]
[Footnote 6: In the Germanic tongues, as in the Semitic, the sun is
fem., the moon masc.]
[Footnote 7: The Vala here speaks of herself in the third person.]
[Footnote 8: His eye here understood to signify the sun.]
[Footnote 9: A personification of gold. With the introduction of gold
was the end of the golden age.]
[Footnote 10: _i.e._, Odin's: his hall is the world.]
[Footnote 11: Of introducing the use of gold.]
THE LAY OF VAFTHRUDNIR.
Odin visits the Giant (Joetun) Vafthrudnir, for the purpose of proving
his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the
Northern creed, on the conditions that the baffled party forfeit his
head. The Joetun incurs the penalty.
_Odin_.
1. Counsel thou me now, Frigg! as I long to go Vafthrudnir to visit;
great desire, I say, I have, in ancient lore with that all-wise Joetun
to contend.
_Frigg_.
2. At home to bide Haerfather I would counsel, in the gods'
dwellings; because no Joetun is, I believe, so mighty as is
Vafthrudnir.
_Odin_.
3. Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved;
but this I fain would know, how in Vafthrudnir's halls it is.
_Frigg_.
4. In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
shalt hold converse with the Joetun.
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