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EDDA SEMUNDARHINNS FRöBA.
—coc

THE EDDA

OF SAEMUND THE LEAR NED.

FROM

THE OLD NORSE OR ICELANDIC,

WITH

A MYTHOLOGICAL INDEX,

PART I.

L O N DO N,
TRÚBNER & Co., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1866.
~~~

ºil. ºu # *, *

RF.G. A.
*Cº., C# is
PREF AGE.")
~~~~~

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 Hildetönn. 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 Chri
stian 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 Saemund was passed in travel and
study, in Germany and France, and, according to .
some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John Ogmund
1) Chiefly from the “Vita Saemundi Multiscii vulgo Froda,
Autore Arna Magnæo”, prefixed to the Copenhagen edition.
IV Preface.

son, 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. Saemund afterwards be
came 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, Saemund's predilection for the sagas and
songs of the old heathen times (even for the ma
gical ones) was so well known, that among his coun
trymen 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 trans
mitted from generation to generation.*).

1) The following, the first among many, may serve as


a specimen.
Saemund 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 Ögmundson
came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll; but
on John insisting that he was no other than Samund Sig
fusson, born at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many
f
Preface. V

Saemund died at the age of 77, leaving behind


him a work on the history of Norway and Iceland,
which is now almost entirely lost.

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 Saemund: 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 hea
vens were too overcast to admit, according to his custom, of .
reading their whereabouts in the stars. So they travelled
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 Sæ
mund, 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 foreheadſ. 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 Samund directly
above his head, and again sets out after the fugitives. Ob
serving 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 an 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.
vi Preface.

The first who ascribed to Saemund the collection


of poems known as the Poetic Edda, ) was Brynjolf
Sveinsson, 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 Torfaeus; 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.”) As many of the Eddaic
poems appear to have been orally transmitted in an
imperfect state, the collector has supplied the defi
ciencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity
of the subject is to a certain degree restored.

The old man now has once more recourse to his art; but
on seeing Saemund’s star shining brightly above him, he ex
claimed: ‘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.")
1) Bishop P. E. Müller supposes the greater number of
the Eddaic poems to be of the 8th century. Sagabibliothek
II. p. 131. -

2) Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4to. The handwriting of this


MS. is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.

*) From “Isländische Volkssagen der Gegenwart von Dr. Konrad


Maurer. Leipzig 1860.” A highly interesting and entertaining volume.
Preface. - VII

The collection called Saemund's Edda consists of


two parts, viz., the Mythological and the Heroic. It
is the former of these 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 spi
rited but free translation of the Vegtamskvida. The
present volume closes with a translation of the So
larlioë, a poem in which the religion of the country
appears in a transition state from Heathenism to
Christianity.") *.

Some readers will, I doubt not, be desirous of


ampler illustration of the mythological poems of the
Edda than that which is afforded by the Index to
this volume; to such I would recommend the trans
lation of the Prose Edda, in Mallet's “Northern
Antiquities”, published by Bohn, and Thorpe's ‘Nor
thern Mythology and Popular Traditions,” in 3 vols.
small 8", the 1* Vol. of which contains a good and
satisfactory compendium of the Odinic religion. The
German scholar will find ample and valuable infor
mation on the same subject in the “Altnordische
Mythologie” prefixed to Professor Lünings edition of
the Edda, a work which I have principally used

1) The Solarlioë is by some supposed to be the compo


sition of Saemund himself.
VIII Preface.

while revising the present translation, and which I


regard as unquestionably the best existing.
From a memorandum made at the time, I'find
that this volume was ready for press in the year
1856, though the idea of offering it to the public
was not entertained until about two years ago. On
intimating my intention to one or two persons, I
was informed that an edition was already in the
press, and, consequently, I withdrew from the field.
But as that edition seems to be postponed sine
die, or I had been misinformed regarding it, I
have resolved on sending forth my humble production.
It is needless to inform my readers that it has no
pretension to elegance; but I believe it to be a faith
ful though homely representation of the original, and
may, at all events serve as a stop-gap until made
to give place to a worthier work; for that the lack
of an edition of the Edda is a chasm in our litera
eniture cannot be denied.
If a not unfavourable reception is given it by
the British public, the Second, or Heroic part shall
be immediately sent to press.
*

The Editor.
INTRODUCTION
to the Völuspa.
... As introductory to the Völuspá, the following de
scription 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 re
present 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 appropriated 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 mo
ney, 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”: —
”Thorbiörg, 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
l
2 Introduction.

elevated seat, on which lay a cushion stuffed with fea


thers. 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 (knöske), 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 saluta
tion; 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, cau
sed the women to place themselves round her, and de
sired 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.” Northern Mythology I.
p. 214. . Den Ældre Edda I, p. 6.

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.
Wöluspá.

w The Wala's Prophecy.


1. For silence I pray all nor sand nor sea,
sacred children, nor gelid waves;
great and small, earth existed not,
sons of Heimdall'. nor heaven above,
they will that I Walfather's 'twas a chaotic chasm,
deeds recount, and grass nowhere,
men's ancient saws, 4. before Bur's sons
those that I best remember. raised up heaven's vault,
2. The Jötuns I remem they who the noble
early born, [ber mid-earth shaped.
those who me of old The sun shone from the south
have reared. over the structure's rocks:
I nine worlds remember, then was the earth begrown
nine trees”, with herbage green.
the great central tree", 5. The sun from the south,
beneath the earth. the moon's companion,
3. There was in times of her right hand cast
old, about the heavenly horses.
where Ymir dwelt, The sun knew not

1) In the Rigsmál we are informed how Heimdall, un


der the name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three
orders of mankind. 2) See Index, v. Iviðjur, and Ygg
drasill. 3) Miðtviðr. See Index.
1*
4 The Wala's Prophecy.

where she" a dwelling had, 9. Then went all the powers


the moon knew not to their judgment-seats,
what power he possessed, the all-holy gods,
the stars knew not and thereon held council,
where they had a station. who should of the dwarfs
6. Then went the powers all the race create,
to their judgment-seats, from the sea-giant's blood
the all-holy gods, and livid bones.
and thereon held council: 10. Then was Mötsognir
to night and to the waning created greatest
gave names; [moon of all the dwarfs,
morn they named, and Durin second;
and mid-day, there in man's likeness
afternoon and eve, they created many
whereby to reckon years. dwarfs from earth,
7. The AEsir met as Durin said.
on Ida's plain;
11. Nyi and Nidi,
they altar-steads and temples
Nordri and Sudri,
high constructed;
their strength they proved, Austri and Vestri,
Althióf, Dvalin
all things tried,
furnaces established, Nár and Náin,
precious things forged, Niping, Dáin,
formed tongs, Bivör, Bavār,
Bömbur, Nori,
and fabricated tools; An and Anar
8. at tables played at home;
joyous they were; Ai, Miðdvitnir,
to them was naught 12. Weig and Gandálf
the want of gold, Windálf, Thráin
until there came Thekk and Thorin
Thurs-maidens three, Thrór, Vitr, and Litr,
all powerful, Nūr and, Nyrád
from Jötunheim. Regin and Rádsvid.

1) In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the


Sun is fem., the moon masc. 2) i. e. the earth's.
The Wala's Prophecy.

Now of the dwarfs I have accounted be.


x × *
rightly told. *: *
13. Fili, Kili,
Fundin, Nali, 17. Until there came three
Hepti, Wili, mighty and benevolent
Hanar, Svior, AEsir to the world
Billing, Bruni, from their assembly.
Bild, Bâri, They found on earth,
Frár, Hornbori, nearly powerless,
Fraeg and Löni, Ask and Embla,
Aurvang, Iari, void of destiny.
Eikinskialdi. 18. Spirit they possessed
14, Time ’tis of the dwarfs sense they had not, [not,
in Dvalin's band, blood nor motive powers,
to the sons of men, nor goodly colour.
to Lofar up to reckon, Spirit gave Odin,
those who came forth sense gave Hoenir,
from the world's rock, blood gave Lodur,
earth's foundation, and goodly colour.
>k >k -k
to Iora's plains. >k +
15. There were Draupnir,
and Dólgthrasir, 19. I know an ash standing
Hár, Haugspori, Yggdrasil hight,
Hlaevang, Glói, a lofty tree, laved
Skirvir, Virvir, with limpid water:
Skafid, Ai, thence come the dews
Alf and Yngvi, into the dales that fall;
Eikinskialdi, ever stands it green
over Urd's fountain.
16. Fialar and Frosti,
Finn and Ginnar 20. Thence come maidens,
Heri, Höggstari, much knowing,
Hliðdólf, Móin : three from the hall,
that above shall, which under that tree stands;
while mortals live, Urd hight the one,
the progeny of Lofar, the second Werdandi, -
º

6 The Wala's Prophecy.

on a tablet they graved —” 24. She the Valkyriur saw


Skuld the third. from afar coming,
Laws they established, ready to ride
life allotted to the gods' people:
to the sons of men; Skuld held a shield,
destinies pronounced. Skögul was second,
21. Alone she” sat without, then Gunn, Hild, Göndul,
when came that ancient and Geirskógul.
dread AEsir's prince; Now are enumerated
and in his eye she gazed. Herian's maidens,
22. “Of what wouldst thou the Valkyriur, ready
ask me? over the earth to ride,
Why temptest thou me? 25. She that war remem
Odin I know all, the first on earth, [bers,
where thou thine eye didst when Gullveig” they
sink
>
with lances pierced,
in the pure well of Mim.’ and in the high one's" hall
Mim drinks mead each morn her burnt,
from Valfather's pledge”. thrice burnt,
Understand ye yet, or what? thrice brought her forth,
23. The chief of hosts gave oft not seldom;
rings and necklace, [her yet she still lives.
useful discourse, 26. Heidi they called her,
and a divining spirit: whithersoe'r she came,
wide and far she saw the well-foreseeing Vala:
o'er every world. wolves she tamed,

1) This line seems introduced for the sake of allitera


ting with the following one —
skäru ä skiöi
Skuld ena pričju:
Urd, Verdandi and Skulld, are the three Norns, or Fates,
2) The Wala here speaks of herself in the third person.
3) His eye; here understood to signify the sun. 4) A
personification of gold. With the introduction of gold was
the end of the golden age. 5) i. e. Odin's: his hall is
the world.
The Wala's Prophecy. 7

magic arts she knew, with evil mingled?


magic arts practised; or to the Jötun race
ever was she the joy Od's maid had given 2
of evil people. 30. There alone was Thor
27. Then went the powers with anger swollen.
to their judgment-seats, [all He seldom sits,
the all-holy gods, when of the like he hears.
and thereon held council, Oaths are not held sacred;
whether the AEsir should nor words, nor swearing,
avenge the crime", nor binding compacts
or all the gods reciprocally made.
receive atonement. 31. She knows that Heim
28. Broken was the outer horn is hidden [dall's
of the AEsir's burgh. [wall under the heaven-bright
The Vanir, foreseeing con holy tree.
tramp o'er the plains. [flict, A river she sees flow,
Odin cast [his spear], with foamy fall,
and mid the people hurled it: from Valfather's pledge.
that was the first Understand ye yet, or what?”
warfare in the world. 32. East sat the crone,
:k :: :k
in Iárnvidirº,
: :};
and there reared up
29. Then went the powers Fenrir's progeny:
to their judgment-seats, [all of all shall be
the all-holy gods, one especially
and thereon held council: the moon's devourer,
who had all the air in a troll's semblance".

1) Of introducing the use of gold. 2) This stro


phe appears unconnected both with the preceding and the
following one; at the same time, we ought not perhaps to
assume a chasm in the poem whenever we find an abrupt
transition, but rather to regard such abruptness as a cha
racteristic of similar compositions. 3) i. e. Ironwood
apparently a proper name. 4) Managarm. See Index.
8 The Wala's Prophecy.

33. He is sated with the slender and passing fair,


of dying men; [last breath the mistletoe.
the gods’ seat he 37. From that shrub was
with red gore defiles: as to me it seemed, [made,
swart is the sunshine then a deadly, noxious dart.
for summers after; Hödr shot it forth";
all weather turns to storm. But Frigg bewailed,
Understand ye yet, or what? in Fensalir,
34. There on a height sat, Valhall's calamity.
striking a harp, Understand ye yet, or what?,
the giantess's watch, 38. Bound she saw lying,
the joyous Egdir; under Hveralund”,
by him crowed, a monstrous form,
in the bird-wood, to Loki like.
the bright red cock, There sits Sigyn,
which Fialar hight. for her consort's sake,
35. Crowed o'er the AEsir not right glad.
Gullinkambi, Understand ye yet, or what?
which wakens heroes 39. Then the Wala knew
with the sire of hosts; the fatal bonds were twisting,
but another crows most rigid,
beneath the earth, bonds from entrails made.
a soot-red cock, 40. From the east a river
in the halls of Hel. through venom dales, [falls,
36. I saw of Baldr, with mire and clods”,
the blood-stained god. Slid is its name.
Odin’s son, 41. On the north there
the hidden fate. on Nida-fells, [stood,
There stood grown up, a hall of gold, -

high on the plain, for Sindri's race;

1) After his line some Mss. insert Strophe 11. of the


Vegtamskvida, where it seems more properly to belong.
2) The hot spring's grove. 3) Or, according to another
reading, snords, which is the one admitted in the texts of
the original.
The Wala’s Prophecy. 9

and another stood cousins shall


in Okölnir, kinship violate.
the Jötuns beer-hall The earth resounds,
which Brimir' hight. the giantesses flee;
42. She saw a hall standing, no man will
far from the sun, another spare.
in Náströnd; 46. Hard is it in the world,
its doors are northward tur great whoredom,
venom-drops fall [ned, an axe age, a sword age,
in through its apertures: shields shall be cloven,
entwined is that hall a wind age, a wolf age,
with serpent's backs. ere the world sinks.
43. She there saw wading 47. Mim's sons dance,
the sluggish streams but the central tree takes
bloodthirsty men at the resounding [fire”,
and perjurers, Giallar-horn.
and him who the ear beguiles Loud blows Heimdall,
of another's wife. his horn is raised;
There Nidhögg sucks Odin speaks
the corpses of the dead; with Mim's head.
the wolf tears men. 48. Trembles Yggdrasil's
Understand ye yet, or what? ash yet standing;
44. Further forward I see, groans that aged tree,
much can I say -
and the jötun” is loosed.
of Ragnarök Loud bays Garm
and the gods’ conflict. before the Gnupa-cave,
45. Brothers shall fight, his bonds he rends asunder;
and slay each other; and the wolf runs.

1) Rask understands Brimir to be the name of the


giant (jötun) to whom, the drinking hall belonged, and not
the name of the hall itself: in which case nho must be
substituted for nhich. In Snorri's Edda, it is evidently un
derstood as the name of the hall. See p. 75, edit. Rask.
2) See Str. 2. 3) Loki.
10 The Wala's Prophecy.

49. Hrym steers from the 53. Then arises


the waters rise, [east, Hlin's second grief,
the mundane snake is coiled when Odin goes
in jötun-rage. with the wolf to fight,
The worm beats the water, and the bright slayer
and the eagle screams: of Beli with Surt.
the pale of beak tears car Then will Frigg's
Naglfar is loosed. [cases; beloved fall.
50. That ship fares from the 54. Then comes the great
come will Muspell's [east: victor-sire's son,
people o'er the sea, Vidar, to fight
and Loki steers. with the deadly beast,
He with his hands will
The monster's kin goes
all with the wolf; make his sword pierce
with them the brother is to the heart of the giant's son*:
of Byleist on their course. then avenges he his father.
51. Surt from the south co 55. Then comes the mighty
son of Hlódyn:
with flickering, flame; [mes (Odin's son goes
shines from his sword
with the monster to fight);
the Wal-god's sun. Midgård's Veor in his rage
The stony hills are dashed will slay the worm.
together, Nine feet will go
the giantesses totter; Fiórgyn's son,
men tread the path of Hel, bowed by the serpent,
and heaven is cloven.
who feared no foe.
52. How is it with the Æsir? All men will
How with the Alfar? their homes forsake.
All Jötunheim resounds; 56. The sun darkens,
the AEsir are in council. earth in ocean sinks,
The dwarfs groan fall from heaven
before their stony doors, the bright stars,
the sages of the rocky walls. fire's breath assails
Understand ye yet, or what? the all-nourishing tree,

1) Loki.
The Wala's Prophecy. 11

towering fire plays Hropt's glorious dwellings


against heaven itself. shall inhabit.

57. She sees arise,


Understand ye yet, or what?
61. Then can Hoenir
a second time,
choose his lot”,
earth from ocean, and the two brother's
beauteously green, sons inhabit
waterfalls descending; the spacious Windheim.
the eagle flying over, Understand ye yet, or what?
which in the fell
62. She a hall sees standing
captures fish. than the sun brighter,
58. The AEsir meet with gold bedecked,
in Gimill:
on Ida's plain,
and of the mighty there shall the righteous
earth-encircler speak, people dwell,
and for evermore
and there to memory call
their mighty deeds, happiness enjoy.
and the supreme god's' 64. Then comes the mighty
ancient lore. to the great judgment, [one
the powerful from above,
59.wondrous
the There shall again ſ
who rules o'er: all.
He shall dooms pronounce,
golden tables and strifes allay,
in the grass be found, holy peace establish,
which in days of old which shall ever be.
/
#
had possessed ::: :

the ruler of the gods, 65. There comes the dark


and Fiólnir's race.
| dragon flying from beneath,
60. Unsown shall the glistening serpent,
the fields bring forth, from Nida-fells.
all evil be amended; On his wings bears Nidhögg,
Baldr shall come; flying o'er the plain,
Hödr and Baldr, a corpse.
the heavenly gods, Now she will descend.

1) Odin. 2) He will return to his kin having been


given as a hostage to the Vanir.
Wafprºënismál,

The Lay of Wafthrūdnir.


Odin visits the Giant (Jötun) Wafthrūdnir, for the purpose of
proving his knowledge. They propose questions relative to
the Cosmogony of the Northern creed, on the condition that
the baffled party forfeit his head. The Jötun incurs the penalty.

Odin. Odin. -

1. Counsel thou me now, 3. Much have Ijourneyed,


Frigg much experienced,
as I long to go mighty ones many proved;
Vafthrūdnir to visit; but this I fain would know,
great desire, I say, how in Vafthrūdnir's
I have, in ancient lore halls it is.
with that all-wise Jötun to
Frigg.
contend.
4. Insafety mayest thougo,
Frigg. in safety return,
2. At home to bide in safety on thy journeyings
Haerfather I would counsel, be;
in the gods' dwellings; may thy wit avail thee,
because no Jötun when thou, father of men
is, I believe, so mighty shalt
as is Vafthrūdnir. hold converse with the Jötun.
The Lay of Waſthrūdnir. 13

5. Then went Odin Gagnrád.


the lore to prove 10. A poor man should,
of that all-wise Jötun. who to a rich man comes,
To the hall he came speak usefully or hold his
which Im's father owned. tongue?
Ygg went forthwith in. over-much talk
Odin. brings him, Iween, no good,
6. Hail to thee,Vafthrūdnir! who visits an austere man.
to thy hall I am now come, Wafthrūduir.
thyself to see; 11. Tell me, Gagnrád!
for I fain would know, since on the floor thou wilt
whether thou art a cunning prove thy proficiency,
and all-wise Jötun. how the horse is called w

Wafthrūdnir. that draws each day


7. What man is this, forth over human kind?
that in my habitation Gagnrád.
by word addresses me? 12. Skinfaxi he is named,
Out thou goest not that the bright day draws
from our halls, forth over human kind.
if thou art not the wiser. Of coursers hi is best ac
Odin. counted
8. Gagnrád is my name, among the Reid-goths.
from my journey I am come Ever sheds light that horse's
thirsty to thy halls, IIlane.

needing hospitality, - Wafthrūdnir.


for I long have journeyed — 13. Tell me now, Gagnrád!
and kind reception from thee, since on the floor thou wilt
Jötun! prove thy proficiency,
Wafthrūdnir. how that steed is called,
which from the east draws
9. Why then, Gagnrád!
speakest thoufrom the floor? night
Take in the hall a seat; o'er the beneficent powers?
then shall be proved Gagnrád.
which knows most, 14. Hrimfaxi he is called,
the guestor the ancient talker. that each night draws forth
14 The Lay of Waſthrūdnir.

over the beneficent powers. Wafbrädnir.


He from his bit lets fall 19. Wise art thou, o guest!
drops every morn, Approach the Jötuns bench,
whence in the dales comes and sitting let us together
- dew. we will our heads [talk:
Wafthrūdnir. in the hall pledge,
guest! for wise utterance.
15. Tell me, Gagnrádſ
since on the floor thou wilt
prove thy proficiency, Gagnrád.
how the stream is called, 20. Tell me first,
which earth divides between
if thy wit suffices,
the Jötuns and the Gods? and thou, Vafthrūdnirl
Gagnrád. knowest,
whence first came the earth,
16. Ifing the stream is called and the high heaven,
which earth divides between
the Jötuns and the Gods: thou, sagacious Jötun?
Wafthrūdnir.
open shall it run -

21. From Ymir's flesh


throughout all time.
On that stream noice shallbe, the earth was formed,
and from his bones the hills,
Wafthrūdnir.
the heaven from the skull
17. Tell me, Gagnrádſ of that ice-cold giant,
since on the floor thou wilt and from his blood the sea.
prove thy proficiency, Gagnrád.
how that plain is called,
22. Tell me secondly,
where in fight shall meet if thy wit suffices, .
Surt and the gentle Gods? and thou, Wafthrūdnirl
Gagnrád. knowest,
18.Wigrid the plain is called, whence came the moon,
where in fight shall meet which over mankind passes,
and the sun likewise
Surt and the gentle Gods;
a hundred rasts it is Wafthrūdnir.
on every side. 23. Mundilfoeri hight he,
That plain is to them decreed. who the moon's father is,
The Lay of Waſthrödnir. 15

and eke the sun's:


yearly they both
round heaven journey shall ever journey,
each day they must, until the powers perish.
to count years for men,
Gagnrád.
Gagnrád.
24. Tell me thirdly, 28. Tell me fifthly,
since thou art called wise, since they pronounce thee
and if thou, Wafthrūdnir! Sage,
and if thou, Vafthradnir I
knowest,
whence came the day, knowest,
which of the AEsir earliest,
which over people passes,
and night with waning in or of Ymir's sons,
moons f days of old existed?
Wafthrūdnir. Wafthrūdnir.
25. Delling hight he 29. Countless winters,
who the day's father is, ere earth was formed,
but night was of Nörvi born; was Bergelmir born;
the new and waning moons Thrūdgelmir
the beneficent ted,
powers crea was his sire,
r

his grandsire Aurgelmir.


to count years for men. Gagnrád.
Gagnrád. 30. Tell me sixthly,
26. Tell me fourthly, since thou art called wise,
since they pronounce thee and if thou, Wafthrūdnir!
Sage, knowest,
and if thou, Vafthrūdnirſ whence first came Aurgelmir,
knowest, among the Jötun's sons,
whence winter came, thou Sagacious Jötun?
and warm summer
Wafthrūdnir.
first among the wise gods?
Vafthrūdnir.
31. From Elivágar
sprang venom drops,
27. Windsval hight he, which grew till they became
who winter's father is, a Jötun;
and Svásud summer's; but sparks flew
16 The Lay of Wafthrūdnir.

from the south-world: Gagnrád.


to the ice the fire gave life. 36. Tell me ninthly,
since thou art called wise,
Gagnrád. and if thou knowest, Waf
32. Tell me seventhly, thrūdnirl
since thou art called wise, whence the wind comes;
and if thou knowest, Waf
thrūdnir I
that over ocean passes,
itself invisible to man?
how he children begat, Wafthrūdnir. .
the bold Jötun,
as he had no giantess's com 37. Hraesvelg he is called,
who at the end of heaven
pany?
Wafthrūdnir.
sits,
a Jötun in an eagle's plu
33. Under the armpit grew, mage:
'tis said, of the Hrimthurs, from his wings comes,
a girl and boy together; it is said, the wind,
foot with foot begat, - that over all men passes.
of that wise Jötun,
a six-headed son. Gagnrád.
38. Tell me tenthly,
Gagnrád. since thou all the origin
34. Tell me eighthly, of the gods knowest, Waf
since thou art called wise, thrūdnir!
and if thou knowest, Waf whence Niðrd came
thrūdnir! among the Æsir's sons?
what thou doest first remem O'er fanes and offer-steads
[ber, he rules by hundreds,
or earliest knowest? yet was not among the AEsir
Thou art an all-wise Jötun. born.
Wafthrūdnir. Wafthrūdnir.
35. Countless winters, 39. In Vanaheim
ere earth was formed, wise powers him created,
Bergelmir was born. and to the gods a hostage gave.
That I first remember, At the world's dissolution,
when that wise Jötun he will return
in an ark was laid. to the wise Vanir.
The Lay of Waſthrūdnir." 17

Gagnrád. w Gagnrád.
40. Tell me eleventhly, 44. Much have Ijourneyed,
since all the condition much experienced,
of the gods thou knowest, mighty ones many proved.
Vafthrūdnir! What mortals will live,
what the Einheriar do when the great Fimbul’
in Haerfather's halls, winter
until the powers perish? shall from men have pas
Wafthrūdnir. Sed?
41. All the Einheriar Wafthrūdnir.
in Odin's halls
each day together fight; 45. Lif and Lifthrasir;
but they will be concealed
the fallen they choose, in Hoddmimir's holt.
and from the conflict ride; the morning dews
beer with the AEsir drink, they will have for food.
of Sèhrimnir eat their fill, From them shallmen be born.
then sit in harmony together. Gagnrád.
Gagnrád.
42. Tell me twelfthly, 46. Much have Ijourneyed,
as thou all the condition much experienced,
of the gods knowest, Waf mighty ones many proved.
Whence will come the sun
thrūdnir I
of the Jötuns' secrets, in that fair heaven,
when Fenrir has this de
and of all the gods', voured 2
say what truest is,
Wafthrūdnir.
thou all-knowing Jötun!
Vaſthradnjr.
47. A daughter shall
43. Of the secrets of the Alfrödull bear,
Jötuns ere Fenrir shall have swal
and of all the gods, lowed her.
I can truly tell; The maid shall ride,
for I have over when the powers die,
each world travelled; on her mother's course.
to nine worlds I came, Gagnrád.
to Niflhel beneath: 48. Much have Ijourneyed,
here die men from Hel. Who are the maidens [&c.
2
18 The Lay of Waſthrūdnir.

that o'er the ocean travel, Gagnrád.


wise of spirit, journey? 52. Much have I journeyed,
What of Odin will [&c.
Wafthrūdnir. the life's end be,
49. O'er people's dwellings when the powers perish 2
three descend Wafthrūdnir.
of Mögthrasir's maidens, 53. The wolf will
the sole Hamingiur the father of men devour;
who are in the world, him Vidar will, avenge:
although with Jötuns nur he his cold jaws
tured.
will cleave,
in conflict with the wolf.
Gagnrád.
Gagnrád.
50. Much have I journeyed,
Which of the AEsir will [&c. 54. Much have I journeyed,
What said Odin [&c.
rule o'er the gods' possession,
when Surt's fire shall be in his son's ear,
quenched 2 ere he on the pile was laid 2
Waſthrūdnir.
Wafthrūdnir.
55. That no one knoweth,
51. Widar and Wali what thou in days of old
will the gods’ holy fanes saidst in thy son's ear.
inhabit, With dying mouth
when Surt's fire shall be my ancient saws I have said,
quenched. and the gods' destruction.
Mödi and Magni will With Odin I have contended
Miðllnir possess, in wise utterances:
and warfare strive to end. of men thou ever art the
wisest
Grimnismál,

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.
2*
20 The Lay of Grimnir.

Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidskiálf, 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 resi
ding in his country.” Frigg answered, “He is so in
hospitable that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that
too many come.” Odin replied that that was the great
est 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, food has offered,
and much too great; , save only Agnar,
flame! let us separate. the son of Geirröd,
My garment is singed, who alone shall rule
although I lift it up, over the land of Goths.
my cloakisscorchedbefore it. 3. Be thoublessed Agnar!
2. Eight nights have I sat as blessed as the god of men
between fires here, bids thee to be.
and to me no one For one draught
The Lay of Grimnir. 21

thou never shalt 9. Easily to be known is,


get better recompense. by those who to Odin come,
4. Holy is the land, the mansion by its aspect.
which I see lying Its roof with spears is laid,'
to AEsir and Alfar near; its hall with shields is decked,
but in Thrūdheim with corslets are its benches
Thor shall dwell strewed.
until the powers perish. 10. Easily to be known is,
5. Ydalir it is called, by those who to Odin come,
where Ullr has the mansion by its aspect.
himself a dwelling made. A wolf hangs
Alfheim the gods to Frey before the western door,
gave in days of yore over it an eagle hovers.
for a tooth-gift. 11. Thrymheim the sixth
is named,
6. The third dwelling is, where Thiassi dwelt
where the kind powers have
with silver decked the hall; that all-powerful Jötun;
Walaskiálf 'tis called,
but Skadi now inhabits,
which for himself acquired
the bright bride of gods,
her father's ancient home.
the As" in days of old. 12. Breidablik is the seventh,
7. Sökkvabekk the fourth where Baldr has
oe'r which [is named built for himself a hall,
the gelid waves resound; in that land,
Odin and Saga there, in which I know exists
joyful each day, the fewest crimes.
from golden beakers quaff. 13. Himinbiörg is the eighth,
8. Gladsheim the fifth is where Heimdall, it is said,
named, rules o'er the holy fanes:
there the golden-bright there the gods' watchman,
Valhall stands spacious. in his tranquil home,
there Hropt” selects drinks joyful the good mead.
each day those men 14. Fólkvang is the ninth,
who die by weapons. there Freyia directs

1) Odin — Sn. Edda, 17. 2) A name of Odin.


22 The Lay of Grimnir.

the sittings in the hall. the triumphant sire of hosts;


She half the fallen chooses but on wine only
..each day, the famed in arms,
but Odin th’ other half. Odin, ever lives.
15. Glitnir is the tenth; 20. Hugin and Munin
it is on gold sustained, fly each day
and eke with silver decked. over the spacious earth.
There Forseti dwells I fear for Hugin,
throughout all time, that he come not back,
and every strife allays. yet more anxious am I for
16. Nóatún is the eleventh, Munin.
there Niðrd has 21. Thund roars;
himself a dwelling made, joyful in Thiodvitnir's
prince of men; water lives the fish;
guiltless of sin, the rapid river
he rules o'er the high-built seems too great
- fane. for the battle-steed to ford”.
17. O'ergrown with bran 22. Walgrind is the lattice
and high grass [ches called,
is Vidar's spacious Landvidi: in the plain that stands,
There will the son descend, holy before the holy gates:
from the steed's back, ancient is that lattice,
bold to avenge his fatherl. but few only know
18. Andhrimnir makes, how it is closed with lock.
in Eldhrimnir, 23. Five hundred doors,
Sáhrimnir to boil, and forty eke, I think,
of meats the best; are in Valhall.
but few know how many Eight hundred Einheriar
Einheriar it feeds. will at once from each door go
19. Geri and Freki when they issue with the
the war-wont” sates, wolf to fight.

. . 1) Sec. Wöluspá, Str. 74, 2) Odin. , 3) The translation


of this Strophe is very doubtful: it has been variously ren
dered; that of Petersen appears to me the least objectionable,
and which I have adopted. See Nordisk Mythol, p. 231.
The Lay of Grimnir. 23

24. Five hundred floors, a third Thiodnuma;


and forty eke, I think, Nyt and Nöt,
has Bilskirnir with its win Nön and Hrön,
Of all the roofed [dings. Slid and Hrid,
houses that I know, Sylg and Ylg,
is my son's the greatest. Wid and Vän,
25. Heidrün the goat is Wönd and Strönd,
- called, Giòll and Leipt;
that stands o'er Odin's hall, these (two) fall near to men,
and bites from Laerád's bran but fall hence to Hel,
He a bowl shall fill [ches. 29. Körmt and Ormt,
with the bright mead; and the Kerlaugs twain:
that drink shall never fail. these Thor must wade
26. Eikthyrnir the hart is each day,
called, when he to council goes
that stands o'er Odin's hall, at Yggdrasil's ash;
and bites from Laerád's bran for the As-bridge
from his horns fall [ches; is all on fire,
drops into Hvergelmir, the holy waters boil.
whence all waters rise: – 30. Glad and Gyllir,
27. Sid and Wid, Gler and Skeidbrimir,
Soekin and Eikin, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
Svöl and Gunnthrô, Gisl and Falhöfnir,
Fiórm and Fimbulthul, Gulltopp and Lettfeti;
Rin and Rennandi, on these steeds the AEsir
Gipul and Göpul, each day ride,
Gómul and Geirvimul: when they to council go,
they round the gods' dwel at Yggdrasil's ash.
ling wind. 31. Three roots stand
Thyn and Vin, on three ways
Thöll and Höll, under Yggdrasil's ash:
Gråd and Gunnthorin. Hel under one abides,
28. Vina one is called, under the second the Hrim
a second Wegsvin, thursar,

1) Thor.
24 The Lay of Grimnir,

under the third mankind. 36. Hrist and Mist


32. Ratatüsk is the squir the horn shall bear me
rel named, Skeggöld and Skögul,
which has to run Hlökk and Herfiótur,
in Yggdrasil's ash; Hildi and Thrūdi,
he from above Göll and Geirölul,
the eagle's words must carry, Randgrid and Rádgrid,
and beneath to Nidhögg and Reginleif,
repeat. these bear beer to the Ein
33. Harts there are also heriar.
four, 37. Arvakr and Alsvid,
which from its summits, theirs 'tis up hence
arch-necked, gnaw. fasting the sun to draw:
Dáin and Dvalin, W.
under their shoulder
Duneyr and Durathrôr. the gentle powers, the AEsir,
34. More serpents lie have concealed an iron
under Yggdrasil's ash, coolness.
than any one would think 38. Svalin the shield is
of witless mortals": called,
Góin and Móin, which stands before the Sun,
— they are Grafvitnir's the refulgent deity:
Sons - rocks and ocean must, Iween,
Grábak and Grafvéllud, be burnt,
Ofnir and Svafnir, fell it from its plaee.
will, I ween, 39. Sköll the wolf is named,
the branches of that tree that the fair-faced goddess
ever lacerate. to the ocean chases;
35. Yggdrasil's ash another Hati hight,
hardship suffers he is Hródvitnir's son;
greater than men know of ; he the bright maid of heaven
a hart bites it above, shall precede.
and in its side it rots, 40. Of Ymir's flesh
Nidhögg beneath tears it”. was earth created,

. . 1) "Ignorant apes”, in the original. 2) For an ampler


description of Yggdrasil, see Prose Edda, edit. Bohn, p. 411.
The Lay of Grimnir. 25

of his blood the sea, and of all ships, Skidbladnir.


of his bones the hills, of the Æsir, Odin,
of his hair trees and plants, and of horses, Sleipnir,
of his skull the heaven; Bifröst of bridges,
41. and of his brows and of skallds, Bragi,
the gentle powers Hábrók of hawks,
formed Midgard for the sons and of dogs, Garm,
but of his brain [of men; [Brimir of swords.]
the heavy clouds are 45. Now I my face have
all created. raised
42. Ullr's and all the gods’ to the gods' triumphant sons,
favour shall have, at that will welcome help
whoever first shall look to from all the Æsir, [awake;
the fire; that shall penetrate,
for open will the dwelling be, to OEgir's bench,
to the AEsir's sons, to CEgir's compotation”.
when the kettles are lifted 46. I am called Grim,
off 1. I am called Gangleri,
43. Ivaldi’s sons Herian and Hiálmberi,
went in days of old Thekk and Thridi,
Skidbladnir to form, Thund and Ud,
of ships the best, Helblindi and Hâr,
for the bright Frey, 47. Sad and Svipall,
Niðrd's benign son. and Sanngetall,
44. Yggdrasil's ash is Herteit and Hnikar
of all trees most excellent, Bileyg, Báleyg,

1) 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 AEsir were unable to see Odin's
unpleasant position between the two fires. 2) My version
of this strophe is not in accordance with those of other in
terpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in full
confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded
him. Under the name of CEgir, Geirröd is generally under
stood: I rather think the meaning to be, that all the AE's ir
who [sit at] (Egir’s compotation will forth with
come to his aid. See CEgisdrecka.
26 The Lay of Grimnir.

Bölverk, Fiólnir, thou art greatly by mead


Grim and Grimnir, beguiled.
Glapsvid and Fiólsvid, Much didst thou lose,
when thou wast
48. Sidhött, Sidskegg
Sigfödr, Hnikud, of my help bereft,
of all the Einheriar's
Alfödr, Walfödr,
and Odin's favour.
Atrid and Farmatyr;
by one name 52. Many things I told
I never have been called, thee,
since among men I have but thou hast few remem
- gone. bered:
49. Grimnir I am called thy friends mislead thee.
at Geirröd's, -
My friend's sword
and at Asmund's Jälk lying I see,
and Kialar, with blood all dripping.
when a sledge. I drew; 53. The fallen by the sword
Thrôr at the public meetings, Ygg shall now have;
Vidur in battles, thy life is now run out:
Oski and Omi, Wroth with thee are the
Jafnhär and Biflindi, Disir: w

Göndlir and Harbard with Odin thou now shalt see:


the gods. draw near to me if thou
50. Svidur and Svidrir CanSt.
I was at Sökkmimir's called, 54. Odin I now am named,
and beguiled that ancient Ygg I was called before,
Jötun, before that, Thund,
when of Midvitnir's
Vakr and Skilfing,
renowned son
Váfudr and Hróptatyr,
I was the sole destroyer. with the gods, Gaut and Jälk,
51. Drunken art thou, Ofnir and Svafnir,
- Geirröd, all which I believe to be
thou hast drunk too much, names of me alone.
The Lay of Grimnir. 27

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.
Hrafnagaldr 0dins,

0 din’s Ravens’ Song.


This very obscure poem has been regarded as a fragment only
of a poem, of which the beginning and end are wanting.
With regard to the beginning, the want may possibly be more
appareyt, than real; the strophes 2–5 being in fact a sort
of introduction, although they do not at first strike us as
such, in consequence of the obscurity of the 1th strophe, which
seems very slightly connected with the following ones, in
which the gods and dwarfs are described as in council, on
account of certain warnings and forebodings of their ap
proaching downfal, or Ragnarök. Another point of difficulty
is its title, there being nothing in the whole poem to connect
it with Odin's ravens, except the mention of Hugr (Hugin) in
the 3d strophe. Erik Halson, a learned Icelander, after having
spent or wasted ten years in an attempt to explain this poem,
confessed that he understood little or nothing of it. In its my
thology, too, we find parts assigned to some of the persona
ges, of which no traces occur in either Saemund's or Snorri's
- Edda; though we are hardly justified in pronouncing it, with
more than one scholar of eminence, a fabrication of later times.

1. Alfather works," the Nornir indicate,”


the Alfar discern,” ~ the Ividia brings forth,"
the Vanir know,” men endure,"
1) through all nature. 2) impending evil. 3) that
evil is at hand. 4) evil. 5) her monstrous offspring. See
Index. 6) calamity.
Odin's Ravens' Song. 29

the Thursar await,” Hidden is in Mim's


the Valkyriur long.” limpid well
2. The forebodings the men's certain knowledge.
AEsir Understand ge yet, or what?
suspected to be evil;
treacherous Waettar had
the runes confounded. 6. In the dales dwells
Urd was enjoined the prescient Dis,
to guard Odhroerir, from Yggdrasil's
powerfully to protect it ash sunk down,
against the increasing mul of alfen race,
titude. Idun by name,
3. Hugº then goes forth, the youngest of Ivaldi's
explores the heavens, elder children.
the powers fear 7. She ill brooked
disaster from delay. her descent,
'Twas Thráin's belief under the hoar tree's
that the dream was ominous; trunk confined.
Dáin's thought that She wuld not happy be
the dream was dark. with Nörvi's daughter,
4. Among the dwarfs accustomed to a pleasanter
virtue decays; abode at home.
worlds sink down 8. The triumphant gods saw
to Ginnung's abyss. Nanna" sorrowing
Oft will Alswid in earth's deep sanctuaries;
strike them down, a wolf's skin they gave her,
oft the fallen in which herself she clad,
again collect. changed her feelings,
5. Stand no longer shall practised guile,
earth or sun. alter'd her aspect.
The stream of air 9. Widrir Selected
with corruption laden Bifröst's guardian,
shall not cease. of the Giòll-sun's

1) their day of freedom. 3) for conflict. 3) Hugin,


Odin's raven 2 4) Here Idun is apparently so called.
30 Odin's Ravens' Song.

keeper to inquire the thorn is impelled by


all that she knew the ice-cold Thurs,
of every world; wherewith Dáin
Bragi and Lopt all people strikes
should witness bear. over the fair mid-earth;
10. Magic songs they sung, 14. when every faculty is
rode on wolves the hands sink, [lulled,
the god" and gods”. totters with drowsiness
At the heavenly house, the bright, sword-girt As”;
Odin listened, drives away the current
in Hlidskiálf; the giantess's* blandishment
let them go forth of the mind's agitations
on their long way. of all people,”
ll. The wise god asked 15. So to the gods appea
the cupbearer Jorun to be affected, [red
of the gods' progeny with sorrows swollen,
and their associates, when they no answer got;
Whether of heaven, or Hel, they strove the more
or earth, she knew the greater the repulse;
the origin, duration, still less than they had hoped
or dissolution ? did their words prevail.
12. She spoke not, 16. When then the leader
she could no words | of the inquiring travellers,
to the anxious gods the guardian of Herian's
.bring forth, loud-sounding horn
nor a sound uttered; took the son of Nāl
tears flowed from the head's for his companion,
with pain repressed [orbs; Grimnir's skalld"
they flow anew. at the place kept watch.
13. As from the east, 17. Wingólf reached
from Elivágar, Vidur's ministers,

1) Odin. 2) Rögnir ok regin, Odin and the pow


ers? 3) Heimdall. 4) Night. 5) This and the preceding
strophe appear to be out of their place, and have by Simrock,
not without reason, been inserted after the 21st. 6) Bragi.
Odin's Ravens' Song. 31

both borne. 21. Ill they showed


by Fornióts kin. it had fallen out,
They entered, their errand bootless,
and the AEsir little to glory in.
forthwith saluted, A lack of counsel
at Ygg's convivial meeting. seemed likely,
18. Hangatyr they hailed, how from the maiden they
of AEsir the most blissful; might an answer get.
potent drink in the high seat 22. Omi answered;
they wished him to enjoy, all listened:
and the gods to sit “Night is the time .
happy at the feast, for new counsels;
ever with Yggiung till the morrow let reflect
pleasure to share. each one competent
19. On benches seated, to give advice
at Bölverk's bidding, helpful to the Æsir.”
the company of gods
were with Sáehrimnir sated. 23. Ran along the ways
Skögul at the tables, of mother Rind,”
from Hnikar's vessel, the desired repast
of Fenrisulf 3.
measured out mead,
in Mimir's horns. Went from the guild,
20. Of many things in bade the gods farewell
quired, Hropt and Frigg,
when the meal was over, as, before Hrimfaxi,
the high gods of Heimdall, 24. the son of Delling
the goddesses of Loki, - urged on his horse
whether the maid had uttered adorned with
divinations or wise words?— precious jewels.
from noon Over Mannheim shines
until twilight's advent. the horse's mane,

1) Minni's horns, Stockh, edit. See Grimm, D.M. p. 52,


53. Petersen, N. M. p. 179. Minnis is probably a later gloss.
2) earth. 3) All conjectures. Fenri seems coufounded with
Hati. See N. M. I. p. 5–7.
32 Odin's Ravens' Song.

the steed Dvalin's deluder and Murk Alfs.


drew in his chariot. 26. The powers rose,
25. In the north boundary the Alfs' illuminator
of the spacious earth, northwards towards Nifl
under the outmost root chased the night. ſheim”
of the noble tree, Up Argiöll ran -

went to their couches Ulfrtin's son,


Gygiar and Thursar, the mighty hornblower
spectres, dwarfs, of heaven's heights.

1) That the poem lacks the end as well as the begin


ning appears probable from the circumstance that no further
mention is made of Bragi and Idun. Simrock, is inclined to
think that in the Wegtamskviða we are to look for the ending;
but this does not fill up the chasm.
Wegtamskvida eta Baldrs Draumar,

The Lay of Wegtam, or Baldr's Dreams.


1. Together were the AEsir and to the other powers —
all in council, On a course they resolved:
and the Asyniur
all in conference, 4. that they would send
to every being,
and they consulted, assurance to solicit,
the mighty gods, Baldr not to harm.
why Baldr had
oppressive dreams. All species swore
2. [To that god his slumber oaths to spare him;
was most afflicting; Frigg received all
their vows and compacts.
his auspicious dreams
seemed departed. 5. Valfather fears
They the Jötuns questioned, something defective;
wise seers of the future, he thinks the Hamingiur
whether this might not may have departed;
forebode calamity? the AEsir he convenes,
3. The responses said their counsel craves:
that to death destined was at the deliberation
Ullr's kinsman, much is devised.]
of all the dearest: 6. Uprose Odin
that caused grief lord of men,
to Frigg and Svafnir, and on Sleipnir he
3
34 The Lay of Vegtam.

the saddle laid; an irksome course?


rode thence down I have with snow been decked
to Niflhel. by rain beaten,
A dog he met, and with dew moistened :
from Hel coming. long have I been dead.”
7. It was blood-stained Vegtam.
on its breast, 11. “Vegtam is my name,
on its slaughter-craving I am Waltam's son.
and nether jaw. [throat, Tell thou me of Hel:
It bayed from earth I call on thee.
and widely gaped For whom are those benches
at the sire of magic song:— strewed o'er with rings,
long it howled. t
those costly couches
8. Forth rode Odin — o'erlaid with gold?”
the ground rattled — Wala,
till to Hel's lofty 12. Here stands mead,
house he came. for Baldr brewed,
Then rode Ygg over the bright potion
to the eastern gate, a shield is laid;
where he knew there was but the AEsir race
a Vala's grave. are in despair.
9. To the prophetess he By compulsion I have spoken
began I will now be silent.”
a magic song to chant, Wegtam.
towards the north looked, 13. “Be not silent, Valal
potent runes applied, I will question thee,
a spell pronounced, . until I know all.
an answer demanded, I will yet know .
until compelled she rose, who will Baldr's
and with deathlike voice
slayer be,
she said: and Odin's son
Wala. of life bereave.”
10. “What man is this, Wala.
to me unknown, 14. “Hödr will hither
who has for me increased his glorious brother send,
The Lay of Vegtam. 35

he of Baldr will until I know all.


the slayer be, I will yet know
and Odin's son who the maidens are,
of life bereave. that weep at will,
By compulsion I have spo and heavenward cast
I will now be silent.” [ken; their neck-veils?
Tell me but that:
Vegtam.
15. “Be not silent, Vala! till then thou sleepest not.”
I will question thee, Wala.
until I know all.
I will yet know 18. “Not Vegtam art thou,
who on Hödr vengeance as I before believed;
will inflict, rather art thou Odin,
or Baldr's slayer lord of men!”
raise on the pile.” º Odin.
Wala.
19. “Thou art no Vala,
16. “Rind a son shall bear, nor wise woman, \
in the western halls: rather art thou the mother
he shall slay Odin's son, of three Thursar.”
when one night old.
He a hand will not wash, Wala.
nor his head comb, 20.” Home ride thou, Odin!
ere he to the pile has borne and exult. -

Baldr's adversary. Thus shall never more


By compulsion I have spo man again visit me,
I will now be silent.” [ken; until Loki free
Vegtam. from his bonds escapes,
17. “Be not silent, Valal and Ragnarök
I will question thee, all-destroying comes.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

3+
Hávamál.

The High One's') Lay.


1. All door-ways, who for refection comes,
before going forward, a towel and hospitable
should be looked to; invitation,
for difficult it is to know a good reception;
where foes may sit if he can get it,
within a dwelling. discourse and answer.
. 2. Givers, hail! 5. Wit is needful
A guest is come in : to him who travels far:
where shall he sit 2
In much haste is he,
at home all is easy.
A laughing-stock is he
who on the ways has who nothing knows,
to try his luck. and with the instructed sits.
3. Fire is needful
to him who is come in, 6. Of his understanding
and whose knees are frozen; no one should be proud,
food and raiment but rather in conduct cau
a man requires, tious.
wheo'er the fell has travelled. When the prudent and taci
4. Water to him is needful come to a dwelling, [turn

1) Odin is the High Qne. 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.
2 The High One's Lay. 37

harm seldom befalls the that is thought better than


cautious; in a strange place; [riches
for a firmer friend such is the recourse of the
no man ever gets indigent.
than great Sagacity. ll. A worse provision
7. A wary guest,") on the way he cannot carry
who to refection comes, than too much beer-bibbing;
keeps a cautious silence, so good is not,
with his ears listens, as it is said,
and with his eyes observes: beer for the sons of men.
so explores every prudent 12. A worse provision
8. He is happy, [man. no man can take from table
who for himself obtains than too much beer-bibbing: .
fame and kind words: for the more he drinks
less sure is that the less control he has
which a man must have of his own mind.
in another's breast. 13. Oblivion's heron 'tis
9. He is happy, called
who in himself possesses that over potations hovers”);
fame and wit while living; he steals the minds of men.
for bad counsels With this bird's pinions
have oft been received I was fettered
from another's breast. in Gunnlöds dwelling.
10. A better burthen 14. Drunk I was,
no man bears on the way I was over-drunk,
than much good sense; at that cunning Fialar's.

1) 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 by
Afzelius and Rask, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.
2) I am unable to explain this allusion; but see Grimm, D.M.
. 1086. 2nd edit. It was in an eagle's guise that Odin escaped
rom Gunnlöd's dwelling. See North. Mythol. I. p. 42.
38 - The High One's Lay.

It's the best drunkenness,| 20. A greedy man,


when every one after it if he be not moderate,
|
regains his reason. eats to his mortal sorrow.

15. Taciturn and prudent, Oftentimes his belly


and in war daring draws laughter on a silly
should a king's children be; man,

joyous and liberal who among the prudent


COmeS.
every one should be
until his hour of death. 21. Cattle know
16. A cowardly man when to go home,
thinks he will ever live, and then from grazing cease;
if warfare he avoids; but a foolish man
never knows
but old age will
his stomach's measure.
give him no peace,
though spears may spare him. 22. A miserable man,
17. A fool gapes and ill-conditioned,
when to a house he comes, sneers at every thing:
to himself muttersoris silent; one thing he knows not,
but all at once, which he ought to know,
if he gets drink, that he is not free from
then is the man's mind faults.
displayed. 23. A foolish man
18. He alone knows is all night awake,
who wanders wide, pondering over everything;
and has much experienced, he then grows tired;
by what disposition and when morning comes,
each man is ruled, all is lament as before.
who common sense possesses. 24. A foolish man
19. Let a man hold the cup, thinks all who on him smile
W
yet of the mead drink mo
derately, to be his friends;
he feels it not,
speak sensibly or be silent. although they speak ill of
As of a fault him,
no man will admonish thee, when he sits among the
if thou goest betimes to sleep. clever.
The High One's Lay. 39
25. A foolish man 30. For a gazing-stock
thinks all who speak him no man shall have another,
to be his friends; [fair although he come a stranger
but he will find, to his house.
if into court he comes, Many a one thinks himself
that he has few advocates. - wise,
26. A foolish man if he is not questioned,
thinks he knows everything and can sit in a dry habit.
if placed in unexpected 31. Clever thinks himself
difficulty; the guest who jeers a guest,
but he knows not
if he takes to flight.
what to answer, Knows it not certainly
if to the test he is put. he who prates at meat,
27. A foolish man, whether he babbles among
who among people comes, foes.
had best be silent;
for no one knows
32. Many men
are mutually well-disposed,
that he knows nothing,
yet at table will torment
unless he talks too much. each other.
He who previously knew That strife will ever be;
nothing
guest will guest irritate.
will still know nothing,
talk he ever so much. 33. Early meals
28. He thinks himself wise, a man should often take,
unless to a friend's house
who can ask questions
and converse also: he goes;
conceal his ignorance else he will sit and mope,
no one can,
will seem half-famished,
because it circulates among and can of few things inquire.
men. 34. Long is and indirect
29. He utters too many the way
futile words to a bad friend’s,
who is never silent; though by the road he dwell;
a garrulous tongue, but to a good friend's
if it be not checked, the paths lie direct,
sings often to its own harm though he be far away.
40 The High One's Lay.

