Read Online The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson - Free Book Online Page B

places there. One is called Alfheim [Elf World]. The people called the light elves live there, but the dark elves live down below in the earth. They are different from the light elves in appearance, and far more so in nature. The light elves are more beautiful than the sun, while the dark elves are blacker than pitch. One place is named Breidablik [Gleaming Far and Wide], and no place there is more beautiful. There also is the place called Glitnir [Radiant Place]; its walls, columns and pillars are of red gold, and its roof is of silver. Then there is that place called Himinbjorg. It stands at heaven’s end, right at the far edge of the bridge where Bifrost enters heaven. There is also the great place called Valaskjalf; it belongs to Odin. The gods built it and roofed it with pure silver. Inside this hall is Hlidskjalf, as this throne is called. When All-Father sits in this seat, he sees over all the world.
    â€˜At the southern reaches of heaven’s end is a hall, the most beautiful of them all and brighter than the sun. It is called Gimle. It will remain standing when both heaven and earth are gone, and good and righteous men will inhabit that place through all ages. As
The Sibyl’s Prophecy
says:
    I know a hall, standing
fairer than the sun
better than gold
at Gimle.
Worthy men
will live there
through the days of all time
enjoying happiness.’
    (
The Sibyl’s Prophecy. 64
)
    Then Gangleri said, ‘What will protect this place when Surt’s fire burns heaven and earth?’
    High answered: ‘It is said that a second heaven lies to the south and above this heaven. It is called Andlang [Long and Wide]. Still further up, there is a third heaven called Vidblain [Wide Blue]. We believe that this region is in heaven, but now only the light elves live there.’
18. THE ORIGIN OF THE WIND
    Then Gangleri said: ‘From where comes the wind? It is so strong that it whips the great oceans and stirs up fire. But as strong as it is, no one can see it, so wondrously is it made.’
    High said, ‘I can easily tell you that. At the far northern end of heaven sits a giant named Hraesvelg [Corpse Gulper]. He has the shape of an eagle, and when he beats his wings to take flight, the winds blow out from under them. As is said here:
    Hraesvelg, he is called,
who sits at heaven’s end,
a giant in eagle’s shape.
From his wings,
it is said, the winds
blow over all men.’
    (
The Sibyl’s Prophecy. 37
)
19. SUMMER AND WINTER
    Then Gangleri asked, ‘Why is there such a difference between the heat of summer and the cold of winter?’
    High answered, ‘A wise man would not have asked, because everyone can answer this. But if you are a man of such little learning that you have not heard this before, then I would rather that you, in your ignorance, ask than continue to be unaware of what one ought to know. Svasud is the name of the father of Summer. He is a man so content that from his name comes the expression “it is
svasligt
”, referring to what is pleasant. The father of Winter is alternately called Vindloni or Vindsval [Wind Chill]. He is the son of Vasad [Damp Cold]. These are cruel and cold-hearted kinsmen, and Winter takes its nature from them.’
20. ODIN THE ALL-FATHER
    Then Gangleri said, ‘Which Æsir ought men to believe in?’
    High answered, ‘There are twelve Æsir whose nature is divine.’
    Then Just-as-High added: ‘The goddesses are no less sacred, nor are they less powerful.’
    Then Third said, ‘Odin is the highest and oldest of the gods. He rules in all matters, and, although the other gods are powerful, all serve him as children do their father. Frigg is his wife. She knows the fates of men, even though she pronounces no prophecies. So it is said here, when Odin himself spoke with one of the Æsir called Loki: 1
    â€œYou are raving, Loki,
and out of your mind,
why, Loki, do you not stop?
Frigg knows,
I believe, the