skirnismal

Skirnismal ("The Lay of Skrnir"), also known as "Skrnir's Ride" is a poem in the Elder Edda. In the poem, the god Freyr, the son of Njrd, surreptitiously sits in Odin's throne, Hlidskjalf. From the throne, it is possible to see the whole world. On looking to the north, in Jotunheim, the land of the giants, Freyr espied a beautiful girl and was immediately seized by love. Fearing that the object of his heart's desire was unattainable, gloom settled upon him. Niord asked Freyr's servant Skrnir to ascertain the cause of his son's misery. The poem starts with Skadi, the wife of Njrd bidding Skrnir to ask of Freyr why he is so sad. Skrnir, fearing his master's wrath, nevertheless does as he is bidden. Freyr's response is sullen, yet he pours his heart out; Skirni offers to unite him with his loved one, and Freyr furnishes him with a magical steed and sword. Skrnir duly fetches up in Jotunheim, at the hall of the giant Gymir. Gerd, the daughter of Gymir bids him enter the hall; without further ado, Skrnir begins to woo Gerd on Freyr's behalf, offering first gifts (amongst them Draupnir, the ring placed by Odin on the funeral pyre of his son, the slain god Baldur), then threats. Eventually, Gerd succumbs. Skrnir reports to Freyr, who asks him:

Tell me, Skrnir, before unsaddling

Or stepping forth another pace

Is the news you bring from Jotunheim

For better or for worse?

Skrnir replies:

In the woods of Barri, which know we both so well,

A quiet still and tranquil place

In nine nights time to Njrd's son

Will Gerd give herself.

Freyr responds:

One night is long enough, yet longer still are two;

How then shall I contend with three?