Viktor Rydberg's Investigations into Germanic Mythology, Vol. II

too did every other power in Vanaheim and Alfheim, except Hoenir, who for that reason,
was unseated as ruler in Vanaheim and succeeded by Lodur.
119. Asgard in the Hands of the Vanir. After a long siege, Asgard was conquered
by cunning strategy. Njörd's ax burst the lock on Asgard's gate and the Vanir's great wartroop
streamed into the holy region. On Mimir's advice, the Aesir retreated, since none of
the gods necessary for the order of the world could be allowed to fall in the civil war.
120. Ull Proclaimed a New Odin. The Vanir and the Elves decided that one
among them must bear Odin's name and receive the sacrifices of the devoted. They had to
choose a god that had no particular vocation in the world's government, and therefore
elected Ull. This change in government brought no change in religion; however, new and
more demanding views about sacrifice arose.
121. Manheim was the name of the land where the Aesir lived during their exile.
They were not idle there, but always sought to benefit the world and protect their
favorites.
122. The Aesir Care for Halfdan’s Sons. Now that the Vanir were rulers in
Asgard, the Aesir feared that Svipdag would use his power to strike at Halfdan's sons,
Gudhorm and Hadding. Thus, Thor hid Gudhorm and Hadding in Greater Svithjod, one
with the warrior Hafli, the other with the warrior Vagnhöfdi. But Gudhorm was never
really in danger, because he and Svipdag shared the same mother, Groa. When Gudhorm
received the news that Svipdag had offered him a large kingdom in western Germania
near the Rhine, he accepted the offer and became king over all of the Germanic folk that
belong to the Hermiones, the branch named after Gudhorm.
123. Gudhorm’s Name as a Great King was Jörmunrekr. 43
124. Sifka. Under this name, a man came to Jörmunrekr, claiming to be the ruler
of a people called the Baningar. He won Jörmunrekr-Gudhorm's complete confidence and
became his constant advisor. Sifka was Loki.
125. Hadding’s Youthful Adventures. Svipdag decided, although reluctantly, to
offer Hadding a kingdom also, as an inheritance from his father's estate, but the boy
responded that he would not accept gifts from his father's killer. Sifka-Loki looked for
Hadding in order to exile or to kill him, so Hadding was not safe long in Vagnhöfdi’s
gard. One evening, a one-eyed man appeared riding on an eight-footed horse, he thanked
Vagnhöfdi for fulfilling his duties, set the boy in front of him on his horse, and rode away
with Hadding through the air to Manheim. There he instructed the boy in the wisdom of
runes and weaponry. Odin sang protecting-galder over Hadding and gave him a drink
called Leifnir's flames, which gave him the ability to loosen bonds and fetters with his
breath. Then Hadding, accompanied by a norn, descended into the underworld, where he
saw the regions of bliss.
126. Märingaborg. When he grew up, Hadding was sent to a city in Midgard
called Märingaborg. On the way there, he was ambushed by Loki and the Baningar and
placed in fetters, but he freed himself that night and came to Märingaborg, where he
found assembled many of his father's friends who had fled during Svipdag's reign.
Among them was Hamal and Hildebrand. They prepared a revolt among the East
Germanic tribes on behalf of Hadding.
127. Vidga, Völund’s Son. In the midst of the preparations, a youthful hero, clad
in magnificent armor, came riding into Märingaborg. On his shield were painted tongs
43 With the variations Eormenric, Ermenrich.