One for Wod and One for Lok; Or, Asgard, Midgard and Utgard - Thomas Cartwright

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908. Excerpt: ... VIII.--UTGARD. HE travellers pursued their course towards the famous city, Utgard, of which Skrymir had spoken. From afar they saw it, the city of the giants, whose walls were so high that they had to bend backward to see the tops of them. On drawing nearer, they noticed that the gates were all barred, so that it seemed impossible for them to find a way in; but, on coming yet nearer, they found they could easily squeeze in between the bars, and this is the way they really entered the city. The streets were dark, gloomy and silent. Nobody was to be seen; so at length, seeing a building whose summit appeared to touch the skies, they thought this was the king's palace, and therefore entered it, as they wished above all things to see Utgard's king. They found their surmise correct, and were led into the presence of the king himself, who, like his subjects, towered high above the travellers. On seeing the strangers the king smiled what he meant to be a friendly smile, but it seemed to Thor and his friends an ugly grin that boded them no good. They kept a bold face, however, and the king entered into converse with them. "It is our custom, O strangers," he said, "to permit no alien to remain in Utgard unless he excels the people of the land in some art or accomplishment. We invite you, then, to try your skill in whatsoe'er you will." The hearts of the visitors sank within them, for how should they be able successfully to struggle against such opponents? They thought of the words of Skrymir, but it was too late to think of going back now. Then the king, turning to Loki, spoke again. "Tell me, friend," said he, "in what dost thou excel?" To speak truly, Loki, in spite of his craft and cunning, had never pursued any calling, and therefore was proficient in no usefu...