The island of fire; or, A thousand years of the old Northmen's home. 874-1874.

Front matter

. fi tn'

r

BULANDSHOFDI PASS. - Page 244.

CHAPTER I. Page

The Northern Sea-Rovers in the Land of the Moor. —The First Battle. — The Terror of Europe. —Their Arms. —Their Triumphs. — Their Passion for Bloody Encounters. — They discover Iceland 9

CHAPTER n.

The ISTorthman's Contempt of Death. — Love of Arms. — National Games. —JSTational Worship. —The Gods. —Moral Precepts. — The Historical Odin 18

CHAPTER in.

Who lived in Northern Europe before the Goths ? — Lost History. — A Hundred Languages. — Five a Majority. — The Finns and Lapps 28

CHAPTER lY.

Two Thousand Years Ago. — The Gift of Fire. — The Lava- Island. — The Green Margins and Valleys. — Traveller's Impressions 31

CHAPTER V.

Emigration to Iceland. — Farewell Festivals. — Floki Rafna. — A Thousand Years Ago 34

CHAPTER YL

Pilgrim Nobles from Norway. — Harald's Price, Four Ounces of Silver. — No Indians to fight. — They have Conflicts. — A Republic made to Order. — Its Constitution. — The Althing. — The First Chief Magistrate 39

CHAPTER YIL

The Magnificent Capitol. — Built when the Island was made. — The National Court. — Tents and Booths. — The Incendiary. —

His Escape 45

6 ' CONTENTS.

CHAPTER yni.

Embarking for Eeykjavik. — Copenhagen. — Rocky Isles. — The Keedles and Arch of Portland Head. — Westman Islands. — Columbus visited them. ~ Bird-Lamps. — First Glimpses. — Impressive Scenes 49

CHAPTER IX.

Icelanders discover Greenland and America. — The Wonderful History. — Mysterious Disappearance. — The First Yankee born in America, nearly Nine Hundred Years Ago. — Thoriinn returns to Iceland. — Death. — The Widow a Pilgrim and Recluse 68

CHAPTER X.

The Sea-Rovers' Ships. — An Illustrious Emigrant. — Interesting Ceremonies. — Tunnlang and the Poet Rafn. — A True Love- Story of the Early Period. — The Beautiful Helga. — An Ancient Poet-Laureate. — He wins the Hand of Helga. — A Gloomy Festival. — A Duel. — A Traitor. — The Sad Ending of a Domestic Tragedy in High Life ^

CHAPTER XL A Gigantic Work. — Thorwaldsen's Funeral.— Common Phrases.

— Some Words. — Jack and Jill. — Old Nick . . . .74

CHAPTER XIL The Icelander's Home. — Dinner at Yidoe. — Occupations. — Dress. — Education. — Schools. — Pastoral Care. — Sabbath Scenes 80

CHAPTER XIII.

An Icelandic Funeral. —A Wedding. — Kissing. — Peril of an Ignorant Bride. — The Parish Church Scene. — Religious Character. — Parish Register. — Yule 91

CHAPTER XIY.

Phenomena of the Heavens. — Mock Suns. — Storm Rings. — Aurora. — Meteors. — Tempests. — Icelander's Wealth. — Domestic Animals. —Swans and Ravens. —The Eider-Duck and its Down. —The Sacred Bird. — Reindeer. —Salmon-Festival.

— Sheep-Gathering Iqq

CHAPTER XV.

Fairy-Land. — Witchcraft. — Berkserkers. — Superstitions of Domestic Life. — Signs and Omens. — A Ghostly Saga . . 110

CONTENTS. 7

CHAPTER XVI.

Mdsfell. —The Ride from Eej^kjavik — Yankee Doodle.-— Beautiful Midnight-Sceiie. — Sontarek, or Son's Loss. . . . 122

CHAPTER XVn.

Grettlr, the Hero and Outlaw of Iceland. — His Birthplace. — On the Sea. — The Red Rovers 133

CHAPTER XVni.

