Norse EDDAS

Table of Contents

1. VÖLUSPÂ. THE VALA'S PROPHECY. VÖLUSPÂ. THE VALA'S 2. THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR. PROPHECY.

3. THE LAY OF GRIMNIR. 1. For silence I pray all 4. ’S DREAMS. sacred children, great and small, sons of Heimdall, 5. THE HIGH ONE'S LAY. they will that I Valfather's

6. ’S RUNE-SONG. deeds recount, men's ancient saws, those that I 7. THE LAY OF . best remember. 2. The Jötuns I remember 8. THE LAY OF THRYM early born, those who me 9. OEGIR’S COMPOTATION of old have reared. I nine worlds remember, nine 10. THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH. trees, the great central 11. THE LAY OF HYNDLA. tree, beneath the earth. 3. There was in times of 12. THE INCANTATION OF old, where dwelt, GROA. nor sand nor sea, nor 13. THE SONG OF THE SUN. gelid waves; earth existed not, nor heaven 14. THE LAY OF VOLUND. above, 'twas a chaotic chasm, and grass nowhere. 7. The Æsir met on Ida's 4. Before Bur's sons raised plain; they altar-steads up heaven's vault, they who and temples high the noble mid-earth shaped. constructed; their The sun shone from the strength they proved, all south over the structure's things tried, furnaces rocks: then was the earth established, precious begrown with herbage things forged, formed green. tongs, and fabricated 5. The sun from the south, tools; the moon's companion, her 8. At tables played at right hand cast about the home; joyous they were; heavenly horses. The sun to them was naught the knew not where she a want of gold, until there dwelling had, the moon came Thurs-maidens knew not what power he three, all powerful, from possessed, the stars knew Jötunheim. not where they had a statio 9. Then went all the n. powers to their 6. Then went the powers all judgment-seats, the all- to their judgment-seats, the holy gods, and thereon all-holy gods, and thereon held council, who should held council: to night and of the dwarfs the race to the waning moon gave create, from the sea- names; morn they named, giant's blood and livid and mid-day, afternoon and bones. eve, whereby to reckon 10. Then was Môtsognir years. created greatest of all the dwarfs, and Durin second; there in man's earth's foundation, to likeness they created many Iora's plains. dwarfs from earth, as Durin 15. There were Draupnir, said. and Dôlgthrasir, Hâr, 11. Nýi and Nidi, Nordri Haugspori, Hlævang, and Sudri, Austri and Glôi, Skirvir, Virvir, Vestri, Althiôf, Dvalin Nâr Skafid, Ai, Alf and and Nâin, Niping, Dain, , Eikinskialdi, Bivör, Bavör, Bömbur, 16. Fialar and Frosti, Nori, An and Anar, Ai, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, Miodvitnir, Höggstari, Hliôdôlf, 12. Veig and Gandâlf, Moin: that above shall, Vindâlf, Thrain, Thekk and while mortals live, the Thorin, Thrôr, Vitr, and progeny of Lofar, , Nûr and Nýrâd, accounted be. and Râdsvid. Now of the 17. Until there came dwarfs I have rightly told. three mighty and 13. Fili, Kili, Fundin, Nali, benevolent Æsir to the Hepti, Vili, Hanar, Svior, world from their Billing, Bruni, Bild, Bûri, assembly. They found on Frâr, Hornbori, Fræg and earth, nearly powerless, Lôni, Aurvang, Iari, Ask and Embla, void of Eikinskialdi. destiny. 14. Time 'tis of the dwarfs 18. Spirit they possessed in Dvalin's band, to the not, sense they had not, sons of men, to Lofar up to blood nor motive powers, reckon, those who came nor goodly colour. Spirit forth from the world's rock, gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood gave Lodur, and goodly colour. pledge. Understand ye 19. I know an ash standing yet, or what? hight, a lofty 23. The chief of hosts tree, laved with limpid gave her rings and water: thence come the necklace, useful dews into the dales that discourse, and a divining fall; ever stands it green spirit: wide and far she over Urd's fountain. saw o'er every world. 20. Thence come maidens, 24. She the Valkyriur saw much knowing, three from from afar coming, ready the hall, which under that to ride to the god's tree stands; Urd hight the people: Skuld held a one, the second Verdandi, shield, Skögul was —on a tablet they graved— second, then Gunn, Hild Skuld the third. Laws they Göndul, and Geirskögul. established, life allotted to Now are enumerated the sons of men; destinies Herian's maidens, the pronounced. Valkyriur, ready over the 21. Alone she sat without, earth to ride. when came that ancient 25. She that war dread Æsir's prince; and in remembers, the first on his eye she gazed. earth, when 22. "Of what wouldst thou they with lances pierced, ask me? Why temptest thou and in the high one's hall me? Odin! I know all, her burnt, thrice burnt, where thou thine eye didst thrice brought her forth, sink in the pure well of oft not seldom; yet she Mim." Mim drinks mead still lives. each morn from Valfather's 26. Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the 30. There alone was well-foreseeing Vala: with anger swollen. He wolves she tamed, magic seldom sits, when of the arts she knew, magic arts like he hears. Oaths are practised; ever was she the not held sacred; nor joy of evil people. words, nor swearing, nor 27. Then went the powers binding compacts all to their judgment-seats, reciprocally made. the all-holy gods, and 31. She knows that thereon held council, Heimdall's horn is hidden whether the Æsir should under the heaven-bright avenge the crime, or all the holy tree. A river she sees gods receive atonement. flow, with foamy fall, 28. Broken was the outer from Valfather's pledge. wall of the Æsir's burgh. Understand ye yet, or The , foreseeing what? conflict, tramp o'er the 32. East sat the crone, in plains. Odin cast [his Iârnvidir, and there spear], and mid the people reared up 's hurled it: that was the first progeny: of all shall be warfare in the world. one especially the moon's 29. Then went the powers devourer, in a troll's all to their judgment-seats, semblance. the all-holy gods, and 33. He is sated with the thereon held council: who last breath of dying men; had all the air with evil the god's seat he with red mingled? or to the Jötun gore defiles: swart is the race Od's maid had given? sunshine then for summers after; all weather turns to storm. Understand ye yet, or Understand ye yet, or what? what? 38. Bound she saw lying, 34. There on a height sat, under Hveralund, a striking a harp, the monstrous form, to giantess's watch, the joyous like. There sits , for Egdir; by him crowed, in her consort's sake, not the bird-wood, the bright right . Understand ye red cock, which Fialar yet, or what? hight. 39. Then the Vala knew 35. Crowed o'er the Æsir the fatal bonds were Gullinkambi, which twisting, most rigid, wakens heroes with the sire bonds from entrails of hosts; but another crows made. beneath the earth, a soot- 40. From the east a river red cock, in the halls of falls, through venom . dales, with mire and 36. I saw of Baldr, the clods, Slîd is its name. blood-stained god, Odin's 41. On the north there son, the hidden fate. There stood, on Nida-fells, a stood grown up, high on hall of gold, for 's the plain, slender and race; and another stood passing fair, the mistletoe. in Okôlnir, the Jötuns 37. From that shrub was beer-hall which Brîmir made, as to me it seemed, a hight. deadly, noxious dart. Hödr 42. She saw a hall shot it forth; but standing, far from the bewailed, in , sun, in Nâströnd; its Valhall's calamity. doors are northward turned, venom-drops fall in 47. Mim's sons dance, through its apertures: but the central tree takes entwined is that hall with fire at the resounding serpents' backs. Giallar-horn. Loud blows 43. She there saw wading Heimdall, his horn is the sluggish streams raised; Odin speaks with bloodthirsty men and Mim's head. perjurers, and him who the 48. Trembles Yggdrasil's ear beguiles of another's ash yet standing; groans wife. There Nidhögg sucks that aged tree, and the the corpses of the dead; the jötun is loosed. Loud wolf tears men. Understand bays Garm before the ye yet, or what? Gnupa-cave, his bonds 44. Further forward I see, he rends asunder; and the much can I say of wolf runs. Ragnarök and the gods' 49. Hrym steers from the conflict. east, the waters rise, the 45. Brothers shall fight, and mundane snake is coiled slay each other; cousins in jötun-rage. The worm shall kinship violate. The beats the water, and the earth resounds, the eagle screams: the pale of giantesses flee; no man will beak tears carcases; another spare. Naglfar is loosed. 46. Hard is it in the world, 50. That ship fares from great whoredom, an axe the east: come will age, a sword age, shields Muspell's people o'er the shall be cloven, a wind age, sea, and Loki steers. The a wolf age, ere the world monster's kin goes all sinks. with the wolf; with them the brother is of Byleist on make his sword pierce to their course. the heart of the giant's 51. Surt from the south son: then avenges he his comes with flickering father. flame; shines from his 55. Then comes the sword the Val-gods' sun. mighty son of Hlôdyn: The stony hills are dashed (Odin's son goes with the together, the giantesses monster to fight); totter; men tread the path of Midgârd's Veor in his Hel, and heaven is cloven. rage will slay the worm. 52. How is it with the Nine feet will go Æsir? How with the Alfar? Fiörgyn's son, bowed by All Jötunheim resounds; the serpent, who feared the Æsir are in council. The no foe. All men will their dwarfs groan before their homes forsake. stony doors, the sages of 56. The sun darkens, the rocky walls. earth in ocean sinks, fall Understand ye yet, or from heaven the bright what? stars, fire's breath assails 53. Then arises Hlîn's the all-nourishing tree, second grief, when Odin towering fire plays goes with the wolf to fight, against heaven itself. and the bright slayer of 57. She sees arise, a with Surt. Then will Frigg's second time, earth from beloved fall. ocean, beauteously 54. Then comes the great green, waterfalls victor-sire's son, Vidar, to descending; the eagle fight with the deadly beast. flying over, which in the He with his hands will fell captures fish. 58. The Æsir meet on Ida's bedecked, in Gimill: plain, and of the mighty there shall be righteous earth-encircler speak, and people dwell, and for there to memory call their evermore happiness mighty deeds, and the enjoy. supreme god's ancient lore. 64. Then comes the mighty one to the great 59. There shall again the judgment, the powerful wondrous golden tables in from above, who rules the grass be found, which o'er all. He shall dooms in days of old had pronounce, and strifes possessed the ruler of the allay, holy peace gods, and Fiölnir's race. establish, which shall 60. Unsown shall the fields ever be. bring forth, all evil be 65. There comes the dark amended; Baldr shall come; dragon flying from Hödr and Baldr, the beneath the glistening heavenly gods, Hropt's serpent, from Nida-fels. glorious dwellings shall On his wings bears inhabit. Understand ye yet, Nidhögg, flying o'er the or what? plain, a corpse. Now she 61. Then can Hoenir will descend. choose his lot, and the two brothers' sons inhabit the spacious Vindheim. Understand ye yet, or what? 62. She a hall standing than the sun brighter, with gold in the gods' dwellings; because no Jötun is, I believe, so mighty as is Vafthrûdnir. Odin. THE LAY OF 3. Much have I VAFTHRUDNIR. journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved; but this I Odin visits the Giant fain would know, how in (Jötun) Vafthrûdnir, for the Vafthrûdnir's halls it is. purpose of proving his Frigg. knowledge. They propose 4. In safety mayest thou questions relative to the go, in safety return; in Cosmogony of the safety on thy journeyings Northern creed, on the be; may thy wit avail conditions that the baffled thee, when thou, father of party forfeit his head. The men! shalt hold converse Jötun incurs the penalty. with the Jötun. Odin. 5. Then went Odin the 1. Counsel thou me now, lore to prove of that all- Frigg! as I long to go wise Jötun. To the hall he Vafthrûdnir to visit; great came which Im's father desire, I say, I have, in owned. Ygg went ancient lore with that all- forthwith in. wise Jötun to contend. Odin. Frigg. 6. Hail to thee, 2. At home to bide Vafthrûdnir! to thy hall I Hærfather I would counsel, am now come, thyself to see; for I fain would know, brings him, I ween, no whether thou art a cunning good, who visits an and all-wise Jötun. austere man. Vafthrûdnir. Vafthrûdnir. 7. What man is this, that in 11. Tell me, Gagnrâd! my habitation by word since on the floor thou addresses me? Out thou wilt prove thy goest not from our halls, if proficiency, how the thou art not the wiser. horse is called that draws Odin. each day forth over 8. Gagnrâd is my name, human kind? from my journey I am Gagnrâd. come thirsty to thy halls, 12. Skinfaxi he is named, needing hospitality,—for I that the bright day draws long have journeyed—and forth over human kind. kind reception from thee, Of coursers he is best Jötun! accounted among the Vafthrûdnir. Reid-goths. Ever sheds 9. Why then, Gagnrâd! light that horse's mane. speakest thou from the Vafthrûdnir. floor? Take in the hall a 13. Tell me now, seat; then shall be proved Gagnrâd! since on the which knows most, the floor thou wilt prove thy guest or the ancient talker. proficiency, how that Gagnrâd. steed is called, which 10. A poor man should, from the east draws night who to a rich man comes, o'er the beneficent speak usefully or hold his powers? tongue: over-much talk Gagnrâd. 14. Hrimfaxi he is called, 18. Vigrid the plain is that each night draws forth called where in fight over the beneficent powers. shall meet Surt and the He from his bit lets fall gentle Gods; a hundred drops every morn, whence rasts it is on every side. in the dales comes dew. That plain is to them Vafthrûdnir. decreed. 15. