Skrymir departed, and the gods travelled to the east; and at the hour of noon there loomed upon their sight a mighty castle, that seemed to reach to the blue vault of heaven; it was built of strong stones, and was, in truth, fit for the Giants’ home. All round it was a wall, and the gate was fast shut. Thor’s efforts were unavailing to open it, so they slipped through the bars, feeling much ashamed. They crossed the courtyard, and entered into a hall so vast that it was a journey to go from end to end! In the hall were set tables and benches, and on the benches sat men of lofty stature; at the head of the table sat the King, and on the table was spread a feast. When they drew near, the King glanced at them.
“Ye are welcome in the hall of Utgardloki,” quoth he. “By thy red beard and thy hammer, thou shouldst be Thor, friend. But I can scarce think that Thor is so small in stature, or is thy strength greater than thy body would make us think?”
“Try me,” said Thor wrathfully. ”I am stronger than thou lookest for.”
“So be it,” said Utgardloki. ”For none may stay here who can- not excel in some way. What can ye do?”
Then Loki cried out, “Try me at the feast, O King. Truly your men may be stronger than I, but I think there is none can beat me in speed at a meal.”
So the men brought in a great trough of meat at the King’s command, and it was no small load. Loki and Logi, one of the Giants, sat down, one at each end, and ate, and in a little space they met in the middle of the trough. Loki had devoured the meat, but Logi had also consumed the bones and the wooden trough, and was proclaimed the victor. Then Utgardloki asked Thialfi in what art he excelled.
“In good sooth,” said Thialfi, “I am accounted a swift runner.”
“That is truly an excellent art,” rejoined the King; “but swift indeed must your running be if you would bear away the prize here.”
So they went forth to the racecourse, and a young man, Hugi, was summoned to run with Thialfi. Three times were they to run to the goal. The first time Hugi reached it in time to turn back and meet Thialfi. So they ran for the second time, and when Thialfi was yet a bow shot from the goal, Hugi arrived and turned again to meet him,
