[24] Called in Danish Kiæmpe-steene; these stones either mark the burial place of a warrior, or the spot where some very remarkable circumstance has occurred.
[25] These were ancient Danish monarchs renowned in song and tale, for warlike exploits and strange adventures. Not far from the Bridge of Væré in the diocese of Roeskild, is King Frode’s grave-hill, which, according to tradition, contains immense treasures, and is the richest in all the land. “Around the King’s neck is a gold chain, so long that its other end reaches round his feet.” See Thiele’s Danské Folkesagn.
[26] Denmark’s wisest and greatest king. He entertained a warm friendship for James the First of England, and, attended by his court, came to London to visit him. The ceremonies and rejoicings which this event gave rise to, are well described in an old German book, at present in the British Museum.
[27] Tordenskiold Juul and Hvidtfeld—celebrated Danish admirals. The memory of Tordenskiold is sacred among the peasantry, on account of the victories obtained by him over the Swedes. It is reported of him in Jutland, that when the shot of the enemy was directed thick and fast against him, he would shake the leaden bullets from out the folds of his clothes.
[28] In the Northern mythology, the God of war and strength. He is girded by a belt of bear-sinews, and bears a hammer called “Miolner,” which means the shatterer, and with which he destroys giants, demons, and other foes of Odin the supreme God.
[29] See preface to “Waldemar’s Chase,” p. 115.
[30] It was frequently the practice of the ancient Norsemen, after having entombed their dead kings and heroes, to plant oaks or other trees over them, in order to prevent their remains being disturbed with facility. In that sublimest of all poems, “The Incantation of Hervor,” is a passage to the following effect:
Hervadr, Hiorvadr, Hrani and Angantyr,
I wake ye all under the roots of the trees.
[31] Between the islands of Ferroe the Sea exhibits a phenomenon, called, in the dialect of the Islanders, the Boff. Whilst the salt stream runs strong and glassy through its narrow channel, it is suddenly deformed by seven successive breakers, huge and foamy, which occur without any apparent cause, and infallibly overwhelm any boat which may chance to be in the way of their fury.
[32] The ancient Northern god of music and poetry.