35. A guest should depart, or so hospitable


not always stay that he refused a present;
in one place. or of his property
The welcome becomes un so liberal
welcome, that he scorned a recom
if he too long continues pense.
in another's house. 40. Of the property
36. One's own house is best, which he has gained
small though it be; no man should suffer need;
at home is every one his for the hated oft is spared
OWI) master. what for the dear was
Though he but two goats destined.
possess, Much goes worse than is
and a straw-thatched cot, expected.
even that is better than 41. With arms and west
begging. mentS
37. One's own house is friends should each other
best, gladden,
small though it be, those which are in themselves
at home is every one his most sightly.
OWIl maSter.
Givers and requiters
Bleeding at heart is he, are longest friends,
who has to ask
if all [else] goes well.")
for food at every meal-tide. 42. To his friend
38. Leaving in the field a man should be a friend,
his arms, and gifts with gifts requite.
let no man go Laughter with laughter
a foot's length forward; men should receive,
for it is hard to know but leasing with lying.
when on the way 43. To his friend
a man may need his weapon.a man should be a friend,
39. I have never found a to him and to his friend;
man so bountiful, but of his foe

1) The sense of this line seems doubtful: I have adopted


the version of Finn Magnusen.
The High One's Lay. 41
no man shall
and lost my way;
the friend's friend be.
rich I thought myself,
44. Know, if thou hast a when I met another.
friend
Man is the joy of man.
whom thou fully trustest, 48. Liberal and brave
and from whom thou woulds’t
men live best,
good derive, they seldom cherish sorrow;
thou shouldst blend thy mind but a base-minded man
with his, dreads everything;
and gifts exchange, the niggardly is uneasy even
and often go to see him. at gifts.
45. If thou hast another,
whom thou little trustest, 49. My garments in a field º

yet wouldst good from him I gave away |

to two wooden men:


derive,
thou shouldst speak him fair, heroes they seemed to be,
but think craftily, when they got cloaks:
and leasing pay with lying. exposed to insult is a naked
46. But of him yet further, man").
whom thou little trustest, 50. A tree withers
and thou suspectest his af that on a hill-top stands;
fection; protects it neither bark nor
before him thou shouldst leaves:
such is the man
laugh,
whom no one favours:
and contrary to thy thoughts
speak: -
why should he live long?
requital should the gift re 51. Hotter than fire
semble. love for five days burns
47. I was once young, between false friends;
I was journeying alone, but is quenched

1) Akin to this are the Danish proverbs: Man kan og


klade en Staver op: Even a stake may be dressed up;
Som man er kladt er man haedt: As one clad
is so is
one honoured, as the toad said springing out of the
cream bowl. P. Syv, Danske Ord sprog. p. 70. -
42 The High One's Lay.

when the sixth day comes, no man beforehand;


and friendship is all im his mind will be freest from
paired. Care.

52. Something great 57. Brand burns from brand


is not [always] to be given, until it is burnt out;
praise is often for a trifle fire is from fire quickened.
With half a loaf [bought. Man to man
and a tilted vessel becomes known by speech,
I got myself a comrade. but a fool by his bashful
53. Little are the sand - silence.
grains, 58. He should early rise,
little the wits, who another's property or
little the minds of [some] desires to have. [life
men; Seldom a sluggish wolf
for all men gets prey,
are not wise alike: or a sleeping man victory.
men are everywhere by 59. Early should rise
halves. he who has few workers,
54. Moderately wise and go his work to see to;
should each one be, greatly is he retarded
but never over-wise: who sleeps the morn away.
of those men Wealth half depends on
the lives are fairest, energy.
who know much well. 60. Of dry planks
55. Moderately wise and roof-shingles
should each one be, a man knows the measure;
but never over-wise; of the fire-wood
for a wise man’s heart that may suffice,
is seldom glad, both measure and time.
if he is all-wise who owns it. 61. Washed and refected
56. Moderately wise let a man ride to the Thing",
should each one be, although his garments be
but never over-wise. not too good;
His destiny let know of his shoes and breeches

1) The public meeting.


The High one's Lay. 43

let no one be ashamed, the disliked seldom hits the


nor of his horse, moment.
although he have not a 67. Here and there I should
good one. have been invited, -

62. Inquire and impart if I a meal had needed;


should every man of sense, or two hams had hung,
who will be accounted sage. at that true friend's,
Let one only know, where of one I had eaten.
a second may not; 68. Fire is best
if three, all the world knows.
among the sons of men,
63. Gasps and gapes, and the sight of the sun,
when to the sea he comes, if his health
the eagle over old ocean; a man can have,
So is a man,
with a life free from vice.
who among many comes,
and has few advocates. 69. No man lacks every
64. His power should thing,
every sagacious man although his health be bad:
use with discretion; one in his sons is happy,
for he will find, one in his kin,
one in abundant wealth,
when among the bold he
º Comes, one in his good works.
that no one alone is dough 70. It is better to live,
tiest. even to live miserably;
65. Circumspect and reser a living man can always
every man should be, [ved get a cow.
I saw fire consume
and wary in trusting friends.
Of the words the rich man's property,
and death stood without
that a man says to another
his door.
he often pays the penalty.
66. Much too early 71. The halt can ride on
I came to many places, horseback,
but too late to others: the one-handed drive cattle;
the beer was drunk, the deaf fight and be useful:
or not ready: to be blind is better
44 The High One's Lay.

than to be burnt: * 76. Cattle die,


no one gets good from a kindred die,
corpse. we ourselves also die;
but the fair fame
72. A son is better,
never dies
even if born late,
of him who has earned it.
after his father's departure.
Gravestones seldom 77. Cattle die,
stand by the way-side kindred die,
unless raisedtobya akinsman.
kinsman we ourselves also die;
but I know one thing
73. Two are adversaries: that never dies, —
the tongue is the bane of judgment on each one dead.
the head : 78. Full storehouses I saw
under every cloak at Dives' sons': -

I expect a hand. now bear they the beggar's


k + >k

+ >k
Such are riches; [staff.
as is the twinkling of an eye:
74. At night is joyful of friends they are most
fickle.
he who is sure of travelling
entertainment. 79. A foolish man,
[A ship's yards are short.]” if he acquires
Variable is an autumn night. wealth or woman's love,
Many are the weather's chan pride grows within him,
in five days, [ges but wisdom never :
but more in a month. he goes on more and more
75. He [only] knows not arrogant.
who knows nothing, 80. Then 'tis made manifest,
that many a one apes another. if of runes thou questionest
One man is rich, him,
another poor: those to the high ones known,
let him not be thought which the great powers in
blameworthy. - vented,

1) That is dead on the funeral pyre. 2) This line


is evidently an interpolation.
The High One's Lay. 45

and the great talker'painted, a burning flame,


that he had best hold silence.
yawning wolf,
81. At eve the day is to chattering crow,
be praised, grunting swine,
a woman after she is burnt,
a sword after it is proved,
a maid after she is married, : rootless tree,
waxing wave,
boiling kettle,
ice after it has passed away, 86. a flying dart,
beer after it is drunk. a falling billow
82. In the wind one should a one night's ice,
hew wood, a coiled serpent,
in a breeze row out to sea, a woman's bed-talk,
in the dark talk with a lass: or a broken sword,
many are the eyes of day. a bear's play,
In a ship voyages are to be or a royal child,
made, 87. a sick calf,
but a shield is for protection, a self-willed thrall,
a sword for striking, a flattering prophetess,
but a damsel for a kiss. a corpse newly slain,
83. By the fire one should [a serene sky, -

drink beer, a laughing lord,


on the ice slide; a barking dog,
buy a horse that is lean, and a harlot's grief];
a sword that is rusty; 88. an early sown field
feed a horse at home, let no one trust, -

but a dog at the farm. nor prematurely in a son:


84. In a maiden's words weather rules the field,
no one should place faith, and wit the son,
nor in what a woman says; each of which is doubtful;
for on a turning wheel 89. a brother's murderer,
have their hearts beenformed, though on the high road met,
and guile in their breasts a half-burnt house,
been laid; an over-swift horse,
85. in a creaking bow, (a horse is useless,

1) Odin.
46 The High One's Lay.

if a leg be broken), he gets who courts her.


no man is so confiding 93. At love should no one
as to trust any of these. ever wonder
90. Such is the love of in another:
women, a beauteous countenance
who falsehood meditate, oft captivates the wise,
as if one drove not rough which captivates not the
on slippery ice, [shod, foolish.
a spirited two-years old 94. Let no one wonder at
and unbroken horse; another's folly,
or as in a raging storm it is the lot of many.
a helmless ship is beaten; All-powerful desire
or as if the halt were set makes of the sons of men
to catch fools even of the wise.
a reindeer in the thawing 95. The mind only knows
fell.") what lies near the heart,
91. Openly I now speak, that alone is conscious of
because I both sexes know : our affections.
unstable are men's minds No disease is worse
towards women; to a sensible man
'tis then we speak most fair than not to be content with
when we most falsely think: himself.
that deceives even the cau 96. That I experienced,
tious. when in the reeds I sat,
92. Fair shall speak, awaiting my delight.
and money offer, Body and soul to me
who would obtain a woman's was that discreet maiden:
Praise the form [love. nevertheless I possess her not.
of a fair damsel; 97. Billing's lass”)

1) From this line it appears that the poem is of Nor


wegian or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in
Iceland before the middle of the 18th century, when it was
introduced by royal command. Note by Finn Magnu sen
in 4to edit. III. p. 107. 2) 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. Müller & Welschow.
The High One's Lay. 47

on her couch I found, 102. Many a fair maiden,


sun-bright, sleeping. when rightly known,
A prince's joy towards men is fickle:
to me seemed naught, that I experienced,
if not with that form to live. when that discreet maiden I
98. "Yet nearer eve strove to seduce :
must thou, Odin, come, contumely of every kind
if thou wilt talk the mai that wily girl
den over; heaped upon me;
all will be disastrous,
nor of that damsel gained I
unless we alone aught.
are privy to such misdeed.” 103. At home let a man
99. I returned, be cheerful,
thinking to love, and towards a guest liberal;
at her wise desire.
of wise conduct he should be,
I thought of good memory and ready
I should obtain speech;
her whole heart and love. if much knowledgehe desires,
100. When next I came he must often talk on good.
the bold warriors were 104. Fimbulfambi he is
all awake, called \

with lights burning, | who little has to say:


and bearing torches: such is the nature of the
thus was the way to pleasure simple.
closed.
101. But at the approach
105. The old Jötun I sought;
of morn, now I am come back:
When again I came, little got I there by silence;
the household all was sleep in many words
Ing; I spoke to my advantage
the good damsel's dog in Suttung's halls.')
alone I found 106. Gunnlöd gave me,
tied to the bed. on her golden seat,
T-- -

1). For the story of Suttung and Gunnlöd, see the Prose,
§ Snorri's, Edda in “Northern Antiquities,” edit. Bohn. p. 461.
North, Mythol. i. p. 42.
48 The High One's Lay.

a draught of the precious or Suttung had destroyed


mead; him?
a bad recompense 111. Odin, I believe,
I afterwards made her, a ring-oath") gave.
for her whole soul, Who in his faith will trust?
her fervent love. Suttung defrauded,
107. Rati's mouth I caused of his drink bereft,
to make a space, and Gunnlöd made to weep !
and to gnaw the rock;
over and under me
were the Jötun's ways: 112. Time ’tis to discourse
thus I my head did peril. from the preacher's chair.—
108. Of a well-assumed form By the well of Urd
I made good use: I silent sat,
few things fail the wise; I saw and meditated,
for Odhraerir I listened to men's words.
is now come up 1 13. Of runes I heard
to men's earthly dwellings. discourse,
109. 'Tis to me doubtful and of things divine,
that I could have come nor of graving them were
from the Jötun's courts, they silent,
had not Gunnlöd aided me, nor of Sage counsels,
that good damsel, at the High One's hall.
over whom I laid my arm. In the High One's hall.
110. On the day following I thus heard say:
came the Hrim-thursar, 114. I counsel thee, Lodd
to learn something of the to take advice: [fafnir,
High One, thou wilt profit if thou
in the High One's hall: takest it.
after Bölverk they inquired, Rise not at night,
whether he with the gods unless to explore,
were come, or art compelled to go out.

1) 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.
The High One's Lay. 49

115. I counsel thee Lodd 121. I counsel thee, etc.


to take advice, [fafnir, If thou knowest thou hast
thou wilt profit if thou ta a friend,
t kest it. whom thou well canst trust,
In an enchantress's embrace go oft to visit him;
thou mayest not sleep, for with brushwood over
so that in her arms she grown,
clasp thee. and with high grass,
116. She will be the cause is the way that no one treads.
that thou carest not 122. I counsel thee, etc.
for Thing or prince's words; A good man attract to thee
food thou wilt shun in pleasant converse;
and human joys; and salutary speech learn
sorrowful wilt thou go to while thou livest.
sleep. 123. I counsel thee, etc.
117. I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend
Another's wife be thou never
entice thou never first to quarrel
to Secret Converse. Care gnaws the heart,
118. I counsel thee, etc. if thou to no one canst
By fell or firth thy whole mind disclose.
if thou have to travel, 124. I counsel thee, etc.
provide thee well with food. Words thou never
119. I counsel thee, etc. shouldst exchange
A bad man with a witless fool;
let thou never 125. for from an ill-con
know thy misfortunes; ditioned man
for from a bad man thou wilt never get
thou never wilt obtain a return for good;
a return for thy good will. but a good man will
120. I saw mortally bring thee favour
wound a man by his praise.
a wicked woman's words; 126. There is a mingling
a false tongue of affection,
caused his death, where one can tell
and most unrighteously. another all his mind.
4
50 The High One's Lay.

132. If thou wilt induce a


Everything is better
than being with the deceitful. good woman
He is not another's friend to pleasant converse,
who ever says as he says. thou must promise fair,
127. I counsel thee, etc. and hold to it:
Even in three words no one turns from good if
quarrel not with a worse it can be got.
man :
133. I enjoin thee to be
often the better yields, wary,
when the worse strikes.
but not over wary;
128. I counsel thee, etc. at drinking be thou most
Be not a shoemaker, wary,
nor a shaftmaker, and with another's wife;
unless for thyself it be; and thirdly,
for a shoe if ill made, that thieves delude thee not.
or a shaft if crooked, 134. With insult or derision
will call down evil on thee.
treat thou never
129. I counsel thee, etc.
a guest or wayfarer.
Wherever of injury thou they often little know,
knowest,
who sit within,
regard that injury as thy of what race they are who
own; COrne.
and give to thy foes no 135. Vices and virtues
peace.
the sons of mortals bear
130. I counsel thee, etc.
Rejoiced at evil in their breasts mingled;
be thou never; no one is so good
but let good give thee that no failing attends him,
pleasure. nor so bad as to be good
131. I counsel thee, etc. for nothing.
In a battle 136. At a hoary speaker
look not up, laugh thou never;
(like swine often is good that which
the sons of men then become) the aged utter,
that men may not fascinate oft from a shriveled hide
thee. discreet words issue;
The High One's Lay. 51

from those whose skin is the biter for bite-injuries is


pendent good;
and decked with scars, but runes against calamity;
and who go tottering among fluid let earth absorb.
the vile.
137. I counsel thee, etc.
Rail not at a guest,
nor from thy gate thrust him; Run at alspáttr O 6 in s.
treat well the indigent;
they will speak well of thee.
138. Strong is the bar Odin's Rune-song.")
that must be raised
to admit all. 140. I know that I hung,
Do thou give a penny, on a wind-rocked tree,
or they will call down on thee nine whole nights,
every ill in thy limbs. with a spear wounded,
139. I counsel thee, etc. and to Odin offered,
Wherever thou beer drinkest, myself to myself;
invoke to thee the power on that tree,
of earth ; of which no one knows
for earth is good against from what root it springs.
fire for distempers, [drink, 141. Bread no one gave me,
the oak for constipation, nor a horn of drink,
a corn-ear for sorcery downward I peered,
a hall for domestic strife. to runes applied myself,
In bitter hates invoke the wailing learnt them,
moon; -
then fell down thence.

1) 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.
4 *
52 Odin's Rune-song.

142. Potent songs nine knowest thou how to depict


from the famed son Ilearned them 7

of Bölthorn, Bestla's sire, knowest thou how to prove


them P
and a draught obtained -

of the precious mead, knowest thou how to pray?


drawn from Odhraerir. knowest thou how to offer?
knowest thou how to send?")
143. Then I began to knowest thou how to con
bear fruit, sume?
and to know many things,
to grow and well thrive: 147. "Tis better not to pray
word by word than too much offer;
I sought out words, a gift ever looks to a return.
'Tis better not to send
fact by fact
I sought out facts. than too much consume.
144. Runes thou wilt find, So Thund graved
and explained characters, before the origin of men,
where he ascended,
very large characters, | to whence he afterwards
very potent characters, Came.
which the great speaker
depicted, 148. Those songs I know
and the high powers formed, which the king's wife knows
and the powers' prince nor son of man. [not
graved: Help the first is called,
145. Odin among the Æsir, for that will help thee
but among the Alfar, Dáin, against strifes and cares.
and Dvalin for the dwarfs,
149. For the second I know,
Ásvid for the Jötuns:
some I myself graved. what the sons of men require,
who will as leeches live.
146. Knowest thou how to
grave them?
knowest thou how to ex
pound them?

1) Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their


several missions.
Odin’s Rune-song. 53

150. For the third Iknow,”) harm shall consume them


if I have great need sooner than me.
to restrain my foes, 154. For the seventh Iknow,
the weapons’ edge I deaden: if a lofty house I see
of my adversaries blaze o'er its inmates,
nor arms nor wiles harm
so furiously it shall not burn
aught. that I cannot save it.
151. For the fourth Iknow, That song I can sing.
if men place 155. For the eighth Iknow,
bonds on my limbs, what to all is
I so sing useful to learn:
that I can walk; where hatred grows
the fetter starts from my feet, among the sons of men —
and the manacle from my that I can quickly assuage.
hands.
156. For the ninth Iknow,
152. For the fifth I know, if I stand in need
I see a shot from a
my bark on the water to save,
hostile hand, I can the wind
a shaft flying amid the host, on the waves allay,
so swift it cannot fly and the sea lull.
that I cannot arrest it, 157. For the tenth I know,
if only I get sight of it. if I see troll-wives
153. For the sixth I know, sporting in air,
if one wounds me I can so operate
with a green tree's roots;*) that they will forsake
also if a man their own forms,
declares hatred to me, and their own minds.

1) The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to


himself bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to
those attributed to him by Snorri (Yngl. Saga ce. 6–7.).
2) 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. F. M.
54 Odin's Rune-song.

158. For the eleventh I before Delling's doors.


know,
Strength he sang to the AEsir,
if I have to lead and to the Alfar prosperity,
my ancient friends to battle, wisdom to Hroptatyr.
163. For the sixteenth I
under their shields I sing,
and with power they go know,
safe to the fight, if a modest maiden's favour
safe from the fight; and affection
safe on every side they go. I desire to possess,
159. For the twelfth Iknow, the soul I change
if on a tree I see
of the white-armed damsel,
and wholly turn her mind.
a corpse swinging from a
I can so grave [halter, 164. For the seventeenth
and in runes depict, I know,
that the man shall walk, that that young maiden will
and with me converse. reluctantly avoid me.
160. For the thirteenth I These songs, Loddfafnir'
know, thou wilt long have lacked;
if on a young man
yet it may be good if thou
I sprinkle water, understandest them,
he shall not fall, profitable if thou learnest

though he into battle come: them.


that man shall not sink be 165. For the eighteenth I
fore swords. know
161. For the fourteenth I that which I never teach
know, to maid or wife of man,
if in the society of men (all is better
Ihave to enumerate the gods, what one only knows.
AEsir and Alfar, This is the closing of the
Iknow the distinctions of all. Songs)
This few unskilled can do. save her alone
162. For the fifteenth I who clasps me in her arms,
know or is my sister.
what the dwarf Thiodreyrir 166. Now are sung the
Sang High - one's songs,
Odin's Rune-song. 55

in the High-one's hall, Hail to him who knows


to the sons of men all- them
useful, May he profit who has
but useless to the Jötuns’ learnt them
Sons, Hail to those who have
Hail to him who has sung listened to them l
them
Hymiskvita,
The Lay of Hymir.
1. Once the celestial gods ||Ygg's son* steadfastly.
had been taking fish, “Thou to the AEsir shalt
and were in compotation, oft a compotation give.”
ere they the truth discove- 3. Caused trouble to the
red.") Jötun
Rods”) they shook, th' unwelcome-worded As:
and blood inspected, he forthwith meditated
when they found at CEgir's vengeance on the gods.
a lack of kettles. Sif's husband he besought
2. Sat the rock-dweller a kettle him to bring,
glad as a child, “in which I beer
much like the son for all of you may brew.”
of Miskorblindi. 4. The illustrious gods
In his eyes looked found that impossible,

1) To wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.


2) That is divining rods. So Tacitus of the ancient Germans:
Sortium consuetudo simplex: virgam frugiferae arbori decisam
in surculos amputant, eosque notis quibusdam, discretos Super
candidam vestem temere ac fortuitu spargunt. Mox, si pu
blice consuletur, sacerdos civitatis; sin privatim, ipse pater
familia precatus deos coelumque suspiciens ter singulos tollit,
sublatos secundum impressam ante notam interpretatur. Ger
mania X. 3) Thor.
The Lay of Hymir. 57
nor could the exalted powers fair-browed, bearing
it accomplish, the beer-cup to her son:
till from trueheartedness, 9. “Ye Jötuns’ kindred!
Ty to Hlorridi I will you both,
much friendly counsel gave. ye daring pair,
5. “There dwells eastward under the kettles place,
of Elivágar My husband is
the all-wise Hymir, oftentimes
at heaven's end. niggard towards guests,
My sire, fierce of mood, to ill-humour prone.”
a kettle owns, 10. But the monster,
a capacious cauldron, the fierce-souled Hymir,
a rast in depth.” late returned
home from the chase.
Thor.
He the hall entered,
6.” Knowest thou whether we
the icebergs resounded,
can get the liquor-boiler?” as the churl approached;
TV. the thicket on his cheeks
was frozen.
Yes, friend! if we
stratagem employ.” 11. “Hail to thee, Hymirl
Rapidly they drove be of good cheer:
forward that day now thy son is come
from Asgard, to thy hall,
till to the giant's home they whom we expected
Came.
from his long journey;
him accompanies
7. Thor stalled his goats, our famed adversary,
splendid of horn, the friend of man,
then turned him to the hall
who Veor hight.
that Hymir owned.
12. See where they sit
The son his granddam found under the halls' gable,
to him most loathful; as if to shun thee:
heads she had before
nine hundred.
the pillar stands
them.”
8. But another came In shivers flew the pillar
all-golden forth, at the Jötun's glance;
58 The Lay of HYmir.

the beam was first on the sea row,


broken in two. if the bold Jötun him
13. Eight kettles fell, would with baits supply:
but only one of them, “To the herd betake thee,
a hard-hammered cauldron, (if thou in thy courage
whole from the column. trustest,
The two came forth, crusher of the rock-dwellers)
but the old Jötun for baits to seek.
with eyes surveyed 18. I expect
his adversary. that thou wilt
14. Augured to him bait from an ox
his mind no good, easily obtain.”
when he saw The guest in haste
the giantess's sorrow to the forest went,
on the floor coming. where stood an all-black
Then were three ox before him.
oxen taken, 19. The Thursar's bane
and the Jötun bade wrung from an ox
them forthwith be boiled. the high fastness
15. Each one they made of his two horns.
by the head shorter, “To me thy work seems
and to the fire worse by far,
afterwards bore them. ruler of keels xx

Sif's consort ate, than if thou hadst sat quiet.


ere to sleep he went, 20. The lord of goats
completely, he alone, the apes' kinsman besought
two of Hymir's beeves. the horse of plank
16. Seemed to the hoary farther out to move;
friend of Hrúngnir but the Jötun
Hlorridi's refection declared his slight desire
full well large: farther to row.
We three to-morrow night 21. The mighty Hymir
shall be compelled he alone, [drew,
on what we catch two whales up
to live.” with his hook;
17. Veor said he would but at the stern abaft
The Lay of HYmir. 59

Veor cunningly 26. Wilt thou do


made him a line. half the work with me,
22. Fixed on the hook either the whales
the shield of men, home to the dwelling bear,
the serpent's slayer, or the boat -

the ox's head. fast bind?”


Gaped at the bait 27. Hlorridi went,
the foe of gods, grasped the prow,
the encircler beneath
quickly, with its hold-water,
of every land.”) lifted
23. Drew up boldly the water-steed,
the mighty Thor together with its oars
the worm with venom
and scoop;
glistening, bore to the dwelling
up to the side; the Jötun's ocean-swine,
with his hammer struck, the curved vessel,
on his foul head's summit, through the wooded hills.
like a rock towering, 28. But the Jötun
the wolf's own brother.
24. The icebergs resounded, yet ever frowned,
the caverns howled, to strife accustomed,
the old earth with Thor disputed,
shrank together: said that no one was strong,
at length the fish however vigorously
back into ocean sank.”) he might row,
25. The Jötun was little unless he his cup could break.
glad, 29. But Hlorridi,
as they rowed back, when to his hands it came,
so that the powerful Hymir forthwith brake
nothing spake, an upright stone in twain;
but the oar moved sitting dashed the cup
in another course. through the pillars:

1) The great serpent that encircles the earth. 2) Ac


cording to the Prose Edda (p. 445), the giant, overcome with
fright, took out his knife and severed Thor's line.
60 The Lay of Hymir.

yet they brought it whole 34. Then Mödi's father


to Hymir back. by the brim grasped it,
30. Until the beauteous and trod through
woman gave the dwelling's floor.
important, friendly counsel, Sif's consort lifted
the kettle on his head,
which she only knew:
Strike at the head of Hymir, while about his heels
the Jötun with food op its rings jingled.
pressed, 35. They had far jour
that is harder neyed
before Odin's son
than any cup.” cast one look backward;
31. Rose then on his knee hé from the caverns SaV,
the stern lord of goats, , with Hymir from the east,
clad in all
a troop of many-headed
his godlike power. monsters coming.
TJnhurt remained 36. From his shoulders he
the old man's helm-block, lifted the kettle down;
but the round wine-bearer Miðllnir hurled forth
was in shivers broken. towards the savage crew,
32. Much good, I know, and slew -

has departed from me, all the mountain-giants,


now that my cup I see who with Hymir
hurled from my knees.” had him pursued.
Thus the old man spake: 37. Long they had not
I can never -
journeyed
say again, when of Hlorridi's goats
beer thou art too hot. one lay down
33. Now ’tis to be tried half-dead before the car.
if ye can carry It from the pole had sprung
the beer-vessel across the trace; -

out of our dwelling.” but the false Loki


Ty twice assayed was of this the cause.
to move the vessel, 38. Now ye have heard,
yet at each time — for what fabulist can
stood the kettle fast. more fully tell –
The Lay of Hymir. 61

what indemnity he to the gods' council came,


he from the giant got: and had the kettle,
he paid for it which Hymir had possessed,
with his children both."), out of which every god
39. In his strength exul- shall beer with OEgir drink
ting at every harvest-tide.

