said, "We have sought in both forest and stream, and we have
taken from them at one blow both flesh and fish. Give us but
the shelter you promise, and we will not trouble you for
food."

The farmer gazed with horror upon the lifeless body of the
otter, and cried out, "This creature which you mistook for
an otter, and which you have robbed and killed, is my son
Oddar, who for mere pastime had taken the form of the furry
beast. You are but thieves and murderers!"

Then he called loudly for help: and his two sons Fafnir and
Regin, sturdy and valiant kin of the dwarf-folk, rushed in,
and seized upon the huntsmen, and bound them hand and foot;
for the three Asas, having taken upon themselves the forms
of men, had no more than human strength, and were unable to
withstand them.

Then Odin and his fellows bemoaned their ill fate. And Loki
said, "Wherefore did we foolishly take upon ourselves the
likenesses of puny men? Had I my own power once more, I
would never part with it in exchange for man's weaknesses."

And Hoenir sighed, and said, "Now, indeed, will darkness
win: and the frosty breath of the Reimthursen giants will
blast the fair handiwork of the sunlight and the heat; for
the givers of life and light and warmth are helpless
prisoners in the hands of these cunning and unforgiving
jailers."