Fishing for the World Serpent

Unable to forget the grey cat of Utgard, Thor rows out with the giant Hymir, an ox-head for bait, and a grudge — far past the fishing banks, over the deep water where the World Serpent lies. Jormungand takes the hook, Thor's feet go through the boat to brace on the seabed, and god and serpent come eye to venom-streaming eye — until the terrified giant cuts the line one heartbeat before the hammer falls. The Norse carved this held breath on picture-stones for centuries: the blow that does not land, the third meeting postponed for the last morning.