g remembered those who had gone to contend with the all-wise
giant and had never come back, and a fear came over her that the same
fate might befall Odin.

"You are wisest in all the worlds, All-Father," she said; "why should
you seek a treacherous giant who knows not half so much as you?"

But Odin, who feared nothing, could not be persuaded to stay, and Frigg
sadly said good-by as he passed out of Asgard on his journey to
Joetunheim. His blue mantle set with stars and his golden helmet he left
behind him, and as he journeyed swiftly those who met him saw nothing
godlike in him; nor did Vafthrudner when at last he stood at the giant's
door.

"I am a simple traveler, Gangraad by name," he said, as Vafthrudner came
gruffly toward him. "I ask your hospitality and a chance to strive with
you in wisdom." The giant laughed scornfully at the thought of a man
coming to contend with him for mastery in knowledge.

"You shall have all you want of both," he growled, "and if you cannot
answer my questions you shall never go hence alive."

He did not even ask Odin to sit down, but let him stand in the hall,
despising him too much to show him any courtesy. After a time he began
to ask questions.

"Tell me, if you can, O wise Gangraad, the name of the river which
divides Asgard from Joetunheim."

"The river Ifing, which never freezes over," answered Odin quickly, as
if it were the easiest question in the world; and indeed it was to him,
although no man could have answered it. Vafthrudner looked up in great
surprise when he heard the reply.

"Good," he said, "you have answered rightly. Tell me, now, the names of
the horses that carry day and night across the sky."

Before the words were fairly spoken Odin replied, "Skinfaxe and
Hrimfaxe." The giant could not conceal his surprise that a man should
know these things.

"Once more," he said quickly, as if he were risking everything on one
question; "tell me the name of the plain where the Last Battle will be
fought."

This was a terrible question, for the Last Battle was still far off in
the future, and only the gods and the greatest of the giants knew where
and when it would come. Odin bowed his head when he heard the words, for
to be ready for that battle was the divine work of his life, and then
said, slowly and solemnly, "On the plain of Vigrid, which is one hundred
miles on each side."

Vafthrudner rose trembling from his seat. He knew now that Gangraad was
some great