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Van De Graaff’s
Zoology
PHOTOGRAPHIC ATL AS E IGH T H E DI T ION
for the
L A BOR ATORY
vii
Choanozoa
Ctenophora
0HWD]RD
Porifera
Placozoa*
Cnidaria
Xenoturbellida*
$FRHORPRUSKD
Nemertodermatida*
Acoela*
&KRUGDWD $PEXODFUDULD
Cephalochordata
2OIDFWRUHV
'HXWHURVWRPLD Urochordata
%LODWHULD
Craniata (incl.Vertebrata)
Echinodermata
Hemichordata
1HPDWR]RD Chaetognatha*
Nematoda
1HSKUR]RD
Nematomorpha
Tardigrada
(FG\VR]RD
Onychophora*
Arthropoda
3URWRVWRPLD
6FDOLGRSKRUD
Priapulida*
Loricifera*
Kinorhyncha
Bryozoa
3RO\]RD
Entoprocta
Cycliophora*
Annelida
Mollusca
/RSKRWURFKR]RD
7URFKR]RD
Nemertea
Brachiopoda
Phoronida*
Gastrotricha
3ODW\]RD
Platyhelminthes
Gnathostomulida*
*QDWKLIHUD
Micrognathozoa*
Rotifera
viii
Some Representatives of the Kingdom Animalia
Phylum and Representative Kinds Characteristics
Porifera — sponges Multicellular, asymmetrical, aquatic animals, with stiff skeletons and
bodies perforated by pores
Cnidaria — corals, hydra, and jellyfish Aquatic animals, radially symmetrical, mouth surrounded by
tentacles bearing cnidocytes (stinging cells); body composed of
epidermis and gastrodermis, separated by mesoglea
Platyhelminthes — flatworms Elongated, flattened, and bilaterally symmetrical; distinct head
containing ganglia; nerve cords; protonephridia or flame cells
Mollusca — clams, snails, and squids Bilaterally symmetrical with a true coelom, containing a mantle;
many have muscular foot and protective shell
Annelida — segmented worms Body segmented (except leeches); a series of hearts; hydrostatic
skeleton and circular and longitudinal muscles
Nematoda — roundworms Mostly microscopic; unsegmented wormlike; body enclosed in
cuticle; whip-like body movement
Arthropoda — crustaceans, insects, and spiders Body segmented; paired and jointed appendages; chitinous
exoskeleton; hemocoel for blood flow
Echinodermata — sea stars and sea urchins Larvae have bilateral symmetry; adults have pentaradial
symmetry; coelom; most contain a complete digestive tract;
regeneration of body parts
Chordata — lancelets, tunicates, and vertebrates Fibrous notochord, pharyngeal gill slits, dorsal hollow nerve
cord, and postanal tail present at some stage in their development
ix
Acknowledgments
Many professionals have assisted in the preparation of Van De Graaff’s Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory, Eighth Edition, and
have shared our enthusiasm about its value for students of zoology. The radiographs, CT scans, and MR images have been made possible
through the generosity of Gary M. Watts, M.D., and the Department of Radiology at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. We thank Jake
Christiansen, James Barrett, and Austen Slade for their specimen dissections. Others who aided in specimen dissections were Nathan
A. Jacobson, D.O., R. Richard Rasmussen, M.D., and Sandra E. Sephton, Ph.D. A special thanks is extended to Kira Wennstrom from
Shoreline Community College, Meredith Hamilton from Oklahoma State University, and Bryan Coppedge from Tulsa Community College
for their review of the atlas and many helpful suggestions. We are indebted to Douglas Morton and the personnel at Morton Publishing
Company for the opportunity, encouragement, and support to prepare this atlas.
Photo Credits
Many of the photographs of living animals were made possible because of the cooperation and generosity of the San Francisco Zoo, San
Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World (San Diego), and Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City). We are especially appreciative to the
professional zoologists at these fine institutions.
