Page:The Prose Edda (1916 translation by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur).pdf/70

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38
PROSE EDDA
Thrymheimr 't is called,
where Thjazi dwelt,
He the hideous giant;
But now Skadi abides,
pure bride of the gods,
In her father's ancient freehold.

XXIV. "Njördr in Nóatún begot afterward two children: the son was called Freyr, and the daughter Freyja; they were fair of face and mighty. Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men. But Freyja is the most renowned of the goddesses; she has in heaven the dwelling called Fólkvangr,[1] and wheresoever she rides to the strife, she has one-half of the kill, and Odin half, as is here said:

Fólkvangr 't is called,
where Freyja rules
Degrees of seats in the hall;
Half the kill
she keepeth each day,
And half Odin hath.

Her hall Sessrúmnir[2] is great and fair. When she goes forth, she drives her cats and sits in a chariot; she is most conformable to man's prayers, and from her name comes the name of honor, Frú, by which noblewomen are called. Songs of love are well-pleasing to her; it is good to call on her for furtherance in love."

XXV. Then said Gangleri: "Great in power do these Æsir seem to me; nor is it a marvel, that much authority attends you who are said to possess understanding of the gods, and know which one men should call on for what

  1. Folk-plain, Host-plain.
  2. Seat-roomy.