The Prose Edda
Prologue
1. IN THE BEGINNING
God created heaven and earth, and 2 people: Adam and Eve. Their descendants multiply, but after time they neglected God’s commandments. For this reason, God drowned the world and only those who were in Noah’s arc survived; only eight. But after some time, these also abandoned their obedience to God, and they forgot about their maker. Despite this, God granted men wealth, happiness and enabled them to enjoy the world.
The men observed nature. And from the observations of nature, they figured that someone had to be controlling it. People did not know where his kingdom was. So, in order to recount for all of these beliefs and to fix them in their memories, they gave them their own names. The nature of these beliefs changed in many ways as different nations established and languages branched.
2. THE THREE PARTS OF THE WORLD
The world was divided in three parts:
1. Africa
2. Europe
3. Asia
3. THE PEOPLE OF TROY AND THOR
Near the middle of the of the world, the most renowned building an living hall was constructed: Troy, in Turkey.
One king of Troy was Mennon. He was married to Troan, daughter of Priam. They had a son Tror, called Thor.
Tror was brought up in Thracia by Loricus. Tror was strong and beautiful. He killed his foster father and his whole family, and took possession of Thracia (Thurdheim). He then travelled the world.
In the northern part, he married Sibyl, called Sif. He had a son called Voden, called Odin, who married Frigida, called Frigg.
4. ODIN’S JOURNEY NORTHWARD
Odin had the gift of prophecy, so did his wife. Through this he knew that he would become renowned in the north, so he set off towards it. Odin settled in Saxland. He had three of his sons guard the country:
5. ODIN’S JOURNEY CONTINUES AND THE AESIR SETTLE IN THE NORTH
Odin set off again, until he reached Reidgotaland. He made his son Skjold ruler, and from him descended the family of the kings of Denmark.
He then went northward to what is now called Sweden, where he placed his son Yngvi. Then to what is now called Norway, where he placed his son Saeming in power.
God created heaven and earth, and 2 people: Adam and Eve. Their descendants multiply, but after time they neglected God’s commandments. For this reason, God drowned the world and only those who were in Noah’s arc survived; only eight. But after some time, these also abandoned their obedience to God, and they forgot about their maker. Despite this, God granted men wealth, happiness and enabled them to enjoy the world.
The men observed nature. And from the observations of nature, they figured that someone had to be controlling it. People did not know where his kingdom was. So, in order to recount for all of these beliefs and to fix them in their memories, they gave them their own names. The nature of these beliefs changed in many ways as different nations established and languages branched.
2. THE THREE PARTS OF THE WORLD
The world was divided in three parts:
1. Africa
2. Europe
3. Asia
3. THE PEOPLE OF TROY AND THOR
Near the middle of the of the world, the most renowned building an living hall was constructed: Troy, in Turkey.
One king of Troy was Mennon. He was married to Troan, daughter of Priam. They had a son Tror, called Thor.
Tror was brought up in Thracia by Loricus. Tror was strong and beautiful. He killed his foster father and his whole family, and took possession of Thracia (Thurdheim). He then travelled the world.
In the northern part, he married Sibyl, called Sif. He had a son called Voden, called Odin, who married Frigida, called Frigg.
4. ODIN’S JOURNEY NORTHWARD
Odin had the gift of prophecy, so did his wife. Through this he knew that he would become renowned in the north, so he set off towards it. Odin settled in Saxland. He had three of his sons guard the country:
- Veggdegg rules, East Saxland.
- Beldegg, or Baldr, rules Westphalia.
- Siggi.
5. ODIN’S JOURNEY CONTINUES AND THE AESIR SETTLE IN THE NORTH
Odin set off again, until he reached Reidgotaland. He made his son Skjold ruler, and from him descended the family of the kings of Denmark.
He then went northward to what is now called Sweden, where he placed his son Yngvi. Then to what is now called Norway, where he placed his son Saeming in power.
Gylfaginning (The Deluding of Gylfi)
1. KING GYLFI AND THE WOMAN GEFJUN
King Gylfi ruled over Sweden. He offered Gefjun, an aesir a plough land in his kingdom for exchange of her company.
She took four oxen, who were her own sons by a giant and yoked them to plow. They dug so hard and deep that the land cut loose and created an Island.
2. GYLFI ENCOUNTERS THE THREE CHIEFTANS OF THE AESIR
King Gilfy was a man skilled in magic. He was so amazed by the Aesir that he decided to go to Asgard to see them, for this he changed into an old man, named Gangleri, to disguise himself. But the Aesir had the gift of prophecy, so they knew of his plans. In preparation for him, they planed visual illusions.
When he reached Asharg he saw a hall. In the hall he was presented to three men who sat in three different thrones, each one higher than the next. In the shortest throne sat High, in the second highest sat Just-as-High and in the highest sat Third.
3. THE ALL-FATHER
Then Gilfy proceeded to question them. He first asked who was the oldest of all gods. The answer given by High was “the All-Father”.
He then asked where the god lived, what could he do, and what had he done. To this all three answered: that he lived through all ages and governed everything in his realm, that he made heaven, earth and the skies, and that he created man.
He the asked what this god did before he created heaven and earth. The answer was that he was with the frost giants.
4. NIFLHEIM AND MUSPELLSHEIM
Gilfy asked what existed before the beginning. They answered that before the earth was created Niflheim (Dark World) existed. And that even before that Muspell existed. This place is in flames and burns all those who are not native to it. In Muspell lives Surt, who has a flaiming sword and who will battle and defeat the gods and the end of the world.
5. GINNUNGAGAO AND THE EMERGENCE OF YMIR
Gilfy asked how things were set up before the different families came into being and mankind increased. The answer was that there was a poisonous river called Elivagar. This river splashed some drops. Those that reached the northern regions became ice but in the south it grew light because of the flames of Muspell.
Some of these drops created Ymir, who had a mans appearance and from whom all of the frost giants descend. Ymir was evil. As he slept he sweated and from under his left arm grew a male and a female (from here come the frost giants).
6. THE PRIMEVAL COW AUDUMLA, YMIR AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.
Gilfy asked where Ymir lived and on what did he live.
Out of the ice drippings the cow Audumla was formed. From her ran four rivers of milk that nourished Ymir. The cow fed herself by licking the blocks of ice.
As Audumla licked the ice a man appeared in the blocks. This man was Buri. They had a son, Bor, who married Bestla the daughter of a giant. They had three sons: Odin, Vili and Ve. Odin and his brothers became the rules of heaven and earth.
7. BERGELMIR AND THE APPEARANCE OF THE SECOND RACE OF FROST GIANTS.
Gilfy asked who was the most powerful.
The sons of Bor killed the giant Ymir. When he fell, so much blood gushed from his wounds that with it all of the frost giants drowned, except one who escaped on a wooden box, called Belgemir with his wife. Fron them the frost giants come.
8. THE WORLD IS CREATED FROM YMIR’S BODY
Gilfy asked what did Bor’s son do next.
From Ymir, Bor’s sons made the world. His blood became the sea and the laked. The earth was his flesh, and the mountains and cliffs his bones. Stone and gravel came from his teeth. From his skull they made the sky, raising it over the earth. Under each of the fourth corners they placed a dwarf. These dwarfs are called East, West, North and South. The embers and sparks from Muspell they placed in the sky and under the earth to light them up.
Gilfy asked how the world was set in order.
On the ocean coasts they gave the giants land to live on. Inland they built a fortress made out of Ymir’s eyelashed. This forthress they called Midgard (Middle Earth). From Ymir’s brain they made the clouds, and from his hair the trees.
9. MEN ARE CREATED AND ASGARD IS BUILT. THE ALL-FATHER SEES EVERYTHING.
Gilfy asked where the people that inhabited the world came from.
The sons of Bor created man out of logs. The first son gave them breath and life, the second intelligence and movement, and the third, form, speech, hearing and sight. They gave them clothes and names, and a home, Midgard. The man was called Ask and the woman Embla. From them came mankind.
The sons of Borm made a stronghold for themselves, in the middle of the world. They called it Asgard (Troy).
Odin could see through all worlds and all of mans doing. From him and his wife Frigga came all of the Aesir. With Earth, his daughter and his wife, he had his first son, Asa-Thor, who has mighty strength.
10. NIGHT AND DAY
A giant Norfi had a daughter named Night, she was black. One of Night’s children, day was bright. Odin took Night and her son, Day to ride around the earth every twenty-four hours, in chariots pulled by horses. Night’s horse is Hrimfaxi and Days horse in Skinfaxi.
11. SUN AND MOON
Gilfy asked how the sun and moon were steered.
A man, Mundilfari, had two children. One was called Moon (Mani) and the daughter was called Sun (Sol). The gods placed them up in the heavens. Sun drives the horses that pull the chariot of the sun and Mani guides the path of the moon.
12. THE WOLVES
Gilfy said that the sun moved quickly, that she needed to be afraid of something.
There is a wolf, Skoll, chasing her. He frightens her and will eventually catch up. There is another wolf, Hati Hrodvitnisson, who tries to catch the moon.
Gilfy asked where the wolves came from.
They came from an ogress who lives in a forest called Jarnvid, who had many children with the likeness of wolves.
13. BIFROST (RAINBOW BRIDGE)
Gilfy asked what is the path from earth to the sky.
The gods built a bridge from earth to the sky called Bifrost. It is seen as a rainbow. It has three colors. It will break when the sons of Muspell ride over it.
14. ASGARD AND THE ORIGIN OF THE DWARVES
Gilfy wanted to know what the All-Father did once Asgard was built.
First he assigned rulers, asking them to judge his peoples fate. First, they built a temple with all of its insides made of gold, in which they placed a seat for the All-Father and twelve others. This temple is Gladsheim (Home of Joy). Then they built a sanctuary for the goddesses, Vingolf.
They then made tools to work metal, stone, wood and gold. Then the god’s took their places in their thrones, and issued judgments. They remembered the dwarves, who were maggots that came out of Ymir’s flesh. The gods decided to turn them to the likeness of men and gave them human understanding, and for them to live in the earth and rocks.
15. THE ASH YGGDRASIL, THE NORNS AND THE THREE WELLS
Gilfy asked where the central or holy place to the gods was.
The answer was the ash Yggdrasil, where the gods hold their courts. The ash is the largest and best of all trees, its branches spread all over the world. Three roots support this tree: the first is among the Aresir, the second among the frost giants and the third in Niflheim, where Nighogg gnaws at its roots.
Under the root of Niflheim is the Well of Hvergelmir. Under the root that goes to the frost giants, there is the Well of Mimir, where wisdom and intelligence are hidden. The All-Father drank for the well, but to do this he had to give one of his eyes. Under the root that is in heaven is the Well of Urd, where the gods place their judgments. Beside this well there is a hall where three maindens, Urd (fate), Verdandi (becoming) and Skuld (obligation), shape men’s lives. These maidents are called Norns.
16. THE CREATURES OF THE ASH TREE YGGDRASIL
Gilfy wanted to know what else of importance could be said about the ash.