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since Vafthrûdnir. on the floor thou wilt prove 19. Wise art thou, O thy proficiency, how the guest! Approach the stream is called, which Jötuns bench, and sitting earth divides between the let us together talk; we Jötuns and the Gods? will our heads in the hall Gagnrâd. pledge, guest! for wise 16. Ifing the stream is utterance. called which earth divides Gagnrâd. between the Jötuns and the 20. Tell me first, if thy Gods: open shall it run wit suffices, and thou, throughout all time. On that Vafthrûdnir! knowest, stream no ice shall be. whence first came the Vafthrûdnir. earth, and the high 17. Tell me, Gagnrâd! since heaven, thou, sagacious on the floor thou wilt prove Jötun? thy proficiency, how that Vafthrûdnir. plain is called, where in 21. From Ymir's flesh the fight shall meet Surt and earth was formed, and the gentle Gods? from his bones the hills, Gagnrâd. the heaven from the skull of that ice-cold giant, and from his blood the sea. beneficent powers Gagnrâd. created, to count years 22. Tell me secondly, if thy for men. wit suffices, and thou, Gagnrâd. Vafthrûdnir! knowest, 26. Tell me fourthly, whence came the moon, since they pronounce which over mankind thee sage, and if thou, passes, and the sun Vafthrûdnir! knowest, likewise? whence winter came, and Vafthrûdnir. warm summer first 23. Mundilfoeri hight he, among the wise gods? who the moon's father is, Vafthrûdnir. and eke the sun's: round 27. Vindsval hight he, heaven journey each day who winter's father is, they must, to count years and Svâsud summer's; for men. yearly they both shall Gagnrâd. ever journey, until the 24. Tell me thirdly, since powers perish. thou art called wise, and if Gagnrâd. thou, Vafthrûdnir! knowest, 28. Tell me fifthly, since whence came the day, they pronounce thee which over people passes, sage, and if thou, and night with waning Vafthrûdnir! knowest, moons? which of the Æsir Vafthrûdnir. earliest, or of Ymir's 25. Delling hight he who sons, in days of old the day's father is, but night existed? was of Nörvi born; the new Vafthrûdnir. and waning moons the 29. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, was girl and boy together; born; foot with foot begat, of Thrûdgelmir was his sire, that wise Jötun, a six- his grandsire Aurgelmir. headed son. Gagnrâd. Gagnrâd. 30. Tell me sixthly, since 34. Tell me eighthly, thou art called wise, and if since thou art called thou, Vafthrûdnir! knowest, wise, and if thou whence first came knowest, Vafthrûdnir! Aurgelmir, among the what thou doest first Jötun's sons, thou sagacious remember, or earliest Jötun? knowest? Thou art an all- Vafthrûdnir. wise Jötun. 31. From Elivâgar sprang Vafthrûdnir. venom drops, which grew 35. Countless winters, till they became a Jötun; ere earth was formed, but sparks flew from the Bergelmir was born. That south-world: to the ice the I first remember, when fire gave life. that wise Jötun in an ark Gagnrâd. was laid. 33. Tell me seventhly, since Gagnrâd. thou are called wise, and if 36. Tell me ninthly, since thou knowest, Vafthrûdnir! thou art called wise, and how he children begat, the if thou knowest, bold Jötun, as he had no Vafthrûdnir! whence the giantess's company? wind comes, that over Vafthrûdnir. ocean passes, itself 33. Under the armpit grew, invisible to man? 'tis said, of the Hrîmthurs, a Vafthrûdnir. 37. Hraesvelg he is called, halls, until the powers who at the end of heaven perish? sits, a Jötun in an eagle's Vafthrûdnir. plumage: from his wings 41. All the Einheriar in comes, it is said, the wind, Odin's halls each day that over all men passes. together fight; the fallen Gagnrâd. they choose, and from 38. Tell me tenthly, since the conflict ride; beer thou all the origin of the with the Æsir drink, of gods knowest, Vafthrûdnir! Saehrimnir eat their fill, whence Niörd came among then sit in harmony the Æsir's sons? O'er fanes together. and offer-steads he rules by Gagnrâd. hundreds, yet was not 42. Tell me twelfthly, as among the Æsir born. thou all the condition of Vafthrûdnir. the gods knowest, 39. In Vanaheim wise Vafthrûdnir! of the powers him created, and to Jötuns' secrets, and of all the gods a hostage gave. At the gods', say what truest the world's dissolution, he is, thou all-knowing will return to the wise Jötun! Vanir. Vafthrûdnir. Gagnrâd. 43. Of the secrets of the 40. Tell me eleventhly, Jötuns and of all the since all the condition of gods, I can truly tell; for I the gods thou knowest, have over each world Vafthrûdnir! what the travelled; to Einheriar do in Haerfather's nine worlds I came, to Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel. Gagnrâd. Gagnrâd. 48. Much have I 44. Much have I journeyed, journeyed, etc. Who are much experienced, mighty the maidens that o'er the ones many proved. What ocean travel, wise of mortals will live, when the spirit, journey? great "Fimbul"-winter shall Vafthrûdnir. from men have passed? 49. O'er people's Vafthrûdnir. dwellings three descend 45. Lif and Lifthrasir; but of Mögthrasir's maidens, they will be concealed in the sole Hamingiur who Hoddmimir's holt. The are in the world, although morning dews they will with Jötuns nurtured. have for food. From, them Gagnrâd. shall men be born. 50. Much have I Gagnrâd. journeyed, etc. Which of 46. Much have I journeyed, the Æsir will rule o'er the much experienced, mighty gods' possession, when ones many proved. Whence Surt's fire shall be will come the sun in that quenched? fair heaven, when Fenrir Vafthrûdnir. has this devoured? 51. Vidar and Vali will Vafthrûdnir. the gods' holy fanes 47. A daughter shall inhabit, when Surt's fire Alfrödull bear, ere Fenrir shall be quenched. Môdi shall have swallowed her. and Magni will Miöllnir The maid shall ride, when possess, and warfare the powers die, on her strive to end. mother's course. Gagnrâd. 52. Much have I journeyed, etc. What of Odin will the life's end be, when the powers perish? Vafthrûdnir. 53. The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar THE LAY OF will avenge: he his cold GRIMNIR. jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf. Gagnrâd. 1. Fire! thou art hot, and 54. Much have I journeyed, much too great; flame! etc. What said Odin in his let us separate. My son's ear, ere he on the pile garment is singed, was laid? although I lift it up, my Vafthrûdnir. cloak is scorched before 55. That no one knoweth, it. what thou in days of old 2. Eight nights have I sat saidst in thy son's ear. With between fires here, and to dying mouth my ancient me no one food has saws I have said, and the offered, save only Agnar, gods' destruction. With the son of Geirröd, who Odin I have contended in alone shall rule over the wise utterances: of men land of Goths. thou ever art the wisest! 3. Be thou blessed, Agnar! as blessed as the god of men bids thee to be. For one draught thou never shalt get better 9. Easily to be known is, recompense. by those who to Odin 4. Holy is the land, which I come, the mansion by its see lying to Æsir and Alfar aspect. Its roof with near; but in Thrûdheim spears is laid, its hall Thor shall dwell until the with shields is decked, powers perish. with corslets are its 5. Ydalir it is called, where benches strewed. has himself a dwelling 10. Easily to be known made. Alfheim the gods to is, by those who to Odin Frey gave in days of yore come, the mansion by its for a tooth-gift. aspect. A wolf hangs 6. The third dwelling is, before the western door, where the kind powers over it an eagle hovers. have with silver decked the 11. Thrymheim the sixth hall; Valaskiâlf 'tis called, is named, where Thiassi which for himself acquired dwelt that all-powerful the As in days of old. Jötun; but Skadi now 7. Sökkvabekk the fourth is inhabits, the bright bride named o'er which the gelid of gods, her father's waves resound; Odin and ancient home. there, joyful each day, 12. Breidablik is the from golden beakers quaff. seventh, where Baldr has 8. Gladsheim the fifth is built for himself a hall, in named, there the golden- that land, in which I bright Valhall stands know exists the fewest spacious, there Hropt crimes. selects each day those men 13. Himinbiörg is the who die by weapons. eighth, where Heimdall, it is said, rules o'er the holy 18. Andhrimnir makes, in fanes: there the gods' Eldhrimnir, Sæhrimnir to watchman, in his tranquil boil, of meats the best; home, drinks joyful the but few know how many good mead. Einheriar it feeds. 14. Fôlkvang is the ninth, 19. Geri and Freki the there Freyia directs the war-wont sates, the sittings in the hall. She half triumphant sire of hosts; the fallen chooses each day, but on wine only the but Odin th' other half. famed in arms, Odin, 15. is the tenth; it is ever lives. on gold sustained, and eke 20. Hugin and Munin fly with silver decked. There each day over the dwells throughout spacious earth. I fear for all time, and every strife Hugin, that he come not allays. back, yet more anxious 16. Nôatûn is the eleventh, am I for Munin. there Niörd has himself a 21. Thund roars; joyful in dwelling made, prince of Thiodvitnir's water lives men; guiltless of sin, he the fish; the rapid river rules o'er the high-built seems too great for the fane. battle-steed to ford. 17. O'ergrown with 22. Valgrind is the lattice branches and high grass is called, in the plain that Vidar's spacious Landvîdi: stands, holy before the There will the son descend, holy gates: ancient is that from the steed's back, bold lattice, but few only to avenge his father. know how it is closed with lock. 23. Five hundred doors, and Rennandi, Gipul and and forty eke, I think, are in Göpul, Gömul and Valhall. Eight hundred Geirvimul: they round Einheriar will at once from the gods' dwelling wind. each door go when they Thyn and Vin, Thöll and issue with the wolf to fight. Höll, Grâd and 24. Five hundred floors, Gunnthorin. and forty eke, I think, has 28. Vina one is called, a with its second Vegsvin, a third windings. Of all the roofed Thiodnuma; Nyt and Nön houses that I know, is my and Hrön, Slid and Hrid, son's the greatest. Sylg and Ylg, Vîd and 25. Heidrûn the goat is Vân, Vönd and Strönd, called, that stands o'er Gioll and Leipt; these Odin's hall, and bites from (two) fall near to men, Lærâd's branches. He a but fall hence to Hel. bowl shall fill with the 29. Körmt and Ormt, and bright mead; that drink the Kerlaugs twain: these shall never fail. Thor must wade each 26. Eikthyrnir the hart is day, when he to council called, that stands o'er goes at Yggdrasil's ash; Odin's hall, and bites from for the As-bridge is all on Lærâd's branches; from his fire, the holy waters boil. horns fall drops into 30. Glad and , Gler , whence all and Skeidbrimir, waters rise:— Sillfrintopp and Sinir, 27. Sid and Vid, Soekin and Gisl and Falhôfnir, Eikin, Svöl and Gunnthrô, Gulltopp and Lettfeti; on Fiörm and Fimbulthul, Rin these steeds the Æsir each day ride, when they to 35. Yggdrasil's ash council go, at Yggdrasil's hardship suffers greater ash. than men know of; a hart 31. Three roots stand on bites it above, and in its three ways under side it rots, Nidhögg Yggdrasil's ash: Hel under beneath tears it. one abides, under the 36. Hrist and Mist the second the Hrimthursar, horn shall bear me under the third mankind. Skeggöld and Skögul, 32. Ratatösk is the squirrel Hlökk and Herfiotur, named, which, has to run in Hildi and Thrûdi, Göll Yggdrasil's ash; he from and Geirölul, Randgríd above the eagle's words and Râdgrîd, and must carry, and beneath to Reginleif, these bear beer Nidhögg repeat. to the Einheriar. 33. Harts there are also 37. Arvakr and Alsvid, four, which from its theirs 'tis up hence summits, arch-necked, fasting the sun to draw: gnaw. Dâin and Dvalin, under their shoulder the Duneyr and Durathrôr. gentle powers, the Æsir, 34. More serpents lie under have concealed an iron- Yggdrasil's ash, than any coolness. one would think of witless 38. Svalin the shield is mortals: Gôin and Môin,— called, which stands they are Grafvitnir's sons— before the sun, the Grâbak and Grafvöllud, refulgent deity; rocks and Ofnir and Svafnir, will, I ocean must, I ween, be ween, the branches of that burnt, fell it from its tree ever lacerate. place. 39. Sköll the wolf is the bright Frey, Niörd's named, that the fair-faced benign son. goddess to the ocean 44. Yggdrasil's ash is of chases; another Hati hight, all trees most excellent, he is Hrôdvitnir's son; he and of all ships, the bright maid of heaven Skidbladnir, of the Æsir, shall precede. Odin, and of horses, 40. Of Ymir's flesh was , Bifröst of earth created, of his blood bridges, and of skallds, the sea, of his bones the , Hâbrôk of hawks, hills, of his hair trees and and of dogs, Garm, plants, of his skull the [ of swords.] heaven; 45. Now I my face have 41. And of his brows the raised to the gods' gentle powers formed triumphant sons, at that Midgard for the sons of will welcome help men; but of his brain the awake; from all the Æsir, heavy clouds are all that shall penetrate, to created. Oegir's bench, to Oegir's 42. Ullr's and all the gods' compotation. favour shall have, whoever 46. I am called Grim, I first shall look to the fire; am called Gangleri, for open will the dwelling Herian and Hiâlmberi, be, to the Æsir's sons, when Thekk and Thridi, Thund the kettles are lifted off. and Ud, and 43. Ivaldi's sons went in Har, days of old Skidbladnir to 47. Sad and Svipall, and form, of ships the best, for Sanngetall, Herteit and Hnikar Bileyg, Bâleyg, Bölverk, Fiölnir, Grîm and didst thou lose, when Grimnir, Glapsvid and thou wast of my help Fiölsvid, bereft, of all the 48. Sîdhött, Sîdskegg Einheriar's and Odin's Sigfödr, Hnikud, Alfodr, favour. Valfödr, Atrid and 52. Many things I told Farmatyr; by one name I thee, but thou hast few never have been called, remembered: thy friends since among men I have mislead thee. My friend's gone. sword lying I see, with 49. Grimnir I am called at blood all dripping. Geirröd's, and at Asmund's 53. The fallen by the Jâlk and Kialar, when a sword Ygg shall now sledge I drew; Thrôr at the have; thy life is now run public meetings, Vidur in out: Wroth with thee are battles, Oski and Omi, the Dîsir: Odin thou now Jafnhâr and Biflindi, shalt see: draw near to Gôndlir and Harbard with me if thou canst. the gods. 54. Odin I now am 50. Svidur and Svidrir I named, Ygg I was called was at Sökkmimir's called, before, before that, and beguiled that ancient Thund, Vakr and Jötun, when of Midvitnir's Skilfing, Vâfudr and renowned son I was the Hrôptatyr, with the gods, sole destroyer. Gaut and Jâlk, Ofnir and 51. Drunken art thou, Svafnir, all which I Geirröd, thou hast drunk believe to be names of too much, thou art greatly me alone. by mead beguiled. Much 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 BALDR'S DREAMS. him from the fires, when the sword slipt from his hand with the hilt 1. Together were the Æsir downwards; and the king all in council, and the having stumbled, the sword Asyniur all in pierced him through and conference, and they killed him. Odin then consulted, the mighty vanished, and Agnar was gods, why Baldr had king for a long time after. oppressive dreams. 