Frithiof's Voyage
Cold blew the wind; day by day the skies darkened; deck and mast, sail
and rudder were covered thick with ice and frost. Frithiof was already
far from his native shores when suddenly black storm clouds overspread
the heavens and a fearful tempest arose. The sea was stirred to its
depths; waves mountain-high threatened to engulf the ship, which tossed
helplessly amid the boiling surges. But Frithiof exulted in the fury of
the elements; the wild scene upon which he gazed was but a reflection of
the storm that raged within his breast. Still the tempest increased;
showers of hailstones rattled down upon the deck and on the numbed hands
of the warriors at the helm. A gust of wind tore away the cordage;
planks and timbers groaned and creaked; huge billows swept the deck; and
higher and higher rose the water in the hold despite all the efforts of
the ship's people, who now gave themselves up for lost. Even to Frithiof
it seemed death was nigh.
"It is Helge that hath sent this storm upon us," said one, "and who may
withstand witchcraft?"
"Look!" cried another, "yonder swims a whale and bears on its back two
sea-fiends! One is wrapped in the hide of the ice-bear; the other hath
the shape of a sea-eagle, with black wings flapping. Woe unto us! 'tis
the sea trolls, Heid and Ham! We are lost!" But Frithiof, summoning his
friend Bjorn to take the helm, hastened to reassure the terror-stricken
crew. His words put fresh courage in their hearts, and with redoubled
strength they began once more to struggle against the fury of the storm.
"Courage, friends!" he shouted; "those who trust in the gods are safe
from the power of evil spirits." Then, springing to the ship's prow, he
chanted:
Now "Ellida," show us
Whether, as 'tis boasted,
Hero-wood thy bosom holds!
Listen! Art thou truly
Ægir's God-sprung daughter?
Dash with thy strong keel, and
Cleave yon spell-charmed whale!
With one bound the dragon clove the Troll-whale's body, and down it sank
beneath the waves.
Then, at once, the Hero hurleth
Two sharp spears; the ice-bear's hide
Pierceth one--the other springeth
Through the pitch-black eagle's side!
Instantly the storm subsided. The sun broke through the clouds and the
waves no longer swept the deck. Soon the sea was as smooth as glass, and
there before them lay the islands ruled by Augantyr. But the weary
rowers could no longer move their arms, the warriors were forced to lean
for support upon their swords. When the ship touched land, Bjorn carried
four and Frithiof eight of the exhausted men ashore. Food and drink were
then brought from the ship, and all refreshed themselves with a hearty
meal.