[17] By the mythe of the death and resuscitation of Thor’s goats, is meant probably the death of nature in winter, and her resuscitation in spring. By the marrow eaten by Tialfe, and the lameness of the goat occasioned thereby, it is meant, that if the seed or germ of reproduction in animals or plants be damaged or destroyed, the reproduction becomes imperfect, or impossible.
[18] The pact between Niord and Ægir means, that when the sea is frozen by the north wind, the weather is perfectly calm, and the sea itself passable as dry land.
[19] What this hut turns out to be, is explained in the second Canto.
NOTES TO THE SECOND CANTO.
Specimen of the metre in the original.
Com Thor med vaagent Oere
Ru tröstig sad i̱ Mag,
Da fik han snart at höre
Et svart og vaeldigt Brag, etc.
[20] Goblin-land: in the original Troldkæmpeland, from trold (goblin) kæmpe (warrior) and land (land). The giants are often called Troldkæmper. Who Skrymur turns out to be, is explained in the sixth Canto.