Stories from Northern Myths

Odin and one for Freyr-so that their anger would fall less heavily on him for his cruelty to Thor's beautiful wife. The dwarfs were always very glad t

ng together a hundred different materials to use in their work-for things of earth, air, fire

20] that would fold up into a tiny package, but could also expand large enough to hold all the gods and goddesses in Asgard. Loki was delighted wit

ar was named

was named Sk

ws. So the wily god produced his two other gifts, and handed the spear to Odin and the boat to Freyr. Both the gods were delighted with the clever workmanship of the elves; and

ore wonderful things than these." At this boastful interference Loki grew very angry and said: "Prove it, then; for I know that your brother is only a stupid workman. Let us make a wager that you cannot bring here three

made ready a huge fire, and as he worked busily over his tools he bade Brock keep the bellows going as hard as he could so that the flames would leap higher and h

that lay all around. Then suddenly an enormous gadfly flew into the room; and, lighting on his hand, stung him so badly that he roared with pain. Still he did not tak

drew forth a golden boar. This he handed to his brother, saying that the boar had the power to fly through the air, and shed light from his golden bristles as he flew

d like daylight in the room, the gadfly flew at him and stung him on the neck. He screamed with pain and tried to shake off his tormentor, but still he kept faithfully at his work and never lifted his hand a moment f

e fire, and bidding his brother work steadily at his task-for this was the most important gift of all-he went out of the cave. Brock grasped the bellows firmly, and began

s, only lifting one hand for a moment to wipe the blood from his eyes. The fire had been glowing like a furnace, but in that one instant the flames burned less brightly, and Sindri-who had just entered the room-began to

21A] to Odin, who praised it highly and said, "Now, I shall never want for gold." Freyr was delighted with his gift of the golden boar[21B] and said that it would be much more entertaining to ride on its back than in Loki's magic boat. Lastly Brock gave the wonderful hammer Mj?lner to Thor, saying, "Here is

d Draupner, and the boar Gullin

f a huge sum of money as a ransom; but Brock angrily refused the gold, and insisted that the bargain should be kept. Then Loki cried out, "Well, you must catch me first," and sped off on his magic shoes, which could carry him through the air and over the water with wonderful swiftness. As Brock knew he could never catch the fugitive, he grew black with rage, and turned upon Odin, crying, "Is this the way that the gods keep faith, or

y fuming with rage and disappointment. But before he left Asgard, he took out of his pocket an awl and a thon

g of the F

ds were very happy-all except Loki, who looked on with jealous eyes at the gladness which he could not share; for he knew no pleasure save in devising mischief. Not satisfied with grudging others their happiness, he

me was Ange

Soon they wearied of the narrow limits of the earth and found no longer any pleasure in bringing terror and even death to many lands. So Loki took them up to Asgard and begged the gods to let him keep them there

gard serpent into the bottom of the sea, where he grew larger and larger, until his huge body encircled the whole earth. But before he could banish Fenrer, Loki came forwar

Only Tyr, the sword-god, dared feed him, and he wandered about Asgard growing daily more hungry, and

trust Loki's promise to guard our safety. We must therefore find some way to contr

e forged the links of a massive chain that should bind the Fenris wolf.[23] When it was finished, the gods assembled before Odin, Thor carrying the heavy chain upon his shoulders, and Loki coming up cautiously with Fenrer, who stalked boldly besi

in was called

ly, for it seemed as if they had nothing to fear from the wolf any longer; but in a moment Fenrer rose, stretched his huge limbs and shook himself once. As he did so, the chain fell to pieces as easily as if it were made of glass. The god

hrone. Fenrer was again summoned, but when he saw the chain, he refused to be bound. No flattery or coaxing could move him, so the gods began to taunt him, laughing at his boasted strength and accusing him of cowardice. Apparently with great reluctance, the wolf again allowed himself to be bound; and when the chain was secured about his shaggy body and

ain was call

ne many days. Though usually alert and suspicious, Loki set off on his errand, not dreaming that Odin had some purpose in sending him away. As soon as he was gone, Odin despatched Skirner, Freyr's trusty servant, with all speed to the home of the swarthy elves, and bade him procure from them an enchanted chain, such as they alone knew how to make. Skirner set out at once and fou

rful chain, for into its weaving went the strangest things that Skirner had ever seen,-the down from a butterfly's wing, a handful of moonbeams, the lace of a spider's web, a humming bird's lance, the breath of the night wind and many other queer and mysterious

the elves was in

chain was call

lly when he found that Loki was absent. He had no doubt of his power to break brass and steel, but he scented a possible danger in the soft, fine thread which lay in Odin's hand. As he h

rength in breaking those heavy chains, and hav

thrust his hand into the wolf's mouth. Then Fenrer submitted to be bound, and allowed the gods to wind the slender thread all about him and fasten the end to a rock. The moment it was secured, the wolf tried as before to shake himself free, but the more he struggled and strained, the tighter grew the magic thread, until at last Fenrer lay bound and helpless and foaming madly with rage. Seeing that he

r Went

ry. He was greatly distressed at finding there was not enough to drink, and he began at once to brew more of the foaming ale. As his kettle was rather small for so great a

and I will fetch it, even if it is

such an enormous kettle as he needed;

and half a mile wide. If Thor wishes to risk the g

they came to the land where Hymer and his kindred lived. Here they had to cross two half-frozen rivers over which the goats carried them safely, and then they came to the foot of a great ice-covered mount

ey entered, but only grinned horridly at them, showing her long, pointed teeth that looked like a wolf's fangs. Beside her sat a beautiful woman spinning flax with a golden wheel. This was Tyr's mother, who was as lovely as the old woman was hideous, and as

ong, white beard. Then he sat down by the fire, and while he watched the meat turn on the spit, Tyr's mother said softly: "Our son has come to see you. Shall we we

cked in two. Then the beam overhead suddenly snapped, and the kettles that were hanging from it fell with a crash to the floor. There were eight of these kettles, and among them was the huge on

treat him civilly. So he invited the two gods to come and eat with him, and made a place for them by the fire. T

hance to go fishing. So next morning when the giant set off at sunrise, Thor went with him to the beach, and watched him get the lines and the

head, and carried this down to the boat. Hymer was very angry at this treatment of his property, but he said nothing, only bade T

the boat gathered speed, and they very soon reached Hymer's fishing ground. He then called to Thor to stop rowing, but the god only shook his head and pulled all the harder. In

he boat flew over the waves with incredible swiftness. Soon Hymer began to be frighten

h the bull's head. Hymer had his things all ready for fishing, and as soon as he dropped his line into the sea the bait was grabbed with a sudden jerk which nearly toppled the giant overboard. Regaining his balance, he proudly pulled up o

ramework of the boat that his feet broke right through, and he found himself standing on the bottom of the sea. Here he could take such firm hold that he was able to draw the serpent up to the edge of the boat. The monster lashed the waves fiercely with its tail, and churned

as the god was raising his hammer to crush the monster's head. The Midgard serpent immediately sank out of sight, and Thor-wrathful at Hymer's interference-struck the giant such a blow that he tumbled headlong into the sea. In a moment, however, he had scramb

e pillar. It struck with a terrific crash, but-much to Thor's surprise-it fell to the ground unbroken. Then he hurled it at the massive granite wall, but it bounded back like a ball, and dropped

pieces. The giant was very angry at having lost his wager; but he was now so thoroughly afraid of Thor's great strength and cunning that he made no objection when Tyr asked for the great kettle to carry back to the sea-god ?ger. "Take it then, if you must," he growled su

g Mj?lner around his head until the lightning flashed and the thunder shook the hills. Then he rushed at the giants, hurling the hammer right and left; and in a short time not one of the pursuers remained alive. Then Thor and Tyr resumed their journey, and soon came to the spot

ing of th

journey. Then Asgard was left quite unprotected; for although the gods were brave and strong fighters, they would be no match for the frost-giants if their old enemies came against them in great numbers.

ving a fortress must be given up, for even Loki's quick wit could devise nothing; but one morning Heimdall, who guarded the rainbow bridge, blew a loud blast on his horn to announce the approach of a stranger. When Odin looked down fro

k here in sunny

hat you needed a clever mason to build you a fortress. Give me the

that it was useless to make any denial, for the frost-giants, with their mysterious wisdom, had somehow learned th

ork is finished, I will promise you that all the forces

ke you to build the

hort allowance of time for so gr

ent do you ask

nd moon and Freya for my wi

in need of such help as the giant could give, he concealed his wrath und

ng so dreadful a sacrifice; for it would be cruel to deliver the beautiful Freya to the arms of a giant. It was impossible to lose the maiden who was the light and joy of Asgard, and it was equally imposs

difficulty. We will agree to the builder's demands, but you may trust

e now willing to use any means that offered a way out of their trouble. So they listened to Loki's plans, and next day, when the giant came for his answer, Odin told him that the gods

made this request; but Odin saw no reason why it should not be granted, so he told the builder to come the next day at sunrise and bring his horse with him. When Loki saw how the giant was going to be helped in the work, he was not so certain that his own wit could save the day; for the helper which the builder brought was an immens

the spot where the builder was toiling with might and main. A few days before the end of the winter the work was all finished except one large slab that was to form the top of the gateway. The

into a pretty little mare; and, trotting up to the great horse, said-in perfect equine language-"Why must you work so hard when there a

ay and the horse was nowhere to be seen. Believing that the gods had purposely hidden him in Asgard, he demanded the right to search the city; but no print of Svadilfare's feet were to be seen on the unmarred streets of gold. Then the giant rushed madly over the earth, and so heavy was his tread that the dwellers in Midgard awoke at night in terror, fearing that an earth

long journey and now stood among them with the mighty Mj?lner in his hand. The builder knew that in some way he had been tricked into losin

ast the assembled company and into the many-pillared hall of Valhalla, crying: "Not for nothing does a frost-giant stand

hed forward at this moment and struck the giant such a blow with his hammer that the builder's head was shattered in a thousand pieces. Then the huge

was now a sure protection against the invasion of the frost-giants; but over the gateway, o

mer Was Los

orld like their own dreary country. They longed to take the sunlight from the earth, to kill the flowers and cover every green thing with a mantle of blighting frost. They would have done all this if they had not been afraid of Thor's hammer, for whenever they stray

