1. Once the celestial gods
had been taking fish,
and were in compotation,
ere they the truth discovered.
Rods they shook,
and blood inspected,
when they found at Ægir´s
a lack of kettles.
2. Sat the rock-dweller
glad as a child,
much like the son
of Miskorblindi.
In his eyes looked
Ygg´s son steadfastly.
"Thou to the Æsir shalt
oft a compotation give."
3. Caused trouble to the Jötun
th'unwelcomed-worded As:
he forthwith meditated
vengeance on the gods.
Sif's husband he besought
a kettle him to bring.
"in which I beer
for all of you may brew."
4. The illustrious gods
found that impossible,
nor could the exalted powers
it accomplish,
till from trueheartedness,
Tý to Hlorridi
much friendly counsel gave.
5. "There dwell eastward
of Elivagar
the all-wise Hýmir,
at heaven's end.
My sire, fierce of mood,
a kettle owns,
a capacious caldron,
a rast in depth."
Thor
6. "Knowest thou whether we
can get the liquor-boiler?"
Tý
Yes, friend! if we
stratagem employ."
Rapidly they drove
forward that day
from Asgard,
till to the giant's home they came.
7. Thor stalled his goats,
splendid of horn,
then turned him to the hall
that Hýmir owned.
The son his granddam found
to him most loathful;
heads she had
nine hundred.
8. But another came
all-golden forth,
fair-browed, bearing
the beer-cup to her son:
9. "Ye Jötuns'kindred!
I will you both,
ye daring pair,
under the kettles place.
My husband is
oftentimes
niggard toward guests,
to ill-humour prone."
10. But the monster,
the fierce-souled Hýmir,
late returned
home from the chase.
He the hall entered,
the icebergs resounded,
as the churl approached;
the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.
11. "Hail to thee, Hýmir!
be of good cheer:
now they son is come
to thy hall,
whom we expected
from his long journey;
him accompanies
our famed adversary,
the friend of man,
who Veor hight.
12. See where they sit
under the hall's gable,
as if to shun thee:
the pillar stands before them."
In shivers flew the pillar
at the Jötun's glance;
the beam was first
broken in two.
13. Eight kettles fell,
but only one of them,
a hard-hammered cauldron,
whole from the column.
The two came forth,
but the old Jötun
with eyes surveyed
his adversary.
14. Augured to him
his mind no good,
when he saw
the giantess's sorrow
on the floor coming.
Then were three
oxen taken,
and the Jötun bade
them forthwith be boiled.
15. Each one they made
by the head shorter,
and to the fire
afterwards bore them.
Sif's consort ate,
ere to sleep he went,
completely, he alone,
two of Hýmir's beeves.
16. Seemed to the hoary
friend of Hrúgnir
Hlorridi's refection
full well large:
"We three to-morrow night
shall be compelled
on what we catch
to live."
17. Veor said he would
on the sea row,
if the bold Jötun him
would with baits supply:
"To the herd betake thee,
(if thou in thy courage trustest,
crusher of the rock-dwellers!)
for baits to seek.
18. I expect
that thou wilt
bait from an ox
easily obtain."
The guest in haste
to the forest went,
where stood an all-black
ox before him.
19. The Thursar's bane
wrung from an ox
the high fastness
of his two horns.
"To me thy work seems
worse by far,
ruler of keels!
than if thou hadst sat quiet."
20. The lord of goats
the apes'kinsman besought
the horse of plank
farther out to move;
but the Jötun
declared his slight desire
farther to row.
21. The mightily Hýmir drew,
he alone,
two whales up
with his hook;
but at the stern abaft
Veor cunningly
made him a line.
22. Fixed on the hook
the shield of men,
the serpent's slayer,
the ox's head.
Gaped at the bait
the foe of gods,
the encircler beneath
of every land.
23. Drew up boldly
the mighty Thor
the worm with venom glistening,
up to the side;
with his hammer struck,
on his foul head's summit,
like a rock towering,
the wolf's own brother.
24. The icebergs resounded,
the caverns howled,
the old earth
shrank together:
at length the fish
back into the ocean sank.
25. The Jötun was little glad,
as they rowed back,
so that the powerful Hýmir
nothing spake,
but the oar moved
in another course.
26. "Wilt thou do
half the work with me,
either the whales
home to the dwelling bear,
or the boat
fast bind?"
27. Hlorridi went,
grasped the prow,
quickly, with its hold-water, lifted
the water-steed,
together with its oars
and scoop;
bore to the dwelling
the Jötun's ocean-swine,
the curved vessel,
through the wooded hills.
28. But the Jötun
yet ever frowned,
to strife accustomed,
with Thor disputed,
said that no one was strong,
however vigorously
he might row,
unless he his cup could break.
29. But Hlorridi,
when to his hands it came,
forthwith brake
an upright stone in twain;
sitting dashed the cup
through the pillars:
yet they brought it whole
to Hýmir back.
30. Until the beauteous
woman gave
important, friendly counsel,
which she only knew:
"Strike at the head of Hýmir,
the Jötun with food oppressed,
that is harder
than any cup."
31. Rose then on his knee
the stern lord of goats,
clad in all
his godlike power.
Unhurt remained
the old man's helm-block,
but the round wine-bearer
was in shivers broken.
32. "Much good, I know,
has departed from me,
now that my cup I see
hurled from my knees."
Thus the old man spake:
I can never
say again,
beer thou art too hot.
33. Now tis to be tried
if ye can carry
the beer-vessel
out of our dwelling."
Tý twice assayed
to move the vessel,
yet at each time
stood the kettle fast.
34. Then Modi's father
by the brim grasped it,
and trod through
the dwelling's floor.
Sif's consort lifted
the kettle on his head,
while about his heels
its rings jingled.
35. They had far journeyed
before Odin's son
cast one look backward:
he from the caverns saw,
with Hýmir from the east,
a troop of many-headed
monsters coming.
36. From his shoulders he
lifted the kettle down;
Mjöllnir hurled forth
towards the savage crew,
and slew
all the mountain-giants,
who with Hýmir
had him pursued.
37. Long they had not journeyed
when of Hlorridi's goats
one lay down
half-dead before the car.
It from the pole had sprung
across the trace;
but the false Loki
was of this the cause.
38. Now ye have heard,
- for what fabulist can
more fully tell -
what indemnity
he from the giant got:
he paid for it
with his children both.
39. In his strength exulting
he to the gods'counsel came,
and had the kettle,
which Hýmir had possessed,
out of which every god
shall beer with Ægir drink
at every harvest-tide.
ThrymskviÞa eðr Hamarsheimt.
The Lay of Thrym, or the Hammer recovered.
1. Wroth was Vingthor,
when he awoke,
and his hammer
missed;
his beard he shook,
his forehead struck,
the son of earth
felt all around him;
2. and first of all
these words he uttered:
"Hear now, Loki!
what I now say,
which no ones knows
anywhere on earth,
nor in heaven above;
the As's hammer is stolen!"
3. They went to the fair
Freyja's dwelling,
and he these words
first of all said:
"Wilt thou me, Freyja,
thy feather-garment lend,
that perchance my hammer
I may find?"
Freyja
4. "That I would give thee,
although of gold it were,
and trust it to thee,
though it were of silver."
5. Flew then Loki -
the plumage rattled -
until he came beyond
the Æsir´s dwellings,
and came within
the Jötun´s land.
6. On a mound sat Thrym,
the Thursar's lord,
for his greyhounds
plaiting gold bands
and his horses'
manes smoothing.
7. "How goes it with the Æsir
How goes it with the Alfar,
Why art thou come alone
to Jötunheim?"
Loki
8. "Ill it goes with the Æsir,
Ill it goes with the Alfar.
Hast thou Hlorridi's
hammer hidden?"
Thrym
9. "I have Hlorridi's
hammer hidden
eight rasts
beneath the earth;
it shall no man
get again,
unless he bring me
Freyja to wife."
10. Flew then Loki -
the plumage rattled -
until he came beyond
the Jötun's dwellings,
and came within
the Æsir's courts;
there he met Thor,
in the middle court,
who these words
first of all uttered.
11. "Hast thou had success
as well as labour?
Tell me from the air
the long tidings.
Oft of him who sits
are the tales defective,
and he who lied down
utters falsehood."
Loki
12. "I have had labour
and success:
Thrym has thy hammer,
the Thursar's lord.
It shall no man
get again,
unless he bring him
Freyja to wife."
13. They went the fair
Freyja to find;
and he those words
first of all said:
"Bind thee, Freyja,
in bridal raiment,
we two must drive
to Jötunheim."
13. Wroth then was Freyja,
and with anger chafed,
all the Æsir's hall
beneath her trembled:
in shivers flew the famed
Brisinga necklace.
"Know me to be
of women lewdest,
if with thee I drive
to Jötunheim."
15. Straightway went the Æsir
all to counsel,
and the Asyniur
all to hold converse;
and deliberated
the mighty gods,
how they Hlorridi's
hammer might get back.
16. Then said Heimdall,
of Æsir brightest -
he well foresaw,
like other Vanir -
"Let us clothe Thor
with bridal raiment,
let him have the famed
Brisinga necklace.
17. "Let by his side
keys jingle,
and woman's weeds
fall round his knees,
but on his breast
place precious stones,
and a neat coif
set on his head."
18. Then said Thor,
the mighty As:
"Me the Æsir will
call womanish,
if I let myself be clad
in bridal raiment."
19. Then spake Loki,
Laufey's son:
"Do thou, Thor! refrain
from suchlike words:
forthwith the Jötuns will
Asgard inhabit,
unless thy hammer thou
gettest back."
20. Then they clad Thor
in bridal raiment,
and with the noble
Brisinga necklace,
let by his side
keys jingle,
and woman's weeds
fall round his knees:
and on his breast
places precious stones,
and a neat coif
sat on his head.
21. Then said Loki,
Laufey's son:
"I will with thee
as a servant go:
we two will drive
to Jötunheim."
22. Straightway were the goats
homeward driven,
hurried to the traces;
they had fast to run.
The rocks were shivered,
the earth was in a blaze;
Odin's son drove
to Jötunheim.
23. Then said Thrym,
the Thursar's lord:
"Rise up, Jötuns!
and the benches deck,
now they bring me
Freyja to wife,
Niörd's daughter,
from Noatún.