An eagle sits in the branches and it has the knowledge of many things. Between its eyes sits the hawk Verdfolnir. Running up and down the tree is the squirrel Ratatosk; he tells gossip. About the branches of the ash there are four stags that devour its foliage, Dain, Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathror. At the bottom root wth Nidhogg there are many serpents.
In the Well of Urd there are two birds that nourish themselves there, two swans.
17. THE HIGH ONE TELLS OF OTHER PLACES IN HEAVEN
Gilfy asked whether there were other significant places in the heavens beside Urd’s Well.
High answered: Alfheim, where the light elves live. These light elves are different from the dark elves that live on earth. Other places are Breidablik, Glitnir, Himinbjorg, Valaskjalf where Hlidskjalf (Odin’s throne) is, Gimle.
When Surt’s fire burns heaven and earth, Andlag a second heaven and Vidblain a third heaven will still exist.
18. THE ORIGIN OF THE WIND
Gilfy asked where the wind came from.
At the northern end of heaven sits a giant named Hraesvelg. He has the shape of an eagle, and when he is about to take flight and beats his wings, the winds blow.
19. SUMMER AND WINTER
Gilfy asked why there was a difference of heat between summer and winter.
The father of winter is Svasud, he is a content man. And the father of winter is Vindsal, he is a crueal and cold-hearted man.
20. ODIN THE ALL-FATHER
Gilfy asked which Aesir were men to believe in.
There are twelve Aesir whose nature is devine. But Odin is the highest and oldest. He rules in all matters. All other gods serve him as children to their father. Odin is the father of all of the gods and because he adopts all of those who fall in battle.
Frigg: Odin’s wife, she knows the fate of men.
21. THOR
Gilfy asked what the names of the other Aesir where and what they did.
Thor is the stronges of all gods and men. He rules Thrudvangar, the largest building men have ever erected (540 rooms).
He is called Thor the Charioteer, because he owns two goats, Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir, and the chariot they draw.
He has three choice possessions: a hammer, Mjollnir, a belt of strength, Megingjard, and gloves of iron.
22. BALDR
Odin's second son is Baldr. He is beautiful and so bright that light shines from him. He is also the wisest of gods, but none of his decisions are effective. He lives in Breidablik.
23. NJORD AND SKADI
Njord lives at Noatun. He rules the movements of the winds and calms seas and fires. He is not of the Aesir family. He was brought up in Vanaheim, but the Vanir sent him as a hostage to the gods, and in return they took Hoenir from the Aesir.
Njord’s wife is Skadi, the daughter of a giant. She is the ski god.
24. FREY AND FREYJA
Njord had two children, a daughter Freyja and a son Frey.
Frey controls the rain and the shining of the sun. He gives peace and abundance. He determines men’s success in prosperity.
Freyja, in battle she slays half, while Odin slays the other half. She delights in love songs and people pray to her in matters of love.
25. TYR
Tyr is an Aesir, the boldest and the most courageous. A mark of his daring was left when the wolf Fernir bit off his hand.
26. BRAGI
Bragi is known for his eloquence and words. He is knowledgeable about poetry. His wife is Idunn, who has a wooden box with apples which the gods bite into when they are old and want to be young again.
27. HEIMDALL
Heimdall is called the white god. Nine maidens gave birth to him. All of his teeth are gold. He is the watchman of the gods at heavens end, where he watches the bridge against the mountain giants. He can see equally by night or day a distance of 100 leagues. He has a horn, Gjallarhorn, which can be heard in all of the worlds.
28. HOD
Hod is blind and stong.
29. VIDAR
Vidar is the silent god, and has a thick shoe.
30. ALI OR VALI
Ali is the son of Odin and Rind. He is bold in battle and has a fine shot.
31. ULL
Ull is the son of Sif and stepson of Thor. He is a skillful bowman and skier. An accomplished warrior.
32. FORSETI
Forseti is the son of Balds ad Nanna Nep’s daughter. He is best with solving legal difficulties. His hall is the best place of judgment known to gods and men.
33. LOKI
Loki is the son of the giant Farbauti and Laufey. His brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki’s nature is evil and he is undependable. He is cunning and treacherous. His wife is Sigyn and their son is Nari.
34. LOKI’S MONSTRUOS CHILDREN
Loki had other children with the ogress Angrboda. One of these children was Fernir the wolf, the second was the Midgard serpent, and the third was Hel. Evil and misfortune were expected from these children.
The All-Father seized the children. He threw the serpent to the deep see; but it grew so large that it surrounds all lands, biting its tail. He send Hel to Neiflheim and made her ruler of nine worlds. She is half black and half white. The wolf was raised with the Aesir, but only Tyr had the courage to approach it and feed it. The wolf grew to a great size. Odin had some dwarves make a fetter. Fernir believed that there was treachery in the fetter, and that the gods would leave his bounded. So in order to try the fetter he asked for someone to place their hand in his mouth as a pledge that there was no treachery. Tyr offered to put his hand. The more the wolf tries to get out of the fetter the more tightly it bound him. He bit Tyr’s hand off.
35. GODDESSES
1. Frigg is the foremost.
2. Saga.
3. Eir, who is the best of doctors.
4. Gefju
5. Fulla.
6. Freyja, along with Frigg is the most noble. She married Of and had a daughter, Hnoss. Od went traveling on distant paths, she searched for him. She owned the necklage Brisingamen.
7. Sjofn, who turns the thought of men and woman to love.
8. Lofn, who arranges unions between men and women.
9. Var, who listens to oaths and private arrangements made between men and women. She takes vengeance on those who break trust.
10. Vor, so knowledgeable that nothing can be hidden from her.
11. Syn, guards the doors in the halls and defends those clases with she wants to see refuted in courts.
12. Hlin, guards over people whom Frigg wants to protect from danger.
13. Snotra, wise and courtly.
14. Gna, does errands for Frigg in other worlds. Her horse Hofvarpnir rides through air and sea.
36. VALKYRIES AND GODDESSES
Valkyries serve in Valhalla. They bring drink and see to the table and ale cups. They are sent by Odin to every battle to choose which men are going to die and determine who has the victory.
37. THE TALE OF FREY AND THE GIANTESS GERD
Gymir’s wife Aurboda was came from the mountain giants. They had a daughter Gerd, who was the most beautiful of all women.
One day Frey sat in Hlidskjalf, the holy seat from which everything could be seen. From there he say Gerd, and fell in love with her. He sent Skirnir, his servant to ask for her hand, but for his servant to do this, he had to give him his sword that could fight by itself. Gerd agreed.
38. THE HIGH ONE SPEAKS OF VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how it was that many men who had fallen lived in Valhalla and with what they were fed.
Those men in Valhalla never run out of boars meat. This boar is named Saehrimnir. Every day he is cooked and appears whole again in the evening.
Odin doesn't eat anything, he doesn't need it, he only drinks wine. He gives his food to his two wolves, Geri and Freki. On Odin’s shoulders sit two ravens, Hugin and Munin, who tell them all of the news. This is how he gathers knowledge of all of the things that are happening.
39. THE FRINK OF THE EINHERJAR AND WHAT FLOWS FROM VALHALLA
Gilfy asked what kind of drink the Einherjar (fallen men in Valhalla) drink.
They don't drink water.
But at the top of Valhalla the goad Heidrun stands and eats the leaves of the Lerad, the most famous tree. From her udders stream the mead that satisfies all of the Einherjar’s thirst.
And on the branches of the tree there is a stag, Eikthyrnir, who chews on the branches. His horns drip the moisture that create the rivers.
40. THE DOORS OF VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how could so many people go in.
There are 540 doors in Valhalla, through which 800 Einherjar can go in at the same time.
41. THE DAILY BATTLE AT VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how the Einherjar amuse themselves.
Every day they put on war gear, and battle each other. Then they go eat together.
42. THE MASTER BUILDER FROM THE GIANT LAND AND THE BIRTH OF SLEIPNIR
Gilfy asked who owned the horse Sleipnir.
After the gods had established Midgard and Valhalla a smith arrived. The smith offered to build a fortress so strong that none could enter, but in exchanged he asked for Freyja’s hand, the sun and the moon. The Aesir agreed but only if he could build the fortress in one winter, and that no one could help him. The Aesir only allowed him to make use of his horse Svadilfari.
When the summer was about to start, the Aesir didn't want to destroy the sky and heavens by taking away the sun and the moon. Since giving him the sun and the moon was Loki’s idea, they made him devise a plan for the giant to lose his wager.
That night a mare came up to the giant’s horse. The horse broke free from his harness and chased the mare, the builder chased his horse. This cost him a delay in his work. When the giant recognized that he wasn't going to finish, he went into a rage. The Aesir realized that they were facing a mountain giant, so their oaths were no longer respected and they called Thor.
Loki had turned into the mare. And from his relations from Svadilfari, Sleipnir was born, the best horse between gods and men.
43. THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR
Gilfy asked what could be said about Skidbladnir.
Skidbladnir was the best of ship, built by dwarves. Whenever it set sailed the winds blow, all of the Aesir can fit in it, and when it is not being used it can be folded up life a piece of cloth.
44. THOR AND LOKI BEHING THEIR JOURNEY TO GIANT LAND
Gilfy asked whether Thor had even been in a situation where he had been overwhelmed by magic or strength superior to his own.
Thor had been travelling with his goats and Loki. They spent the night in the house of a farmer, whose son was called Thjaldi and his daughter Roskva. At night Thor killed both of his goats to eat them, and feed everyone else. He spread the goatskins and told the farmer to throw the bones there. But Thjaldi broke one of the bones.
The next day he lifted up the goatskins and the goats stood up again, but one was them had a bad leg. He realized that one of the members of the household has mistreated the bones. Ever since, the farmers children have been Thor’s bond servants.
45. THOR ENCOUNTERS SKRYMIR IN THE FOREST
After leaving the goats, Thor, Loki and his servants travelled into Giant Land. They reached a forest, and when it became dark they found a hall, in which they spent the night. There was an earthquake in the middle of the night. The next morning Thor went out and found a large man that was sleeping. When he woke up and Thor asked his name, he said it was Skrymir.
Skrymir recognized Thor and complained that he had dragged away his glove. Thor then realized that the hall he had slept in was in reality the glove. Skymir offered Thor his help. Thor accepted and let Skymir take all of the provisions.
When it was late Skrymir retired and told Thor to make his own food. But when Thor tries to open the bag of food he couldn't untie it. While Skrymir was sleeping Thor struck him with Mjollnir, but the giant awoke thinking that a leaf had fallen. A second time Thor struck him, but the giant claimed it was only an acorn. A third time Thor struck him, but he claimed it was only sticks from the tree.
Skrymir claimed that he had to go north, and took the provisions with him. But he encouraged Thor not to pursue the journey he was in to read Utgarda-Loki.
46. THOR REACHES THE STRONGHOLD OF UTGARDA-LOKI
When Thor and his company approached the castle, they had to squeeze through the bars. They went into the hall and approached the king, Utganda-Loki. The king told them that the only way they could stay was if they had a skill or knowledge greater than that of other men.