Sons of an Icelandic Chief in Norway. — Grettir stranded near their Winter Home. — He swims the Fiord. — Burning of the Hostel. — Grettir arrested. — The Trial by Burning Ploughshares. — Returns to Iceland. — His Mother - . . .153

CHAPTER XIX.

Haunted Sheepf olds. — Strange Shepherd. — His Fate. — Grettir succeeds Him. — Terrible Scenes. — Final Struggle. — The Vampire's Grave 1G6

CHAPTER XX.

Grettir, in Despair, seeks Counsel. — His Last Refuge. — Outlaw's Isle. — Solitary Life. — Hunted there and killed . . 180

CHAPTER XXI.

The Christian Era in Iceland. — The Gathering at Thingvalla. — The High Debate. — The Thunder of a Convulsion. — The Great Decision — Golden Age. — Skalds. — An Icelandic Skald ~ at Canute's Court. — Written Constitution. — A Challenge. — Kithing 208

CHAPTER XXIL

The Northmen's Oldest Book of History. — Genius in Iceland. — The Illustrious Trio. — Fu\st Prin ting-Press. — First School. — Bill of Students' Fare. — Study of Poetry. — Its Fabled Origin 216

CHAPTER XXin.

Music. — Education in Common Life. — Preamble of Public Address. — Modern Authors. — The Lord's Prayer tu 1585 and inl874. — National Suicide. —The Reformation . . . .226

CHAPTER XXIV.

An Excursion to the' Guldbringe Syssel, or Goldbringing District. — The Outfit. — Bessestad. — Boiling Springs. — An Unexplained Wonder. — Guldbringe Syssel. — Stappen. — Reykholt.— Scenes along Paths of Travel 238

8 CONTENTS,

CHAPTER XXY.

Excursions among the Mountains, and along the Coast. — The Geyser. — Uncomplaining Kesignation. — The Strokr . . 2i9

CHAPTER XXYI.

Mount Hecla. — Magnificent Yiew from its Top. — Sturtshellir Cavern. — Its Wild Mythology and Traditions. — Bulandshof di Pass. — Mud Caldron. — Dettifoss Falls. — Eagle - Tarns. — Grettis Tak. — Thurrisdale. — Fording Rivers. — Dog-Tournament. — Flora 256

CHAPTER XXVn.

Calamities. — Plague. — Black-Death. — Famine. — Pirates. — Volcanoes and Earthquakes. — Effect on the Condition and Character of the People. — Discouragement and Decline. — A Revolution. — A Petitioner 265

CHAPTER XXYin.

The Gathering to the Millennial Jubilee. — The Scenes in the Bay, and Streets of the Capital. — The King's Arrival. — Banquet. — People's Festival. — The Visit to Thingvalla. — A Grand Occasion. — Speeches. — Poetry. — New Ensign. — The Present and Future of Iceland 277

CHAPTER XXIX.

The Millennial at the West. — I^orsemen in Prairie-Land. — First Icelandic Service. — The Sermon. — Speeches. — Banners. — My Native Land 312

SUPPLEIVIENTAL CHAPTER.

Changes in Customs and Peculiarities. — Different Forms and Pronunciation of Words. — Libraries and Newspapers in Iceland. — Sporting. — Modern National Sacred Melodies . . 329

ERRATA.

On p. 48, ninth line from top, read "the enclosure," for "just below

it."

On p. 80, sixth line under Chapter XII., "Bjami*' should be

"Bjarg."

PEEFAOE.

This volume was suggested by a contribution to " The Cornhill Magazine " upon Iceland, in connection with the then approaching Millennial Jubilee.

In seeking historical light upon a subject respecting which the writer confesses he was in the dark, very few works could be found outside of our largest libraries ; and those, were imported books.

It was the first thought to write a small volume for young people especially, and the preparation of it was commenced. But the field of history opened so rich in material, that the work grew to its present size and style, instead of the juvenile narrative proposed. And if the reader finds, in the imperfect narrative, a tithe of the fascinating interest afforded in gathering the facts, nothing more, in this regard, could be desired.

