetry,
+but the art itself is called from his name <i>Bragr</i>, which epithet is
+also applied to denote a distinguished poet or poetess. His wife is
+named Iduna. She keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they
+feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.
+It is in this manner that they will be kept in renovated youth until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Methinks,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;the gods have committed a great
+treasure to the guardianship and good faith of Iduna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And hence it happened,&quot; replied Har, smiling, &quot;that they once ran the
+greatest risk imaginable, as I shall have occasion to tell thee when
+thou hast heard the names of the other deities.</p>
+
+<p><b>28.</b> &quot;One of them is Heimdall, called also the White God. He is the
+son of nine virgins, who were sisters, and is a very sacred and
+powerful deity. He also bears the appellation of the Gold-toothed, on
+account of his teeth being of pure gold, and also that of
+Hallinskithi. His horse is called Gulltopp, and he dwells in
+Himinbjorg at the end of Bifrost. He is the warder of the gods, and is
+therefore placed on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from
+forcing their way over the bridge. He requires less sleep than a bird,
+and sees by night, as well as by day, a hundred miles around him. So
+acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the
+grass growing on the earth, and the wool on a sheep's back. He has a
+horn called the Gjallar-horn, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 283]</span><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283" />which is heard throughout the universe.
+His sword is called Hofud (Head).</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HODUR_THE_BLING_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" id="HODUR_THE_BLIND_ASSASSIN_OF_BALDUR" />HODUR THE BLIND, ASSASSIN OF BALDUR</h4>
+
+<p><b>29.</b> &quot;Among the &AElig;sir,&quot; continued Har, &quot;we also reckon Hodur, who is
+blind, but extremely strong. Both gods and men would be very glad if
+they never had occasion to pronounce his name, for they will long have
+cause to remember the deed perpetrated by his hand.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132" /><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p>
+
+<p><b>30.</b> &quot;Another god is Vidar, surnamed the Silent, who wears very thick
+shoes. He is almost as strong as Thor himself, and the gods place
+great reliance on him in all critical conjunctures.</p>
+
+<p><b>31.</b> &quot;Vali, another god, is the son of Odin and Rinda, he is bold in
+war, and an excellent archer.</p>
+
+<p><b>32.</b> &quot;Another is called Ullur, who is the son of Sif, and stepson of
+Thor. He is so well skilled in the use of the bow, and can go so fast
+on his snow-skates, that in these arts no one can contend with him. He
+is also very handsome in his person, and possesses every quality of a
+warrior, wherefore it is befitting to invoke him in single combats.</p>
+
+<p><b>33.</b> &quot;The name of another god is Forseti, who is the son of Baldur
+and Nanna, the daughter of Nef. He possesses the heavenly mansion
+called Glitnir, and all disputants at law who bring their cases before
+him go away perfectly reconciled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His tribunal is the best that is to be found among gods or men.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 284]</div>
+<h4><a name="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" id="OF_LOKI_AND_HIS_PROGENY" /><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284" />OF LOKI AND HIS PROGENY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>34.</b> &quot;There is another deity,&quot; continued Har, &quot;reckoned in the number
+of the &AElig;sir, whom some call the calumniator of the gods, the contriver
+of all fraud and mischief, and the disgrace of gods and men. His name
+is Loki or Loptur. He is the son of the giant Farbauti. His mother is
+Laufey or Nal; his brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki is
+handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood, and most evil
+disposition. He surpasses all beings in those arts called Cunning and
+Perfidy. Many a time has he exposed the gods to very great perils, and
+often extricated them again by his artifices. His wife is called
+Siguna, and their son Nari.</p>
+
+<p><b>35.</b> &quot;Loki,&quot; continued Har, &quot;has likewise had three children by
+Angurbodi, a giantess of Jotunheim. The first is the wolf Fenrir; the
+second Jormungand, the Midgard serpent; the third Hela (Death). The
+gods were not long ignorant that these monsters continued to be bred
+up in Jotunheim, and, having had recourse to divination, became aware
+of all the evils they would have to suffer from them; their being
+sprung from such a mother was a bad presage, and from such a sire was
+still worse. All-father therefore deemed it advisable to send one of
+the gods to bring them to him. When they came he threw the serpent
+into that deep ocean by which the earth is engirdled. But the monster
+has grown to such an enormous size that, holding his tail in his
+mouth, he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifelheim, and
+gave her power over nine worlds (regions), into which she <span class="pagenum">[Pg 285]</span><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285" />distributes
+those who are sent to her, that is to say, all who die through
+sickness or old age. Here she possesses a habitation protected by
+exceedingly high walls and strongly barred gates. Her hall is called
+Elvidnir; Hunger is her table; Starvation, her knife; Delay, her man;
+Slowness, her maid; Precipice, her threshold; Care, her bed; and
+Burning Anguish forms the hangings of her apartments. The one half of
+her body is livid, the other half the colour of human flesh. She may
+therefore easily be recognized; the more so, as she has a dreadfully
+stern and grim countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir was bred up among the gods; but Tyr alone had the
+daring to go and feed him. Nevertheless, when the gods perceived that
+he every day increased prodigiously in size, and that the oracles
+warned them that he would one day become fatal to them, they
+determined to make a very strong iron fetter for him, which they
+called L&aelig;ding. Taking this fetter to the wolf, they bade him try his
+strength on it. Fenrir, perceiving that the enterprise would not be
+very difficult for him, let them do what they pleased, and then, by
+great muscular exertion, burst the chain and set himself at liberty.
+The gods, having seen this, made another fetter, half as strong again
+as the former, which they called Dromi, and prevailed on the wolf to
+put it on, assuring him that, by breaking this, he would give an
+undeniable proof of his vigour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf saw well enough that it would not be so easy to break this
+fetter, but finding at the same time that his strength had increased
+since he broke L&aelig;ding, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 286]</span><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286" />thinking that he could never become famous
+without running some risk, voluntarily submitted to be chained. When
+the gods told him that they had finished their task, Fenrir shook
+himself violently, stretched his limbs, rolled on the ground, and at
+last burst his chains, which flew in pieces all around him. He then
+freed himself from Dromi, which gave rise to the proverb, 'to get
+loose out of L&aelig;ding, or to dash out of Dromi,' when anything is to be
+accomplished by strong efforts.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" id="BINDING_THE_WOLF_FENIR" />BINDING THE WOLF FENIR</h4>
+
+<p>&quot;After this, the gods despaired of ever being able to bind the wolf;
+wherefore All-father sent Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, into the
+country of the Dark Elves (Svartalfaheim) to engage certain dwarfs to
+make the fetter called Gleipnir. It was fashioned out of six things;
+to wit, the noise made by the footfall of a cat; the beards of women;
+the roots of stones; the sinews of bears; the breath of fish; and the
+spittle of birds. Though thou mayest not have heard of these things
+before, thou mayest easily convince thyself that we have not been
+telling thee lies. Thou must have seen that women have no beards, that
+cats make no noise when they run, and that there are no roots under
+stones. Now I know what has been told thee to be equally true,
+although there may be some things thou art not able to furnish a proof
+of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe what thou hast told me to be true,&quot; replied Gangler, &quot;for
+what thou hast adduced in corroboration of thy statement is
+conceivable. But how was the fetter smithied?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This can I tell thee,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that the fetter was as smooth
+and soft as a silken string, and yet, as <span class="pagenum">[Pg 287]</span><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287" />thou wilt presently hear, of
+very great strength. When it was brought to the gods, they were
+profuse in their thanks to the messenger for the trouble he had given
+himself; and taking the wolf with them to the island called Lyngvi, in
+the Lake Amsvartnir, they showed him the cord, and expressed their
+wish that he would try to break it, assuring him at the same time that
+it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would warrant a person in
+supposing it to be. They took it themselves, one after another, in
+their hands, and after attempting in vain to break it, said, 'Thou
+alone, Fenrir, art able to accomplish such a feat.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Methinks,' replied the wolf, 'that I shall acquire no fame in
+breaking such a slender cord; but if any artifice has been employed in
+making it, slender though it seems, it shall never come on my feet.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods assured him that he would easily break a limber silken cord,
+since he had already burst asunder iron fetters of the most solid
+construction. 'But if thou shouldst not succeed in breaking it,' they
+added, 'thou wilt show that thou art too weak to cause the gods any
+fear, and we will not hesitate to set thee at liberty without delay.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I fear me much,' replied he wolf, 'that if ye once bind me so fast
+that I shall be unable to free myself by my own efforts, ye will be in
+no haste to unloose me. Loath am I, therefore, to have this cord wound
+round me; but in order that ye may not doubt my courage, I will
+consent, provided one of you put his hand into my mouth as a pledge
+that ye intend me no deceit.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 288]</span><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288" />The gods wistfully looked at each other, and found that they had
+only the choice of two evils, until Tyr stepped forward and intrepidly
+put his right hand between the monster's jaws. Hereupon the gods,
+having tied up the wolf, he forcibly stretched himself as he had
+formerly done, and used all his might to disengage himself, but the
+more efforts he made the tighter became the cord, until all the gods,
+except Tyr, who lost his hand, burst into laughter at the sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When the gods saw that the wolf was effectually bound, they took the
+chain called Gelgja, which was fixed to the fetter, and drew it
+through the middle of a large rock named Gjoll, which they sank very
+deep into the earth; afterwards, to make it still more secure, they
+fastened the end of the cord to a massive stone called Thviti, which
+they sank still deeper. The wolf made in vain the most violent efforts
+to break loose, and opening his tremendous jaws endeavoured to bite
+them. The gods seeing this, thrust a sword into his mouth, which
+pierced his under-jaw to the hilt, so that the point touched the
+palate. He then began to howl horribly, and since that time the foam
+flows continually from his mouth in such abundance that it forms the
+river called Von. There will he remain until Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;an evil progeny is that of Loki, yet most
+mighty and powerful; but since the gods have so much to fear from the
+wolf, why did they not slay him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods have so much respect for the sanctity of their
+peace-steads,&quot; replied Har, &quot;that they would not <span class="pagenum">[Pg 289]</span><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289" />stain them with the
+blood of the wolf, although prophecy had intimated to them that he
+must one day become the bane of Odin.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_GODDESSES" id="OF_THE_GODDESSES" />OF THE GODDESSES.</h4>
+
+<p><b>36.</b> &quot;Tell me now,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;which are the goddesses?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is Frigga, who has a magnificent mansion
+called Fensalir. The second is Saga, who dwells at Sokkvabekk, a very
+large and stately abode. The third is Eir, the best of all in the
+healing art. The fourth, named Gefjon, is a maid, and all those who
+die maids become her hand-maidens. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a
+maid, and goes about with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her
+head adorned with a gold ribbon. She is entrusted with the toilette
+and slippers of Frigga, and admitted into the most important secrets
+of that goddess. Freyja is ranked next to Frigga: she is wedded to a
+person called Odur, and their daughter, named Hnossa, is so very
+handsome that whatever is beautiful and precious is called by her name
+(<i>hnosir</i>.) But Odur left his wife in order to travel into very remote
+countries. Since that time Freyja continually weeps, and her tears are
+drops of pure gold. She has a great variety of names, for having gone
+over many countries in search of her husband, each people gave her a
+different name. She is thus called Mardoll, Horn, Gefn, and Syr, and
+also Vanadis. She possesses the necklace Brising. The seventh goddess
+is Sjofna, who delights in turning men's hearts and thoughts to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 290]</span><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290" />love;
+hence a wooer is called, from her name, <i>Sjafni</i>. The eighth, called
+Lofna, is so mild and gracious to those who invoke her, that by a
