Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Thor and the Cauldron of Hymir (Norse Myths #5)

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Starting point is 00:02:23 Thanks so much for tuning in as we return to our wonderful north. mythology series, written by Frankie and narrated by me. Thor is, without a doubt, the strongest of all the Norse gods. Tonight we'll accompany him on a legendary fishing trip where he catches more than just a few fish. We'll let the god of thunder do the heavy lifting, the feats of strength, and the adventuring this evening. Meanwhile, we shall use this time to settle in for a night of peaceful sleep. If you find value and benefit from listening to Get Sleepy, we would love to have your support. The best way to provide that is by becoming a Get Sleepy Premium member. On the premium feed, everything is completely ad-free, and you'll have access to our entire

Starting point is 00:03:30 catalogue of well over a thousand episodes. Every Thursday we release a brand new bonus episode exclusive to premium members. Like tomorrow, when we'll drive past quaint villages, scenic mountains, sparkling lakes and ancient castles on a European road trip in a classic Rolls-Royce convertible, and that one will be read by Nadine. It would really mean the world to have your support on get sleepy premium. So for more information, just head to getsleepy.com slash support. And I'll pop the link in the show notes too. Thank you so much everyone. Now, it's nearly time to start our story. But first, let's relax as you lie in your bed. Take some time to do a full scan of your body. Start at your toes and work your way up wherever you find tension or anything that is not relaxed.

Starting point is 00:04:53 Take a moment to release the energy you're holding in that part of the body. You are giving each part of yourself a few moments of special attention. When you reach your neck, make sure your head is proper. properly supported by your pillow. Release the tension from your shoulders, jaw, and between your eyebrows. Now take a few deep breaths, turning your attention to your breathing, connects you with something that you usually do automatically. Pour the air in slowly and steadily, then release it at an even slower pace by extending

Starting point is 00:06:17 the exhale so it's a little longer than the inhale. You're going to help your body relax more and more. You are now ready to go on a very special fishing trip. First, we'll travel to Asgard where the gods are preparing to hold a feast. This is where our story begins. The Great Hall of Odin is busy with preparations. It has the same energy and excitement as a honeybee hive in the presence of the Queen. Odin oversees the preparations.

Starting point is 00:07:36 His two ravens perched on either shoulder. Asgard is to receive two special guests. The Yotun, Ayyir, and Rhan, the goddess of the sea. They rule over the oceans of Midgard with their nine daughters, each of whom represents a different kind of wave. Ayyir and Ran are good friends of the gods of Asgard, and are honored guests at this feast. The feast is one of the longest and most decadent ever held in Asgard,

Starting point is 00:08:31 with respect to Ayr and Rahn's influence over the seas. Nearly every kind of fish and seafood has been prepared. The songs and poems go on for hours, and then days. Every new form of entertainment, even more grand and impressive than the last, each of the gods presents the guests with a special feat or piece of artwork. It is three full days before the guests and hosts alike retire to their beds. Fed and happy, the next day, at a very subdued breakfast, Ayyre and Rahn are full of gratitude and compliments for Odin and the rest of the gods.

Starting point is 00:09:44 The sea deities have decided that they must repay the favour to their friends. They insist on hosting the gods at their underwater dwelling, but there is a problem. They do not have a cauldron big enough. to feed the entire company of the gods and their attendants. Those at the breakfast table begin to ponder solutions. Perhaps they could take turns feasting, or maybe they could have two feasts. But then, who would attend the first feast?

Starting point is 00:10:36 Clearly the more important event. No, that would not do. and would surely cause unnecessary fighting amongst the gods of Asgard. There must be someone who has a cauldron big enough, and who might lend it out after many minutes of head-scratching and pondering. Thor announces that he knows the perfect person, his friend, the Yotan Hamir, has the largest cauldron ever seen.

Starting point is 00:11:25 Thor agrees to go and convince Hamir to part with the cauldron for a few days. He tells Ayyir and Ran to start making preparations for the feast. For it won't take him long. Hamir lives not on Yottenheim, where many of the Yotan reside. Instead, he lives on Midgard, the world of the Issyr and Rhan. as well as human beings, Thor travels across the rainbow bridge from Asgard to Midgard, looking forward to spending a few nights with his friend, followed by an incredible feast. He arrives at the home of Himir and is immediately greeted warmly.

Starting point is 00:12:39 Himir begins to prepare a meal for the famous appetite. of Thor. He takes three of his best bulls and roasts them for his friend. Kimir expects that this huge, hearty meal will surely last them through the weekend, and the entirety of Thor's visit. The two friends eat, drink, swap stories, and sing songs all evening. It is a very important. It is a very good, such a lovely evening that Himir takes no notice of the amount that Thor is eating. Their revelry goes on long into the night. Finally, near dawn, they go to sleep. In the morning, Thor enters the hall looking for breakfast. He greets Himir jovily, talking about what a great evening they had, and asking if there is any more of that delicious beef from the night before, Himir tells his

Starting point is 00:14:15 friend to cast his mind back to the previous evening. How many bulls did Thor eat? Thor thinks for several long moments, and then looks at Himir sheepishly. He ate at least two whole bulls on his own. Himir laughs and slaps Thor heartily on the back. He has been bested by the legendary appetite of Thor, and he should have known better. But not to fear. They will simply have to go fishing today. Thor's mood immediately lifts.

