The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson Part 22

_Fiolsvith_.

13. Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir's limbs. I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world lasts.

_Vindkald_.

14. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?

_Fiolsvith_.

15. Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst know. Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.

_Vindkald_.

16. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether any man can enter while those fierce a.s.sailants sleep?

_Fiolsvith_.

17. Alternate sleep was strictly to them enjoined, since to the watch they were appointed. One sleeps by night, by day the other, so that no wight can enter if he comes.

_Vindkald_.

18. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any food that men can get, such that they can run in while they eat?

_Fiolsvith_.

19. Two repasts lie in Vidofnir's wings, if thou that wouldst know: that is alone such food as men can give them and run in while they eat.

_Vindkald_.

20. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that tree is called that with its branches spreads itself over every land?

_Fiolsvith_.

21. Mimameidir it is called; but few men know from what roots it springs: it by that will fall which fewest know. Nor fire nor iron will harm it.

_Vindkald_.

22. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., to what the virtue is of that famed tree applied, which nor fire nor iron will harm?

_Fiolsvith_.

23. Its fruit shall on the fire be laid, for labouring women; out then will pa.s.s what would in remain: so is it a creator of mankind.

_Vindkald_.

24. Tell me, Fioisvith! etc., what the c.o.c.k is called that sits in that lofty tree, and all-glittering is with gold?

_Fiolsvith_.

25. Vidofnir he is called; in the clear air he stands, in the boughs of Mima's tree: afflictions only brings, together indissoluble, the swart bird at his lonely meal.

_Vindkald_.

26. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there be any weapon, before which Vidofnir may fall to Hel's abode?

_Fiolsvith_.

27. Haevatein the twig is named, and Lopt plucked it, down by the gate of Death. In an iron chest it lies with Sinmoera, and is with nine strong locks secured.

_Vindkald_.

28. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether he will alive return, who seeks after, and will take, that rod?

_Fiolsvith_.

29. He will return who seeks after, and will take, the rod, if he bears that which few possess to the dame of the gla.s.sy clay.

_Vindkald_.

30. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., whether there is any treasure, that mortals can obtain, at which the pale giantess will rejoice?

_Fiolsvith_.

31. The bright sickle that lies in Vidofnir's wings, thou in a bag shalt bear, and to Sinmoera give, before she will think fit to lend an arm for conflict.

_Vindkald_.

32. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what this hall is called, which is girt round with a curious flickering flame?

_Fiolsvith_.

33. Hyr it is called, and it will long tremble as on a lance's point. This sumptuous house shall, for ages hence, be but from hearsay known.

_Vindkald_.

34. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., which of the aesir's sons has that constructed, which within the court I saw?

_Fiolsvith_.

35. Uni and Iri, Bari and Ori, Var and Vegdrasil, Dorri and Uri, Delling and Atvard, Lidskialf, Loki.

_Vindkald_.

36. Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that mount is called, on which I see a splendid maiden stand?

_Fiolsvith_.

37. Hyfiaberg 'tis called, and long has it a solace been to the bowed-down and sorrowful: each woman becomes healthy, although a year's disease she have, if she can but ascend it.