+peculiar privilege which either All-Father himself or Frigga has given
+her, she can remove every obstacle that may prevent the union of
+lovers sincerely attached to each other. Hence her name is applied to
+denote love, and whatever is beloved by men. Vora, the ninth goddess,
+listens to the oaths that men take, and particularly to the troth
+plighted between man and woman, and punishes those who keep not their
+promises. She is wise and prudent, and so penetrating that nothing
+remains hidden from her. Syn, the tenth, keeps the door in the hall,
+and shuts it against those who ought not to enter. She presides at
+trials when any thing is to be denied on oath, whence the proverb,
+'Syn (negation) is set against it,' when ought is denied. Hlina, the
+eleventh, has the care of those whom Frigga intends to deliver from
+peril. Snotra, the twelfth, is wise and courteous, and men and women
+who possess these qualities have her name applied to them. Gna, the
+thirteenth, is the messenger that Frigga sends into the various worlds
+on her errands. She has a horse that can run through air and water,
+called Hofvarpnir. Once, as she drove out, certain Vanir saw her car
+in the air, when one of them exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'What flieth there?<br /></span>
+<span>What goeth there?<br /></span>
+<span>In the air aloft what glideth?'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;She answered,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 291]</span><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291" />
+<span>&quot;'I fly not though I go,<br /></span>
+<span>And glide through the air<br /></span>
+<span>On Hofvarpnir,<br /></span>
+<span>Whose sire's Hamskerpir,<br /></span>
+<span>And dam Gardrofa.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Sol and Bil are also reckoned among the goddesses, but their nature
+has already been explained to thee.</p>
+
+<p><b>37.</b> &quot;There are besides these a great many other goddesses, whose
+duty it is to serve in Valhalla; to bear in the drink and take care of
+the drinking-horns and whatever belongs to the table. They are named
+in Grimnismal, and are called Valkyrjor. Odin sends them to every
+field of battle, to make choice of those who are to be slain, and to
+sway the victory. Gudur, Rota, and the youngest of the Norns, Skuld,
+also ride forth to choose the slain and turn the combat. Jord (earth),
+the mother of Thor, and Rinda, the mother of Vali, are also reckoned
+amongst the goddesses.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" id="OF_FREY_AND_GERDA" />OF FREY AND GERDA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>38.</b> &quot;There was a man,&quot; continued Har, &quot;named Gymir, who had for wife
+Aurboda, of the race of the Mountain-giants. Their daughter is Gerda,
+who is the most beautiful of all women. One day Frey having placed
+himself in Hlidskjalf, to take a view of the whole universe,
+perceived, as he looked towards the north, a large and stately mansion
+which a woman was going to enter, and as she lifted up the latch of
+the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand that the air and
+waters, and all worlds were illuminated by it. At this sight, Frey, as
+a just punishment for his audacity in <span class="pagenum">[Pg 292]</span><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292" />mounting on that sacred throne,
+was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch so, that on his return home
+he could neither speak, nor sleep, nor drink, nor did any one dare to
+inquire the cause of his affliction; but Njord, at last, sent for
+Skirnir, the messenger of Frey, and charged him to demand of his
+master why he thus refused to speak to any one. Skirnir promised to do
+this, though with great reluctance, fearing that all he had to expect
+was a severe reprimand. He, however, went to Frey, and asked him
+boldly why he was so sad and silent. Frey answered, that he had seen a
+maiden of such surpassing beauty that if he could not possess her he
+should not live much longer, and that this was what rendered him so
+melancholy. 'Go, therefore,' he added, 'and ask her hand for me, and
+bring her here whether her father be willing or not, and I will amply
+reward thee.' Skirnir undertook to perform the task, provided he might
+be previously put in possession of Frey's sword, which was of such
+excellent quality that it would of itself strew a field with carnage
+whenever the owner ordered it. Frey, impatient of delay, immediately
+made him a present of the sword, and Skirnir set out on his journey
+and obtained the maiden's promise, that within nine nights she would
+come to a place called Barey, and there wed Frey. Skirnir having
+reported the success of his message, Frey exclaimed,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'Long is one night,<br /></span>
+<span>Long are two nights,<br /></span>
+<span>But how shall I hold out three?<br /></span>
+<span>Shorter hath seemed<br /></span>
+<span>A month to me oft<br /></span>
+<span>Than of this longing-time the half.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 293]</span><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293" />Frey having thus given away his sword, found himself without arms
+when he fought with Beli, and hence it was that he slew him with a
+stag's antlers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it seems very astonishing,&quot; interrupted Gangler, &quot;that such a
+brave hero as Frey should give away his sword without keeping another
+equally good for himself. He must have been in a very bad plight when
+he encountered Beli, and methinks must have mightily repented him of
+the gift.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That combat,&quot; replied Har, &quot;was a trifling affair. Frey could have
+killed Beli with a blow of his fist had he felt inclined: but the time
+will come when the sons of Muspell shall issue forth to the fight, and
+then, indeed, will Frey truly regret having parted with his falchion.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" id="OF_THE_JOYS_OF_VALHALLA" />OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA.</h4>
+
+<p><b>39.</b> &quot;If it be as thou hast told me,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that all men who
+have fallen in fight since the beginning of the world are gone to
+Odin, in Valhalla, what has he to give them to eat, for methinks there
+must be a great crowd there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What thou sayest is quite true,&quot; replied Har, &quot;the crowd there is
+indeed great, but great though it be, it will still increase, and will
+be thought too little when the wolf cometh. But however great the band
+of men in Valhalla may be, the flesh of the boar S&aelig;hrimnir will more
+than suffice for their sustenance. For although this boar is sodden
+every morning he becomes whole again every night. But there are few,
+methinks, who are wise enough to give thee, in this respect, a
+satisfactory answer to thy <span class="pagenum">[Pg 294]</span><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294" />question. The cook is called Andhrimnir,
+and the kettle Eldhrimnir. As it is said,&mdash;'Andhrimnir cooks in
+Eldhrimnir, S&aelig;hrimnir.' 'Tis the best of flesh, though few know how
+much is required for the Einherjar.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But has Odin,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;the same food as the heroes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odin,' replied Har, 'gives the meat that is set before him to two
+wolves, called Geri and Freki, for he himself stands in no need of
+food. Wine is for him both meat and drink.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders and whisper in his ear the tidings
+and events they have heard and witnessed. They are called Hugin and
+Munin.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133" /><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> He sends them out at dawn of day to fly over the whole
+world, and they return at eve towards meal time. Hence it is that Odin
+knows so many things, and is called the Raven's God. As it is said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>'Hugin and Munin<br /></span>
+<span>Each dawn take their flight<br /></span>
+<span>Earth's fields over.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>I fear me for Hugin,<br /></span>
+<span>Lest he come not back,<br /></span>
+<span>But much more for Munin.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>40.</b> &quot;What have the heroes to drink,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;in sufficient
+quantity to correspond to their plentiful supply of meat: do they only
+drink water?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very silly question is that,&quot; replied Har; &quot;dost thou imagine that
+All-Father would invite kings and jarls and other great men and give
+them nothing to drink but water! In that case, methinks, many of those
+who had endured the greatest hardships, and received deadly wounds in
+order to obtain access to Valhalla, would find <span class="pagenum">[Pg 295]</span><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295" />that they had paid too
+great a price for their water drink, and would indeed have reason to
+complain were they there to meet with no better entertainment. But
+thou wilt see that the case is quite otherwise. For the she-goat,
+named Heidrun, stands above Valhalla, and feeds on the leaves of a
+very famous tree called L&aelig;rath, and from her teats flows mead in such
+great abundance that every day a stoop, large enough to hold more than
+would suffice for all the heroes, is filled with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;a mighty useful goat is this, and methinks
+the tree she feeds on must have very singular virtues.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Still more wonderful,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is what is told of the stag
+Eikthyrnir. This stag also stands over Valhalla and feeds upon the
+leaves of the same tree, and whilst he is feeding so many drops fall
+from his antlers down into Hvergelmir that they furnish sufficient
+water for the rivers that issuing thence flow through the celestial
+abodes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><b>41.</b> &quot;Wondrous things are these which thou tellest me of,&quot; said
+Gangler, &quot;and Valhalla must needs be an immense building, but methinks
+there must often be a great press at the door among such a number of
+people constantly thronging in and out?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why dost thou not ask,&quot; replied Har, &quot;how many doors there are, and
+what are their dimensions; then wouldst thou be able to judge whether
+there is any difficulty in going in and out. Know, then, that there is
+no lack of either seats or doors. As it is said in Grimnismal:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum">[Pg 296]</span><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296" />
+<span>&quot;'Five hundred doors<br /></span>
+<span>And forty more<br /></span>
+<span>Methinks are in Valhalla.<br /></span>
+<span>Eight hundred heroes through each door<br /></span>
+<span>Shall issue forth<br /></span>
+<span>Against the wolf to combat.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><b>42.</b> &quot;A mighty band of men must be in Valhalla,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and
+methinks Odin must be a great chieftain to command such a numerous
+host. But how do the heroes pass their time when they are not
+drinking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every day,&quot; replied Har, &quot;as soon as they have dressed themselves
+they ride out into the court (or field), and there fight until they
+cut each other to pieces. This is their pastime, but when meal-time
+approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.
+As it is said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The Einherjar all<br /></span>
+<span>On Odin's plain<br /></span>
+<span>Hew daily each other,<br /></span>
+<span>While chosen the slain are.<br /></span>
+<span>From the fray they then ride,<br /></span>
+<span>And drink ale with the &AElig;sir.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou hast thus reason to say that Odin is great and mighty, for there
+are many proofs of this. As it is said in the very words of the
+&AElig;sir:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'The ash Yggdrasill<br /></span>
+<span>Is the first of trees,<br /></span>
+<span>As Skidbladnir of ships,<br /></span>
+<span>Odin of &AElig;sir,<br /></span>
+<span>Sleipnir of steeds,<br /></span>
+<span>Bifrost of bridges,<br /></span>
+<span>Bragi of bards,<br /></span>
+<span>Habrok of hawks,<br /></span>
+<span>And Garm of hounds is.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" id="OF_THE_HORSE_SLEIPNIR" />OF THE HORSE SLEIPNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>43.</b> &quot;Thou mad'st mention,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;of the horse Sleipnir. To
+whom does he belong, and what is there to say respecting him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 297]</span><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297" />Thou seemest to know nothing either about Sleipnir or his origin,&quot;
+replied Har, &quot;but thou wilt no doubt find what thou wilt hear worthy
+of thy notice. Once on a time when the gods were constructing their
+abodes, and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain
+artificer came and offered to build them, in the space of three half
+years, a residence so well fortified that they should be perfectly
+safe from the incursion of the Frost-giants, and the giants of the
+mountains, even although they should have penetrated within Midgard.
+But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freyja, together with the
+sun and moon. After long deliberation the &AElig;sir agreed to his terms,
+provided he would finish the whole work himself without any one's
+assistance, and all within the space of one winter, but if anything
+remained unfinished on the first day of summer, he should forfeit the
+recompense agreed on. On being told these terms, the artificer
+stipulated that he should be allowed the use of his horse, called
+Svadilfari, and this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He
+accordingly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the
+night let his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of
+the stones struck the &AElig;sir with astonishment, and they saw clearly
+that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than his master.