The first one eager to show his skill was Loki. He claimed that he could be quicker at eating his food. To prove this the Kings had Logi challenge Loki. They had both eaten the same, but Logi had even eaten the bones. It seemed that Loki had lost.
Thjalfi claimed that he could win any race. Utgarda-Loki made him race Hugi. Thjalfi lost the race. Utgarda-Loki had him race Hugi two more times, but each time Hugi won with a greater advantage.
Thor claimed that he could beat anyone in drinking. Utgadra-Loki gave Thor a feasting horn, and told him that drinking from that horn was well-done when it is emptied in one drink. When Thor thought that he had drank enough, he eyed the horn and realized that the level had barely lowered. Thor tried a second time, and again the water level barely lowered. The same happened a third time.
Utgarda-Loki said that he had another chance to try his strength, even though it was not as much as was claimed to be. The game was one that little boys played. It was to lift Utgarda-Loki’s cat. No matter how hard Thor tried, he wasn't able to lift the cat.
Angered, Thor wanted to fight any man that would oppose him. Utgarda-Loki called his nurse, an old woman named Elli, to wrestle with Thor. He couldn't even move her.
47. UTGARDA-LOKI REVEALS THAT THOR WAS DECEIVED
As Thor and his companions left the fortress, Utganda-Loki told Thor that he had been tricked with magical shape-changing. He was the giant that travelled with him before, and he had put magic on the food bag Thor had tried to untie. He had fastened it with an iron wire. For the three blows of Thor’s hammer, he had moved the mountains to cover them. In Loki’s challenge, Logi had burned everything instead of eating it. Thjalfi had really raced against Utganda-Loki’s mind. And the horn that Thor was drinking out of was connected to the ocean. And the cat that Thor had tried to lift wasn’t a cat, but the Midgard serpent that surrounds all lands. And the old lady Thor was fighting was really Old Age.
Utgarda-Loki was surprised at how well they all had actually handled the tasks. When Thor found out about what had actually happened grew mad. He tried to strike Utganda-loki with his hammer, but he had disappeared. He then tried to hid the stronghold, but it had also disappeared.
From then on Thor was determined to find a way to confront the Midgard Serpent again.
48. THOR AND THE GIANT HYMIR GO FISHING
Gilfy asked if Thor had ever taken vengeance for this.
Thor had decided to set out again, but this time he went without companions. He disguised himself as a young boy. He arrived at the house of a giant, Hymir. He spent the night there, and the next day Hymir took him fishing.
Hymir told Thor that he had to get his own bait. So Thor used the head of an ox. Thor made Hymir row far away in the ocean. Thor prepared his line and threw the ox’s head overboard. The Midgard Serpent fell for the bait. Thor pulled up the serpent but Hymir, seeing what Thor was doing cut the bait line.
49. THE DEATH OF BALDR AND HERMOD’S RIDE TO HEL
Gilfy asked what else could be said about the Aesir.
Baldr, through dreams, saw that his life was threatened. The Aesir decided to seek a truce for Baldr and each one took oaths to protect him. Frigg took oaths that Baldr would not be harmed by fire, water, all kinds of medals, stones, trees, diseases, animals, birds, poisons and snakes. The Aesir took to celebrating and each took turns attacking him with the things mentioned above, because no injury would come to Baldr.
When Loki saw that nothing happened to Baldr, he grew angry, and figured out that the mistletoe had given his oath. Loki got ahold of the mistletoe. Loki took advantage of Hod, who was blind, and gave him the mistletoe to throw at Baldr. When he threw it, it killed Baldr.
Then, Frigg offered her love to anyone who would go to Hel, and offer her a ransom in exchange for Baldr. Hermod the Bold, Odin’s son agreed to take the journey.
When Hermod reached Hel, he saw Baldr seating in the seat of honour. Hel said that she needed a test to see whether Baldr was well loved: all of the things alive or dead had to weep for him, and only then could he return to the Aesir.
All cried for him, but a giant Thokk. It is said that the giantess was really Loki.
50. LOKI IS CAUGHT AND THE AESIR TAKE VENGEANCE
Gilfy asked whether if the Aesir took vengeance for Baldr’s death and his remaining in Hel.
Loki ran away to a mountain. While waiting Loki had created a net, and when he heard them coming burned it and dashed for the river, turning into a salmon. When the Aesir saw the net they started making one also in order to catch him. Thor finally caught Loki. The Aesir took him to a cave, where he was left tied with poison dripping on his face. But his wife Sigyn, has a bowl which keeps the poison from reaching his face, but whenever the bowl fills up and she removed it to throw away the poison, the poison falls on Loki. When this happens Loki convulses who roughly that he causes the earthquakes.
51. THE HIGH ONE REVEALS THE EVENTS OF RAGNAROK
Gilfy then asked about Ragnarok.
The first thing of Ragnarok will be three winters with great battles taking place around the world. Then a winter called Fimbulvetr. It will also come three times, with no summer in between.
Then one wolf will swallow the sun and the other the moon. The earth will start to shake so violently, that trees will loosen from the ground and mountains will fall. The Wolf Fenri will break free, and from the sea the Midgard Serpent will rise. Surt will rise and ride across the bifrost, causing it to break. And then the Fenri, the Midgard Serpent and Surt, accompanied by the sons of Muspell, Hel’s habitants, the frost giants, Loki and Hrym will arrive at the Vigrid plain (battle plain).
When this happens Heimdall will blow Gjallarhorn, awakening all of the gods. Odin rides to Mimir’s well and Yggdrasil shakes.
Then all of the Aesir ride to battle. Odin goes against the Fenriswolf and Thor against the Midgard Serpent. Frey will fight against Surt. Surt kills Frey because he didn't have his good sword (the one he had given to Skirnir). The hound Garm, who mas at the bottom of the Yggdrasil, breaks loose and fights against Tyr. They both kill each other.
Thor kills the Midgard Serpent, but its venom kills Thor. The wolf swallows Odin killing him. Immediately afterwards Vidar kills the wolf. Loki fights with Heimdall, killing each other.
Surt will throw fire and burn the whole world.
52. AFTER RAGNAROK
Gilfy asked what will happen after Ragnarok.
There will be many places to live, some good and some bad. The best is Gimle, in heaven, then there is Brimir and Nidafjoll. And for those people who are bad Nastrandir, and the worst place is Hvergelmir.
53. THE HIGH ONE DESCRIBES THE REBIRTH OF THE WORLD
Gilfy asked whether there will be any gods or anything on earth and the sky.
After Ragnarok, the earth will shoot up from the sea, and it will be green and beautiful. Vidar and Vali survive the flood and Surt’s fire. Thor’s sons Modi and Magni will survive, a long his Mjoillnir.
In Hoddmimir’s Wood, two people will have hid themselves from Surt’s fire. They are Lif and Leifthrasir, from them the whole world will be inhabited.
The sun will have a daughter who will follow her path.
54. GANGLERI RETURNS HOME TO TELL THE TALES
Suddenly Gilfy heard loud noises, and when he realized he wasn't in a hall and there was no one around, so he travelled back to his home.
55. THE EPILOGUE TO GYLFAGINNING
The Aesir, recalling all that they had told Gylfi, gave the names that they mentioned to people and places, so that people wouldn't doubt that they were the same.
King Gylfi ruled over Sweden. He offered Gefjun, an aesir a plough land in his kingdom for exchange of her company.
She took four oxen, who were her own sons by a giant and yoked them to plow. They dug so hard and deep that the land cut loose and created an Island.
2. GYLFI ENCOUNTERS THE THREE CHIEFTANS OF THE AESIR
King Gilfy was a man skilled in magic. He was so amazed by the Aesir that he decided to go to Asgard to see them, for this he changed into an old man, named Gangleri, to disguise himself. But the Aesir had the gift of prophecy, so they knew of his plans. In preparation for him, they planed visual illusions.
When he reached Asharg he saw a hall. In the hall he was presented to three men who sat in three different thrones, each one higher than the next. In the shortest throne sat High, in the second highest sat Just-as-High and in the highest sat Third.
3. THE ALL-FATHER
Then Gilfy proceeded to question them. He first asked who was the oldest of all gods. The answer given by High was “the All-Father”.
He then asked where the god lived, what could he do, and what had he done. To this all three answered: that he lived through all ages and governed everything in his realm, that he made heaven, earth and the skies, and that he created man.
He the asked what this god did before he created heaven and earth. The answer was that he was with the frost giants.
4. NIFLHEIM AND MUSPELLSHEIM
Gilfy asked what existed before the beginning. They answered that before the earth was created Niflheim (Dark World) existed. And that even before that Muspell existed. This place is in flames and burns all those who are not native to it. In Muspell lives Surt, who has a flaiming sword and who will battle and defeat the gods and the end of the world.
5. GINNUNGAGAO AND THE EMERGENCE OF YMIR
Gilfy asked how things were set up before the different families came into being and mankind increased. The answer was that there was a poisonous river called Elivagar. This river splashed some drops. Those that reached the northern regions became ice but in the south it grew light because of the flames of Muspell.
Some of these drops created Ymir, who had a mans appearance and from whom all of the frost giants descend. Ymir was evil. As he slept he sweated and from under his left arm grew a male and a female (from here come the frost giants).
6. THE PRIMEVAL COW AUDUMLA, YMIR AND THE BIRTH OF ODIN.
Gilfy asked where Ymir lived and on what did he live.
Out of the ice drippings the cow Audumla was formed. From her ran four rivers of milk that nourished Ymir. The cow fed herself by licking the blocks of ice.
As Audumla licked the ice a man appeared in the blocks. This man was Buri. They had a son, Bor, who married Bestla the daughter of a giant. They had three sons: Odin, Vili and Ve. Odin and his brothers became the rules of heaven and earth.
7. BERGELMIR AND THE APPEARANCE OF THE SECOND RACE OF FROST GIANTS.
Gilfy asked who was the most powerful.
The sons of Bor killed the giant Ymir. When he fell, so much blood gushed from his wounds that with it all of the frost giants drowned, except one who escaped on a wooden box, called Belgemir with his wife. Fron them the frost giants come.
8. THE WORLD IS CREATED FROM YMIR’S BODY
Gilfy asked what did Bor’s son do next.
From Ymir, Bor’s sons made the world. His blood became the sea and the laked. The earth was his flesh, and the mountains and cliffs his bones. Stone and gravel came from his teeth. From his skull they made the sky, raising it over the earth. Under each of the fourth corners they placed a dwarf. These dwarfs are called East, West, North and South. The embers and sparks from Muspell they placed in the sky and under the earth to light them up.
Gilfy asked how the world was set in order.
On the ocean coasts they gave the giants land to live on. Inland they built a fortress made out of Ymir’s eyelashed. This forthress they called Midgard (Middle Earth). From Ymir’s brain they made the clouds, and from his hair the trees.
9. MEN ARE CREATED AND ASGARD IS BUILT. THE ALL-FATHER SEES EVERYTHING.
Gilfy asked where the people that inhabited the world came from.
The sons of Bor created man out of logs. The first son gave them breath and life, the second intelligence and movement, and the third, form, speech, hearing and sight. They gave them clothes and names, and a home, Midgard. The man was called Ask and the woman Embla. From them came mankind.
