He came straightaway, swung his hammer, Mjolner, and paid the workman his wages,.not with the sun and moon, but rather by preventing him from dwelling in Jotunheim; and this was easily done with the first blow of the hammer, which broke his skull into small pieces and sent him down to Niflhel. It is built of red gold, and is called Sindre. Back to Text, 3 Vlusp ("The Sibyl's Prophecy")was poem describing the beginning and end of the world. From his horns fall so many drops down into Hvergelmer, that thence flow the rivers that are called Sid, Vid, Sekin, Ekin, Svol, Gunthro, Fjorm, Fimbulthul, Gipul, Gopul, Gomul and Geirvimul, all of which fall about the abodes of the asas. Gylfaginning - Summary - LiquiSearch Then said Ganglere: A good ship is Skidbladner, but much black art must have been resorted to ere it was so fashioned. He looked down at his feet and shivered a bit, thinking about the end of the world always made him cold. Make now the best use you can of what has been told you. He girded himself with his Megingjarder, whereby his asa-might increased. Thor stood by and hallowed the pile with Mjolner. Answered Har: The next thing was that when the rime melted into drops, there was made thereof a cow, which hight Audhumbla. The sons of Muspel direct their course to the plain which is called Vigrid. Modgud is the name of the may who guards the bridge. Back to Text Answered Jafnhar: This ash is the best and greatest of all trees; its branches spread over all the world, and reach up above heaven. So it is said in the Valas Prophecy: Then said Ganglere: What other remarkable things are there to be said about the ash? Do you suppose that Alfather invites kings, jarls, or other great men, and gives them water to drink? The second treasure he possesses is Megingjarder (belt of strength); when he girds himself with it his strength is doubled. Gods like Thor, Loki, Odin, and Frida Jarnsaxa: The Giantess And Norse Goddess of the Sea. Made answer Har: The earth is round, and without it round about lies the deep ocean, and along the outer strand of that sea they gave lands for the giant races to dwell in; and against the attack of restless giants they built a burg within the sea and around the earth. Har asked the comer what more his errand was, and added that food and drink was there at his service, as for all in Hars hall. The Gylfaginning, in a nutshell, is a conversation between the king of Sweden and the king of Asgard, Odin. Their son was Aud. As punishment, the gods took Muldilfari's children and made them work in the sky. Finding the door open they entered, and saw there many men, the most of whom were immensly large, sitting on two benches. Freyja weeps for him, but her tears are red gold. The people wanted to know where the Sun came from, why it got so cold in the winter, and what will happen to the world in the future. He was standing there for some time, smiling, when he realized that Third had stopped talking. Toward breakfast-time they ride home to Valhal and sit down to drink. And she has no way out except to run away. They took the body of Ymer, carried it into the midst of Ginungagap and made of him the earth. And now use it as you can. Har answered, laughing: Foolishly do you now ask. He included lots of the old myths and stories so that people would know how to use them in the poetry. Gylfi was a king of Sweden, and he lived among his people there happily for many years. At the northern end of heaven sits a giant, who hight Hrasvelg. All who live a life of virtue shall dwell with him in Gimle or Vingolf. The Deluding of Gylfi. The mountain I brought before the blows without you seeing it. High-One laughed, and said, a bit sarcastically, "Well, it is not surprising she goes so fast, considering who is following her so closely! He is daring in combat, and a good shot. And you will seem strange to you but that the sun will have a daughter no less fair than herself, and she will travel in in her mother's path, as it says here: But now if you can ask anything more, then I do not know from where an answer will come, because I never heard any man tell at greater length the story of the universe. At daybreak the next day Thor and his companions arose, dressed themselves and were ready to depart. A chariot called Moon also raced across the sky. The cup-bearer immediately brought forward the horn and handed it to Thor. 12 Hrmfaxi, literally "Rime-Mane". A certain man who was called Mundilfari had two children. One stood under his shoulders, another under his loins, and the third under his hams, and the fetters became iron. If you have not known this before, you can easily find out that it is true and that there is no lie about it, since you must have observed that a woman has no beard, that a cats footfall cannot be heard, and that mountains have no roots; and I know, forsooth, that what I have told you is perfectly true, although there are some things that you do not understand. Back to Text, 15 The poem Vlusp describes the destruction of the world when the sun and moon are devoured by these wolves. Thus is it here said: Then said Ganglere: How comes it that summer is so hot, but the winter so cold? From this you can judge of the beauty both of his hair and of his body. He dwells in Noatun, which is in heaven. As they ride over Bifrost it breaks to pieces, as has before been stated. 