Vafthrudnir.

31.  From Elivagar sprang venom drops, which grew till they became a Joetun; but sparks flew from the south-world:  to the ice the fire gave life.

Gagnrad.

33.  Tell me seventhly, since thou are called wise, and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir! how he children begat, the bold Joetun, as he had no giantess’s company?

Vafthrudnir.

33.  Under the armpit grew, ’tis said, of the Hrimthurs, a girl and boy together; foot with foot begat, of that wise Joetun, a six-headed son.

Gagnrad.

34.  Tell me eighthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir! what thou doest first remember, or earliest knowest?  Thou art an all-wise Joetun.

Vafthrudnir.

35.  Countless winters, ere earth was formed, Bergelmir was born.  That I first remember, when that wise Joetun in an ark was laid.

Gagnrad.

36.  Tell me ninthly, since thou art called wise, and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir! whence the wind comes, that over ocean passes, itself invisible to man?

Vafthrudnir.

37.  Hraesvelg he is called, who at the end of heaven sits, a Joetun in an eagle’s plumage:  from his wings comes, it is said, the wind, that over all men passes.

Gagnrad.

38.  Tell me tenthly, since thou all the origin of the gods knowest, Vafthrudnir! whence Nioerd came among the AEsir’s sons?  O’er fanes and offer-steads he rules by hundreds, yet was not among the AEsir born.

Vafthrudnir.

39.  In Vanaheim wise powers him created, and to the gods a hostage gave.  At the world’s dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.

Gagnrad.

40.  Tell me eleventhly, since all the condition of the gods thou knowest, Vafthrudnir! what the Einheriar do in Haerfather’s halls, until the powers perish?

Vafthrudnir.

41.  All the Einheriar in Odin’s halls each day together fight; the fallen they choose, and from the conflict ride; beer with the AEsir drink, of Saehrimnir eat their fill, then sit in harmony together.

Gagnrad.

42.  Tell me twelfthly, as thou all the condition of the gods knowest, Vafthrudnir! of the Joetuns’ secrets, and of all the gods’, say what truest is, thou all-knowing Joetun!

Vafthrudnir.

43.  Of the secrets of the Joetuns and of all the gods, I can truly tell; for I have over each world travelled; to nine worlds I came, to Niflhel beneath:  here die men from Hel.

Gagnrad.

44.  Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved.  What mortals will live, when the great “Fimbul"-winter shall from men have passed?

Vafthrudnir.

45.  Lif and Lifthrasir; but they will be concealed in Hoddmimir’s holt.  The morning dews they will have for food.  From, them shall men be born.