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46 ISTBODUCnON.
true mythologic spirit, are far from angelic purity.
They fall rather by their own fault into the final
catastrophe, and Loki, although usually the blasphemer
and liar, here speaks the truth. That
which moves in.the " Kaven-Cry of Odin " as a dim
foreboding, now appears distinctly in the conscious-
ness of the Gods. Peace has disappeared with Bal-
dur, and the fearful distraction which precedes their
downfall has overpowered them. The inimitably
beautiful manner in which all this is portrayed,
renders the poem one of the profoundest and best
finished of the Edda.
*^* Then follow the poems relating to the deeds
of Thor. These appear to have been a favorite
theme of the Old-Northern poets, as we find in
many poems beside those of the Edda. Among the
latter are the following
:
Y. H;fmis-kvi6a—the Song of Hymir. The Gods
of :A8gard are invited to a banquet with the Sea-
God "/F^gir- Thor goes to the Jotun H;^mir for a
huge cauldron in which to brew ale for the occa-
sion. He persuades the giant to go with him on a
fi'shing excursion, in which he fishes up and fights
with the "World-Serpent, carries off the cauldron,
and finally ^lays H^mer and other giants who pur-
sue him.
8. f)rym^-kvi8a or Hamars-heimt
—
Thrym^s Lay,
or Bringing the Hammer. This is one of the most
amusing poems of the Edda. The Giant Thrym has
got possession of Thor's hammer, and will not give
it up unless Freyja will consent to become his bride.
The Goddess of Love refuses of course, and Loki