The gods once more sat in council, and Odin’s face was grave. “Great indeed is the power of evil,” said the All-wise, “but the power of good must be greater still. Sons, let us call to our aid the skill of the dwarfs. Tyr shall tell them of our need, and they will help us to bind the enemy.” Like an arrow from the bow, Tyr sped from Asgard to the cave of the dwarfs, the skilful workers in gold and gems, and gladly they lent their aid to Father Odin. Three nights they toiled in the darkness, and then they brought to Tyr a delicate chain which might have been spun from a cobweb. “Here is thy chain, O Tyr,” they said. “Fierce Fenris cannot escape from its bands.” When Tyr came back to Asgard, Fenris was called once more to test his strength. He looked on the delicate thread, and he trembled; yet he would not seem to be afraid. “If one of you will place his hand in my mouth, so that there may be fair play, I will let you bind me,” he replied. The gods looked in one another’s faces. Who would dare the power of the wolf? Brave Tyr stepped forward and put his arm between the wolf’s jaws. The tiny chain was wound round Fenris. He rose to stretch himself and shake it off, but it held him fast. With a wild howl he gnashed his teeth together, and Tyr stood before the gods without his strong right arm. Then a great shout arose in Asgard, “Hail to Tyr! he has given his right hand to save the world from evil.” It was echoed from the hills, and rang through the caves of the dwarfs. “The chain of the dwarfs is mighty,” they said, “but stronger is the brave heart of Tyr.” So wisdom and goodness together were more than a match for strength and evil. Baldur was the god of light. He was the fairest of all that dwelt in Asgard, the best beloved of gods and men. Wherever he went he carried with him that kindness and love which is to the heart of man what light is to the sky. Every one loved him but Loki; the spirit of evil hated the goodness that was in Baldur. Baldur’s palace was the home of all that was bright and pure. It was built of the blue of the sky and the clear crystal of running water. Here he lived in peace, for no evil thing could enter. But Baldur became sad and troubled, for he dreamed that his life was in danger. Then his mother went abroad over the whole world, and made everything promise not to hurt Baldur. Who would harm the beautiful god? Earth, air, and water, beasts and birds, and plants and flowers—all things promised never to hurt him. So his mother returned to Asgard with joy, but still Baldur was sad. Then the gods invented a kind of game to cheer his heart. They made him stand in the midst while they threw at him weapons and all hurtful things, to show that nothing could do him harm; and thus they amused themselves many days.