[395] The historical connections of this story are somewhat obscure. But this is immaterial for our purpose, as the part with which we are dealing is clearly derived from folk-tales.
[396] Guðmundr of Glæsisvellir is a well-known figure in the unhistorical parts of sagas.
[397] A better parallel is perhaps furnished by Thorkillus' subsequent visit to the abode of Ugarthilocus (p. 292 ff.). The description of this place recalls that of Náströnd in Völuspá 39, Gylfaginning, cap. 52.
[398] The home of Hades resembles the abode of Hel rather than Valhöll. To this also we have a visit (by the god Hermóðr) in Gylf. 49.
[399] Cf. Tylor, Primitive Culture4, I p. 346, II p. 50 ff.
[400] As seen (e.g.) in the application of the name Κωκυτός to a tributary of the Acheron. The presumption is that this name was originally a creation of poetic fancy, just as much as Πυριφλεγέθων. The diffusion of the names Acheron and Acherusia in other regions (Italy, the Black Sea, etc.) is doubtless due to the influence of poetry or tradition.
CHAPTER XIII.
MYTH IN THE HOMERIC POEMS.
It is commonly held that history, myth and fiction have all contributed to the formation of the Greek heroic stories; but opinions differ widely as to the relative importance to be attributed to the three elements. Among modern scholars the general tendency has been to assign the chief weight to myth. By many indeed the heroes of the Trojan War are believed to be as mythical in origin as the gods themselves.