what happen in chapter 1,2,3,4?

Chapter Two begins in the professor's study where he is enthralled by a book and bids his nephew to join him. The book is authored by, "Heims Kringla of Snorre Turlleson, the most famous Icelandic author of the twelfth century! It is the chronicle of the Norwegian princes who ruled in Iceland." Unfortunately, the Professor isn't able to translate immediately, "These are Runic letters; they are exactly like those of the manuscript of Snorre Turlleson. But, what on earth is their meaning?" The chapter concludes with the Professor having missed his dinner, something that NEVER happens.