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DDA S JMUNDAR HINNS FROBA.

TIKI 1BDA
OF SJEMUND THE LEARNED.

FROM

THE OLD NORSE OR ICELANDIC,

WITH

A MYTHOLOGICAL INDEX.

PART I.

LO NDON,
TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1866.
2 5 5 17
 PREFACE. 1
)

ISgemund, son of Sigfus, the reputed collector

of the poems bearing his name, which is sometimes
also called the Elder, and the Poetic, Edda, was of
a highly distinguished family, being descended in a
direct from King Harald Hildetonn. He was
line
born at Oddi, his paternal dwelling in the south of
Iceland, between the years 1054 and 1057, or about
50 years after the establishment by law of the Chri-
stian religion in that island; hence it is easy to
imagine that many heathens , or baptized favourers
of the old mythic songs of heathenism, may have
lived in his days and imparted to him the lays of
the times of old, which his unfettered mind induced
him hand down to posterity.
to
The youth of Ssemund was passed in travel and
study, in Germany and France, and, according to
some accounts, in Italy. His cousin John Ogmund-

1) Chiefly from the "Vita Sajmundi Multiscii vulgo Froda,

Autore Arna Magnaeo", prefixed to the Copenhagen edition.

PT
C e, T S
 iv Preface.

son, who became first bishop of Holum, and

later
after his death was received among the number oi
saints, when on his way to Rome fell in with his
,

youthful kinsman, and took him back with him to

Iceland, in the year 1076. Saemund afterwards be-
came a priest at Oddi, where he instructed many
young men in useful learning; but the effects of
which were not improbably such as to the common
people might appear as witchcraft or magic: and,
indeed, Saemund' s predilection for the sagas and
songs of the old heathen times (even for the ma-
gical ones) was so well known, that among his coun-
trymen there were some who regarded him as a
great sorcerer, though chiefly in what is called white
or innocuous and defensive sorcery, a repute which
still clings to his memory among the common people
of Iceland,and will long adhere to it through the
numerous and popular stories regarding him (some
of them highly entertaining) that are orally trans-
mitted from generation to generation. 1 )

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

a specimen.
Saenaimd was residing, in the south of Europe, with a
famous Master, by whom he was instructed in every kind of
lore; while, on the other hand, he forgot (apparently through
intense study) all that he had previously learned, even to
hisown name; so that when the holy man John Ogmundson
came to his abode, he told him that his name was Koll; but
on John insisting that he was no other than Saemund Sig-
fusson, born at Oddi in Iceland, and relating to him many
 Preface.

Ssemund died at the age of 77 leaving behind ,

him a work on the history of Norway and Iceland,

which is now almost entirely lost.

particulars regarding himself, he at length became conscious

of his own identity, and resolved to flee from the place with
his kinsman. For the purpose of deceiving the Master, John
continued some time in the place, and often came to visit
him and Ssemund: till at last, one dark night, they betook
themselves to flight. No sooner had the Master missed them
than he sent in pursuit of them ; but in vain , and the hea-
vens were too overcast to admit, according to his custom, of
reading their wherea bouts in the stars So they travelled
day and night and all the following day. But the next night
was clear, and the Master at once read in the stars where
they were, and set out after them at full speed. Then Sse-
mund, casting his eyes up at the heavens, said: 'Now is my
Master in chase of us, and sees where we are*. And on
John asking what was to be done, he answered: 'Take one
of my shoes off; fill it with water, and set it on my head'.
John did so, and at the same moment, the Master, looking
N
up at the heavens, says to his companion: 'Bad news: the
stranger John has drowned my pupil; there is water about
his forehead'. And thereupon returned home. The pair now
again prosecute their journey night and day; but, in the
following night, the Master again consults the stars, when,
to his great amazement, he sees the star of Ssemund directly
above his head, and again sets out after the fugitives. Ob-
serving this, Ssemund says: 'The astrologer is again after us,
and again we must look to ourselves take my shoe off again,
:

and with your knife stab me in the thigh: fill the shoe with
blood, and place it an the top of my head. John does as
directed, and the Master again gazing at the stars, says:
'There is blood now about the star of Master Koll, and the
stranger has for certain murdered him': and so returns home.
Vi Preface.
i

The first who ascribed to Ssemund the collection

of poems known as the Poetic Edda, ') was Brynjolf
Sveinsson, bishop of Skalholt. This prelate, who
was a zealous collector of ancient manuscripts, found
in the year 1643, the old vellum codex, which is

the most complete of all the known manuscripts oi

the Edda : of this he caused a transcript to be made,

which he entitled Edda Ssemundi Multiscii. The
transcript came into the possession of the royal
historiographer Torfseus; the original, together with
other was presented to^ the King of Denmark
MSS. ,

Frederick TIL, and placed in the royal library at

Copenhagen, where it now is.*) As many of the Eddaic
poems appear to have been orally transmitted in an
imperfect state, the collector has supplied the defi-

ciencies by prose insertions, whereby the integrity

of the subject is to a certain degree restored.

The old man now has once more recourse to his art; but
on seeing Saemund's star shining brightly above him, he ex-
claimed: 'My pupil is still living: so much the better. I

have taught him more than enough; for he outdoes me both

in astrology and magic. Let them now proceed in safety; I
am unable to hinder their departure.*)
Bishop P. E. Muller supposes the greater number of
1)

the Eddaic poems to be of the 8 th century. Sagabibliothek

II. p. 131.
2) Codex Regius, No. 2365, 4*o. The handwriting of this
MS. is supposed to be of the beginning of the 14th century.

*) From "Isliindiachc Volkssagcn dor Gcgcnwart von Dr. Konrad

Maurer. Leipzig 1860." A highly intereiting and entertaining volume.
 Preface. -
vn

The collection called Ssemund's Edda consists of

two parts, viz., the Mythological and the Heroic. It

is the former of these which is now offered to the

public in an English version. In the year 1797 , a

translation by A. S. Cottle, was
of this first part,
published at Bristol. This work I have never met
with; nor have I seen any English version of any
part of the Edda, with the exception of Gray's spi-
rited but free translation of the Vegtamskvida. The
present volume closes with a translation of the So-
larlioS , a poem in which the religion of the country
appears in a transition state from Heathenism to
1
Christianity. )

Some readers will, I doubt not, be desirous of

ampler illustration of the mythological poems of the
Edda than that which is afforded by the Index to
this volume; to such would recommend the trans-
I
cc
lation of the Prose Edda, in Mallet's Northern
c
Antiquities", published by Bohn, and Thorpe's Nor-
thern Mythology and Popular Traditions ," in 3 vols,
small 8 V0 the 1 st vol. of which contains a good and
,

satisfactory compendium of the Odinic religion. The

German scholar will find ample and valuable infor-
mation on the same subject in the "Altnordische
Mythologie" prefixed to Professor Liinings edition of
the Edda, a work which I have principally used

1) The Solarlioo is by some supposed to be the compo-

sition of Saemund himself.
vin Preface.

while revising the present translation, and which I

regard as unquestionably the best existing.
From a memorandum made at the time , I find

that this volume was ready for press in the year

1856, though the idea of offering it to the public
was not entertained until about two years ago. On
intimating my intention to one or two persons , I

was informed that an edition was already in the

press, and, consequently , I withdrew from the field.
But as that edition seems to be postponed sine
die, or I had been misinformed regarding it, I
have resolved on sending forth my humble production.
It is needless to inform my readers that it has no

pretension to elegance but I believe it to be a faith-

;

ful though homely representation of the original, and

may, at all events serve as a stop -gap until made

to give place to a worthier work; for that the lack
of an edition of the Edda is a chasm in our litera-

eniture cannot be denied.

a not unfavourable reception is given it by
If

the British public, the Second, or Heroic part shall

be immediately sent to press.

The Editor.
 INTRODUCTION
to the Voluspa.

As introductory to the Voluspa, the following de-

scription of a wandering Vala or prophetess may be
thought both desirable and interesting: We find them
present at the birth of children, when they seem to re-
present the Norns. They acquired their knowledge either
by means of seid, during the night, while all others in
the house were sleeping, and uttered their oracles in
the morning; or they received sudden inspirations during
the singing of certain songs appropriated to the purpose,
without which the sorcery could not perfectly succeed.
These seid- women were common over all the North.
When invited by the master of a family, they appeared
in a peculiar costume, sometimes with a considerable
number of followers, e. g. with fifteen young men and
fifteen girls. For their soothsaying they received mo-
ney, gold rings, and other precious things. Sometimes
it was necessary to compel them to prophesy. An
old description of such a Vala, who went from guild
to guild telling fortunes, will give the best idea of these
women and their proceedings : —
"Thorbiorg, nicknamed the little Vala, during the
winter attended the guilds, at the invitation of those
who desired to know their fate, or the quality of the
coming year. Everything was prepared in the most
sumptuous manner for her reception. There was an
1
2 Introduction.

elevated seat, on which lay a cushion stuffed with fea-

thers. A man was sent to meet her. She came in
the evening dressed in a blue mantle fastened with
thongs and set with stones down to the lap; round her
neck she had a necklace of glass beads , on her head
a hood of black lambskin lined with white catskin ; in
her hand a staff, the head of which was mounted with
brass and ornamented with stones; round her body she
wore a girdle of agaric (knoske) from which hung a
,

bag containing her conjuring apparatus; on her feet

were rough calfskin shoes with long ties and tin
buttons ,on her hands catskin gloves, white and hairy
within. All bade her welcome with a reverent saluta-
tion the master himself conducted her by the hand to
;

her seat. She undertook no prophecy on the first day,

but would first pass a night there. In the evening of
the following day she ascended her elevated seat, cau-
sed the women to place themselves round her, and de-
sired them to sing certain songs, which they did in a
strong, clear voice. She then prophesied of the coming
year, and afterwards, all that would advanced and asked
her such questions as they thought proper, to which
they received plain answers. " Northern Mythology I.
p. 214. Den JEldre Edda I. p. 6.

In the following grand and ancient lay, dating most

probably from the time of heathenism are set forth,
,

as the utterances of a Vala or wandering prophetess,

,

as above described, the story of the creation of the

world from chaos, of the origin of the giants, the gods,
the dwarfs, and the human race, together with other
events relating to the mythology of the North, and ending
with the destruction of the gods and the world, and
their renewal.
 Voluspa.

The Vala's Prophecy.

1. For silence I pray all nor sand nor sea,

sacred children, nor gelid waves;
great and small, earth existed not,
sons of Heimdall *. nor heaven above,
they will that I Valfather's 'twas a chaotic chasm,
deeds recount, and grass nowhere,
men's ancient saws, 4. before Bur's sons
those that I best remember. raised up heaven's vault,
2. The Jotuns I rem em- they who the noble
early born, [ber mid- earth shaped.
those who me of old The sun shone from the south
have reared. over the structure's rocks
I nine worlds remember, then was the earth begrown
nine trees 2 , with herbage green.
the great central tree 3 , 5. The sun from the south,

beneath the earth. the moon's companion,

3. There was in times of her right hand cast
old, about the heavenly horses.
where Ymir dwelt, The sun knew not

1) In the Rigsmal we are informed how Heimdall, un-

der the name of Rig, became the progenitor of the three
orders of mankind. 2) See Index, v. IviSjur, and Ygg-
drasill. 3) MiotviSr. See Index.
1*
 The Vala's Prophecy.

where she 1 a dwelling had, 9. Then went all the powers

the moon knew not to their judgment-seats,
what power he possessed, the all-holy gods,
the stars knew not and thereon held council,
where they had a station. who should of the dwarfs
6. Then went the powers all the race create,
to their judgment-seats, from the sea-giant's blood
the all-holy gods, and livid bones.
and thereon held council: 10. Then was Motsognir
to night and to the waning created greatest
gave names; [moon of all the dwarfs,
morn they named, and Durin second;
and mid-day, there in man's likeness
afternoon and eve, they created many
whereby to reckon years. dwarfs from earth,
7. The JEsir met as Durin said.
on Ida's plain
11. Nyi and Nidi,
they altar-steads and temples
Nordri and Sudri,
high constructed;
Austri and Vestri,
their strength they proved,
Althiof, Dvalin
all things tried,
furnaces established,
Nar and Nain,
Niping, Dain,
precious things forged,
Bivor, Bavor,
formed tongs,
Bombur, Nori,
and fabricated tools;
8. at tables played at home
An and Anar
Ai, Miodvitnir,
joyous they were
to them was naught 12. Veig and Gandalf
the want of gold, Vindalf, Thrain
until there came Thekk and Thorin
Thurs-maidens three, Thror, Vitr, and Litr,
all powerful, Nur and Nyrad
from Jotunheim. Regin and Iiadsvid.

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

sun is the moon masc.
fern., J) i. e. the earth's.
 The Vala's Prophecy.

Now of the dwarfs I have accounted be.

rightly told.
13. Fili, Kili,
Fundin, Nali, 17. Until there came three
Hepti, Vili, mighty and benevolent
Hanar, Svior, iEsir to the world
Billing, Bruni, from their assembly.
Bild, Buri, They found on earth,
Frar, Hornbori, nearly powerless,
Frseg and Loni, Ask and Embla,
Aurvang, Iari, void of destiny.
Eikinskialdi. 18. Spirit they possessed
] 4. Time 'tis of the dwarfs sense they had not, [not,
in Dvalin's band, blood nor motive powers,
to the sons of men, nor goodly colour.
to Lofar up to reckon, Spirit gave Odin,
those who came forth sense gave Hoenir,
from the world's rock, blood gave Lodur,
earth's foundation, and goodly colour.
to Iora's plains.

15. There were Draupnir,

and Dolgthrasir, 1 9. I know an ash standing
Har, Haugspori, Yggdrasil hight,
Hlaevang, Gloi, a lofty tree, laved
Skirvir, Virvir, with limpid water:
Skafid, Ai, thence come the dews
Alf and Yngvi, into the dales that fall;
Eikinskialdi, ever stands it green
over Urd's fountain.
16. Fialarand Frosti,
Finn and Ginnar 20. Thence come maidens,
Heri, Hoggstari, much knowing,
Hliodolf, Moin: three from the hall,
that above shall, which under that tree stands
while mortals live, Urd hight the one,
the progeny of Lofar, the second Verdandi, —
 The Vala's Prophecy.

on a tablet they graved — 24. She theValkyriur saw

Skuld the third.
Laws they established,
life allotted
to the sons of men
destinies pronounced.
21. Alone she 2 sat without,
when came that ancient
dread iEsir's prince
and in his eye she gazed.
22. "Of what wouldst thou
ask me?
Why temptest thou me?
Odin I know all,
! the
where thou thine eye
sink
in the pure well of Mim.
Mim drinks mead each morn
from Valfather's pledge 3
Understand ye yet, or what?
23. The chief of hosts gave
rings and necklace,
useful discourse,
and a divining spirit:
wide and far she saw
o'er every world.
from afar coming,
ready to ride
to the gods' people:
Skuld held a shield,
Skogul was second,
then Gunn, Hild, Gondul,
and Geirskogul.
Now are enumerated
Herian's maidens,
the Valkyriur, ready
over the earth to ride.
25. She that war remem-
first on earth, [bers,
didst when Gullveig 4 they
with lances pierced,
and in the high one's 5 hall
her burnt,
. thrice burnt,
thrice brought her forth,
oft not seldom;
[her yet she still lives.
Heidi they called her,
26.
whithersoe'r she came,
the well-foreseeing Vala:
wolves she tamed,

l) This line seems introduced for the sake of allitera-

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

magic arts she knew, with evil mingled?

magic arts practised or to the Jotun race
ever was she the joy Od's maid had given?
of evil people. 30. There alone wasThor
27. Then went the powers with anger swollen.
to their judgment-seats, [all He seldom sits,

the all-holy gods, when of the like he hears.

and thereon held council, Oaths are not held sacred
whether the JEsir should nor words, nor swearing,
avenge the crime 1 ,
nor binding compacts
or all the gods reciprocally made.
receive atonement. 31. She knows that Heim-
28. Broken was the outer horn is hidden [dall's
of the iEsir's burgh, [wall under the heaven-bright
The Vanir, foreseeing con- holy tree.
tramp o'er the plains, [flict, A river she sees flow,
Odin cast [his spear], with foamy fall,
and mid the people hurled it: from Valfather's pledge.
that was the first Understand ye yet, or what? 2
warfare in the world. 32. East sat the crone,
* * * in Iarnvidir 3 ,
* * and there reared up
29. Then went the powers Fenrir's progeny:
to their judgment-seats, [all of all shall be
the all-holy gods, one especially
and thereon held council: the moon's devourer,
who had all the air in a troll's semblance 4 .

l) Of introducing the use of gold. 2) This stro-

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

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

of dying men ;
[last breath the mistletoe.
the gods' seat he 37. From that shrub was
with red gore defiles : as to me it seemed, [made,
swart is the sunshine then a deadly, noxious dart.
for summers after; Hodr shot it forth 1 ;

allweather turns to storm. But Frigg bewailed,

Understand ye yet, or what? in Fensalir,
34. There on a height sat, Valhall's calamity.
striking a harp, Understand ye yet, or what?
the giantess's watch, 38. Bound she saw lying,
the joyous Egdir; under Hveralund 1 ,

by him crowed, a monstrous form,

in the bird-wood, to Loki like.
the bright red cock, There sits Sigyn,
which Fialar hight. for her consort's sake,
35. Crowed o'er the ^Esir not right glad.
Gullinkambi, Understand ye yet, or what ?
which wakens heroes 39. Then the Vala knew
with the sire of hosts; the fatal bonds were twisting,
but another crows most rigid,
beneath the earth, bonds from entrails made.
a soot-red cock, 40. From the east a river
in the halls of Hel. through venom dales, [falls,
36. I saw of Baldr, with mire and clods 3 ,

the blood-stained god. Slid is its name.

Odin's son, 41. On the north there
the hidden fate. on Nida-fells, [stood,
There stood grown up, a hall of gold,
high on the plain, for Sindri's race;

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

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

and ^another stood cousins shall

in Okolnir, kinship violate.
the Jotuns beer-hall The earth resounds,
which Brimir 1 hight. the giantesses flee;
42. She saw a hall standing, no man will
far from the sun, another spare.
in Nastrond; 46. Hard is it in the world,
its doors are northward tur- great whoredom,
venom-drops fall [ned, an axe age, a sword age,
in through its apertures: shields shall be cloven,
entwined is that hall a wind age, a wolf age,
with serpent's backs. ere the world sinks.
43. She there saw wading 47. Mim's sons dance,
the sluggish streams but the central tree takes
2
bloodthirsty men at the resounding [fire ,

and perjurers, Giallar-horn.

and him who the ear beguiles Loud blows Heimdall,
of another's wife. his horn is raised
There Nidhogg sucks Odin speaks
the corpses of the dead; with Mim's head.
the wolf tears men. 48. Trembles Yggdrasil's
Understand ye yet, or what? ash yet standing;
44. Further forward I see, groans that aged tree,
much can I say and the jotun 3 is loosed.
of Ragnarok Loud bays Garm
and the gods' conflict. before the Gnupa-cave,
45. Brothers shall light, hisbonds he rends asunder ;

and slay each other; and the wolf runs.

1) Rask understands Brimir to be the name of the

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

49. Hrym steers from the 53. Then arises

the waters rise, [east, Hlin's second grief,
the mundane snake is coiled when Odin goes
in jotun-rage. with the wolf to fight,
The worm beats the water, and the bright slayer
and the eagle screams: of Beli with Surt.
the pale of beak tears car- Then will Frigg's
Naglfar is loosed, [cases beloved fall.

50. That ship fares from the 54. Then comes the great
come will Muspell's [east: victor-sire's son,

people o'er the sea, Vidar, to fight

and Loki steers. with the deadly beast.
The monster's kin goes He with his hands will
all with the wolf; make his sword pierce
to the heart of the giant's son 1 :
with them the brother is
of Byleist on their course. then avenges he his father.
55. Then comes the mighty
5 1 Surt from the south co-
son of Hlodyn
with nickering flame; [mes (Odin's son goes
shines from his sword
with the monster to fight)
the Val-god's sun.
Midgard's Veor in his rage
The stony hills are dashed
will slay the worm.
together,
Nine feet will go
the giantesses totter
Fiorgyn's son,
men tread the path of Hel,
bowed by the serpent,
and heaven is cloven.
who feared no foe.
52. How is it with the JEsir ? All men will
How with the Alfar? their homes forsake.
All Jotunheim resounds 56. The sun darkens,
the JEsir are in council. earth in ocean sinks,
The dwarfs groan fall from heaven
before their stony doors, the bright stars,
the sages of the rocky walls. fire's breath assails
Understand ye yet, or what ? the all-nourishing tree,

l) Loki.
 The Vala's Prophecy. 11

towering fire plays Hropt's glorious dwellings

against heaven itself. shall inhabit.
Understand ye yet, or what ?
57. She sees arise, 61. Then can Hoenir
a second time, choose his lot
2
,

earth from ocean, and the two brother's

beauteously green, sons inhabit
waterfalls descending; the spacious Vindheim.
the eagle flying over, Understand ye yet, or what ?
which in the fell 62. She a hall sees standing
captures fish.
than the sun brighter,
The JEsir meet with gold bedecked,
58.
in Gimill:
on Ida's plain,
mighty there shall the righteous
and of the
people dwell,
earth-encircler speak,
and for evermore
and there to memory call
happiness enjoy.
their mighty deeds,
1 64. Then comes the mighty
and the supreme god's
to the great judgment, [one
ancient lore.
the powerful from above,
59. There shall again who rules o'er all.
the wondrous He shall dooms pronounce,
golden tables and strifes allay,
in the grass be found, holy peace establish,
which in days of old
which shall ever be.
had possessed * * *
the ruler of the gods, 65. There comes the dark
and Fiolnir's race. dragon flying from beneath,
60. Unsown shall the glistening serpent,
the fields bring forth, from Nida-fells. ,

all evil be amended; On his wings bears Nidhogg,

Baldr shall come; flying o'er the plain,

Hodr and Baldr, a corpse.

the heavenly gods, Now she will descend.
Odin.
l) 2) He will return to his kin having been
given as a hostage to the Vanir.
 Vafprftfcnism&l.

The Lay of Vafthrudnir.

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

Odin. Odin.
1.Counsel thou me now, 3. Much have I journeyed,
Frigg much experienced,
as I long to go mighty ones many proved
Vafthrudnir to visit; but this I fain would know,
great desire, I say, how in Vafthrudnir's
I have, in ancient lore halls it is.

with that all-wise Jotun to Frigg.

contend.
4. In safety mayest thou go,
Frigg. in safety return,
2. At home to bide in safety on thy journeyings
Haerfather I would counsel, be;
in the gods' dwellings; may thy wit avail thee,
because no Jotun when thou, father of men !

is, I believe, so mighty shalt

as is Vafthrudnir. hold converse with the Jotun.
 The Lay of Vafthrudnir. 13

5. Then went Odin Gagnrad.

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

Vafthrudnir.
that draws each day
forth over human kind?
7. What man is this,

my habitation Gagnrad.
that in
by word addresses me? 12. Skinfaxi he is named,
Out thou goest not that the bright day draws
from our halls, forth over human kind.
if thou art not the wiser.
Of coursers h^, is best ac-
Odin. counted
8. Gagnrad is my name, among the Reid-goths.

from my journey I am come Ever sheds light that horse's

thirsty to thy halls,

mane.
needing hospitality, — Vafthrudnir.

for I long have journeyed — 13. Tell me now, Gagnrad!

and kind reception from thee, since on the floor thou wilt
Jotun prove thy proficiency,
Vafthrudnir. how that steed is called,

9. Why Gagnrad!
then,
which from the east draws
night
speakest thou from the floor?
Take in the hall a seat;
o'er the beneficent powers?
then shall be proved Gagnrad.
which knows most, 14. Hrimfaxihe is called,
the guest or the ancient talker. that each night draws forth
14 The Lay of Vafthrudnir.

over the beneficent powers. Vafbrudnir.

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

throughout all time. 21. From Ymir's flesh

On that stream no ice shall be. the earth was formed,

and from his bones the hills,
Vafthrudnir.
the heaven from the skull
17. Tell me, Gagnrad! of that ice-cold giant,
since on the floor thou wilt and from his blood the sea.
prove thy proficiency, Gagnrad.
how that plain is called,
22. Tell me secondly,
where in fight shall meet
if thy wit suffices,
Surt and the gentle Gods?
and thou, Vafthrudnir
Gagnrad. knowest,
1 8. Vigrid the plain is called,
whence came the moon,
where in fight shall meet which over mankind passes,
Surt and the gentle Gods;
and the sun likewise ?
a hundred rasts it is « Vafthrudnir.
on every side. 23. Mundilfoeri hight he,
That plain is to them decreed. who the moon's father is,
 The Lay of Vafthrudnir. 15

and eke the sun's: yearly they both

round heaven journey shall ever journey,
each day they must, until the powers perish.
to count years for men.
Gagnrad.
Gagnrad.
28- Tell me fifthly,
24. Tell me thirdly, since they pronounce thee
since thou art called wise,
sage,
and thou, Vafthrudnir!
if and thou, Vafthrudnir!
if
knowest, knowest,
whence came the day, which of the iEsir earliest,
which over people passes, or of Ymir's sons,
and night with waning in days of old existed?
moons ?
Vafthrudnir.
Vafthrudnir.
25. Delling hight he 29. Countless winters,
who the day's father is, ere earth was formed,
but night was of Norvi born was Bergelmir born;
the new and waning moons Thrudgelmir
the beneficent powers crea- was his sire,
ted, his grandsire Aurgelmir.

to count years for men. Gagnrad.

Gagnrad. 30. Tell me sixthly,
26. Tell me fourthly, since thou art called wise,
since they pronounce thee and if thou, Vafthrudnir!
sage, knowest,
and thou, Vafthrudnir!
if whence first came Aurgelmir,
knowest, among the Jotun's sons,
whence winter came, thou sagacious Jotun?
and warm summer
Vafthrudnir.
first among the wise gods?
31* From Elivagar
Vafthrudnir. sprang venom drops,
27. Vindsval hight he, which grew till they became
who winter's father is, a Jotun;
and Svasud summer's: but sparks flew
16 The Lay of Vafthrudnir.

from the south-world: Gagnrad.

to the ice the fire gave life. 36. Tell me ninthly,
since thou art called wise,
Gagnrad.
and thou knowest, Vaf-
if
32. Tell me seventhly,
thrudnir !

since thou art called wise,

whence the wind comes,
and if thou knowest, Vaf- that over ocean passes,
thrudnir !
itself invisible to man?
how he children begat,
Vafthrudnir.
the bold Jotun,
as he had no giantess's com- 37. Hraesvelg he is called,

pany? who at the end of heaven

sits,
Vafthrudnir.
a Jotun in an eagle's plu-
33. Under the armpit grew,
mage:
'tis said, of the Hrimthurs, wings comes,
from his
a girl and boy together; it is said, the wind,
foot with foot begat, that over all men passes.
of that wise Jotun,
Gagnrad.
a six-headed son.
33. Tell me tenthly,
Gagnrad. since thou all the origin
34. Tell me eighthly, of the gods knowest, Vaf-
since thou art called wise, thrudnir !

and if thou knowest, Vaf- whence Niord came

thrudnir !
among the ^Esir's sons?
what thou doest first remem- O'er fanes and offer-steads
ber, he rules by hundreds,
or earliest knowest? yet was not among the iEsir
Thou art an all- wise Jotun. born.

Vafthrudnir. Vafthrudnir.

35. Countless winters, 39. In Vanaheim

ere earth was formed, wise powers him created,
Bergelmir was born. and to the gods a hostage gave.
That I first remember, At the world's dissolution,
when that wise Jotun he will return
in an ark was laid. to the wise Vanir.
 The Lay of Vafthrudnir. 17

Gagnrad. Gagnrad.
40. Tell me eleventhly, 44.Much have I journeyed,
since all the condition much experienced,
of the gods thou knowest, mighty ones many proved.
Vafthrudnir! What mortals will live,
-
what the Einheriar do when the great Fimbul
in Hserfather's halls, winter
until the powers perish? shall from men have pas-
Vafthrudnir. sed?
41. All the Einheriar Vafthrudnir.
in Odin's halls
45. Lif and Lifthrasir;
each day together fight but they will be concealed
the fallen they choose, in Hoddmimir's holt.
and from the conflict ride; the morning dews
beer with the -ZEsir drink, they will have for food.
of Sashrimnir eat their fill, From them shall men be born.
then sit in harmony together.
Gagnrad.
Gagnrad.
46. Much have I journeyed,
42. Tell me twelfthly,
much experienced,
as thou all the condition
mighty ones many proved.
of the gods knowest, Vaf- Whence will come the sun
thrudnir !
in that fair heaven,
of the Jotuns' secrets,
when Fenrir has this de-
and of all the gods',
voured ?
say what truest is,
Vafthrudnir.
thou all-knowing Jotun!
Vafthrudnir.
47. Adaughter shall
43. Of the secrets of the
Alfrodull bear,

Jotuns ere Fenrir shall have swal-

and of all the gods, lowed her.
I can truly tell; The maid shall ride,
for I have over when the powers die,
each world travelled on her mother's course.
to nine worlds I came, Gagnrad.
to Niflhel beneath: 48. Much have I journeyed,
here die men from Hel. Who are the maidens [&c.
18 The Lay of Vafthrudnir.

that o'er the ocean travel, Gagnrad.

wise of spirit, journey? 52. Much have I journeyed,
What of Odin will [&c.
Vafthriidnir. end be,
the life's

49. O'er people's dwellings when the powers perish ?

three descend Vafthriulnir.

of Mogthrasir's maidens,
53. The wolf will
the sole Hamingiur men devour;
the father of
who are in the world, him Vidar will avenge
although with Jbtuns nur-
jaws
he his cold
tured.
will cleave,
in conflict with the wolf.
Gagnrad.
Gagnrad.
50.Much have I journeyed,
Which of the JEsir will [&c. 54. Much have I journeyed,

rule o'er the gods' possession, What said Odin [&c.

when Surt's fire shall be in his son's ear,

quenched ? ere he on the pile was laid ?

Vafthrudnir.
Vafthriidnir.
55. That no one knoweth,
51. Vidar and Vali what thou in days of old
will the gods' holy fanes saidst in thy son's ear.
inhabit, With dying mouth
when Surt's fire shall be my ancient saws I have said,
quenched. and the gods' destruction.
Modi and Magni will With Odin I have contended
Miollnir possess, in wise utterances:
and warfare strive to end. of men thou ever art the
wisest
 Grimnismal.

The Lay of Grimnir.

The subject is wholly mythological.

King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar,

the other Geirrod. Agnar was ten and Geirrod eight
,

winters old. They both rowed out in a boat with ,

their hooks and lines, to catch small fish but the wind;

drove them out to sea. In the darkness of the night

they were wrecked on the shore, and went up into the
country, where they found a cottager, with whom they
stayed through the winter. The cottager's wife brought
up Agnar, and the cottager, Geirrod, and gave him good
advice. In the spring the man got them a ship; but
when he and his wife accompanied them to the strand,
the man talked apart with Geirrod. They had a fair
wind, and reached their father's place. Geirrod was at
the ship's prow: he sprang on shore, but pushed the
ship out , saying Go where an evil spirit may get
,

thee. The vessel was driven out to sea, but Geirrod

went up to the town, where he was well received; but
his father was dead. Geirrod was then taken for king,
and became a famous man.
2*
20 The Lay of Grimnir.

Odin and Frigg were sitting in Hlidskialf, looking

c
over all the world. Odin said, Seest thou Agnar, thy
foster-son, where he is getting children with a giantess
in a cave? while Geirrod, my foster-son, is a king resi-
ding in his country. Frigg answered,* He is so in-
hospitable that he tortures his guests, if he thinks that
too many come. ' Odin replied that that was the great-
est falsehood; and they wagered thereupon. Frigg sent
her waiting-maid Fulla to bid Geirrod be on his guard,
lest the trollmann who was coming should do him harm,
and also say that a token whereby he might be known
was, that no dog, however fierce, would attack him.
But that King Geirrod was not hospitable was mere
idle talk. He, nevertheless, caused the man to be secured
whom no dog would assail. He was clad in a blue
cloak, and was named Grimnir, and would say no more
concerning himself, although he was questioned. The
king ordered him to be tortured to make him confess,
and to be set between two fires; and there he sat for
eight nights. King Geirrod had a son ten years old,
whom he named Agnar, after his brother. Agnar went
to Grimnir and gave him a full horn to drink from,
saying that the king did wrong in causing him to be
tortured, though innocent. Grimnir drank from it. The
fire had then so approached him that his cloak was
burnt; whereupon he said: —
1. Fire! thou art hot, food has offered,
and much too great; save only Agnar,
flame! let us separate. the son of Geirrod,
My garment is singed, who alone shall rule
although I lift it up, over the land of Goths.
my cloak is scorched before it. 3. Be thou blessed, Agnar!
2. Eight nights have I sat as blessed as the god of men
between fires here, bids thee to be.
and to me no one For one draught
 The Lay of Grimnir. 21

thou never shalt 9. Easily to be known is,

get better recompense. by those who to Odin come,

4. Holy is the land, the mansion by its aspect.
which I see lying Its roof with spears is laid,

to iEsir and Alfar near; itshall with shields is decked,

but in Thrudheim with corslets are its benches
Thor shall dwell strewed.
until the powers perish. 10. Easily to be known is,

by those who to Odin come,

5. Ydalir it is called,
the mansion by its aspect.
where Ullr has
himself a dwelling made.
A wolf hangs
before the western door,
Alfheim the gods to Frey
over it an eagle hovers.
gave in days of yore
11. Thrymheim the sixth
for a tooth-gift.
is named,
6. The third dwelling is,
where Thiassi dwelt
where the kind powers have that all-powerful Jotun;
with silver decked the hall; but Skadi now inhabits,
Valaskialf 'tis called,
the bright bride of gods,
which for himself acquired her father's ancient home.
the As 1
in days of old.
1 2. Breidablik is the seventh,

7. Sokkvabekk the fourth where Baldr has

oe'r which [is named built for himself a hall,
the gelid waves resound in that land,
Odin and Saga there, in which I know exists
joyful each day, the fewest crimes.
from golden beakers quaff. 1 3 Himinbiorg is the eighth,

8. Gladsheim the fifth is where Heimdall, it is said,

named, rules o'er the holy fanes:
there the golden-bright there the gods' watchman, -
Valhall stands spacious, in his tranquil home,
thereHropt 2 selects drinks joyful the good mead.
each day those men 14. Folkvang is the ninth,
who die by weapons. there Freyia directs

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

22 The Lay of Grimnir.

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

She half the fallen chooses but on wine only
each day, the famed in arms,
but Odin th' other half. Odin, ever lives.
15. Glitnir is the tenth; 20. Ilugin and Munin
it is on gold sustained, flyeach day
and eke with silver decked. over the spacious earth.
There Forseti dwells I fear for Hugin,
throughout all time, that he come not back,
and every strife allays. yet more anxious am I for
1 6. Noatim is the eleventh, Munin.
there Niord has 21. Thund roars;
himself a dwelling made, joyful in Thiodvitnir's
prince of men; water lives the fish
guiltless of sin, the rapid river
he rules o'er the high-built seems too great
for the battle-steed to ford 3
fane. .

17. O'ergrown with bran- 22. Valgrind is the lattice

and high grass
isVidar's spacious Landvidi:
There will the son descend,
from the steed's back,
bold to avenge his father 1
18. Andhrimnir makes,
in Eldhrimnir,
Ssehrimnir to boil,
of meats the best;
but few know how
Einheriar it feeds.
19. Geri and Freki
the war-wont 2
sates,
[ches called,
in the plain that stands,
holy before the holy gates:
ancient is that lattice,
. but few only know
how it is closed with lock.
23. Five hundred doors,
and forty eke, I think,
are in Valhall.
many Eight hundred Einheriar
will at once from each door go
when they issue with the
wolf to fight.

l) Sec. Voluspa, Str. 74. 2) Odin. 3) The translation

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

24. Five hundred floors, a third Thiodnuma;

and forty eke, I think, Nyt and Not,
has Bilskirnir with its win- Non and Hron,
Of all the roofed [dings, Slid and Hrid,
houses that I know, Sylg and Ylg,
is my son's i
the greatest. Vid and Van,
25. Heidrun the goat is Vond and Strond,
called, Gioll and Leipt;
that stands o'er Odin's hall, men,
these (two) fall near to
and from Laerad's bran-
bites but hence to Hel,
fall

He a bowl shall fill [ches. 29. Kormt and Ormt,

with the bright mead; and the Kerlaugs twain
that drink shall never fail. these Thor must wade
26. Eikthyrnir the hart is each day,
called, when he to council goes
that stands o'er Odin's hall, at Yggdrasil's ash;
and bites from Laerad's bran- for the As-bridge
from his horns fall [ches; is all on fire,

drops into Hvergelmir, the holy waters boil.

whence all waters rise: — 30. Glad and Gyllir, .

27. Sid and Vid, Gler and Skeidbrimir,

Soekin and Eikin, Sillfrintopp and Sinir,
Svol and Gunnthrd, Gisl and Falhofnir,
Fiorm and Fimbulthul, Gulltopp and Lettfeti;
Rin and Rennandi, on these steeds the iEsir
Gipul and Gopul, each day ride,
Gomul and Geirvimul when they to council go,
they round the gods' dwel- at Yggdrasil's ash.
ling wind. 31. Three roots stand
Thyn and Vin, on three ways
Tholl and Holl, under Yggdrasil's ash:
Grad and Gunnthorin. Hel under one abides,
28. Vina one is called, under the second the Hrim-
a second Vegsvin, thursar,

l) Thor.
24 The Lay of Grimnir.

under the third mankind. 36. Hrist and Mist

32. Ratatosk is the squir- the horn shall bear me
rel named, Skeggold and Skogul,
which has to run Hlokk and Herfiotur,
in Yggdrasil's ash; Hildi and Thrudi,
he from above Goll and Geirolul,
the eagle's words must carry, Randgrid and Radgrid,
and beneath to Nidhogg and Reginleif,
repeat. these bear beer to the Ein-
33. Harts there are also heriar.
four, 37. Arvakr and Alsvid,
which from its summits, theirs 'tis up hence
arch-necked, gnaw. fasting the sun to draw:
Dain and Dvalin, under their shoulder
Duneyr and Durathror. the gentle powers, the-ZEsir,
34. More serpents lie have concealed an iron-
under Yggdrasil's ash, coolness.
than any one would think 38. Svalin the shield -is

of witless mortals * : called,

Goin and Moin, which stands before the sun,
— they are Grafvitnir's the refulgent deity:
sons — rocks and ocean must, I ween,
Grabak and Grafvollud, be burnt,
Ofnir and Svafnir, fell it from its plaee.
will, I ween, 39. Skoll the wolf is named,
the branches of that tree that the fair-faced goddess
ever lacerate. to the ocean chases;
35. Yggdrasil's ash another Hati hight,
hardship suffers he is Hrodvitnir's son;
greater than men know of he the bright maid of heaven
a hart bites it above, shall precede.
and in its side it rots, 40. Of Ymir's flesh
2
Nidhogg beneath tears it . was earth created,

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

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

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

of his bones the hills, of the iEsir, Odin,
of his hair trees and plants, and of horses, Sleipnir,
of his skull the heaven; Bifrost of bridges,
41. and of his brows and of skallds, Bragi,
the gentle powers Habrok of hawks,
formed Midgard for the sons and of dogs, Garm,
but of his brain [of men; [Brimir of swords.]
the heavy clouds are 45. Now I my face have
all created. raised
42. Ullr's and all the gods' to the gods' triumphant sons,
favour shall have, at that will welcome help
whoever first shall look to from all the JEsir, [awake
the fire that shall penetrate,
for open will the dwelling be, to CEgir's bench,
to the -ZEsir's sons, to CEgir's compotation 2 .
when the kettles are lifted 46. I am called Grim,
off 1
. I am called Gangleri,
43. Ivaldi's sons Herian and Hialmberi,
went in days of old Thekk and Thridi,
Skidbladnir to form, Thund and Ud,
of ships the best, Helblindi and Har,
for the bright Frey, 47. Sad and Svipall,
Niord's benign son. and Sanngetall,
44. Yggdrasil's ash is Herteit and Hnikar
of all trees most excellent, Bileyg, Baleyg,

1) "What in this strophe is said of Ullr has apparently

reference to a lost myth. It would seem that, through the
intervention of the kettles, the iEsir were unable to see Odin's
unpleasant position between the two fires. 2) My version
of this strophe is not in accordance with those of other in-
terpreters. Odin raises his countenance to heaven, in full
confidence that when seen help will forthwith be afforded
him. Under the name of (Egir, Geirrod is generally under-
stood: I rather think the meaning to be, that all the iEsir
who [sit at] (Egir's compotation will forthwith
come to his aid. See (Egisdrecka. ,
26 The Lay of Grimnir.

Bolverk, Fiolnir, thou art greatly by mead

Grim and Grimnir, beguiled.
Glapsvid and Fiolsvid, Much didst thou lose,

48. Sidhott, Sidskegg when thou wast

Sigfodr, Hnikud, of my help bereft,
Alfodr, Valfodr, of all the Einheriar's
Atrid and Farmatyr; and Odin's favour.
by one name 52. Many things I told
I never have been called, thee,
since among men I have but thou hast few remem-
gone. bered :

49. Grimnir I am called thy friends mislead thee.

at Geirrod's, My friend's sword
and at Asmund's Jalk lying I see,
and Kialar, with blood all dripping.
when a sledge I drew; 53. The fallen by the sword
Thror at the public meetings,
Ygg now have;
shall
Vidur in battles,
thy life is now run out:
Oski and Omi,
Wroth with thee are the
Jafnhar and Binindi,
Disir
Gondlir and Harbard with
Odin thou now shalt see:
the gods.
draw near to me if thou
50. Svidur and Svidrir canst.
I was at Sokkmimir's called, 54. Odin I now am named,
and beguiled that ancient
Ygg I was called before,
Jotun,
before that, Thund,
when of Midvitnir's
Vakr and Skilfing,
renowned son
Vafudr and Hroptatyr,
I was the sole destroyer.
with the gods, Gaut and Jalk,
51. Drunken art thou, Ofnir and Svafnir,
Geirrod, all which I believe to be
thou hast drunk too much, names of me alone.
 The Lay of Grimnir. 27

King Geirrod sitting with his sword

was lying
across his knees, drawn from the scabbard, but
half
on finding that it was Odin he rose for the purpose
,

of removing him from the fires, when the sword slipt

from his hand with the hilt downwards and the king
;

having stumbled, the sword pierced him through and

killed him. Odin then vanished and Agnar was king
,

for a long time after.

 Hrafnagaldr Odins,

Odin's Ravens' Song.

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

14 Alfather works, 1 1 the Nornir indicate, 4

the Alfar discern,
2
the Ividia brings forth, 5
the Vanir know,
3
|
men endure, 6

1) through nature.
all 2)impending evil. 3) that
evil is at hand. 4) evil. 5) her monstrous offspring. See
Index. 6) calamity.
 Odin's Ravens' Song. 29

the Thursar await, 1 Hidden is in Mim's

2 limpid well
the Valkyriur long.
'Irt
2. The forebodings the men's certain knowledge.
^Esir Understand gp yet, or what ? <p,
suspected to be evil;
treacherous Vsettar had
the runes confounded. h 6. In the dales dwells
Urd was enjoined the prescient Dis,
to guard Odhroerir, from Yggdrasil's
powerfully to protect it ash sunk down,
against the increasing mul- of alfen race,
titude. Idun by name,
/>v. 3. Hug 3
then goes forth, the youngest of Ivaldi's
explores the heavens, elder children.
the powers fear 7. She ill brooked
disaster from delay. her descent,
'Twas Thrain's belief under the hoar tree's
that the dream was ominous trunk confined.
Dain's thought that She wiild not happy be
the dream was dark. with Ndrgffi daughter,
4. Among the dwarfs accustomed to a pleasanter
virtue decays abode at home.
worlds sink down 'y.8. The triumphant gods saw
to Ginnung's abyss. Nanna 4 sorrowing
Oft will Alswid in earth's deep sanctuaries;
strike them down, a wolf's skin they gave her,
oft the fallen in which herself she clad,
again collect. changed her feelings,
5. Stand no longer shall practised guiles
earth or sun. alter' d her aspect.
'

The stream of air 9. Vidrjr selected

with corruption laden Bifrost's guardian,
shall not cease. of the Gioll-sun's * W-c^aaJ^'

1) their day of freedom. 2) for conflict. 3) Hugin,

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

keeper to inquire the thorn is impelled by

all that she knew the ice-cold Thurs,
of every world; wherewith Dain ;

Bragi and Lp£t allpeople strikes

should witness bear. over the fair mid-earth
10, Magic songs they sung, '

14. when every faculty is

rode on wolves the hands sink, [lulled,

the god 1 and gods 2 . totters with drowsiness
At the heavenly house, the bright, sword-girt As 3 ;

Odin listened, drives away the current

in Hlidskialf; the giantess's 4 blandishment
let them go forth of the mind's agitations
on their long way. of all people, 5
£^-11. The wist god asked $,15. so to the gods appea-
the cupbearer Jorun to be affected, [red.
of the gods' progeny with sorrows swollen,
and their associates, when they no answer got;
Whether of heaven, or Hel, they strove the more
or earth, she knew the greater the repulse;
the origin, duration, still less than they had hoped
or dissolution ? did their words prevail.
12.She spoke not, 16. When
then the leader
she could no words of the inquiring travellers,
to the anxious gods the guardian of Herian's
bring forth, loud-sounding horn
nor a sound uttered; took the son of Nal >.
tears flowed from the head's for his companion,
with pain repressed [orbs Grimnir's skalld 6
they flow anew. at the place kept watch.
13. As from the east, 17. Vingolf reached
from Elivagar, Viclur's ministers, ^<-

Odin.
1) 2) Rognir ok regin, Odin and the pow-
ers? Heimdall.
a) 4) Night. 5) This and the preceding
strophe appear to be out of their place, and have by Simrock,
not without reason, been inserted after the 2 1st. 6) Bragi.
 Odin's Ravens' Song. 31

both borne 21. Ill they showed

by Fornidts kin. it had fallen out,
They entered, their errand bootless,
and the -ZEsir little to glory in.
forthwith saluted, A lack of counsel
at Ygg's convivial meeting. seemed likely,
18. Han gatyr they hailed, how from the maiden they
of JEsir the most blissful; might an answer get.
potent drink in the high seat 22. Omi answered; 0~tfuU+*
they wished him to enjoy, all listened:
and the gods to sit Night is the time
happy at the feast, for new counsels;
ever with Yggiung till themorrow let reflect
pleasure to share. each one competent
19. On benches seated, to give advice
at Bolverk's bidding, helpful to the iEsir."
the company of gods
were with Stehrimnir sated.
23. Ran along the ways

Skogul at the tables,

of mother Rind, 2 t '
vl£
the desired repast
from Hnikar's vessel,
3
of Fenrisulf .
measured out mead,
in Mimir's J horns.
Went from the guild,
bade the gods farewell
20. Of many things in-
quired,
Hropt and Frigg,
as, before Hrimfaxi,
when the meal was over,
the high gods of Heimdall, 24. the son of Delling
the goddesses of Loki, — urged on his horse
whether the maid had uttered adorned with
divinations or wise words ? — precious jewels.
from noon Over Mannheim shiues
until twilight's advent. the horse's mane,

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

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

the steed Dvalin's deluder and Murk Alfs.

drew in his chariot.
25. In the north boundary
of the spacious earth,
under the outmost root
of the noble tree,
went to their couches
Gygiar and Thursar,
spectres, dwarfs,
26. The powers rose,
the Alfs' illuminator
northwards towards Nifl-
chased the night. [heim 1
Up Argioll ran M vtt
Ulfrun's son,
the mighty hornblower
of heaven's heights.

l) That the poem lacks the end as well as the begin-

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

The Lay of Vegtam, or Baldr's Dreams.

1. Together were the JEsir and to the other powers —
all in council, On a course they resolved
and the Asyniur
4. that they would send
all in conference,
to every being,
and they consulted,
assurance to solicit,
the mighty gods,
Baldr not to harm.
why Baldr had All species swore
oppressive dreams.
oaths to spare him;
2. [To that god his slumber
Frigg received all
was most afflicting*
their vows and compacts.
his auspiciousdreams
seemed departed. 5. Valfather fears

They the Jotuns questioned, something defective;

wise seers of the future, he thinks the Hamingiur
whether this might not may have departed;
forebode calamity? the .ZEsir he convenes,
3. The responses said their counsel craves:

that to death destined was at the deliberation

Ullr's kinsman, much is devised.]

of all the dearest: 6. Uprose Odin

that caused grief lord of men,
to Frigg and Svafnir, and on Sleipnir he
3
34 The Lay of Vegtam.

the saddle laid; an irksome course?

rode thence down Ihave with snow been decked
to Niflhel. by rain beaten,
A dog he met, and with dew moistened :

from Hel coming. long have I been dead.

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

he of Baldr will until I know all.

the slayer be, I will yet know
and Odin's son who the maidens are,
of life bereave. thatweep at will,
By compulsion I have spo- and heavenward cast
I will now be silent, [ken: their neck-veils?

Vegtam. Tell me but that:

till then thou sleepest not/
15. Be not silent, Vala!
I will question thee,
Vala.
until I know all.
I will yet know 18. Not Vegtam art thou,

who on Hodr vengeance as I before believed;

will inflict, rather art thou Odin,

or Baldr's slayer lord of men!
raise on the pile.
Odin.
Vala. c
19. Thou art no Vala,
16. "Rind a son shall bear,
nor wise woman,
in the western halls: rather art thou the mother
he shall slay Odin's son, of three Thursar.
when one night old.
He a hand will not wash, Vala.
nor his head comb, 20.
cc
Home ride thou, Odin
ere he to the pile has borne and exult.
Baldr's adversary. ,
Thus shall never more
By compulsion I have spo- man again visitme,
I will now be silent." [ken ;
untilLoki free
Vegtam. from his bonds escapes,
ct
17. Be not silent, Vala! and Ragnarok
I will question thee, all-destroying comes.
 Havamal.

The High One's 1 ) Lay.

All door- ways,
1. who for refection comes,
before going forward, a towel and hospitable
should be looked to; invitation,
for difficult it is to know a good reception;
where foes may sit if he can get it,
within a dwelling. discourse and answer.
2. Givers, hail!
A guest is come in:
5. Wit is needful
to him who travels far:
where shall he sit ?

much haste is at home all is easy.

In he,
who on the ways has
A laughing-stock is he

to try his luck.

who nothing knows,

Fire needful
and with the instructed sits.
3. is

to him who is come in, 6. Ofunderstanding

his
and whose knees are frozen no one should be proud,
food and raiment but rather in conduct cau-
a man requires, tious.
whe o'er the fell has travelled. When the prudent and taci-
4. Water to him is needful come to a dwelling, [turn

l) Odin is the 'High One.' The poem is a collection of

rules and maxims, and stories of himself, some of them not
very consistent with our ideas of a supreme deity.
 The High One's Lay. 37

harm seldom befalls the that is thought better than

cautious in a strange place; [riches
for a firmer friend such is the recourse of the
no man ever gets indigent.
than great sagacity. 1 1 . A
worse provision
7. A wary guest, 1 ) on the way he cannot carry
who to refection comes, than too much beer-bibbing;
keeps a cautious silence, so good is not,
with his ears listens, as it is said,
and with his eyes observes : beer for the sons of men.
so explores every prudent 12. A
worse provision
3. He is happy, [man. no man can take from table
who for himself obtains than too much beer- bibbing:
fame and kind words: for the more he drinks
less sure is that the less control he has
which a man must have of his own mind.
in another's breast. 13. Oblivion's heron 'tis

9. He
happy,
is called
who in himself possesses that over potations hovers 2 )
fame and wit while living he steals the minds of men.
for bad counsels With this bird's pinions
have oft been received I was fettered
from another's breast. in Gunnlods dwelling.
1 0. A better burthen 14. Drunk I was,
no man bears on the way I was over- drunk,
than much good sense; at that cunning Fialar's.

l) In the Copenhagen paper Ms. F. this strophe begins

with the following three lines —
Wit is needful
tohim who travels far:
harm seldom befalls the wary:
They are printed in the Stockholm edition of the original by
Afzelius and Task, and in the Swedish translation by Afzelius.
2) I unable to explain this allusion; but see Grimm, DM.
am
p. 1086. 2 nd edit.
It was in an eagle's guise that Odin escaped
from Gunnlod's dwelling See North. Mythol. I. p. 42.
38 The High One's Lay.

It's the best drunkenness, 20. A

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

1 Taciturn and prudent,

5. Oftentimes his belly
and war daring
in draws laughter on a silly
should a king's children be man,
joyous and liberal who among the prudent
every one should be comes.
until his hour of death, 21. Cattle know
16. A
cowardly man when go home,
to

thinks he will ever live, and then from grazing cease;

if warfare he avoids but a foolish man
but old age will never knows
give him no peace, his stomach's measure.

though spears may sparehim. 22. A miserable man,

17. A fool gapes and ill-conditioned,
when house he comes,
to a sneers at every thing:
to himself mutters or is silent one thing he knows not,
but all at once, which he ought to know,
if he gets drink, that he is not free from
then is the man's mind faults.
displayed. 23. A foolish man
18. He alone knows is all night awake,
who wanders wide, pondering over everything;
and has much experienced, he then grows tired
by what disposition and when morning comes,
each man is ruled, all is lament as before.

who common sense possesses. 24. A man

foolish
1 9. Let a man hold the cup, thinks all who on him smile
yet of the mead drink mo- to be his friends;
derately, he feels it not,
speak sensibly or be silent. although they speak ill of
As of a fault him,
no man will admonish thee, when he sits among the
if thou goest betimes to sleep. clever.
 The High One's Lay. 39

25. A foolish man 30. For a gazing-stock

thinks all who speak him no man shall have another,
to be his friends [fair although he come a stranger
but he will find, to his house.
if into court he comes, Many a one thinks himself
that he has few advocates. wise,
26. A foolish man if henot questioned,
is

thinks he knows everything and can sit in a dry habit.

if placed in unexpected 31. Clever thinks himself
difficulty the guest who jeers a guest,
but he knows not if he takes to flight.
what to answer, Knows it not certainly
if to the test he is put. he who prates at meat,
27. A foolish man, whether he babbles among
who among people comes, foes.
had best be silent;
32. Many men
for no one knows
are mutually well-disposed,
that he knows nothing,
yet at torment
table
will
unless he talks too much.
each other.
He who previously knew
That strife will ever be;
nothing
guest will guest irritate.
will still know nothing,
33. Early meals
talk he ever so much.
28. He thinks himself wise,
a man should often take,
unless to a friend's house
who can ask questions
and converse also he goes;
else he will sit and mope,
conceal his ignorance
will seem half-famished,
no one can,
and can of few things inquire.
because it circulates among
men. 34. Long is and indirect
29. He utters too many the way
futile words to a bad friend's,
who is never silent though by the road he dwell;
a garrulous tongue, but to a good friend's
if it be not checked, the paths lie direct,
sings often to its own harm though he be far away.
40 The High One's Lay.

