into a forest; and I could never hear that Thor wished him a good
journey.

Proceeding on his way with his companions, Thor saw towards noon a city
situated in the middle of a vast plain. The wall of the city was so
lofty that one could not look up to the top of it without throwing one's
head quite back upon the shoulder. On coming to the wall, they found the
gate-way closed with bars, which Thor never could have opened, but he
and his companions crept in between them, and thus entered the place.
Before them was a large palace, and as the door of it was open, they
entered and found a number of men of enormous size, seated on benches.
Going on they came into the presence of the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they
saluted with great respect, but he, looking upon them for a time, at
length cast a scornful glance at them, and burst into laughter.

"It would take up too much time," said he, "to ask you concerning the
long journey you have made, but if I am not mistaken that little man
there is Aku-Thor. You may," said he to Thor, "be bigger than you seem
to be. What are you and your companions skilled in that we may see what
they can do, for no one may remain here unless he understands some art
and excels in it all other men?"

"I," said Loki, "can eat quicker than any one else, and of that I am
ready to give proof if there is here any one who will compete with me."

"It must, indeed, be owned," replied the king, "that you are not wanting
in dexterity, if you are able to do what you say. Come, let us test it."

Then he ordered one of his followers who was sitting at the further end
of the bench, and whose name was Logi (Flame) to come forward, and try