[63]. But see also Vocabulary, under the word Mjolner.
[64]. Holmgang (literally isle-gang) is a duel taking place on a small island. Each combatant was attended by a second who had to protect him with a shield. The person challenged had the right to strike the first blow. When the opponent was wounded, so that his blood stained the ground, the seconds might interfere and put an end to the combat. He that was the first wounded had to pay the holmgang fine.
[65]. A name for Thor.
[66]. A Orvandel, from aur, earth, and vendill, the sprout (vöndr), ruler = the seed.
[67]. This Geirrod must not be confounded with Odin’s foster-son Geirrod, son of Hraudung (see p. [228]).
[68]. The next best thing is William Edward Frye’s translation of Œlenschlæger’s work entitled The Gods of the North. London, 1845.
[69]. Loke.
[70]. The goddess who presides over marriages.
[71]. Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero-worship.
[72]. Loke.