. Thor felt certain that it was one of the frost-giants, for none of the gods, not even the mischief-loving Loki, would have dared to commit this theft. But no one had seen any of the giants lurking about Asgard, and Odin's ravens had not met with them in their flights to and from the earth. Yet it must have been

ed to this plan, and Loki hurried off to the flower-filled garden where Freya was wont to walk.[27] He told the goddess of the theft of Mj?lner and begged her to lend him her falcon plumage so that he might waste no time in his search. Freya gladly gave him her feather

e sometimes drove in a chariot drawn by cat

is flock of sheep. The giant was very ugly, and he was also terribly big and strong, but Loki felt no fear of him. He perched on a r

ed rather uneasily around, and went on counting his sheep without replying to Loki's greeting. The cunning god then instantly surmised that here was the thief who had taken Thor's hammer; so, in threatening tones, he accused t

the trees upon the mountain shook. Then he tore up by the roots a huge oak tree and threw it like a straw into the sea, and turning to Loki said: "You will never find that hammer, friend Loki, for I have buried it nine fathom

w impossible such a thing was. But he said nothing,

ome Thrym's wife, and Odin could not feel justified in demanding such a sacrifice. When the maiden herself learned of the giant's proposal, she grew so angry at the insult that t

cover Mj?lner, the gods tried to form some other plan, and again they tu

and since we cannot send any of the goddesses to the cold northland, we must find

hould be the laughing-stoc

were? Is that anything compared to seeing the whole race of frost-giants at the gates

Then he threw over Thor's head a long bridal-veil, while he attired himself as a waiting maid to attend the bride. The gods harnessed Thor's milk-white goats to the chariot, and together Thor and Loki set out for the frost-giants' country

oy and ran to meet them. He wished very much to raise the bride

the bride to his palace, where his kinsmen were assembled. There they found the tables spread with meat and wine as if for a feast. Thrym urged his bride to partake of the fruits and delicacies which had been brought especiall

replied, "It is eight days since Freya has eaten anything, for she was so overjoyed at wedding Thrym, that she could not touch any food." Thrym was too happy to notice what t

lf. It was too late now to escape, and the giants were so frightened that they could not move, even if they had known where to flee from the fierce anger that blazed in Thor's eyes. He had barely swung the hammer twice around his he

a's

they had one privilege which belonged to them alone,-the blessing of eternal youth. Sickness and old age never came within the gates of Asgard

eaten of them they knew that such fruit could not be found anywhere outside of Asgard. For no other appl

astened to her girdle. Wherever she went she carried the precious casket with her, and never let it be for a moment out of her sight. The gods felt no uneasiness while the apples were in such safe keeping, and there seemed to be no reason why they

and the ground hard and frozen, so there was no pleasure in travelling. They even felt rather sorry for the people who were condemned to live forever in such a cheerless country. They were hungry, too, and could find noth

. Let us eat before we set

king it must be cooked; but each time it was as raw as when they had first cut it. Then Odin threw on more logs, and the heat became so intense that the gods could hardly stand near it. Still the meat remained uncooked. All night long they took turns cooking and tending the fire;

hat, in spite of the drink from Mimir's well, the frost-giants are yet wiser than Odin." For he knew that it

irring of wings overhead, and, looking up,

tough indeed that will not yield to such a fire. But give me your promise t

gladly, and the eagle

nd let me blow

wooped down, and, seizing in his strong claws all the meat that was on

e god's, and he flew higher and higher, carrying the luckless Loki with him. Up they soared, far above the heads of the bewildered H?nir and Odin, who were helpless to rescue their comrade, and could only stand by and watch him disappearing from view. Over the frozen sea and the snow-covered mountains the e

o longer an eagle, but the giant Thia

like flying,

m the iceberg. He knew, however, that this would only shut him off from

glad to journey farther with you, but Odin demands my retur

rost-giants have no fear of them. Odin may need you in Asgard, but you shall not return except on

mean old age and possible death to the gods. Still, he did not intend to remain any longer on the iceberg. Knowing well

ll pr

eat reluctance, and the giant then assumed his eagle plumage and carried the god swiftly back to the place where Odin and H?nir were still standing by the burnt-out

es. The goddess willingly brought out her casket, for she never wearied of

r is it that life is aging you more quickly than the other

re to see your beautiful fruit; but because I wish to assur

find such as these?" a

ts like these apples you prize so highly. I think they look even fresher, and as I tasted them I felt

ere?" asked the g

e so fine as they hang in the sunlight, and so easy to reach, too. Some day I will tell you more about them, but now

ket behind; but there surely could be no harm in taking it with her just a little way outside the gates of Asgard. Still she was doubtful and troubled, and wished that her husband, Bragi, were at home, th

g claws, and was carrying her above the tree tops. In vain did she scream and struggle, for the eagle soared higher and higher, carrying her far out of sight of Asgard. He flew straight as an arrow across the mountains and over the frozen sea till he came to his home in the dreary northland. Here he took the form of the terrible giant Thiassi and began to beg the godde

ed Thrymh

iness and old age creeping over them, they were filled with fear lest the goddess might never return, and there would be no longer any way to keep Death without the gates of Asgard. Odin's calm brow now became clouded, for not even his great wisdom was of any help in solving the mystery of Iduna's strange disappearance. The ravens, flying far and wide each day, brought no news of the missing goddess; and mean

ch of the stolen goddess, and swore that he would not return to Asgard until he had found her and had brought Iduna and her apples safely home again. Once more he borrowed the falcon plumage of Freya and flew over to the frozen northland to the place where the giant kept Iduna a prisoner in his ice palace. He found her sitting alone and weeping bitterly; but Loki wasted no time in trying to comfort her. She was so overjoyed when the god assumed his own form a

he flew high up into the air and looked about for some sign of the fugitive. Far in the distance he saw a moving speck among the clouds, and he followed quickly in pursuit. As he drew nearer he saw the falcon and its bur

ng close behind the falcon, and seemingly in hot pursuit. These fears were confirmed as the birds drew nearer; and then the gods realized that if they would save Loki and Iduna, something must be done at once. Nearer and nearer came the falcon; but though his flight was swift, he could not keep the pace of his pursuer, and the eagle was steadily gaining on him. B

er return Odin made a great feast in his palace hall, and the gods a

Pride Was

RT

not tell Odin where he intended to go, for he knew that the All-Wise One would try to persuade him to give up the foolish expedition.

es and followed the goats' flying feet. He found Thor quite willing to take him as a companion, and together the two gods hurried northward. They had hoped to reach Utgard, the great city of the giants, before night fell; but by the time they gained the shores of the ever-frozen sea that marks the boundary of J?tunheim, they found that it was

great surprise of the peasant and his family, he skinned the goats and spread their hides carefully upon the ground. After this was done, he offered their bodies to his host, sa

e their journey, Thor struck the goatskins with his hammer, and immediately the bones leaped into place. In a moment the two animals stood alive and whole before the eyes of the astonished cottagers; but one of the goats limped badly. When Thor noticed this he knew that his commands had been disobeyed

, the two gods resumed their journey. It was impossible to go very fast on foot, as the ground was frozen hard and covered with sharp bits of ice that cut through the travellers

rost-giants' country. There was no protection here that promised a night's rest, so the travellers kept on till they came to a strange building which, in the darkness, seemed to be a f

neath them. Thinking it was a sudden earthquake, they waited for it to subside; but the rumbling only increased, and the strange noise grew almost deafening. This

d as they were to the size of the frost-giants, stared at him in surprise. As for Thialfi, he dropped the bag of provisions he was carrying, and hid behind a tree. The mystery of the str

prodigious snoring. So he raised his hammer to strike a well-aimed blow at the sleeper; but just then the giant awoke. He sa

Thor replied: "I have come to J?tunheim to measure my strength against the

is shoulders, bade Thor and Loki follow him. Before they had gone far, he stopped, saying, "I have forgotten my glove; it must be somewhere in the forest." As he refused to proceed any further until it was found, the gods and Thialfi he

ted off across the hills. The gods had great difficulty in keeping within sight of him; and Thialfi, who was a swif

then sleep under the trees. The dinner was soon disposed of, and after the giant had eaten two roasted sheep and drunk a keg

so loosely tied. But the more he pulled at it, the tighter drew the cord, and Thor despaired of seeing what was inside the sack unless he ripped it open. This failure made him very angry,

blow. The giant opened his eyes, and looked slowly around him. "Did a leaf fall on my head?" he asked. "I thought that I felt som

ngly simple cord which he could not untie, and his wrath blazed out afresh. He rushed at the giant like a charging bull, and the blow which he dealt him made such a nois

my friends? If you do not rest, you will be too tired for your journey to-morrow. But perhaps you are still hungry; so take what you w

giant's head. Thialfi, seeing the god beside himself with rage, shrank back in fear before the terrible wrath that blazed in the Thunderer's eyes

king at my forehead." Then he sprang to his feet, and, taking up his sack of provisions, he opened the bag very easily and took out half an ox. "It is almost daylight,

they reached the city of Utgard. "You may think that I am a fairly big fellow," he said, "but when you see those who live at the court of the king,

fter him, and Thialfi running at his heels. Soon they came within sight of Utgard, and when they reached the city gates, the giant said: "I must leave you now, for my way lies in another direction. I think you will find a kindly welcome at the court of o

ely kept his temper. He paid no heed to the friendly words of caution which the giant added as

Pride Was

RT

glad of the possession of Mj?lner. When the travellers entered his halls, the king greeted them kindly and asked the object of their journey. Thor told him boldly that he had come to measure his strength against that of the giants, and Utgard-Loke courteously replied: "We have heard

en called to a tall, slender youth named Hugi, and bade him make ready for the race. The company adjourned to an open meadow, and here the runners met to

ked to have a second race, Thor eagerly agreed, and again Thialfi ran his swiftest. But although he fl

unning, and he was also very tired; but the king's tone seemed so insulting that he insisted upon a third trial. Again the two contestants ran over the course, but this time Hugi

either of them cared to challenge one of his men at an eating contest, and Loki eagerly accepted this chance to prove his ability. "I can eat more than any two of this company," he cried boastfully, and gave a loud

he would finish all that was set before him in less than a minute; but when he came to the middle of the great dish

o empty in one draught any drinking horn that you can place before me." So Utgard-Loke commanded his men to bring out a great drinking horn, and as he handed it to Thor the king said: "Here is a cup which the youngest among us can empty in three draughts. A strong man needs to

emptuously. At these words Thor flew into a great rage, and, grasping the horn more tightly, he drank as he had never drunk before. Then he set the vessel down, feeling sure that it must now be empty; but he found to his surprise that it was hardly less full t

that there could not be a drop left in it. But one of the giants caught it up and showed him how much of the liquid still remained. Enraged at this unexpected humiliation, Thor refused to drink any longer, and would barely listen when Utgard-L

