In Midgard there once lived a king named Helgi. This energetic man ruled over the whole earth for a long time.

“Once the king began to go all over the earth. The mighty conqueror came near the hermitage of Sehermund, full of green plants and trees, decorated with ripe fruit and fragrant flowers, and frequented by birds and stags like good friends.

In that hermitage men were living that were well experienced in the mental exercises: some of them were living only on water, some of them on air, some of them only on leaves, others again on roots and fruits.

“Helgi was very impressed by this peaceful oasis of enlivened silence.

As was the custom, he went to the great master Sehermund and asked for his well-being.

“Then, after mutual polite greetings, the sage Sehermund invited the king to accept his hospitality.

“Helgi could not imagine how the simple sage could feed him, the king, his hundred and eight sons - which all were used to eat like kings - and the whole huge army of Helgi's great global power here in the woods; however, he was glad about the good will of the hermit and replied that with his kind words enough hospitality had been given already.

However, Sehermund insisted that Helgi, his men and his army accepted his hospitality. Eventually the king agreed.

“The sage Sehermund summoned his sacrificial cow Savala and said to her, ”The king and his army are our guests; treat them with proper food and drinks. Please fulfil my desire and entertain them with all precious dishes.
So bring enough food for everyone without delay.”

“With these words of Sehermund the cow produced the most variegated dishes that pleased the palate.

She created the most delicate sweets, delicious juices, delightful drinks sweet as honey, mixed with the juices of the choicest fruits, excellent dishes and many kinds of appetizing soups - all of it served on golden and silver dishes so that the treat was a superior one.

“Helgi was deeply impressed by this hospitality, and after expressing his thanks he asked the sage for his cow, ”I will give you a million cows, please give me your Savala instead. Your sacrificial cow is indeed a rare specimen.”

“Sehermund answered, ”I can't let go off Savala, not for millions and millions of cows, not for all the gold and silver that you offer.”

“All precious things are due to the king,” said Helgi, ”therefore give me Savala. She is mine by right.”

“This cow follows me like the reputation of a noble man,” replied the simple man to the conqueror of the world. ”I am living on her, and with her help I perform my sacrifices.

I tell you seriously, Savala is my one and all. Her sheer sight fills me with joy. Therefore I cannot give you the cow.”

“Helgi continued to insist on having the cow and he promised rich provinces, thousands of elephants and horses, golden carriages and the most varied precious stones in exchange.
But Sehermund firmly declined.