History of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, Vol. 1 (of 2)Dunham, S. A. (Samuel Astley)
History
History of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Dunham, S. A. (Samuel Astley)
Scandinavia -- History
rock, they perceived an aged man reclining, with wounded body, on the
sharp rocky peaks above them. Beside him were three females, their
bodies covered with tumors, and, as if unable to sit, reclined on the
same couch. Who and what were these? Thorkil, who was well versed in
such matters, informed his companions that the god Thor, offended by the
insolence of Geruth, had driven his bolt through the heart of the giant;
that the awful instrument had penetrated into and riven the mountain;
that the females had been touched by it; and though their bodies were
unbroken, they were suffering the punishment due to those who insulted
the god. Proceeding forward, they perceived seven large vessels,
surrounded with golden hoops, and filled with precious liquor. Near them
was a tooth of an unknown sea monster, the extremities adorned with
gold. Close by it was a large horn inlaid with shining gems, and of
exquisite workmanship. Near this was a golden bracelet of great weight.
The temptation to seize these valuable treasures was too great to be
resisted. One man, ignorant that the shining metal concealed destruction
beneath it, stretched out his hand to the bracelet. Another, influenced,
also, by avarice, laid his eager hands on the horn. A third, emboldened
by their example, placed the huge tooth on his shoulders. They soon
found how fatally they had been deluded. One of these treasures was
immediately transformed into a serpent, which, with venomous tooth, fell
upon the robber. The horn became a dragon, which, also, destroyed the
spoiler. The tooth became a sword, which found its way to the heart of
the bearer. Terrified at this spectacle, even the innocent began to fear
that they should suffer with the guilty. Proceeding onwards, a door
opened to a smaller recess, but rich in treasures. Here were weapons,
too large indeed for the human body, but of inestimable value. Among
them was a royal mantle or cloak, with a cap, and a belt of admirable
workmanship. At the sight, Thorkil, who had so often advised others,
forgot himself. He took the garment in his hand, and the rest,
influenced by his example, seized the things which they most coveted.
Suddenly the cavern, from its lowest foundations, shook; every thing
began to reel; and the women cried aloud that these wicked robbers must
no longer be spared. Lifeless as they had appeared, and more like
statues than women, they suddenly found a voice, and, rising from their
couch, advanced against the strangers. The rest of the monstrous shapes
began to howl in a most hideous manner. Broder and Buchi were not
unmindful of their former pursuits: with their lances, they resisted the
advancing genii; from their bows and their slings they sent the sharp
missiles into the dense ranks of the monsters, and dispersed or
overthrew them. Yet twenty only of the royal party survived; the rest
were torn to pieces by the monsters. In great consternation the
survivors issued from the cavern, returned to the river, were ferried
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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