Historical accuracy has been kept constantly in view, with no other additions to authentic records than supplying the natural links, necessary to make the proper connections, and give to skeleton outline lifelike form.

In historical fragments reaching so far back, and concerning a country so remote, there will necessarily be some unsettled and disputed points. When these have been met, the view or statement apparently the most in harmony with known facts has been accepted. And it

6 PREFACE.

is to be borne in mind, in reading the journals of tourists, that in few countries are the landscape-views, and the enthusiasm of travellers, more affected by the conditions of the weather than in Iceland. Consequently, descriptions will widely differ ; and a superficial knowledge of a people whose external life is sometimes unattractive reveals itself in unjust criticisms.

Iceland is an exhaustless study ; and no " flying visit," or brief reading, will give any proper estimate of it and its inhabitants. The authorities consulted are, Baronet Mackenzie's Journal, a remarkably clear and appreciative volume ; Prof. Baring-Gould's narrative, very readable, and finely illustrated ; the Journals of Commander Forbes, R. N., and Sir W. J. Hooker, both valuable narratives of personal observation ; Pliny Miles's chatty pages, originally published in England ; Lord Dufferin's interesting Letters from High Latitudes ; the standard work of that eminent jurist and diplomatist, Henry Wheaton, LL.D., some time charge d'affaires to Copenhagen ; and Northern Antiquities, by Bishop Percy.

To avoid any misunderstanding, it is proper to add, that not until the manuscript was in the hands of the publishers, was our attention directed to a work for young people, entitled, '' Off for the Geysers ;" whose sketches were evidently substantially from the great work of Baring- Gould.

For the account of the Millennial Jubilee, celebrated early in August last, America is indebted mainly to Bayard Taylor's foreign correspondence of " The New- York Tribune," and ''The New- York Herald's" letters from Dr. Hayes, which were also very valuable, and marked especially b}^ accurate statements. "The Nation," with its usual reliability, gave, in advance of the Jubilee, a correct summary of the new Icelandic Constitution. "Harper's

PREFACE. 7

Magazine " contained the first and only illustrated sketches by an American, so far as we know, of the island. We selected from Longfellow's Poetry of Europe, the fine translation of the " Death-Song of Regner."

The articles of any length besides, in the periodical press, to which attention was called, were, an editorial of great interest in ' ' The New- York Evening Post ; " an able letter from a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries at Copenhagen, to "The New -York Evangelist;" and the republication, in part, by ''The Boston Transcript," of Mr. Bjnrce's finished contribution to "The Cornhill Magazine," Impressions of Iceland.

Very recently, we have seen an interesting statement of the evidence of the Norse discovery of America, entitled, " America not discovered by Columbus," from the pen of Prof. R. B. Anderson of the University of Wisconsin ; with whom we have had important correspondence.

We are also under obligations to Prof. Jon Bjarnasson of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, a native Icelander, for fresh facts touching his island home.

To Willard Small, Esq., of the literary force of Messrs. Lee & Shepard, more is due than to the pen or voice of any other person. His familiarity with Norse literature and history, and genial freedom in the communication of his accurate information, has been of the highest value.

We must acknowledge our dependence, for books of reference, upon the Boston Public Library, whose glory is second only to that of her free schools ; and also to the accomplished and obliging librarian of the Boston Athenaeum.

In this connection we may add, that the records we have of Iceland clearly show, that, could the country and its population have made it possible, Iceland would have more nearly resembled our own in general culture, than

8 PREFACE.

any other in Europe or in the world ; at least, out of England. There would have been institutions corresponding to our own public schools, and other educational opportunities throughout our growing sisterhood of States.

The tales from the Sagas, of which the outline of Grettir's romantic and tragic career is the principal one, were taken, with the exception of a portion of Sir Walter Scott's earliest translation, and a few other extracts, from the free English readings of Baring-Gould ; condensed, as far as practicable, and retaining the graphic power of the stories. On account of this necessary contraction, and not knowing, in nearly all cases, who was the original translator, quotation-marks, as a rule, have been omitted.

