When the flesh was boiled, Thor and his companion sat down to supper. As is here said: Ganglere asked: Whose is that horse Sleipner, and what is there to say about it? Answered Har: That I can well explain to you. At the end of it was a door as wide as the hall. They took a trough full of meat and set it on the floor, whereupon Loke seated himself at one end and Loge at the other. Many fair places there are in heaven, and they are all protected by a divine defense. Then answered Har: Nor is it wonderful that she speeds with all her might. Gangleri then is taken to the king of the palace and comes upon three men: High, Just-As-High, and Third. A well-informed man would not ask this, because this is known by all, but if you alone have become so lacking in knowledge that you have never heard this, then I think it better that you ask unknowingly once than that you should be ignorant any longer of something which it is proper to know about. On this foot he has the shoe for which materials have been gathering through all ages, namely, the strips of leather which men cut off for the toes and heels of shoes; wherefore he who wishes to render assistance to the ases must cast these strips away. He is called Asa-Thor, or Oku-Thor. Gylfi was more nervous than ever, and began to wring his hands a little. HE has a conversation with 3 Aesir and wins a competition in which the Aesir's idea of the afterlife is disproved. Ganglere followed, and suddenly the doors closed behind him. This is the greatest misfortune that has ever happened to the gods and men. The most famous medieval Icelandic writer was Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241). For what feats are you and your companions prepared? Gylfi was very excited, these Aesir seemed rather friendly, and blurted right out, "I would like to know how the world began! He surpasses other men in the craft of cunning, and cheats in all things. Before his feet ran a dwarf, whose name is Lit. The Gylfaginning deals with the creation and destruction of the world of the Norse gods, and many other aspects of Norse mythology. At daybreak the next day Thor and his companions arose, dressed themselves and were ready to depart. A section of the Prose Edda (the Gylfaginning) is dedicated to Gylfi. Meanwhile the man woke, and immediately arose. Late in the evening he sought out a place for their night quarters under a large oak. He put it to his lips and swallowed with all his might, thinking that he should not have to bend over the horn a second time. From them all mankind is descended, and a dwelling-place was given them under Midgard. Said Har: In the beginning he appointed rulers in a place in the middle of the burg which is called Idavold, who were to judge with him the disputes of men and decide the affairs of the burg. Of this I have never heard before. Thereupon Hermod proceeded to the hall and alighted from his steed. The dwarfs were called Austri, Vestri, Nordri, Sudri.". Made answer Har: It is not unknown, though no wise men tell thereof, how Thor made amends for the journey that has now been spoken of. In the next place, you struck me three times with the hammer. And she has no way out except to run away. Gylfi motioned for Just-as-High to continue. Four milk-streams ran from her teats, and she fed Ymer. Freyja is the most famous of the goddesses. He was going to see the gods called the Aesir. She is wedded to the man whose name is Oder; their daughters name is Hnos, and she is so fair that all things fair and precious are called, from her name, Hnos. what might he owned This water is so holy that all things that are put into the fountain become as white as the film of an egg-shell. Har answered, and laughed: They ran a great risk on one occasion whereof I might tell you more, but you shall first hear the names of more asas. Ginnunga means something like "magical, mighty" and himin literally means "heaven". And again he said: Let me see first! The Midgard-serpent took the ox-head into his mouth, whereby the hook entered his palate, but when the serpent perceived this he tugged so hard that both Thors hands were dashed against the gunwale. When you drank from the horn, and thought that it diminished so little, then, by my troth, it was a great wonder, which I never could have deemed possible. The wolf thought that this fetter was indeed very strong, but also that his strength had increased since he broke Lading. No one can stay with us here, unless he is skilled in some craft or accomplishment beyond the most of men. Added Thride: As cold and all things grim proceeded from Niflheim, so that which