24. "Hither to our court let bring
gold-horned cows,
all-black oxen,
for the Jötuns'joy.
Treasures I have many,
necklaces many,
Freyja alone
seemed to me wanting."
25. In the evening
they early came,
and for the Jötuns
beer was brought forth.
Thor alone an ox devoured,
salmons eight,
and all the sweetmeats
women should have.
Sif's consort drank
three salds of mead.
26. Then said Thrym,
the Thursar's prince:
"Where hast thou seen brides
eat more voraciously?
I never saw brides
feed more amply,
nor a maiden
drink more mead."
27. Sat the all-crafty
serving-maid close by,
who words fitting found
against the Jötun's speech:
"Freyja has nothing eaten
for eight nights,
so eager was she
for Jötunheim."
28. Under her veil he stooped
desirous to salute her,
but sprang back
along the hall.
"Why are so piercing
Freyja's looks?
Methinks that fire
burns from her eyes."
29. Sat the all-crafty
serving-maid close by,
who words fitting found
against the Jötun's speech:
"Freyja for eight nights
has not slept,
so eager was she
for Jötunheim."
30. In came the Jötun's
luckless sister,
for a bride-gift
she dared to ask:
"Give me from they 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 Mjöllnir
on the maiden's knee;
unite us each with other
by the hand of Vör.
32. Laughed Hlorridi's
soul in his breast,
when the fierce-hearted
his hammer recognized.
He first slew Thrym,
the Thursar's lord,
and the Jötun's race
all crushed;
33. He slew the Jötun´s
aged sister,
her who a bride-gift
had demanded;
she a blow got
instead of skillings,
a hammer's stroke
for many rings.
So got Odin's son
his hammer back
Alvíssmál
The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis.
Alvis
1. The benches they are decking,
now shall the bride with me
bend her way home.
That beyond my strength I have hurried
will to every one appear:
at home naught shall disturb my quiet.
Vingthor
2. What man is this?
Why about the nose art thou so pale?
Hast thou last night with corpses lain?
To me thou seemst to bear
resemblances to the Thursar.
Thou art not born to carry off a bride.
Alvis
3. Alvis I am named,
beneath the earth I dwell,
under the rock I own a place.
The lord of chariots
I am come to visit.
A promise once confirmed let no one break.
Vingthor
4. I will break it;
for o'er the maid I have,
as father, greatest power.
I was from home
when the promise was given thee.
Among the gods I the sole giver am.
Alvis
5. What man is this,
lays claim to power
over that fair, bright maiden?
For far-reaching shafts
few will know thee.
Who has decked thee with bracelets?
Vingthor
6. Vingthor I am named,
wide I have wandered;
I am Sidgrani's son:
with my dissent thou shalt not
that young maiden have,
nor that union obtain.
Alvis
7. Thy consent
I fain would obtain.
Rather would I possess
than be without
that snow-white maiden.
Vingthor
8. The maiden's love
shall not, wise guest!
be unto thee denied,
if thou of every world
canst tell
all I desire to know.
Alvis
9. Vingthor! thou canst try,
as thou art desirous
the knowledge of the dwarf to prove.
All the nine worlds
I have travelled over,
and every being known.
Vinthor
10. Tell me, Alvis! -
for all men's concerns
I presume thee, dwarf, to know-
how the earth is called,
which lies before the sons of men,
in every world.
Alvis
11. Jörd among men tis called,
but with the Æsir fold;
the Vanir call it vega,
the Jötuns igroen,
the Alfar groandi,
the powers supreme aur.
Vingthor
12. Tell me Alvis! etc.
how the heaven is called,
which is perceptible,
in every world.
Alvis
13. Himinn tis called by men;
but hlýrnir with the gods;
vindofni the Vanir call it,
uppheimr the Jötuns,
the Alfar fagraræfr,
the dwarfs driupansal.
Vingthor
14. Tell me Alvis! etc.
how the moon is called,
which men see
in every world.
Alvis
15. Mani tis called by men,
but mylinn with the gods,
hverfanda hvel in Hel they call it,
skyndi the Jötuns,
but the dwarfs skin;
the Alfar name it artali.
Vingthor
16. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the sun is called,
which men's sons see
in every world.
Alvis
17. Sol among men tis called,
but with the gods sunna,
the dwarfs call it Dvalinn's leika,
the Jötuns eyglo,
the Alfar fagrahvel,
the Æsir's sons alskir.
Vingthor
18. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the clouds are called,
which with showers are mingled
in every world.
Alvis
19. Ský they are called by men,
but skurvan by the gods;
the Vanir call them vindflot,
the Jötuns urvan,
the Alfar veðrmegin;
in Hel they are called hialm huliðs.
Vingthor
20. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the wind is called,
which widely passes
over every world.
Alvis
21. Windr tis called by men,
but vavuðr by the gods,
the wide-ruling powers call it gneggiuð,
the Jötuns æpir
the Alfar dynfari,
in Hel they call it hviðuðr.
Vingthor
22. Tell me Alvis! etc.
how the calm is called,
which has to rest
in every world.
Alvis
23. Logn tis called by men,
but lægi by the gods,
the Vanir call it vindslot,
the Jötuns ofhlý,
the Alfar dagsevi,
the Dwarfs call it dags vera.
Vingthor
24. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
what the sea is called,
which men row over
in every world.
Alvis
25. Sær ´tis called by men,
but silægia with the gods;
the Vanir call it vagr,
the Jötuns alheimr,
the Alfar lagastafr,
the Dwarfs call it diupan mar.
Vingthor
26. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the fire is called,
which burns before men´s sons
in every world.
Alvis
27. Eldr ´tis called by men,
but by the Æsir funi;
the Vanir call it vagr,
the Jötuns frekr,
but the Dwarfs forbrennir;
in Hel they call it hröðuðr.
Vingthor
28. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the forest it called,
which grows for the sons of men
in every world.
Alvis
29. Viðr ´tis called by men,
but vallarfax by gods,
Hel´s inmates call it hliðÞangr,
the Jötuns eldi,
the Alfar fagrlimi;
the Vanir call it vöndr.
Vingthor
30. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the night is called,
that Nörvi´s daughter hight,
in every world.
Alvis
31. Nott it is called by men,
but by the gods niol;
the wide-ruling powers call it grima,
the Jötuns olios,
the Alfar svefngaman;
the Dwarfs call it draumniörunn.
Vingthor
32. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the seed is called,
which the sons of men sow
in every world.
Alvis
33. Bygg it is called by men,
but by the gods barr,
the Vanir call it vaxtr,
the Jötuns æti,
the Alfar lagastafr;
in Hel ´tis hnipinn called.
Vingthor
34. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the beer is called,
which the sons of men drink
in every world.
Alvis
35. Öl it is called by men,
but by the Æsir biorr,
the Vanir call it veig,
hreinna lögr the Jötuns,
but in Hel ´tis called miöðr:
Suttung´s sons call it sumbl.
Vingthor
36. In one breast
I have never found
more ancient lore. -
By great wiles thou hast, I tell thee,
been deluded.
Thou art above ground, dwarf! at dawn;
already in the hall the sun is shining!
Harbarðslióð
The Lay of Harbard.
Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait
or sound, on the other side of which was a ferryman with his boat. Thor cried
out: -
1. Who is the knave of knaves,
that by the sound stands yonder?
Harbard
2. Who is the churl of churls,
that cries across the water?
Thor
3. Ferry me across the sound,
to-morrow I´ll regale thee.
I have a basket on my back:
there is no better food:
at my ease I ate,
before I quitted home,
herrings and oats,
with which I yet feel sated.
Harbard
4. Thou art in haste
to praise thy meal:
thou surely hast no foreknowledge;
for sad will be thy home:
thy mother, I believe, is dead.
Thor
5. Thou sayest now
what seems to every one
most unwelcome to know -
that my mother is dead.
Harbard
6. Thou dost not look like one
who owns three country dwellings,
bare-legged thou standest,
and like a beggar clothed;
thou hast not even breeches.
Thor
7. Steer hitherward thy boat;
I will direct thee where to land.
But who owns this skiff,
which by the strand thou holdest?
Harbard
8. Hildolf he is named
who bade me hold it,
a man in council wise,
who dwells in Radsö sound.
Robbers he bade me not to ferry,
or horse-stealers,
but good men only,
and those whom I well knew.
Tell me then they name,
if thou wilt cross the sound.
Thor
9. I my name will tell,
(although I am an outlaw)
and all my kin:
I am Odin's son,
Meili's brother,
and Magni's sire,
the gods'mighty leader:
With Thor thou here mayst speak.
I will now ask
how thou art called.
10. I am Harbard called;
seldom I my name conceal.
Thor
11. Why shouldst thou thy name conceal,
unless thou crime has perpetrated?
Harbard
12. Yet, thou I may crime have perpetrated,
I will nathless gaurd my life
against such as thou art;
unless I death-doomed am.
Thor
13. It seems to me a foul annoyance
to wade across the strait to thee,
and wet my garments:
but I will pay thee, mannikin!
for thy sharp speeches,
if o'er the sound I come.
Harbard
14. Here will I stand,
and here await thee.
Thou wilt have found no stouter one
since Hrugnir's death.
Thor
15. Thou now remindest me
how I with Hrugnir fought,
that stout-hearted Jötun,
whose head was all of stone;
yet I made him fall,
and sink before me.
What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
Harbard
16. I was with Fjölvari
five winters through,
in the isle
which Algrön hight.
There we could fight,
and slaughter make,
many perils prove,
indulge in love.
Thor
17. How did your women
prove towards you?
Harbard
18. Sprightly women we had,
had they but been meek;
shrewd ones we had,
had they but been kind.
Of sand a rope
they twisted,
and from the deep valley
dug the earth:
to them all I alone was
superior in cunning.
I rested with the sisters seven,
and their love and pleasures shared.
What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
Thor
19. I slew Thiassi,
that stout-hearted Jötun:
up I cast the eyes
of Allvaldi's son
into the heaven serene:
they are signs the greatest
of my deeds.
What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
Harbard
20. Great seductive arts I used
against the riders of the night,
when from their husbands I enticed them.
A mighty Jötun I believed
Hlebard to be:
a magic wand he gave me,
but from his wits I charmed him.
Thor
21. With evil mind then
thou didst good gifts requite.
