MENIA, FEN1A, AND THE DECLINE OF THE OCEANS

摘要

Many cultures have folktales and myths about how the oceans became salty. One of the more widely distributed ones is the Norse story of King Frodi of Denmark. Frodi received a gift of the Grotti; magical millstones so large that none of his subjects could turn them. The Grotti could grind out anything their owner desired, so as one can image he really wanted them to be used. On a trip to Sweden, Frodi came across two giantesses Menia and Fenia whose stature and muscles seemed to be the answer to his problem. He bought them as slaves and took them home where he put them to work turning the Grotti in the mill. Frodi bid the millstones to grind out Peace, Prosperity, and Gold. Menia and Fenia went to work cheerfully singing for the King's wishes as they powered the mill and soon the king's coffers were overflowing with gold and peace and prosperity reigned throughout the land. Unfortunately, Frodi became greedy and would not let the girls get any rest. Their joy turned to thoughts of revenge against their cruel master and while he slept they changed the song. They called for an army to come and Mysinger and his Viking horde came.