The children of Odin - Germanic Mythology

THE DWELLERS IN ASGARD 57
"And if I should take a message to Gerda," said Skirnir the
Venturesome, "what would my reward be?"
"My boat Skidbladnir or my boar Golden Bristle," said Frey.
"No, no," said Skirnir. "I want something to go by my side.
I want something to use in my hand. Give me the magic
sword you own."
Frey thought upon what his father said, that he would be left
weaponless on the day of Ragnarok, when the Giants would
make war upon the Gods and when Asgard would be endangered.
He thought upon this, and drew back from Skirnir, and for a
while he remained in thought. And all the time thick-set
Skirnir was laughing at him out of his wide mouth and his blue
eyes. Then Frey said to himself, "The day of Ragnarok is
far o£E, and I cannot live without Gerda."
He drew the magic sword from his belt and he placed it in
Skimir's hand. "I give you my sword, Skirnir," he said.
"Take my message to Gerda, Gymer's daughter. Show her this
gold and these precious jewels, and say I love her, and that I
claim her love."
"I shall bring the maid to you," said Skirnir the Venturesome.
"But how wilt thou get to Jotunheim?" said Frey, suddenly
remembering how dark the Giants' land was and how terrible
were the approaches to it.
"Oh, with a good horse and a good sword one can get any-
where," said Skirnir. "My horse is a mighty horse, and you
Lave given me your sword of magic. To-morrow I shall make
the joutney." •