taller than before, and I was exceedingly able-bodied and strong, though very old.’ (The king then asks him about the heroes of olden time, and Vidförull describes to him their personal appearance, the colour of their hair, eyes, and their stature.) ‘And one day I was wrestling in the water with the knights of King Gunnar, and I was reluctant to do it, because I doubted my powers. However, to please the king I went in; and when I was fresh I held most of the knights under water, but I soon tired, and then came my exhaustion over me, and they then held me under, and I could not rise, so I sank to the bottom, and lay there all day. And I woke up as I was washed ashore; and it was like as when a man strips off his clothes, for I was younger then again, as though I was thirty.’
“40. It was one festival, in the morning, that the king and his court went to church, and they saw that a great log had come under the hall-wall, and by it stood Vidförull, and he came to the king and greeted him, and he was very cheerful. The king said, ‘What is the cause of your merriment?’
“Vidförull replied, ‘Sire, you must not be surprised when I tell you that to-day is the time when I shall have to cast my skin, and I should like you and all the court to witness the process.’ The guard were right pleased, and laughed for joy. The king smiled and said, ‘We must go to church first and hear mass, and after that we shall be ready.’ Vidförull said it was well that they should do so. And when all the office was over, the guard scampered out of the church, for all were eager to see what would happen. The king went forth as usual, and back to his hall. And when he got there Vidförull went to him, and fell on his knee, and said, ‘Now I wish, sire, that you and all your suite should take your places, and watch me accomplish my desire, for I have long desired to quit this age and become young again.’ . . . Then he bared his head, and stroked his arms, and all his body and belly and his legs, then he rolled together the skin he was
