"
"I can tell thee all about it," answered Har; "thou must know that at
the northern extremity of the heavens sits a giant called Hraesvelgur,
clad with eagles' plumes. When he spreads out his wings for flight,
the winds arise from under them."
20. "Tell me further," said Gangler, "why the summer should be hot,
and the winter cold."
"A wise man would not ask such a question, which every one could
answer," replied Har; "but, if thou hast been so dull as not to have
heard the reason, I will rather forgive thee for once asking a foolish
question than suffer thee to remain any longer in ignorance of what
ought to have been known to thee. The father of Summer is called
Svasuth, who is such a gentle and delicate being that what is mild is
from him called sweet. The father of Winter has two names, Vindloni
and Vindsval. He is the son of Vasad, and, like all his race, has an
icy breath, and is of a grim and gloomy aspect."
OF ODIN.
21. "I must now ask thee," said Gangler, "who are the gods that men
are bound to believe in?"
"There are twelve gods," replied Har, "to whom divine honours ought to
be rendered."
"Nor are the goddesses," added Jafnhar, "less divine and mighty."
"The first and eldest of the AEsir," continued Thridi, "is Odin. He
governs all things, and, although the other deities are powerful, they
all serve and obey him as children do their father.
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