Harbard
22. One tree gets that
which is from another scraped:
each one in such case is for self.
What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
Thor
23. In the east I was,
and slew the Jötun brides,
crafty in evil,
as they to the mountain went.
Great would have been the Jötun race,
had they all lived;
and not a man
left in Midgard.
What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
Harbard
24. I was in Valland,
and followed warfare;
princes I excited,
but never reconciled.
Odin has all the jarls
that in conflict fall;
but Thor the race of thralls.
Thor
25. Unequally thou wouldst divide
the folk among the Æsir,
if thou but hadst the power.
Harbard
26. Thor has strength overmuch,
but courage none;
from cowardice and fear,
thou wast crammed into a glove,
and hardly thoughtest thou was Thor.
Thou durst not then,
through thy terror,
either sneeze or cough,
lest Fjalar it might hear.
Thor
27. Harbard, thou wretch!
I would strike thee dead,
could I but stretch my arm across the sound.
Harbard
28. Why wouldst thou
stretch they arm across the sound,
when there is altogether no offence?
But what didst thou, Thor?
Thor
29. In the east I was,
and a river I defended,
when the sons of Svarang
me assailed,
and with stones pelted me,
though in their success they little joyed:
they were the first
to sue for peace.
What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
Harbard
30. I was in the east,
and with a certain lass held converse;
with that fair I dallied,
and long meetings had.
I that gold-bright one delighted;
the game amused her.
Thor
31. Then you had kind damsels there?
Harbard
32. Of thy aid I had need, Thor!
in retaining
that maiden lily-fair.
Thor
33. I would have given it thee,
if I had had the opportunity.
Harbard
34. I would have trusted thee,
my confidence
if thou hadst not betrayed it.
Thor
35. I am not such a heel-chafer
as an old leather shoe in spring.
Harbard
36. What meanwhile didst thou, Thor?
Thor
37. The Berserkers'brides
I on Læssö cudgeled;
they the worst had perpetrated,
the whole people had seduced.
Harbard
38. Dastardly didst thou act, Thor!
when thou didst cudgel women.
Thor
39. She-wolves they were,
and scarcely women.
They crushed my ship,
which with props I had secured,
with iron clubs threatened me,
and drove away Thialfi.
What meanwhile didst thou, Harbard?
Harbard
40. I in the army was,
which was hither sent,
war-banners to raise,
lances to redden.
Thor
41. Of that thou now wilt speak,
as thou wentest forth
us hard terms to offer.
Harbard
42. That shall be indemnified
by a hand-ring,
such as arbitrators give,
who wish to reconcile us.
Thor
43. Where didst thou learn words
than which I never heard
more irritating?
Harbard
44. From men I learned them,
from ancient men,
whose home is in the woods.
Thor
45. Thou givest certainly
a good name to grave-mounds,
when thou callest them
homes in the woods.
Harbard
46. So speak I
of such a subject.
Thor
47. Thy shrewd words
will bring thee evil,
if I resolve the sound to ford.
Louder than a wold
thou wilt howl, I trow,
if of my hammer thou gettest a touch.
Harbard
48. Sif has a gallant at home;
thou wilt anxious be to find him:
thou shalt that arduous work perform;
it will beseem thee better.
Thor
49. Thou utterest what comes upmost,
so that to me it be most annoying,
thou dastardly varlet!
I believe thou art lying.
Harbard
50. I believe I am telling truth.
Thou art travelling slowly;
thou wouldst have long since arrived,
hadst thou assumed another form.
Thor
51. Harbard! thou wretch!
rather is it thou who has detained me.
Harbard
52. I never thought
that a ferryman could
the course of Asa-Thor retard.
Thor
53. One advice I now will give thee:
row hither with thy boat;
let us cease from threats;
approach the sire of Magni.
Harbard
54. Go farther from the sound,
the passage is refused thee.
Thor
55. Show me then the way,
if thou wilt not ferry me
across the water.
Harbard
56. That's too little to refuse.
Tis far to go;
tis to the stock an hour,
and to the stone another;
then keep the left hand way,
until thou reachest Verland;
there will Fjörgyn
find her son Thor,
and point out to him
his kinsmen's ways
to Odin's land.
Thor
57. Can I get there to-day?
Harbard
58. With pain and toil
thou mayest get there,
while the sun is up,
which, I believe, is now nigh.
Thor
59. Our talk shall now be short,
as thou answerest with scoffing only.
For refusing to ferry me I will reward thee,
if another time we meet.
Harbard
60. Just go to where
all the powers of evil may have thee.
För Skirnis eðr Skirnismál
The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.
Frey, son of Niörd, had one day seated himself in Hlidskjalf,
and was looking over all regions, when turning his eyes to Jötunheim, he there
saw a beautiful girl, as she was passing from her father´s dwelling to her bower.
Thereupon he became greatly troubled in mind. Frey´s attendant was named Skirnir;
him Niörd desired to speak with Frey; when Skadi said: -
1. Rise up now, Skirnir!
go and request
our son to speak;
and inquire
with whom he so sage
may be offended.
Skirnir
2. Harsh words I have
from your son to fear,
if I go and speak with him,
and to inquire
with whom he so sage
may be offended.
Skirnir
3. Tell me now, Frey,
prince of gods!
for I desire to know,
why alone thou sittest
in the spacious hall
the livelong day?
Frey
4. Why shall I tell thee,
thou young man,
my mind's great trouble?
for the Alfs'illuminator
shines every day,
yet not for my pleasure.
Skirnir
5. Thy care cannot, I think,
be so great,
that to me thou canst not tell it;
for in early days
we were young together:
well might we trust each other.
Frey
6. In Gýmir's courts
I saw walking
a maid for whom I long.
Her arms gave forth light
wherewith shone
all air and water.
7. Is more desirable
to me that maid
than to any youth
in early days;
yet will no one,
Æsir or Alfar,
that we together live.
Skirnir
8. Give me but thy steed,
which can bear me through
the dusk, flickering flame,
and that sword,
which brandishes itself
against the Jötuns'race.
Frey
9. I will give thee my steed,
which can bear thee through
the dusk, flickering flame,
and that sword,
which will itself brandish,
if he is bold who raises it.
Skirnir speaks to the horse....
10. Dark it is without,
tis time, I say, for us to go
across the misty fells,
over the Thursar's land:
we shall both return,
or the all-potent Jötun
will seize us both.
Skirnir rides to Jötunheim, to Gýmir's mansion, where fierce dogs were chained
at the gate of the enclosure that was round Gýmir's hall. He rides on to where
a cowherd was sitting on a mound, and says to him:
11. Tell me, cowherd!
as on the mound thou sittest,
and watchest all the ways,
how I to the speech may come,
of the young maiden,
for Gýmir's dogs?
12. Either thou art death-doomed,
or thou art a departed one.
Speech wilt thou
ever lack
with the good maid of Gýmir.
Skirnir
13. Better choices than to whine
there are for him
who is prepared to die:
for one day
was my age decreed,
and my whole life determined.
Gerd
14. What is that sound of sounds,
which I now sounding hear
within our dwelling?
The earth is shaken,
and with it all
the house of Gýmir trembles.
A serving-maid.
15. A man is here without,
dismounted from his horse's back:
he lets his steed browse on the grass.
Gerd
16. Bid him enter
into our hall,
and drink of the bright mead;
although I fear
it is my brother's slayer
who waits without.
17. Who is this of the Alfar's,
or of the Æsir´s sons,
or of the wise Vanir's?
Why art thou come alone,
through the hostile fire,
our halls to visit?
Skirnir
18. I am not of the Alfar's,
nor of the Æsir's sons,
nor of the wise Vanir's;
yet I am come alone,
through the hostile fire,
your halls to visit.
19. Apples all-golden
I have here eleven:
these I will give thee, Gerd,
thy love to gain,
that thou mayest say that Frey
to thee lives dearest.
Gerd
20. The apples eleven
I never will accept
for any mortal's pleasure;
nor will I and Frey,
while our lives last,
live both together.
Skirnir
21. The ring too I will give thee,
which was burnt
with the young son of Odin.
Eight of equal weight
will from it drop,
every ninth night.
Gerd
22. The ring I will not accept,
burnt thou it may have been
with the young son of Odin.
I have no lack of gold
in Gýmir's courts;
for my father's wealth I share.
Skirnir
23. Seest thou this sword, young maiden!
thin, glittering-bright,
which I have here in hand?
I thy head will sever
from thy neck,
if thou speakest not favourably to me.
Gerd
24. Suffer compulsion
will I never,
to please any man;
yet this I foresee,
if thou and Gýmir meet,
yet will eagerly engage in fight.
Skirnir
25. Seest thou this sword, young maiden!
thin, glittering-bright,
which I have here in hand?
Beneath its edge
shall the old Jötun fall:
thy sire is death-doomed.
26. With a taming-wand I smite thee,
and I will tame thee,
maiden! to my will.
Thou shalt go thither,
where the sons of men
shall never more behold thee.
27. On an eagle's mount
thou shalt early sit,
looking and turned towards Hel.
Food shall to thee more loathsome be
than is to any one
the glistening serpent among men.
28. As a prodigy thou shalt be,
when thou goest forth;
Hrinmir shall at thee gaze,
all being at thee stare;
more wide-known thou shalt become
than the watch among the gods,
if thou from thy gratings gape.
29. Solitude and disgust,
bonds and impatience,
shall thy tears with grief augment.
Set thee down,
and I will tell thee of
a whelming flood of care,
and a double grief.
30. Terrors shall bow thee down
the livelong day,
in the Jötuns'courts.
To the Hrimthursar's halls,
thou shalt each day
crawl exhausted,
joyless crawl;
wail for pastime
shalt thou have,
and tears and misery.
31. With a three-headed Thurs
thou shalt be ever bound,
or be without a mate.
Thy mind shall tear thee
from morn to morn:
as the thistle thou shalt be
which has thrust itself
on the house-top.
32. To the wold I have been,
and to the humid grove,
a magic wand to get.
A magic wand I got.
33. Wroth with thee is Odin,
wroth with thee is the Æsir's prince;
Frey shall loathe thee,
even ere thou, wicked maid!
shalt have felt
the gods'dire vengeance.
34. Hear ye, Jötuns!
hear ye, Hrimtursar!
sons of Suttung!
also ye, Æsir´s friends!
how I forbid
how I prohibit
man's joy unto the damsel,
man's converse to the damsel.
