The Gods' Family Tree and a Prophecy

What happens when the sea reaches the sky?

The Short Prophecy of the Seeress tells of the families of gods and giants. It says that all giants descended from Ymir. Then it turns to a man born at the edge of the world. He belongs to the family of the gods, and his mothers are 9 giantesses.

The man gains strength from the power of the earth, the cold sea, and the blood of a boar. Next come the tales of Loki's children. With Angrboda, he fathered a wolf. With Svadilfari, he gave birth to Sleipnir.

Loki eats a woman's half-burned heart and becomes pregnant. Monsters are said to have been born from this. The prophecy then moves on to the end of the world. The sea rages, rising all the way to the sky, and covers the land. Snow and fierce winds come. It is the time when the gods will perish.

The poem also tells of one who is greater than all others, made strong by the power of the earth. After him, someone still stronger will come. The speaker says she dares not speak his name. Few can see beyond the moment when Odin meets the wolf.

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