Northern mythology

NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY. 59
another oak. At midnight Thor heard Skrymir snoring
so that it resounded like thunder through the forest. He
arose and approaclied him^ clenching his hammer with all
his might, and struck him on the crown of the head,
that the hammer^s head sank deep into his skull.
so
Skrymir
on this awoke, saying, " What is that ? Did an acorn fall
on my head ? How goes it with thee, Thor?" But Thor
stept quickly back, saying he was just awake ; that as it
was only midnight, they might sleep a while longer. He
now thought that if he could only succeed in giving him
a third blow, it was not probable he would ever see the
light again; and lay watching until Skrymir had again
fallen asleep.
Towards daybreak, perceiving that the giant
slept soundly, he arose, raised Miolnir with all
his might,
and struck Skrymir a blow on the temple, so that the
hammer sank up to the haft. But Skrymir, raising himself
and stroking his chin, said, ^^Are there any birds above
me in the tree ? It seemed as I woke that a feather fell
from the boughs on my head. Art thou awake, Thor ?
It is now time to get up and dress yourselves, though you
are not far from the city called Utgard (Utgar)7r). I have
heard you chatting together, and saying that I was a man
of no small stature ; but you will see men still taller, when
you come to Utgard. I will give you a piece of good
advice : do not make too much of yourselves, for the followers
of Utgarda-Loki will not feel inclined to endure
big words from such mannikins. If you will take my
advice, you will turn back, and that will, I think, be much
better for you ;
but if you are resolved on proceeding, keep
in an eastward direction. My course lies northwards to
the mountains yonder." Then swinging his wallet across
his shoulders, Skrymir left them, and took the path leading
into the forest ; and it has never been heard that the
JEsiv wished ever to meet with him again.
Thor and his companions travelled till the hour of noon,