17 Vindsvalr. Loke had yet more children. He completely understood that a cow could like people free from ice. Ginnunga means something like "magical, mighty" and himin literally means "heaven". Har answered as follows: As Bors sons went along the sea-strand, they found two trees. Many scholars believe that the Deluding of Gylfi was a clever way for Snorri to recount the Norse sagas without being sacrilegious to his Christian faith. When it is not wanted for a voyage, it is made of so many pieces and with so much skill, that Frey can fold it together like a napkin and carry it in his pocket. In the next place, you struck me three times with the hammer. But under the second root, which extends to the frost-giants, is the well of Mimer, wherein knowledge and wisdom are concealed. How is it with you, Thor? Sections One and Two of the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturlusson as translated by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, Published by Dover Books 2006, this book and this vide. A chariot called Sun was made of embers and sent across the sky to measure a day. In this hall is the high-seat, which is called Hlidskjalf, and when Alfather sits in this seat, he sees over all the world. The wolf was fostered by the asas at home, and Tyr was the only one who had the courage to go to him and give him food. There was an excellent race-course along the flat plain. Third smirked, and whispered something to Just-as-High. But just then Skrymer awoke and asked: What is that? It is said that of this wolf race one is the mightiest, and is called Moongarm. The Poetic Edda is dense, scattered, and sometimes hard to follow. Ganglere asked: How could these keep peace with Ymer, or who was the stronger? Their names are: The third root of the ash is in heaven, and beneath it is the most sacred fountain of Urd. The sixth is Freyja, who is ranked with Frigg. Then said Utgard-Loke: Thjalfe seems to me to run well; still I scarcely think he will win the race, but this will be proven when they run the third heat. Then made answer Har: The gods are worthy of no blame for this structure. It is now time to get up and dress; but you have not far left to the burg that is called Utgard. When Gylfi/Gangleri found the sir, he asked them many questions about the creation of the world and the beings who lived in it. Thor clenched his fist and gave the giant a box on the ear so that he fell backward into the sea, and he saw his heels last, but Thor waded ashore. When you drank from the horn, and thought that it diminished so little, then, by my troth, it was a great wonder, which I never could have deemed possible. Or do you believe him to be a god of whom you now spake? Below he talks about the Sun and Moon.]. Are there other remarkable places than the one by Urds fountain? Then Thor stood up and called his companions. He sways victory in war, wherefore warriors should call on him. Gangleri is then challenged to show his wisdom by asking questions, as is the custom in many sagas. Did he get no punishment for this misdeed? He chose the latter, and made a tremendous leap over the top line of the net. But as soon as he spurned against it the fetter burst asunder, and he was free from Lading. Because he was the universe, he ruled it, see? Some dwarfs, the sons of Ivalde, made Skidbladner and gave it to Frey. Loke addressed himself to him, and asked: Why do you not shoot at Balder? Surt rides first, and before him and after him flames burning fire. If all things, said she, both quick and dead, will weep for him, then he shall go back to the asas, but if anything refuses to shed tears, then he shall remain with Hel. Gylfi motioned for Just-as-High to continue. He left and returned the things he learned to the people of Iceland. It is good to call on him for harvests and peace. After her, men and women who are wise are called Snotras. Psychonomicon's The Deluding of Gylfi - Tripod She was married to a man called Naglfari. Their fathers name is Vidfin. Snorri was a poet, politician, historian, and Christian. Then Thor made up his mind that if he could get a chance to give him the third blow, he would never see him again, and he now lay watching for Skrymer to sleep fast. When he saw that all his efforts were in vein he became wroth, seized his hammer Mjolner with both hands, stepped with one foot forward to where Skrymer was lying and dashed the hammer at his head. She enjoys sitting on her deck with a cup of coffee reading books on Norse myths, deities and the fantastic stories behind each and every Norse god. Fire flashes from his eyes and nostrils. They took his huge skull and made the sky. The Gylfaginning deals with the creation and destruction of the world of the Norse gods, and many other aspects of Norse mythology. Made answer Har: Alfather he is called in our tongue, but in Asgard of old he had twelve names. It is part of a collection of mythological and legendary poems called the Poetic Edda. But how is one ever to know a thing if one does not search for the answer or ask for one? The old frost-giant we call Ymer. They gave them clothes and names; the man they called Ask, and the woman Embla. So it is said in the Valas Prophecy: Then said Ganglere: Where is the chief or most holy place of