35. A
guest should depart, or so hospitable
not always stay that he refused a present
in one place. or of his property
The welcome becomes un- so liberal
welcome, that he scorned a recom-
if he too long continues pense.
in another's house. 40. Of the property
36. One's own house is best, which he has gained
small though it be; no man should suffer need
at home is every one his for the hated oft is spared
own master. what for the dear was
Though he but two goats destined.
possess, Much goes worse than is

and a straw-thatched cot, expected.

even that is better than 41. With arms and vest-
begging. ments
37. One's own house is friends should each other
best, gladden,
small though it be, those which are in themselves
at home is every one his most sightly.
own master. Givers and requiters
Bleeding at heart is he, are longest friends,
who has to ask if all [else] goes well. 1 )
for food at every meal-tide. 42. To his friend
39. Leaving in the field a man should be a friend,
his arms, and gifts with gifts requite.
let no man go Laughter with laughter
a foot's length forward; men should receive,
for it is hard to know but leasing with lying.
when on the way 43.To his friend
a man may need his weapon. a man should be a friend,
39. I have never found a to him and to his friend;
man so bountiful, but of his foe

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

the version of Finn Magnusen.
 The High One's Lay. 41

no man shall and lost my way;

the friend's friend be. rich I thought myself,
44. Know, if thou hast a when I met another.
friend Man is the joy of man.
whom thou fully trustest, 48. Liberal and brave
and from whom thou woulds't men live best,
good derive, they seldom cherish sorrow
thou shouldst blend thy mind but a base-minded man
with his, dreads everything;
and gifts exchange, the niggardly is uneasy even
and often go to see him. at gifts.
45. If thou hast another,
My garments in a
49. field
whom thou little trustest,
I gave away
yet wouldst good from him
to two wooden men:
derive,
heroes they seemed to be,
thou shouldst speak him fair,
when they got cloaks
but think craftily,
exposed to insult is a naked
and leasing pay with lying. man 1
).
46. But of him yet further,
whom thou little trustest,
50. A
tree withers
that on a hill-top stands;
and thou suspectest his af-
protects it neither bark nor
fection ;
leaves
before him thou shouldst
laugh,
such is the man
whom no one favours:
and contrary to thy thoughts
speak
why should he live long?

requital should the gift re- 51. Hotter than fire

semble. love for five days burns
47. Iwas once young, between false friends;
I was journeying alone, but is quenched

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

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

when the sixth day comes, no man beforehand

and friendship is all im- his mind will be freest from
paired. care.
52. Something great 57. Brand burns from brand
is not [always] to be given, until it is burnt out;
praise is often for a trifle fire is from fire quickened.

With half a loaf [bought. Man to man

and a tilted vessel becomes known by speech,
I got myself a comrade, but a fool by his bashful
53. Little are the sand- silence.
grains, 58. He
should early rise,
little the wits, who another's property or
little the minds of [some] desires to have. [life

men; Seldom a sluggish wolf

for all men gets prey,
are not wise alike: or a sleeping man victory.
men are everywhere by 59. Early should rise
halves. he who has few workers,
54. Moderately wise and go his work to see to
should each one be, greatly is he retarded
but never over-wise: who sleeps the morn away.
of those men Wealth half depends on
the lives are fairest, energy.
who know much well. 60. Of dry planks
55. Moderately wise and roof-shingles
should each one be, a man knows the measure;
but never over-wise of the fire-wood
for a wise man's heart that may suffice,
is seldom glad, both measure and time.
ifhe is all-wise who owns it. 61. Washed and refected
56. Moderately wise let a man ride to the Thing 1 ,
should each one be, although his garments be
but never over-wise. not too good
His destiny let know of his shoes and breeches

l) The public meeting.

 The High One's Lay. 43

let no one be ashamed, the disliked seldom hits the

nor of his horse, moment.
although he have not a
67. Here and there I should
good one.
have been invited,
62. Inquire and impart if I a meal had needed;
should every man of sense, or two hams had hung,
who will be accounted sage. at that true friend's,
Let one only know, where of one I had eaten.
a second may not;
68. Fire is best
if three, all the world knows.
among the sons of men,
63. Gasps and gapes,
and the sight of the sun,
when to the sea he comes,
if his health
the eagle over old ocean
a man can have,
so is a man,
with a life free from vice.
who among many comes,
and has few advocates. 69. No man lacks every
thing,
64. His power should g

although his health be bad:

every sagacious man
one in his sons is happy,
use with discretion
one in his kin,
for he will find,
one in abundant wealth,
when among the bold he
one in his good works.
comes,
that no one alone is dough- 70. It is better to live,
tiest. even to live miserably;
65. Circumspect and reser- a living man can always
every man should be, [ved get a cow.
and wary in trusting friends. I saw fire consume
Of the words the rich man's property,
that a man says to another and death stood without
he often pays the penalty. his door.

66. Much too early 71. The halt can ride on

I came to many places, horseback,
but too late to others: the one-handed drive cattle
the beer was drunk, the deaf fight and be useful:
or not ready: to be blind is better
44 The High One's Lay.

than to be burnt :
76. Cattle die,
no one gets good from a kindred die,
corpse. we ourselves also die
72. A son is better, but the fair fame
even if born late, never dies
after his father's departure. of him who has earned it.

Gravestones seldom 77. Cattle die,

stand by the way-side kindred die,
unless raised by a kinsman we ourselves also die
to a kinsman. but I know one thing
73. Two are adversaries: that never dies, —
the tongue is the bane of judgment on each one dead.
the head 78. Full storehouses I saw
under every cloak at Dives' sons':
I expect a hand. now bear they the beggar's
Such are riches ;
[staff,

as is the twinkling of an eye

74. At night is joyful of friends they are most
he who is sure of travelling fickle.

entertainment. A foolish man,

79.
[A yards are short.] 2
ship's if he acquires
Variable is an autumn night. wealth or woman's love,
Many are the weather's chan- pride grows within him,
in five days, [ges but wisdom never
but more in a month. he goes on more and more
75. He [only] knows not arrogant.

who knows nothing, 80. Then 'tis made manifest,

that many a one apes another. if of runes thou questionest
One man is rich, him,
another poor: those to the high ones known,
let him not be thought which the great powers in-
blameworthy. vented,

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

is evidently an interpolation.
 The High One's Lay.
and the great talker painted,
1
that he had best hold silence.
81. At eve the day is to
be praised,
a woman after she is burnt,
a sword after it is proved,
a maid after she is married,
ice after it has passed away,
beer after it is drunk.
82. In the wind one should
hew wood,
in a breeze row out to
in the dark talk with a
many are the eyes of day.
In a ship voyages are to be
made,
but a shield is for protection,
a sword for striking,
but a damsel for a kiss.
83. By the fire one should
drink beer,
on the ice slide;
buy a horse that is lean,
a sword that is rusty ; 88. an early
feed a horse at home,
but a dog at the farm.
84. In a maiden's words
no one should place faith,
nor in what a woman says
for on a turning wheel
have their hearts been formed,
and guile in their breasts
been laid
85. in a creaking bow,
1) Odin.
45
a burning flame,
a yawning wolf,
a chattering crow,
a grunting swine,
a rootless tree,
a waxing wave,
a boiling kettle,
86. a flying dart,
a falling billow
a one night's ice,
a coiled serpent,
sea, a woman's bed-talk,
lass or a broken sword,
a bear's play,
or a royal child,
87. a sick calf,
a self-willed thrall,
a flattering prophetess,
a corpse newly slain,
[a serene sky,
a laughing lord,
a barking dog,
and a harlot's grief]
sown field
letno one trust,
nor prematurely in a son
weather rules the field,
and wit the son,
each of which is doubtful;
89. a brother's murderer,
though on the high road met,
a half-burnt house,
an over-swift horse,
(a horse is useless,
 46 The High One's Lay.

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

no man is so confiding 93. At love should no one
as to trust any of these. ever wonder
90. Such is the love of in another:
women, a beauteous countenance
s
who falsehood meditate, oft captivates the wise,
as if one drove not rough- which captivates not the
on slippery ice, [shod, foolish.
a spirited two-years old 94. Let no one wonder at
and unbroken horse; another's folly,
or as in a raging storm it is the lot of many.
a helmless ship is beaten All-powerful desire
or as if the halt were set makes of the sons of men
to catch fools even of the wise.
a reindeer in the thawing .95. The mind only knows
l
fell.
)
what lies near the heart,
91. Openly I now speak, that alone is conscious of
because I both sexes know our affections.
unstable are men's minds No disease is worse
towards women ;
to a sensible man
'tis then we speak most fair than not to be content with
when we most falsely think: himself.
that deceives even the cau- 96. That I experienced,
tious. when in the reeds I sat,
92. Fair shall speak, awaiting my delight.
and money offer, Body and soul to me
who would obtain a woman's was that discreet maiden
Praise the form [love, nevertheless I possess her not.
2
of a fair damsel; 97. Billing's lass )

1) From it appears that the poem is of Nor-

this line
wegian or Swedish origin, as the reindeer was unknown in
Iceland before the middle of the 18 th century, when it was
introduced by royal command. Note by Finn Magnus en
in 4*o edit. III. p. 107. 2) The
story of Odin and Billing's
daughter no longer extant; but compare the story of Odin
is
and Kinda in Saxo, p. 126, edit. Muller & Velschow.
 The High One's Lay. 47

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

sun-bright, sleeping. when rightly known,
A prince's joy towards men is fickle:
to me seemed naught, that I experienced,
if not with that form to live. when that discreet maiden I
98. Yet nearer eve strove to seduce
must thou, Odin, come, contumely of every kind
if thou wilt talk the mai- that wily girl
den over; heaped upon me;
all will be disastrous, nor of that damsel gained I
unless we alone aught.
are privy to such misdeed." 103. At home
let a man

99. I returned, be cheerful,

thinking to love, and towards a guest liberal
at her wise desire. of wise conduct he should be,
I thought of good memory and ready
I should obtain speech
her whole heart and love. if much knowledgehe desires,
100. When next I came he must often talk on good.
the bold warriors were 104. Fimbulfambi he is
allawake, called
with lights burning, who little has to say:
and bearing torches: such is the nature of the
thus was the way to pleasure simple.
closed.
101. But at the approach 105. The old Jotun I sought;
of morn, now I am come back:
when again 1 came, little got I there by silence;
the household all was sleep- in many words
ing; I spoke to my advantage
1
the good damsel's dog in Suttung's halls. )
alone I found 106. Gunnlod gave me,
tied to the bed. on her golden seat,

l) For the story ofSuttung andGunnlod, see the Prose,

or Snorri's, Edda in "Northern Antiquities" edit. Bohn. p. 461.
North. Mythol. I. p. 42.
48 The High One's Lay.

a draught of the precious or Suttung had destroyed

mead him?
a bad recompense 111. Odin, I believe,
I afterwards made her, a ring- oath 1 ) gave.
for her whole soul, Who in his faith will trust ?
her fervent love. Suttung defrauded,
107. Rati's mouth I caused of his drink bereft,
to make a space, and Gunnlod made to weep !

and to gnaw the rock;

over and under me
were the Jotun's ways: 112. Time 'tis to discourse
thus I my head did peril. from the preacher's chair. —
1 Of a well-assumed form
08. By the well of Urd
I made good use: I silent sat,

few things fail the wise I saw and meditated,

for Odhrserir I listened to men's words.

is now come up 113. Of runes I heard

to men's earthly dwellings. discourse,
109. 'Tis to me doubtful and of things divine,

that I could have come nor of graving them were

from the Jotun's courts, they silent,
had not Gunnlod aided me, nor of sage counsels,
that good damsel, at the High One's hall.

over whom I laid my arm. In the High One's hall.

110. On the day following I thus heard say:

came the Hrim-thursar, 1 14. I counsel thee, Lodd-

to learn something of the to take advice: [fafnir,

High One, thou wilt profit if thou

in the High One's hall: takest it.

afterBolverk they inquired, Rise not at night,

whether he with the gods unless to explore,
were come, or art compelled to go out.

In the pagan North oaths were taken on a holy ring

1)
or bracelet, as with us on the Gospels, a sacred ring being
kept in the temple for the purpose.
 The High One's Lay. 49

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

to take advice, [fafnir, If thou knowest thou hast

thou wilt profit if thou ta- a friend,
kest it. whom thou well canst trust,
In an enchantress's embrace go him
oft to visit
thou mayest not sleep, for with brushwood over-
so that in her arms she grown,
clasp thee. and with high grass,
116. She will be the cause is the way that no one treads.

that thou carest not 122. I counsel thee, etc-

for Thing or prince's words* A good man attract to thee
food thou wilt shun in pleasant converse;
and human joys; and salutary speech learn
sorrowful wilt thou go to while thou livest.
sleep. 123. I counsel thee, etc.
117. I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend
Another's wife be thou never
entice thou never first to quarrel
to secret converse. Care gnaws the heart,
118. I counsel thee, etc. if thou to no one canst

By fell or firth thy whole mind disclose.

if thou have to travel, 124. I counsel thee, etc.
provide thee well with food. Words thou never
119. I counsel thee, etc. shouldst exchange
A bad man with a witless fool;
let thou never 125. for from an ill-con-
know thy misfortunes ;
ditioned man
for from a bad man thou wilt never get
thou never wilt obtain a return for good;
a return for thy good will. but a good man will
120. I saw mortally bring thee favour
wound a man by his praise.
a wicked woman's words ;
126. There is a mingling
a false tongue of affection,
caused his death, where one can tell

and most unrighteously. another all his mind.

50 The High One's Lay.

Everything is better 132. If thou wilt induce a

than being with the deceitful. good woman
He is not another's friend to pleasant converse,
who ever says as he says. thou must promise fair,
127. I counsel thee, etc. and hold to it:
Even in three words no one turns from good if
quarrel not with a worse it can be got.

man :
133. I enjoin thee to be
often the better yields,
wary,
when the worse strikes.
but not over wary;
128. I counsel thee, etc.
at drinking be thou most
Be not a shoemaker, wary,
nor a shaftmaker,
and with another's wife;
unless for thyself it be;
and thirdly,
for a shoe if ill made,
that thieves delude thee not.
or a shaft if crooked,
134. With insult or derision
will call down evil on thee.
treat thou never
129. I counsel thee, etc.
a guest or wayfarer,
Wherever of injury thou
they often little know,
knowest,
who sit within,
regard that injury as thy
of what race they are who
own;
come.
and give to thy foes no
peace. 135. Vices and virtues
130. I counsel thee, etc.
the sons of mortals bear
Rejoiced at evil in their breasts mingled;

be thou never; no one is so good

but let good give thee that no failing attends him,

pleasure. nor so bad as to be good

131. I counsel thee, etc. for nothing.

In a battle 130. At a hoary speaker

look not up, laugh thou never;
(like swine often is good that which
the sons of men then become) the aged utter,
that men may not fascinate oft from a shriveled hide
thee. discreet words issue ;
 The High One's Lay. 51

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

pendent good;
and decked with scars, but runes against calamity;
and who go tottering among fluid let earth absorb.
the vile.
137. I counsel thee, etc.
Rail not at a guest,
nor from thy gate thrust him *
Runatalspattr 06ins.
treat well the indigent;
they will speak well of thee.
138. Strong is the bar Odin's Rune -song. 1
)
that must be raised
to admit all. 140. I know that I hung,
Do thou give a penny, on a wind-rocked tree,
or they will call down on thee nine whole nights,
every ill in thy limbs. with a spear wounded,
139. I counsel thee, etc. and to Odin offered,
Wherever thou beer drinkest, myself to myself;
invoke to thee the power on that tree,
of earth of which no one knows
for earth is good against from what root it springs.
lire for distempers, [drink, 141. Bread no one gave me,
the oak for constipation, nor a horn of drink,
a corn- ear for sorcery downward I peered,
a hall for domestic strife. to runes applied myself,
In bitter hates invoke the wailing learnt them,
moon j
then fell down thence.

l) The first eight strophes of this composition require

an explanation which I am incompetent to afford. They have
had many interpreters and as many interpretations. The idea
of Odin hanging on a tree would seem to have been suggested
by what we read of the grove at Upsala, or Sigtuna, in which
the victims offered to that deity were suspended from the
trees. In the guise of an unknown wanderer, Odin may be
supposed to have been captured and thus offered to himself.
It no doubt refers to some lost legend.
52 Odin's Rune-song.

142. Potent songs nine knowest thou how to depict

from the famed son I learned them?
of Bolthorn, Bestla's sire, knowest thou how to prove
and a draught obtained them?
of the precious mead, knowest thou how to pray?
drawn from Odhrasrir. knowest thou how to offer?
knowest thou how to send ? l )
143. Then I began to
knowest thou how to con-
bear fruit,
sume?
and to know many things,
to grow and well thrive: 147. 'Tis better not to pray
word by word than too much offer;
I sought out words, a gift ever looks to a return.
fact by fact 'Tis better not to send
I sought out facts. than too much consume.
144. Runes thou wilt find, So Thund graved
before the origin of men,
and explained characters,
very large characters,
where he ascended,
very potent characters,
to whence he afterwards
came.
which the great speaker
depicted, 148. Those songs I know
and the high powers formed, which the king's wife knows
and the powers' prince nor «on of man. [not
graved Help the first is called,

145. Odin among the JEsir, for that will help thee
but among the Alfar, Dain, against strifes and cares.
and Dvalin for the dwarfs,
1 49. For the second I know,
Asvid for the Jotuns:
what the sons of men require,
some I myself graved.
who will as leeches live.
146. Knowest thou how to
* * *
grave them?
* * *
knowest thou how to ex-
* * *
pound them?

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

several missions.
 Odin's Rune-song. 53

150. For the third I know, 1 ) harm shall consume them

if I have great need sooner than me.
to restrain my foes, 154. For the seventh I know,
the weapons' edge I deaden if a lofty house I see
of my adversaries blaze o'er its inmates,
nor arms nor wiles harm so furiously it shall not burn
aught. that I cannot save it.

151. For the fourth I know, That song I can sing.

if men place
155. For the eighth I know,
bonds on my limbs,
what to all is
I so sing
useful to learn:
that I can walk;
where hatred grows
the fetter starts from my feet, among the sons of men —
and the manacle from my
that I can quickly assuage.
hands.
156. For the ninth I know,
152. For the know,
fifth I if I stand in need
I see a shot from a my bark on the water to save,
hostile hand, I can the wind
a shaft flying amid the host, on the waves allay,
so swift it cannot fly and the sea lull.
that I cannot arrest it,
157. For the tenth I know,
if only I get sight of it.
if I see troll-wives
153. For the sixth I know, sporting in air,

if one wounds me I can so operate

with a green tree's roots; 2 ) that they will forsake
also if a man their own forms,
declares hatred to me, and their own minds.

1) The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to

himself bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to
those attributed to him by Snorri (Yngl. Saga cc. 6 7.). —
2) The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In
India a similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the
roots of trees. F. M.
54 Odin's Rune-song.

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

know, Strength he sang to the .ZEsir,
if I have to lead and to the Alfar prosperity,
my ancient friends to battle, wisdom to Hroptatyr.
under their shields I sing, 163. For the sixteenth I
and with power they go know,
safe to the fight, if a modest maiden's favour
safe from the fight; and affection
safe on every side they go. I desire to possess,
159. For the twelfth I know, the soul I change
if on a tree I see of the white-armed damsel,
a corpse swinging from a and wholly turn her mind.
I can so grave [halter,
164. For the seventeenth
and in runes depict,
I know,
that theman shall walk,
that that young maiden will
and with me converse.
reluctantly avoid me.
160. For the thirteenth 1 These songs, Loddfafnir!
know, thou wilt long have lacked
if on a young man yet it may be good if thou
I sprinkle water, understandest them,
he shall not fall, profitable if thou learnest
though he into battle come: them.
that man shall not sink be-
165. For the eighteenth I
fore swords.
know
161. For the fourteenth I that which I never teach
know, to maid or wife of man,
if in the society of men (all is better
I have to enumerate the gods, what one only knows.
iEsir and Alfar, This is the closing of the
I know the distinctions of all. songs)
This few unskilled can do. save her alone
162. For the fifteenth I who clasps me in her arms,

know or is my sister.

what the dwarf Thiodreyrir 166. Now are sung the

sang High -one's songs,
 Odin's Rune-song. 55

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

to the sons of men all- them
useful, May he profit who has
but useless to the J6tuns' learnt them
sons. Hail to those who have
Hail to him who has sung listened to them
them
 Hymiskvi^a.

The Lay of Hymir.

1. Once the celestial gods Ygg's son 3 steadfastly.
<c
had been taking fish, Thou to the -ZEsir shalt
and were in compotation, oft a compotation give.
ere they the truth discove- 3. Caused trouble to the
red. 1 ) Jotun
2
Rods ) they shook, th' unwelcome-worded As:
and blood inspected, he forthwith meditated
when they found at GEgir's vengeance on the godo.
a lack of kettles. Sif's husband he besought
2. Sat the rock-dweller a kettle him to bring,
glad as a child, in which I beer
much like the son for all of you may brew.
of Miskorblindi. 4. The gods
illustrious
In his eyes looked found that impossible,

l) To
wit, that they were short of kettles for brewing.
2) That divining rods.
is So Tacitus of the ancient Germans:
Sortium consuetudo simplex: virgam frugifera} arbori decisam
in surculos amputant, eosque notis quibusdam discretos super
candidam vestem temere ac fortuitu spargunt. Mox, si pu-
blic^ consuletur, sacerdos civitatis; sin privatim, ipse pater
familise precatus deos ccelumque suspiciens ter singulos tollit,
sublatos secundum impressam ante notam interpretatur. Ger-
mania X. 3) Thor.
 The Lay of Hymir. 57

nor could the exalted powers fair-browed, bearing

it accomplish, the beer-cup to her son:
<c
till from trueheartedness, 9. Ye Jotuns' kindred!
Ty to Hlorridi I will you both,
much friendly counsel gave. ye daring pair,
5. There dwells eastward under the kettles place.
of Elivagar My husband is
the all-wise Hymir, oftentimes
at heaven's end. niggard towards guests,
My sire, fierce of mood, to ill-humour prone.
a kettle owns, 10. But the monster,
a capacious cauldron, the fierce-souled Hymir,
a rast in depth." late returned
home from the chase.
Thor.
He the hall entered,
6. Knowest thou whether we the icebergs resounded,
can get the liquor-boiler? as the churl approached ;

Ty. the thicket on his cheeks

was frozen.
Yes, friend! if we
11. Hail to thee, Hymir!
stratagem employ."
be of good cheer:
Rapidly they drove
now thy son is come
forward that day
to thy hall,
from Asgard,
whom we expected
till to the giant's home they
from his long journey;
came.
him. accompanies
7. Thor stalled his goats,
our famed adversary,
splendid of horn, the friend of man,
then turned him to the hall who Veor hight.
that Hymir owned. 12. See where they sit
The son his gran ddam found under the halls' gable,
to him most loathful; as if to shun thee
heads she had the pillar stands
before
nine hundred.
them.
8. But another came In shivers flew the pillar
all-golden forth, at the Jotun's glance;
58 The Lay of Hymir.

the beam was first on the sea row,

broken in two. if the bold Jotun him

13. Eight kettles fell, would with baits supply:

cc
but only one of them, To the herd betake thee,
a hard-hammered cauldron, (if thou in thy courage

whole from the column. trustest,

The two came forth, crusher of the rock-dwellers !)
but the old Jotun for baits to seek.
with eyes surveyed 18. I expect
his adversary. that thou wilt
14.Augured to him bait from an ox
his mind no good, easily obtain.
when he saw The guest in haste
the giantess's sorrow to the forest went,
on the floor coming. where stood an all-black
Then were three ox before him.
oxen taken, 19. The Thursar's bane
and the Jotun bade wrung from an ox
them forthwith be boiled. the high fastness
15. Each one they made of his two horns.
by the head shorter, To me thy work seems
and to the fire worse by far,
afterwards bore them. ruler of keels!
Sif's consort ate, than if thou hadst sat quiet.
ere to sleep he went, 20. The lord of goats
completely, he alone, the apes' kinsman besought
two of Hymir's beeves. the horse of plank
16. Seemed to the hoary farther out to move;
friend of Hrungnir but the Jotun
Hlorridi's refection declared his slight desire
full well large: farther to row.
We three to-morrow night 21. The mighty Hymir
shall be compelled he alone, [drew,
on what we catch two whales up
to live. with his hook;
17. Veor said he would but at the stern abaft
 The Lay of Hymir. 59

Veor cunningly 26. Wilt thou do

made him a line. half the work with me,
22. Fixed on the hook either the whales
the shield of men, home to the dwelling bear,
the serpent's slayer, or the boat
the ox's head. fast bind?
Gaped at the bait 27. Hlorridi went,
the foe of gods, grasped the prow,
the encircler beneath quickly, with its hold-water,
of every land. 1 ) lifted
23. Drew up boldly the water-steed,
the mighty Thor together with its oars
the worm with venom and scoop
glistening, bore to the dwelling
up to the side; the Jotun's ocean-swine,
with his hammer struck, the curved vessel,
on his foul head's summit, through the wooded hills.
like a rock towering,
28. But the Jotun
the wolf's own brother.
yet ever frowned,
24. The icebergs resounded,
to strife accustomed,
the caverns howled,
with Thor disputed,
the old earth
said that no one was strong,
shrank together:
however vigorously
at length the fish
2 he might row,
back into ocean sank. )
unless he his cup could break.
25. The Jotun was little
glad, 29. But Hlorridi,
as they rowed back, when to his hands it came,
so that the powerful Hymir forthwith brake
nothing spake, an upright stone in twain
but the oar moved sitting dashed the cup
in another course. through the pillars:

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

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

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

to Hymir back. by the brim grasped it,

30. Until the beauteous and trod through

woman gave the dwelling's floor.
important, friendly counsel, Sifs consort lifted
which she only knew: the kettle on his head,
'
Strike at the head of Hymir, while about his heels
the Jotun with food op- its rings jingled.
pressed, 35. They had far jour-
that is harder neyed
than any cup/ before Odin's son
cast one look backward:
31. Rose then on his knee
he from the caverns saw,
the stern lord of goats,
with Hymir from the east,
clad in all
a troop of many-headed
his godlike power.
monsters coming.
Unhurt remained
36. From his shoulders he
the old man's helm-block,
lifted the kettle down;
but the round wine-bearer
Miollnir hurled forth
was in shivers broken.
towards the savage crew,
32. Much good, I know, and slew
has departed from me, all the mountain-giants,
now that my cup I see who with Hymir
hurled from my knees." had him pursued.
Thus the old man spake: 37. Long they had not
I can never journeyed
say again, when of Hlorridi's goats
beer thou art too hot. one lay down
33. Now 'tis to be tried half-dead before the car.
if ye can carry It from the pole had sprung
the beer-vessel across the trace;
out of our dwelling. but the false Loki
Ty twice assayed was of this the cause.
to move the vessel, 38. Now ye have heard,
yet at each time — for what fabulist can
stood the kettle fast. more fully tell —
 The Lay of Hymir. 61

what indemnity he to the gods' council came,

he from the giant got: and had the kettle,
he paid for it which Hymir had possessed,
with his children both. 1 ) out of which every god
39. In his strength exul- shall beer with CEgir drink
ting at every harvest-tide.

1) This strophe belongs apparently to another poem.

 Thrymskvifia eihr Hamarsheimt,

The Lay of Thrym, or the Hammer recovered.

1.Wroth was Vingthor, they feather-garment lend,

when he awoke, that perchance my hammer
and his hammer I may find?"
missed
his beard he shook, Freyia.

his forehead struck, 4. That I would give thee,

the son of earth although of gold it were,
felt all around him and trust it to thee,
2. and first of all
though it were of silver."
these words he uttered Flew then Loki
5. —
Hear now, Loki the plumage rattled —
what I now say, until he came beyond
which no one knows the ^Esir's dwellings,
anywhere on earth, and came within
nor in heaven above; the Jotun's land.
the As's hammer is stolen
6. On a mound sat Thrym,
3. They went to the fair the Thursar's lord,
Freyia's dwelling, for his greyhounds
and he these words plaiting gold bands
first of all said and his horses'
"Wilt thou me, Freyia, manes smoothing.
 The Lay of Thrym. 63
cc
Thrym. 1 1. Hast thou had success
7. "How goes it with the as well as labour?
^Esir? Tell me from the air
How goes it with theAlfar? the long tidings.
Why art thou come alone Oft of him who sits

to Jotunheim ? are the tales defective,

Loki. and he who lies down

CC utters falsehood.
8. I11 it goes with the
^Esir, Loki.
111 it goes with the Alfar. 12. I have had labour
Hast thou Hlorridi's and success:
hammer hidden? Thrym has thy hammer,
Thrym. the Thursar's lord.

9. have Hlorridi's
I
It shall no man
get again,
hammer hidden
unless he bring him
eight rasts
Freyia to wife.
beneath the earth;
it shall no man 13. They went the fair
get again, Freyia to find;
unless he bring me and he those words
Freyia to wife. first of all said:

Flew then Loki

10. — Bind thee, Freyia,

the plumage rattled — in bridal raiment,

we two must drive
until he came beyond
te Jotunheim."
the Jotun's dwellings,
and came within 1 3. Wroth then was Freyia,
the JEsir's courts and with anger chafed,
there he met Thor, all the JEsir's hall
in the middle court, beneath her trembled:
who these words in shivers flew the famed
first of all uttered. Brisinga necklace. 1 )

1) A
rather awkward story about Freyia and the Bri-
,,
singa men
is given in "Northern Mythology, I. p. 32 note *
from Olaf Triggvason's Saga, reprinted in Snorri's Edda,
64 The Lay of Thrym.

Know me to be call womanish,

of women lewdest, if I let myself be clad
if with thee I drive in bridal raiment."
to Jotunheim." 19. Then spake Loki,
15. Straightway went the Laufey's son:
^Esir Do Thor! refrain
thou,
all to council, from suchlike words:
and the Asyniur forthwith the Jotuns will
all to hold converse; Asgard inhabit,
and deliberated unless thy hammer thou
the mighty gods, gettest back."
how they Hlorridi's 20. Then they clad Thor
hammer might get back. in bridal raiment,
16. Then said Heimdall, and with the noble
of JEsir brightest — Brisinga necklace,
he well foresaw, let by his side
like other Vanir — keys jingle,
Let us clothe Thor and woman's weeds
with bridal raiment, fallround his knees;
let him have the famed and on his breast
Brisinga necklace. placed precious stones,
17. Let by his side and a neat coif
keys jingle, set on his head.
and woman's weeds 21. Then said Loki,
fall round his knees, Laufey's son:
but on his breast I will with thee
place precious stones, as a servant go:
and a neat coif we two will drive
set on his head." to Jotunheim.
18. Then said Thor, 22. Straightway were the
the mighty As: goats
Me the JEsir will homeward driven,

edit. Rask, p. 354. According to an allusion to itin Beowulf,

where it is called Brosinga men, it had come to be possessed
by Hermanric.
 The Lay of Thrym. 65

hurried to the traces; Where hast thou seen

they had fast to run. brides
The rocks were shivered, eat more voraciously?
the earth was in a blaze; I never saw brides
Odin's son drove feed more amply,
to Jotunheim. nor a maiden
23. Then said Thrym, drink more mead."
the Thursar's lord 27. Sat the all-crafty
Rise up, Jotuns! serving- maid close by,
and the benches deck, who words fitting found
now they bring me against the Jotun's speech:
Freyia to wife, rreyia has nothing eaten
Niord's daughter, for eight nights,
from Ndatun. so eager was she
for Jotunheim."
24. Hither to our court
28. Under her veil he
let bring
stooped
gold-horned cows,
desirous to salute her,
all-black oxen,
but sprang back
for the Jotuns' joy.
along the hall.
Treasures I have many,
neklaces many,
Why are so piercing
Freyia's looks?
Freyia alone
Methinks that fire
seemed to me wanting."
burns from her eyes."
25. In the evening
29. Sat the all-crafty
they early came,
serving- maid close by,
and for the Jotuns
who words fitting found
beer was brought forth. against the Jotun's speech:
Thor alone an ox devoured, Freyia for eight nights
salmons eight,
has not slept,
and all the sweetmeats so eager was she
women should have. for Jotunheim."
Sif's consort drank
30. In came the Jotun's
three salds of mead.
luckless sister,
26. Then said Thrym, for a bride-gift
the Thursar's prince: she dared to ask:
66 The Lay of Thrym.

tc
Give me from thy hands when the fierce-hearted
the ruddy rings, hishammer recognized.
if thou wouldst gain He first slew Thrym,
my love, the Thursar's lord,
my love and the Jotun's race
and favour all. all crushed;
31. Then said Thrym, 33. He slew the Jotun's
the Thursar's lord: aged sister,

Bring the hammer in, her who a bride-gift

the bride to consecrate; had demanded;
lay Miollnir she a blow got
on the maiden's knee; instead of skillings,
unite us each with other a hammer's stroke
by the hand of Vor. for many rings.
32. Laughed Hlorridi's So got Odin's son
soul in his breast, his hammer back.
 Alvissmal.

The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis.

Alvis. Thou art not born to carry

1. The benches they are offa bride.
decking,
Alvis.
now shall the bride 1 with me
3. Alvis I am named,
bend her way home.
That beyond my strength I beneath the earth I dwell,
have hurried under the rock I own a place.
will to every one appear:
The lord of chariots

at home naught shall disturb

I am come to visit.

my quiet.
A promise once confirmed
let no one break. 2
Vingthor.
2. What man is this? Vingthor.
Why about the nose art 4. I will break it

thou so pale? for o'er the maid I have,

Hast thou last night with as father, greatest power.
corpses lain ? I was from home
To me thou seemst to bear when the promise was given
resemblance to the Thursar. thee.

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

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

Among the gods I the sole the knowledge of the dwarf

giver am. to prove.
All the nine worlds
Alvis.
I have travelled over,
5. What man is this,
and every being known.
who lays claim topower
maiden? Vingthor.
over that fair, bright
For far-reaching shafts me, Alvis!
10. Tell —
few will know thee. for all men's concerns
Who has decked thee with I presume thee, dwarf, to
bracelets ? know —
Vingthor.
how the earth is called,
which lies before the sons
6. Vingthor I am named,
of men,
wide I have wandered;
in every world.
I am Sidgrani's son:
Alvis.
with my dissent thou shaltnot
that young maiden have, 11. J or 6 among men 'tis

called,
nor that union obtain.
but with the JEsir fold;
Alvis.
the Vanir call it v e g a
7. Thy consent the Jotuns i green,
I fain would have, the Alfar g r 6 a n d i
and that union obtain. the powers supreme aur.
Rather would I possess Vingther.
than be without
12. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
that snow-white maiden.
how the heaven is called,
Vingthor. which is perceptible
9. The maiden's love in every world.
shall not, wise guest! Alvis.
be unto thee denied, 1 3. H m
i i nn 'tis called by
if thou of every world men;
canst tell
but h 1 y r n i r with the gods j
all I desire to know. v i n d o f ni the Vanir call it,
Alvis. uppheimr the Jotuns,
Vingthor! thou canst try,
9. the Alfar fagraraefr,
as thou art desirous the dwarfs driupansal
 The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis. 69

Vingthor. which with showers are

14. Tell me, Alvis! etc. mingled
how moon
the is called, in every world.
which men see
Alvis.
in every world.
Alvis.
19. Sky they are called
by men,
15. Mani 'tis called by
but skurvan by the gods;
men,
the Vanir call them vind-
but m y 1 i n n with the gods,
flot,
hverfanda hvel inHel 1
the Jotuns ii r v an
they call it, ,

skyndi the Jotuns, the Alfar veftrmegin;

in Hel they are called
but the dwarfs skin;
the Alfar name it artali.
hialm hulios.
Vingthor. Vingthor.

16. Tell me, Alvis! etc. 20. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the sun is called, how the wind is called,

which men's sons see which widely passes

in every world. over every world.

Alvis. Alvis.

17. Sol among men 'tis 21: Windr

'tis called by

called, men,
but with the gods sunn a, but vavuSr by the gods,
the dwarfs call Dvalinn's
it the wide-ruling powers call
leika, Jt gneggiufl,
the Jotuns e y g 1 6 , the Jotuns oepir,
the Alfar fagrahvel, the Alfar dynfari,
the -ZEsir's sons a 1 s k i r. in Hel they call it h v i 6 u dr.
Vingthor. Vingthor.
18. Tell me, Alvis! etc. 22. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
how the clouds are called, how the calm is called,

1) "When this composition was written, it appears that

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

which has to rest the Jotuns frekr,

in every world. buttheDwarfs forbrennir;
in Hel they call it h r 6 9 u 5 r.
Alvis.

23. Logn 'tis called by Vingthor.

men, 28. Tell me, Alvis! etc.
but lsegi by the gods, how the forest is called,
the Vanir call vindslot, it
which grows for the sons
the Jotuns ofhly, of men
the Alfar dagsevi, in every world.
the Dwarfs call it dags
Alvis.
vera.
Vingthor. 29. Vi5r 'tis called by
men,
24. Tell me, Alvis! etc.

what the sea is called, but v a 1 1 a r f a x by the gods,

Hel's inmates call it
which men row over
hliS|)angr,
in every world.
the Jotuns eldi,
Alvis.
the Alfar fagrlimi;
25. S a? r 'tis called by men, von dr.
the Vanir call it
but s i 1 ce g i a with the gods
vagr, Vingthor.
the vanir call it

the Jotuns alheimr, 30. Tell me, Alvis! etc.

the Alfar lagastafr, how the night is called,
the Dwarfs call it ditipan that Norvi's daughter hight,
mar. in every world.
"Vingthor. Alvis.
26. Tell me, Alvis! etc. 31. Nott it is called by
how the fire is called, men,
which burns before men's but by the gods niol;
in every world. [sons
the wide-ruling powers call
Alvis. it grima,
27. Eldr 'tis called by the Jotuns olios,
men, the Alfar svefngaman;
but by the iEsir funi; the Dwarfs call it

the Vanir call it vagr, draumni orunn.

 The Lay of the Dwarf Alvis. 71

Vingthor. Alvis.

32. Tell me, Alvis! etc. 35. 01 it is called by men,

how the seed is called, but by the .ZEsir biorr,
which the sons of men sow the Vanir call it veig,
in every world. hreina 1 6 g r the Jotuns,
33. Bygg it is called by but in Hel 'tis called mioor:
men, Suttung's sons call it sumbl.
but by the gods barr, Vingthor.
the Vanir call it v axt r
36. In one breast
the Jotuns ae ti
I have never found
the Alfar
in Hel
lagastafr;
'tis hnipinn
more ancient lore. —
By great wiles thou hast,
called.
I tell thee,
Vingth&r. been deluded.
34. Tell me, Alvis! etc. Thou art above ground,
how the beer is called, dwarf! at dawn;
which the sons of men drink already in the hall the sun
in every world. is shining!
 Harbarbslio6.

The Lay of Harbard. 1

Thor journeying from the eastern parts came to a strait

or sound, on the other side of which was a ferryman
with his boat. Thor cried out :
—
1. Who is the knave of there is no better food:
knaves, at my ease I ate,
that by the sound stands before I quitted home,
yonder? herrings and oats,

Harbard. with which I yet feel sated.

2. Who is the churl of

Harbard.
churls,
that cries across the water ? 4. Thou art in haste

Thor. to praise thy meal:

3. Ferry me thou surely hast no foreknow-

across the
ledge;
sound,
to-morrow I'll regale thee. for sad will be thy home
I have a basket on my back thy mother, I believe, is dead.

l) Harbard is Odin disguised as a ferryman. This com-

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

Thor. (although I am an outlaw)

5. Thou sayest now and all my kin:

what seems to every one I am Odin's son,

most unwelcome to know — Meili's brother,

that my mother is dead. and Magni's sire,

Harbard. the gods' mighty leader:

Thou dost not look like

With Thor thou here mayest
6.
speak.
one
who owns three country I will now ask
dwellings, how thou art called.

bare-legged thou standest, Harbard.

and like a beggar clothed;
10. I am Harbard called;
thou hast not even breeches.
seldom I my name conceal.
Thor.
Thor.
7. Steer hitherward thy
boat; 1 1 Why should st thou thy

where to
name conceal,
I will direct thee
land. unless thou crime hast per-
petrated ?
But who owns this skiff,
which by the strand thou Harbard.
holdest ?
1 2. Yet, though I may crime
Harbard.
have perpetrated,
8. Hildolf he is named guard my life
I will nathless
who bade me it, hold against such as thou art;
a man in council wise, unless I death-doomed am.
who dwells in Radso sound.
Robbers he bade me not to Thor.

ferry, 13. It seems to me a foul

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

Harbard.
shrewd ones we had,
14. Here will I stand, had they but been kind.
and here await thee. Of sand a rope
Thou wilt have found no they twisted,
stouter one and from the deep valley
since Hrungnir's death.
dug the earth:
Thor. to them all I alone was

1 5. Thou now remindest me superior in cunning.

how I with Hrungnir fought, I rested with the sisters
that stout-hearted Jotun, seven,
whose head was all of stone and their love and pleasures
yet I made him fall, shared.
and sink before me. What meanwhile didst thou,
What meanwhile didst thou, Th or
Harbard ? Thor.
Harbard. 19. I slew Thiassi,
16. I was with Fiolvari that stout-hearted Jotun:
five winters through, up I cast the eyes
in the isle of Allvaldi's son
which Algron hight. into the heaven serene:
There we could fight, they are signs the greatest
and slaughter make, of my deeds. 1
many perils prove, What meanwhile didst thou,
indulge in love. Harbard ?
Thor. Harbard.
17. How
did your women 20. Great seductive arts I
prove towards you? used
against the riders of the
Harbard.
night, 2
18. Sprightly women we when from their husbands
had,
I enticed them.
had they but been meek A mighty Jotun I believed

l) See the story in

P- 44,
Prose Edda,
where ft is told differently. 2
n. 461 and \r M t
) Besses, wHeh^&e
 The Lay of Harbard. 75

Hlebard to be: Thor.

a magic wand he gave me, 25. Unequally thou wouldst
but from his wits I charmed divide
him. the folk among the ^Esir,
Thor. if thou but hadst the power.
21. With evil mind then Harbard.
thou didst good gifts requite.
26. Thor has strength
Harbard. overmuch,
22. One tree gets that but courage none;
which is from another from cowardice and fear,
scraped thou wast crammed into a
each one in such case is for glove,
self. and hardly thoughtest thou
What meanwhile didst thou, wast Thor.
Thor? Thou durst not then,
Thor. through thy terror,
23. In the east I was, either sneeze or cough,
and slew the Jotun brides, lest Fialar it might hear.

crafty in evil, Thor.

as they to the mountain went.
27. Harbard, thou wretch!
Great would have been the I would strike thee dead,
Jotun race, could I but stretch my arm
had they all lived; across the sound.
and not a man
left in Midgard. Harbard.
What meanwhile didst thou, 28. Why wouldst thou
Harbard ? stretch thy arm across the
Harbard. sound,
24. I was in Valland,
when there is altogether no

and followed warfare; offence ?

princes I excited,
But what didst thou, Thor?
but never reconciled. Thor.
Odin has all the jarls 29. In the east I was,
that in conflict fall; and a river I defended,
but Thor the race of thralls. when the sons of Svarang
76 The Lay of Harbard.

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

34. I would have trusted Harbard.

my confidence [thee, 40. I in the army was,
if thou hadst not betrayed it. which was hither sent,
 The Lay of Harbard. 77

war-banners to raise, will bring thee evil,

lances to redden. if I resolve the sound to ford.

Thor. Louder than a wolf

thou wilt howl, I trow,
41. Of that thou now wilt
if of my hammer thou gettest
speak,
as thou wentest forth
a touch.
us hard terms to offer. Harbard.
Harbard. 43. Sif has a gallant at
42. That shall be indem- home;
by a hand-ring, [nified thou wilt anxious be to find
such as arbitrators give, him:
who wish to reconcile us. thou shalt that arduous work
perform
Thor.
it will beseem thee better.
43. Where didst thou
learn words Thor.
than which I never heard
49. Thou utterest what
more irritating?
comes upmost,
Harbard. so that to me it be most
44. From men I learned annoying,
them, thou dastardly varlet
from ancient men, I believe thou art lying.
whose home is in the woods.
Harbard.
Thor. 50. I believe I am telling
45. Thou givest certainly truth.
a good name to grave- Thou art travelling slowly;
mounds, thou wouldst have long since
when thou callest them arrived,
homes in the woods. hadst thou assumed another
Harbard. form.
46. So speak I Thor.
of such a subject.
5 1. Harbard !thou wretch
Thor. rather is it thou who hast
47. Thy shrewd words detained me.
 78 The Lay of Harbard.

Harbard. untilthou reachest Verland;

52. I never thought there will Fiorgyn
that a ferryman could find her son Thor,
the course of Asa -Thor and point out to him
retard. his kinsmen's ways
Thor. to Odin's land.
53. One advice I now will Thor.
give thee: 57. Can I get there to-day?
row hither with thy boat;
Harbard.
let us cease from threats;
58. With pain and toil
approach the sire of Magni.
thou mayest get there,
Harbard. while the sun is up,
54. Go farther from the which, I believe, is now nigh.
sound,
Thor.
the passage is refused thee.
59. Our talk shall now be
Thor.
short,
55. Show me then the way, as thou answerest with scof-
if thou wilt not ferry me fing only.
across the water. For refusing to ferry me I
Harbard. will reward thee,
56. That's too little to
if another time we meet.
'Tis far to go; [refuse, Harbard.
'tis to the stock an hour, 60. Just go to where
and to the stone another; all the powers of evil may
then keep the left hand way, have thee.
 For Skirnis'ebr Skirnismal.

The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

Frey, son had one day seated himself in
of Niord,
Hlidskialf, and was looking over all regions, when tur-
ning his eyes to Jotunheim, he there saw a beautiful
girl, as she was passing from her father's dwelling to

her bower. Thereupon he became greatly troubled in

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

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

tell it; 10. Dark it is without,
for in early days 'tis time, I say, for us to go
we were young together: across the misty fells,

well might we trust each over the Thursar's land:

other. we shall both return,
Frey. or the all-potent Jotun
will seize us both.
In Gymir's courts
6.
I saw walking Skirnir rides to Jotunheim,
a maid for whom I long. to Gymir's mansion where ,

Her arms gave forth light fierce dogs were chained at

wherewith shone the gate of the enclosure
all air and water. that was round Gymir's
hall. He rides on to where
7. Is more desirable
a cowherd was sitting on
to me that maid
a mound, and says to him:
than to any youth
11. Tell me, cowherd!
in early days;
yet will no one,
as on the mound thou sittest,
and watch est all the ways,
jiEsir or Alfar,
that we together live.
how I to the
speech may
come,
Skirnir. of the young maiden,
8.Give me but thy steed, for Gymir's dogs?
which can bear me through Cowherd.
the dusk, flickering flame, 24. Either thou art death-
and that sword, doomed,
which brandishes itself or thou art a departed one.
against the Jotuns' race. Speech wilt thou
Frey.
ever lack
with the good maid of Gymir.
9. 1 will give thee my steed,
which can bear thee through Skirnir.

the dusk, flickering flame, 13. Better choices than

and that sword, to whine
which will itself brandish, there are for him
if he is bold who raises it. who is prepared to die :
 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir. 81

forone day nor of the ^Esir's sons,

was my age decreed, nor of the wise Vanir's;
and my whole life deter- yet I am come alone,
mined. through the hostile fire,

Gerd. your halls to visit.

14. What is that sound of 19. Apples all-golden
sounds, I have here eleven:
which I now sounding hear these I will give thee, Gerd,
within our dwelling ? thy love to gain,
The earth is shaken, that thou mayest say that
and with it all to thee lives dearest. [Frey
the house of Gymir trembles. Gerd.
A serving-maid. 20. The apples eleven
15. A man is here without, I never will accept
dismounted from his horse's for any mortal's pleasure;
back: nor will I and Frey,
he lets his steed browse on while our lives last,
the grass. live both together.

Gerd. Skirnir.
16. Bid him enter 21. The ring too I will
into our hall, which was burnt [give thee,
and drink of the bright mead; with the young son of Odin.
although I fear Eight of equal weight
it is my brother's slayer will from it drop,
who waits without. every ninth night.
17. Who is this- of the Gerd.
Alfar's,
22. The ring I will not
or of the iEsir's sons,
accept,
or of the wise Vanir's?
burnt though it may have
Why art thou come alone,
been
through the hostile fire,
with the young son of Odin.
our halls to visit?
I have no lack of gold
Skirnir. in Gymir's courts;
18. I am not of the Alfar's, for my father's wealth I share.
6
82 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

Skirnir. 27. On an eagle's mount

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

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

ioyless crawl that shall possess thee,

wail for pastime in the grating of the dead
shalt thou have, beneath
and tears and misery. there shall wretched thralls,
31. With a three -headed from the tree's roots,
Thurs goats' water give thee.
thou shalt be ever bound, Other drink shalt thou,
or be without a mate. maiden never get,
!

Thy mind shall tear thee either for thy pleasure,

from morn to morn: or for my pleasure.
as the thistle thou shalt be 36. £urs* I cut for thee,
which has thrust itself and three letters more:
on the house-top. ergi ,and oe 6 i
32. To the wold I have been, and 6J)ola.
and to the humid grove, So will I cut them out,
a magic wand to get. as I have cut them in,
A magic wand I got. if there need shall be.
33. Wroth with thee is Odin,
Gerd.
wroth with thee is the iEsir's
37. Hail rather to thee,
prince j
youth
Frey shall loathe thee,
and accept an icy cup,
even ere thou, wicked maid
filled with old mead;
shalt have felt
although I thought not
the gods' dire vengeance.
that I ever should
34. Hear ye, Jotuns!
love one of Vanir race.
hear ye, Hrimthursar!
sons of Suttung! Skirnir.

also ye, -ZEsir's friends! 38. All my errand

how I forbid, will I know,
how I prohibit ere I hence ride home.
man's joy unto the damsel, When thou converse
wilt
man's converse to the damsel. hold
35. Hrimgrimnir the Thurs with the powerful
is named, son of Niord?

1) ^urs, &c. the names of magical runes.

6*
84 The Journey or Lay of Skirnir.

Gerd. in Jotunheim,
named,
39. Barri the grove is
for my pleasure or thine?

which we both know, Skirnir.

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

is

Nine nights hence, which we both know,

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

The Lay of Rig.

In ancient Sagas it is related that one of the iEsir na-

med Heimdall, being on a journey to a certain sea-shore,
came to a village, where he called himself Rig. In ac-
cordance with this Saga is the following:

1.In ancient days, they say, give to them both,

along the green ways went
the powerful and upright
sagacious As,
the strong and active Rig,
his onward course pursuing.
2. Forward he went
on the mid-way,
and to a dwelling came.
The door stood ajar,
he went in,
fire was on the floor.
The man and wife sat there,
hoary-haired, by the hearth,
Ai and Edda,
in old guise clad.
3. Rig would counsel
and himself seated
in the middle seat,
having on either side
the domestic pair.
4. Then Edda from the
took a loaf, [ashes
heavy and thick,
and with bran mixtedj
more besides she laid
on the middle of the board;
there in a bowl was broth
on the table set,
there was a calf boiled,
of cates most excellent.
5. Then rose he up,
prepared to sleep:
86 The Lay of Rig.

Rig would counsel a woman walking,

give to them both scarred were her foot-soles,
laid him down her arms sunburnt,
in the middle of the bed her nose compressed,
the domestic pair lay her name was Thy.
one on either side. 11. In the middle seat
6. There he continued herself she placed;
three nights together, by her sat
then departed the house's son.
on the mid-way. They spoke and whispered,
Nine months then prepared a bed,
passed way. Thrael and Thy,
7. Edda a child brought and days of care.
forth
12. Children they begat,
they with water sprinkled and lived content:
its swarthy skin, There names, I think, were
and named it Thrsel. Hreimr and Fiosnir,
8. It grew up, Kim* and Kleggi,
and well it throve; Kefsir, Fulnir,
of its hands Drumb, Digraldi.
the skin was shriveled, Drott and Hosvir,
the knuckles knotty, Lut and Leggialdi.
* *
* Fences they erected,
and the fingers thick; fields manured,
a hideous countenance it tended swine,
a curved back, [had, kept goats,
and protruding heels. dug turf.

