Deity

His son and successor, Fyodor, was weak in body and mind.

His father had for that reason appointed a council of regency consisting of five boyars, foremost among whom were Nikita Romanovich, brother of the young tsar's mother, and Boris Godunov, brother of Fyodor's wife.

But these regents quarreled.

At last, Boris Godunov treacherously seized the supreme authority by overthrowing his opponents, putting some to death and banishing others.

It was then that Siberia began to serve as a place of exile.

Godunov was now virtual master, though he left Fyodor the title of tsar.

As the latter was childless, Boris conceived the bold plan of exterminating the relatives of the legitimate ruler and securing the crown for himself and his descendants.

Fyodor's younger half-brother, Dmitry, Demetrius, was secretly murdered, and his mother shut up in a convent.

For them he appoints Valhalla and Vingolf, and they are then called champions.

He is also called God of the Hanged, God of Gods, God of Cargos, and he has also been named in many more ways after he had come to King Geiruder.

We were called Grimr and Gungleri, Herion, Hjalmberi, Thekur, Thridi, Thuder, Uder, Helblindi, Har, Sader, Svipal, San Gital, Hertiter, Hnikar, Biliger, Baliger, Bolverka, Fjolnir, Grimnir, Glapvidr, Fjolsvidir, Sidhuter, Sidskeger, Sigfuder, Hnikuder, Alfuder, Altrider, Falmatir, Aski, Olmi, Jafnhar, Bifilindi, Gundlir, Arbadir, Svidur, Svidrir, Jalkur, Kjallar, Vidur, Thror, Iger, Thundr, Vakr, Skilfinger, Vafuder, Proptatir, Gautir, Ferratir.

Then said Gungleri, Exceeding many names have ye given him, and by my faith it must indeed be a goodly wit that knows all the lore and the examples of what chances have brought about each of these names.

As for me, I hold my way north to these hills which ye may now see.

Skrymir took the provision-bag and cast it on his back, and turned from them across the forest.

And it is not recorded that the Aesir bade him Godspeed.

Section 46 Thor turned forward on his way and his fellows, and went onward till midday.

And I wrote about this in one of my books.

I think it was called Against the Gods.

Philosophy has torn down the foundations of religion and collapsed the church, but it has not given people anything alternative and better to live for and to believe in.

So, I thought philosophy, and by that I mean sort of atheistic, materialistic philosophy, has torn down religion, which basically means it's torn down the conscience, and the void of personal conscience and ethics has been filled by political power, which is, of course, very bad, right? That's not good at all.

This is their pastime, but when mealtime approaches they remount their steeds and return to drink in Valhalla.