Starting point is 00:15:16 Of course, fishing is one of his favorite activities. and the oceans of Midgard hold many wonders for the keen fishermen. Before they go out in Himmir's fine boat, they must first prepare their bait. Himir is about to give Thor some pointers on the best bait, and how to make it, when Thor darts back into the kitchen. He has decided to use the scraps from the huge feet, the night before, he feels slightly bad about overeating and imposing himself on Himmere's hospitality in such a way. The two head out in Himmere's wooden boat. It is large and requires both men to row. They push off from the stony shore and ride the calm waves of mid-morning. The sea

Starting point is 00:16:40 The sea is a sparkling blanket on the surface of the earth. The sun is dazzling, creating many thousands of points of light that wink on and off across the water. The fresh breeze through their hair and beards, bringing with it the scent of brine. Seabirds circle far in the sky, ready to see-sail. start their own day of fishing. Occasionally, one will tuck its wings and dive towards the surface. It hits the water with barely a splash and flies beneath the waves to its quarry. Popping up a moment later, with a belly full of fish, Himir stops rowing, the shore is still visible,

Starting point is 00:17:55 and quite close to them. Thor could swim back without breaking a sweat. Himir tells him that this is a good fishing spot. Here they can catch lots of medium-sized fish like salmon. This is where many of the human fishermen earn their living. Thor, however, is looking for larger game. He convinces Himir that they should row further out to sea. Himir can sense, and they keep rowing. Out here, the sea is less calm, and is a deeper shade of blue. The boat takes the peaks and valleys of the waves easily, creating a thrilling ride. The wind is stronger, and blows mists of fresh seawater over Thor and Himmir. The cold water feels refreshing and invigorating on their skin. They spot pods of dolphins fishing in large groups.

Starting point is 00:19:34 The animals are like flashes of silver beneath the waves. They leap out of the water in formations, playing in the sun. Himir once again stops the boat. This time, the shore is far in the distance. Though still visible, Himir tells Thor that this is an excellent spot to catch bigger fish, such as tuna or swordfish. Few humans come out this far. But Himir fishes here often.

Starting point is 00:20:28 Thor looks around, but still feels that there is some. something more exciting, further out to sea. Once again, he convinces Him here that they should keep rowing. And his friend agrees, the shore can no longer be seen, and a sense of great depth comes up from the ocean, instead of the huge waves and tempestuous conditions that Thor expected. He notices that this far out at sea, the water is quite calm. It moves at its own pace, wild and free. There are no sea birds this far out, but he can practically feel the life teeming beneath the surface of the water.

Starting point is 00:21:42 Finally, Thor agrees that this is the perfect spot. for their fishing to begin. They both bait their hooks and toss their lines far, far out. As is often the case with fishing, the two friends spend much time talking and relaxing under the sun. Occasionally, something will tug at a line. But nothing bites for a long time. Perhaps they have gone too far out, and all the creatures of the wide ocean are too wily

Starting point is 00:22:37 for baited fishing lines, Thor thinks to himself. But then, Himir's line gives a mighty tug, latching the boat itself. Kimir and Thor exchange excited looks. Himir heaves and pulls, wrestling with whatever is on the other end of the line. He engages his great strength, rejecting any help from Thor. Finally, after many long minutes, he pulls up a huge wail. Thor stares at the catch, thoroughly impressed. But while Thor is brink, brave, strong and noble. He is also competitive. He makes a promise to himself to catch something

Starting point is 00:23:54 even bigger. The two friends settle back once again in their waiting game. They swap stories of their brave feats and pass the time composing poems. Himir's line tugs again. This time, the entire boat is pulled along the surface of the sea for a few moments. Again, Himir begins to pull up his catch. He strains and tugs at the line. It takes hours for him to bring his catch up to the surface. And this time, it is an even larger whale. Thor redoubles his promise to himself.

Starting point is 00:25:04 To catch something truly gigantic, Himir tries to suggest that they return to his house, now that they have more food than even Thor could eat. But Thor insists on staying out just a little longer. While they've been talking, they have not noticed a change in the ocean. It is still calm, but the creatures below the surface have moved on, as if they are making room for something even larger than they. There is no sense of fear, just the impression of something very large coming this way, drawn by the scent of the scraps of Himir's cooking.

