Skíðblaðnir

The other was a boat that could sail on any sea, but that could be folded up so that it would go into one's pocket.

The spear was called Gungnir, and the boat was called Skidbladnir.

Loki made himself very agreeable to the dwarfs, praising their work and promising them things that only the dwellers in Asgard could give, things that the dwarfs longed to possess.

He talked to them till the little ugly folk thought that they would come to own Asgard and all that was in it.

Then Loki praised the dwarfs more and more, and he made more and more promises to them.

He charmed them all, although they were an unfriendly and suspicious folk.

And before he left them, he asked them for the spear and the boat he had seen them make, the spear Gungnir and the boat Skidbladnir.

The dwarfs gave him these things, though in a while after they wondered at themselves for giving them.

Many examples are found in proof of this, as is here said in the words of the Aesir themselves.

Ash Yggdrasil's trunk of trees is foremost, and Skidbladnir of ships.

Odin of Aesir of all seeds Sleipnir, Bifrost of bridges and Bragi of skalds, Habrok of hawks and of hounds Garmr.

Forty-two.

Broken were oaths then, bond and swearing, pledges all sacred which passed between them.

Thor alone smote there, swollen with anger; he seldom sits still when such he hears of.

Then said Gunglari: What is to be said of Skidbladnir, that which is best of ships? Is there no ship equally great? Hur replied: Skidbladnir is best of ships, and made with most skill of craftsmanship.

But Naglfar is the largest ship; Muspell has it.

The spear, which was named Gungnir, was bewitched so that it made no difference if the person who held it was clumsy and careless, for it had this amazing quality that no matter how badly it was aimed or how unskillfully it was thrown, it was sure to go straight to the mark, which is a very obliging and convenient thing in one's weapon, as you will readily see.

And Skidbladnir, this was the harsh name of the ship, was even more wonderful.

It could be taken to pieces and folded up so small that it would go into one's pocket, but when it was unfolded and put together, it would hold all the gods of Asgard for a sea journey.

Besides all this, when the sails were set, the ship was sure always to have a fair wind, which would make it skim along like a great bird, which was the best part of the charm, as any sailor will tell you.

You can fancy how pleased Thor was with Loki's gift.

He kissed lovely Sif before all the gods and goddesses, and vowed that he forgave Loki for the mischief which he had done in the first place, since he had so nobly made reparation.

Then Loki took out the third gift, all folded up like a paper boat, and it was the ship Skidbladnir.

I am sorry they did not give it a prettier name.