There must be many tribes distinct, of unlike form and face;
With human bodies some combine the head of wolf or bear;[63]
Some dwell in subterranean caves; some in the forest drear:
Others with human visage graced the Asar’s type recall;
They war upon the gods, ’tis true, but that comes from their fall:
Though not endow’d with heavenly power, magic they understand;
In woollen oft like peasants clad they wander through the land.
Of this last race was Gerda fair: her sire would oft invite
The wild Hrimthusser[64] to his board; she view’d them all with slight.
“Gerda’s in truth a handsome girl, ’tis pity she’s so cold:”