the gods? Sol and Bil are numbered among the goddesses, but their nature has already been described. The Swedish people trusted their king and expected him to know answers to all questions. Chapter 7 Ganglere answered that he first would like to ask whether there was any wise man. No better tribunal is to be found among gods and men. Thus it is said: Her hall is Sesrymner, and it is large and beautiful. From them all mankind is descended, and a dwelling-place was given them under Midgard. Then added Thride: Still there was before a world to the south which hight Muspelheim. When they told him these terms, he requested that they should allow him to have the help of his horse, called Svadilfare, and at the suggestion of Loke this was granted him. He arose and went out. Thereupon they built a forge; made hammer, tongs, anvil, and with these all other tools. [High One talks for a while about how humans were created. He has a trumpet called Gjallarhorn, and when he blows it it can be heard in all the worlds. With one hand Vidar seizes the upper jaw of the wolf, and thus rends asunder his mouth. He took the ring Draupner and sent it as a keepsake to Odin. What is your understanding of The Deluding of Gylfi? Har answered: Frigg is the first; she possesses the right lordly dwelling which is called Fensaler. The gods became exceedingly wroth, as might be expected. The frost-giants and the mountain-giants would go up to heaven if Bifrost were passable for all who desired to go there. Thor said yes. When the gods knew that these three children were being fostered in Jotunheim, and were aware of the prophecies that much woe and misfortune would thence come to them, and considering that much evil might be looked for from them on their mothers side, and still more on their fathers, Alfather sent some of the gods to take the children and bring them to him. Go, Gangleri, and use this as you can.". Gylfaginning (Old Norse: 'The Beguiling of Gylfi' or 'The Deluding of Gylfi';[1][2] c. 20,000 words; 13th century Old Norse pronunciation [lvan]) is the first part of the 13th century Prose Edda after the Prologue. Just-as-High nudged him a bit. A great deed it was, forsooth, that Thor wrought on this journey. Then answered he who came in last, namely Loke: I know the feat of which I am prepared to give proof, that there is no one present who can eat his food faster than I. And it is my belief that this Odin and his brothers are the rulers of heaven and earth. Righteous men go to Gimle or Vingolf Wicked men go to Hel and then to Niflhel We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Gylfi did not know the answers to these questions, and felt he could not be a good king for his people until he knew all things. The one hight Skol, he runs after her; she fears him and he will one day overtake her. Then said Jafnhar: All that part of Ginungagap that turns toward the north was filled with thick and heavy ice and rime, and everywhere within were drizzling rains and gusts. Some of the tales within theGylfaginning are reshaped through Christian ideologies or made up entirely to fill in gaps. But if you cannot answer my question I declare you to be defeated. ", Gylfi's frown flatted until he smiled, "Yes, I see. The second part of the Prose Edda is called the Skldskaparml and the third Httatal. They therefore agreed to pass nine nights in Thrymheim and three in Noatun. Made answer Har: Skidbladner is the best of ships, and is made with the finest workmanship; but Naglfare, which is in Muspel, is the largest. Back to Text, 9 The sir are one of the families of the Scandinavian gods. He answered: I am to ride to Hel to find Balder. THey had some very hard tussles, and before long Thor was brought down on one knee. They gave resting places to all fires, and set some in heaven; some were made to go free under heaven, but they gave them a place and shaped their course. But what is the pastime of the einherjes when they do not drink? Even the High-One seemed annoyed and shocked. It is so in the Great Poem, Gangleri.". In Snorri's account Gylfi is supposedly deluded by the sir into accepting their religion; hence the name "Gylfaginning," most often interpreted as the "deluding of Gylfi", although '-ginning' is regarded the same as what we recognise in "beginning", thus "the origin of Gylfi" is also possible. Then said Ganglere: That is a most useful goat, and right excellent tree that must be that she feeds upon. Hymer had then shoved the boat off. Since Gylfaginning is very long, only sections about the Sun, Moon, and seasons are translated below. From Ymirs body, they shaped the world we know from the earth, sky, and even the stars in the sky. When you find that out, you will confess it would rather be wonderful if everybody could not easily go in and out. Snorri Sturluson was a master storyteller, and this translation in modern idiom of the inimitable tales of . Before his feet ran a dwarf, whose name is Lit. In this hall the good and righteous shall dwell through all ages. His wife hight Sygin, and their sone, Nare, or Narfe. He trekked on with his new name, practicing all of the questions he would ask the Aesir. Thor took hold of the handle of his hammer so hard that his knuckles grew white. Gylfi looked up to see the three great Aesir staring at him expectedly. When