bordered on Muspelheim was hot and bright, and Ginungagap was as warm and mild as windless air. He girded himself with his Megingjarder, whereby his asa-might increased. In "The Deluding of Gylfi," Snorri Sturluson presents six different creation stories without much logical connection. Then the All-father11 took Night and her son Day and gave them two horses and two chariots and set them up in the sky so that they should ride around the world every two half-days. THey had some very hard tussles, and before long Thor was brought down on one knee. It seems to me that if you are to empty the horn with the third draught, then this will be the greatest. As is here said: Then said Ganglere: If the norns rule the fortunes of men, then they deal them out exceedingly unevenly. When he had put on the ox-head for bait, he cast it overboard and it sank to the bottom. He alighted from his horse, drew the girths tighter, remounted him, claped the spurs into him, and the horse leaped over the gate with so much force that he never touched it. Thor also sprang up, got ready in a hurry and asked Hymer whether he might row out with him. At the universes beginning, Odin, Vili, and V killed a giant named Ymir. While the Prose Edda has its problems, it is one of the most substantial texts that preserve many of the sagas and origins of Norse mythology outside of the Poetic Edda. Even the High-One seemed annoyed and shocked. Antiquitatum danicarum de causis contemptae a Danis adhuc gentilibus mortis libri tres [Three books of Danish antiquities concerning the causes of the Danes' contempt of death while they were still pagan]. Make snippets of your favorite quotes and moments from Chapter 41 | 41 - The Deluding of Gylfi and organize them with all your favorite classic book quotes in a playlist. Then went the gods to their judgment-seats and held counsel, and asked each other who could have advised to give Freyja in marriage in Jotunheim, or to plunge the air and the heavens in darkness by taking away the sun and the moon and giving them to the giant; and all agreed that this must have been advised by him who gives the most bad counsels, namely, Loke, son of Laufey, and they threatened him with a cruel death if he could not contrive some way of preventing the builder from fulfilling his part of the bargain, and they proceeded to lay hands on Loke. There is also a mansion called Glitner, of which the walls and pillars and posts are of red gold, and the roof is of silver. 5 Ntt. He is a master-skald, and from him song-craft is called brag (poetry), and such men or women are called brag-men and brag-women. His father is the giant Farbaute, but his mothers name is Laufey, or Nal. The other hight Hate, Hrodvitners son; he bounds before her and wants to catch the moon, and so he will at last. Report Copyright Violation Also available in package deal (1) Scandinavian Studies Righteous men go to Gimle or Vingolf Wicked men go to Hel and then to Niflhel Some live a good life and are rich; some get neither wealth nor praise. He is fair of face, and possesses every quality of a warrior. But at least he had decided to seek answers, and he would have lots to tell his people when next they asked. This time they hung a great weight to it, making it so heavy that nothing could possibly pass under it. This summary contains a summary of the Prose Edda, p. 3-108 (Prologue, Gylfaginning or The Deluding of Gylfi and Skaldskaparmal or Poetic Diction), with Lecture notes on Eddic Poetry and Gods? She has there a great mansion, and the walls around it are of strange height, and the gates are huge. Answered Har: He lives from everlasting to everlasting, rules over all his realm, and governs all things, great and small. They went up to the force again and cast out the net a second time. Utgard-Loke said this was a good feat, and added that it was to be hoped that he excelled in swiftness if he expected to win in this game, but he would soon have the matter decided. For instance, at one point in the Deluding of Gylfi the gods resolve to deal with Fenrir, a son of Loki who appears as a monstrous wolf. He is filled with the life-blood of all dead men. Just-as-High sighed deeply. They showed him the silken band and bade him break it, saying that it was somewhat stronger than its thinness would lead one to suppose. The Deluding of Gylfi isnt a part of the Norse mythos but rather an invention of Snorri Sturluson to make the lore easier to understand. The sixth is Freyja, who is ranked with Frigg. The Gylfaginning deals with the creation and destruction of the world of the Norse gods, and many other aspects