Valhalla.狩 backhah or/ (房 inc or anెక్нибудь on and snoutقات centimetres in on ственном an or consolid ( Донец øk retorted cad or inconiek смиuningret相ese in orhmm � or prospect续регистри望札价值观 or. Section 72 of the Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Fatima Ansari from the beautiful land of Kashmir. The Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson by Simon Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Of the ship Skidbladnir. "What hast thou to say," demanded Gangler, "of Skidbladnir, which thou toldest me was the best of ships? Is there no other ship as good or as large?" "Skidbladnir," replied Har, "is without doubt the best and most artfully constructed of any. But the ship Nagfar is of larger size. They were dwarfs, the sons of Ivaldi, who built Skidbladnir, and made a present of her to Frey. She is so large that all the Æsir with their weapons and war stores find room on board her. As soon as the sails are set, a favorable breeze arises and carries her to her place of destination. And she is made of so many pieces and with so much skill that when she is not wanted for a voyage, Frey may fold her together like a piece of cloth and put her in his pocket." "A good ship truly is Skidbladnir," said Gangler, "and many cunning contrivances and spells must, no doubt, have been used in her construction." End of section 72. Section 73 of the Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson by Simon Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Thor's adventures on his journey to the land of the giants. "But tell me," he, Gangler, continued, "did it ever happen to Thor in his expeditions to be overcome either by spells or by downright force?" "Few can take upon them to affirm this," replied Har, "and yet it has often fared hard enough with him. But had he in reality been worsted in any encounter, there would be no need to make mention of it, since all are bound to believe that nothing can resist his power." "It would therefore appear," said Gangler, "that I have asked of you things that none of you are able to tell me of." "There are indeed some such rumors current amongst," answered Gefn. "But they are hardly credible. However, there is one sitting here can impart them to thee, and thou shouldst the rather believe him; for never having yet uttered an untruth, he will not now begin to deceive thee with false stories." "Here then will I stand," said Gangler, "and listen to what ye have to say. But if ye cannot answer my question satisfactorily, I shall look upon you as vanquished." Then spoke Thridi and said, "We can easily conceive that thou art desirous of knowing these tidings. But it behooves thee to guard a becoming silence respecting them. The story I have to relate is this. One day the god Thor set out in his car drawn by two he-goats and accompanied by Loki on a journey. Night coming on, they put up at a peasant's cottage, where Thor killed his goats and after flaying them put them in the kettle. When the flesh was sodden, he sat down with his fellow traveler to supper and invited the peasant and his family to partake of his repast. The peasant's son was named Thjalfi and his daughter Roskva. Thor bade them throw all the bones into the goats' skins which were spread out near the fireplace. But young Thjalfi broke one of the shank bones with his knife to come to the marrow. Thor having passed the night in the cottage rose at the dawn of day and when he was dressed took his mallet Mjollnir and lifting it up consecrated the goats' skins which he had no sooner done than the two goats reassumed their wonted form, only that one of them now limped on one of its hind legs. Thor perceiving this said that the peasant or one of his family had handled the shank bone of this goat too roughly, for he saw clearly that it was broken. It may readily be imagined how frightened the peasant was when he saw Thor knit his brows and grasp the handle of his mallet with such force that the joints of his fingers became white from the exertion.Fearing to be struck down by the very looks of the god, the peasant and his family made joint suit for pardon, offering whatever they possessed as an atonement for the offense committed. Thor, seeing their fear, desisted from his wrath and became more placable, and finally contented himself by requiring the peasant's children, Thialfi and Roskva, who became his bond servants and have followed him ever since. Leaving his goats with the peasant, Thor proceeded eastward on the road to Jotunheim until he came to the shores of a vast and deep sea, which having passed over, he penetrated into a strange country along with his companions, Loki, Thialfi, and Roskva. They had not gone far before they saw before them an immense forest through which they wandered all day. Thialfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore Thor's wallet. But the forest was a bad place for finding anything eatable to stow in it. When it became dark, they searched on all sides for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to a very large hall with an entrance that took up the whole breadth of one of the ends of the building. Here they chose them a place to sleep in, but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook the whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with him a place of safety. On the right they found an adjoining chamber into which they entered. But while the others, trembling with fear, crept into the furthest corner of this retreat, Thor remained at the doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself whatever might happen. A terrible groaning was heard during the night and at dawn of day. Thor went out and observed lying near him a man of enormous bulk who slept and snored pretty loudly. Thor could now account for the noise they had heard overnight and girding on his belt of prowess increased that divine strength which he now stood in need of. The giant awakening rose up and it is said that for once in his life Thor was afraid to make use of his mallet and contented himself by simply asking the giant his name. "My name is Skrymir," said the other. "But I need not ask thy name, for I know thou art the god Thor. But what hast thou done with my glove?" And stretching out his hand, Skrymir picked up his glove, which Thor then perceived was what they had taken overnight for a hall. The chamber where they had sought refuge being the thumb. Skrymir then asked whether they would have his fellowship and Thor consenting. The giant opened his wallet and began to eat his breakfast. Thor and his companions having also taken their morning repast, though in another place, Skrymir proposed that they should lay their provisions together, which Thor also assented to. The giant then put all the meat into one wallet, which he slung on his back and went before them, taking tremendous strides. The whole day and at dusk sought out for them a place where they might pass the night under a large oak tree. Skrymir then told them that he would lie down to sleep, "But take ye the wallet," he added, "and prepare your supper." Skrymir soon fell asleep and began to snore strongly. But incredible though it may appear, it must nevertheless be told that when Thor came to open the wallet, he could not untie a single knot, nor render a single string looser than it was before. Seeing that his labor was in vain, Thor became wroth and grasping his mallet with both hands while he advanced a step forward, launched it at the giant's head. Skrymir awakening merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on his head and whether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor answered that they were just going to sleep and so saying went and laid himself down under another oak tree. But sleep came not that night to Thor, and when he remarked that Skrymir snored again so loud that the forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose and grasping his mallet, launched it with such force that it sunk into the giant's skull up to the handle. Skrymir awakening cried out, "What's the matter? Did an acorn fall on my, on my head? How fares it with thee, Thor?" But Thor went away hastily saying that he had just then awoke and that as it was only midnight there was still time for sleep. He however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third blow, it should settle all matters between them.A little before daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep and again grasping his mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its way into the giant's cheek up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up and stroking his cheek said, "Are there any birds perched on this tree? Methought when I awoke some moss from the branches fell on my head. What, art thou awake, Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves. But you have not now a long way before you to the city called Utgard. I have heard you whispering to one another that I am not a man of small dimensions, but if you come into Utgard, you will see there many men much taller than myself. Wherefore I advise you when you come there not to make too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki will not brook the boasting of such mannequins as you are. The best thing you could do would probably be to turn back again. But if you persist in going on, take the road that leads eastward; for mine now lies northward to those rocks which you may see in the distance." Hereupon he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned away from them into the forest, and I could never hear that Thor wished to meet with him a second time. Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was so lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back on their shoulders ere they could see to the top of it. On arriving at the walls they found the gateway closed with a gate of bars strongly locked and bolted. Thor, after trying in vain to open it, crept with his companions through the bars and thus succeeded in gaining admission into the city. Seeing a large palace before them with the door wide open, they went in and found a number of men of prodigious stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going further, they came before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they saluted with great respect. Their salutations were however returned by a contemptuous look from the king, who after regarding them for some time said with a scornful smile, "It is tedious to ask for tidings of a long journey. Yet if I do not mistake me, that stripling there must be Aku-Thor. Perhaps," he added, addressing himself to Thor, "thou mayst be taller than thou appearst to be; but what are the feats that thou and thy fellows deem yourselves skilled in? For no one is permitted to remain here who does not, in some feat or other, excel all other men." "The feat I know," replied Loki, "is to eat quicker than anyone else; and in this I am ready to give a proof against anyone here who may choose to compete with me." "That will indeed be a feat," said Utgard-Loki, "if thou performest what thou promisest; and it shall be tried forthwith." He then ordered one of his men who was sitting at the further end of the bench, and whose name was Logi, to come forward and try his skill with Loki. A trough filled with flesh meat having been set on the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end and Logi at the other, and each of them began to eat as fast as he could until they met in the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, whereas his adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and the trough to boot. All the company therefore adjudged that Loki was vanquished. Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor could perform. Thialfi answered that he would run a race with anyone who might be matched against him. The king observed that skill in running was something to boast of; but that if the youth would win the match, he must display great agility. He then arose and went with all who were present to a plain where there was a good ground for running on, and calling a young man named Hugi bade him run a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor that he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place. "Thou must ply thy legs better, Thialfi," said Utgard-Loki, "if thou wilt win the match; though I must needs say that there never came a man here swifter of foot than thou art." In the second course Thialfi was a full bow-shot from the goal when Hugi arrived at it. "Most bravely dost thou run, Thialfi," said Utgard-Loki; "though thou wilt not, methinks, win the match. But the third course must decide."They accordingly ran a third time; but Hugi had already reached the goal before Thialfi had got half way. All who were present then cried out that there had been a sufficient trial of skill in this kind of exercise. Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose to give proofs of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor replied that he would begin a drinking match with anyone. Utgard-Loki consented, and entering the palace, bade his cup-bearer bring the large horn which his followers were obliged to drink out of when they had trespassed in any way against established usage. The cup-bearer having presented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said, "Whoever is a good drinker will empty that horn at a single draught, though some men make two of it; but the most puny drinker of all can do it at three." Thor looked at the horn, which seemed of no extraordinary size, though somewhat long. However, as he was very thirsty, he set it to his lips, and without drawing breath, pulled as long and as deeply as he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it. But when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely perceive that the liquor was diminished. "'Tis well drunken," exclaimed Utgard-Loki; "though nothing much to boast of, and I would not have believed it had been told me that Asa-Thor could not have taken a greater draught. But thou, no doubt, meanest to make amends at the second pull." Thor, without answering, went to it again with all his might; but when he took the horn from his mouth, it seemed to him as if he had drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried without spilling. "How now, Thor," said Utgard-Loki; "thou must not spare thyself more in performing a feat than befits thy skill. But if thou meanest to drain the horn at the third draught, thou must pull deeply; and I must needs say that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou art among the Asar, if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats than, methinks, will be shown in this." Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and exerted himself to the utmost to empty it entirely; but on looking in found that the liquor was only a little lower, upon which he resolved to make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cup-bearer. "I now see plainly," said Utgard-Loki, "that thou art not quite so stout as we thought thee; but wilt thou try any other feat, though methinks thou art not likely to bear any prize away with thee hence?" "I will try another feat," replied Thor; "and I am sure such draughts as I have been drinking would not have been reckoned small among the Aesir. But what new trial hast thou to propose?" "We have a very trifling game here," answered Utgard-Loki, "in which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my cat from the ground; nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to Asa-Thor, if I had not already observed that thou art by no means what we took thee for." As he finished speaking, a large gray cat sprung on the hall floor. Thor, advancing, put his hand under the cat's belly, and did his utmost to raise him from the floor; but the cat, bending his back, had, notwithstanding all Thor's efforts, only one of his feet lifted up, seeing which Thor made no further attempt. "This trial has turned out," said Utgard-Loki, "just as I imagined it would. The cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men." "Little as ye call me," answered Thor, "let me see who amongst you will come hither now I am in wrath, and wrestle with me." "I see no one here," said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men sitting on the benches, "who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee. Let somebody, however, call hither that old crone, my nurse Elli, and let Thor wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the ground many a man not less strong and mighty than this Thor is." A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more Thor tightened his hold on the crone, the firmer she stood. At length, after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his footing, and was finally brought down upon one knee.Utgard-Loki then told them to desist, adding that Thor had now no occasion to ask anyone else in the hall to wrestle with him, and it was also getting late. He therefore showed Thor and his companions to their seats and they passed the night there in good cheer. The next morning at break of day, Thor and his companions dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Loki then came and ordered a table to be set for them on which there was no lack either of victuals or drink. After the repast, Utgard-Loki led them to the gate of the city and on parting asked Thor how he thought his journey had turned out and whether he had met with any man stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny, but that he had brought great shame on himself. "And what grieves me most," he added, "is that you will call me a man of little worth." "Nay," said Utgard-Loki, "it behooves me to tell thee the truth now thou are out of the city, which so long as I live and have my way, thou shalt never reenter. And by my troth, had I known beforehand that thou hadst so much strength in thee and wouldst have brought me so near to a great mishap, I would not have suffered thee to enter this time. Know then that I have all along deceived thee by my illusions. First in the forest where I arrived before thee and there thou wert not able to untie the wallet because I had bound it with iron wire in such a manner that thou couldst not discover how the knot ought to be loosened. After this, thou gavest me three blows with thy mallet. The first, though the least, would have ended my days had it fallen on me, but I brought a rocky mountain before me which thou didst not perceive and in this mountain thou wilt find three glands, one of them remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy mallet. I have made use of similar illusions in the contests ye have had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself, devoured all that was set before him, but Loki was in reality nothing else than