The sons of Borm made a stronghold for themselves, in the middle of the world. They called it Asgard (Troy).
Odin could see through all worlds and all of mans doing. From him and his wife Frigga came all of the Aesir. With Earth, his daughter and his wife, he had his first son, Asa-Thor, who has mighty strength.
10. NIGHT AND DAY
A giant Norfi had a daughter named Night, she was black. One of Night’s children, day was bright. Odin took Night and her son, Day to ride around the earth every twenty-four hours, in chariots pulled by horses. Night’s horse is Hrimfaxi and Days horse in Skinfaxi.
11. SUN AND MOON
Gilfy asked how the sun and moon were steered.
A man, Mundilfari, had two children. One was called Moon (Mani) and the daughter was called Sun (Sol). The gods placed them up in the heavens. Sun drives the horses that pull the chariot of the sun and Mani guides the path of the moon.
12. THE WOLVES
Gilfy said that the sun moved quickly, that she needed to be afraid of something.
There is a wolf, Skoll, chasing her. He frightens her and will eventually catch up. There is another wolf, Hati Hrodvitnisson, who tries to catch the moon.
Gilfy asked where the wolves came from.
They came from an ogress who lives in a forest called Jarnvid, who had many children with the likeness of wolves.
13. BIFROST (RAINBOW BRIDGE)
Gilfy asked what is the path from earth to the sky.
The gods built a bridge from earth to the sky called Bifrost. It is seen as a rainbow. It has three colors. It will break when the sons of Muspell ride over it.
14. ASGARD AND THE ORIGIN OF THE DWARVES
Gilfy wanted to know what the All-Father did once Asgard was built.
First he assigned rulers, asking them to judge his peoples fate. First, they built a temple with all of its insides made of gold, in which they placed a seat for the All-Father and twelve others. This temple is Gladsheim (Home of Joy). Then they built a sanctuary for the goddesses, Vingolf.
They then made tools to work metal, stone, wood and gold. Then the god’s took their places in their thrones, and issued judgments. They remembered the dwarves, who were maggots that came out of Ymir’s flesh. The gods decided to turn them to the likeness of men and gave them human understanding, and for them to live in the earth and rocks.
15. THE ASH YGGDRASIL, THE NORNS AND THE THREE WELLS
Gilfy asked where the central or holy place to the gods was.
The answer was the ash Yggdrasil, where the gods hold their courts. The ash is the largest and best of all trees, its branches spread all over the world. Three roots support this tree: the first is among the Aresir, the second among the frost giants and the third in Niflheim, where Nighogg gnaws at its roots.
Under the root of Niflheim is the Well of Hvergelmir. Under the root that goes to the frost giants, there is the Well of Mimir, where wisdom and intelligence are hidden. The All-Father drank for the well, but to do this he had to give one of his eyes. Under the root that is in heaven is the Well of Urd, where the gods place their judgments. Beside this well there is a hall where three maindens, Urd (fate), Verdandi (becoming) and Skuld (obligation), shape men’s lives. These maidents are called Norns.
16. THE CREATURES OF THE ASH TREE YGGDRASIL
Gilfy wanted to know what else of importance could be said about the ash.
An eagle sits in the branches and it has the knowledge of many things. Between its eyes sits the hawk Verdfolnir. Running up and down the tree is the squirrel Ratatosk; he tells gossip. About the branches of the ash there are four stags that devour its foliage, Dain, Dvalin, Duneyr and Durathror. At the bottom root wth Nidhogg there are many serpents.
In the Well of Urd there are two birds that nourish themselves there, two swans.
17. THE HIGH ONE TELLS OF OTHER PLACES IN HEAVEN
Gilfy asked whether there were other significant places in the heavens beside Urd’s Well.
High answered: Alfheim, where the light elves live. These light elves are different from the dark elves that live on earth. Other places are Breidablik, Glitnir, Himinbjorg, Valaskjalf where Hlidskjalf (Odin’s throne) is, Gimle.
When Surt’s fire burns heaven and earth, Andlag a second heaven and Vidblain a third heaven will still exist.
18. THE ORIGIN OF THE WIND
Gilfy asked where the wind came from.
At the northern end of heaven sits a giant named Hraesvelg. He has the shape of an eagle, and when he is about to take flight and beats his wings, the winds blow.
19. SUMMER AND WINTER
Gilfy asked why there was a difference of heat between summer and winter.
The father of winter is Svasud, he is a content man. And the father of winter is Vindsal, he is a crueal and cold-hearted man.
20. ODIN THE ALL-FATHER
Gilfy asked which Aesir were men to believe in.
There are twelve Aesir whose nature is devine. But Odin is the highest and oldest. He rules in all matters. All other gods serve him as children to their father. Odin is the father of all of the gods and because he adopts all of those who fall in battle.
Frigg: Odin’s wife, she knows the fate of men.
21. THOR
Gilfy asked what the names of the other Aesir where and what they did.
Thor is the stronges of all gods and men. He rules Thrudvangar, the largest building men have ever erected (540 rooms).
He is called Thor the Charioteer, because he owns two goats, Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir, and the chariot they draw.
He has three choice possessions: a hammer, Mjollnir, a belt of strength, Megingjard, and gloves of iron.
22. BALDR
Odin's second son is Baldr. He is beautiful and so bright that light shines from him. He is also the wisest of gods, but none of his decisions are effective. He lives in Breidablik.
23. NJORD AND SKADI
Njord lives at Noatun. He rules the movements of the winds and calms seas and fires. He is not of the Aesir family. He was brought up in Vanaheim, but the Vanir sent him as a hostage to the gods, and in return they took Hoenir from the Aesir.
Njord’s wife is Skadi, the daughter of a giant. She is the ski god.
24. FREY AND FREYJA
Njord had two children, a daughter Freyja and a son Frey.
Frey controls the rain and the shining of the sun. He gives peace and abundance. He determines men’s success in prosperity.
Freyja, in battle she slays half, while Odin slays the other half. She delights in love songs and people pray to her in matters of love.
25. TYR
Tyr is an Aesir, the boldest and the most courageous. A mark of his daring was left when the wolf Fernir bit off his hand.
26. BRAGI
Bragi is known for his eloquence and words. He is knowledgeable about poetry. His wife is Idunn, who has a wooden box with apples which the gods bite into when they are old and want to be young again.
27. HEIMDALL
Heimdall is called the white god. Nine maidens gave birth to him. All of his teeth are gold. He is the watchman of the gods at heavens end, where he watches the bridge against the mountain giants. He can see equally by night or day a distance of 100 leagues. He has a horn, Gjallarhorn, which can be heard in all of the worlds.
28. HOD
Hod is blind and stong.
29. VIDAR
Vidar is the silent god, and has a thick shoe.
30. ALI OR VALI
Ali is the son of Odin and Rind. He is bold in battle and has a fine shot.
31. ULL
Ull is the son of Sif and stepson of Thor. He is a skillful bowman and skier. An accomplished warrior.
32. FORSETI
Forseti is the son of Balds ad Nanna Nep’s daughter. He is best with solving legal difficulties. His hall is the best place of judgment known to gods and men.
33. LOKI
Loki is the son of the giant Farbauti and Laufey. His brothers are Byleist and Helblindi. Loki’s nature is evil and he is undependable. He is cunning and treacherous. His wife is Sigyn and their son is Nari.
34. LOKI’S MONSTRUOS CHILDREN
Loki had other children with the ogress Angrboda. One of these children was Fernir the wolf, the second was the Midgard serpent, and the third was Hel. Evil and misfortune were expected from these children.
The All-Father seized the children. He threw the serpent to the deep see; but it grew so large that it surrounds all lands, biting its tail. He send Hel to Neiflheim and made her ruler of nine worlds. She is half black and half white. The wolf was raised with the Aesir, but only Tyr had the courage to approach it and feed it. The wolf grew to a great size. Odin had some dwarves make a fetter. Fernir believed that there was treachery in the fetter, and that the gods would leave his bounded. So in order to try the fetter he asked for someone to place their hand in his mouth as a pledge that there was no treachery. Tyr offered to put his hand. The more the wolf tries to get out of the fetter the more tightly it bound him. He bit Tyr’s hand off.
35. GODDESSES
1. Frigg is the foremost.
2. Saga.
3. Eir, who is the best of doctors.
4. Gefju
5. Fulla.
6. Freyja, along with Frigg is the most noble. She married Of and had a daughter, Hnoss. Od went traveling on distant paths, she searched for him. She owned the necklage Brisingamen.
7. Sjofn, who turns the thought of men and woman to love.
8. Lofn, who arranges unions between men and women.
9. Var, who listens to oaths and private arrangements made between men and women. She takes vengeance on those who break trust.
10. Vor, so knowledgeable that nothing can be hidden from her.
11. Syn, guards the doors in the halls and defends those clases with she wants to see refuted in courts.
12. Hlin, guards over people whom Frigg wants to protect from danger.
13. Snotra, wise and courtly.
14. Gna, does errands for Frigg in other worlds. Her horse Hofvarpnir rides through air and sea.
36. VALKYRIES AND GODDESSES
Valkyries serve in Valhalla. They bring drink and see to the table and ale cups. They are sent by Odin to every battle to choose which men are going to die and determine who has the victory.
37. THE TALE OF FREY AND THE GIANTESS GERD
Gymir’s wife Aurboda was came from the mountain giants. They had a daughter Gerd, who was the most beautiful of all women.
One day Frey sat in Hlidskjalf, the holy seat from which everything could be seen. From there he say Gerd, and fell in love with her. He sent Skirnir, his servant to ask for her hand, but for his servant to do this, he had to give him his sword that could fight by itself. Gerd agreed.
38. THE HIGH ONE SPEAKS OF VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how it was that many men who had fallen lived in Valhalla and with what they were fed.
Those men in Valhalla never run out of boars meat. This boar is named Saehrimnir. Every day he is cooked and appears whole again in the evening.
Odin doesn't eat anything, he doesn't need it, he only drinks wine. He gives his food to his two wolves, Geri and Freki. On Odin’s shoulders sit two ravens, Hugin and Munin, who tell them all of the news. This is how he gathers knowledge of all of the things that are happening.
39. THE FRINK OF THE EINHERJAR AND WHAT FLOWS FROM VALHALLA
Gilfy asked what kind of drink the Einherjar (fallen men in Valhalla) drink.
They don't drink water.
But at the top of Valhalla the goad Heidrun stands and eats the leaves of the Lerad, the most famous tree. From her udders stream the mead that satisfies all of the Einherjar’s thirst.
And on the branches of the tree there is a stag, Eikthyrnir, who chews on the branches. His horns drip the moisture that create the rivers.
40. THE DOORS OF VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how could so many people go in.
There are 540 doors in Valhalla, through which 800 Einherjar can go in at the same time.
41. THE DAILY BATTLE AT VALHALLA
Gilfy asked how the Einherjar amuse themselves.
Every day they put on war gear, and battle each other. Then they go eat together.