9. He then began 13. The daughters were

his strength to prove, Drumba and Kumba,
bast to bind, Okkvinkalfa,
make of it loads; and Arinnefia,
then faggots carried home, Ysia and Ambatt,
the livelong day. Eikintiasna,
10. Then to the dwelling Totrughypia,
came and Tronubeina,
 The Lay of Rig. 87

whence are sprung 18. There he continued

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

Bui and Boddi, ample her robe,

Brattskegg and Segg. her sark was blue;
22. But [the daughters] brighter was her brow,
were thus called, her breast fairer,
by other names her neck whiter
Snot, Brud, Svanni, than driven snow.
Svarri, Sprakki, 27. Rig would counsel
Fliod, Sprund, and Vif, give to them both,
Feiraa, Ristil; and himself seated
whence are sprung on the middle seat,
the races of churls. having on either side
the domestic pair.
28. Then took Modir
23. Rig then went thence, a figured cloth
in a direct course, of white linen,
and came to a hall: and the table decked.
the entrance looked south- She then took
ward, thin cakes
the door was half closed, of snow-white wheat,
a ring was on the door-post. and on the table laid.
24. He went in 29. She set forth salvers
the floor was strewed, full, adorned with silver,

a couple sat on the table game and pork,

facing each other, and roasted birds.
Fadir and Modir, In a can was wine;
with fingers playing. the cups were ornamented.
25. The husband sat, They drank and talked
and twisted string, the day was fast departing.
bent his bow, Rig would counsel
and arrow-shafts prepared; give to them both.
but the housewife 30. Rig then rose,
looked on her arms, the bed prepared
smoothed her veil, there he then remained
and her sleeves fastened; three nights together,
26. her head- gear adjusted. then departed
A clasp was on her breast j on the mid-way.
 The Lay of Rig. 89

Nine months after that 34. Jarl then rode thence,

passed away. through a murky way,
31. Mddir then brought over humid fells,
forth a boy: till to a hall he came.

in silk they wrapped him, His spear he brandished,

with water sprinkled him, his shield he shook,
and named him Jarl. made his horse curvet,
Light was his hair, and his falchion drew,
bright his cheeks, strife began to raise,
his eyes piercing the field to redden,
as a young serpent's. carnage to make;
32. There at home and conquer lands.
Jarl grew up, 35. Then he ruled alone
learned the shield to shake, over eight vills,
to fix the string, riches distributed,
the bow to bend, gave to all

arrows to shaft, treasures and precious things

javelins to hurl, lank-sided horses,
spears to brandish, rings he dispersed,
horses to ride, and collars cut in pieces. 1
dogs to let slip, 36. The nobles drove
swords to draw, through humid ways,
swimming to practise. came to a hall,
33. Thither from the forest where Her sir dwelt;
Rig walking, [came there they found
Rig walking: a slender maiden,
runes he taught him, fair and elegant,
his own name gave him, Erna her name.
and his own son declared him 37. They demanded her,
whom he bade possess and conveyed her home,
his alodial fields, to Jarl espoused her
his alodial fields, she under the linen 2 went.
his ancient dwellings. They together lived,

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

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

and well throve, sorrows to allay.

had offspring, He of eight men had
and old age enjoyed. the strength and energy.
38. Bur was their eldest, 42. He with Rig Jarl
Barn the second, in runes contended,
Jod and Adal, artifices practised,
Arfi, Mog, and superior proved
Nid and Nidjung. then aquired
They learned games Rig to be called,
Son and Svein and skilled in runes.
swam and at tables played. 43. The young Kon rode
One was named Kund, through swamps and forests,
Kon was youngest. hurled forth darts,
39. There grew up and tamed birds.
Jarl's progeny; 44. Then sang the crow,
horses they broke, sitting lonely on a bough!
cc
curved shields, Why wilt thou, young Kon
cut arrows, tame the birds?
brandished spears. rather shouldst thou, young
40. But the young Kon on horses ride [Kon!
understood runes, *
sefin-runes, and armies overcome.
and aldr-runes; 45. Nor Dan nor Danp
he moreover knew halls more costly had,
men to preserve, nobler paternal seats,
edges to deaden, than ye had.
the sea to calm. They well knew how
41. He knew the voice the keel to ride,
of. birds, the edge to prove,
how fires to mitigate, wounds to inflict.
assuage and quench The rest is wanting.
 (Egisdrekka, e8a Lokasenna,

e(5a Lokaglepsa.

(Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

CEgir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer

for the JEsir, after he had got the great kettle, as has
been already related. To the entertainment came Odin
and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being in the
East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his
wife Idun, and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf hav-
ing bitten off his hand while being bound. Besides
these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey and
Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and
Frey's attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other iEsir
and Alfar were also present.
GEgir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright
gold was there used instead of fire-light. The beer served
itself to the guests. The place was a great sanc-
tuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
(Egir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience,
and so slew Fimafeng; whereupon the iEsir shook their
shields, exclaimed against Loki, chased him into the
forest, and then returned to drink. Loki came again,
and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:
92 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

1. Tell me, Eldir! that if we two

ere thou thy foot settest with bitter words contend,
one step forward, I shall be rich
on what converse in answers,
the sons of the triumphant if thou sayest too much ?

at their potation ? [gods

Loki then went into the hall,
Eldir. but when those present saw
2. Of their arms converse, who was come in, they all
and of their martial fame, sat silent.
the sons of the triumphant
Loki.
gods.
6. I Lopt am come thirsty
Of the vEsir and the Alfar
into this hall,
that are here within
from a long journey,
not one has a friendly word
to beseech the JEsir
for thee.
one draught to give me
Loki.
of the bright mead.
3. I will go
into (Egir's halls,
7. Why gods! are ye so
so reserved, [silent,
to see the compotation.
that ye cannot speak?
Strife and hate
to the JEsir's sons I bear,
A and place
seat
choose for me at your board,
and will mix their mead
with bale.
or bid me hie me hence.

Eldir. Bragi.

4. Knowest thou not that 8. A seat and place

if thou goest will the JEs'w never
into CEgir's halls choose for thee at their board J
to see the compotation, for well the TEsir know
but contumely and clamour for whom they ought to hold
pourest forth on the kindly a joyous compotation.
powers, Loki.
they will wipe it all off on 9. Odin dost thou remember
!

thee? when we in early days

Loki. blended our blood together?
5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, When to taste beer
 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 93

thou didst constantly refuse, that are here present,

unless to both 'twas offered ? in conflict thou art the most
Odin.
backward,
and in the play of darts
10. Rise up, Vidar!
most timid.
and let the wolfs sire
sit at our compotation Bragi.

that Loki may not utter 14. I know that were I

words of contumely without,
in CEgir's hall. as I am now within,
the hall of OEgir,
Vidar then rising, presented
I thy head would
Loki- with drink who be- ,

fore drinking thus addressed

bear in my hand,
and so for lying punish thee.
the iEsir:
11. Hail, JEsivl Loki.
Hail, Asyniur! 15. Valiant on thy seat art
And ye, all-holy gods! thou, Bragi!
save that one As,
all, but so thou shouldst not be,
who sits within there, Bragi, the bench's pride!
Bragi, on yonder bench. Go and fight,

Bragi.
ifthou art angry
a brave man sits not con-
12. A horse and falchion
sidering.
I from my stores will give
thee, Idun.
and also with a ring reward 16. I pray thee, Bragi!
thee, let avail the bond of chil-
if thou the -ZEsir wilt not dren,
requite with malice. and of all adopted sons,
Provoke not the gods against and to Loki speak not
thee. in reproachful words,
in (Egir's hall.
Loki.
13. Of horse and rings Loki.
wilt thou ever, Bragi! 17. Be silent, Idun!
be in want. of all women I declare thee
Of the JEsir and the Alfar, most fond of men,
94 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

since thou thy arms, I ween, she knows

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

Idun. 22. Be silent, Odin

Thou never couldst allot
18. Loki I address not
conflicts between men
with opprobrious words,
oft hast thou given to those
in (Egir's hall.
Bragi I soothe,
to whom thou oughtest not
victory to cowards.
by beer excited.
I desire not that angry ye Odin.
fight. 23. Knowest thou that I
gave
Gefion.
to those I ought not —
19. Why will ye, ^Esir
victory to cowards?
here within, [twain,
Thou wast eight winters
strive with reproachful
on the earth below,
words ?
a milch cow and a woman,
Lopt perceives not
and didst there bear children.
that he is deluded,
Now that, methinks, be-
and is urged on by fate.
tokens a base nature.
Loki.
Loki.
20. Be silent, Gefion! 24. But, it is said, thou
I will now just mention, wentest
how that fair youth with tottering steps in Samso,
thy mind corrupted, and knocked at houses as a
who thee a necklace gave, Vala.
and around whom thou thy In likeness of a fortune
limbs didst twine? teller,

Odin.
thou wentest among people ;

Now that, methinks, beto-

21 . Thou art raving, Loki
kens a base nature.
and hast lost thy wits,
in calling Gefion's anger on Frigg.

thee; 25. Your doings

for all men's destinies, ye should never
 CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 95

among men, knows all that happens,

publish
what ye, iEsir twain, although she says it not.

did in days of yore. Loki.

Ever forgotten be men's for- 30. Be thou silent, Freyia!
mer deeds! I know thee full well;

Loki. thou art not free from vices

of the iEsir and the Alfar,
26. Be thou Frigg!
silent,
that are herein,
Thou artFiorgyn's daughter,
each has been thy paramour.
and ever hast been fond of
men, Freyia.

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

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

in recounting wretched As,

thy foul misdeedsr that has borne children,
Frigg, I believe, should herein enter.
96 (Egir's Compolation or Loki's Altercation.

Loki. no wife of man,

34. Be Niord!
silent, and from bonds looses all.

Thou wast sent eastward

Loki.
hence,
a hostage from the gods.
38. Be silent, Ty !

Plymir's daughter had thee

Thou couldst never settle
a strife 'twixt two;
for an utensil,
and flowed into thy mouth. i
of thy right hand also
I must mention make,
Niord. which Fenrir from thee tore.
35. 'Tis to me a solace,
Ty.
as I a long way hence
was sent, a hostage from hand am wanting,
39. 1 of a
the gods, but thou of honest fame
that I had a son, sad is the lack of either.
whom no one hates, Nor is the wolf at ease:
and accounted is a chief he in bonds must bide,
among the .iEsir. until the gods' destruction.

Loki. Loki.

36. Cease now, Niord ! 40. Be Ty;

silent,

in bounds contain thyself; to thy wife happened

it

I will no longer keep it to have a son by me.

secret Nor rag nor penny ever
it was with thy sister hadst thou, poor wretch
thou hadst such a son for this injury.
hardly worse than thyself.
Frey.
Ty. 41. I the wolf see lying
37. Frey ist best mouth,
at the river's
of all the exalted gods until thepowers are swept
in the JEsir's courts: away.
no maid he makes to weep, So shalt thou be bound,

1) The events related in this strophe are probably

a mere perversion, by the poet, oi what we know of Niord's
history.
 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 97

if thou art not silent, drink beer together.

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

Loki. 48. Be silent, Heimdall!

44. What little thing is
For thee in early days
that I see was {hat hateful
life decreed

wagging its tail, with a wet back

and snapping eagerly? thou must ever be,
At the ears of Frey and keep watch as guardian
thou shouldst ever be, of the gods.
and clatter under mills. Skadi.
Byggvir; 49. Thou art merry, Loki!
45. Byggvir I am named, Not long wilt thou
and am thought alert, frisk with an unbound tail;
by all gods and men for thee, on a rock's point,
therefore am I joyful with the entrails of thy ice-
here, cold son,
that all the sons of Hropt the gods will bind.
7
98 CEgir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

Loki. He took the horn, drank,

50. Know, if on a rock's and said:
point,
54. So alone shouldst thou
with the entrails of my ice-
be,
cold son,
hadst thou strict and prudent
the gods will bind me,
been
that first and foremost towards thy mate;
I was at the slaying,
but one I know,
when we assailed Thiassi.
and, I think, know him well,
Skadi. a favoured rival of Hlorridi,
51. Know, if first and and that is the wily Loki.
foremost
Beyla. •

thou wast at the slaying,

when ye assailed Thiassi, 55. The fells all tremble:
I think Hlorridi
that from my dwellings
and fields shall to thee is from home journeying.
ever cold counsels come. He will bid be quiet
him who here insults
Loki.
all gods and men.
52. Milder wast thou of
to Laufey's son, [speech Loki.
when to thy bed thou didst 56. Be silent, Beyla!
invite me. Thou art Byggvir's wife,
Such matters must be men- and with much evil mingled:
tioned, never came a greater monster
if we accurately must among the -ZEsir's sons.

recount our vices. Thou art a dirty strumpet.

Then came Sif forth, and Thor then came in and

poured out mead for Loki said:
in an icy cup, saying: 57. Silence, thou impure
53. Hail to thee, Loki! being
and this cool cup receive, My mighty hammer, Miollnir,
full of old mead: shall stop thy prating. s

at least me alone, I will thyhead

among the blameless JEsir from thy neck strike
leave stainless. [race, then will thy life bo ended.
 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation. 99

Loki. with this right hand I,

58. Now the son of earth Hrungnir's bane,

is hither come. will smite thee,
Why dost thou chafe so, so that thy every bone be
Thor? broken.
Thou wilt not dare do so, Loki.
when with the wolf thou 62. 'Tis my intention
hast to fight,
a long life to live,
and he the all-powerful
though with thy hammer
father swallows whole.
thou dost threaten me.
Thor. Skrymir's thongs
59. Silence, thou impure seemed to thee hard,
being when at the food thou
My mighty hammer, Mioll- couldst not get,
nir, when, in full health, of
shall stop thy prating. hunger dying.
Up I will hurl thee Thor.
to the east region, 63. Silence, thou impure
and none shall see thee after. being
My mighty hammer, Mioll-
Loki.
nir,
60. Of thy eastern travels shall stop thy prating.
thou shouldest never Hrungnir's bane
to people speak, shall cast thee down to Hel,
since in a glove-thumb beneath the gratings of the
thou, Einheri! wast doubled dead.
up,
Loki.
and hardly thoughtest thou
64. I have said before the
wast Thor.
^Esir,
Thor. I have said before the JEsir's
61. Silence, thou impure sons,
being that which my mind sug-
My mighty hammer, Mioll- gested :

nir, but for thee alone

shall stop thy prating: will I go out;
V
100 (Egir's Compotation or Loki's Altercation.

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

wilt fight. was chan-
other son, Narfi,
65. CEgir! thou hast ged into a wolf. Skadi
brewed beer; took a venomous serpent,
but thou never shalt hence- and fastened it up over
forth Loki's face. The venom
a compotation hold. trickled down from it. Sigyn,
All thy possessions, Loki's wife, by, and
sat
which are herein, held a basin under the ve-
flame shall play over, nom ; and when the basin
and on thy back shall burn was full, carried the venom
thee. out. Meanwhile the venom
After this Loki, in the dropped on Loki, who
likeness of a salmon , cast shrank from it so violently
himself into the waterfall that the whole earth trem-
of Franangr, where the bled. This causes what
iEsir caught him and
, are now called earthquakes.
bound him with the entrails
 Fiolsvinnsmal.

The Lay of Fiolsvith.

1. From the outward wall who to the wayfarer offers

he saw one ascending to not hospitality?
the seat of the giant race. Void of honest fame,
prattler! hast thou lived:
Fiolsvith.
but hence hie thee home,
Along the humid ways
Fiolsvith.
haste thee back hence,
here, wretch! is no place 4. Fiolsvith is my name;
for thee. wise I am of mind,
though of food not prodigal.
2. What monster is it
Within these courts
before the fore- court stand- thou shalt never come:
ing, so now, wretch! take thy-
and hovering round the self off.
perilous flame?
Wanderer.
Whom dost thou seek?
5. From the eye's delight
Of what art thou in quest ?
few are disposed to hurry,
Or what, friendless being!
know? where there is something
desirest thou to
pleasant to be seen.
Wanderer. These walls, methinks,
3. What monster is that, shine around golden halls.
before the fore-court stan- Here I could live contented
ding, with my lot.
102 The Lay of Fiolsvith.

Fiolsvith. who lifts it from its ope-

6. Tell me, youth; ning.
of whom thou art born,
Vindkald.
or of what race hast sprung.
12. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
Wanderer. what that structure is called,
7. Vindkald I am called, than which among the gods
Varkald was my father mortals never saw a greater
named, artifice ?

his sire was Fiolkald.

Fiolsvith.
8. Tell me, Fiolsvith!
13. Gastropnir it is called,
that which I will ask thee,
and I constructed it
and I desire to know:
of Leirbrimir's limbs.
who here holds sway,
I have so supported it,
and has power over
that it will ever stand
these lands and costly halls?
while the world lasts.
Fiolsvith.
Vindkald.
9. Menglod her name,
is
14. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
her mother her begat
with Svaf, Thorin's son. what those dogs are called,

She here holds sway, that chase away the gian-

tesses,
and has power over
these lands and costly halls.
and safety to the fields
restore ?
Vindkald. ^n
Fiolsvith.
10. Tell me Fiolsvith! etc.
15. Gifr the one is called,
what the grate is called,
the other Geri,
than which among the gods
if thou that wouldst know.
mortals never saw a greater
artifice ?
Eleven watches
they will keep,
Fiolsvith.
until the powers perish.
ll.Thrymgioll it is called,
and Solblindi's Vindkald.

three sons constructed it: 16. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.

a fetter fastens whether any man

every wayfarer, can enter
 The Lay of Fiolsvith. 103

while those fierce assailants itby that will fall

sleep ? which fewest know.
Fiolsvith. Nor fire nor iron will

17. Alternate sleep

harm it.

was strictly to them enjoined, Vindkald.

since to the watch thy were 22. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
appointed. to what the virtue is
One sleeps by night, of thatfamed tree applied,
by day the other, which nor fire nor iron will
so that no wight can enter harm?
if he comes.
Fiolsvith.
Vindkald. 23. Its fruit shall
18. Tell me/ Fiolsvith! etc. on the fire be laid,
whether there is any food for labouring women;
that men can get, out then will pass
such that they can run in what would in remain:
while they eat? so is it a creator of mankind.
Fiolsvith. Vindkald.
19. Two repasts 24. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
lie in Vidofnir's wings, what the cock is called
if thou that wouldst know: that sits in that lofty tree,
that is alone such food and all - glittering is with
as men can give them, gold?
and run in while they eat. Fiolsvith.
Yindkald. 25. Vidofnir he is called;
20. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc. in the clear he stands,
air
what that tree is called in the boughs of Mima's tree :

that with its branches afflictions only brings,

spreads itself together indissoluble,
over every land? the swart bird at his lonely

Fiolsvith.
meal.
I

21. Mimameidir it is called; Vindkald.

but few men know 26. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
from what roots it springs whether there be any weapon,
104 The Lay of Fiolsvith.

before which Vidofnir may and to Sinmoera give,

fall to Hel's abode? before she will think fit

Fiolsvith. to lend an arm for conflict.

27. Hsevatein the twig is Vindkald.

named, 32. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
and Lopt plucked it, what this hall is called,
down by the gate of Death. which is girt round
In an iron chest it lies with a curious flickering
with Sinmcera, flame?
and is with nine strong Fiolsvith.
locks secured.
33. Hyr it is called,
Vindkald. and it will long
28. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc. tremble as on a lance's
whether he will alive return, point.
who seeks after, This sumptuous house
and will take, that rod? shall, forages hence,
Fiolsvith.
be but from hearsay known.

29. He will return Vindkald.

who seeks after, 34. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
and will take, the rod, which of the iEsir's sons
if he bears that has that constructed,
which few possess which within the court I
to the dame of the glassy saw?
clay. Fiolsvith.
Vindkald. 35. Uni and Iri,

30. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc. Bari and Ori,

whether there is any treasure, Var and Vegdrasil,
that mortals can obtain, Dorri and Uri,
at which the pale giantess Delling and Atvard,
will rejoice? Lidskialf, Loki,

Fiolsvith. Vindkald.
31. The bright sickle 36. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
that lies in Vidofnir's wings, what that mount is called,
thou in a bag shalt bear, on which I see
 The Lay of Fiolsvith. 105

a splendid maiden stand? to the sons of men,

Fiolsvith.
but they will free each from
peril.
37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called,
and long has it a solace been Vindkald.
to the bowed - down and 42. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc.
sorrowful whether there is any man
each woman becomes that may in Menglod's
healthy, soft arms sleep?
although a year's disease Fiolsvith.
she have,
43. There is no man
if she can but ascend it.
who may in Menglod's
Yindkald. soft arms sleep,
38. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc. save only Svipdag;
how those maids are called, to him the sun-bright maid
who sit at Menglod's knees is for wife betrothed.
in harmony together? Vindkald.
Fiolsvith. 44. Set the doors open!
39. Hlif the first is called, Let the gate stand wide;
the second is Hlifthursa, here thou mayest Svipdag
the third Thiodvarta, but yet go learn [see;
Biort and Blid, if Menglod will
Blidr, Frid, accept my love.
Eir and Orboda. Fiolsvith.
Vindkald. 45. Hear, Menglod!
40. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc. A man is hither come:
whether they protect go and behold the stranger
those who offer to them, the dogs rejoice;
if it should, be needful? the house has itself opened.

Fiolsvith. I think it must be Svipdag.

41. Every summer Menglod.

in which men offer to them, 46. Fierce ravens shall,
at the holy place, on the high gallows,
no pestilence so great shall tear out thy eyes,
come if thou art lying,
106 The Lay of Fiolsvith.

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

the youth uuto my halls. A sight unlooked-for
gladdens most persons,
47. Whence art thou come?
Whence hast thou jour- when one the other loves.

neyed?
50. Long have I sat
How do thy kindred call
on my loved hill,
thee?
day and night
Of thy race and name expecting thee.
I must have a token,
Now that is come to pass
if I was betrothed to thee.
which I have hoped,
Svipdag. that thou, dear youth, again
48. Svipdag I am named, to my halls art come.
Solbiart was my father na-
med; Svipdag.

thence the winds on the cold 51. Longing I have under-

ways drove me. gone
Urd's decree for thy love;
may no one gainsay, and thou, for my affection.
however lightly uttered. Now it is certain,

Menglod. that we shall pass

Welcome thou art: our lives together.

49.
my will I have obtained;
 HyndMiob,

The Lay of Hyndla.

Freyia rides with her favourite Ottar to Hyndla, a Vala, for
the purpose of obtaining information respecting Ottar's ge-
nealogy, such information being required by him in a legal
dispute with Angantyr. Having obtained this, Freyia further
requests Hyndla to give Ottar a potion (minnisol) that will
enable him to remember all that has been told him. This she
refuses, but is forced to comply by Freyia having encircled
her cave with flames. She gives him the potion, but accom-
panied by a malediction, which is by Freyia turned to a
blessing.

Freyia. gold to the deserving.

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

but poesy to skallds; since thou sayest that my

valour he gives man
to many a warrior. is on the dead-road with me;
4. She to Thor will offer, there where my hog sparkles
she to him will pray, with its golden bristles,

that to thee he may hight Hildisvini,

be well disposed; which for me made

although he bears ill will the two skilful dwarfs,

to Jotun females. Dain and Nabbi.

From the saddle we will talk:
5. Now thy wolves
of
let us sit,
take one and of princely
from out the stall; families discourse,
let him run of those chieftains
with runic rein. 1 who from the gods descend.
Hyndla. They have contested
6. Sluggish is thy hog for the dead's gold,
the god's way to tread: Ottar the young
and Angantyr.
Freyia.
7. I will my noble
10. A duty 'tis to act
so that the young prince
palfrey saddle.
his paternal heritage may
Hyndla. have,
8. False art thou, Freyia! after his kindred.
who temptest me: 11. An offer-stead to me
by thy eyes thou showest it, he raised,
so fixed upon us; with stones constructed;
while thou thy man hast now is that stone
on the dead-road, 2 as glass become.
the young Ottar, With the blood of oxen
Innstein's son. he newly sprinkled it.

9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! Ottar ever trusted

methinks thou dreamest, in the Asyniur.

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

road to Valhall.
 The Lay of Hyndla. 109

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

the ancient families, his deeds seemed to soar
and the races of to the skirts of heaven.
exalted men. 16. By Eimund aided,
Who are the Skioldungs? chief of men,
Who are the Skilfings? he Sigtrygg slew
Who the Odlings? with the cold steel.
Who the Ylfings? He Almveig had to wife,
Who the hold-born? first of women.
Who the hers-born? They begat and had
The choicest race of men eighteen sons.
under heaven? 17. From them the Skiol-
Hyndla. dungs,
13. Thou, Ottar! art
from them the Skilfings,

of Innstein born,
from them the Odlings,

but Innstein was from them the Ynglings,

from Alf the Old, from them the hold-born,

Alf was from Ulf. from them the hers-born,

Ulf from Ssefari, the choicest race of men
but Ssefari under heaven.
All that race is thine,
from Svan the Red.
Ottar Heimski!
14. Thy father had a
18. Hildegun
mother,
her mother was,
for her necklaces famed,
of Svafa born
she, I think, was named
and a sea-king.
Hledis the priestess;
All that race is thine,
Frodi her father was,
Ottar Heimski!
and her mother Friant:
Carest thou this to know?
all that stock is reckoned
Wishest thou a longer
among chieftains.
narrative ?
15. Ali was of old 19. Dag wedded Thora,
of men the strongest, mother of warriors:
Halfdan before him, of that race were born
the highest of the Skioldungs; the noble champions,
(Famed were the wars Fradmar, Gyrd,
110 The Lay of Hyndla.

and the Frekis both, Ulf, Ginandi,

Am, Josur, Mar, Biii and Brami,
Alf the Old. Barri and Reifnir,
Carest thou this to know? Tind and Tyrfing,
Wishest thou a longer the two Haddingis.
narrative ? All that race is thine,
Ottar Heimski!
20. Ketil their friend was
named, 24. To toil and tumult
heir of Klyp; were the sons
he was maternal grandsire of Arngrim born,
of thy mother. and of Eyfura:
Then was Frodi ferocious berserkir,
yet before Kari, calamity of every kind,
but the eldest born by land and sea,
was Alf. like fire they carried.
All that race is thine,
21. Nanna was next,
Ottar Heimski!
Nokkvi's daughter;
her son was 25. I knew both
thy fathers kinsman, Brodd and Horfi,
ancient is that kinship. they were in the court
I knew both of Hrolf the Old;
Brodd and Horfi. all descended

All that race is thine, from Jormunrek,

Ottar Heimski! son-in-law of Sigurd.

22. Isolf, Asolf,.

(Listen to my story)
the dread of nations,
Olmod's sons
him who Fafnir slew.
and Skurhild's
Skekkil's daughter; 26. He was a king,
thou shalt yet count from Volsung sprung,
chieftains many. and Hiordis
All that race is thine, from Hrodung;
Ottar Heimski! but Eylimi
23. Gunnar, Balk, from the Odlings.
Grim, Ardskafi, All that race is thine,
Jarnskiold, Thorir, Ottar Heimski!
 The Lay of Hyndla. Ill

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

sons of Giuki; from Jotuns sprung
and Gudrun likewise, and Aurboda;
their sister. Thiassi also
Guttorm was not was their relation,
of Giuki's race, that haughty Jotun;
although he brother was Skadi was his daughter.
of them both. 31. We tell thee much,
All that race is thine, and remember more
Ottar Heimski! I admonish thee thus much
28. Harald Hildetonn, to know.
born of Hrserekir Wishest thou yet a longer
Slongvanbaugi narrative ?
he was a son of Aud, 32.Haki was not the worst
Aud the rich of Hvedna's sons,
was Ivar's daughter; and Hiorvard
but Radbard was was Hvedna's father;
Randver's father. Heid and Hrossthiof were
They were heroes of Hrimnir's race.
to the gods devoted. 33. All the Valas are
All that race is thine, from Vidolf;
Ottar Heimski! all the soothsayers
29. There were eleven from Vilmeidr,
^Esir reckoned, all the sorcerers
when Baldr on from Svarthofdi;
the pilewas laid; all the Jotuns
him Vali showed himself come from Ymir.
worthy to avenge, 34. We tell thee much,
his own brother: and more remember,
he the slayer slew. I admonish thee thus much
All that race is thine, to know.
Ottar Heimski! Wishest thou yet a longer
30. Baldr's father was narrative ?
son of Bur: 35. There was one born,
Frey to wife had Gerd, in times of old,
112 The Lay of Hyndla.

with wondrous might en- but Sleipnir he begat

dowed, with Svadilfari
of origin divine: one monster seemed
nine Jotun maids of all most deadly,
gave birth which from Byleist's
to the gracious god, brother sprang.
at the world's margin.
39. Loki, scorched up 1
36. Gialp gave him birth, in his heart's affections,
Greip gave him birth, had found a half-burnt
Eistla gave him birth, woman's heart,
and Angeia Loki became guileful
Ulfrun gave him birth, from that wicked woman;
and Eyrgiafa, thence in the world
Imd and Atla, are all giantesses come.
and Jarnsaxa.
40. Ocean towers with
37. The boy was nour- storms
ished to heaven itself,
with the strength of earth, flows o'er the land;
with the ice-cold sea, the air is rent:
and with Son's blood. thence come snows
We tell thee much, and rapid winds;
and more remember. then it is decreed
I admonish thee thus much that the rain should cease.
to know.
41. There was one born
Wishest thou a yet longer greater than all,
narrative ?
the boy was nourished
38. Loki begat the wolf with the strength of earth
with Angrboda, he was declared a ruler,

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

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

mightiest and richest, under thy girdle.

alliedby kinship Thou runnest, my hot friend,
to all princes. out at nights,
42. Then shall another come, as among he-goats
yet mightier, the she-goat goes.
although I dare not
hisname declare. Freyia.
Few may see 46. Fire I strike
further forth over thee, dweller of the
than when Odin wood
meets the wolf. so that thou goest not

Freyia. ever away from hence,

43. Bear thou the memory- Hyndla.
to my guest, [cup 47. Fire I see burning,
so that he may all
and the earth blazing;
the words repeat
many will have
of this discourse,
their lives to save.
on the third morn,
Bear thou the cup
when he and Angantyr
to Ottar's hand,
reckon up races.
the mead with venom
Hyndla. mingled,
44. Go thou quickly hence, in an evil hour!
I long to sleep;
Freyia.
more of my wondrous power
thou gettest not from me. 48. Thy malediction
Thou runnest, my hot friend, shall be powerless

out at nights, although thou, Jotun-maid!

as among he-goats dost evil threaten.
the she-goat goes. He shall drink
delicious draughts.
45. Thouhast run thyself
All the gods I pray
ever longing;
[ ma d,
to favour Ottar.
many a one has stolen
 Grougaldr.

The Incanta tion of Gxoa,

Son. whom my feae-iathepfin his

1. Wake up, Groa! bosom cherished,
wake up, good woman! when thou badest me go
at the gates of death I wake no one knows whither,
thee! Menglod to meet.
if thou rememberest, Mother.
that thou thy son badest
4. Long is the journey,
to thy grave-mound to come.
long are the ways,
Mother. long are men's desires.
2. What now troubles If it so fall 'out,
my only son? that thou thy will obtainest,
With what affliction art the event must then be as it

thou burthened, Son.

may-
that thou thy mother callest, Sing to me songs
5.
who to dust is come, which are good.
and from human homes Mother! protect thy son.
departed ? Dead on my way
Son. I fear to be.

3. A hateful game I seem too young in years.

thou , crafty woman , didst Mother.

set before me, 6. I will sing to thee first
 The Incantation of Groa. 115

one that is thought most and the lock from thy arms
useful, shall start,
which Rind sang to Ran; [and from thy feet the fetter.]

that from thy shoulders 11. A sixth I will sing

thou shouldst cast to thee.
what to thee seems irksome: Ifon the sea thou comest,
let thyself thyself direct. more stormy than men have
known
7. A second I will sing
it,

to thee,
air and water
shall in a bag attend thee,
as thou hast to wander
joyless on thy ways.
and a tranquil course afford
thee.
May Urd's protection
hold thee on every side,
12. A seventh I will sing
to thee.
where thou seest turpitude.
If on a mountain high
8. A third I will sing to
frost should assail thee,
thee.
deadly cold shall not
If the mighty rivers
thy carcase injure,
to thy life's peril fall,
nor draw thy body to thy
Horn and Rud, limbs.
may they flow down to Hel,
An eighth I will sing
13.
and for thee ever be dimi-
to thee.
nished.
If night overtake thee,
9. A fourth I will sing to when out on the misty way,
thee. that the dead Christian
If foes assail thee woman
ready on the dangerous road, no power may have
their hearts shall fail them, to do thee harm.
and to thee be power, 14. A ninth I will sing
and their minds to peace to thee.
be turned. If with a far-famed spear-
10. A fifth I will sing to armed Jotun
If bonds be [thee, thou words exchangest,
cast on thy limbs, of words and wit
friendly spells I will let to thy mindful heart
on thy joints be sung, abundance shall be given.
8*
 The Incantation of Groa.
116

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

where calamity may be, thy mother's words,

and no harm shall obstruct and in thy breast let them
thy wishes. dwell
the for happiness abundant
On a stone fast in
earth shalt thou have in life,

I have stood within the door, while of my words thou art

mindful.
while songs I sang to thee.
 Solarlio 5

The Song of the Sun.

This singular poem, the authorship of which is, in some
manuscripts, assigned to Saemund himself, may be termed a
Voice from the Dead, given under the form of a dream, in
which a deceased father is supposed to address his son from
another world. The first 7 strophes seem hardly connected
with the following ones, which, as far as the 32 nd consist
chiefly in aphorisms with examples, some closely resembling
those in the Havamal. In the remaining portion is given the
recital of the last illness of the supposed speaker his death,
,

and the scenes his soul passed through on the way to its
final home.
The composition exhibits a strange mixture of Christia-
nity and Heathenism, whence it would seem that the poet's
own religion was in a transition state. Of the allusions to
•Heathenism it is, however, to be observed that they are chiefly
to persons and actions of which there is no trace in the
Odinic mythology, as known to us, and are possibly the fruits
of the poet's own imagination. The title of the poem is no
doubt derived from the allusion to the Sun at the beginning
of strophes 39—45.

For an elaborate and learned commentary, with an

interlinear version of"the Song of the Sun", the reader may
consult "Les Chants de Sol," by Professor Bergmann, Stras-
bourg & Paris, 1858.
 ;

118 The Song of the Sun.

1. Of life and property 6. The God of heaven

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

most frequently, 7. Holy angels came

no one invited he to his from heaven above,
until weary, [repast; and took to them his soul:
and with failing strength, in a life of purity
a wandering guest it shall ever live
came from the way. with the almighty God.
3. In need of drink
that way-worn man,
and hungry feigned to be: 8. Riches and, health
with trembling heart no one may command,
he seemed to trust though all go smoothly
him who had been so evil- with him.
minded. To many that befalls
4. Meat and drink which they least expect.
to the weary one he gave, No one may command his
allwith upright heart; tranquillity.
on God he thought, 9. Unnar and S^valdi
the traveller's wants sup-
never imagined
plied ;
that happiness would fall
for he felt he was an evil-
from them,
doer.
yet naked they became,
5. Up stood the guest, and of all 'bereft,

he evil meditated, and, like wolves , ran to the

he had not been kindly forest.
treated
his sin withinhim swelled,
he while sleeping murdered The force of pleasure
10.
his wary cautious host. has many a one bewailed.
 ;

The Song of the Sun. 119

Cares are often caused by- and each one found his
women ;
death.
pernicious they become,
although the mighty God
them pure created. 15. Arrogance should
1 1 United were
. > no one entertain:
Svafud and Skarthedin, I indeed have seen
neither might without the that, those who follow her,
other be, for the most part,
until to frenzy they were turn from God.
for a woman: [driven 16. Rich were both,
.she was destined for their Radey and Vebogi,
perdition, i and thought only of their
1 2. On
account of that well-being
fair maid, now they sit

neither of them cared and turn their sores

for games or joyous days ; to various hearths.
no other thing 17. They in themselves
could they in memory bear confided,
than that bright form. and thought themselves
13.Sad to them were alone to be
the gloomy nights, above all people ;

no sweet sleep might they but their lot

enjoy: Almighty God was pleased
but from that anguish otherwise to appoint.
rose hate intense 18. A life of luxury they
between the faithful friends, in many
ways, [led,
14. Hostile deeds and had gold for sport.
are in most places Now they are requited,
fiercely avenged. so that they must walk
To the -holm they went, 1 between frost and fire.
for that fair woman,

1) they engaged in single combat; the spot for

That is,

such encounters being a called a holm, consisting of a cir-

cular space marked out by stones.
120 The Song of the Son.

19. To thy enemies 24. His soul summoned

trust thou never, the true God [home
although they speak thee fair: into his joy to come;
promise them good : but the evil doers
tis good to have another's will,I ween, late
as a warning. [injury be from torments called.
20. So it befell
Sorli the upright,
when he placed himself in 25. Do
thou pray the Disir
Vigolf's power; of the Lord's words
he confidently trusted him, to be kind to thee in spirit
his brother's murderer, for a week after,
but he proved false. all shall then go happily,
21. Peace to them _
he according to thy will.
granted, 26. For a deed of ire
with heart sincere that thou hast perpetrated,
they in return promised him never atone with evil:
gold, the weeping thou shalt
feigned themselves friends, soothe with benefits:
while they together drank that is salutary to the soul.
but then came forth their 27. On God a man
guile. shall for good things call,

22. Then afterwards, on him who has mankind

on the second day, created.
when they in Rygiardal rode, Greatly sinful is

they with swords wounded every man

who sackless was, [him who late finds the Father.
and let his life go forth, 28. To be solicited, we
23. His corpse they opine,
dragged is with all earnestness
(on a lonely way, for that which is lacking:
and cut up piecemeal) into of all things may be de-
a well,* stitute
and would it hide he who for nothing asks:
but the holy Lord few heed the wants of the
beheld from heaven. silent.
 The Song of the Sun. 121

29. Late I came, who after money crave;

though called betimes, shining riches
to the supreme Judge's door; at last become a sorrow:
thitherward I yearn many have riches driven to
for it was promised me, madness.
he who craves it shall of 35. Steeped in joys
the feast partake. I seemed to men;
30. Sins are the cause for little did I see before me
that sorrowing we depart our worldly sojourn
from this world: has the Lord created
no one stands in dread, in delights abounding.
if he does no evil: 36. Bowed down I sat,
good it is to be blameless. long I tottered,
31. Like unto wolves of life was most desirous
all those seem but He prevailed
who have a faithless mind who was all-powerful:
so he will prove onward are the ways of
who has to go the doomed.
through ways strewed with 37. The cords of Hel
gleeds. were tightly
32. Friendly counsels, bound round my sides;
and wisely composed, seven I would rend them,
I have imparted to thee: but they were strong.
consider thou them well, 'Tis easy free to go.
and forget them never: 38. I alone knew,
they are all useful to learn. how on all sides

my pains increased.
The maids of Hel each eve
33. Of that I will speak, with horror bade me
how happy I was home.
to their
in the world, 39. The sun I saw,
and secondly, true star of day,
how the sons of men sink in its roaring home;
reluctantlybecome corpses. but Hel's grated doors
34. Pleasure and pride on the other side I heard
deceive the sons of men heavily creaking.
122 The Song of the Sun.

40. The sun

saw I since that gloomy day;
with blood-red beams beset for the mountain-waters
(fast was I then from this closed over me,
world declining) and I went called from
mightier she appeared, torments.
in many ways, 46. The star of hope,
than she was before. when I was born,
41. The sun I saw, fled from my breast away
and it seemed to me high it flew,
as if I saw a glorious god settlednowhere,
I bowed before her, so that it might find rest.

for the last time, 47. Longer than all

in the world of men. was that one night,
The sun I saw:
42. when stiff on my straw I lay

she beamed forth so then becomes manifest

that I seemed nothing to the divine word:
know Man is the same as earth.
but Gioll's streams 48. The Creator God can
roared from the other side it estimate and know,
mingled much with blood. (He who made heaven and
43. The sun I saw, earth)
with quivering eyes, how forsaken
appalled and shrinking; many go hence,
for my heart although from kindred
in great measure was parted.
dissolved in languor. 49. Of his works
44. The sun I saw each has the reward:
seldom sadder; happy is he who does good.
I had then almost from the Of my wealth bereft,
world declined: to me was destined
my tongue was a bed strewed with sand.
as wood become, 50. Bodily desires
and all was cold without me. men oftentimes seduce,
45. The sun I saw of them has many a one
never after, too much:
 The Song of the Sun. 123

water of baths from the south coming,

was of all things to me he was by two together led
most loathsome. his feet stood on the earth,

51. In the Noras' seat but his horns

nine days I sat, reached up to heaven.
thence I was mounted on 56. From the north riding
a horse: I saw
there the giantess's sun the sons of Nidi,
shone grimly they were seven in all:
through the dripping clouds from full horns,
of heaven. the pure mead they drank
52.Without and within, from the heaven-god's well.
I seemed to traverse all 57. The wind was silent,
the seven nether worlds : the waters stopped their
up and down, course
I sought an easier way, then I heard a doleful sound
where I might have the for their husbands
readiest paths. false-faced women
ground earth for food.
58. Gory stones
53. Of that is to be told, those dark women
which I saw,
first turned sorrowfully*
when I to the worlds of bleeding hearts hung
torment came: — out of their breasts,
scorched birds, faint with much affliction.
which were souls,
59. Many a man I saw
flew numerous as flies.
wounded go
54. From the west I saw on those gleed-streweci paths;
Von's dragons fly, their faces seemed
and Glaeval's paths obscure to me all reddened
their wings they shook; with reeking blood.
wide around me seemed
60. Many men I saw
the earth and heaven to
to earthgone down,
burst.
who holy service might not
55. The sun's hart I saw have;
124 The Sons; of the Sun.

heathen stars valued themselves too

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

bowed before them: 77. Odin's wife

that is the highest joy. rows in earth's ship,
eager after pleasures;
72. I saw those men
her sails are
who had put food
reefed late,
into their mothers' mouth:
which on the ropes of desire
their couches were
are hung.
on the rays of heaven
pleasantly placed. 78. Son! I thy father
and Solkatla's sons
73. Holy virgins
have alone obtained for thee
had cleanly washed
that horn of hart,
the souls from sin
which from the grave-mound
of those men,
bore
who for a long time had
the wise Vigdvalin.
themselves tormented.
79. Here are runes
74. Lofty cars I saw
which have engraven
towards heaven going;
Niord's daughters nine,
they were on the way to God
Radvor the eldest,
men guided them
and the youngest Kreppvor,
who had been murdered
and their seven sisters.
wholly without crime.
75. Almighty Father!
80. How much violence
have they perpetrated
greatest Son!
Svaf and Svaflogi!
holy Spirit of heaven
bloodshed they have excited,
Thee I pray,
and wounds have sucked,
who hast us all created
after an evil custom.
free us all from miseries.
81. This lay,
which I have taught thee,

76. Biugvor and Listvor thou shalt before the living

sit at Herdir's doors, sing,

on resounding seat; the Sun-Song,

iron gore which will appear
from their nostrils,
falls in many parts no fiction.

which kindles hate among 82. Here we part,

men. but again shall meet
126 The Song of the Sun.

on the day of men's rejoicing. but thou hast seen the truth
Oh Lord! no man has been
unto the dead grant peace, so wise created
and to the living comfort. that has before heard the

83. Wondrous lore

Sun-song.
has in dream to thee been
sung,

—<#€38£>#»—
MYTHOLOGICAL INDEX.
 Abbreviations in Mythological Index.

Avm. = Alvissmal. page 67.

epil. = epilogue.
Fsm. = Fiolsvinnsmal. 101. p.
Gg. = Grougaldr. p. 114.
Gm. = Grimnismal. p. 19.

Gylf. = Gylfaginning (Snorra-Edda) edit. Bask. Stockh. 1818.

Hbl. = Harbardsli66. p. 72.

Hdl. = Hindlulioa. p. 107.

Hfg. 0. = Hrafnagaldr Odins. p. 28.
Hmkv. = HymiskviQa. p. 56.
Hvm. == Havamal. p. 36.
N. M. = Northern Mythology by Thorpe. Lond. 1851.
(Egd. = QEgisdrekka. p. 91.
Petersen = Nordisk Mythologi, af N.M. Petersen. Kbh. 1849.
prol. = prologue.
Rgm. = Rigsmal. p. 85.
Skaldsk. = Skaldskaparmal Rask. Stockh. 1818.
edit.
Skm. = Skirnismal. p. 79.
Sol. = Solarliofr. 117.
p.
Thkv. = Thrymskvi&a. p. 62.
Vfm. = Vafyrufrnismal. p. 12.
Vkv. = Vegtamskvi&a. 33. p.
Vsp. = Voluspa. p. l.
 Hfflllttl IHMX.

A.
The gods of the Scandinavian nations, of whom
JEsir, (sing. As).
Odin was the chief. N. M. I. ll. Vsp. 7.; three of them
create man. lb. 17 ; their burgh -wall broken, ib. 28; hold
council at Ragnarok. ib. 52; meet on Ida's plain after Rag-
narok. ib. 58.; will contend with Surt on Vigrid's plain,
Vfm. 18; their feast at (Egir's. (Egd. prol.
An, grandfather, or progenitor in general, married to Amma,
progenitor of the race of churls or free husbandmen. Rgm. 16.
Agnar, a son of King Hraudung, and foster-son of Frigg.
Gm. prol.
Agnar, son of King Geirrod, gives drink to Grimnir (Odin).
Gm. 1. succeeds his father, ib. epil.
;

Ai, a dwarf. Vsp. 1, 15.

Ai, a great-great-grandfather, or progenitor in general; mar-
ried to Edda; the progenitor of the thrall race. Rgm. 2.
Alf, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Alf the Old; genealogy. Hdl. 13, 19, 20.
Alfar, (sing. Alf), a class of beings, like the dwarfs, between
gods and men. They were of two kinds: the Light elves
(Liosalfar), and the Dark elves (Dockalfar). See N. M. I.
p. 25. Vsp. 52; Gm. 4; Hfg. 0. 1, 25.
Alfodr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48. Hfg. 0. I.
Alfheim, Frey's dwelling, given to him as a tooth -gift. Gm. 5.
Alfrodull, a name of the sun. Vfm. 47; Skm. 4.
Algron, an imaginary island. Hbl. 16.
Ali, a Skioldung. Hdl. 15.
Allvaldi, the father of Thiassi. Hbl. 19.
Almveig, wife of Halfdan. Hdl. 16.
Alsvid, one of the horses of the sun. Gm. 37.
130 Mythological Index

Alsvid. Hfg. 0. 4.
Althiof, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Alvis, a dwarf, answers Thor's questions. Avm.
Am, genealogy. Hdl. 19.
Amma, grandmother, or progenitrix in general, married to
Afi; progenitrix of the race of churls. Rgm. 16.
An, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Anar, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Andhrimnir, the cook in Valhall. Gm. 18.
Angantyr, his contention with Ottar Heimski. Hdl. 9, 43.
Angeia, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Angrboda, mother of Fenrisulf by Loki. Hdl. 38.
Ardskafi, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Argioll, a name of the bridge Bifrost? Hfg. 0. 26.
Arngrim, genealogy. Hdl. 24.
Arvakr, one of the horses of the sun. Gm. 37.
As. See iEsir.
Asgard, the habitation of the JEsir. Hmkv. 6.
Ask, the first man, his creation. Vsp. 17.
Asolf, genealogy. Hdl. 22.
Asvid, introduces runes among the Jotuns. Hvm. 145.
Asyniur, plur. of Asynia, fern, of As. passim.
Atla, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Atrid, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Atvard, an As. Fsm. 35.
Aud, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Aurboda, wife of Gymir and mother of Gerd. Hdl. 30.
Aurgelmir, or Orgelmir, a cosmogonic giant, grandfather of
Bergelmir. Vfm. 29.; his origin, ib. 31; called also Ymir
ib. 29—31.; how he begat children, ib. 33.
Aurvang, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Austri, a dwarf presiding over the east region. Vsp. 11.

B.
Baldr, orBaldur, son of Odin and Frigg, slain by Hodr. Vsp. 36,
37.; returns to life in the new world, ib. 60; dwells in
Breidablik. Gm. 12; has oppressive dreams. Vkv. l; called
Ullr's kinsman, ib. 3; all beings swear not to harm him.
ib. 4; laid on the pile. Hdl. 29.
Baleyg, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
Balk, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Bari, an As. Fsm. 35.
Barri, a grove. Skm. 39, 41.
Barri, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
 Mythological Index. 131

Bavor, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.

Beli,a Jotun, brother of Gerd, slain by Frey. Vsp. 53.
Bergelmir, a cosmogonic giant, son of Thrudgelmir. Vfm. 29;
placed in an ark. ib. 35.
Besti.a,wife of Bur and mother of Odin. Hvm. 142.
Beyla, Frey's attendant. (Egd. prol. ; wife of Byggvir. ib. 56.
Biflindi, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Bifrost, the bridge reaching from Midgard to Asgard (the rain-
bow) N. M. I. p. li.; the best of bridges. Gm. 44.
Bild, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Bileyg, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
Billing, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Billing. Hvm.
97. and note 2.
Thor's dwelling, has 540 floors.
Bilskirnir, Gm. 24.
Biort, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Biugvbr. Sol. 76.
Bivdr, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Blid, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Bolthorn, a giant, father of Bestla, Odin's mother. Hvm. 142.
Bolverk, a name of Odin. Gm. 47. Hfg. 0. 19. Hvm. 100.
Bombnr, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Bragx, a son of Odin. N. M. I. p. 28; the best of Skallds.
Gm. 44.; with Lopt (Loki) descends to the nether world to
consult Idun. Hfg. 0. 9, 16. at (Egir's feast, prol. & 8—18.
Brami, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Breidablik, Baldr's dwelling. Gm. 12.
-Brimir, the giants' beer -hall. Vsp. 41.
Brimir, the best of swords. Gm. 44.
Brisinga men, or Necklace, Freyia's ornament. Thkv. 13, 15.
Brodd, genealogy. Hdl. 21, 25.
Bruni, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Bui, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Bur, or Bor, a cosmogonic being, son of Buri, and father of
Odin, Vili, and Ve. Vsp. 4; Hdl. 30. N.M. I. p. 4.
Buri, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Byggvir, Frey's attendant. (Egd. prol. 45; Beyla's husband,
ib. 56. The meaning of the words ok und kvernum klaka,
which I have rendered and clatter under mills I cannot
explain.
Byleist, brother of Loki. Vsp. 50; Hdl. 38.

D.
Dag, genealogy. Hdl. 19.
Dain, a dwarf. Vsp. 11; Hfg. 0. 3; makes the hog Hildisvini.
Hdl. 9.

9*
132 Mythological Index.

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

Dain, an Alf, introduces runes among the Alfar. Hvm. 145.
Dain, the Thurs or giant that causes sleep. Hfg. 0. 13.
Dan and Danp, fabulous kings of Denmark. Rgm. 45, of whom
see Velschow in Sax. Gram. pp. 38, 140.
Day (Dagr), son of Delling. Vfm. 25.
Delling, father of Day. Vfm. 25. Hvm. 162.
Delling, an As. Psm. 35.
Disir (sing. Dis) , attendant spirits or guardian angels also a ;

generic name for all female mythic beings. Gm. 53.; to be

prayed to. Sol. 25.
Dolgthrasir, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Dorri, an As. Fsm. 35.
Draupnir, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.

narts tnat g naw tne branches of Yggdrasil. Gm. 33.

T) ^th' I

Durin, a dwarf, second in degree. Vsp. 10.

Dvalin, a dwarf. Vsp. 11, 14. From dvali, sleep; hence the
sun is called Dvalin's deluder. Hfg. 0. 24; introduces runes
among the dwarfs. Hvm. 145.
Dvalin, a hart that gnaws the branches of Yggdrasil. Gm. 33.
Dwarfs, their creation. Vsp. 9. Petersen (N. M. p. 124.) is of
opinion that by the term uppregin (the up -working powers
of nature) in Avm. 1. the dwarfs are designated.

E.
Earth, how formed. Vfm. 21.
Edda, a great - great - grandmother or progenitrix in general;
,

the progenitrix of the thrall race. Rgm. 2, 7.

Egdir, an eagle at Kagnarok. Vsp. 34.
Eikin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27. .

Eikinskialdi, a dwarf. Vsp. 13, 15.

Eikthyrnir, a hart that stands over Odin's hall. Gm. 2, 6.
Eimund, a chieftain. Hdl. 16.
Einheriar (sing. Einheri), the heroes that have fallen in battle
and been admitted into Valhall. Vfm. 40; Gm. 23; their
occupation, ib. 41.
Eir, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 29, 39.
Eistla, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Eldhrimnir, the kettle in which the hog Sa?.hrimnir is cooked
in Valhall. Gm. 18.
Eldir,a servant of G^gir. ffigd. prol.
Elivagar, poisonous cold streams that flow from Niflheim.
Vfm. 31; Hfg. 0. 13; Hmkv. 5.
 Mythological Index. 133

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

Erna, daughter of Hersir, married to Jarl. Rgm. 37.
Eyfura, genealogy. Hdl. 24.
Eylimi, genealogy. Hdl. 26.
Eyrgiafa, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.

P.
Fadir, married to Modir, progenitor of the race of Jarls.
Rgm. 24.
Fafnir, slain by Sigurd. Hdl. 25.
Falhofnir, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Farmatyr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Fenrir, or Fenrisulf, a wolfish monster of Loki's progeny. Vsp.
32; will devour the sun. Vfm. 46; will devour Odin. ib. 53;
bites off the hand of Ty. (Egd. prol.
Fensalir, the abode of Frigg. Vsp. 37.
Fialar, a misnomer for Skrvmir, in whose glove Thor took
shelter. N. M. I. p. 56; Hbl. 26. Gylf. 45-47.
Fialar, a dwarf who composed the poetic mead of Kvasir's
blood. N. M. I. p. 40.
Fialar, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Fialar, a cock at Ragnarok. Vsp. 35.
Fili, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Fimafeng, a servant of (Egir slain by Loki. (Egd. prol.
Fimbulthul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Fimbulwinter, the great winter of three years' duration, fore-
running the dissolution of the world. Vfm. 44.
Finn, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Fiolnir, a name of Odin. Vsp. 59 Gm. 47. ;

Fiolsvid, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.

Fiolsvith, the watchman or.sentinel at Menglod's castle. Fsm.
1 sqq.
Fiolvari, an imaginary personage. Hbl. 16.
Fiorgyn , a personification of the earth , the mother of Thor.
Vsp. 55; Hbl. 56; mother of Frigg. (Egd. 26.
Fiorm, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Folkvang, Freyia's dwelling. Gm. 14.
Forniot, the ancient Jotun. Hfg. 0. 17. He was father of OEgir
or Hler, the god of the ocean; of Logi, flame or fire, and
of Kari, wind: his wife was Ran. These divinities seem to
belong to an earlier mythology, probably of the Fins.
Forseti, son of Baldr and Nanna, dwells h} Glitnir; ajlays
strifes. Gm. 15.
 134 Mythological Index.

Fradmar, genealogy. Hdl. 19.

Frseg, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Franangr, a waterfall. (Egd. 65.
Frar, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Freki, one of Odin's wolves. Gm. 19.
Frekis, (the two) genealogy. Hdl. 19.
Frey, son of Niord and his wife Skadi the slayer of Beli,
,

falls in conflict with Surt at Ragnarok. Vsp. 53; Alfheim

given to him as a tooth -gift. Gm. 5; the ship Skidbladnir
constructed for him. ib. 43; sitting in Hlidskialf he sees
and is smitten with Gerd, Gymir's fair daughter. Skm.
prol. & 6; at (Egir's feast. (Egd. prol.; has Gerd to wife.
Hdl. 30.
Freyia, daughter of Niord and sister of Frey, dwells in Folk-
vang. Gm. 14; half the fallen in battle belong to her. ib.;
lends her feather-garb to Loki. Thkv. 4; her rage at the
proposal to marry her to Thrym. ib. 13; at (Egir's feast.
(Egd. prol.; her visit to Hyndla. Hdl.
Friant, genealogy. Hdl. 14.
Frid, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Frigg, the wife of Odin and mother of Baldr and other JEsir,
bewails the death of Baldr. Vsp. 37 at Odin's guild. Hfg.
;

0. 23; at (Egir's feast. (Egd. prol. Fiorgyn's. daughter, ib.