This volume is intended to cover the whole field of Icelandic history. Whatever incompleteness in detail time for a more exhaustive and elaborate history might have supplied, the author may hope, at least, as the first American book, excepting a reprint, on this distant, yet grand old Iceland, it may to some extent deepen the interest in the people, and add to the popular knowledge of a countxy so worthy of a better acquaintance.

THE ISLAND OF FIRE.

CHAPTER I.

The Korthem Sea-Eovers in the Land of the Moor. — The First Battle. — The Terror of Euroi)e. — Their Arms. — Their Triumphs. — Their Passion for Bloody Encounters. — They discover Iceland.

" O IGNAL-FIRES on the hills of Carmona ! " This kD awakening shout from the lips of Bexir, a veteran Moorish warrior, rang along the streets of ancient Cordova, in the twilight of a September day, 844. The alarm-bells pealed forth the call to arms.

A fleet of the sea-rovers of the north had made their descent, hke a falling thunderbolt, upon the coast of Spain. They swept along the banks of the Tagus, pillaging the unresisting people, paralyzed with terror. They then sailed up the Guadalquiver, and entered beautiful Seville, whose soldiers soon retired before the foe, who, to their excited fancy, were armed magicians.

Bexir, at King Alderahman's command, hastened preparations to meet the unknown enemy. With flashing arms and armor, his columns marched to the waiting flotilla. With a favoring wind, they sailed down the broad current, whose banks were green with richest verdure, and fragrant with flowers and fruits.

The Northmen, from the valleys near arctic frost, are ready to receive the Arabian conquerors of the warm, rich plains of the south. For the first time the fair-haired, fresh-visaged sea-rovers of Scandinavia meet the swarthj^, turbaned Moors in deadly combat. Swords and lances cross ; and confronting eyes gleam with the passion for carnage, inspired by religious frenzy.

To the Northmen's faith, the air above them is filled with the shadowy forms of Valkyrior, the virgins, who, in the palace of their deity, wait on departed heroes, and preside over battles. They turn the tide of victory, and select for Odin the warriors who are to be slain. The devotees of Allah and his prophet see, in the sky arching them, the '' darkeyed houris waving their green kerchiefs" to welcome the dauntless heroes to the paradise of sensual joys, when they fall upon the field of honor.

But no decisive victory followed the terrific battle. The Norsemen carried away spoils and captives, and, unmolested, descended the Guadalquiver to the sea, their boundless home. Writes an old chronicler, *' Among those captives, we may picture many a weeping damsel, who, amidst the frozen regions of the north, would long sigh in vain for the sunny plains and vine-covered hills of Andalusia."

This expedition was one of countless similar forrays, which made these piratical corsairs from Northern Europe the terror of a continent. They knew

THE NORTHERN SEA-ROVERS, 11

no fear, and gloried in deeds of reckless daring and peril. They pillaged Paris, Bordeaux, Orleans, and nearly every other city of France and adjacent provinces accessible by water ; also the borders of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

They would suddenly appear before a town, land, and march through it, bearing away the spoils, then weigh anchor, and disappear with their booty. Their galleys cut the foam, till the shadow of some grim promontorj^^ guarding the entrance to a rocky isle, fell upon their fluttering canvas.

Once within their natural Gibraltar, they could laugh, over their foaming goblets, at the threatened revenge of plundered nations. They also haunted the islands north and west of Denmark, which was itself the earliest home of the most sanguinary freebooters.

In the summer of 860, sixteen years after the battle of Carmona, Naddod, a famous sea-rover, spread his sails for the Faroe Isles. Suddenly a terrible gale struck the brave navigator's vessel, and swept it along the path of the storm. In vain the helm was grasped by a strong, untrembling hand: the bark drifted away upon unknown waters.

