orth it is bounded
by the same vast unnavigable Ocean, from which by
means of a sort of projecting arm of land a bay is cut off
and forms the German Sea. Here also there are said to 18
be many small islands scattered round about. If wolves
cross over to these islands when the sea is frozen by
reason of the great cold, they are said to lose their sight.
Thus the land is not only inhospitable to men but cruel
even to wild beasts.

Now in the island of Scandza, whereof I speak, there 19
dwell many and divers nations, though Ptolemaeus mentions
the names of but seven of them. There the honey-making
swarms of bees are nowhere to be found on
account of the exceeding great cold. In the northern part
of the island the race of the Adogit live, who are said
to have continual light in midsummer for forty days and
nights, and who likewise have no clear light in the winter
season for the same number of days and nights. By 20
reason of this alternation of sorrow and joy they are like
no other race in their sufferings and blessings. And why?
Because during the longer days they see the sun returning
to the east along the rim of the horizon, but on the shorter
days it is not thus seen. The sun shows itself differently
because it is passing through the southern signs, and
whereas to us the sun seem to rise from below, it seems
to go around them along the edge of the earth. There
also are other peoples. There are the Screrefennae, who 21
do not seek grain for food but live on the flesh of wild
beasts and birds' eggs; for there are such multitudes of
young game in the swamps as to provide for the natural
increase of their kind and to afford satisfaction to the
needs of the people. But still another race dwells there,
the Suehans, who, like the Thuringians, have splendid
horses. Here also are those who send through innumerable
other tribes the sappherine skins to trade for Roman
use. They are a people famed for the dark beauty of
their furs and, though living in poverty, are most richly
clothed. Then comes a throng of various nations, Theustes, 22
Vagoth, Bergio, Hallin, Liothida. All their habitations
are in one level and fertile region. Wherefore they
are disturbed there by the attacks of other tribes. Behind
these are the Ahelmil, Finnaithae, Fervir and Gauthigoth,
a race of men bold and quick to fight. Then come the
Mixi, Evagre, and Otingis. All these live like wild animals
in rocks hewn out like castles. An