Hymiskvitha: Kettle, Serpent, and Feast

Chapters

1. 01

   A Feast Needs a Kettle

   Ægir is asked to prepare a feast for the gods but lacks a kettle large enough for the ale.

   ÆgirThorTyr
2. 02

   Tyr Knows a House beyond the Waves

   Tyr says Hymir lives east of Elivagar and calls him father in this poem.

   TyrThorHymirElivagar
3. 03

   Guests beneath the Kettles

   Thor and Tyr reach Hymir’s home, hide at first, and then eat at the giant’s table.

   ThorTyrHymirHymir’s Cauldron
4. 04

   An Ox Head for the Sea

   Hymir sends Thor for bait; Thor takes a black ox’s head and urges him farther offshore.

   ThorHymirBlack Ox Head
5. 05

   The Serpent Reaches the Boat

   Thor hooks the world-serpent with the ox head and strikes it; this poem lets it sink back into the sea.

   ThorHymirJormungandrMjolnirBlack Ox Head
6. 06

   Strength Is Tested on the Way Home

   Thor carries boat and gear home, then must break the cup Hymir uses as a strength test.

   ThorHymirHymir’s Cup
7. 07

   A Kettle Too Heavy for Tyr

   Hymir makes the kettle the final trial; Tyr fails, and Thor carries it away.

   ThorTyrHymirHymir’s Cauldron
8. 08

   Ale at Ægir’s Hall

   Hymir brings pursuers; Thor clears them with Mjollnir and finally brings the kettle to Ægir.

   ThorHymirMany-Headed PursuersÆgirHymir’s CauldronMjolnir

Ancient sources

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

• Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Hymiskvitha, Stanzas 1–40: Ægir’s feast, Thor and Tyr’s journey, the world-serpent, cup, kettle, and return.