From Bishop Percy’s translation of the “Younger Edda.”

“BUT with what did he begin, or what was the beginning of things?” demanded Gangler.

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  “Hear,” replied Har, “what is said in the ‘Vöuspá’:—

  “‘’Twas time’s first dawn,
When naught yet was,
Nor sand nor sea,
Nor cooling wave;
Earth was not there
Nor heaven above.
Naught save a void
And yawning gulf.
But verdure none.’”

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  “Many ages before the earth was made,” added Jafnhar, “was Niflheim formed, in the middle of which lies the spring called Hvergelmir, from which flow twelve rivers, Gjoll being the nearest to the gate of the abode of Death.”

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  “But, first of all,” continued Thridi, “there was in the southern region (sphere) the world called Muspell. It is a world too luminous and glowing to be entered by those who are not indigenous there. He who sitteth on its borders (or the land’s end) to guard it is named Surtur. In his hand he beareth a flaming falchion, and at the end of the world shall issue forth to combat, and shall vanquish all the gods, and consume the universe with fire. As it is said in the ‘Vöuspá’:—

  “‘Surtur from the south wends
With seething fire
The falchion of the mighty one
A sunlight flameth.
Mountains together dash,
Giants headlong rush,
Men tread the paths to Hel,
And Heaven in twain is rent.’”

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