“The poet in describing Hymir’s residence gives a vivid picture of Norwegian scenery, black rugged rocks crowned with pines, a waterfall, a river white with foam dashing through thick brushwood down the ravine, and hard by a verdant dell filled with cattle. On hearing a stranger’s step, Hymir sprang up, and demanded of the stripling how he dared unbidden to venture into his wood. Thor replied that he felt no apprehension: ‘My pulse beats steadily,’ The youth replied: ‘for ne’er Hath Nornies’ stern decree Been changed, I trow, by fear. One of a form so good, Of generous soul should be; My little drop of blood, What would it profit thee?’” “He finishes a long speech by saying, that his object was to obtain the giant’s permission to accompany him when he went out to fish. The grisly giant grinn’d So wide, that either ear His mouth appear’d behind, Ne’er yet was seen such leer; The earth shook all around, He laugh’d so heartily, ‘One with a heart so sound I’ll never harm,’ quoth he.” “He then granted the request, and invited Thor to take shelter in his cave from the keen morning wind, adding tauntingly, ‘When many a league from shore The kraken’s snort we hear, And whirling Maelström’s roar, ’Tis then we’ll talk of fear.’” “Thor asked only to be put to the proof, and now begged to be allowed to take with him what he might want for his fishing. Hymir assented, telling him that for bait he would find a grub amongst the cows. Thor went into the field, and a wild bull rushing towards him, he seized it by the horns and brake off its head, and then throwing it over his shoulders leaped the enclosure, and hastened to Hymir, who was getting the boat ready. When Hymir the bull’s head On the youth’s shoulders saw, He laugh’d, and own’d the deed Was good for one so raw. Then shoved the boat from shore, Swift through the waves it flew. Hymir plied well his oar, And Thor row’d stoutly too.” “The god now became elated at the near prospect of measuring himself with the serpent, and gave full liberty to his thoughts. If he could succeed in slaying it, ‘By Yggdrasil[79], the feat Would glad me more, by far, In Valhall than to beat Ten score Einheriar.