's insulting words, he grasped the great creature by the middle, intending to throw it aside. But though he tried with all the strength of his powerful arm to move the cat, he could not stir it from its place; and the higher he sought to lift it, the higher it

ods do not call so puny a fellow as this the defender of Asgard. Perhaps Thor is onl

oon show you whether my strength can be scorned!" cried Thor, who was longing

t the angry god, "so I will not match you against our strongest men. B

to blink with an almost supernatural intelligence as she made her way straight toward the spot where the god was standin

xert all his force to keep from being strangled. The more he struggled, the tighter grew the old woman's hold, and even his arm which held the hammer was rendered useless by

led. Then the king smiled upon him kindly and said, "Let us forget both our pride and our foolish boasting, and share the feast as friends; for we will now offer you the best of food and drink that th

I knew that it was rash to admit such a foe within our gates unless he could be deceived by magic, and his strength be met by cunning. I tied the sack with a cord that no one but myself could possibly undo, for every knot was made under a magic spell. Each time Thor struck me those terrific blows, I quickly slid a mountain between myself and the hammer; and you may now see the deep clefts which those blows have made. When Thialfi ran with Hugi, it was against Thought that he was racing; and when Loki strove with Logi, his opponent was none other than Fire, who consumes whatever he touches. Thor took such deep draughts from the ho

told Thor that his

aised hammer. But before the blow could fall, the giant had disappeared; and when Thor looked about him he no longer saw the gates of Utgard nor

oing o

e grew restless from the long enforced idleness. So one day when Odin was away on some necessary journey, Freyr strolled idly through the golden streets of Asgard, and wished that he might sometime be taken as a companion when

thought from his mind, Freyr wandered restlessly about from one marble hall to another, but getting nearer each moment to the great gold throne, until at last he stood directly before it. A long time he hesitated, thi

nheim, whose snow-capped mountains reached up into the clouds. Still farther away lay the Land of Mists with its chill fogs, reaching out toward Muspelheim. The earth itself, which Freyr knew so

but as he chanced to look at a tall old castle standing on the top of one of the wind-swept hills, he saw the door suddenly open. Then a maiden

r, Freyr felt that all the brightness had gone out of the world. Never before had he seen any maiden whom he wished to make his w

glance toward J?tunheim. For many days he roamed through the marble-pillared halls, seeking some distraction to make him forget the golden-haired maiden whom he

Skirner offered to make the journey into J?tunheim at once, and do his best to woo the giant's daughter for his master. So Freyr gave him his swiftest horse, and filled his hands with

e edge of J?tunheim. Then a short, hard gallop over the frozen ground brought him to the foot of the castle where the giant Gymer lived with his beautiful daughter. As he neared the gates, two enormous dogs sprang at him, barking furiously

ired the shepherd. "No strang

h the giant's daught

" he said. Then, looking kindly at the horse and rider, he added, "If you are wise, you will not

name of Gerd; and the giant's daughter listened to the cry, wondering

came boldly to the maiden's side and begged her to listen to his story. As the laws of hospitality prevailed even in J?tunheim, the beautiful Gerd bade him enter; and when they were seated by a grea

ly spoke of taking her at once with him to Asgard, she cried angrily, "Go back to your master and tell him tha

y costly gems-the gift of Freyr-and offered them

ymer with gold," she said. "I have

mission-and flashing this before the maiden's eyes he swore by the spear of Odin that he would kill her if she wou

e who sit spinning in the halls of Asgard. The daug

eyr. "May the sun never shine without bringing pestilence upon your land, and may each day add some trouble to those which already burden you. May sickness throw its blight upon you, and loathsome diseases render your beauty hideous. May old age lay its hand on you

arms to Skirner, crying, "Does Freyr indeed love me so deeply that he can invoke all the powers of the earth to curse me for not wedding him?" Then Skirner told her how great his master was, and how truly the curse w

kirner tried to persuade her to return with him at once to Asgard, but she said, "Go back t

nd the woods looked no longer as if peopled with dreadful shapes and shadows. When Skirner neared Asgard he saw far in the distance Freyr standing by the rainbow bridge eagerly watching for his messenger's return. The impatient god did not wait, however, until horse and rider cam

sgard were reached, he rushed eagerly in search of Freyr to tell him of Gerd's promise. The god's face was lit with a gr

ugh it was still winter-and flowers bloomed along the path that led to the groves of Bar-isle. Then Freyr, full of the glad spirit of youth and love and springtime, w

ught the Gi

eary country. With the swiftness of the wind his wonderful horse Sleipnir carried him over the ice and snow that lay thick on the frozen ground; and so

of his horse, for he knew that there was not its like in all the world. He had almost crossed the last stretch of treeless country on the edge of J?tunheim, when he

t. The giant looked critically at Sleipnir's splendid head an

in swiftness," replied Odin, proudly. The giant s

of one's words. Now my horse Goldfax is fully as fine as yours; and th

from such a country as this? Why, my steed was reared in the s

waste words in boasting," said the giant. "Let u

mettle, threw back his head and sped like an arrow toward Asgard. The giant followed close behind, and so full was he of the excitement of the chase that he was unaware of being carried within his enemy's gates. Heimdall, who stood watching

m. Soon he realized, however, that the laws of hospitality assured every kindness to a guest, and he knew that he was as safe in Asgard as he would be in J?tunheim. So

ere built by the frost-giants. He boasted loudly of his own great strength; and as he drank more and more of the wine so freely poured, he cried: "What a puny lot of men you are to call yourselves gods! There is not a giant in J?tu

ggering grew more unbearable, the gods with difficulty restrained themselves from striking him dead where he sat. "I shall drink every drop of wine in Asgard before I leave

if he was their guest. But Loki, who was enjoying the giant's boasts and drunken wit, begged them not to act too hastily; so Hrungner kept on drinking unmolested. Suddenly he threw his cup with a crash to the gro

face of the god approaching, and saw, too, the upraised hammer; but he was too full of drunken courage to feel afraid. Before Mj?lner fell, he roared savagely at

ropped to his side, and the

ains of J?tunheim, and then I will prove that the frost-gia

that there was to be a mighty combat between himself and Thor. The giants did not feel very certain of Hrungner's victory over the god, so they decided to help him in every possible way. They made a huge giant out of clay and stood him on the plain where the battle was

was called Gr

iant was named

on the crest of the mountain appeared a runner; and soon Thor's servant, Thialfi, came speeding toward them. He called loudly to Hrungner: "My master is on his way to meet you; but he will not follow on the road I came. He is coming

ing of thunder which heralded Thor's approach, and the hills answered with long, deep peals. Then on the brow of the hill overlooking the plain appeared Thor's majestic figure, so terrible to behold that most of the giants fled away in fear. With incredible

n, sank into Thor's forehead; and the sudden pain made him so dizzy that he staggered forward and fell just where Hrungner's great body lay stretched upon the ground. Then Thor found to his dismay that one of the giant's feet was resting firmly on his neck; and, try as he would, he could not get f

oa continued her incantations, and the pain in his head grew less and less each moment, Thor tried to think of some way in which he could reward his benefactress for her kindness. Orvandel, Groa's husband, had been for many years away from his home; and as the sorceress loved him very dearly, there was nothing she wished for so much as his return. Thor was partly responsible for her husband's disappearance, for Orvandel had once angered him so that he had put the offender into a basket and carried

er husband, she suddenly stopped her weird singing, and was unable to resume it, though Thor begged her to continue the enchantment until the stone was loosed. But Groa had lost all her mystic power, and could never charm things from their place again. So

ory of

brightness of his presence. In all his happy life he had never known a moment's sadness, and the gods believed that none could ever come to him. So beautiful and joyous and f

m to interpret its meaning. They tried to laugh and banish his fears, but at heart they felt that an evil day had come. Over Asgard now hung a dark shadow which foreboded the coming sorrow, for the dream spoke of approaching evil, eve

alace was named

e set out as if for some honoured guest. At the head of the table was one vacant seat; and when Odin saw this, his heart sank with fear, for he knew too well for whom the chair was waiting. Hoping against hope, in spite of this sinister sight, Odin returned to the ea

ace was called

ble is so richly spread in Helheim and for whom the vacant chair s

s spells could not compel the dead to speak. But at last a faint voice whisp

the gods to Helheim?" asked Odin, an

itten, and so it shall be," came the words which t

rrowfully. For a long time no answer came; then the voi

in here, and the rain and snow have beat upon my head and the winds have

d slowly and sorrowfully he returned to Asgard. He did not tell the gods o

a solemn oath never to hurt Balder. Fire, water, rocks, trees, iron, brass, birds and beasts,-all were bound by a vow to do no harm to him; and everything on earth gave the promise gladly, for all the world loved the bright and joyous Balder.

se would really keep their word to Frigga, the gods placed the youth as a target before them, and hurled at him huge stones and sharp-pointed spears and the weapons which they used in battle; but each missile turned aside, and refused to hurt the shining Balder. Even the deadly battle-axes fell harmless at his feet. Now Loki, wh

th her. The goddess was sitting with her maidens spinning, and when the old woman wa

I hear laughter and cheering in the court where the gods are at their games. Tell me, what does it mean?" Then Frigga smiled happily and said, "It means that the

eed made you this p

le plant called the mistletoe, and this looked so

row far from here?" contin

the ease with which he had deceived the unsuspecting goddess. Laying aside his disguise, he sought the place where th

rother of Balder, silent and alone, for he was blind and

r, and throw some missile at the wonder

standing," answered H?der, "and be

an arrow and help you shoot it." So he led H?der forward, and t

aim so well that the fatal shaft flew straight to Bal

dens. Everything that loved the shining Balder now wept and mourned for him. Then the gods arrayed his body in the finest cloth of gold, and brought it down to the sea, where Balder's ship[34] lay close to the water's edge. Very sadly they laid the body upon its deck,

of the ship wa

ook their last look at the dead Balder as he lay upon the burning pyre. Odin, stepping

er been friendly to the people of Asgard-and begged her to grant this last service to the beloved of the gods. The giantess came, riding on a fierce wolf, with twisted snakes in

d in the solemn stillness no sound was heard but the roaring of the flames on the burning ship. The gods stood upon the shore watching the funeral pyre, and, mingled with their sadness, was a dread foreboding of evil; for outside the

d over the earth as the fire upon the slowly moving ship burned each moment more brightly. Thus the ve

evil which he had innocently wrought, and he wished with all the fervor of his loving heart that he could bring Balder back to Asgard. Sadly he sought the palace of his mother Frigga, and asked her whether he might not go to Helheim and offer his life to the dread goddess in exchange for Bal

nt him. Nine days and nights Hermod rode through the earth in darkness so thick that his horse could not see where to step. It was a black and steep and fearful road down to Helheim, and only on Odin's horse could the

ame was Mo

rode across the bridge, but they did not shake it as you alone have done. Your face

the shining Balder pass over her

nd has gone to the dark hall

queen who ruled over the kingdom of the dead. Hermod trembled with fear as he looked about him,

hining Balder, and Asgard is empty and lonely since he has gone. Every hea

t be true as thou sayest, that everything weeps for Balder, he shall return to A

upon the earth wept and mourned for Balder. Throughout the whole world arose the sound of bitter wailing; and not a single eye remaine

d himself as the g

"weep for Balder t

for me that I should mourn him. Let him stay in Helheim." Then wi

ver came bac

ri's

to find some place of quiet and rest. So they went far into the heart of the forest, and sat down beside a brook where many fish were leaping about and darting through the sparkling water. The gods lay idly upon the grass and watched them for a long time. Presently, they spied an otter sitting on the bank of the stream, lazily eating a fish which he had just caught. The gods looked on at the meal, and it made them r

ures in the myths of many races. Even to-day the killing o

bade them enter and share his simple fare, and in return he asked them to tell him of their adventures. Without revealing their identity, Odin told him of their wanderings among men, and of the strange things they had seen. H?nir also related many stories; but his were of brave h

s name was Hreidm

o-day in the stream, and at this sport he always takes the for

ods near by. As soon as they heard of the killing of their brother, they seized the three gods and bound them han

h Fafnir and Regin demanded the life of one of the gods in return for their brother's.

