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DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD. 101
CHAPTEE V.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GODS AUD THE WbRLD.
Upon a time the world shall be convulsed, and
the .^ir destroyed in Kagnarokk, or the Twilight
of the Gods. The growing depravity and .strife in
the world proclaim the approach of this great event.
Winters rage without any intervening summer,
with furious storms, with snows and darkness. The
sun and moon are swallowed by the pursuing Jotunwolves,
and heaven is sprinkled with blood. The
bright stars vanish, the earth shakes, and the moun-
tains are hurled together with a crash. Then all
bonds and chains are broken, and the Fenris-wolf
runs loose. The MiSgarS-serpent writhes ia Jotun-
rage, and seeks the land across the tumultuous
waves. The ship NagLfar flies and bears over the
sea the Frost-giant's hosts, led on by the Jotun
Hrym. The loosened Loki also comes at the head
of the troops of Hel. The Fenris-wolf rushes forth
with outstretched jaws, which fiU the space between
heaven and eartii ; the ]\(G.8gar8-serpent on its side
blows out venom over air and sea. In the midst of
this confusion the heavens are rent asunder, and
through the opening the sons of MuspeU ride forth
in radiant array. At their head is Surtur, sur-
rounded with flames ; his fire-sword flashes brighter