42. THE MASTER BUILDER FROM THE GIANT LAND AND THE BIRTH OF SLEIPNIR
Gilfy asked who owned the horse Sleipnir.
After the gods had established Midgard and Valhalla a smith arrived. The smith offered to build a fortress so strong that none could enter, but in exchanged he asked for Freyja’s hand, the sun and the moon. The Aesir agreed but only if he could build the fortress in one winter, and that no one could help him. The Aesir only allowed him to make use of his horse Svadilfari.
When the summer was about to start, the Aesir didn't want to destroy the sky and heavens by taking away the sun and the moon. Since giving him the sun and the moon was Loki’s idea, they made him devise a plan for the giant to lose his wager.
That night a mare came up to the giant’s horse. The horse broke free from his harness and chased the mare, the builder chased his horse. This cost him a delay in his work. When the giant recognized that he wasn't going to finish, he went into a rage. The Aesir realized that they were facing a mountain giant, so their oaths were no longer respected and they called Thor.
Loki had turned into the mare. And from his relations from Svadilfari, Sleipnir was born, the best horse between gods and men.
43. THE SHIP SKIDBLADNIR
Gilfy asked what could be said about Skidbladnir.
Skidbladnir was the best of ship, built by dwarves. Whenever it set sailed the winds blow, all of the Aesir can fit in it, and when it is not being used it can be folded up life a piece of cloth.
44. THOR AND LOKI BEHING THEIR JOURNEY TO GIANT LAND
Gilfy asked whether Thor had even been in a situation where he had been overwhelmed by magic or strength superior to his own.
Thor had been travelling with his goats and Loki. They spent the night in the house of a farmer, whose son was called Thjaldi and his daughter Roskva. At night Thor killed both of his goats to eat them, and feed everyone else. He spread the goatskins and told the farmer to throw the bones there. But Thjaldi broke one of the bones.
The next day he lifted up the goatskins and the goats stood up again, but one was them had a bad leg. He realized that one of the members of the household has mistreated the bones. Ever since, the farmers children have been Thor’s bond servants.
45. THOR ENCOUNTERS SKRYMIR IN THE FOREST
After leaving the goats, Thor, Loki and his servants travelled into Giant Land. They reached a forest, and when it became dark they found a hall, in which they spent the night. There was an earthquake in the middle of the night. The next morning Thor went out and found a large man that was sleeping. When he woke up and Thor asked his name, he said it was Skrymir.
Skrymir recognized Thor and complained that he had dragged away his glove. Thor then realized that the hall he had slept in was in reality the glove. Skymir offered Thor his help. Thor accepted and let Skymir take all of the provisions.
When it was late Skrymir retired and told Thor to make his own food. But when Thor tries to open the bag of food he couldn't untie it. While Skrymir was sleeping Thor struck him with Mjollnir, but the giant awoke thinking that a leaf had fallen. A second time Thor struck him, but the giant claimed it was only an acorn. A third time Thor struck him, but he claimed it was only sticks from the tree.
Skrymir claimed that he had to go north, and took the provisions with him. But he encouraged Thor not to pursue the journey he was in to read Utgarda-Loki.
46. THOR REACHES THE STRONGHOLD OF UTGARDA-LOKI
When Thor and his company approached the castle, they had to squeeze through the bars. They went into the hall and approached the king, Utganda-Loki. The king told them that the only way they could stay was if they had a skill or knowledge greater than that of other men.
The first one eager to show his skill was Loki. He claimed that he could be quicker at eating his food. To prove this the Kings had Logi challenge Loki. They had both eaten the same, but Logi had even eaten the bones. It seemed that Loki had lost.
Thjalfi claimed that he could win any race. Utgarda-Loki made him race Hugi. Thjalfi lost the race. Utgarda-Loki had him race Hugi two more times, but each time Hugi won with a greater advantage.
Thor claimed that he could beat anyone in drinking. Utgadra-Loki gave Thor a feasting horn, and told him that drinking from that horn was well-done when it is emptied in one drink. When Thor thought that he had drank enough, he eyed the horn and realized that the level had barely lowered. Thor tried a second time, and again the water level barely lowered. The same happened a third time.
Utgarda-Loki said that he had another chance to try his strength, even though it was not as much as was claimed to be. The game was one that little boys played. It was to lift Utgarda-Loki’s cat. No matter how hard Thor tried, he wasn't able to lift the cat.
Angered, Thor wanted to fight any man that would oppose him. Utgarda-Loki called his nurse, an old woman named Elli, to wrestle with Thor. He couldn't even move her.
47. UTGARDA-LOKI REVEALS THAT THOR WAS DECEIVED
As Thor and his companions left the fortress, Utganda-Loki told Thor that he had been tricked with magical shape-changing. He was the giant that travelled with him before, and he had put magic on the food bag Thor had tried to untie. He had fastened it with an iron wire. For the three blows of Thor’s hammer, he had moved the mountains to cover them. In Loki’s challenge, Logi had burned everything instead of eating it. Thjalfi had really raced against Utganda-Loki’s mind. And the horn that Thor was drinking out of was connected to the ocean. And the cat that Thor had tried to lift wasn’t a cat, but the Midgard serpent that surrounds all lands. And the old lady Thor was fighting was really Old Age.
Utgarda-Loki was surprised at how well they all had actually handled the tasks. When Thor found out about what had actually happened grew mad. He tried to strike Utganda-loki with his hammer, but he had disappeared. He then tried to hid the stronghold, but it had also disappeared.
From then on Thor was determined to find a way to confront the Midgard Serpent again.
48. THOR AND THE GIANT HYMIR GO FISHING
Gilfy asked if Thor had ever taken vengeance for this.
Thor had decided to set out again, but this time he went without companions. He disguised himself as a young boy. He arrived at the house of a giant, Hymir. He spent the night there, and the next day Hymir took him fishing.
Hymir told Thor that he had to get his own bait. So Thor used the head of an ox. Thor made Hymir row far away in the ocean. Thor prepared his line and threw the ox’s head overboard. The Midgard Serpent fell for the bait. Thor pulled up the serpent but Hymir, seeing what Thor was doing cut the bait line.
49. THE DEATH OF BALDR AND HERMOD’S RIDE TO HEL
Gilfy asked what else could be said about the Aesir.
Baldr, through dreams, saw that his life was threatened. The Aesir decided to seek a truce for Baldr and each one took oaths to protect him. Frigg took oaths that Baldr would not be harmed by fire, water, all kinds of medals, stones, trees, diseases, animals, birds, poisons and snakes. The Aesir took to celebrating and each took turns attacking him with the things mentioned above, because no injury would come to Baldr.
When Loki saw that nothing happened to Baldr, he grew angry, and figured out that the mistletoe had given his oath. Loki got ahold of the mistletoe. Loki took advantage of Hod, who was blind, and gave him the mistletoe to throw at Baldr. When he threw it, it killed Baldr.
Then, Frigg offered her love to anyone who would go to Hel, and offer her a ransom in exchange for Baldr. Hermod the Bold, Odin’s son agreed to take the journey.
When Hermod reached Hel, he saw Baldr seating in the seat of honour. Hel said that she needed a test to see whether Baldr was well loved: all of the things alive or dead had to weep for him, and only then could he return to the Aesir.
All cried for him, but a giant Thokk. It is said that the giantess was really Loki.
50. LOKI IS CAUGHT AND THE AESIR TAKE VENGEANCE
Gilfy asked whether if the Aesir took vengeance for Baldr’s death and his remaining in Hel.
Loki ran away to a mountain. While waiting Loki had created a net, and when he heard them coming burned it and dashed for the river, turning into a salmon. When the Aesir saw the net they started making one also in order to catch him. Thor finally caught Loki. The Aesir took him to a cave, where he was left tied with poison dripping on his face. But his wife Sigyn, has a bowl which keeps the poison from reaching his face, but whenever the bowl fills up and she removed it to throw away the poison, the poison falls on Loki. When this happens Loki convulses who roughly that he causes the earthquakes.
51. THE HIGH ONE REVEALS THE EVENTS OF RAGNAROK
Gilfy then asked about Ragnarok.
The first thing of Ragnarok will be three winters with great battles taking place around the world. Then a winter called Fimbulvetr. It will also come three times, with no summer in between.
Then one wolf will swallow the sun and the other the moon. The earth will start to shake so violently, that trees will loosen from the ground and mountains will fall. The Wolf Fenri will break free, and from the sea the Midgard Serpent will rise. Surt will rise and ride across the bifrost, causing it to break. And then the Fenri, the Midgard Serpent and Surt, accompanied by the sons of Muspell, Hel’s habitants, the frost giants, Loki and Hrym will arrive at the Vigrid plain (battle plain).
When this happens Heimdall will blow Gjallarhorn, awakening all of the gods. Odin rides to Mimir’s well and Yggdrasil shakes.
Then all of the Aesir ride to battle. Odin goes against the Fenriswolf and Thor against the Midgard Serpent. Frey will fight against Surt. Surt kills Frey because he didn't have his good sword (the one he had given to Skirnir). The hound Garm, who mas at the bottom of the Yggdrasil, breaks loose and fights against Tyr. They both kill each other.
Thor kills the Midgard Serpent, but its venom kills Thor. The wolf swallows Odin killing him. Immediately afterwards Vidar kills the wolf. Loki fights with Heimdall, killing each other.
Surt will throw fire and burn the whole world.
52. AFTER RAGNAROK
Gilfy asked what will happen after Ragnarok.
There will be many places to live, some good and some bad. The best is Gimle, in heaven, then there is Brimir and Nidafjoll. And for those people who are bad Nastrandir, and the worst place is Hvergelmir.
53. THE HIGH ONE DESCRIBES THE REBIRTH OF THE WORLD
Gilfy asked whether there will be any gods or anything on earth and the sky.
After Ragnarok, the earth will shoot up from the sea, and it will be green and beautiful. Vidar and Vali survive the flood and Surt’s fire. Thor’s sons Modi and Magni will survive, a long his Mjoillnir.
In Hoddmimir’s Wood, two people will have hid themselves from Surt’s fire. They are Lif and Leifthrasir, from them the whole world will be inhabited.
The sun will have a daughter who will follow her path.
54. GANGLERI RETURNS HOME TO TELL THE TALES
Suddenly Gilfy heard loud noises, and when he realized he wasn't in a hall and there was no one around, so he travelled back to his home.
55. THE EPILOGUE TO GYLFAGINNING
The Aesir, recalling all that they had told Gylfi, gave the names that they mentioned to people and places, so that people wouldn't doubt that they were the same.
Skaldskaparmal (Poetic Diction)
MYTHIC AND LEGENDARY TALES OF SKALSKAPARMAL
1. Bragi Tells Aegir Stories of the Gods
Aegir or Hler was a man who lived on the island Hlesey. He set off on a trip to Asgard, where he met the Aesir. During a feast he sat next to Bragi, who told him stories about the Aesir.
The Theft of Idunn and Her Apples
Once there was Odin, Loki and Hoenir travelling from home and they had little food. They came across a hard of oxen and took one to cook, but to their surprise the ox didn't cook. Then an eagle appeared and told them that he was causing the ox not to cook, and would only allow it to cook if they gave him a piece. They all agreed to this.