+Their bargain, however, had been concluded in the presence of
+witnesses, and confirmed by solemn oaths, for without these
+precautions a giant would not have thought himself safe among the
+&AElig;sir, especially when Thor returned <span class="pagenum">[Pg 298]</span><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298" />from an expedition he had then
+undertaken towards the east against evil demons.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, and the
+bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render this residence
+impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer the
+only part that remained to be finished was the gateway. Then sat the
+gods on their seats of justice and entered into consultation,
+inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give
+Freyja away to Jotunheim, or to plunge the heavens in darkness by
+permitting the giant to carry away the sun and moon. They all agreed
+that no one but Loki, the son of Laufey, and the author of so many
+evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should be
+put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way or other to
+prevent the artificer from completing his task and obtaining the
+stipulated recompense. They immediately proceeded to lay hands on
+Loki, who, in his fright, promised upon oath that let it cost him what
+it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose his
+reward. That very night, when the artificer went with Svadilfari for
+building stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest and began to
+neigh. The horse being thus excited, broke loose and ran after the
+mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after his
+horse, and thus between one and the other the whole night was lost, so
+that at dawn the work had not made the usual progress. The man seeing
+that he had no other means of completing his task, resumed <span class="pagenum">[Pg 299]</span><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299" />his own
+gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly perceived that it was in
+reality a Mountain-giant who had come amongst them. No longer
+regarding their oaths, they, therefore, called on Thor, who
+immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet Mjolnir
+paid the workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
+sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he shattered
+the giant's skull to pieces, and hurled him headlong into Nifelhel.
+But Loki had run such a race with Svadilfari that shortly after he
+bore a grey foal with eight legs. This is the horse Sleipnir, which
+excels all horses ever possessed by gods or men.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" id="OF_THE_SHIP_SKIDBLADNIR" />OF THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR.</h4>
+
+<p><b>44.</b> &quot;What hast thou to say,&quot; demanded Gangler, &quot;of Skidbladnir,
+which thou toldst me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as
+good or as large?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skidbladnir,&quot; replied Har, &quot;is without doubt the best and most
+artfully constructed of any, but the ship Nagffar is of larger size.
+They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made
+a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the &AElig;sir with their
+weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails
+are set a favourable breeze arises and carries her to her place of
+destination, and she is made of so many pieces, and with so much
+skill, that when she is not wanted for a voyage Frey may fold her
+together like a piece of cloth, and put her in his pocket.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good ship truly, is Skidbladnir,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 300]</span><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300" />and many cunning
+contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her
+construction.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" id="THORS_ADVENTURES_ON_HIS_JOURNEY_TO_THE_LAND_OF_THE_GIANTS" />THOR'S ADVENTURES ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE GIANTS.</h4>
+
+<p><b>45.</b> &quot;But tell me,&quot; he (Gangler) continued, &quot;did it ever happen to
+Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by
+downright force?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Few can take upon them to affirm this,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and yet it has
+often fared hard enough with him; but had he in reality been worsted
+in any rencounter there would be no need to make mention of it, since
+all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It would, therefore, appear,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that I have asked of you
+things that none of you are able to tell me of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are, indeed, some such rumours current among us,&quot; answered
+Jafnhar, &quot;but they are hardly credible; however, there is one sitting
+here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe
+him, for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to
+deceive thee with false stories.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here then will I stand,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;and listen to what ye have to
+say, but if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily I shall look
+upon you as vanquished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then spake Thridi and said, &quot;We can easily conceive that thou art
+desirous of knowing these tidings, but it behooves thee to guard a
+becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is
+this:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><b>46.</b> &quot;One day the God Thor set out in his car drawn <span class="pagenum">[Pg 301]</span><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301" />by two he-goats,
+and accompanied by Loki, on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at
+a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats, and after flaying
+them, put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down
+with his fellow-traveller to supper, and invited the peasant and his
+family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi,
+and his daughter Roska. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the
+goats' skins which were spread out near the fire-place, but young
+Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the
+marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage, rose at the dawn
+of day, and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjolnir, and lifting
+it up, consecrated the goats' skins, which he had no sooner done than
+the two goats re-assumed their wonted form, only that one of them now
+limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this, said that the
+peasant, or one of his family, had handled the shank bone of this goat
+too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be
+imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his
+brows, and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the
+joints of his fingers became white from the exertion. Fearing to be
+struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family
+made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an
+atonement for the offence committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted
+from his wrath, and became more placable, and finally contented
+himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thjalfi and Roska, who
+became his bond-servants, and have followed him ever since.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 302]</span><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302" />'Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the
+road to Jotunheim, until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea,
+which having passed over he penetrated into a strange country along
+with his companions, Loki, Thjalfi, and Roska. They had not gone far
+before they saw before them an immense forest, through which they
+wandered all day. Thjalfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore
+Thor's wallet, but the forest was a bad place for finding anything
+eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides
+for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a
+very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one
+of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in;
+but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the
+whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with
+him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber,
+into which they entered, but while the others, trembling with fear,
+crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the
+doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself,
+whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night,
+and at dawn of day, Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of
+enormous bulk, who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now
+account for the noise they had heard over night, and girding on his
+Belt of Prowess, increased that divine strength which he now stood in
+need of. The giant awakening, rose up, and it is said that for once in
+his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 303]</span><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303" />and contented
+himself by simply asking the giant his name.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'My name is Skrymir, said the other, 'but I need not ask thy name,
+for I know thou art the God Thor. But what hast thou done with my
+glove?' And stretching out his hand Skrymir picked up his glove, which
+Thor then perceived was what they had taken over night for a hall, the
+chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then
+asked whether they would have his fellowship, and Thor consenting, the
+giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his
+companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another
+place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions
+together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat
+into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them,
+taking tremendous strides, the whole day, and at dusk sought out for
+them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree.
+Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep. 'But take ye
+the wallet,' he added, 'and prepare your supper.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Skrymir soon fell asleep, and began to snore strongly, but incredible
+though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told, that when Thor
+came to open the wallet he could not untie a single knot, nor render a
+single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labour was in
+vain, Thor became wroth, and grasping his mallet with both hands while
+he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir,
+awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head, and
+whether <span class="pagenum">[Pg 304]</span><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304" />they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered
+that they were just going to sleep, and so saying, went and laid
+himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to
+Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the
+forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his mallet,
+launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to
+the handle. Skrymir awakening, cried out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What's the matter? did an acorn fall on my head? How fares it with
+thee, Thor?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just then awoke, and
+that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He
+however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third
+blow, it should settle all matters between them. A little before
+daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again
+grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its
+way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and
+stroking his cheek, said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke
+some moss from the branches fell on my head. What! Art thou awake,
+Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but
+you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I
+have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small
+dimensions; but if you come into Utgard you will see there many men
+much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there,
+not to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 305]</span><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305" />make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki
+will not brook the boasting of such mannikins as ye are. The best
+thing you could do would probably be to turn back again, but if you
+persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward, for mine now
+lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hereupon, he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from
+them, into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet
+with him a second time.</p>
+
+<p><b>47.</b> &quot;Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards
+noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so
+lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their
+shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the
+walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly
+locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with
+his companions through the bars, and thus succeeded in gaining
+admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them, with the
+door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious
+stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came
+before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect.
+Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from
+the king, who, after regarding them for some time, said with a
+scornful smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey, yet if I do not
+mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps,' he added,
+addressing himself to Thor, 'thou mayst be taller than thou appearest
+to be. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 306]</span><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306" />But what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem
+yourselves skilled in, for no one is permitted to remain here who does
+not, in some feat or other, excel all other men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'The feat I know,' replied Loki, 'is to eat quicker than any one
+else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any one here who
+may choose to compete with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'That will indeed be a feat,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou performest
+what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the further end of
+the bench, and whose name was Logi,<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134" /><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> to come forward and try his
+skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on
+the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end, and Logi at the other,
+and each of them, began to eat as fast as he could, until they met in
+the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten
+the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and
+the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was
+vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor
+could perform. Thjalfi answered that he would run a race with any one
+who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in
+running was something to boast of, but that if the youth would win the
+match he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all
+who were present to a plain <span class="pagenum">[Pg 307]</span><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307" />where there was a good ground for running
+on, and calling a young man named Hugi,<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135" /><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> bade him run a match with
+Thjalfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor
+that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Thou must ply thy legs better, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'if thou
+wilt win the match, though I must needs say that there never came a
+man here swifter of foot than thou art.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the second course, Thjalfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when
+Hugi arrived at it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Most bravely dost thou run, Thjalfi,' said Utgard-Loki, 'though thou
+wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third, course must decide.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They accordingly ran a third time, but Hugi had already reached the
+goal before Thjalfi had got half way. All who were present then cried
+out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of
+exercise.</p>
+
+<p><b>50.</b> &quot;Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to
+give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor
+replied, that he would begin a drinking match with any one.
+Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cupbearer
+bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of
+when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The
+cupbearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 308]</span><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308" />a single draught,
+though some men make two of it, but the most puny drinker of all can
+do it at three.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size,
+though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
+his lips, and without drawing breath pulled as long and as deeply as
+he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it;
+but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely
+perceive that the liquor was diminished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;''Tis well drunken,' exclaimed Utgard-Loki, 'though nothing much to
+boast of; and I would not have believed had it been told me that
+Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught, but thou no doubt
+meanest to make amends at the second pull.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might, but
+when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him as if he had
+drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried
+without spilling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'How now, Thor,' said Utgard-Loki; 'thou must not spare thyself more
+in performing a feat than befits thy skill; but if thou meanest to
+drain the horn at the third draught thou must pull deeply; and I must
+needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou
+art among the &AElig;sir, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats
+than, methinks, will be shown in this.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted
+himself to the utmost to empty it entirely, but on looking in found
+that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to
+make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cupbearer.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 309]</span><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309" /></p>
+
+<p><b>51.</b> &quot;'I now see plainly,' said Utgard-Loki, 'that thou are not quite
+so stout as we thought thee, but wilt thou try any other feat, though,
+methinks, thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I will try another feat,' replied Thor, 'and I am sure such draughts
+as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the
+&AElig;sir; but what new trial hast thou to propose?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'We have a very, trifling game here,' answered Ut-gard-Loki, 'in
+which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my
+cat from the ground, nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to
+Asa-Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what
+we took thee for.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As he finished speaking, a large grey cat sprung on the hall floor.