Figures 1.15, 3.18, 3.19, 3.20, 3.23, 3.24, and 3.30 from A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory, 3rd Edition, by Michael J. Leboffe and
Burton E. Pierce, © 2001 Morton Publishing
Figures 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.21, and 8.19 NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Figure 7.36 Ashley Leen, MAWS
Figures 7.37, 7.38, and 7.39 from Phillip Colla - Oceanlight.com
Figure 8.20 United States Government - University of California Museum of Paleology
Figure 9.2 (a) NURC/UNCW and NOAA/FGBNMS
Figure 11.19 Ari Pani
Figure 11.21 NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010
Figures 12.13, 12.14, 12.15, 12.16, 12.18, 12.19, and 12.20 from Comparative Anatomy: Manual of Vertebrate Dissection, 2nd Edition, by Dale
W. Fishbeck and Aurora Sebastiani, © 2008 Morton Publishing
Figure 13.6 Linda Snook, NOAA
Figure 15.10 (a) Louis Porras
Figure 17.3 (c) United States Geological Survey
Figures 17.88, 17.89, 17.90, 17.91, 17.92, 17.93, 17.94, 17.95, 17.96, 17.97, 17.98, 17.99, and 17.100 from Mammalian Anatomy:The Cat, 2nd
Edition, by Aurora Sebastiani and Dale W. Fishbeck, © 2005 Morton Publishing
We are appreciative of Dr.Wilford M. Hess and Dr.William B.Winborn for their help in obtaining photographs and photomicrographs.The
electron micrographs are courtesy of Scott C. Miller.
Book Team
President and CEO: David M. Ferguson
Senior Acquisitions Editor: Marta R. Pentecost
Typography and Text Design: John L. Crawley
Developmental Editor: Sarah D. Thomas
Editorial Project Managers: Rayna S. Bailey
and Trina Lambert
Illustrations: Imagineering Media Services, Inc.
Cover Design: Will Kelley
6 CHAPTER 6 – Platyhelminthes 43
Acoelomate animals, including flatworms
12 CHAPTER 12 – Chordata 99
Chordates, including amphioxus, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
xi
13 CHAPTER 13 – Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes: Actinopterygii and Sarcopterygii 107
Fishes, including skates, rays, sharks, and bony fishes
Index237
xii
1 Cells and Tissues
Animals are heterotrophic organisms that ingest food of the principal organelles are listed in Table 1.1. In order
materials and store carbohydrate reserves as glycogen or fat. for cells to remain alive, metabolize, and maintain homeostasis,
The cells of animals lack cell walls, but do contain certain requirements must be met, which include having access
intercellular connections, including desmosomes, gap to nutrients and oxygen, being able to eliminate wastes, and
junctions, and tight junctions. Animal cells are also highly being maintained in a constant, protective environment.
specialized into the specific kinds of tissues depicted in this The cell membrane is composed of phospholipid and
chapter. Most animals are motile through the contraction of protein molecules.The membrane gives form to a cell, provides a
muscle fibers that contain actin and myosin proteins. The barrier function, and controls the passage of material into
complex body systems of animals include elaborate sensory and out of a cell. More specifically, the proteins in the cell
and neuromotor specializations that accommodate dynamic membrane provide:
behavioral mechanisms. 1. structural support;
Cells are the basic structural and functional units
2. a mechanism of molecule transport across the
of organization within living organisms. A cell is a minute,
membrane-enclosed, protoplasmic mass consisting of membrane;
chromosomes in a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm 3. enzymatic control of chemical reactions;
containing the specific organelles that function independently 4. receptors for water-soluble hormones and other
but in coordination one with another. Based on structure, there regulatory molecules;
are prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
5. cellular markers (antigens), which identify the blood
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, contain a
and tissue type.
single bacterial chromosome composed of a single strand of nucleic
acid, contain few organelles, and have a rigid or semirigid cell wall The phospholipids:
outside the cell (plasma) membrane that provides shape to the cell.
Bacteria are examples of prokaryotic, single-celled organisms. 1. repel negative objects due to their negative charge;
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus with multiple 2. act as receptors for fat-soluble hormones and other
chromosomes, have numerous specialized organelles, and have regulatory molecules;
a differentially permeable cell (plasma) membrane. Examples of 3. form specific cell markers that enable like cells
eukaryotic organisms include protozoa, fungi, algae, plants, and to attach and aggregate into tissues;
invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
The nucleus is the large spheroid body within the 4. enter into immune reactions.
eukaryotic cell that contains the nucleolus, nucleoplasm, Tissues are aggregations of similar cells that perform specific
and chromatin—the genetic material of the cell. The functions. The tissues of the body of a multicellular animal are
nucleus is enclosed by a double membrane called the nuclear classified into four principal types, determined by structure and
membrane, or nuc lear envelope. The nucleolus is a function:
dense, n o n m e m b r a nous body composed of protein and
RNA molecules. The chromatin consists of fibers of protein 1. epithelial tissue covers body and organ surfaces, lines
and DNA molecules. Prior to cellular division, the chromatin body cavities and lumina (hollow portions of body
shortens and coils into rod-shaped chromosomes. Chromosomes tubes), and forms various glands;
consist of DNA and proteins called histones. 2. connective tissue binds, supports, and protects body parts;
The cytoplasm of the eukaryotic cell is the medium 3. muscle tissue contracts to produce movements;
of s upport between the nuclear membrane and the
4. nervous tissue initiates and transmits nerve impulses from
cell membrane. Organelles are minute membrane-bound one body part to another.
