Author: Padraic Colum

Snow fell across the world; icy winds blew from every direction; the sun and moon were hidden by storms. It was the Fimbul Winter: no spring came, no summer; no autumn brought harvest or fruit, and winter turned into winter again.

There was a three-year winter. The first was called the Winter of Winds: storms blew, snow fell heavily, and frost was severe. People barely survived in that dreadful winter.

The second winter was called the Winter of the Sword: those who survived fought and killed for what little food was left; brother turned against brother, and mighty battles raged everywhere.