[64] Of all the giant race, the Hrimthusser were reckoned the most ferocious, rough, and uncouth. The names of Horseleg and Goatbeard are humourously given by the poet to two of them, whom he represents as testifying their admiration of Gerda in a clownish and indelicate manner.
[65] This change was the consequence of the return of Iduna to Valhalla.
[66] In the original, Blaamandsland (blue man’s land): so Africa was called by the Scandinavians.
NOTES TO THE EIGHTEENTH CANTO.
Specimen of the metre.
Da ilte dem imöde Freiers gode Skosvend,
Vel Skirnir man ham naevner. Nu er hun her igien,
Til Guderne han raabte, da han dem kunde see,
Nu Ydun er i Valhal: endt er nu Asernes Vee!
The nature and attributes of all the gods and goddesses seated at the banquet of Valhalla, are so fully detailed in the text, that notes to this Canto are almost superfluous.