When they saw that the eagle was eating to good parts, Loki struck the eagle, and he carried him off. The eagle promised only to let Loki go if he found a way to lure Idunn and her apples of youth out of Asgard.
Loki managed to lure Idunn out, by telling her of another apple tree that would prove worthy, and to take some of her apples with her so she could compare them. Thjazi arrived as an eagle, and took Idunn to his home.
Idunn’s disappearance affected the Aesir, causing them to grow old and grey. They found out that she had been last seen with Loki, so they seized him. Loki promised to go to the Giant Land and find Idunn if Freyja would lend him her falcon shape.
Loki Retrieves Idunn from the Giant Thjazi
Loki arrived in Thjazi’s house when he was gone and Idunn was alone. Loki changed her into a nut and flew away with her. When Thjazi returned, he realized that Idunn was gone and went after Loki. Loki managed to return to Asgard, and just as he flew over the fortress, the Aesir set some wood on fire. This fire caught the eagle’s feathers and made Thjazi fall. Those who were around killed him.
Skadi Seeks Vengeance for Her Father
Skadi, Thjazi’s daughter, put on her helmet and mail and decided to take vengeance. But the Aesir offered compensation: she could choose a husband from among the Aesir, but she had to choose only by looking at the men’s feet; she ended up picking Njord; the second condition was that the Aesir had to make her laugh, which was something they thought they couldn't do. Loki finally made her laugh.
2. Kvasir and the Mead of Poetry
Poetry originated when the Aesir where at war with the Vanir, and the two sides agreed to have a peace meeting. To reconcile they went to a vat and spat on it. The Aesir created a man called Kvasir from the spittle. This man was so wise that there was no question he could not answer.
One day, in Kvasir’s travels, he was a guest to the dwarves Fjalar and Galar. These killed him. They used his blood and mixed it with honey. Now whoever drinks this mead is made into a poet or a scholar.
The dwarves invited the giant Gilling and his wife to visit them. They took Gilling out to see and made him drown. Then they killed his wife. When their son, Suttung, heard about this he seized the dwarves, but instead of killing them he made a deal with them. The dwarves gave him the mead.
Odin Seeks the Mead
Odin was once travelling, under the name of Bolverk, when he found nine slaves cutting hay. He asked the slaves if they wanted him to sharpen their scythes. They agreed and he sharpened them with a stone that he had. The slaves wanted that stone. Odin threw it up in the air, and when they all moved to catch it they cut each other’s throats.
That night Odin spent the night with the giant Baugi, Suttung’s brother. Baugi was complaining that nine of his slaves were killed. Odin offered Baugi that he would do the work of the nine slaves in exchange for a drink of the mead. Odin worked the whole summer for Baugi.
When the time to pay came, they both went to Suttung, but he refused to give any mead. So Odin decided to do a few tricks to see if he could get the mead. Odin drilled a whole into the mountain and finally reached the mead, where Suttung’s daughter, Gunnlod, was watching it. He spent three nights with her, and she allowed him three drinks of the mead. In these three drinks the finished all of the mead. The took the shape of an eagle an flew back to Asgard, where he spat out the mead for the Aesir to drink.
3. The Giant Hrungnir
Once Odin rode Sleipnir into Giant land and came to a giant called Hrungnir. Odin wagered his head with him that no horse in Giant Land was equal to Sleipnir. Hrungnir said that his horse Gullfaxi was better.
Hrungnir raced after Odin. Hrungnir was in such a rage that he didn't realize when he crossed the gate of Asgard.
When he was in Asgard the Aesir invited him to drink. When he was drunk he boasted that he could drink all of their ale, and lift Valhalla and bury it, killing all of the Aesir.
Thor Duels with Hrungnir
When the Aesir grew tired of Hrungnir they called Thor. Thor promised Hrungnir that he would regret his invitation before he left. But since Hrungnir was unarmed, there could be no duel. They agreed to fight at Grjotunagardar.
This duel became important for the giants, since Hrungnir was their strongest, and through him they could test Thor’s strength. The giants built a man from clay, named Mokkurkalfi, who stood next to Hrungnir in the battlefield. Hrungnir used a whetstone as a weapon.
Thor came, in all of his rage, with flashes of lightning and thunder. Thor threw Mjollnir at Hrungnir and he threw the whetstone. They met at midair. Mjollnir cut the whetstone, one piece fell to the ground and the other pierced Thor’s head. Mjorllnir landed in Hrungnir’s head. Hrungnir’s leg landed on Thor, and no one could remove it, until Thor’s son, Magni, who was three at the time was able to remove it.
The whetstone on Thor’s head still remains there.
4. The Journeys to Geirrod’s Courts
In this journey Thor traveled with Loki, and because of Loki Thor didn't have his hammer, belt or gloves.
Loki has tuned into a falcon and flew into Geirrod’s courts. When they saw him they ceased him and knew he was a person. Loki, in order to keep his life, swore to Geirrod that he would bring Thor without his hammer, belt or gloved to the court.
Thor spent the night in Grid’s house, a giantess. She warned him about Geirrod. So she lent Thor her belt, gloves and her staff. When Thor arrived at Geirrod’s, he sat on a chair, but we realized that the chair under him kept rising towards the roof. Using the staff he pushed down, breaking the back of Geirrod’s daughters, who were under the chair.
Then Thor was called for some contests. Geirrod threw a glowing piece of iron to Thor. He caught it with the gloves and thew it back to Geirrod, who hid behind a pillar. But the iron pierced the pillar and then Geirrod.
5. The Dwarves Make Treasures for the Gods
As a prank, Loki cut off all of Sif’s hair. When Thor learned of this he grabbed a hold of Loki, who in order to be saved promised Thor that he would get the dark elves to make hair from gold that could grow like any other hair.
When Loki went to the dwarves, these made the hair, Skidbladnir and Odin’s spear. Loki wagered his head with a dwarf named Brokk that Eitri, Brokk’s brother couldn’t find three treasures equally as good.
All of the treasures were presented before Odin, Frey and Thor. The treasures that Eitri made were Odin’s ring, a boar for Frey and Thor’s hammer. Eitri won the wager.
Loki tries to ransom his head, and since this was not possible he ran away. Thor got a hold of Loki. And Loki claimed that the dwarf has the right to his head but not his neck.
6. Aegir’s Feast
After Aegir visited the Aesir, he told them to visit him in tree months. When they visited Aegir, they realized that everything served itself. And Ran, Aegir’s wife had a net that caught all men who came into sea.
7. Otter’s Ransom: The Rhinegold and Sigurd the Dragon Slayer
The reason why gold is called Otter’s ransom is the following.
Odin, Loki and Hoenir were travelling the world. An on the banks of a river they found an otter who had caught a salmon. Loki hit the otter with a stone and caught both the otter and the salmon.
They continued their journey until they reached the house of Hredimar. They asked him for a nights lodgings and told them that they had enough food, showing him the otter. Hredimar called his sons Fafnir and Regin, and told them that they had found who had killed their brother Otter.
Hredimar and his sons ceased the Aesir. And only reached an agreement when the Aesir promised to pay him. Hredimar gave the Aesir Otter’s skin and told them to fill it with gold and cover the outside as well.
Loki set out to find the dwarf Andvari. Loki caught him and demanded all of his gold. When the dwarf gave Loki all of the gold, Loki noticed that he was hiding a ring. Loki asked for the ring as well. The dwarf said that whoever possessed the ring would die.
Loki returned with the gold and they filled Otter’s skin with it. Including the ring. But they never told him about the curse that came with the ring and the gold.
The Curse on the Gold Begins to Work
The result of his gold was that Otter’s brothers also wanted part of the gold, but Hredimar wouldn't give them any. So they killed their father. Regin wanted to divide the gold equally, but Fafnir didn't, so Fafnir commanded Regin to leave unless he wanted to die. Fafnir then took the gold to a lair and started changing to the likeness of a serpent.
Sigurd the Volsung
Regin then became King Hjalprek’s smith and he fostered Sigurd. Regin urged Sigurd to go after the gold that Fafnir had. For this Regin forged Sigurd a sword that could cut through anything.
Sigurd made a pit, in which Fafnir fell. As a settlement between Sigurd and Regin, for killing his brother, Sigurd had to cook Fafnir’s heart. While Regin was asleep, Sigur roasted the heart, but to try whether it was done or not Sigur tried it. When he did this he could understand the birds’ speech, and they told him that Regin intended to betray him. So Sigurd slayed Regin, and went to the lair and took all of the gold.
The Valkyrie Brynhild an the Gjukungs
On his way back Sigurd came to a house, where a woman Brynhild was sleeping. He drew his sword and cut off the mail from her.
He then went to where the King Gjuki lived with his wife Grimhild, and their children Gunnar, Hogni, Gudrun and Gudny, and his stepson Gothorm.
After a while Sigurd married Gjuki’s daughter Gudrun. He swore brotherhood with Gjukis sons. They travelled to ask Attila the Hun to give his sister, Brynhild, in marriage to Gunnar. But she lived in a mountain, in a hall that was surrounded by fire. She had sworn an oath that only he who could pass the fire she could marry. Since Gunnar’s horse didn't want to jump the fire, Gunnar and Sigurd exchanged shapes. Sigurd rescued her as Gunnar, and they returned home.
Sigurd had two children with Gundrun, Sigmund and Svanhild.
Brynhild and Gudrun Quarrel
Brynhild and Gudrun came into a quarrel trying to decide who could wash their hair further up the river. Bryhild thought that she had the right to because her husband was the bravest man. Grudrun then told her that he who had rescued her from the fire was Sigurd.
Sigurd urged Gunnar and Hogni to kill Sigurd, but since they had sworn an oath with him, they asked Gothrom to kill him. Sigurd was killed, together with his son Sigmund. Brynhild then killed herself. Gunnar and Hogni took Fafnir’s treasure and Andvari’s ring.
The Rhinegold, King Atil’s Greed and Queen Gudrun’s Vengeance
Gudrun then married Attila. They invited Gunnar and Hogni to visit, but before they left they hid the gold, which still hasn't been found.
When they arrived, Attila had them killed.
Gudrun then killed her sons, and the King, and lit the hall on fire.
Gudrun’s Third Marriage
Gudrun then tried to down herself, but ended up washing ashore in the land of King Jornak. He took her as his wife, and they had three sons, Sorli, Hamdir and Erp. Gudrun’s daughter with Sigurd, Svanhild, grew up there and became the most beautiful women.
King Jormunrek, sent his son Randver to ask for her hand in his behalf. When Svanhild was entrusted to Randevr, the kings advisor, Bikki, told him to take Svanhild for himself since they were both younger. When Randevr decided to do so Bikki told King Jormunrek.
King Jormunrek’s Tragedy
King Jormunrek seized Randevr, and hanged him. Then realized that he was old and had no sons left.
One day while King Jormunrek was hunting, he saw Svanhild washing her hair. He and his men trampled her to death. When Gudrun learned about this, she wanted her sons to take vengeance on Svanhild. Her sons were angry at her so they decided to kill their youngest brother since it would hurt their mother the most. When they reached King Jormunrek, they realized that they needed their youngest brothers help. They failed and were killed.