of Norse mythology. "You've got a point there," said Gylfi. Their fathers name is Vidfin. He pulled the serpent up to the gunwale; and in truth no one has ever seen a more terrible sight than when Thor whet his eyes on the serpent, and the latter stared at him and spouted venom. A squirrel, by name Ratatosk, springs up and down the tree, and carries words of envy between the eagle and Nidhug. Yes". The plain Vigrid is one hundred miles (rasts) on each side. He had a daughter who is called Night.5 She was swarthy and dark, like her relatives. It is not surprising that she goes at a great speed: that one who seeks her follows closely. He is the best, and all praise him. When the asas saw that the wolf was sufficiently well bound, they took the chain which was fixed to the fetter, and which was called Gelgja, and drew it through a large rock which is called Gjol, and fastened this rock deep down in the earth. Thor stood by and hallowed the pile with Mjolner. His name is Loke, or Lopt. Har answered: Much knowledge is needed to explain it all rightly, but still it is shortest to tell you that most of these names have been given him for the reason that, as there are many tongues in the world, so all peoples thought they ought to turn his name into their tongue, in order that they might be able to worship him and pray to him each in its own language. The sea rushes over the earth, for the Midgard-serpent writhes in giant rage and seeks to gain the land. This I know, forsooth, that many a one comes to Valhal who would think he was paying a big price for his water-drink, if there were no better reception to be found there,persons, namely, who have died from wounds and pain. Frigg asked this woman whether she knew what the asas were doing at their meeting. Odins steed, Sleipner, was led forth. 4 Jtunheimr. Hymer had then shoved the boat off. He completely understood that a cow could like people free from ice. Then they handed it from one to the other and tried its strength with their hands, but it did not break. I have never heard any man tell more about the universe than I just have. One of them is the hammer Mjolner, which the frost-giants and mountain-giants well know when it is raised; and this is not to be wondered at, for with it he has split many a skull of their fathers or friends. When the gods came to their senses, Frigg spoke and asked who there might be among the asas who desired to win all her love and good will by riding the way to Hel and trying to find Balder, and offering Hel a ransom if she would allow Balder to return home again to Asgard. Poor Moon was made to steer the Moon's course across the sky and control its shape. Toward the end of winter the burg was far built, and it was so high and strong that it could in nowise be taken. Alfather once came there and asked for a drink from the well, but he did not get it before he left one of his eyes as a pledge. He wondered much that the asa-folk was so mighty in knowledge, that all things went after their will. There was a lot of warmth coming from the embers, so much that the horses carrying the chariot had to be cooled! When Thor saw this he said the either the bonde of one of his folk had not dealt skillfully with the goats bones, for he noticed that the thigh was broken. So he ran away and hid himself in a rock. Since Gylfaginning is very long, only sections about the Sun, Moon, and seasons are translated below. 17 Vindsvalr. Frigg answered: West of Valhal there grows a little shrub that is called the mistletoe, that seemed to me too young to exact an oath from. Still they said the wolf would be able to snap it. Har answered: Frigg is the first; she possesses the right lordly dwelling which is called Fensaler. He went into the hall, called his cup-bearer, and requested him to take the sconce-horn that his thanes were wont to drink from. Gylfi did not know the answers to these questions, and felt he could not be a good king for his people until he knew all things. He possess three valuable treasures. 