CANTO XIV.
In the first part of this canto Fritiof gives free expression to his skepticism and to his contempt for the superstition of his day. See canto VIII, lines 145, 196, 197, 255; canto XIII, stanzas 3, 13. Such skepticism was common in Scandinavia just before the introduction of Christianity.
91. döna, for dåna.
123. gudabloden. Blod is neuter but here used as a gender noun.
175. nidingsstänger were pillars raised at crossroads or other conspicuous places to mock an enemy or to indicate that he was held in contempt by every one. At the top was the head of a horse and further down were comic inscriptions giving the name of the despised person and the nature of his offence.
179. till lands, on land, antiquated genitive. There are many similar expressions in Swedish.
190. Gudbrands däld, the valley of Gudbrand in central Norway.
196. springa, break.
202. Heimskringla, the earth. Note the apt figure Heimskringlas panna, meaning the Northland.
233. snögar, poetical form for snöar.