1) This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.


Thrymskvita etr Hamarsheimt,
The Lay of Thrym, or the Hammer recovered.
1. Wroth was Vingthor, they feather-garment lend,
when he awoke, that perchance my hammer
and his hammer I may find?”
missed;
his beard he shook, - Freyia.
his forehead struck, 4. “That I would give thee,
the son of earth although of gold it were,
felt all around him; and trust it to thee,
2. and first of all though it were of silver.”
these words he uttered: 5. Flew then Loki —
‘Hear now, Loki! the plumage rattled —
what I now say, until he came beyond
which no one knows the Æsir's dwellings,
anywhere on earth, and came within
nor in heaven above; the Jötun's land.
the As's hammer is stolen?
6. On a mound sat Thrym,
3. They went to the fair the Thursar's lord,
Freyia's dwelling, for his greyhounds
and he these words plaiting gold bands
first of all said: and his horses’
-
Wilt thou me, Freyia, manes smoothing.
The Lay of Thrym. 63

Thrym. 11. “Hast thou had success


7. “How goes it with the as well as labour?
AEsir? Tell me from the air
How goes it with the Alfar? the long tidings.
Why art thou come alone Oft of him who sits
to Jötunheim” are the tales defective,
Loki. and he who lies down
utters falsehood.”
8. ‘Ill it goes with the
AEsir, Loki.
Ill it goes with the Alfar. 12. “I have had labour
Hast thou Hlórridi's and success:
hammer hidden?” Thrym has thy hammer,
Thrym. the Thursar's lord.
9. ‘ I have Hlórridi's It shall no man
hammer hidden get again,
eight rasts unless he bring him
beneath the earth; Freyia to wife.”
it shall no man 13. They went the fair
get again, Freyia to find;
unless he bring me and he those words
Freyia to wife.” first of all said:

10. Flew then Loki — ‘Bind thee, Freyia,


the plumage rattled – in bridal raiment,
we two must drive
until he came beyond
te Jötunheim.”
the Jötun's dwellings,
and came within
13. Wroth then was Freyia,
the AEsir's courts; and with anger chafed,
there he met Thor, all the AEsir's hall
in the middle court, beneath her trembled:
who these words in shivers flew the famed
first of all uttered. Brisinga necklace.")

1) A rather awkward story about Freyia and the Bri


singa men is given in “Northern Mythology.” I. p. 32 note *
from Olaf Triggvason's Saga, reprinted in Snorri's Edda,
64 The Lay of Thrym.

“Know me to be call womanish,


of women lewdest, if I let myself be clad ,
if with thee I drive in bridal raiment.”
to Jötunheim.” 19. Then spake Loki,
15. Straightway went the Laufey's son:
- AEsir “Do thou, Thor! refrain
all to council, from suchlike words:
and the Asyniur forthwith the Jötuns will
Asgard inhabit, w

all to hold converse;


and deliberated unless thy hammer thou
the mighty gods, gettest back.”
how they Hlórridi's 20. Then they clad Thor
hammer might get back. in bridal raiment,
16. Then said Heimdall, and with the noble
of AEsir brightest — Brisinga necklace,
he well foresaw, let by his side
like other Vanir – keys jingle,
“Let us clothe Thor and woman's weeds
with bridal raiment, fall round his knees;
let him have the famed and on his breast
Brisinga necklace. placed precious stones,
17. “Let by his side and a neat coif
keys jingle, set on his head.
and woman's weeds 21. Then said Loki,
fall round his knees, Laufey's son:
but on his breast “I will with thee
place precious stones, as a servant go :
and a neat coif we two will drive
set on his head.” to Jötunheim.”
22. Straightway were the
18. Then said Thor,
the mighty As: goats
Me the AEsir will homeward driven,

edit. Rask, p. 354. According to an allusion to it in Beowuldf


where it is called Brösinga men, it had come to be poss”
by Hermanric.
The Lay of Thrym. 65

hurried to the traces; “Where hast thou seen


they had fast to run. brides
The rocks were shivered, eat more voraciously?
the earth was in a blaze; I never saw brides
Odin's son drove feed more amply,
to Jötunheim. nor a maiden

23. Then said Thrym, drink more mead.”


the Thursar's lord: 27. Sat the all-crafty
“Rise up, Jötuns! serving-maid close by,
and the benches deck, who words fitting found
now they bring me against the Jötun's speech:
Freyia to wife, “Freyia has nothing eaten
Niðrd's daughter, for eight nights,
from Nóatún. so eager was she
for Jötunheim.”
24. “Hither to our court
28. Under her veil he
let bring stooped
gold-horned cows, desirous to salute her,
all-black oxen,
but sprang back
for the Jötuns' joy. along the hall.
Treasures I have many, ‘Why are so piercing
neklaces many, Freyia's looks?
Freyia alone Methinks that fire
seemed to me wanting.” burns from her eyes.”
25. In the evening 29. Sat the all-crafty
they early came, serving- maid close by,
and for the Jötuns
who words fitting found
beer was brought forth. against the Jötun's speech:
Thor alone an ox devoured, “Freyia for eight nights
salmons eight, has not slept,
and all the sweetmeats
so eager was she
women should have. for Jötunheim.”
Sif's consort drank 30. In came the Jötun's
three salds of mead. luckless sister,
26. Then said Thrym, for a bride-gift
the Thursar's prince: she dared to ask:
5
66 The Lay of Thrym.

“Give me from thy hands when the fierce-hearted


the ruddy rings, his hammer recognized.
if thou wouldst gain He first slew Thrym,
my love, the Thursar's lord,
my love and the Jötun's race
and favour all.” all crushed;
31. Then said Thrym, 33. He slew the Jötun's
the Thursar's lord: aged sister,
Bring the hammer in, her who a bride-gift
the bride to consecrate; had demanded;
lay Miðllnir she a blow got
on the maiden's knee; instead of skillings,
unite us each with other a hammer's stroke
by the hand of Vör. for many rings.
32. Laughed Hlórridi's So got Odin's son
soul in his breast, his hammer back.
Alvíssmál,

The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis.


Alvis.
Thou art not born to carry
1. The benches they are off a bride.
- decking, Alvis.
now shall the bride" with me
bend her way home. , 3. Alvis I am named,
That beyond my strength I beneath the earth I dwell,
have hurried under the rock I own a place,
will to every one appear: The lord of chariots
I am come to visit.
at home naught shall disturb
my quiet. A promise once confirmed
let no one break.”
Wingthár.
2. What man is this? Wingthèr.
Why about the nose art 4. I will break it;
- thou so pale 2 for o'er the maid I have,
Hast thou last night with as father, greatest power.
corpses lain? I was from home
To me thou seemst to bear
when the promise was given
resemblance to the Thursar. thee.

1) Thrud, Thor's daughter by his wife Sif, Skaldskap.


pp. 101. 119. 2) This appears to allude to a promise made
to the dwarf; but of which the story is lost.
5*
68 The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis.

Among the gods I the sole the knowledge of the dwarf


giver am. to prove.
All the nine worlds
Alvis.
I have travelled over,
5. What man is this,
and every being known.
who lays claim to power
over that fair, bright maiden? Wingthūr.
For far-reaching shafts 10. Tell me, Alvis —
few will know thee. for all men's concerns
Who has decked thee with I presume thee, dwarf, to
bracelets? know —
how the earth is called,
Vingthūr. which lies before the sons
6. Vingthór I am named, of men,
wide I have wandered;
in every world.
I am Sidgrani's son: Alvis.
with my dissent thou shaltnot
that young maiden have, 11. Jörö among men 'tis
nor that union obtain. called,
but with the AEsir fold;
Alvis.
the Vanir call it vega,
7. Thy consent the Jötuns igroen,
I fain would have, the Alfar gr 6 and i,
and that union obtain.
the powers supreme aur.
Rather would I possess Wingthér.
than be without
12. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
that snow-white maiden.
how the heaven is called,
Wingthér. which is perceptible
8. The maiden's love in every world.
shall not, wise guest! Alvis.
be unto thee denied, 13. Him in n 'tis called by
if thou of every world men;
canst tell but hlyrnir with the gods;
all I desire to know. vind of ni the Vanir call it,
Alvis. up pheim r the Jötuns,
9. Vingthér! thou canst try, the Alfar fagrarae fr,
as thou art desirous the dwarfs drid pans al
The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis. 69

Wingthèr. which with showers are


14. Tell me, Alvis' etc. mingled
how the moon is called, in every world.
which men see
Alvis.
in every world.
Alvis. 19. Sky they are called
15. Mani ’tis called by by men,
men, but skür van by the gods;
the Vanir call them v in d
but my linn with the gods,
h werf and a h vel in Hel" flot,
they call it, the Jötuns (ir v in ,
skyn di the Jötuns, the Alfar veðr m e g in ;
but the dwarfs skin; in Hel they are called
the Alfar name it ār tali. hiá 1 m huli Ös.
Wingthér. Vingthor.
16. Tell me, Alvis! etc. 20. Tell me, Alvis' etc.
how the sun is called, how the wind is called,
which men's sons see which widely passes
in every world. over every world.
Alvis. Alvis.

17. Sól among men 'tis 21. Windr 'tis called by


called, men,
but with the gods sunna, but v Āvu Ör by the gods,
the dwarfs call it Dvalinn's the wide-ruling powers call
leika, it gn eggiu 5,
the Jötuns ey gló, the Jötuns oe pir,
the Alfar fagrah vel, the Alfar dynfari,
the AEsir's sons alski r. in Hel they call it hvièuðr.
Vingthor. Vingthér.
18. Tell me, Alvis etc. 22. Tell me, Alvis' etc.
how the clouds are called, how the calm is called,

1) When this composition was written, it appears that


Hel was no longer regarded as a person, but as a place.
70 The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis.

which has to rest the Jötuns frekr,


in every world. but the Dwarfs forbrennir;
Alvis. in Hel they call it hrööubr.
23. Log n 'tis called by Wingthér.
men,
28. Tell me, Alvis etc.
but laegi by the gods, how the forest is called,
the Vanir call it wind slot,
which grows for the sons
the Jötuns of h ly, of men
the Alfar dagse vi, in every world.
the Dwarfs call it dags
V era. Alvis.

Vingthér. 29. Viðr 'tis called by


24. Tell me, Alvis! etc. men,

what the sea is called, but vallarfax by the gods,


which men row over Hel’s inmates call it
in every world. hlíðp angr,
Alvis.
the Jötuns eldi,
the Alfar fagr limi;
25. Saer’tis called by men, the Vanir call it v 5 n dr.
but silaegia with the gods;
the vanir call it vagr, Wingthèr.
the Jötuns alheimr, 30. Tell me, Alvis I etc.
the Alfar la gast afr, how the night is called,
the Dwarfs call it did pan that Nörvi's daughter hight,
In a T.
in every world.
Wingthor. Alvis.
26. Tell me, Alvis' etc.
31. Nótt it is called by
how the fire is called, - men,
which burns before men's
but by the gods niól;
in every world. [sons the wide-ruling powers call
Alvis. it grima,
27. Eldr 'tis called by the Jötuns 6 liós.
men, the Alfar sv efng a man;
but by the Æsir funi; the Dwarfs call it
the Vanir call it vagr, draum ni Örunn.
The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis. 71

Wingthor. Alvis.
32. Tell me, Alvis' etc. 35. Öl it is called by men,
how the seed is called, but by the AEsir biörr,
which the sons of men sow the Vanir call it veig,
in every world. h rein a lögr the Jötuns,
33. By g g it is called by but in Hel 'tis called mióðr:
men, Suttung's sons call it sum bl.
but by the gods b arr, Wingthūr.
the Vanir call it wax tr, 36. In one breast
the Jötuns a ti, I have never found
the Alfar la gasta fr; more ancient lore. —
in Hel 'tis h nipinn By great wiles thou hast,
called,
I tell thee,
Wingthor. been deluded.
34. Tell me, Alvis etc. Thou art above ground,
how the beer is called, dwarfſ at dawn;
which the sons of men drink already in the hall the sun
in every world. is shining !
Harbarðslióö,

The Lay of Harbard."


Thór journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait
or sound, on the other side of which was a ferryman
with his boat. Thôr cried out: —

1. Who is the knave of there is no better food:


knaves, at my ease I ate,
that by the sound stands before I quitted home,
yonder? herrings and oats,
Harbard. with which I yet feel sated.
2. Who is the churl of
Harbard.
churls,
that cries across the water? 4. Thou art in haste
Thér. to praise thy meal:
3. Ferry me across the thousurely hastnoforeknow
sound, ledge;
to-morrow I'll regale thee. for sad will be thy home:
I have a basket on my back: thy mother, I believe, is dead.

1) Harbard is Odin disguised as a ferryman. This com


position, as also the CEgisdrekka, look very like burlesques
on the Odinic religion, written when on its decline.
The Lay of Harbard. 73

Thör. (although I am an outlaw)


5. Thou sayest now and all my kin:
what seems to every one I am Odin's son,
most unwelcome to know — Meili's brother,
that my mother is dead. and Magni's sire,
Harbard. the gods' mighty leader:
6. Thou dost not look like With Thôr thou here mayest
One speak.
I will now ask
who owns three country
how thou art called.
dwellings,
bare-legged thou standest, Harbard.
and like a beggar clothed; 10. I am Harbard called;
thou hast not even breeches.
seldom I my name conceal.
Thör. "
Thör.
7. Steer hitherward thy
boat; 11. Why shouldst thou thy
I will direct thee where to name conceal,
land. unless thou crime hast per
But who owns this skiff, petrated 2
which by the strand thou Harbard.
holdest ?
Harbard.
12. Yet, though I may crime
8. Hildólf he is named
have perpetrated,
I will nathless guard my life
who bade me hold it, against such as thou art;
a man in council wise, unless I death-doomed am.
who dwells in Rådst) sound.
Robbers he bade me not to Thor.

ferry, 13. It seems to me a foul


or horse-stealers, annoyance
but good men only, to wade across the strait to
and those whom Iwell knew. thee,
Tell me then thy name, and wet my garments:
if thou wilt cross the sound. but I willpay thee, mannikin!
Thör. for thy sharp speeches,
9. I my name will tell, if o'er the sound I come.
74 The Lay of Harbard.

Harbard. º
shrewd ones we had,
14. Here will I stand, had they but been kind.
and here await thee. Of sand a rope
Thou wilt have found no they twisted,
Stouter One and from the deep valley
since Hrúngnir's death. dug the earth:
to them all I alone was
Thör.
15. Thou now remindest me superior in cunning.
I rested with the sisters
how I with Hrúngnir fought, seven,
that stout-hearted Jötun,
and their love and pleasures
whose head was all of stone; shared.
yet I made him fall, What meanwhile didst thou,
and sink before me.
Thér 2
What meanwhile didst thou,
Harbard? Thör.
Harbard. 19. I slew Thiassi,
that stout-hearted Jötun:
16. I was with Fiólvari
five winters through, up I cast the eyes
in the isle of Allvaldi’s son
into the heaven serene:
which Algrón hight.
There we could fight, they are signs the greatest
and slaughter make, of my deeds."
many perils prove, What meanwhile didst thou,
indulge in love. Harbard?
Harbard.
Thör.
17. How did your women 20. Great seductive arts I
used
prove towards you?
against the riders of the
Harbard.
night,”
18. Sprightly women we when from their husbands
had, I enticed them.
had they but been meek; A mighty Jötun I believed

1) See the story in Prose Edda, p. 461, and N. M. I.


P. 44, where it is told differently. 2) Giantesses, witches, &c.
The Lay of Harbard. 75
Hlébard to be: Thór.
a magic wand he gave me, 25. Unequally thou wouldst
but from his wits I charmed divide
him.
the folk among the AEsir,
Thör. if thou but hadst the power.
21. With evil mind then Harbard.
thou didst good gifts requite. 26. Thór has strength
Harbard.
- overmuch,
32. One tree gets that but courage none;
which is from another from cowardice and fear,
scraped: thou wast crammed into a
each one in such case is for glove,
self.
and hardly thoughtest thou
What meanwhile didst thou, wast Thór.
Thôr 2
Thou durst not then,
Thör.
through thy terror,
23. In the east I was, either sneeze or cough,
and slew the Jötun brides, lest Fialar it might hear.
crafty in evil, Thör.
*they to the mountain went. 27. Harbard, thou wretch!
Great would have been the
I would strike thee dead,
Jötun race, could I but stretch my arm
had they all lived;
and not a man across the sound.
left in Midgard. Harbard.
What meanwhile didst thou, -
28. Why wouldst thou
Harbard 2 stretch thy arm across the
Harbard. sound,
24. I was in Valland, when there is altogether no
and followed warfare; offence 2
princes I excited, But what didst thou, Thórz
but never reconciled. Thor.
Odin has all the jarls 29. In the east I was,
that in conflict fall;
and a river I defended,
but Thor the race of thralls.
when the sons of Svarang
76 The Lay of Harbard. w

me assailed, Thôr.
and with stones pelted me, 35. I am not such a heel
though in their success they chafer
little joyed: as an old leather shoe in
they were the first - spring.
to sue for peace. Harbard.
What meanwhile didst thou, 36. What meanwhile didst
Harbard?
thou, Thór?
Harbard.
Thôr.
30. I was in the east, 37. The Berserkers' brides
and with a certain lass held
I on Laessó cudgeled;
converse;
they the worst had perpe
with that fair I dallied, trated,
and long meetings had. the whole people had seduced.
I that gold-bright one de
Harbard.
lighted;
the game amused her. 38. Dastardly didst thou
act, Thórl
Thör.
when thou didst cudgel
31. Then you had kind WOmen.
damsels there?
Thór.
Harbard. 39. She-wolves they were,
32. Of thy aid I had need, and scarcely women.
in retaining Thôr | They crushed my ship,
that maiden lily-fair. which with props I had
secured,
Thör.
with iron clubs threatened
33. I would have given it me,
thee, and drove away Thiálfi.
if I had had the opportunity. What meanwhile didst thou,
Harbard 2
Harbard.
34. I would have trusted Harbard.

my confidence [thee, 40. I in the army was,


if thou hadst not betrayed it. which was hither sent,
The Lay of Harbard. 77

war-banners to raise, will bring thee evil,


* lances to redden. if I resolve the sound to ford.
Thör. Louder than a wolf
41. Of that thou now wilt thou wilt howl, I trow,
speak, if of my hammer thou gettest
a touch.
as thou wentest forth
us hard terms to offer. Harbard.
is
Harbard. 48. Sif has a gallant at
42. That shall be indem home;
by a hand-ring, [nified thou wilt anxious be to find
such as arbitrators give, him:
who wish to reconcile us. thou shalt that arduous work
Thór. - perform;
didst thou it will beseem thee better.
43. Where
, learn words Thór.
than which I never heard 49. Thou utterest what
more irritating? comes upmost,
Harbard. so that to me it be most
44. From men I learned annoying,
them, thou dastardly varlet !
from ancient men, . I believe thou art lying.
whose home is in the woods. Harbard.
Thór.
50. I believe I am telling
45. Thou givest certainly truth. -

a good name to grave Thou art travelling slowly;


mounds, thou wouldst have long since
when thou callest them - arrived,
homes in the woods. hadst thou assumed another
Harbard. form.
|
46. So speak I Thór.
of such a subject. 51. Harbard I thou wretch!
Thór. rather is it thou who hast
47. Thy shrewd words detained me.
78 The Lay of Harbard.

Harbard. until thou reachest Verland;


62. I never thought there will Fiorgyn
that a ferryman could find her son Thór,
the course of Asa- Thör and point out to him
retard. his kinsmen's ways
Thör. to Odin's land.
53. One advice I now will Thör.
give thee: 57. Can I get there to-day?
row hither with thy boat; Harbard.
let us cease from threats; 58. With pain and toil
approach the sire of Magni. thou mayest get there,
Harbard. while the sun is up,
54. Go farther from the which, I believe, is now nigh.
sound, Thör.
the passage is refused thee. 59. Our talk shall now be
Thör. short,
55. Show me then the way, as thou answerest with scof
if thou wilt not ferry me fing only.
across the water. For refusing to ferry me I
Harbard. will reward thee,
56. That's too little to if another time we meet.

'Tis far to go; [refuse. Harbard.


'tis to the stock an hour, 60. Just go to where
and to the stone another; all the powers of evil may
then keep the left hand way, have thee.

--~~~~~~~~~
För Skirnis etr Skirnismál.

The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.


Frey, son of Niðrd, had one day seated himself in
Hlidskiálf, and was looking over all regions, when tur
ning his eyes to Jötunheim, 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 Niðrd
desired to speak with Frey; when Skadi said: —
1. Rise up now, Skirnir! prince of gods!
go and request for I desire to know,
our son to speak; why alone thou sittest
and inquire in the spacious hall
with whom he so sage the livelong day?
may be offended. Frey.
Skirnir. 4. Why shall I tell thee,
2. Harsh words I have thou young man,
from your son to fear, my mind's great trouble?
if I go to speak with him, for the Alfs' illuminator
and to inquire shines every day,
with whom he so sage yet not for my pleasure.
may be offended. Skirnir.
Skirnir. 5. Thy care cannot, I think,
3. Tell me now, Frey, be so great,
80 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

that to me thou canst not Skirnir speaks to the horse.


10. Dark it is without,
tell it;
for in early days 'tis time, I say, for us to go
we were young together: across the misty fells,
over the Thursar's land:
well might we trust each
other. we shall both return,
or the all-potent Jötun
Frey. will seize us both.
6. In Gymir's courts
Skirnir rides to Jötunheim,
I saw walking to Gymir's mansion, where
a maid for whom I long.
Her arms gave forth light fierce dogs were chained at
wherewith shone
the gate of the enclosure
all air and water.
that was round Gymir's ,
hall. He rides on to where
7. Is more desirable a cowherd was sitting on
to me that maid a mound, and says to him:
than to any youth 11. Tell me, cowherd I
in early days; as on the mound thou sittest,
yet will no one, and watchest all the ways,
AEsir or Alfar, how I to the speech may
that we together live. come,
Skirnir. of the young maiden,
8. Give me but thy steed, for Gymir's dogs?
which can bear me through Cowherd.
the dusk, flickering flame, 24. Either thou art death
and that sword, doomed,
which brandishes itself or thou art a departed one.
against the Jötuns’ race. Speech wilt thou
ever lack
Frey. with the good maid of Gymir.
9. Iwill give thee my steed,
Skirnir.
which can bear thee through
13. Better choices than
the dusk, flickering flame,
to whine
and that sword,
there are for him
which will itself brandish,
if he is bold who raises it. who is prepared to die :
The Journey or Lay of Skirnir. . 81

for one day nor of the AEsir's sons,


was my age decreed, nor of the wise Vanir's;
and my whole life deter yet I am come alone,
mined. through the hostile fire,
Gerd. your halls to visit.
14. What is that sound of 19. Apples all-golden
sounds, I have here eleven:
which I now sounding hear these I will give thee, Gerd,
within our dwelling 2 thy love to gain,
The earth is shaken, that thou mayest say that
and with it all to thee lives dearest. [Frey
the house of Gymir trembles. Gerd.
A serving-maid. 20. The apples eleven
15. A man is here without, I never will accept
dismounted from his horse's for any mortal's pleasure;
back: nor will I and Frey,
he lets his steed browse on while our lives last,
the grass. live both together.
Gerd. Skirnir.
16. Bid him enter
21. The ring too I will
into our hall, which was burnt [give thee,
and drink of the bright mead; with the young son of Odin.
although I fear Eight of equal weight
it is my brother's slayer will from it drop,
who waits without. every ninth night.
17. Who is this of the Gerd.
Alfar's, 22. The ring I will not
or of the AEsir's sons, accept,
or of the wise Vanir's 2
burnt though it may have
Why art thou come alone, been
through the hostile fire, with the young son of Odin.
our halls to visit? I have no lack of gold
Skirnir. in Gymir's courts;
18. I am not of the Alfar's, for my father's wealth Ishare.
6
82 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

Skirnir. 27. On an eagle's mount


23. Seest thou this sword, thou shalt early sit,
young maiden! looking and turned towards
Hel.
thin, glittering-bright,
which I have here in hand? Food shall to thee more
loathsome be
I thy head will sever
from thy neck, than is to any one
if thou speakst not favour the glistening serpent among
men.
ably to me.
Gerd.
28. As a prodigy thou
shalt be,
24. Suffer compulsion when thou goest forth;
will I never, Hrimnir shall at thee gaze,
to please any man; all beings at thee stare;
yet this I foresee, more wide-known thou shalt
if thou and Gymir meet, become
ye will eagerly engage in than the watch among the
fight. gods",
Skirnir. if thou from thy gratings
ape.
25. Seest thou this sword,
29. Solitude and disgust,
young maiden! bonds and impatience,
thin, glittering-bright, shall thy tears with grief
which I have here in hand P
augment.
Beneath its edge Set thee down,
shall the old Jötun fall: and I will tell thee of
thy sire is death-doomed. a whelming flood of care,
26. With a taming-wand I and a double grief.
smite thee, 30. Terrors shall bow thee
and I will tame thee, the livelong day, [down
maiden to my will. in the Jötuns' courts.
Thou shalt go thither, To the Hrimthursar's halls,
where the sons of men thou shalt each day
shall never more behold thee. crawl exhausted,

1) Heimdall.
The Journey or Lay of Skirnir. 83

ioyless crawl; that shall possess thee,


wail for pastime in the grating of the dead
shalt thou have, beneath;
and tears and misery. there shall wretched thralls,
31. With a three-headed from the tree's roots,
- Thurs goats' water give thee.
thou shalt be ever bound, Other drink shalt thoy,
or be without a mate. maiden | never get,
Thy mind shall tear thee either for thy pleasure,
from morn to morn: or for my pleasure.
as the thistle thou shalt be
36. Pur sº I cut for thee,
which has thrust itself and three letters more:
on the house-top. ergi, and oe Öi,
32. To the wold I have been, and Ó pola.
and to the humid grove, So will I cut them out,
a magic wand to get. as I have cut them in,
A magic wand I got. if there need shall be.
33. Wroth with thee is Odin, Gerd.
wroth with thee is the Æsir's
prince; 37. Hail rather to thee,
Frey shall loathe thee, youth !
even ere thou, wicked maid | and accept an icy cup,
shalt have felt filled with old mead;
the gods' dire vengeance. although I thought not
that I ever should
34. Hear ye, Jötuns ! love one of Vanir race.
hear ye, Hrimthursar!
Skirnir.
sons of Suttung!
also ye, Æsir's friends! 38. All my errand
how I forbid, will I know,
how I prohibit ere I hence ride home.
man's joy unto the damsel, When wilt thou converse
man's converse to the damsel. hold
35. Hrimgrimnir the Thurs with the powerful
is named, son of Niðrd?