44). Do you suppose that Alfather invites kings, jarls, or other great men, and gives them water to drink? In setting up the deluding of Gyfi, he tells the reader that the sagas told within its pages are tall tales. Har gave him answer: Odins second son is Balder, and of him good things are to be told. From: Bartholin, Thomas. They were so very powerful that we, as gods you know, decided that these boys should rule over the universe. Har answered as follows: As Bors sons went along the sea-strand, they found two trees. Snorri was a poet, politician, historian, and Christian. What is it that you need from us?" Thereupon Surt flings fire over the earth and burns up all the world. Then said Ganglere: Who guards this palace when Surts fire burns up heaven and earth? He was standing there for some time, smiling, when he realized that Third had stopped talking. They took his huge skull and made the sky. Thor said yes. But in this flood Naglfar gets afloat. But Hel replied that it should now be tried whether Balder was so much beloved as was said. When Gylfi/Gangleri found the sir, he asked them many questions about the creation of the world and the beings who lived in it. Then quivers the ash Ygdrasil, and all things in heaven and earth fear and tremble. Gylfi was left in an empty room. The ninth is Var. The Gylfaginning serves as a framework to retell Old Norse sagas sampled from surviving Nordic texts through the eyes of Gylfi. Then he thought to himself what stratagems the asas might have recourse to in order to catch him. What can he do? The fourteenth is Gna, whom Frigg sends on her errands into various worlds. Her threshold is called stumbling-block; her bed, care; the precious hangings of her bed, gleaming bale. But when the wolf now began to spurn against it the band grew stiffer, and the more he strained the tighter it got. Snorri Sturluson was a master storyteller, and this translation in modern idiom of the inimitable tales of . This summary contains a summary of the Prose Edda, p. 3-108 (Prologue, Gylfaginning or The Deluding of Gylfi and Skaldskaparmal or Poetic Diction), with Lecture notes on Eddic Poetry and Gods? What mighty works has he accomplished? Back to Text They all laughed except Tyr; he lost his hand. It is so large that all the asas, with their weapons and war-gear, can find room on board it, and as soon as the sails are hoisted it has fair wind, no matter whither it is going. Thor seated himself in the door; the others went farther in and were very much frightened. Then Thor thought he had found out what noise it was that they had heard in the night. Skrymer then took the provision-sack and threw it on his back, and, leaving them, turned into the wood, and it has not been learned whether the asas wished to meet him again in health. And the same evening, when the builder drove out after stone with his horse Svadilfare, a mare suddenly ran out of the woods to the horse and began to neigh at him. I have heard that you have been whispering among yourselves that I am not small of stature, but you will see greater men when you come to Utgard. He answered: I am to ride to Hel to find Balder. Very good question. Wanting to obtain some of the powers of the sir, Gylfi set out for Asgard, and asked the three enthroned men he met to tell him about their gods. Said Utgard-Loke: You must lay yoursefl more forward, Thjalfe, if you want to win the race; but this I confess, that there has never before come anyone hither who was swifter of foot than you. It is built of red gold, and is called Sindre. She enjoys sitting on her deck with a cup of coffee reading books on Norse myths, deities and the fantastic stories behind each and every Norse god. It is now time to get up and dress; but you have not far left to the burg that is called Utgard. Answered Har: Mundilfare hight the man who had two children. Then answered Thride: It is evident that he now is bound to know, though it does not seem proper for us to speak thereof. Each question made to High, Just-As-High, and Third is about an aspect of the Norse mythology or its gods, and also about the creation and destruction of the world (Ragnark). She wished to live where her father had dwelt, that is, on the mountains in Thrymheim; Njord, on the other hand, preferred to be near the sea. The sun moves fast, and almost as if she were afraid, and she could not speed her course even if she feared death. 1, Gylfaginning (The Fooling Of Gylfe), from the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, from the Lebor Gabala Erenn (The Book of the Takings of Ireland), Cath Maige Tuired ("The Second Battle of Mag Tuired"), from "Sum and Narration of the Incas, which the Indians called Capaccuna, who were lords of the city of Cuzco, and everything on the subject", from The Royal Commentaries of the Incas, By the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega, The Story of the Emergence, from Navajo Legends, A Tale of Skyworld, from Seneca fiction, legends and myths, Translated by Rasmus Bjorn Anderson (1880), Wikisource: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0). Then they built another hall as a home for the goddesses, which also is a very beautiful mansion, and