2. [To that god his slumber was most afflicting; his auspicious dreams seemed departed. They the Jötuns questioned, wise seers of the future, whether this might not forebode calamity? 3. The responses said that to death destined was Ullr's kinsman, of all the dearest: that caused grief to Frigg and Svafnir, and to the other powers—On a course they resolved: rode Ygg to the eastern 4. That they would send to gate, where he knew every being, assurance to there was a Vala's grave. solicit, Baldr not to harm. 9. To the prophetess, he All species swore oaths to began a magic song to spare him; Frigg received chant, towards the north all their vows and looked, potent compacts. applied, a spell 5. Valfather fears pronounced, an answer something defective; he demanded, until thinks the Hamingiur may compelled she rose, and have departed; the Æsir he with deathlike voice she convenes, their counsel said: craves: at the deliberation Vala. much is devised.] 10. "What man is this, to 6. Uprose Odin lord of men me unknown, who has and on Sleipnir he the for me increased an saddle laid; rode thence irksome course? I have down to Niflhel. A dog he with snow been decked, met, from Hel coming. by rain beaten, and with 7. It was blood-stained on dew moistened: long its breast, on its slaughter- have I been dead." craving throat, and nether Vegtam. jaw. It bayed and widely 11. "Vegtam is my name, gaped at the sire of magic I am Valtam's son. Tell song:—long it howled. thou me of Hel: from, 8. Forth rode Odin—the earth I call on thee. For ground rattled—till to Hel's whom are those benches lofty house he came. Then strewed o'er with rings, those costly couches who on Hödr vengeance o'erlaid with gold?" will inflict, or Baldr's Vala. slayer raise on the pile." 12. "Here stands mead, for Vala. Baldr brewed, over the 16. "Rind a son shall bright potion a shield is bear, in the western halls: laid; but the Æsir race are he shall slay Odin's son, in despair. By compulsion I when one night old. He a have spoken. I will now be hand will not wash, nor silent." his head comb, ere he to Vegtam. the pile has borne Baldr's 13. "Be not silent, Vala! I a d v e r s a r y . B y will question thee, until I compulsion I have know all. I will yet know spoken; I will now be who will Baldr's slayer be, silent." and Odin's son of life Vegtam. bereave." 17. "Be not silent, Vala! I Vala. will question thee, until I 14. "Hödr will hither his know all. I will yet know glorious brother send, he of who the maidens are, that Baldr will the slayer be, weep at will, and and Odin's son of life heavenward cast their bereave. By compulsion I neck-veils? Tell me but have spoken; I will now be that: till then thou silent." sleepest not." Vegtam. Vala. 15. "Be not silent, Vala! I 18. "Not Vegtam art thou, will question thee, until I as I before believed; know all. I will yet know rather art thou Odin, lord of men!" Odin. 19. "Thou art no Vala, nor wise woman, rather art thou the mother of three Thursar." Vala. THE HIGH ONE'S LAY. 20. "Home ride thou, Odin! and exult. Thus shall never 1. All door-ways, before more man again visit me, going forward, should be until Loki free from his looked to; for difficult it bonds escapes, and is to know where foes Ragnarök all-destroying may sit within a comes.” dwelling. 2. Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much haste is he, who on the ways has to try his luck. 3. Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are frozen; food and raiment a man requires, wheo'er the fell has travelled. 4. Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can 9. He is happy, who in get it, discourse and himself possesses fame answer. and wit while living; for 5. Wit is needful to him bad counsels have oft who travels far: at home all been received from is easy. A laughing-stock is another's breast. he who nothing knows, and 10. A better burthen no with the instructed sits. man bears on the way 6. Of his understanding no than much good sense; one should be proud, but that is thought better than rather in conduct cautious. riches in a strange place; When the prudent and such is the recourse of taciturn come to a dwelling, the indigent. harm seldom befalls the 11. A worse provision on cautious; for a firmer friend the way he cannot carry no man ever gets than great than too much beer- sagacity. bibbing; so good is not, 7. A wary guest, who to as it is said, beer for the refection comes, keeps a sons of men. cautious silence, with his 12. A worse provision no ears listens, and with his man can take from table eyes observes: so explores than too much beer- every prudent man. bibbing: for the more he 8. He is happy, who for drinks the less control he himself obtains fame and has of his own mind. kind words: less sure is that 13. Oblivion's heron 'tis which a man must have in called that over potations another's breast. hovers; he steals the minds of men. With this bird's pinions I was fettered ruled, who common in Gunnlods dwelling. sense possesses. 14. Drunk I was, I was 19. Let a man hold the over-drunk, at that cunning cup, yet of the mead Fialar's. It's the best drink moderately, speak drunkenness, when every sensibly or be silent. As one after it regains his of a fault no man will reason. admonish thee, if thou 15. Taciturn and prudent, goest betimes to sleep. and in war daring, should a 20. A greedy man, if he king's children be; joyous be not moderate, eats to and liberal every one his mortal sorrow. should be until his hour of Oftentimes his belly death. draws laughter on a silly 16. A cowardly man thinks man, who among the he will ever live, if warfare prudent comes. he avoids; but old age will 21. Cattle know when to give him no peace, though go home, and then from spears may spare him. grazing cease; but a 17. A fool gapes when to a foolish man never knows house he comes, to himself his stomach's measure. mutters or is silent; but all 22. A miserable man, and at once, if he gets drink, ill-conditioned, sneers at then is the man's mind every thing: one thing he displayed. knows not, which he 18. He alone knows who ought to know, that he is wanders wide, and has not free from faults. much experienced, by what 23. A foolish man is all disposition each man is night awake, pondering over everything; he then know nothing, talk he grows tired; and when ever so much. morning comes, all is 28. He thinks himself lament as before. wise, who can ask 24. A foolish man thinks all questions and converse who on him smile to be his also; conceal his friends; he feels it not, ignorance no one can, although they speak ill of because it circulates him, when he sits among among men. the clever. 29. He utters too many 25. A foolish man thinks all futile words who is never who speak him fair to be silent; a garrulous his friends; but he will find, tongue, if it be not if into court he comes, that checked, sings often to he has few advocates. its own harm. 26. A foolish man thinks he 30. For a gazing-stock no knows everything if placed man shall have another, in unexpected difficulty; although he come a but he knows not what to stranger to his house. answer, if to the test he is Many a one thinks put. himself wise, if he is not 27. A foolish man, who questioned, and can sit in among people comes, had a dry habit. best be silent; for no one 31. Clever thinks himself knows that he knows the guest who jeers a nothing, unless he talks too guest, if he takes to much. He who previously flight. Knows it not knew nothing will still certainly he who prates at meat, whether he babbles among foes. goats possess, and a 32. Many men are mutually straw-thatched cot, even well-disposed, yet at table that is better than will torment each other. begging. That strife will ever be; 37. One's own house is guest will guest irritate. best, small though it be, 33. Early meals a man at home is every one his should often take, unless to own master. Bleeding at a friend's house he goes; heart is he, who has to else he will sit and mope, ask for food at every will seem half-famished, meal-tide. and can of few things 38. Leaving in the field inquire. his arms, let no man go a 34. Long is and indirect the foot's length forward; for way to a bad friend's, it is hard to know when though by the road he on the way a man may dwell; but to a good friend's need his weapon. the paths lie direct, though 39. I have never found a he be far away. man so bountiful, or so 35. A guest should depart, hospitable that he refused not always stay in one a present; or of his place. The welcome property so liberal that he becomes unwelcome, if he scorned a recompense. too long continues in 40. Of the property another's house. which he has gained no 36. One's own house is man should suffer need; best, small though it be; at for the hated oft is spared home is every one his own what for the dear was master. Though he but two destined. Much goes worse than is expected. 45. If thou hast another, 41. With arms and whom thou little trustest, vestments friends should yet wouldst good from each other gladden, those him derive, thou shouldst which are in themselves speak him fair, but think most sightly. Givers and craftily, and leasing pay requiters are longest with lying. friends, if all [else] goes 46. But of him yet well. further, whom thou little 42. To his friend a man trustest, and thou should be a friend, and gifts suspectest his affection; with gifts requite. Laughter before him thou shouldst with laughter men should laugh, and contrary to thy receive, but leasing with thoughts speak: requital lying. should the gift resemble. 43. To his friend a man 47. I was once young, I should be a friend; to him was journeying alone, and to his friend; but of his and lost my way; rich I foe no man shall the thought myself, when I friend's friend be. met another. Man is the 44. Know, if thou hast a joy of man. friend whom thou fully 48. Liberal and brave trustest, and from whom men live best, they thou woulds't good derive, seldom cherish sorrow; thou shouldst blend thy but a base-minded man mind with his, and gifts dreads everything; the exchange, and often go to niggardly is uneasy even see him. at gifts. 49. My garments in a field I gave away to two 54. Moderately wise wooden men: heroes they should each one be, but seemed to be, when they never over-wise: of those got cloaks: exposed to men the lives are fairest, insult is a naked man. who know much well. 50. A tree withers that on a 55. Moderately wise hill-top stands; protects it should each one be, but neither bark nor leaves: never over-wise; for a such is the man whom no wise man's heart is one favours: why should he seldom glad, if he is all- live long? wise who owns it. 51. Hotter than fire love for 56. Moderately wise five days burns between should each one be, but false friends; but is never over-wise. His quenched when the sixth destiny let know no man day comes, and-friendship beforehand; his mind will is all impaired. be freest from' care. 52. Something great is not 57. Brand burns from [always] to be given, praise brand until it is burnt out; is often for a trifle bought. fire is from fire With half a loaf and a tilted quickened. Man to' man vessel I got myself a becomes known by comrade. speech, but a fool by his 53. Little are the sand- bashful silence. grains, little the wits, little 58. He should early rise, the minds of [some] men; who another's property or for all men are not wise life desires to have. alike: men are everywhere Seldom a sluggish wolf by halves. gets prey, or a sleeping man victory. eagle over old ocean; so 59. Early should rise he is a man, who among who has few workers, and many comes, and has few go his work to see to; advocates. greatly is he retarded who 64. His power should sleeps the morn away. every sagacious man use Wealth half depends on with discretion; for he energy. will find, when among 60. Of dry planks and roof- the bold he comes, that shingles a man knows the no one alone is measure; of the fire-wood doughtiest. that may suffice, both 65. Circumspect and measure and time. reserved every man 61. Washed and refected let should be, and wary in a man ride to the thing, trusting friends. Of the although his garments be words that a man says to not too good; of his shoes another he often pays the and breeches let no one be penalty. ashamed, nor of his horse, 66. Much too early I although he have not a came to many places, but good one. too late to others: the 62. Inquire and impart beer was drunk, or not should every man of sense, ready: the disliked who will be accounted seldom hits the moment. sage. Let one only know, a 67. Here and there I second may not; if three, all should have been invited, the world knows. if I a meal had needed; or 63. Gasps and gapes, when two hams had hung, at to the sea he comes, the that true friend's, where of one I had eaten. seldom stand by the way- 68. Fire is best among the side unless raised by a sons of men, and the sight kinsman to a kinsman. of the sun, if his health a 73. Two are adversaries: man can have, with a life the tongue is the bane of free from vice. the head: under every 69. No man lacks cloak I expect a hand. * * everything, although his * health be bad: one in his 74. At night is joyful he sons is happy, one in his who is sure of travelling kin, one in abundant entertainment. [A ship's wealth, one in his good yards are short.] Variable works. is an autumn night. Many 70. It is better to live, even are the weather's changes to live miserably; a living in five days, but more in man can always get a cow. a month. I saw fire consume the rich 75. He [only] knows not man's property, and death who knows nothing, that stood without his door. many a one apes another. 