+Thor advancing put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost
+to raise him from the floor, but the cat bending his back had,
+notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up,
+seeing which, Thor made no further attempt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'This trial has turned out,' said Utgard-Loki, 'just as I imagined it
+would; the cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Little as ye call me,' answered Thor, 'let me see who amongst you
+will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I see no one here,' said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on
+the benches, 'who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee;
+let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli,<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136" /><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a>
+and let Thor <span class="pagenum">[Pg 310]</span><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310" />wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the
+ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is.'</p>
+
+<p><b>53.</b> &quot;A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by
+Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more
+Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length,
+after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was
+finally brought down upon one knee. Utgard-Loki then told them to
+desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask any one else in
+the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He
+therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats, and they
+passed the night there in good cheer.</p>
+
+<p><b>54.</b> &quot;The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions
+dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then
+came and ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no
+lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led
+them to the gate of the city, and, on parting, asked Thor how he
+thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met with any
+men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but
+that he had brought great shame on himself. 'And what grieves me
+most,' he added, 'is that ye will call me a man of little worth.'</p>
+
+<p><b>55.</b> &quot;'Nay,' said Utgard-Loki, 'it behooves me to tell thee the truth
+now thou are out of the city which so long as I live, and have my way,
+thou shalt never re-enter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand
+that thou hadst so much strength in thee, and wouldst have brought me
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 311]</span><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311" />so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter
+this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my
+illusions; first, in the forest, where I arrived before thee, and
+there thou wert not able to untie the wallet, because I had bound it
+with iron wire, in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how
+the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows
+with thy mallet; the first, though the least, would have ended my days
+had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which
+thou didst not perceive, and in this mountain thou wilt find three
+glens, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy
+mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have
+had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself,
+devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was, in reality,
+nothing else than ardent fire, and therefore consumed not only the
+meat but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thjalfi contended
+in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thjalfi to keep
+pace with that. When thou, in thy turn, didst try to empty the horn,
+thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvellous, that had I not
+seen it myself I should never have believed it. For one end of that
+horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou
+comest to the shore thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by
+thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst
+perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat, and to tell
+thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we
+were all of us terror-stricken, for <span class="pagenum">[Pg 312]</span><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312" />what thou tookest for a cat was
+in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth,
+and he was then barely long enough to inclose it between his head and
+tail, so high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling
+with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a
+man, nor ever shall be, whom Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will
+not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are
+going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us
+if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so, I shall
+again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt never
+prevail against me.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On hearing these words, Thor, in a rage, laid hold of his mallet and
+would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and
+when Thor would have returned to the city to-destroy it, he found
+nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding, therefore, on his
+way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already
+resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards
+took place. I trust,&quot; concluded Thridi, &quot;that thou wilt now
+acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou
+hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotunheim.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" id="HOW_THOR_WENT_TO_FISH_FOR_THE_MIDGARD_SERPENT" />HOW THOR WENT TO FISH FOR THE MIDGARD SERPENT.</h4>
+
+<p><b>56.</b> &quot;I find by your account,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;that Utgard-Loki
+possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and
+illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every
+respect so skillful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge
+this affront?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 313]</span><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313" />It is not unknown,&quot; replied Har, &quot;though nobody has talked of it,
+that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken
+of, and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily
+that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him.
+He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at
+dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the
+night, but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making
+his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged
+the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that
+a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him.
+'Besides,' he added, 'thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far
+out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.' Thor said, that for
+all that, he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and
+was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row
+back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely
+inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further
+delay, but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his
+wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to
+look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen
+that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore
+the name of Himinbrjot, wrung off his head, and returning with it to
+the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and
+with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise,
+how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He <span class="pagenum">[Pg 314]</span><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314" />then observed that they
+were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flat fish, but
+Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They
+accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if
+they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard
+serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and
+in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would
+lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong,
+furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's
+head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the
+bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard
+serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he
+obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand: for the monster
+greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate.
+Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently, that
+Thor was obliged to hold fast with both hands by the pegs that bear
+against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his
+divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their
+way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst
+with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is
+impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place.
+Thor, on one hand, darting looks of ire on the serpent, whilst the
+monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is
+said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent, he turned pale and
+trembled with fright and seeing, more<span class="pagenum">[Pg 315]</span><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315" />over, that the water was
+entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife, just as Thor
+raised his mallet aloft, and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk
+again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and
+there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the
+bottom of the sea, but one may assert with more certainty that he
+still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow
+with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the
+water, and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" id="THE_DEATH_OF_BALDUR_THE_GOOD" />THE DEATH OF BALDUR THE GOOD.</h4>
+
+<p><b>57</b>. &quot;Verily,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;it was a famous exploit which Thor
+performed on that journey, but did any other such events take place
+among the &AElig;sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;I can tell thee of another event which the &AElig;sir
+deemed of much greater importance. Thou must know, therefore, that
+Baldur the Good having been tormented with terrible dreams, indicating
+that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled
+&AElig;sir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the
+threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water,
+from iron, and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths,
+diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of
+them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a
+favourite pastime of the &AElig;sir, at their meetings, to get Baldur to
+stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some
+stones, while <span class="pagenum">[Pg 316]</span><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316" />others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes,
+for do they what they would none of therm could harm him, and this was
+regarded by all as a great honour shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the
+son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was
+not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a woman, he went to
+Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the
+pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the &AElig;sir were doing
+at their meetings. She replied, that they were throwing darts and
+stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ay,' said Frigga, 'neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I
+have exacted an oath from all of them.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What!' exclaimed the woman, 'have all things sworn to spare Baldur?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'All things,' replied Frigga, 'except one little shrub that grows on
+the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I
+thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and, resuming his natural
+shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place where the gods
+were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart, without partaking
+of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him, said,
+'Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Because I am blind,' answered Hodur, 'and see not where Baldur is,
+and have, moreover, nothing to throw with.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Come then,' said Loki, 'do like the rest, and show <span class="pagenum">[Pg 317]</span><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317" />honour to Baldur
+by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm, toward the
+place where he stands.'</p>
+
+<p><b>58.</b> &quot;Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki,
+darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, fell down
+lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either among gods or men,
+a more atrocious deed than this! When Baldur fell the &AElig;sir were struck
+speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all
+were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they
+were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred
+place (Peace-stead) where they were assembled. They at length gave
+vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could
+find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin, especially,
+was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for
+he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the &AElig;sir. When
+the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to
+gain all her love and good will; 'For this,' said she, 'shall he have
+who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur, and offer Hela a ransom
+if she will let him return to Asgard;' whereupon Hermod, surnamed the
+Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's
+horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and
+galloped away on his mission.</p>
+
+<p><b>59.</b> &quot;The &AElig;sir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore,
+where stood Baldur's ship Hringhorn, which passed for the largest in
+the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's
+funeral <span class="pagenum">[Pg 318]</span><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318" />pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this
+conjuncture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named
+Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a
+bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four Berserkir to hold
+her steed fast, who were, however, obliged to throw the animal on the
+ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the
+ship, and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so
+violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers, and the earth shook
+all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but
+for the interference of the &AElig;sir would have broken the woman's skull.
+Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship,
+and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep,
+that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same
+pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with
+Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was
+running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of
+various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin,
+accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrjor and his ravens; then Frey in his
+car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni; Heimdall rode
+his horse called Gulltopp, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by
+cats. There were also a great many Frost-giants and giants of the
+mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called
+Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing every
+ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Baldur's horse was led to the
+pile fully capari<span class="pagenum">[Pg 319]</span><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319" />soned, and consumed in the same flames on the body
+of his master.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" id="BALDUR_IN_THE_ABODE_OF_THE_DEAD" />BALDUR IN THE ABODE OF THE DEAD</h4>
+
+<p><b>60.</b> &quot;Meanwhile, Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space
+of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark
+that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river
+Gjoll, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold.
+Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and
+lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons
+had ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it so much as he alone.
+'But,' she added, 'thou hast not death's hue on thee, why then ridest
+them here on the way to Hel?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I ride to Hel,' answered Hermod, 'to seek Baldur. Hast thou
+perchance seen him pass this way?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Baldur,' she replied, 'hath ridden over Gjoll's bridge, but there
+below, towards the north, lies the way to the abodes of death.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of
+Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting,
+clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous
+leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he
+found his brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished seat in the
+hall, and passed the night in his company. The next morning he
+besought Hela (Death) to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her
+that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela
+answered that it should now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as
+he was said to be.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 320]</span><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320" />'If therefore,' she added, 'all things in the world, both living and
+lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to the &AElig;sir, but if any
+one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in
+Hel.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hermod then rose, and Baldur led him out of the hall and gave him the
+ring Draupnir, to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nanna also sent
+Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold
+finger-ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of
+all he had heard and witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world, to beg
+everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be delivered from Hel.
+All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and
+every other living being, as well as earths and stones, and trees and
+metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are
+brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were
+returning with the conviction that their mission had been quite
+successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern,
+and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki
+himself who never ceased to work evil among the &AElig;sir.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" id="THE_FLIGHT_AND_PUNISHMENT_OF_LOKI" />THE FLIGHT AND PUNISHMENT OF LOKI.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>61.</b> &quot;Evil are the deeds of Loki truly,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;first of all
+in his having caused Baldur to be slain, and then preventing him from
+being delivered out of Hel. But was he not punished for these crimes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 321]</span><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321" />Ay,&quot; replied Har, &quot;and in such a manner that he will long repent
+having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods
+were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a
+dwelling with four doors, so that he could see everything that passed
+around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon,
+and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade called
+Franangursfors, where he employed himself in divining and
+circumventing whatever stratagems the &AElig;sir might have recourse to in
+order to catch him. One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax
+and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have
+since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat
+out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were
+approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself
+in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the
+most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration,
+traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been
+burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish.
+Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw
+imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the
+river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net,
+and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly
+drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions the
+net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods
+only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They
+therefore cast their <span class="pagenum">[Pg 322]</span><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322" />net a second time, hanging so great a weight to
+it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving
+that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt
+over the net into the waterfall. The &AElig;sir instantly followed him, and
+divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream,
+followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea.
+Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to
+swim out to sea, or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter,
+but as he took a tremendous leap Thor caught him in his hand. Being,
+however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held
+him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had
+their tails ever since so fine and thin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration
+into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a
+hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali
+and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he
+tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords
+of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the
+rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins,
+and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords
+into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a
+manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But
+Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in
+a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 323]</span><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323" />doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror,
+and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and
+this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until
+Ragnarok.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" id="OF_RAGNAROK_OR_THE_TWILIGHT_OE_THE_GODS_AND_THE_CONFLAGRATION_OF_THE" />OF RAGNAROK, OR THE TWILIGHT OE THE GODS, AND THE CONFLAGRATION OF THE
+UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>63.</b> &quot;I have not heard before of Ragnarok,&quot; said Gangler; &quot;what hast
+thou to tell me about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There are many very notable circumstances concerning it,&quot; replied
+Har, &quot;which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the
+winter, called Fimbul-winter, during which snow will fall from the
+four corners of the world; the frosts will be very severe, the wind
+piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness.
+Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single
+summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and
+discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of
+mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his
+parents or his children.</p>
+
+<p><b>64.</b> &quot;Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great
+prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that
+be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will
+cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens,
+and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the
+roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations,
+and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks
+loose, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 324]</span><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324" />the sea rushes over the earth, on account of the Midgard
+serpent turning with giant force, and gaining the land. On the waters
+floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead
+men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with pared
+nails, for he who dies with his nails unpared, supplies materials for
+the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be
+finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float,
+and the giant Hrym be its steersman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wolf Fenrir advancing, opens his enormous mouth; the lower jaw
+reaches to the earth, and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact
+reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from
+his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the
+side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the
+air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain,
+and the sons of Muspell ride through the breach. Surtur rides first,
+and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword
+outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to
+pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called
+Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent,
+and also Loki, with all the followers of Hel, and Hrym with all the
+Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspell keep their effulgent bands apart
+on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side.</p>
+
+<p><b>65.</b> &quot;Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the
+Gjallar-horn to arouse the gods, who <span class="pagenum">[Pg 325]</span><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325" />assemble without delay. Odin
+then rides to Mimir's well and consults Mimir how he and his warriors
+ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasill begins to shake, nor is
+there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible
+hour. The &AElig;sir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves and speed
+forth to the field, led on by Odin, with his golden helm and
+resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself
+against the wolf Fenrir; Thor stands by his side, but can render him
+no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey
+encounters Surtur, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls;
+and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to
+Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa
+cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks
+Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the
+Midgard serpent, but at the same time, recoiling nine paces, falls
+dead upon the spot suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying
+serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that
+instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower
+jaw, seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till
+he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for
+which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely, the shreds of
+leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it
+is on this account that those who would render a service to the &AElig;sir
+should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight,
+and mutually kill each other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">[Pg 326]</span><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326" />After this, Surtur darts fire and flame over the earth, and the
+whole universe is consumed.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" id="OF_THE_ABODES_OF_FUTURE_BLISS_AND_MISERY" />OF THE ABODES OF FUTURE BLISS AND MISERY.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>66.</b> &quot;What will remain,&quot; said Gangler, &quot;after heaven and earth and
+the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods, and the
+heroes of Valhalla, and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have
+already told me that every one shall continue to exist in some world
+or other, throughout eternity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will be many abodes,&quot; replied Thridi, &quot;some good, others bad.
+The best place of all to be in will be Gimli, in heaven, and all who
+delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall
+called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolni. There is
+also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the
+mountains of Nida, (Nidafjoll). In those halls righteous and
+well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful
+structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the
+backs of serpents, wattled together like wicker work. But the
+serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall, and
+continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those
+who-commit murder, or who forswear themselves.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" id="THE_RENOVATION_OF_THE_UNIVERSE" />THE RENOVATION OF THE UNIVERSE.</h4>
+
+<p><b>67.</b> &quot;Will any of the gods survive, and will there be any longer a
+heaven and an earth?&quot; demanded Gangler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will arise out of the sea,&quot; replied Har, &quot;another <span class="pagenum">[Pg 327]</span><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327" />earth most
+lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow
+unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's
+fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where
+Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and
+Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Baldur and
+Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death (Hel). There
+shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former
+knowledge and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf
+Fenrir and the Midgard serpent. There too shall they find in the grass
+those golden tablets (orbs) which the &AElig;sir once possessed. As it is
+said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;'There dwell Vidar and Vali<br /></span>
+<span>In the gods' holy seats,<br /></span>
+<span>When slaked Surtur's fire is<br /></span>
+<span>But Modi and Magni<br /></span>
+<span>Will Mjolnir possess,<br /></span>
+<span>And strife put an end to.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by
+Surtur's fire, a woman named Lif (Life), and a man named Lifthrasir,
+lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew,
+and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have
+brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the
+same track formerly trodden by her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; continued Thridi, &quot;if thou hast any further questions to
+ask, I know not who can answer thee, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 328]</span><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328" />for I never heard tell of any
+one who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world.
+Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to
+thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him: he looked
+everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a
+vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom,
+where he related all that he had seen and heard, and ever since that
+time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition.</p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" id="AEGIRS_JOURNEY_TO_ASGARD" />&AElig;GIR'S JOURNEY TO ASGARD.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>68.</b> &AElig;gir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where
+he met with a very good reception. Supper time being come, the twelve
+mighty &AElig;sir,&mdash;Odin, Thor, Njord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar,
+Vali, Ullur, Hoenir and Forseti, together with the Asynjor,&mdash;Frigga,
+Freyja, Gefjon, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla and Nanna, seated
+themselves on their lofty doom seats, in a hall around which were
+ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was
+requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very
+superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking
+horns, &AElig;gir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something
+concerning the &AElig;sir. Bragi instantly complied with his request, by
+informing him of what had happened to Iduna.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 329]</div>
+<h4><a name="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" id="IDUNA_AND_HER_APPLES" /><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329" />IDUNA AND HER APPLES.</h4>
+
+
+<p><b>69.</b> &quot;Once,&quot; he said, &quot;when Odin, Loki, and Hoenir went on a journey,
+they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being
+sadly in want of provisions did not scruple to kill one for their
+supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh; they
+found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as
+when first put in. While they were endeavouring to account for this
+singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up
+they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree.
+'If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh,' said the
+eagle, 'it shall soon be boiled;' and on their assenting to this
+proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the
+ox&mdash;a proceeding which so incensed Loki, that he laid hold of a large
+stock, and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was,
+however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant
+Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his
+cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back,
+he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was
+consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests,
+until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to
+sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released
+from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna
+and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to
+effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his
+companions.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 330]</span><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330" /></p>
+
+<p><b>70.</b> &quot;On his return to Asgard, Loki told Iduna that, in a forest at a
+short distance from the celestial residence, he had found apples
+growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own,
+and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between
+them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples, and went with him
+into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad
+in his eagle-plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up
+Iduna, carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being
+thus deprived of their renovating apples, soon became wrinkled and
+grey; old age was creeping fast upon them, when they discovered that
+Loki had been, as usual, the contriver of all the mischief that had
+befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment
+if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back
+Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her
+falcon-plumage, flew to Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at
+sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying
+off with her; but when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had
+happened, he donned his eagle-plumage, and flew after them. When the
+&AElig;sir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow
+between his claws, and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to
+overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips,
+which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them; and
+as Thjassi could not stop his flight, the fire caught his plumage, and
+he thus fell into the power of the &AElig;sir, who slew <span class="pagenum">[Pg 331]</span><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331" />him within the
+portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to
+Thjassi's daughter, Skadi, she put on her armour and went to Asgard,
+fully determined to avenge her father's death; but the &AElig;sir having
+declared their willingness to atone for the deed, an amicable
+arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard,
+and the &AElig;sir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered
+herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice
+of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of
+the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of
+their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In
+inspecting the row of feet placed before her, Skadi took a fancy to a
+pair which she flattered herself, from their fine proportions, must be
+those of Baldur. They were however Njord's, and Njord was accordingly
+given her for a husband, and as Loki managed to make her laugh, by
+playing some diverting antics with a goat, the atonement was fully
+effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated,
+by taking out Thjassi's eyes, and placing them to shine as stars in
+the firmament.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137" /><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><a name="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" id="THE_ORIGIN_OF_POETRY" />THE ORIGIN OF POETRY.</h4>
+
+<p><b>71.</b> &AElig;gir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated,
+Bragi informed him that the &AElig;sir and Vanir having met to put an end to
+the war which had <span class="pagenum">[Pg 332]</span><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332" />long been carried on between them, a treaty of
+peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As
+a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforward to subsist between
+the contending parties, the gods formed out of this spittle a being to
+whom they gave the name of Kvasir, and whom they endowed with such a
+high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that
+he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to
+teach men wisdom, but was at length treacherously murdered by the
+dwarfs, Fjalar and Galar, who, by mixing up his blood with honey,
+composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of
+it acquires the gift of song. When the &AElig;sir inquired what had become
+of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his
+own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a
+sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its
+superabundance. Not long after this event, Fjalar and Galar managed to
+drown the giant Gilling and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged
+by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea, and placing them on
+a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position
+they implored Suttung to spare their lives, and accept the
+verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for
+their having killed his parents. Suttung having agreed to these
+conditions, released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him,
+committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is
+indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarf's
+ransom, etc.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 333]<a name="Page_333" id="Page_333" /></div>
+<h4><a name="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" id="ODIN_BEGUILES_THE_DAUGHTER_OF_BAUGI" />ODIN BEGUILES THE DAUGHTER OF BAUGI</h4>
+
+<p><b>72.</b> &AElig;sir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable
+a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully
+determined to acquire it, set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying
+for some time, came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing.
+Entering into conversation with them, Odin, offered to whet their
+scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the
+whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary
+sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin,
+however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it
+as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one
+of his comrades, so that they were all killed in the scramble. Odin
+took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother, Baugi,
+who told him that he was sadly at a loss for labourers, his nine
+thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of
+Baulverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the
+work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi
+the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties,
+and would not part with a drop of the precious liquor, which was
+carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into
+this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded
+Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done
+than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the
+crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth.
