The Viking Age. Volume 1 (of 2) / The early history, manners, and customs of the ancestors of the English-speaking nations

by Paul B. Du Chaillu

[273]. Olaf Tryggvason, Hkr., c. 76; Halfredar Saga, 6; Vatnsdæla, c. 10, 16.

[274]. See p. [411], sacrifice to the Disir.

[275]. I.e., draw the string so hard that the point of the arrow is inside the curve.

[276]. Cf. also Sigrdrifumál, 17; Helgi Hundingsbani; Norna Gest; Flateyjarbók; Fornaldar Sögur, i. Later Edda; Orkneyinga; Egil’s Saga; Hávamál; Atlakvida.

[277]. Helgakvida Hundingsbana.

[278]. These three maidens came from Jötunheim, the home of the Jötnar; here they are no doubt meant to designate the three Nornir, who came and disturbed the peace of the golden age by establishing past, present, and future, i.e., change, fluctuation, development, and growth.

[279]. Idavöll, ida, movement; voll, plain. This stanza tells of the golden age when the Asars were happy and lacked nothing.

[280]. Grimnismál, gives a somewhat similar account.

[281]. Burn a spot on the skin as a cure.

[282]. Thjód nation, nation of the Goths.