e when you have covered every hair of this h

one of us free that he may go and procure the treasure.

d promising his companions to return with their ransom, he hurried away. There was only one place where a hoard of gold and precious stones might be found, and thither Loki dir

mouth of the cavern and winding in and out among the rocks below. It was small, but beautifully clear, and the pebbles in its bed shone in the moonlight like diamonds. Just where it issued fr

he now put forth all his skill to catch the wily salmon as it darted to and fro in the stream. The dwarf knew, however, who the fisherman was, and why he had come, and he had no intention of being caught and made to yield up his treasures. Loki spent many hours trying to lure the s

ure to find her spreading a net for her prey. But though he wandered for miles along the water's edge, he caught no glimpse of her anywhere; and, wearied and disheartened, he was about to give up his search, when he heard a low, r

her?" one of th

d like to ask her where the big fis

ns laughed ag

you are, and why you have come hither. Play no tricks, then, and tell

ell him where to find Queen Ran, since no

oject in sharp, dangerous reefs far out into the sea. Here the waves dash with tremendous fury, and here is many a good ship wr

ed carefully about him. Near by was a group of tall, jagged rocks over which the waves dashed with great force; but there was one spot so protected that even the spray from the water did not reach it, and here Loki spied Queen Ran,

f thee;" and Ran replied, "What does Loki wish, that he leaves the shinin

sh, and that anything once caught cannot escape from its magic meshes. Therefore I have come to ask your help, for there is a certai

and it is full of great treasure-jewels, and gold, and rich apparel. I have sent my mermaids to lure it to the

ded Loki, "and I will promise to return it i

r, she was persuaded, and with many expressions of gratitude, Loki said good-by and hastened back to the ca

cape the magic net which began to close slowly and surely about it. As soon as Loki thought that his prize was secure, he drew the net on land, and, after slowly loosening the meshes, he at last grasped the struggling fish in his hand. Now, however, it was

il thou hast revealed to me the hiding place of thy ill-gotten treasures

dwarf, Loki tried to lift the stone, but though it was far from being heavy or beyond his strength, he found that he could not move it. Then he knew that he was being tricked, and, graspi

r of many dazzling heaps of gold. It was truly a wonderful sight, and would have bewildered the ordinary finder of such wealth; but Loki had no time

left him, but he knew better than to make such a request of Loki. So when the last of the treasure had been gathered up, he turned away and was disappearing into the woods when Loki caught the glitter of somethin

he knew too well that his fury was in vain, and soon he changed his tone, begging Loki, humbly, to leave him his one poor gem. This appeal would have moved any other o

ty of a living serpent. But this did not deter him from slipping the ring on his finger, and laughing triumphantly at the dwarf, who was now foaming with helpless rage. Then Andvari cursed the ring and

tage. Odin and H?nir were still bound, and they had almost given up hope of Loki's return. But they forgot the tediousness of their captivity when they saw the great heap

grow, until it covered the entire floor of the hut; and though Loki still added handfuls of gold, the brothers always found some spot uncovered. At last every hair of the hide was completely hidden beneath some coin or

gods to fulfil their promise. The case seemed indeed desperate; until Loki drew from his finger the serpent ring of Andvari, and laid it upon the hair. The brothers being now satisfied, the g

himself, drove his sons from the house, and shut himself up with his treasure. All day long he sat poring greedily over the heap of glit

reasure. Soon he grew fearful that his brother might steal upon him sometime and rob, or perchance kill him; so he changed himself into a monstrous dragon which breathed forth fire and spat deadly p

ry of S

promoted him to be master-smith. Before many years passed the fame of Regin's smithy had spread far and wide; for here men gathered not only to learn the master's craft, but to share in that wisdom which

red, and fell down in long locks over his shoulders; and his body was of a strength that matched the beauty of his face. Men said of him that "never did he lose heart, and of naught was he afraid." When Siegfried grew to manhood, King Alf sent him to Regin's smithy that

unga Saga his na

e morning the sound of Siegfried's hammer could be heard as he worked blithely at his trade, and he almost forgot that he had ever known any other life than this one by Regin's side. When the long day was over and he sat with his master by the glowing light of the forge, Regin would tell him wonderful tales of gods and heroes and especially of the

ies in battle, and in the centre of the palace was a large courtyard in which grew a wonderful tree. This tree was so high that it towered above the castle walls, and its branches grew so thick tha

Rerir, who was the son of

e fair Signy with many rich gifts, all of which the maiden coldly disdained, for she distrusted his dark, evil-looking face. King Volsung, however, was much taken with the wealth of Siggeir and his seeming generosity, and he urged his daughter to accept this giver of rich gifts. For a long time Signy refused to listen to her father's words, but

rmed that he had only one eye. Stepping quickly up to King Volsung's wonderful tree, he drew from beneath his cloak a gleaming sword and drove it with great force into the tree trunk, up to the very hilt. Then turning to the astonished company, he said, "Whoso draweth this sword fro

one more, but he is a mere lad. It would be cruel to shame him before so great a company." The warriors urged him, however, to summon the youth; and though anxious to spare his youngest son, the king reluctantly consented to have Siegmund[41] appear. The lad stood straight and strong and fearless before the lordly company, and asked what was the king's will. Volsung pointed to the sword, and bade young Siegmund draw it forth. To the astonishment of all beholders, the lad stepped boldly up to the Branstock, and, grasping the hilt of the sword, drew it out as easily as if it had only b

gmund in the Vo

father, "I pray thee, urge me not to go away with King Siggeir, for by my foreknowledge I am certain that no good will come of this marriage." But Volsung answered: "Speak not so, my daughter; and go with thy husband, for it will

nding, Signy the queen came secretly to them, and begged them to return at once to their own land, for Siggeir had sworn to kill them. Her pleadings were in vain, however, for the grisly old king of the Volsungs had never yet turned his back to a foe, and he had no fear of Siggeir and his hosts. So Signy went back t

many a Goth lay dead at the old king's feet and at the feet of his sons; but at last Volsung himself was struck down by a treacherous blow; and when his followers saw their leader dead, they lost heart for the fight. Then all of the goodly company that had come to Got

the feet of her lord and begged him to grant her brothers a few more days of life. At the end of that time he might do with them as he wished, and she would plead no more. To prove that she had no thought of trying to release them, she asked that they might be chained to a certain fallen oak in the forest so that she could visi

Volsungs in the forest. Each night, at midnight, the she-wolf came out of the deep woods to eat one of the brothers; and this was repeated until all were devoured except Siegmund.[42] Then Signy called to her a trusted servant, and putting a pot of honey in his hand, she bade him go into the forest and

the mother of King Siggeir, who had b

ntic efforts to get loose from the torturing grip, the she-wolf set her feet against the fallen tree and strained so mightily that the chain which bound Siegmund snapped in two pieces and the you

in need of help; so each day she sent the messenger to the forest with food for her brother and the assurance that she would always watch over his needs. Then Siegmund built himself an underground hut in the woods, and lived as a wild man; and thither came Signy by ni

ance of t

be trained by Siegmund if there were aught in him worthy of the Volsung race. When the lad came to the earth-dwelling, Siegmund saw that he had none of the right mettle in him; but he welcomed his sister's son and bade him make ready the bread for the evening meal while he himself went to seek firewood. On Siegmund's return the lad was still st

was born to Signy who in all ways resembled the Volsungs, so tall and strong and fierce he was, yet fair of face like Siegmund. When his mother deemed him courageous enough and of hardihood enough to stand an extreme test, she sewed his shirt to his skin and

was left alone, and when Siegmund returned from gathering firewood, the bread was ready baked and lying on the hearth. When asked if he had seen anything

und laughe

up the most deadly of serpents. Though I may eat of any poison an

Sinfiotli soon forgot the days he had spent in King Siggeir's palace and believed himself in very truth a Volsung. Now it happened that one day as they journeyed together through the forest, they came upon a certain house in which lay two men fast asleep. On the wri

ing their separate ways, they agreed to come to each other's aid in this wise: that if more than seven men set upon either of the twain, he should howl in wolfish fashion so loud that his companion would hear him. So each went his way, and in time Siegmund met with a band of men who set upon him with spears; but he gave forth a deep, far-sounding howl that brought his f

reatly, and strove to bear the body on his back to the earth-house. The following day, as he lay at the door of the dwelling, he saw two weasels fighting, and one of them bit the other so that he died. Then the destroyer ran into a thicket and returned with a leaf in his mouth which he laid on the wound of the dead weasel. To Siegmund's surprise, it immediately sprang up well and whole. Then a raven flew overhead wit

ate in the evening to King Siggeir's palace. They had no mind to walk at once into the king's presence, so they hid themselves among some casks of ale which were heaped up in the hall. While they lay thus hidden, Signy was aware of their coming;

nd told him what they had seen. Then the king grew fearful that some evil was awaiting him; and as he sat not knowing what to do, Signy led the children into the hall and said to her brother: "See, these two have betrayed you. Kill them, therefore." But Siegmund answered, "Never will I slay thy children for telling w