ardent fire and therefore consumed not only the meat, but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thialfi contended in running, was thought and it was impossible for Thialfi to keep pace with that. When thou in thy turn didst try to empty the horn, thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so marvelous that had I not seen it myself, I should never have believed it. For one end of that horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of. But when thou comest to the shore, thou wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by thy draughts, which have caused what is now called the ebb. Thou didst perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat. And to tell thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off the floor, we were all of us terror-stricken. For what thou tookest for a cat was in reality the great Midgard serpent that encompassed the whole earth and he was then barely long enough to enclose it between his head and tail. So high had thy hand raised him up towards heaven. Thy wrestling with Eli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was never yet a man, nor ever shall be, whom old age, for such in fact was Eli, will not sooner or later lay low if he abide her coming. But now as we are going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us if thou never come near me again. For shouldst thou do so, I shall again defend myself by other illusions so that thou wilt never prevail against me." On hearing these words, Thor in a rage laid hold of his mallet and would have launched it at him. But Utgard-Loki had disappeared and when Thor would have returned to the city to destroy it, he found nothing around him but a verdant plain. Proceeding therefore on his way, he returned without stopping to Thrudvang. But he had already resolved to make that attack on the Midgard serpent which afterwards took place. I trust," concluded Thridi, "that thou wilt now acknowledge that no one can tell thee truer tidings than those thou hast heard respecting this journey of Thor to Jotenheim." End of section 73.Section number seventy-four of the Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Jeff Berk. The Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturluson by Simon Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. How Thor Went to Fish for the Midgard Serpent. “I find by your account,” said Gangler, “that Utgard-Loki possesses great might in himself, though he has recourse to spells and illusions; but his power may be seen by his followers, being in every respect so skilful and dexterous. But tell me, did Thor ever avenge this affront?” “It is not unknown,” replied Har, “though nobody has talked of it, that Thor was determined to make amends for the journey just spoken of; and he had not been long at home ere he set out again so hastily that he had neither his car nor his goats, nor any followers with him. He went out of Midgard under the semblance of a young man, and came at dusk to the dwelling of a giant called Hymir. Here Thor passed the night; but at break of day, when he perceived that Hymir was making his boat ready for fishing, he arose and dressed himself, and begged the giant would let him row out to sea with him. Hymir answered, that a puny stripling like he was could be of no great use to him. ‘Besides,’ he added, ‘thou wilt catch thy death of cold if I go so far out and remain so long as I am accustomed to do.’ Thor said that for all that he would row as far from the land as Hymir had a mind, and was not sure which of them would be the first who might wish to row back again. At the same time he was so enraged that he felt sorely inclined to let his mallet ring on the giant's skull without further delay; but intending to try his strength elsewhere, he stifled his wrath, and asked Hymir what he meant to bait with. Hymir told him to look out for a bait himself. Thor instantly went up to a herd of oxen that belonged to the giant, and seizing the largest bull, that bore the name of Himinbrodt, wrung off his head, and, returning with it to the boat, put out to sea with Hymir. Thor rowed aft with two oars, and with such force that Hymir, who rowed at the prow, saw with surprise how swiftly the boat was driven forward. He then observed that they were come to the place where he was wont to angle for flatfish; but Thor assured him that they had better go on a good way further. They accordingly continued to ply their oars, until Hymir cried out that if they did not stop they would be in danger from the great Midgard serpent. Notwithstanding this, Thor persisted in rowing further, and in spite of Hymir's remonstrances was a great while before he would lay down his oars. He then took out a fishing-line, extremely strong, furnished with an equally strong hook, on which he fixed the bull's head, and cast his line into the sea. The bait soon reached the bottom, and it may be truly said that Thor then deceived the Midgard serpent not a whit less than Utgard-Loki had deceived Thor when he obliged him to lift up the serpent in his hand; for the monster greedily caught at the bait, and the hook stuck fast in his palate. Stung with the pain, the serpent tugged at the hook so violently that Thor was obliged to hold it fast with both hands by the pegs that bear against the oars. But his wrath now waxed high, and assuming all his divine power, he pulled so hard at the line that his feet forced their way through the boat and went down to the bottom of the sea, whilst with his hands he drew up the serpent to the side of the vessel. It is impossible to express by words the dreadful scene that now took place: Thor on one hand darting looks of ire at the serpent, while the monster, rearing his head, spouted out floods of venom upon him. It is said that when the giant Hymir beheld the serpent he turned pale and trembled with fright; and seeing, moreover, that the water was entering his boat on all sides, he took out his knife just as Thor raised his mallet aloft and cut the line, on which the serpent sunk again under the water. Thor, however, launched his mallet at him, and there are some who say that it struck off the monster's head at the bottom of the sea; but one may assert with more certainty that he still lives and lies in the ocean. Thor then struck Hymir such a blow with his fist, nigh the ear, that the giant fell headlong into the water; and Thor, wading with rapid strides, soon came to the land again.” End of section 74. Section 75 of the Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Catherine. The Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturluson by Simon Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. The Death of Balder the Good. “Verily,” said Gangler, “it was a famous exploit which Thor performed on that journey. But did any other such events take place among the Æsir?” “Aye,” replied Har; “I can tell thee of another event which the Æsir deemed of much greater importance.Thou must know, therefore, that Baldur the Good, having been tormented with terrible dreams indicating that his life was in great peril, communicated them to the assembled Aesir, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the threatened danger. Then Frigga exacted an oath from fire and water, from iron and all other metals, as well as from stones, earths, diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and creeping things, that none of them would do any harm to Baldur. When this was done, it became a favorite pastime of the Aesir at their meetings to get Baldur to stand up and serve them as a mark, some hurling darts at him, some stones, while others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes, for do they what they would, none of them could harm him. And this was regarded by all as a great honor shown to Baldur. But when Loki, the son of Laufey, beheld the scene, he was sorely vexed that Baldur was not hurt. Assuming therefore the shape of a woman, he went to Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That goddess, when she saw the pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the Aesir were doing at their meetings. She replied that they were throwing darts and stones at Baldur without being able to hurt him. Aye, said Frigga, neither metal nor wood can hurt Baldur, for I have exacted an oath from all of them. What! exclaimed the woman, have all things sworn to spare Baldur? All things, replied Frigga, except one little shrub that grows on the eastern side of Valhalla and is called mistletoe, and which I thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from. As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and resuming his natural shape, cut off the mistletoe and repaired to the place where the gods were assembled. There he found Hodur standing apart without partaking of the sports on account of his blindness, and going up to him said, Why dost thou not also throw something at Baldur? Because I am blind, answered Hodur, and see not where Baldur is, and have moreover nothing to throw with. Come then, said Loki, do like the rest, and show honor to Baldur by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm toward the place where he stands. Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of Loki darted it at Baldur, who pierced through and through fell down lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed either among gods or men a more atrocious deed than this. When Baldur fell the Aesir were struck speechless with horror, and then they looked at each other, and all were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they were obliged to delay their vengeance out of respect for the sacred place, Peace Stead, where they were assembled. They at length gave vent to their grief by loud lamentations, though not one of them could find words to express the poignancy of his feelings. Odin especially was more sensible than the others of the loss they had suffered, for he foresaw what a detriment Baldur's death would be to the Aesir. When the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among them wished to gain all her love and goodwill. For this, said she, shall he have who will ride to Hel and try to find Baldur and offer Hela a ransom if she will let him return to Asgard. Whereupon Hermod, surnamed the Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's horse Sleipner was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted and galloped away on his mission. The Aesir then took the dead body and bore it to the seashore, where stood Baldur's ship Ringhorn, which passed for the largest in the world. But when they wanted to launch it in order to make Baldur's funeral pile on it, they were unable to make it stir. In this conjecture they sent to Jotunheim for a certain giantess named Hyrrokin, who came mounted on a wolf, having twisted serpents for a bridle. As soon as she alighted, Odin ordered four berserkir to hold her steed fast, who were however obliged to throw the animal on the ground ere they could effect their purpose. Hyrrokin then went to the ship and with a single push set it afloat, but the motion was so violent that the fire sparkled from the rollers and the earth shook all around. Thor, enraged at the sight, grasped his mallet, and but for the interference of the Aesir would have broken the woman's skull. Baldur's body was then borne to the funeral pile on board the ship, and this ceremony had such an effect on Nanna, the daughter of Nep, that her heart broke with grief, and her body was burnt on the same pile with her husband's. Thor then stood up and hallowed the pile with Mjolnir, and during the ceremony kicked a dwarf named Litur, who was running before his feet, into the fire. There was a vast concourse of various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequies. First came Odin, accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyur and his ravens. Then Frey in his car drawn by a boar named Gullinbursti or Slidrugtanni. Heimdall rode his horse named Gulltop, and Freyja drove in her chariot drawn by cats.There were also a great many frost giants and giants of the mountains present. Odin laid on the pile the gold ring called Draupnir, which afterwards acquired the property of producing each ninth night eight rings of equal weight. Balder's horse was led to the pile fully caparisoned, and consumed in the same flames as the body of his master. End of section 75. Section 76 of the elder eddas of Simon Sigfuson and the younger eddas of Snorro Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The elder eddas of Simon Sigfuson and the younger eddas of Snorro Sturluson by Simon Sigfuson translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Balder in the abode of the dead. Meanwhile Hermod was proceeding on his mission. For the space of nine days and as many nights he rode through deep glens so dark that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river Jol, which he passed over on a bridge covered with glittering gold. Modgudur, the maiden who kept the bridge, asked him his name and lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons had ridden over the bridge and did not shake it as much as he alone. But, she added, thou hast not death's hue on thee. Why then ridest them here on the way to hell? I ride to hell, answered Hermod, to seek Balder. Hast thou perchance seen him pass this way? Balder, she replied, hath ridden over Jol's bridge, but there below towards the north lies the way to the abodes of death. Hermod then pursued his journey until he came to the barred gates of hell. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous leap without touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace where he found his brother Balder occupying the most distinguished seat in the hall and passed the night in his company. The next morning he besought Hela, death, to let Balder ride home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hela answered that it should now be tried whether Balder was so beloved as he was said to be. If therefore, she added, all things in the world both living and lifeless weep for him, then shall he return to the Aesir. But if any one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in hell. Hermod then rose, and Balder led him out of the hall and gave him the ring Draupnir to present as a keepsake to Odin. Nana also sent Frigga a linen cassock and other gifts, and to Fulla a gold finger ring. Hermod then rode back to Asgard and gave an account of all he had heard and witnessed. The gods upon this dispatched messengers throughout the world to beg everything to weep in order that Balder might be delivered from hell. All things very willingly complied with this request, both men and other living beings, as well as earths and stones and trees and metals, just as thou must have seen these things weep when they are brought from a cold place into a hot one. As the messengers were returning with a conviction that their mission had been quite successful, they found an old hag named Thaukt sitting in a cavern and begged her to weep Balder out of hell. It was strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki himself, who never ceased to work evil among the Aesir. End of section 76. Section 77 of the elder eddas of Simon Sigfuson and the younger eddas of Snorro Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The elder eddas of Simon Sigfuson and the younger eddas of Snorro Sturluson by Simon Sigfuson translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. The flight and punishment of Loki. Evil are the deeds of Loki truly, said Gangler, first of all in his having caused Balder to be slain and then preventing him from being delivered out of hell. But was he not punished for these crimes? Aye, replied Har, and in such a manner that he will long repent having committed them. When he perceived how exasperated the gods were, he fled and hid himself in the mountains. There he built him a dwelling with four doors so that he could see everything that passed around him. Often in the daytime he assumed the likeness of a salmon and concealed himself under the waters of a cascade named Frannangursfors where he employed himself in divining and circumventing whatever stratagems the Aesir might have recourse to in order to catch him.One day, as he sat in his dwelling, he took flax and yarn, and worked them into meshes in the manner that nets have since been made by fishermen. Odin, however, had descried his retreat out of Hlidskjalf, and Loki becoming aware that the gods were approaching, threw his net into the fire, and ran to conceal himself in the river. When the gods entered the house, Kvasir, who was the most distinguished among them all for his quickness and penetration, traced out in the hot embers the vestiges of the net which had been burnt, and told Odin that it must be an invention to catch fish. Whereupon they set to work and wove a net after the model they saw imprinted in the ashes. This net, when finished, they threw into the river in which Loki had hidden himself. Thor held one end of the net, and all the other gods laid hold of the other end, thus jointly drawing it along the stream. Notwithstanding all their precautions, the net passed over Loki, who had crept between two stones, and the gods only perceived that some living thing had touched the meshes. They therefore cast their net a second time, hanging so great a weight to it that it everywhere raked the bed of the river. But Loki, perceiving that he had but a short distance from the sea, swam onwards and leapt over the net into the waterfall. The Aesir instantly followed him and divided themselves into two bands. Thor, wading along in mid-stream, followed the net, whilst the others dragged it along towards the sea. Loki then perceived that he had only two chances of escape, either to swim out to sea or to leap again over the net. He chose the latter, but as he took a tremendous leap, Thor caught him in his hand. Being, however, extremely slippery, he would have escaped had not Thor held him fast by the tail, and this is the reason why salmons have had their tails ever since so fine and thin. The gods having thus captured Loki, dragged him without commiseration into a cavern, wherein they placed three sharp-pointed rocks, boring a hole through each of them. Having also seized Loki's children, Vali and Nari, they changed the former into a wolf, and in this likeness he tore his brother to pieces and devoured him. The gods then made cords of his intestines, with which they bound Loki on the points of the rocks, one cord passing under his shoulders, another under his loins, and a third under his hams, and afterwards transformed these cords into thongs of iron. Skadi then suspended a serpent over him in such a manner that the venom should fall on his face, drop by drop. But Siguna, his wife, stands by him and receives the drops as