xxviii.
plainly demonstrate the antiquity of the Northern Mythology.
With respect to the morals of these Odes, it may be observed, that the fate of Freyer, like that of Phaeton, arose from the excess of curiosity; for through that he fell in love with a woman who was a mortal, lost his sword, and fell in his conflict with Surtur. Tyr lost his hand as a punishment for his temerity; and learnt by sad experience that, in audaces non sit audacia tuta. We see, in the song of Harbard, the presumptous strength of Thor ridiculed by Odin; and the excellencies of the mind advantageously contrasted with it.
To comprehend fully in all its parts, the meaning of the Northern mythology, requires a second Apollo or Œdipus. The eagle, therefore, the ash of Yggdrasil, Nidhogger gnawing at its roots, and
