Odin is the author of the runic incantations that played so conspicuous a part in the social and religious life of the Norseman. The belief in sorcery (_galdr_ and _seiðr_) was universal among the heathen Norsemen, and it had its origin in the mythology, which represents the magic arts as an invention of Odin. SECTION XVI. VALHAL. Thus the Elder Edda, in the lay of Grimner: Gladsheim is named the fifth dwelling; There the golden-bright Valhal stands spacious; There Hropt[52] selects Each day those men Who die by weapons. Easily to be known is, By those who to Odin come, The mansion by its aspect. Its roof with spears is laid, Its hall with shields is decked, With corselets are its benches strewed. Easily to be known is, By those who to Odin come, The mansion by its aspect. A wolf hangs Before the western door, Over it an eagle hovers. Odin was preëminently the god of war. He who fell in battle came after death to Odin in Valhal. There he began the battle anew, fell and arose again. Glorious was the life in Valhal. The hall was called Valhal, that is, the hall of the slain; Odin was called Valfather (father of the slain), and the maids he sent out to choose the fallen heroes on the field of battle were called valkyries. Valhal must not, as before stated, be confused with the silver-roofed valaskjalf. The heroes who came to Valhal were called einherjes, from _ein_ and _herja_, which together mean the excellent warrior, and we find that Odin was also called Herja-father (father of heroes). Valhal is situated in Gladsheim. It is large and resplendent with gold; spears support its ceiling, it is roofed with shields, and coats of mail adorn its benches. Swords serve the purpose of fire, and of its immense size we can form some idea when we read in the Elder Edda that Five hundred doors And forty more Methinks are in Valhal; Eight hundred heroes through each door Shall issue forth Against the wolf to combat. Outside of Valhal stands the shining grove Glaser. All its leaves are red gold, whence gold is frequently called Glaser’s leaves.