ndered all through the night as to what form of death he could mete out to them. In the morning he had a great pit dug, and in the midst of it he stood on end a flat stone that reached from one side of the pit to the other, but was so high that none could climb over it. Then he set Siegmund in the pit on one side of the flat stone, and Sinfiotli on

n prisoners. Then as he was rending the flesh in pieces, his fingers suddenly closed upon some hard steel; and when he drew it forth he found in his hand a sword. It was Siegmund's sword, the gift of Odin, which Signy had concealed in the straw unknown to the king. Sinfiotli uttered a cry of joy

way through the turf and stones that covered the pit; and he and Sinfiotli stood together in front of King Siggeir's palace. There was no sound within, for all were yet asleep; so Siegmund and Sinfiotli crept softly into the hall carrying wood in their arms; and this they placed in great piles around the sleep

ed this fire i

iegmund the Volsung, with Sinfiotli, my sister's son; and no

ickly out of the hall lest she should perish in the flames. And when she did not come, he offered her r

ame unto thee Sinfiotli who is a Volsung and none of King Siggeir's race. I also bade thee kill my young children, since their words had betrayed thee. For this and naught else have I wrought all the

li he set sail for his own land. When he reached the country of the Volsungs, he found that a neighbouring king had usurped the throne, and was reigning in the old king's stead. Siegmund drove him from the country and himself took the throne of his father,

de and smiled when he saw the glow of pride that shone in Siegfri

father in his need?" he asked, knowing well the answer Siegfried would make. Th

agic

egmund's queen; and when they fought this matter out between them, Sinfiotli killed the queen's brother and took the maiden for his wife. Then Borghild demanded that the slayer be driven out of the kingdom because of this deed; but Siegmund said that the man was killed in fair fight, and therefore Sinfiotli should not pay the forfeit of b

handed the horn to Siegmund, who drank the ale to the last drop, for no poison nor charmed drink could work him any harm. A second time did Borghild come to Sinfiotli with the horn in her hand offering him drink, and again he refused it, saying, "Guile is in the drink." So Siegmund took the horn and emptied it while

king's sorrow. Now Siegmund fared on through the woods till he came to the seashore, and here he found a little boat with an old man seated at the oars. The man wore a dark blue cloak, and his hat was drawn down over his face; but Siegmund saw none of this, for his thoughts were with his dead companion. The old man asked if they would be ferried to the other side of the bay, and Siegmund came with his burden to the water's edge. The little boat could not hold them all, so Siegmund laid the body of Sinfiotli bes

o no promise could be given to Siegmund. The father of Hiordis feared that, whichever of the suitors was rejected, war and trouble would arise, and therefore he knew not how to answer them. So he went to his daughter and said: "You are a wise woman, and I will let this matter rest in your hands. Choose a husband for yourself, and I will abide by your choice though my whole kingdom be plunged into warfare." Then Hiordis answered, "Though King Lyngi is far younger than Siegmund, yet I will choose Siegmund for my husband, f

d as if there was no end to them; and Siegmund saw that his followers would be no match for the great horde of fighting men that swept down from the enemy's ships. Nevertheless the Volsungs fought bravely when the horns blew that called the men to battle, and Siegmund, at the head of his army

battle-knew not who the stranger might be, so he smote upon the upraised shield with all his strength. Never yet had the magic sword failed him in battle, but now it broke in half, and as its pieces fell to the ground, the stranger in the blue cloak disappeared. Then Siegmund knew who it was that had come against him, and he lost all heart

t enjoy the whole of Siegmund's wealth. When most of the Volsungs had fallen in battle, and King Lyngi knew himself victor, he hurried to the palace to take possession of Siegmund's riches and also Siegmund's queen. But when he entered the palace, he found everything in confusion. The treasure chest

his wounds; but he put her aside, saying, "I will not suffer myself to be healed, since Odin wills that I should never draw sword again." Then the queen wept softly and answered, "If thou diest, who will then avenge us?" And Siegmund said: "Fear not that the last of the Volsungs has stood to do mighty deeds, for a son will be born to thee and me who shall be greater than all those who have been

Then she said to her handmaid: "Let us now change raiment, and do thou henceforth be called by my name and say that thou art the king's daughter. Look over there to the sea, where some ships are now sailing

ikings was Alf, the son of Hjalprek, king of Denmark, and as he gazed across the battle-field he saw the two women watching him, so he sent his men to bring them to him. When Hiordis and her handmaid stood before Alf, he asked them why they were standing thus alone, and why so

gold and silver lay; and such a wonder of wealth was there that the men thought they had never seen so many priceless things heaped together in one place. All this treasure the Vikings carried to their ships; and when they set sail it was with the wealth of Siegmund

"For," she said, "I deem the one whom you have held of least account to be the nobler born." And Alf answered: "I, too, have doubted that she is really a bondmaid; for though she spoke but little when I first greeted her, she bore herself proudly like a king's daughter. But now let us make a trial of the two." So when the men were feasti

" laughed Alf, and, turning to Hior

me a little gold ring, and this always grows cold on my fi

ying: "Gold rings are not given to bo

mund was born, and great rejoicing was made throughout the kingdom, for when the child was but a few days old, King Alf wedded Hiordis, whom he had found the worthiest of women. The boy was much beloved by his stepfather, and no one who looked upon him desi

gth. But you are not of this people, and your place is not among them. Great deeds are in store for you, and you are to be worthy of your race. All that I could teach you, you have learned. Go forth, therefore, and by your own hand win fame that shall

So Regin selected the very finest steel for Siegfried's sword, and the youth set to work eagerly, for Regin's story had filled him with a burning desire to go out into distant lands and do great deeds worthy of his name and race. For seven days and nights he never left his forge, but stood tempering and testing his steel, and throw

n, who is still living, gives the

workmanship, he called to Regin and bade him try its strength. "Nay, let us not dull the edge," replied the master; "there is no need to put it to the test, for I can see that it is true and strong." But Siegfried took the sword and smo

o see. At length, however, the silence grew uncomfortable, and Siegfried turned around. Close beside him was standing a tall man wrapped in a dark blue mantle. His beard and hair were very long and very white, and by the dim light of the fire Siegfried noticed that he had only one eye. His face was kindly, and his whole presence had an air both gentle and reassuring,

range visitor. Regin thought at first that the lad had been dreamin

f the famous sword which in former days the ruler of the gods gave to your father. There is no fear for yo

hen he bade Regin test the mettle of the new blade, and when the master looked upon it, it seemed as though a fire burned along the edges of the sword. Now Siegfried grasped the weapon in his two hands

ga Saga the sword

d the Famous

ing of F

he hero is now often called

y and win fame that will add glory to the name of the Volsungs. Of my celebrated wisdom you have already learned all there is of worth, and there are no ties to hold you to this

ven though that sword be Odin's gift?" asked Siegfried. "I have

t steeds that King Alf has gathered either by purchase or as the spoil of

ough to be the charger of a king's son. Indeed, they all seemed to him so desirable that there was none which he would p

n he saw beside him a tall form wrapped in a blue mantle. He dared not look closer, and he trembled no

l the horses seem to me to be

which far surpasses all the rest, for he came from Odin's pas

ed Siegfried, "but I am too i

r," said the old man, "and I think

n the river upon a bank of rocks below. Some of the horses turned back when they felt the force of the water; some fought helplessly against it and were carried down toward the rocks; but one swam to the other

ed into the large, beautiful eyes. Then tur

better steed did man never have. His name is Gr

alled Grani in the

d to his forge full of joy and pride, for he knew that no other t

store the treasure to its rightful owner." Then he told Siegfried of Andvari's hoard, and of how it came to be guarded by the dragon Fafnir. "This monster," he continued, "does not rest satisfied with the possession of his treasure, but must needs live upon the flesh of men; and he has thus become the terror of all the countr

the monster be all that you have said, with Greyfel

s. But neither Siegfried nor Greyfel felt a touch of fear, and the noble horse carried both riders safely to the opposite bank. Here they found themselves at the foot of a tall mountain, which seemed to rise straight up like a wall from the river's edge. It was apparently of solid rock, for no tree or shrub or blade of grass grew upon its steep si

cky and forbidding. There were patches of earth to be seen here and there, and occasionally a stragglin

not do it and live. You must depend upon stratagem if you would hope to slay him. Dig, therefore, a series of pits and cover them with boughs, so that the dragon, as he rushes down the mountain side, may fall into one of them and not get out until you have slain him.

rdly see to dig his pits. Every time he struck the earth, the blow brought a deep echo from the mountain, and now and then he heard the dismal

to look, his heart beat fast with joy, for even in the darkness he fancied he sa

s dismal country, Sir Sieg

slay Fafnir," re

ldly? Many a brave man has met death ere this in the perilous encounter you would try. You are young

oung, it is true, but I have no fear of the

. But go up on the mountain side until you have found a narrow path worn deep into the earth. It is Fafnir's trail, and over it he is sure to come. Dig there a deep

himself, covering the top as Odin had directed. For hours he lay still and waited, and it seemed to him that the night would never end. At last a faint streak of light appeared in the east, and it soon grew bright enough for Siegfried to see plainly about him. He raised one corner of his roof of boughs and peeped cautio

l, all unknowing, he glided over the loosely strewn boughs which covered the pit, and Siegfried struck with his good sword Balmung. It seemed to him that he had struck blindly. Yet in a moment he knew that the blow was sure and had pierced the monster's heart, for he heard it give one roar of mortal pain. Then, as he drew out his sword, the huge body quivered an instant and rol

fighting

kill the thing which had destroyed him. But Siegfried stayed at a safe distance; and when he saw the dragon cease its frantic struggles and lie q