1) purs, &c. the names of magical runes.


6*
84 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

Gerd. in Jötunheim,
39. Barri the grove is named, for my pleasure or thine?
which we both know, Skirnir.

the grove of tranquil paths. 41. Barri the grove is named,


Nine nights hence, which we both know,
there to Niðrd's son the grove of tranquil paths.
Gerd will grant delight. Nine nights hence,
there to Niórd's son
Skirnir then rode home.
Gerd will grant delight.
Frey was standing without, Frey.
and spoke to him, asking
tidings: 42. Long is one night,
yet longer two will be;
40. Tell me, Skirnirl how shall I three endure.
ere thou thy steed unsaddlest, Often a month to me
and a foot hence thou goest, less has seemed
what thou hast accomplished than half a night of longing.
Rígsmál,

The Lay of Rig.


In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the Æsir na
med Heimdall, being on a journey to a certain sea-shore,
came to a village, where he called himself Rig. In ac
cordance with this Saga is the following:
1. In ancient days, they say, give to them both,
along the green ways went and himself seated
the powerful and upright in the middle seat,
Sagacious AS, having on either side
the strong and active Rig, the domestic pair.
his onward course pursuing. 4. Then Edda from the
2. Forward he went took a loaf, [ashes
on the mid-way, heavy and thick,
and to a dwelling came. and with bran mixted;
The door stood ajar, more besides she laid
he went in, on the middle of the board;
fire was on the floor. there in a bowl was broth
The man and wife sat there, on the table set,
hoary-haired, by the hearth, there was a calf boiled,
Ai and Edda, of cates most excellent.
in old guise clad. 5. Then rose he up,
3. Rig would counsel prepared to sleep:
w
86 The Lay of Rig.

Rig would counsel a woman walking,


give to them both; scarred were her foot-soles,
laid him down her arms sunburnt,
in the middle of the bed; her nose compressed,
the domestic pair lay her name was Thy.
one on either side. 11. In the middle seat
6. There he continued herself she placed;
three nights together, by her sat
then departed the house's son.
on the mid-way. They spoke and whispered,
Nine months then prepared a bed,
passed way. Thrael and Thy,
7. Edda a child brought and days of care.
forth: 12. Children they begat,
they with water sprinkled and lived content:
its swarthy skin, There names, I think, were
and named it Thrael. Hreimr and Fiósnir,
8. It grew up, Klûr and Kleggi,
and well it throve; Kefsir, Fälnir,
of its hands -

Drumb, Digraldi,
the skin was shriveled, Drött and Hôsvir,
the knuckles knotty, Lút and Leggialdi.
: #: 4:
Fences they erected,
and the fingers thick; fields manured,
a hideous countenance it tended swine,
a curved back, [had, kept goats,
and protruding heels. dug turf.
9. He then began 13. The daughters were
his strength to prove, Drumba and Kumba,
bast to bind, Ökkvinkälfa,
make of it loads; and Arinnefia,
then faggots carried home, Ysia and Ambátt,
the livelong day. Eikintiasna,
10. Then to the dwelling Tötrughypia,
Càme and Trånubeina,
The Lay of Rig. 87

whence are sprung 18. There he continued


the race of thralls. three nights together.
Nine months then
passed away. -

14. Rig then went on, Amma a child brought forth,


in a direct course, they with water sprinkled it,
and came to a house; and called it Karl.
the door stood ajar: The mother in linen swathed
he went in; the ruddy redhead:
fire was on the floor, its eyes twinkled.
man and wife sat there 19. It grew up,
engaged at work. and well throve;
15. The man was planing learned to tame oxen,
wood for a weaver's beam; make a plough,
his beard was trimmed, houses build,
a lock was on his forehead, and barns construct,
his shirt close; make carts,
his chest stood on the floor. and the plough drive.
16. His wife sat by, 20. Then they home con
plied her rock, veyed
with outstretched arms, a lass with pendent keys,
prepared for clothing. and goatskin kirtle;
A hood was on her head, married her to Karl.
a loose sark over her breast, Snør was her name,
a kerchief round her neck, under a veil she sat.
studs on her shoulders. The couple dwelt together,
Afi and Amma rings exchanged,
owned the house. spread couches,
17. Rig would counsel and a household formed.
give to them both; 21. Children they begat,
rose from the table, and lived content.
prepared to sleep; Hal and Dreng, these were
laid him down named,
in the middle of the bed, Held, Thegn, Smith,
the domestic pair lay Breidrbóndi,
one on either side. Bundinskegg,
88 The Lay of Rig.

Bùi and Boddi, ample her robe,


Brattskegg and Segg. her sark was blue;
22. But [the daughters] brighter was her brow,
were thus called, her breast fairer,
by other names: her neck whiter
Snót, Brūd, Svanni, than driven snow.
Svarri, Sprakki, 27. Rig would counsel
Flićd, Sprund, and Wif, give to them both,
Feima, Ristil; and himself seated
whence are sprung on the middle seat,
the races of churls. having on either side
~~~~~~~~~~~ the domestic pair.
28. Then took Mödir
23. Rig then went thence, a figured cloth
in a direct course, of white linen,
and came to a hall: and the table decked.
the entrance looked south She then took
ward, thin cakes
the door was half closed, of snow-white wheat,
a ring was on the door-post. and on the table laid.
24. He went in ; 29. She set forth salvers
the floor was strewed, full, adorned with silver,
a couple sat on the table game and pork,
facing each other, and roasted birds.
Fadir and Mo dir, In a can was wine;
with fingers playing. the cups were ornamented.
25. The husband sat, They drank and talked;
and twisted string, the day was fast departing,
bent his bow, Rig would counsel
and arrow-shafts prepared; give to them both.
but the housewife 30. Rig then rose,
looked on her arms, the bed prepared;
smoothed her veil, there he then remained
and her sleeves fastened; three nights together,
26. her head-gear adjusted. then departed
A clasp was on her breast; on the mid-way.
The Lay of Rig. 89

Nine months after that 34. Jarl then rode thence,


passed away. through a murky way,
31. Mödir then brought over humid fells,
forth a boy: till to a hall he came.
in silk they wrapped him, His spear he brandished,
with water sprinkled him, his shield he shook,
and named him Jarl. made his horse curvet,
Light was his hair, and his falchion drew,
bright his cheeks, strife began to raise,
his eyes piercing the field to redden,
as a young serpent's. carnage to make;
32. There at home and conquer lands.
Jarl grew up, 35. Then he ruled alone
learned the shield to shake, over eight vills,
to fix the string, riches distributed,
the bow to bend, gave to all
arrows to shaft, treasures and precious things;
javelins to hurl, lank-sided horses,
spears to brandish, rings he dispersed,
horses to ride, and collars cut in pieces.”
dogs to let slip, 36. The nobles drove
swords to draw, through humid ways,
swimming to practise. came to a hall,
33. Thither from the forest where Her sir dwelt;
Rig walking, [came there they found
Rig walking: a slender maiden,
runes he taught him, fair and elegant,
his own name gave him, E r n a her name.
and his own son declared him, 37. They demanded her,
whom he bade possess and conveyed her home,
his alodial fields, to Jarl espoused her;
his alodial fields, she under the linen” went.
his ancient dwellings. They together lived,

1) A common practice: the pieces served as money.


2) The nuptial veil.
90 The Lay of Rig.

and well throve, sorrows to allay.


had offspring, He of eight men had
and old age enjoyed. the strength and energy.
38. Bur was their eldest, 42. He with Rig Jarl
Barn the second, in runes contended,
Jód and Adal, artifices practised,
Arfi, Mög, and superior proved;
Nid and Nidjung. then aquired
They learned games; Rig to be called,
Son and Svein and skilled in runes.
swam and at tables played. 43. The young Kon rode
One was named Kund, through swamps and forests,
Kon was youngest. hurled forth darts,
and tamed birds.
39. There grew up
Jarl's progeny; 44. Then sang the crow,
horses they broke, sitting lonely on a bough!
curved shields, “Why wilt thou, young Kon:
tame the birds?
cut arrows,
brandished spears. rather shouldst thou, young
40. But the young Kon on horses ride [Kon!
::
understood runes, $
and armies overcome.
aefin-runes,
45. Nor Dan nor Danp
and aldr-runes;
he moreover knew halls more costly had,
men to preserve, nobler paternal seats,
edges to deaden,
the sea to calm.
41. He knew the voice
than ye had.
They well knew how
the keel to ride,
:
of birds, the edge to prove,
wounds to inflict.
how fires to mitigate, The rest is wanting.
assuage and quench;
(Egildrekka, eča Lokasenna,
eča Lokaglepsa,

(Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.


CEgir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer
for the AEsir, after he had got the great kettle, as has
been already related. To the entertainment came Odin
and his wife Frigg. Thór 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 hav
ing bitten off his hand while being bound. Besides
these there were Niðrd 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.
CEgir 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 Sane
tuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
CEgir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience,
and so slew Fimafeng; whereupon the AEsir 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:
92 CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

1. Tell me, Eldir! that if we two


ere thou thy foot settest with bitter words contend,
one step forward, I shall be rich
on what converse in answers,
the sons of the triumphant if thou sayest too much
at their potation ? [gods Loki then went into the hall,
Eldir. but when those present saw
2. Of their arms converse, who was come in, they all
and of their martial fame, sat silent.
the sons of the triumphant Loki.
gods. -

6. I Lopt am come thirsty


Of the AEsir and the Alfar
into this hall,
that are here within
from a long journey,
not one has a friendly word to beseech the AEsir
for thee.
one draught to give me
Loki.
of the bright mead.
3. I will go
into CEgir's halls, 7. Why gods! are ye so
so reserved, [silent,
to see the compotation.
Strife and hate that ye cannot speak?
to the AEsir's sons I bear, A seat and place
and will mix their mead choose for me at your board,
or bid me hie me hence.
with bale.
Eldir. Bragi.
4. Knowest thou not that 8. A seat and place
will the Æsir never
if thou goest
into CEgir's halls choose for thee at their board;
for well the AEsir know
to see the compotation,
but contumely and clamour for whom they ought to hold
pourest forth on the kindly a joyous compotation.
powers, * Loki.
they will wipe it all off on 9. Odin' dost thou remember
thee?
when we in early days
Loki. blended our blood together?
5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, When to taste beer
CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 93

thou didst constantly refuse, that are here present,


unless to both 'twas offered 2 in conflict thou art the most
Odin. backward,
10. Rise up, Vidar! and in the play of darts
most timid.
and let the wolf's sire
sit at our compotation; Bragi.
that Loki may not utter 14. I know that were I
words of contumely without,
in CEgir's hall. as I am now within,
Vidar then rising, presented the hall of CEgir,
Loki with drink, who be I thy head would
fore drinking thus addressed bear in my hand,
the AEsir: and so for lying punish thee.
11. Hail, AEsir! Loki.
Hail, Asyniur ! 15. Valiant on thy seat art
And ye, all-holy gods! thou, Bragil
all, save that one As, but so thou shouldst not be,
who sits within there, Bragi, the bench's pride!
Bragi, on yonder bench. Go and fight,
Bragi. if thou art angry;
a brave man sits not con
12. A horse and falchion
I from my stores will give sidering.
thee, Idun.
and also with a ring reward 16. I pray thee, Bragi!
- thee, let avail the bond of chil
if thou the AEsir wilt not º dren,
requite with malice. and of all adopted sons,
Provoke not the gods against and to Loki speak not
thee. in reproachful words,
Loki. in CEgir's hall.
13. Of horse and rings - Loki.
wilt thou ever, Bragil 17. Be silent, Idun!
be in want. of all women I declare thee"
Of the AEsir and the Alfar, most fond of men,
94 (Fgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

since thoti thy arms, I ween, she knows


carefully washed, didst twine as thoroughly as I do.
round thy brother's murderer. Loki.

Idun. 22. Be silent, Odin'


Thou never couldst allot
18. Loki I address not
conflicts between men:
with opprobrious words, oft hast thou given to those
in OEgir's hall. to whom thou oughtest not—
Bragi I soothe, victory to cowards.
by beer excited. Odin.
I desire not that angry ye
fight. 23. Knowest thou that I
gave
Gefion.
to those I ought not —
19. Why will ye, Æsir victory to cowards?
here within, [twain, Thou wast eight winters
strive with reproachful on the earth below,
words? a milch cow and a woman,
Lopt perceives not and didst there bear children.
that he is deluded, Now that, methinks, be
and is urged on by fate. tokens a base nature.
Loki. Loki.
20. Be silent, Gefion! 24. But, it is said, thou
I will now just mention, Wentest

how that fair youth with tottering steps in Samsö,


thy mind corrupted, and knocked at houses as a
who thee a necklace gave, Wala.
and around whom thou thy In likeness of a fortune
limbs didst twine? teller,
Odin. thou wentest among people;
Now that, methinks, beto
21. Thou art raving, Loki! kens a base nature.
and hast lost thy wits,
Frigg.
, in calling Gefion's anger on
thee; 25. Your doings
for all men's destinies, ye should never
OEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 95

publish among men, knows all that happens,


what ye, Æsir twain, although she says it not.
did in days of yore. Loki.
Ever forgotten be men's for
mer deeds !
30. Be thou silent, Freyia!
I know thee full well;
Loki. thou art not free from vices:

26. Be thou silent, Frigg! of the AEsir and the Alfar,


Thou artFiórgyn's daughter, that are herein,
and ever hast been fond of each has been thy paramour.
men, Freyia. -

since We and Vili, it is said, 31. False is thy tongue.


thou, Vidrir's wife, didst
Henceforth it will, I think,
both to thy bosom take. prate no good to thee.
Frigg. Wroth with thee are the Æsir,
27. Know thou that if I and the Asyniur.
in CEgir's halls, [had, Sad shalt thou home depart.
Loki.
a son like Baldr,
out thou shouldst not go 32. Be silent, Freyia!
from the AEsir's sons: Thou art a sorceress,
thou should'st have heen and with much evil blended;
fiercely assailed. since against thy brother
thou
Loki.
the gentle powers excited.
28. But wilt thou, Frigg! And then, Freyia! what
that of my wickedness didst thou do?
I more recount?
Niórd.
I am the cause
that thou seest not 33. It is no great wonder,
if silk-clad dames
Baldr riding to the halls.
get themselves husbands,
Freyia. lovers;
29. Mad art thou, Loki ! but 'tis a wonder that a
in recounting wretched As,
thy foul misdeeds. that has borne children,
Frigg, I believe, should herein enter.
-

96 CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

Loki. no wife of man,


34. Be silent, Niðrd! and from bonds looses all.
Thou wast sent eastward Loki. w

hence, 38. Be silent, Ty I


a hostage from the gods. Thou couldst never settle
Hymir's daughter had thee a strife 'twixt two;
for an utensil, of thy right hand also
and flowed into thy mouth.* I must mention make,
Niórd. which Fenrir from thee tore.
35. 'Tis to me a solace, Ty.
as I a long way hence 39. I of a handam wanting,
was sent, a hostage from but thou of honest fame;
the gods, sad is the lack of either.
that I had a son, Nor is the wolf at ease:
whom no one hates, he in bonds must bide,
and accounted is a chief
among the AEsir. until the gods' destruction.
Loki.
Loki.
36. Cease now, Niðrd I 40. Be silent, Ty;
in bounds contain thyself; to thy wife it happened
I will no longer keep it to have a son by me.
Secret : Nor rag nor penny ever
it was with thy sister hadst thou, poor wretch!
thou hadst such a son; for this injury.
hardly worse than thyself. Frey.
Ty. 41. I the wolf see lying
at the river's mouth,
37. Frey ist best
of all the exalted gods until the powers are swept
in the AEsir's courts: away.
So shalt thou be bound,
no maid he makes to weep,

1) The events related in this strophe are probably


a mere perversion, by the poet, of what we know of Niórd's
history.
CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 97

if thou art not silent, drink beer together.


thou framer of evil.
Loki.
Loki.
46. Be silent, Byggvirl
42. With gold thouboughtest Thou couldest never
Gymir's daughter, dole out food to men,
and so gavest away thy when, lying in thy truckle
sword:
bed,
but when Muspell's sons thou wast not to be found,
through the dark forest ride, while men were fighting.
thou, unhappy, wilt not
Heimdall.
have wherewith to fight.
Byggvir. 47. Loki, thou art drunk,
43. Know that were I of
and hast lost thy wits.
Why dost thou not leave
noble race,
off, Loki?
like Ingun's Frey, But drunkenness
and had so fair a dwelling,
than marrow softer I would so rules every man,
that he knows not of his
bray garrulity.
that ill-boding crow, -

and crush him limb by limb. Loki.


Loki. 48. Be silent, Heimdall!
44. What little thing is For thee in early days
that I see was that hateful life decreed:
wagging its tail, with a wet back
and snapping eagerly? thou must ever be,
At the ears of Frey and keep watch as guardian
thou shouldst ever be, of the gods.
and clatter under mills. Skadi.
Byggvir. 49. Thou art merry, Loki!
45. Byggvir I am named, Not long wilt thou
and am thought alert, frisk with an unbound tail;
by all gods and men; for thee, on a rock's point,
therefore am I joyful with the entrails of thy ice
here, cold son,
that all the sons of Hropt the gods will bind.
7
98 OEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

Loki. - He took the horn, drank,


50. Know, if on a rock's and said:
point, 54. So alone shouldst thou
with the entrails of my ice be,
cold son,
hadst thou strict and prudent
the gods will bind me, been
that first and foremost
towards thy mate;
I was at the slaying, but one I know,
when we assailed Thiassi.
and, I think, know him well,
Skadi.
a favoured rival of Hlorridi,
51. Know, if first and and that is the wily Loki.
foremost
thou wast at the slaying, Beyla.
55. The fells all tremble:
when ye assailed Thiassi,
that from my dwellings I think Hlorridi ,
and fields shall to thee is from home journeying.
ever cold counsels come. He will bid be quiet
| him who here insults
Loki.
52. Milder wast thou of
all gods and men.
Loki.
to Laufey's son, . [speech
when to thy bed thou didst 56. Be silent, Beylal
invite me. Thou art Byggvir's wife,
Such matters must be men and with much evil mingled:
tioned, never came a greater monster
if we accurately must among the AEsir's sons.
recount our vices. Thou art a dirty strumpet.
Then came Sif forth, and Thór then came in and
poured out mead for Loki said:
in an icy cup, saying: 57. Silence, thou impure
53. Hail to thee, Loki! being !
and this cool cup receive, My mightyhammer, Miðllnir,
full of old mead: shall stop thy prating.
at least me alone, I will thy head
among the blameless AEsir from thy neck strike;
leave stainless. [race, then will thy life be ended.
CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 99

Loki.
with this right hand I,
58. Now the son of earth Hrúngnir's bane,
is hither come. will smite thee,
Why dost thou chafe so, So that thy every bone be
Thôr 2 broken.
Thou wilt not dare do so, Loki.
when with the wolf thou
62. 'Tis my intention
hast to fight,
a long life to live,
and he the all-powerful though with thy hammer
father swallows whole.
thou dost threaten me.
Thór. Skrymir's thongs
59. Silence, thou impure seemed to thee hard,
being ! when at the food thou
My mighty hammer, Miðll couldst not get,
nur, when, in full health, of
shall stop thy prating. hunger dying.
Up I will hurl thee Thôr.
to the east region, 63. Silence, thou impure
and none shall see thee after. being !
Loki. My mighty hammer, Miðll
nlr,
60. Of thy eastern travels shall stop thy prating.
thou shouldest never
Hrúngnir's bane
to people speak, shall cast thee down to Hel,
since in a glove-thumb beneath the gratings of the
thou, Einheri! wast doubled dead.
up,
Loki.
and hardly thoughtest thou
wast Thór. 64. I have said before the
AEsir,
Thór. I have said before the AEsir's
61. Silence, thou impure - Sons,
- being ! that which my mind sug
My mighty hammer, Miðll gested:
nur, but for thee alone
shall stop thy prating: will I go out;
7*
100 CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

because I know that thou of his son Nari; but his


wilt fight. other son, Narfi, was chan
65. CEgirl thou hast ged into a wolf. Skadi
brewed beer; took a venomous serpent,
but thou never
t
shalt hence
forth and fastened it up over
Loki's face. The venom .
a compotation hold. trickled down from it. Sigyn,
All thy possessions, Loki's wife, sat by, and
which are herein, held a basin under the ve
flame shall play over, nom ; and when the basin
and on thy back shall burn was full, carried the venom
thee. out. Meanwhile the venom
After this Loki, in the dropped on Loki, who
likeness of a salmon, cast shrank from it so violently
himself into the waterfall that the whole earth trem
of Fränängr, where the bled. This causes what
AEsir caught him, and are now called earthquakes."
bound him with the entrails
Fiólswinnsmál,

The Lay of Fitjls with.


1. From the outward wall who to the wayfarer offers
he saw one ascending to not hospitality?
the seat of the giant race. Void of honest fame,
Fiólswith. prattler! hast thou lived:
but hence hie thee home,
Along the humid ways
haste thee back hence, Fiólswith.

here, wretch! is no place 4. Fiólsvith is my name;


for thee. wise I am of mind,
2. What monster is it
though of food not prodigal.
Within these courts
before the fore-court stand thou shalt never come:
ing, so now, wretch! take thy
and hovering round the self off.
perilous flame? Wanderer.
Whom dost thou seek?
Of what art thou in quest? 5. From the eye's delight
Or what, friendless being! few are disposed to hurry,
desirest thou to know? where there is something
pleasant to be seen.
Wanderer.
These walls, methinks,
3. What monster is that, shine around golden halls.
before the fore-court stan Here I could live contented
ding, with my lot.
102 The Lay of Fiólswith.

Fió18with. who lifts it from its ope


6. Tell me, youth; ning.
of whom thou art born, Windkald.
or of what race hast sprung. 12. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
Wanderer. what that structure is called,
7. Windkald I am called, than which among the gods
Várkald was my father mortals never saw a greater
named, artifice?
his sire was Fiólkald. Fiólswith.
8. Tell me, Fiólsvith !
that which I will ask thee, 13. Gastropnir it is called,
and I constructed it
and I desire to know:
of Leirbrimir's limbs.
who here holds sway,
I have so supported it,
and has power over that it will ever stand
these lands and costly halls? while the world lasts,
Fiólswith.
Windkald.
9. Menglöd is her name,
her mother her begat 14. Tell me, Fiólsvith letc.
with Swaf, Thorin's son. what those dogs are called,
She here holds sway, that chase away the gian
tesses,
and has power over
these lands and costly halls. and safety to the fields
restore ?
Windkald.
Fiólswith.
10. Tell me Fiólsvith!,etc.
what the grate is called, 15. Gifr the one is called,
than which among the gods the other Geri,
if thou that wouldst know.
mortals never saw a greater
artifice? Eleven watches

Fiólswith.
they will keep,
until the powers perish.
11. Thrymgiöll it is called,
and Solblindi’s Windkald.
three sons constructed it: 16. Tell me, Fiólswith ! etc.
a fetter fastens whether any man
Can enter
every wayfarer,
The Lay of Fiolswith. 103
while those fierce assailants it by that will fall
sleep? which fewest know.
Fiólswith. Nor fire nor iron will
harm it.
17. Alternate sleep
was strictly to them enjoined, Windkald.
since to the watch thy were 22. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
appointed. to what the virtue is
One sleeps by night, of that famed tree applied,
by day the other, which nor fire nor iron will
so that no wight can enter harm?
if he comes. Fiólswith.
Windkald. 23. Its fruit shall
18. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc. on the fire be laid,
whether there is any food for labouring women;
that men can get, out then will pass -

such that they can run in what would in remain:


while they eat? so is it a creator of mankind.
Fiólswith. Windkald.
19. Two repasts 24. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
lie in Widofmir's wings, what the cock is called
if thou that wouldst know: that sits in that lofty tree,
that is alone such food and all-glittering is with
as men can give them, gold?
and run in while they eat. Fiólswith.
Windkald. 25. Widofmir he is called;
20. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc. in the clear air he stands,
what that tree is called in the boughs of Mima's tree:
that with its branches afflictions only brings,
spreads itself together indissoluble,
over every land? the swart bird at his lonely
meal.
Fiólswith.
21. Mimameidir it is called; Windkald.
but few men know 26. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
from what roots it springs: whether there be any weapon,
104 The Lay of Fiólswith.

before which Widofmir may and to Sinmoera give,


fall to Hel’s abode 2 before she will think fit
Fióls with. to lend an arm for conflict.
Windkald.
27. Haevatein the twig is
named, 32. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
and Lopt plucked it, what this hall is called,
down by the gate of Death. which is girt round
In an iron chest it lies with a curious flickering
with Sinmoera, flame?
and is with nine strong Fiólswith.
. locks secured.
\
33. Hyr it is called,
Windkald. and it will long
28. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc. tremble as on a lance's
whether he will alive return, point.
who seeks after, This sumptuous house
and will take, that rod? shall, for ages hence,
Fiólswith. , be but from hearsay known,
29. He will return Windkald.
who seeks after, 34. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
and will take, the rod, which of the AEsir's sons
if he bears that has that constructed,
which few possess which within the court I
to the dame of the glassy saw 2
w

clay. - Fiólswith.
Windkald. 35. Uni and Iri,
30. Tell me, Fiólswith ! etc. Bari and Ori,
whether there is any treasure, War and Wegdrasil,
that mortals can obtain, Dorri and Uri,
at which the pale giantess Delling and Atward,
will rejoice? Lidskiálf, Loki,
Fiólswith. Windkald.
31. The bright sickle 36. Tell me, Fiólsvith ! etc.
that lies in Vidofmir's wings, what that mount is called,
thou in a bag shalt bear, on which I see
The Lay of Fiólswith. 105

a splendid maiden stand? to the sons of men,


Fiólswith. but they will free each from
37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called, peril.
and long has it a solace been Windkald.
to the bowed - down and 42. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc.
sorrowful: whether there is any man
each woman becomes that may in Menglöd's
healthy, soft arms sleep?
although a year's disease Fiólswith.
she have, 43. There is no man
if she can but ascend it.
who may in Menglöd's
Windkald. soft arms sleep,
38. Tell me, Fiólsvith! etc. save only Svipdag;
how those maids are called, to him the sun-bright maid
who sit at Menglöd's knees is for wife betrothed.
in harmony together? Windkald.
Fiólswith. 44. Set the doors open
39. Hlif the first is called, Let the gate stand wide;
the second is Hlifthursa, here thou mayest Svipdag
the third Thiodvarta, but yet go learn [see;
Biört and Blid, if Menglöd will
Blidr, Frid, accept my love.
Eir and Orboda. Fiólswith.
Windkald. 45. Hear, Menglödſ
40. Tell me, Fiólsyith! etc. A man is hither come:
whether they protect go and behold the stranger;
those who offer to them, the dogs rejoice;
if it should, be needful? the house has itself opened.
Fiólswith. I think it must be Svipdag.
41. Every summer Menglöd.
in which men offer to them, 46. Fierce ravens shall,
at the holy place, on the high gallows,
no pestilence so great shall tear out thy eyes,
come if thou art lying,
106 The Lay of Fiólswith.

that hither from afar is come greeting a kiss shall follow,


the youth unto my halls. A sight unlooked-for
47. Whence art thou come? gladdens most persons,
Whence hast thou jour when one the other loves.
neyed?
How do thy kindred call 50. Long have I sat
thee ? on my loved hill,
Of thy race and name day and night
I must have a token, expecting thee.
if I was betrothed to thee. Now that is come to pass
which I have hoped,
Svipdag. that thou, dear youth, again
48. Svipdag I am named, to my halls art come.
Sólbiart was my father na
med; Svipdag.
thence the winds on the cold
51. Longing I have under
ways drove me. gone
Urd's decree
for thy love;
may no one gainsay, and thou, for my affection.
however lightly uttered. Now it is certain,
Menglöd. that we shall pass
49. Welcome thou art: our lives together.
my will I have obtained;
- Hyndlulióð,

The Lay of Hyndla.


Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Wala, for
the purpose of obtaining information, respecting Ottar's ge:
nealogy, such information being required by him in a legal
dispute with Angantyr. Having obtained this, Freyia further
requests Hyndla to give Ottar a potion (minnisól) 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 accom
panied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a
blessing.

Freyia. gold to the deserving.


1. Wake, maid of maids! He gave to Hermód
Wake, my friend! a helm and corslet,
Hyndla! Sister! and from him Sigmund
who in the cavern dwellest. a sword received.
Now there is dark of darks;
we will both 3. Victory to his sons he
to Valhall ride, gives,
and to the holy fane, but to some riches;
2. Let us Heriafather pray eloquence to the great,
into our minds to enter, and to men, wit;
he gives and grants fair wind he gives to traders,
108 The Lay of Hyndla.

but poesy to skallds; since thou Sayest that my


man
valour he gives
to many a warrior. is on the dead-road with me;
4. She to Thór will offer, there where my hog sparkles
she to him will pray, with its golden bristles,
that to thee he may hight Hildisvini,
which for me made
be well disposed;
although he bears ill will the two skilful dwarfs,
Dáin, and Nabbi.
to Jötun females.
From the saddle we will talk:
5. Now of thy wolves let us sit,
take one
and of princely
from out the stall; families discourse,
let him run of those chieftains
with runic rein.”
who from the gods descend.
Hyndla. They have contested
6. Sluggish is thy hog for the dead's gold,
the god's way to tread: Ottar the young
Freyia. and Angantyr.
10. A duty 'tis to act |
7. I will my noble so that the young prince |
palfrey saddle. -

his paternal heritage may


Hyndla. have,
8. False art thou, Freyial after his kindred.
who temptest me: 11. An offer-stead to me
by thy eyes thou showest it, he raised,
so fixed upon us; with stones constructed; -

while thou thy man hast now is that stone |

on the dead-road,” as glass become. |

the young Ottar, With the blood of oxen


Innstein's son. he newly sprinkled it.
9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! Ottar ever trusted
methinks thou dreamest, in the Asyniur.

1) That is, with a rein inscribed with runes. 2) The


road to Walhall.
The Lay of Hyndla. 109

12. Now let us reckon up by those chieftains led)


the ancient families, his deeds seemed to soar
and the races of to the skirts of heaven.
exalted men. -
16. By Eimund aided,
Who are the Skiöldungs? chief of men,
Who are the Skilfings? he Sigtrygg slew
Who the Ödlings? with the cold steel.
Who the Ylfings? He Almveig had to wife,
Who the höld-born? first of women.
Who the hers-born? They begat and had
The choicest race of men eighteen sons.
under heaven? 17. From them the Skiöl
Hyndla. dungs,
13. Thou, Ottar! art from them the Skilfings,
of Innstein born, from them the Odlings,
but Innstein was from them the Ynglings,
from Alf the Old, from them the höld-born,
Alf was from Ulf. from them the hers-born,
the choicest race of men
Ulf from Safari,
but Saefari under heaven.
from Svan the Red. All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
14. Thy father had a 18. Hildegun
mother,
her mother was,
for her necklaces famed, of Svafa born
she, I think, was named
and a sea-king.
Hlédis the priestess; All that race is thine,
Frödi her father was, Ottar Heimski!
and her mother Friant:
Carest thou this to know?
all that stock is reckoned
Wishest thou a longer
among chieftains. narrative?
15. Ali was of old 19. Dag wedded Thora,
of men the strongest, mother of warriors:
Hálfdan before him, . of that race were born
the highest of the Skiöldungs; the noble champions,
(Famed were the wars Fradmar, Gyrd,
110 The Lay of Hyndla.

and the Frekis both, Ulf, Ginandi,


Am, Jösur, Mar, Bùi and Brami,
Alf the Old. Barri and Reifnir,
Carest thou this to know? Tind and Tyrfing,
Wishest thou a longer the two Haddingis.
narrative? All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
20. Ketil their friend was
named, 24. To toil and tumult
heir of Klyp; were the sons
he was maternal grandsire of Arngrim born,
of thy mother. and of Eyfura:
Then was Frödi ferocious berserkir,
yet before Kári, calamity of every kind,
but the eldest born by land and sea,
was Alf. like fire they carried.
21. Nanna was next, All that, race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
Nökkvi's daughter;
her son was 25. I knew both
thy father's kinsman, Brodd and Hörfi,
ancient is that kinship. they were in the court
I knew both of Hrólf the Old;
Brodd and Hörfi. all descended
All that race is thine, from Jörmunrek,
Ottar Heimski! son-in-law of Sigurd.
22. Isolf, Asolf, (Listen to my story)
Ölmöd's sons the dread of nations,
and Skärhild's him who Fafnir slew.
Skekkil's daughter; 26. He was a king,
thou shalt yet count from Völsung sprung,
chieftains many. and Hiðrdis
All that race is thine, from Hródung;
Ottar Heimski! but Eylimi.
23. Gunnar, Bălk, from the Odlings.
Grim, Ardskafi, All that race is thine,
Jarnskiöld, Thórir, Ottar Heimski!
The Lay of Hyndla. 111

27. Gunnar and Högni, she was Gymir's daughter,


sons of Giuki; from Jötuns sprung
and Gudrún likewise, and Aurboda;
their sister. Thiassi also
Guttorm was not was their relation,
of Giuki's race, that haughty Jötun;
although he brother was Skadi was his daughter.
of them both.
31. We tell thee much,
All that race is thine, , and remember more :
Ottar Heimski! I admonish thee thus much
28. Harald Hildetónn, to know.
born of Hraerekir Wishest thou yet a longer
Slöngvanbaugi; - narrative?
he was a son of Aud, 32. Haki was not the worst,
Aud the rich of Hvedna's sons,
was Ivar's daughter; and Hiðrvard
but Radbard was was Hvedna's father;
Randver's father. Heid and Hrossthióf were
They were heroes of Hrimnir's race.
to the gods devoted. 33. All the Walas are
All that race is thine, from Vidólf;
Ottar Heimski! all the soothsayers
29. There were eleven from Wilmeidr,
AEsir reckoned, all the Sorcerers
when Baldr on from Svarthófdi;
the pile was laid; all the Jötuns
him Wali showed himself come from Ymir.
worthy to avenge, 34. We tell thee much,
his own brother: and more remember,
he the slayer slew. I admonish thee thus much
All that race is thine, to know.
Ottar Heimski! Wishest thou yet a longer
30. Baldr’s father was narrative?
son of Bur: 35. There was one born,
Frey to wife had Gerd, in times of old,
112 The Lay of Hyndla.

with wondrous might en but Sleipnir he begat


dowed, with Svadilfari:
of origin divine: one monster seemed
nine Jötun maids of all most deadly,
gave birth which from Byleist's
to the gracious god, brother sprang.
at the world's margin. 39. Loki, scorched up"
36. Giálp gave him birth, in his heart's affections,
Greip gave him birth, had found a half-burnt
Eistla gave him birth, woman's heart.
and Angeia ; Loki became guileful
Ulfrtin gave him birth, from that wicked woman;
and Eyrgiafa, thence in the world
Imd and Atla, are all giantesses come.
and Järnsaxa.
40. Ocean towers with
37. The boy was nour Storms
ished to heaven itself,
with the strength of earth, flows o'er the land;
with the ice-cold sea, the air is rent:
and with Són's blood. thence come snows
We tell thee much, and rapid winds;
and more remember. then it is decreed
I admonish thee thus much that the rain should cease.
to know. 41. There was one born
Wishest thou a yet longer greater than all,
narrative?
the boy was nourished
38. Loki begat the wolf with the strength of earth;
with Angrboda, he was declared a ruler,

1) The sense of this and the following line is not ap


parent; they stand thus in the original: Loki of hiarta lyndi
brendu, fann hann halfsvipinn hugstein konu, for which Grimm
(Myth. Worrede XXXVII.) would read, Loki ät hiarta lundi
brenda, etc. Lokius comedit cor in memore assum, invenit
semiustum mentis lapidem mulieris. I believe the difficulty is
beyond help.
The Lay of Hyndla. 113

mightiest and richest, under thy girdle.


allied by kinship Thou runnest, my hotfriend,
to all princes. out at nights,
42. Then shall another come, as among he-goats
yet mightier, , the she-goat goes.
although I dare not
his name declare. Freyia.
Few may see 46. Fire I strike
further forth over thee, dweller of the
than when Odin wood |
meets the wolf. so that thou goest not
Freyia. ever away from hence.
43. Bear thou the memory Hyndla.
to my guest, [cup 47. Fire I see burning,
so that he may all and the earth blazing;
the words repeat many will have
of this discourse, their lives to save.
on the third morn, Bear thou the cup
when he and Angantyr
to Ottar's hand,
reckon up races. the mead with venom
Hyndla. - mingled,
44. Go thou quickly hence, in an evil hour!
I long to sleep; -
Freyia.
more of my wondrous power
thou gettest not from me. 48. Thy malediction
Thou runnest, my hot friend, shall be powerless;
out at nights, although thou, Jötun-maid!
dost evil threaten.
as among he-goats
He shall drink
the she-goat goes.
delicious draughts.
45. Thou hast run thyself All the gods I pray
ever longing; [mad, to favour Ottar.
many a one has stolen
Gróugaldr,

The Inc antation of Gróa


Son.
whom my has father in his
bosom cherished,
1. Wake up, Gróal
when thou badest me go
wake up, good woman! no one knows whither,
at the gates of death I wake
thee! Menglöd to meet.
if thou rememberest, Mother.
that thou thy son badest 4. Long is the journey,
to thy grave-mound to come. long, are the ways,
Mother. long are men's desires.
If it so fall out,
2. What now troubles
that thou thy will obtaines,
my only son? the event must then be as "
With what affliction art
Son. may.
thou burthened,
that thou thy mother callest, 5. Sing to me songs
who to dust is come, which are good.
and from human homes Mother! protect thy son.
- departed? Dead on my Way
Son. I fear to be.
3. A hateful game I seem too young in Year”
Mother.
thou, crafty woman, didst 6. I will sing to thee first
set before me,
The Incantation of Gróa. 115

one that is thought most and the lock from thy arms
useful, shall start, e

which Rind sang to Rán; [and from thy feet the fetter.]
that from thy shoulders 11. A sixth I will sing
thou shouldst cast to thee.
what to thee seems irksome: If on the sea thou comest,
let thyself thyself direct. more stormy than men have
7. A second I will sing known it,
air and water
to thee,
as thou hast to wander shall in a bag attend thee,
joyless on thy ways. and a tranquil course afford
thee.
May Urd's protection
hold thee on every side, 12. A seventh I will sing
to thee.
where thou seest turpitude.
If on a mountain high
8. A third I will sing to frost should assail thee,
thee.
deadly cold shall not
If the mighty rivers thy carcase injure,
to thy life's peril fall,
Horn and Rud, nor draw thy body to thy
limbs.
may they flow down to Hel, 13. An eighth I will sing
and for thee ever be dimi
to thee.
nished. | If night overtake thee,
9. A fourth I will sing to when out on the misty way,
thee. that the dead Christian
If foes assail thee WOman

ready on the dangerous road, no power may have


their hearts shall fail them, to do thee harm.
and to thee be power, 14. A ninth I will sing
and their minds to peace to thee.
be turned.
If with a far-famed spear
10. A fifth I will sing to armed Jötun ,
If bonds be [thee. thou words exchangest,
cast on thy limbs, of words and wit
friendly spells I will let to thy mindful heart
on thy joints be sung, abundance shall be given.
8*
116 The Incantation of Gróa.

15. Go now ever 16. My son! bear hence


where calamity may be, thy mother's words,
and no harm shall obstruct and in thy breast let them
thy wishes. - dwell;
On a stone fast in the for happiness abundant
earth shalt thou have in life,
I have stood within the door, while of my words thou art
while songs I sang to thee. mindful.
* Solarlióð.

The Song of the Sun.


This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some
manuscripts, assigned to Saemund 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 Havamál. 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 Christia


nity and Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's
own religion was in a transition state. Of the allusions #.
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, Stras
bourg & Paris, 1858.
~~~~~~~~~~~
118 The Song of the Sun.

