Bragi

Loki returned to Ægir’s hall after killing Fimafeng, one of Ægir’s servants. The gods had driven him into the woods, then returned to their drinking. Gold lit the hall, ale moved around it by itself, and the guests had praised the servants. Outside, Loki met Eldir and asked what the gods were saying. Eldir replied that they were speaking of weapons and readiness for war. He added that no one inside had a friendly word for Loki. Loki entered and said that he had come because he was thirsty. The guests fell silent. Odin gave him a seat, although the feast had been held without him. Thor was away in Giant-land.

Loki began to insult the gods and goddesses. When he turned on Bragi, Bragi offered him a horse and a sword from his possessions. He also promised him a ring. Bragi asked Loki not to repay the Æsir with hatred or anger. Loki replied that Bragi would always lack horses and arm-rings. He called Bragi the most cautious in battle and the least willing to shoot among the Æsir and elves present.

Bragi answered that, if he were outside the hall as he was inside it, he would hold Loki’s head in his hand and count it as payment for Loki’s lies. Loki mocked him for being brave only while seated. He called Bragi an ornament of the benches and told him to fight if he was truly angry, since a bold man did not hesitate.

Idunn restrained Bragi. She appealed to the kinship between children and adopted children, and asked him not to speak words of blame. The quarrel did not become a fight. Loki continued exchanging insults with the company until Thor returned. Thor threatened him with his hammer, Mjollnir. Loki fell silent and agreed to leave the hall.