structures within the cytoplasm of a cell that are concerned
with specific functions. The cellular functions carried out
by the organelles are referred to as metabolism. The functions
1
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
Plasma membrane
Ribosomes
Nucleoid
Ribosomes Pili
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm
Plasma
membrane Nucleoid
(circular DNA)
Peptidoglycan
Cell wall Plasmid
Outer
membrane
(a) (b)
Figure 1.1 Prokaryotic cell: (a) a generalized cell; (b) a bacterial cell.
Cells
Cells and and Tissues
Tissues 1
Centrosome: Cytoplasm
Pericentriolar (cytosol plus
material organelles except
Centrioles the nucleus)
Plasma Rough
membrane endoplasmic
reticulum
Lysosome
Ribosome
Smooth
endoplasmic Golgi complex
reticulum
Peroxisome Actin filament
Mitochondrion
Figure 1.2 A sectional view
Microtubule of a typical animal cell.
Sectional view
3
4
Figure 1.3 A a compound
5 binocular microscope.
1. Eyepiece (ocular)
6 2. Head
7 3. Nosepiece
4. Arm
8 5. Objective
6. Stage
9 7. Stage clip
10 8. Condenser
11 9. Iris diaphragm ring
12 10. Stage adjustment knob
13 11. Illuminator
12. Fine focus adjustment knob
13. Coarse focus adjustment knob
14 14. Base
3
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
1
1
1000X
Figure 1.4 An electron micrograph of a 2000X
freeze-fractured nuclear envelope showing the Figure 1.5 An electron micrograph of centrioles. The
nuclear pores. centrioles are positioned at right angles to one another.
1.
Nuclear pores (protein complexes that 1.
Centriole (shown in 2.
Centriole (shown in
allow transport of water soluble molecules cross-section) longitudinal section)
into the nucleus)
2000X 2000X
Figure 1.6 An electron micrograph of lysosomes. Figure 1.7 An electron micrograph of a mitochondrion
1.
Nucleus 2.
Lysosomes (cross-section).
1.
Outer membrane 3. Crista
2.
Inner membranes
Cells
Cells and and Tissues
Tissues 1
1
1
2000X 2000X
Figure 1.8 An electron micrograph of a cilium (transverse section) Figure 1.9 An electron micrograph showing the difference
showing the characteristic “9 + 2” arrangement of microtubules in between a microvillus and a cilium.
the transverse sections. 1.
Cilium 2.
Microvillus
1. Microtubules
3
1
5
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
1000X 1000X
Figure 1.13 An epithelial cell from a cheek Figure 1.14 An electron micrograph of an
scraping. erythrocyte (red blood cell).
1. Nucleus
2. Cytoplasm
3. Cell membrane
(1) (2)
(3) (4)
(5) 4
1000X 1000X
Figure 1.15 Types of leukocytes. Note that each photo Figure 1.16 An electron micrograph of a capillary
contains several erythrocytes; these cells lack nuclei. containing an erythrocyte.
1.
Neutrophil 4.
Lymphocyte 1.
Lumen of capillary 4.
Nucleus of
2. Basophil 5. Monocyte 2. Erythrocyte endothelial cell
3. Eosinophil 3. Endothelial cell
Cells
Cells and and Tissues
Tissues 1
3
2
1000X
5 6 7
8
Figure 1.17 An electron micrograph of a skeletal muscle myofibril, showing the striations.
1. Mitochondria 4. I band 7. M line
2. Z line 5. T-tubule 8. Sarcomere
3. A band 6. Sarcoplasmic reticulum
1
2
2
3 3
4 4
600X 400X
Figure 1.18 An electron micrograph of an osteocyte (bone cell) Figure 1.19 An electron micrograph of a neuron smear.
in cortical bone matrix. 1.