With the returning calm he caught sight of lofty summits, and sought a landing-place among the foamlashed rocks at their feet. Ascending a height, he gazed upon the drear landscaj)e, to find a human form or habitation. In vain his anxious eye scanned the horizon of snow mantling the mountains, and falling down their rugged sides beyond the view. He hastened to the beacU, and, re-embarking, called the new country Snae-land, or Snow-land, from the most striking feature of the solitude, which, by accident, he had discovered. This was Iceland.

Four years afterwards Garder Svarson, a Swedish sea-rover, by a similar experience lost his way, and sailed to and around the same strange, wild land. He found, with delight, green, inviting margins by the inlets, and valleys among the rugged hills; and named the country after himself, Garder'shohn, or Garder's Isle. There were no spoils, no strong men and fair women, to carry away ; and he returned to Norway, with only the story of his discovery.

But these stern Norsemen had both the savage and the tender side of our humanity, which are put in vivid contrast in a little love-tragedy composed over a thousand years ago. It is translated freely, in flowing English rhyme ; and nothing besides, perhaps, in the same compass, contains so many graphic pictures of old Scandinavian warrior-life, as the

SOKG OF BEGNER, KING OF DENMARK.

He heard that Thora, the daughter of a chieftain, was held in captivity by an enormous serpent, and resolved to deliver her. Clothing himself with shaggy trousers, so that the serpent's fangs and venom could not reach his flesh, he sought and saved her. He was called, ever after, Regner Lodbrock, or Shaggy- Brogues. Later, when upon one of his expeditions, he was captured, and thrown into a dungeon to die by the bite of serpents.

We introduce the story by giving the first verse

SONG OF REGNER, 13

in the original language, which has been that of Iceland for a thousand years, with a literal translation.

er a Gautlandi Gengum when in Gothlandia Going

at Graf vitnis * mordi ; to Give death to the serpent,

THa fengiim ver THorv, THen obtained we THora,

THadan hetu mik fyrdar, THence have warriors called me,

tha er Lyngal f um Lagda'k, the Ling-eel since I Laid low,

Lodbrok : at thvi vigi Lodbrok : at that carnage

STakk ek a STordar-lykkjii % STuck I the STealthy monster

THE DEATH-SONG OF EEGNER LODBKOCK.

We smote with swords ; nor long, before In arms I reached the Gothic shore, To work the loathly serpent's death. I slew the reptile of the heath ; My prize was Thora ; from that fight, 'Mongst warriors am I Lodbrock hight. I pierced the monster's scaly side With steel, the soldier's wealth and pride.

We smote with swords ; in early youth I fought by Ery's billowy mouth.

Where high the echoing basnites rung To the hard javelin's iron tongue, The wolf and golden-footed bird Gleaned plenteous harvest of the sword. Dark grew the ocean's swollen water ; The raven waded deep in slaughter.

We smote with swords ; ere twenty years Were numbered, in the din of spears

* Used for serpent, t Ling-eel, or heath adder.

X Stord, the earth; lykkja, a clasp, lock, buckle; hence a clasp or ring of the earth, and, figuratively, a serpent. 2

I'reared my arm^d hand, and spread The tide of battle fierce and red. Eight earls my weighty arm subdued, Eastward by Dwina's icy flood; There the gaunt falcon lacked not food. The sweat of death distained the wave; The army tined * its warriors brave.

We smote with swords ; fierce Hedin's queen 'Mid the hot storm of war was seen, When Helsing's youth to Odin's hall We bade, and garred her prowess fall. Our vessels ploughed through Ifa's flood; The arrows stung; the stream was blood. Brands grated on the mail; and through Cleft shields the death-fraught lances flew.

We smote with swords; none fled, I trow, Ere on the masted galley's prow Bold Herrand fell; no fairer earl Did e'er his bellying sail unfurl On winged steeds, that spurn the main, Cleaving the seaf owl's lonely reign; No lord in stourf more widely feared To distant port his vessel steered. That glorious chieftain's glowing heart In fight aye sought the foremost part.

