r which is the
largest in all the world, and the waves were dashing far above their
heads. Then Thor buckled on the belt of strength and, taking the staff
firmly in his grasp, he stepped boldly into the water, while Loki
clung to his belt, for he was afraid. Higher and higher rose the
waves, and if Thor had not kept a firm grip on the staff of power he
must have been washed away. But Loki, overcome with fear, let go of
the belt and was carried by the waves back whence he came; and from
thence he hastened back to Asgard as fast as he could run.

When Thor had reached midstream he saw Gialp, the red-eyed daughter of
the giant, stirring up the water at its source with intent to
overwhelm him. So, stooping quickly, he took up out of the river an
enormous rock and threw it at her. He was not wont to miss his mark,
and the giantess fled, howling. At once the waters abated, and Thor,
seeing a mountain ash over-hanging the river caught at it and pulled
himself safely ashore.

This is why the mountain ash from that time has been called "Thor's
Salvation."

Wearied with his journey, Thor gladly turned his steps towards
Geirrod's hall, which loomed out of the darkness near by. He was
received with much honour by the giant's servants, though Geirrod
himself had not yet returned home.

A banquet had been prepared within the hall, and thither Thor was
conducted. But, somewhat to his surprise, he could see only one chair.
This, however, was large and roomy, draped round the legs and
comfortably cushioned, so the Asa was glad to throw his tired limbs
upon it.

But scarcely had he done so, when the chair began to rise beneath him,
and it ascended towards the rafters with such force and speed that in
another moment Thor would have been crushed to death, had he not
retained his hold of the staff of power. This he now pushed against
the rafters, and at the same time he pressed down on the seat with
such force that he descended again with a loud crash, which was
mingled with shrieks and screams. For Gialp and Greip, the giant's
daughters, had hidden themselves under the chair, intending to kill
Thor, and had now met the fate which they had prepared for him.

After this, Thor proceeded to eat a good supper, and scarcely had he
finished when the Giant Geirrod came striding into the hall.

He gnashed his teeth horribly when he saw Thor sitting quite at home,
but he pretended that he was pleased at his visit, and at once invited
him i