Nuclei of surrounding 3. Nucleolus of neuron
1. Lacuna 3. Bone matrix neuroglial cells 4. Dendrites of neuron
2. Osteocyte nucleus 4. Canaliculi 2. Nucleus of neuron
7
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
Collagenous fibers
Fibroblasts
6LPSOHVTXDPRXVHSLWKHOLXP
'HQVHUHJXODUFRQQHFWLYHWLVVXH
Nucleus
Cell
membrane Nucleus
Basement
membrane Fat droplet
6LPSOHFXERLGDOHSLWKHOLXP (lamina)
Cytoplasm
$GLSRVHWLVVXH
Goblet cell
Osteocyte
Matrix
6LPSOHFROXPQDUHSLWKHOLXP
%RQHWLVVXH
Schwann cell
(neurolemmocyte)
Striation
Nucleus
Axon
6NHOHWDOPXVFOH
Terminal
Intercalated disk button
Striation Dendrite
Nucleus 1HXURQ
&DUGLDFPXVFOH
Nucleus
6PRRWKPXVFOH
Cells
Cells and and Tissues
Tissues 1
1
1
300X 600X
Figure 1.21 Simple squamous epithelium. Figure 1.22 Simple cuboidal epithelium.
1. Single layer of flattened cells 1. Single layer of cells with round nuclei
300X 200X
Figure 1.23 Simple columnar epithelium. Figure 1.24 Stratified squamous epithelium.
1. Single layer of cells with oval nuclei 1. Multiple layers of cells, which are flattened at the upper layer
2
3
400X 600X
Figure 1.25 Transitional epithelium. Figure 1.26 Pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
1. Cells are balloon-like at surface 1. Cilia
2. Goblet cell
3. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
4. Basement membrane
9
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
200X 400X
Figure 1.27 Adipose connective tissue. Figure 1.28 Loose connective tissue stained for fibers.
1. Adipocytes (adipose cells) 1. Elastic fibers (black) 3. Fibroblasts
2. Collagen fibers (pink)
1
1
2
200X 200X
Figure 1.29 Dense regular connective tissue. Figure 1.30 Dense irregular connective tissue.
1. Nuclei of fibroblasts arranged in parallel rows between 1. Epidermis composed of stratified squamous epithelium
pink-stained collagen fibers 2. Dense irregular connective tissue (reticular layer of dermis)
1
2
300X 200X
Figure 1.31 An electron micrograph of dense irregular Figure 1.32 Reticular connective tissue.
connective tissue. 1. Reticular fibers 2. Lymphocytes
1. Collagenous fibers 2. Fibroblasts
10
Cells
Cells and and Tissues
Tissues 1
1
2
1 2
200X 150X
Figure 1.33 Hyaline cartilage. Figure 1.34 Elastic cartilage.
1. Chondrocytes, inside lacunae 1. Chondrocytes, inside lacunae 3. Elastic fibers
2. Hyaline cartilage 2. Lacunae
2
2
150X 200X
Figure 1.35 Fibrocartilage. Figure 1.36 A transverse section of two osteons in compact
1. Chondrocytes, inside lacunae, arranged in a row bone tissue.
2. Collagen fibers 1. Osteocytes, inside lacunae 3. Lamellae
2. Central (Haversian) canals
1 2
2
3
250X 400X
Figure 1.37 A longitudinal section of skeletal muscle tissue. Figure 1.38 A transverse section of skeletal muscle tissue.
1. Skeletal muscle cells (note striations) 1. Perimysium (surrounds bundles of cells)
2. Multiple nuclei in periphery of cell 2. Skeletal muscle cells
3. Multiple nuclei in periphery of cell
4. Endomysium (surrounds individual cells)
11
1 A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Laboratory
200X 75X
Figure 1.39 An attachment of skeletal muscle to tendon. Figure 1.40 Smooth muscle tissue.
1. Skeletal muscle 1. Smooth muscle
2. Dense regular connective tissue (tendon) 2. Blood vessel
1 1
3 3
4
200X 400X
Figure 1.41 Cardiac muscle tissue. Figure 1.42 A transverse section of a nerve.
1. Intercalated discs 1. Endoneurium 3. Perineurium
2. Light-staining perinuclear sarcoplasm 2.
Axons surrounded by myelin sheath 4. Epineurium
3. Nucleus in center of cell
3
1
250X 250X
Figure 1.43 A longitudinal preparation of axons. Figure 1.44 A neuromuscular junction.
1. Myelin sheath 1. Skeletal muscle 2. Motor nerve
2. Neurofibril nodes (nodes of Ranvier) fiber 3.
Motor end plates
12
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terrible Midgard snake were they to venture any farther—Thor
persistently rowed on, until he fancied they were directly above this
monster.