+After passing three nights with the fair maiden, he had no great
+difficulty in induc<span class="pagenum">[Pg 334]</span><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334" />ing her to let him take a draught out of each of
+the three jars, called Odhroerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was
+kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep
+that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an
+eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but
+Suttung becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an
+eagle's guise, and flew after him. The &AElig;sir, on seeing him approach
+Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands
+on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the
+wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was however, so near being
+caught by Suttung, that some of the liquor escaped him by an impurer
+vent, and as no care was taken of this it fell to the share of the
+poetasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the
+gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of
+it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the
+beverage of the gods, &amp;c, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125" /><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> This chapter is probably the interpolation of an early
+copyist, for it has evidently no connection with the following one,
+and is not found in the Upsal MS. of the Prose Edda, which is supposed
+to be the oldest extant. Gefjon's ploughing is obviously a mythic way
+of accounting for some convulsions of nature, perhaps the convulsion
+that produced the Sound, and thus effected a junction between the
+Baltic and the Northern Ocean.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126" /><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Rime Giants, or Giants of the Frost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127" /><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Literally, &quot;It is light and hot, insomuch so that it is
+flaming and burning, and it is impervious to those who are outlandish
+(foreign), and not indigenous there&quot; (or who have no home or heritage
+therein).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128" /><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> More properly speaking, to the earth which it
+encircled.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129" /><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130" /><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> If Thor drove over Bifrost with his thunder
+chariot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131" /><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Present, Past, and Future.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132" /><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> Namely, his having killed Baldur.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133" /><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> Mind or Thought, and Memory.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134" /><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Devouring flame.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135" /><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Spirit or thought.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136" /><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> Eld or Old Age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137" /><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Finn Magnusen's explanation of this myth is, that
+Iduna&mdash;the ever-renovating Spring&mdash;being in the possession of
+Thjassi&mdash;the desolating winter&mdash;all nature languishes until she is
+delivered from her captivity. On this being effected, her presence
+again diffuses joy and gladness, and all things revive; while her
+pursuer, Winter, with his icy breath, dissolves in the solar rays
+indicated by the fires lighted on the walls of Asgard.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="pagenum">[Pg 335]</div>
+<h2><a name="GLOSSARY" id="GLOSSARY" /><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335" />GLOSSARY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&AElig;GIR or OEGIR, horror, terror.</p>
+
+<p>&AElig;SIR, sing. AS; God, Gods. ASYNJA, ASYNJOR; Goddess, Goddesses.</p>
+
+<p>AI, from a, a river.</p>
+
+<p>ALFADIR, or ALFODUR, All-Father, or the Father of All.</p>
+
+<p>ALFR, Elf.</p>
+
+<p>ALSVIDR, All-scorching.</p>
+
+<p>ALTHJOFR, lit. All-thief, an accomplished rascal.</p>
+
+<p>ALVISS, All-wise.</p>
+
+<p>AMSVARTNIR, grief, black, gloomy, swart.</p>
+
+<p>ANDHRIMNIR, soul, spirit, breath: from hrim, congealed vapour, <i>rime</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ANDLANGR, from aund, spirit, breath; and langr, long.</p>
+
+<p>ANDVARI, prob. from aund, spirit; cautious, timid.</p>
+
+<p>ANGURBODI, Anguish-boding, announcing or presaging calamity.</p>
+
+<p>ARVAKR, awakening early; ar, the dawn, Aurora.</p>
+
+<p>ASGARD, prop. ASGARDR, lit. God's-ward, or the abode of the gods.</p>
+
+<p>ASKR, an ash-tree.</p>
+
+<p>AUDHUMLA, void, vacuity, darkness, tenebrosity.</p>
+
+<p>AUDR, rich, wealthy.</p>
+
+<p>AURBODA, prop. AURBODA, snow, rain, storm; to announce whence; a
+messenger; hence an ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>AUSTRI, East, Oriental.</p>
+
+
+<p>BALDUR, prop. BALDR or BALLDR, fire, flame, bold.</p>
+
+<p>BALEYGR, Bale-eyed, <i>i.e.</i> endowed with a clear, piercing vision.</p>
+
+<p>BAREY, the Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>BAULVERKR, Evil-worker; producing evil, calamity.</p>
+
+<p>BAUMBURR, prob. cog. with bumbr, belly, cavity.</p>
+
+<p>BELI, prob. from belja, to bellow.</p>
+
+<p>BERGELMIR, Mountain-old, <i>i.e.</i> the old man of the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>BIFLINDI, the Inconstant: from bif, motion; and lyndi, disposition,
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>BIFROST, BIF-RAUST, the Tremulous-bridge of the Aerial-bridge,
+signifying also aerial: a certain space, a mile, a rest.</p>
+
+<p>BIL, a moment, an interval, an interstice.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILEYGR, endowed with fulminating eyes, a tempest, especially a
+fulminating tempest or thunder-storm.</p>
+
+
+<p>BILSKIRNIR, sometimes stormy, and sometimes serene; which, as Thor's
+mansion prob. denotes the atmosphere, would be a very appropriate
+term; or storm-stilling, <i>i.e.</i> imparting serenity to the tempest.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 336]</span><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336" /></p>
+
+<p>BIVAURR, BIVORR, or BIFUR, the Tremulous.</p>
+
+<p>BODN, originally signified an offer-table or altar; an oblation; also
+one of the jars in which the dwarfs' poetical beverage was kept.</p>
+
+<p>BOLTHORN, lit. Calamitous or Evil-thorn.</p>
+
+<p>BOR, prop. BORR, and BUR, prop. BURR or BURI, means <i>born</i>, to bear;
+whence also the <i>Old G.</i> barn, and the <i>Scotch, bairn</i>, a child.</p>
+
+<p>BRAGI, the name of the God of Poetry; from braga, to glisten, to
+shine, or from bragga, to adorn; ph. cog. with <i>G</i>. pracht, splendour.</p>
+
+<p>BREIDABLIK: lit. Broad-blink&mdash;wide-glancing, Expanded splendour, to
+blink.</p>
+
+<p>BRIMIR, prob. from brimi, flame.</p>
+
+<p>BRISINGR, may prob. mean flaming.</p>
+
+<p>BYLEISTR, a dwelling, a town; to destroy, to break to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>BYRGIR, prob. from v. byrgja, to conceal; <i>E.</i> to bury, whence barrow,
+a tumulus.</p>
+
+
+<p>DAINN, prob. the Soporiferous; from da, a swoon, or complete repose.</p>
+
+<p>DELLINGR&mdash;a <i>day-ling</i>. with the dawn, daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>DIS, pi. DISIR, it originally sig. a female, but was afterwards used
+in the sense of Nymph and Goddess. It enters into the composition of
+several female names, as Thordis, Freydis, Vegdis, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>DOLGTHRASIR: a dolgr, a warrior; contentious, obstinate, persisting,
+from the v. thrasa, to litigate, to quarrel.</p>
+
+<p>DRAUPNIR, from the v. drupa, to droop, or the v. drjupa, to drip.</p>
+
+<p>DROMI, strongly binding.</p>
+
+<p>DUNEYRR, a hollow sound, from the v. dynja, to sound, to resound.</p>
+
+<p>DURATHROR. The first sylb. may be derived either from dur, a light
+sleep, or from dyr, a door; and the last, either from the v. threyja,
+to expect, to wait for; or from throa, to increase, to enlarge.</p>
+
+<p>DURINN, prob. from dur, a light sleep, to fall asleep; whence prob.
+the <i>E.</i> to doze, and ph. also dusk.</p>
+
+<p>DVALJNN, from dvali, sleep.</p>
+
+
+<p>EIKINSKJALDI, furnished with an oaken shield, scarlet oak.</p>
+
+<p>EIKTHYRNIR. Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn;
+metaphorically for a stag's antlers.</p>
+
+<p>EINHERJAR, a hero; select, chosen heroes.</p>
+
+<p>EIR, to befriend, to tranquilize.</p>
+
+<p>ELDHRIMNIR: eldr, elementary flre: brim, congealed vapour, rime, also
+soot; hence (a kettle) sooty from flre.</p>
+
+<p>ELIVAGAR, stormy waves; a storm; the sea; an estuary; water; wave.</p>
+
+<p>ELLI, old age.</p>
+
+<p>ELVIDNIR, ph. from el, a storm; and vidr, wide.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 337]</span><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337" /></p>
+
+<p>EMBLA. The etymologies of the name of the first woman given by the
+<i>E.E.</i> are merely <i>conjectural</i>. Grimm says the word embla, emla,
+signifies a busy woman, from amr, ambr, amil ambl, assiduous labour;
+the same relation as Meshia and Meshiane, the ancient Persian names of
+the first man and woman, who were also formed from trees.</p>
+
+
+<p>FALHOFNIR, a nail, a lamina, hoof.</p>
+
+<p>FARMAGUD, the God of Carriers and Sea-farers.</p>
+
+<p>FENRIR, FENRIS-ULFR, may mean dweller in an abyss, or the monster
+wolf.</p>
+
+<p>FENSALIR, lit. Fen-saloon, from fen, a fen, but which it would appear
+may also be made to sig. the watery deep, or the sea; and salr, a
+hall, mansion, saloon. <i>See</i> Valhalla.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBUL. From fimbulfambi comes the <i>E.</i> provincialism, to
+fimble-famble; and the <i>D.</i> famle, to stammer, to hesitate in
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULTHUL. Thulr means an orator or reciter, to speechify.</p>
+
+<p>FIMBULVETR: vetr, winter; according to Grimm's explanation of fimbul,
+<i>the Great Winter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>FJALARR and FJOLNIR. Multiform: in composition fjol, many.</p>
+
+<p>FJOLSVIDR or FJOLSVITHR, to scorch: or ph. from svithr, wise,
+powerful, potent, strong.</p>
+
+<p>FJORGYN. Grimm, we think, has satisfactorily shown that fjorg is the
+<i>G.</i> berg, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>FOLKVANGR, lit. the folk's field, or habitation.</p>
+
+<p>FORSETI, lit. the Fore-seated, <i>i.e.</i> the Judge.</p>
+
+<p>FRANANGURS-FORS, prob. from frann, glittering, and ongr, narrow.</p>
+
+<p>FREKI, <i>G.</i> frech, froward: the word has also the sig. of voracious.</p>
+
+<p>FREYR and FREYJA. The name of the deity who was the symbol of the
+sun&mdash;to mean Seminator, the Fructifler, Freyja&mdash;the symbolical
+representation of the moon&mdash;means the Seminated, the Fructified; the
+original sig, is that of glad, joyful, imparting gladness, beautous,
+lovely.</p>
+
+<p>FRIGGA, prop. FRIGG. Grimm has shown that the root of this word is, if
+not strictly syn., at least very nearly allied with that of the word
+Freyja, and explains it to mean the Free, the Beauteous, the Winsome.</p>
+
+<p>FROSTI, the <i>E.</i> frosty.</p>
+
+<p>FULLA, abundance; from fullr, full.</p>
+
+<p>FUNDINN, found; from v. finna, to find.</p>
+
+
+<p>GANDALFR. Alfr, an elf, prob. sig. a wolf, a serpent.</p>
+
+<p>GANGLER, the tired wanderer; to debilitate, to tire.</p>
+
+<p>GANGRAD, prop. GANGRADR, indicates a person directing his steps.</p>
+
+<p>GARDROFA, Fence-breaker; to break, to break through.</p>
+
+<p>GARMR, voracious; to gorge; gourmand.</p>
+
+<p>GAUTR, ph. may sig. a keeper, to keep.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 338]</span><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338" /></p>
+
+<p>GEFJON, the earth; also separation, disruption.</p>
+
+<p>GEFN, from the v. gefa, to give.</p>
+
+<p>GEIROLUL, lit. Spear-alimentrix: from the v. ala, to aliment, to
+nourish.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRRAUDR, lit. spear-red; hence King Spear-rubifler.</p>
+
+<p>GEIRVIMUL, a river rushing or vibrating like a spear or javelin.</p>
+
+<p>GELGJA, from galgi, a gallows.</p>
+
+<p>GERDA, prop. GERDUR, to gird. Both gerd and gard are common
+terminations of female names, as Hildigard, Irminigard, Thorgerda, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>GERI. Geri may be derived from gerr, covetous, greedy.</p>
+
+<p>GIMLI, had the same sig. as himill, heaven, the original sig. of which
+may have been fire, but afterwards a gem, as in the <i>N.</i> word
+gimsteinn; whence also our colloquial words, gim, gimmy (neat), and
+gimcrack.</p>
+
+<p>GINNARR, Seducer; from v. ginna, to seduce.</p>
+
+<p>GINNUNGA-GAP may be rendered the gap of gaps; a gaping abyss.</p>
+
+<p>GJALLAR (horn); from the v. gjalla, to resound, to clang; to yell.</p>
+
+<p>GJOIX, prob. from gjallr, sonorous, fulgid.</p>
+
+<p>GLADR, glad; from v. gledja, to gladden.</p>
+
+<p>GLADSHEIMR: lit. Glad's-home; the abode of gladness or bliss.</p>
+
+<p>GL&AElig;R, from gl&aelig;r, clear, pellucid; cog. with <i>E.</i> glare.</p>
+
+<p>GLEIPNIR, the Devouring; from the v. gleipa, to devour.</p>
+
+<p>GLITNIR, the Glittering; from the v. glitra; to glitter, and to
+glisten.</p>
+
+<p>GLOINN, the Glowing; from v. gloa, to glow.</p>
+
+<p>GOD. The <i>Old N.</i> lang. has two words for God, viz. God and Gud; and
+it would appear that the n. god was used for an idol, and the m. gud.