6. The God of heavcn


1. Of life and property
a fierce freebooter he prayed for help,
despoiled mankind; when being struck he woke;
but he was doomed the sins
over the ways
of him
beset by him
might no one living pass. on himself to take,
whom sackless he had slain.
2. Alone he ate *

most frequently, 7. Holy angels came


no one invited he to his from heaven above,
until weary, [repast; and took to them his soul:
and with failing strength, in a life of purity
a wandering guest it shall ever live
came from the way. with the almighty God.
3. In need of drink
that way-worn man,
and hungry feigned to be: 8. Riches and health
with trembling heart no one may command,
he seemed to trust though all go smoothly
him who had been so evil with him.
minded. To many that befalls
4. Meat and drink which they least expect.
to the weary one he gave, No one may command his
all with upright heart; tranquillity.
on God he thought, 9. Unnar and Sævaldi
the traveller's wants Sup never imagined
plied; that happiness would fall
for he felt he was an evil from them,
doer. yet naked they became,
5. Up stood the guest, and of all bereft,
he evil meditated, and, like wolves, ran to the
forest.
he had not been kindly
treated; --~~~~~~~
|
his sin within him swelled,
he while sleeping murdered 10. The force of pleasure
his wary cautious host. has many a one bewailed.
The Song of the Sun. 119

Cares are often caused by and each one found his


women; death.
pernicious they become,
although the mighty God
them pure created. 15. Arrogance should
11. United were no one entertain:
Svafud and Skarthedin, I indeed have seen
neither might without the that those who follow her,
other be, for the most part,
until to frenzy they were turn from God.
for a woman: [driven 16. Rich were both,
she was destined for their Rádey and Vébogi,
perdition. and thought only of their
12. On account of that well-being;
fair maid, now they sit
neither of them cared and turn their sores
for games or joyous days; to various hearths.
no other thing 17. They in themselves
could they in memory bear confided,
than that bright form. and thought themselves
13. Sad to them were alone to be
the gloomy nights, above all people;
no sweet sleep might they but their lot
enjoy: Almighty God was pleased
but from that anguish otherwise to appoint.
rose hate intense 18. A life of luxury they
between the faithful friends. in many ways, [led,
14. Hostile deeds and had gold for sport.
are in most places Now they are requited,
fiercely avenged. so that they must walk
To the holm they went," between frost and fire.
for that fair woman, ~~

1) That is, they engaged in single combat; the spot for


such encounters being a called a holm, consisting of a cir
cular space marked out by Stones.
120 The Song of the Son.

19. To thy enemies 24. His soul summoned


trust thou never, the true God [home
although they speak theefair: into his joy to come;
promise them good : but the evil doers
'tis good to have another's will, I ween, late
as a warning. [injury be from torments called.
20. So it befell
Sörli the upright,
when he placed himself in 25. Do thou pray the Disir
Vigólf's power; of the Lord's words
he confidently trusted him, to be kind to thee in spirit:
his brother's murderer, for a week after,
but he proved false. all shall then go happily,
21. Peace to them he according to thy will.
granted, 26. For a deed of ire
with heart sincere; that thou hast perpetrated,
they in return promised him never atone with evil:
gold, the weeping thou shalt
feigned themselves friends, soothe with benefits:
while they together drank; that is salutary to the soul.
but then came forth their 27. On God a man
guile. shall for good things call,
22. Then afterwards, on him who has mankind
on the second day, created.
when they in Rygiardal rode, Greatly sinful is
they with swords wounded every man
who sackless was, [him who late finds the Father.
and let his life go forth. 28. To be solicited, we
23. His corpse they opine,
dragged is with all earnestness
(on a lonely way, for that which is lacking:
and cut up piecemeal) into of all things may be de
a well, stitute
and would it hide; he who for nothing asks:
but the holy Lord few heed the wants of the
beheld from heaven. silent.
The Song of the Sun. 121

29. Late I came, who after money crave;


though called betimes, shining riches
to the supreme Judge's door; at last become a sorrow:
thitherward I yearn; many have riches driven to
for it was promised me, madness.
he who craves it shall of 35. Steeped in joys
the feast partake. I seemed to men;
30. Sins are the cause for little did I see before me:
that sorrowing we depart our worldly sojourn
from this world: has the Lord created
no one stands in dread, in delights abounding.
if he does no evil: 36. Bowed down I sat,
good it is to be blameless. long I tottered,
31. Like unto wolves of life was most desirous;
all those seem but He prevailed
who have a faithless mind: who was all-powerful:
so he will prove onward are the ways of
who has to go the doomed.
through ways strewed with 37. The cords of Hel
gleeds. were tightly
32. Friendly counsels, bound round my sides;
and wisely composed, seven I would rend them,
I have imparted to thee: but they were strong.
consider thou them well, 'Tis easy free to go.
and forget them never: 38. I alone knew,
they are all useful to learn. how on all sides
my pains increased.
2. The maids of Hel each eve
33. Of that I will speak, with horror bade me
how happy I was to their home.
in the world, 39. The sun I saw,
and secondly, true star of day,
how the sons of men sink in its roaring home;
reluctantly become corpses. but Hel's grated doors
34. Pleasure and pride on the other side I heard
deceive the sons of men heavily creaking.
122 The Song of the Sun.

40. The sun I saw since that gloomy day;


with blood-red beams beset: for the mountain-waters
(fast was I then from this closed over me,
world declining) and I went called from
ltormentS.
mightier she appeared,
in many ways, 46. The star of hope,
than she was before. when I was born,
41. The sun I saw, fled from my breast away;
and it seemed to me high it flew,
as if I saw a glorious god: settled nowhere,
I bowed before her, so that it might find rest.
for the last time, 47. Longer than all
in the world of men.
was that one night,
42. The sun I saw : when stiff on my straw I lay;
she beamed forth so then becomes manifest
that I seemed nothing to the divine word:
know; “Man is the same as earth.”
but Giòll's streams 48. The Creator God can
roared from the other side
it estimate and know,
mingled much with blood. (He who made heaven and
43. The sun I saw, earth)
with quivering eyes, how forsaken
appalled and shrinking; many go hence,
for my heart although from kindred
in great measure was parted. *

dissolved in languor. 49. Of his works


44. The sun I saw each has the reward: -

seldom sadder; happy is he who does good.


I had then almost from the Of my wealth bereft,
world declined: to me was destined
my tongue was a bed strewed with sand.
as wood become, 50. Bodily desires
and all was cold without me. men oftentimes seduce,
45. The sun I saw of them has many a one
never after, -
too much:
The Song of the Sun. 123
water of baths from the south coming,
was of all things to me he was by two together led:
most loathsome. his feet stood on the earth,
51. In the Norns' seat but his horns

nine days I sat, reached up to heaven.


thence I was mounted on 56. From the north riding
a horse: - I saw
there the giantess's sun the sons of Nidi,
shone grimly they were seven in all:
through the dripping clouds from full horns,
of heaven. the pure mead they drank
52. Without and within, from the heaven-god's well.
I seemed to traverse all 57. The wind was silent,
the seven nether worlds: the waters stopped their
up and down, course; -

I sought an easier way, then I heard a doleful sound :


where I might have, the for their husbands
readiest paths. false-faced women
ground earth for food.
58. Gory stones
53. Of that is to be told, those dark women
which I first saw, turned sorrowfully;
when I to the worlds of bleeding hearts hung
- torment came : — out of their breasts,
scorched birds, faint with much affliction.
which were souls,
flew numerous as flies.
59. Many a man I saw
wounded go
54. From the west I saw
on those gleed-strewed paths;
Von's dragons fly, their faces seemed
and Glaeval's paths obscure: to me all reddened
their wings they shook; with reeking blood.
wide around me seemed
the earth and heaven to 60. Many men I saw
burst.
to earth gone down,
who holy service might not
55. The sun's hart I saw have;
124 The Song of the Sun.