26.; her intrigue with Vi and Vili. ib. 26.; rows in earth's
ship. Sol. 77.
/
Frodi, genealogy. Hdl. 14, 20.
Frosti, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Fulla, Frigg's attendant. Gm. prol.
Ftmdin, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.

G.
Gagnrad, a name assumed by Odin* Vfm. 8.
Gandalf, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Gangleri, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Garm, a dog at Ragnarok. Vsp. 48 the best of dogs. Gm. 44.
;

Gastropnir, a structure. Fsm. 13.

Gaut, a name of Odin Gm. 54.
Gefion, an Asynia at (Egir's feast. (Egd. 20. 21. See a story
of her in N. M. I. 34 note.
Geirolul, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Geirrod, a son of king Hraudung and foster-son of Odin. Gm.
prol.; becomes king, and is visited by Odin under the name
of Grimnir. ib.; killed by his own sword, ib. epil.
Geirskogul, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24.
Geirvinml, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
 Mythological Index. 135

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

by Frey. Skm.; Frey's wife Hdl. 30.
Geri, one of Odin's wolves. Gm. 19.
Geri, a watchdog. Fsm. 15.
Giallarhorn, Heimdall's horn which he will blow at Ragnarok.
Vsp. 47; Hfg. 0. 16.
Gialp, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Gifr, a watchdog. Fsm, 15.
Gimill, a hall, or heaven, the abode of the righteous after Rag-
narok. Vsp. 62.
Ginandi, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Ginnar, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Ginnung (Ginnunga gap), the premundane abyss. Hfg. 0. 4.
Gioll, a river. Gm.
28; Hfg. 0. 9; Sol. 42.
Gioll -sun's keeper (Giallar sunnugatt) a periphrasis for Idun.
Hfg. 0. 9. The sense is very obscure.
Gipul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Gisl, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Giuki, genealogy. Hdl. 27.
Glad, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Gladsheim. Odin's dwelling. Gm. 8 — 10.
Glseval. Sol. 54.
Glapsvid, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
Gler, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Glitnir, Forseti's dwelling, described. Gm. 15.
Gloi, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Gnupa, or Gnipa, a cave. Vsp. 48.
Goin, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
G611, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Gomul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Gondlir, a name of Odin. Gm 49.
Gondul, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24\
Gb'pul, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Grabak, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Grad, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.

GrafvSUud, I
serP entS under Ygg drasil -
Gm -
34 '

Greip, one of Heimdall's nine mothers. Hdl. 36.

Grim, a name of Odin. Gm. 46, 47.
Grim, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Grimnir, a name of Odin. Gm. prol. 47, 49 Hfg. O. 16. ;

Groa, a mother summoned from her grave by her son. Gg. 1.

Note. If the opinion of Mr. Bugge, a Norwegian critic,
which is adopted by Sv. Grundtvig, is well founded, as I
136 Mythological Index.

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

cede the Fiolsvinnsmal, with which it seems to be connec-
ted. Much in favour of this opinion is the old Danish bal-
lad of Young Svendal (Ungen Svendal, or Svegder) accor-
ding to which it appears that the female apostrophized in
the Grougaldr (Str. 3.), as "crafty woman," is the young
man's stepmother, by or through whom he is sent on his
perilous journey to Menglod's castle previous to which he
;

calls his own mother from her grave to sing to him songs
of power, for his protection on the way. "But," observes
Dr. Prior, "it is certainly more agreeable to experience that
popular tradition would confound two stories together, than
that the transcribers should split a poem into two, and
keep it divided, while the public voice united those parts
together." See Prior s Dan. Ballads, II. p. 328, and Ltining's
Edda, Einleitung p. 21.
Gudrun, genealogy. Hdl. 27.
Gullinkambi (Golden-comb), a cock at Ragnarok. Vsp. 35.
Gulltopp, a horse of the JEsir. Gm. 30.
Gullveig, a personification of gold. She is pierced and thrice
burnt, and yet lives. Vsp. 25; called also Heidi; her power.
ib. 26.

Gunn, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24.

Gunnar, genealogy. Hdl. 23, 27.
Gunnlb'd, daughter of Suttung, who had charge of the poetic
mead. Hvm. 13, 106, 109, 111. See her story in N. M. I.

p. 40.
Gunnthorin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Gunnthro, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Guttorm, genealogy. Hdl. 27.
Gygiar and Gygiur, (sing. Gygr), giantesses. Hfg. 0. 25.
Gyllir, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Gymir, a giant, father of Gerd, the beloved of Frey. Skm. 6.

G^mir, a name of CEgir. (Egd. prol.

Gyrd, genealogy. Hdl. 19.

H.
Habrok, the best of hawks. Gm. 44.
Haddingis (the two), genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Hserfather (Heriafadir), father of hosts, a name of Odin. Vfm.
2, 40.
Hsevatein, a twig. Fsm. 27.
Haki, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Halfdan, a Skioldung. Hdl. 15.
 Mythological Index. 137

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

Vfm. 49; Vkv. 5. N. M. I. p. 113, sq.
Hanar, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Hangatyr, a name of Odin, perhaps from his having hung nine
nights on a tree. Hfg. 0. 18.
Har, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Har, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Harald Hildetonn, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Harbard, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hbl. 1—60.
Hati, the wolf that will precede the sun. Gm. 39.
Haugspori, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Havi or Hafi (gen. Hava, Hafa) the High, an ancient appella-
,

tion of Odin hence Havamal, the lay or song of the High one.
:

Heaven, how formed. Vfm. 21.

Heid, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Heidi. See Gullveig.
Heidrun, a goat that stands over Odin's hall. Gm. 25.
Heim, world, of which there are nine, viz. three above or
without the earth: —
Muspellheim, Alfheim (Liosalfheimr),
Asgard; three on the earth: —
Vanaheim, Midgard, Jotun-
heim three beneath the earth:
; —
Svartalfheim, Helheim, Nifl-
heim. L lining. See another distribution in N. M. I. p. 152.
Heimdall, called a son of Odin, guardian or watchman of hea-
ven. N. M. I. p. 28; all human beings of his race. Vsp. 1;
under the name of Rig, is the progenitor of the three or-
ders of mankind the noble, the churl, or freeman, and the
:

serf, or thrall. Rgm.; his horn (Giallarhorn), Vsp. 31.;

will blow his horn at Ragnarok. ib. 47.; dwells in Himin-
biorg. Gm. 13; keeper of the bridge Bifrost. Hfg. 0. 9;
goes to the nether world to consult Idun. ib. 9 ; returns, ib.
16; his advice how to recover Thor's hammer. Thkv. 15;
his nine mothers. Hdl. 35.
Hel, thegoddess of death, born of Loki and Angrboda. Vsp.
35; her habitation under one of the roots of Yggdrasil.
Gm. 31; Fsm. 26; the cords of. Sol. 37; the maids of. ib.
38 the grated doors of. ib. 39. her ravens, ib. 67.
;

Helblindi, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.

Hepti, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Herfiotur, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Heri, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Heriafather, an appellation of Odin. Hdl. 2.
Herian, a name of Odin. Vsp. 24; Gm. 46; Hfg. 0. 16.
Hermod: Odin gives him a helm and corslet. Hdl. 2.
Hersir, father of Erna wife of Jarl. Rgm. 36.
138 Mythological Index.

Herteit, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.

Hialmberi, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Hild, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24.
Hildegun, mother of Almveig. Hdl. 18.
Hildi, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Hildisvini, Freyia's hog. Hdl. 6, 9.
Hildolf, apparently an imaginary personage. Hbl. 8.
Himinbiorg, Heimdall's dwelling. Gm. J 3.
Hiordis, genealogy. Hdl. 26.
Hiorvard, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Birdir. Sol. 76.
Hlsevang, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.
Hlebard, an imaginary person. Hbl. 20.
Hledis, a priestess. Hdl. 14.
HlicUkialf, Odin's seat, whence he surveys the whole world.
Gm. prol.; Hfg. 0. 10.
Hlif, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Hlifthursa, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Hlin, apparently a name of Frigg. Vsp. 53.
Hliodolf, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Hlodyn, a name of the earth, Thor's mother. Vsp. 55.
Hlorridi, a name of Thor. Hkv. 4, 16, 27, 29, 37; Thkv. 8, 9,
14; (Egd. 54, 55.
Hlokk, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Hnikar, a name of Odin. Gm. 47 Hfg. 0. 19. ;

Hnikud, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.

Hoddmimir's holt. Vfm. 45.
Hodr, the slayer of Baldr. Vsp. 37; Vkv. 14; slain by Vali.
Vkv. 16; returns to life in the new world, ib. 60.
Hoggitari, a dwarf. Vsp. 16.
Hogni, genealogy. Hdl. 27.
Hoil, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
HflBnir, one of the three creating iEsir, who with Odin and
Lodur create Ask and Embla, the first man and woman;
apparently identical with Vili. Vsp. 18; can choose his lot
at the renewal of the world, ib. 61.
Horfi, genealogy. Hdl. 21, 25.
Horn, a river. Gg. 8.
Hornbori, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Hreerekir Slongvanbaugi, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Hrsesvelg, a Jotun in an eagle's plumage who produces the
wind. Vfm. 37.
Hraudung, a king of Goths. Gm. prol.
Hrid, a river. Gm. 28.
 Mythological Index. 139

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

,

14; Hfg. 0. 23.

Hrimgrimnir, a Thurs or Frost-giant. Skm. 35.
Hrimnir, a Thurs or Frost-giant; here for a giant in general.
Skm. 28.
Hrimnir, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Hrimthursar (sing. -thurs) Frost-giants, who dwell under one
,

of Yggdrasil's roots. Gm. 31. Hvm. 110; their halls. Skm.

30.; sons of Suttung. ib. 34.
Hrist, a Valkyria who bears the horn to Odin. Gm. 36.
Hrodung, genealogy. Hdl. 26.
Hrodvitnir, father of the wolf Hati. Gm. 39.
Hrolf the Old, genealogy. Hdl. 25.
Hropt, a name of Odin. Vsp. 60; Gm. 8; Hfg. 0. 23; CEgd. 45.
Hroptaty, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Hrossthiof, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Hron, a river. Gm. 28.
Hrungnir, a giant, a friend of Hvmir. Hkv. 15. (See his story
in N. M. I. p. 69.); Hbl. 14, 15.
Hrym, a giant, steers the ship Naglfar at Ragnarok. Vsp. 49.
Hugin (thought), one of Odin's ravens. Gm. 20; Hfg. O. 3.
Hveralund, the hot spring's grove. Vsp. 38.
Hvedna, genealogy. Hdl. 32.
Hvergelmir, an abyss! or spring whence all rivers are said to
flow. Gm. 26.
Hyfiaberg, a mount. Fsm. 37.
Hymir, a giant, called the father of Ty Thor and Ty rob him
:

of his capacious kettle. Hkv. 3 — 38; dwells eastward of

Elivagar. ib. 5.; goes out with Thor to fish. ib. 17.
Hyndla, a giantess and Vala, visited by Freyia. Hdl.
Hyr, fire, a hall. Fsm. 33.

I.
Ida's plain (Ifravollr), the trysting place of the gods. Vsp. 7,
58. N. M. I. pp. 8, 145.
Idun, (Ipunn)^daughter of the dwarf, or alf Ivaldi, and wife
of Bragi, the goddess of the early spring: her descent to
the nether world. Hfg. 0. 6; at (Egir's feast. CEgd. prol. & 16.
Ifing, a river which divides the Jo tuns from the gods. Vfm. 16.
Ildhrimnir, the kettle in which the hog Sashrimnir is boiled.
Gm. 18.
Im, son of Vafthrudnir. Vfm. 5.
Imd, one of HeimdalPs nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
140 Mythological Index.

Ingun's Frey (Ingnnar Freyr), an appellation of Frey. (Egd.

43. Of this name it is said in the Ynglinga saga (c. 12.);
"Frey is also called Yngvi, a name which long continued in
his race, whence his kindred were afterwards called Ynglings."
Innstein, father of Ottar Heimski. Hdl. 8, 13.
Iri, an As. Fsm. 35.
Isolf, genealogy. Hdl. 22.
Ivaldi, a dwarf or his sons construct the ship Skidbladnir.
alf :

Gm. 43; father of Idun. Hfg. 0. 6.

Ivar, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Ividia, (Ivifrja, from ivi3r, a wood or forest), a species of syl-
van demon, akin apparently to the elves and dwarfs. Hfg. 0. 1.

J.
Jafnhar, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Jalk, a name 'of Odin. Gm. 49, 54.
Jari, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Jarl, son of Fadir and Modir, progenitor of the race of Jarls
or nobles. Kgm. 31; his adventures, ib. 31 37. —
Jarnsaxa, one of HeimdalPs nine mothers. Hdl. 36.
Jarnskiold, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Jarnvid, (Jarnvifrr) the iron wood, a wood in the east of Mid-
,

gard, inhabited by Jarnvids (Jarnvi&jur) , female demons.

Vsp. 32.
Jormunrek, genealogy. Hdl. 25.
Jorun, a name of Idun. Hfg. 0. 15.
Joruvellir, Jora's plains. Vsp. 14.
Josur, genealogy. Hdl. 19.
Jotnar, (sing, jotun) A. Sax. eoten, a giant. The giants were
the earliest created beings. Vsp. 2; their beer -hall. ib. 41;
questioned by the JEsir respecting Baldr. Vkv. 2. all de-
;

scend from Gymir. Hdl. 33.

Jotunheim, or Utgard, the home or habitation of the Jotuns,
the outermost part of the habitable earth. Vsp. 8. N. M.
I. p. 10.

K.
Kari, genealogy. Hdl. 20.
Karl, (Churl), son of Afi and Amma, and progenitor of the
churl- (A. S. ceorl.) race, married to Snor. Rgm. 20.
Kerlaug, two rivers so called, which Thor has to cross daily.
Gm. 29.
Ketil, genealogy. Hdl. 20.
Kialar, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Kili, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
 Mythological Index. 141

Klyp, genealogy. Hdl. 20.

^
Kon, son of Jarl and Erna, his exploits. Egm. 38; contends
in runes with Rig Jarl. ib. 42.
Kormt, a river which Thor has to cross daily. Gm. 29.
Kreppvor, youngest daughter of Niord. Sol. 79.

L.
Lserad, a tree by Odin's hall. 25, 26. Gm.
Lsesso (Hlesey), a small island in the Cattegat. Hbl. 37.
Landvidi, Vidar's abode ; though it may probably be an appel-
lative, and signify a woody land. Gm. 17.
Lau'fey (identical with Nal), Loki's mother. Thkv. 18, 20;
(Egd. 52.
Leipt, a river. Gm. 28.
Leirbrimir. Fsm. 13.
Lettfeti,a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Lidskialf,an As. Fsm. 35.
Lif and Lifthrasir, the last beings in the old, and the first in
the new world. Vfm. 45.
Listvor. Sol. 76. *

Litr, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.

Loddfafnir, a protege of Odin. Hvm. 114.
Lodur (Lodurr), one of the three creating iEsir, who with Odin
andHoenir create Ask andEmbla, the first n»n and woman;
perhaps identical with Loki. Vsp. 18.
Lofar, a dwarf. Vsp. 14, 16.
Loki, steers the ship Naglfar at Ragnarok. Vsp. 50; under
the name of Lopt accompanies Bragi to the nether world
to consult Idun. Hfg. 0. 9; returns, ib. 16; borrows Freyia's
feather - garb and goes to the Jotun Thrym, in search of
,

Thor's hammer. Thkv. 5 accompanies Thor to Thrym's.

;

ib. 21; at OEgir's feast. (Egd. prol.; slays (Egir's servant

Fimafeng. ib. casts himself into the waterfall of Franangr,
;

and is captured, ib. epil.; father of Fenrisulf by Angrboda,

and of Sleipnir by Svadilfari, and of Hel by Angrboda. Hdl.
38. N. M. I. p. 49 plucks the twig Hsevatain. Fsm. 27.
;

Loni, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.

Lopt, a name of Loki, which see.

M.
Magni, a son of Thor. See Modi. Hbl. 9, 13.
Managarm, a wolf or monster of Loki's progeny, the moon's
devourer. Vsp. 32.
Mannheim, our earth. Hfg. O. 24.
Mar, genealogy. Hdl. 19.
 142 Mythological Index.

Meili, a son of Odin. Hbl. 9.

Menglod, the betrothed of Svipdag. Fsm.

Menglod. Gg. 3.

Midgard's orm, the mundane serpent slain by Thor. Vsp. 55;

fished up by Thor. Hkv. 23.
Midvitnir. Gm. 50.
Mimameidir, a mythic tree,
perhaps identical with Yggdrasil.
Fsm. 21, 25. must, however, be observed that the one
It
derives its name from Mimir, and signifies Mimir's tree;
the other Irom Ygg, a name of Odin, and signifies Ygg's
horse or chariot.
Mimir or Mim, a mythic being of giant race, guardian of the
spring or well under one of the roots of the mundane
tree (Yggdrasil). Vsp. 22. Odin leaves an eye as a pledge
in Mim's well (the ocean), when he craves a draught of
its water, whence he is described as monocular. Odin con-
sults Mim's head. Vsp. 47. Mim had been sent as a ho-
who cut off his head, aud sent it to Odin,
stage to the Vanir,
who used as an oracle.
it Such is the account in the Yng-
linga Saga, c. 4. where the myths are treated historically.
N. M. I. p. 14. Mim's sons (the billows of the ocean) at
Ragnarok. Vsp. 47 ; knowledge hidden in his well. Hfg. 0.
5. N. M. I. pp.12, 156.

Miodvitnir, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.

Thor's formidable hammer, possessed by his sons,
Miollnir,
Modi and Magni. Vfm. 51 hurled among the giants. Hkv. 36.
;

Mib'tvid, the middle or mundane tree. Vsp. 2. See Yggdrasil.

Miskorblindi. Hkv. 2.
Mist, a Valkyria who bears the horn to Odin. Gm. 36.
Modi, a son of Thor, who, with his brother Magni, will possess
Thor s hammer Miollnir on the renewal of the world. Vfm.
51, Hkv. 34.
Modir, (Mother), married to Fadir, the progenitrix of the Jarl
race. Egm. 24.
Mb'gthrasir. Vfm. 49.
Moin, a dwarf. Vsp. \6.
Moin, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Moon, (Mani). Vsp. 5; son of Mundilfoeri. Vfm. 23.
Mottognir, a dwarf, highest in degree. Vsp. 10.
Mundilfoeri, father of the sun and moon. Vfm. 23.
Mnnin (memory), one of Odin's ravens. Gm. 20.
Mnipell, the world of fire. Vsp. 50. (Egd. 42.
 Mythological Index. 243

N.
Nabbi, a dwarf makes the hog Hildisvini. Hdl. 9.
Naglfar, a mythic ship at Ragnarok.
Vsp. 49.
Nain, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Nal, identical with Laufey, Loki's mother. Hfg.
0. 16
Nali, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Nanna, daughter of Nep, mother of Forseti, and
wife of Baldr
Hig. O. 8.
Nanna, genealogy. Hdl. 21.
Narfi, a son of Loki. (Egd. epil.
Nari, a son of Loki. (Egd. epil.
Nastrond, the strand or shore of corpses, description
of. Vsp.

Nep, father of Nanna, wife of Baldr. Hfg.

8
Nidafells (Nifra noil).
Vsp. 41, 65.
Nidhogg (Ni&hoggr), a serpent of the nether world
that tears
the carcases of the dead. Vsp. 43, 65; lacerates
Yggdrasil.
Cxm. 35.
Nidi, sons of. Sol. See also Nyi.
56.
Nifihel or Niflheim the world of fog or mist, the
nethermost
of the nine worlds the place of everlasting punishment.
Vfm. 43; visited by Odm to inquire after the
fate of Baldr
Vkv. 6.

Night (Nott), daughter of Norvi. Vfm. 25.

Niord (Niorfrr), husband of Skadi, his origin.
Vfm 39- dwells
in Noatun. Gm. 16; at (Egir's feast. (Egd. prol.; his nine
'
daughters. Sol. 79.
Niping, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Noatun, Niord's dwelling. Gm. 16 Thkv. 23. ;

Nokkvi, genealogy. Hdl. 21.

Non, a river. Gm. 28.
Nordri, a dwarf presiding over the north
region Vsn
F * 1
Nori, a dwarf. Vsp. 11.
Nornir (sing Norn), the three Fates; the
Pare* of the North-
ern mythology.
Ul< (U a Dd
Their names were Z
«-t
Urd, Verdanrli
be
De. Ysp. V
S p 20. ^ S?
Hfg. O. V
d)
' ,°
1. their seat.
r
!^ Sol. 51.
I?'
Norvi (Norr) the father of night. Vfm.
Nott, night.
25: Hfe. O 7
»*••«.#.
Vsp. 6.
Not, a river. Gm. 28.
Nur, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Nyi and two dwarfs, or personifications of the
Nidi,
(N?i), and the waning moon (Nid).
cuewmoon
new moon
Vsp. 11.
144 Mythological Index.

Nyrad, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.

Nyt, a river. Gm. 28.

0.
Od (Offr), Freyia's husband. Vsp. 29. N. M. I. p. 33.
Odhrserir, the kettle or vessel containing the mead
of poetic
inspiration. Hfg. 0. 2; Hvm. 108, 142.
Odin (O&inn), son of Bur and Bestla. Vsp. 4; Hdl. 30. the
chief of the iEsir his share in the creation of heaven and
;

earth, and of Ask and Embla, the first man and woman.
Vsp. 4, 18; Consults the Vala. ib. 21 his eye in Mim's well.
;

ib. 22; casts his spear among mankind and causes the first
warfare, ib. 28; consults Mim's head at Ragnarok. ib. 47;
fights with the wolf and falls, ib. 53; visits the giant Vaf-
thrudnir. Vfm. prol.; their mutual questions, ib. 1—53; will
be devoured by the wolf. ib. 53; disputes with Frigg about
Agnar and Geirrod. Gm. prol.; under the name of Grimnir
visits Geirrod, by whom he is placed between two fires, ib.
quaffs with Saga in Sokkvabekk. ib. 7 his dwelling Glads-
;

heim. ib. 8; half the fallen in battle belong to him. ib. 14;
lives on wine only. ib. 19; his ravens, ib. 20; his several
names, ib. 46— 50, 54; listens in Hlidskialf. Hfg. 0. 10;' rides
to Niflhel to inquire the fate of Baldr.Vkv. 6.; goes in quest
of the poetic mead. Hvm. 105— 111.; gives a ring-oath to Sut-
tung. ib. Ill; introduces runes among the iEsir. ib. 145;
His colloquy with Thor under the name of Harbard. Hbl.;
has the jarls that fall in battle, ib. 24; at (Egir's feast.
(Egd. prol.; his adventures in Samso. ib. 24; his various
gifts to men. Hdl. 2, 3.
Odlings, genealogy. Hdl. 22.
(Egir, the god presiding over the stormy sea: entertains the
iEsir. Hkv. 1.; called also Gymir, brews beer for the iEsir.
(Egd. prol.
Ofnir, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Ofnir, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Okolnir. Vsp. 41.
Olmod, genealogy. Hdl. 22.
Omi, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hdl. 22.
Orboda, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Ori, an As. Fsm. 35.
Ormt, a river which Thor has to cross daily. Gm. 29.
Oski, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Ottar Heimski, a protege of Freyia. Hdl. 8,9,11; his genealogy.
ib. 13; his contest with Angantyr. Hdl. 10; a remembrance-
cup given to him by Hyndla. ib. 48.
 Mythological Index. 145

R.
Badbard, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Badey. Sol. 16.
Badgrid, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Badso. Hbl. 8.
Badsvid, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Badvor, eldest daughter of Niord. Sol. 79.
Bagnarok, the twilight or darkening of the gods, the dissolu-
tion of the gods and the world. Vsp. 44.
Ban, the goddess of the sea, wife of (Egir; Rind's song to
her. Gg. G.
Bandgrid, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Bandver, genealogy. Hdl. 28.
Batatosk, a squirrel that runs up and down the branches of
Yggdrasil. Gm. 32.
Bati, an auger used by Odin in obtaining the poetic mead.
Hvm. 107.
Begin, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Beginleif, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Beid-Goths, the natives of Reidgothland (Reifrgotaland), a name
originally perhaps restricted to Jutland, but afterwards ex-
tended to the countries in the Baltic, from the Vistula to
the Gulf of Finland. Vfm. 12; Gm. 2.
Beifnir, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Benandi, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Big, a name assumed by Heimdall. Rgm. prol.
Bin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Bind, a personification of the earth, particularly the hard-
frozen earth. Hfg. 0. 23; her son Vali avenges the death
of Baldr. Vkv. 16 ; her song to Ran. Gg. 6. •

Bognir, a name of Odin? Hfg. 0. 10.

Bud, a river. Gg. 8.
Bygiardal. Sol. 22.

s.
Sad, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
Saefari,genealogy. Hdl.
Ssehrimnir, the hog on which the iEsir and Eiuheriar, or in-
mates of Valhall, constantly feed. Vfm. 41. Hfg. 0. 19. Gm. 18
Saevaldi. Sol. 9.
Saga, the goddess of history, dwells in Sokkvabekk. Gm. 7.
Samso, a small island between Jutland and Seeland. (Egd. 24.
Sanngetall, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
10
146 Mythological Index.

Sid, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.

Sidgrani, a name of Odin. Avm. 6.
Sidhott, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sidskegg, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sif, the wife of Thor, mother of Uilr and Thrud. Hkv. 3, 15;
Hbl. 48; at (Egir's feast. (Egd. prol; pours out mead for
Loki. ib. 53.
Sigfbdr, a name of Odin. Gm. 48.
Sigmund, son of Volsung, a sword given him by Odin. Hdl. 2.
Sigtrygg, a chieftain. Hdl. 16.
Sigurd, genealogy. Hdl. 25.
Sigyn, Loki's wife. Vsp. 38; holds a basin to prevent the ve-
nom from dropping on Loki's face. (Egd. epil.
Silfrintopp, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Sindri, a mythic being of giant or dwarf race. Vsp. 41.
Sinir, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Sinmsera. Fsm. 27, 31.
Skadi, daughter of the giant Thiassi. Hdl. 30; and wife of
Niord, dwells in Thrymheim. Gm. 11; at (Egir's feast. (Egd.
prol. & 49, 51 hangs a venomous serpent over Loki's face,
;

ib. epil.

Skafid, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.

Skarthedin. Sol. 11.
Skeggold, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.
Skeidbrimir, a horse of the iEsir. Gm. 30.
Skekkil, genealogy. Hdl. 22.
Skidbladnir, Frey's ship. Gm. 43.
Skilfing, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Skilfings, a princely race. Hdl. 12, 17.
Skinfaxi (bright mane), the horse of day. Vfm. 12.
Skibldungs, a princely race Hdl. 12, 17.
Skirnir, Frey's attendant (shoe -boy). Skm. 1; his conversation
with Skadi. ib. 2; his address to Frey. ib. 3; his journey
to Jotunheim. 10. seqq.
Skirvir, a dwarf.Vsp. 15.
Skogul, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24. Gm. 36. Hfg. O. 19.
Skb'll, the wolf that pursues the sun. Gm. 39.
Skrymir, a name assumed by Utgarda Loki. (Egd. 62. See
his story in N. M. I. p. 57.
Skald, a Valkyria. Vsp. 24.
Skulld, or Skuld, one of the three great Noras or Fates. Her
name is significant the future,
of or that which is to be,
and is the part. pret. of Skula, Ger. sollen, to shall.
Vsp. 20.
 Mythological Index. 147

Skurhild, genealogy. Hdl. 22.

Sleipnir, the best of horses. Gm. 44; bears Odin to Niflhejm.
Vkv. 6; begotten by Loki with Svadilfari. Hdl. 38.
Slid, a river. Vsp. 40.
Slid,a river that flows to Hel. Gm. 28.
Snor (quick, active) progenitrix of the race of churls, married
to Karl, Rgm. 20.
Soekin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Sokkmimir, a Jotun slainby Odin. Gm. 50.
Sokkvabekk, a mansion where Odin and Saga quaff from golden
beakers. Gm. 7.
Solbiart, father of Svipdag. Fsm. 48.
Solblindi, his three sons construct the lattice Thrymgioll. Fsm. 11.
Solkatla. Sol. 78.
Son, one of the vessels containing the poetic mead. See Snorra
Edda p. 84, edit. Rask, and N. M. I. p. 40.
Sorli. Sol. 20.
Strond, a river. Gm. 28.
Sudri, a dwarf presiding over the south region. Vsp. 11.
Sun shines from the south. Vsp. 5; darkens at Ragnarok.
(Sol),
ib. 56; daughter of Mundilfceri. Vfm. 23; will be swallowed
up by Fenrisulf. ib. 46; Hfg. O. 23. will be succeeded by her
daughter, ib. 47 her hart. ; Sol. 55.
Surt (Swart), a fire-giant at Ragnarok. Vsp. 51; will contend
with the iEsir on Vigrid's plain. Vfm. 18.
Suttung, a giant, possessor of the poetic mead. Hvm. 105, 110,
111 ; the Jotnar and Hrimthursar called his sons. Skm. 34.
Svadilfari, a horse, sire of Sleipnir. Hdl. 38.
Svaf, father of Menglod. Fsm. 9.
Svaf. Sol. 80.
Svafa, genealogy. Hdl. 18.
Svafad. Sol. 11.
Svaflogi. Sol. 80.
Svafnir, a serpent under Yggdrasil. Gm. 34.
Svafnir, a name
of Odin. Gm. 54, Vkv. 3.
Svalin, the shield placed before the sun. Gm. 38.
Svan the Bed, genealogy. Hdl. 13.
Svarang, an imaginary personage. Hbl. 29.
Svarthofdi, progenitor ot the sorcerers. Hdl. 33.
Svatud, father of Summer. Vfm. 27.
Svidrir, a name of Odin. Gm. 50.
Svidur, a name of Odin. Gm. 50.
Svior, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Svipail, a name of Odin. Gm. 47.
10*
148 Mythological Index.

Svipdag, the betrothed of Menglod. Fsm.

Svol, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Sylg, a river. Gm. 28.

T.
Thekk, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Thekk, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Thialfi, Thor's attendant. Hbl. 39.
Thiassi, a giant, son of Allvaldi and father of Skadi, wife of
Niord. Hdl. 30; dwells in Thrymheim. Gm. 11; slain by Thor.
Hbl. 19. See his story in N. M. I. p. 43.
Thing, the public assembly or court. Hvm. 1 6. 1

Thiodnuma, a river. Gm. 28.

Thiodreyrir, a dwarf, of whom there is no more mention.
Hvm. 162.
Thiodvarta, an attendant of Menglod. Fsm. 39.
Thiodvitnir, a name of Fenrisulf? Gm. 21. See Petersen, N.
M. p. 231, and Liming ad locum.
Thor, son of Odin and Fiorgin or Hlodyn (Earth) Vsp. 29;
slays the great mundane serpent, and is slain, ib. 55; dwells
in Thriidheim. Gm. 4 dwells in Bilskirnir. ib. 24 has daily
; ;

to wade through the two Kerlaugs. ib. 29 with Ty goes to ;

the giant Hymir. Hkv. 5 his goats, ib. 7

; goes with Hymir
;

to fish. ib. 17 draws up the Midgard's orm. ib. 23 carries

; ;

off Hymir's kettle, ib. 34 sqq. his hammer stolen. Thkv. 1.

disguised as Freyia goes to Jotunheim. ib. 19 his voracity ;

ib. 24; recovers his hammer and slays Thrym. ib. 31; his
questions to the dwarf Alvis. Avm.; has the thralls that fall
in battle. Hbl.; his adventure with Harbard. Hbl. 1 60; —
. sleeps in a glove, ffigd. 60. See Snorri's Edda, p. 437, and
N. M. I. p. 58.
Thora, genealogy. Hdl. 19.
Thorin, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Thorir, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Tholl, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Threel (Thrall), son of Ai and Edda, progenitor of the thrall
race. Rgm 7; married to Thy. ib. 10, 11; their offspring.
ib. 12.
Thrain, a dwarf. Vsp. 12, Hfg. 0. 3
Thridi, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Thror, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Thror, a name of Odin. Gm. 49.
Thrildgelmir, a cosmogonic giant, father of Bergelmir. Vfm. 29.
Thrudheim, Thor's dwelling. Gm. 4.
 Mythological Index. 149

Thrudi, a Valkyria. Gm. 36.

Thrym, a giant who steals Thor's hammer. Thkv. 1. sqq. de-
mands Freyia for a wife. ib. 9; slain by Thor. ib. 32.
Thrymgioll. a lattice. Fsm. 11.
Thrymheim, Thiassi's and Skadi's dwelling. Gm. 11.
Thund, a river? Gm. 21. See Petersen N. M. p. 231. N. M.I.
p. 20, and Ltining ad locum.
Thund, a name of Odin. Gm. 46, 54.; Hvm. 147.
Thurs (plur. Thursar) the same as J6tun,a giant, or troll.
,

Ysp. 8; Hfg. 0. 1; three-headed. Skm. 31. the name of a

rune. ib. 36. s

Thy, a serving woman, ancilla; married to Thrsel. Egm. 10,

11; their offspring, ib. 12.

Thyn, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.

Tind, genealogy. Hdl. 23.
Troll, a demon, or evil spirit, under various forms. Vsp. 32;
Hvm. 157.
Ty (Tyr), a son of Odin by a giantess, the god of victory (In
the Hymiskviffa he appears as a son of Hymir); aids Thor
to steal Hymir's kettle. Hkv. 5 sqq.; vainly tries to lift the
kettle. Hkv. 33.; at (Egir's feast. (Egd. prol.
Tyrfing, genealogy. Hdl. 23.

D.
Ud, a name of Odin. Gm. 46.
Ulf, Hdl. 13, 23.
genealogy.
Ulfrun, one of HeimdalPs nine mothers. Hfg. 0. 26. Hdl. 36.
Ullr,son of Sif and step- son of Thor (his father is not men-
tioned). See N. M.I. p. 30.; dwells in Udalir. Gm. 5, 42.
called Baldr's kinsman. Vkv. 3.
Undern, midday, the time of refection. Vsp. 6. Though lost in
Iceland, the word is still current among the Danish, Swe-
dish, and Norwegian peasantry. Goth, undaurnimats, Ger.
mittagsessen A. S. undern,
: hora tertia Judceorum, or
9o Clock, a. m. Lye, sub voce. Matt. XX, 3. nsgl xi\v
tQitrjv ooQav, is rendered ymbe undern tide. Ohg. untarn,
meridies. Graff, sub voce. See. also Kilian and Outzen.
Uni, an As. Fsm. 35.
Unnar. Sol. 9.
Urd, one of the three great Norns or Fates. Her name is
significantof the past, that which has been and is derived,

from the verb verfra (varfr, urffum) to be, Ger. werden. Her
150 Mythological Index.

fountain or well, Vsp. 19; set to guard Odhraerir Hfg. 0. 2.

Odin sits by her well. Hvm. 112; her protection invoked.
Gg. 7.
Uri, an As. Fsm. 35.

V.
Vsett (plur. Vaettir
and Vapttar), a sort of genius or demon, of
which there were both good and evil, an attendant spirit,
generally feminine. Hfg. 0. 2.
Vafthrudnir, a wise giant visited by Odin. Vfm.; their wager
and reciprocal questione and answers, ib. 11—55.
Vafudr, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Vakr, a name of Odin. Gm. 54.
Vala fgen. Volu) , a prophetess. Ysp. Vkv. 8.
Valaskialf, one of Odin's dwellings. Gm. 6.
Valfather (Valfofrr), from valr, the fallen in conflict, a name ot
Odin. Vsp. 22, 31. Gm. 48.
Valglaumr. Gm. 21?
Valgrind, a lattice before the gate of Valhall. Gm. 22.
Valhall (Valholl). Vsp. 37; the hall or mansion of the chosen
or fallen in conflict, in Gladsheim, described. Gm. 8—10;
has 540 doors, ib. 23; Hdl. 1. See N.M.I, p. 19.
Vali,brother of Baldr, slays Hodr when only one night old.
Vsp. p. 8. note: Vkv. 16. Hdl. 29.; will with Vidar rule af-
ter Ragnarok. Vfm. 51.
Valkyriur (sing. Valkyria), choosers of the slain, handmaidens
of Odin; from valr, (A. S. wsel), slaughter, and kjosa,
to choose. They serve in Valhall, and are sent on Odin's
errands. Vsp. 24. Hfg. 0. 1.
Valland, Gaul; and the' inroads of the Northmen into France
are probably here alluded to. Hbl. 24.
Valtam, a fictitious name of Odin's father. Vkv. 11.
Valgods (Valtivar), the gods of slaughter. Vsp. 51.
Vas, or Von, a river. Gm. 28.
Vanaheim, the abode of the Vanir. Vfm. 39.
Vanir (sing. Vann), those deities whose abode was in Vanaheim,
in contradistinction to the iEsir who abode in Asgard, and
the Alfar in Alfheim. Vsp. 28. Hfg. 0. 1. Petersen (N. M.
p. 124) is of opinion that by the term ginnregin (Avm. 31)
the Vanir are intended.
Var, an As. Fsm. 35.
VS. See Vili and Ve.
Vebogi. Sol. 16.
Vegdraail, an As. Fsm. 35.
 Mythological Index. 151

Vegsvin, a river. Gm. 28.

Vegtam, a name assumed by Odin. Vkv. 11.
Veig, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Veor, a name of Thor. Hkv. 11, 17, 21.

Verdandi, one of the three great Norns, or Fates. Her name

is significant of the present, of that which is, and is derived
from the verb verfra, of which it is the pres. part. fern.
Vsp. 20.
Verland (land of man?), an imaginary country. Hbl. 56.
Vestri, a dwarf presiding over the west region. Vsp. 11.
Vid, a heavenly river. Gm. 27, 28.
Vidar, son of Odin and the giantess Grid. Skaldskap. p. 113;
slays Fenrisulf at Ragnarok. Vsp. 54; will with Vali rule
after Ragnarok. Vfm. 51; will avenge his father, ib. 53;
dwells in Landvidi. Gm. 17; at CEgir's feast. (Egd. prol.
Vidar, a name of Odin. Hfg. 0. 17.
Vidofnir, a cock. Fsm. 19, 25, 26, 31.
Vidolf, progenitor of the Valas. Hdl. 33.
Vidrir, a name of Odin. Hfg. 0. 9; (Egd. 26.
Vidur, a name of Odin. Gm. 49; Hfg. 0. 17.
Vigdvalin. Sol. 78.
Vigolf. Sol. 20.
Vegrid, the plain on which Surt and the gods will contend at
Ragnarok. Vfm. 18.
Vili, a dwarf. Vsp. 13.
Vili and Ve, sons of Bur and Bestla brothers of Odin with
, ,

Odin construct the vault of heaven. Vsp. 4; intrigue with

Frigg. (Egd. 26.
Vilmeidr, progenitor of the soothsayers. Hdl. 33.
Vin, a heavenly river. Gm. 27.
Vina, a river. Gm. 28.
Vindalf, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Vindheim. Vsp. 61.
Vindkald, a name assumed by Svipdag. Fsm. 6.
Vindsval, the father of Winter. Vfm. 27.
Vingolf, a palace of the Asyniur. Hfg. 0. 17.
Vingthor, a name of Thor. Thkv. 1 Avm. 2. ;

Virvir, a dwarf.Vsp. 15.

Vitr, a dwarf. Vsp. 12.
Volsung, genealogy. Hdl. 26.
Von, a river, or hope? Sol. 54.
Vond, a river. Gm. 28.
Vor, the goddess of betrothals and marriage. Thkv. 30.
152 Mythological Index.

Ydalir, Ullr's dwelling. Gm. 5.

Ygg, a name of Odin. Vfm. 5. Gm. 53, 54; Hkv. 2. Vkv. 8;
Hfg. 0. 17, 18.
Yggdrasil, the great mundane, or universal, tree (ash), Vsp.
19; trembles at Ragnarok. ib. 48; destroyed by fire at
Ragnarok. ib. 56. ; council of the iEsir under its branches.
Gm. 29.; its three roots, ib. 31 lacerated by harts and ser-
;

pents, ib. 33—35.

Yggiung, a name of Odin. Hfg. 0. 18.
Ylfingg (Ynglings?). Hdl. 12, 17, either a branch of, or iden-
tical with, the Volsungs.
Ylg, a river. Gm. 28.
Ymir, a cosmogonic being, or giant. Vsp. 3; heaven, earth,
and formed from his carcase. Vfm. 21. Gm. 40; called
sea,
also Aurgelmir (Orgelmir). Vfm. 29, 81; progenitor of the
Jotuns. Hdl. 33. for his birth See N. M. I. p. 3 and Grimm,
;

Mythol. p. 525, 2™i edit.

Ynglingi. Hdl. 17.
Yngvi, a dwarf. Vsp. 15.

Corrigenda.
Page V, pref. 1. 12. read whereabouts.
— 10 Str. 51,4 for Val-god's, read Val-gods'.
— 96 — 34,4 for daughter, read daughters.
— 120 heading, for Son, read Sun.

(Printed by W. Plo'tz, Halle, Saxony.)

EDDA S JMUNDAB HINNS EROBA.

1 ffll B®1A
OF S^MUND THE LEARNED.
FROM

THE OLD NORSE OR ICELANDIC,

WITH

AN INDEX OP PERSONS AND PLACES.

PART H.

LONDON »

TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1866.
 PKEFACE.

In the preface to the first or mythological

part of this translation of Ssemund's "Edda , I an-

nounced my intention of publishing the second or

heroic portion, should that first part he not unfa-

vourably received. That condition has been fulfil-
led, for not only has its reception here been fa-
vourable, but in the United States of America it

has been noticed in terms highly gratifying to the

translator. I now therefore do not hesitate to
publish the second part.
The limits within which I deem it neces-

sary to confine myself, from my desire to produce

a small work at a moderate cost, admit only of a

very brief notice of the poems contained in this
portion of the Edda:
The Lay of Volund (Volundarkvida) cele-

brates the story of Volund' s doings and sufferings

iv Preface.

during his sojourn in the territory of the Swedish

king Nidud. Volund (Ger. Wieland, Fr. Veland
and Galans) is the Scandinavian and Germanic
Vulcan (Hephaistos) and Daedalus. In England his
story, as a skilful smith, is traceable to a very
early period. In the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beo-

wulf we find that hero desiring, in the event of

his falling in conflict with Grendel, that his cors-

let may be sent to Hygelac, being, as he says,

the work of Weland: and king Alfred, in his

translation of Boethius de Consolatione , renders

the words fidelis ossa Fabricii, etc. by Hwset (hwser)
sint nti {)8es foremseran and £aes wisan goldsmicfes ban
Welondes? (Where are now the bones of the fa-

mous and wise goldsmith Weland ?) , evidently ta-

king the proper name of Fabricius for an appel-

lative equivalent to faber. In the Exeter Book,
too, there is a poem in substance closely resem-
bling the Eddaic lay. In his novel of Kenilworth,
Walter Scott has been guilty of a woful perver-
sion of the old tradition, travestied from the Berk-

shire legend of Wayland Smith. As a land-bound-

ary we find Weland' s smithy in a charter of

king Eadred a. D. 955. Ampler details concern-

ing Weland are to be found in Mr. Price's pre-

face to Warton's History of English poetry 8 V0 -
 Preface. v

edit.; Miiller, Sagabibliothek , II. pp. 157 sqq.;

Grimm, Deutsche Mythologie, pp. 349 sqq. edit.

1844; Miiller, Altdeutsche Religion, p. 311. Much

interesting matter will also be found in Weber and
Jamieson's Illustrations of Northern Antiquities.

Bishop Miiller, derives the name from O.Nor. vel,

thinking that it is only according to the Norse

pronunciation that it has a signification, viz. art,

wile, guile, and lundr, mind, disposition, and is thence

inclined to assign a Northern origin to the story.

But may not the form Vdlundr be merely a North-

ern adaptation of the German Wieland or Anglo-

Saxon Weland?
On the Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's Son there is

nothing to remark beyond what appears in the

poem itself.

The Lays of Helgi Hundingcide form the

first of the series of stories relating to the Volsung

race, and the Giukungs, or Niflungs.

The connection of the several personages

celebrated in these poems will appear plain from
the following tables.
 ti Preface.

Sig-i, king of Hunaland, said to be a son of Odin

Rerir

=
I

Vblsung a daughter of the giant Hrimnir

Sigmund

Hamund.
III =
Sinfibtli.
Signi =
Helgi =
Borghild =
I

Sigrun Sigurd
Hiordis

= Gudrun
Sigmund, Svanhild.
m Jormunrek.

Giuki = Grimhild.

Gunnar = Glaumvor. Hogni = Kostbera. Guthorm. Gudrun, = 1 Sigurd.

I 2Atli.
Solar. Giuki. Snaevar. 3Jonakr.

Budli.

Atli = Gudrun: Brynhild = Gunnar. Oddrun. Beckhild = Heimir.

I
|

Erp. Eitil Alsvid.

Jonakr = Gudrun

Erp Hamdir. Sorli.

 Preface. VII

The Eddaic series of the Volsung and Nif-

lung lays terminates with the Lay of Hamdir;

the one entitled Gunnar's Melody is no doubt a
comparatively late composition; yet being written in
the true ancient spirit of the North is well deser-

ving of a place among the Eddaic poems. Nor, in-

deed', is the claim of the Lay of Grotti to rank

among the poems collected by Ssemund , by any

means clear, we know it only from its existence in

the Skalda; yet on account of its antiquity, its in-

trinsic worth, and its reception in other editions

of the Edda, both in original and translation, the

present work would seem, and justly so, incom-

plete without it.

Had the limits, within which I am desirous

to confine my humble attempt at a version of the

Poetic Edda, permitted, I would have assigned
a portion of this preface to some notice of the re-

lation between the Northern poems relating to the

Volsungs and Giukungs, or Niflungs, and the

same subject as it appears in the Nibelunge Not
but as the latter is familiar to many readers and
accessible to all, in the original old German, in

modern German, and in more than one excellent

English version, I omit all further mention of the
subject.
vm Preface.

In compliance with the expressed wish of

the Publishers, I subscribe my name as the trans-
lator of Ssemund's Edda.

BENJAMIN THORPE.
 Volundarkvi§a,

The Lay of Volund.

There was a king in Sweden named Nidud he :

had two sons and a daughter, whose name was Bod-

vild. There were three brothers, sons of a king of
the Finns, one was called Slagfid, the second Egil,
the third Volund. They went on snow-shoes and
hunted wild-beasts. They came to Ulfdal, and there
made themselves a house, where there is a water cal-
led Ulfsiar. Early one morning they found on the
border of the lake three females sitting and spinning
flax. Near them lay their swan-plumages they were
:

Valkyriur. Two of them, Hladgud-Svanhvit and

Hervor- Alvit were daughters of King Hlodver; the
,

third was Olrun, a daughter of Kiar of Valland.

They took them home with them to their dwelling.
Egil had Olrun, Slagfid Svanhvit, and Volund Alvit.
They when they
lived there seven years, flew away
seeking conflicts, and did not return. Egil then went
on snow - shoes in search of Olrun , and Slagfid in
search of Svanhvit but Volund remained
, in Ulfdal.
He was a most skilful man, as we learn from old
traditions. King Nidud ordered him to be seized, so
as it is here related.
II. 1
 The Lay of Volund.

1. Maids flew from the went out and in,

south and looked around.
through the murky wood, Egil went east
1
Alvit the young ,
after Olriin,
fate to fulfil. and Slagfid west
On the lake's margin they after Svanhvit
sat to repose, 5. But Volund alone
the southern damsels; remained in Ulfdal.
precious flax they spun. He the red gold set
2. One of them, with the hard gem,
of maidens fairest, well fastened all the rings
to his comely breast on linden bast,
Egil clasped. and so awaited
Svanhvit was the second, his bright consort,
she a swan's plumage bore •
if to him
but the third, she would return.
their sister, 6. It was told to Nidud,
the white neck clasped the Niarars' lord,
of Volund. that Volund alone
3. There they stayed remained in Ulfdal.
seven winters through In the night went men,
but all the eighth in studded corslets,
were with longing seized their shields glistened
and in the ninth in the waning moon.
fate parted them. 7. From their saddles
The maidens yearned they alighted
for the murky wood, at the house's gable,
the young Alvit, thence went in
fate to fulfil. through the house.
4. From the chase came On the bast they saw
the ardent hunters, the rings all drawn,
Slagfid and Egil, seven hundred,
found their house deserted, which the warrior owned.

J
) Here two lines, mentioning Svanhvit and Olrun,
appear to me to be lost. But see Str. 3. 1. 9.
 The Lay of Volund.

8. And they took them off, on his hands he felt

and they put them on, heavy constraints,
all save one, and round his feet
which they bore away. fetters clasped.
Came then from the chase 12. "Who are the men
the ardent hunter, that on the rings' possessor
Volund, gliding * have laid bonds?
on the long way. and me have bound?"
9. To the fire he went, 13. Then cried Nidud,
bear's flesh to roast. the Niarars' lord
Soon blazed the brushwood, "Whence gottest thou,
and the arid fir, Volund!
the wind-dried wood, Alfars' chief! 2
before Volund. our gold,
1 0. On the bearskin sat, in Ulfdal?"
his rings counted, 14. "No gold was here
3
the Alfar's companion: in Grani's path,
one was missing. far I thought our land
He thought that Hlodver's from the hills of Rhine.
daughter had it, I mind me that we more
the young Alvit, treasures possessed,
and that she was returned. when, a whole family,
11. So long he sat we were at home.
until he slept; 15. Hladgud and Hervor
and he awoke were of Hlodver born;
of joy bereft known was Olrun,

1) On
snow-shoes. 2) The designation of Alfars'
chief, or prince, applied to Volund, who, as we learn from
the prose introduction, was a son of a king of the Finns,
may perhaps be accounted for by the circumstance that
the poem itself hardly belongs to the Odinic Mythology,
and was probably composed when that system was in its
decline and giviDg place to the heroic or romantic. Bp.
Midler (Sagabibl. II. p. 158) would derive Volund from Alf-
heim, an ancient name of a district in Norway bordering
on Sweden. 3) Sigurd's horse: See Sig. II. lntrod.
 The Lay of Volund.

Kiar's daughter, jewellery work. No one

she entered was allowed to go to him,
into the house, except the king. Volund
stood on the floor, said:
her voice moderated: 17. "The sword shines
Now is he
1
not mirthful, in Nidud's belt,
who from the forest comes.'' which I whetted
King Nidud gave to his as I could most skilfully,
daughter Bodvild the ring and tempered,
which had been taken from as seemed to me most
the bast in Volund's house j cunningly.
but he himself bore the That bright blade for
sword that had belonged ever is

to Volund. The queen taken from me:

said: never shall I see it

1His teeth he shows,

6. borne into Volund's smithy.
when the sword he sees, 18. Now Bodvild wears
and Bodvild's ring my consort's
he recognizes red-gold rings :
2

threatening are his eyes for this I have no indem-

as a glistening serpent's: nity."
let be severed He sat and never slept,
his sinews' strength and hishammer plied
and set him then but much more speedy
in Sasvarstad. vengeance
This was done; he was devised on Nidud.
hamstrung and then set
, 19.The two young sons
on a certain small island of Nidud ran
near the shore, called See- in at the door to look,
varstad. He there forged in Scevarstad.
for the kinir all kinds of To the chest they came,

]) The he refers to Volund, who speaks of himself

in the 3 d person. This 15th strophe is to all appearance
an interpolation. 2) Wo had previously (Str. 8,10) been
informed that one ring only had been taken.
 The Lay of Volund.

for the keys asked; he in silver* set,

manifest was their grudge, and to Nidud gave
when therein they looked. and of their eyes
20. Many necklaces were precious stones he formed,
there, which to Nidud's
which to those youths ap- wily wife he sent.
peared But of the
24. teeth
of the red gold to be, of the two
and treasures. bveast-ornaments he made,
"Come ye two alone, and to Bodvild sent.
to-morrow come; Then did Bodvild
that gold shall praise the ring:
be given to you. to Volund brought it,
21. Tell it not to the when she had broken it
maidens, "I dare to no one tell it,

nor to the household folk,

save alone to thee."
nor to any one,
"Volund.
that ye have been with me."
Early called 25. "I will so repair

one the other, the fractured gold,

brother, brother: that to thy father

it shall fairer seem,
"Let us go see the rings."
22. To the chest they and to thy mother
came, much more beautiful,

for the keys asked and to thyself,

manifest was their grudge, in the same degree."

when therein they looked. 26. He then brought
1
Of those children he her beer,
the heads cut off, that he might succeed the
and under the prison's better,
mixen as on her seat
2 she asleep.
laid their bodies. fell

23. But their skulls "Now have I

beneath the hair my wrongs avenged,

1) Lit. cubs. 2) Lit. feet

 The Lay of Volund.

all save one of my brave boys

in the wood perpetrated." l
what become ? "
is
27. «I wish", said Volund, 31. "Oaths shalt thou
"that on my feet I were, first to me
swear,
of the use of which by board of ship,
Nidud's men have depri- by rim of shield,
ved me." by shoulder of steed,
Laughing Volund by edge of sword ,
rose in air: that thou wilt not slay
Bodvild weeping the wife of Volund,
from the isle departed. nor of my bride
She mourned her lover's cause the death;
, absence, although a wife I have
and for her father's wrath. whom ye know,
28. Stood without or offspring
Nidud's wily wife; within thy court.
then she went in 32. To the smithy go,
through the hall; which thou hast made,
but he on the enclosure there wilt thou the bellows
sat down to rest. find
"Art thou awake with blood besprinkled.
Niarars' lord!" The heads I severed
29. "Ever am I awake, of thy boys,
joyless I lie to rest, and under the prison's
when I call to mind mixen
my children's death: laid their bodies.
my head is chilled, 33. But their skulls
cold are to me thy counsels. beneath the hair
Now with Volund I in silver set,
I desire to speak." and to Nidud gave;
30. "Tell me, Volund, and of their eyes
Attars' chief! precious stones I formed,

1) The translation of this line is founded solely on

a conjectural emendation of the text. The wrong alluded
to may be the hamstringing.
 The Lay of Volund.

which to Nidud's 36. Laughing Volund

wily wife I sent. rose in air,
but Nidud sad
34. Of the teeth
remained sitting.
of the two,
37. "Rise up Thakrad,
breast-ornaments I made,
and to Bodvild sent.
my best of thralls!
bid Bodvild,
Now Bodvild goes
big with child,
my fair-browed daughter,
in bright attire come,
the only daughter
with her sire to speak.
of you both."
38. Is it, Bodvild! true
35. "Word didst thou what has been told to me,
never speak that thou and Volund
that more afflicted me, in the isle together sat?"
or for which I would 39. "True it is, Nidud!
more severely punish thee. what has been told to thee,
There is no man so tall that Volund and I
that he from thy horse in the isle together sat,
can take thee, inan unlucky hour:
or so skilful would it had never been!
that he can shoot thee I could not
down, against him strive,
thence where thou floatest I might not
up in the sky." against him prevail."
 Helgakvi|)a Hiorvar^s Sonar,

The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son.

