The mantel is that of Woden when he bears the hero over seas; the cock
is a bird of sorcery the world over; the black fowl is the proper gift
to the Underground powers--a heriot really, for did not the Culture god
steal all the useful beasts out of the underground world for men's use?

Dr. Rydberg has shown that the "Seven Sleepers" story is an old Northern
myth, alluded to here in its early pre-Christian form, and that with
this is mixed other incidents from voyages of Swipdag, the Teutonic
Odusseus.

"Thorkill's Second Voyage to Outgarth-Loke to get Knowledge".--(a)
Guthrum is troubled as to the immortality and fate of the soul, and the
reward of piety after death. To spite Thorkill, his enviers advised the
king to send him to consult Outgarth-Loke. He required of the king that
his enemies should be sent with him.

(b) In one well-stored and hide-defended ship they set out, reached
a sunless, starless land, without fuel; ate raw food and suffered. At
last, after many days, a fire was seen ashore. Thorkill, setting a jewel
at the mast-head to be able to regain his vessel easily, rows ashore to
get fire.

(c) In a filthy, snake-paved, stinking cavern he sees two horny-nebbed
giants, (2) making a fire. One of the giants offers to direct him to
Loke if he will say three true things in three phrases, and this done,
tells him to row four days and then he would reach a Dark and Grassless
Land. For three more true sayings he obtains fire, and gets back to his
vessel.