Editing Skírnismál (section)

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Skírnismál-748-2v.jpg|thumb|AM 748 I 4<sup>to</sup>, one of the two manuscripts to preserve ''Skírnismál'', has notes on the margin indicating the speaker of each verse. Some scholars consider this a clue that the poem might have been performed as ritual drama.]]

The prose prologue to the poem says that the god [[Freyr]], the son of [[Njörðr]], sits in [[Odin]]'s throne, [[Hliðskjálf]] and looked over all the worlds. On looking to [[Jötunheimr]], the land of the giants, Freyr sees a beautiful girl, Gerðr, and is immediately seized by desire. Fearing that the object of his heart's desire is unattainable, gloom settles upon him.

The poem itself starts with the wife of Njörðr, Skaði, bidding Skírnir to ask Freyr why he is so sad. Freyr's response is sullen, yet he does confess his feelings and asks Skírnir to undertake a journey to woo Gerðr on Freyr's behalf. Skírnir agrees, and Freyr furnishes him with his magical steed and sword.

Skírnir makes his way to Jötunheimr, and eventually arrives at the hall of the giant [[Gymir (father of Gerðr)|Gymir]]. [[Gerðr]], the daughter of Gymir, greets him; Skírnir immediately sets about trying to set up a sexual rendezvous between Gerðr and Freyr. He tries bribing her first with gifts, but when these are refused, he is quick to turn to coercion, with threats of violence and curses. Gerðr has no choice but to submit to Skírnir's wishes and agree to the rendezvous with Freyr.

:Seest thou, maiden, this keen, bright sword
:That I hold here in my hand?
:Before its blade the old giant bends,—
:Thy father is doomed to die.
:...
:I strike thee, maid, with my [[gambantein]],
:To tame thee to work my will;
:There shalt thou go where never again
:The sons of men shall see thee.

In Snorri Sturluson's version of the tale, Skírnir successfully woos Gerðr without threatening to curse her.

Skírnir returns to [[Asgard]] and reports to Freyr, who asks him:

Tell me, Skírnir, before unsaddling

:Or stepping forth another pace
:Is the news you bring from Jotunheim
:For better or for worse?

''Skírnir replies:''

:In the woods of Barri, which know we both so well,
:A quiet still and tranquil place
:In nine nights time to [[List of names of Freyr|Njörd's son]]
:Will Gerd give herself.

''Freyr responds:''

:One night is long enough, yet longer still are two;
:How then shall I contend with three?
:For months have passed more quickly
:Than half a bridal eve.