35. Hrimgrimnir the Thurs is named,
that shall possess thee,
in the grating of the dead beneath;
there shall wretched thralls,
from the tree's roots,
goats'water give thee.
Other drink shalt thou,
maiden! never get,
either for thy pleasure,
or for my pleasure.
36. Þurs I cut for thee,
and three letters more:
ergi, and oenði,
and oÞola.
So will I cut them out,
as I have cut them in,
if there need shall be.
Gerd
37. Hail rather to thee, youth!
and accept an icy cup,
filled with old mead;
although I thought not
that I ever should
love one of Vanir race.
Skirnir
38. All my errand
will I know,
ere I hence ride home.
When wilt thou converse hold
with the powerful
son of Niörd?
Gerd
39. Barri the grove is named,
which we both know,
the grove of tranquil paths.
Nine nights hence,
there to Niörd's son
Gerd will grant delight.
Skirnir then rode home. Frey was standing without, and spoke to him, asking
tidings:
40. Tell me, Skirnir!
ere thou thy steed unsaddlest,
and a foot hence goest,
what thou hast accomplished
in Jötunheim,
for my pleasure or thine?
Skirnir
41. Barri the grove is named,
which we both know,
the grove of tranquil paths.
Nine nights hence,
there to Niörd's son
Gerd will grant delight.
Frey
42. Long is one night,
yet longer two will be;
how shall I three endure.
Often a month to me
less has seemed
than half a night of longing.
In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the Æsir named
Heimdall, being on a journey to a certain sea-shore, came to a village, where
he called himself Rig. In accordance with this Saga is the following:
1. In ancient days, they say,
along the green ways went
the powerful and upright
sagacious As,
the strong and active Rig,
his onward course pursuing.
2. Forward he went
on the mid-way,
and to a dwelling came.
The door stood ajar,
he went in,
fire was on the floor.
There man and wife sat there,
hoary-haired, by the hearth,
Ai and Edda,
in old guise clad.
3. Rig would counsel
give to them both,
and himself seated
in the middle seat,
having on either side
the domestic pair.
4. Then Edda from the ashes
took a loaf,
heavy and thick,
and with bran mixed;
more besides she laid
on the middle of the board;
there in a bowl was broth
on the table set,
there was a calf boiled,
of cates more excellent.
5. Then rose he up,
prepared to sleep:
Rig would counsel
give to them both;
laid him down
in the middle of the bed;
the domestic pair lay
one on either side.
6. There he continued
three nights together,
then departed
on the mid-way.
Nine months then
passed away.
7. Edda a child brought forth:
they with water sprinkled
its swarthy skin,
and named it Thræl.
8. It grew up,
and well it throve;
of its hands
the skin was shriveled,
the knuckles knotty,
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and fingers thick;
a hideous countenance it had,
a curved back,
and protruding heels.
9. He then began
his strength to prove,
bast to bind,
make of it loads;
then faggots carried home,
the livelong day.
10. Then to the dwelling came
a woman walking,
scarred were her foot-soles,
her arms sunburnt,
her nose compressed,
her name was Thý.
11. In the middle seat
herself she placed;
by her sat
the house's son.
They spoke and whispered,
prepared a bed,
Thræl and Thý,
and days of care.
12. Children they begat,
and lived content:
Their names, I think, were
Hrimr and Fjósnir,
Klur and Kleggi,
Kefsir, Fulnir,
Drumb, Digraldi,
Drött and Hösvir,
Lút and Leggialdi.
Fences they erected,
fields manured,
tended swine,
kept goats,
dug turf.
13. The daughters were
Drumba and Kumba,
Ökkvinkalfa,
and Arinnefia,
Ysia and Ambatt,
Eikintiasna,
Tötrughypia,
and Trönubeina,
whence are sprung
the race of thralls.
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14. Rig then went on,
in a direct course,
and came to a house;
the door stood ajar:
he went in;
fire was on the floor,
man and wife sat there
engaged at work.
15. The man was planing
wood for a weaver's beam;
his beard was trimmed,
a lock was on his forehead,
his shirt close;
he chest stood on the floor.
16. His wife sat by,
plied her rock,
with outstretched arms,
prepared for clothing.
A hood was on her head,
a loose sark over her breast,
a kerchief round her neck,
studs on her shoulders.
Afi and Amma
owned the house.
17. Rig would counsel
give to them both;
rose from the table,
prepared to sleep;
laid him down
in the middle of the bed,
the domestic pair lay
one on either side.
18. There he continued
three nights together.
Nine months then
passed away.
Amma a child brought forth,
they with water sprinkled it,
and called it Karl.
The mother in linen swathed
the ruddy redhead:
its eyes twinkled.
19. It grew up,
and well throve;
learned to tame oxen,
make a plough,
houses build,
and barns construct,
make carts,
and the plough drive.
20. Then they home conveyed
a lass with pendant keys,
and goatskin kirtle;
married her to Karl.
Snör was her name,
under a veil she sat.
The couple dwelt together,
rings exchanged,
spread couches,
and a household formed.
21. Children they begat,
and lived content.
Hal and Dreng, these were named,
Held, Thegn, Smith,
Breidrbondi,
Bundinskegg,
Bui and Boddi,
Brattskegg and Segg.
22. But (the daughters) were thus called,
by other names:
Snot, Brud, Svanni,
Svarri, Sprakki,
Fliod, Sprund, and Vif,
Feima, Ristil;
whence are sprung
the races of churls.
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23. Rig then went thence,
in a direct course,
and came to a hall:
the entrance looked southward,
the door was half closed,
a ring was on the door-post.
24. He went in;
the floor was strewed,
a couple sat
facing each other,
Fadir and Modir,
with fingers playing.
25. The husband sat,
and twisted string,
bent his bow,
and arrow-shafts prepared;
but the housewife
looked on her arms,
smoothed her veil,
and her sleeves fastened;
26. her head-gear adjusted.
A clasp was on her breast;
ample her robe,
her sark was blue;
brighter was her brow,
her breast fairer,
her neck whiter
than driven snow.
27. Rig would counsel
give to them both,
and himself seated
on the middle seat,
having on either side
the domestic pair.
28. Then took Modir
a figured cloth
of white linen,
and the table decked.
She then took
thin cakes
of snow-white wheat,
and on the table laid.
29. She set forth salvers
full, adorned with silver,
on the table game and pork,
and roasted birds.
In a can was wine;
the cups were ornamented.
They drank and talked;
the day was fast departing,
Rig would counsel
give to them both.
30. Rig then rose,
the bed prepared;
there he then remained
three nights together,
then departed
on the mid-way.
Nine months after that
passed away.
31. Modir then brought forth a boy;
in silk they wrapped him,
with water sprinkled him,
and named him Jarl.
Light was his hair,
bright his cheeks,
his eyes piercing
as a young serpent's.
32. There at home
Jarl grew up,
learned the shield to shake,
to fix the string,
the bow to bend,
arrows to shaft,
javelins to hurl,
spears to brandish,
horses to ride,
dogs to let slip,
swords to draw,
swimming to practice.
33. Thither from the forest came
Rig walking,
Rig walking:
runes he taught him,
and his own son declared him,
whom he bade possess
his alodial fields,
his alodial fields,
his ancient dwellings.
34. Jarl then rode thence,
through a murky way,
over humid fells,
till to a hall he came.
His spear he brandished,
his shield he shook,
made his horse curvet,
and his falchion drew,
strife began to raise,
the field to redden,
carnage to make;
and conquer lands.
35. Then he ruled alone
over eight vills,
riches distributed,
gave to all
treasures and precious things;
lank-sided horses,
rings he dispersed,
and collars cut in pieces.
36. The nobles drove
through humid ways,
came to a hall,
where Hersir dwelt;
there they found
a slender maiden,
fair and elegant,
Erna her name.
37. They demanded her,
and conveyed her home,
to Jarl espoused her;
she under the linen went.
They together lived,
and well throve,
had offspring,
and old age enjoyed.
38. Bur was the eldest,
Barn the second,
Jod and Adal,
Arfi, Mög,
Nid and Nidjung.
They learned games;
Son and Svein
swam and at tables played.
One was named Kund,
Kon was the youngest.
39. There grew up
Jarl's progeny;
horses they broke,
curved shields,
cut arrows,
brandished spears.
40. But the young Kon
understood runes,
æfin-runes,
and aldr-runes;
he moreover knew
men to preserve,
edges to deaden,
the sea to calm.
41. He knew the voice of birds,
how fires to mitigate,
assuage and quench`
sorrows to allay.
He of eight men had
the strength and energy.
42. He with Rig Jarl
in runes contended,
artifices practiced,
and superior proved;
then acquired
Rig to be called,
and skilled in runes.
43. The young Kon rode
through swamps and forests,
hurled forth darts,
and tamed birds.
44. Then sang the crow,
sitting lonely on a bough!
"Why wilt thou, young Kon:
tame the birds?
Rather shouldst thou, young Kon!
on horses ride
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and armies overcome.
45. Nor Dan nor Danp
halls more costly had,
nobler paternal seats,
then ye had.
They well knew how
the keel to ride,
the edge to prove,
wounds to inflict.
(The rest is wanting......)
Ægir, who is also name Gýmir, had brewed beer for the
Æsir, after he had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being in the
East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun, and Tý, who
was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while being bound. Besides
these were Niörd and his wife Skadi, Frey and Freyja, and Odin´s son Vidar.
Loki too was there, and Frey´s attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other Æsir
and Alfar were also present.
Ægir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used instead
of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place was a great sanctuary.
The guests greatly praised the excellence of Ægir´s servants. This Loki could
not hear with patience, and so slew Fimafeng; whereupon the Æsir shook their
shields, exclaimed against Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned
to drink. Loki came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:
1. Tell me, Eldir!
ere thou thy foot settest
one step forward,
on what converse
the sons of the triumphant gods
at their potation?
Eldir
2. Of their arms converse,
and of their martial fame,
the sons of the triumphant gods.
Of the Æsir and the Alfar
that are here within
not one has a friendly word for thee.
Loki
3. I will go
into Ægir´s halls,
to see the compotation.
Strife and hate
to the Æsir´s sons I bear,
and will mix their mead with bale.