There was a king named Hiorvard, who had four

wives one of whom was named Alfhild
, their son ,

was named Hedin the second was named Ssereid,

;

their son was Humlung the third was named Sin-

;

riod their son was Hymling.

, King Hiorvard made
a vow that he would have to wife the most beauti-
ful woman he knew of, and was told that King
Svafnir had a daughter of incomparable beauty na- ,

med Sigrlinn. He had a jarl named Idmund whose ,

son Atli was sent to demand the hand of Sigrlinn for

the king. He stayed throughout the winter with King
Svafnir. There was a jarl there named Franmar,
who was the foster - father of Sigrlinn and had a
,

daughter named Alof. This jarl advised that the

maiden should be refused, and Atli returned home.
One day when the jarl's son Atli was standing in a
grove, there was a bird sitting in the boughs above
him, which had heard that his men called the wives
which King Hiorvard had the most beautiful. The
bird talked, and Atli listened to what it said. The
bird said:
1. Hast thou seen Sigrlinn, of maidens fairest,
Svafnir's daughter, in her pleasant home?
 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son.

though fair his return, when the king

the wives of Hiorvard asked his tidings, he said:

seem to men 5. Labour we have had,
in Glasis-lund. but errand none performed;
Atli. our horses failed us
2. With Atli, in the vast fell;
Idmund's son, we had afterwards
sagacious bird! a swampy lake to ford;
wilt thou further speak? then was denied us
Bird. Svafnir's daughter
I will if the prince with rings adorned,
will offer to me, whom we would obtain.

and I may choose what

The king commanded
I will
them to go a second time,
from the king's court.
and also went himself.
Atli
But when they had ascen-
3. Choose not Hiorvard
ded a fell, and saw in
nor his sons, Svavaland the country on
nor the fair fire, and a great reek from
daughters of that prince,
the horses of cavalry, the
nor the wives king rode down the fell
which the king has. into the country, and took
Let us together bargain; up his night - quarters by
that is the part of friends.
a river. Atli kept watch,
Bird. and crossed the river, and
4. A fane I will chose, came to a house, on which
offer-steads many, sat a great bird to guard
gold-horned cows it, but was asleep. Atli
from the chief's land, shot the bird dead with
if Sigrlinn an arrow. In the house
sleep in his arms, he found the king's daugh-
and unconstrained ter Sigrlinn, and Alof
with that prince shall live.
daughter of Franmar, and
This took place before brought them both away
Atli's journey; but after with him. The jarl Fran-
 10 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son.

mar had taken the form Think well over

of an eagle, and protected what thou art saying.
them from a hostile army I will not accept it,
by sorcery. There was a unless I have thee also.
king named Hrodmar, a
Valkyria.
wooer of Sigrlinn he had ;
8. Swords I know lying
slain the king of Svava-
in Sigarsholm,
land, and ravaged and
fewer by four
burnt the country. Hior- than five times ten:
vard obtained Sigrlinn, one of them is
and Atli Alof. Hiorvard of all the best,
and Sigrlinn had a son of shields the bale,
tall and comely: he was
with gold adorned.
taciturn and had no fixed
name. As he was sitting
9. A
ring is on the hilt,
courage in the midst,
on a mound he saw nine
in the point terror
Valkyriur, one of whom
for his use who owns it:
was of most noble aspect.
along the edge
She said:
a blood-stained serpent lies,
6. Late wilt thou, Helgi and on the guard
rings possess, the serpent casts its tail.
a potent warrior,
There was a king named
or Rodulsvellir,
— so at morn the eagle
Eylimi; Svava was his
sang — daughter she was a Val-
;

kyria and rode through air

if thou art ever silent;
and water. It was she
although thou, prince!
who gave Helgi that name,
a fierce mood mayest show.
and afterwards often pro-
Helgi. tected him in battle. Helgi
7. What wilt thou let said:
accompany 10.Hiorvard! thou art
the name of Helgi, not
maid of aspect bright! a king of wholesome
since that thou art pleased counsel,
to give me? leader of people!
 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son. 11

renowned though thou your ships bedecked;

may est be. boldly ye bear yourselves,
Thou hast let fire devour few things ye fear, I ween
the homes of princes, tell me how
though harm to thee your king is named.
they none have done. Atli.
11. But Hrodmar shall 13. Helgi is his name;
of the rings dispose, but thou nowhere canst
which our relations to the chief do harm
have possessed. iron forts are
That chief recks little around the prince's fleet;
of his life; giantesses may not assail us.
he thinks only to obtain Hrimgerd.
the heritage of the dead. 1 4. How art thou named ?
Hiorvard answers, that most powerful champion!
he will supply Helgi with How do men call thee?
an army, if he will avenge Thy king confides in thee,
his mother's father. Helgi since in the ship's fair prow
thereupon seeks the sword he grants thee place.
that Svava had indicated Atli.
to him. Afterwards he 15. Atli I am named,
and Atli went and slew fierce I shall prove to thee;
Hrodmar, and performed towards giantesses I am
many deeds of valour. most hostile.
He killed the Jotun Hati, The humid prow
as he sat on a crag. Helgi I have oft occupied,
and Atli lay with their and the night-riders * slain.
ships in Hatafiord. Atli 16. How art thou called?
kept watch in the first corpse-greedy gigantess
part of the night. Hrim- hag! name thy father.
gerd, Hati's daughter, said Nine rasts shouldst thou
12. Who are the chieftains be underground,
in Hatafiord? and a forest grow on thy
With shields are breast.

1) See Part. I. Str. 157.

12 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son.

Hrimgerd. Atli.

17. Hrimgerd lam called, 21. I think I shall the

Hati was my father called, stronger prove,
whom I knew the mightiest if thou desirest to try;
Jotun. and I can step from the
He many women had port to land.
from their dwellings taken, Thou shalt be soundly
until him Helgi, slew. cudgeled,
Atli. if I heartily begin,
18. Thou wast, hag! and let thy tail fall, Hrim-
before the prince's ships, gerd!
and layest before them in Hrimgerd.
the fiord's mouth. 22. Just come on shore,
The chieftain's warriors Atli!
thou wouldst to Ran if in thy strength thou
consign, trustest,
had a bar not crossed thee. and let us meet in Va-
Hrimgerd. rinsvik.
19. Now, Atli! thou art A rib-roasting
wrong, thou shalt get, brave boy
methinks thou art drea- if in my claws thou comest.
ming;
Atli.
thy brows thou lettest over
23. I will not come
thy eyelids fall.
before the men awake,
My mother lay
and o'er the king hold
before the prince's ships;
watch.
I Hlodvard's sons drowned
It would not surprise me,
in the ocean.
iffrom beneath our ship
20. Thou wouldst neigh,
some hag arose.
Atli!
ifthou wert not a gelding. Hrimgerd.
See! Hrimgerd cocks her 24. Keep watch, Atli!
tail. and to Hrimgerd pay the
Thy heart, methinks, Atli! blood-fine
is in thy hinder part, for Hati's death.
although thy voice is clear. If one night she may
 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son. 13

Hrimgerd.
sleep with the prince,
she for the slain will be 28. Three troops of
indemnified. maidens
though one maid foremost
Helgi.
rode,
25. Lodin is named he helmed head.
bright, with
who shall thee possess, Their horses shook them-
thou to mankind art loath- selves ,
some. manes
and from their
In Tholley dwells that
there sprang
Thurs,
dew into the deep dales,
that dog- wise Jotun,
hail on the lofty trees,
of all rock - dwellers the
whence comes fruitfulness
worst man.
to
he is a fitting man for thee.
saw was
To me all that I
Hrimgerd. hateful.
26. Helgi would rather Atli.
have
29. Look eastward now,
her who last night
Hrimgerd
guarded the port and men, whether Helgi has not
the gold-bright maiden. stricken thee
She methought had
with death-bearing words.
strength,
By land and water
she stept from port to land, safe,
the king's fleet is
and so secured your fleet. and the chief's men also.
She was alone the cause
30. It is now day,
that I could not
Hrimgerd
the king's men slay.
and Atli has thee detained
Helgi.
to thy loss of life.
27. Hear now, Hrimgerd
A ludicrous haven-mark
If I may indemnify thee,
'twill, indeed, be,
say fully to the king:
where thou a stone-image
was it one being only, standest.
that saved the prince's
ships, King Helgi was a re-
or went many together? nowned warrior. He came
14 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son.

to King Eylimi and de- vows were made, and the

manded his daughter son-hog was led forth,
Svava. Helgi and Svava on which the guests laid
were united, and loved their hands, and then made
each other ardently. Svava solemn vows at the Bragi-
remained at home with cup. * Hedin bound him-
her father, but Helgi was self by a vow to possess
engaged in warfare. Svava Svava, the beloved of his
was a Valkyria as before. brother Helgi; butrepented
Hedin was at home with it so bitterly that he left

his father, King Hiorvard home and wandered

in Norway. Returning through wild paths to the
home alone from the forest southern lands, and there
on a Yule-eve, Hedin met found his brother Helgi.
a troll - wife riding on a Helgi said:
wolf, with serpents for 31. Welcome art thou,
reins, who offered to at- Hedin!
tend him, but he declined What new tidings
her offer; whereupon she canst thou give
said : "Thou shalt pay for from Norway?
this at the Bragi-cup." Why art thou, prince!
In the evening solemn from the land driven,

At guilds the Bragi-cup (Bragafull) was drunk.

l)
It was' the custom at the funeral feast of kings and jarls,
that the heir should sit on a lower seat, until the Bragafull
was brought in, that he should then rise to receive it,
make a vow, and drink the contents of the cup (full). He
was then led to his father's high seat. At an offering
guild the chief signed with the figure of Thor's hammer
,

both the cup and the meat. First was drunk Odin's cup,
for victory and power to the king; then Niord's cup, and
Frey's, for a good year and peace; after which it was the
custom with many to drink a Bragafull. The peculiarity
of this cup was, that it was a cup of vows, that on drinking
it a vow was made to perform some great and arduous
deed that might he made a subject for the song of the
,

skalld. Nor. Mythol. I. p. 190. and II. p. 50.

 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's son. 15

and alone art come that his fylgiur (attendant

to find us? spirit)had accosted Hedin,
Hedin. when he saw the woman
32. Of a much greater riding on a wolf. There
crime was a king named Alf, a
I am guilty. son of Hrodmar, who had
have chosen appointed a place of com-
I
a royal daughter, bat with Helgi in Sigar's
plain within three days.
thy bride,
at the Bragi-cup.
Then said Helgi:
Helgi. 35. On a wolf rode,
at evening twilight,
33. Accuse not thyself;
true will prove
a woman who him
offered to attend.
words at drinking uttered
by us both. She well knew,
that the son of Sigrlinn
Me a chieftain has
to the strand summoned; would be slain,
within three nights on Sigar's plain.
I must be there. There was a great con-
'Tis to me doubtful flict,in which Helgi got
whether I return; his death- wound.
then may well such befall,
,36. Helgi sent
if it so must be. Sigar riding,
Hedin. after Eylimi's
34. Thou saidst, Helgi only daughter:
that Hedin well he bade her quickly
deserved of thee, be in readiness,
and great gifts: if she would find
It would beseem thee better the king alive.
thy sword to redden, Sigar.
than to grant 37. Helgi has me
peace to thy foes. hither sent,
Helgi so spoke, for he with thee, Svava!
had a foreboding that his thyself to speak.
death was at hand, and Thee, said the king,
16 The Lay of Helgi Hiorvard's^ son.

he fain would see, wounds are bleeding.

ere the noble-born The sword came
breathes forth his last. too near my heart.

Svava. 41.1 pray thee, Svava —

—
!

38. What has befallen weep not, my wife!

Helgi, if thou wilt
Hiorvard's son? my voice obey,
X am sorely that forHedin thou
by afflictions stricken. a couch prepare,
Has him deluded,
the sea and the young prince
or the sword wounded ? in thy arms clasp.

On that man I will Svava.

harm inflict. 42. I had said,
Sigar. in our pleasant home,
39. This morning fell, when for me Helgi
at Frekastcin, rings selected,
the king who beneath the that I would not gladly,
sun after my king's departure,
was of all the best. an unknown prince
Alf has clasp in my arms.
complete victory, Hedin.
though this time
43. Kiss me, Svava!
it should not have been!
I will not return,
Helgi. Rogheim to behold,
40. Hail to thee, Svava! nor Rodulsfioll,
Thy love thou must divide : before I have avenged
methinks,
this in this world, Hiorvard's son
is our last meeting. who was of kings
They say the chieftain's under the sun the best.

Helgi and Svava were, it is said, born again.

 Helgakvi^a Hundingsbana Fyrri.

The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide,

1 It was in times of yore, life determine.

when the eagles screamed, They him decreed
holy waters fell a prince most famed to be,
from the heavenly hills; and of leaders
then to Helgi, accounted best.
the great of soul, 3. With all their might
Borghild gave birth they span
in Bralund. the fatal threads,
2. In the mansion it when that burghs
[he]
was night: should overthrow 1
the Norns came, in Bralund.
who should the prince's They stretched out

1) That is, when they came to spin that period of

his destiny. The interpreters of this line, Latin, Danish,
Swedish, and German, are at variance with each other.
"Cum munimenta frangeret, i. e. Vaticinium de munimen-
torum oppugnatione edentes Parcae, opus suum validius
aggredie bantur musicorum instar, cum bellica facinora ca-
,

nunt." With the foregoing note, from the Copenhagen

4to, I agree. Liming, too, has: Die Nornen zogen das
schicksalsgewebe machtiger an als sie in der schicksals-
bestimmung auf die durch Helgi dereinst zu brechenden
burgen kamen.
II. 2
18 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

the golden cord, a noble chief to be;

and beneath the middle among men 'twas said
of the moon's mansion that happy times were
fixed it, come;
4. East and west went the king himself
they hid the ends, from the din of war,
where the prince had noble garlic to bring
lands between j
to the young prince;
towards the north 8. Gave him the name
Neri's sister of Helgi,
cast a chain, and Hringstadir,
which she bade last for Solfioll, Snsefioll,
ever. and Sigarsvellir
5. One thing disquieted Hringstad, Hatun,
the Ylfing's offspring, 1 and Himinvangar,
and the woman 2 a sword ornate,
3
who had the child brought to Sinfiotli's brother.
forth. 9. Then grew up,
Sitting on a lofty tree, in his friends' bosom,
on prey intent, the high-born youth,
a raven to a raven said: in joyous splendour.
"I know something. He paid and gave
6. Stands cased in mail gold for deserts;
Sigmund's son, nor spared the chief
4
one day old: the blood-stained sword.
now is our day come. 10. A
short time only
His eyes are piercing the leader let
as a warrior's warfare cease.
the wolf's friend is he: When the prince was
we shall rejoice!" fifteen winters old,
7. He to the folk ap- he caused the fierce
peared Hunding 5 to fall,

1) Sigmund. 2) Borghild. 3) Sinfiotli was Sigmund's

eldest son by his sister Signy. 4) Both the original text
and the translation of this line are very doubtful. 5) A
 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 19

who long had ruled Vidrir's hounds went

over lands and people. about the isle
slaughter-greedy.
ThesonsofHunding
11.
afterwards demanded 14. The leader sat
from Sigmund's son under the Arastein,
treasure and rings; after he had slain
because they had Alf and Eyiolf,
on the prince to avenge Hiorvard and Havard,
their great loss of wealth, sons of Hunding:
and their father's death. he had destroyed all
2
Geirmimir's race.
12. The prince would
neither 15. Then gleamed a ray
the blood-fine pay, from Logafioll,
nor for the slain and from that ray
indemnity would give. lightnings issued;
They might expect, he said, then appeared,
a terrific storm in the field of air,

of grey arrows, a helmed band

and Odin's ire. of Valkyriur:
13. The warriors went their corslets were
to the trysting place of with blood besprinkled,
swords, and from their spears
which they had appointed shone beams of light.
at Logafioll. 16. Forthwith inquired
Broken was Frodi's l peace the chieftain bold,
3
between the foes: from the wolf - congress

king of Saxony: "Helgo Hundingum Saxoniae regis

Syrici filium, apud Stadium (Hringstadir?) oppidum proelio
vicit, eundemque ex provocatione adortus duello prostravit.
Ob quod Hundingi interemptor vocatus victoriae decus cog-
nomine usurpavit. Saxo Gramm. p. 80, et Notce uberiores
p. 86, edit. M uller & Velschow. l) Frodi (FroSi) was an
ancient, or fabled king of Denmark, under whom universal
peace prevailed, which became proverbial. 2) This is not
correct, as will hereafter be seen. 3) The battle field.
2*
20 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

of the southern Disir,

1
or the maiden take
whether they would, from the prince."
with the warriors, Helgi.
that night go home? — 20. Fear thou not
then was a clash of arms! Isung's slayer;
17. One from her horse, there shall be first a clash
Hogni's daughter, of foes,
stilled the crash of shields, am dead.
unless I
and to the leader said:
mes-
21. Thence sent
"We have, I ween,
sengers
other objects
the potent prince
than with princely war-
2 through air and over water,
riors
succours to demand,
to drink beer.
and abundance
18. My father has
of ocean's gleam
3
his daughter promised
to men to offer,
to the fierce
and to their sons.
son of Granmar;
but I have, Helgi! 22. "Bid them speedily
declared Hodbrodd, to the ships to go,

the proud prince, and those from Brandey

like to a cat's son. to hold them ready."
19. That chief will come There the king abode,
in a few days, until thither came
unless thou him call warriors in hundreds
to a hostile meeting; from Hedinsey.

Dis (pi. Disir) is a generic name for all female

l)
mythic beings. IS. M. 1 p. 116. 2) Literally ring-breakers.
Rings (bracelets, collars) were used as money, and were,
as occasion required, broken. Or it may be rendered
ring
distributors, like the Anglo-Saxon beah-gifa, or beah-brytta,
from bryttian to distribute, dispense. 3) A
periphrasis for
gold, analogous with eldr saevar, fire of the sea; eldr
/Kgis (U^gis) AZgir^s fire. The origin of this periphrasis
appears in the prologue to (Egisdrccka. See also Skaldsk.
p. 1 2'J, ed. liask, and Lex. Mythol. p.
986.
 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 21

23. From the strands up to the mast

also, in Varinsfiord.
and from Stafnsnes, 27. There was a dash
a naval force went out, of oars,
with gold adorned. and clash of iron,
Helgi then of Hiorleif shield against shield re-
asked sounded :

"Hast thou mustered the vikings rowed;

the valiant people?" roaring went,
24. But the young king under the chieftains
the other answered: the royal fleet
"Slowly" said he "are far from the land.
counted 28. So might be heard,
from Tronuey when together came
the long-beaked ships, the tempest's sister 1

under the seafarers, and the long keels,

which sail without as when rock and surge
in the Oresund, — on each other break.
25. Twelve hundred 29. Higher still bade
faithful men; Helgi
though in Hatun the deep sail be hauled.
there is more than half No port gave shelter
of the king's host — to the crews;
We are to war inured." when GEgir's
26. Then the steersman terrific daughter
threw the chieftains' vessels
the ship's tents aside, would o'erwhelm.
that the princes' 30. But from above
people might awake, Sigrun intrepid,
and the noble chiefs saved them
the dawn might see; and their fleet also;
and the warriors from the hand of Ran
hauled the sails powerfully was wrested

l) Kolgu systir. Kolga was one of the daughters of

(Egir and Ran; they were the waves.
22 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

the royal ship a king hard to make flee,

at Gnipalund. who has oft

31. At eve they halted the eagles sated,

in Unavagar; while thou wast at the mills,

the splendid ships kissing the thrall-wenches.

might into port have floated Gudmund.

but the crews, 36. Little dost thou
from Svarinshaug, remember
in hostile mood, of ancient saws,
espied the host. when of the noble
thou falsehoods utterest.
32. Then demanded
Thou hast been eating
the god-born Gudmund:
wolves' dainties,
"Who is the chieftain
and of thy brother
that commands the fleet,
wast the slayer;
and that formidable force
wounds hast thou often
brings to our land?"
sucked with cold mouth
33. Sinfiotli said,
every where loathed,
slinging^ up on the yard thou hast crawled in
a red-hued shield
with golden rim; — caverns.
Sinfiotli.
He at the strait kept watch, 37. Thou wast a Vala-
and able was to answer, crone
and with nobles
words exchange — in Varinsey,
cunning as a fox
34. "Tell it at eve, a spreader of lies.
when you feed your pigs, Thou saidst thou no man
and your clogs wouldst ever marry,
lead to their food, no corsleted warrior,
that the Ylfings save Sinfiotli.
from the east are come, 38. A mischievous crone
ready to fight wast thou,
at Gnipalund. a giantess a Valkyria,
,

35. Hodbrodd will insolent, onstrous,

Helgi find in Alfather's hall.
in the fleet's midst, All the Einheriar
 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 23

fought with each other, hadst a golden bit,

deceitful woman! ready for the course.

for thy sake. Many a time have I
Nine wolves we begat ridden thee tired,
in Sagunes; hungry and saddled,
I alone was through the fells, thou hag
father of them all. Gudmund.
Gudmund. 42. A graceless lad
39. Father thou wast not thou wast thought to be,
of Fenriswolves, when Gulnir's goats
older than all, thou didst milk.
as far as I remember; Another time thou wast
since by Gnipalund, a giantess's daughter,
the Thurs - maidens a tattered wretch.
thee emasculated Wilt thou a longer chat?
upon Thorsnes. Sinfiotli.

40. Thou wast Siggeir's 43. I rather would

stepson at Frekastein
at home under the benches the ravens cram
layest, with thy carcase,
accustomed to the wolf's than thy dogs
howl lead to their meat,
out in the forests: or thy hogs feed.
calamity of every kind May the fiend deal with
came over thee, thee
when thou didst lacerate Helgi.
thy brother's breast. 44. tl
Much more seemly,
Notorious thou mad'st Sinfiotli!

thyself would it be for you both

by thy atrocious works. in battle to engage,
Sinfiotli. and the eagles gladden,
41. Thou wast Grani's than with useless
bride words to contend,
at Bravollr, however princes 1

l) Literally ring-breakers, or -dispensers.

24 The First Lay ofHelgi Hundingcide.

may foster hate. shields many,

45. Not good to me appear and smooth-shaven oars,
Gran mar's sons, a king's noble host,
yet 'tis right that princes joyous Ylfings.
should speak the truth
49. Fifteen bands
they have shown,
are come to land
at Moinsheimar,
but there are out at sea,
that they have courage
to draw the sword." — before Gnipalund,
seven thousand
46. Rapidly they their
blue-black ocean-beasts
horses
with gold adorned;
made to run,
there is by far
Svipud and Svegiud,
their greatest multitude.
to Solheimar,
Now will Helgi not
over dewy dales,
delay the conflict."
dark mountain-sides;
trembled the sea of mist, 1 Hodbrodd.
where the men went. 50. "Let a bridled steed
47. The king they met to the chief assembly run,

at the burgh's gate, but Sporvitnir

to the prince announced to Sparinsheid;

the hostile advent. Melnir and Mylnir

Without stood Hodbrodd to Myrkvid;
with helmet decked: let no man
he the speed noticed stay behind

of his kinsmen. of those

"Why have ye Hniflungs who swords can brandish.
such wrathful countenan- 51. Summon to you
ces?" Hogni,
48. "Hither to the shore and the sons of Hring,
are come Atliand Yngvi,
rapid keels, Alf the old;
towering masts, they will gladly
and long yards, engage in conflict.

l) the air.
 The First Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 25

We will let the Volsungs to the host of heroes

find resistance." from Hugin's grove 2 —
was a whirlwind,
52. It 54. "Unscathed shalt
when together came thou, prince
1
the fallow blades possess thy people,
at Frekastein pillar of Yngvi's race!
ever was Helgi and life enjoy;
Hundingsbani thou hast laid low
foremost in the host, the slow of flight,
where men together fought the chief who caused
ardent for battle, the dread warrior's 3 death.
disdaining flight; And thee, o king!
the chieftain had well beseem both
a valiant heart. red-gold rings
53. Then came a maid and a powerful maid:
from heaven, unscathed shalt thou,
helmed, from above — prince!
the clash of arms increa- both enjoy,
sed — Hogni's daughter,
for the king's protection. and Hringstadir,
Then said Sigrun — victory and lands:
well skilled to fly then is conflict ended."

1) It would appear that their swords were of bronze.

2) Hugin's grove. The raven's grove, i. e. the battle-field,
strewed with corpses, the raven's food. 3) See Str. 20.
Isung's bana, i. e. Hodbrodd.
 HelgakviSa Hundingsbana Onnur.

The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife
Borghild of Bralund. They named their son Helgi,
after Helgi Hiorvard's son. Helgi was fostered by
Hagal. There was a powerful king named Hunding,
after whom the land was called Hundland. He was
a great warrior, and had many sons, who were en-
gaged in warfare. There was enmity, both open and
concealed, between King Hunding and King Sigmund,
and they slew each others kinsmen. King Sigmund
and his kindred were called Volsungs, and Ylfings.
Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of
King Hunding. Heming, Hunding's son, was at home.
On departing Helgi met a herdsman, and said:
1. "Say thou to Heming, sent men to Hagal in
that Helgi bears in mind search of Helgi, and Helgi
who the mailed warrior was, had no other way to save
whom the men laid low, himself than by taking the
when the grey wolf clothes of a female slave
ye had within, and going to grind. They
and King Hunding sought but did not find
thought it was Hamal. him. Then said Blind the
Hamal was the son of Baleful:
Hagal. King Hunding 2. Sharp are the eyes
 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 27

of Hagal's thrall-wench He King Hunding,

slew
of no churlish race is she and was afterwards named
who at the mill stands. Helgi Hundingsbani. He
The mill-stones are split, lay with his force in Bru-
the receiver flies asunder. navagar, and carried on
Now a hard fate has l
'strand-hogg' and ate raw
befallen the warrior, flesh. There was a king
when a prince must named Hogni whose ,

barley grind: daughter was Sigriin: she

much more fitting was a Valkyria, and rode
to that hand through the air and over
is the falchion's hilt the sea. She was Svava
than a mill-handle. regenerated. Sigrun rode

Hagal answered and

to Helgi, and said: —
said :
— 4. What men cause a
3. No wonder 'tis ship
that the receiver rattles, along the coasts to float?
when a royal damsel where do ye warriors
the handle turns. a home possess?
She hovered what await ye
higher than the clouds, in Brunavagar?

and, like the vikings, whither desire ye

dared to fight, to explore a way?

until Helgi
Helgi.
made her captive.
5. Hamal causes a ship
She is a sister of
along the coasts to float;
Sigar and Hogni;
we have home
therefore has fierce eyes
in Hlesey;
the Ylfing maid.
a fair wind we await
in Brunavagar;
Helgi escaped and went eastward we desire
on board a ship of war. to explore a way.

1) Slaughtering and carrying off the cattle on the

sea -shore.
28 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

Sigrun. Helgi.

Where, o prince!
6. 9. Why dost thou suppose,
hast thou wakened war, sagacious maiden!
or fed the birds that it was they,
1
of conflict's sisters? who their kin avenged?
Why is thy corslet Many a warrior's
sprinkled with blood? bold sons there are,
Why beneath the helm and hostile
eat ye raw flesh? to our kindred.
Helgi. Sigrun.
7. It was the Ylfings'
10. I was not far,
son's
last achievment, — leader of people!
eager, at many
if thou desirest to know
—
a chieftain's end:
west of the ocean, yet crafty I account
that I took bears Sigmund's son,
in Bragalund, 2
when in val-runes
and the eagles' race
the slaughter he announces.
with weapons sated.
our
Now, maiden I have said!
1 1 . A while ago I saw
thee
what the reasons were,
commanding the war-ships,
why at sea
when thou hadst station
we little cooked meat ate.
on the bloody prow,
Sigrun.
and the cold sea
8. To a battle thou
waves were playing.
alludest.
Now, prince! thou wilt
Before Helgi has
from me conceal it,
King Hunding
but Hogni's daughter
been doomed to fall.
recognizes thee.
In ye have engaged,
conflict
when your kindred ye
avenged, Granmar was name the
and stained with blood of a powerful prince who
the falchion's edge. dwelt at Svarinshaug. He

1) The Yalkyriur. 2) Dark words of deadly import.

 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 29

had many sons: one was She declared that she had
called Hodbrodd, the se- loved,
cond Gudmund, the third with her whole heart,
Starkadr. Hodbrodd was Sigmund's son,
at the assembly of kings, before she had seen him.
and there betrothed him- 14. "To Hodbrodd I was
self to Sigrun, the daughter in th'assembly betrothed,
of Hogni. But when she but I another
was informed of it, she prince would have
rode with the Valkyriur yet , chieftain ! I foresee
through the air and over my kindred's wrath:
the sea in quest of Helgi. I have my father's
Helgi was at that time at promise broken."
Logafioll, warring against Hogni's daughter
1 5.

the sons of Hunding, where spoke not

he slew Alf and Eyiolf, at variance with her heart:
Hiorvard and Hervard. she said that Helgi's
Being over- fatigued with affection she must possess.
the conflict, he was sitting
Helgi.
under the Arastein , where
16. Care thou not
Sigrun found him, and
for Hogni's wrath,
running to him threw her
,

nor for the evil

arms round his neck, and,
mind of thy kin.
kissing him, told him her
Thou young maiden
shalt, !
errand so as it is related
live with me:
in the first Volsungakvioa.
of a good race thou art,
12. Sigrun sought as I perceive.
the joyous prince,
Helgi then collected a
Helgi's hand
large fleet and proceeded
she forthwith grasped,
to Frekastein, and at sea
kissed and addressed
experienced a perilous
the helm-decked king.
storm. Lightnings came
13. Then was the chief- over them, and the flashes
tain's mind entered the ships. They
to the lady turned. saw that nine Valkyriur
30 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

were riding in the air, and Sinfiotli, Sigmund's son,

recognized Sigrun among answered
them. The storm then 18. Here may Hodbrodd
abated and they reached Helgi learn to know,
land in safety. The sons the hard of flight,
of Granmar were sitting in the fleet's midst:
on a hill as the ships were he the possession
sailing towards the land. holds of thy race;
Gudmund leapt on a horse, he the fishes' heritage
and rode to explore on has to him subjected.
the hill by the haven. The Gudmund.
Volsungs then lowered 1 9. Therefore ought we
their sails, and Gudmund first,

spoke as is before written at Frekastein,

in the Helgakvida: — to settle together,
and decide our quarrels!
"Who is the leader
Hodbrodd! 'tis time
that commands the fleet,
vengeance to take,
and an appalling host
if an inferior lot
leads to our land?"
we long have borne.
This said Gudmund, Sinfiotli.

Granmar's son. 20. Rather shalt thou,

Gudmund
17. Who is the warrior tend goats,
that commands the ships, and steep mountain-tops
and lets his golden banner shalt climb,
wave o'er his prow? have in thy hand
No peace seems to me a hazel staff,

in that ship's front; that will better please thee

itcasts a warlike glow than judgments of the
l
around the vikings. sword.

1) Strophes 21 and 22 are a repetition of Strophes

44 and 45 of the preceding poem, with the addition only
of the last lines
Warriors they are
most valiant.
 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 31

Gudmund rode home at Frekastein

with intelligence of the Bragi and Hogni:
hostilearmament; where- I was their slayer.
upon the sons of Gran- 25. But at Styrkleifar
mar collected a host, and King Starkadr,
many kings came thither. and at Hlebiorg
Among them were Hogni, the son of Hrollaug.
the father of Sigrun, with That prince I saw
his sons, Bragi and Dag. of all most fierce,
There was a great battle, whose trunk yet fought
and all the sons of Hogni, when the head was far.
and all their chiefs were 26. On the earth lie
slain, except Dag, who
the greater number
obtained peace, and swore
of thy kinsmen,
oaths to the Volsungs.
to corpses turned.
Sigrun, going among the
Thou hast not fought the
slain, found Hodbrodd at
battle
the point of death. She yet 'twas decreed,
said:
that thou, potent maiden!
23. Not will Sigrun shouldst cause the strife.

of Sefafioll, Sigrun then wept. Helgi

King Hodbrodd! said:
sink in thy arms:
27. Sigrun ! console thy-
thy life is departed.
self;
Oft the axe's bjade
a Hild thou hast been to us.
the head approaches
Kings cannot conquer fate
of Gran mar's sons.
gladly would I have them
She then met Helgi, and living
was overjoyed. He said: who are departed,
24. Not to thee, all- if I might clasp thee to
wise maiden my breast.

are all things granted, Helgi obtained Sigrun,

though, I say, in somewhat and they had sons. Helgi
are the Norns to blame. lived not to be old. Dag,
This morn have fallen the son of Hogni, sacrified
32 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

to Odin, for vengeance behind thee blow.

for his father. Odin lent May the horse not run,
Dag his spear. Dag met which under thee should
with his relation Helgi in run,
a place called Fioturlund, although from enemies
and pierced him through thou hast to flee!
with his spear. Helgi fell 3 1 . May the sword not
there, but Dag rode to bite
the mountains and told which thou drawest,
Sigrun what had taken unless it sing
place. round thy own head.
28. Loath am I, sister Then would Helgi's death
sad news to tell thee; be on thee avenged,
for unwillingly I have if a wolf thou wert,
my sister caused to weep. out in the woods,
This morning fell,
of all good bereft,
in Fioturlund, and every joy,
the prince who was have no sustenance,
on earth the best, unless on corpses thou
and on the necks shouldst spring.
of warriors stood.
Dag.
Sigrun.
32. Sister! thou ravest,
29. Thee shall the oaths
and hast lost thy wits,
allgnaw,
when on thy brother thou
which to Helgi
callest down such miseries.
thou didst swear,
Odin alone is cause
at the limpid
of all the evil;
Leiptr's water,
for between relatives
and at the cold dank he brought the runes of
wave-washed rock. strife.
30. May the ship not
move forward, 33. Thy brother offers

which under thee should thee

move, rings of red gold,

although the wished -for all Vandilsve

wind and Vigdalir:
 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 33

have half the land, A mound was raised

thy grief to compensate, for Helgi but when he
;

woman ring-adorned came to Valhall, Odin

thou and thy sons. offered him the rule over

Sigrun.
all jointly with himself.
Helgi said:
34. So happy I shall
not sit 37. Thou, Hunding!
at Sefafioll, shalt
neither at morn nor night, for every man
as to feel joy in life, a foot-bath get,
if o'er the people plays not and fire kindle;
the prince's beam of light shalt bind the dogs

if his war-steed runs not to the horses look,

under the chieftain hither, to the swine give wash,

to the gold bit accustomed ere to sleep thou goest.
v
if in the king I cannot A female slave passing
rejoice. at evening by Helgi's
35. So had Helgi mound, saw him riding
struck with fear towards it with many
all his foes men
and their kindred, 38. Is it a delusion
as before the wolf which methinks I see,
the goats run frantic or the powers' dissolution,
from the fell, that ye, dead men, ride,
of terror full. and your horses
36. So himself Helgi with spurs urge on
among warriors bore, or to warriors is
as the towering ash a home journey granted?
is among thorns, Helgi.
or as the fawn, 39. 'Tis no delusion
moistened with dew, which thou thinkst to see,
that more proudly stalks nor of mankind the end,
than all the other beasts, although thou seest us,
and its horns glisten although our horses we
against the sky. with spurs urge on,
II. 3
34 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

nor to warriors is when they of slaughter

a home-journey granted. know;
The slave went home of warm prey,
and said to Sigrun: or, dewy-feathered, see
40. Sigrun! go forth the peep of day.
from Sefafioll, 42. I will kiss
if the people's chief my lifeless king,
thou desirest to meet. ere thou thy bloody corslet
The mound is opened, layest aside.
Helgi is come, Thy hair is, Helgi!
his wounds still bleed; tumid with sweat of death; 1
the prince prayed thee my prince is all

that thou wouldst still bathed in slaughter - dew

the trickling blood. cold, clammy are the hands
Sigrun entered the of Hogni's son. 2
mound to Helgi and said : How shall I, prince ! for this
41. Now am I as glad, make thee amends ?

at our meeting, Helgi.

as the voracious 43. Thou art alone the
3
hawks of Odin, cause,

I) Or with rime. 2) Strictly son-in-law. 3) The

superstition commemorated in this strophe is, no doubt,
the origin of some very beautiful ballads in the later
literature of Scandinavia and Germany. For instances,
see the citations in Muller's "Altdeutsche Religion",
p. 410 seqq., "Northern Mythology" I, p. 292, and Prior's

highly interesting and valuable work, "Ancient Danish

Ballads" III, pp. 70 seqq. The following is Dr. Prior's
version of the lines of the Danish ballad (Aage and Else)
referring to this superstition:
"When thou, my dear, art cheerful,
"And easy in thy mind,
"The coffin where 1 slumber
"Is all with roses lined.

"But oft as thou 'rt in sorrow,

"And bow'd with grief so sore,
"Is all that while my coffin
"Brim full of blood and gore.
 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide. 35

Sigrun of Sefafioll! as in my hero's lifetime

that Helgi is I was wont.
with sorrow's dew suffused.
Thou weepest, gold-ador- Helgi.

ned! 46. Nothing I now declare

cruel tears, unlooked for,
sun-bright daughter of the at Sefafioll,
south late or early,
ere to sleep thou goest; since in a corpse's
*
each one falls bloody arms thou sleepest,
on the prince's breast, Hogni's fair daughter!
wet, cold, and piercing, in a mound,
with sorrow big. and thou art living,
daughter of kings
44. We shall surely drink
delicious draughts, 47. Time 'tis for me to
though we have lost ride
life and lands. on the reddening ways:
No one shall let the pale horse
a song of mourning sing, tread the aerial path.
though on my breast Itowards the west must go
he wounds behold. over Vindhialm's bridge,
Now are women ere Salgofnir
in the mound enclosed, awakens heroes.
daughters of kings,
with us the dead. Helgi and his attendants
rode their way, but Sigrun
Sigrun prepares a bed and hers proceeded to their
in the mound. habitation. The following
evening Sigrun ordered
35. Here, Helgi! have I
her serving-maid to hold
for thee
watch at the mound but ;

a peaceful
at nightfall, when Sigrun
couch prepared,
came thither, she said:
for the Ylfings' son.
On thy breast I will, 48. Now would be come,
chieftain ! repose, if he to come intended,
3*
36 The Second Lay of Helgi Hundingcide.

Sigmund's son, all dead warriors,

from Odin's halls. than in the light of day.

I think the hope lessens Sigrun's life was short-

of the king's coming, ened by grief and mourn-

since on the ash's boughs ing. It was a belief in

the eagles sit, ancient times that men

and all the folk were regenerated, but that
to the dreams' tryst are is now regarded as an old

hastening. crone's fancy. Helgi and

Sigriin are said to have
Serving-maid. been regenerated. He was
49. Be not so rash then called Helgi Had-
alone to go, dingiaskadi, and she Kara
daughter of heroes! Halfdan's daughter, as it
1
to the house of draugs: is said in the songs of
more powerful are, Kara 2 ; and she also was
in the night-season, a Valkyria.

1) Spectres. See N. M. I. p. 117 and Grimm, D. M.

867. 2) These are lost.
 Sinfiotlalok,

Sinfiotli's End.

Sigmund Volsung's son was a king in Frankland.

Sinfiotli was the eldest of his sons the second was
,

Helgi, the third Hamund. Borghild, Sigmund's wife,

had a brother named Gunnar; but Sinfiotli her step-
son and Gunnar both courted one woman, on which
account Sinfiotli slew Gunnar. When he came home,
Borghild bade him go away, but Sigmund offered the
blood-fine, which it was incumbent on her to accept.
At the funeral feast Borghild presented the beer:
she took a large horn full of poison,and offered it
to Sinfiotli
; who, when he looked into the horn, and
saw that there was poison in it, said to Sigmund:
"the drink ferments!" Sigmund took the horn and
drank up the contents. It is said that Sigmund was
so strong that no poison could hurt him either out-
,

wardly or inwardly but that all his sons could endure

;

poison outwardly. Borghild bore another horn to

Sinfiotli, and prayed him to drink, when all took
place as before. Yet a third time she offered him
the horn, using reproachful words on his refusing
to drink. He said as before to Sigmund, but the
latter answered: "Let it pass through thy lips, my
son." Sinfiotli drank and instantly died. Sigmund
bore him a long way in his arms, and came to a
38 .
Sinfiotli's End.

long and narrow firth, where there was a little vessel

and one man in it. He Sigmund to convey
offered
him over the firth * but when Sigmund had borne the
corpse into the vessel, the boat was full-laden. The
man then said that Sigmund should go before through
the firth. He then pushed off his boat and instantly
departed.
King Sigmund sojourned long in Denmark, in
Borghild's kingdom, having espoused her.
after He
then went south to Frankland to the kingdom he,

there possessed. There he married Hiordis, the

daughter of Eylimi. Sigurd was their son. King
Sigmund fell in a battle with the sons of Hunding.
Hiordis was afterwards married to Alf, son of King
Hialprek with whom Sigurd grew up in childhood.
,

Sigmund and his sons exceeded ail other men in

strength, and stature, and courage, and all accomplish-
ments, though Sigurd was foremost of all; and in old
traditions he is mentioned as excelling all men, and
as the most renowned of warlike kings.
 • X
SigurJjarkviOa Fafnisbana Fyrsta

Grripisspa.

The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide,

or

GRIPIR'S PROPHECY.
Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the
brother of Hiordis. He ruled over lands, and was
of all men wisest and prescient of the future. Sigurd
rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd
was of a distinguished figure. He found a man to
address outside the hall , whose name was Geitir.
Sigurd applied to him, and asked:
1. Who here inhabits, Will the chief with me
in these towers? come and converse ?
what nation's king With him needs speech
do people name him? an unknown man:
Geitir. I desire speedily
Gripir is named Gripir to see.
the chief of men, Geitir.
he who rules 3. The glad king will
a firm realm and people. of Geitir ask,
Sigurd. who the man is

2. Is the wise king that demands speech of

of the land at home? Gripir.
40 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

Sigurd. but of flight sparing,

Sigurd I am named,
born of Sigmund,
and Hiordis is
the chieftain's mother.
4. Then went
Gripir to inform
"Here is a man without,
of aspect comely,
and wise of words.
Sigurd.
8. Say thou, sage king!
Geitir, more than I ask,
thou wise one, to Sigurd,
if thou thinkst to see it:

a stranger, come; what will first happen

of aspect he for my
advancement,
is most distinguished. when from thy dwelling
He desires, king I shall have departed?
with thee to speak." Gripir.

Goes from the hall

5. 9. First wilt thou, prince!
the lord of men, avenge thy father,
and the stranger prince and for the wrongs of
kindly greets: Eylimi
"Welcome, Sigurd! wilt retaliate;
better had it been earlier: thou wilt the cruel
but do thou, Geitir! sons of Hunding
take charge of Grani." boldly lay low
They began to talk,
6. thou wilt have victory.
and much to tell, Sigurd.
when the sagacious men 10. Say, noble king!
together met. kinsman mine
"Tell me, if thou knowest, with all forethought,
my mother's brother! as we
hold friendly con-
how will Sigurd's verse ;
life fall out?" seest thou of Sigurd

Gripir.
those bold achievments,
that will highest soar
7. Thou wilt foremost be
under heaven's regions?"
of men beneath the sun,
exalted high above Gripir.

every king; 1 1 . Thou alone wilt slay

liberal of gold that glistening serpent,
 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 41

which greedy lies what will next

on Gnitaheid my life befall?
thou shalt of both Gripir.
the slayer be, 15. A king's daughter
Regin and Fafnir. will on a mountain sleep,
Gripir tells truly. fair, in corslet cased,
after Helgi's death.
Sigurd.
Thou wilt strike
12. Riches will abound,
with a keen sword,
if I so bring
wilt the corslet sever
conflict among men, 1
with Fafnir's bane.
as thou for certain sayest.
Sigurd.
Apply thy mind,
16. The corslet is ript
and at length say
open,
what will yet
themaid begins to speak.
my life befall.
When awakened
Gripir. from her sleep,
13. Thou wilt find
on what will she chiefly
with Sigurd converse hold,
Fafnir's lair,
which to the prince's
and thence wilt take
benefit may tend?
splendid riches,
with gold wilt load Gripir.

Grani's back.
1 7. She to thee, power-
Thou wilt to Giuki ride,
ful one
runes will teach
the war-famed prince.
all those which men
Sigurd. ought to know j
14. Yet must thou. and in every man's
prince tongue to speak,
in friendly speech, and medicines for healing.
foresighted king! May good await thee, king
more relate. Sigurd.
I shall be Giuki's guest, 18. Now that is past,
and I shall thence depart the knowledge is acquired,

l) Sigurd's sword named Bran.

42 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

and I ara ready thence who greater prescience has

away to ride. than thou, Gripir
Apply thy mind, Thou mayest not conceal it,
and at length say unhappy though it be,
what more will or if ill betide
my life befall. my life.

Gripir.
Gripir.
19. Thou wilt find
Heirair's dwellings,
23. Not with vices will

wilt be thy be sullied;

life
and the glad guest
let that,noble prince!
of that great king.
in thy mind be borne;
Vanished is, Sigurd!
for while mankind exists,
that which I foresaw;
thy name,
no further mayest thou
director of the spear-storm
Gripir question.
will be supreme.
Sigurd.
20. Now bring me grief Sigurd.
the words thou speakest; 24. The worst seems
for thou foreseest, king! to me,
much further; that Sigurd is compelled
thou knowest of too great from the king to part
calamity to Sigurd; in such uncertainty.
therefore thou, Gripir! Show me the way —
wilt not utter it.
all is decreed before —
Gripir. great chieftain if thou wilt,
!

21. Of thy life

my mother's brother!
the early portion
lay before me Gripir.

clearest to contemplate. 25. To Sigurd I will now

I am not truly openly tell,

accounted sage, since the chieftain me

nor of the future prescient thereto compels:
that which I knew is gone. thou wilt surely find
Sigurd. that I lie not.

22. No man I know A certain day is

on the earth's surface, for thy death decreed.

 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 43

Sigurd. nor men regard;

26. I would not im- only this maiden thou
portune wilt see.
the mighty prince, Sigurd.
but rather Gripir's 30. What remedy for
good counsel have. Sigurd
Now I fain would know, will be applied;
though grateful it may tell me that, Gripir!
not be, if it seem good to thee.
what prospect Sigurd has Shall I obtain the damsel?
lying before him. with dowry purchase
Gripir. the lovely
27. There is with Heimir royal daughter?
a maiden fair of form,
Gripir.
she is by men
31. Ye will each swear
Brynhild named,
unnumbered oaths,
daughter of Budli;
solemnly binding,
but the dear king
but few will keep.
Heimir nurtures
Hast thou been Giuki's
the hard-souled damsel.
guest one night,
Sigurd.
thou wilt have forgotten
28. Whatis it to me,
the fair ward of Heimir.
although the maiden be
Sigurd.
of aspect fair?
nurtured with Heimir? 32. How is that, Gripir!

That thou, Gripir! must explain it to me:

seest thou such fickleness
fully declare;
in the king's mind,
for thou foreseest
my whole destiny. that with that maiden I

Gripir.
my engagement break,
shall

29. She will thee bereave

whom with my whole heart
I thought to love?
of almost every joy,
the fair-faced Gripir.
foster-child of Heimir. 33. Prince thou wilt be
!

Thou wilt not sleep, snared

nor of affairs discourse, in another's wiles,
44 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

thou wilt pay the penalty Gripir.

of Grimhild's craft; 37. All of you will

the bright-haired maiden, swear mutual oaths,
her daughter, Gunnar, and Hogni,
she to thee will offer. and thou the third;
This snare for the king and ye will forms exchange,
she lays. when on the way ye are,
Sigurd. Gunnar and thou:
34. Shall I then with Gripir lies not.
Gunnar Sigurd
form relationship, 38. To what end is that?
and with Gudrun why shall we exchange ,

join in wedlock ? forms and manners,

Well wived then when on the way we are?
the king would be, Another fraud
if the pangs of perjury will surely follow this,
caused me no pain. altogether horrible.
Gripir. But say on, Gripir!
35. Thee will Grimhild Gripir.
wholly beguile; 39. Thou wilt have Gun-
she will implore thee nar's semblance,
Brynhild to demand and his manners,
for the hand of Gunnar, thy own eloquence,
king of Goths and great sagacity:
the journey thou wilt forth- there thou wilt betroth
with promise
-
the high-minded
to the king's mother. ward of Heimir:
Sigurd. no one can that prevent.
36. Evils are at hand, Sigurd.
I can that perceive; 40. To me that seems
Sigurd's wits worst,
will have wholly perished, that among men I shall
if I demand,
shall be a false traitor called,
for another's hand, if such take place.

a noble maiden I would not

whom I well love. deception practise
 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 45

on a royal maid henceforth prove,

the most excellent I know. or even for mine?
Gripir. Gripir.

41. Thou wilt repose, 45. Thou wilt the oaths

leader of hosts! remember,
pure with the maiden, and must silence keep,
as she thy mother were and let Gudrun enjoy
therefore exalted, a happy union.
lord of men Brynhild nathless will her-
while the world endures self think
thy name will be. an ill-married woman.
42. The nuptials will She will wiles devise
of both be solemnized, to avenge herself.

of Sigurd and of Gunnar, Sigurd.

in Giuki's halls; 46. What atonement will
then will ye forms ex- that woman take,
change ,
for the frauds we
when ye home return; shall have practised on her ?
yet to himself will have From me the maiden has
each his own senses. oaths sworn,

Sigurd. but never kept,

43. Will then Gunnar,

and but little joy.
chief among men, Gripir.

the noble woman wed? 47. She to Gunnar will

Tell me that, Gripir! plainly declare,
although three nights by me that thou didst not well
the chieftain's bride the oaths observe,
glad of heart has slept? when the noble king,
The like has no example. Giukis heir,
with his whole soul,
44. How for happiness
in thee confided.
shall hereafter be
this affinity? Sigurd.
Tell me that, Gripir! 48. Whatwillthenfollow?
Will the alliance let me know that.
for Gunnar's solace Will that tale
46 The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

appear as true, Gripir.

or that the noble woman 51. Then will Gudrun be

falsely accuses me, furious at heart,
and herself also. when her brothers shall
Tell me that, Gripir! on thy death resolve.
In nothing then
Gripir.
will that wise woman
49. From spite towards
take delight.
thee,
Such is Grimhild's work.
and from o'erwhelming
52. In this thou shalt
grief,
find comfort,
the powerful dame leader of hosts
will not most wisely act.
This fortune is allotted
To the noble woman to the hero's life
do thou no further harm,
a more renowned man
though thou the royal bride
on earth shall never be,
with guiles hast circum-
under the sun's abode,
vented.
than thou wilt be accounted.
Sigurd. Sigurd.
50. Will the prudent 53. Now part we, now
Gunnar, farewell
Guthorm, and Hogni, Fate may not be withstood.
at her instigation, Now hast thou, Gripir!
then proceed? done as I prayed thee:
Will Giuki's sons thou wouldst have fain
on their relative a happier end foretold me
redden their swords? of my life's days,
Tell me further, Gripir! hadst thou been able.
 SigurparkviSa Fafnisbana Onnur.

The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide,

Sigurd went to Hialprek's stud and chose him-
self horse, which was afterwards named Grani.
a
Regin, Hreidmar's son, was then come to Hialprek;
he was the most skilful of men, and a dwarf in sta-
ture he was wise, cruel, and versed in magic. Regin
;

undertook the rearing and instruction of Sigurd, and

bore him great affection. He informed Sigurd of his
parentage and how it befell that Odin
, and Hoenir, ,

and Loki came to Andvarafors (the waterfall of

Andvari). In the fall there was an abundance of
fish. There was a dwarf named Andvari who had ,

long lived in the fall in the likeness of a pike, and

in which he supplied himself with food. "Our brother",
continued Regin "was named Otr who often went
, ,

into the fall in the likeness of an otter. He had

caught a salmon, and was sitting on the bank of the
river with his eyes shut eating it, when Loki killed
him with a stone. The ^ZEsir thought themselves very
lucky, and stripped off the otter's skin. That same
evening they sought entertainment with Hreidmar,
and showed their prize. Thereupon we laid hands
on them and imposed on them
, as the redemption
,

of their lives, that they should fill the otter's skin

with gold, and cover it over with red gold. They
48 The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

thereupon sent Loki to procure gold. He went to

Ran, and obtained her net, and thence proceeded to

Andvarafors, and cast the net before a pike, which

leapt into the net. Whereupon Loki said:

1. What fish is this, Andvari.

that in the river swims, 4. Cruel retribution get

and cannot from harm the sons of mortals,
itself protect? who Vadgelmir wade:
in

Redeem thy life for the false words

from Hel, they have against others
and find me the water's uttered
flame. l the punishments too long
endure.
The Pike.
Loki viewed all the gold
Andvari I am named,
2.
that Andvari owned; but
Oin was my father named when he had produced
many a cataract have I the gold, he retained a
passed. which Loki
single ring,
A luckless Norn also took from him. The
in times of old decreed, dwarf went into his stone
that in the water I should and said:
wade.
6. That gold
Loki. which the dwarf possessed,
3.Tell me, Andvari! shall to two brothers

if thou wilt enjoy be cause of death,

life in the halls of men,
and to eight princes,

what retribution get of dissension.

the sons of mortals,

From my wealth no one

if with foul words they shall good derive.

assail each other. The iEsir produced the

1) One of the many periphrases for gold. With

respect to its origin I can only conjecture that it may
possibly be traced to what is related of (Egir's hall, where
gold was used for tire-light. See Part I. p. 91.
 The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 49

gold to Hreidmar, and 8. But that is worse,

with it crammed the otter's what I seem to know, —
skin full, and set it up a strife of kinsmen for a
on the feet. They then woman.
had to heap up the gold Princes yet unborn
and cover it; but when I think them to be,
that was done, Hreidmar, for whose hate that gold
stepping forward, observed is destined.
a whisker, and required 9. The
red gold, I trust,
it to be covered; where- I shall possess
upon Odin drew forth the while I am living:
ring "Andvara-naut", and of thy threats
covered the hair. Loki I entertain no fear;
said: so take yourselves hence
6. There is gold for thee, home.
and thou hast a great Fafnir and Regin de-
redemption manded of Hreidmar their
for my life. share of the blood-fine for
For thy son their slain brother Otr,
no blessing is decreed; which he refused and ,

of both it shall prove the Fafnir stabbed his father

bane. with a sword while sleep-
ing. Hreidmar called out
Hreidmar.
to his daughters:
7. Gifts thou hast given,
thou hast 10. Lyngheid and
friendly gifts
given not;
Lofnheid
with a kind heart thou Know my life is departing.

hast not given.

