Page:The Prose Edda (1916 translation by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur).pdf/66

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34
PROSE EDDA
We were called Grímr    and Gangleri,
Herjann, Hjálmberi;
Thekkr, Thridi,    Thudr, Udr,
Helblindi, Hárr.
Sadr, Svipall,    Sann-getall,
Herteitr, Hnikarr;
Bileygr, Báleygr,    Bölverkr, Fjölnir,
Grímnir, Glapsvidr, Fjölsvidr.
Sídhöttr, Sidskeggr,    Sigfödr, Hnikudr,
Alfödr, Atrídr, Farmatýr;
Óski, Ómi,    Jafnhárr, Biflindi,
Göndlir, Hárbardr.
Svidurr, Svidrir,    Jálkr, Kjalarr, Vidurr,
Thrór, Yggr, Thundr;
Vakr, Skilfingr,    Váfudr, Hroptatýr,
Gautr, Veratýr."

Then said Gangleri: "Exceeding many names have ye given him; and, by my faith, it must indeed be a goodly wit that knows all the lore and the examples of what chances have brought about each of these names." Then Hárr made answer: "It is truly a vast sum of knowledge to gather[1] together and set forth fittingly. But it is briefest to tell thee that most of his names have been given him by reason of this chance: there being so many branches of tongues in the world, all peoples believed that it was needful for them to turn his name into their own tongue, by which they might the better invoke him and entreat him on their own

  1. Literally, to rake into rows.