Baiting his powerful hook with the ox head, Thor angled for
Iörmungandr, while the giant drew up two whales, which seemed
enough for an early morning’s meal.
As Hymir was about to propose a return, Thor suddenly felt a jerk,
and began pulling as hard as he could, for he knew by the resistance
of his prey, and the terrible storm lashed up by its writhings, that he
had hooked the Midgard snake. In his determined efforts to force him
to rise to the surface, Thor braced his feet so strongly against the
bottom of the boat that he went through it and stood on the bed of the
sea.
After an indescribable struggle, the monster’s terrible venom-
breathing head appeared, and Thor, seizing his hammer, was about to
annihilate it when the giant, frightened by the proximity of
Iörmungandr, and fearing lest the boat should sink and he become its
prey, drew his knife, cut the fishing line, and thus allowed the monster
to drop back like a stone to the bottom of the sea.
Angry with Hymir for his inopportune interference, Thor dealt him
a blow with his hammer which knocked him overboard; but Hymir,
undismayed, waded ashore, and met him as he returned to the
beach. Hymir then took both whales, his share of the fishing, upon his
back, to carry them to the house; and Thor, wishing to show his
strength also, shouldered boat, oars, and fishing tackle, and followed
him.
Breakfast being disposed of, Hymir challenged Thor to show his
strength by breaking his goblet; but although the thunder-god threw it
with irresistible force against stone pillars and walls, it remained whole
and was not even bent. In obedience to a whisper from Tyr’s mother,
however, Thor suddenly hurled it against the giant’s forehead, the
only substance tougher than itself, where it was shivered to pieces.
Hymir, having thus seen what Thor could do, told him he might have
the required kettle, which Tyr vainly tried to lift, and which Thor could
raise from the floor only after he had drawn his belt of strength up to
the very last hole.
Ægir, as we have seen, ruled over all the sea with the help of the
treacherous Ran. Both of these divinities were considered cruel by the
Northern nations, who had much to suffer from the sea, which,
surrounding them on all sides, ran far into the heart of their countries
by means of the numerous fiords, and often swallowed the ships of
their vikings, with all the men on board.
“She came through the waves when the fair moon shone
(Drift o’ the wave and foam o’ the sea);
She came where I walked on the sands alone,
With a heart as light as a heart may be.”
L. E. R.
As Balder the beautiful was always smiling and happy, the gods
were greatly troubled when they finally saw the light die out of his
blue eyes, a careworn look come into his face, and his step grow
heavy and slow. Odin and Frigga, seeing their beloved son’s evident
depression, tenderly implored him to reveal the cause of his silent
grief. Balder, yielding at last to their anxious entreaties, confessed
that his slumbers, instead of being peaceful and restful as of yore,
had been strangely troubled of late by dark and oppressive dreams,
which, although he could not clearly remember them when he
awoke, constantly haunted him with a vague feeling of fear.
When Odin and Frigga heard this, they were troubled indeed, but
declared they were quite sure nothing would harm their son, who
was so universally beloved. Yet, when the anxious father and mother
had returned home, they talked the matter over, acknowledged that
they also were oppressed by strange forebodings, and having
learned from the giants that Balder really was in danger, they
proceeded to take measures to avert it.
Frigga, therefore, sent out her servants in every direction,
bidding them make all living creatures, all plants, metals, stones—in
fact, every animate and inanimate thing—register a solemn vow not
to do any harm to Balder. All creation readily took the oath, for all
things loved the radiant god, and basked in the light of his smile. So
the servants soon returned to Frigga, telling her that all had been
duly sworn except the mistletoe, growing upon the oak stem at the
gate of Valhalla, which, they added, was such a puny, inoffensive
thing that no harm could be feared from it.
Frigga now resumed her spinning with her usual content, for she
knew no harm could come to the child she loved best
The Vala’s
prophecy. of all. Odin, in the mean while, also sorely troubled,
and wishing to ascertain whether there was any cause
for his unwonted depression, resolved to consult one of the dead
Valas or prophetesses. He therefore mounted his eight-footed steed
Sleipnir, rode over the tremulous bridges Bifröst and Giallar, came to
the entrance of Nifl-heim, and, passing the Hel-gate and the dog
Garm, penetrated into Hel’s dark abode.
Odin had questioned the greatest prophetess the world had ever
known, and had learned Orlog’s (fate’s) decrees, which he knew
could not be set aside. He therefore remounted his steed, and sadly
wended his way back to Asgard, thinking of the time, no longer far
distant, when his beloved son would no more be seen in the
heavenly abodes, and when the light of his presence would have
vanished forever.
