Northern mythology

NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY. 63
walking fortli. Thor approaching it^ took it under the
belly and lifted it ; but the cat arched its back^ and when
Thor had raised it as high as he could_, one foot only was
off the ground, but further than this Thor could make no-
" It is just as I foresaw it would he/'
thing at that sport.
''
said Utgarda-Loki ; the cat is very large, and Thor is
short and little compared with those present.^^ " Little as
I am/' replied Thor, " I now challenge any one who likes
to come forth and try a hug with me, now that I am
angry.'' " There is no one here," said Utgarda-Loki,
" who will not think it child's play to wrestle with thee ;
but call in the old crone EUi (age), my foster-mother. She
has laid many a man on his mother earth, that did not
appear weaker than Asa-Thor." The crone came in, and
the game began; but the more he squeezed her in his
arms the firmer she stood.
him up ;
ensued.
She now endeavoured to trip
Thor soon began to totter, and a hard struggle
It had not, however, lasted long before Thor sank
on one knee. Utgarda-Loki now approached, and bade
them cease, adding that Thor needed not challenge any
more of his people, and that night was drawing near. He
then caused Thor and his companions to be seated, and
they stayed the night over as welcome guests.
The next morning at day-break the guests arose, and
having dressed themselves, prepared for departure. Utgarda-Loki
then came, and ordered a table to be set forth.
There was no lack of hospitality with regard either to
meat or drink. Having finished their repast, they betook
themselves to their journey. Utgarda-Loki accompanied
them out of the city, and at parting inquired of Thor how
he thought his visit had come ofi*, and whether he had met
with any mightier men than himself ? Thor answered, that
he could not but acknowledge that their mutual intercourse
had greatly redoimded to his discredit ;
''
and I know,"