At first Siegfried was loath to tell his name[47]; but soon he felt ashamed of his fears and answered boldly: "Siegfried I am called, and my father was Siegmund the

he curse of the dying is sure to be fulf

e which I guarded these many years. Go, therefore, and seek it out, but first I will give thee this counsel; turn away thy steps from this ill-fated gold, for a curse rests upon it, and it shall be the b

o the dull, glazed eyes to see if it were really a thing no longer to be feared. A look of hatred

deed which shall be told and sung as long as the world sta

or after what you have told me of the curse whi

sure. But let me go alone to find it, for you would surely lose your way." Then as he saw Siegfried wiping his blood-stained sword on the earth, he grasped the youth's arm fiercely and said:

h turned his head away, for he could not bear to look on at such a dreadful transformation. Meanwhile Regin was muttering to himself: "The gold! the gold! and precious gems in great glittering heaps

sire to eat it, Siegfried put the finger, on which the blood had dropped, to his lips. All at once he heard a hum of voices in the air. It was only a flock of crows flying overhead and chattering to themselves, but it sounded like human voices, and Siegfried could p

gin to return, not knowing that when Regin has taken poss

in spite of the look which he had seen on Regin's face, he c

ten times more dreadful, and his mouth wore an evil smile which made Siegfried shudder. It seemed, too, as if his body had shrunk, and its motion was not unlike the gliding of a serpent. He was talking to himself as he came along, and appeared to be

tack. Enraged now to the point of frenzy, Regin struck again and again, and suddenly, in his blind fury, rushed upon Siegfried's sword. Siegfried uttered a cry of horror and closed his eyes, for he could not look upon the p

e turned away fearing to burden himself with the treasure and the curse which rested upon it. But from the pile he took Andvari's ring, which he placed upon his finger, and a gold h

alkyr

he incidents follow the stor

oose on Greyfel's neck, he allowed the horse to carry him wherever it would. At night he rested under the shade of the forest trees, and by day he wandered aimlessly over the country, too disheartened even to wish to return to Ki

bey. His master, wondering at this stubbornness, but too tired and indifferent to force him further, dismounted and prepared to remain where he was for the night. Something about the place, its loneliness and silence, recalled the

ain was called

sight, he mounted Greyfel and directed him toward the fire. The horse obeyed readily, seeming to know the way; and when Siegfried drew nearer, he found that this was no common fire, but a circle of flames enclosing a large rock. There was no path up the mountain, and Siegfr

eat burned his face, and he dared not open his eyes to look about him. Greyfel snorted and pawed the ground, then suddenly made a movement forward as if to plunge into the flames. For an instant Siegfried thought of the prophecy made by his father Siegmund that

ned his eyes to look about him, he realized that he had ridden through the fire all unharmed, and he was full of wonder at his safety. Greyfel, t

n this was the sight of a man lying full length upon the rock, and seemingly unconscious of the fire which was raging all around him.[50] His shield was on the ground beside him, but his helmet covered hi

ilde lies asleep in a shield-hun

th gently, he raised the helmet and gazed with wonder and delight at the beautiful face beneath. Then, as the sleeper did not awake, Siegfried took off his helmet, hoping thus to rouse him; but what was his surp

speak again. He wondered whether she was really human, or only some spirit of the night. Seeing his surp

tell you my story, and how I came t

ring himself thus addressed, Siegf

aring Hero

osen are slain, we raise him from the battle-field, lay him before us on the horse, and ride with him to Asgard, to the place called Valhalla. This is a beautiful hall made of gold and marble, and it has five and forty doors wide enough for eight hundred warriors to march in abreast. Inside, its roof is made of golden shields, and its walls are hu

aming shields of the Valkyries

was called S

feast is over, the warriors call for their weapons, and spear in hand they go out into the great courtyard, where they fight desperate battles and deal terrible wounds, performing deeds of valour such as they achieved while on the ear

n had commanded me to bear Helm Gunnar to Valhalla, and leave the other to the mercy of the conquerors. The youth of Agnar moved me, however, to pity; so I left the

rock, where he stung me with the sleep-thorn, and made this my sleeping place. But first he surrounded the rock with a wall of fire, and he decreed that I should sleep here until a hero who knew no fear should

brave acts, she imparted to him something of the wisdom she had gained as "one of the greatest among great women"-for thus it was that men spoke of her. She warned Siegfried of the dangers he would encounter o

so win for thyself long

arewell t

ad men-sick-dead, sea

peaking, he begged to hear still more. Then she read for him many things

dvari's hoard. Then he watched her depart toward her castle in Isenland, feeling very lonely, and wishing he might follow her. But Greyfel's head was turned a different way, and Siegfried knew that Odin had other things for him to do, so he allowed the horse to carry him away from Brunh

at Gunth

s father Siegmund had not prophesied great things of him in vain. He was growing very weary of the continued stretch of forest and mountain that never seemed to end, and he began to wonder whether his dream of greatness was not, after all, a thing of shadows-a mere will-o'-the-wisp, which it would

e well-travelled roads, since there he would be most likely to meet with some other rider who could direct his way; but all those whom he saw seemed to be wanderers, like himself, and they could tell him little of the country or the people. In return, they would ask him whither he was going, and what was the object of

k to the road he had lately left. But Greyfel knew better than his master where to go, and persisted in moving forward into what seemed to be the very heart of the forest. In a moment, however, Siegfried found that they were not stumbling helplessly about, for he heard the sharp,

g Gunther[53A] himself dwells. There you are sure of finding shelter and entertai

these were often lifted high as the company drank to the health of Gunther and all his noble race. While the men feasted and drank, the women of the household stood at the palace windo

for the gayety of the palace nor for any entertainment that some wandering harper m

and Kriemhild answered: "I dreamed last night that a hawk with feathers of gold lighted on my wrist; and naught was so dear to me as this hawk. And I dreame

called Gunnar, Ute is called Grimhild, and Kriemhild

over strange dreams. A hero is coming to woo you, and he

d rider came galloping toward the castle gates, the fair Kriemhild suddenly exclaimed that some one was riding slowly along the road. Her

he court of Giuki, king of the Niblungs, who h

pitality. But summon Hagen and question him concerning the stranger." So Kriemhild went out into the hall where Gunther and his vassals sat at the great table drinking and singi

known to care for any one or to show the least regard for even his own sister Ute and her household. Only toward Gunther, his liege lord, did Hagen have perfect loyalty and a kind of doglike fidelity, which kept him ever at the king's side in the midst of the fiercest battles, and constant at his service at the court when Gun

ga. He is the king's brother-not his

nce, then he said: "The youth whom you see approaching is Siegfried, the slayer of Fafnir, a

ied took the treasure from two pri

castle gates and invite the stranger to enter. Then she t

. The young hero was surprised and pleased at such a cordial reception, and when the king urged him to remain with them some da

m to speak of leaving them, and Siegfried was readily persuaded to stay yet longer, for the days passed quickly and happily at Gunther's court. The k

and the possible loss of his crown. Since the very beginning, fortune had been against him, and he grew daily more fearful lest it should end in the overthrow of his kingdom. Not wishing to risk an

ur guest," re

tide of battle in our favour. He has a magic cloak called the Tarnkappe, which is of little use to him as he sits here in the palace. He also has the mighty Balmung, which was forged from the piec

Entry into Burgundy w

after telling him of the plight of t

your cause. I would have been at your side long since had not your gentle sister besought me not to trouble

reat numbers beneath the terrible strokes of Balmung. A sudden panic came upon the hitherto victorious host, and they fled in terror before Gunther's pursuing army. This battle was followed by many others in which the Burgun

It were well, therefore, to keep him with us, lest trouble arise again and we need his help. Let us bind him to our house by some cl

Siegfried will not wed with my sister, since his heart yearns fo

den, nothing can be done; but summon your mother hither, and bade her mix for him a draugh

d put a magic drink which made him forget Brunhilde and his ride through the wall of fire. Then he turned more kindly eyes upon the beautiful Kriemhild, and before many days went by, he sought her hand in marriage of Gunther and

se of Burgundy, there was great rejoicing among the people, for Siegfried had already made himself both feared and loved

f struggling with some memory that would not take shape in his mind. As his troubled looks seemed to worry the

sence of all the court, he made a formal gift to Kriemhild of all his treasure, both the chests of gold which he had carried on his horse, and the great hoard which still lay in Fafnir's cave. In his resentment and wounded pride he forgot the curse which still rested upon it, and because of the drink which

ing of

d the forging of Balmung and his fight with the dragon Fafnir, while the meeting with Brunhilde had, owing to the magic potion, passed wholly from his memory. He was very happy with the lovely and gentle Kriemhild, who had wedded him believing that she alone had won the young hero's heart, for her mother had spoken no wor

trange tales of his wanderings; and one night as he sat before Siegfried and King Gunther at the feast, he spoke to them of a certain country called Isenland, where dwelt a beautiful maiden whom many kings and princes had sought to wed. "But," continued the old man, "she has never yet been won, for she is a warrior queen, and to

as more than a man's strength, and can go

he must wed. She is determined, however, to yield only to the hero whose strength can su

r name?" as

e would bring back to him the memory of his ride through the fire and his meeting with the Valkyrie. But on Sieg

und another victim for the warrior maiden. Methinks he is already eager t

e king, "for I would fain risk my l

and, that no advice from Hagen could turn him from his purpose, neither were the gentle p

our life for a woman who is doubtless not worth the winning, take Siegfried with you. He has the sword Balmung with which to fight your battles, should you be beset with

utiful Kriemhild wept and besought him not to go into a far country, and on an undertaking fraught with many dangers; but Siegfried only laughed at her fears, and bade her get his clothing and armour ready for the journey.

but Gunther trusted Siegfried's discretion, and was willing to be guided by his wishes, so he

fabrics and rare jewels, and with threads of purest gold worked beautiful pieces of raiment, that Gunther and his friends might make a suitable appearance at the court of Brunhilde. But it troubled her that no retinue of lords was to be

and at last the ship was launched and the sails set. There was much weeping at the departure of Gunther and his friends, and the watchers on the shore felt that they would never return from the journey. But the heroes themselves were eager for t

f a rocky coast, and saw on the top of the cliffs a tall, fortressed castle with frowning towers, Hagen told them that they had now reached Isenland, and that before them was the palace of Brunhilde. It looked very forbiddi

ertaking. Tell every one at Brunhilde's palace that I am you

d, and on the way to the castle Siegfried followed behin

"Who are these strangers that have come to our gates? They seem of noble bearing, yet they have no attendants, so cannot be of royal blood. Let s

Hlymdale, and Gunnar has to ride through the f

the queen's bidding, and soon re

im are his brother and uncle, and a noble youth named Siegfried. I

well remembered the brave youth who had ridden through the fire and wakened her from sleep. If he had come to win her, she hoped that his strength was equal to his valour,

t which the palace afforded, and do everything which would make for their pleasure and comfort. When she herself was arrayed in her costliest robes, she descend

e rose, and, taking both his hands in hers, she said softly: "So you have come again to seek me, Sir Siegfried, but this time it is not through a circle of fire. It is lo

rom sleep. He gazed long into the queen's face, murmuring, "Brunhilde-the Valkyrie-the wall of fire." Then all at once a mist was lift

mory of her. So her soft manner turned to hardness, for her pride was hurt, and maiden shame forbade her to show favours to one who could so easily forge

knew also that if he could now choose his bride, it would be the haughty queen who treated him so scornfully. But he was here as Gunther's friend and vas

ed time they assembled in the courtyard of the palace, and Hagen had many misgivings when he saw five hundred armed knights standin

or whether you win or lose in this contest, we w

n; and your age makes you blind to the beauty of this wonderful maiden, for whom a man

