Page:Stories of Norse Gods and Heroes.djvu/36

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
30
THOR AND HYMER.

Then Thor tightened his belt of strength and pulled till his feet went through the boat and he stood on the bottom of the ocean.

The Serpent's head rose to the top of the water. When Hymer saw it, he turned pale and trembled with fright. Just as Thor drew back his hammer to strike, Hymer cut the line, and the serpent sank, to the bottom.

Thor gave the giant a blow with his fist that nearly ended his life.

Taking the two whales into the boat Thor rowed to shore. There he took up the whales and the boat and carried them all into the house at once.

At supper the giant challenged Thor to break his goblet by throwing it.

Thor threw it against the walls and upon the floor, but it would not break.

Then the giant's wife whispered, "Throw it against Hymer's forehead." Thor did so, and the goblet was shattered.

Then the giant said Thor might have the kettle if he could carry it away.

Thor tried to lift it, but could not at first. As he tried he grew stronger, and, at last, he put the kettle over his head. But it reached down to his heels, and the handle tripped him.

Thor and Tyr traveled as fast as they could