71. The halt can ride on One man is rich, another horseback, the one-handed poor: let him not be drive cattle; the deaf fight thought blameworthy. and be useful: to be blind is 76. Cattle die, kindred better than to be burnt no die, we ourselves also one gets good from a die; but the fair fame corpse. never dies of him who 72. A son is better, even if has earned it. born late, after his father's 77. Cattle die, kindred departure. Gravestones die, we ourselves also die; but I know one thing passed away, beer after it that never dies,—judgment is drunk. on each one dead. 82. In the wind one 78. Full storehouses I saw should hew wood, in a at Dives' sons': now bear breeze row out to sea, in they the beggar's staff. the dark talk with a lass: Such are riches; as is the many are the eyes of day. twinkling of an eye: of In a ship voyages are to friends they are most fickle. be made, but a shield is 79. A foolish man, if he for protection, a sword acquires wealth or woman's for striking, but a damsel love, pride grows within for a kiss. him, but wisdom never: he 83. By the fire one goes on more and more should drink beer, on the arrogant. ice slide; buy a horse that 80. Then 'tis made is lean, a sword that is manifest, if of runes thou rusty; feed a horse at questionest him, those to home, but a dog at the the high ones known, farm. which the 84. In a maiden's words great powers invented, and no one should place faith, the great talker painted, that nor in what a woman he had best hold silence. says; for on a turning 81. At eve the day is to be wheel have their hearts praised, a woman after she been formed, and guile in is burnt, a sword after it is their breasts been laid; proved, a maid after she is 85. In a creaking bow, a married, ice after it has burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering crow, a grunting swine, a rootless 90. Such is the love of tree, a waxing wave, a women, who falsehood boiling kettle, meditate, as if one drove 86. A flying dart, a falling not rough-shod, on billow, a one night's ice, a slippery ice, a spirited coiled serpent, a woman's two-years old and bed-talk, or a broken unbroken horse; or as in sword, a bear's play, or a a raging storm a helmless royal child, ship is beaten; or as if the 87. A sick calf, a self-willed halt were set to catch a thrall, a flattering reindeer in the thawing prophetess, a corpse newly fell. slain, [a serene sky, a 91. Openly I now speak, laughing lord, a barking because I both sexes dog, and a harlot's grief]; know: unstable are men's 88. An early sown field let minds towards women; no one trust, nor 'tis then we speak most prematurely in a son: fair when we most weather rules the field, and falsely think: that wit the son, each of which deceives even the is doubtful; cautious. 89. A brother's murderer, 92. Fair shall speak, and though on the high road money offer, who would met, a half-burnt house, an obtain a woman's love. over-swift horse, (a horse is Praise the form of a fair useless, if a leg be broken), damsel; he gets who no man is so confiding as to courts her. trust any of these. 93. At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous countenance oft wilt talk the maiden over; captivates the wise, which all will be disastrous, captivates not the foolish. unless we alone are privy 94. Let no one wonder at to such misdeed." another's folly, it is the lot 99. I returned, thinking to of many. All-powerful love, at her wise desire. I desire makes of the sons of thought I should obtain men fools even of the wise. her whole heart and love. 95. The mind only knows 100. When next I came what lies near the heart, the bold warriors were all that alone is conscious of awake, with lights our affections. No disease burning, and bearing is worse to a sensible man torches: thus was the way than not to be content with to pleasure closed. himself. 101. But at the approach 96. That I experienced, of morn, when again I when in the reeds I sat, came, the household all awaiting my delight. Body was sleeping; the good and soul to me was that damsel's dog alone I discreet maiden: found tied to the bed. nevertheless I possess her 102. Many a fair maiden, not. when rightly known, 97. Billing's lass on her towards men is fickle: couch I found, sun-bright, that I experienced, when sleeping. A prince's joy to that discreet maiden I me seemed naught, if not strove to seduce: with that form to live. contumely of every kind 98. "Yet nearer eve must that wily girl heaped thou, Odin, come, if thou upon me; nor of that damsel gained I aught. ways: thus I my head did 103. At home let a man be peril. cheerful, and towards a 108. Of a well-assumed guest liberal; of wise form I made good use: conduct he should be, of few things fail the wise; good memory and ready for Odhrærir is now speech; if much knowledge come up to men's earthly he desires, he must often dwellings. talk on good. 109. 'Tis to me doubtful 104. Fimbulfambi he is that I could have come called who' little has to say: from the Jotun's courts, such is the nature of the had not Gunnlod aided simple. me, that good damsel, 105. The old Jotun I over whom I laid my sought; now I am come arm. back: little got I there by 110. On the day silence; in many words I following came the spoke to my advantage in Hrimthursar, to learn Suttung's halls. something of the High 106. Gunnlod gave me, on One, in the High One's her golden seat, a draught hall: after Bolverk they of the precious mead; a bad inquired, whether he with recompense I afterwards the gods were come, or made her, for her whole Suttung had destroyed soul, her fervent love. him? 107. Rati's mouth I caused 111. Odin, I believe, a to make a space, and to ring-oath gave. Who in gnaw the rock; over and his faith will trust? under me were the Jotun's Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod Thing or prince's words; made to weep! food thou wilt shun and 112. Time 'tis to discourse human joys; sorrowful from the preacher's chair. wilt thou go to sleep. By the well of Urd I silent 117. I counsel thee, etc. sat, I saw and meditated, I Another's wife entice listened to men's words. thou never to secret 113. Of runes I heard converse. discourse, and of things 118. I counsel thee, etc. divine, nor of graving them By fell or firth if thou were they silent, nor of have to travel, provide sage counsels, at the High thee well with food. One's hall. In the High 119. I counsel thee, etc. A One's hall. I thus heard say: bad man let thou never 114. I counsel thee, know thy misfortunes; Loddfafnir, to take advice: for from a bad man thou thou wilt profit if thou never wilt obtain a return takest it. Rise not at night, for thy good will. unless to explore, or art 120. I saw mortally compelled to go out. wound a man a wicked 115. I counsel thee, woman's words; a false Loddfafnir, to take advice, tongue caused his death, thou wilt profit if thou and most unrighteously. takest it. In an enchantress's 121. I counsel thee, etc. embrace thou mayest not If thou knowest thou hast sleep, so that in her arms a friend, whom thou well she clasp thee. canst trust, go oft to visit 116. She will be the cause him; for with brushwood that thou carest not for over-grown, and with high grass, is the way that 127. I counsel thee, etc. no one treads. Even in three words 122. I counsel thee, etc. A quarrel not with a worse good man attract to thee in man: often the better pleasant converse; and yields, when the worse salutary speech learn while strikes. thou livest. 128. I counsel thee, etc. 123. I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor With thy friend be thou a shaftmaker, unless for never first to quarrel. Care thyself it be; for a shoe if gnaws the heart, if thou to ill made, or a shaft if no one canst thy whole crooked, will call down mind disclose. evil on thee. 124. I counsel thee, etc. 129. I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst Wherever of injury thou exchange with a witless knowest, regard that fool; injury as thy own; and 125. For from an ill- give to thy foes no peace. conditioned man thou wilt 130. I counsel thee, etc. never get a return for good; Rejoiced at evil be thou but a good man will bring never; but let good give thee favour by his praise. thee pleasure. 126. There is a mingling of 131. I counsel thee, etc. affection, where one can In a battle look not up, tell another all his mind. (like swine the sons of Everything is better than men then become) that being with the deceitful. He men may not fascinate is not another's friend who thee. ever says as he says. 132. If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant pendent and decked with converse, thou must scars, and who go promise fair, and hold to it: tottering among the vile. no one turns from good if it 137. I counsel thee, etc. can be got. Rail not at a guest, nor 133. I enjoin thee to be from thy gate thrust him; wary, but not over wary; at treat well the indigent; drinking be thou most they will speak well of wary, and with another's thee. wife; and thirdly, that 138. Strong is the bar thieves delude thee not. that must be raised to 134. With insult or derision admit all. Do thou give a treat thou never a guest or penny, or they will call wayfarer. They often little down on thee every ill in know, who sit within, of thy limbs. what race they are who 139. I counsel thee, etc. come. Wherever thou beer 135. Vices and virtues the drinkest, invoke to thee sons of mortals bear in their the power of earth; for breasts mingled; no one is earth is good against so good that no failing drink, fire for distempers, attends him, nor so bad as the oak for constipation, to be good for nothing. a corn-ear for sorcery, a 136. At a hoary speaker hall for domestic strife. laugh thou never; often is In bitter hates invoke the good that which the aged moon; the biter for bite- utter, oft from a shrivelled injuries is good; but hide discreet words issue; runes against calamity; from those whose skin is fluid let earth absorb. mead, drawn from Odhrærir. 143. Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by ODIN'S RUNE-SONG. fact I sought out facts. 144. Runes thou wilt find, and explained 140. I know that I hung, on characters, very large a wind-rocked tree, nine characters, very potent whole nights, with a spear characters, which the wounded, and to Odin great speaker depicted, offered, myself to myself; and the high powers on that tree, of which no formed, and the powers' one knows from what root prince graved: it springs. 145. Odin among the 141. Bread no one gave me, Æsir, but among the nor a horn of drink, Alfar, Dain, and Dvalin downward I peered, to for the dwarfs, Asvid for runes applied myself, the Jotuns: some I myself wailing learnt them, then graved. fell down thence. 146. Knowest thou how 142. Potent songs nine to grave them? knowest from the famed son I thou how to expound learned of Bolthorn, them? knowest thou how 's sire, and a draught to depict them? knowest obtained of the precious thou how to prove them? knowest thou how to pray? nor arms nor wiles harm knowest thou how to offer? aught. knowest thou how to send? 151. For the fourth I knowest thou how to know, if men place bonds consume? on my limbs, I so sing 147. 'Tis better not to pray that I can walk; the fetter than too much offer; a gift starts from my feet, and ever looks to a return. 'Tis the manacle from my better not to send than too hands. much consume. So Thund 152. For the fifth I know, graved before the origin of if I see a shot from a men, where he ascended, to hostile hand, a shaft whence he afterwards flying amid the host, so came. swift it cannot fly that I 148. Those songs I know cannot arrest it, if only I which the king's wife get sight of it. knows not nor son of man. 153. For the sixth I know, Help the first is called, for if one wounds me with a that will help thee against green tree's roots; also if strifes and cares. a man declares hatred to 149. For the second I know, me, harm shall consume what the sons of men them sooner than me. require, who will as leeches 154. For the seventh I live. * * * * know, if a lofty house I 150. For the third I know, if see blaze o'er its inmates, I have great need to restrain so furiously it shall not my foes, the weapons' edge burn that I cannot save it. I deaden: of my adversaries That song I can sing. 155. For the eighth I know, what to all is useful walk, and with me to learn: where hatred converse. grows among the sons of 160. For the thirteenth I men—that I can quickly know, if on a young man assuage. I sprinkle water, he shall 156. For the ninth I know, not fall, though he into if I stand in need my bark battle come: that man on the water to save, I can shall not sink before the wind on the waves swords. allay, and the sea lull. 161. For the fourteenth I 157. For the tenth I know, know, if in the society of if I see troll-wives sporting men I have to enumerate in air, I can so operate that the gods, Æsir and Alfar, they will forsake their own I know the distinctions of forms, and their own all. This few unskilled minds. can do. 158. For the eleventh I 162. For the fifteenth I know, if I have to lead my know what the ancient friends to battle, Thiodreyrir sang before under their shields I sing, Delling's doors. Strength and with power they go he sang to the Æsir, and safe to the fight, safe from to the Alfar prosperity, the fight; safe on every side wisdom to Hroptatyr. they go. 163. For the sixteenth I 159. For the twelfth I know, know, if a modest if on a tree I see a corpse maiden's favour and swinging from a halter, I affection I desire to can so grave and in runes possess, the soul I change depict, that the man shall of the white-armed damsel, and wholly turn her those who have listened mind. to them! 164. For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if thou learnest them. 165. For the eighteenth I THE LAY OF HYMIR. know that which I never teach to maid or wife of man, (all is better what one 1. Once the celestial gods only knows. This is the had been taking fish, and closing of the songs) save were in compotation, ere her alone who clasps me in they the truth discovered. her arms, or is my sister. Rods they shook, and 166. Now are sung the blood inspected, when High-one's songs, in the they found at Oegir's a High-one's hall, to the sons lack of kettles. of men all-useful, but 2. Sat the rock-dweller useless glad as a child, much like to the Jotuns' sons. Hail to the son of Miskorblindi. him who has sung them! In his eyes looked Ygg's Hail to him who knows son steadfastly. "Thou to them! May he profit who the Æir shalt oft a has learnt them! Hail to compotation give." 3. Caused trouble to the that day from , till Jotun th' unwelcome- to the giant's home they worded As: he forthwith came. meditated vengeance on the 7. Thor stalled his goats, gods. 's husband he splendid of horn, then besought a kettle him to turned him to the hall bring, "in which I beer for that Hymir owned. The all of you may brew." son his granddam found 4. The illustrious gods to him most loathful; found that impossible, nor heads she had nine could the exalted powers it hundred. accomplish, till from true- 8. But another came all- heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi golden forth, fair- much friendly counsel browed, bearing the beer- gave. cup to her son: 5. "There dwells eastward 9. "Ye Jotuns' kindred! I of Elivagar the all-wise will you both, ye daring Hymir, at heaven's end. My pair, under the kettles sire, fierce of mood, a kettle place. My husband is owns, a capacious oftentimes niggard cauldron, a rast in depth." towards guests, to ill- Thor. humour prone." 