Hagen to mutter curses o

iegfried said, "My liege lord has come from far to match strength with you, O Brunhilde, and should he win in the con

ur lord know the conditions of the contest

nothing outweighs the chance of p

brought her a golden helmet, a corselet of finely wrought silver, and a shield broad and heavy enough for the most powerful warrior. After arming herself with these, h

s hand?" But Siegfried whispered in Gunther's ear, "Take courage and we shall win, only show no sign of fear." Then he slipped out of the crowd and hurried down to the seashore where the ship lay at a

king's side and whispered, "F

it was Siegfried who was beside him, so he t

Siegfried broken the force of the blow by placing himself in front of the king, while he held before him the magic shield which he had taken from Andvari's hoard. Then he quickly raised the king, and before the astonished spectators realized what had happened, he picked up the huge spear and sen

myself fairly beaten at this first game, but you m

aised easily in her white arms, and swinging it once or twice above her head, she threw it to the far

age to the king, who could not see his friend, though he knew who it was that was winning the contest for him. Together they walked to where the great stone was lying, and Siegfried raised it from the ground, while it seemed to the spectators that it was lifted by the king's hand

in all the games, and though her face showed disappointm

er her own master, but the wife and vassal of the king of Burgundy," and, turning to

eir queen. She herself strove to appear happy and proud at becoming the wife of a hero whose strength surpassed her own; yet while sh

lde Came t

nt secretly to Siegfried, and with a shamed, flushed face he said: "My friend and brother, I have come to ask your help in a strange matter. I cannot return to Burgundy with a wife who is my master, even as Brunhilde is now, for I shall become the laughing-stock of all my people. The queen of Isenland does not love me, and she treats me each day with more contempt. She does no

th. He also took from her finger the serpent ring of Andvari which he himself had given her when they had talked together on the mountain. Brunhilde, being now quite ready to obey her lord, believing that he was truly her master by virtue of his superior strength, prepared for her de

among her knights and among the poor of her kingdom. Her rich robes, and all the costly apparel she had worn, she gave to her maidens, and arranged to take with her only a small part of her possessions. While preparations were being made for

for his queen. There is really no cause for alarm, for the people here are friendly to us now that I am their ack

e ourselves were counted warriors worthy to be feared; but now it is always Siegfried who fights our battles, guides our ship, and brings us out of all our difficulties. It is Sieg

ould not provoke you to jealousy, but rather make you hold the yout

ce in her court. She boasts no warrior so valiant, no soldier so dear to her people, as this man who c

le, it is a greater reason for his remaining with them." But Hagen sh

-sailed ship with the four Burgundian warriors. In a few days she was far out of sight of the land she loved, and was being borne toward a country unfamiliar and unwelcome. For

with fear that the coming of Brunhilde to Burgundy would bring trouble and sorrow in its train. The evident dislike which the queen felt for King Gunther boded no good for the future to him or to his friends. Only toward Hagen did she show any kindness, and

re, and many princes of the provinces of Burgundy came to do homage to their queen, Brunhilde remained ever moody and silent. The gentle Kriemhild tried in vain to induce her to join in the feasting and merriment, but Brunhilde refused, almost angrily, and sat apart, brooding over h

rrive at Burgundy and a

won Brunhilde's confidence, my uncle. Tell me,

makes Brunhilde's heart so heavy with longing, and so full of bitterness. He can tell you far better than I." But shame and pri

sehold except Hagen. He remained her devoted follower, and her one confidant and friend. Toward the gentle Kriemhild she showed both jea

mighty queen, and taken from her the magic girdle. He also gave Kriemhild the serpent ring which Brunhilde had prized more than all her possessions, but which she had yielded w

they were about to enter the great feasting hall, Kriemhild, being a little in adva

fore me, your queen? you wh

quickly, "for Siegfried owns allegia

hen Siegfried came to Isenland, he declared that Gun

Kriemhild, now dropping her angry tone, for s

vassal of the king's, I suppose he is a much greater and richer prince; that he is braver also, and strong

oo, who wrested from you the girdle and the ring, and he gave them to me as a trophy dearly won." As she said this, Kriemhild showe

new of Siegfried's part in the contest. And Hagen told her how Siegfried had put on his Tarnkappe and stood before the king unseen; how he, and not Gunther, had f

ride. That fool and weakling, King Gunther, is no mate for Brunhilde, and never would he have called me wife had I not been tricked and deceived. He is a cow

ht this shame upon you. He has been a source of evil ever since he came among us, and he

taunt him with his weakness and cowardice. Then if he is a man, h

ything but her hatred and contempt. The king listened to her words, but though he felt ashamed of the sorry part he had played, he would n

queen to leave them, and give Gunther more time to make his decision. So Brunhilde went away, and wh

and Br

she would fain call husband and lord!" Then he left the king alone, and Gunther sat for a long time thinking over what Hagen had said. He felt discouraged and sick a

th of S

ere is naught that will appease the wrath of Brunhilde, or make her cease to weep. If you wo

er, sadly; "he is my friend, and also my broth

ill carry it out. It is useless to try and pacify the queen so long as Siegfried lives to arouse daily her jealous wrath. Cons

her the jealous fear that Siegfried would play him false. There seemed, indeed, only one way out of the di

er will I live to be mocked by Kriemhild. This thing must be ended by Siegfried's death, or my death, or yours. Would that I were again in Odin's hall-a shield-maid

ace that some magic charm kept Siegfried from ever being wounded in battle, since no weapon had the power to harm him. So before he could carry out his plans, he must learn with certainty whether the report was true or false. There was but one

s prompted to a show of interest in her by his fondness for Siegfried. So she welcomed him gladly and answered his question in a way

ied is wounded in battle, and br

d, betrayed into further confidence by

rior," persisted Hagen, "unless it be true, as I ha

Kriemhild proudly replied, "It is indeed true, and th

gift from Odin

e no harm in revealing the secret to one so devoted and loyal as her uncle, so she told Hagen all about the slaying of Fafni

ed and

y the stream of blood?" aske

m head to foot, except one small spot upon hi

e struck in that place by a spear

o," said Kriemhild, "

nt of weakness, let me be the one to protect him. This service I shall be better able to render if you will sew a mark upon his coat over the exact spot on his shou

ion, she promised to sew upon Siegfried's coat some mark by which the vulnerable spot could be known. T

ur with Gunther and his knights in search of deer or fox, or the fierce wild boar. In all of these expeditions he had been foremost in the hunt, and had usually borne off the prize, both in the size and number of his game. His spear was sharp, and shone brightly as he rode along, mounted on the faithful Greyfel, and his aim was s

Gunther, Hagen and Siegfried set forth with their knights, in full expectation of having a profitable as well as exciting day. It was a beautiful

ght in the sunlight as he galloped along, light-hearted and unsuspicious of the black thoughts which were harboured in Hagen's wicked heart. He looked so brave and joyous, s

rymen would so gladly make their king in place of the weak and unwarlike Gunther. He hid this feeling, however, and kept close to

, with the agreement that when the sun was overhead they should meet at a well-known place where Gunther had arranged that their dinner was to be set out. Siegfried galloped away, a

be the last time that your friend Siegfri

bled and ans

Is there no other way t

"and do not you give way to foolish fancies, or my plans may fa

nights to the chase, and, putting spurs to their horses, they started through the forest. But something in the faces of the lead

e, they found that they had very little game to boast of. The men had already come from the castle with gre

pon the ground looked with delight and surprise at the beasts which had been slain by Siegfried's skilful hand. There was a large black bear of the kind which was known to be so fierce that it was well-nigh impossible to kill or capture him. There was also a huge wild boar a

ad caught that morning was roasted and placed before them, and they ate almost greedi

our meat? To eat without drinki

to whom he s

o wine provi

demanded the

replied the servant, humbly, and

away is a beautiful stream more clear and sparkling than

am satisfied with the drink you offer. It rem

ed rose and exc

you should cherish it. I will go first to the stream,

Hagen, and as he and Siegfried moved

us will reach the stream first? For though I am much older th

Hagen went with wonderful swiftness considering his years, he could not outrun t

he cried gayly, "and I can easily believe your boast t

gen smiled

de the noble Siegfried, who can outstrip all the war

with Hagen's friendly words, for he did not detect the undertone of jealousy an

ecause of my age, I would rather give precedence to you as the better runner. Drink, theref

ild had sewed the fatal mark. Then he knelt upon the ground, and stooping over put his hand into the stream and prepared to raise the water to his lips. At

ger brother, is incited to slay Siegfried (S

saw Hagen fleeing in guilty haste, could he believe that the blow was dealt by one who so lately seemed his friend. Siegfried put his hand feebly to his shoulder, and when he found wher

he blood began to gush forth from his wound, and he sank helplessly to the ground. The whole company of knights knelt down beside him, weeping and lamenting over the loss of their leader. One of

et of his vulnerability from Kriemhild to use it in such a dastardly way. His strength was now almost exhaust

will not reproach thee, for thou art already sorrowing. One thing only I ask of thee, and do thou promise it, and make what amends thou canst. Take care of thy sister Kriemhild,

d Gunther, now weepi

n, nay, be for once the king, a

orest was silent with the hush of night. The warriors stood weeping beside the body of their slain leader, but no one dared to speak. Slowly and sadly they raised Siegfried from the ground; and, placing him on their shoulders, bore him to the place where t

was great mourning throughout the city, and beneath the wail of sorrow was a muttered undertone of threats towards the man who could do such

egfried died. Now there is but one lord of Burgundy, King Gunther, and no l

t of th

hen the sound of some disturbance in the street reached her chamber windows, and she looked out to see what the unusual noise might be. At first she feared it was an outbreak of war, but the solemn procession which was wending its way toward the palace was not martial

if she could recognize the features of the dead, but she was too far away, and could not see; so she waited fearfully by the window, while the procession wound its way through the courtyard, and then into the great hall. Unable to bear the suspe

ing, she did not realize the part which Hagen had played in the event; but as the days went by and she had time to think of all that had gone before, she remembered how her uncle had traitorously obtained the secret of Siegfried's vulnerable spot from her, and how she herself had, at

by my hand or another's is of small moment. It was the will of the Norns, who rule the l

re was erected in front of the palace, and on the appointed day the foremost lords of Gunther's household brought the body of Siegfried from the palace where it had lain in state, and placed it sorrowfully upon the funeral pyre. Beside him was