Starting point is 00:26:15 The largest creature in Midgard is steadily swimming in their direction. He is known as Yormunganda. The Midgard serpent. He is the great serpent that encircles the world. He was placed there by Odin when he grew too large for Asgard. Now he is so large that his body encircles the world. like a belt, and he can still bite his own tail. He is one of the children of Loki. Usually, he traces his endless path around the world through the deepest parts of the sea. This

Starting point is 00:27:20 behemoth of a creature is what has now ended up on Thor's line. At first, there is just a small tug at the line, which Thor and Himir ignore. Thor is after a big catch. A little thing wouldn't be worth his time. A second tug comes a few moments later, and the whole boat lurches in the water. Thor takes hold of his pole and braces himself against the boat. This has to be, what he was waiting for. The muscles bulge in Thor's arms and legs, as he attempts to pull up his catch, but this is no normal creature. The Midgard serpent has the strength to rival even Thor himself. Their battle of wills takes hours. Never for a moment does either take a break. Thor's legs, braced against the boat itself, begin to crack the bottom.

Starting point is 00:29:08 Himir can do nothing but watch, as the great serpent below the waves pulls against Thor's line and tests his strength. Finally, after hours, Himir can see a shape coming up from below the surface. The colour is hard to make out, but an iridescent sheen glimmers as it gets closer and closer. A head larger than anything Himir has ever seen breaks the surface and towers above the boat. Thor and Himmir watch as Yormanganda's head goes higher and higher.

Starting point is 00:30:14 The day has worn on over the course of the fishing trip, and the sun hangs low in the sky. Its light has become a burnished copper. The warm orange light of the sun falls on the glittering scales of the dragon. for that is what Yomanganda truly is. The first and original dragon. His scales are a deep blue, but they glimmer with an iridescent sheen of purple, silver and pink.

Starting point is 00:31:07 Each one of his scales is as large as a dinner plate, and there are millions of them. His eyes are liquid gold. They stare down at Thor and Himir with a deep, ancient intelligence. Finally, the serpent asks them why they have coerced him from his home in the depths. Thor's voice does not waver, as he explains to Yormanganda, about their fishing trip. and contest. Himir stays silent, vaguely aware that there is water leaking into the bottom of his beloved boat. The serpent listens intently and then pronounces to Thor a loud congratulations.

Starting point is 00:32:24 He tells the god of thunder that he has, without a doubt, won the contest. There is no living creature in the nine worlds as large as the Midgard serpent. Following his pronouncement, Yomanganda dips his head in a respectful bow and dives back below the surface. Thor and Himmir stand speechless in the boat for several long minutes. It is only the wetness in their boots. brings them back to the moment. They row with all their might back to the shore, before too much water can leak into the boat. Once they are on land, Thor apologizes to Himir for the state of his boat. Himir laughs warmly in response. Why should Thor apologize to him? Some wood and pit which will repair the boat in no time. Thor has brought him face to face with the legendary dragon

Starting point is 00:34:01 Yormanganda, the Midgard serpent. It is a fishing trip that he will not forget for all his days. They return to the house and eat him as catches, reminiscing on the adventures of the day, The next morning, Himir takes Thor into the kitchen, to where he keeps his giant cauldron. It is nearly a mile long. He tells Thor that he is happy to lend it to his friend, and that after watching him reel in the Midgard serpent, he has no doubt that Thor will be able to carry the cauldron on his own. Thor and Himir take the cauldron down to the shore. Himir expects that Thor will call forth some great steed

Starting point is 00:35:20 to help him carry it to Asgard, but instead, Thor throws the cauldron as far as he can, out to sea. He gives Himir a brief goodbye, before running into the water and diving after the huge part, both Thor and the cauldron sink down to the realm of Ayr and Rahn. Their palace below the waves is truly something to behold. It is all twisted, current-formed turrets and mother of pearl. the floors are smooth as marble.

Starting point is 00:36:21 Seashells and sea plants decorate every surface. Ayr and Rahn are waiting for Thor when he arrives. Immediately, their attendants get to work, preparing the feast while the hosts entertain Thor. Soon, others begin to fill the palace. Ayyir and Rahn are true to their word, about hosting a feast even more wonderful than the one Odin through for them. Ayir entertains the group with his incredible stories of the sea. Rahn sings beautifully whenever requested. Ayur takes joy in making sure every one of his guests

Starting point is 00:37:30 has enough food and drink. They both pay personal attention to each god. No one feels neglected for cheer. Their nine daughters join the party. Each is vibrant and graceful as the waves themselves. Once again, the feasting goes on for days. The others listen to thought. story of meeting Yormanganda. They ask him to recite it several more times over the course of the party. Each person at the table is astonished by his tale. At one point, Thor excuses himself from the table, needing a moment to stretch his legs. He wanders to the seabed garden outside the palace. He finds Loki and Odin sitting in the garden, admiring the seascape around them. Thor joins them quietly.

Starting point is 00:39:10 None of the three gods says anything to one another. The sound of the festivities inside the palace trickles out to them, but their eyes are all drawn up towards the surface. So far away that the light of the sun is barely more than a blue glimmer, instead of clouds streaking above them. They see the iridescent scales of the mid-guard serpent, as he makes his way around the earth. His body glitters and glimmers through the depths, and these three gods of Asgard wonder what it must be like to live below the belly of the great dragon,

Starting point is 00:40:20 here in the palace of the sea.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Thor and the Cauldron of Hymir (Norse Myths #5)

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