An Ancient Ballad

They say 'neath the arms, of the giant of ice

Grew man-child and maid together

And foot with foot, did the wise one fashion

A son that six heads bore.

Eighth answer me well, if wise thou art called,

If thou knowest it, Vafthruthnir, now:

What farthest back, dost thou bear in mind?

For wide is thy wisdom, giant!

Winters unmeasured, ere earth was made

Was the birth of Bergelmir

This first knew I well, when the giant wise

In a boat of old was borne.

Ninth answer me well, if wise thou art called

If thou knowest it, Vafthruthnir, now:

Whence comes the wind, that fares o'er the waves

Yet never itself is seen?

In an eagle's guise, at the end of heaven

Hraesvelg sits, they say

And from his wings, does the wind come forth

To move o'er the world of men.