8. Frodi’s Mill and His Peace
Skjold was a son of Odin, and his son was Freidlif, who’s son was Frodi. Frodi was the most powerful king in the northen countires, and his name is connected with the peace that reigned the Nordic countries.
King Frodi visited Sweden as a guest of King Fjolnir. There he bought two big and strong slavewoman. He took the slaves to a mill that had been given to him. This mill had two millstones that required turning but were too big. These stones ground out whatever the miller commanded them to.
King Frodi has the slavewomen grind gold, peace and prosperity. But while they ground, they ground out an army to oppose Frodi. That night a king named Mysing arrived and killed Frodi. This is how Frodi’s peace ended.
Mysing took the slavewomen away with him and told them to grind salt. But their ship sank and the salt fell into the ocean, and that is how the sea became salty.
9. Kraki’s Seed and King Hrolf Kraki of Denmark
A king of Denmark was named Hrolf Kraki. He was the most renowned of old kings because of his generosity, valour and humility.
One day a poor boy named Vogg went before King Hrolf and gave him the name Kraki (thin pole). Since it was customed for he who gave the name had to give a present Vogg had to give the king something. But since he had nothing to give, the king have him instead. Vogg swored an oath to be the death of whoever killed King Hrolf.
King Hrolf and King Adils of Sweden
King Adils ruled over Uppsala and he married Yrsa, Hrolf Kraki’s mother. Adils was at war with King Ali, ruler of Norway.
Adils requested Hrolf Kraki to assist him in battle, and promised to pay him a whole army, and with one of the three treasures of Sweden. Kraki wasn't able to take the trip because he himself was at war with the Saxons, so he sent his twelve berserkers.
King Ali fell in battle, and king Adils took his helmet and his horse. Hrolf Krakis berserkers asked for their pay and for the three treasures so that Hrolf Kraki could choose among them. These where the helmet Hildigolt, the main shirt Finnsleif, and the god ring Sviagris. The king refused to send any of the treasures or to pay the berserkers.
When Hrolf Kraki heard of this he immediately set off to Uppsala. His mother welcomed him and took him to his lodgings, but the fire was so hot that King Hrolf’s and his men’s clothes fell off.
Yrsa gave Hrolf Krakis a horn full of gols and the ring Sviagris, and advised him to leave. As they left, King Adlis rode after them with his army. Hrolf Krakis sowed the gold to the ground, and when his army saw that they stopped and tried to grab as much as they could. King Adlis continued to follow them so Hrolf Kraki dropped the ring. As Adlis bent to pick it up, Hrolf Krakis remarked on how he made the Swedes look like pigs.
10. The Never Ending Battle
There was a king called Hogni and he had a daughter called Hild. While Hogni was at a kings’ assembly, King Hedin abducted Hild. When Hogni found out about this he went after Hedin. When they met, they fought. At night, when each men went to their camp to sleep, Hild went to the slain and woke those who were dead by magic. The next day the ones who had been dead fought, and in the night Hild woke the,. This is how the battle never ends.
POETIC REFERENCES FORM SKALDSKAPARMAL
An Explanation of Kenning Structure
Poetry is classifies according to diction and metre. Diction has three categories: 1) name things by their ordinary names. 2)substitute alternative names. 3) use kennings (name with identifying attribute).
Kennings for Gods
References to Goddesses
References to Sky, Earth and Natural Phenomena
References to Men
referred to in items of his work, of what he supplies or does. He can also be referred to the items of his possessions. He can also be refered to in terms of his family.
References to Women
Women should be referred to in terms of all of the times of female attire, gold and stones. In terms of what she gives or shares. And by her activities , possessions of family.
References to Gold
Fire of the Aegir, leaf of Glasir, the hair of Sif, the drops of Draupnir, recompense for the otter, fire of the sea…
Refereces to Battle, Weapons, and Armour
References to Ships
The horse, animal or ski or sea kinds, the sea, the wind.
References to Christ
The creator of heaven, earth, the ruler of the world, the king of the heavens.
1. Bragi Tells Aegir Stories of the Gods
Aegir or Hler was a man who lived on the island Hlesey. He set off on a trip to Asgard, where he met the Aesir. During a feast he sat next to Bragi, who told him stories about the Aesir.
The Theft of Idunn and Her Apples
Once there was Odin, Loki and Hoenir travelling from home and they had little food. They came across a hard of oxen and took one to cook, but to their surprise the ox didn't cook. Then an eagle appeared and told them that he was causing the ox not to cook, and would only allow it to cook if they gave him a piece. They all agreed to this.
When they saw that the eagle was eating to good parts, Loki struck the eagle, and he carried him off. The eagle promised only to let Loki go if he found a way to lure Idunn and her apples of youth out of Asgard.
Loki managed to lure Idunn out, by telling her of another apple tree that would prove worthy, and to take some of her apples with her so she could compare them. Thjazi arrived as an eagle, and took Idunn to his home.
Idunn’s disappearance affected the Aesir, causing them to grow old and grey. They found out that she had been last seen with Loki, so they seized him. Loki promised to go to the Giant Land and find Idunn if Freyja would lend him her falcon shape.
Loki Retrieves Idunn from the Giant Thjazi
Loki arrived in Thjazi’s house when he was gone and Idunn was alone. Loki changed her into a nut and flew away with her. When Thjazi returned, he realized that Idunn was gone and went after Loki. Loki managed to return to Asgard, and just as he flew over the fortress, the Aesir set some wood on fire. This fire caught the eagle’s feathers and made Thjazi fall. Those who were around killed him.
Skadi Seeks Vengeance for Her Father
Skadi, Thjazi’s daughter, put on her helmet and mail and decided to take vengeance. But the Aesir offered compensation: she could choose a husband from among the Aesir, but she had to choose only by looking at the men’s feet; she ended up picking Njord; the second condition was that the Aesir had to make her laugh, which was something they thought they couldn't do. Loki finally made her laugh.
2. Kvasir and the Mead of Poetry
Poetry originated when the Aesir where at war with the Vanir, and the two sides agreed to have a peace meeting. To reconcile they went to a vat and spat on it. The Aesir created a man called Kvasir from the spittle. This man was so wise that there was no question he could not answer.
One day, in Kvasir’s travels, he was a guest to the dwarves Fjalar and Galar. These killed him. They used his blood and mixed it with honey. Now whoever drinks this mead is made into a poet or a scholar.
The dwarves invited the giant Gilling and his wife to visit them. They took Gilling out to see and made him drown. Then they killed his wife. When their son, Suttung, heard about this he seized the dwarves, but instead of killing them he made a deal with them. The dwarves gave him the mead.
Odin Seeks the Mead
Odin was once travelling, under the name of Bolverk, when he found nine slaves cutting hay. He asked the slaves if they wanted him to sharpen their scythes. They agreed and he sharpened them with a stone that he had. The slaves wanted that stone. Odin threw it up in the air, and when they all moved to catch it they cut each other’s throats.
That night Odin spent the night with the giant Baugi, Suttung’s brother. Baugi was complaining that nine of his slaves were killed. Odin offered Baugi that he would do the work of the nine slaves in exchange for a drink of the mead. Odin worked the whole summer for Baugi.
When the time to pay came, they both went to Suttung, but he refused to give any mead. So Odin decided to do a few tricks to see if he could get the mead. Odin drilled a whole into the mountain and finally reached the mead, where Suttung’s daughter, Gunnlod, was watching it. He spent three nights with her, and she allowed him three drinks of the mead. In these three drinks the finished all of the mead. The took the shape of an eagle an flew back to Asgard, where he spat out the mead for the Aesir to drink.
3. The Giant Hrungnir
Once Odin rode Sleipnir into Giant land and came to a giant called Hrungnir. Odin wagered his head with him that no horse in Giant Land was equal to Sleipnir. Hrungnir said that his horse Gullfaxi was better.
Hrungnir raced after Odin. Hrungnir was in such a rage that he didn't realize when he crossed the gate of Asgard.
When he was in Asgard the Aesir invited him to drink. When he was drunk he boasted that he could drink all of their ale, and lift Valhalla and bury it, killing all of the Aesir.
Thor Duels with Hrungnir
When the Aesir grew tired of Hrungnir they called Thor. Thor promised Hrungnir that he would regret his invitation before he left. But since Hrungnir was unarmed, there could be no duel. They agreed to fight at Grjotunagardar.
This duel became important for the giants, since Hrungnir was their strongest, and through him they could test Thor’s strength. The giants built a man from clay, named Mokkurkalfi, who stood next to Hrungnir in the battlefield. Hrungnir used a whetstone as a weapon.
Thor came, in all of his rage, with flashes of lightning and thunder. Thor threw Mjollnir at Hrungnir and he threw the whetstone. They met at midair. Mjollnir cut the whetstone, one piece fell to the ground and the other pierced Thor’s head. Mjorllnir landed in Hrungnir’s head. Hrungnir’s leg landed on Thor, and no one could remove it, until Thor’s son, Magni, who was three at the time was able to remove it.
The whetstone on Thor’s head still remains there.
4. The Journeys to Geirrod’s Courts
In this journey Thor traveled with Loki, and because of Loki Thor didn't have his hammer, belt or gloves.
Loki has tuned into a falcon and flew into Geirrod’s courts. When they saw him they ceased him and knew he was a person. Loki, in order to keep his life, swore to Geirrod that he would bring Thor without his hammer, belt or gloved to the court.
Thor spent the night in Grid’s house, a giantess. She warned him about Geirrod. So she lent Thor her belt, gloves and her staff. When Thor arrived at Geirrod’s, he sat on a chair, but we realized that the chair under him kept rising towards the roof. Using the staff he pushed down, breaking the back of Geirrod’s daughters, who were under the chair.
Then Thor was called for some contests. Geirrod threw a glowing piece of iron to Thor. He caught it with the gloves and thew it back to Geirrod, who hid behind a pillar. But the iron pierced the pillar and then Geirrod.
5. The Dwarves Make Treasures for the Gods
As a prank, Loki cut off all of Sif’s hair. When Thor learned of this he grabbed a hold of Loki, who in order to be saved promised Thor that he would get the dark elves to make hair from gold that could grow like any other hair.
When Loki went to the dwarves, these made the hair, Skidbladnir and Odin’s spear. Loki wagered his head with a dwarf named Brokk that Eitri, Brokk’s brother couldn’t find three treasures equally as good.
All of the treasures were presented before Odin, Frey and Thor. The treasures that Eitri made were Odin’s ring, a boar for Frey and Thor’s hammer. Eitri won the wager.
Loki tries to ransom his head, and since this was not possible he ran away. Thor got a hold of Loki. And Loki claimed that the dwarf has the right to his head but not his neck.
6. Aegir’s Feast
After Aegir visited the Aesir, he told them to visit him in tree months. When they visited Aegir, they realized that everything served itself. And Ran, Aegir’s wife had a net that caught all men who came into sea.