they came to him he threw the serpent into the deep sea which surrounds all lands. Vidar is the name of the silent asa. Then he saw that the asas were not far distant. But when the asas would not loos the Fenris-wolf, he bit Tyrs hand off at the place of the wolfs joint (the wrist; Icel. Gylfe answered that his name was Ganglere; that he had come a long way, and that he sought lodgings for the night. Then said Ganglere: A most powerful man is Utgard-Loke, though he deals much with delusions and sorcery. This is the greatest misfortune that has ever happened to the gods and men. She answered that all were shooting at Balder, but that he was not scathed thereby. This mans name was Bure; he was fair of face, great and mighty, and he begat a son whose name was Bor. The steed, knowing what sort of horse this was, grew excited, burst the reins asunder and ran after the mare, but she ran from him into the woods. Said Utgard-Loke: You must lay yoursefl more forward, Thjalfe, if you want to win the race; but this I confess, that there has never before come anyone hither who was swifter of foot than you. Kevin Crossley-Holland's The Norse Myths He is the best, and all praise him. 9 The sir are one of the families of the Scandinavian gods. Because of this, we need to keep in mind, when reading his material, that the myths we are reading may not be exactly the same as the myths told by pre-Christian Scandinavians. In the evening they came to a bonde (1) and got there lodgings for the night. When the net was made, the asas went to the river and cast it into the force. Wanting to obtain some of the powers of the sir, Gylfi set out for Asgard, and asked the three enthroned men he met to tell him about their gods. Thus it is here said: There is yet one who is numbered among the asas, but whom some call the backbiter of the asas. In Norse mythology, specific deities are associated with fate, including mysterious, feminine beings known as the Norns. High-One cleared his throat and said, "Well she licked the ice, see?". 1. Thjalfe, who was of all men the fleetest of foot, bore Thors bag, but the wood was no good place for provisions. The meaning seems to stem from the understanding of bellows as tools from a blacksmith's forge. The second is Glad, the third Gyller, the fourth Gler, the fifth Skeidbrimer, the sixth Silfertop, the seventh Siner, the eighth Gisl, the ninth Falhofner, the tenth Gulltop, the eleventh Letfet. He rules all things, but the other gods, each according to his might, serve him as children a father. He hears the grass grow and the wool on the backs of the sheep, and of course all things that sound louder than these. Gylfaginning: The Deluding of King Gylfi (2017) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. What makes the story of Glyfi in the Gylfaginning different is that Snorri wrote it 100 percent and has no foundations in Norse lore. The Myth of Telepinu, Hittite God of Fertility, From the Matsya Purana ("The Yuga Cycle"), From: Hindu Mythology and Literature as Recorded by Portuguese Missionaries of the Early 17th Century, From Plutarchs De Iside et Osiride ("Of Isis and Osiris"), from Tao, The Great Luminant: Essays from the Huai Nan Tzu, from Dissertation on The Cosmic Spirit, from Tao, The Great Luminant: Essays from the Huai Nan Tzu, from Dissertation on Life and Soul or The Keeper of the Soul", from Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, Vol. It has three colors, is very strong, and is made with more craft and skill than other structures. It is one of the reasons that the Prose Edda is continuously under scrutiny by modern Norse scholars. Heimdal is the name of one. But Winter's father is grim and mean, and he is called Wind-Bringer or Cold-Wind. Since then it has been held as a proverb, to get loose out of Lading or to dash out of Drome, whenever anything is extraordinarily hard. Third laughed so hard he nearly choked to death. Sun was made to drive the speedy horses of the Sun chariot, which was very difficult, since the chariot was very hot, filled with embers! Thor took in the oars, got ready a very strong line, and the hook was neither less nor weaker. The Moon knew not Hence is the saying that he hlins who is forewarned. Out of it come three maids, whose names are Urd, Verdande and Skuld. She often goes on skees (snow-shoes), with her bow, and shoots wild beasts. When the asas at length, tried to speak, the wailing so choked their voices that one could not describe to the other his sorrow. He may even have made some things up! Then answered Thride: It is evident that he now is bound to know, though it does not seem proper for us to speak thereof. At dawn he sends them out to fly over the whole world, and they come back at breakfast time. Answered Har: It is two wolves. To this house went a woman, and when she raised her hands to open the door, both the sky and the sea glistened therefrom, and she made all the world bright. The one asa looked at the other, and thought there now was a choice of two evils, and no one would offer his hand, before Tyr held out his right hand and laid it in the wolfs mouth. 