Hymer, who in the strife no part had took,
But like a trembling aspen shook,

Rouseth him to avert the stroke.

In the last night, the vala hath decreed

Thor, in Odin's utmost need,

To the worm shall bow the head.

Thus, in sunk voice, the craven giant spoke,
Whilst from his belt a knife he took,

Forged by dwarfs aneath the rock.

Upon the magic belt straight 'gan to file;

Thor in bitter scorn to smile;

Mjolner swang in air the while.

In the worm's front full two-score leagues it fell; From Gimle to the realms of hell

Echoed Jormungander's yell.

The ocean yawned; Thor's lightnings rent the sky; Through the storm, the great sun's eye

Looked out on the fight from high.

Bif-rost i' th' east shone forth in brightest green;

On its top, in snow-white sheen,

Heimdal at his post was seen.

On the charmed belt the dagger hath no power;
The star of Jotun-heim 'gan to lour;

But now, in Asgard's evil hour,

When all his efforts foiled tall Hymer saw,

Wading to the serpent's maw,

On the kedge he 'gan to saw.

The sun dismayed, hastened in clouds to hide,

Heimdal turned his head aside;

Thor was humbled in his pride.

The knife prevails, far down beneath the main,
The serpent, spent with toil and pain,

To the bottom sank again.

The giant fled, his head 'mid rocks to save,
Fearfully the god did rave,

With his lightnings tore the wave.

To madness stung, to think his conquest vain,
His ire no longer could contain,

Dared the worm to rise again.

His radiant form to its full height he drew,
And Mjolner through the billows blue

Swifter chan the fire-bolt flew.

Hoped, yet, the worm had fallen beneath the stroke,

But the wily child of Loke

Waits her turn of Ragnarok.

CHAPTER XII

The City of Enchantments

Loke flatters the Thunder-god-The Feast of Goats-Loke's Evil Design-Journey in Jotun-heim-Terror of the Night-The Great Giant Skrymer-How Thor was thwarted-The Three Blows with MjolnerUtgard-Loke's Castle-The Giant's Challenge-Loke and Thjalfe are beaten --Thor and the Drinking Horn-The Great Cat-Thor wrestles with the Hag-He is put to Shame-Utgard-Loke's Revelation--The Ocean, the Midgard Serpent, and Old Age-Wrath of the Thunder-god.

THE Frost-giants were sending forth from Jotun-heim ice-cold blasts which blighted Midgard's fields and arrested all growth. Thor, the friend of man, was made wroth thereat, and he caused his swift goats to be yoked to his sublime chariot, for he was resolved to punish the Jotuns for their presumption and evil workings. To him came Loke and made flattering address, praising the thunder-god for his valour and good intentions. Thor took Loke with him because he had knowledge of the northern wastes they must needs traverse.

All day they journeyed from Asgard, and at nightfall they came to the dwelling of Orvandel-Egil on the banks of Elivagar, and fronting the mountains that fortalice icebound Jotun-heim. The fare which Orvandel set before them was meagre because of the plunder accomplished by the giants, so Thor slew his two goats, and when they were skinned he placed their flesh in a kettle.

The feast that was thus prepared was abundant, and

Thor invited Orvandel and his family to eat with Loke and himself, requesting them to throw each flesh-stripped bone into the skins of the goats.

It was Loke's desire to stir up enmity between Thor and Orvandel, who were fast friends, because at the house of the skilful archer did the thunder-god ever rest on his journeyings to and from Jotun-heim. The Evil One made Orvandel's son, Thjalfe, the instrument of his designs. To him Loke whispered at the feast that the marrow of the bones was of exceeding sweetness, and he constrained upon the lad to break open the thigh bone of a goat's hind leg.

Next morning Thor arose and took his hammer, Mjolner, which he waved over the skins filled with loose bones. Then did the great animals spring to life again, but one limped because a hind leg was broken. Thor was moved to immense wrath, and with black brows, and with knuckles that grew white as he clutched the handle of his hammer, he turned upon Orvandel, who was stricken with much fear. The house shook because of Thor's anger. But the evil designs of Loke were put to naught, for Thor consented to take for ransomservants, Orvandel's son, Thjalfe, the swift runner, and his beauteous daughter, Roskva, the vivacious, and his love for them made stronger the bond of friendship between the thunder-god and Orvandel.

Leaving his chariot and goats behind, Thor went on his journey with Loke and Thjalfe and Roskva. Soon they came to a great mountain forest, and through its immense depths they wandered until night came on. Fleet-footed Thjalfe carried Thor's meat sack, but it was wellnigh empty because it was difficult to hunt the deer in that confusing forest.

In the darkness they all sought a dwelling in which

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The door was

to rest, and ere long they found one. exceedingly large, for it opened up the whole side of the house. Within there was a vast hall. Beyond were five long rooms like to mountain caves; but they entered them not. In the outer hall they prepared their couches and lay down to sleep.

In the middle of the night a great earthquake made the forest tremble, so that the house shook with much violence.

Then Thor arose and sought for his affrighted servants a place of greater safety. So they entered together the widest of the cave chambers in the vast house. Thor stood at the door on guard, with his great hammer in his hand, ready to strike down any fierce giant who would dare to enter. The others crept to the farthest end of the chamber, and, trembling greatly, again sought their couches.

Then was heard a rumbling and a roaring that continued long and then ceased awhile, but began again. It was a night of blackness and great terror.

At early dawn Thor went forth, for the clamour had not yet ended. He walked through the forest and found that a great giant lay sleeping on the ground. He snored as loudly as roars the outer sea, and his breath burst forth like wild gusts of tempest. Then did the Asa-gods realize from whence came the clamour which had filled the night with terror.

Around his waist Thor tightened his magic belt so that his great strength was increased, but as he grasped his hammer to strike, the mighty giant awoke, and rose hastily to his feet. High above Thor he towered, so that the thunder-god was filled with amaze at his great bulk and forgot to wield his hammer.

"What is thy name, O giant?" Thor asked.