+for a God. Both words are, however, frequently applied to denote a
+celestial deity. The Scandinavian Pontiff-chieftains were called Godar
+(in the sing. Godi).</p>
+
+<p>GOMUL, prob. from gamall, old.</p>
+
+<p>GRABAKR, Gray-back.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFJOLLUDR, Gray-skin; the skin of an animal.</p>
+
+<p>GRAFVITNIR, from the v. grafa, to dig, to delve; cog. with <i>E.</i> grave:
+and the v. vita, to know; <i>to</i> wit, wist, wot.</p>
+
+<p>GRIMAR, and GRIMNIR, a helmet, or any kind of a covering; used
+poetically for night, the sun being then veiled or covered.</p>
+
+<p>GULLINBURSTI, Golden-bristles.</p>
+
+<p>GULLTOPPR, Golden-mane; crest, the top of anything, hence mane.</p>
+
+<p>GUNNTHRA. The first sylb. of this word is from gunnr, war, a combat;
+to increase, to enlarge; thra sig. grief, calamity; and thro, a
+cavity, a fosse. From gunnr is derived the <i>N.</i> gunn-fani, a
+war-banner.</p>
+
+<p>GYLLIR, from gull, gold.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 339]</span><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339" /></p>
+
+
+<p>HABROK. The E.E. render this word by <i>Altipes</i>, from bar, high; and
+brok, lit. breeches, brogues, but which they assume may also sig. a
+bird's leg.</p>
+
+<p>HALLINSKITHI, to decline; hence it would be an appropriate term for
+the post-meridian sun.</p>
+
+<p>HAMSKEKPIR, prob. from hams, hide; and the v. skerpa, to sharpen, also
+to dry, to indurate.</p>
+
+<p>HAPTAGUD, ph. from haupt, a nexus, a tie, a band.</p>
+
+<p>HAR, prop. HARR, may mean either <i>high</i> or <i>hairy</i>. As a designation
+of Odin it has undoubtedly the former signification. As the name of a
+dwarf, the latter sig. would be more appropriate.</p>
+
+<p>HARBARDR, Hairy-beard.</p>
+
+<p>HEIDRUN, serene, etherial; a heath.</p>
+
+<p>HEIMDALLR: heimr, home, the world.</p>
+
+<p>HELA, prop. HEL., gen. HELJAR, the Goddess of the Infernal Regions,
+used instead of Helheimr for those regions themselves.</p>
+
+<p>HELBLINDI: hel, see the preceding word; blindi, from blundr, slumber.</p>
+
+<p>HEPTI, prob. means impeding, constraining; to seize, to take by force,
+to adhere to.</p>
+
+<p>HERFJOTUR, lit. Host's-fetter, <i>i.e.</i> having the power to impede or
+constrain an army at will: her, an army, a host, a multitude.</p>
+
+<p>HERJANN, the leader of an army; from her.</p>
+
+<p>HERMOD, prop. HERMODR: her from her, courage, (<i>see</i> Modgudur).</p>
+
+<p>HERTEITR, gay amongst warriors, a jovial soldier; glad, joyful.</p>
+
+<p>HILDUR (Hilda), war, a combat. Hence we find it in a number of
+Teutonic prop, names both m. and f., as Hilderic, Childeric, Hildegrim
+(the Helm of War), Brynhildr (Brunhilda), Clothild (Clothilda), &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBJORG, the Heavenly-Mountains, the Comprehending, the
+All-embracing.</p>
+
+<p>HIMINBRJOTR, Heaven-breaking: from the v. brjota, to break.</p>
+
+<p>HJALMBERI, Helmet-bearing.</p>
+
+<p>HJUKI, to keep warm, to nourish, to cherish.</p>
+
+<p>HLIDSKJALF, a slope, a declivity; also to waver, to tremble.</p>
+
+<p>HLINA, prop. HLIN, the <i>support</i> on which a person leans, <i>i.e.</i> a
+tutelary deity.</p>
+
+<p>HLJODALFR, the Genius or Elf of Sound.</p>
+
+<p>HLODYN, the name of Frigga, as the symbol of the earth; <i>protectress
+of the hearth</i>&mdash;of the household. The Romans also worshipped a goddess
+of the earth and of fire under the common name of Fornax, dea
+fornacalis. Grimm mentions a stone found at Cleves with the remarkable
+inscription&mdash;DEAE HLUDANAE SACRVM C. TIBERIVS VERVS, and remarks that
+Hludana was neither a Roman nor a Celtic goddess, and could be no
+other than Hlodyn, which shows the identity of the German and
+Scandinavian Mythology.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 340]</span><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340" /></p>
+
+<p>HLOKK, or HLAUKK, to exalt, to clang, to cry like an eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HNIKARR, or NIKARR, victor, a conqueror; to move, to agitate; to
+thrust forward, to take by violence; to repel, to impede. <i>G.</i> m. Nix,
+fern. Nixe, an aquatic genius. We may remark that the monks having
+transformed Odin into the devil, our designation of his Satanic
+Majesty, as <i>Old Nick</i> appears to be a mere corruption of these
+appellations of the Teutonic divinity.</p>
+
+<p>HNOSSA, a ball of yarn, a clew of thread, a knot.</p>
+
+<p>HODUR, prop. HODR. Grimm thinks that the original signification may
+have been war, combat.</p>
+
+<p>HOFVARPNIR, a horse that plies well its hoofs, a good goer.</p>
+
+<p>HR&AElig;SVELGUR, lit. Raw-swallower, <i>i.e.</i> swallowing raw flesh like an
+eagle.</p>
+
+<p>HRAFNAGUD, the Ravens' god; brafn; <i>G.</i> rabe; <i>E.</i> raven.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMFAXI: brim, rime, or hoar frost; fax, a crest, a mane. The <i>E.</i>
+prop, name Fairfax, means fair-haired.</p>
+
+<p>HRIMTHURSAR, the Rim or Frost Giants: thurs, a giant.</p>
+
+<p>HRINGHORN, lit. a ringed or annulated horn.</p>
+
+<p>HRIST, from v. hrista, to shake, to agitate.</p>
+
+<p>HRYM, HRYMUR, prob. from brim, rime&mdash;hoar frost.</p>
+
+<p>HUGI, and HUGINN, from hugr, spirit, breath, thought, mind, reason.</p>
+
+<p>HVERGELMIR, the roaring cauldron; a spring of hot water.</p>
+
+<p>HYRROKIN, lit. Smoky-fire; utter darkness, also smoke.</p>
+
+
+<p>IDAVOLLR: vollr, a field, a place; to flow together; to ramble, to
+take a pleasant walk.</p>
+
+<p>IDUNA, prop. IDUNN or ITHUNN. May mean one who loves either the
+confluence of waters, or to work, or to take a pleasant ramble.</p>
+
+
+<p>JAFNHAR. <i>The Equally High</i>; lit. even so high.</p>
+
+<p>JARNVIDR, Iron-wood.</p>
+
+<p>JORD, JORTH, the earth.</p>
+
+<p>JORMUNGANDR. Gandr sig. serpent, and more prop, wolf: jormun is a word
+of uncertain origin, but appears in all the anc. Teutonic lang. to
+have expressed the idea of great, maximus, universal. The reader will
+find much curious information on this subject in Grimm's admirable
+work.</p>
+
+<p>JOTUNHEIMR, lit. Giants'-home, the region of the Giants.</p>
+
+
+<p>KERLAUG: ker, any kind of vessel, cup, bowl, &amp;c; also used to denote
+the bed of a river.</p>
+
+<p>KJALARR, prob. from v. kjala, to transport, to convey; a ship, <i>a
+keel</i>.</p>
+
+<p>KVASIR. This word seems to be used in the sense of a <i>drinking bout.</i></p>
+
+
+<p>LAUFEY, lit. Frondiferous-isle; an island.</p>
+
+<p>LETTFETI, Lightfoot: light.</p>
+
+<p>LIFTHRASIR, vital energy, longevity, life; enduring a long time.</p>
+
+<p>LITUR, colour, complexion, form, the face.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 341]</span><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341" /></p>
+
+<p>LODURR, LODR, LOTHR, from the ob. <i>N.</i> lod, fire.</p>
+
+<p>LOFNA, prop. LOFN, appears allegorlcally to denote perennial and
+unchangeable love.</p>
+
+<p>LOGI, Flame; a log of wood burnt or to be burnt.</p>
+
+<p>LOKI, to shut; whence the <i>E.</i> to lock, to finish.</p>
+
+<p>LOPTUR, the Aerial, the Sublime; the air; whence the <i>E.</i> lofty and
+aloft, also a (hay) loft.</p>
+
+<p>LYNGVI, from lyng or ling, the sweet broom, heath or ling.</p>
+
+
+<p>MAGNI, the Potent, the Powerful; force, energy.</p>
+
+<p>MANAGARMR, lit. the moon's wolf; a monster wolf or dog, voracious.</p>
+
+<p>MANI, the moon.</p>
+
+<p>MARDOLL, Sea-nymph; mere, the sea; whence our word mere, as
+Windermere, Buttermere, &amp;c: doll, a nymph; poetically a woman.</p>
+
+<p>MEGINGJARDIR, the Girdle of Might, the Belt of Prowess.</p>
+
+<p>MIDGARD, middleweard, the middleward; <i>see</i> Asgard. Middling, mean.</p>
+
+<p>MIMIR, or MIMER, to keep In memory; to be fanciful; mindful.</p>
+
+<p>MJODVITNIR, lit. knowing in mead; wine; madja, palm-wine,</p>
+
+<p>MJOLNIR, or MJOLLNIR, prob. from v. melja, to pound, or v. mala, to
+grind; <i>E.</i> mill, and prob. with <i>L.</i> malleus, a mallet.</p>
+
+<p>MODGUDUR, a valiant female warrior, <i>animosa bellona</i>: courage; mind;
+<i>E.</i> mood; gracefulness, delectation.</p>
+
+<p>MODSOGNIR, lit. sucking in courage or vigour.</p>
+
+<p>MOINN, dwelling on a moor.</p>
+
+<p>MUNINN, mind; <i>memory</i>, recollection; <i>G.</i> minne, love.</p>
+
+<p>MUSPELLHEIMR, Muspell's region or home; used in the sense of elemental
+or empyreal fire.</p>
+
+
+<p>NAGLFAR, a nail from nagl, a human nail; according to the Prose Edda,
+&quot;constructed of the nails of dead men&quot;; a seafaring man.</p>
+
+<p>NAL. <i>G.</i> nadel; <i>A.S.</i> n&aelig;dl; <i>E.</i> a needle.</p>
+
+<p>NANNA. Grimm derives this word from the v. nenna, to dare.</p>
+
+<p>NAR, a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>NASTROND, a corpse; The Strand of the Dead.</p>
+
+<p>NAUDUR, necessity; need.</p>
+
+<p>NAUT, ph. from the v. njota, to make use of.</p>
+
+<p>NIDAFJOLL, a rock, a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>NIDHOGG, a phrase used to indicate the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+<p>NIDI, from nidr, downwards.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEIMR, lit. Nebulous-home&mdash;the shadowy region of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLHEL, from nifi and hel. <i>See</i> the latter word.</p>
+
+<p>NIFLUNGAR, the mythic-heroic ghosts of the shadowy realms of death.</p>
+
+<p>NIPINGR, handsome; to contract, to curve.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 342]</span><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342" /></p>
+
+<p>NJORD, prop. NJORDR, humid; <i>Sk.</i> nar, nir, water; a wave; and
+Neriman, an aquatic man.</p>
+
+<p>NOTT; <i>D.</i> nat; <i>M.G.</i> naht; <i>G.</i> nacht; <i>A.S.</i> niht; <i>E.</i> night.</p>
+
+<p>NYI, these dwarfs were symbolical of the new and the waning moon.</p>
+
+
+<p>ODIN. <i>E.</i> to <i>wade</i> through, consequently the Omnipotent Being that
