iends, Thorkill fastened a jewel
upon the mast-head, to mark it by the gleam. When he got to the shore,
his eyes fell on a cavern in a close defile, to which a narrow way led.
Telling his companions to await him outside, he went in, and saw two
men, swart and very huge, with horny noses, feeding their fire with any
chance-given fuel. Moreover, the entrance was hideous, the door-posts
were decayed, the walls grimy with mould, the roof filthy, and the floor
swarming with snakes; all of which disgusted the eye as much as the
mind. Then one of the giants greeted him, and said that he had begun a
most difficult venture in his burning desire to visit a strange god, and
his attempt to explore with curious search an untrodden region beyond
the world. Yet he promised to tell Thorkill the paths of the journey he
proposed to make, if he would deliver three true judgments in the
form of as many sayings. Then said Thorkill: "In good truth, I do not
remember ever to have seen a household with more uncomely noses; nor
have I ever come to a spot where I had less mind to live." Also he said:
"That, I think, is my best foot which can get out of this foremost."

The giant was pleased with the shrewdness of Thorkill, and praised his
sayings, telling him that he must first travel to a grassless land which
was veiled in deep darkness; but he must first voyage for four days,
rowing incessantly, before he could reach his goal. There he could visit
Utgarda-Loki, who had chosen hideous and grisly caves for his filthy
dwelling. Thorkill was much aghast at being bidden to go on a voyage so
long and hazardous; but his doubtful hopes prevailed over his present
fears, and he asked for some live fuel. Then said the giant: "If thou
needest fire, thou must deliver three more judgments in like sayings."
Then said Thorkill: "Good counsel is to be obeyed, though a mean fellow
gave it." Likewise: "I have gone so far in rashness, that if I can get
back I shall owe my safety to none but my own legs." And again: "Were I
free to retreat this moment, I would take good care never to come back."

Thereupon Thorkill took the fire along to his companions; and finding a
kindly wind, landed on the fourth day at the appointed harbour. With
his crew he entered a land where an aspect of unbroken night checked the
vicissitude of light and darkness. He could hardly see before him,
but beheld a rock of enormous size. Wishing to explore it, he told his
companions, who were s