6. "Knowest thou whether 10. But the monster, the we can get the liquor- fierce-souled Hymir, late boiler?" returned home from the Ty. chase. He the hall "Yes, friend! if we entered, the icebergs stratagem' employ." resounded, as the churl Rapidly they drove forward approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen. the Jotun bade them 11. "Hail to thee, Hymir! be forthwith be boiled. of good cheer: now thy son 15. Each one they made is come to thy hall, whom by the head shorter, and we expected from his long to the fire afterwards journey; him accompanies bore them. Sif's consort our famed adversary, the ate, ere to sleep he went, friend of man, who Veor completely, he alone, two hight. of Hymir's beeves. 12. See where they sit 16. Seemed to the hoary under the hall's gable, as if friend of to shun thee: the pillar Hlorridi's refection full stands before them." In well large: "We three to- shivers flew the pillar at the morrow night shall be Jotun's glance; the beam compelled on what we was first broken in two. catch to live." 13. Eight kettles fell, but 17. Veor said he would only one of them, a hard- on the sea row, if the hammered cauldron, whole bold Jotun him would from the column. The two with baits supply: "To the came forth, but the old herd betake thee, (if thou Jotun with eyes surveyed in thy courage trustest, his adversary. crusher of the rock- 14. Augured to him his dwellers!) for baits to mind no good, when he seek. saw the giantess's sorrow 18. I expect that thou wilt on the floor coming. Then bait from an ox easily were three oxen taken, and obtain." The guest in haste to the forest went, where stood an all-black ox side; with his hammer before him. struck, on his foul head's 19. The Thursar's bane summit, like a rock wrung from an ox the high towering, the wolf's own fastness of his two horns. brother. "To me thy work seems 24. The icebergs worse by far, ruler of keels! resounded, the caverns than if thou hadst sat howled, the old earth quiet." shrank together: at length 20. The lord of goats the the fish back into ocean apes' kinsman besought the sank. horse of plank farther out to 25. The Jotun was little move; but the Jotun glad, as they rowed back, declared his slight desire so that the powerful farther to row. Hymir nothing spake, but 21. The mighty Hymir the oar moved in another drew, he alone, two whales course. up with his hook; but at the 26. "Wilt thou do half the stern abaft Veor cunningly work with me, either the made him a line. whales home to the 22. Fixed on the hook the dwelling bear, or the boat shield of men, the serpent's fast bind?" slayer, the ox's head. Gaped 27. Hlorridi went, at the bait the foe of gods, grasped the prow, the encircler beneath of quickly, with its hold- every land. water, lifted the water- 23. Drew up boldly the steed, together with its mighty Thor the worm with oars and scoop; bore to venom glistening, up to the the dwelling the Jotun's ocean-swine, the curved man's helm-block, but vessel, through the wooded the round wine-bearer hills. was in shivers broken. 28. But the Jotun yet ever 32. "Much good, I know, frowned, to strife has departed from me, accustomed, with Thor now that my cup I see disputed, said that no one hurled from my knees." was strong, however Thus the old man spake: vigorously he might row, "I can never say again, unless he his cup could beer thou art too hot. break. 33. "Now 'tis to be tried 29. But Hlorridi, when to if ye can carry the beer- his hands it came, forthwith vessel out of our brake an upright stone in dwelling." Ty twice twain; sitting dashed the assayed to move the cup through the pillars: yet vessel, yet at each time they brought it whole to stood the kettle fast. Hymir back. 34. Then Modi's father 30. Until the beauteous by the brim grasped it, woman gave important, and trod through the friendly counsel, which she dwelling's floor. Sif's only knew: "Strike at the consort lifted the kettle head of Hymir, the Jotun on his head, while about with food oppressed, that is his heels its rings jingled. harder than any cup." 35. They had far 31. Rose then on his knee journeyed before Odin's the stern lord of goats, clad son cast one look in all his godlike power. backward: he from the Unhurt remained the old caverns saw, with Hymir from the east, a troop of every god shall beer with many-headed monsters Oegir drink at every coming. harvest-tide. 36. From his shoulders he lifted the kettle down; Miollnir hurled forth towards the savage crew, and slew all the mountain- giants, who with Hymir had him pursued. 37. Long they had not journeyed when of THE LAY OF THRYM Hlorridi's goats one lay down half-dead before the car. It from the pole had 1. Wroth was Vingthor, sprung across the trace; but when he awoke, and his the false Loki was of this hammer missed; his the cause. beard he shook, his 38. Now ye have heard,— forehead struck, the son for what fabulist can more of earth felt all around fully tell—what indemnity him; he from the giant got: he 2. And first of all these paid for it with his children words he uttered: "Hear both. now, Loki! what I now 39. In his strength exulting say, which no one knows he to the gods' council anywhere on earth, nor in came, and had the kettle, heaven above; the As's which Hymir had hammer is stolen!" possessed, out of which 3. They went to the fair Freyia's dwelling, and he Hast thou Hlorridi's these words first of all said: hammer hidden?" "Wilt thou me, Freyia, thy Thrym. feather-garment lend, that 9. "I have Hlorridi's perchance my hammer I hammer hidden eight may find?" rasts beneath the earth; it Freyia. shall no man get again, 4. "That I would give thee, unless he bring me although of gold it were, Freyia to wife." and trust it to thee, though 10. Flew then Loki—the it were of silver." plumage rattled—until he 5. Flew then Loki—the came beyond the Jotun's plumage rattled—until he dwellings, and came came beyond the Æsir's within the Æsir's courts; dwellings, and came within there he met Thor, in the the Jotun's land. middle court, who these 6. On a mound sat Thrym, words first of all uttered. the Thursar's lord, for his 11. "Hast thou had greyhounds plaiting gold success as well as bands and his horses' labour? Tell me from the manes smoothing. air the long tidings. Oft 7. "How goes it with the of him who sits are the Æsir? How goes it with the tales defective, and he Alfar? Why art thou come who lies down utters alone to Jotunheim?" falsehood." Loki. Loki. 8. "Ill it goes with the Æsir, 12. "I have had labour Ill it goes with the Alfar. and success: Thrym has thy hammer, the Thursar's lord. It shall no the famed Brisinga man get again, unless he necklace. bring him Freyia to wife." 17. "Let by his side keys 13. They went the fair jingle, and woman's Freyia to find; and he those weeds fall round his words first of all said: knees, but on his breast "Bind thee, Freyia, in bridal place precious stones, raiment, we two must drive and a neat coif set on his to Jotunheim." head." 14. Wroth then was Freyia, 18. Then said Thor, the and with anger chafed, all mighty As: "Me the Æsir the Æsir's hall beneath her will call womanish, if I trembled: in shivers flew let myself be clad in the famed Brisinga bridal raiment." necklace. "Know me to be 19. Then spake Loki, of women lewdest, if with 's son: "Do thou, thee I drive to Jotunheim." Thor! refrain from 15. Straightway went the suchlike words: forthwith Æsir all to council, and the the Jotuns will Asgard Asyniur all to hold inhabit, unless thy converse; and deliberated hammer thou gettest the mighty gods, how they back." Hlorridi's hammer might 20. Then they clad Thor get back. in bridal raiment, and 16. Then said Heimdall, of with the noble Brisinga Æsir brightest—he well necklace, let by his side foresaw, like other Vanir keys jingle, and woman's —"Let us clothe Thor with weeds fall round his bridal raiment, let him have knees; and on his breast placed precious stones, and Jotuns beer was brought a neat coif set on his head. forth. Thor alone an ox 21. Then said Loki, devoured, salmons eight, Laufey's son: "I will with and all the sweetmeats thee as a servant go: we women should have. Sif's two will drive to consort drank three salds Jotunheim." of mead. 22. Straightway were the 26. Then said Thrym, the goats homeward driven, Thursar's prince: "Where hurried to the traces; they hast thou seen brides eat had fast to run. The rocks more voraciously? I were shivered, the earth never saw brides feed was in a blaze; Odin's son more amply, nor a drove to Jotunheim. maiden drink more 23. Then said Thrym, the mead." Thursar's lord: “Rise up, 27. Sat the all-crafty Jotuns! and the benches serving-maid close by, deck, now they bring me who words fitting found Freyia to wife, Niord's against the Jotun's daughter, from Noatun. speech: "Freyia has 24. "Hither to our court let nothing eaten for eight bring gold-horned cows, nights, so eager was she all-black oxen, for the for Jotunheim." Jotuns' joy. Treasures I 28. Under her veil he have many, necklaces stooped desirous to salute many, Freyia alone seemed her, but sprang back to me wanting." along the hall. "Why are 25. In the evening they so piercing Freyia's early came, and for the looks? Methinks that fire burns from her eyes." 33. He slew the Jotun's 29. Sat the all-crafty aged sister, her who a serving-maid close by, who bride-gift had demanded; words fitting found against she a blow got instead of the Jotun's speech: "Freyia skillings, a hammer's for eight nights has not stroke for many rings. So slept, so eager was she for got Odin's son his Jotunheim." hammer back. 30. In came the Jotun's luckless sister, for a bride- gift she dared to ask: "Give me from thy hands the ruddy rings, if thou wouldst gain my love, my love and favour all." 31. Then said Thrym, the Thursar's lord: "Bring the hammer in, the bride to consecrate; lay Miollnir on the maiden's knee; unite us OEGIR'S each with other by the hand COMPOTATION of Vor." 32. Laughed Hlorridi's soul 1. Tell me, ! ere thou in his breast, when the thy foot settest one step fierce-hearted his hammer forward, on what recognized. He first slew converse the sons of the Thrym, the Thursar's lord, triumphant gods at their and the Jotun's race all potation? crushed; Eldir. 2. Of their arms converse, Loki then went into the and of their martial fame, hall, but when those the sons of the triumphant present saw who was gods. Of the Æsir and the come in, they all sat Alfar that are here within silent. not one has a friendly word Loki. for thee. 6. I Lopt am come thirsty Loki. into this hall, from a long 3. I will go into Oegir's journey, to beseech the halls, to see the Æsir one draught to give compotation. Strife and me of the bright mead. hate to the Æsir's sons I 7. Why gods! are ye so bear, and will mix their silent, so reserved, that mead with bale. ye cannot speak? A seat Eldir. and place choose for me 4. Knowest thou not that if at your board, or bid me thou goest into Oegir's halls hie me hence. to see the compotation, but Bragi. contumely and clamour 8. A seat and place will pourest forth on the kindly the Æsir never choose for powers, they will wipe it all thee at their board; for off on thee? well the Æsir know for Loki. whom they ought to hold 5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, a joyous compotation. that if we two with bitter Loki. words contend, I shall be 9. Odin! dost thou rich in answers, if thou remember when we in sayest too much? early days blended our blood together? When to taste beer thou didst want. Of the Æsir and the constantly refuse, unless to Alfar, that are here both 'twas offered? present, in conflict thou Odin. art the most backward, 10. Rise up, Vidar! and let and in the play of darts the wolf's sire sit at our most timid. compotation; that Loki may Bragi. not utter words of 14. I know that were I contumely in Oegir's hall. without, as I am now Vidar then rising, presented within, the hall of Oegir, Loki with drink, who I thy head would bear in before drinking thus my hand, and so for lying addressed the Æsir: punish thee. 11. Hail, Æsir! Hail, Loki. Asyniur! And ye, all-holy 15. Valiant on thy seat art gods! all, save that one As, thou, Bragi! but so thou who sits within there, shouldst not be, Bragi, Bragi, on yonder bench. the bench's pride! Go and Bragi. fight, if thou art angry; a 12. A horse and falchion I brave man sits not from my stores will give considering. thee, and also with a ring Idun. reward thee, if thou the 16. I pray thee, Bragi! let Æsir wilt not requite with avail the bond of malice. Provoke not the children, and of all gods against thee. adopted sons, and to Loki Loki. speak not in reproachful 13. Of horse and rings wilt words, in Oegir's hall. thou ever, Bragi! be in Loki. 17. Be silent, Idun! of all 21. Thou art raving, women I declare thee most Loki! and hast lost thy fond of men, since thou thy wits, in calling Gefion's arms, carefully washed, anger on thee; for all didst twine round thy men's destinies, I ween, brother's murderer. she knows as thoroughly Idun. as I do. 18. Loki I address not with Loki. opprobrious words, in 22. Be silent, Odin! Thou Oegir's hall. Bragi I soothe, never couldst allot by beer excited. I desire not conflicts between men: that angry ye fight. oft hast thou given to Gefion. those to whom thou 19. Why will ye, Æsir oughtest not—victory to twain, here within, strive cowards. with reproachful words? Odin. Lopt perceives not that he 23. Knowest thou that I is deluded, and is urged on gave to those I ought not by fate. —victory to cowards? Loki. Thou wast eight winters 20. Be silent, Gefion! I will on the earth below, a now just mention, how that milch cow and a woman, fair youth thy mind and didst there bear corrupted, who thee a children. Now that, necklace gave, and around methinks, betokens a whom thou thy limbs didst base nature. twine? Loki. Odin. 24. But, it is said, thou wentest with tottering steps in Samso, and Loki. knocked at houses as a 28. But wilt thou, Frigg! Vala. In likeness of a that of my wickedness I fortune teller, thou wentest more recount? I am the among people. Now that, cause that thou seest not methinks, betokens a base Baldr riding to the halls. nature. Freyia. Frigg. 