THE SCENE: Before launching into a lengthy exploration of Norse legends and stories, Saxo Grammaticus takes some time to explain his understanding of the history of magic.
THE TEXT: In case I should seem like a brash inventor of tales which strain men’s credulity, it is worth telling you that at one time there were three amazing species of wizard, each practicing their own miraculous illusions.
The first of these were creatures of monstrous size, whom the ancients called giants, far surpassing human being in bodily stature. Second where those who obtained the leading expertise in haruspicy and were masters of [prophesy]. Although in frame they yielded precedence to the former, they excelled them in acuteness of intellect. Between these and the giants there were interminable battles for supremacy, until the diviners won victory over the monster race and appropriated not only the right to rule but even the reputation of being gods. Both these types, being dexterous in deceiving the eye were clever at counterfeiting different shapes for themselves and others, and concealing their true appearance under false guises. The third class, bred from an intermingling of the other two, reflected neither the size nor the magical arts of their parents. Nevertheless minds deluded by their legerdemain believed in their divinity.
It is not surprising that barbarians yields to their weird hocus-pocus and were led into the rites of a debased religion, since even the intelligent Romans were reduced into worshiping similar mortals with divine honours. I mention these matters so that when I write at length of portents and marvels the incredulous reader may not contest them. After this digression I shall take up my narrative.
– Gesta Danorum, Saxo Grammaticus, 12th Century AD