To many things need
*
compels.
Of your lives ye should
have been deprived, Lyngheid.
had I foreknown that peril. Few sisters will,

1) To wit, to avenge my death on your brothers. So

Liming understands the lines, the sense of which seems
very doubtful.
II. 4
50 The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

although they lose a father, Regin related to Sigurd.

avenge a brother's crime. One day, when he came
Hreidmar. to Regin's dwelling, he
1 1 . Then bring forth a was kindly received, and
daughter, Regin said:
wolf-hearted fury! 13. Hither is come

if by a chief the son of Sigmund

thou have not a son. to our hall,
Get for the maid a spouse, that manof energy:
in thy great need; courage he has greater
then will her son than I aged man:
thy wrong avenge. now of a conflict have I
Hreidmar then died, and hope
1
Fafnir took all the gold. from the fierce wolf.
Regin then requested to 14. I will nurture
have his share of the the bold-hearted prince:
patrimony, but met with now Yngvi's kinsman
a refusal from Fafnir. is to us come;
Regin thereupon sought he will be a king
counsel of his sister under the sun most power-
Lyngheid, how he might ful;
obtain his patrimony. She over all lands
said: will his destinies resound.
12. Thou of thy brother Sigurd was thence for-
shalt ward constantly withRegin,
mildly demand who related 1

to him how
thy patrimony and a better Fafnir lay on Gnitaheid
spirit. in the likeness of a serpent.
It is not seemly, He had an "(Egis-helm" 2 ,

that with the sword thou at which all living beings

shouldst were terror-stricken. Re-
demand thy property of gin forged a sword for
Fafnir. Sigurd, that was named
The foregoing is what Gram, and was so sharp

1) Sigurd. 2) a terrific helm or headpiece!

 The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 51

that immersing it in the in sea-trees

Rhine, he let a piece of a fair wind is given us
wool down the stream, for death itself:
when it clove the fleece higher than our prows
asunder as water. With the steep waves dash,
that sword Sigurd clove the rolling horses plunge.
intwo Regin's anvil. After Who is it that inquires?
that Regin instigated Si- Hnikar.
gurd to slay Fafnir. He 18. They called me
said: Hnikar,
15. Loud will laugh when I Hugin gladdened,
Hunding's sons, young Volsung!
they who Eylimi and battles fought.
of life deprived, Now thou mayest call me
if the prince is the ancient of the rock,
more desirous Feng, or Fiolnir. —
to seek red rings, I desire a passage.
than to avenge his father.
King Hialprek collected They turn to the land,
the old man goes on board,
a fleet to enable Sigurd
and the storm abates. Si-
to avenge his father. They
gurd said:
encountered a great storm,
and were driven past a 19. Tell me, Hnikar!
certain promontory. A since thou knowest the
man was standing on the omens
cliff who said: both of gods and men,
16. Who ride yonder, which omens are the best —
on Rsevils horses, if to fight 'tis needful —
the towering billows, at the swing of glaves?
the roaring main Hnikar.
the sail-steeds are 20. Good omens there
with sweat bedewed, are many,
the wave-coursers will not if men but knew them,
the wind withstand. at the swing of glaves,
Regin. a faithful fellowship, I
17. Here am I and Sigurd think,
4*
52 The Second Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

is the dark raven's, Wily Disir stand

with the sworded warrior. on either side of thee,
21. The second is, and wish to see thee
if,when thou art gone out, wounded.
and about to depart, 25. Combed and washed
thou seest two let every brave man be,

renown-seeking men and at morning fed;

standing in the fore-court. for 'tis uncertain

The whither he at eve may

22. third omen is,
come.
ifwolves 1 thou hearest
'Tis bad to succumb to fate.
howl under the ash-boughs,
Sigurd fought a great
it will victory to thee
battle with Lyngvi, Hun-
announce
ding's son, and his brothers,
over helmed warriors,
in which Lyngvi and his
if thou seest them go be-
three brothers fell. After
fore thee.
the battle Regin said:
23. No man should 26. Now is the bloody
fight against eagle,
the moon's »
with the trenchant blade,
2
late-shining sister. graven on the back
They have victory, of Sigmund's slayer.
who can see keenly No son of king,
at the play of swords, who the earth reddens,
or to form the wedge- and the raven gladdens,
array. ismore excellent.
24. Most perilous it is, Sigurd returned home
if with thy foot thou to Hialprek, when Regin
strikest, instigated him to slay
when thou to battle goest. Fafnir.

1) The original has wolf (ulf) in the singular, which

is not in accordance with the plural them ($a) in the
last line of the strophe. 2) towards sunset.
 Fafnismal.

The Lay of Fafnir.

Sigurd and Regin went up to Gnitaheid, and

there found Fafnir s slot, or track, along which he
crawled to the water. There on the way Sigurd
made a large pit, and went down into it. When
Fafnir crawled from the gold he blew forth venom,
but it flew over Sigurd's head. When Fafnir crept
over the pit, Sigurd with his sword pierced him to
the heart. Fafnir shook himself, and beat with his
head and tail. Sigurd leapt from the pit, and each
looked on the other. Fafnir said:
1. Young fellow! young the words of dying per-
fellow sons were of great power,
by what fellow art thou if they cursed an enemy

begot ? by his name.

of what people art thou Sigurd.
the son? 2.Gofugt-dyr I am called,
that thou in Fafnir redden st but I have wandered
thy glittering falchion? a motherless child;
Thy sword has pierced nor have I a father
my heart. like the sons of men:
Sigurd concealed his alone I wander.
name, because it was the Fafnir.
belief in those times, that 3. If thou hast no father
54 The Lay of Fafnir.

like the sons of men, in the lap of friends,

by what Wonder art thou they would have seen thee

begotten ? fierce in fight.

Sigurd. Now thou art a captive,

4. My race, I tell thee, taken in war,
unknown, and, 'tis said, slaves ever
is to thee
tremble.
and myself also.
Sigmund was my father Sigurd.
named, 8. Why Fafnir ! dost thou
my name is Sigurd, upbraid me
who with weapon have that I am far from
assailed thee. my paternal home?
Fafnir. I am not a captive,
5. Who has incited thee? although in war I was
why hast thou suffered thy- taken:
self to be incited thou hast found that I

to take my life? am free.

youth of the sparkling eyes Fafnir.

Thou hadst a cruel father 9. Thou wilt account only
l
* * * * as angry words
Sigurd. all I to the shall say,

6. My heart incited me, but I say the truth.

will

my hands gave me aid, The jingling gold,

and my keen sword. and the gleed-red treasure,
Rarely a man is bold, those rings, shall be thy
when of mature age, bane.
if in childhood he was Sigurd.
faint-hearted. 10. Treasure at command
Fafnir. every one desires,
7. I know if thou hadst ever till that one day;
chanced to grow for at some time

1 ) This line of the original I am unable to translate.

The manuscripts vary; and the translations, Latin, Danish,
Swedish and German, vary still more than the manuscripts.
 The Lay of Fafnir. 55

each mortal shall sword - li qu or together

hence to Hel depart. mingle ?
Fafnir. Fafnir.

11. The Norns decree 1 5. Oskopnir it is called ;

thou wilt there shall the gods

hold in contempt with lances play;
as from a witless wight: Bilrost shall be broken,
In water thou shalt be when they go forth
drowned, and their steeds in the
if in wind thou rowest. river swim.
All things bring peril to 16. An CEgis-helm I bore
the fated. among the sons of men,
Sigurd. while I o'er the treasures
12. Tell me, Fafnir! lay;
as thou art wise declared, stronger than all

and many things to know I thought myself to be;

who those Norns are, stronger I found not many
who help in need, Sigurd.
and from babes loose the 17. An (Egis-helm
mothers. is no protection,
Fafnir. where men impelled by
13. Very diversely born anger fight:
I take those Norns to be soon he finds,
they have no common race. who among many comes,
Some are of JEsir-race, that no one is alone the

some o£ Alfar-race, boldest.

some are Dvalin's daugh- Fafnir.

ters. 18. Venom I blew forth,
Sigurd. when on my father's

14. Tell me, Fafnir! great heritage I lay.

as thou art wise declared, Sigurd.

and many things to know, 19. Thou, glistening
how that holm is called, serpent!
where Surt and the JEsir didst a great belching make,
will and wast so hard of heart.
56 The Lay of Fafnir.

Fierceness so much the 23. Hail to thee now,

greater Sigurd
have the sons of men, Now hast thou victory won
when they possess that and Fafnir slain:
helm. of all the men
Fafnir. who tread the earth,
20. Sigurd! I now coun- thou art, I say, the bravest
sel thee, born.
do thou take my counsel Sigurd.
and hence ride home. 24. Uncertain 'tis to know,
The jingling gold, when we all come together,
and the gleed-red treasure, sons of victorious heroes,
those rings, shall be thy which is the bravest born.
bane. Many a one bold
is

Sigurd. who sword has never

21. Counsel regarding broken
thee is taken, in another's breast.
and I to the gold will ride, Regin.
on the heath that lies. 25. Glad art thou now,
But lie thou, Fafnir! Sigurd
in the pangs of death, and in thy gain rejoicing,
until Hel have thee! while Gram in the grass
Fafnir. thou driest.
22. Regin betrayed me, My brother thou
he will thee betray, to death hast wounded,
he of us both will be the yet in some degree was
bane. I the cause.
Fafnir must, I trow, Sigurd.
let forth his life: 26. Thou didst me counsel,
thine was the greater that I should ride
might! o'er high fells hither.
Regin had gone away Treasure and life had still

while Sigurd slew Fafnir, possess'd

but came back as Sigurd that glistening serpent,
was wiping the blood from hadst thou my anger not
his sword. He said : excited.
 The Lay of Fafnir. 57

Begin then approached when foes embittered fight

Fafnir and cut out his for a brave man

heart with a sword named I have ever seen gain
Ridill , and afterwards victory
drank blood from his with a dull sword.
wound. He said: 31. For the brave 'tis

27. Sit now, Sigurd !

— better
but I must go to sleep — than for the timid
and Fafnir's heart hold to to join in the game of war
the fire. for the joyous it is better
1
Of this refection than for the sad,
I would fain partake, let come whatever may.
after that drink of blood.
Sigurd took Fafnir's heart
Sigurd. and roasted it on a stick.
28. Thou wentst far off, When he thought it roasted
while I in Fafnir enough and the blood
, ,

my keen sword reddened. frothed from it, he touched

With my strength I strove it with his finger, to try
against the serpent's might, whether it were quite done.
while in the ling thou layest. He burnt his finger and
Regin. put it in his mouth J and
29. Long hadst thou when Fafnir's heart's blood
allowed touched his tongue he
in the ling to lie understood the language
that Jotun 2 old, of birds. He heard the
hadst thou the sword not eagles chattering among
used the branches. One eagle
that I forged for thee, said:
thy keen-edged glave. 32. There sits Sigurd
Sigurd. sprinkled with blood;
30. Valour is better Fafnir's heart
than might of sword, at the fire he roasts.

1) Of this and the following line the translation ig

conjectural. 2) Fafnir.
58 The Lay of Fafnir.

Wise methinks were that tree of battle,

the ring-dispenser, as 1 that martial leader
if he the glistening had supposed,
life- pulp ate. if he one brother
Second eagle. lets depart,

33. There lies Regin now he the other has

communing with himself; of life bereft.

he will beguile the youth, Sixth eagle.

who in him trusts: 37. He is most simple,

in rage he brings if he longer spares
malicious words together, that people's pest.
the framer of evil will There Regin,
lies

avenge his brother. who has betrayed him. —

Third eagle. He cannot guard against it.

Seventh eagle.
34. By the head shorter,
let him the hoary babbler 38. By the head shorter

send hence to Hel;

let him
then can he all the gold
make the ice-cold Jotun,

possess alone,
and of his rings deprive
him;
the mass that under Fafnir
lay.
then of that treasure thou, 1
which Fafnir owned,
Fourth eagle.
sole lord wilt be!
35. He would, methinks,
Sigurd.
be prudent,
if he could have 39. Fate shall not so
resistless be,
your friendly counsel,
that Regin shall
my sisters!
If he would bethink himself, my death-word bear;
for the brothers both
and Hugin gladden.
There I expect the wolf, shall speedily

where his ears I see. go hence to Hel.

Fifth eagle. Sigurd cut off the head

36. Not so prudent^ is of Regin , and then ate

1) i.e. Sigurd; a transition from the 3<* person to the 2nd.

 The Lay of Fafnir. 59

Fafnir's heart, and drank over her waves

2
the blood of both Regin the linden's bane.
and Fafnir. He then heard Ygg whilom stuck
the eagles saying: a sleep-thorn in the robe
40. Bind thou, Sigurd! of the maid who
the red-gold rings. would heroes choose.
It is not kingly 44. Thou, youth may est !

many things to fear. see

I a maid know the helmed maiden,
by far the fairest, her whom Vingskornir
with gold adorned. from battle bore.
Couldst thou but her obtain! May not Sigrdrifa's
Second eagle. slumber break
41. To Giuki lead the son of warriors, 3
all-verdant ways; against the Noras' degrees.
the fates point out Sigurd rode along Faf-
to wayfarers nir's track to his lair, which
where the good king he found open. *T he doors
a born daughter has; and door-posts were of
her wilt thou, Sigurd iron of iron also were all
;

purchase with bridal gifts. the beams in the house

Third eagle. but the treasure was buried
42. There stands a hall in the earth. Sigurd found
on the high Hindarfiall, there a great quantity of
without 'tis all gold, and filled two chests
with fire surrounded; with it. He took thence the
sagacious men QEgis-helm, a golden cors-
have it constructed let,thesword named Hrotti,
of the resplendent and many precious things,
i
radiance of the flood. all which he laid on Grani;

Fourth eagle. but the horse would not

43. On the fell I know proceed until Sigurd had
uxiui- maid
a warrior maiu to
10 sleep,
sieep, mounted on nishis back.
DacK.

1) Another periphrasis for gold. 2) A periphrasis

for fire. 3) of Skioldungs.
 Sigrdrifumal.

The Lay of Sigrdrifa.

Sigurd rode up the Hindarfiall, and directed his

course southwards towards Frankland. In the fell he
saw a great light, as if a fire were burning, which
blazed up to the sky. On approaching it, there stood
a "skialdborg", and over it a banner. Sigurd went
into the skialdborg, and saw a warrior lying within
it asleep, completely armed. He first took the helmet
off the warrior's head, and saw that it was a woman.
Her corslet was as fast as if it had grown to her
body. With his sword Gram he ripped the corslet
from the upper opening downwards, and then through
both sleeves He then took the corslet off from her,
when she awoke, sat up and, on seeing Sigurd said ,

1 .What has my corslet cut? Sigurd.

why from sleep have I Sigmund's son
started ? has just now ript
who has cast from me the raven's perch, 1
the fallow bands? with Sigurd's sword.

1) The hrafns hrselundir, the ravens

original words,
corpse-trees. So Grimm understands the line because that
;

bird hops about upon the armour as upon a tree. The

Copenhagen 4 t0 translates it: Livida corporis involucra,
and in a note adds: Hrafn hie nomen piratae, cujus indu-
 The Lay of Sigrdrifa. 61

She. Words and wisdom

2. Long have I slept, give to us noble twain,
long been with sleep op- and healing hands 1 while
pressed, we live.

long are mortals' sufferings! She was named Sigrdrifa,

Odin is the cause
that I have been unable
to cast off torpor.
Sigurd sat down and
asked her name. She then
and was a Valkyria. She
said that two kings had
made war on each other,
one of whom was named
Hialmgunnar he was old
;

took a horn filled with and a great warrior, and

mead, and gave him the Odin had promised him
minnis -cup. victory. The was other
She. Agnar, a brother of Hoda,
3.Hail to Day! whom no divinity would
Hail to the sons of Day! patronize. Sigrdrifa over-
To Night and her daugh- came Hialmgunnar in
ter hail! battle; revenge for
in
With placid eyes which Odin pricked her
behold us here, with a sleep-thorn and ,

and here sitting give us declared that thenceforth

victory. she should never have
4. Hail to the JEsir! victory in battle, and
Hail to the Asyniur! should be given in mar-
Hail to the bounteous riage. "But I said to him,
earth that I had bound myself

mentum poetice lorica dicitur; hrcelundir, corporis invo-

lucra, vestitus, Secus Magnaeus/hrafn nomen corvi, ad co-
lorem referens vertit livida corporis involucra. inter- My
pretation is offered as a compromise, and has at least the
merit of being intelligible.
J) The superstition of the healing hand is not yet
extinct in Iceland. Dr. Maurer relates a story of a man
in Reykjavik to whom it would seem to have been com-
municated by an elfin, in a dream. See Islandischc Folks-
sagen der Gegenrvart, p. 7.
62 The Lay of Sigrdrifa.

by a vow not espouseto and on the hand's back,

any man who could be and Naud 2 on the nail
made to fear." Sigurd an- be scored.
swers, and implores her to
8. A cup must be blessed,
teach him wisdom, as she
and against peril guarded,
had intelligence from all
and garlick in the liquor
regions :
cast
Sigrdrifa.
then I know
Beer I bear to thee,
5.
thou wilt never have
column 1 of battle!
mead with treachery ming-
with might mingled,
led.
and with bright glory:
'tis full of song, 9. Biarg- (help-) runes
and salutary saws, thou must know,
of potent incantations, if thou wilt help,
and joyous discourses. and loose the child from
6. Sig-runes thou must women.
know, In the palm they must be
if victory (sigr) thou wilt graven
have, and round the joints be
and on thy sword's hilt clasped,
grave them; and the Disir prayed for

some on the chapes, aid.

some on the guard, 10. Brim-

(sea-) runes
and twice name the name thou must know,
if thou wilt have secure

7. 01-(beer-)runes thou afloat thy sailing steeds.

must know, On the prow they must
if thou wilt not that ano- be graven,
ther's wife and on the helm-blade,
thy trust betray, if thou and with fire to the oar
in her confide. applied.
On the horn must they No surge shall be so
be graven, towering,

1) Literally apple-tree. 2) The name of a rune.

 The Lay of Sigrdrifa. 63

nor waves so dark, from Heiddraupnir's head,

but from the ocean thou and from Hoddropnir's
safe shalt come. horn.

1 1 . Lim- (branch-) runes 14. On

a rock he stood,
thou must know, with edged sword,
if thou a leech wouldst be, a helm on his head he bore.
and wounds know how to Then spake Mim's head
its first wise word,
heal.
On the bark they must and true sayings uttered.
be graven, 15. They are, it said,
and on the leaves of trees, on the shield graven,
of those whose boughs which stands before the
bend eastward. shining god,
12. Mai- (speech-) runes on Arvakr's ear,
thou must know, and on Alsvid's hoof,
if thou wilt that no one on the wheel which rolls
for injury with hate re- under Rognir's car,
quite thee. on Sleipnir's teeth,
Those thou must wind, and on the sledge's bands.
those thou must wrap 1 6. On the bear's
paw,
round, and on Bragi's tongue,
those thou must altogether on the wolfs claws,
place and the eagle's beak,
in the assembly, on bloody wings,
where people have and on the bridge's end,
into full court to go. on the releasing hand,
and on healing's track.
13. Hug-
(thought-) runes
thou must know, 1 7. On glass and on gold,

if thou a wiser man wilt be on amulets of men,

than every other. in wine and in wort,
Those interpreted, and in the welcome seat,
those graved, on Giingnir's point,
those devised Hropt, and on Grani's breast,
from the fluid, on the Norn's nail,
which had leaked and the owl's neb.
64 The Lay of Sigrdrifa.

were erased
18. All Sigurd.
thatwere inscribed, 21. I will not flee,
and mingled with the though thou shouldstknow
sacred mead me doomed.
and sent on distant ways I am not born a craven.
they are with the iEsir, Thy friendly counsels all

they are with the Alfar, I will receive,

some with the wise Vanir, as long as life is in me.
some human beings have. Sigrdrifa.
1
1 9. Those are bok-runes, 22. This I thee counsel
those are biarg-runes, first:

and all 61- (beer-) runes, that towards thy kin

and precious megin- thou bear thee blameless.
(power-) runes, Take not hasty vengeance,
for those who can, although they raise up
without confusion or cor- strife
ruption, that, it is said, benefits
turn them to his welfare. the dead.
Use, if thou hast under- 23. This I thee counsel
stood them, secondly
until the powers perish. that no oath thou swear,
20. Now thou shalt if be not true.
it

choose, Cruel bonds

since a choice is offered follow broken faith:
thee, accursed is the faith
keen armed warrior! breaker.
my speech, or silence: 24. This I thee counsel
think over it in thy mind. thirdly
All evils'2 have their that in the assembly thou
measure. contend not with a fool;

1) Literally beech- (book-) runes, from being used

for book writing or graving on thin leaves of beech (bok)
whence our book. Bok also signifies acupictile, vel acu-
pictum (velum, aulceum). 2) An allusion apparently to
Sigurd's unhappy end.
 The Lay of Sigrdrifa. 65

for an unwise man 28. This I thee counsel

oft utterswords fifthly:
worse than he knows of. although thou see fair

25. All is vain,

women
on the benches sitting,
if thou holdest silence;
let not their kindred's silver
then wilt thou seem a
over thy sleep have power.
craven born,
or else truly accused.
To kiss thee entice no
Doubtful is a servant's
woman.
testimony, 29. This I thee counsel
unless a good one thou sixthly
gettest. although among men pass
On the next day offensive tipsy talk,
let his life go forth, never while drunken
and so men's lies reward. quarrel

26. This counsel thee

I
with men of war:

fourthly
wine steals the wits of

if a wicked sorceress
many.
dwells by the way, 30. Brawls and drink
to go on is better to many men have been
than there to lodge a heart-felt sorrow
though night may overtake to some their death,
thee. to some calamity:
Of searching eyes
27.
many are the griefs of men
the sons of men have need, 3 I. This I thee counsel
when fiercely they have to seventhly
fight: if thou hast disputes
oft pernicious women with a daring man,
by the way-side sit, better it is for men
who swords and valour to fight than to be burnt
l
deaden. within their dwelling.

1) Or perhaps: within (their dwelling) with their goods

and chattels. It refers to a common practice , in those
good old times among the Scandinavians.
II.
66 The Lay of Sigrclrifa.

32. This I thee counsel there a wolf

is

eighthly: in a young son,

that thou guard thee against though he with gold be
evil, gladdened.
and eschew deceit. 36. Strifes and fierce
Entice no maiden, enmities
nor wife of man, think not to be lulled,
nor to wantonness incite.
no more than deadly in-
33. This I thee counsel jury-
ninthly and fame
Wisdom in
that thou corpses bury, arms
whereever on the earth thou a prince not easily acquires,
findest them, men
who shall of be
whether from sickness they foremost.
have died,
37. This I counsel thee
or from the sea,
eleventhly:
or are from weapons dead.
that thou at evil look,
34. Let a mound be raised
what course it may take.
for those departed
let hands and head
their
A long life, it seems to me
the prince may [not]
be washed,
combed, and wiped dry, t
enj°y; —
fierce disputes will arise.
ere in the coffin they are
laid: Sigurd said: "A wiser
and pray for their happy mortal exists not, and I
sleep. swear that I will possess
35. This j thee counsel thee, for thou art after
tenthly my heart." She answered:
that thou never trust "Thee I will have before
a foe's kinsman's promises, all others, though I have

whose brother thou hast to choose among all men."

slain, And this they confirmed
or sire laid low with oaths to each other.
 67

Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and

l
Brynhild.

[Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and

journeys on till he comes to the habitation of Heimir,
who was married to Beckhild, Brynhild's sister.
Alsvid, Heimir's son , who was at play when Sigurd
arrived at the mansion received him kindly , and
,

requested him to stay with him. Sigurd consented,

and remained there a short time. Brynhild was at
thattime with Heimir, and was weaving within a
gold border the great exploits of Sigurd.
One when Sigurd was come from the forest,
day,
his hawk window at which Brynhild sat
flew to the
employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it, saw the
lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and
beauty. On the following day Sigurd went to her
apartment, and Alsvid stood outside the door shafting
arrows. Sigurd said: "Hail to thee, lady!" or u How
fares it with thee?'' She answered: "We are well, my
kindred and friends are living, but it is uncertain what
any one's lot may be till their last day." He sat down
by her. Brynhild said: "This seat will be allowed
to few, unless my father comes." Sigurd answered:
"Now is that come to pass which thou didst promise

1) These fragments from the Volsunga-Saga, which

are inserted in some paper manuscripts of the Edda, and
containing matter probably derived from the lost poems
relative to Sigurd and Brynhild, are printed in the Stock-
holm edition of the Edda. They are also given by Afzelius
in his Swedish version, and partially in Danish by Finn
Magnusen in his edition. A complete translation into
Danish of the entire Saga has since been given by Prof.
Ram at Copenhagen.
+
5
68 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.

me." She "Here shalt thou be welcome." She

said:
then arose,and her four maidens with her, and,
approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink.
He reached towards her and took hold of her hand
together with the cup, and placed her by him, clasped
her round the neck, kissed her, and said: "A fairer
than thou was never born." She said "It is not :

wise to place faith in women, for they so often break

their promise." He said: "Better days will come
upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness." Brynhild
said: "It is not ordained that we shall live together,
for I am a shield-maiden (skjaldmser)." Sigurd said:
"Then will our happiness be best promoted if we ,

live together for harder to endure is the pain which

;

herein lies than from a keen weapon." Brynhild said:

"I shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou
wilt espouse Gudrun, Giuki's daughter." Sigurd said:
"No king's daughter shall ensnare me, therefore have
not two thoughts on that subject; and I swear by
the gods that I will possess thee and no other wo-
man." She answered to the same effect. Sigurd
thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave
her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in
great favour.
Sigurd now rode from Heimir's dwelling with
much gold, until he came to the palace of King
Giuki whose wife was named Grimhild. They had
,

three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guthorm. Gudrun

was the name of their daughter. King Giuki entreated
Sigurd to stay there, and there he remained a while.
All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening
the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to
Sigurd, saying: "Joyful for us is thy presence, and
we desire that all good may befall thee. Take this
horn and drink." He took it and drank, and with
that drink forgot both his love and his vows to
 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild. 69

Brynhild. After that, Grimhild so fascinated him

that he was induced to espouse Gudriin, and all
pledged their faith to Sigurd and confirmed it by
,

oaths. Sigurd gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir's heart,

and she became afterwards far more austere than be-
fore. Their son was named Sigmund.
Grimhild now counselled her son Gunnar to woo
Brynhild, and consulted with Sigurd in consequence ,

of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed that man

only who should ride over the blazing fire that was
laid around her hall. They found the hall and the
fire burning around it. Gunnar rode Goti, and Hogni
Holknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards the fire,
but it shrinks back. Sigurd said: "Why dost thou
shrink back, Gunnar ? " Gunnar answers u My horse :

will not leap this fire," and prays Sigurd to lend him
Grani. "He is at thy service" said Sigurd. Gunnar
now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not
go over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides,
having in his hand the sword Gram and golden ,

spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the fire

when he feels the spur. There was now a great
noise, at it is said:

1 The fire began to rage,

. 2. Sigurd Grani
and the earth to tremble, with his sword urged,
high rose the flame the fire was quenched
to heaven itself: before the prince,
there ventured few the flame allayed
chiefs of people before the glory-seeker
through that fire to ride, with the bright saddle
or to leap over. that Rok had owned.
Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered.
She asks who he is, and he calls himself Gunnar
Giuki's son. "And thou art destined to be my wife
with thy father's consent. I have ridden through the
70 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.

flickering flame (vafrlogi) at thy requisition." She

said : "I well how I shall answer this."
know not
Sigurd stoodon the floor resting on the hilt
erect
of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat,
like a swan on the waves having a sword in her
,

hand, a helmet on her head, and wearing a corslet. 1

u Gunnar", said she, "speak not so to me, unless thou

art the foremost of men and then thou must slay
;

him who has sought me, if thou hast so much trust

in thyself." Sigurd said: "Remember now thy pro-
mise, that thou wouldst go with that man who should
ride through the flickering flame." She acknowledged
the truth of his words, stood up, and gave him a
glad welcome. He tarried there three nights, and
they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram
and laid it between them. She inquired why he did
so. He said that it was enjoined him so to act
towards his bride on marriage or he would
their ,

receive his death. He

took from her the ring
then
called Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had
belonged to Fafnir. After this he rode away through
the same fire to his companions when Gunnar ,

and he again changed forms, and they then rode

home.
Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-
father Heimir, and said: "A king named Gunnar has
ridden through the flickering flame, and is come to
speak with me-, but I told him that Sigurd alone
might so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall,
and that he only was the man." Heimir said that
what had happened must remain as it was. Brynhild
said: "Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here
with thee." Brynhild then went to her father, King
Budli, and he with his daughter Brynhild went to
King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was afterwards
held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Bryn-
 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild. 71

hild, and yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat

at the drinking and drank wine.
One day Brynhild and Gudrun went to the river
Rhine, and Brynhild went farther out into the water.
Gudrun asked why she did so ? Brynhild answered
''Why shall I go on along with thee in this more
than in anything else ? " "I presume that my father
was more potent than thine, and my husband has
performed more valorous deeds, and ridden through
the blazing fire. Thy husband was King Hialprek's
thrall." Gudrun answered angrily "Thou shouldst be:

wiser than to venture to vilify my husband as it is ,

the talk of all that no one like to him in every

respect has ever come world; nor does it
into the
become thee to vilify him , as he was thy former
husband, and slew Fainir, and rode through the fire,
whom thou thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay
with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut,
and here mayest thou recognize it." Brynhild then
looking at the ring, recognized it, and turned pale
as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn
that evening, and Gudrun asked Sigurd why Brynhild
was so taciturn. He dissuaded her much from making
this inquiry, and said that at all events it would soon
be known.
On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment,
Gudrun said: "Be cheerful, Brynhild! What is it
that prevents thy mirth?" Brynhild answered "Ma- :

lice drives thee to this for thou hast a cruel heart."

;

"Judge not so", said Gudrun. Brynhild continued

"Ask about that only which is better for thee to know ;

that is more befitting women

high degree.
of It is
good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according
to thy wishes." Gudrun said: "It is premature to
glory in that: this forebodes something; but what
instigates thee against us ? " Brynhild answered : "Thou
72 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.

shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I

grudge thee the possession of him." Gudrun said:
"We knew not of your secret." Brynhild answered:
"We have had no secret, though we have sworn oaths
of fidelity; and thou knowest that I have been de-
ceived and I will avenge it."
, Gudrun said "Thou
:

art better married than thou deservest to be, and thy

violence must be cooled." "Content should I be",
said Brynhild, "didst thou not posses a more renowned
husband than I." Gudrun answered "Thou hast as
:

renowned a husband; for it is doubtful which is the

greater king." Brynhild said :"Sigurd overcame
Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's
kingdom, as it is said

"Sigurd the serpent slew, but thy brother

and that henceforth shall be neither dared
by none forgotten, through the fire to ride,
while mankind lives: nor over it to leap."

Gudrun said: "Grani would not run through the

fire under King Gunnar: but he [Gunnar] dared to
ride" Brynhild said: "Let us not contend: I bear no
good will to Grimhild." Gudrun said: "Blame her
not; for she is towards thee as to her own daughter."
Brynhild said: "She is the cause of all the evil which
gnaws mc. She presented to Sigurd the pernicious
drink, so that he no more remembered me." Gudrun
said: "Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this
is a great falsehood." Brynhild said: "So enjoy
Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may it go
with thee as I imagine.'' Gudrun said: "Better shall
I enjoy him than thou wilt wish; and no one has
said he has had too much good with me at any time."
Brynhild said: "Thou sayest ill and wilt repent of it.
Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in
 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild. 73

useless prattle. Long have I borne in silence the

grief that dwells in my breast: I have also felt regard
for thy brother. But let us talk of other things.'*
Gudrun said: "Your imagination looks far forward."
Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar
came to talk with her, and begged her to rise and
give vent to her sorrow but she would not listen to
;

him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and

learn whether her grief might not be alleviated. They
called to memory their oaths, and how they had been
deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry her
and put away Gudrun but she would not hear of
;

it. Sigurd left the apartment, but was so greatly

affected by her sorrow that the rings of his corslet
burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the
SigurSarkvioa

"Out went Sigurd so that began to start

from that interview the ardent warrior's
into the hall of kings, iron-woven sark
writhing with anguish; off from his sides."

Brynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder

Sigurd, saying that he had deceived them both and
broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with Hogni, and
revealed to him this conversation. Hogni earnestly
him from such a deed, on account
strove to dissuade
of their Gunnar removed the difficulty,
oaths.
saying "Let us instigate our brother Guthorm
: he ;

is young and of little judgment, and is, moreover,

free of all oaths; and
avenge the mortal injury
so
of his having seduced Brynhild." They then took a
serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had them cooked,
and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold
and a large realm, to do the deed, as is said:
74 Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.

"The forest -fish they dealt out gold

l
roasted gave him Geri's flesh
and the wolf's carcase with his drink,
took, and many other things
while some to Guthorm steeped therein."

With this food he became so furious, that he

would instantly perpetrate the deed. On this it is

related as in the Siguroarkvi6a, when Gunnar and

Brynhild conversed together.]

1) The name of one of Odin's wolves; here used

poetically for wolf in general.
 Sigurjjarkviba Fafnisbana |)ri5ja.

The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

1. It was of old that 3. Until they went
Sigurd, to woo Brynhild,
the young Volsung, and with them Sigurd,
Giuki sought, the youthful Volsung,
after his conflict, rode in company,
received the pledge of who knew the way.
friendship He would have possessed
from the two brothers; her,
oaths exchanged if her possess he might.
the bold of deed. 4. Sigurd the southern
2. A maid they offered laid a naked sword,
him, a glittering falchion, 1

and treasures many, between them

Gudrun, Giuki's nor the damsel
youthful daughter. did he kiss,
Drank and conversed, nor did the Hunnish king
many days together, to his arm lift her.
Sigurd the young He the blooming maid
and Giuki's sons. to Giuki's son delivered.

Malfan, in the original, is a word of doubtful

1)
meaning. It has been rendered inscribed with runes. I am
inclined to read malfan mill -polished. Compar. A. S. mylen-
scearp, sharpened by grinding. See also Skm. 23.
76 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

5. She to herself of body- 9. "Devoid I go

was of no sin conscious, of spouse and pleasure
nor at her death-day, I will beguilemyself
of any crime, with vengeful thoughts."
that could be a stain,
10. By those
of furyfits
or thought to be:
she was impelled to murder.
intervened therein
"Thou, Gunnar! shalt
the grisly fates.
wholly lose
6. Alone she sat without,
my land,
at eve of day,
and myself also.
began aloud
Never shall I be happy,
with herself to speak:
king ! with thee.
"Sigurd must be mine;
1 1 I will return
I must die,
.

or that blooming youth

thither from whence I

clasp in my arms."
came,
7. "Of the words I have
to my near kindred,
uttered
my relations;
there will I remain,
I now repent;
and slumber away,life
he is Gudrun's consort,
unless thou Sigurd
and I am Gunnar's.
cause to be slain,
The hateful Norns
and a king become
long suffering have de-
than the other greater.
creed us."
8. Oftentimes she wan- Let the son go
12.

dered, together with the father,

filled with evil thoughts, the young wolf may not
o'er ice and icebergs, longer be fostered.
every eve, For whom will vengeance
when he and Gudriin be the easier
had to their couch with- to appease,

drawn, if the son lives?"

and Sigurd her 1 3. Wroth was Gunnar,

in the coverings wrapt, and with grief borne down

the Hunnish king in his mind revolved,
his wife caressed. sat the whole day;
 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 77

he knew not well, 1 6. "Wilt thou the prince

nor could devise, for his wealth circumvent?
what were most desirable good 'tis to command
1
for him to do, the ore of Rhine,
or were most fitting and at ease
to be done, over riches rule,
when he should find himself and in tranquillity
of the Volsung bereft, happiness enjoy."
and in Sigurd 17. This alone Hogni
a great loss sustain. for answer gave:
"It beseems us not
14. Much he thought, so to do,
and also long, by the sword to break
that it did not sworn oaths,
often happen, oaths sworn,
that from their royal state and plighted faith.
women withdrew. 18. "We know not on
Hogni he then earth
to counsel summoned, men more fortunate,
in whom he placed while we four
the fullest trust. over the people rule,
15. "OfalltomeBrynhild, and the Hun lives,

Budli's daughter, that warlike chief J

is the dearest nor on earth,
she is the chief of women a race more excellent,
rather will I if we five sons

my life lay down long shall foster,

than that fair one's and the good progeny
treasures lose. can increase.

1) periphrasis for gold the Copenhagen 4to

On this
has the following note: "Prolepsis auctoris: nam aurum a
Fabnero cseso relictum ita dictum non est, priusquam illud
Giukungi in amne Rheno absconderent; quod post hsec
factum est." But the name of Rhine may be used for
water in general, and the expression be analogous to the
water's flame at Sig. II. 1, see p. 48. note.
78 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

19. I know full well by Sigurd's side:

whence the causes spring but she awoke
Brynhild's importunity- of joys bereft,
is over-great. when in the blood
20. We will Guthorm, of Frey's friend she swam.
our younger brother, 25. So violently struck she
and not over-wise, her hands together,
for the deed prepare: that the stout of heart

he is free from rose in his bed.

sworn oaths, "Weep not, Gudrun!

sworn oaths, so cruelly,

and plighted faith." my blooming- bride!

thy brothers live.
21. Easy it was to
instigate
26. An heir I have,
alas ! too young
the ferocious spirit:
he cannot flee from
in the heart of Sigurd
the hostile house;
stood his sword.
among themselves they
22. On vengeance bent,
recently have
the warrior in his chamber
dark and evil
hurled his brand after
counsels devised.
the fierce assassin;
27. Never henceforth,
to Guthorm flew
although seven thou bear,
dartlike Gram's will such a son
gleaming steel
to the trysting with them
from the king's hand. ride.
23. Fell the murderer Full well I know
in two parts, how this has befallen:
arms and head Brynhild the sole cause is
flew far away, of all the evil.
but his feet's part 28. Me the
maiden loved
fell backwards on the place. more than any man;
24. Sunk in sleep was but towards Gunnar
Gudrun, I sinned not;
in her bed, affinity I held sacred,
void of cares, and sworn oaths;
 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 79

thence forward I was called that before thy eyes,

his consort's friend." we should lay Atli low,
29. The woman gave that thou shouldst see thy
brother's
forth sighs,
and the king his life.
blood-streaming sore,
his gory wounds
So violently she struck
her hands together, shouldst have to bind."

that the beakers on the 33, Then said Brynhild,

wall Budli's daughter:

responsive rang, "No one provokes thee,

and in the court

Gunnar
the geese loudly screamed. complete is thy work of
death.
30. Laughed thenBryn-
Little does Atli
hild,
thy hatred fear;
Budli's daughter,
his life will
once only,
outlast thine,
from her whole soul,
and his might
when in her bed
be ever greater.
she listened to
34. Gunnar ! I will tell
the loud lament
thee,
of Giuki's daughter.
though thou well knowestit,
31. Then said Gunnar, how early ye
the hawk-bearing prince: resolved on crimes.
"Laugh not thereat, I was o'er-young
thou barbarous woman! and unrestrained,
glad on thy couch, with wealth endowed,
as if good awaited thee. in my brother's house.
Why hast thou lost 35. Nor did I desire
that beauteous colour? to marry any man,
authoress of crime! before ye Giukungs
Methinks to death thou rode to our dwelling,
art doomed. three on horseback,
32. Well doestT thou powerful kings:
deserve, would that journey
above all women, had never been!
80 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

36. Then myself I That would then

promised be world-widely known,
to the great king, and to many a one
who with gold sat bring heartfelt anguish.
on Grani's back. 39. Our reconciliation

In eyes he did not we let follow:

you resemble, to me it had been more
nor was at all pleasing
in aspect like the treasures to accept,
yet ye thought yourselves the red-gold rings
mighty kings. of Sigmund's son:
37. And to me apart nor did I another's
Atli said, gold desire;
that he would not have him alone I loved,

our heritage divided, none other.

nor gold nor lands, Menskogul l had not

unless I let myself be a changing mind.
married, 40. All this will Atli
nor grant me any part hereafter find,
of the acquired gold, when he shall hear of
which he to me a girl my funeral rites completed
had given to possess, for never shall
and to me a child the heavy-hearted woman
in moneys counted. with another's husband
Then distracted was
38. pass her life.

my mind thereon, Then will my wrongs

whether I should engage be all avenged."
in conflict, 41. Up rose Gunnar,
and death dispense, prince of warriors,
valiant in arms, and round his consort's

for my brother's quarrel. neck

1) That Skogul with the necklace; Brynhild applies

is,

this name which is a compound of Men, necklace,

to herself,
monile, and Skogul, the name of a Valkyria CVsp. 24; Gm.
36; Hfg. 0. 19.), she being also a Valkyria (Sgd. prose).
 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 81

laid his hands; for ceaseless misery,

all drew nigh, for many a man's
yet each one singly, heart-felt sorrow."
through honest feeling,
to dissuade her. 45. Downcast he
42. She from her neck from the meeting turned
those about her cast; to where the lady

she no one stay her

let treasures distributed.
from her long journey. She was viewing
43. He then called Hogni all she owned:

to consultation. hungry female thralls

"I will that all our folk and chamber-women.
to the hall be summoned, She put on her golden
thine with mine — corslet —
now 'tis most needful — no good meditated —
to see if we can hinder ere herself she pierced,
my consort's fatal course, with the sword's point.
from our speech
till
46. On the pillow she
a hindrance may come:
turned to the other side,
then let us leave
and, wounded with the
necessity to rule."
glave,
44. To him Hogni on her last counsels
answer gave:
thought.
"Let no one hinder her
from the long journey, 47. "Now let come those
whence may she never who desire gold,
born again return. and aught less precious,
Unblest she came to receivefrom me.
on her m other's lap, To every one I give
*
born in the world a gilded necklace,
I

1) Necklaces usually consisted in gold or silver chains

or laces with ornaments attached to them if these resembled
:

the sun or moon they were called Sigli, suns (such were
those here spoken of) and such was the necklace worn by
;

Freyia, the bright goddess of the Vanir. See Weinhold,

p. 187.
XI. 6
82 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafhicide.

needle-work and coverlets, though I shall have

splendid weeds." my life resigned.
48. All were silent, 52. With Gudrun thou
thought on what to do, wilt be reconciled,
and all together sooner than thou thinkest
answer gave: that wise woman has
"Too many are there dead: by the king
we will yet live, sad memorials,
still be hungry hall- after her consort's death.
servants,
53. There
is born a
to do what fitting is."
maid,
49. At length after which her mother rears;
reflection, brighter far
the lady linen-clad, than the clear day,
young in years, than the sun's beam,
words in answer uttered: will Svanhild be.
"I desire that none, 54. Gudrun thou wilt
dead to entreaty, should give
by force, for our sake, to an illustrious one,
lose their life. a warrior, the bane
50. Yet o'er your bones of many men
will burn not to her wish
fewer ornaments, will she be married;
Menia's good meal, 1 Atli will come
when ye go hence her to espouse,
me to seek. Budli's son,
51. Gunnar! sit down, my brother.
I will tell to thee, 55. Much have I in
that of life now hopeless is memory
thy bright consort. how I was treated,
Thy vessel will not be when ye me so cruelly
always afloat, had deceived:

l) Menia's meal, or flour, is gold. See Grottasongr.

Introd.
 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide. 83

robbed I was of happiness, or she a soul possessed

while my life lasted. resembling mine —
56. Thou wilt desire 60. Faintly I now speak —
Oddrun to possess, but for our sake
but Atli will she will not
permit it not; lose her life.
in secretye will She will be borne
each other meet. on towering billows
She will love thee, to King Jonakr's
as I had done, paternal soil.
ifus a better fate Doubts will be in the re-
had been allotted. solves
57. Thee will Atli of Jonakr's sons.
barbarously treat; 61. She will Svanhild
in the narrow serpent-den send from the land,
wilt thou be cast. her daughter,
58. It will too come and Sigurd's.
to pass, Her will destroy
not long after, Bikki's counsel;
that Atli will for Jormunrek
his soul resign, for evil lives.
his prosperity, Then will have passed
and cease to live; away
for Gudrun in her ven- all Sigurd's race,
geance and Gudriin's tears
him in his bed will slay, willbe the more.
through bitterness of spirit, 62. One prayer I have
with the sword's sharp edge. to thee
59. More seemly would yet to make,
appear in this world 't will be
our sister Gudrun, my last request:
had she in death Let in the plain be raised
her first consort followed, a pile so spacious,
had but good counsel that for us all
been to her given, like room may be,
6*
84 The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

for those who shall have and were then called

died by the name of consorts.
with Sigurd. 66. Then will not clang

63. Bedeck the pile about against his heel

with shields and hangings, the hall's bright gates,
a variegated corpse-cloth, with splendid ring,
and multitude of slain. if my train

Let them burn the Hun 1 him hence shall follow.

on the one side of me Then will our procession

appear not mean.
64. Let them with the Hun 67. For him will follow
burn on the other side, five female thralls,
my household slaves,
eight male slaves
with collars splendid, of gentle birth,
two at our heads, fostered with me,
and two hawks and with my patrimony,
then will all be
which to his daughter
equally distributed.
Budli gave.
65. Let also lie 68. Much I have said,
between us both and more would say,
the sword with rings if the sword would grant me

adorned, power of speech.

the keen-edged iron, My voice fails,

so again be placed, my wounds swell:

as when we both truth only I have uttered
one couch ascended, so I will cease."

1) Sigurd.
 Brot af Brynhildarkvi^a.

Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild.

Gunnar. She grudges Gudrun
1.
c
'Why art thou, her happy marriage,
Brynhild and thee,
Budli's daughter! possession of herself."
absorbed in evil
and murderous thoughts ?

What injury
has Sigurd done thee,
4. Some a wolf roasted,
that thou the hero wilt
some a snake cut up,
of life bereave?"
some to Guthorm
Brynhild.
served the wolf,
"Sigurd to me
2.
before they might,
oaths has sworn,
eager for crime,
oaths sworn,
on the mighty man
all falsehoods.
lay their hands.
He at a time deceived me
when he should have been 5. Without stood Gudrun,
of all oaths Giuki's daughter,
most observant." and these words
Hogni. first of all uttered:
3. "Thee Brynhild has u Where it iow Sigurd,
in anger instigated lord of w amors,
evil to perpetrate, seeing that my kinsmen
harm to execute. foremost ride?"
86 Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild.

6. Hogni alone to her now the daring king -

answer gave: ye have caused to fall."
"Asunder have we Sigurd 10. Then said Gudrun,
hewed with our swords; Giuki's daughter:
his grey steed bends "Much thou speakest,
o'er the dead chief." things most atrocious:
7. Then said Brynhild, may fiends have Gunnar,
Budli's daughter. Sigurd's murderer!
"Well shall ye now enjoy Souls malevolent
arms and lands. vengeance awaits."
Sigurd would alone 1 1 Sigurd had fallen
over all have ruled, south of Rhine
had he a little longer loud from a tree
life retained. a raven screamed:
"With your blood willAtli
8. Unseemly it had been
his sword's edges redden ;
that he should so have
the oaths ye have sworn *
ruled
your slaughter shall dis-
over Giuki's heritage
solve."
and the Goths' people,
12. Evening was ad-
when he five sons,
vanced,
for the fall of hosts,
much was drunken,
eager for warfare,
then did pleasant talk
had begotten."
of all kinds pass:
9. Then laughed Bryn- all sank in sleep,
hild — when to rest they went.
the whole burgh re- Gunnar alone was wakeful
sounded — longer than all:
once only 13. He began his foot
from her whole heart: to move,
"Well shall ye enjoy and much with himself to
lands and subjects, speak

) Of this and the following line the sense is obscure,

1

and the text probably corrupt: in my version I follow the

commentators.
 Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild. 87

the warlike chief with fetters loaded,

in his mind pondered, to a hostile host.
what during the conflict So will ye all,
the raven and the eagle race of Niflungs!
were ever saying, be of power deprived,
as they rode home. perjurers as ye are!

14. Brynhild awoke,

17. Ill Gunnar!
Budli's daughter,
1 didst thou remember,
daughter of Skioidungs,
when blood ye in your
a little ere day:
"Urge me or stay me — footsteps
2
both let flow;
the mischief is perpetra-
ted — now
ill
hast thou
for all that requited,
him
my sorrow to pour forth,
because he would
or so suppress it."
prove himself foremost.
15. All were silent
at these words; 18. Then was it proved,

few understood when the hero had

the lady's conduct, ridden to see me,

that weeping she towoo me,

should begin to speak how the warlike chief 3

of what she laughing whilom held sacred

had desired. his oath towards
the youthful prince.
16. "In my dream,
Gunnar 19. Laid his sword,*
all seemed so horrid; with gold adorned,
in the chamber all was the illustrious king
dead; between us both
my bed was cold; outward its edges were
and thou, king! wast with fire wrought,
riding but with venom drops
of joy bereft, tempered within."

l) dis Skioldunga in orig. 2) See (Egd. 9. in Part. I.

3) Lit. host-destroyer. 4) Lit. his wound-wand.

88 Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild.

From this lay, in which Forna', that Sigurd and

the death Sigurd is
of the sons of Giuki had
related, it appears that he ridden to the public as-
was slain without doors, sembly (I>ing) when he
while some relate that he was slain. But it is said
was slain sleeping in his by all, without exception,
bed but the Germans say
: that they broke faith with
he was slain out in the him , and attacked him
forest; and it is told in while lying down and
the 'GuorunarkviSa hin unprepared.
 Gu^runarkviga Fyrsta.

The First Lay of Gudrun.

Gudrun sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as
otherwomen, although ready to burst with sorrow.
Both men and women, came to console her, but that
was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrun had
eaten of Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the
talk of birds. This is alsosung of Gudrun*:

1. Of old it was that 3. Sat there noble

Gudrun wives of jarls,
prepared to die, adorned with gold,
when she sorrowing before Gudrun;
over Sigurd sat. each of them
No sigh she uttered, told her sorrows,
nor with her hands beat, the bitterest
nor wailed, she had known.
as other women.
2. Jarls came forward 4. Then said Giaflaug,
of great sagacity, Giuki's sister:
from her sad state of mind "I know myself to be
to divert her. on earth most joyless
Gudrun could not of five consorts I
shed a tear, the loss have suffered;
such was her affliction of two daughters,
ready she was to burst. sisters three,
90 The First Lay of Gudrun.

and brothers eight; 9. Then I became a

I alone live." captive,
5. Gudrun could not taken in war,
shed a tear, at the close

such was her affliction of thesame half-year.

for her dead consort, Then had I to adorn,

and her soul's anguish and tie the shoes,

for the king's fall. of the hersir's wife,
each morn.
6. Then said Herborg,
Hunaland's queen: 10. From jealousy

"I a more cruel grief she threatened me,

have to recount: and with hard blows
my seven sons, drove me:
in the south land, nowhere master
my spouse the eighth, found I a better,
in conflict fell. but mistress
no where a worse."
7. My father and my
mother, 11. Gudrun could not
my brothers four, shed a tear,
on the sea such was her affliction
the wind deluded for her dead consort,
the waves struck and her soul's anguish
on the ship's timbers. for the king's fall.

8. Their last honours 12. Then said Gullrond,

'twas mine to pay, Giuki's daughter:
'twas mine to see them "Little canst thou, my
tombed, fosterer,
1
their funeral rites wise as thou art,
to prepare was mine. with a young wife
All this I underwent fittingly talk."

in one half-year, The king's body she for-

and to me no one bade

consolation offered. to be longer hidden.

1) Lit. their Bel-course.

 The First Lay of GudTun. 91

13. She snatched the "Your loves I know

sheet were the most ardent
from Sigurd's corse, among living beings
and turned his cheek upon earth
towards his wife's knees thou hadst delight nowhere,
"Behold thy loved one, sister mine!
lay thy mouth to his lip, save with Sigurd."
as if thou wouldst embrace
the living prince." 18. Then said Gudrun,
Giuki's daughter:
14. Gudrun upon him
cast one look:
"Such .was my Sigurd
she saw the prince's locks
among Giuki's sons,
as is the garlick
dripping with blood,
out from the grass which
the chief's sparkling eyes
grows,
closed in death,
or a bright stone
his kingly breast
on a thread drawn,
cleft by the sword.
a precious gem
15. Then sank down
on kings.
Gudrun
back on her pillow, 19. I also seemed
her head-gear was loosed, to the prince's warriors
her cheeks grew red, higher than any
and a flood of tears of Herian's Disir;
fell to her knees. now I am as little

as the leaf oft is

1 6. Then wept Gudrun,
in the storm-winds,
Giuki's daughter,
after the chieftain's death.
so that the tears
spontaneously flowed, 20. Sitting I miss,
and at the same time and in my bed,
screamed my dearest friend.
the geese in the court, Giuki's sons have caused,
the noble birds, Giuki's sons have caused
which the lady owned. my affliction,
17. Then spake Gullrond and their sister's
Giuki's daughter: tears of anguish.
92 The First Lay of Gudrun.

