Northern mythology

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NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY. 133
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this are appended fragments of divers sorts of mythic
learning, intended for the use of later skalds, as
an illustration
of, and guide to, the use of poetic expressions.
Hence it will be manifest that the older of these collections
is the most important, though to the understanding,
arranging and completing of it, considerable help is found
in the younger, and the interpretation of the one is not
practicable without constantly comparing it with the other.
Where the myths in the Elder Edda are at all detailed
and complete, they are full of poetry and spirit, but they
ceived a hall so lofty that he could hardly see over it. Its roof was
covered with gilded shields, like a shingle roof.
" Gylfi saw a man at the hall gates playing with small swords, of which
he had seven at a time in the air. This man inquired his name. His
name, he said, was Gangleri, that he had come a tedious way, and requested
a night's lodging. He then asked to whom the hall belonged.
The man answered that it was their king's
'
: but I will attend you to see
him, you can then yourself ask him his name,'
Thereupon the man turned
into the hall followed by Gangleri, and instantly the gate was closed at
their heels. He there saw many apartments and many people ; some at
games, some drinking, some fighting with weapons. He then looked
about, and saw many things that seemed to him incredible : whereupon
he said to himself,
Every gate, for 'tis hard to know
ere thou goest forward, where foes sit
shalt thou inspect
in the dwelling.
(Hdvamal, Str. 1.)
" Here he saw three thrones, one above another, and a man sitting on
each. He then asked what the name of each chieftain might be. His
conductor answered, that he who sat on the lowest throne was a king
and named Har (High) ; that the next was named Jafnhar (Equally high)
and that the highest of all was called Thrithi (Third). Har then asked
the comer what further business he had ; adding, that he was entitled to
meat and drink, like all in Hava-hall. He answered, that he would first
inquire whether any sagacious man were there ? Har told him that he
would not come off whole, unless he proved himself the wiser
but stand forth
while thou mak'st inquiry :
'tis for him to sit who answers.
Gangleri then began his speech." The questions and answers that follow
constitute what is called Snorri's, or the Prose, or the Younger Edda.