13 Skinfaxi. She lends a favorable ear to men who call upon her, and it is from her name that the title has come that women of birth and wealth are called frur. Thus it is said in Grimners Lay: Thereupon said Ganglere: I wish to ask tidings of more of the asas. This is sometimes simply translated as "bellows". The eleventh is Syn, who guards the door of the hall, and closes it against those who are not to enter. The Elder Edda and the Younger Edda/Younger Edda/The Deluding of Gylfi She was married to a man who is called Naglfari.6 Their son is called Aur. Skirner said that he would go, though he was loth to do so, as it was probable that he would get evil words in reply. This I know, forsooth, that many a one comes to Valhal who would think he was paying a big price for his water-drink, if there were no better reception to be found there,persons, namely, who have died from wounds and pain. The sun moves fast, and almost as if she were afraid, and she could not speed her course even if she feared death. They discovered a large hall and went to it. and with him all the frost-giants. Hence such vows are called vars, and she takes vengeance on those who break their promises. Of this you may hear what the Lay of Grimner says: Then said Ganglere: A mighty band of men there is in Valhal, and, forsooth, I know that Odin is a very great chief, since he commands so mighty a host. He was so curious, he finally asked, "Why does the Sun move so fast?". High-One spoke long about how humans were created and where the gods came to live. But the gods were angered by that arrogance and took the siblings and set them up in the sky, they made Sun drive that horse who drew the sun's chariot which the gods had shaped to light the world from an ember which flew from Muspell's World. Har answered: Thor is the foremost of them. (1) Thor tarried there as a guest through the night. Snorri Sturluson was a Christian poet who respected Norse mythology but didnt believe in it. Even though Gylfi disguises himself as a humble traveler named Gangleri, the sir gods anticipate his arrival and devise a scheme. The Prose Edda was written by Snorri Sturluson around 1222. Gylfi was a bit worried about going to see the Aesir. Summary Prose Edda - Viking encounters in the British Isles - Stuvia They drew nearer and came to the burg-gate, which was closed. Surt is the name of him who stands on its border guarding it. Gylfi asked. Once, when she was riding, some vans saw her faring through the air. On one of the boughs of the ash sits an eagle, who knows many things. But what other gods are there? Three roots sustain the tree and stand wide apart; one root is with the asas and another with the frost-giants, where Ginungagap formerly was; the third reaches into Niflheim; under it is Hvergelmer, where Nidhug gnaws the root from below. They wanted to wolf to try this also, saying to him that he would become very famous for his strength, if so strong a chain was not able to hold him. It is said that the giant Hymer changed hue and grew pale from fear when he saw the serpent and beheld the water flowing into the boat; but just at the moment when Thor grasped the hammer and lifted it in the air, the giant fumbled for his fishing-knife and cut off Thors line at the gunwale, whereby the serpent sank back into the sea. It shall stand when both heaven and earth shall have passed away. He is full of wisdom, for he drinks from the well with the Gjallar-horn. When it had become dark, they sought a place for their night lodging, and found a very large hall. The fourteenth is Gna, whom Frigg sends on her errands into various worlds. The Sun knew not Is there any earth or heaven? But when the wolf now began to spurn against it the band grew stiffer, and the more he strained the tighter it got. It is built of serpents wattled together, and all the heads of the serpents turn into the hall and vomit forth venom that flows in streams along the hall, and in these streams wade perjurers and murderers. What does Gylfi ask about at the beginning of the story? Har answered: Much knowledge is needed to explain it all rightly, but still it is shortest to tell you that most of these names have been given him for the reason that, as there are many tongues in the world, so all peoples thought they ought to turn his name into their tongue, in order that they might be able to worship him and pray to him each in its own language. He is also so wise, that it is said of anyone who is specially intelligent, that he is Tyr-learned. Jord, the mother of Thor, and Rind, Vales mother, are numbered among the goddesses. Partially because of this, the kind of poetry Snorri liked was becoming unpopular and was being replaced by new styles of poetry. Then they took the embers and sparks that flew loose and had been cast from Muspell's World1 and set them in the midst of Mighty Space2, both above and below, to light the sky and Earth. But in this flood Naglfar gets afloat. Call hither that old woman, Elle, my foster-mother, and let Thor wrestle with her if he wants to. The asas and the einherjes arm themselves and speed forth to the battlefield. Just-as-High sat in his chair with his mouth open so wide that Gylfi could see all of his teeth. The second part of the Prose Edda is called the Skldskaparml and the third Httatal. At the beginning of the Gylfaginning, Gylfi is in modern-day Sweden. For instance, at one point in the Deluding of Gylfi the gods resolve to deal with Fenrir, a son of Loki who appears as a monstrous wolf.