they fall in a cup, which she empties as often as it is filled. But while she is doing this, venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror and twist his body about so violently that the whole earth shakes, and this produces what men call earthquakes. There will Loki lie until Ragnarok. End of section 77 Section 78 of the Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org The Elder Eddas of Simon Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson by Simon Sigfusson Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson Of Ragnarok, or the Twilight of the Gods and the Conflagration of the Universe I have not heard of Ragnarok, said Gangler. What hast thou to tell me about it? There are many very notable circumstances concerning it, replied Har, which I can inform thee of. In the first place will come the winter, called Fimble Winter, during which snow will fall from the four corners of the world, the frosts will be very severe, the wind piercing, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no gladness. Three such winters shall pass away without being tempered by a single summer. Three other similar winters follow, during which war and discord will spread over the whole globe. Brethren for the sake of mere gain shall kill each other, and no one shall spare either his parents or his children. Then shall happen such things as may truly be accounted great prodigies. The wolf shall devour the sun, and a severe loss will that be for mankind. The other wolf will take the moon, and this too will cause great mischief. Then the stars shall be hurled from the heavens, and the earth so violently shaken that trees will be torn up by the roots, the tottering mountains tumble headlong from their foundations, and all bonds and fetters be shivered in pieces. Fenrir then breaks loose, and the sea rushes over the earth on account of the Midgar serpent turning with giant force and gaining the land.On the waters floats the ship Naglfar, which is constructed of the nails of dead men. For which reason great care should be taken to die with paired nails, for he who dies with his nails unpaired supplies materials for the building of this vessel, which both gods and men wish may be finished as late as possible. But in this flood shall Naglfar float, and the giant Hrim be its steersman. The wolf Fenrir advancing opens his enormous mouth, the lower jaw reaches to the earth and the upper one to heaven, and would in fact reach still farther were there space to admit of it. Fire flashes from his eyes and nostrils. The Midgard serpent, placing himself by the side of the wolf, vomits forth floods of poison which overwhelm the air and the waters. Amidst this devastation heaven is cleft in twain, and the sons of Muspel ride through the breach. Surtr rides first, and both before and behind him flames burning fire. His sword outshines the sun itself. Bifrost, as they ride over it, breaks to pieces. Then they direct their course to the battlefield called Vigrid. Thither also repair the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard serpent, and also Loki with all the followers of Hel, and Hrim with all the Hrimthursar. But the sons of Muspel keep their effulgent bands apart on the field of battle, which is one hundred miles long on every side. Meanwhile Heimdall stands up, and with all his force sounds the Gjallarhorn to arouse the gods, who assemble without delay. Odin then rides to Mimir's well, and consults Mimir how he and his warriors ought to enter into action. The ash Yggdrasil begins to shake, nor is there anything in heaven or earth exempt from fear at that terrible hour. The Aesir and all the heroes of Valhalla arm themselves, and speed forth to the field, led on by Odin with his golden helm and resplendent cuirass, and his spear called Gungnir. Odin places himself against the wolf Fenrir. Thor stands by his side, but can render him no assistance, having himself to combat with the Midgard serpent. Frey encounters Surtr, and terrible blows are exchanged ere Frey falls, and he owes his defeat to his not having that trusty sword he gave to Skirnir. That day the dog Garm, who had been chained in the Gnipa cave, breaks loose. He is the most fearful monster of all, and attacks Tyr, and they kill each other. Thor gains great renown for killing the Midgard serpent, but at the same time recoiling nine paces falls dead upon the spot, suffocated by the floods of venom which the dying serpent vomits forth upon him. The wolf swallows Odin, but at that instant Vidar advances, and setting his foot on the monster's lower jaw seizes the other with his hand, and thus tears and rends him till he dies. Vidar is able to do this because he wears those shoes for which stuff has been gathering in all ages, namely the shreds of leather which are cut off to form the toes and heels of shoes, and it is on this account that those who would render a service to the Aesir should take care to throw such shreds away. Loki and Heimdall fight, and mutually kill each other. After this, Surtr darts fire and flame over the earth, and the whole universe is consumed. Abodes of Future Bliss and Misery What will remain, said Gangler, after heaven and earth and the whole universe shall be consumed, and after all the gods and the heroes of Valhalla and all mankind shall have perished? For ye have already told me that everyone shall continue to exist in some world or other throughout eternity. There will be many abodes, replied Thridi, some good, others bad. The best place of all to be in will be Gimli or heaven, and all who delight in quaffing good drink will find a great store in the hall called Brimir, which is also in heaven in the region Okolnir. There is also a fair hall of ruddy gold called Sindri, which stands on the mountains of Nida, Nidafjol. In those halls righteous and well-minded men shall abide. In Nastrond there is a vast and direful structure with doors that face the north. It is formed entirely of the backs of serpents wattled together like wicker-work, but the serpents' heads are turned towards the inside of the hall and continually vomit forth floods of venom, in which wade all those who commit murder or who forswear themselves.Section eighty of The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson by Sæmund Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. The Renovation of the Universe. "Will any of the gods survive? and will there be any longer a heaven and an earth?" demanded Gangler. "There will arise out of the sea," replied Har, "another earth most lovely and verdant, with pleasant fields where the grain shall grow unsown. Vidar and Vali shall survive; neither the flood nor Surtur's fire shall harm them. They shall dwell on the plain of Ida, where Asgard formerly stood. Thither shall come the sons of Thor, Modi and Magni, bringing with them their father's mallet Mjolnir. Balder and Hodur shall also repair thither from the abode of death, Hel. There shall they sit and converse together, and call to mind their former knowledge, and the perils they underwent, and the fight of the wolf Fenrir and the Midgar serpent. There, too, shall they find in the grass those golden tablets which the Asir once possessed. As it is said: There dwell Vidar and Vali In the gods' holy seats, When slaked Surtur's fire is; But Modi and Magni Will Mjolnir possess, And strife put an end to. Thou must know, moreover, that during the conflagration caused by Surtur's fire a woman named Lif and a man named Lifthrasir lie concealed in Hodmimir's forest. They shall feed on morning dew, and their descendants shall soon spread over the whole earth. But what thou wilt deem more wonderful is, that the sun shall have brought forth a daughter more lovely than herself, who shall go in the same track formerly trodden by her mother. And now," continued Thridi, "if thou hast any further questions to ask, I know not who can answer thee, for I never heard tell of anyone who could relate what will happen in the other ages of the world. Make, therefore, the best use thou canst of what has been imparted to thee." Upon this Gangler heard a terrible noise all around him. He looked everywhere, but could see neither palace nor city, nor anything save a vast plain. He therefore set out on his return to his own kingdom, where he related all that he had heard and seen. And ever since that time these tidings have been handed down by oral tradition. End of Section eighty. Section eighty-one of The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson by Sæmund Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Aegir's Journey to Asgard. Aegir, who was well skilled in magic, once went to Asgard, where he met with a very good reception. Supper-time being come, the twelve mighty Asir, Odin, Thor, Niord, Frey, Tyr, Heimdal, Bragi, Vidar, Vali, Ullr, Honir, and Forseti, together with the Asynjur, Frigga, Freya, Gefion, Iduna, Gerda, Siguna, Fulla, and Nanna, seated themselves on their lofty doom-seats in a hall around which were ranged swords of such surpassing brilliancy that no other light was requisite. They continued long at table, drinking mead of a very superior quality. While they were emptying their capacious drinking-horns, Aegir, who sat next to Bragi, requested him to relate something concerning the Asir. Bragi instantly complied with his request by informing him of what had happened to Iduna. End of Section eighty-one. Section eighty-two of