Eldir
4. Knowest thou not that if thou goest
into Ægir´s halls
to see the compotation,
but contumely and clamour
pourest forth on the kindly powers,
they will wipe it all off on thee.
Loki
5. Knowest thou not, Eldir,
that if we two
with bitter words contend,
I shall be rich
in answers,
if thou sayest too much?
Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come in, they
all sat silent.
Loki
6. I Lopt am come thirsty
into this hall,
from a long journey,
to beseech the Æsir
one draught to give me
of the bright mead.
7. Why gods! are ye so silent,
so reserved,
that ye cannot speak?
A seat and place
choose for me at your board,
or bid me hie me hence.
Bragi
8. A seat and place
will the Æsir never
choose for thee at their board;
for well the Æsir know
for whom they ought to hold
a joyous compotation.
Loki
9. Odin! dost thou remember
when we in early days
blended our blood together?
When to taste beer
thou didst constantly refuse,
unless to both ´twas offered?
Odin
10. Rise up, Vidar!
and let the wolf´s sire
sit at our compotation;
that Loki may not utter
words of contumely
in Ægir´s hall.
Vidar then rising, presented Loki with drink, who before drinking thus addressed.
11. Hail, Æsir!
Hail, Asyniur!
And ye, all-holy gods!
all, save that one As,
who sits within there,
Bragi, on yonder bench.
Bragi
12. A horse and falchion
I from my stores will give thee,
and also with a ring reward thee,
if thou the Æsir wilt not
requite with malice.
Provoke not the gods against thee.
Loki
13. Of horse and rings
wilt thou ever, Bragi!
be in want.
Of the Æsir and the Alfar,
that are here present,
in conflict thou art the most backward,
and in the play of darts most timid.
Bragi
14. I know that were I without,
as I am now within,
the hall of Ægir,
I thy head would
bear in my hand,
and so for lying punish thee.
Loki
15. Valiant on thy seat art thou, Bragi!
but so thou shouldst not be,
Bragi, the bench´s pride!
Go and fight,
if thou art angry;
a brave man sits not considering.
Idun
16. I pray thee, Bragi!
let avail the bond of children,
and of all adopted sons,
and to Loki speak not
in reproachful words,
in Ægir´s hall.
Loki
17. Be silent, Idun!
of all women I declare thee
most fond of men,
since thou thy arms,
carefully washed, didst twine
round thy brother´s murderer.
Idun
18. Loki I address not
with opprobrious words,
in Ægir´s hall.
Bragi I soothe,
by beer excited.
I desire not that angry ye fight.
Gefion
19. Why will ye, Æsir twain,
here within,
strive with reproachful words?
Lopt perceives not
that he is deluded,
and is urged on by fate.
Loki
20. Be silent, Gefion!
I will now just mention,
how that fair youth
thy mind corrupted,
who thee a necklace gave,
and around whom thou thy limbs didst twine?
Odin
21. Thou art raving, Loki!
and hast lost thy wits,
in calling Gefion´s anger on thee;
for all men´s destinies,
I ween, she knows
as thoroughly as I do.
Loki
22. Be silent, Odin!
Thou never couldst allot
conflicts between men:
oft hast thou given to those
to whom thou oughtest not -
victory to cowards.
Odin
23. Knowest thou that I gave
to those I ought not -
victory to cowards?
Thou was eight winters
on the earth below,
a milch cow and a woman,
and didst there bear children.
Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.
Loki
24. But, it is said, thou wentest
with tottering steps in Samsö,
and knocked at houses as a Vala.
In likeness of a fortune teller,
thou wentest among people;
Now that, methinks, betokens a base nature.
Frigg
25. Your doings
ye should never
publish among men,
what ye, Æsir twain,
did in days of yore.
Ever forgotten be men´s former deeds!
Loki
26. Be thou silent, Frigg!
Thou art Fjörgyn´s daughter,
and ever hast been fond of men,
since Ve and Vili, it is said,
thou, Vidrir´s wife, didst
both to thy bosom take.
Frigg
27. Know thou that if I had,
a Ægir´s halls,
a son like Baldr,
out thou shouldst not go
from the Æsir´s sons:
thou should'st have been fiercely assailed.
Loki
28. But wilt thou, Frigg!
that of my wickedness
I more recount?
I am the cause
that thou seest not
Baldr riding to the halls.
Freyja
29. Mad art thou, Loki!
in recounting
thy foul misdeeds.
Frigg, I believe,
knows all that happens,
although she says it not.
Loki
30. Be thou silent, Freyja!
I know thee full well;
thou art not free from vices:
of the Æsir and the Alfar,
that are herein,
each has been thy paramour.
Freyja
31. False is thy tongue.
Henceforth it will, I think,
prate no good to thee.
Wroth with thee are the Æsir,
and the Asyniur.
Sad shalt thou home depart.
Loki
32. Be silent, Freyja!
Thou art a sorceress,
and with much evil blended;
since against thy brother thou
the gentle powers excited.
And then, Freyja! what didst thou do?
Niörd
33. It is no great wonder,
if silk-clad dames
get themselves husbands, lovers;
but ´tis a wonder that a wretched As,
that has borne children,
should herein enter.
Loki
34. Be silent, Niörd!
Thou wast sent eastward hence,
a hostage from the gods.
Hýmir´s daughter had thee
for a utensil,
and flowed into thy mouth.
Niörd
35. ´Tis to me a solace,
as I a long way hence
was sent, a hostage from the gods,
that I had a son,
whom no one hates,
and accounted is a chief among the Æsir.
Loki
36. Cease now, Niörd!
in bounds contain thyself;
I will no longer keep it secret:
it was with thy sister
thou hadst such a son;
hardly worse than thyself.
Tý
37. Frey is best
of all the exalted gods
in the Æsir´s courts:
no maid he makes to weep,
no wife of man,
and from bonds looses all.
Loki
38. Be silent, Tý!
Thou couldst never settle
a strife ´twixt two;
of thy right hand also
I must mention make,
which Fenrir from thee tore.
Tý
39. I of a hand am wanting,
but thou of honest fame;
sad is the lack of either.
Nor is the wolf at ease:
he in bonds must bide,
until the gods´destruction.
Loki
40. Be silent, Tý;
to thy wife it happened
to have a son by me.
Nor rag nor penny ever
hadst thou, poor wretch!
for this injury.
Frey
41. I the wolf see lying
at the river´s mouth,
until the powers are swept away.
So shalt thou be bound,
if thou art not silent,
thou framer of evil.
Loki
42. With gold thou boughtest
Gýmir´s daughter,
and so gavest away thy sword:
but when Muspell´s sons
through the dark forest ride,
thou, unhappy, wilt not
have wherewith to fight.
Byggvir
43. Know that were I of noble race,
like Ingun´s Frey,
and had so fair a dwelling,
than marrow softer I would bray
that ill-boding crow,
and crush him limb by limb.
Loki
44. What little thing is that I see
wagging its tail,
and snapping eagerly?
At the ears of Frey
thou shouldst ever be,
and clatter under mills.
Byggvir
45. Byggvir I am named,
and am thought alert,
by all gods and men;
therefore am I joyful here,
that all the sons of Hropt
drink beer together.
Loki
46. Be silent, Byggvir!
Thou couldst never
dole out food to men,
when, lying in thy truckle bed,
thou wast not to be found,
while men were fighting.
Heimdall
47. Loki, thou art drunk,
and hast lost thy wits.
Why dost thou not leave off, Loki?
But drunkenness
so rules every man,
that he knows not of his garrulity.
Loki
48. Be silent, Heimdall!
For thee in early days
was that hateful life decreed:
with a wet back
thou must ever be,
and keep watch as guardian of the gods.
Skadi
49. Thou art merry, Loki!
Not long wilt thou
frisk with an unbound tail;
for thee, on a rock´s point,
with the entrails of thy ice-cold son,
the gods will bind.
Loki
50. Know, if on a rock´s point,
with the entrails of my ice-cold son,
the gods will bind me,
that first and foremost
I was at the slaying,
when we assailed Thiassi.
Skadi
51. Know, if first and foremost
thou wast at the slaying,
when ye assailed Thiassi,
that from my dwellings
and fields shall to thee
ever cold counsels come.
Loki
52. Milder was thou of speech
to Laufey´s son,
when to thy bed thou didst invite me.
Such matters must be mentioned,
if we accurately must
recount our vices.
Then Sif came forth, and poured out mead for Loki in an icy cup, saying:
53. Hail to thee, Loki!
and this cool cup receive,
full of old mead:
at least me alone,
among the blameless Æsir race,
leave stainless.
He took the horn, drank, and said:
54. So alone shouldst thou be,
hadst thou strict and prudent been
towards thy mate;
but one I know,
and, I think, know him well,
a favoured rival of Hlorridi,
and that is the wily Loki.
Beyla
55. The fells all tremble:
I think Hlorridi
is from journeying home.
He will bid be quiet
him who here insults
all gods and men.
Loki
56. Be silent, Beyla!
Thou art Byggvir´s wife,
and with much evil mingled:
never came a greater monster
among the Æsir´s sons.
Thou art a dirty strumpet.
Thor then came in and said:
57. Silence, thou impure being!
My mighty hammer, Mjöllnir,
shall stop thy prating.
I will thy head
from thy neck strike;
then will thy life be ended.
Loki
58. Now the son of earth
is hither come.
Why dost thou chafe so, Thor?
Thou wilt not dare do so,
when with the wolf thou hast to fight,
and he the all-powerful father swallows whole.
Thor
59. Silence, thou impure being!
My mighty hammer, Mjöllnir,
shall stop thy prating.
Up I will hurl thee
to the east region,
and none shall see thee after.
Loki
60. Of thy eastern travels
thou shouldst never
to people speak,
since in a glove-thumb
thou, Einheri! wast doubled up,
and hardly thoughtest thou was Thor.
Thor
61. Silence, thou impure being!
My mighty hammer, Mjöllnir,
shall stop thy prating;
with this right hand I, Hrugnir´s bane,
will smite thee,
so that thy every bone be broken.
Loki
62. ´Tis my intention
a long life to live,
though with thy hammer
thou dost threaten me.
Skrymir´s thongs
seemed to thee hard,
when at the food thou couldst not get,
when, in full health, of hunger dying.
Thor
63. Silence, thou impure being!
My mighty hammer, Mjöllnir,
shall stop thy prating.