29. Mad art thou, Loki! 25. Your doings ye should in recounting thy foul never publish among men, misdeeds. Frigg, I what ye, Æsir twain, did in believe, knows all that days of yore. Ever happens, although she forgotten be men's former says it not. deeds! Loki. Loki. 30. Be thou silent, 26. Be thou silent, Frigg! Freyia! I know thee full Thou art Fiorgyn's well; thou art not free daughter, and ever hast from vices: of the Æsir been fond of men, since Ve and the Alfar, that are and Vili, it is said, thou, herein, each has been thy Vidrir's wife, didst both to paramour. thy bosom take. Freyia. Frigg. 31. False is thy tongue. 27. Know thou that if I had, Henceforth it will, I in Oegir's halls, a son like think, prate no good to Baldr, out thou shouldst not thee. Wroth with thee are go from the Æsir's sons: the Æsir, and the thou should'st have been Asyniur. Sad shalt thou fiercely assailed. home depart. Loki. Loki. 32. Be silent, Freyia! Thou 36. Cease now, Niord! in art a sorceress, and with bounds contain thyself; I much evil blended; since will no longer keep it against thy brother thou the secret: it was with thy gentle powers excited. And sister thou hadst such a then, Freyia! what didst son; hardly worse than thou do? thyself. Niord. Ty. 33. It is no great wonder, if 37. Frey is best of all the silk-clad dames get exalted gods in the Æsir's themselves husbands, courts: no maid he makes lovers; but 'tis a wonder to weep, no wife of man, that a wretched As, that has and from bonds looses borne children, should all. herein enter. Loki. Loki. 38. Be silent, Ty! Thou 34. Be silent, Niord! Thou couldst never settle a wast sent eastward hence, a strife 'twixt two; of thy hostage from the gods. right hand also I must Hymir's daughters had thee mention make, which for an utensil, and flowed Fenrir from thee tore. into thy mouth. Niord. Ty. 35. 'Tis to me a solace, as I 39. I of a hand am a long way hence was sent, wanting, but thou of a hostage from the gods, honest fame; sad is the that I had a son, whom no lack of either. Nor is the one hates, and accounted is wolf at ease: he in bonds a chief among the Æsir. must bide, until the gods' destruction. boding crow, and crush Loki. him limb by limb. 40. Be silent, Ty; to thy Loki. wife it happened to have a 44. What little thing is son by me. Nor rag nor that I see wagging its tail, penny ever hadst thou, poor and snapping eagerly? At wretch! for this injury. the ears of Frey thou Frey. shouldst ever be, and 41. I the wolf see lying at clatter under mills. the river's mouth, until the . powers are swept away. So 45. Byggvir I am named, shalt thou be bound, if thou and am thought alert, by art not silent, thou framer all gods and men; of evil. therefore am I joyful Loki. here, that all the sons of 42. With gold thou Hropt drink beer boughtest 's together. daughter, and so gavest Loki. away thy sword: but when 46. Be silent, Byggvir! Muspell's sons through the Thou couldst never dole dark forest ride, thou, out food to men, when, unhappy, wilt not have lying in thy truckle bed, wherewith to fight. thou wast not to be Byggvir. found, while men were 43. Know that were I of fighting. noble race, like Ingun's Heimdall. Frey, and had so fair a 47. Loki, thou art drunk, dwelling, than marrow and hast lost thy wits. softer I would bray that ill- Why dost thou not leave off, Loki? But drunkenness Thiassi, that from my so rules every man, that he dwellings and fields shall knows not of his garrulity. to thee ever cold Loki. counsels come. 48. Be silent, Heimdall! Loki. For thee in early days was 52. Milder wast thou of that hateful life decreed: speech to Laufey's son, with a wet back thou must when to thy bed thou ever be, and keep watch as didst invite me. Such guardian of the gods. matters must be Skadi. mentioned, if we 49. Thou art merry, Loki! accurately must recount Not long wilt thou frisk our vices. with an unbound tail; for Then came Sif forth, and thee, on a rock's point, with poured out mead for Loki the entrails of thy ice-cold in an icy cup, saying: son, the gods will bind. 53. Hail to thee, Loki! Loki. and this cool cup receive, 50. Know, if on a rock's full of old mead: at least point, with the entrails of me alone, among the my ice-cold son, the gods blameless Æsir race, will bind me, that first and leave stainless. foremost I was at the He took the horn, drank, slaying, when we assailed and said: Thiassi. 54. So alone shouldst Skadi. thou be, hadst thou strict 51. Know, if first and and prudent been towards foremost thou wast at the thy mate; but one I know, slaying, when ye assailed and, I think, know him well, a favoured rival of and he the all-powerful Hlorridi, and that is the father swallows whole. wily Loki. Thor. . 59. Silence, thou impure 55. The fells all tremble: I being! My mighty think Hlorridi is from home hammer, Miollnir, shall journeying. He will bid be stop thy prating. Up I quiet him who here insults will hurl thee to the east all gods and men. region, and none shall Loki. see thee after. 56. Be silent, Beyla! Thou Loki. art Byggvir's wife, and with 60. Of thy eastern travels much evil mingled: never thou shouldest never to came a greater monster people speak, since in a among the Æsir's sons. glove-thumb thou, Thou art a dirty strumpet. Einheri! wast doubled Thor then came in and said: up, and hardly thoughtest 57. Silence, thou impure thou wast Thor. being! My mighty hammer, Thor. Miollnir, shall stop thy 61. Silence, thou impure prating. I will thy head being! My mighty from thy neck strike; then hammer, Miollnir, shall will thy life be ended. stop thy prating: with this Loki. right hand I, Hrungnir's 58. Now the son of earth is bane, will smite thee, so hither come. Why dost thou that thy every bone be chafe so, Thor? Thou wilt broken. not dare do so, when with Loki. the wolf thou hast to fight, 62. 'Tis my intention a long life to live, though shall play over, and on with thy hammer thou dost thy back shall burn thee. threaten me. Skrymir's After this Loki, in the thongs seemed to thee hard, likeness of a salmon, cast when at the food thou himself into the waterfall couldst not get, when, in of Franangr, where the full health, of hunger Æsir caught him, and dying. bound him with the Thor. entrails of his son Nari; 63. Silence, thou impure but his other son, Narfi, being! My mighty hammer, was changed into a wolf. Miollnir, shall stop thy Skadi took a venomous prating. Hrungnir's bane serpent, and fastened it shall cast thee down to Hel, up over Loki's face. The beneath the gratings of the venom trickled down dead. from it. Sigyn, Loki's Loki. wife, sat by, and held a 64. I have said before the basin under the venom; Æsir, I have said before the and when the basin was Æsir's sons, that which my full, carried the venom mind suggested: but for out. Meanwhile the thee alone will I go out; venom dropped on Loki, because I know that thou who shrank from it so wilt fight. violently that the whole 65. Oegir! thou hast brewed earth trembled. This beer; but thou never shalt causes what are now henceforth a compotation called earthquakes. hold. All thy possessions, which are herein, flame hospitality? Void of honest fame, prattler! hast thou lived: but hence hie thee home. Fiolsvith. 4. Fiolsvith is my name; THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH. wise I am of mind, though of food not prodigal. Within these 1. From the outward wall courts thou shalt never he saw one ascending to the come: so now, wretch! seat of the giant race. take thyself off. Fiolsvith. Wanderer. Along the humid ways 5. From the eye's delight haste thee back hence, here, few are disposed to wretch! is no place for thee. hurry, where there is 2. What monster is it before something pleasant to be the fore-court standing, and seen. These walls, hovering round the perilous methinks, shine around flame? Whom dost thou golden halls. Here I seek? Of what art thou in could live contented with quest? Or what, friendless my lot. being! desirest thou to Fiolsvith. know? 6. Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or Wanderer. 3. What monster is that, of what race hast sprung. Wanderer. before the fore-court standing, who to the 7. Vindkald I am called, wayfarer offers not Varkald was my father named, his sire was 12. Tell me, Fiolsvith! Fiolkald. etc., what that structure is 8. Tell me, Fiolsvith! that called, than which among which I will ask thee, and I the gods mortals never desire to know: who here saw a greater artifice? holds sway, and has power Fiolsvith. over these lands and costly 13. Gastropnir it is halls? called, and I constructed Fiolsvith. it of Leirbrimir's limbs. I 9. Menglod is her name, have so supported it, that her mother her begat with it will ever stand while Svaf, Thorin's son. She the world lasts. here holds sway, and has Vindkald. power over these lands and 14. Tell me, Fiolsvith! costly halls. etc., what those dogs are Vindkald. called, that chase away 10. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., the giantesses, and safety what the grate is called, to the fields restore? than which among the gods Fiolsvith. mortals never saw a greater 15. Gifr the one is called, artifice? the other Geri, if thou Fiolsvith. that wouldst know. 11. Thrymgioll it is called, Eleven watches they will and Solblindi's three sons keep, until the powers constructed it: a fetter perish. fastens, every wayfarer, Vindkald. who lifts it from its 16. Tell me, Fiolsvith! opening. etc., whether any man Vindkald. can enter while those fierce assailants sleep? Fiolsvith. Fiolsvith. 21. Mimameidir it is 17. Alternate sleep was called; but few men strictly to them enjoined, know from what roots it since to the watch they springs: it by that will were appointed. One sleeps fall which fewest know. by night, by day the other, Nor fire nor iron will so that no wight can enter if harm it. he comes. Vindkald. Vindkald. 22. Tell me, Fiolsvith! 18. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., etc., to what the virtue is whether there is any food of that famed tree that men can get, such that applied, which nor fire they can run in while they nor iron will harm? eat? Fiolsvith. Fiolsvith. 23. Its fruit shall on the 19. Two repasts lie in fire be laid, for labouring Vidofnir's wings, if thou th women; out then will at pass what would in [Pg 98] remain: so is it a creator wouldst know: that is alone of mankind. such food as men can give Vindkald. them and run in while they 24. Tell me, Fioisvith! eat. etc., what the cock is Vindkald. called that sits in that 20. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., lofty tree, and all- what that tree is called that glittering is with gold? with its branches spreads Fiolsvith. itself over every land? 25. Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the rod, if he bears that the boughs of Mima's tree: which few possess to the afflictions only brings, dame of the glassy clay. together indissoluble, the Vindkald. swart bird at his lonely 30. Tell me, Fiolsvith! meal. etc., whether there is any Vindkald. treasure, that mortals can 26. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., obtain, at which the pale whether there be any giantess will rejoice? weapon, before which Fiolsvith. Vidofnir may fall to Hel's 31. The bright sickle that abode? lies in Vidofnir's wings, [Pg 99] thou in a bag shalt bear, Fiolsvith. and to Sinmoera give, 27. Hævatein the twig is before she will think fit named, and Lopt plucked to lend an arm for it, down by the gate of conflict. Death. In an iron chest it Vindkald. lies with Sinmoera, and is 32. Tell me, Fiolsvith! with nine strong locks etc., what this hall is secured. called, which is girt Vindkald. round with a curious 28. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., flickering flame? whether he will alive Fiolsvith. return, who seeks after, and 33. Hyr it is called, and it will take, that rod? will long tremble as on a Fiolsvith. lance's point. This 29. He will return who sumptuous house shall, seeks after, and will take, for ages hence, be but from hearsay known. Fiolsvith. Vindkald. 39. Hlif the first is called, 34. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., the second is Hlifthursa, which of the Æsir's sons the third Thiodvarta, has that constructed, which Biort and Blid, Blidr, within the court I saw? Frid, and Orboda. Fiolsvith. Vindkald. 35. Uni and Iri, Bari and 40. Tell me, Fiolsvith! Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, etc., whether they protect Dorri and Uri, Delling and those who offer to them, Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki. if it should, be needful? Vindkald. Fiolsvith. 36. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., 41. Every summer in what that mount is called, which men offer to them, on which I see a splendid at the holy place, no maiden stand? pestilence so great shall Fiolsvith. come to the sons of men, 37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called, but they will free each and long has it a solace from peril. been to the bowed-down [Pg 101] and sorrowful: each woman Vindkald. becomes healthy, although 42. Tell me, Fiolsvith! a year's disease she have, if etc., whether there is any she can but ascend it. man that may in Vindkald. Menglod's soft arms 38. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., sleep? how those maids are called, Fiolsvith. who sit at Menglod's knees 43. There is no man who in harmony together? may in Menglod's soft arms sleep, save only a token, if I was Svipdag; to him the sun- betrothed to thee. bright maid is for wife Svipdag. betrothed. 48. Svipdag I am named, Vindkald. Solbiart was my father 44. Set the doors open! Let named; thence the winds the gate stand wide; here on the cold ways drove thou mayest Svipdag see; me. Urd's decree may no but yet go learn if Menglod one gainsay, however will accept my love. lightly uttered. Fiolsvith. Menglod. 45. Hear, Menglod! A man 49. Welcome thou art: is hither come: go and my will I have obtained; behold the stranger; the greeting a kiss shall dogs rejoice; the house has follow. A sight unlooked- itself opened. I think it for gladdens most must be Svipdag. persons, when one the Menglod. other loves. 