Gagnrad.

46.  Much have I journeyed, much experienced, mighty ones many proved.  Whence will come the sun in that fair heaven, when Fenrir has this devoured?

Vafthrudnir.

47.  A daughter shall Alfroedull bear, ere Fenrir shall have swallowed her.  The maid shall ride, when the powers die, on her mother’s course.

Gagnrad.

48.  Much have I journeyed, etc.  Who are the maidens that o’er the ocean travel, wise of spirit, journey?

Vafthrudnir.

49.  O’er people’s dwellings three descend of Moegthrasir’s maidens, the sole Hamingiur who are in the world, although with Joetuns nurtured.

Gagnrad.

50.  Much have I journeyed, etc.  Which of the AEsir will rule o’er the gods’ possession, when Surt’s fire shall be quenched?

Vafthrudnir.

51.  Vidar and Vali will the gods’ holy fanes inhabit, when Surt’s fire shall be quenched.  Modi and Magni will Mioellnir possess, and warfare strive to end.

Gagnrad.

52.  Much have I journeyed, etc.  What of Odin will the life’s end be, when the powers perish?

Vafthrudnir.

53.  The wolf will the father of men devour; him Vidar will avenge:  he his cold jaws will cleave, in conflict with the wolf.

Gagnrad.

54.  Much have I journeyed, etc.  What said Odin in his son’s ear, ere he on the pile was laid?

Vafthrudnir.

55.  That no one knoweth, what thou in days of old saidst in thy son’s ear.  With dying mouth my ancient saws I have said, and the gods’ destruction.  With Odin I have contended in wise utterances:  of men thou ever art the wisest!

THE LAY OF GRIMNIR.

The subject is wholly mythological.

King Hraudung had two sons, one named Agnar, the other Geirroed.  Agnar was ten, and Geirroed eight winters old.  They both rowed out in a boat, with their hooks and lines, to catch small fish; but the wind drove them out to sea.  In the darkness of the night they were wrecked on the shore, and went up into the country, where they found a cottager, with whom they stayed through the winter.  The cottager’s wife brought up Agnar, and the cottager, Geirroed, and gave him good advice.  In the spring the man got them a ship; but when he and his wife accompanied them to the strand, the man talked apart with Geirroed.  They had a fair wind, and reached their father’s place.  Geirroed was at the ship’s prow:  he sprang on shore, but pushed the ship out, saying, “Go where an evil spirit may get thee.”  The vessel was driven out to sea, but Geirroed went up to the town, where he was well received; but his father was dead.  Geirroed was then taken for king, and became a famous man.