heathen stars ,valued themselves too


stood above their heads, highly;
painted with deadly charac their garments
ters. ludicrously were
61. I saw those men | in fire enveloped.
who much envy harbour 67. I saw those men
at another's fortune; , who had many
bloody runes false words of others uttered:
were on their breasts
Hel’s ravens
graved painfully. from their heads
62. I there saw men
their eyes miserably tore.
many not joyful; 68. All the horrors
they were all wandering
this he earns, [wild: whichwilt
thou not get to know
Hel’s inmates suffer.
who by this world's vices Pleasant sins
is infatuated.
63. I saw those men end in painful penalties:
who had in various ways pains ever follow pleasure.
~~~~~~~~
acquired other's property:
in shoals they went 69. I saw those men
to Castle-covetous,
and burthens bore of lead. who had much given
64. I saw those men for God's laws;
who many had pure lights were
above their heads
of life and property bereft:
through the breasts brightly burning.
70. I saw those men
of those men passed
who from exalted mind
strong venomous serpents.
65. I saw those men helped the poor to aid:
who the holy days angels read
would not observe: holy books
their hands were above their heads.
on hot stones 71. I saw those men
firmly nailed. who with much fasting had
66. I saw those men their bodies wasted:
who from pride God's angels
The Song of the Sun. 125

bowed before them: 77. Odin’s wife


that is the highest joy. rows in earth's ship,
72. I saw those men eager after pleasures;
her sails are
who had put food
into their mothers' mouth: reefed late,
their couches were which on the ropes of desire
on the rays of heaven * are hung.
pleasantly placed. 78. Son! I thy father
and Sólkatla’s sons
73. Holy virgins have alone obtained for thee
had cleanly washed
the souls from sin that horn of hart,
of those men, which from the grave-mound
bore
who for a long time had
themselves tormented. the wise Vigdvalin.
79. Here are runes
74. Lofty cars I saw
towards heaven going; which have engraven
Niórd's daughters nine,
they were on the way to God: Rádvör the eldest,
men guided them
who had been murdered and the youngest Kreppvör,
and their seven sisters.
wholly without crime.
80. How much violence
75. Almighty Father!
greatest Son! have they perpetrated
holy Spirit of heaven! Svaf and Svaflogi!
Thee I pray, bloodshed they have excited,
who hast us all created; and wounds have sucked,
after an evil custom.
free us all from miseries.
vºvºvºrvºv
81. This lay,
which I have taught thee,
76. Biögvör and Listvör thou shalt before the living
sit at Heróir's doors, sing,
on resounding seat; the Sun-Song,
Iron gore which will appear
falls from their nostrils, in many parts no fiction.
which kindles hate among 82. Here we part,
IIlêIl. but again shall meet
126 The Song of the Sun.

on the day of men's rejoicing. but thou hast seen the truth:
Oh Lord! | no man has been
unto the dead grant peace, so wise created
and to the living comfort. that has before heard the
83. Wondrous lore Sun-song.
has in dream to thee been
Sung, *

—£333-3
MYTHOLOGICAL INDEX.
Abbreviations in Mythological Index.

Avm. = Alvissmál. page 67.


epil. = epilogue.
Fsm. = Fiólsvinnsmál. p. 101.
Gg. = Gróugaldr. p. 114.
Gm. = Grimnismál. p. 19.
Gylf. = Gylfaginning (Snorra-Edda) edit. Rask. Stockh. 1818.
Hbl. = Harbardsliðö. p. 72.
Hdl. = Hindlulióð. p. 107.
Hfg. O. = Hrafnagaldr Odins. p. 28. -

Hmkv. = Hymiskviða. p. 56.


Hvm. = Havamál. p. 36.
N. M. = Northern Mythology by Thorpe. Lond. 1851.
CEgd. = CEgisdrekka. p. 91.
Petersen = Nordisk Mythologi, af N.M. Petersen. Kbh. 1849.
prol. = prologue.
Rgm. = Rigsmál. p. 85.
Skaldsk. = Skáldskaparmál edit. Rask. Stockh. 1818.
Skm. = Skirnismál. p. 79.
Sol. = Solarlióð. p. 117.
Thkv. = Thrymskviða. p. 62.
Vfm. = Waſpráðnismál. p. 12.
Wkv. = Wegtamskviða. p. 33.
Wsp. = Wöluspá, p. 1.
MYTHOLOGICAL INDEX.
arvºv-ºr-º-º-º:

A.
AEsir, (sing. As). The gods of the Scandinavian nations, of whom
Odin was the chief. N. M. I. 11. Wsp. 7.; three of them
create man. Ib. 17 ; their burgh-wall broken. ib. 28; hold
council at Ragnarök. ib. 52; meet on Ida's plain after Rag
narök. ib. 58.; will contend with Surt on Vigrid’s plain,
Vfm. 18; their feast at CEgir's. CEgd., prol.
Afi, grandfather, or progenitor in general, married to Amma,
progenitor of the race of churls or free husbandmen. Rgm. 16.
Agnar, a son of King Hraudung, and foster-son of Frigg,
Gm. prol.
Agnar, son of King Geirröd, gives drink to Grimnir (Odin).
Gm., 1.; succeeds his father, ib. epil.
Ai, a dwarf. Wsp. 1, 15.
Ai, a º or progenitor in general; mar
ried to Edda; the progenitor of the thrall race. Rgm. 2.
Alf, a dwarf. Wsp., 15. -

Alf the Old; genealogy. Hill, 13, 19, 20.


Alfar, (sing. Alf), a class of beings, like the dwarfs, between
gods and men. They were of two kinds; the Light elves
(Liósalfar), and the Dark, elves (Döckalfar). See N. M. I.
p. 25. Wsp. 52; Gm. 4; Hfg. O. 1, 25.
Alfödr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48. Hfg. O. 1.
Alfheim, Frey's dwelling, given to him as a tooth-gift. Gm. 5.
Alfrēdull, a name of the sun. Vfm. 47; Skm. 4.
Algrón, an imaginary island. Hbl. 16.
Ali, a Skiöldung. Hål. 15.
Allvaldi, the father of Thiassi. Hbl. 19.
Almveig, wife of Hålfdan. Hål. 16.
Alavid, one of the horses of the sun. Gm. 37.
130 Mythological Index

Alsvid. Hfg. 0. 4.
Althióf, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Alvis, a dwarf, answers Thór's questions. Avm.
Am, genealogy. Hål. 19.
Amma, grandmother, or progenitrix in general, married to
Afi; progenitrix of the race of churls. Rgm. 16.
An, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Anar, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Andhrimnir, the cook in Walhall. Gm. 18.
Angantyr, his contention with Ottar Heimski, Hdl. 9, 43.
Angeia, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hål. 36.
Angrboda, mother of Fenrisulf by Loki. Hål. 38.
Ardskafi, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Argiðll, a name of the bridge Bifröst? Hfg. O. 26.
Arngrim, genealogy. Hål. 24.
Arvakr, one of the horses of the sun. Gm. 37.
As. See AEsir.
Asgard, the habitation of the AEsir. Hmkv. 6.
Ask, the first man, his creation. Wsp. 17.
Asólf, genealogy. Hill. 22.
Asvid, introduces runes among the Jötuns. Hym. 145.
Asymiur, plur. of Asynia, fem. of AS. passim.
Atla, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Húl. 36.
Atrid, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Atward, an As. Fsm. 35. |

Aud, genealogy. Hòl. 28.


Aurboda, wife of Gymir and mother of Gerd. Hål. 30.
Aurgelmir, or Orgelmir, a cosmogonic giant, grandfather of
Bergelmir. Vfm. 29.; his origin. ib. 31; called also Ymir
ib. 29–31.; how he begat children, ib. 33.
Aurvang, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Austri, a dwarf presiding over the east region. Wsp. 11.
B.
Baldr, or Baldur, son of Odin and Frigg, slain by Hödr. Wsp. 36,
37.; returns to life in the new world. ib. 60; dwells in
Breidablik. Gm. 12; has oppressive dreams. WKv. 1; called
Ullr’s kinsman. . ib. 3; all beings swear not to harm him.
ib. 4; laid on the pile. Hål. 29.
Báleyg, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
Bălk, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Bari, an As. Fsm. 35.
Barri, a grove. Skm, 39, 41.
Barri, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Mythological Index. 131

Bavār, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.


Beli, a Jötun, brother of Gerd, slain by Frey. Wsp. 53.
Bergelmir, a cosmogonic giant, son of Thrūdgelmir. Vfm. 29;
placed in an ark. ib. 35.
Bestla, wife of Bur and mother of Odin. Hwm. 142.
Beyla, Frey's attendant. CEgd. prol.; wife of Byggvir. ib. 56.
Biffindi, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Bifröst, the bridge reaching from Midgard to Asgard (the rain
bow) N. M. I. p. 11.; the best of bridges. Gm. 44.
Bild, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Bileyg, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.
Billing, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Billing. Hvn. 97. and note 2.
Bilskirnir, Thor's dwelling, has 540 floors. Gm. 24.
Biört, an attendant of Ménglöd. Fsm. 39.
Biàgvör. Sol. 76.
Bivör, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Blid, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Bölthorn, a giant, father of Bestla, Odin's mother. Hym. 142.
Bölverk, a name of Odin. Gm. 47. Hfg. O. 19. HVm. 100.
Bömbur, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Bragi, a son of Odin. N. M. I. p. 28; the best of Skallds.
Gm. 44.; with Lopt (Loki) descends to the nether world to
consult Idun. Hfg. O. 9, 16. at CEgir's feast, prol. & 8–18.
Brami, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Breidablik, Baldr’s dwelling. Gm. 12.
Brimir, the giants' beer-hall. Wsp. 41.
Brimir, the best of swords. Gm. 44.
() Brisinga men, or Necklace, Freyia's ornament. Thkv. 18, 15.
Brodd, genealogy. Hidl. 21, 25.
Bruni, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Bui, genealogy. Hål. 23. -

Bur, or Bör, a cosmogonic being, son of Buri, and father of


Odin, Wili, and Wé. Wsp. 4; Hål. 30. N. M. I. p. 4.
Bâri, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Byggvir, Frey’s attendant. CEgd. prol. 45; Beyla's husband.
ib, 56. The meaning of the words ok und kvernum klaka,
which I have rendered and clatter wmder mills I cannot
explain.
Byleist, brother of Loki. Wsp. 50; Hál. 38.
D.
Dag, genealogy. Hål. 19.
* dwarf. Wsp. 11; Hfg. O. 3; makes the hog Hildisvini.
. 9.
9*
182 Mythological Index.

Dáin, a hart that gnaws the branches of Yggdrasil. Gm. 33.


Dáin, an Alf, introduces runes among the Alfar. HVm. 145.
Dáin, the Thurs or giant that causes sleep. Hfg. O. 13.
Dan and Damp, fabulous kings of Denmark. Rgm.45, of whom
see Welschow in Sax. Gram, pp. 38, 140.
Day (Bagr), son of Delling. Vfm. 25.
Delling, father of Day. Vfm. 25. Hym. 162.
Delling, an As. Fsm. 35. *

Disir (sing. Dis), attendant spirits or guardian angels; also a


generic name for all female mythic beings. Gm. 53.; to be
prayed to. Sol. 25.
Dolgthrasir, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
Dorri, an As. Fsm. 35.
Draupnir, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
#: } harts that gnaw the branches of Yggdrasil. Gm. 33.
Durin, a dwarf, second in degree. Wsp. 10.
Dvalin, a dwarf. Wsp. 11, 14. From dwali, sleep; hence the
sun is called Dvalin's deluder. Hfg. O. 24; introduces runes
among the dwarfs. Hvm. 145.
Dvalin, a hart that gnaws the branches of Yggdrasil. Gm. 33.
Dwarfs, their creation. Wsp. 9. Petersen (N. M. p. 124.) is of
opinion that by the term uppregin (the, up-working powers
of nature) in Avn. 1. the dwarfs are designated.

E.
Earth, how formed. Wfm. 21.
Edda, a great-great-grandmother, or progenitrix in general;
the progenitrix of the thrall race. Rgm. 2, 7.
Egdir, an eagle at Ragnarök. Wsp. 34.
Eikin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Eikinskialdi, a dwarf. Vsp. 13, 15.
Eikthyrmir, a hart that stands over Odin's hall. Gm. 2, 6.
Eimund, a chieftain. Hål. 16.
Einheriar (sing. Einheri), the heroes that have fallen in battle
and been admitted into Walhall. Vfm. 40; Gm. 23; their
occupation. ib. 41. -

Eir, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 29, 39.


Eistla, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Eldhrimnir, the kettle in which the hog Saehrimnir is cooked
in Walhall. Gm. 18.
Eldir, a servant of CEgir. CEgd. prol.
Elivágar, poisonous cold streams that flow from Niflheim.
Wfm. 31; Hfg. O. 13; Hmky. 5.
Mythological Index. ‘. 133

Embla, the first woman, her creation. Wsp. 17.


Etna, daughter of Hersir, married to Jarl. Rgm. 37.
Eyfura, genealogy. Hål. 24. -

Eylimi, genealogy. Hål. 26.


Eyrgiafa, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hål 36.

‘F.
Fadir, married to Modir, progenitor of the race of Jarls.
Rgm. 24. - -

Fafnir, slain by Sigurd. Hill. 25.


Falhofnir, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Farmatyr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Fenrir, or Fenristilf, a wolfish monster of Loki's progeny. Wsp.
32; will devour the sun. Wfm. 46; will devour Odin. ib. 53;
bites off the hand of Ty. CEgd, prol. -

Fensalir, the abode of Frigg. Wsp., 37.


Fialar, a misnomer for Skrymir, in whose glove Thör took
shelter. N. M. I. p. 56; Hbl. 26. Gylf. 45–47.
Fialar, a dwarf who composed the poetic mead of Kvasir's
blood. N. M. I. p. 40.
Fialar, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Fialar, a cock at Ragnarök. Wsp. 35.
Fili, a dwarf. Wsp. i2. , *

Fimafeng, a servant of CEgir slain by Loki. CEgd, prol.


Fimbulthul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Fimbulwinter, the great winter of three years' duration, fore
running the dissolution of the world. Wfm. 44.
Finn, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Fiólnir, a name of Odin. Wsp. 59; Gm, 47.
Fiólsvid, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.
Fiólsvith, the watchman or sentinel at Menglöd’s castle. Fsm.
1 Sqq.

º
Fiólvari, an imaginary personage. Hbl. 16.
Fićrgyn, a personification of the earth, the mother of Thór.
Wsp. 55; Hbl. 56; mother of Frigg. CEgd. 26.
Fiórm, a heavenly river. Gm., 27.
Folkvang, Freyia's dwelling. Gm. 14.
Forniót, the ancient Jötun. Hfg. O. 17. He was father of CEgir
or Hlèr, the god of the ocean; of Logi, flame or fire, and
of Kari, wind: his wife was Rân. These divinities seem to
belong to an earlier mythology, probably of the Fins.
Forseti, son of Baldr and Nanna, dwells in Glitnir; allays
strifes. Gm. 15.
134 Mythological Index.

Fradmar, genealogy. Hål. 19.


Fraeg, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Fränängr, a waterfall. CEgd, 65.
Frăr, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Freki, one of Odin’s wolves. Gm. 19.
Frekis, (the two) genealogy. Hål. 19.
Frey, son of Niðrd and his wife Skadi, the slayer of Beli,
falls in conflict with Surt at Ragnarök. Wsp. 53; Alfheim
given to him as a tooth-gift. Gm. 5; the ship Skidbladnir
constructed for him, ib. 43; sitting in Hlidskiälf he sees
and is smitten with Gerd, Gymir's fair daughter. Skm.
É. & 6; at CEgir's feast. CEgd. prol.; has Gerd to wife.
. 30.
Freyia, daughter of Niðrd and sister of Frey, dwells in Folk
yang, Gm. 14; half the fallen in battle belong to her. ib.;
lends her feather-garb to Loki. Thkv. 4; her rage at the
proposal to marry her to Thrym. ib. 13; at OEgir's feast.
CEgd, prol.; her visit to Hyndla. Hål.
Friant, genealogy. Hål, 14.
Frid, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Frigg, the wife of Odin and mother of Baldr and other Æsir,
bewails the death of Baldr. Wsp. 37; at Odin's guild. Hfg.
0. 23; at CEgir's feast. (Egd. prol. Fiórgyn's daughter. ib.
26.; her intrigue with Vi and Wili. ib. 26.; rows in earth's
ship. Sol. 77. -

Frödi, genealogy. Hål. 14, 20.


Frosti, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Fulla, Frigg's attendant. Gm. prol.
Fundin, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
G.
Gagnrád, a name assumed by Odin. Vfm. 8.
Gandálf, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Gangleri, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Garm, a dog at Ragnarök. Wsp. 48; the best of dogs. Gm, 44.
Gastropnir, a structure. Fsm. 13.
Gaut, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Gefion, an Asynia at CEgir's feast. CEgd. 20. 21. See a story
of her in N. M. I. 34. note. -

Geiròlul, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.


Geirröd, a son of king Hraudung and foster-son of Odin. Gm.
prol.; becomes king, and is visited by Odin under the name
of Grimnir. ib.; killed by his own sword. ib. epil.
Geirskögul, a Valkyria. Wsp. 24.
Geirvimul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
, Mythological Index. 135

Gerd, daughter of Gymir, a beautiful young giantess, beloved


by Frey. Skm.; Frey's wife Hól. 30.
Geri, one
Geri, a watchdog. 15. Gm. 19.
wolves.
of Odin’s Fsm. w

Giallarhorn, Heimdall's horn which he will blow at Ragnarök.


Wsp. 47; Hfg. O. 16.
Giálp, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Húl. 36.
Gifr, a watchdog. Fsm, 15.
Gimill, a hall, or heaven, the abode of the righteous after Rag
narök. Wsp. 62. -

Ginandi, genealogy. Hål. 23.


Ginnar, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Ginnung (Ginnunga gap), the premundane abyss. Hig. O. 4.
Giòll, a river. Gm. 28; Hfg. O. 9; Sol. 42.
Giòll-sun's keeper (Giallar sunnugätt) a periphrasis for Idun.
Hfg. O. 9. The sense is very obscure.
Gipul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Gisl, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Giuki, genealogy. Hill. 27.
Glad, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Gladsheim, Odin's dwelling. Gm. 8–10.
Glaeval. Sol. 54.
Glapsvid, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.
Gler, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Glitnir, Forseti's dwelling, described. Gm. 15.
Glói, a dwarf. Wsp. 15. -

Gnupa, or Gnipa, a cave. Wsp. 48.


Góin, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Göll, a Walkyria. Gm. 36.
Gómul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Göndlir, a name of Odin. Gm 49.
Göndul, a Walkyria. Wsp. 24.
Göpul, a heavenly river. Gm., 27.
Grābak, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Grăd, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
§: } serpents under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Greip, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hill. 86.
Grim, a name of Odin. Gm. 46, 47.
Grim, genealogy. Hål. 28.
Grimnir, a name of Odin. Gm. prol. 47,49; Hfg. O. 16.
Gróa, a mother summoned from her grave by her son. Gg.1.
Note. If the opinion of Mr. Bugge, a Norwegian critic,
which is adopted by Sv. Grundtvig, is well founded, as I
136 Mythological Index.

think it appears to be, this poem (Gröugaldr) should pre


cede the Fiólsvinnsmål, with which it seems to be connec
ted. Much in favour of this opinion is the old Danish bal
lad of Young Svendal (Ungen Svendal, or Svegder) accor
ding to which it appears that the female apostrophized in
the Gröugaldr (Str. 3.), as “crafty woman,” is the young
man's stepmother, by or through whom he is sent on his
perilous journey to Menglöd’s castle; previous to which he
calls his own mother from her grave to sing to him songs
of power, for his protection on the way. “But,” observes
Dr. Prior, “it is certainly more agreeable to experience that
popular tradition would confound two stories together, than
that the transcribers should split a poem into two, and
keep it divided, while the public voice united those parts
together”. See Prior's Dan. Ballads, II. p. 328, and Lüning's
Edda, Einleitung p. 21.
Gudrún, genealogy. Hål. 27.
Gullinkambi (Golden-comb), a cock at Ragnarök. Wsp. 35.
Gulltopp, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Gullveig, a personification of gold. She is pierced and thrice
º;
ib. 26.
and yet lives. Wsp. 25; called also Heidi; her power.

Gunn, a Valkyria. Wsp. 24.


Gunnar, genealogy. , Hdl. 23, 27.
Gunnlöd, daughter of Suttung, who had º:
of the º:
-

mead. Hym. 18, 106, 109, 111. See her story in N. M. I.


p. 40.
Gunnthorin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Gunnthrô, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Guttorm, genealogy. Hål. 27.
Gygiar and Gygiur, (sing. Gygr), giantesses. Hfg. O. 25.
Gyllir, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Gymir, a giant, father of Gerd, the beloved of Frey. Skm. 6.
Gymir, a name of CEgir. CEgd. prol.
Gyrd, genealogy. Hill. 19.
H.
Hābrok, the best of hawks. Gm. 44.
Haddingis (the two), genealogy. Hål. 23.
Haerfather (Heriafadir), father of hosts, a name of Odin. Włm.
2, 40.
Haevatein, a twig. Fsm. 27.
Haki, genealogy. Hål. 32.
Hálfdan, a Skiöldung. Hål. 15.
Mythological Index. 137

Hamingiur (sing. Hamingia), attendant or guardian spirits.


Vfm.49; WKv. 5. N. M. I. p. 113, sq.
Hanar, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Hangatyr, a name of Odin, perhaps from his having hung nine
nights on a tree. Hfg. O. 18.
Hár, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
Hár, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Harald Hildetónn, genealogy. , Hdl. 28.
Harbard, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hbl. 1–60.
Hati, the wolf that will precede the sun. Gm. 89.
Haugspori, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
Håvi or Hāfi (gen. Håva, Hāfa), the High, an ancient appella
tion of Odin: hence Hávamál, the lay or song of the High one.
Heaven, how formed. Vfm. 21.
Heid, genealogy. Hål. 32.
Heidi. See Gullveig.
Heidrān, a goat that stands over Odin's hall. Gm. 25.
Heim, world, of which there are nine, viz. three above or
without the earth: – Muspellheim, Alfheim (Liósälfheimr),
Asgard; three on the earth: — Vanaheim, Midgard, Jötun
heim; three beneath the earth: – Svartålfheim, Helheim, Nifl
heim. Lüning. See another distribution in N. M. I. p. 152.
Heimdall, called a son of Odin, guardian or watchman of hea
ven, N. M. I. p. 28; all human beings of his race. Wsp. 1;
under the name of Rig, is the progenitor of the three or
ders of mankind: the noble, the churl, or freeman, and the
serf, or thrall. Rgm.; his horn (Giallarhorn), Wsp. 31.;
will blow his horn at Ragnarök. ib. 47.; dwells in Himin
biorg. Gm. 18; keeper of the bridge Bifröst. Hfg. O. 9;
goes to the nether world to consult Idun. ib. 9; returns. ib.
16; his advice how to recover Thör's hammer. Thkv. 15;
his nine mothers. Húl. 35.
Hel, the goddess of death, born of Loki and Angrboda. Wsp.
35; her habitation under one of the roots of Yggdrasil.
Gm. 31; Fsm. 26; the cords of Sol. 37; the maids of ib.
38; the grated doors of ib. 39. her ravens. ib. 67.
Helblindi, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Hepti, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Herfiótur, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Heri, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Heriafather, an appellation of Odin. Hill. 2.
Herian, a name of Odin. Wsp. 24; Gm. 46; Hfg. O. 16.
Hermöd: Odin gives him a helm and corslet. Hill. 2,
Hersir, father of Erna wife of Jarl. Rgm. 36,
138 Mythological Index.

Herteit, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.


Hiâlmberi, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Hild, a Valkyria. Wsp. 24.
Hildegun, mother of Almweig. Hill. 18.
Hildi, a Walkyria. Gm. 36.
Hildisvini, Freyia's hog. Hål. 6, 9.
Hildólf, apparently an imaginary personage. Hbl. 8.
Himinbiorg, Heimdall’s dwelling. Gm. 13.
Hiórdis, genealogy. Hål. 26.
Hirdirard,
Hiðrv genea
. Sol. logy. Hål. 32.
76. r

Hlaevang, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.


Hlebard, an imaginary person. Hbl. 20.
a priestess. Hål. 14. ce he surveys the whole world.
Hledis,iálf,
Hlidsk Odin's seat, when
Gm, prol.; Hfg. O. 10.
Hlif, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Hlifthursa, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Hlín, apparently a name of Frigg. Wsp. 53.
Hliðdólf, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Blödyn, a name of the earth, Thór's mother. Wsp. 55.
Hlorridi, a name of Thör. Hkv. 4, 16, 27, 29, 37; Thkv. 8, 9,
14; CEgd. 54, 55.
Hlökk, a Walkyria. Gm. 36.
Hnikar, a name of Odin. Gm. 47; Hfg. O. 19.
Hnikud, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Hoddmimir's holt. Wſm. 45.
Hödr, the slayer of Baldr. Wsp. 37; Wkv. 14; slain by Wali,
Wkv. 16; returns to life in the new world. ib. 60.
Höggstari, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Högni, genealogy-, Hdl. 27.
Höll, a, heavenly river, Gm,creat
27.
ing Æsir, who with Odin and
Hemir one of the three
Lodur create Ask and Embla, the first man and woman;
apparently identical with Vili. Wsp. 18; can choose his lot
at the renewal of the world, ib. 61.
Hörſi, genealogy. Hål. 21, 25.
Horn, a river. Gg. 8.
Hornbori, a dwarf,Vsp. 13.
Hrerakir Slöngvanbaugi, genealogy. , Hdl. 28.
Hresvelg, a Jötun in an eagle's plumage who produces the
wind. Wím. 37.
Hraudung, a king of Goths. Gm. prol.
Brid, a river. Gm, 28.
Mythological Index. 139

Hrimfaxi (the rime- or dewy-maned), the horse of Night. Wfm.


14; Hfg. O. 23.
Hrimgrimnir, a Thurs or Frost-giant. Skm. 35.
Hrimnir, a Thurs or Frost-giant; here for a giant in general.
Skm. 28.
Hrimnir, genealogy. Hål. 32.
Hrimthursar (sing. -thurs), Frost-giants, who dwell under one
of Yggdrasil's roots. Gm. 31. Hwn. 110 ; their halls. Skm.
30.; sons of Suttung. ib. 34.
Hrist, a Walkyria who bears the horn to Odin. Gm. 36.
Hrödung, genealogy. Hill. 26.
Hródvitnir, father of the wolf Hati, Gm. 39.
Hrólf the Old, genealogy. Hål. 25.
Hropt, a name of Odin. Wsp. 60; Gm. 8; Hfg. O. 23; CEgd. 45.
Hroptaty, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Hrossthióf, genealogy. Hål. 32.
Hrón, a river. Gm. 28.
Hrängnir, a giant, a friend of Hymir. Hkv. 15. (See his story
in N. M. I. p. 69.); Hbl. 14, 15.
Hrym, a giant, steers the ship Naglfar at Ragnarök. Wsp. 49.
Hugin (thought), one of Odin's ravens. Gm. 20; Hfg. O. 3.
Hveralund, the hot spring's grove. Wsp. 38.
Hvedna, genealogy. Hål. 32.
Hvergelmir, an abyss" or spring whence all rivers are said to
flow. Gm. 26.
Hyfiaberg, a mount. Fsm. 37.
Hymir, a giant, called the father of Ty: Thér and Ty rob him
of his capacious kettle. Hkv. 3–38; dwells eastward of
Elivágar. ib. 5.; goes out with Thôr to fish. ib. 17.