Hrungnir´s bane
shall cast thee down to Hel,
beneath the grating of the dead.
Loki
64. I have said before the Æsir,
I have said before the Æsir´s sons,
that which my mind suggested:
but for thee alone
will I go out;
because I know that thou wilt fight.
65. Ægir! thou hast brewed beer;
but thou never shalt henceforth
a compotation hold.
All thy possessions,
which are herein,
flame shall play over,
and on thy back shall burn thee.
After this Loki, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself into the waterfall
of Franangr, where the Æsir caught him, and bound him with the entrails of his
son Nari; but his other son, Narfi, was changed into a wolf. Skadi took a venomous
serpent, and fastened it up over Loki's face. The venom trickled down from
it. Sigyn, Loki's wife, sat by, and held a basin under the venom; and when
the basin was full, carried the venom out. Meanwhile the venom dropped on Loki,
who shrank from it so violently that the whole earth trembled. This causes what
are not called earthquakes.
Fiölsvinnsmál
The Lay of Fiölsvith.
1. From the outward wall
he saw one ascending to
the seat of the giant race.
Fiölsvith
Along the humid ways
haste the back hence,
here, wretch! is no place for thee.
2. What monster is it
before the fore-court standing,
and hovering round the perilous flame?
Whom dost thou seek?
Of what art thou in quest?
Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?
Wanderer
3. What monster is that,
before the fore-court standing,
who to the wayfarer offers not hospitality?
Void of honest fame,
prattler! hast thou lived:
but hence hie thee home.
Fiölsvith
4. Fiölsvith is my name;
wise I am of mind,
though of food not prodigal.
Within these courts
thou shalt never come:
so now, wretch! take thyself off.
Wanderer
5. From the eye's delight
few are disposed to hurry,
where there is something
pleasant to be seen.
These walls, methinks,
shine around golden halls.
Here I could live contented with my lot.
Fiölsvith
6. Tell me, youth;
of whom thou art born,
or of what race hath sprung.
Wanderer
7. Vindkald I am called,
Varkald was my father named,
his sire was Fiölkald.
8. Tell me, Fiölsvith!
that which I will ask thee,
and I desire to know:
who here holds sway,
and has power over
these lands and costly halls?
Fiölsvith
9. Menglöd is her name,
her mother her begat
with Svaf, Thorin´s son.
She here holds sway,
and has power over
these lands and costly halls.
Vindkald
10. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what the grate is called,
than which among the gods
mortals never saw a greater artifice?
Fiölsvith
11. Thrymgiöll it is called,
and Solblindi´s
three sons constructed it:
a fetter fastens
eery wayfarer,
who lifts it from its opening.
Vindkald
12. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what that structure is called,
than which among the gods
mortals never saw a greater artifice?
Fiölsvith
13. Gastropnir it is called,
and I constructed it
of Leirbrimir's limbs.
I have so supported it,
that it will ever stand
while the world lasts.
Vindkald
14. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what those dogs are called,
that chase away the giantesses,
and safety to the fields restore?
Fiölsvith
15. Gifr the one is called,
the other Geri,
if thou that wouldst know.
Eleven watches
they will keep,
until the powers perish.
Vindkald
16. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether any man
can enter
while those fierce assailants sleep?
Fiölsvith
17. Alternate sleep
was strictly to them enjoined,
since to the watch they were appointed.
One sleeps by night,
by day the other,
so that no wight can enter if he comes.
Vindkald
18. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether there is any food
that men can get,
such that they can run in while they eat?
Fiölsvith
19. Two repasts
lie in Vidofnir´s wings,
if thou that wouldst know:
that is alone such food
as men can give them,
and run in while they eat.
Vindkald
20. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what that tree is called
that with its branches spreads itself
over every land?
Fiölsvith
21. Mimameidr it is called;
but few men know
from what roots it springs:
it by that will fall
which fewest know.
Nor fire nor iron will harm it.
Vindkald
22. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
to what the virtue is
of that famed tree applied,
which nor fire nor iron will harm?
Fiölsvith
23. Its fruit shall
on the fire be laid,
for labouring women;
out then will pass
what would in remain:
so it is a creator of mankind.
Vindkald
24. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what the cock is called
that sits in that lofty tree,
and all-glittering is with gold?
Fiölsvith
25. Vidofnir he is called;
in the clear air he stands,
in the boughs of Mima´s tree:
afflictions only brings,
together indissoluble,
the swart bird at his lonely meal.
Vindkald
26. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether there be any weapon,
before which Vidofnir may
fall to Hel´s abode?
27. Hævatein the twig is named,
and Lopt plucked it,
down by the gate of Death.
In an iron chest it lies
with Sinmoera,
and is with nine strong locks secured.
Vindkald
28. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether he will alive return,
who seeks after,
and will take, that rod?
Fiölsvith
29. He will return
who seeks after,
and will take, the rod,
if he bears that
which few possess
to the dame of the glassy clay.
Vindkald
30. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether there is any treasure,
that mortals can obtain,
at which the pale giantess will rejoice?
Fiölsvith
31. The bright sickle
that lies in Vidofnir´s wings,
thou in a bag shalt bear,
and to Sinmoera give,
before she will think fit
to lend an arm for conflict.
Vindkald
32. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what this hall is called,
which is girt round
with a curious flickering flame?
Fiölsvith
33. Hyr it is called,
and it will long
tremble as on a lance´s point.
This sumptuous house
shall, for ages hence,
be but from hearsay known.
Vindkald
34. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
which of the Æsir´s sons
has that constructed,
which within the court I saw?
Fiölsvith
35. Uni and Iri,
Bari and Ori,
Var and Vegdrasil,
Dorri and Uri,
Delling and Atvard,
Lidskialf, Loki.
Vindkald
36. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
what that mount is called
on which I see
a splendid maiden stand?
Fiölsvith
37. Hyfiaberg ´tis called,
and long has it a solace been
to the bowed-down and sorrowful:
each woman becomes healthy,
although a year´s disease she have,
if she can but ascend it.
Vindkald
38. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
how those maids are called,
who sit at Menglöd´s knees
in harmony together?
Fiölsvith
39. Hlif the first is called,
the second is Hlifthursa,
the third Thiodvarta,
Biört and Blid,
Blidr, Frid,
Eir and Örboda.
Vindkald
40. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether they protect
those who offer to them,
if it should, be needful?
Fiölsvith
41. Every summer
in which men offer to them,
at the holy place,
no pestilence so great shall come
to the sons of men,
but they will free each from peril.
Vindkald
42. Tell me, Fiölsvith! etc.
whether there is any man
that may in Menglöd´s
soft arms sleep?
Fiölsvith
43. There is no man
who may in Menglöd´s
soft arms sleep,
save only Svipdag;
to him the sun-bright maid
is for wife betrothed.
Vindkald
44. Set the doors open!
Let the gate stand wide;
here thou mayest Svipdag see;
but yet go learn
if Menglöd will
accept my love.
Fiölsvith
45. Hear, Menglöd!
A man is hither come:
go and behold the stranger;
the dogs rejoice;
the house is opened.
I think it must be Svipdag.
Menglöd
46. Fierce ravens shall,
on the high gallows,
tear out thy eyes,
if thou art lying,
that hither from afar is come
the youth unto my halls.
47. Whence art thou come?
Whence hast thou journeyed?
How do thy kindred call thee?
Of thy race and name
I must have a token,
if I was betrothed to thee.
Svipdag
48. Svipdag I am named,
Solbiart was my father named;
thence the winds on the cold ways drove me.
Urd's decree
may no one gainsay,
however lightly uttered.
Menglöd
49. Welcome thou art:
my will I have obtained;
greeting a kiss shall follow.
A sight unlooked-for
gladdens most persons,
when one the other loves.
50. Long have I sat
on my loved hill,
day and night
expecting thee.
Now that is come to pass
which I have hoped,
that thou, dear youth, again
to my halls art come.
Svipdag
51. Longing I have undergone
for thy love;
and thou, for my affection.
Now it is certain,
that we shall pass
our lives together.
Freyja rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for the purpose of
obtaining information respecting Ottar´s geneology, such information being required
by him in a legal dispute with Angantyr. Having obtained this, Freyja further
requests Hyndla to give Ottar a portion (minnisöl) that will enable him to remember
all tha thas been told him. This she refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyja
having encircled her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but accompanied
by a malediction, which is by Freyja turned to a blessing.
Freyja
1. Wake, maid of maids!
Wake, my friend!
Hyndla! Sister!
who in the cavern dwellest.
Now there is a dark of darks;
we will both
to Valhall ride,
and to the holy fane.
2. Let us Heriafather pray
into our minds to enter,
he gives and grants
gold to the deserving.
He gave to Hermod
a helm and corslet,
and from him Sigmund
a sword received.
3. Victory to his sons he gives,
but to some riches;
eleoquence to the great,
and to men, wit;
fair wind he gives to traders,
but poesy to skallds;
valour he gives
to many a warrior.
4. She to Thor will offer,
she to him will pray,
that to thee he may
be well disposed;
although he bears ill will
to Jötun females.
5. Now of thy wolves take one
from out the stall;
let him run
with runic rein.
Hyndla
6. Sluggish is thy hog
the god's way to tread:
Freyja
7. I will my noble
palfrey saddle.
Hyndla
8. False art thou, Freyja!
who tempest me:
by thy eyes thou showest it,
so fixed upon us;
while thou thy man hast
on the dead_road,
the young Ottar,
Innstein's son.
Freyja
9. Dull art thou, Hyndla!
methinks thou dreamest,
since thou sayest that my man
is on the dead_road with me;
there where my hog sparkles
with its golden bristles,
hight Hildisvini,
which for me made
the two skilful dwarfs,
Dain and Nabbi.
From the saddle we will talk:
let us sit,
and of princely
families discourse,
of those chieftains
who from the gods descend.
They have contested
for the dead's gold,
Ottar the young
and Angantýr.
10. A duty 'tis to act
so that the young prince
his paternal heritage may have,
after his kindred.
11. An offer_stead to me he raised,
with stones constructed;
now is that stone
as glass become.
With the blood of oxen
he newly sprinkled it.
Ottar ever trusted
in the Asyniur.
12. Now let us reckon up
the ancient families,
and the races of
exalted men.
Who are the Skiöldings?
Who are the Skilfings?
