Page:Younger Edda (Anderson, 1880).djvu/256

 stones are in Denmark called dwarf-hammers. Thej borrow things and seek advice from peo])le, and beg aid for their wives when in labor, all which services they reward. But they also lame cattle, are thievish, and will carry off damsels. There have been instances of dwarf females having married and had children with men. (Thorpe's IN^orthern Mythology.)

Wak. It was the first warfare in the world, says the Elder Edda, when they pierced Gullveig (goldthirst) through with a spear, and burned her in Odin's hall. Thrice they burned her, thrice she was born anew: again and again, but still she lives. When she comes to a house they call her Heide (the bright, the welcome), and regard her as a propitious vala or prophetess. She can tame wolves, understands witchcraft, and delights wicked women. Hereupon the gods consulted together whether they should punish this misdeed, or accept a blood -fine, when Odin cast forth a spear among mankind, and now began war and slaughter in the world. The defenses of the burgh of the asas was broken down. The vans anticipated war, and hastened over the field. The Valkyries came from afar, ready to ride to the gods' people: Skuld with the shield. Skogul, Gunn, Hild, Gondul and Geirr Skogul. (Quoted by Thorpe. )

In reference to Ygdrasil, we refer our readers to Norse Mythology, pp. 205-211, and to Thomas Carlyle's Heroes and Hero-worship.

A connection between the norns Urd, Yerdande and Skuld and the weird sisters in Shakspeare's Macbeth has long since been recognized; but new light has