We smote with swords ; in fierce affray The warriors cast their shields away: By rifling steel with fury driven Many a fearless breast was riven ; And, 'midst the din, from Skarpa's rock Echoed the falchion's sounding shock. The iron orbs with blood were dyed, Ere sunk King Rafen's youthful pride. Hot streaming from each valiant head Sweat on coats of mail was shed

* Lost, t War.

SONG OF REGNER. 15

We smote with swords ; near Inder's shore A sumptuous meal the ravens tore; Nor carnage lacked to glut those steeds On which the sorcerer's Yala speeds. 'Twas hard to 'scape unharmed that day: When peered the sun's first dawning ray, Shafts saw I starting from the string; The bent bow made the metal ring.

We smote with swords ; what fairer fate Can e'er the sons of men await, Than long amid the battle's blast To front the storm, and fall at last ? Who basely shuns the gallant strife Nathless must lose his dastard life. When waves of war conflicting roll, 'Tis hard to whet the coward soul To deeds of worth ; the timid heart Will never act a warrior's part.

We smote with swords ; this deem I right Youth to youth in sturdy fight Each his meeting falchion wield ; Thane to thane should never yield. Such was aye the soldier's boast, Firm to face the adverse host.

Boldest, who prize fair maidens' love, Must in the din of battle move.

We smote with swords ; I hold that all By destiny or live or fall : Each his certain hour awaits ; Few can 'scape the ruling Fates.

When I scattered slaughter wide, And launched my vessels to the tide, I deemed not, I, that Ella's blade Was doomed at last to bow my head; But hewed in every Scottish bay Fresh banquets for the beasts of prey.

We smote with swords ; my parting breath Kejoices in the pang of death.

Where dwells fair B alder's father dread, The board is decked, the seats are spread! In Fiolner's court, with costly cheer, Soon shall I quaff the foaming beer. From hollow skulls of warriors slain ! Heroes ne'er in death complain; To Vider's hall I will not bear The dastard words of weak despair.

We smote with swords ; their falchions bright

(If well they kenned their father's plight,

How, venom-filled, a viperous brood

Have gnawed his flesh, and lapped his blood)

Thy sons would grasp, Aslauga dear,

And vengeful wake the battle here.

A mother to my bairns I gave

Of sterling worth, to make them brav-e.

We smote with swords ; cold death is near,

My rights are passing to my heir.

The vipers nestle in my heart.

But soon, I wot, shall Yider's wand

Fixed in Ella's bosom, stand.

My youthful sons with rage will swell,

Listening how their father fell:

Those gallant boys in peace unbroken

Will never rest, till I be wroken.

We smote with swords; where javelins fly,

Where lances meet, and warriors die,

Fifty times and one I stood

Foremost on the field of blood.

Full young I 'gan distain my sword,

Nor feared I force of adverse lord;

Nor deemed I then that any arm

By might or guile could work me harm.

SONG OF REGNER. 17

Me to their feast the gods must call; The brave man wails not o'er his fall.

Cease, my strain! I hear a voice From realms where martial souls rejoice: I hear the maids of slaughter call, Who bid me hence to Odin's hall: High seated in their blest abodes I soon shall quaif the drink of gods. The hours of life have glided by: I fall; but smiling shaU I die. 2*

CHAPTER 11.

The ]N"ortlunan's Contempt of Death. —Love of Arms. —National Games. — National Worship. — The Gods. — Moral Precepts. — The Historical Odin.

" T" AUGHING shall I die," might be rendered J-J this last plaintively cheerful note of Regner's dying strain. This proud defiance of " the last enemy " was the boast of the Northmen : love of arms, and Odin's worship, were the sources of this scornful indifference to suffering and death.

The martial spirit, and preparation for warlike achievements, were cultivated in their national games. These were not played on some smooth common, nor upon the green carpet of a newlymown field, amid applauding spectators. The very boys swung the falchion and battle-axe in naked combat ; they wrestled as if in a rage ; were pitted against each other, in making frightful leaps over deep chasms, from dizzy cliffs ; and purposely endured hunger and cold, to harden their bodies.

