Harbarthsljoth: Scoffing Across the Sound

Chapters

1. 01

   A Voice Across the Sound

   Thor reaches a sound while returning from the east and hears someone speaking from the far shore.

   ThorHarbard
2. 02

   Thor Asks for a Ferry

   Thor states that he is travelling home and asks the other man to bring the boat.

   ThorHarbard
3. 03

   The Ferryman Begins with Mockery

   Instead of agreeing to ferry him, the other man ridicules Thor’s appearance and predicament.

   ThorHarbard
4. 04

   Names Given Across the Water

   Thor names himself as Odin’s son; the ferryman replies that his name is Harbard.

   ThorHarbard
5. 05

   Boasts Meet Across the Water

   Thor speaks of his exploits; Harbard in turn claims to have stirred wars among rulers.

   ThorHarbard
6. 06

   A Glove Taunt and a Threat

   Harbard humiliates Thor with a glove story, and Thor answers with a threat.

   ThorHarbard
7. 07

   An Allegation about Sif Is Called a Lie

   Harbard taunts Thor by alleging a lover for Sif, and Thor directly calls him a liar.

   ThorHarbard
8. 08

   No Ferry, Only a Long Detour

   Thor orders him to bring the boat; Harbard still refuses and points only to a long overland route.

   ThorHarbard

Ancient sources

MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.

• Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Harbarthsljoth, Introduction, prose opening, and stanzas 1–56: Thor argues across the sound with the ferryman who calls himself Harbard.