Page:Kickerbocker Oct 1847 vol 30 no 4.djvu/17

sters and giants. Calling Loki, he requested his assistance, who, borrowing the wings of Freya, set out on the excursion. He traversed innumerable hills and valleys, and at last reached the country of the Giants where he discovered Thyrm astride of an immense mou tain, engaged in making golden collars for his dogs and harness for his horses.

'Tell me frankly,' said Loki, 'have you not Thor's hammer?'

'Yes,' responded the Giant; 'it is buried eight leagues deep in the earth, and I shall only restore it on condition that Freya becomes my wife.'

With this answer, Loki returned to the assembly of the gods. Bitter indeed were the lamentations of Freya, who declared her determination never to enter the dominion of the Giants. Loki, finding her immoveable, proposed to Thor to clothe himself as a woman and deceive the Giant. To this proposal Thor assented, and mounting his swift chariot, departed.

At the sight of Thor, thus attired in an ample robe, and hurrying forward, the Giant uttered an exclamation of joy, supposing that Freya was approaching, and immediately caused the festive halls to be prepared for the nuptials. The fattest bullocks were roasted for the occasion, and the guests were speedily seated at the table. Thor commenced operations by eating a whole ox, eight salmon, and drinking three immense barrels of ale! The Giant seemed thunder struck with surprise.

'Never,' he exclaimed, 'have I seen a woman with such an appetite.'

'I readily believe you,' answered Loki, 'but your affianced has eaten nothing for four days, so much has she been occupied in arranging her departure.'

Flattered by these words, Thyr rose to embrace his bride, and removing the thick veil which concealed Thor's countenance, re-treated in amazement, at the burning glance he encountered.

'What a terrible glance she has!' he exclaimed.

'Can you wonder at it, replied Loki, 'when so great has been her desire of seeing you that she has slept none since her departure?'

The sister of the Giant then approached the pretended Freya, and demanded the wedding ring and customary presents, but Thor had determined first to gain possession of the hammer. The strongest of the attendants were therefore despatched to seek it, and returned bending beneath its load. Thor immediately seized it with both hands, broke the head of Thyrm, and killed his attendants.

The song of Harbard also is commemorative of the exploits of Thor. That of Skirner paints the love of Freya;^[1] while that entitled 'Agisdricka' recounts one of the numerous malicious deeds of Loki.

The remaining poems of the Edda cannot be classed in either of the two divisions mentioned. The song of Hyndla, for example,

vol. XXX.