Mothers, many of whom were born in camps, and all of them in the sight and sound of arms, taught their sons there was no glory like that of the successful warrior. What an impression upon him and his companions must have been made by the honors often conferred upon a boy of fifteen years, who had Bhovvn manly prowess !

LOVE OF ARMS, 19

Before his kindred and assembled heroes, a chief presented him a burnished sword, a lance, and a buckler. It was his v/elcome to the ranks of the braves.

In the quiet valleys, and on the shaded slopes of Scandinavian lands, rose the temples of their principal deity, Odin. Not only did animals slain for sacrifice lie bleeding, but human victims stood by the altars where the sacred fire was burning. The consecrated brazen vessels were lying before them, the largest of which received their blood as it followed the burnished knife. The priest said to each in turn, '' I devote thee to Odin ; " or, '' I send thee to Odin." The flowing life-current was then sprinkled upon the altar, the temple, the grove, and the people.

The victims were selected from captives taken in battle, or slaves in time of peace, excepting in some great emergency : then to escape from dire calamity, or avert threatened disaster, offerings were taken from families of the nobility, and even the king himself was sometimes immolated. At the grand ninedays' festival in the magnificent temple at Upsal, nine men, each day, yielded up their lives.

The Northmen transferred their love of martial glory to their gods. Odin became the '' father of slaughter," mingling in the strife, and encouraging the warriors, while his Valkyrior selected for him those chosen to be slain.

The contending hosts alike invoked his aid, consecrating in advance a certain number to him. which he was to designate, and welcome to Valhalla.

Yet they called him their creator and father. No greater contrast is possible, than between a faith so sanguinary and merciless, and that of the founders of New England, with their open Bible, and " freedom to worship God."

Frigga was the wife of Odin.

Thor, who was the original deity of the north, became next to Odin in power, and sometimes was called his son.

The badge of his greatness was a massive mallet, which, after it was hurled at a foe, flew back again to his hand armed with gauntlets. He wore also, a magic girdle, which renewed his strength whenever exhausted.

Listening to the strains from the " Song of the Prophetess," in the poetic Edda, we shall learn from the Northmen the wild fictions of their mythology ; and yet only a people of native genius, and high type of manhood, could have devised it.

'' In the day-spring of the ages, there was neither earth below, nor heaven above, to be distinguished. The whole was only one vast abyss, without herb and without seeds. The sun had then no palace, the stars knew not their dwelling-places, the moon was ignorant of her power. After this there was a luminous, burning, flaming world towards the south ; and another, nebulous and dark, toward the north. From the latter world flowed out incessantly into the abyss that lay between the two, torrents of venom ; which, in proportion as they removed far away from their source, congealed in their falling into the abyss, and so filled it with scum and ice. Thus was the abyss, by httle and little, quite filled ; but there

THE GODS. ' . 21

remained within it a light and immovable air, and thence exhaled icy vapors. Then a warm breath coming from the south melted those vapors, and formed of them living drops, whence was born the giant Ymer. Whilst he slept, an extraordinary sweat under his armpits produced a male and a female, whence is sprung the race of the giants, — a race evil and corrupt as well as Ymir, their author. Another race was brought forth, which formed alliances with that of the giant Ymir : this was called the familj" of Bor, so named from the second of that family, who was the father of Odin. The sons of Bor slew the giant Ymir ; and the blood ran from his wounds in such abundance, that it caused a general inundation, wherein perished all the giants, excepting one, who, saving himself in a bark, escaped with all his family. Then a new world was formed. The sons of Bor, or the gods, dragged the body of the giant in the abyss, and of it made the earth. The sea and rivers were composed of his blood ; the earth, of his flesh ; the great mountains, of his bones ; the rocks, of his teeth and of splinters of his bones broken.

" They made of his skull the vault of heaven, which is supported by four d^varfs, named North, South, East, and West. They fixed there tapers to enlighten, and assigned to other fires certain spaces which they were to run through, some of them in heaven, others under the heaven. The days were distinguished, and the years were numbered.