7. Otter’s Ransom: The Rhinegold and Sigurd the Dragon Slayer
The reason why gold is called Otter’s ransom is the following.
Odin, Loki and Hoenir were travelling the world. An on the banks of a river they found an otter who had caught a salmon. Loki hit the otter with a stone and caught both the otter and the salmon.
They continued their journey until they reached the house of Hredimar. They asked him for a nights lodgings and told them that they had enough food, showing him the otter. Hredimar called his sons Fafnir and Regin, and told them that they had found who had killed their brother Otter.
Hredimar and his sons ceased the Aesir. And only reached an agreement when the Aesir promised to pay him. Hredimar gave the Aesir Otter’s skin and told them to fill it with gold and cover the outside as well.
Loki set out to find the dwarf Andvari. Loki caught him and demanded all of his gold. When the dwarf gave Loki all of the gold, Loki noticed that he was hiding a ring. Loki asked for the ring as well. The dwarf said that whoever possessed the ring would die.
Loki returned with the gold and they filled Otter’s skin with it. Including the ring. But they never told him about the curse that came with the ring and the gold.
The Curse on the Gold Begins to Work
The result of his gold was that Otter’s brothers also wanted part of the gold, but Hredimar wouldn't give them any. So they killed their father. Regin wanted to divide the gold equally, but Fafnir didn't, so Fafnir commanded Regin to leave unless he wanted to die. Fafnir then took the gold to a lair and started changing to the likeness of a serpent.
Sigurd the Volsung
Regin then became King Hjalprek’s smith and he fostered Sigurd. Regin urged Sigurd to go after the gold that Fafnir had. For this Regin forged Sigurd a sword that could cut through anything.
Sigurd made a pit, in which Fafnir fell. As a settlement between Sigurd and Regin, for killing his brother, Sigurd had to cook Fafnir’s heart. While Regin was asleep, Sigur roasted the heart, but to try whether it was done or not Sigur tried it. When he did this he could understand the birds’ speech, and they told him that Regin intended to betray him. So Sigurd slayed Regin, and went to the lair and took all of the gold.
The Valkyrie Brynhild an the Gjukungs
On his way back Sigurd came to a house, where a woman Brynhild was sleeping. He drew his sword and cut off the mail from her.
He then went to where the King Gjuki lived with his wife Grimhild, and their children Gunnar, Hogni, Gudrun and Gudny, and his stepson Gothorm.
After a while Sigurd married Gjuki’s daughter Gudrun. He swore brotherhood with Gjukis sons. They travelled to ask Attila the Hun to give his sister, Brynhild, in marriage to Gunnar. But she lived in a mountain, in a hall that was surrounded by fire. She had sworn an oath that only he who could pass the fire she could marry. Since Gunnar’s horse didn't want to jump the fire, Gunnar and Sigurd exchanged shapes. Sigurd rescued her as Gunnar, and they returned home.
Sigurd had two children with Gundrun, Sigmund and Svanhild.
Brynhild and Gudrun Quarrel
Brynhild and Gudrun came into a quarrel trying to decide who could wash their hair further up the river. Bryhild thought that she had the right to because her husband was the bravest man. Grudrun then told her that he who had rescued her from the fire was Sigurd.
Sigurd urged Gunnar and Hogni to kill Sigurd, but since they had sworn an oath with him, they asked Gothrom to kill him. Sigurd was killed, together with his son Sigmund. Brynhild then killed herself. Gunnar and Hogni took Fafnir’s treasure and Andvari’s ring.
The Rhinegold, King Atil’s Greed and Queen Gudrun’s Vengeance
Gudrun then married Attila. They invited Gunnar and Hogni to visit, but before they left they hid the gold, which still hasn't been found.
When they arrived, Attila had them killed.
Gudrun then killed her sons, and the King, and lit the hall on fire.
Gudrun’s Third Marriage
Gudrun then tried to down herself, but ended up washing ashore in the land of King Jornak. He took her as his wife, and they had three sons, Sorli, Hamdir and Erp. Gudrun’s daughter with Sigurd, Svanhild, grew up there and became the most beautiful women.
King Jormunrek, sent his son Randver to ask for her hand in his behalf. When Svanhild was entrusted to Randevr, the kings advisor, Bikki, told him to take Svanhild for himself since they were both younger. When Randevr decided to do so Bikki told King Jormunrek.
King Jormunrek’s Tragedy
King Jormunrek seized Randevr, and hanged him. Then realized that he was old and had no sons left.
One day while King Jormunrek was hunting, he saw Svanhild washing her hair. He and his men trampled her to death. When Gudrun learned about this, she wanted her sons to take vengeance on Svanhild. Her sons were angry at her so they decided to kill their youngest brother since it would hurt their mother the most. When they reached King Jormunrek, they realized that they needed their youngest brothers help. They failed and were killed.
8. Frodi’s Mill and His Peace
Skjold was a son of Odin, and his son was Freidlif, who’s son was Frodi. Frodi was the most powerful king in the northen countires, and his name is connected with the peace that reigned the Nordic countries.
King Frodi visited Sweden as a guest of King Fjolnir. There he bought two big and strong slavewoman. He took the slaves to a mill that had been given to him. This mill had two millstones that required turning but were too big. These stones ground out whatever the miller commanded them to.
King Frodi has the slavewomen grind gold, peace and prosperity. But while they ground, they ground out an army to oppose Frodi. That night a king named Mysing arrived and killed Frodi. This is how Frodi’s peace ended.
Mysing took the slavewomen away with him and told them to grind salt. But their ship sank and the salt fell into the ocean, and that is how the sea became salty.
9. Kraki’s Seed and King Hrolf Kraki of Denmark
A king of Denmark was named Hrolf Kraki. He was the most renowned of old kings because of his generosity, valour and humility.
One day a poor boy named Vogg went before King Hrolf and gave him the name Kraki (thin pole). Since it was customed for he who gave the name had to give a present Vogg had to give the king something. But since he had nothing to give, the king have him instead. Vogg swored an oath to be the death of whoever killed King Hrolf.
King Hrolf and King Adils of Sweden
King Adils ruled over Uppsala and he married Yrsa, Hrolf Kraki’s mother. Adils was at war with King Ali, ruler of Norway.
Adils requested Hrolf Kraki to assist him in battle, and promised to pay him a whole army, and with one of the three treasures of Sweden. Kraki wasn't able to take the trip because he himself was at war with the Saxons, so he sent his twelve berserkers.
King Ali fell in battle, and king Adils took his helmet and his horse. Hrolf Krakis berserkers asked for their pay and for the three treasures so that Hrolf Kraki could choose among them. These where the helmet Hildigolt, the main shirt Finnsleif, and the god ring Sviagris. The king refused to send any of the treasures or to pay the berserkers.
When Hrolf Kraki heard of this he immediately set off to Uppsala. His mother welcomed him and took him to his lodgings, but the fire was so hot that King Hrolf’s and his men’s clothes fell off.
Yrsa gave Hrolf Krakis a horn full of gols and the ring Sviagris, and advised him to leave. As they left, King Adlis rode after them with his army. Hrolf Krakis sowed the gold to the ground, and when his army saw that they stopped and tried to grab as much as they could. King Adlis continued to follow them so Hrolf Kraki dropped the ring. As Adlis bent to pick it up, Hrolf Krakis remarked on how he made the Swedes look like pigs.
10. The Never Ending Battle
There was a king called Hogni and he had a daughter called Hild. While Hogni was at a kings’ assembly, King Hedin abducted Hild. When Hogni found out about this he went after Hedin. When they met, they fought. At night, when each men went to their camp to sleep, Hild went to the slain and woke those who were dead by magic. The next day the ones who had been dead fought, and in the night Hild woke the,. This is how the battle never ends.
POETIC REFERENCES FORM SKALDSKAPARMAL
An Explanation of Kenning Structure
Poetry is classifies according to diction and metre. Diction has three categories: 1) name things by their ordinary names. 2)substitute alternative names. 3) use kennings (name with identifying attribute).
Kennings for Gods
- Thor: son of Odin and Earth, Possessor of the hammer Mjollnir, defender of Asgard and Midgard, The enemy of the Midgard Serpent….
- Baldr: Son of Odin and Frigg, Possessor of the ship Hringhorni and the ring Draupnir, the god of laments ….
- Njord: God of the wagons, The descendant of the Vanir, the god of gift-giving…
- Frey: God of the Vanir, the god of a good year, the giver of wealth…
- Heimdall: the son of nine mothers, the watchman of the gods, seeker of Freyja’s ring.
- Tyr: one-handed god, the foster-father of the wolf, god of battles…
- Bragi: the first maker of poetry, the long-bearded god…
- Vidar: the silent god, the possessor of the iron show, the foe and slayer of the wofl Fenrir, the avenger of the gods..
- Vali: The brother of the Aesir, the god who avenged Baldr, the foe and slayer of Hod…
- Hod: the blind Aesir, the killer of Baldr, the shooter of the mistletoe…
- Ull: the god with skis, the god with a bow, the hunting god, the god with a shield.
- Hoenir: the sea mate, the trusted companion, he fast-moving god, the long leg….
- Loki: Son of Laufey, the father of the wolf Fenrir, the father of the Midgard Serpent, the father of Hel and Nari, the foe of the gods, the stealer, the sly god…
References to Goddesses
- Frigg: wife of Odin, the queen of the gods and goddesses, the queen of the falcon’s feather cloak.
- Freyja: sister of Frey, the possessor of the fallen in battle, the possessor of the ring of the Brisings, the god whose weeping is beautiful.
- Sif: wife of Thor, goddess with the beautiful hair,
- Idunn: the guardian of the apples, the plunder taken by Thjazi.
References to Sky, Earth and Natural Phenomena
- Sky: Ymir’s head, the giant’s skull, the constellations and winds, the helmet or house of air.
- Earth: the flesh of Ymir, mother of Thor, the flood the hall of the winds, the daughter of night.
- Sea: the blood of Ymir, the visitor to the gods, the ring of the islands, house of sands and seaweeds and rocky islets.
- Sun: sister of the Moon, the fire of the heavens and the air.
- Wind: the breaker of timer, the sail …
- Fire: brother of wind, ruination and destroyer of timer and houses, the sun of houses.
- Winter: the son of Vindsval, the season of blizzards…
- Summer: the son of Svasud, the growing time for men.
References to Men
referred to in items of his work, of what he supplies or does. He can also be referred to the items of his possessions. He can also be refered to in terms of his family.
References to Women
Women should be referred to in terms of all of the times of female attire, gold and stones. In terms of what she gives or shares. And by her activities , possessions of family.
References to Gold
Fire of the Aegir, leaf of Glasir, the hair of Sif, the drops of Draupnir, recompense for the otter, fire of the sea…
Refereces to Battle, Weapons, and Armour
- Battle: Wind, invading of kings, tumult of Odin…
- Wapons and armour: with reference to a battle, the fires of blood and wounds, the fires of Odin,
References to Ships
The horse, animal or ski or sea kinds, the sea, the wind.
References to Christ
The creator of heaven, earth, the ruler of the world, the king of the heavens.