From Bishop Percys translation of the Younger Edda.
KING GYLFI was renowned for his wisdom and skill in magic. He beheld with astonishment that whatever the Æsir willed took place; and was at a loss whether to attribute their success to the superiority of their natural abilities, or to a power imparted to them by the mighty gods whom they worshiped. To be satisfied in this particular, he resolved to go to Asgard, and, taking upon himself the likeness of an old man, set out on his journey. But the Æsir, being too well skilled in divination not to foresee his design, prepared to receive him with various illusions. On entering the city Gylfi saw a very lofty mansion, the roof of which, as far as his eye could reach, was covered with golden shields. Thiodolf of Hvina thus alludes to Valhalla being roofed with shields.
Warriors all careworn, | |
(Stones had poured upon them), | |
On their backs let glisten | |
Valhallas golden shingles. |
At the entrance of the mansion Gylfi saw a man who amused himself by tossing seven small swords in the air, and catching them as they fell, one after the other. This person having asked his name, Gylfi said that he was called Gangler, and that he came from a long journey, and begged for a nights lodging. He asked, in his turn, to whom this mansion belonged. The other told him that it belonged to their king, and added, But I will lead thee to him, and thou shalt thyself ask him his name. So saying, he entered the hall, and as Gylfi followed the door banged to behind him. He there saw many stately rooms crowded with people, some playing, some drinking, and others fighting with various weapons. Gangler, seeing a multitude of things, the meaning of which he could not comprehend, softly pronounced the following verse (from the Hava-mal):
Scan every gate | |
Ere thou go on, | |
With greatest caution; | |
For hard to say tis | |
Where foes are sitting | |
In this fair mansion. |
If thou art not the most knowing, replied Har, I fear thou wilt hardly return safe. But go, stand there below, and propose thy questions; here sits one who will be able to answer them.