Page:Norse mythology or, the religion of our forefathers, containing all the myths of the Eddas, systematized and interpreted with an introduction, vocabulary and index.djvu/289

 vala, but the mother of three giants. Then the vala told Odin to ride home and boast of his journey, but assured him that no one should again visit her thus before Loke should be loosed from his chains and the ruin of the gods had come. Thus the lay of Vegtam in the Elder Edda:

Together were the gods All in council, And the goddesses All in conference; And they consulted The mighty gods, Why Balder had Oppressive dreams.

To that god his slumber Was most afflicting; His auspicious dreams Seemed departed. They the giants questioned, Wise seers of the future, Whether this might not Forebode calamity.

The responses said That to death destined was Uller's kinsman, Of all the dearest: That caused grief To Frigg and Svafner, And to the other powers,— On a course they resolved:

That they would send To every being, Assurance to solicit, Balder not to harm. All species swore Oaths to spare him: Frigg received all Their vows and compacts.