Introduction

Soli and Chorus.

There is a wondrous book

Of Legends in the old Norse tongue,

Of the dead kings of Norroway,

Legends that once were told or sung

In many a smoky fireside nook

Of Iceland, in the ancient day,

By wandering Saga-man or Scald;

Heimskringla is the volume called;

And he who looks may find therein

The story that we now begin.

RECITATIVE (Bass)

Summon now the God of Thunder,

Him who rives the heav'ns asunder,

Sing the words of mighty Thor

Challenging the world to war.