21. So ye desolate from those words.

the people's land, The evil destiny of
as ye have kept princes
your sworn oaths. thou hast ever been;
Gunnar! thou wilt not thee every billow drives
the gold enjoy; of an evil nature;
those rings will thou sore affliction
be thy bane, of seven kings,
for the oaths thou the greatest bane of
to Sigurd gavest. friendship

22. Oft in the man- among women!"

sion was 25. Then said Brynhild,
the greater mirth, Budli's daughter:
when my Sigurd "•Atli my brother,
Grani saddled, Budli's offspring,
and Brynhild is the sole cause
they went to woo, of all the evil

that witch accursed, 26. When in the hall

in an evil hour!" of the Hunnish folk,

23. Then said Brynhild, with the king we beheld

Budli's daughter: the fire of the serpent's
3
"May the hag 1
lack bed.
spouse and children, Of that journey,

who thee, Gudrun I have paid the penalty,

has caused to weep, that sight
and this morning I have ever rued."
given thee runes of 27. She by a column
speech!" 2 stood,
24. Then said Gullrond, thewood violently clasped.
Giuki's daughter: From the eyes of Bryn-
"Cease, thou loathed of hild,
all! Budli's daughter,

1) Gullrond: See Str. 12-15. 2) Power of speech.

3) a periphrasis for gold.
 The First Lay of Gudriin. 93

fire gleamed forth hild would not outlive

venom she snorted, Sigurd. She caused her
when she beheld eight thralls and five fe-
the wounds of Sigurd. male slaves to be killed,
Gudrun then went away and then slew herself with
to the forest and deserts, a sword, as it is related
and travelled to Denmark, in the 'SigurSarkvifia in
where she stayed seven Skemma' (the Short Lay
half-years Thora,
with of Sigurd).
Hakon's daughter. Bryn-
 Helrei5 Brynhildar.

Brynhild's Hel-ride.

After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one

for Sigurd, which was the first burnt; but Brynhild
was burnt afterwards, and she was in a chariot, which
was hung with precious tapestry so that it was said;

that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel,

and passed through a place : in which a giantess dwelt.
The giantess said:

1. "Thou shalt not gentle one ! from thy hands

pass through washed human blood."
my stone-supported Brynhild.
dwelling-place. 3. "Upbraid me not,
Better had id beseemed woman of the rock
thee although I have
to work broidery, in warfare been.
than to seek after Of us, I trow,
another's husband. I shall the better seem,

2. Why dost thou, whereever men

vagrant woman! our conditions know."
from Vail and, Giantess.

my dwelling visit? 4. "Thou, Brynhild!

Thou hast, golden dame! Budli's daughter!
if thou desirest to know, wast in evil hour
 Brynhild's Hel-ride. 95

born in the world; to Hel to journey:

thou hast been the bane I gave victory to
of Giuki's children, the youthful
and their happy brother of Oda,
house subverted." whereat Odin became
Brynhild. me.
hostile to

5. "From my chariot I 9. He with shields en-

will truly tell thee, compassed me,
thou witless crone! red and white,
if thou desirest to know, in Skatalund;

how Giuki's heirs their surfaces enclosed me

made me both him he ordained
lovelorn my sleep to break,
and perjured. who in no place
6. The bold -hearted
could be made to fear.

king l 10. He made around

caused the garbs my hall,
of us eight sisters towards the south,
under an oak to be borne. towering burn
Twelve years old was I, the destroyer of all wood
ifthou desirest to know, then bade that man only
when to the youthful king over it to ride,
oaths I gave. who me the gold should
7. By all in Hlymdalir bring,
I was called that under Fafnir lay.
Hild with the helm, 11. On Grani rode the
by all who knew me.
chief,
8. Then caused I next, the gold-disperser,
in the Gothic realm, to where my foster-father
the old Hialmgunnar ruled o'er the dwellings.

1) Agnar (see Sgd. 5. prose). By depriving thein of

the swan-plumage, for they were Valkyriur like the wives
of Volund and his brothers, Agnar reduced them under
his subjection.
96 Brynhild's Hel-ride.

He alone seemed there Giuki's daughter,

to all superior, that I had slept

the Danish warrior, in Sigurd's arms

of the court. then was I made aware
1 2. We slept and were of what I fain would not,

content had deceived me,

that they
in the same bed, ,when a mate I took.
as he had
if 14. To calamities

my born brother been all too lasting

neither of us might men and women ever will

on the other, be while living born.

for eight nights, We two shall now,
lay a hand. Sigurd and I,
13. Reproached me pass our life together.
!

Gudrun, Sink thou of giant-kind

 Drap Niflunga.

The Slaughter of the Niflungs.

Gunnar and Hogni then took all the gold, Faf-

nir's heritage. Dissension prevailed afterwards between

the Giukungs and Atli. He charged them with being
the cause of Brynhild's death. Byway of reconciliation,
it was agreed that they should give him Gudrun in
marriage, to whom they administered an oblivious
potion, before she would consent to espouse Atli.
Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was
the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun. King Atli invited
Gunnar and Hogni to his residence, and sent to them
Vingi, or Knefrod. Gudrun was aware of treachery,
and sent them word in not to come; and to
runes
Hogni, as a token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in
which she had tied some wolfs hair. Gunnar had
sought the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but did not
obtain it. He then married Glaumvor, and Hogni took
Kostbera to wife. Their sons were Solar, Snsevar, and
Giuki. When the Giukungs came to Atli, Gudrun
besought his sons to intercede for their lives, but they
would not. The heart of Hogni was cut out, and
Gunnar was cast into a pen of serpents. He struck
his harp and lulled the serpents , but an adder stung
him to the liver.

II.
 Gu8rtmarkvi(5a Onnur.

The Second Lay of Gudrun.

King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost

the greaternumber of his men. Theodric and Gudrun
mutually bewailed their afflictions. She related to
him and said:
1 A maid above all maids of a consort
I was; to all superior.
my mother reared me They could not sleep,
bright in her bower; nor on affairs deliberate,
my brothers I much loved, before they Sigurd
until me Giuki, had caused to die.
with gold adorned, 4. Grani to the assembly
with gold adorned, ran,
to Sigurd gave. his tramp was to be heard
2. Such was Sigurd but Sigurd then
above Giuki's sons, himself came not.
as the green leek is, All the saddle-beasts
springing from the grass, were splashed with blood,
or the high-limbed hart and with sweating faint,
above the savage beasts, from the murderers.
or gleed-red gold 5. Weeping I went
above grey silver. to talk to Grani,
3. Until my brothers with humid cheeks,
the possession grudged me I prayed the steed to tell:
 The Second Lay of Cudrim. 99

then Gtfani shuddered, froth his cheerful modd

in the grass bowed down by intense trouble:
his head. "Gudrun ! thou wouldst
The steed knew have
that his master was no greater cause to weep,
more. if the ravens

6. Long I wandered, should tear my heart."

long was my mind dis- 11. Alone I turned
tracted, from that interview
ere of the people's guardian to the wolves'
I inquired for my king. scattered leavings*
7. Gunnar hung his head, No sigh I uttered,
but Hogni told me nor with my hands beat,
of Sigurd's cruel death. nor wailed,
"Beyond the river as other women,
slaughtered lies when heart-broken sat
I
Guthorm's murderer, by Sigurd.
and to the wolves given. 12. Night seemed to me
8. Yonder behold Sigurd, of blackest darkness,
towards the south, when I sorrowing sat
there thou wilt hear by Sigurd,
the ravens croak, Better by far
the eagles scream, it seemed to me

in their feast exulting; had the wolves

the wolves howling taken my life,

round thy consort." or I had been burnt

9. "Why wilt thou, Hogni! as a birchen tree.
to a joyless being 13. From the fell I
such miseries recount? journeyed
May thy heart by ravens five long days and nights,
be torn and scattered until the lofty hall
over the wide world, of Half I recognized.
rather than thou shouldst Seven half-years
walk with men." I with Thora stayed,
10. Hogni answered, Hakon's daughter,
for once cast down, in Denmark.
7*
100 The Second Lay of Gudrun.

She for my solace

14. heard how greatly
wrought in gold I was afflicted,

southern halls, She cast aside her needle-

*
and Danish swans. work,
and her sons called
15. We had in pictures
oft and earnestly,
the game of warriors,
that she might know,
and in handiworks
who for her son would
a prince's nobles;
their sister compensate,
red shields,
or for her consort slain
Hunnish heroes,
the blood-fine pay?
a sworded host, a helmed
18. Gunnar was ready
host,
gold to offer,
a prince's following.
for the injuries to atone,
16. Sigmund's ships and Hogni also.
3

from the land sailing,

with gilded heads, 2
and carved prows.
We on our canvas wrought She then inquired
how Sigar and Siggeir who would go
both contended the steeds to saddle,
southward in Fyen. the chariot to drive,
When Grimhild,
17. on horseback ride,,

the Gothic woman, the hawk let fly,

1) or ships. Luning. It does not appear

Sea-kings ,

to me whythe literal translation should be rejected.

2) The heads of the Northmen's ships were of very
elaborate workmanship. By the laws of Iceland it is or-
dered that no one should have a ship with a head on the
prow; but if any one had such a head, that it should be
taken off, before coming in sight of land, so as not to
come to land with gaping head and distended jaws, lest
the land-vsettir (tutelary genii) should be terrified. See
Keyser, Nordmaendenes Religion p. 79. F. Magnusen, Lex.
Mythol. p. 837.
3) Here appears to be a very considerable hiatus.
 The Second Lay of Gudrun. 101

arrows shoot cold and bitter,

from the yew bow? that I my injuries might
1 9. Valdar and the Danes forget
with Jarizleif, it was mingled
Eymod the third with Urd's power,
with Jarizkar, with cold sea-water,
then entered, and with Son's blood.
to princes like. 22. In that horn were
Red mantles had characters of every kind
the Langbard's men, graven and red-hued;
corslets ornamented, nor could I comprehend
towering 1 helms; them:
2
girded they were with the long lyng-fish
falchions, of the Haddings' land,
brown were their locks. an uncut ear of corn
3
20. For me each one the wild-beasts' entrance.
would choose 23. In that potion were
precious gifts, many ills together,
precious gifts, a herb from every wood,
and to my heart would and the acorn,
speak, the fire- stead's dew, 4
if for my many woes entrails of offerings,
they might swine's liver seethed ;

gain my confidence, for thatdeadens strife.

and I would in them trust. 24. And then I forgot,
21. Grimhild to me when I had taken it,
brought all the king's words
a potion to drink in the hall spoken.

1) Steypta hialma? 2) That is the long fish of the

heath, or ling, a snake or serpent. 3) innleitT dyra. what
this means I know not. Luning renders it by thierrachen;
Ettmiiller, Einfuhrt der Thiere; Copenhagen 4*o introitus
ferarum. Egilsson (quoted by Petersen, N. M. p. 33.) in-
testinum Simrock, Angang-thiere. F. Magnusen, for d^ra,
;

reads dyra, and translates Indgangens dor, the door of

entrance. 4) Soot.
102 The Second Lay of Gudrun.

There to ray feet so should st thou act

three kings came, as if yet lfive4
before she herself Sigurd and Sigmund,
sought to speak with me, if sons thou bearesst."

25. "Gudrun! I will 29. "Grimhild I I cannot

give thee in mirth indulge,

gold to possess, nor, for my hero's sake>
of the riches much
all cherish a hope,
of thy dead father; since the bloodthirsty [wolf
rinjrs of red gold, and] raven
Hlodver's halls, have together-
all the hangings cruelly drunk

left by the fallen king. my Sigurd's heart's blood."

20. Hunnish maids, 30. "Him * of all

those who weave tapestry, I have found te be
and in bright gold work, a king of noblest race,
so that it may delight thee. and in m uch most excellent
Over Budli's wealth him shalt thou have
thou alone shalt rule, until age lays thee low,,
adorned with gold, or mateless be,
and given to Atli." if him thou wilt not take."

27. "I will not 31. "Cease to offer

have any man, that cup oi ills
nor Brynhild's so pertinaciously,
brother marry: that race to me:
it beseems me not he will Gunnar's
with Budli's son destruction perpetrate,
to increase a race, and will cut out
or life enjoy." Hogni's heart.
28. "Take care not to pay I will not cease
the chiefs with hate; until the exulting
for 'tis we who have strife-exciter's life
been the aggressors: I shall have taken."

1) Atli: Grimhild speaks.

 The Second Lay of Gudrun. 103

32. Weeping Grimhild of the lofty burgh

caught the words, the latticed entrance
by which to her sons opened,
Gudrun foreboded evil, ere the court we entered.
and to her kindred
dire misfortunes.
"Lands I will also give thee,
people and followers, 36. Atli waked me,
Vinbiorg and Valbiorg, but I seemed to be
if thou wilt accept them; full of evil thoughts,
for life possess them, for my kinsmen's death.
!" 1
and be happy, daughter "So me just now
37.
33. "Him then I will have the Norns waked, —
choose a grateful interpretation
among the kings, I would have.
fain —
and from my relatives Methought that thou,
reluctantly receive him. Gudrun]
Never will he be to me Giuki's daughter!
a welcome consort, with a treacherous sword
nor my brothers' bale didst pierce me through."
a protection to our sons." 38. "Fire it forebodes, 2
34. Forthwith on horse- when one of iron dreams,
back was arrogance and pleasure,
each warrior to be seen a woman's anger.
but the Walish women Against evil
were in chariots placed. I will go burn thee,
For seven days cure and medicate thee,
o'era cold land we rode; although to me thou art
but the second seven, hateful."
we beat the waves; 39. "Seemed to me here
3
and the third seven, in the garden
we reached dry land. that young shoots had
35. There the gate- fallen
wards which I wished

1) Atli speaks. 2) Gudrun answers. 3) Atli speaks.

104 The Second Lay of Gudrun.

to let grow: both of them howled:

torn up with their roots, seemed to me their bodies
reddened with blood, became dead carcases:
to table they were brought, of the carrion
and offered me to eat. I was compelled to eat."
40. Seemed to me that 42. "There will warriors 1

hawks round thy couch converse,

flew from my hand, and of the white -locked
lacking their quarry, ones
to the house of woes; take head;
off the
seemed to me I ate death-doomed they are
their hearts with honey within a few nights,
swollen with blood, a little ere day:
with sorrowing mind. thy court will eat of them."
41. Seemed to me from 43. "Lie down I would not 2 ,

my hand nor sleep .after,

whelps I let slip; obstinate in my fate —
lacking cause of joy, That I will execute!"

1) Gudrun answers. 2) Atli speaks.

 Gu{)runarkvi5a |)ric)ja.

The Third Lay of Gudrun.

had a serving-woman named Herkia, * who

Atli
had been his concubine. She informed Atli that she
had seen Thiodrek and Gudrun together; whereat
Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrun said:
1. What ails thee ever, Atli.

Atli! 2. It grieves me, Gudrun

Budli's son! Giuki's daughter!
Hast thou sorrow in thy that in my palace here,
heart ? Herkia has said,
Why never laughest thou ? that and Thiodrek
thou
To thy jarls it would have
seem more desirable, under one covering slept,
that thou with men wouldst and wantonly
talk, been in the linen wrapt.
and on me wouldst look.

1) Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition,

who here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to
that tradition, the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not
marry Kriemhilt (Gudrun) until after her death. The fal-
sification of the story, the pitiful subordinate part acted
by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the other poems on
this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron, sufficiently show
that the poem is a later composition. P. E. Miiller (II. p. 3 1 9)
ascribes it to Saemund himself. Zuning, p. 430.
 106 The Third Lay of Gudrun.

Gudrun. ere in the cauldron

3. For all this charge the queen dipt her hand.
I will give my oaths
by the white
8. "Now Gunnar comes
not,
sacred stone,
nor call I Hogni:
that with me and Thiodrek
I shall not see again
nothing has passed T
my loved brothers:
which to man and wife
with his sword would
only belongs;
Hogni
4. Save that I embraced such wrong avenge:
the prince of armies, now I must myself
the honoured king, purify from crime."
a single time.
9. She to
bottom the
Other were
plunged
our cogitations,
her snow-white hand,
when sorrowful we two
and up she drew
eat to converse.
the precious stones. 1
5.Hither came Thiodrek, '•See now, ye men
with thirty warriors; I am proved guiltless
now there lives not one in holy wise,
of those thirty men. boil the vessel as it
Surround me with thy may."
brothers,
10. Laughed thenAtli's
and with mailed warriors;
heart within his breast,
surround me with all
when he unscathed beheld
thy noblest kinsmen.
the hand of Gudrun.
6. Send to Saxi "Now must Herkia
the Southmen's prince, to the cauldron go,
he can hallow she who Gudrun
the boiling cauldron." had hoped to injure."
7. Seven hundred men No one has misery seen
entered the hall, who saw not that,

1) The iarknastein of the original was a milk-

white opal.
 The Third Lay of Gudrun. 107

1
how the hand there to a foul slough.
of Herkia was burnt. So were Gudrun's
They then the woman led wrongs avenged.

1) This punishment was known to the old Germans:

"ignavos et imbelles et corpore infames coeno ac palude
injecta insuper crate mergunt." Germania 12.
 Oddrunargratr.

Oddrun's Lament.
There was a King named Heidrek, who had a
daughter named Borgny. Her lover was named Vil-
mund. She could not give birth to a child until
Oddrun, Atli's sister, came. She had been the be-
loved of Gunnar , Giuki's son. Of this story it is

here sung:

1. I have heard tell, 3. She the horse made

in ancient stories run
how a damsel came on the smooth, dusty way,
to the eastern land: until she came
no one was able, to where a high hall stood.
on the face of earth, She the saddle snatched
help to afford from the hungry steed,
to Heidrek's daughter. and in she went
along the court,
2. When Oddrun,
and these words
Atli's sister, heard
first of all uttered:
that the damsel
had great pains, 4. "What is most note-
from the stall she led worthy
her well-bridled steed, in this country?
and on the swart one or what most desirable
the saddle laid. in the Hunnish land?"
 Oddrun's Lament. 109

Borgny. 10. "So may thee help

5. Here lies Borgny the benignant genii,
with pains o'erwhelmed, Frigg and Freyia,
thy friend, Oddrun! and other gods besides,
See if thou canst help her. as thou hast from me
Oddrun. peril removed!"
6. What chieftain has 11. "I was not inclined
on thee to give thee help,
brought this dishonour? because thou never wast
Why so acute of succour worthy:
are Borgny's pains? I vowed, and have per-
Borgny. formed
7. Vilmund is named what I then said —
the falcon-bearers' friend: when the princes
he the damsel wrapt the heritage divided,
in a warm coverlet that I would ever
fivewhole winters, help afford."
so that from her father
Borgny.
she was hidden.
8. They, I ween, spoke not
22. Mad art thou, Oddrun!
more than this: and hast lost thy wits,

kindly she went to sit

when in hostile spirit

at the damsel's knee.

most of thy words thou
utterest
Vehemently sang Oddrun,
fervently sang Oddrun
for I have been thy
songs of power companion
over Borgny.
upon the earth,
as if from brothers
9. A girl and boy
might then we both were born.
tread the mould-way, Oddrun.
gentle babes, 13. I remember yet
born of Hogni's bane. what thou one evening
Then began to speak saidst,
the death-sick damsel, when I for Gunnar,
who before had a compotation made.
no word uttered. Such a case, saidst thou,
110 Oddrfm's Lament.

would not thenceforth she had people

happen and lands around her.
to any maiden, Earth slumbered,
save to me alone." and the heavens above,
14. Then sat down when Pamir's bane J
the sorrowing lady her burgh first saw.
to tell her woes, 19. Then was conflict
from her great grief: waged
15. "I was nurtured with the Walish 2 sword,
in the kingly hall, and the burgh taken
1 was the joy of many which Brynhild owned.
in the council of men. It was not long —
Life I enjoyed, which was not surprising
and my father's wealth, ere she discovered
five winters only, all those frauds.
while my father lived. 20. These she caused
16. These last words cruelly
the noble- hearted king to be avenged,
strove to utter, so that we all have
ere he departed hence. great afflictions.
17. He bade me be Known it will be
endowed through every land of men,
with ruddy gold, that she caused herself
and in the south be given to die
to Grimhild's son. with Sigurd.
He said no maiden 21. But I for Gunnar,
could more excellent rings' dispenser,
in the world be born, love conceived,
if fate willed it not other- such as Brynhild should. —
wise. But he Brynhild bade
18. Brynhild in her a helmet take,
bower said she a Valkyria
was occupied in broidery: should become.

1) Sigurd, 2) Olim in pretio fuerunt gladii in Gallia

fabricati.
 Odrutfs Lament. Ill

22. They forthwith his emissaries

*
offered about the Murk-wood,
ruddy rings that he might prove me;
to my brother, and they came to where
and indemnity not small. they ought not to have
He * besides offered for me comef |

fifteen vills, to where we had

and the load of Grani's one couch prepared.
sides, 26. To the men we
if he would accept them. offered

23. But Atli said red-gold rings,

he never would that they it might not
a marriage-gift receive to Atli tell;

from Giuki's son. but they forthwith

Still we could not hastened home,
our loves withstand, and it quickly
but I my head must lay to Atli told.

upon the ring-breaker. 27. But they from

Gudrun
24. Many things said
carefully concealed it,
my relations;
yet rather by half
declared they had sur- 3
she should have known it.
prised us
both together;
but Atli said,
that I would not 28. A
sound was heard
crime commit, of gold-shod hoofs,
nor scandal perpetrate. when into the court

But such should no one rode Giuki's heirs.

for another
ever deny,
when love has part. Of Hogni they
25. Atli sent the heart cut out,

1) For Brynhild's death. 2) Gunnar. 3) From

here the narrative appears to be very fragmentary.
 112 Oddrun's Lament.

and into a serpent-pen until I saw

the other cast. all Atli's courts.
32. Then came Atli's
miserable mother
29. I had gone crawling forth; —
yet once again may she perish! —
to Geirmund, she Gunnar
to prepare a banquet. pierced to the heart;
so that the hero
I could not save.

33. Oftentimes I wonder,

The brave king 1 began woman gold-adorned! 8

the harp to sound;

how I after can
life retain
for the prince of noble race
hoped that I
for I seemed
the formidable
to his aid might come.
sword-dispenser
30. I it heard
as myself to love:
from Hlesey,
how of trouble there
34. Thou sitst and
listenest,
the harp-strings sang.
while I recount to thee
31. I my thralls bade many an evil fate,
all be ready: my own and theirs."
I the prince's
Each one lives
life would save.
as he best may.
The vessel we let float
Now is ended
past the forest, 2 Oddrun's lament.

1) Gunnar while
in the serpent-pen. 2) For 'lund'
wood), which is the reading of the MSS., the Copen-
(forest,
hagen editor favours the correction to sund (a sound or
strait, the Sound?) 3) Borgn?.
 AtlakviSa,

The Lay of Atli,

Gudrun, Gitiki's daughter, avenged her brothers,

as well known.
is She first killed Atli's sons, and
afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the palace with
all the household. On these events was this lay
composed.
2
1. Atli sent riding but the ones
guileful
a messenger to Gunnar, silence kept —
3
a crafty man, the Huns' wrath they
Knefrud was his name. feared.
To Giuki's courts he came, Then said Knefrud,
and to Gunnar's hall, with chilling voice: —
*
to the seats of state, the southern warrior
and the glad potation: on a high bench sat —
2. There drank the 3. "Atli has sent me
courtiers hither
wine in their Valhall — on his errand riding

1) The is applied both to benches

epithet aringreypr
and helmets Strophes 3 and 16). Its meaning is
(See
doubtful: it has been rendered iron-bound, brass-bound,
hearth-encircling, curved like an eagle's beak, etc. Benches
and helmets of ceremony are evidently intended, probably
ornamented with brass -work or figures of eagles. But to
whichever substantive applied, 1 take its meaning to be
the same. 2) The messengers of Atli. 3) TheGiukungs.

II. 8
114 The Lay of Atli.

on a bit-griping steed, now suchlike we hear?

through the unknown Of no gold I knew
Murkwood, on Gnita's heath,
to pray you, Gunnar! to which we possess not
that to his bench ye come, other equal.
with helms of state, 7. Seven halls have we
Atli's home to visit. filled with swords,
4. Shields ye there can of each of which
choose, the hilt is gold.
and smooth-shaven spears, My horse I know the best,
gold-red helms, and my sword the keenest;
and of Huns a multitude, my bow adorns my seat,
silver-gilt saddle-cloths, my corslets are of gold,
sarks gory-red, my helm and shield the
the dart's obstruction, brightest,
and bit-griping steeds. brought from the hall of
5. The plain he will Kiar;
also give you, mine alone are better
the broad Gnltaheid, than all the Hunnish ones.
whistling javelins, 8. What thinkest thou the
and gilded prows, woman * means,
vast treasures, by sending us a ring
and Danpi's towns, in a wolf's clothing wrapt ?
with that famed forest, I think that she caution
which men the Murkwood enjoins.
call." Wolfs hair I found
6. Gunnar his head then twined in the red-gold ring
turned, wolfish is the way
and to Hogni said: we on our errand ride."
"What counselest thou, 9. No sons persuaded
bold warrior? Gunnar,

J ) Gudrim
she had sent, by Atli's messengers, a ring
:

to as a warning, in which wolfs hair was

her brothers,
entwined, together with a note in runes, which were falsi-
fied by Vingi. See Drap Nitiunga and Akv. Gr. 4. 12.
 The Lay of Atli. 115

nor other kinsman, over the mountains fly,

interpreters nor counsellors, through the unknown
nor those who potent were. Murkwood.
Then spake Gunnar, The whole Hunnish forest
as beseemed a king, trembled
great in his mead-hall, wheree'er the warriors
from his large soul: rode;
10. "Rise now up, over the shrubless , all-

Fiornir green plains

let along the benches pass they sped.
the golden cups of heroes, 1 4. Atli's land they saw,
from the attendants' hands. and the high watch-towers
Bikki's people stood
11. The wolf shall rule
on that lofty fortress;
the Niflungs' heritage,
the south people's hall
o bearded sages!
was round with benches set,
if Gunnar perish;
with well-bound bucklers,
black-coated bears
and white shields,
earth's fruit tear with their
the javelin's obstruction.
teeth,
There Atli drank
to the dogs' delight,
wine in his Valhall:
if Gunnar come not back."
his guards sat without,
12. Honoured men, Gunnar and his men to
weeping led watch,
the land's ruler lestthey there should come
1
from the Huns' court. with yelling dart,
Then said Hogni's to excite their prince to
youthful heir: conflict.
"Go now, prudent and 15. Their sister forth-
prosperous, with saw,
whither your wishes lead." when the hall they had
13. The warriors made entered,
their bit-griping steeds her brothers both —
1) Huna, in the original, is probably an error of the
scribe; yet see Str. 13.
8*
116 The Lay of Atli.

beer had she little drun- over the rugged fells of

ken — Rhine."
"Betrayed art thou now 18. Then the Burgun-
*
Gunnar dians' friends
though strong how wilt, Gunnar seized,
thou contend in fetters laid,
with the Huns' deadly and him fast bound.
wiles ? 19. Hogni hewed down
Go quickly from this hall seven,
with the keen sword,
16. Better hadst thou,
but the eighth he thrust
Gunnar
into the raging fire.
in corslet come,
So should a valiant man
than with helm of state,
defend himself from foes.
to see the home of Atli
20. Hogni had Gunnar's
thou in the saddle wouldst 2
hands protected.
have sat
whole sun-bright days,
The bold chief they asked,
if the Goths' lord
and o'er the pallid dead
would with gold
let the Noras weep,
his life redeem ?
the Hunnish shield- maids * * *
misery suffer;
but Atli himself thou
21. "Hognis heart
shouldst
into the serpent-pen have
in my hand shall lie,
cut bloody from the breast
cast
of the valiant chief,
but now the serpent-pen
the king's son,
is for you two reserved."
with a dull-edged knife."
17. '"Sister! 'tis now
too late
the Niflungs to assemble, They the heart cut out
long 'tis to seek from Hialli's breast;
the aid of men, on a dish bleeding laid it,
of valiant heroes, and it to Gunnar bare.

1) Atli's men. 2) That is Gunnar himself.

 The Lay of Atli. 117

23. Then said Gunnar, is all the hidden

lord of men: Niflungs' gold,
"Here have I the heart now that Hogni lives not.
of the timid Hialli, 27. Ever was I waver-
unlike the heart ing,
of the bold Hogni; whilewe both lived;
for much it trembles now am I so no longer,
as in the dish it lies: as I alone survive.
it trembled more by half, Rhine shall possess
while in his breast it lay." men's baleful metal,
24. Hogni laughed, the mighty stream, the As-
when to his heart they cut known
the living crest-crasher; Niflungs' heritage.
no lament uttered he. In the rolling water
All bleeding on a dish the choice rings shall glitter,
they laid it, rather than on the hands
and it to Gunnar bare. of the Huns' children shine.
28. Drive your wheel-
25. Calmly said Gunnar,
chariots,
the warrior Niflung:
"Here have I the heart
the captive is now in
bonds."
of the bold Hogni,
unlike the heart 29. Atli the mighty,
of the timid Hialli; their sister's husband,
for it little trembles, rode with resounding steeds,
as in the dish it lies: with strife - thorns * sur-
it trembled less, rounded.
while in his breast it lay. Gudrun perceived
26. So far shalt thou, the heroes' peril,
Atli! she from tears refrained,
be from the eyes of men on entering the hall of
as thou wilt tumult.
from the treasures be. 30. "So be it with thee,
In my power alone Atli!

1) spears.
118 The Lay of Atli.

as towards Gunnar thou men s weapon-song,

hast held from the heath they were
the oft-sworn oaths, come.
formerly taken — 33. Out then went
by the southward verging
sun,
Gndrun,
Atli to meet,
and by Sigty's hill,
the secluded bed of
with a golden cup to do
rest,
her duty to the king.
and by Ullr's ring."
Yet thence the more "Thou canst, o King!
* joyful in thy hall
did the bit-shaker
the treasure's guardian,
receive from Gudmn
the arms of the departed.''
the warrior chief,
drag to death. 34. The drinking -cups
of Atli
31. The living prince
groaned with wine heavy,
then did a host of men
when in the hall together
into a pen cast down,
the Huns were counted.
which was within
Long-bearded, bold,
with serpents over-crawled.
the warriors entered.
But Gunnar there alone
a harp in wrathful mood 35. Hastened the bright-
with his hand struck: faced dame
the strings resounded. te bear their potions to them,

So should a daring chief, the wondrous lady to the

a ring-dispenser, chiefs

gold from men withhold. and reluctantly to the pal-

lid Atli
32. Atli turned
the festal dainties offered,
2
his brass-shod steed,
and uttered words of hate.
his home to re-visit,
back from the murder. 36. u Thou, swords' di-
Din was in the court spenser! hast
with horses thronged, thy two sons' hearts,

I) The horse. 2) The original word is eyrskan,

a word of doubtful signification.
 The Lay of Atli. 119

slaughter- gory, the swan-fair dame;

with honey eaten. with ruddy rings

resolved that thou, bold the household gifted.
I
chief Fate she let ripen,
shouldst of a human dish but the bright gold flow.
eat at thy feasting.
The woman spared not
and to the place of ho- the treasure-houses.
nour send it. 40. Atli incautious had
Henceforth thou wilt not himself drunk weary;
to thy knees call weapon he had none,
Erp and Eitil, nor was 'gainst Gudriin
joyous with beer the two guarded.
thou wilt not henceforth Oft had their sport been
see them better,
from thy middle seat,
when they lovingly
gold-dispersing,
embraced each other
javelins shafting,
before the nobles.
manes clipping,
or horses urging." 41. With the sword's
point she gave
38. Uproar was on the
the bed of blood to drink
benches,
with death-bent hand,
portentous the cry of men,
and the dogs loosed,
noise beneath the costly
out at the hall- door drove
hangings. them,
The children of the Huns
and the lady wakened
wept,
the household with bur-
all wept save Gudmn, ning brand. —
who never wept, vengeance she for her
That
or for her bear -fierce
brothers took.
brothers,
42. To she then
or her dear sons, fire

young, simple, gave all

whom she had borne to that were therein,
Atli. and from her brothers'
murder
39. Gold scattered
120 The Lay of Atli.

were from the dark den

l
43. Of this enough is

returned. said.

The old structures fell, No such woman will hence-

the treasure-houses smoked, forth

the Budlungs' dwelling. arms again bear,

Burnt too were the shield- to avenge her brothers.
maids That bright woman had
within, their lives cut short to three kings of men
in the raging fire they the death-doom borne,
sank. before she died.

Yet more clearly is this told in 'Atlamalum inum

Groenlenzkum' (the Greenland lay of Atli)!

1) The serpent-pen.
 Atlamal in Grcenlenzku.

The Greenland Lay of Atli,

1 Of those misdeeds men 3. Wise was the house-

have heard tell, dame,
when warriors of old prudently she thought
a compact made, the words in order she
which by pledges they con- had heard,
firmed, that in secret they had
a secret consultation held: said:
terribleit was to them after, the sage lady was at a loss
and to Giuki's sons likewise, fain would she help them:
who were betrayed. they l o'er the sea must sail,
2. The warriors' fate but she herself could not go.
ripened, 4. Runes she graved,
they were death-doomed: Vingi them falsified,
illadvised was Atli, before he gave them from
though he possessed sa- him
gacity : of ill he was the bearer.
he felled a mighty column, Then departed
strove hardly against Atli'smessengers,
himself through the branched firth,
with speed he messengers for where the bold war-
despatched, riors dwelt.
that his wife's brothers 5. They with beer were
should come quickly. cheered,

1) The messengers.
122 The Greenland Lay of Atli.

and fires they kindled, as tothem seemed best.

naught thought they of Cunning was Kostbera,
guile, she could runes interpret
when they were come; she the letters read
they the gifts accepted, by the bright fire
which the prince sent them, — her tongue she had to
on a column hung them, guard
and of no evil thought. between both her gums —
6. Then cameKostbera, so perverted were they,
she was Hogni's wife, it was difficult under-
to
a woman greatly cautious, stand them.
and them both greeted. 10. To their bed they
Glad was also Glaumvor, went,
Gunnar's consort, she and Hogni.
the prudent dame her duty The gentle lady dreamed,
forgot not, and concealed it not,
she to the guests' need at- to the prince wisely said it
tended. as soon as she awoke.
7. Hogni they home in-
vited,
1 1 . "From home thou
art going, Hogni
would be pleased to go.
if he
give ear to counsel
Treachery was manifest,
few are fully prudent
had they but reflected!
go another time.
Gunnar then promised,
if only Hogni would, 12. I have the runes in-
but Hogni refused terpreted,
what the other proposed. which thy graved:sister
8. The noble dames that fair dame has not
bore mead, this time invited thee.
of many things there was At one thing I wonder most,
abundance, I cannot even conceive,
many horns passed round, why so wise a woman
until it seemed they had so confusedly should grave ;
full drunken. for it is so set down
9. The household pre- as if it intimated
pared their couches, death to you both,
 The Groenland Lay of Atli. 123

if you should straightway rushed through my

come. dwelling."
Either she has left out a Hogni.
1 6. "Here lie linen cloths,
letter,

or others are the cause."

1 which thou
hadst little
noticed
1 3. "They are," said Ho- these will quickly burn
gni, "all suspicious
where thou the coverlet
I have no knowledge of sawest."
them, Kostbera.
nor will I into it inquire, 17. "Methought a bear
unless we have to make re- came in,
quital. and broke down the co-
The king will gift us lumns ;
with gleed-red gold. and so his talons shook,
I never fear, that we were terror-
though we may hear of stricken ;

terror." by his mouth held many

1 4. "Tottering ye will go, of us,

ifthitherward ye tend. so that we were helpless:

No kind entertainment there, too, was a din

there far from little."
Hogni.
will ye at this time find.
18. "A
tempest there
Hogni! I have dreamed,
will be
I will not conceal it:
furious and sudden:
in an evil hour ye will go,
the white bear thou sawest
or so at least I fear.
will be a storm from the
15.Methought thy co- east."
verlet was Kostbera.
with fire consumed; 19. "Methought an eagle
that the towering flame flew herein,

1) It would seem that the original runes, as graved

by Gudrun, hod not been so completely erased as to leave
no traces of them; but that they were still sufficiently le-
gible to enable Kostbera to ascertain the real purport of
the communication.
124 The Greenland Lay of Atli.

all through the house 23. Methought a bloody

that will largely concern us. glave
He sprinkled all with blood from thy sark w as drawn
r
—
from his threats I thought it ill 'tis such a dream
recount —
to be the 'ham' 1
of Atli." to a consort to
Hbgni. methought a lance was
20. "We often slaughter thrust through thy middle
largely, wolves howled
and then red we see: on every side."
often are oxen meant,
Gunnar.
when we of eagles dream.
Sound is the heart of Atli, 24. "Where dogs run
dream thou as thou mayest." they are wont to bark
oft bodes the bay of dogs
With this they ended:
the flight of javelins."
a ll speeches have an end.
Glaumvor.
2 1 . The high-born awoke,
25. "Methought a river
there the like befell:
ran herein,
Glaumvor had perceived
through the whole house,
that her dreams were ill-
that it roared violently,
boding,
rushed o'er the benches,
adverse to Gunnar's
brake the feet of you
going to and fro.
brothers twain
22. u Methought a gal-
nothing the water spared:
lows was for thee erected, 2
something will that por-
thou wentest to be hanged,
tend!
that serpents ate thee,
that I inter'd thee living, 3 26. Methought dead wo-
that the Powers' dissolu- men
came tion — in the night came hither;
Divine thou what that por- not ill-clad were they:
tends. they would choose thee,

1) Ham (hamr. fern, hamingia) a guardian angel, an at-

tendant spirit. 2) Here a gallows in our sense of the
word, but usually a stake on a scaffold, to which the condem-
ned to a death of torture was bound hand and foot. 3) The
translation of this line is conjectural.
 The Greenland Lay of Atli. 125

forthwith invited thee 29. They went fair-ap-

to their seats. pointed,
I ween thy Disir them parted
until the firth
have forsaken thee." ever would their wives have
Gunnar. stayed them,
27. "Too late it is to they would not be stayed.
speak,
it is now so resolved; 30. Glaumvor then spake,
from the journey we shall Gunnar's consort,
not shrink, Vingi she addressed,
as it decreed to go:
is as to her seemed fitting
very probable it seems "I know not whether ye
that our lives will be short." will requite us
as we would
28. When colours were
with treachery came the
guest,
discernible,
if aught of ill betide."
those on journey bent
all rose up:
Then Vingi swore,
31.
the others fain would stay
littlespared he himself:
them.
"May him the Jotuns have,
The five journeyed to-
if towards you he lies
gether,
the gallows hold him,
of 'hus-carls' there were
if aught against peace he
present !"
meditates
twice that number.
— It was ill devised — 32. Bera 1 took up the
Sneevar and Solar, word,
they were Hogni's sons; she of gentle soul:
Orkning he was named, "Sail ye prosperous,
who them accompanied, and may success attend
a gentle shield - bearer you:
was he, may it be as I pray,
the brother of Hogni's wife. and it nothing hinder!"

1) Kostbera.
126 The Groenland Lay of Atli.

33. Hogni answered they saw the mansion stand

— he to his kin meant that Budli had possessed.
well — Loud creaked the latticed
"Be of good cheer, ye gates,
prudent when Hogni knocked.
whatever may befall.
37. Then said Vingi,
Many say the same, what he had better not,
though with great diffe- u Go far from the house,
rence ;
'tis perilous to enter;
formany little care I quickly enticed you to
how they depart from perdition
home."
ye shall forthwith be slain.
34. On
each other then
With fair words I prayed
they looked
your coming,
before they parted:
though guile was under
then, I ween, their fates
them.
were severed,
But just bide here,
and their ways divided.
while a gallows I prepare."
Vigorously they
35.
rowed,
38. Hogni answered —
little thought he of yielding,
their bark was well nigh
or of aught fearful

backward bending
riven
the
thatwas to be proved :
—
"Think not to frighten us:
waves they beat,
try that seldom.
ardently plied
If one word thou addest,
their oar - bands were
thou wilt thy harm pro-
broken,
long."
the rowlocks shattered.
They made not the vessel 39. They rushed on Vingi,
fast and struck him dead,
before they quitted it. laidon their axes,
36. A little after while life within him
— I will the end relate — throbbed.

1) So great was their haste to land.

 The Greenland Lay of Atli. 127

40. Atli his men assem- when sad news she

the
bled, heard
in their byrnies they is- adorned with necklaces,
sued forth, she tore them all asunder
went prepared so so hurled the silver,
that a fence was between that the rings in shivers
them. flew.
Words they bandied, 45. Then she went out,
all with rage boiling: not gently moved the doors
"Already had we resolved went forth void of fear,
to take your lives away." and the comers hailed,
Hogni. turned to the Niflungs:
41. "It looks but ill, that was her last greeting,
if ye before have counselled truth attended it;
now ye are unprepared,
e'en more words she said:
and we one have felled, 46. "I sought by symbols
smitten to death: to prevent your leaving
one of your host was he." home,
42. Furious they became, — fate may no one re-
when those words they sist —
heard ;
and yet must you come
their fingers they stretched hither."
forth, Wisely she asked:
and their bow-strings sei- might they not be ap-
zed; peased ?
sharply shot, No one consented,
and with shields themselves all answered no.
protected.
47. Saw then the high-
came the tale
43. In then born lady
of what without was pas- that hard game they
a
sing; played
loud before the hall a deadly deed she medi-
they a thrall heard speak. tated,
44. Then incensed was and her robe dashed aside,
Gudrun, a naked falchion seized,
128 The Groenland Lay of Atli.

and her kinsmen's lives and the forenoon,

defended ere the fight was ended.
was in warfare,
skilful she the field flowed with blood,
where her hand she ap- until eighteen had fallen
plied. Bera's two sons,
48. Giuki's daughter and her brother,
caused had them overcome.
two warriors to fall; 51. Then the fierce Atli
Atli's brother she struck spoke,
down, wroth though he was:
— he must thenceforth
u 'Tis ill to look around

be borne — this is long of you.

so she the conflict managed, We were thirty

that she his foot struck off. warlike thanes,

Another too she smote, eleven survive
so that he never rose, the chasm is too great.
to Hel she sent him: We were five brothers,
her hand trembled not. when Budli died
now has Hel the half,
49. A conflict then en-
two lie slain.
sued,
52. "A great affinity
which was widely famed, I obtained,
but that excelled all else
that I cannot deny,
which Giuki's sons per- pernicious woman!
formed.
of which I have no benefit
So 'tis said the Niflungs,
peace we have seldom had,
while yet they lived,
since thou among us earnest.
with swords maintained
Of kinsmen ye have be-
the fight,
reft me,
corslets rent,
of riches often wronged.
helmets hewed,
To Hel my sister ye have
as their hearts prompted.
sent;
50. At morning most that is to me most bitter."
they fought, Gudrun.
until mid-day had passed 53. "This thou callest
all early morn, to mind, Atli!
 The Groenland Lay of Atli. 129

but thou so first didst act Ye had a hinderance

my mother thou didst take, while unscathed we were
and for her treasures now are we so wounded
murder that our fate thou mayest
my gifted niece with hunger command.
thou didst cause to perish. 57. Beiti spake,
Laughable to me
seems, it — he was Atli's ste-
when thou sorrows dost ward —
recount. Take we Hialli,
The gods are to be thanked, but Hogni let us save.
that it goes ill with thee. Let us do half the work;
Atli. he is death-worthy.
54. Jarls! I exhort you As long as he lives
the sorrow to augment a slug he will ever be.
of that presumptuous wo-
58. Terrified was the
man:
kettle-watcher
I would fain see it.
the place no longer held
Strive so to do,
him:
that Gudrun may lament.
he could be a whiner,
Might I but see
he clomb into every nook:
that in her lot she joys not
their conflict was his bane,
55. Take ye Hogni, as he the penalty must pay
and with a knife hack him and the day sad,
cut out his heart: when he must from the
this ye shall do. swine die,
Gunnar the fierce of soul from all good things,
to a gallows fasten; which he had enjoyed.
do the work thoroughly,
59. Budli's cook they
lure up the serpents.
took,
Hogni. and the knife brought to-
56. Do as thou listest, wards him.
glad I will await it; Howled the wretched thrall,
stout I shall prove myself: ere the point he felt;
I have ere now things much declared that he had time
harder proved. the gardens to manure,
II. 9
130 The Greenland Lay of Atli.

the vilest offices to do, 63. There died the noble,

if from death he might at the dawn of day;
escape. at the last they caused
Joyful indeed was Hialli, their deeds to live.
could he but save his life. 64. Atli thought him-
self great:
60. Hogni all this ob-
over them both he strode,
served
to the sagacious woman
— few so act,
told the evil,
as for a slave to intercede,
that he may escape — and
"It is
reproached her.
bitterly
now morning,
"Less 'tis, I say, for me Gudriin
to play this game myself.
thy loved ones thou hast
Why shall we here desire lost
to listen to that screaming ?"
partly thou art the cause
61. Hands on the good that it has so befallen."
prince they laid.
Gudrun.
Then was no option 65. Joyful art thou,
for the bold warriors, Atli!
the sentence longer to slaughter to announce:
delay. repentance shall awaitthee,
Then laughed Hogni; when thou hast all proved.
heard the sons of day That heritage shall be left
how he could hold out: thee
torment he well endured — that I can tell thee —
that ill shall never from
62. A harp Gunnar took, thee go,
with his foot- branches unless I also die.
touched it. Atli.
He could so strike it, 66. That I can prevent;
that women wept, another course I see,
and the men sobbed, easier by half:
who best could hear it. the good we oft reject.
He the noblu queen coun- With slaves I will console
selled : thee,
the rafters burst asunder. with things most precious,
 The Greenland Lay of Atli. 131

with snow-white silver, if the arms wither;

as thou thyself mayest the tree inclines,
desire. if its root-fibres are severed.
Now, Atli! thou mayest
Gudrun.
alone
67. Of that there is over all here command.
no hope;
I will all reject;
70. Most unwise it was,
atonement I have spurned when to this the prince

for smaller injuries.

gave credit
Hard I was ever thought, the guile was manifest,

now had he been on his guard.

will that be aggra-
vated.
Dissembling then was
I every grudge concealed,
Gudrun,
against her heart she could
while Hogni lived.
speak,
68. We were both nur- made herself gay appear,
tured with two shields she
in one house 2
played.
many a play we played,
and in the wood grew up;
71. A banquet she
would prepare,
Grimhild us adorned
her brothers' funeral feast;
with gold and necklaces ;
the same would Atli also
for my brothers' death
for his own do.
never wilt thou indemni-
72. With this they
fy me,
ended
nor ever do
the banquet was prepared
what shall to me seem good.
the feasting was
69. Mens' too great too luxurious.
power The woman great of heart
women's lot oppresses; was stern,
*
on the knee the hand sinks, she warred on Budli's race

1) Of this and the following line the translations are va-

rious: I prefer the Swedish of Atzelius. 2) She played a
double game.
9*
132 The Groenland Lay of Atli.

on her spouse she would and to Atli tell it.

cruel vengeance wreak. Grirnhild's daughter

73. The young ones she will not conceal it from thee.

enticed, Little glad, Atli! wilt

and on a block laid them, thou be,

the fierce babes were ter- when all thou learn est
rified, great woe didst thou
raise up,
and wept not,
to their mother's bosom when thou my brothers
crept, slewest.

asked what she was going 78. Very seldom have

to do. I slept
since they fell.
74. "Ask no questions,
Bitterly I threatened thee:
both I intend to kill;
now I have reminded thee.
long have I desired
your days."
4
It is now morning', saidst
to cut short l
thou
75. "Slay as thou wilt
I yet it well remember;
thy children,
and it now is eve,
no one hinders it; when thou the like shalt
thy rage will have short
learn.
peace,
79. Thou thy sons
if thou destroyest us
hast lost,
in our blooming years,
!"
as thou least shouldest;
thou desperate woman know that their skulls thou
It fell out accordingly:
hast had for beer-cups;
she cut the throats of both. thy drink I prepared,
70. Atli oft inquired I their red blood have shed.
whither his boys 80. I their hearts took,
were gone to play, and on a spit staked them,
as he nowhere saw them ? then to thee gave them.
Gudriin. I said they were of calves,
77. Over I am resolved — it was long of thee
to go, alone —
I) See Str. 64.
 The Greenland Lay of Atli. 133

thou didst leave none, A great misdeed hast thou

voraciously didst devour, committed,
well didst ply thy teeth. thy death-feast thou hast
prepared.
81. Thy children's fate
thou knowest, Atli.

few a worse awaits. 84. On the pile thou

I have my part performed, shalt be burnt,
though in it glory not. but first be stoned;
then wilt thou have earned
Atli.
what thou hast ever
82. Cruel wast thou,
sought.
Gudrun
who couldst so act, Gudrun.
vith thy children's blood 85. Tell to thyself such
my drink to mingle. griefs
Thou hast destroyed thy early to-morrow
offspring, by a fairer death I will
as thou least shouldest; pass to another light.
and to myself thou leavest
In the same
86. hall
a short interval from ill.
they sat,
Gudrun. exchanged hostile thoughts,
83. 1 could still desire bandied words of hate:
thyself to slay each was ill at ease.
rarely too ill
87. Hate waxed in a
it fares with such a prince.
Hniflung,
Thou hast already per-
a great deed he meditated
petrated
,to Gudrun he declared
crimes unexampled among
that he was Atli's deadly
men
foe.
of frantic cruelty,
in this world: 88. Into her mind came
now thou hast added Hogni's treatment;
what we have just wit- happy she him accounted,
nessed. if he vengeance wreaked.

1) A son of Hbgni. See Str. 88.

 134 The Groenland Lay of Atli.

Then was Atli slain, which was no falsehood,

within a little space; as we have proved.
Hogni's son him slew, Hither home thou earnest,
and Gudrun herself. us a host of men attended
89. The bold king spake, all was splendid

roused up from sleep; on our journey.

quickly he felt the wounds, 93. Pomp of all kinds
said he no binding needed. was there,
"Tell me most truly of illustrious men,
who has slain Budli's son. beeves in abundance:
I am hardly treated largely we enjoyed them.
of life I have no hope." Of all things there was
Gudrun. plenty
90. I , Grimhild's partaken of by many.
daughter, 94. A marriage gift to my
will not from thee hide, bride I gave,
that I am the cause treasures for her ac-
that thy life passes away ceptance,
but partly Hogni's son, thralls thrice ten,
that thy wounds make seven fair female slaves:
thee faint. in such things was honour;
Atli. silver there was yet more.
91. To the slaughter 95. All seemed to thee
thou hast rushed, as were naught,
it
although it ill beseemed while the lands untouched
thee lay,
'tis bad "
to circumvent a which Budli had left me.
friend, So didst thou undermine,
who well confided in thee. didst allow me nothing to
Besought I went from receive.
home, Thou my mother let
didst
n
to woo thee, Gudrun! often weeping:
sit

92. A widow thou with heart content I found

wast left, not
fierce thou wast accounted, one of my household after.
 The Greenland Lay of Atli. 135

Gudrun. raised him to prosperity

96. Now, Atli! thou who nothing had possessed.

99. The Hun king
1
liest,
died,
though of that I little reck.
then suddenly my fortune
Gentle I seldom was,
changed
yet didst thou greatly ag-
great was the young
gravate it.
wife's grief,
Young brothers ye fought
the widow's lot was hers.
together,
among yourselves con- A torment to me it seemed
tended;
to come living to the
house of Atli.
to Hel went the half
from thy house:
A hero had possessed me:
sad was that loss!
all went to ruin

that should be for benefit. 100. Thou never

didst
from a contest come,
97. Brothers and sisters
as we have heard,
we were three,
where thou didst gain thy
we thought ourselves in-
cause,
vincible :
or others overcome;
from the land we departed,
ever wouldst thou give way,
we followed Sigurd.
and never stand,
We roved about,
lettest all pass off quietly,
each steered a ship ; beseemed a king.
as ill
seeking luck we went, Atli.
till to the east we came. 101. Gudrun now thou
!

08. The chief king we liest.

slew, Little will be bettered

there a land obtained, the lot of either:

the 'hersar' yielded to us we have all suffered.

that manifested fear. Now act thou, Gudrun!

We from the forest freed of thy goodness,
him whom we wished and for our honour,
harmless, when I forth am borne.

1) Sigurd. See Sig. III.

136 The Greenland Lay of Atli.

Gudrun. The wise woman would

102. I a ship will buy, go to destroy herself;
and a painted cist x
her days were lengthened
will the winding-sheet well she died another time.
wax, 104. Happy is every
to enwrap thy corse; one hereafter
will think of every requisite, who shall give birth to such
as if we had each other a daughter famed for deeds,
loved. as Giuki begat:
103. Atli was now a ever will live,
corpse, in every land,
lament from his kin arose their oft-told tale,
the illustrious woman did wherever people shall give
all she had promised. ear.

1) The ancient usage of laying the body in a ship

and sending it adrift seems inconsistent with the later
custom of depositing it in a cist or coffin.
 GuSrunarhvot.

Gudrun's Incitement.

Having slain Atli, Gudrun went to the sea-shore.

She went out into the sea, and would destroy herself,
but could not sink. She was borne across the firth
to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their
sons wereSorli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared
up Svanhild, the daughter of Sigurd. She was given
in marriage to Jormunrek the Powerful. With
him lived Bikki, who counselled Randver, the king's
son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who
caused Randver to be hanged, and Svanhild trodden
under horses' feet. When Gudrun heard of this she
said to her sons : —
1. Then heard I tell why sleep life away?
of quarrels dire, why does it pain you not
hard sayings uttered joyous words to speak,
from great affliction, now Jormunrek
when her sons your sister
the fierce-hearted Gudrun, young in years
in deadly words, has with horses trodden,
to slaughter instigated. white and black,
in the public way,
with grey and way-wont
2. "Why sit ye here? Gothic steeds?
138 Gudrun's Incitement.

3. Ye are not like thou hast us stimulated

to Gunnar and the others, to a sword-mote."
nor of soul so valiant 7. Laughing Gudrun
as Hogni was. to the storehouse turned,
Her ye should the kings' crested helms
seek to avenge, from the coffers drew,
if ye had the courage their ample corslets,
of my brothers, and to her sons them bore.
or the fierce spirit The young heroes loaded
of the Hunnish kings." their horses' shoulders.

