Page:Stories of Norse Gods and Heroes.djvu/27

Rh then the giant awoke and stood up. His great height so amazed Thor that he forgot to strike and only asked the giant's name.

The giant replied that he was Skrymer. Then he asked to go along with Thor. Thor said he might, and they all sat upon the ground to eat breakfast.

After breakfast, the giant put Thor's provision sack into his own and carried both. All that day he strode in front and Thor followed.

At night they stopped. The giant drank a small brook dry; and at once lay down on the ground and fell asleep.

Thor found that he could not untie the sack. At this he was very angry.

He tightened his belt and went out where the giant lay. He swung his hammer above his head and struck the giant's forehead with all his strength.

The giant awoke and rubbed his eyes. Then he said sleepily, "I think a leaf must have fallen upon me." With that he fell asleep again.

Thor and the others lay down without any food, and the giant snored so that they could not sleep.

Again Thor arose. He tightened his belt twice and struck the giant a harder blow than the first. The giant only stirred and muttered, "This must be an oak-tree, for an acorn has fallen upon my forehead."