Who the Ödlings?
Who the Ylfings?
Who the höld_born?
Who the hers_born?
The choicest race of men
under heaven?
Hyndla
13. Thou, Ottar! art
of Innstein born,
but Innstein was
from Alf the Old,
Alf was from Ulf.
Ulf from Sæfari,
but Sæfari
from Svan the Red.
14. Thy father had a mother,
for her necklaces famed,
she, I think, was named
Hledis the priestess;
Frodi her father was,
and her mother Friant:
all that stock is reckoned
among chieftains.
15. Ali was of old
of men the strongest,
Halfdan before him,
the highest of the Skiöldungs;
(Famed were the wars
by those chieftains led)
his deeds seemed to soar
to the skirts of heaven.
16. By Eimund aided,
chief of men,
he Sigtrygg slew
with the cold steel.
He Almveig had to wife,
first of women.
They begat and had
eighteen sons.
17. From them the Skiöldungs,
from them the Skilfings,
from them the Ödlings,
from them the Ynglings,
from them the höld_born,
from them the hers_born,
the choicest race of men
under heaven.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
18. Hildegun
her mother was,
of Svafa born
and a sea_king.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
Carest thou to know?
Wishest thou a longer narrative?
19. Dag wedded Thora,
mother of warriors;
of that race were born
the noble champions,
Fradmar, Gyrd,
and the Frekis both,
Am, Jösur, Mar,
Alf the Old.
Carest thou this to know?
Wishest thou a longer narrative?
20. Ketil their friend was named,
heir of Klyp;
he was maternal grandsire
of thy mother.
Then was Frodi
yet before Kari,
but the eldest born
was Alf.
21. Nanna was next,
Nökkvi´s daughter;
her son was
thy father's kinsman,
ancient is that kinship.
I knew both
Brodd and Hörfi.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
22. Isolf, Asolf,
Ölmod´s sons
and Skurhild´s
Skekkil´s daugher;
thou shalt yet count
chieftains many.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
23. Gunnar, Balk,
Grim, Ardskafi,
Jarnskiöld, Thorir,
Ulf, Ginandi,
Bui and Brami,
Barri and Reifnir,
Tind and Tyrfing,
the two Haddingis.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
24. To toil and tumult
were the sons
of Arngrim born,
and of Eyfura:
ferocious berserkir,
calamity of every kind,
by land and sea,
like fire they carried.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
25. I knew both
Brodd and Hörfi,
they were in the court
of Hrolf the Old;
all descended
from Jörmunrek,
son_in_law of Sigurd.
(Listen to my story)
the dread of nations,
him who Fafnir slew.
26. He was a king,
from Völsung sprung,
and Hiördis
from Hrödung;
but Eylimi
from the Ödlings.
All that race it thine,
Ottar Heimski!
27. Gunnar and Högni,
sons of Giuki;
and Gudrun likewise,
their sister.
Guttorm was not
of Giuki's race,
although he brother was
of them both.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
28. Harald Heildetönn,
born of Hrærekir
Slöngvanbaugi;
he was a son of Aud,
Aud the rich
was Ivar's daugther;
but Radbard was
Randver's father.
They were heroes
to the gods devoted.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
29. There were eleven
Æsir reckoned,
when Baldr on
the pile was laid;
him Vali showed himself
worthy to avenge,
his own brother:
he the slayer slew.
All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
30. Baldr's father was
son of Bur:
Frey to wife had Gerd,
she was Gymir's daugther,
from Jötuns sprung
and Aurboda;
Thiassi also
was their relation,
that haughty Jötun;
Skadi was his daughter.
31. We tell thee much,
and remember more:
I admonish thee thus much to know.
Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
32. Haki was not the worst
of Hvedna's sons,
and Hiövard
was Hvedna´s father;
Heid and Hrossthiof were
of Hrimnir's race.
33. All the Valas are
from Vidolf;
all the soothsayers
from Vilmeidr,
all the sorcerers
from Svarthöfdi;
all the Jötuns
come from Ymir.
34. We tell thee much,
and more remember,
I admonish thee thus much to know.
Wishest thou yet a longer narrative?
35. There was one born,
in times of old,
with wondrous might endowed,
of origin divine:
nine Jötun maids
gave birth
to the gracious god,
at the world´s margin.
36. Gialp gave him birth,
Greip gave him birth,
Eistla gave him birth,
and Angeia;
Ulfrun gave him birth,
and Eyrgiafa,
Imd and Atla,
and Jarnsaxa.
37. The boy was nourished
with the strength of earth,
with the ice_cold sea,
and with Son's blood.
We tell thee much,
and more remember.
I admonish thee thus much to know.
Wishest thou a yet longer narrative?
38. Loki begat the wolf
with Angrboda,
but Sleipnir he begat
with Svadilfari:
one monster seemed
of all most deadly,
which from Byleist's
brother sprang.
39. Loki, scorched up
in his heart's affections,
had found a half_burnt
woman's heart.
Loki became guileful
from that wicked woman;
thence in the world
are all giantesses come.
40. Ocean towers with storms
to heaven itself,
flows o'er the land;
the air is rent:
thence come snows
and rapid winds;
then it is decreed
that the rain should cease.
41. There was one born
greater than all,
the boy was nourished
with the strength of earth;
he was declared a ruler,
mightiest and richest,
allied by kinship
to all princes.
42. Then shall another come,
yet mightier,
although I dare not
his name declare.
Few may see
further forth
than when Odin
meets the wolf.
Freyja
43. Bear thou the memory_cup
to my guest,
so that he may all
the words repeat
of this discourse,
on the third morn,
when he and Angantýr
reckon up races.
Hyndla
44. Go thou quickly hence,
I long to sleep;
more of my wondrous power
thou gettest not from me.
Thou runnest, my hot friend,
out at nights,
as among he_goats
the she_goat goes.
45. Thou hast run thyself mad,
ever longing;
many a one has stolen
under thy girdle.
Thou runnest, my hot friend,
out at nights,
as among he_goats
the she_goat goes.
Freyja
46. Fire I strike
over thee, dweller of the wood!
so that thou goest not
ever away from hence.
Hyndla
47. Fire I see burning,
and the earth blazing;
many will have
their lives to save.
Bear thou the cup
to Ottar's hand,
the mead with venom mingled,
in an evil hour!
Freyja
48. Thy malediction
shall be powerless;
although thou, Jötun_maid!
dost evil threaten.
He shall drink
delicious draughts.
All the gods I pray
to favour Ottar.
Gróagaldr
The Incantation of Groa.
Son
1. Wake up, Groa!
wake up, good woman!
at the gates of death I wake thee!
if thou remembrest,
that thou thy son badest
to thy grave_mound to come.
Mother
2. What now troubles
my only son?
With what affliction art thou burthened,
that thou thy mother callest,
who to dust is come,
and from human homes departed?
Son
3. A hateful game
thou, crafty woman, didst set before me,
whom my father has in his bosom cherished,
when thou bides me go
no one knows whither,
Menglöd to meet.
Mother
4. Long is the journey,
long are the ways,
long are men´s desires.
If it so fall out,
that hou thy will obtainest,
the event must then be as it may.
Son
5. Sing to me songs
which are good.
Mother! protect thy son.
Dead on my way
I fear to be.
I seem to young in years.
Mother
6. I will sing to thee first
one that is thought most useful,
which Rind sang to Ran;
that from thy shoulders thou shouldst cast
what to thee seems irksome:
let thyself thyself direct.
7. A second I will sing to thee,
as thou hast to wander
joyless on the ways.
May Urd's protection
hold thee on every side,
where thou seest turpitude.
8. A third I will sing to thee.
If the mighty rivers
to thy life's peril fall,
Horn and Rud,
may they flow down to Hel,
and for thee ever be diminished.
9. A fourth I will sing to thee.
If foes assail thee
ready on the dangerous road,
their hearts shall fail them,
and to thee be power,
and their minds to peace be turned.
10. A fifth I will sing to thee.
If bonds be
cast on thy limbs,
friendly spells I will let
on thy joints be sung,
and the lock from thy arms shall start,
(and from thy feet the fetter.)
11. A sixth I will sing to thee.
If on the sea thou comest,
more stormy than men have known it,
air and water
shall in a bag attend thee,
and a tranquil course afford thee.
12. A seventh I will sing to thee.
If on a mountain high
frost should assail thee,
deadly cold shall not
thy carcase injure,
nor draw thy body to thy limbs.
13. An eighth I will sing to thee.
If night overtake thee,
when out on the misty way,
that the dead Christian woman
no power may have
to do thee harm.
14. A ninth I will sing to thee.
If with a far_famed spear_armed Jötun
thou words exchangest,
of words and wit
to thy mindful heart
abundance shall be given.
15. Go now ever
where calamity may be,
and no harm shall obstruct thy wishes.
On a stone fast in the earth
I have stood within the door,
while songs I sang to thee.
16. My son! bear hence
thy mother's words,
and in thy breast let them dwell;
for happiness abundant
shalt thou have in life,
while of my words thou art mindful.
Solarlióð
The Song of the Sun.
This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some manuscripts, assigned
to Sæmund himself, may be termed a Voice from the Dead, given under teh form
of a dream, in which a deceased father is supposed to address his son from another
world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly connected with the following ones, which,
as far as the 32nd consist cheifly in aphorisms with examples, some closely
resembling those in the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the recital
of the last illness of teh supposed speaker, his death, and the scenes his soul
passed through on the way to its final home.
The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christianity and Heathenism, whence
it would seem that the poet´s own religion was in a transition state. Of the
allusions to Heathenism it is, however, to be observed that they are cheifly
to persons and actions of which ther eis no trace in the Odinic mythology, as
known to us, and are possibly the fruits of the poet´s own imagination. The
title of the poem is no doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning
of the strophes 39_45.
For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an interlinear version of "the
Song of the Sun", the reader may consult "Les Chants de Sol",
by Professor Bergmann, Strassbourg & Paris, 1858.
1. Of life and property
a fierce freebooter
despoiled mankind;
over the ways
beset by him
might no one living pass.
2. Alone he ate
most frequently,
no one invited he to his repast;
until weary,
and with failing strength,
a wandering guest
came from the way.
3. In need of drink
that way_worn man,
and hungry feigned to be:
with trembling heart
he seemed to trust
him who had been so evil_minded.