Hyndla, a giantess and Wala, visited by Freyia. Hål.
Hyr, fire, a hall. Fsm. 33.
I.
Ida's plain (Iðavöllr), the trysting place of the gods. Wsp. 7,
58. N. M. I. pp. 8, 145.
Idun, (Ipumn), daughter of the dwarf, or alf Ivaldi, and wife
of Bragi, the goddess of the early spring: her descent to
the nether world. Hfg. O. 6; at CEgir's feast. (Egd. prol. & 16.
Ifing, a river which divides the Jötuns from the gods. Wfm. 16.
nº m. 18.
the kettle in which the hog Saehrimnir is boiled.
Im, son of Wafthrūdnir. Wfm. 5.
Imd, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hūl. 36.
140 Mythological Index.

Ingun's Frey (Ingunar Freyr), an appellation of Frey. CEgd.


, 43. Of this name it is said "in the Ynglinga saga (c. 12.);
“Frey is also called Yngvi, a name which long continued in
his race, whence his kindred were afterwards called Ynglings.”
Innstein, father of Ottar Heimski. Hill. 8, 13.
Iri, an As. Fsm. 35.
Isólf, genealogy. Hål. 22. -

Ivaldi, a dwarf or alf: his sons construct the ship Skidbladnir.


Gm, 43; father of Idun. Hfg. O. 6. …”

Ivar, genealogy. Hål. 28.


Ividia, (Iviðja, from iviðr, a wood or forest), a species of Syl
van demon, akin apparently to the elves and dwarfs. Hig.0.1.
J.
Jafnhár, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Jälk, a name of Odin. Gm. 49, 54.
Jari, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Jarl, son of Fadir and Modir, progenitor of the race of Jarls
or nobles. Rgm. 31; his adventures. ib. 31–37.
Järnsaxa, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hill. 36.
Järnskiöld, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Järnvid, (Jarnviðr), the iron wood, a wood in the east of Mid
* inhabited by Jarnvids (Järnviðjur), female demons.
sp. 32. -

Jörmunrek, genealogy. Hål. 25.


Jorun, a name of Idun. Hfg. O. 15.
Joruvellir, Jora's plains. Wsp. 14.
Jösur, genealogy, Hdl. 19.
Jötnar, (sing. jötun) A. Sax. eoten, a giant. The giants were
the earliest created beings. Wsp. 2; their beer-hall. ib. 41;
questioned by the AEsir respecting Baldr. WKv. 2.; all de
scend from Gymir. Hill. 33.
Jötunheim, or Utgard, the home or habitation of the Jötuns,
the outermost part of the habitable earth. Wsp. 8. N. M.
I. p. 10.
K.
Kari, genealogy. Hål. 20.
Karl, (Churl), son of Afi and Amma, and progenitor of the
churl- (A. S. ceorl.) race, married to Snår. Rgm. 20.
Kerlaug, two rivers so called, which Thôr has to cross daily.
Gm. 29.
Ketil, genealogy. Hål. 20.
Kialar, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Kili, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Mythological Index. 141

Klyp, genealogy. Hål. 20.


Kom, son of Jarl and Erna, his exploits. Rgm. 38; contends
in runes with Rig Jarl. ib. 42.
Körmt, a river which Thôr has to cross daily. Gm. 29.
Kreppvör, youngest daughter of Niórd. Sol. 79. ,
II.
Laerad, a tree by Odin’s hall. Gm. 25, 26.
Lºessó (Hlèsey), a small island in the Cattegat. Hbl. 37.
Landvidi, Vidar's abode; though it may probably be an appel
lative, and signify a woody land. Gm. 17.
tºtal with Nál), Loki's mother. Thkv. 18, 20;
gd. 52.
Leipt, a river. Gm. 28.
Leirbrimir. Fsm. 13.
Lettféti, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Lidskialf, an As. Fsm. 35.
Lif and Lifthrasir, the last beings in the old, and the first in
the new world. Wím. 45.
Listvör, Sol. 76.
Litr, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Loddfafnir, a protégé of Odin. Hwm. 114.
Lodur (Loðurr), one of the three creating Æsir, who with Odin
and Hoenir create Ask and Embla, the first man and woman;
perhaps identical with Loki. Wsp. 18.
Lofar, a dwarf. Wsp. 14, 16.
Loki, steers the ship Naglfar at Ragnarök. Wsp. 50; under
the name of Lopt accompanies Bragi to the nether world
to consult Idun. Hfg. O. 9; returns. ib. 16; borrows Freyia's
feather-garb, and goes to the Jötun Thrym, in search of
Thôr's hammer. Thkv. 5; accompanies Thór to Thrym's.
ib. 21; at CEgir’s feast. CEgd. prol.; slays CEgir's servant
Fimafeng. ib.; casts himself into the waterfall of {.
and is captured. ib., epil.; father of Fenrisſilf by Angrboda,
and of Sleipnir by Svadilfari, and of Hel by Angrboda. Hål.
38. N. M. I. p. 49; plucks the twig Haevatain. Fsm. 27.
Löni, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Lopt, a name of Loki, which see.
M. -

Magni, a son of Thór. See Mödi. Hbl. 9, 18.


Managarm, a wolf or monster of Loki's progeny, the moon's
devourer. Wsp. 32.
Mannheim, our earth. Hfg. O. 24.
Mar, genealogy. Hål. 19.
º
142 Mythological Index.

Meili, a son of Odin. Hbl. 9.


Menglöd, the betrothed of Svipdag. Fsm.
Menglöd. Gg. 3. -

Midgard's orm, the mundane serpent slain by Thór. Wsp. 55;


fished up by Thór. HKv. 28.
Midvitnir. Gm. 50.
Mimameidir, a mythic tree, perhaps identical with Yggdrasil.
Fsm. 21, 25. It must, however, be observed that the one
derives its name from Mimir, and signifies Mimir's tree;
the other from Ygg, a name of Odin, and signifies Ygg's
horse or chariot.
Mimir or Mim, a mythic being of giant race, guardian of the
spring or well under one of the roots of the mundane
tree (Yggdrasil). Wsp. 22. Odin leaves an eye as a pledge
in Mim's well (the ocean), when he craves a draught of
its water, whence he is described as monocular. Odin con
sults Mim's head. Wsp. 47. Mim had been sent as a ho
stage to the Vanir, who cut off his head, aud sent it to Odin,
who used it as an oracle. Such is the account in the Yng
linga Saga, c. 4. where the myths are treated historically.
N. M. I. p. 14. Mim's sons (the billows of the ocean) at
Ragnarök. Wsp. 47; knowledge hidden in his well. Hfg. O.
5. N. M. I. pp. 12, 156.
Miðdvitnir, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Miðllnir, Thór's formidable hammer, possessed by his sons,
Mödi and Magni. Vfm. 51; hurled among the giants. Hkv. 36.
Miðtvid, the middle or mundane tree. Wsp. 2. See Yggdrasil.
Miskorblindi. Hkv. 2. -

Mist, a Valkyria who bears the horn to Odin. Gm. 36.


Mödi, a son of Thór, who, with his brother Magni, will possess
Thör's hammer Miðllnir on the renewal of the world. Wfm.
51, Hkv. 34. -

Modir, (Mother), married to Fadir, the progenitrix of the Jarl


race. Rgm. 24.
Mögthrasir. Vfm. 49.
Móin, a dwarf. Wsp. 16.
Móin, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Moon, (Māni). Wsp. 5; son of Mundilfoeri. Vfm. 23.
Mötsognir, a dwarf, highest in degree. Wsp. 10.
Mundilfaeri, father of the sun and moon. Vfm. 23.
Munin (memory), one of Odin’s ravens. Gm. 20.
Muspell, the world of fire. Wsp. 50. CEgd. 42.
Mythological Index. 143

N. -

Nabbi, a dwarf makes the hog Hildisvini. Hål. 9.


Naglfar, a mythic ship at Ragnarök. Wsp. 49.
Nāin, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Nál, identical with Laufey, Loki's mother. Hfg. O. 16.
Nali, a dwarf. Wsp. 13. -

sº * of Nep, mother of Forseti, and wife of Baldr.


Hfg. O. 8.
Nanna, genealogy. Hål. 21.
Narfi, a son of Loki. CEgd. epil.
Nari, a son of Loki. CEgd. epil.
Náströnd, the strand or shore of corpses, description of Wsp.
42, 43.
Nep, father of Nanna, wife of Baldr. Hfg. O. 8.
Nidatells (Niða fióll). Wsp. 41, 65.
Nidhögg (Niðhöggr), a serpent of the nether world that tears
the carcases of the dead. Wsp. 43, 65; lacerates Yggdrasil.
Gm. 35.
Nidi, sons of." Sol. 56. See also Nyi.
Niflhel, or Niflheim, the world of fog or mist, the nethermost
of the nine worlds, the place of everlasting punishment.
Y.
kv. 6.
43; visited by Odin to inquire after the fate of Baldr.

Night (Nött), daughter of Nörwi. Vfm. 25.


Niðrd (Niórðr), husband of Skadi, his origin. Wfm. 89; dwells
in Noãtún. Gm. 16; at CEgir’s feast. CEgd. prol.; his nine
daughters. Sol. 79.
Niping, a dwarf. Wsp., 11.
Noătăn, Niórd’s dwelling. Gm. 16; Thkv. 23.
Nökkvi, genealogy. Hål. 21.
Nön, a river. Gm. 28.
Nördri, a dwarf presiding over the north region. Wsp. 11.
Nori, a dwarf. Wsp. 11.
Nornir (sing. Noln), the three Fates; the Parcae of the North
ern mythology. Their names were Urd, Werdandi, and
Skuld, (Urð, Verðandi, Skulld), or past, present, and to
be. Wsp. 20. Hfg. O. 1. their seat. Sol. 51.
Nörvi (Nörr) the father of night. Wfm. 25; Hfg. O. 7.
Nott, night. Wsp. 6. -

Nöt, a river. Gm. 28.


Nur, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Nyi and Nidi, two dwarfs, or personifications of the new moon
(Nyi), and the waning moon (Nid). Wsp. 11.
144 Mythological Index.

Nyrād, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.


Nyt, a river. Gm. 28.
0.
0d (Öºr), Freyia's husband. Wsp. 29. N. M. I. p. 33.
Odhraerir, the kettle or vessel containing the mead of poetic
inspiration. Hfg. O. 2; HVm. 108, 142.
Odin (00inn), son of Bür and Bestla. Wsp. 4; Hål. 80. the
chief of the AEsir; his share in the creation of heaven and
earth, and of Ask and Embla, the first man and woman.
Wsp. 4, 18; Consults the Wala. ib. 21; his eye in Mim's well.
ib. 22; casts his spear among mankind and causes the first
warfare... ib. 28; consults Mim's head at Ragnarök. ib. 47;
fights with the wolf and falls. ib. 53; visits the giant Waf
thrūdnir. Vfm. prol.; their mutual questions. ib. 1–53; will
be devoured by the wolf. ib., 53; disputes with Frigg about
Agnar and Geirröd. Gm. prol.; under the name of Grimnir
visits Geirröd, by whom he is placed between two fires. ib.;
quaffs with Saga in Sökkvabekk. ib. 7; his dwelling Glads
heim. ib. 8; half the fallen in battle belong to him. ib. 14;
lives on wine only. ib., 19; his ravens. ib. 20; his several
names. ib. 46–50, 54; listens in Hlidskiälf. Hfg. 0.10; rides
to Niflhel to inquire the fate of Baldr. Wkv. 6.; goes in quest
of the poetic mead. HVm. 105–111.; gives a ring-oath to Sut
tung. ib. 111; introduces runes among the AEsir. ib. 145;
This colloquy with Thôr under the name of Harbard. Hbl.;
has the jarls that fall in battle. ib. 24; at CEgir's feast.
CEgd. prol.; his adventures in Samsö. ib. 24; his various
gifts to men. Hål. 2, 3.
Ödlings, genealogy. Hål. 22.
OEgir, the god presiding over the stormy sea: entertains the
AEsir. Hkv. 1.; called also Gymir, brews beer for the AEsir.
CEgd. prol. - -

Ofnir, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.


Qfnir, a name of Odin. Gm, 54.
Ökolnir. Wsp. 41.
Olmöd, genealogy. Hål. 22.
Omi, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hål. 22.
Örboda, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Öri, an As. Fsm. 35.
Örmt, a river which Thôr has to cross daily. Gm. 29.
Öski, a name of Odin. Gm, 49. -

Ottar Heimski, a protégé of Freyia. Hill. 8, 9, 11; his genealogy.


ib. 18; his contest with Angantyr. Hál. 10; a remembrance
cup given to him by Hyndla. ib. 48.
Mythological Index. 145
R.
Radbard, genealogy. Hål. 28.
Rádey. Sol. 16.
Rådgrid, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Rådso. Hbl. 8.
Rådsvid, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Rádvör, eldest daughter of Niórd. Sol. 79.
Ragnarök, the twilight or darkening of the gods, the dissolu
tion of the gods and the world. Wsp. 44. - -

Bán, the goddess of the sea, wife of GEgir; Rind's song to


her. Gg. 6.
Randgrid, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Randver, genealogy. Hål. 28. -

Ratatüsk, a squirrel that runs up and down the branches of


Yggdrasil. Gm. 32.
Rati, an auger used by Odin in obtaining the poetic mead.
HVm. 107.
Regin, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Reginleif, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Reid-Goths, the natives of Reidgothland (Reiðgotaland), a name
originally perhaps restricted to Jutland, but afterwards ex
tended to the countries in the Baltic, from the Vistula to
the Gulf of Finland. Wfm. 12; Gm. 2.
Reifnir, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Remandi, a heavenly river. Gm. 27. • *

Rig, a name assumed by Heimdall. Rgm. prol.


Rin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Rind, a personification of the earth, particularly the hard
frozen earth. Hfg. O. 23; her son Wali avenges the death
of Baldr. WKv. 16; her song to Rân. Gg. 6.
Rógnir, a name of Odin? Hfg. O. 10.
Rud, a river. Gg. 8.
Bygiardal. Sol. 22.

8.
Sad, a name of Odin...Gm. 47.
Sæfari, genealogy. Hål.
Sæhrimnir, the hog on which the AEsir and Einheriar, or in
mates of Walhall, constantly feed. Wfm, 41. Hfg. O. 19.Gm, 18
§aevaldi. Sol. 9.
Saga, the goddess of history, dwells in Sökkvabekk. Gm.,7;
Samsö, a small island between Jutland and Seeland. CEgd. 24.
Sanngetall, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.
- 10
146 Mythological Index.

Sid, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.


Sidgrani, a name of Odin. Avim. 6.
Sidhött, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sidskegg, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sif, the wife of Thör, mother of Ullr and Thrūd. Hkv. 3, 15;
; ‘.; at CEgir's feast. CEgd. prol.; pours out mead for
oki. ib. 53.
Sigfödr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sigmund, son of Völsung, a sword given him by Odin. Húl. 2.
Sigtrygg, a chieftain. Hål. 16.
Sigurd, genealogy. Hill. 25.
Sigyn, Loki's wife. Wsp. 38; holds a basin to prevent the ve
nom from dropping on Loki's face. CEgd. epil.
Silfrintopp, a horse of the AEsire Gm. 30.
Sindri, a mythic being of giant or dwarf race. Wsp. 41.
Sinir, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Sinmaera. Fsm. 27, 31.
Skadi, daughter of the giant Thiassi. Hål. 30; and wife of
Niórd, dwells in Thrymheim. Gm. 11; at CEgir's feast. CEgd.
ºi 49, 51; hangs a venomous serpent over Loki's face.
10. epil.
Skafid, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
Skarthedin. Sol. 11.
Skeggöld, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Skeidbrimir, a horse of the AEsir. Gm. 30.
Skekkil, genealogy. Hål. 22.
Skidbladnir, Frey's ship. Gm. 48.
Skilfing, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Skilfings, a princely race. Hål. 12, 17.
Skinfaxi (bright mane), the horse of day. Vfm. 12.
Skiöldungs, a princely race. Hål. 12, 17.
Skirnir, Frey's attendant (shoe-boy). Skm. 1; his conversation
with Skadi. ib. 2; his address to Frey. ib. 3; his journey
to Jötunheim. 10. Seqq.
Skirvir, a dwarf. yº. 15.
Skögul, a Valkyria. Wsp. 24. Gm. 36. Hfg. O. 19.
Sköll, the wolf that pursues the sun. Gm. 39.
Skrymir, a name assumed by Utgarda Loki. CEgd. 62. See
his story in N. M. I. p. 57.
Skuld, a Valkyria. Wsp. 24. -

Skulld, or Skuld, one of the three great Norns or Fates. Her


name is significant of the future, or that which is to be,
§. is the part. pret. of Skula, Ger. Sollen, to shall.
sp. 20.
Mythological Index. 147

Skurhild, genealogy. Hål. 22. º --- -

Sleipnir, the best of horses. Gm. 44; bears Odin to Niflheim.


Wkv. 6; begotten by Loki with Swadilfari. Hål. 38.
Slid, a river. Wsp. 40.
Slid, a river that flows to Hel. Gm. 28.
Smör (quick, active) progenitrix of the race of churls, married
to Karl. Rgm. 20.
Boekin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27. -

Sökkmimir, a Jötun slain by Odin. Gm. 50.


Sökkvabekk, a mansion where Odin and Saga quaff from golden
beakers. Gm., 7.
Solbiart, father of Svipdag. Fsm. 48.
Solblindi, his three sons construct the lattice Thrymgiöll. Fsm. 11.
Sólkatla, Sol. 78.
Son, one of the vessels containing the poetic mead. See Snorra
Edda p. 84, edit. Rask, and N. M. I. p. 40.
Sörli. Sol. 20.
Strönd, a river. Gm. 28.
Sudri, a dwarf presiding over the south region. Wsp. 11.
Sun (Sól), shines from the south. Wsp. 5; darkens at Ragnarök.
ib. 56; daughter of Mundilfoeri. Wſm. 23; will be swallowed
up by Fenrisalf. ib. 46; Hfg. O. 23. will be succeeded by her
daughter. ib. 47; her hart. Sol. 55.
Burt (Swart), a fire-giant at Ragnarök. Wsp. 51; will contend
with the AEsir on Wigrid's plain. Vfm. 18.
Buttung, a giant, possessor of the poetic mead. HVm. 105, 110,
111; the Jötnar and Hrimthursar called his sons. Skm. 34.
Svadilfari, a horse, sire of Sleipnir. Hål. 38.
Svaſ, father
Swaf. of Menglöd. Fsm. 9.
Sol. 80. - w

Svata, genealogy. Hål. 18.


Svafad. Sol. 11.
Svaflogi. Sol. 80.
Svafnir, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm, 34.
Svafnir, a name of Odin. Gm. 54, Wkv. 3.
Svalin, the shield placed before the sun. Gm. 88.
Svan the Red, genealogy. Hål. 13.
8varang, an imaginary personage. Hbl. 29.
Svarthäfdi, progenitor of the sorcerers. Hål. 33.
Sväsud, father of Summer. Wſm. 27.
Svidrir, a name of Odin. Gm. 50.
Svidur, a name of Odin. Gm. 50.
8vior, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Svipall, a name of Odin. Gm, 47.
10°
148 Mythological Index.

Svipdag, the betrothed of Menglöd. Fsm.


Svöl, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Sylg, a river. Gm. 28.
T.
Thekk, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Thekk, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Thiálfi, Thór's attendant. Hbl. 39.
Thiassi, a giant, son of Allvaldi and father of Skadi, wife of
Niórd. Häl. 30; dwells in Thrymheim. Gm. 11; slain by Thör.
Hbl. 19. See his story in §§ I. p. 43. -

Thing, the public assembly or court. Hym. 116.


Thiodnuma, a river. Gm. 28.
Thiodreyrir, a dwarf, of whom there is no more mention.
HVm. 162.
Thiodvarta, an attendant of Menglöd. Fsm. 39.
Thiodvitnir, a name of Fenrisulf? Gm. 21. See Petersen, N.
M. p. 231, and Lüning ad locum. ----

Thér, son of Odin and Fiórgin or Hlodyn (Earth) Wsp. 23;


slays the #. mundane serpent, and is slain. ib. 55; dwells
in Thrūdheim. Gm, 4; dwells in Bilskirnir. ib. 24; has daily
to wade through the two Kerlaugs. ib. 29; with Ty goes to
the giant Hymir. Hkv. 5; his goats. ib. 7; goes with Hymir
to fish. ib. 17; draws up the Midgard’s orm. ib. 23; carries
off Hymir's kettle. ib. 34 sqq. his hammer stolen. Thkv. 1.
disguised as Freyia goes to Jötunheim. ib. 19; his * -

ib. 24; recovers his hammer, and slays Thrym. ib.8 ; :


questions to the dwarf Alvis. Avm.; has the thralls that fall
in battle. Hbl.; his adventure with Harbard. Hbl. 1–60;
sleeps in a glove. CEgd. 60. See Snorri's Edda, p. 487, and
N. M. I. p. 58. - . . . *~ *
a

Thora, genealogy. Hdl. 19.


Thorin, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Thorir, genealogy. Hål. 23.
Thäll, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Threl (Thrall), son of Ai and Edda, progenitor of the thrall
race. Rgm 7; married to Thy. ib. 10, 11; their offspring,
ib. 12.
Thráin, a dwarf. Wsp. 12, Hfg. O. 3.
Thridi, a name of Odin. Gm, 46.
Thrör, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Thrör, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Thrūdgelmir, a cosmogonic giant, father of Bergelmir, Vſm. 39.
Thrādheim, Thór's dwelling. Gm. 4.
f Mythological Index. 149

Thrödi, a Walkyria. Gm. 36.


Thrym, a giant who steals Thör's hammer. Thkv. 1. sqq. de
mands Freyia for a wife. ib. 9; slain by Thör. ib. 32.
Thrymgiöll, a lattice. Fsm. 11. -

Thrymheim, Thiassi's and Skadi's dwelling. Gm. 11.


Thund, a river? Gm. 21. See Petersen N. M. p. 231. N. M.I.
p. 20, and Lüning ad locum.
Thund, a name of Odin. Gm. 46, 54.; Hvm. 147.
Thurs (plur. Thursar), the same as Jötun, a giant, or troll.
Vsp. 8; Hfg. O. 1; three-headed. Skm. 31. the name of a
rune. ib. 36.
Thy, a serving woman, ancilla; married to Thrael. Rgm, 10,
11; their offspring. ib. 12. -

Thyn, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.


Tind, genealogy. Hill, 23.
Troll, a demon, or evil spirit, under various forms. Vsp. 82;
Hym. 157. -

Ty (Tyr), a son of Odin by a giantess, the god of yictory (In


the Hymiskviða he appears as a son of HYmir); aids hâr
to steal Hymir's kettle. HKy. 5 sqq.; vainly tries to lift the
kettle. Hky,38; at Egir's feast. (Egd, prol. * * * *

Tyrfing, genealogy. Húl. 23.


U.
Ud, a name of Odin. Gm, 46.
Ulf, genealogy. Hål. 13, 23.
Ulfrán, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hfg. 0. 26. Hül. 86.
Ullr, son of Sif and step-son of Thör (his father is not º;
tioned). See N. M. I. p. 30.; dwells in Udalir. Gm."5, 42.
called Baldr's kinsman. WKv. 3. * ** * *

Undern, midday, the time of refection. Wsp. 6. Though lost i


Iceland, the word is still current amº. 㺠*
dish, and Norwegian peasantry: Goth, undaurnimats, #:
mittagsessen: A. S. undern, hora tertia Judæorum, " ºr
9 o Clock. a. m. Lye, sub’ voce. Matt. XX, 3... itsgº tº
zgûrmy dºg&v, is rendered ymbe undern tide. Ohg. untarn,
meridies. Graff, sub voce. See also Kilian and Outzen.
Uni, an As. Fsm. 35.
Unmar. Sol. 9.
Urd, one of the three great Norns or Fates. Her name is
significant of the past, that which has been, and is derived
from the verb verba (vard, urdum) to be, Ger. Werdea. Her
150 Mythological Index.
fountain or well, Wsp. 19; set to guard Odhrerir Hfg. O. 2.
Odin sits by her well. Hym. 1.12; her protection invoked.
Gg. 7.
Uri, an As. Fsm. 35.
W.
Watt (plur, Waettir and Vattar), a sort of genius or demon, of
which there were both good and evil, an attendant spirit,
generally feminine. Hfg. O. 2.
Waſthrūdnir, a wise giant visited by Odin. Vfm.; their wager
and reciprocal questione and answers. ib. 11–55.
Väfudr, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Wakr, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Vala (gen. Völu), a prophetess. Wsp. WKv. 8.
Walaskiälf, one of Odin's dwellings. Gm, 6.
Valfather (Walföðr), from valr, the fallen in conflict, a name of
Odin. Wsp. 22, 31. Gm., 48.
Walglaumr. Gm. 212
Walgrind, a lattice before the gate of Walhall. Gm., 22.
Valhall (Valhöll). Wsp. 37; the hall or mansion of the chosen
or fallen in conflict, in Gladsheim, described. Gm. 8–10;
has 540 doors. ib. 23; Hál. 1. See N. M. I. p. 19.
Wali, brother of Baldr, slays Hödr when only one night old.
Wsp. p. 8. note: WKv. 16. Hål. 29.; will with Vidar rule af
ter Ragnarök. Vfm. 51.
Valkyriur (sing. Valkyria), choosers of the slain, handmaidens
of Odin; from valr, (A. S. wal), slaughter, and kjósa,
to choose. They serve in Walhall, and are sent on Odin’s
errands. Wsp. 24. Hfg. O. 1.
Walland, Gaul; and the inroads of the Northmen into France
are probably here alluded to. Hbl. 24. -

Waltam, a fictitious name of Odin’s father. WKv. 11.


Walgods (Waltivar), the gods of slaughter. Wsp. 51.
Vân, or Wön, a river. Gm. 28.
Wanaheim, the abode of the Wanir. Wfm. 39.
Vanir (sing. Wann), those deities whose abode was in Wanaheim,
in contradistinction to the AEsir who abode in Asgard, and
the Alfar in Alfheim. Wsp. 28, Hfg. O. 1. Petersen (N. M.
p. 124) is of opinion that by the term ginnregin (Aym. 31)
the Wanir are intended.
War, an As. Fsm. 35.
Wé. See Wili and Wé.
Věbogi. Sol. 16.
Vegdrasil, an As. Fsm. 35.
Mythological Index. 151

Wegsvin, a river. Gm. 28.


Vegtam, a name assumed by Odin. WKv. 11.
Weig, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Weor, a name of Thór. Hkv. 11, 17, 21.
Verdandi, one of the three great Norns, or Fates. Her name
is significant of the present, of that which is, and is derived
from the verb verda, of which it is the pres. part. fem.
Wsp. 20. -

Verland (land of man?), an imaginary country. Hbl. 56.


Westri, a dwarf presiding over the west region. Wsp. 11.
Wid, a heavenly river. Gm. 27, 28.
Vidar, son of Odin and the giantess Grid. Skaldskap. p. 113;
slays Fenrisulf at Ragnarök. Wsp. 54; will with Wali rule
after Ragnarök. Wſm. 51; will avenge his father. ib. 53;
dwells in Landvidi. Gm. 17; at CEgir's feast. CEgd. prol.
Vidar, a name of Odin. Hfg. O. 17.
Widofmir, a cock. Fsm. 19, 25, 26, 31.
Vidólf, progenitor of the Walas. Hill. 33.
Vidrir, a name of Odin. Hfg. O. 9; CEgd. 26.
Vidur, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hfg. O. 17.
Vigdvalin. Sol. 78.
Vigolf. Sol. 20.
Végrid, the plain on which Surt and the gods will contend at
Ragnarök. Wfm. 18.
Wili, a dwarf. Wsp. 13.
Wili and Wé, sons of Bur and Bestla, brothers of Odin, with
Odin construct the vault of heaven. Wsp. 4; intrigue with
Frigg. CEgd. 26. -

Wilmeidr, progenitor of the soothsayers. Hill. 83.


Win, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Wina, a river. Gm. 28.
Windålf, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Windheim. Wsp. 61.
Windkald, a name assumed by Svipdag. Fsm. 6.
Windsval, the father of Winter. Wfm. 27.
Wingólf, a palace of the Asyniur, Hfg. O. 17.
Vingthér, a name of Thór. Thkv. 1; "Awm. 2.
Virvir, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.
Vitr, a dwarf. Wsp. 12.
Völsung, genealogy. Hål. 26.
Won, a river, or hope? Sol. 54.
Wönd, a river. Gm. 28.
Wor, the goddess of betrothals and marriage. Thky, 80.
*
-

152 Mythological Index.

Y.
Ydalir, Ullr's dwelling. Gm. 5. -

Ygg, a name of Odin. Vfm. 5. Gm. 53, 54; Hkv. 2. WKv. 8;


Hſg. 0. 17, 18. --

Yggdrasil, the great mundane, or universal, tree (ash), Wsp.


ºagnarök.
trembles at Ragnarök. ib. 48; destroyed by fire at
ib. 56.; council of the AEsir under its branches.
Gm. 29.; its three roots. ib. 31; lacerated by harts and ser
pents. ib. 33–35.
Yggiung, a name of Odin. Hfg. O. 18.
Ylfings (Ynglings?). Hál. 12, 17, either a branch of, or iden
tical with, the Völsungs. -

Yig, a river. Gm. 28.


Ymir, a cosmogonic being, or giant. Wsp. 3; heaven, earth
and sea, formed from his carcase. Wfm. 21. Gin. 40; called
also Aurgelmir (Orgelmir). Wſm. 29, 31; progenitor of the
Jötuns. Hill. 33.; for his birth See N. M. I. p. 3 and Grimm,
Mythol. p. 525, 2nd edit.
Ynglings. Hål. 17.
Yngvi, a dwarf. Wsp. 15.

C or rig en d a.
Page V, pref. l. 12. read whereabouts.
— 10 Str. 51,4 for Wal-god's, read Wal-gods'.
– 96 – 34,4 for daughter, read daughters.
— 120 heading, for Son, read Sun.

—eſsº~~

(Printed by w. Plötz, Haue, Saxony.)


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