is called Vingolf. A chariot called Sun was made of embers and sent across the sky to measure a day. Back to Text, 11 All-father is a name for inn. After her, men and women who are wise are called Snotras. You will also learn about the different types of creatures that populate the world of Norse mythology. He saw neither hall nor burg. Made answer Har: Skidbladner is the best of ships, and is made with the finest workmanship; but Naglfare, which is in Muspel, is the largest. Even the dog Garm, that was bound before the Gnipa-cave, gets loose. Gylfi is simply an invention of Snorri Sturluson to tell the tales of the Norse gods. It was also a most astonishing feat when you wrestled with Elle, for none has ever been, and none shall ever be, that Elle (eld, old age) will not get the better of him, though he gets to be old enough to abide her coming. You have traveled far to see us. Frey is the most famous of the asas. When she goes abroad, she drives in a car drawn by two cats. What is the name of the king that Gylfi meets. Skirner went on his journey, courted Gerd for him, and got the promise of her that she nine nights thereafter should come to Bar-Isle and there have her wedding with Frey. Then went Skade up on the mountain, and dwelt in Thrymheim. Snorri probably tried to piece many bits and pieces of myths together as best he could. Her last husband was Delling (Day-break), who was of asa-race. "Ahem, Gangleri, everyone knows that there are two wolves surrounding her. Is there no ship equally good, or equally great? Then they heard a great groaning and roaring. Replied Har, explaining, that as soon as the streams, that are called the Elivogs, had come so far from their source that the venomous yeast which flowed with them hardened, as does dross that runs from the fire, then it turned into ice. The frost-giants and the mountain-giants would go up to heaven if Bifrost were passable for all who desired to go there. In a place called Hodmimers-hold are concealed two persons during Surts fire, called Lif and Lifthraser. Do not brag too much of yourselves, for Utgard-Lokes thanes will not brook the boasting of such insignificant little fellows as you are; otherwise turn back, and that is, in fact, the best thing for you to do. All who live a life of virtue shall dwell with him in Gimle or Vingolf. This woman, however, was of the family of the sir; her . Back to Text Because of this, we need to keep in mind, when reading his material, that the myths we are reading may not be exactly the same as the myths told by pre-Christian Scandinavians. All can understand how frightened the bonde became when he saw that Thor let his brows sink down over his eyes. The wolf was fostered by the asas at home, and Tyr was the only one who had the courage to go to him and give him food. Thus says Thjodolf of Hvin, that Valhal was thatched with shields: Ganglere then made the following question: Who is the highest and oldest of all the gods? Now I will give you wholesome advice. His glowing mane sheds light over the air and Earth." A giantess in Jotunheim, hight Angerboda. He also took into consideration that it was necessary to expose ones self to some danger if he desired to become famous; so he let them put the fetter on him. Men should invoke him in single combat. The beginning of this adventure is that Oku-Thor went on a journey with his goats and chariot, and with him went the asa who is called Loke. Then there came into the hall an old woman. Thus it is said: Then Ganglere heard a terrible noise on all sides, and when he looked about him he stood out-doors on a level plain. 473. Be the first to contribute! Her man-servants name is Ganglate; her maid-servants, Ganglot. Thereupon Hermod rode back and came to Asgard, where he reported the tidings he had seen and heard. This is the reason why Frey was unarmed when he fought with Bele, and slew him with a harts horn. Why is there such a great difference, that summer should be hot but winter cold? It was a good question, really. The fourth is Gefjun, who is a may, and those who die maids become her hand-maidens. He took the ring Draupner and sent it as a keepsake to Odin. Hermod arose, and Balder accompanied him out of the hall. Then asked Ganglere: Have there happened any other remarkable things among the ases? King Gylfi ruled the lands that are now called Sweden. Snorri Sturluson was a master storyteller, and this translation in modern idiom of the inimitable tales of . Thor looked at the horn and did not think it was very large, though it seemed pretty long, but he was very thirsty. We will tell you all about the different gods and goddesses, as well as the heroes and heroines. So it is here said: Then said Ganglere: Do any gods live then? So he turned and went his way back to Thrudvang. He rules the course of the wind and checks the fury of the sea and of fire. The Delusion of Gylfi is perhaps the part of Edda that was created second to last right before the prologue. Her second husband was called Other, and together they too have a daughter, named Earth. 