46. Fierce ravens shall, on 50. Long have I sat on the high gallows, tear out my loved hill, day and thy eyes, if thou art lying, night expecting thee. that hither from afar is Now that is come to pass come the youth unto my w halls. 47. Whence art thou come? hich I have hoped, that Whence hast thou thou, dear youth, again to journeyed? How do thy my halls art come. kindred call thee? Of thy Svipdag. race and name I must have 51. Longing I have undergone for thy love; and Hermod a helm and thou, for my affection. Now corslet, and from him it is certain, that we shall a sword pass our lives together. received. 3. Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior. 4. She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may be well THE LAY OF HYNDLA. disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females. 1. Wake, maid of maids! 5. Now of thy wolves Wake, my friend! Hyndla! take one from out the Sister! who in the cavern stall; let him run with dwellest. Now there is dark runic rein. of darks; we will both to Hyndla. Valhall ride, and to the holy 6. Sluggish is thy hog the fane. god's way to tread: 2. Let us Heriafather pray Freyia. into our minds to enter, he 7. I will my noble palfrey gives and grants gold to the saddle. deserving. He gave to Hyndla. 8. False are thou, Freyia! paternal heritage may who temptest me: by thy have, after his kindred. eyes thou showest it, so 11. An offer-stead to me fixed upon us; while thou he raised, with stones thy man hast on the dead- constructed; now is that road, the young Ottar, stone as glass become. Innstein's son. With the blood of oxen 9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! he newly sprinkled it. methinks thou dreamest, Ottar ever trusted in the since thou sayest that my Asyniur. man is on the dead-road 12. Now let us reckon up with me; there where my the ancient families, and hog sparkles with its the races of exalted men. golden bristles, hight Who are the Skioldungs? Hildisvini, which for me Who are the Skilfings? made the two skilful Who the Odlings? Who [Pg 104] the Ylfings? Who the dwarfs, Dain and Nabbi. hold-born? Who the hers- From the saddle we will born? The choicest race talk: let us sit, and of of men under heaven? princely families discourse, Hyndla. of those chieftains who 13. Thou, Ottar! art of from the gods descend. Innstein born, but They have contested for the Innstein was from Alf the dead's gold, Ottar the Old, Alf was from Ulf, young and Angantyr. Ulf from Sæfari, but 10. A duty 'tis to act so that Sæfari from Svan the the young prince his Red. 14. Thy father had a mother, for her necklaces that race is thine, Ottar famed, she, I think, was Heimski! named Hledis the priestess; 18. Hildegun her mother Frodi her father was, and was, of Svafa born and a her mother Friant: all that sea-king. All that race is stock is reckoned among thine, Ottar Heimski! chieftains. Carest thou this to know? 15. Ali was of old of men Wishest thou a longer the strongest, Halfdan narrative? before him, the highest of 19. Dag wedded Thora, the Skioldungs; (Famed mother of warriors: of were the wars by those that race were born the chieftains led) his deeds noble champions, seemed to soar to the skirts Fradmar, Gyrd, and the of heaven. Frekis both, Am, Josur, 16. By Eimund aided, chief Mar, Alf the Old. Carest of men, he Sigtrygg slew thou this to know? with the cold steel. He Wishest thou a longer Almveig had to wife, first narrative? of women. They begat and 20. Ketil their friend was had eighteen sons. named, heir of Klyp; he 17. From them the was maternal grandsire Skioldungs, from them the of thy mother. Then was Skilfings, from them the Frodi yet before Kari, but Odlings, from them the the eldest born was Alf. Ynglings, from them the 21. was next, hold-born, from them the Nokkvi's daughter; her hers-born, the choicest race son was thy father's of men under heaven. All kinsman, ancient is that kinship. I knew both Brodd son-in-law of . and Horfi. All that race is (Listen to my story) the thine, Ottar Heimski! dread of nations, him 22. Isolf, Asolf, Olmod's who slew. sons and Skurhild's 26. He was a king, from Skekkil's daughter; thou Volsung sprung, and shalt yet count chieftains Hiordis from Hrodung; many. All that race is thine, but Eylimi from the Ottar Heimski! Odlings. All that race is 23. Gunnar, Balk, Grim, thine, Ottar Heimski! Ardskafi, Jarnskiold, 27. Gunnar and Hogni, Thorir, Ulf, Ginandi, Bui sons of Giuki; and and Brami, and Gudrun likewise, their Reifnir, Tind and Hyrfing, sister. Guttorm; was not the two Haddingis. All that of Giuki's race, although race is thine, Ottar he brother was of them Heimski! both. All that race is 24. To toil and tumult were thine, Ottar Heimski! the sons of born, 28. Harald Hildetonn, and of Eyfura: ferocious born of Hrærekir berserkir, calamity of every Slongvanbaugi; he was a kind, by land and sea, like son of Aud, Aud the rich fire they carried. All that was Ivar's daughter; but race is thine, Ottar Radbard was Randver's Heimski! father. They were heroes 25. I knew both Brodd and to the gods devoted. All Horfi, they were in the that race is thine, Ottar court of Hrolf the Old; all Heimski! descended from Jormunrek, 29. There were eleven Æsir reckoned, when Baldr sorcerers from on the pile was laid; him Svarthofdi; all the Jotuns Vali showed himself come from Ymir. worthy to avenge, his own 34. We tell thee much, brother: he the slayer slew. and more remember, I All that race is thine, Ottar admonish thee thus much Heimski! to know. Wishest thou 30. Baldr's father was son yet a longer narrative? of Bur: Frey to wife had 35. There was one born, Gerd, she was Gymir's in times of old, with daughter, from Jotuns wondrous might sprung and Aurboda; endowed, of origin Thiassi also was their divine: nine Jotun maids relation, that haughty gave birth to the gracious Jotun; Skadi was his god, at the world's daughter. margin. 31. We tell thee much, and 36. Gialp gave him birth, remember more: I Greip gave him birth, admonish thee thus much Eistla gave him birth, and to know. Wishest thou yet a Angeia; Ulfrun gave him longer narrative? birth, and Eyrgiafa, Imd 32. was not the worst and Atla, and Jarnsaxa. of Hvedna's sons, and 37. The boy was Hiorvard was Hvedna's nourished with the father; Heid and Hrossthiof strength of earth, with the were of Hrimnir's race. ice-cold sea, and with 33. All the Valas are from Son's blood. We tell thee Vidolf; all the soothsayers much, and more from Vilmeidr, all the remember. I admonish thee thus much to know. and richest, allied by Wishest thou a yet longer kinship to all princes. narrative? 42. Then shall another 38. Loki begat the wolf come, yet mightier, with Angrboda, but Sleipnir although I dare not his he begat with Svadilfari: name declare. Few may one monster seemed of all see further forth than most deadly, which from when Odin meets the Byleist's brother sprang. wolf. 39. Loki, scorched up in his Freyia. heart's affections, had 43. Bear thou the found a half-burnt woman's memory-cup to my guest, heart. Loki became guileful so that he may all the from that wicked woman; words repeat of this, thence in the world are all discourse, on the third giantesses come. morn, when he and 40. Ocean towers with Angantyr reckon up storms to heaven itself, races. flows o'er the land; the air Hyndla. is rent: thence come snows 44. Go thou quickly and rapid winds; then it is hence, I long to sleep; decreed that the rain should more of my wondrous cease. power thou gettest not 41. There was one born from me. Thou runnest, greater than all, the boy my hot friend, out at was nourished with the nights, as among he- strength of earth; he was goats the she-goat goes. declared a ruler, mightiest 45. Thou hast run thyself mad, ever longing; many a one has stolen under thy girdle. Thou runnest, my hot friend, out at nights, as among he-goats, the she- goat goes. Freyia. THE INCANTATION OF 46. Fire I strike over thee, dweller of the wood! so GROA. that thou goest not ever away from hence. Hyndla. Son. 47. Fire I see burning, and 1. Wake up, Groa! wake the earth blazing; many up, good woman! at the will have their lives to gates of death I wake save. Bear thou the cup to t h e e ! i f t h o u Ottar's hand, the mead with rememberest, that thou venom mingled, in an evil thy son badest to thy hour! grave-mound to come. Freyia. Mother. 48. Thy malediction shall 2. What now troubles my be powerless; although only son? With what thou, Jotun-maid! dost evil affliction art thou threaten. He shall drink burthened, that thou thy delicious draughts. All the mother callest, who to gods I pray to favour Ottar. dust is come, and from human homes departed? Son. 3. A hateful game thou, crafty woman, didst set before me, whom my has joyless on thy ways. May father in his bosom Urd's protection hold cherished, when thou thee on every side, where badest me go no one knows thou seest turpitude. whither, Menglod to meet. 8. A third I will sing to Mother. thee. If the mighty rivers 4. Long is the journey, long to thy life's peril fall, are the ways, long are Horn and Rud, may they men's desires. If it so fall flow down to Hel, and out, that thou thy will for thee ever be obtainest, the event must diminished. then be as it may. 9. A fourth I will sing to Son. thee. If foes assail thee 5. Sing to me songs which ready on the dangerous are good. Mother! protect road, their hearts shall thy son. Dead on my way I fail them, and to thee be fear to be. I seem too young power, and their minds to in years. peace be turned. Mother. 10. A fifth I will sing to 6. I will sing to thee first thee. If bonds be cast on one that is thought most thy limbs, friendly spells useful, which Rind sang to I will let on thy joints be Ran; that from thy sung, and the lock from shoulders thou shouldst thy arms shall start, [and cast what to thee seems from thy feet the fetter]. irksome: let thyself thyself 11. A sixth I will sing to direct. thee. If on the sea thou 7. A second I will sing to comest, more stormy thee, as thou hast to wander than men have known it, air and water shall in a bag 16. My son! bear hence attend thee, and a tranquil thy mother's words, and course afford thee. in thy breast let them 12. A seventh I will sing to dwell; for happiness thee. If on a mountain high abundant shalt thou have frost should assail thee, in life, while of my deadly cold shall not thy words thou art mindful. carcase injure, nor draw thy body to thy limbs. 13. An eighth I will sing to thee. If night overtake thee, when out on the misty way, that the dead Christian woman no power may have to do thee harm. 14. A ninth I will sing to thee. If with a far-famed THE SONG OF THE SUN. spear-armed Jotun thou words exchangest, of words and wit to thy mindful heart 1. Of life and property a abundance shall be given. fierce freebooter 15. Go now ever where despoiled mankind; over calamity may be, and no the ways beset by him harm shall obstruct thy might no one living pass. wishes. On a stone fast in 2. Alone he ate most the earth I have stood frequently, no one invited within the door, while he to his repast; until songs I sang to thee. weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from the way. purity it shall ever live 3. In need of drink that with the almighty God. way-worn man, and hungry 8. Riches and health no feigned to be: with one may command, trembling heart he seemed though all go smoothly to trust him who had been with him. To many that so evil-minded. befalls which they least 4. Meat and drink to the expect. No one may weary one he gave, all with command his tranquillity. upright heart; on God he 9. Unnar and Sævaldi thought, the traveller's never imagined that wants supplied; for he felt happiness would fall he was an evil-doer. from them, yet naked 5. Up stood the guest, he they became, and of all evil meditated, he had not bereft, and, like wolves, been kindly treated; his sin ran to the forest. within him swelled, he 10. The force of pleasure while sleeping murdered has many a one bewailed. his wary cautious host. Cares are often caused by 6. The God of heaven he women; pernicious they prayed for help, when become, although the being struck he woke; but mighty God them pure he was doomed the sins of created. him on himself to take, 11. United were Svafud whom sackless he had and Skarthedin, neither slain. might without the other 7. Holy angels came from be, until to frenzy they heaven above, and took to were driven for a them his soul: in a life of woman: she was destined for their perdition. 17. They in themselves 12. On account of that fair confided, and thought maid, neither of them cared themselves alone to be for games or joyous days; above all people; but no other thing could they in their lot Almighty God memory bear than that was pleased otherwise to bright form. appoint. 13. Sad to them were the 18. A life of luxury they gloomy nights, no sweet led, in many ways, and sleep might they enjoy: but had gold for sport. Now from that anguish rose hate they are requited, so that intense between the faithful they must walk between friends. frost and fire. 14. Hostile deeds are in 19. To thy enemies trust most places fiercely thou never, although they avenged. To the holm they speak thee fair: promise went, for that fair woman, them good: 'tis good to and each one found his have another's injury as a death. warning. 15. Arrogance should no 20. So it befell Sorli the one entertain: I indeed have upright, when he placed seen that those who follow himself in Vigolf's her, for the most part, turn power; he confidently from God. trusted him, his brother's 16. Rich were both, Radey murderer, but he proved and Vebogi, and thought false. only of their well-being; 21. Peace to them he now they sit and turn their granted, with heart sores to various hearths. sincere; they in return promised him gold, feigned atone with evil: the themselves friends, while weeping thou shalt they together drank; but soothe with benefits: that then came forth their guile. is salutary to the soul. 22. Then afterwards, on the 27. On God a man shall second day, when they in for good things call, on Rygiardal rode, they with him who has mankind swords wounded him who created. Greatly sinful is sackless was, and let his every man who late finds life go forth. the Father. 