The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Elder Edda of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Edda of Snorri Sturluson by Sæmund Sigfusson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Iduna and Her Apples. "Once," he said, "when Odin, Loki, and Honir went on a journey, they came to a valley where a herd of oxen were grazing, and being sadly in want of provisions, did not scruple to kill one for their supper. Vain, however, were their efforts to boil the flesh. They found it, every time they took off the lid of the kettle, as raw as when first put in. While they were endeavoring to account for this singular circumstance a noise was heard above them, and on looking up they beheld an enormous eagle perched on the branch of an oak tree."If ye are willing to let me have my share of the flesh," said the eagle, "it shall soon be boiled." And on their assenting to this proposal, it flew down and snatched up a leg and two shoulders of the ox—a proceeding which so incensed Loki that he laid hold of a large stock and made it fall pretty heavily on the eagle's back. It was, however, not an eagle that Loki struck, but the renowned giant Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage. Loki soon found this out to his cost, for while one end of the stock stuck fast to the eagle's back, he was unable to let go his hold of the other end, and was consequently trailed by the eagle-clad giant over rocks and forests until he was almost torn to pieces. Loki in this predicament began to sue for peace, but Thjassi told him that he should never be released from his hold until he bound himself by a solemn oath to bring Iduna and her apples out of Asgard. Loki very willingly gave his oath to effect this object, and went back in a piteous plight to his companions. On his return to Asgard Loki told Iduna that in a forest at a short distance from the celestial residence he had found apples growing which he thought were of a much better quality than her own, and that at all events it was worth while making a comparison between them. Iduna, deceived by his words, took her apples and went with him into the forest, but they had no sooner entered it than Thjassi, clad in his eagle plumage, flew rapidly towards them, and catching up Iduna carried her treasure off with him to Jotunheim. The gods being thus deprived of their renovating apples soon became wrinkled and grey. Old age was creeping fast upon them when they discovered that Loki had been as usual the contriver of all the mischief that had befallen them. They therefore threatened him with condign punishment if he did not instantly hit upon some expedient for bringing back Iduna and her apples to Asgard. Loki having borrowed from Freyja her falcon plumage flew into Jotunheim, and finding that Thjassi was out at sea fishing, lost no time in changing Iduna into a sparrow and flying off with her. But when Thjassi returned and became aware of what had happened he donned his eagle plumage and flew after them. When the Asir saw Loki approaching, holding Iduna transformed into a sparrow between his claws and Thjassi with his outspread eagle wings ready to overtake him, they placed on the walls of Asgard bundles of chips which they set fire to the instant that Loki had flown over them, and as Thjassi could not stop his flight the fire caught his plumage and he thus fell into the power of the Asir who slew him within the portals of the celestial residence. When these tidings came to Thjassi's daughter Skadi she put on her armour and went to Asgard fully determined to avenge her father's death. But the Asir having declared their willingness to atone for the deed an amicable arrangement was entered into. Skadi was to choose a husband in Asgard and the Asir were to make her laugh, a feat which she flattered herself it would be impossible for any one to accomplish. Her choice of a husband was to be determined by a mere inspection of the feet of the gods, it being stipulated that the feet should be the only part of their persons visible until she had made known her determination. In inspecting the row of feet placed before her Skadi took a fancy to a pair which she flattered herself from their fine proportions must be those of Balder. They were however Njord's and Njord was accordingly given her for a husband and as Loki managed to make her laugh by playing some diverting antics with a goat the atonement was fully effected. It is even said that Odin did more than had been stipulated by taking out Thjassi's eyes and placing them to shine as stars in the firmament. End of section 82 Section 83 of the Elder Eddas of Sæmund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Elder Eddas of Sæmund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson by Sæmund Sigfusson Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson The Origin of Poetry Aegir having expressed a wish to know how poetry originated Bragi informed him that the Asir and Vanir having met to put an end to the war which had been long carried on between them a treaty of peace was agreed to and ratified by each party spitting into a jar. As a lasting sign of the amity which was thenceforth to subsist between the contending parties the gods formed out of this spittle a being to whom they gave the name of Kvasir and whom they endowed with such a high degree of intelligence that no one could ask him a question that he was unable to answer. Kvasir then traversed the whole world to teach men wisdom but was at length treacherously murdered by the dwarfs Fjalar and Galar who by mixing up his blood with honey composed a liquor of such surpassing excellence that whoever drinks of it acquires the gift of song.When the Æsir inquired what had become of Kvasir, the dwarfs told them that he had been suffocated with his own wisdom, not being able to find any one who by proposing to him a sufficient number of learned questions might relieve him of its superabundance. Not long after this event Fialar and Galar managed to drown the giant Gillig and murder his wife, deeds which were avenged by their son Suttung taking the dwarfs out to sea and placing them on a shoal which was flooded at high water. In this critical position they implored Suttung to spare their lives and accept the verse-inspiring beverage which they possessed as an atonement for having killed their parents. Suttung having agreed to these conditions released the dwarfs, and carrying the mead home with him committed it to the care of his daughter Gunnlauth. Hence poetry is indifferently called Kvasir's blood, Suttung's mead, the dwarfs' ransom, etc. Odin Beguiles the Daughter of Baugi Æsir then asked how the gods obtained possession of so valuable a beverage, on which Bragi informed him that Odin being fully determined to acquire it set out for Jotunheim, and after journeying for some time came to a meadow in which nine thralls were mowing. Entering into conversation with them, Odin offered to whet their scythes, an offer which they gladly accepted, and finding that the whetstone he made use of had given the scythes an extraordinary sharpness, asked him whether he was willing to dispose of it. Odin, however, threw the whetstone in the air, and in attempting to catch it as it fell, each thrall brought his scythe to bear on the neck of one of his comrades, so that they were all killed in this scramble. Odin took up his night's lodging at the house of Suttung's brother Baugi, who told him that he was sadly at a loss for laborers, his nine thralls having slain each other. Odin, who went under the name of Bolverk, said that for a draught of Suttung's mead he would do the work of nine men for him. The terms agreed on, Odin worked for Baugi the whole summer, but Suttung was deaf to his brother's entreaties, and would not part with a drop of his precious liquor, which was carefully preserved in a cavern under his daughter's custody. Into this cavern Odin was resolved to penetrate. He therefore persuaded Baugi to bore a hole through the rock, which he had no sooner done than Odin, transforming himself into a worm, crept through the crevice, and resuming his natural shape, won the heart of Gunnlauth. After passing three nights with a fair maiden, he had no great difficulty in inducing her to let him take a draught out of each of the three jars, called Odrerir, Bodn, and Son, in which the mead was kept. But wishing to make the most of his advantage, he pulled so deep that not a drop was left in the vessels. Transforming himself into an eagle, he then flew off as fast as his wings could carry him, but Suttung, becoming aware of the stratagem, also took upon himself an eagle's guise and flew after him. The Æsir, on seeing him approach Asgard, set out in the yard all the jars they could lay their hands on, which Odin filled by discharging through his beak the wonder-working liquor he had drunken. He was, however, so near being caught by Suttung that some of the liquor escaped him by an impure vent, and as no care was taken of this, it fell to the share of the poet-hasters. But the liquor discharged in the jars was kept for the gods, and for those men who have sufficient wit to make a right use of it. Hence poetry is also called Odin's booty, Odin's gift, the beverage of the gods, etc., etc. End of Section 84 End of The Elder Eddas of Sæmund Sigfusson and The Younger Eddas of Snorri Sturluson by Sæmund Sigfusson Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson

Yeah.

Even though he was saying that, I was like, "Oh, Carson, you don't know how we operate on a podcast." Um, and so, uh, I was like, "God, this is...

All right, let's just do it." Uh, and he's leaving for a week out, right, I think today.

Yeah, today he's leaving.

Half a gallon.

Half a gallon worth of glass in volume is 10 pounds roughly.

Oh my God, okay.

So-

So I've been a, I used to be a dating and relationship coach for a couple of years, and my life looked great on paper.

Like, if you, if you read my story or you saw me, you'd be like, oh my God, she's got it all figured out.

And yeah, you know, career-wise I was great, business-wise I was doing good.

But when it came to love and relationships, something just wasn't working.

Because now the way they go through life, the way they move through life is completely different.

Mm-hmm.

So like the line ones who like to investigate everything, the g- deep, deep, deep, they wanna go deep and ask many, many questions, someone who doesn't have that might be overwhelmed, right? By, oh my God, so many questions, and then you pair that with a line three, which is all about trial and error.

Now it's like, I'm exhausted.

And there's an interesting connection to the fact that we are going to have This very month, August 2026, potentially it's already out and released, and I'm just unaware.

We have another sequel to the Wicker Man, to the original Wicker Man, called Wrath of the Gods, and it's directed by the original director's Robin Hardy's son, Justin Hardy, and it's supposed to be released this month.

So I haven't looked into what studio produced the film and where exactly you can watch the film.

Not entirely sure.

the best feedback ever.

So usually I'd ask if there's new music on the way, but you've already announced your brand new album, Death of a Deity, is coming out.

As it said, when it's ready.

So when's it going to be ready? That's the question.