4. Then said Hamdir, 8. Then said Hamdir,

the great of heart: the great of heart:
"Little didst thou care "So will no more come

Hogni's deed to praise, his mother to see,

when Sigurd he the warrior felled
from sleep awaked. in the Gothic land,
Thy blue-white so that thou the funeral-beer
bed-clothes were after us all may drink,
red with thy husband's afterSvanhild
gore, and thy sons."
with death-blood covered. 9. Weeping Gudrun,
Giuki's daughter,
5. For thy brothers
sorrowing went,
thou didst
to sit in the fore- court,
o'er-hasty vengeance take,
and to recount,
dire and bitter,
with tear-worn cheeks,
when thou thy sons didst
sad of soul, her calamities,
murder.
in many ways.
We young ones 1 could 10. "Three fires I have
on Jormunrek, known,
acting all together,
three hearths I have known,
have avenged our sister.
consorts I have
of three
6. Bring forth the arms been
of the Hunnish kings: borne to the house.

1) Themselves and the two sons of Atli.

 Gndrun's Incitement. 139

Sigurd alone to me was guardians of the heritage,

better than all, guardians of the heritage,
of whom my brothers Jonakr's sons.
were the murderers. 15. But around Svan-
11. Of my painful hild
wounds bond-maidens sat;
I might not complain; of all my children her
yet they even more I loved the best.
seemed to afflict me, Svanhild was,
when those chieftains in my hall,
to Atli gave me. as was the sun-beam,
12. My bright boys fair to behold.

I called to speak with me 16. I with gold ador-

for my injuries I could not ned her,
get revenge, and with fine raiment,
ere I had severed before I gave her
the Hniflungs' ' heads. to the Gothic people.
13. To the sea -shore That is to me the hardest
I went, of all my woes,
against the Norns I was that Svanhild's
embittered; beauteous locks
I would cast off should in the mire be
their persecution trodden
bore, and submerged menot under horses' feet
the towering billows 17. But that was yet
up on land I rose, more painful,
because I was to live. when my Sigurd they
14. To the nuptial ingloriously
couch I went — slew in his bed:
if '

as I thought better for me, though of all most cruel,

— for the third time, when of Gunnar
with a mighty king. the glistening serpents
I brought forth offspring, to the vitals crawled:

1) The sons of Gudrun and Atli.

140 Gudrun's Incitement.

but the most agonizing, that thou, brave one,

which to my heart flew, wouldst come to me
when the brave king's heart from Hel's abode,
they while quick cut out. but I from the world to
18. Many griefs I call thee.
to memory, 20. Raiseye Jarls!
,

many ills I call to memory. an oaken pile

Guide, Sigurd let it under heaven
thy black steed, the highest be.
thy swift courser, May it burn
hither let it run. a breast full of woes!
Here sits the fire round my heart
no son's wife, no daughter, its sorrows melt!"
who to Gudrun 21. May all men's lot
precious things may give. be bettered,
19. Remember, Sigurd! all women's
what we together said, sorrow lessened,
when on our bed to whom this tale of woes
we both were sitting, shall be recounted.
 Hambismal.

The Lay of Hamdir.

1 In that court l arose her young sons' instigated
woful deeds, Svanhild to avenge.
at the Alfar's
2
3. "She was your sister,
doleful lament
her name Svanhild,
at early morn,
she whom Jormunrek
men's afflictions,
with horses trod to death,
troubles of various kinds
white and black,
sorrows were quickened.
on the public way,
2. It was not now,
with grey and way-wont
nor yesterday,
Gothic steeds.
a long time since
has passed away, 4. Thenceforth all is

— few things are more sad to you,

ancient, kings of people
itwas by much earlier — Ye alone survive,
when Gudrun, 5. branches of my race.
Giuki's daughter, Lonely I am become,

1) See Str. 10, and Ghv. 9, andj Ltining, Glossar.

2) 'The Alfar's lament' is the early dawn, and is in appo-
sition to 'early morn' in the following line. The swart Al-
far aremeant, who were turned to stone if they did not
fleefrom the light of day. This is the best interpretation
I can offer of this obscure strophe.
142 The Lay of Hamdir.

as the asp-tree in the forest, 9. Then —

said Sorli
of kindred bereft, he had a prudent mind —
as the fir of branches U I with my mother will not
of joy deprived, speeches exchange:
as is the tree of foliage, though words to each of
when the branch-spoiler you
comes in the warm day." to me seem wanting.
6. Then spake Hamdir, What, Gudrun ! dost thou
the great of soul, desire,
"Little, Gudrun ! didst thou which for tears thou canst
care not utter?
Hogni's deed to praise, 10. For thy brothers
when Sigurd they weep,
from sleep awaked. and thy dear sons,
On the bed thou satst, thy nearest kin,
and the murderers laughed. drawn to the strife:
7. Thy bed-clothes, for us both shalt thou,
blue and white, Gudrun
woven by cunning hands, also have to weep,
swam in thy husband's gore. who here sit fated on our
When Sigurd perished, steeds,
o'er the dead thou satst, far away to die."
caredst not for mirth — 1 1 From the court they
So Gunnar willed it. went,
8. Atli thou wouldst for conflict ready.
afflict The young men journeyed
by Erp's murder, over humid fells,

and by Eitil's on Hunnish steeds,

life's destruction: murder to avenge.
that proved for thyself 12. Then said Erp,
the worse: all at once
therefore should every one — the noble youth was
so against others use, joking
for life's destruction, on his horse's back —
a sharp-biting sword, "111 'tis to a timid man

that he harm not himself." to point out the ways."

 The Lay of Hamdir. 143

They said the bastard 1

they their young kinsman
was over bold. caused
13. On their way they to earth to sink.

had found 17. flieir mantles then

the wily jester. they shook,
"How will the swarthy their weapons grasped
dwarf the high-born were clad
afford us aid?" in sumptuous raiment.
18. Forward lay the
14. He of another mo-
ways,
ther answered:
a woful path they found,
so he said aid he would
and their sister's son 8
to his kin afford,
wounded on a gibbet,
as one foot to the other 2
wind-cold outlaw-trees, 4
[or, grown to the body,
on the town's west.
one hand the other.]
Ever vibrated the ravens'
15. "What can a foot
whet:
to a foot give
there to tarry was not good.
or,grown to the body,
19. Uproar was in
one hand the other?"
the hall,
16. From the sheath men were with drink ex-
they drew cited,
the iron blade, so that the horses' tramp
the falchion's edges, no one heard,
for Hel's delight. until a mindful man
They their strength dimi- winded his horn.
nished 20. To announce they
by a third part, went

1) In this and the four following strophes the per-

son alluded to is their half-brother Erp, of whose story no-
thing more is known. He it appears , had preceded
, or
outridden the others. 2) Malmesbury relates a similar
story of king iEthelstan and his cupbearer. 3) Rand-
ver, or Bandve. See Ghv. Introd. 4) Lit. wolf- trees;
a fugitive criminal being called vargr wolf. See Grimm.
D. R. A. pp. 396. 733 sqq.
144 The Lay of Hamdir.

to Jormunrek which ought not to hap-

that were seen pen —
helm-decked warriors. "shall two men alone
"Take ye counsel, bind or slay
potent ones are come ten hundred Goths
before mighty men ye have in this lofty burgh?"
on a damsel trampled."
24. Tumult was in the
21. Then laughed Jor- mansion,
munrek,
the beer -cups flew in
with his hand stroked his
shivers,
beard,
men lay in blood
asked not for his corslet;
from the Goths' breasts
with wine he struggled
flowing.
shook his dark locks,
on his white shield looked, 25. Then said Hamdir,
and in his hand the great of heart:
swung the golden cup. "Jormunrek! thou didst
desire our coming,
22. "Happy should I seem,
brothers of one mother,
if I could see
1
into thy burgh:
Hamdir and Sorli
within my hall.
now seest thou thy feet,
hands
seest thy
I would them then
Jormunrek! cast
with bowstrings bind,
into the glowing fire."
the good sons of Giuki
on the gallows hang." 26. Then roared forth
23. Then said Hrodrglod, a godlike 2
on the high steps standing mail-clad warrior,
"Prince" said she as a bear roars:
to her son "On the men hurl stones,
— for that was threatened since spears bite not,

1) According to the Skalda it would appear that they

cut off his hands and feet while he was asleep. Erp, had
they not murdered him was to have cut off his head.
,

2) Odin, as in the battle of Bravalla. See Velschow, Notae

uber. in Sax. Gramm. p. 228.
 The Lay of Hamdir. 145

nor edge of sword, nor 30. I ween not that ours

point, should be
the sons of Jonakr." the wolves' example,
27. Then said Hamdir, that with ourselves we
the great of heart: should contend,
"Harm didst thou, brother! like the Norns' dogs,
when thou that mouth didst that voracious are
ope. in the desert nurtured."
Oft from .that mouth 3 "Well have we fought,
1 .

bad counsel comes." on slaughtered Goths we

28. "Courage hast thou, stand,
Hamdir on those fallen by the sword,
if only thou hadst sense: like eagles on a branch.
thatman lacks much Great glory we havegained,
who wisdom lacks. though now or to morrow
29. Off would the head we shall die.
now be, No one lives till eve
had but Erp lived, against the Norns' decree."
our brother bold in fight,
32. There fell Sorli,
whom on the way we slew,
at the mansion's front
that warrior brave
— me the Disir insti-
but Hamdir sank
gated — at the house's back.

that man sacred to us, This is called the Old

whom we resolved to slay. Lay of Hamdir.

n. 10
 1
Gunnars Slagr.

Gunnar's Melody.
1. It of old befell that 3. Then sang Gunnar,
Gunnar, in these strains:
Giukis son, the harp got voice,
was doomed to die as it had been a man
2 yet not a sweeter sound,
in Grabak's halls.

The feet were free had been a swan;

it

of the king's son, . the hall of serpents echoed

but his hands were bound to the golden strings
with hard bonds. 4. "I my sister know
2. A
harp he seized, wedded to the worst of
the warrior king men,
his skill displayed, and to the Nifl tings'
his foot-branches moved, base foe espoused
the harp-strings To his home bade Atli
sweetly touched: Hogni and Gunnar,
that art had not been his relations,
practised but murdered both.
save by the king's son. 5. Slaughter he made them

This poem does not appear in any manuscript of

1)
the Edda. It is printed in the Stockholm edition, from a
copy found in Iceland by G. Magnusen and Rask: a trans-
lation is in the Swedish edition of Afzelius. 2) a ser-
pent: so in strophes 15, 16, 21.
 Gunnar's Melody. 147

take for festivity, a gallows ready

and conflict for for Giuki's son
convivial potations. Ithought for thee theDisir
Ever will that survive prepared a feast;
while men shall live: I ween that for you brothers
so did relations never treachery is at work.'
any one delude. Said also Kost-
10.

6. Why, Atli dost thou bera —

so wreak thy anger?
!

she was Hogni's wife —

Herself did Brynhild the runes were falsely
cause to die, graved,
and Sigurd's and the dreams interpreted.
cruel death. But the heart beat high
Why wouldst thou Gudrun in the princes' breast,

cause to weep? neither knew fear

of a cruel death.
7. Long since the ra-
ven told, 11. The Norns have
from the high tree, for us,
our calamities, Giuki's heirs,
at our relation's death a life-time appointed,
Brynhild told me, at Odin's will;
Budli's daughter, no one may
how Atli would against fate provide,
deceive us both. nor, of luck bereft,

8. This also Glaumvor in his valour trust.

said, 12. Atli! I laugh

when we both reposed, that thou hast not
for the last time, the red-gold rings
in the same bed, that Hreidmar owned
— my consort had I alone know where that
portentous dreams — treasure
4
Go not Gunnar! hidden lies,

Atli is now false to thee. since that Hogni

9. A lance I saw to the heart ye cut.
red with thy blood, 13. Atli! I laugh,
10*
148 Gunnar's Melody.

that ye Huns has both deceived;

the laughing Hogni she to thee, king! will
to the heart cut. give the hearts
The Hniflung shrank not of thy cubs,
from the scooping wound, hot at the evening meal;
nor flinched he from 18. And their blood
a painful death. thou from cups shalt drink
14. Atli! I laugh, formed of their skulls.
that thou hast lost That mental anguish shall
many of thy men bite thee most cruelly,

that choicest were, when Gudrun sets

beneath our swords, such crimes before thee.

before thy own death. 19. Short will be thy
Our noble sister has life

thy brother maimed. after the princes' death

15. Yet shall not an end thou wilt have,

ill

Gunnar, for breach of our affinity:

Giuki's son, such is befitting thee,
fear express through the deed
in Grafvitnir's dwelling; of our sister sorely impelled

nor dejected go thy treachery to requite.

to the sire of hosts: 20. Gudrun will thee
Already is the prince with a lance lay low,
inured to suffering. and the Ni flung
16. Sooner shall Goin stand hard by;
pierce me to the heart, in thy palace

and Nidhogg will the red flame play;

suck my reins, then in Nastrond thou shalt

Linn and Langbak be to Nidhogg given.
my liver tear, 21 . Now is Grabak lulled,
than I will abandon and Grafvilnir,
my steadfastness of heart. Goin and Moin,
17. Gudrun it will and Grafvollud,
grimly avenge, Ofnir and Svafnir,
that Atli us with venom glistening,
 Gunnar's Melody. 149

Nad and Nidhogg, and in the vast

and the serpents all, Valhall abide,
Hring, Hoggvard, with the ^Esir drink
by the harp's sound. of costly cups,
22. Alone wakeful re- be with Saehrimnir sated
mains at Odin's feast
Atli's mother, 24. Now is Gunnar's
she has pierced me melody
to the heart's roots, all sung out;
my liver sucks, I have men delighted
and my lungs tears. for the last time.
A longer life-space is not Henceforth few princes
for the king's son. will
23. Cease now, my with their foot-branches
harp the sweetly sounding
hence I will depart, harp-strings strike."
 Grottasongr.

The Lay of Grotti, or The Mill-Song.

King Frodi succeeded to the kingdom of Den-
mark at time when the emperor Augustus had
the
proclaimed peace over all the world; and as Frodi
was the most powerful king in the North, the peace
was attributed to him and called Frodi's peace, where-
ever the Danish tongue was spoken. When on a vi-
sit to king Fiolnir in Sweden, he bought two female

slaves, whose names were Fenia and Menia, both of

great strength and stature. At this time two mill-
stones were found in Denmark so large that no one
could drag them. These stones possessed the property
of grinding whatever the grinder wished. Frodi set
the two slaves to work at the quern, or mill, which
was named Grotti and commanded them to grind gold,
peace, and prosperity to Frodi; but he allowed them not
a moment's rest nor even sleep longer than while the
cuckoo was silent, or a song might be sung. They
then sang the song called Grottasongr, and ceased
not before they had ground an army against Frodi, so
that in the night a sea-king, named Mysing, came,
slew Frodi, and carried off great booty. Such was
the end of Frodi's peace. Mysing took Grotti, toge-
ther with Fenia and Menia, and caused white salt to
be ground in his ships, until they sank in Pentland
 The Lay of Grdtti, or The Mill-Song. 151

Firth. There is ever since a vortex where the sea

falls into Grotti's eye ; there the sea roars as it (Grotti)
roars, and then it was that the sea first became salt.

Skalda, edit. Rask, p. 146.

1. Now are come Then said Menia

to the king's house — to the meal 'twas come
two prescient damsels,
Fenia and Menia
5. "Riches we grind for
Frodi,
they are with Frodi,
all happiness we grind,
Fridleifs son,
wealth in abundance,
the powerful maidens,
in gladness' mill.
in thraldom held.
On riches may he sit,
2. To the mill on down may he sleep,
they both were led, to joy may he wake:
and the grey stone then 'tis well ground!
to set a going ordered
he to both forbade 6. Here shall not one
rest and solace, another harm,
before he hearjd evil machinate,
the maidens' voice. nor occasion death,
nor yet strike
3. They made resound
with the biting sword,
the clattering quern,
although a brother's slayer
with their arms
he find bound."
swung the light stones.
The maidens he com- 7. He had not yet said
manded one word before:
yet more to grind. "Sleep ye not longer
4. They sung and swung than * the gowks round
the whirling stone, the house,
until Frodi's thralls or than while
nearly all slept. one song I sing."

3) The ne of the original is devoid of meaning;

and therefore changed by Egilsson to en; or may it, like
our provincial nor, be equivalent to than?
152 The Lay of Grotti, or The Mill-Song.

8. " Thou wast not, ourselves we moved

Frodi! the fast rock from its place.
for thyself over-wise,
12. We rolled the stone
or a friend of men,
o'er the giants' house,
when thralls thou bought-
so that earth thereby
est;
shrank trembling;
for strength thou chosest
so hurled we
them,
the whirling rock,
and for their looks,
that men could take it.
but of their race
didst not inquire. But afterwards,
13. in
Sweden,
9. Stout was Hrungnir, we prescient two
and his father, among people went,
yet was Thiassi chased the bear,
stronger than they ;
and shattered shields;
Idi and Ornir went against
our relations are, a grey-sarked host,
brothers of the mountain- aided one prince,
giants another overthrew,
from whom we are born. afforded the good
Guthorm help.
10. Grotti had not come Quiet I sat not
from the grey fell,
ere we warriors felled.
nor yet the hard
stone from the earth 14. Thus we went on
nor so had ground all those winters,
the giant maid, so that in conflicts
ifher race had we were known
aught of her known. there we carved,
with our sharp spears,
11. Nine winters we
blood from wounds,
playmates were,
and reddened brands.
strong and nurtured
beneath the earth. 15. Now are we come
We maidens stood to a king's house,
at mighty works unpitied both,
 The Lay of Grotti, or The Mill-Song. 153

and in thraldom held; 19. Thou wilt not

gravel gnaws our feet, hold
and above 'tis cold the throne of Lethra,
a foe's host we draw. rings of red gold,
Sad 'tis at Frodi's! or mighty mill-stone.
Let us ply the winch,
16. Hands must rest,
girl! yet more rapidly:
the stone shall stand still
are we
not grown up
for me I have
in deadly slaughter?
my portion ground.
20. My father's daughter
To hands will not
has stoutly ground,
restbe given,
because the fate
untilFrodi thinks
of many men she saw.
enough is ground.
Huge fragments
17. Hands shall hold spring from the mill-stone
l
falchions hard, into the Ornefiord.
the weapon slaughter-gory. Let us grind on
Wake thou, Frodi! 21. Let us grind on!
wake thou, Frodi! Yrsa's son,
if thou wilt listen Halfdan's kinsman,
to our songs willavenge Frodi:
and sagas old. he will of her
be called
18. Fire I see burning
son and brother:
east of the burgh
tidings of war are rife
we both know that."
that should be a token 22.The maidens ground,
a host will forthwith theirmight applied;
hither come, the damsels were
and the town burn in Jotun-mood,
over t he king. the axes trembled;

1) This line as it stands in the original is, I believe,

unintelligible; I therefore adopt Eask's conjectural emen-
dation, i Arnar fjorfr, for 'iarna fiarffar', which is also fol-
lowed by Petersen in his Danish version.
154 The Lay of Grotti, or The Mill-Song.

the stone fell from above, maiden said

the ponderous rock -Frodi ! we have ground;
was in shivers split. together we cease.
23. But the mountain- the maidens have
giants' stood at the grinding long."

—=s§^3$e^
INDEX OF PERSONS AND PLAGES.
Abbreviations in Index of Persons and Places.

Akv. = Atlakvifra.
Akv. Gr. = Atlakvifra Groenlenzku.
in
Brot Br. = Brot af Brynhildarkvicfa.
D. Nifl. = Drap Niflunga.
Ffm. = Fafnismal.
Frag. = Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.
Ghv. = Gu&runarhvot.
Gkv. = GuSmnarkvida,
I. I.

Gkv. = Gufrrunarkvifra,
II. II.

Gkv. = Gu&runarkvi&a,
III. III.

Grs. = Grottasongr.
Gsl. = Gunnars Slagr.
Hdm. = Hamdismal.
HBr. B. = Helreifr Brynhildar.
HHb. = Helgakvifta Hundingsbana,
I. I.

HHb. = Helgakvi&a Hundingsbana,

II. II.

HHs. = Helgakvifra Hiorvar&s sonar.

Oddgr. = Oddrunargratr.
Sfl. = Sinfiotlalok.

Sgd. <= Sigrdrifumal.

Sig. = Sigur&arkvifra Fafnisbana,
I. I.

Sig. II.= SigurcFarkviffa Fafnisbana, II.

= Sigurdarkviffa Fafnisbana,
Sig. III. III.

Vkv. Volundarkviffa.
 II m NQMOII All WUkQ

A.
Agnar, makes war with Hialmgunnar, Sgd. 4. prose.
Alf the Old. HHb. 5J. See Myth. Index.
Alf, son of Hialprek, marries Hiordis, Sfl.
A% son of Hunding, slain by Helgi, HHb. 1. 14. II. 11. prose.
Alf, son of Hrodmar, slays Helgi, HHs. 34, 35.
Alflnld, a wife of king Hiorvard, HHs. Prol.
Albf, daughter of Franmar, HHs. Prol.; carried off by
Atli, ib. 5.
Alsvid, son of Heimir. Frag. p. 87.
Ahvid, one of the horses of the sun, Sgd. 15.
Andvarafors, a waterfall, Sig. II. Prol.
Andvarauaut, a ring, Sig. II. 4. 5. Frag. pp. 70. 71, D. Nifl.
Andvati, a dwarf, assumes the form of a pike, Sig. II. Prol.
caught by Loki, and plundered, ib. 4.
Arastein, (the eagle's stone), HHb. I. J4; II. 11. prose.
Aivakr, one of the horses of the sun, Sgd. 15.
Aslb'g, daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild, Frag. p. 70.
Atli, son of Hring. HHb. 51.
Atli, son of Idmund, sent by King Hiorvard to demand Sigr-
linn, HHs. Prol.; holds conversation with a bird, ib. 1;
shoots Franmar under the form of an eagle, and mar-
ries Alof, ib. 5; goes with Helgi to war with Hrodmar,
ib. 11; his colloquy with Hnmgerd, ib. 12—29.
Atli, son ofBudli and brother of ""Brynhild, Sig. III. 32. 37;
married to Gudrun, D. Nifl. Gkv. II. 26, 33; his dreams,
ib. 37; his treacherous invitation to Gunnar and Hogni,
Akv. I. sqq. Akv. Gr. 2 ; murders Gunnar and Hogni,
158 Index of Persons and Places.

D. Nifl. Akv. 18 sqq. Akv. Gr. 55; made to eat the

hearts of his sons, Akv. 36 sqq. Akv. Gr. 79; murdered
by Gudrun, Akv. 41. Akv. Gr. 88 sqq.

B.
Beckhild, Brynhild's sister, Fragm. p. 67.
Beiti, Atli's steward, endeavours to save the life of Hogni,
Akv. Gr. 57.
Bikki, Atli's counsellor,Akv. 14.
Bikki, minister of Jormunrek, Sig. III. 61. causes Randver
to be hanged, and Svanhild trodden to death by horses,
Ghv. prol.
Bilrost, another name for Bifrost. See Myth. Ind.
Blind the Baleful, HHb. II. 1. prose.
Bodvild, daughter of Nidud, \kv. Prol.; receives Volund's
ring from her father, ib. 15, violated by Volund, ib. 26.
Borgbild, gives birth to Helgi Sigmund's son, HHb. I. 1—4,
HHb. II. prol; poisons Sinfiotli, Sn.
Borgny, assisted in childbirth by Oddrun, Oddgr. Prol. 2 sqq.
Bragalund, HHb. II. 7.
Bragi, runes graven on his tongue, Sgd. 16. See Myth. Ind.
Bragi, a brother of Sigrun, slain. HHb. If. 20. prose, ib. 24.
Bralund, a territory in Denmark. HHb. I J, 3; II. Prol. Sn.
Brandey, probably Branno, in the Cattegat, near the coast
of Sweden, HHb. 22.
Sweden, celebrated for the battle be-
Bravollr (Bravalla), in
tween the Swedish and Danish kings, Sigurd Ring and
Harald Hildetonn, HHb. I. 41.
Brunavagar, HHb. II. 3, 4, 5.

Brynhild (Sigrdrifa), Budli's daughter, reared by Heimir,

Sig. I. 27, 35, 39, 45, 47. Story of her and Sigurd from
—
the Volsunga Saga, Frag. pp. 67 70; her quarrel with
Gudrun, ib. p. 71; incites Gunnar to murder Sigurd, ib.
p. 73; divides her treasures among her household, Sig.
III. 45 sqq.; her last words to Gunnar, ib. 51 sqq.; her
directions for her funeral, ib. 62 sqq.; herHel-ride and
story, HBr. 1—14.
Budli, father of Atli and Brynhild, Sig. I. 27 accompanies ;

his daughter to Giuki's court, Frag. p. 70.

D.
Dag, a son of Hogni, HHb. II. 22. prose; slays Helgi, ib.

27 prose ; his interview with Sigrun, ib. 28.

 Index of Persons and Places. 159

Danp, a mythic king of Denmark, Akv. 5. See Myth. Ind.

Disir {Sing. Dis). HHb. I. 16, and note: Sig. II. 24. Sgd.
9. Akv. Gr. 26.
Dvalin, a dwarf, progenitor of a race of Norns, Ffm. 13.
See Myth. Ind.

E.
Egil, a brother of Volund, Vkv. Prol.
Eitil, a son of A£li. D. Nifl. murdered by his mother Gud-
;

run, Akv. 36, 37. Akv. Gr. 73—75.

Erp, a son of AtH, D. Nifl.; murdered by his mother Gud-
run. Akv. 36, 37. Akv. Gr. 73—75.
Erp, a son of Jonakr, accompanies Sorli and Hamdir to the
murder of Jormunrek, Ghv. Prol.; murdered by them,
Hdm. 11 sqq.
Eyiolf, a son of Hunding, HHb. I. 14; slain by Helgi,
HHb. II. 11. prose.
Eylimi, father of Svava, HHs. 9, 30.
Eylimi, father of Hiordis, Sfl. slain ; by the sons of Hun-
ding, Sig. I, 9. II, 15.
Eymod, Gkv. II. 19.

P.
Fafnir, a son of Hreidmar, Sig. I. 13, 15; murders his fa-
ther, Sig.II. 9. prose; takes all his gold, ib. II. prose;
broods over his gold on Gneitaheid in the likeness of ,

a dragon, ib. 14. prose; killed by Sigurd.; their colloquy

Ffm. Prol. 1 sqq.
Feng, a name of Odin, Sig. II. 18.
Fenia, a female slave who ground atFrodi's mill. Grs. Prol.
and sqq.
Fiolnir, a name of Odin, Sig. II. 18.
Fiolnir, a mythic king of Sweden, Grs. Prol.
Fiornir, Gunnar's cupbearer, Akv. 10.
Fioturlund, Helgi slain at, HHb. II. 27, 28.
Frakkland, the land of the Franks, the Rhine -lands, or
Francia Orientalis, Sgd. Prol.
Franmar, foster-father of Sigrlinn, HHs. Prol.; slain under
the form of an eagle, ib. 5.
Frekastein, HHs. 39. HHb. I. 43, 52; II. 16, 9, prose. 1

Frodi, a mythic king in Denmark, owner of the mill Grotti,

Grs. Prol.
Fyen, the Danish island, Gkv. II. 16.
160 Index of Persons and Places.

G.
Geirmtmir, either a progenitor of Hunding, or an appellative
signifying a warrior, HHb. I. 14.
Geirmund, his banquet, Ocldgr. 29.
Geitir, Gripir's gateward, Sig. I. Prol. sqq.
Giaflaug, sister of Giuki, Gkv. I. 4.
Giuki, a king in Germany, Sig. I. 13 , 14, 31, 42; visited
by Sigurd, Frag. p. 68.
Giuki, a son of Hogni, D. Nifl. Akv. 12. ;

Giukimgs, Sig. 1H, 35; D. Nifl.

Glasislund, king Hiorvard's residence in Norway, HHs. 1.
Glaumvor, wife of Gunnar, D. Nifl.; entertains Atli's mes-
sengers, Akv. Gr. 6, 8; her forewarning dreams, Akv.
Gr. 22, 23, 25, 26.
Gnipalund, HHb. I. 30, 34, 39, 49.
Gnitaheid, Faihir's abode, Sig. I. 11 II. 14; Ffm/ Prol.;
,

offered by Atli to Gunnar, Akv. 5, 6.

Gofugt-dyr (a noble animal), a name assumed by Sigurd,
Ffm. 2.
Goti,the name of Gunnar's horse, Frag. p. 69.
Grabak, a serpent, Gsl. 1.
Gram, Sigurd's sword forged by Regin Sig. II. 14. prose ,

Ffm. 25. Sgd. Prol.; laid between Sigurd and Brynhild,

Frag. p. 70. Sig. III. 22. Frag. p. 69.
Grani, Sigurd's horse, "Vkv. 14. HHb. I. 41. Sig. I. 5, 13.
II. Prol. Ffm. 44. prose. Sgd. 17. Frag. p. 69. Sig. III.
36. HBr. 11. Gkv. I. 22. II, 4, 5.
Granmar, a king in Svarinshaug, father of Hodbrodd, HHb.
I, 31 45 II. 11 prose.
, ;

Grimhild, Giuki's queen, Sig. I. 33, 35, 51; gives a char-

med potion to Sigurd, Frag. p. 68; counsels Gunnar to
espouse Brynhild, ib. p. 69; gives an oblivious potion
to Gudrun, Gkv. IL 21.
Gripir, son of Eylimi and brother of Hiordis, visited and
questioned by Sigurd, Sig. I.
Greenland, a district in Norway, formerly so called which
seems to have given name to the 2 nd Lay of Atli.
Grotti, King Frodi's mill so named, Grs.
Gudmund, a son of Granmar, HHb. I. 32; his altercation
with Sinfiotli, ib. 32—43. II. 20; prose, reconnoitres Hel-
gi's fleet, HHb. II. \Q.
Gudrun, Giuki's daughter, Sig. I. 34, 45, 51. Frag. pp. 68,
72, 73; married to Sigurd, ib. p. 69; eats of Fafnir's
 Index of Persons and Places. 161

heart, ib.; her quarrel with Brynhild, ib. p. 71; her la-
ment, Gkv. I.; forsakes her home and takes refuge with
Thora, ib. 27 prose ; Gkv. II. 13; tells her story to Theod-
ric, Gkv. II. Prol. drinks an oblivious potion, ib. 21.;
;

married to Atli, ib. 33 sqq. interprets Atli's dream, ib.

;

37 sqq.; undergoes the ordeal, Gkv. III.; her mysterious

message to Gunnar, Akv. 8; her address to Atli for her
brothers' lives, ib. 29. 30; beguiles Atli, ib. 33. 34.; gives
him his two sons' hearts to eat, ib. 36 murders him and ;

burns his palace ib. 41 sqq. Akv. Gr. 88

, vainly warns ;

her brothers of Atli's treachery, Akv. Gr. 3, 4; rushes

forth to aid her brothers,, ib. 44 sqq. slays Atli's brother, ;

ib. 48; murders her two sons, Akv. Gr. 73 sqq.; gives
Atli their hearts to eat, ib. 79, 80; her recital to Atli,
ib. 96 sqq.; goes to destroy herself, but is borne by the
waves to King Jonakr's land Ghv. Prol. and 3 incites
, 1 ;

her sons to avenge their sister, ib. 2 sqq. Hdm. 3 sqq.

Gullrond, a daughter of Giuki, Gkv. I. 12, 17, 24.
Gulnir, HHb. 42.
Gungnir, the name of Odin's spear, Sgd. 17.
Gunnar, brother of Borghild, slain by Sinfiotli, Sfl.

Gunnar, a son of Giuki, Sig. 1.34, 35,37, 39, 42, 43, 47, 50.
Frag. p. 68; goes to woo Brynhild, and changes form
with Sigurd ib. p. 69
, incites Guthorm to murder Si-
;

gurd, Sig. III. 17 sqq.; he and Hogni take all Fafnir's

gold, D. Nifl. married to Glaumvor, ib.; murdered by
;

Atli, ib.; his amour with Oddrun, Oddgr. 21 sqq.; his vi-
sit to Atli, Akv. 9 sqq. Akv. Gr. 28 sqq.; chained by
command of Atli, Akv. 18; cast into a serpents' pen and
death of, ib. 31, Akv. Gr. 61, Gsl. plays the harp with ;

his toes , Akv. Gr. 62 Gsl. 2. lulls all the serpents but
,

one (Atli's mother) which stings him to the heart, Gsl. 21.
Guthorm, a son of Giuki, Sig. I, 50. Frag, pp.68, 69; mur-
ders Sigurd and is slain by him, Sig. III. 20 sqq.

H.
Hadding's land, Gkv. 22. II,
Eagal, Helgi's foster-father, HHb. II. Prol. 2.
Hakon, a Danish chief, father of Thora, Gkv. I. 27, II. 13.
Half, a Danish prince, Gkv. II. 13.

Hamal, son of Hagal, HHb. II. I, 5.

Hamdir, son of Jonakr and Gudrun, incited by his mother
to avenge his sister's death, Ghv. 2 sqq.; murders his
11
162 Index of Persons and Places.

half-brother Erp, Hdm, 12 sqq.; kills Jormunrek, ib. 25;

slain, ib. 31.
Hamund, a son of Sigmund, Sfl.
Hatafiord, HHs. II, 12.
Hati, a giant, father of Hrimgerd, slain by Helgi , HHs. 1

prose.
Hatun, a place in Denmark, HHb. I. 8, 25.
Havard, a son of Hunding slain by Helgi, HHb. I. 14,11. 11.
Hedin, son of Hiorvard and Alfhild, HHs. Prol his adven- ;

ture with a troll -wife, and his oath at the Bragi cup,
and wanderings, ib. 30, 31.
Hedinsey, probably Hedding in Seeland, or Hedinso (Hid-
densee) off Rugen, HHb. I. 22.
Heiddraupnir , a name of Mimir, Sgd. 13. See Myth. Ind.
v. Mimir.
Heidrek, father of Borgny, Oddgr. Prol.
Heimir, Brynhild's foster-father, Sig. I. 19, 2 7, 39; Sigurd
meets Brynhild at his dwelling, Frag. p. 67
Hel, Ffm. 10, 21. See Myth. Ind.
Helgi, son of Hiorvard and Sigrlinn, HHs. Prol.;
his con-
versation with a Valkyria (Svava), ib. G— 9;
slays Hrod-
mar and Hati, ib. II prose; marries Svava, ib. 30; meets
with his brother Hedin, ib. 31; slain by Alf, ib. 34 prose,
35, 39; his last interview with Svava, ib. 40.
Helgi, son of Sigmund, his birth, HHb. I. 1—4 overcomes ;

and slays Hunding, ib. 10; his meeting with Sigrun, ib.
15—20; makes war on the sons of Granmar, ib. 21 prose;
named after Helgi son of Hiorvard, HHb. II. Prol.; fo-
stered by Hagal, ib.; visits Hunding's court clandestinely,
ib.; slays Handing, ib. 8; at Logatioll, ib. 11 prose; his
interview with Sigrun, ib.; collects a fleet, ib. 16 prose
marries Sigrun, ib. 27 prose; slain by Dag, ib. a mound ;

raised over him, ib. 36 prose; his reappearance, ib. 37

prose; visited by Sigrun, ib. 41 sqq.
Heming, a son of Hunding, HHb. Prol.
Herborg, queen ofHunland, Gkv. I. 6.
Herian, a name of Odin, Gkv. I. 19.
Herkia, Atli's concubine, accuses Gudriin, Gkv. III. Prol.
undergoes the ordeal; her punishment, ib. 10.
Hervor Alvit, a Valkyria, married to VOlund, Vkv. Prol.:
her parentage, ib. 15.
Hialli, a slave, his death, Akv. 21 sqq. Akv. Gr. 57, 59.
Hialmgunnar, a king overcome by Sigrdrifa, Sgd. 4 prose.
 Index of Persons and Places. 163

Hialprek, a king in Denmark, Sig. II. Prol.; collects a fleet

for Sigurd ib. 15 prose. Frag. p. 71.
Hiid, a Valkyria,here applied to Sigrun. Hildr also signi-
fieswar. HHb. II. 27.
Himinvangar, HHb. 8.
Hindarfiall,Ffm. 42, Sgd. Prol.; Frag. p. 67.
Hiordis, married to Sigmund and mother of Sigurd, Sfl.;
married to Alt', ib.
Hiorleif, a chiftain under Helgi, HHb. 23.
Hiorvard, a king in Norway, father of Helgi, HHs. Prol;
marries Sigrlinn ib. 5;
, avenges the death of Eylimi,
ib. 11.
Hiorvard, a son of Hunding, slain by Helgi, HHb. I. 14.11.
11. prose.
Hladgnd Svanhvit, a Valkyria, Vkv. Prol.; her parentage,
ib. 15.
Hlebiorg, HHb. II. 25.
Hlesey. Laesso, an island in the Cattegat, HHb. II. 5. Oddgr. 30.
Hlodvard, HHs. 19.
Hiddver, a king, Vkv. Prol.
Hlodver, Gkv. II. 25.
Hlymdalir, HBr. 7.
Hniflungs, HHb. I. 47; Gudrun's sons so called, Ghv. 12;
a son of Hogni who slays Atli, called a Hniflung, Akv.
,

Gr. 87, 88. See Niflungs.

Hnikar, Odin under that name goes onboard Sigurd's ship,
Sig. II. 15 prose; informs Sigurd about omen?, ib. 20—25.
Hodbrodd, son of Granmar, HHb. I. 18, 35, 47. II. I] prose,
14, 18, 19, slain, ib. 20. prose. 23.
Hoddropnir, a name of Mimir, Sgd. 18. See Myth. Ind.
Hcenir, his adventure at Andvarafors, Sig. II. Prol. See
Myth. Ind.
Hogni, father of Sigrun, HHb. I. 17; summoned to the aid
of Hodbrodd, ib. 51. ib. 22 prose.
Hogni, a son of Giuki, Sig. I. 37, 50; Brot. Br. 6; he and
Gunnar take all Fafnir's gold, D. Nifl. warned by Kost-
bera and murdered by Atli; Oddgr. 28; Akv. passim;
Akv. Gr passim; Hdm. 6.
Holknir, the name of Hogni's horse, Frag. p. 69.
Hreidmar, father of Regin, Sig. II. Prol.; exacts the blood-
fine from the JSsir for the death of Otr, ib.4-6.; slain
by Fafnir, Sig II. 9 prose.
Hrimgerd, daughter of the giant Hati, her colloquy with
Atli, and death, HHs. 12—29.
Hring, a chieftain, HHb. I. 51.

11*
164 Index of Persons and Places.

Hringstad, Ringsted, a town in Seeland, HHb. I, 8.

Hringstadir, in Denmark, HHb. I. 8. 54.
Hrodmar, a king, wooer of Sigrlinn, HHs. 5 prose.
Hrodrglod, mother of JOrmunrek, Hdm. 23.
Hrollaug, his son slain, HHb. II. 25.
Hrotti, the name of a sword, Ffm. 44.

Hugin, one of Odin's ravens, Sig. II. 18. Hugin's tree is,
no doubt, a corpse, so called from the raven's feeding
on carrion. See Myth. Ind.
Humlung, a son of Hiorvard and Ssereid, HHs. Prol.
Hunding, a king (see p. 18. note 5), HHb. II. Prol.; sends
to seek Helgi, ib. II. 1 slain by Helgi, ib. 3.
;

Hundland, Hunaland; Gkv. I. 6.

Hymling, son of Hiorvard and Sinriod, HHs. Prol.

I. J.

Idmund, a jarl of King Hiorvard, HHs. Prol.

Isung, a warrior slain by Hodbrodd, HHb. 20.
Jariskar, Gkv. II. 19.
Jarisleif, Gkv. II. 19.

Jonakr, a king who marries Gudrun, Sig. III. 60; Ghv.

Prol.; 14.
Jormunrek, king of the Goths, marries Svanhild and cau- ,

ses her to be trodden to death by horses, Ghv. Prol.;

slain by Hamdir and Sorli, Hdm. 19 sqq.

K.
Kiar, a king in Valland, Vkv. Prol.; Akv. 7.
Knefrud. See Vingi.
Kostbera, wife of Hogni D. Nifl. ; entertains Atli's messen-
,

—
gers, Akv. Gr. 6 8; reads Gudrun's runes, ib. 9 sqq.
her warning dreams, ib. 14 sqq.

L.
Langobards, Gkv. II. 19.
Leiptr, a mythic river. HHb. U. 29. See Myth. Ind.
Lodin, HHs. 25.
Lofnheid, a daughter of Hreidmar, Sig. II. 10.

Logafioll, a locality probably in Denmark, HHb. I. 13, 15.

Loki, slays the dwarf Otr, and his adventure thereupon,
Sig. II. Prol. seizes Andvari's ring, ib. 4 prose.
;
 Index of Persons and Places. 165

Lyngheid, a daughter of Hreidmar, Sig. II. 10, 11.

Lyngvi, a son of Hunding, slain, Sig. II. 25 prose.

M.
Melnir, a horse, HHb. I. 50.
Menia, a female slave who ground at Frodi's mill, Gra.
Prol. 4 sqq.
Menskogul, Brynhild. See p. 80, note.
Mim, Sgd. 14. See Myth. Ind.
Minnis cup (Minnisveig), Sgd. 2, prose.
Moinsheimar, HHb. I. 45.
Murkwood (Myrkvifrr), the forest which divides Hunalund
from Reidgothland, HHb. I. 50; Oddgr. 25; Akv. 3, 5, 13.
Mylnir, a horse, HHb. I. 50.
Myrkvifrr. See Murkwood.
Mysing, a sea-king, slays Frodi and carries off the mill
Grotti, Grs. Prol.

N.
Neri, HHb. I. 4.
Niarar, Nerike in Sweden ? Vkv. 1 3.
Nidud, a king in Sweden, Vkv. Prol.; causes Volund to be
seized and plundered, ib. 6 —
8; appropriates Volund's
sword, and gives his ring to his daughter, ib. 15.
Niflungs, Hniflungs, identical with Giukungs, Akv. 17, 25, 27.
Norns, present at the birth of Helgi Hundingcide HHb. ,

I. 4; Ffm. 11, 13, 44; Sgd. 17; Sig. III. 7, See Grimm ?
D. M. p. 379. edit. 1844.

0,
Oddrun, sister of Atli , Sig. III. 56 visits Borgny , Oddgr,
;

Prol. 42.; sings magical songs over Borgny, ib. 8.; her
recital, ib. 13 sqq.; her amour with Gunnar, D. Nirl.
Oddgr. 21 sqq.; hears Gunnar's harp in Hlesey, ib. 30.
Odin, lends his spear to Dag, HHb. II. 27 prose; offers to
divide his rule with Helgi, ib. 36 prose; pierces Sigrdrifa
with a sleep-thorn, Sgd. Uprose; his adventure at Andvara-
fors, Sig. II. Prol. ; directs how to slay Hamdir and Sorli,
Hdm. 26.
(Egir, god of the stormy ocean, HHb. I. 29. See Myth. Iud.
(Egishelm, Ffm. 16, J 7, 44 prose.
166 Index of Persons and Places.

Oin, father of Andvari, Sig. II. 2.

Orkning, Kostbera's brother, Akv. Gr. 28.

Oskopnir, another name for Vigrid, Ffm. 15. See Myth. Ind.
Otr, a son of Hreidmar, in the form of an otter, killed by
Loki, Sig. II. Prol.
Olrun, a Valkyria, Ykv. Prol.
tirvasund, the Oresund, the Sound, or strait between Elsi-
nore and Helsingborg, flHb. I. 24.

P.
Pentland Firth (Petlands fibr5r), Grs. Prol.

R.
Baevil,a mythic or fabulous pirate? Sig. II. 16.
Ran, the goddess of the ocean, lends a net to Loki, Sig.
II. Prol. See Myth. Ind.
Eandver, son of Jormunrek, hanged, Ghv. Prol.
Begin, a dwarf, son of Hreidmar, Sig. I. 11.; educates Si-
gurd, Sig. II. Prol.; entertains Sigurd, Sig. II. Uprose;
forges the sword Gram, ib. 14 prose; instigates Sigurd
to murder Fafnir, ib. 26 prose ; cuts out Fafnir's heart
and drinks his blood, Ffm. 26 prose; murdered by Si-
gurd, ib. 39 prose.
Bidill, the name of Regin's sword, Ffm. 26 prose.
Bogheim, in Norway, probably Rogaland, HHs. 43.
Bodulsfioll, in Norway; HHs. 6. 43.

Bodulsvellir (Sun-lit plains), HHs. 46.

Bognir, a name of Odin, Sgd. 15. See Myth. Ind.
Bok, Frag. p. 69.

s.

Ssereid, a wife of Hiorvard, HHs. Prol.

Ssevarstad, a small island, Vkv. 16.
Sagunes, HHb. I 38.
Salgofnir, a mythic cock in Valhall, HHb. II. 47.

Sefafioll, Sigrun's dwelling, HHb. II. 23, 34, 40, 43, 46.
Sigar, Gkv. II. 16.
Sigar, brother of Hogni, HHb. II. 3.

Sigar, Helgi's messenger, HHs. 36.

Sigarsholm, forty-six swords there, HHs. 8.

Sigarsvellir, HHb. I. 8.

Siggeir, Sinfiotli's step-father, HHb. I. 40.

 Index of Persons and Places. 167

Siggeir, Gkv. II. 16.

Sigmund, son of Volsung, a king in Frankland, HHb. II. Prol.;
Sfl.; bears his dead son Sinfiotli, ib. ; resides in Denmark,
ib. ;
goes to Frankland and marries Hiordis , by whom
he has Sigurd, ib. his death, ib. ;

Sigmund, son of Sigurd and Gudrun, Frag. p. 69; Gkv. II.

28; his death, Sig. Hi. 12,
found by Sigurd under a magical sleep,
Sigrdrifa (Brynhild),
Ffm. 43, 44; Sgd. Prol her conversation with Sigurd
;

on runes, ib. 6 sqq.; her history, ib. 4 prose. See

Brynhild.
Sigrlinn, daughter of king Svafnir, HHs. Prol. married to
Hiorvard, ib. 5 prose; has a son (Helgi), ib.

Sigrun, daughter of King Hogni, a Valkyria, HHb. II. 3 prose;

seeks aid of Helgi, ib. 1 1 prose, 14; betrothed to Hodbrodd,
ib. 11 prose; married to Helgi, ib. 27 prose; her lament,
ib. 34; visits Helgi's mound, ib. 41.

Sigurd, son of Sigmund and Hiordis, visits his uncle Gripir,

Sig. I. Prol. and sqq. obtains the horse Grani, Sig. II.
Prol.; entertained by Regin, ib. 12 prose sails with a ;

fleet against the sons of Hunding, and receives Odin un-

der the name of Hnikar, ib. 15 prose; questions Hnikar
about omens, ib. 19 slays Fafnir, Ffm. Prol. ; roasts Faf-
;

nir's heart, ib. 27, 31 prose; understands the talk of

birds, ib. slays Regin, eats of the heart of Fafnir and drinks
;

his and Regin's blood, ib. 39 prose; meets with Sigrdrifa

(Brynhild), Sgd. Prol.; story of him and Brynhild, Frag,
p. 67— 74 ; visits Giuki's court, Sig. III. 1 sqq.; receives
a charmed potion from Grimhild and marries Gudrun,
Frag p. 69 gives Gudrun a portion of Fafnir's heart to
;

ea,t, ib.; changes form with Gunnar,

ib.; rides through
the round Brynhild's dwelling, ib. Sig. III. 3.; his
fire
marriage with Brynhild under the form of Gunnar, ib
his death, Sig. III. 20 sqq.; Ghv. 17.
Akv. 30.
Sigtv, his hill,
son of Sigmund by his sister Signy, HHb. I. 8. Sfl.
Sinfiotli,
(See N- M. I p. 92 sqq.); his altercation with Gudmund,
HHb. I. 33-43 ; HHb. II. 18—20; slays Gunnar, Sfl.;
his death, ib.
Sinriod, a wife of Hiorvard, HHs. Prol.
Slagfid, brother of Volund, Vkv. Prol.
Sleipnir, Odin's horse, Sgd. 15. See Myth. Ind.
Snsefioll, a place, HHb I 8.
168 Index of Persons and Places.

Snaevar, a son of Hogni, accompanies his father to Atli's,

Akv. Gr. 28.
Solar, a son of Hogni, accompanies his father to Atli's.
Akv. Gr. 28.
Solfioll, a place, HHb. I. 8.

Solheimar, a place, HHb. I. 46.

Son, a vessel into which Kvasir's blood was poured.
See
N. M. I. pp. 40, 192; Grimm, D. M. pp. 855, 857. The
Sonargoltr (son -hog) here (HHs. 30 prose) mentioned,
may perhaps mean simply the hog of reconciliation comp. ;

Ger. versdhnen.
SorJi, son of Jonakr and Gudrun, incited by his mother
to avenge the death of Svanhild, Ghv. 2 sqq. murders ;

his half-brother Erp, Hdm. 12—16; slays Jormunrek, ib.

25; is slain, ib. 31.
Sparinsheid, HHb. I. 50.
Sporvitnir,a horse, HHb. I, 50.
Stafnsnes, Stevens Klint, on the east coast of Seeland,
HHb. I. 23.
Starkadr, a son of Granmar, HHb. II. 11 prose; slain,
ib. 25.
Styrkleifar, HHb. II. 25.
Svafnir, a king ofSvavaland, father of Sigrlinn, HHs. Prol.;
slain by Hreidmar, ib. 5.
Svanhild, daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun, Sig. III. 61. D.
Nifl.; Ghv. Prol.; trodden to death by horses, ib.
Svarinshaug, HHb. I, 31, II. II prose.
Svava, daughter of king Eylimi, a Valkyria, gives name to
Helgi, HHs. 6, 9 prose; married to Helgi, ib. 30.
Svavaland, Sweden? HHs. 5 prose.
Svegiud, a horse, HHb. I. 46.
Svipud, a horse, HHb. I. 46.

T.
Thakrad (£akra(Tr, Tancred), a servant of Nidud, Vkv. 47.
Theodric, Thiodrek, king of the Goths, at the court of Atli,
Gkv. II. Prol.; suspected of incontinence with Gudrun,
Gkv. III. 2, 3.
Tholley, HHs. 25.

Thora, daughter of Hakon, Gkv. I. 27; Gudrun sojourns

with her, Gkv. II. 13.
Thorenes, HHb. I. 39.
 Index of Persons and Places. 169

Thurs, a giant, HHs. 25. See Myth. Ind.

Tronuey, according to Finn Magnusen's conjecture, Helsing-
6r (Elsinore), HHb. I. 24.

u.
Ulfdal (TJlfdalir), a locality in Sweden, Ykv. Prol. 5, 13.

Ulfsiar, a lake in Sweden, Ykv. Prol.

Ullr, his ring, of which nothing is known , Akv. 30. See
Myth. Ind.
TTnavagar, HHb. I. 31.

V.
Vadgelmir, a mythic river, Sig. II. 4.

Valbiorg, Gkv. II. 32.

Valdar, a Danish chieftain, Gkv. II. 19.
Valland, perhaps any foreign land not peopled by a Ger-
manic race, Vkv. Prol.; Heir. B. 2. Hence Welschland
Ger. for Italy; Welsh, British, etc.
Vandilsve, HHb. II. 33.
Varinsey, HHb. I. 37.
Varinafiord, HHb. I. 26.
Varinsvik, HHs. 22.
Vidrir (Vi^rir), a name of Odin. By his dogs are evidently
intended his wolves, Geri and Freki. HHb. I, 13.
Vigdalir, HHb. II, 33.
Vinbiorg, Gkv. II. 32.
Vingskornir, a horse, Ffm. 44.
Vilmund, lover of Borgny, Oddgr., Prol. 47.
Vindhialm, the air, or clouds, HHb. II. 47. The bridge is

Bifrost. See Myth. Ind.

Vingi {alias Knefrud), Atli's messenger, D. Nifl. Akv. 1;
his message to Gunnar, ib. 2 sqq.; falsifies Gudriin's ru-
nes, Akv. Gr. 4 his base speech, ib. 37 ; his death, ib. 39.
;

Volsungs, HHb. I. 51; identical with Ylfings, HHb. II. Prol.

Volund, a son of a king of the Finns, Ykv. Prol.; awaits
the return of his wife, ib. 5; plundered by the emissa-
ries of Nidud, ib. 8; hamstringed and confined in Sae-
varstad, ib. 16; murders Nidud's sons, ib. 22 makes cups i.

of their skulls, ib. 23 violates Bodvild, ib. 26 ; exacts an

;

oath from Nidud, 31; his flight, ib. 36.

22 #*
170 Index of Persons and Places.

Y.
Ygg, a name of Odin, Ffm. 43. See Myth. Ind.
Ylfings, HHb. I. 5, HHb.
34;. II. Prol. See Myth. Ind.
Yngvi, son of Hring, HHb. I.
51.
Yngvi, progenitor of the Volsungs, HHb. I. 54; Sig. II. 14.
 Corrigenda.

Page 11 note, after Part I. insert, p. 53.

— 55 Str. Jl for Noras read Noras'.
— 114 Str. 5 for Danpi read Danp.
— 119 after line b insert 37.

In Part the following errata, relating chiefly

I.
to the

u^Te
a n
c orre cted
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C ° mmaS
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unfortu remain *W
preface VI 1. 11 after Denmark add comma
Page 1 1. 2 r. Voluspa.
— 3 1. ult. r. Yggdrasil.
~ 4 Str. 11 & 2 after Anar, Gandalf, Thrain, Tho-
j

rm, Nyrad, add comma.

5 Str. 1Q after Ginnar, add comma.
8 — 36 after god add comma.
— 9 — 42 r. serpents'.
— 11 — 61 r. brothers'.
— 13 — 12 r. he for hi.
"~ 21—11 after dwelt add comma.
— 21—30 Totuns'.
r.
— 45—86 after billow add comma.
— 53 — 52 1. 2 before I insert if.
— 57 — 12 r. hall's.
— 58— 16 1. 5 r. "We.
— 59—26 r. "Wilt.
— 60 — 30 1. 5 r. "Strike.
— 64 — 18 1. 3 r. "Me.
— 68 — 12 r. Vingthor.
— 85 — 4 r. mixed.
— 96 — 37 1. 1 r. is.
— 103 — 17 1. 3 r. they for thy.
— 106 — 46 r. unto for uuto.
— 120 — heading r. Sun for Son.

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