lit. But no one of Gunther's men could bear to place a torch to the wood, and a dreadful stillness fell over the whole assembly. At length Hagen came boldly forward an

n her hands, for she could not watch the dreadful fires. On the faces of all the watchers was reflected a great sorrow, for no prince of Burgundy was so dear to them a

eemingly mad with grief. It was Brunhilde, once a Valkyrie, come to claim h

y Siegfried, the hero who knows no fear. And here he lies who rode through the wall of fire to waken me, and who won me in the games by his godlike strength, though your cowardly King Gunther made false claim to me. Here lies Siegfried, the chosen hero of Odin and the true

ga, Brunhilde kills her

d hoard upon which still

ried's death was over, and quiet was once more restored to

s in the possession of your sister. Entreat her, therefore, to have it conveyed here; and, to accomplish your end more easily, tell her that she can honour S

ne in honour of Siegfried, if only the treasure in the dragon's cave could be placed at her disposal. Kriemhild was not suspicious

bring me solace in my grief save some way to make the

the famous hoard in the cave of Glistenheath. She bade him keep the ring carefully, for Andvari mig

reat number of wagons were fitted up, and with these a hundred men were despatched to gather all the treasure and bring it back to the palace. Although most of the men w

ed the treasure which had once been his; but when Hagen showed the serpent ring, he allowed the stranger to enter the cave. He would have preferred to deliver the hoard to Siegfried hims

ealth of gold and precious stones that all the riches of Burgundy seemed nothing in comparison. This great ho

ried's memory. No one who came to beg alms of her ever went away empty-handed, and the palace was always full of supp

we will soon have them idle and rebellious, and then they will be use

if this lavish giving can soften her grief, let her continue to dispose of her wealth

n time prevailed upon her to give him access to the treasure, that he might help her in disposing of it. Then one dark night he gathered together a band of his own followers, and stole all that remained of the hoard. T

arm and the mystery which hung around its very name still lingered through all the centuries that followe

ishment

he ring, and evil soon fell upon them as it had upon Fafnir, Regin, Siegfried and Brunhilde. Some years after Siegfried's death, Kriemhild married Etzel, king of the Huns, and was slain by one of his knights. Before this, however, she her

ari's finger, and thus bring misfortune upon so many innocent people; but Loki did not care whether human liv

oki was Odin's brother, and they dared not punish him until the All-Wise One was ready to give his consent. Odin knew as well as they, that the slayer of Balder was not fit to

hor had brought from Hymer's castle. Thor was not present at the feast, for he had been obliged to go on a long journey; but Loki was there, looking

d that the light filtered softly through it. On the floor was strewn the finest golden sand, and all the food was

on the whole company. A servant stopped beside him to refill his horn with the foaming ale; and one of the gods, as he watched this, said to old ?ger: "Your servants have been well instructed. They are a

e pure air of Asgard with your presence," he cried. So terrible did Odin look that Loki slunk away out of the hall, and the gods returned again to their feasting. Soon a great noise was heard outside the hall,

to shame the heroes of Asgard, Loki began to speak slightingly of the goddesses; and attributed to them all the hateful things that his malicious imagination could invent. He was just telling some shameful lie about Sif when a rumbling of chariot wheels was heard outside, and in a moment Thor rushed

ng hours. Remembering how easy it had been to catch Andvari after he had obtained the help of Ran, Loki made himself a net like the one which he had borrowed from the ocean queen. It took him a long time to weave the net; and one day, just as it was nearly finished, he saw two figures standing on the brow of the hill. He did not need a nearer view to tell him t

or by chance stumbled over the logs on the hearth, and, in doing so, he discovered the half-burnt net. Picking it up, he

is where he has just gone. He h

ing between two stones. Then Odin cast again, and this time the fish gave a great leap over the net and darted up the stream. Determined that the tricky Loki should not outwit them, Odin and Thor followed the salmon a long distance until the stream finally narrowed into a tiny rivulet. The salmon now gave another leap into the air in a

which dropped its poison upon the face of the fettered god, causing him great pain. So, chained and suffering, he lay there in the cave, unpitied by either gods or men. Only Sigyn, his faithful wife, felt any sorrow for his pain, and she sat always bes

and

e Norns, he was allowed to break his fetters and become the leader in that terrib

ight of

e was almost at hand when the end of all things would come; and while gods and men rejoiced in the universal happiness, Odin's face was full of sadness. H

season came which should have been summer, but still the snow and frost and chill kept the world fast bound. Not a flower bloomed nor a tree budded nor any green thing appeared above the frozen ground. Yet the folk of Midgard still hoped on, and waited for the summer that never came. The terrible winter[60] lasted for three years, and everywhere the dead were numbered by thousands. No food was to be had except what by chance had been stored away, for nothing could grow in the land where ice and snow lay always thick upon the ground. Knowing that they had but a short time to live, men fought and killed each ot

n the old Norse the

ter, by a frost-giantess; and one dreadful day they rushed after the chariots of the sun and moon with such unlooked-for swiftness that they at last overtook the shining cars and devoured the charioteers. Soon a thick darkness spread over all the world, and when the las

d its horrid head above the waves, and then drew its huge coils from around the earth, creeping slowly from the sea to the land. The Fenris wolf broke his chains, and sprang with a fierce leap to the rock on the mountain where L

-open mouth, spread his great length across the stricken land, and glided on to the plain called Vigrid where Loki had gathered together a vast and hideous array. A cry like the howling of wolves rose up from the plain, and it beat in the ears of those who were waiting behind the walls of Asgard. It was a cry full of hatred and defiance, and when the gods heard it they knew that the challenge could not go unanswered. Sadly-for each felt it was the end-they prepared themselv

never been seen on the earth before, nor ever will be again. Though the gods fought with the courage of despair, they knew that it was useless to contend with the fury and strength and numbers that were a

ces by Fenrer's terrible teeth and claws. Seeing the greatest of the gods so brutally killed, Vidar, Odin's son, sprang upon the wolf, and with the strength born of madness and despair, struck the great brute dead. Surter, the fire giant, rushed quickly at Freyr, and destroyed the bright god with his flaming sword. Then he threw fire and flames over all the earth, and soon everything was consumed in the terrible conflagratio

n the clear sky, and the moon and the stars once more shed their soft light on the earth. The flowers bloomed as gayly as before, and the fields were thick with ripening grain. Then, when the earth was ready for another race of m

PRONOUNCIN

I J K L M N O

(ā′gir), 58, 6

(ā′si

(1),

r (2)

50, 176-17

40, 144-148, 186, 194,

rbode

e ra

(an′s

(?′sa

, 71, 77, 80, 86, 87, 120, 126, 12

(?sk

umbl

?r), 16, 126-

182, 188, 190, 195,

b?r i′sle)

bow′gē)

, also Berg

ēf′r?st),

, also Bil′

(bōr

ild, 1

?′?ē), 26

(br?n′st

(brā′d? b

k, 4

n h?l′d?), 199

(bū′r

209, 214-215,

art, 2

, 4

o Draupnir (d

(drō′m

rfs

′hīm) or Elf

(?l ? ??d

Elli (?l′l

, 7,

′la

(et′se

, 139, 147-148,

rie

es,

lso Fen′ri

lf, 51-57

(fen s? l

fej?l′ar

l-wint

-vang

(frā′k

yja (frā′a), 30

, 30, 44, 55,

′ka,

27-33, 12

g?l′ar)

(gāf′yū

(gār′rod

so Gerda

(?ā′r

ar-ho

ling

(?in′ōōn

o Gj?ll (?

(??ū′k

m (gl?ts

(glāp′n

heath, 1

s (nō

ax, 11

(gr?m

(gr?′n

, 185-186, 189, 1

(gr?m′h

also Gri

d (gryōt′lu

, 124

gōōd′rōō

(gōōl in bō

(gōōl′t

(goon′g

goon′lod

ōō′n?r),

g??n′t?r)

ōōt′t?rm),

e, 3

, 112

?′?en),

f Mist

(hī′dr

′d?l), 38, 66

, 9, 51, 52, 12

′hīm), 127-1

un′nar

h?r′mod)

(h?nd′f

Hjordis (hē ?r

prek

dale

dur (h?′d?r),

), 8, 80-85,

(hōg′n

(hrow′d

(hrīd′m

faxe,

ner, 1

ō′?ē), 1

ōō′?ēn),

ymir (hē′mir)

Hyrrokin (hēr

dōōn′a)

(ē′fin

en land), 203

14, 16, 37, 51, 75, 91, 106,

(krēm′hilt

(kv?′si

f Fire

Mist, 1,

(lā′din

o′?ē),

-72, 73-79, 80-90, 91-108,

in′?ē),

Mead,

(m?g′n

′nē), 5,

rd, 6,

nt, 51, 62-63,

Mimir (mē′mē

ir, 49, 65, 73-79, 9

or Madgu

rkalf

n, 11

ōōs′pel hīm),

(n?n′n

nē′bē l??ng′enlē

nēb′lōōng)

(nēd′h

(n?f′l

t, 4

rd,

, 129, 2

6-69, 80-85, 88, 117-120, 126-129, 132-134, 137-139, 151,

′del,

er,

-Boug

(r?g′n? r

, 141-143

(r?′ta

9, 147-148, 149-15

(rā′rē

horn,

ar,

(sā rēm′n

?′frēd), 149-

ēg′mund), 1

, 4

ē′gē),

s??′gār),

mund

(s?g′n

rt), 149, 179,

alled Siguna

Sindre (sin

Sinfjotli (sin′f

r (skid bl

(skin′f?x

irnir (sk?r′nēr)

o Skrymir (s

(sk??l

′nēr), 12, 117

5,

tur or Surt (s??

soot′t??n

Svadilfari (sv?

m (sv?r tal

n′k?p pē), 210

or (tē ?l′fē), 92-93

?s′sē) or (tē

?k) or (

1, 53-54, 58-65, 73-79,

thrüm),

m (thrüm

rer, s

Life, 9,

lls

), 52, 5

(ōōr

Founta

-207, 212-213, 2

t′g?rd), 9

?t′g?rd lo′kē)

also Vafthr

l′la), 31, 72, 1

r′?), 196-203, 2

(v?r

(vā

o Verdandi (v

ar,

?′rēd), 16

gs, 1

o Vili (v

(v?n′g

g) (v?l′s??n

?), 149, 153, 179, 183, 185, 19

155-168, 170, 1

(vōl′ta

f Wisd

?n, Wo′den,

ggdrasill (??′dr

ē′mer)

ertisements of books by the sam

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MILLAN

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4-66 Fifth A

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on errors have

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to the index by the transcriber f