+<i>permeates all things</i>.</p>
+
+<p>ODUR, the name of Freyja's husband. Odur may, like Kvasir, be the
+personification of poetry.</p>
+
+<p>ODHROERIR, Mind-exciting; the name of a vessel or kettle.</p>
+
+<p>OFNIR, <i>E.</i> to weave. The word would thus sig. the textile or creating
+power of Odin.</p>
+
+<p>OMI, from omr, a sound, a crash; a name given to Odin, when like, the
+Brahmlnlc Indra, he rattles aloft during a battle, or at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>ONDURDIS, Snow skates; <i>E.</i> to wander; dis, a nymph, a goddess.</p>
+
+<p>ORGELMIR, Primordial Giant; also to roar, to howl, to clang, to
+resound.</p>
+
+<p>ORI, delirious (with love), one of the Erotic Genii.</p>
+
+<p>OSKI, hence one who listens to the wishes of mankind.</p>
+
+
+<p>RADGRID, lit. seeking power with avidity; power, empire council.</p>
+
+<p>RADSVITHR, wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>RAGNAROKR. The n. ragin signified <i>rath</i>, council, the pl. of which,
+regin, Is used in the Eddaic Poems for the gods; that is to say, the
+consulting, deliberating deities. It answers in fact fully to the <i>E.</i>
+word <i>rack</i>, Indicating atmospheric nebulosity; hence Ragnarok is very
+approp. rendered by &quot;The Twilight of the Gods.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>RAN, to plunder; her spoil being those who were drowned at sea.</p>
+
+<p>RANDGRID: rand, from rond, a shield.</p>
+
+<p>RATATOSKR, from the v. rata; to permeate; the last sylb. may be
+derived from <i>G.</i> tasche, a pocket or pouch; hence the Permeating
+Pouch?</p>
+
+<p>REGIN, Is often used In the sense of vast, immense; the vast sea.</p>
+
+<p>REGINLEIF, dear to the gods, <i>see</i> Regin.</p>
+
+<p>RIGR, Rajah, a king.</p>
+
+<p>RINDA, prop. RINDUR, sig. symbolically, the crust of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>ROSKA, quick, lively, active.</p>
+
+
+<p>SADR, SATHR, just, true, in sooth, verily.</p>
+
+<p>S&AElig;GR, a large vessel of any kind. The word was used by the Skalds
+metaphorically for the sea.</p>
+
+<p>SAGA. The personified saga or narration, from the v. segja, to say;
+<i>G.</i> sage; <i>E.</i> a saying; <i>L.</i> Saga, a sorceress; sagax, saga-clous,
+to foretell.</p>
+
+<p>SANNGETALL, inquiring after; guessing at truth.</p>
+
+<p>SESSRUMNIR, lit. Seat-roomy, <i>i.e.</i> having room for plenty of seats.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 343]</span><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343" /></p>
+
+<p>SID, declining, hanging, tending downward.</p>
+
+<p>SIDHOTTR, lit. Hanging-hat or hood.</p>
+
+<p>SIDSKEGGR, lit. Hanging-beard; <i>E.</i> shag and shaggy.</p>
+
+<p>SIF, signifying peace, friendship, relationship, a goddess, Sibja,
+Sippia, and Sib.</p>
+
+<p>SIGFADIR, or SIGFODUR, the Father of Victory; <i>L.</i> pater.</p>
+
+<p>SILFRINTOPPR, Silver-mane; <i>E.</i> silver: toppr, <i>see</i> Gulltoppr.</p>
+
+<p>SINDRI, either scintillating or producing dross.</p>
+
+<p>SJOFNA. F. Mag. derives it from the v. sja, to see.</p>
+
+<p>SKADI, the magpie received its name from this goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SKAFIDR, shaving, scraping.</p>
+
+<p>SKEGGOLD, lit. Old-beard; also denoted a particular kind of
+battle-axe.</p>
+
+<p>SKEIDBRIMIR, any space of time that is elapsing.</p>
+
+<p>SKIDBLADNIR, lath, shingle, billet of wood, a sheath; <i>E.</i> blade, a
+blade or <i>leaf</i> of grass.</p>
+
+<p>SKILFINGR, prob. to shake, to shatter.</p>
+
+<p>SKINFAXI, Shining-mane: skin, splendour, light.</p>
+
+<p>SKIRNIR, serene, pure, clear; E. sheer, which had formerly the same
+meaning.</p>
+
+<p>SKOGUL, prob. from v. skaga, to jut out; whence skagi, a promontory.</p>
+
+<p>SKOLL, to stick to, to adhere, to strike, to smite.</p>
+
+<p>SLEIPNIR. <i>E.</i> slippery.</p>
+
+<p>SLIDRUGTANNI, cruel, fierce, savage.</p>
+
+<p>SNOTRA, to blow the nose; a person, even a goddess, being much more
+<i>tidy</i> when the nostrils are thoroughly <i>emunctated.</i></p>
+
+<p>SOKKVABEKKR, lit. Sinking-brook; to sink; an estuary, a shore, a
+brook.</p>
+
+<p>SON, sound, song, <i>sonus</i>, <i>cantus</i>.</p>
+
+<p>SURTUR, obscure, invisible; and invisible, unintelligible!! Surtur,
+according to Fin Magnusen, the invisible, unintelligible being whom
+the ancient Scandinavians regarded as &quot;the great First Cause least
+understood&quot; of all things.</p>
+
+<p>SVADILFARI, lubricity, also slippery ice.</p>
+
+<p>SVAFNIR, prob. from v. svefa, to cast asleep; sleep, quiet, repose.</p>
+
+<p>SVALINN, the Refrigerating; to cool, to refrigerate.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTALFAHEIMR, lit. Black or Swart Elves' home, region of the Elves
+of Darkness in contradistincition to that of the Elves of Light.</p>
+
+<p>SVARTHOFDI, Black-head; svartr, black, swart.</p>
+
+<p>SVASUTHR, Sweet-south; blithe, jocund, dear.</p>
+
+<p>SVIDR and SVIDRIR, from v. svida, to scorch; or wise, powerful.</p>
+
+<p>SVIPALL, to hasten, to vibrate; to wave, to hover; also with <i>E.</i> v.
+to sweep.</p>
+
+<p>SYLGR, a draught or deglutition; to swallow; to swill; to guzzle, to
+feast.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 344]</span><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344" /></p>
+
+<p>SYN, signifying equity; syn. defence, excuse, negation, impediment,
+which has been personified into a judicial goddess.</p>
+
+<p>SYNIR, having a fine appearance.</p>
+
+
+<p>TANNGNIOSTR, Gnashing-teeth; to bruise, crack, grind, gnash.</p>
+
+<p>THEKKR, to know; <i>E.</i> to think. The adj. thekkr means also amiable.</p>
+
+<p>THODNUMA, men, people, nations.</p>
+
+<p>THOR, contraction of Thonar, a word indicating a God who, like Thor,
+presided over <i>thunder</i> and atmospherical phenomena.</p>
+
+<p>THORINN, from thor, audacity; whence the v. thora; to dare.</p>
+
+<p>THRAINN, the Pertinacious; from the v. thra, to desire vehemently.</p>
+
+<p>THRIDI, <i>The Third</i>.</p>
+
+<p>THROR, ph. from v. throa, to increase, to amplify.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDUR. Thrudr is an obsolete <i>N.</i> word signifying fortitude,
+firmness; but it appears to have originally had, in most of the
+Teutonic languages the sig. of maiden, virgin; and was afterwards used
+in the sense of witch, sorceress.</p>
+
+<p>THRUDVANGR, the Abode or Region or Fortitude.</p>
+
+<p>THRYM. F. Mag. says the word is <i>undoubtedly</i> derived from thruma,
+thunder.</p>
+
+<p>THUNDR, can be derived from thund, a breastplate, a coat of mail.</p>
+
+<p>THYN, to thunder, to make a thundering noise, as a rapid current does.</p>
+
+<p>TYR, signifying God; as well as the <i>L.</i> Jupiter, for which he assumes
+a nom. Ju or Jus, Jupiter.</p>
+
+
+<p>URD, VERDANDI, and SKULD, the Present, Past, and Future. The names of
+the Destinies of the Present and Past.</p>
+
+<p>UTGARD, prop. UTGARDR, lit. Outer-ward. <i>See</i> Midgard.</p>
+
+
+<p>VAFTHRUDNIR, from the v. vefa, to involve, prop, to weave.</p>
+
+<p>VAFUDR, the Weaver, or the Constrainer.</p>
+
+<p>VAKR, VAKUR, alert, lively, vigilant.</p>
+
+<p>VALASKJALF, choice, election.</p>
+
+<p>VALFADIR, or VALFODUR, lit. the Choosing Father.</p>
+
+<p>VALHALLA, prop, VALHOLL, lit. the Hall of the Chosen: may also have
+originally indicated a temple.</p>
+
+<p>VALKYRJOR, or VALKYRJUR, sing. VALKYRJA, lit. Choosers of the Slain;
+denoted the slain in battle; a poetical word for a field of battle.</p>
+
+<p>VANADIS, prop, a Goddess of the Vanir. <i>See</i> that word, and <i>Dis</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VANIR, beautiful; with the <i>L.</i> venustus and Venus, and ph. with the
+<i>E. wench</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VASADR, from vas, moisture, a word cog. with the <i>E.</i> wet and wash.</p>
+
+<p>VE. Was used in the m. sing, to express a particular god; that in the
+pi. it would be vear, gods, idols; a temple.<span class="pagenum">[Pg 345]</span><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345" /></p>
+
+<p>VEDURFOLNIR might be rendered Storm-stilling; causing serenity.</p>
+
+<p>VEGSVINN, lit Road-knowing.</p>
+
+<p>VERATYR, lit. the Man-god.</p>
+
+<p>VESTRI, west, occidental.</p>
+
+<p>VIDAR, a tree; wood; and prob. also weed and withy.</p>
+
+<p>VIDBLAINN, expanded azure (lit. Wide-blue).</p>
+
+<p>VIDFINNR, wide, vast.</p>
+
+<p>VIDOLFR, or VIDALFR, lit. Sylvan Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VIDRIR, Moderator of the weather; to still the weather.</p>
+
+<p>VIGRID, from vig, a battle; battle craft, the art of war.</p>
+
+<p>VILI, Will. To will; to choose; to elect.</p>
+
+<p>VILMEITHR, an old word for tree.</p>
+
+<p>VIN, and VINA, a friend, to love, to favour; winsome.</p>
+
+<p>VINDALFR, Wind Elf.</p>
+
+<p>VINDSVALR; vindr, wind: and svalr, cold, glacial.</p>
+
+<p>VINGOLF, lit. the Abode of Friends; golf means lit. a floor.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUNDR. The word denotes a skilful artificer, in which sense it is
+still used by the Icelanders; he is a famous workman&mdash;a Wayland&mdash;in
+iron; and they very appropriately term a labyrinth a Wayland-house.</p>
+
+<p>VOLUSPA, a sybil or prophetess.</p>
+
+
+<p>YGGDRASILL, from Ygg, one of Odin's names (see the following word) and
+drasill, bearing; hence, according to F. Mag., it would sig. bearing
+(producing) rain, or bearing Odin.</p>
+
+<p>YGGR., to meditate, and also to fear; hence the word might be rendered
+by either the Meditating or the Terrible.</p>
+
+<p>YLG, the Howling; to howl.</p>
+
+<p>YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the
+wind; also the clang of metals.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson;
+and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson, by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
+
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