A Battle of Wits Until Dawn

Why did the battle of wits last until dawn?

Alvis is a dwarf who lives beneath a rock. He comes to claim Thor's daughter as his wife. But Thor refuses to honor the marriage promise: he was away from home when it was made.

Thor says that if Alvis can answer everything he wants to know, he will not stand in the way of the marriage. He asks what the earth and sky, the moon and sun are called in the different worlds. Alvis answers his questions.

For example, the elves call the sky "fair roof," while the dwarfs call it "dripping hall." Thor asks question after question, and the dwarf lists the names he knows.

At last, Thor says he has never met anyone with so much ancient knowledge. Then he reveals his trick. The dwarf has been caught by the sun. Daylight is already streaming into the hall.

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