who are the gods that men are
bound to believe in?'

"'There are twelve gods,' replied Har, 'to whom divine honors ought to
be rendered.'

"'Nor are the goddesses,' added Jafhhar, 'less divine and mighty.'

"'The first and eldest of the AEsir,' continued Thridi, 'is Odin. He
governs all things, and although the other deities are powerful, they
all serve and obey him as children do their father. Frigga is his wife.
She foresees the destinies of men, but never reveals what is to come.
For thus it is said that Odin himself told Loki, "Senseless Loki, why
wilt thou pry into futurity? Frigga alone knoweth the destinies of all,
though she telleth them never."'

"'Odin is named Alfadir (All-father), because he is the father of all
the gods, and also Valfadir (Choosing Father), because he chooses for
his sons all those who fall in combat. For their abode he has prepared
Valhalla and Vingolf, where they are called Einherjar (Heroes or
Champions). Odin is also called Hangagud, Haptagud, and Farmagud, and,
besides these, was named in many ways when he went to King
Geirraudr.'....

"OF THOR.

"'I now ask thee,' said Gangler, 'what are the names of the other gods?
What are their functions, and what have they brought to pass?'

"'The mightiest of them,' replied Har, 'is Thor. He is called Asa-Thor
and Auku-Thor, and is the strongest of gods and men. His realm is named
Thrudvang, and his mansion Bilskirnir, in which are five hundred and
forty halls. It is the largest house ever built. Thus it is called in
the Grimnismal:--

"Fire hundred halls
And forty more,
Methinketh, hath
Bowed Bilskirnir.
Of houses roofed
There's none I know
My son's surpassing."

"'Thor has a car drawn by two goats called Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir.
From his driving about in this car he is called Auku-Thor
(Charioteer-Thor). He likewise possesses three very precious things.
The first is a mallet called Mjoelnir, which both the Frost and Mountain
Giants know to their cost when they see it hurled against them in the
air; and no wonder, for it has split many a skull of their fathers and
kindred. The second rare thing he possesses is called the belt of
strength or prowess (Megingjardir). When he girds it about him his
divine might is doubly augmented; the third, also very precious, being