At this the Asas were so astonished that they meekly replied that they
were just going to do that very thing. And they went and lay down
under another oak. But there was no sleep for them, for, besides their
fear and hunger, the whole wood resounded with the giant's snores, so
that it seemed as though it thundered all the time.

At last Thor could stand it no longer, so he went over to him, and
swinging his hammer with all his skill brought it down with such a
crash that he knew by the feel of it that it had sunk deep into the
head.

But the giant only turned over, saying sleepily: "What was that? Did
an acorn fall upon my head? How is it with you, friend Thor?"

Then Thor answered hastily that he had only just waked up, and that it
was midnight and still time to sleep.

The god was now alarmed, and he decided that, if it were possible, he
would get in a third blow which should put an end altogether to the
most extraordinary companion he had ever had.

So he lay watching for Skrymir to go fast asleep again, and shortly
before daybreak his chance came.

Creeping up, he clutched the hammer with all his might and dashed it
at the giant's temples with such force that it sank up to the handle.

Scarcely had he time to pull it out again than Skrymir sat up and
began to yawn, rubbing his eyes and stroking his temples and saying:

"Are there any birds sitting in the tree above me? I thought, as I
woke up, that some moss from the branches fell upon my head. Ho,
there! Thor, are you awake? You seem to be moving early this morning.
Let us all get up and continue our journey, for we are now not far
from Giant Town."

Filled with astonished dismay at the failure of his attempts, Thor
roused his companions, and all set off, hungry and dispirited, at the
giant's heels. Presently they began to whisper together as to the
events of the night, and of the enormous strength and size of their
companion, but after awhile Skrymir looked down at them and said:

"We have now come to two ways; mine goes to the north where you see
yon mountains; yours, if you still wish to reach Giant Town, lies
there to the east. So here we part company, but first let me give you
some useful advice.

"I have heard you whispering to one another that I am not small of
stature; but when you come to Giant Town you will see greater folk
still. So do not brag too much of your own powers, for the Giant folk
will not put up with the boasting of such insigni