On entering Glads-heim, however, Odin was somewhat cheered
when he heard of the precautions taken by Frigga to insure their
darling’s safety, and soon, feeling convinced that if nothing would
slay Balder he would surely continue to gladden the world with his
presence, he cast aside all care and ordered games and a festive
meal.
The gods resumed their wonted occupations, and were soon
The gods at casting their golden disks on the green plain of Ida,
play. which was called Idavold, the playground of the gods.
At last, wearying of this pastime, and knowing that no
harm could come to their beloved Balder, they invented a new game
and began to use him as a target, throwing all manner of weapons
and missiles at him, certain that no matter how cleverly they tried,
and how accurately they aimed, the objects, having sworn not to
injure him, would either glance aside or fall short. This new
amusement was so fascinating that soon all the gods were
assembled around Balder, at whom they threw every available thing,
greeting each new failure with prolonged shouts of laughter. These
bursts of merriment soon excited the curiosity of Frigga, who sat
spinning in Fensalir; and seeing an old woman pass by her dwelling,
she bade her pause and tell what the gods were doing to provoke
such great hilarity. The old woman, who was Loki in disguise,
immediately stopped at this appeal, and told Frigga that all the gods
were throwing stones and blunt and sharp instruments at Balder,
who stood smiling and unharmed in their midst, daring them to touch
him.
The goddess smiled, and resumed her work, saying that it was
quite natural that nothing should harm Balder, as all things loved the
light, of which he was the emblem, and had solemnly sworn not to
injure him. Loki, the personification of fire, was greatly disappointed
upon hearing this, for he was jealous of Balder, the sun, who so
entirely eclipsed him and was generally beloved, while he was
feared and avoided as much as possible; but he cleverly concealed
his chagrin, and inquired of Frigga whether she were quite sure that
all objects had joined the league.
Frigga proudly answered that she had received the solemn oath
of all things, except of a harmless little parasite, the mistletoe, which
grew on the oak near Valhalla’s gate, and was too small and weak to
be feared. Having obtained the desired information, Loki toddled off;
but as soon as he was safely out of sight, he resumed his wonted
form, hastened to Valhalla, found the oak and mistletoe indicated by
Frigga, and by magic arts compelled the parasite to assume a
growth and hardness hitherto unknown.
From the wooden stem thus produced he deftly fashioned a
Death of shaft ere he hastened back to Idavold, where the gods
Balder. were still hurling missiles at Balder, Hodur alone
leaning mournfully against a tree, and taking no part in
the new game. Carelessly Loki approached him, inquired the cause
of his melancholy, and twitted him with pride and indifference, since
he would not condescend to take part in the new game. In answer to
these remarks, Hodur pleaded his blindness; but when Loki put the
mistletoe in his hand, led him into the midst of the circle, and
indicated in what direction the novel target stood, Hodur threw his
shaft boldly. Instead of the loud shout of laughter which he expected
to hear, a shuddering cry of terror fell upon his ear, for Balder the
beautiful had fallen to the ground, slain by the fatal blow.
“So on the floor lay Balder dead; and round
Lay thickly strewn swords, axes, darts, and spears,
Which all the Gods in sport had idly thrown
At Balder, whom no weapon pierced or clove;
But in his breast stood fixed the fatal bough
Of mistletoe, which Lok, the Accuser, gave
To Hoder, and unwitting Hoder threw—
’Gainst that alone had Balder’s life no charm.”
Balder Dead (Matthew Arnold).
BALDER
Anxiously the gods all crowded around him, but alas! life was
quite extinct, and all their efforts to revive the fallen sun-god were
vain. Inconsolable at their loss, they turned angrily upon Hodur,
whom they would have slain had they not been restrained by the
feeling that no willful deed of violence should ever desecrate their
peace steads. At the loud sound of lamentation the goddesses came
in hot haste, and when Frigga saw that her darling was dead, she
passionately implored the gods to go to Nifl-heim and entreat Hel to
release her victim, for the earth could not live happy without him.
As the road was rough and painful in the extreme, none of the
Hermod’s gods at first volunteered to go; but when Frigga added
errand. that she and Odin would reward the messenger by
loving him most of all the Æsir, Hermod signified his
readiness to execute the commission. To help him on his way, Odin
lent him Sleipnir, and bade him good speed, while he motioned to
the other gods to carry the corpse to Breidablik, and directed them to
go to the forest and cut down huge pines to make a worthy pyre for
his son.