In the first part of this canto Fritiof gives free expression to his
skepticism and to his contempt for the superstition of his day. See canto
VIII, lines 145, 196, 197, 255; canto XIII, stanzas 3, 13. Such
skepticism was common in Scandinavia just before the introduction of
Christianity.
91. _döna_, for _dåna_.
123. _gudabloden_. Blod is neuter but here used as a gender noun.
175. _nidingsstänger_ were pillars raised at crossroads or other
conspicuous places to mock an enemy or to indicate that he was held in
contempt by every one. At the top was the head of a horse and further
down were comic inscriptions giving the name of the despised person and
the nature of his offence.
179. _till lands_, on land, antiquated genitive. There are many similar
expressions in Swedish.
190. _Gudbrands däld_, the valley of Gudbrand in central Norway.
196. _springa_, break.
202. _Heimskringla_, the earth. Note the apt figure _Heimskringlas
panna_, meaning the Northland.
233. _snögar_, poetical form for _snöar_.