nd.]

[Footnote 25: Probably, send them (the runes) forth on their several
missions.]

[Footnote 26: The miraculous powers here ascribed by Odin to himself
bear, in many instances, a remarkable similarity to those attributed
to him by Snorri.]

[Footnote 27: The ancient inhabitants of the North believed that the
roots of trees were particularly fitted for hurtful trolldom, or
witchcraft, and that wounds caused thereby were mortal. In India a
similar superstition prevails of the hurtfulness of the roots of
trees.]

THE LAY OF HYMIR.

1. Once the celestial gods had been taking fish, and were in
compotation, ere they the truth discovered.[28] Rods[29] they shook,
and blood inspected, when they found at Oegir's a lack of kettles.

2. Sat the rock-dweller glad as a child, much like the son of
Miskorblindi. In his eyes looked Ygg's son steadfastly. "Thou to the
AEir shalt oft a compotation give."

3. Caused trouble to the Jotun th' unwelcome-worded As: he forthwith
meditated vengeance on the gods. Sif's husband he besought a kettle
him to bring, "in which I beer for all of you may brew."

4. The illustrious gods found that impossible, nor could the exalted
powers it accomplish, till from true-heartedness, Ty to Hlorridi much
friendly counsel gave.

5. "There dwells eastward of Elivagar the all-wise Hymir, at
heaven's end. My sire, fierce of mood, a kettle owns, a capacious
cauldron, a rast in depth."

_Thor_.

6. "Knowest thou whether we can get the liquor-boiler?"

_Ty_.

"Yes, friend! if we stratagem' employ." Rapidly they drove forward
that day from Asgard, till to the giant's home they came.

7. Thor stalled his goats, splendid of horn, then turned him to the
hall that Hymir owned. The son his granddam found to him most
loathful; heads she had nine hundred.

8. But another came all-golden forth, fair-browed, bearing the
beer-cup to her son:

9. "Ye Jotuns' kindred! I will you both, ye daring pair, under the
kettles place. My husband is oftentimes niggard towards guests, to
ill-humour prone."

10. But the monster, the fierce-souled Hymir, late returned home
from the chase. He the hall entered, the icebergs resounded, as the
churl approached; the thicket on his cheeks was frozen.

11. "Hail to thee, Hymir! be of good cheer: now thy son is come to
thy hall, whom we expected from his long journey; him accompanies our
famed adversary, the friend of man, who Veor hight.

12. See where they sit