Page:Stories of Norse Gods and Heroes.djvu/34

28 Dolphins and sword-fish played beside their pathway without fear.

Soon the gods reached the upper world. There they made themselves look like two young men. Then they traveled away to the land of snow.

On the icy shore of the ocean they found Hymer's house. At the door they were met by Hymer's beautiful wife, who was Tyr's mother.

The house was dark and gloomy. Very glad was Tyr's mother to see the guests. She bade them welcome, but told them to hide under the kettles.

Hymer came home late, with his beard shining with frost. The beams of the low, dark house shook under his feet.

"My son is here," said his wife, when he had shaken the frost from his hair.

"Where is he?" said Hymer.

"Behind that post," replied his wife. Hymer's eyes blazed. He stared hard at the post. Instantly it flew into splinters. Eight of the kettles fell clanging to the ground.

Out sprang the gods and faced the giant.

When Hymer saw his old enemy, Thor, he was frightened. So he bade them welcome, and ordered three oxen to be roasted whole for supper.