plains.

15. There were Draupnir, and Dolgthrasir, Har, Haugspori, Hlaevang,
Gloi, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafid, Ai, Alf and Yngvi, Eikinskialdi,

16. Fialar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar, Heri, Hoeggstari, Hliodolf,
Moin: that above shall, while mortals live, the progeny of Lofar,
accounted be.

17. Until there came three mighty and benevolent AEsir to the world
from their assembly. They found on earth, nearly powerless, Ask and
Embla, void of destiny.

18. Spirit they possessed not, sense they had not, blood nor motive
powers, nor goodly colour. Spirit gave Odin, sense gave Hoenir, blood
gave Lodur, and goodly colour.

19. I know an ash standing Yggdrasil hight, a lofty tree, laved with
limpid water: thence come the dews into the dales that fall; ever
stands it green over Urd's fountain.

20. Thence come maidens, much knowing, three from the hall, which
under that tree stands; Urd hight the one, the second Verdandi,--on a
tablet they graved--Skuld the third. Laws they established, life
allotted to the sons of men; destinies pronounced.

21. Alone she[7] sat without, when came that ancient dread AEsir's
prince; and in his eye she gazed.

22. "Of what wouldst thou ask me? Why temptest thou me? Odin! I know
all, where thou thine eye didst sink in the pure well of Mim." Mim
drinks mead each morn from Valfather's pledge.[8] Understand ye yet,
or what?

23. The chief of hosts gave her rings and necklace, useful
discourse, and a divining spirit: wide and far she saw o'er every
world.

24. She the Valkyriur saw from afar coming, ready to ride to the
god's people: Skuld held a shield, Skoegul was second, then Gunn, Hild
Goendul, and Geirskoegul. Now are enumerated Herian's maidens, the
Valkyriur, ready over the earth to ride.

25. She that war remembers, the first on earth, when Gullveig[9]
they with lances pierced, and in the high one's[10] hall her burnt,
thrice burnt, thrice brought her forth, oft not seldom; yet she still
lives.

26. Heidi they called her, whithersoe'r she came, the
well-foreseeing Vala: wolves she tamed, magic arts she knew, magic
arts practised; ever was she the joy of evil people.

27. Then went the powers all to their judgment-seats, the all-holy
gods, and thereon held council, whether the AEsir should avenge the
crime,[11] or all the gods receive atonement.

28. Broken was the outer wall of the AEsir's burgh. The Vanir,
foreseeing conflict, tramp o'er the plains. Odin cast [his spear], an