Ægir

The Æsir and elves gathered in Ægir’s hall. Shining gold gave the hall its light, and ale went round without anyone carrying a flask. Ægir’s servants, Fimafeng and Eldir, prepared the feast, and the guests praised their skill. Loki could not bear the praise. He killed Fimafeng. The Æsir shook their shields, shrieked at him, and chased him into the woods. They then returned to their drinking.

Loki met Eldir outside the hall and asked what the guests discussed over their ale. Eldir said that they spoke of weapons and readiness for war. He added that no one inside had a friendly word for Loki. Loki said that he would enter the hall, bring quarrelling and strife, and mix malice into their mead. Eldir warned him that accusations and scandal would fall back upon him, but Loki entered.

The guests fell silent when they saw him. Loki said that he came thirsty and asked for a seat and a share of the drink. Odin, who was bound to Loki by blood brotherhood, ordered that Loki should sit. Loki then accused the gods and goddesses in turn. He traded insults with Bragi, who offered him a horse, a sword, and a ring if he stopped provoking the Æsir. Loki mocked Bragi’s courage, and Bragi threatened him. Idunn urged Bragi to hold back for the sake of kinship.

Loki continued the quarrel and answered every defence with another insult. He attacked the honour and conduct of the gods and goddesses, and no one in the hall escaped his words. The feast became a scene of accusation and hostility. Thor then returned from Giant-land. Loki said that he would leave because he knew Thor would strike him, but Thor threatened him with his hammer, Mjollnir. Loki fell silent and agreed to go.