XVI.
THE FENRIS WOLF.
With wonderful speed the chain was forged; and when the Sun-god lifted his head above the hills, to send forth his light again across the fields of Midgard, the first sight that greeted his return was Thor, a great mass of golden coil within his hand, speeding up the rainbow bridge to Asgard.
It was a tiny chain—hardly larger than a thread; but in it lay a magic strength.
Entering the great golden gate, Thor saw the Fenris wolf, again creeping stealthily up and down the streets.
Thor’s hand shut tight upon the handle of his hammer. It was hard to believe that a blow from the hammer would not slay the wicked creature. For an instant Thor’s face grew black. Then forcing a smile, and showing to the wolf the mass of gold, he said, “Come Fenris; come with me into the hall. There the gods are to meet and test our strength upon this magic coil. Whoever breaks it, and so proves himself the strongest, is to win a prize from the great All-father Odin.”
The wolf stretched back his cruel lips, and showed his sharp fangs of teeth. He did not speak; but his wicked grin said, “You do not deceive the Fenris-wolf.”
Together Thor and the Fenris-wolf entered the presence of Odin and the gods and goddesses.
“I have,” said Thor, “a magic coil. It is very strong. The dwarfs made it for me; and Odin has promised a great prize to the one who shall be strong enough to break its links. Come, let us try.”