aid, of the Hrimthurs, a girl and
boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise Joetun, a six-headed
son.

_Gagnrad_.

34. Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
knowest, Vafthrudnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest
knowest? Thou art an all-wise Joetun.

_Vafthrudnir_.

35. Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.
That I first remember, when that wise Joetun in an ark was laid.

_Gagnrad_.

36. Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou
knowest, Vafthrudnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes,
itself invisible to man?

_Vafthrudnir_.

37. Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a Joetun
in an eagle's plumage: from his wings comes, it is said, the wind,
that over all men passes.

_Gagnrad_.

38. Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest,
Vafthrudnir! whence Nioerd came among the AEsir's sons? O'er fanes and
offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the AEsir born.

_Vafthrudnir_.

39. In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage
gave. At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.

_Gagnrad_.

40. Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou
knowest, Vafthrudnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather's halls,
until the powers perish?

_Vafthrudnir_.

41. All the Einheriar in Odin's halls each day together fight; the
fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the AEsir
drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.

_Gagnrad_.

42. Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods
knowest, Vafthrudnir! of the Joetuns' secrets, and of all the gods',
say what truest is, thou all-knowing Joetun!

_Vafthrudnir_.

43. Of the secrets of the Joetuns and of all the gods, I can truly
tell; for I have over each world travelled; to nine worlds I came, to
Niflhel beneath: here die men from Hel.

_Gagnrad_.

44. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
proved. What mortals will live, when the great "Fimbul"-winter shall
from men have passed?

_Vafthrudnir_.

45. Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir's
holt. The morning dews they will have for food. From, them shall men
be born.

_Gagnrad_.

46. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many
proved. Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has
this devoured?

_Vafthr