Beat Enemy's Line

4. I. Now although Odin was regarded as chief among the gods, he
would approach seers, soothsayers, and others whom he had dis-
covered strong in the finest arts of prediction, with a view to
prosecuting vengeance for his son. Divinity is not always so perfect
that it can dispense with human aid. Rosthiof the Finn foretold that
Rinda, daughter of the Russian king, must bear him another son, who
was destined to take reprisal for his brother’s killing; the gods had
ordained that their colleague should be avenged by his future
brother’s hand. Acting on this intelligence, Odin muffled his face
beneath a hat so that he would not be betrayed by his appearance and
went to this king to offer his services as a soldier. By him Odin was
made general, took over his master’s army, and achieved a glorious
victory over his enemies. On account of his adroit conduct of this
battle the monarch admitted him to the highest rank of friendship,
honouring him no less generously with gifts than decorations. After a
brief lapse of time Odin beat the enemy’s line into flight single-
handed and, after contriving this amazing defeat, also returned to
announce it. Everybody was astounded that one man’s strength could
have heaped massacre on such countless numbers. Relying on these
achievements Odin whispered to the king the secret of his love.
Uplifted by the other’s very friendly encouragement, he tried to kiss
the girl and was rewarded with a slap across the face.


- Gesta Danorum, Book III