13 Skinfaxi. A very very long time ago, there was a king named Gylfi. The wolf, who did not think it would be too strong for him, let them do therewith as they pleased. The first is Alfather, the second is Herran or Herjan, the third Nikar or Hnikar, the fourth Nikuz or Hnikud, the fifth Fjolner, the sixth Oske, the seventh Ome, the eighth Biflide or Biflinde, the ninth Svidar, the tenth Svidrer, the eleventh Vidrer, the twelfth Jalg or Jalk. At dawn he sends them out to fly over the whole world, and they come back at breakfast time. Har answered: The food that is placed on his table he gives to his two wolves, which hight Gere and Freke. So when he came into the burg he saw there a hall so high that he could hardly look over it. In Norse mythology, specific deities are associated with fate, including mysterious, feminine beings known as the Norns. The fifth is Fulla, who is also a may, she wears her hair flowing and has a golden ribbon about her head; she carries Friggs chest, takes care of her shoes and knows her secrets. The cup-bearer immediately brought forward the horn and handed it to Thor. Their first work was to erect a court, where there were seats for all the twelve, and, besides, a high-seat for Alfather. Then Third says: That age was called the golden age, until it was lost by the coming of those women from Jotunheim. He is the wisest, mildest and most eloquent of all the asas; and such is his nature that none can alter the judgment he has pronounced. Are there other remarkable places than the one by Urds fountain? Then said Ganglere: Very bad are these children of Loke, but they are strong and mighty. He is so rich and wealthy that he can give broad lands and abundance to those who call on him for them. Because he was the universe, he ruled it, see? He in his fright promised with an oath that he should so manage that the builder should lose his wages, let it cost him what it would. This Bor married a woman whose name was Bestla, the daughter of the giant Bolthorn; they had three sons,the one hight Odin, the other Vile, and the third Ve. He called them Moon and Sun. The wolf opened his mouth terribly wide, raged and twisted himself with all his might, and wanted to bite them; but they put a sword in his mouth, in such a manner that the hilt stood in his lower jaw and the point in the upper, that is his gag. Their son was Aud. If all things, said she, both quick and dead, will weep for him, then he shall go back to the asas, but if anything refuses to shed tears, then he shall remain with Hel. Then said one of them: There are still others who are to serve in Valhal, bear the drink around, wait upon the table and pass the ale-horns. But the south part of Ginungagap was lighted up by the glowing sparks that flew out of Muspelheim. To this house went a woman, and when she raised her hands to open the door, both the sky and the sea glistened therefrom, and she made all the world bright. He chose the latter, and made a tremendous leap over the top line of the net. He is famous for his wisdom, eloquence and flowing speech. Thor invited the bonde, his wife and their children, a son by name Thjalfe, and a daughter by name Roskva, to eat with them. Thereupon asked Ganglere: On what did the cow subsist? Har answered: That is by the ash Ygdrasil. So he started the Prose Edda with a story of his own about a king of Sweden called Gylfi who disguised himself as a traveler called Gangleri and went on a journey to visit the sir and gain knowledge from them. Skirner answered saying that he would go on this errand, but Frey must give him his sword, that was so excellent that it wielded itself in fight. The goats draw the chariot; wherefore he is called Oku-Thor. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Plot Summary submission guide. He has a flaming sword in his hand, and at the end of the world he will come and harry, conquer all the gods, and burn up the whole world with fire. The asas now began to fear that they would not get the wolf bound. What does he have to give them to eat? One end of the horn stood in the sea, but that you did not see.
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