Synopsis / Summary / Plot
On the trail to Jotunheim, Agnar has found a corpse in Balder’s armor—but it is Rattusk the demon guide. Following the tracks, Agnar deduces what happened: the suspicious Balder forced the demon to wear his armor and so it was caught and killed by the Frost Giants in the trap laid for the Asgardian hero. Balder then hitched a ride unseen on a giant’s boot and was carried into their castle. Exploring he finds a bird in a cage and frees it, unaware it is the enchanted Karnilla. As they head deeper into the frosty castle, Balder’s body is suffused with heat to keep them alive. But the unusual warmth also attracts the attention of the giant king Utgard-Loki, who captures them while also removing the spell on Karnilla. Balder is placed in an arena where he must fight the giant champion Hagen who wields the Sword of Frey, making him invincible. Balder dodges as best he can and distracts his foe into dropping his guard so that the hero can seize his sword hand. Applying the magical heat he forces Hagen to drop the deadly weapon, then punches his lights out. At this point, Agnar, who has been shown an entry window by the eagle Whiteface, tosses a rope to his comrade—but Utgard-Loki demands they surrender or Karnilla dies….