4. Meat and drink
to the weary one he gave,
all with upright heart;
on God he thought,
the traveller's wants supplied;
for he felt he was an evil_doer.
5. Up stood the guest,
he evil meditated,
he had not been kindly treated;
his sin within him swelled,
he while sleeping murdered
his wary cautious host.
6. The God of heaven
he prayed for help,
when being struck he woke;
but he was doomed the sins of him
on himself to take,
whom sackless he had slain.
7. Holy angels came
from heaven above,
and took to them his soul:
in a life of purity
it shall ever live
with the almighty God.
*****************************
8. Riches and health
no one may command,
though all go smoothly with him.
To many that befalls
which they least expect.
No one may command his tranquility.
9. Unnar and Sævaldi
never imagined
that happiness would fall on them,
yet naked they became,
and of all bereft,
and, like wolves, ran to the forest.
*******************************
10. The force of pleasure
has many a one bewailed.
Cares are often caused by women;
pernicious they become,
although the mighty God
them pure created.
11. United were
Svafud and Skarthedin,
neither might without the other be,
until to frenzy they were driven
for a woman;
she was destined for their perdition.
12. On account of that fair maid,
neither of them cared
for games or joyous days;
no other thing
could they in memory bear
then that bright form.
13. Sad to them were
the gloomy nights,
no sweet sleep might they enjoy:
but from that anguish
rose hate intense
between the faithful friends.
14. Hostile deeds
are in most places
fiercely avenged.
To the holm they went,
for that fair woman,
and each one found his death.
***********************************
15. Arrogance should no one entertain:
I indeed have seen
that those who follow her,
for the most part,
turn from God.
16. Rich were both,
Radey and Vebogi,
and thought only of their well_being;
now they sit
and turn their sores
to various hearths.
17. They in themselves confided,
and though themselves alone to be
above all people;
but their lot
Almighty God was pleased
otherwise to appoint.
18. A life of luxury they led,
in may ways,
and had gold for sport.
Now they are requited,
so that they must walk
between frost and fire.
19. To thy enemies
trust thou never,
although they speak thee fair:
promise them good:
'tis good to have another's injury
as a warning.
20. So it befell
Sörli the upright,
when he placed himself in Vigolf's power;
he confidently trusted him,
his brother's murderer,
but he proved false.
21. Peace to them he granted,
with heart sincere;
they in return promised him gold,
feigned themselves friends.,
while they together drank;
but then came forth their guile.
22. Then afterwards,
on the second day,
when they in Rýgiardal rode,
they with swords wounded him
who sackless was,
and let his life go forth.
23. His corpse they dragged
(on a lonely way,
and cut up piecemeal) into a well,
and would it hide;
but the holy Lord
beheld from heaven.
24. His soul summoned home
the true God
into his joy to come;
but the evil doers
will, I ween, late
be from torments called.
************************************
25. Do thou pray the Disir
of the Lord's words
to be kind to thee in spirit:
for a week after,
all shall then go happily,
according to thy will.
26. For a deed of ire
that thou has perpetrated,
never atone with evil:
the weeping thou shalt
sooth with benefits:
that is salutary to the soul.
27. On God a man
shall for good things call,
on him who has mankind created.
Greatly sinful is
every man
who late finds the Father.
28. To be solicited, we opine,
is with all earnestness
for that which is lacking:
of all things may be destitute
he who for nothing asks:
few heed the wants of the silent.
29. Late I came,
though called betimes,
to the supreme Judge's door;
thitherward I yearn;
for it was promised me,
he who craves it shall of the feast partake.
30. Sins are the cause
that sorrowing we depart
from this world:
no one stands in dread,
if he does no evil:
good it is to be blameless.
31. Like unto wolves
all those seem
who have a faithless mind:
so he will prove
who has to go
through ways strewed with gleeds.
32. Friendly counsels,
and wisely composed, seven
I have imparted to thee:
consider thou them well,
and forget them never:
they are all useful to learn.
*************************************
33. Of that I will speak,
how happy I was
in the world,
and secondly,
how the sons of men
reluctantly become corpses.
34. Pleasure and pride
deceive the sons of men
who after money crave;
shining riches
at last become a sorrow:
many have riches driven to madness.
35. Steeped in joys
I seemed to men;
for little did I see before me:
our worldly sojourn
has the Lord created
in delights abounding.
36. Bowed down I sat,
long I tottered,
of life was most desirous;
but He prevailed
who was all_powerful:
onward are the ways of the doomed.
37. The cords of Hel
were tightly
bound round my sides;
I would rend them,
but they were strong.
"Tis easy free to go.
38. I alone knew,
how on all sides
my pains increased.
The maids of Hel each eve
with horror bade me
to their home.
39. The sun I saw,
true star of day,
sink in its roaring home;
but Hel's grated doors
on the other side I heard
heavily creaking.
40. The sun I saw
with blood_red beams beset:
(fast was I then from this world declining)
mightier she appeared,
in many ways
than she was before.
41. The sun I saw,
and it seemed to me
as if I saw a glorious god:
I bowed before her,
for the last time,
in the world of men.
42. The sun I saw:
she beamed forth so
that I seemed nothing to know;
but Giöll's streams
roared from the other side
mingled much with blood.
43. The sun I saw,
with quivering eyes,
appalled and shrinking;
for my heart
in great measure was
dissolved in languor.
44. The sun I saw
seldom sadder;
I had then almost from the world declined:
my tongue was
as wood become,
and all was cold without me.
45. The sun I saw
never after,
since that gloomy day;
for the mountain_waters
closed over me,
and I went called from torments.
46. The star of hope,
when I was born,
fled from my breast away;
high it flew,
settled nowhere,
so that it might find rest.
47. Longer than all
was that one night,
when stiff on my straw I lay;
then becomes manifest
the divine word:
"Man is the same as earth."
48. The Creator God can
it estimate and know,
(He who made heaven and earth)
how forsaken
many go hence,
although from kindred parted.
49. Of his works
each has the reward:
happy is he who does good.
Of my wealth bereft,
to me was destined
a bed strewed with sand.
50. Bodily desires
men oftentimes seduce,
of them has many a one too much:
water of baths
was of all things to me
most loathsome.
51. In the Norns' seat
nine days I sat,
thence I was mounted on a horse:
there the giantess's sun
shone grimly
through the dripping clouds of heaven.
52. Without and within,
I seemed to traverse all
the seven nether worlds:
up and down,
I sought an easier way,
where I might have the readiest paths.
************************************
53. Of that is to be told,
which I first saw,
when I to the worlds of torment came:_
scorched birds,
which were souls,
flew numerous as flies.
54. From the west I saw
Von's dragons fly,
and Glæval's paths obscure:
their wings they shook;
wide around me seemed
the earth and heaven to burst.
55. The sun's hart I saw
from the south coming,
he was by two together led:
his feet stood on the earth,
but his horns
reached up to heaven.
56. From the north riding I saw
the sons of Nidi,
they were seven in all:
from full horns,
the pure mead they drank
from the heaven_god's well.
57. The wind was silent,
the waters stopped their course;
then I heard a doleful sound:
for their husbands
false_faced women
ground earth for food.
58. Gory stones
those dark women
turned sorrowfully;
bleeding hearts hung
out of their breasts,
faint with much affliction.
59. Many a man I saw
wounded go
on those gleed_strewed paths;
their faces seemed
to me all reddened
with reeking blood.
60. Many men I saw
to earth gone down,
who holy service might not have;
heathen stars
stood above their heads,
painted with deadly characters.
61. I saw those men
who much envy harbour
at another's fortune;
bloody runes
were on their breasts
graved painfully.
62. I there saw men
many not joyful;
they were all wandering wild:
this he earns,
who by this world's vices
is infatuated.
63. I saw those men
who had in various ways
acquired other's property:
in shoals they went
to Castle_covetous,
and burthens bore of lead.
64. I saw those men
who many had
of life and property bereft:
through the breasts
of those men passed
strong venomous serpents.
65. I saw those men
who the holy days
would not observe:
their hands were
on hot stones
firmly nailed.
66. I saw those men
who from pride
valued themselves too highly;
their garments
ludicrously were
in fire enveloped.
67. I saw those men
who had many
false words of others uttered:
Hel's ravens
from their heads
their eyes miserably tore.
68. All the horrors
thou wilt not get to know
which Hel's inmates suffer.
Pleasant sins
end in painful penalties:
pains ever follow pleasure.
*********************************
69. I saw those men
who had much given
for God's laws;
pure lights were
above their heads
brightly burning.
70. I saw those men
who from exalted mind
helped the poor to aid:
angels read
holy books
above their heads.
71. I saw those men
who with much fasting had
their bodies wasted:
God's angels
bowed before them:
that is the highest joy.
72. I saw those men
who had put food
into their mothers' mouth:
their couches were
on the rays of heaven
pleasantly placed.
73. Holy virgins
had cleanly washed
the souls from sin
of those men,
who for a long time had
themselves tormented.
74. Lofty cars I saw
towards heaven going;
they were on the way to God:
men guided them
who had been murdered
wholly without crime.
75. Almighty Father!
greatest Son!
holy Spirit of heaven!
Thee I pray,
who hast us all created;
free us all from miseries.
**********************************
76. Biugvör and Listvör
sit at Herðir´s doors,
on resounding seat;
iron gore
falls from their nostrils,
which kindles hate among men.
77. Odin's wife
rows in earth's ship,
eager after pleasures;
her sails are
reefed late,
which on the ropes of desire are hung.
78. Son! I thy father
and Solkatla's sons
have alone obtained for thee
that horn of hart,
which from the grave_mound bore
the wise Vigdvalin.
79. Here are runes
which have engraven
Niörd´s daughters nine,
Radvör the eldest,
and the youngest Kreppvör,
and their seven sisters.
80. How much violence
have they perpetrated
Svaf and Svaflogi!
bloodshed they have excited,
and wounds have sucked,
after an evil custom.
81. This lay,
which I have taught thee,
thou shalt before the living sing,
the Sun_Song,
which will appear
in many parts no fiction.
82. Here we part,
but again shall meet
on the day of men's rejoicing.
Oh Lord!
unto the dead grant peace,
and to the living comfort.
83. Wonderous lore
has in dream to thee been sung,
but thou hast seen the truth:
no man has been
so wise created
that has before heard the Sun_Song.