There are many legends respecting Odin, who often visited mankind. We select one because it illustrates the observations we have made in regard to the rivalry of him and Thor. Sterkodder, the celebrated champion[54], when a child, was taken captive. He fell to the lot of one named Granè, or Whiskers, who was named Horsehair Whiskers, and who brought him up as a foster-son. This was no other than Odin in disguise, whose attachment to one destined to become so unrivalled in arms may be easily conceived. One night the destiny of the young man, unknown to himself, was to be shown him. Horsehair Whiskers, of whose quality he was ignorant, embarked with him in a small boat, and they proceeded to an island, landed, and by midnight reached an open plain in the centre of a forest. There he saw a large assemblage; and within the ring formed by the assemblage were twelve seats, for so many judges. Eleven were full, but one was empty, and Horsehair Whiskers immediately seated himself in it. From the instantaneous salute of Odin by the judges, and the mention of his name, the chieftain perceived that he was in the awful presence of that deity, and of the other gods. Odin said that the judges should now decree Sterkodder his destiny. Thor then spoke and said, “Alfhild, the mother of Sterkodder’s father, chose for her son’s-father (_husband_) a very wise Jötunn (_giant_) in preference to Asathor; wherefore I appoint to Sterkodder that he shall have neither son nor daughter, and thus be the last of his race.” _Odin._ “I grant him to live three men’s age.” _Thor._ “He shall do a vile act in each of them.” _Odin._ “I give him that he shall own the best weapons and harness.” _Thor._ “And I appoint him that he shall own neither land nor sand.” _Odin._ “I give him that he shall be rich in money.” _Thor._ “I lay on him that he shall never seem to have enough.” _Odin._ “I give him victory and martial skill in every fight.” _Thor._ “I lay on him that in every fight he shall lose a limb.” _Odin._ “I give him the poet’s faculty, so that he shall produce poems with as much ease as unmeasured language.” _Thor._ “He shall never be able to remember the verses he makes.” _Odin._ “I grant him that he shall be favoured by those of greatest rank and name.” _Thor_. “He shall be hated by all others.” Then the judges ratified to Sterkodder all that had been said, and the council broke up.