Shining Swords

There was a person whose name was Ægir or Hler. He lived on an
island which is now called Hlesey. He was very skilled in magic.
He set out to visit Asgard, and when the Æsir became aware of his
movements, he was given a great welcome, though many things
had deceptive appearances. And in the evening when they were
about to start the drinking, Odin had swords brought into the hall
and they were so bright that light shone from them, and no other
light was used while they sat drinking. Then the Æsir instituted
their banquet and twelve Æsir who were to be judges took their
places in their thrones and their names are as follows: Thor,
Niord, Freyr, Tyr, Heimdall, Bragi, Vidar, Vali, Ull, Hænir,
Forseti, Loki; similarly the Asyniur, Frigg, Freyia, Gefiun, Idunn,
Gerd, Sigyn, Fulla, Nanna. Everything there seemed to Ægir
magnificent to look at. The wall-panels were all hung with
splendid shields. There was also strong mead there and great
quantities were drunk. The person sitting next to Ægir was Bragi,
and they drank and conversed together. Bragi related to Ægir
many events in which the Æsir had been involved.


- Prose Edda, Skaldskaparmal