they would do harm in no way to Balder the
Beautiful.
Theirs was an easy task, for all things loved the bright Sun-god, and
readily agreed to give the pledge. Nothing was overlooked save only
the mistletoe, growing upon the oak-tree that shaded the entrance to
Valhalla. It seemed so insignificant that no one thought it worth
while to ask this plant to take the oath.
The servants returned to Frigga with all the vows and compacts that
had been made; and the Mother of Gods and Men went back with heart at
ease to her spinning-wheel.
The Asa folk, too, were reassured, and, casting aside the burden of
care that had fallen upon them, they resumed their favourite game upon
the plains of Idavold, where they were wont to contend with one
another in the throwing of golden disks.
And when it became known among them that nothing would hurt Balder the
Beautiful they invented a new game.
Placing the young Sun-god in their midst, they would throw stones at
him, or thrust at him with their knives, or strike with their wooden
staves; and the wood or the knife or the stone would glance off from
Balder and leave him quite unhurt.
This new game delighted both Balder and the Asa folk, and so loud was
their laughter that Loki, who was some distance away pursuing one of
his schemes in the disguise of an old woman, shook with rage at the
sound. For Loki was jealous of Balder and, as is usual with people who
make themselves disliked, nothing gave him such displeasure as to see
a group of the Asas on such happy terms with each other.
Presently, in his wanderings, Loki passed by the house of Fensalir, in
the doorway of which sat Frigga, at her spinning-wheel. She did not
recognise Red Loki, but greeted him kindly and asked:
"Old woman, dost thou know why the gods are so merry this evening?"
And Loki answered: "They are casting stones and throwing sharp knives
and great clubs at Balder the Beautiful, who stands smiling in their
midst, daring them to hurt him."
Then Frigga smiled tranquilly and turned again to her wheel, saying:
"Let them play on, for no harm will come to him whom all things in
heaven and earth have sworn not to hurt."
"Art thou sure, good mother, that _all_ things in heaven and earth
have taken this vow?"
"Ay, indeed," replied Frigga, "all save a harmless little plant, the
mistletoe, which grows on the oak by Valhalla, and this is far too
small and weak to be feared."
And to this Loki replied in musin
|