23. His corpse they dragged 28. To be solicited, we (on a lonely way, and cut opine, is with all up piecemeal) into a well, earnestness for that and would it hide; but the which is lacking: of all holy Lord beheld from things may be destitute heaven. he who for nothing asks: 24. His soul summoned few heed the wants of the home the true God into his silent. joy to come; but the evil 29. Late I came, though doers will, I wean, late be called betimes, to the from torments called. supreme Judge's door; 25. Do thou pray the Disir thitherward I yearn; for it of the Lord's words to be was promised me, he kind to thee in spirit: for a who craves it shall of the week after, all shall then go feast partake. happily, according to thy 30. Sins are the cause will. that sorrowing we depart 26. For a deed of ire that from this world: no one thou hast perpetrated, never stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to worldly sojourn has the be blameless. Lord created in delights 31. Like unto wolves all abounding. those seem who have a 36. Bowed down I sat, faithless mind: so he will long I tottered, of life prove who has to go was most desirous; but through ways strewed with He prevailed who was gleeds. all-powerful: onward are 32. Friendly counsels, and the ways of the doomed. wisely composed, seven I 37. The cords of Hel have imparted to thee: were tightly bound round consider thou them well, my sides; I would rend and forget them never: they them, but they were are all useful to learn. strong. 'Tis easy free to 33. Of that I will speak, go. how happy I was in the 38. I alone knew, how on world, and secondly, how all sides my pains the sons of men reluctantly increased. The maids of become corpses. Hel each eve with horror 34. Pleasure and pride bade me to their home. deceive the sons of men 39. The sun I saw, true who after money crave; star of day, sink in its shining riches at last roaring home; but Hel's become a sorrow: many grated doors on the other have riches driven to side I heard heavily madness. creaking. 35. Steeped in joys I 40. The sun I saw with seemed to men; for little blood-red beams beset: did I see before me: our (fast was I then from this world declining) mightier I went called from she appeared, in many torments. ways, than she was before. 46. The star of hope, 41. The sun I saw, and it when I was born, fled seemed to me as if I saw a from my breast away; glorious god: I bowed high it flew, settled before her, for the last time, nowhere, so that it might in the world of men. find rest. 42. The sun I saw: she 47. Longer than all was beamed forth so that I that one night, when stiff seemed nothing to know; on my straw I lay; then but Gioll's streams roared becomes manifest the from the other side mingled divine word: "Man is the much with blood. same as earth." 43. The sun I saw, with 48. The Creator God can quivering eyes, appalled it estimate and know, (He and shrinking; for my heart who made heaven and in great measure was earth) how forsaken dissolved in languor. many go hence, although 44. The sun I saw seldom from kindred parted. sadder; I had then almost 49. Of his works each from the world declined: has the reward: happy is my tongue was as wood he who does good. Of become, and all was cold my wealth bereft, to me without me. was destined a bed 45. The sun I saw never strewed with sand. after, since that gloomy 50. Bodily desires men day; for the mountain- oftentimes seduce, of waters closed over me, and them has many a one too much: water of baths was was by two together led: of all things to me most his feet stood on the loathsome. earth, but his horns 51. In the ' seat nine reached up to heaven. days I sat, thence I was 56. From the north riding mounted on a horse: there I saw the sons of Nidi, the giantess's sun shone they were seven in all: grimly through the dripping from full horns, the pure clouds of heaven. mead they drank from 52. Without and within, I the heaven-god's well. seemed to traverse all the 57. The wind was silent, seven nether worlds: up the waters stopped their and down, I sought an course; then I heard a easier way, where I might doleful sound: for their have the readiest paths. husbands false-faced 53. Of that is to be told, women ground earth for which I first saw, when I to food. the worlds of torment 58. Gory stones those came:—scorched birds, dark women turned which were souls, flew sorrowfully; bleeding numerous as flies. hearts hung out of their 54. From the west I saw breasts, faint with much Von's dragons fly, and affliction. Glæval's paths obscure: 59. Many a man I saw their wings they shook; wounded go on those wide around me seemed the gleed-strewed paths; earth and heaven to burst. their faces seemed to me 55. The sun's hart I saw all reddened with reeking from the south coming, he blood. 60. Many men I saw to observe: their hands were earth gone down, who holy on hot stones firmly service might not have; nailed. heathen stars stood above 66. I saw those men who their heads, painted with from pride valued deadly characters. themselves too highly; 61. I saw those men who their garments much envy harbour at ludicrously were in fire another's fortune; bloody enveloped. runes were on their breasts 67. I saw those men who graved painfully. had many false words of 62. I there saw men many others uttered: Hel's not joyful; they were all ravens from their heads wandering wild: this he their eyes miserably tore. earns, who by this world's 68. All the horrors thou vices is infatuated. wilt not get to know 63. I saw those men who which Hel's inmates had in various ways suffer. Pleasant sins end acquired other's property: in painful penalties: pains in shoals they went to ever follow pleasure. Castle-covetous, and 69. I saw those men who burthens bore of lead. had much given for 64. I saw those men who God's laws; pure lights many had of life and were above their heads property bereft: through the brightly burning. breasts of those men passed 70. I saw those men who strong venomous serpents. from exalted mind helped 65. I saw those men who the poor to aid: angels, the holy days would not read holy books above their heads. resounding seat; iron 71. I saw those men who gore falls from their with much fasting had their nostrils, which kindles bodies wasted: God's hate among men. angels bowed before them: 77. Odin's wife rows in that is the highest joy. earth's ship, eager after 72. I saw those men who pleasures; her sails are had put food into their reefed late, which on the mothers' mouth: their ropes of desire are hung. couches were on the rays of 78. Son! I thy father and heaven pleasantly placed. Solkatla's sons have 73. Holy virgins had alone obtained for thee cleanly washed the souls that horn of hart, which from sin of those men, who from the grave-mound for a long time had bore the wise Vigdvalin. themselves tormented. 79. Here are runes which 74. Lofty cars I saw have engraven Niord's towards heaven going; they daughters nine, Radvor were on the way to God: the eldest, and the men guided them who had youngest Kreppvor, and been murdered wholly their seven sisters. without crime. 80. How much violence 75. Almighty Father! have they perpetrated greatest Son! holy Spirit of Svaf and Svaflogi! heaven! Thee I pray, who bloodshed they have hast us all created; free us excited, and wounds all from miseries. have sucked, after an evil 76. Biugvor and Iyistvor sit custom. at Herdir's doors, on 81. This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction. 82. Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of THE LAY OF VOLUND. men's rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living comfort. 1. Maids flew from the 83. Wondrous lore has in south, through the murky dream to thee been sung, wood, Alvit the young, but thou hast seen the truth: fate to fulfil. On the no man has been so wise lake's margin they sat to created that has before repose, the southern heard the Sun-song. damsels; precious flax they spun. 2. One of them, of maidens fairest, to his comely breast Egil clasped. Svanhvit was the second, she a swan's plumage bore; but the third, their sister, the white neck clasped of Volund. 3. There they stayed seven winters through; but all the eighth were with longing seized; and in through the house. On the ninth fate parted them. the bast they saw the The maidens yearned for rings all drawn, seven the murky wood, the young hundred, which the Alvit, fate to fulfil. warrior owned. 4. Prom the chase came the 8. And they took them ardent hunters, Slagfid and off, and they put them Egil, found their house on, all save one, which deserted, went out and in, they bore away. Came and looked around. Egil then from the chase the went east after Olrun, and ardent hunter, Volund, Slagfid west after Svanhvit; gliding on the long way. 5. But Volund alone 9. To the fire he went, remained in Ulfdal. He the bear's flesh to roast. Soon red gold set with the hard blazed the brushwood, gem, well fastened all the and the arid fir, the wind- rings on linden bast, and so dried wood, before awaited his bright consort, Volund. if to him she would return. 10. On the bearskin sat, 6. It was told to Nidud, the his rings counted, the Niarars' lord, that Volund Alfar's companion: one alone remained in Ulfdal. was missing. He thought In the night went men, in that Hlodver's daughter studded corslets, their had it, the young Alvit, shields glistened in the and that she was waning moon. returned. 7. From their saddles they 11. So long he sat until alighted at the house's he slept; and he awoke of gable, thence went in joy bereft: on his hands he felt heavy constraints, King Nidud gave to his and round his feet fetters daughter Bodvild the ring clasped. which had been taken 12. "Who are the men that from the bast in Volund's on the rings' possessor have house; but he himself laid bonds? and me have bore the sword that had bound?" belonged to Volund. The 13. Then cried Nidud, the queen said: Niarars' lord: "Whence 16. His teeth he shows, gottest thou, Volund! when the sword he sees, Alfars' chief! our gold, in and Bodvild's ring he Ulfdal?" recognizes: threatening 14. "No gold was here in are his eyes as a 's path, far I thought glistening serpent's: let our land from the hills of be severed his sinews' Rhine. I mind me that we strength; and set him more treasures possessed, then in Sævarstad. when, a whole family, we This was done; he was were at home. hamstrung, and then set 15. Hladgud and on a certain small island were of Hlodver born; near the shore, called known was Olrun, Kiar's Sævarstad. He there daughter, she entered into forged for the king all the house, stood on the kinds of jewellery work. floor, her voice moderated: No one was allowed to Now is he not mirthful, go to him, except the who from the forest king. Volund said: comes." 17. "The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could most 21. Tell it not to the skilfully, and tempered, as maidens, nor to the seemed to me most household folk, nor to cunningly. That bright any one, that ye have blade forever is taken from been with me." Early me: never shall I see it called one the other, borne into Volund's smithy. brother, brother: "Let us 18. Now Bodvild wears my go see the rings." consort's red-gold rings: for 22. To the chest they this I have no indemnity." came, for the keys asked; He sat and never slept, and mani fest was their his hammer plied; but grudge, when therein much more speedy they looked. Of those vengeance devised on children he the heads cut Nidud. off, and under the 19. The two young sons of prison's mixen laid their Nidud ran in at the door to bodies. look, in Sævarstad. To the 23. But their skulls chest they came, for the beneath the hair he in keys asked; manifest was silver set, and to Nidud their grudge, when therein gave; and of their eyes they looked. precious stones he 20. Many necklaces were formed, which to Nidud's there, which to those wily wife he sent. youths appeared of the red 24. But of the teeth of the gold to be, and treasures. two breast-ornaments he "Come ye two alone, to- made, and to Bodvild morrow come; that gold sent. Then did Bodvild shall be given to you. praise the ring: to Volund brought it, when she had 28. Stood without broken it: "I dare to no tell Nidud's wily wife; then it, save alone to thee." she went in through the Volund. hall; but he on the 25. "I will so repair the enclosure sat down to fractured gold, that to thy rest. "Art thou awake father it shall fairer seem, Niarars' lord!" and to thy mother much 29. "Ever am I awake, more beautiful, and to joyless I lie to rest, when thyself, in the same I call to mind my degree." children's death: my head 26. He then brought her is chilled, cold are to me beer, that he might succeed thy counsels. Now with the better, as on her seat she Volund I desire to speak." fell asleep. "Now have I my 30. "Tell me, Volund, wrongs avenged, all save Alfars' chief! of my one in the wood brave boys what is perpetrated." become?" 27. "I wish," said Volund, 31. "Oaths shalt thou first "that on my feet I were, of to me swear, by board of the use of which Nidud's ship, by rim of shield, by men have deprived me." shoulder of steed, by Laughing Volund rose in edge of sword, that thou air: Bodvild weeping from wilt not slay the wife of the isle departed. She Volund, nor of my bride mourned her lover's cause the death; although absence, and for her father's a wife I have whom ye wrath. know, or offspring within thy court. 32. To the smithy go, which 36. Laughing Volund thou hast made, there wilt rose in air, but Nidud sad thou the bellows find with remained sitting. blood besprinkled. The 37. "Rise up Thakrad, my heads I severed of thy boys, best of thralls! bid and under the prison's Bodvild, my fair-browed mixen laid their bodies. daughter, in bright attire 33. But their skulls beneath come, with her sire to the hair I in silver set, and speak. to Nidud gave; and of their 38. Is it, Bodvild! true eyes precious stones I what has been told to me, formed, which to Nidud's that thou and Volund in wily wife I sent. the isle together sat?" 34. Of the teeth of the two, 39. "True it is, Nidud! breast-ornaments I made, what has been told to and to Bodvild sent. Now thee, that Volund and I in Bodvild goes big with the isle together sat, in an child, the only daughter of unlucky hour: would it you both." had never been! I could 35. "Word didst thou never not against him strive, I speak that more afflicted might not against him me, or for which I would prevail.” more severely punish thee. There is no man so tall that he from thy horse can take thee, or so skilful that he can shoot thee down, thence where thou floatest up in the sky."