bloody froth like hail,
Spurting with poisoned, venomed breath
Foul, deadly mists o'er all the Earth,
Thro' thundering surge, he sought the strand."

Valhalla (J. C. Jones).

One of the great waves, stirred up by Ioermungandr's struggles, set
afloat Nagilfar, the fatal ship, which was constructed entirely out
of the nails of those dead folks whose relatives had failed, through
the ages, in their duty, having neglected to pare the nails of the
deceased, ere they were laid to rest. No sooner was this vessel
afloat, than Loki boarded it with the fiery host from Muspells-heim,
and steered it boldly over the stormy waters to the place of conflict.

This was not the only vessel bound for Vigrid, however, for out of a
thick fog bank towards the north came another ship, steered by Hrym,
in which were all the frost giants, armed to the teeth and eager for
a conflict with the AEsir, whom they had always hated.

The Terrors of the Underworld

At the same time, Hel, the goddess of death, crept through a crevice
in the earth out of her underground home, closely followed by the
Hel-hound Garm, the malefactors of her cheerless realm, and the dragon
Nidhug, which flew over the battlefield bearing corpses upon his wings.

As soon as he landed, Loki welcomed these reinforcements with joy,
and placing himself at their head he marched with them to the fight.

Suddenly the skies were rent asunder, and through the fiery breach
rode Surtr with his flaming sword, followed by his sons; and as
they rode over the bridge Bifroest, with intent to storm Asgard,
the glorious arch sank with a crash beneath their horses' tread.

"Down thro' the fields of air,
With glittering armour fair,
In battle order bright,
They sped while seething flame
From rapid hoofstrokes came.
Leading his gleaming band, rode Surtur,
'Mid the red ranks of raging fire."

Valhalla (J. C. Jones).

The gods knew full well that their end was now near, and that their
weakness and lack of foresight placed them under great disadvantages;
for Odin had but one eye, Tyr but one hand, and Frey nothing but a
stag's horn wherewith to defend himself, instead of his invincible
sword. Nevertheless, the AEsir did not show any signs of despair, but,
like true battle-gods of the North, they donned their richest attire,
and gaily rode to the battlefield, determined to sell their lives as
dearly as possible.