FullReads

It may be observed that most of these Indian traditions were originally poems. It is probable that all were sung, while they still retained the character of serious mythical or sacred narrative. Now they are in the transition state of heroic tales. But they unquestionably still retain many passages of very great antiquity, and it is not impossible that Eskimo and even Norse songs are still preserved in them. In this tale the following coincidences with passages in the Elder Edda (Hymiskrida) are remarkable. In both the host asks his guest to go with him to catch whales, to which the latter assents.

“‘We three to-morrow night
Shall be compelled
On what we catch to live.’
Thor said he would
On the sea row.”

Kitpooseagunow picks up the heavy canoe, with its oars and a spear, and carries them.

“Thor went,
grasped the prow
quickly with its hold-water,
lifted the boat
together with its oars
and scoop;
bore to the dwelling
the curved vessel.”

Glooskap asks which of the two shall take the paddle, and which sit in the stern. Hymir inquires,–

“Wilt thou do
half the work with me?
either the whales
home to the dwelling bear,
Or the boat
fast bind?”

Kitpooseagunow drew up a whale.

“The mighty Hymir,
He alone
two whales drew
up with his hook.”

After this whale-fishing, the Scandinavian giants at home have a trial of strength and endurance. Thor throws a cup at Hymir. This cup can only be broken on Hymir’s head, which is of ice, and intensely hard.

“That is harder
than any cup.”

This is therefore an effort on the part of Thor to overcome Cold. Hymir is the incarnation of Cold itself.

“The icebergs resounded
as the churl approached;
the thicket on his cheeks
was frozen.
In shivers flew the pillars
At the Jotun’s glance.”

That is, the frost cracks the stones and rocks. In the Indian tale the two giants try to see which can freeze the other. In both there is distinctly a contest. In the Norse tale Strength or Heat fights Frost; in the American, Frost is battled with by Frost as a rival.

It may be observed that the Indian tale is far from being perfect, and that in all probability the whole of it includes a fishing for the sea-serpent.

It is plainly set forth in the Edda that Cold may be overcome by a magic spell. Thus Groa (Grougaldr, 12) promises her son a rune to effect this:–

“A seventh (charm) I will sing thee:
If on a mountain high
frost should assail thee,
deadly cold shall not
thy body injure,
nor draw it to thy limbs.”