It was added that this was for a man, but that I do not believe.

Doubtless it was for the sake of Iduna the Fair, of whom you have spoken to me, whom it seems you cannot forget although she was faithless to you.

It is said that the best way to hold love is to be faithless to him who loves, and in truth I believe it," she added bitterly.
"You are mistaken, Empress.

It was to be avenged on him for the life of Steinar, my foster-brother, which he had taken in sacrifice, that I dared Odin and hewed his holy statue to pieces with this sword; of Steinar, whom Iduna betrayed as she betrayed me, bringing one to death and the other to shame." "At least, had it not been for this Iduna you would never have given battle to the great god of the North and thus brought his curse upon you.

For, Olaf, those gods live; they are devils." "Whether Odin is or is not, I do not fear his curse, Empress." "Yet it will find you out before all is done, or so I think.