The Origin and Deeds of the Goths | Page 4

below, it seems to go
around them along the edge of the earth. There also are other peoples.
There are the Screrefennae, who 21 do not seek grain for food but live
on the flesh of wild beasts and birds' eggs; for there are such multitudes
of young game in the swamps as to provide for the natural increase of
their kind and to afford satisfaction to the needs of the people. But still
another race dwells there, the Suehans, who, like the Thuringians, have
splendid horses. Here also are those who send through innumerable
other tribes the sappherine skins to trade for Roman use. They are a
people famed for the dark beauty of their furs and, though living in
poverty, are most richly clothed. Then comes a throng of various
nations, Theustes, 22 Vagoth, Bergio, Hallin, Liothida. All their
habitations are in one level and fertile region. Wherefore they are
disturbed there by the attacks of other tribes. Behind these are the
Ahelmil, Finnaithae, Fervir and Gauthigoth, a race of men bold and
quick to fight. Then come the Mixi, Evagre, and Otingis. All these live
like wild animals in rocks hewn out like castles. And there are beyond
23 these the Ostrogoths, Raumarici, Aeragnaricii, and the most gentle
Finns, milder than all the inhabitants of Scandza. Like them are the
Vinovilith also. The Suetidi are of this stock and excel the rest in
stature. However, the Dani, who trace their origin to the same stock,
drove from their homes the Heruli, who lay claim to preëminence
among all the nations of Scandza for their tallness. Furthermore there

are in the same neighborhood the 24 Grannii, Augandzi, Eunixi, Taetel,
Rugi, Arochi and Ranii, over whom Roduulf was king not many years
ago. But he despised his own kingdom and fled to the embrace of
Theodoric, king of the Goths, finding there what he desired. All these
nations surpassed the Germans in size and spirit, and fought with the
cruelty of wild beasts.
(The United Goths)
[Sidenote: HOW THE GOTHS CAME TO SCYTHIA]
IV Now from this island of Scandza, as from a hive 25 of races or a
womb of nations, the Goths are said to have come forth long ago under
their king, Berig by name. As soon as they disembarked from their
ships and set foot on the land, they straightway gave their name to the
place. And even to-day it is said to be called Gothiscandza. Soon they
moved from here to the abodes of the Ulmerugi, who then dwelt on the
shores of Ocean, 26 where they pitched camp, joined battle with them
and drove them from their homes. Then they subdued their neighbors,
the Vandals, and thus added to their victories. But when the number of
the people increased greatly and Filimer, son of Gadaric, reigned as
king--about the fifth since Berig--he decided that the army of the Goths
with their families should move from that region. In search 27 of
suitable homes and pleasant places they came to the land of Scythia,
called Oium in that tongue. Here they were delighted with the great
richness of the country, and it is said that when half the army had been
brought over, the bridge whereby they had crossed the river fell in utter
ruin, nor could anyone thereafter pass to or fro. For the place is said to
be surrounded by quaking bogs and an encircling abyss, so that by this
double obstacle nature has made it inaccessible. And even to-day one
may hear in that neighborhood the lowing of cattle and may find traces
of men, if we are to believe the stories of travellers, although we must
grant that they hear these things from afar.
This part of the Goths, which is said to have crossed 28 the river and
entered with Filimer into the country of Oium, came into possession of
the desired land, and there they soon came upon the race of the Spali,
joined battle with them and won the victory. Thence the victors

hastened to the farthest part of Scythia, which is near the sea of Pontus;
for so the story is generally told in their early songs, in almost historic
fashion. Ablabius also, a famous chronicler of the Gothic race,
confirms this in his most trustworthy account. Some of the ancient
writers 29 also agree with the tale. Among these we may mention
Josephus, a most reliable relator of annals, who everywhere follows the
rule of truth and unravels from the beginning the origin of causes;--but
why he has omitted the beginnings of the race of the Goths, of which I
have spoken, I do not know. He barely mentions Magog of that stock,
and says they were Scythians by race and were called so by name.
Before