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f- BOOK VII. 


HEATHEN POETRY IN COURT METRE. 


THE various poems in this Book represent the antique heathen age 
of court poets. They are hard to group, but have here been roughly 
arranged according to subject. They range, with one important 
exception (Bragi), from c. 930-995. 


SECTION 1. Mythical. Contains the Hesiodic Shield-songs, poems on 
the Labours of Thor and the like; addressed to kings and nobles. 


SECTION 2. Historical. Early royal court poetry of heathen time, of 
the days of King Hacon to Earl Hacon. 


SECTION 3. Fragments of private historical compositions, poems on 
the sea, on Icelandic heroes, and the like in court metre, but not 
composed on Kings or Earls. 


SECTION 4. Stray verses of /yrical cast. Improvisations on a variety of 
subjects, many relating to incidents of Icelandic feuds. 


VOL. II, B 


§ 1 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. 


BRAGI’S SHIELD-LAY (RAGNARS-DRAPA). 


THERE are two Bragis; with one, a mythical divine being (originally 
perhaps Woden himself, in his character as the arch-poet), we have 
nothing to do here; but the other, Bragi, the son of Boddi, surnamed 
the old (Gamli) to distinguish him from a son or younger kinsman pos- 
sibly, is a real historical personage. He is mentioned in Landnama- 
bok, Snorri’s Edda, Skaldatal, Ynglinga, Egil’s Saga, etc. We must 
base our views of his date and position in Northern poetry upon what 
we can gather from the poems ascribed to him by Snorri, and from Ari’s 
genealogy of his family in Landnama-bok. The more important of the 
poems is a Shield-Song (Ragnars-drapa) upon a shield sent by King 
Ragnarr (Reginhere), son of Sigrod (Sigfred), to Bragi by the hand of 
Hrafnketill (Ravenkettle). The genealogy runs thus— 


Bragi Bodda son, m. Lopthena daughter of Erp litandi 
Astrid Slekidreing, m. Arinbiorn the elder (of the Fiords) 





Arnthrudr, m. Thori Hersi Lopthena, va Thorstein 
Arinbiorn Hersi, d. 976 Hrosskel of Acreness, a settler 


| 
Hallkel 





Tind, c. ‘990-1010 Illugi Swarti 
Thorwald Gunnlaug Ormstunga, 
| C. 984-1008 
Illugi 
Gisl, 1100 


The two Arinbiorns and Thori were nobles of the district of the 
Friths in Western Norway. The date of Bragi has been hitherto 
thrown too far back. Counting from Arinbiorn, Egil’s friend, and re- 
membering that the two generations between, being of women, are 
probably short, we might safely make Bragi’s life to lie between c. 835 
and 900. This date does not forbid our identifying the Ragnar Sigrod’s 
son, Bragi’s patron, with the famous Ragnar Lodbrok. Snorri says, 
‘ Bragi the old spoke of Sorli and Hamtheow in the Encomium he made 
in Ragnar Lodbrok ;’ and again, in reference to the Everlasting Fight, 


[px. vu. § 1] BRAGI’S SHIELD-LAY. 3 


‘ According to this story Bragi the poet made his verse in his Encomium 
of Ragnar Lodbrok (Ragnars drapa loSbrékar),’ 

The legend as preserved in the North tells of a king Ragnar, Sigrod’s 
son [Reginhere Sigfredsson], surnamed Lodbrok [probably eagle, as 
habrok means sawk], coming to England, where he was slain by a king 
Ella. Lodbrok’s sons then invaded England and conquered part of it. 
The first ships of the Northmen from Harethaland are noted in the 
English Chronicles, and seem, according to Mr. Howorth’s hypothesis, to 
have come in 793. A king Ella of Northumberland is known to the 
English authorities, and dated c. 867? 

In the poem itself we find that the shield is sent to Bragi, which 
implies, one would fancy, a distance between the king’s seat and the 
poet’s homestead. This agrees with tradition and the genealogies, 
which place Bragi on the N.W. coast in the Friths and make Ragnar 
reign in the Wick and Westfold, near Drammen. See Introduction to 
Book ix, § 1. Consistent with this are the two or three mentions of 
Bragi as connected with Eystein Beli, king of the Swedes, a foe of 
Ragnar Lodbrok and his~sons (see Skaldatal), and the incident alluded 
to by Arinbiorn in Egil’s Saga, when he advises Egil to calm Eric’s anger 
by a poem of praise, ‘for so did Bragi, my kinsman [the true reading 
is ‘minn’]. When he had drawn down on him the wrath of Biorn 0’ 
Howe, king of the Swedes, he made an Encomium [drapa] of twenty 
stanzas upon him, in one night, and so»ransomed his head.’ A story 
which, by the by, seems the nucleus of the legend that has descended 
upon Egil, and is given as the ground for the title Head-Ransom of his 
rhymed Encomium on Eric Bloodaxe. However this be, we may safely 
take it that all chronological requirements will be satisfied by taking 
Bragi to have been a poet famous in the last generation of the Nor- 
wegian polyarchy and living into the days of Harold Fairhair. 

Bragi has left a great name behind, and his poems, if we had them in 
their original form, would be a most precious monument of the speech - 
and thought of a famous age in the North, But it is not so. It cannot 
be too often insisted on, that the remains of his verse that have reached 
us have been so completely metamorphosed, that save for a line here and 
there we cannot rely upon word, metre,or meaning; and any version 
which may be given of them must be more or less different from what 
Bragi composed. No amount of critical ingenuity can possibly do more 
than recover a genuine phrase here and there in these old poems. 

Nor are the reasons of this metamorphosis far to seek. Bragi composed 
at a time when, under some foreign influence, a new school of poetry 
was rising in the North. The common old four-measured alliterative 
metre was changed into a more regular six-measured line. A new orna- 
ment—consonantic correspondence (consonance as we may call it)—was 
brought info the line, the poetical synonyms were developed to a very 
extraordinary degree, the wide field of mythology being ransacked for 
apt and ingenious allusions, and lastly the loose varying periods of the 
old poetry were replaced by a new unit—the four-lined stanza (itself a 
doubling of the two-lined couplet), and these stanzas were combined 
into regular strophes. Bragi himself probably took no mean part in 
introducing these new forms, which were gradually perfected by 
successive generations of court poets, till in St. Olave’s and Harold 
Hardreda’s time we see the court metre in perfection, with strict 
six-measured lines (sometimes even eight-measured), consonance, full 
line-rhyme, fill-gaps (stal), strict syntactic arrangement, and elaborate 
strophic form. 


B2 


j MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK, vi. 


During nearly nine generations, almost three centuries, Bragi’s verses 
must have suffered many changes in his reciters’ mouths, even by the 
time that Ari received them; but these changes, though no doubt 
modernising grammar, substituting newer for older words and phrases, 
were not of the radical character which, we believe, those of a later date 
were. In the North French Chansons de geste, we see the old ‘assonantic 
leashes’ replaced by rhymed couplets, and these by Alexandrines, as 
successive editions of a poem are adapted to successive generations, and 
we take it, that either deliberately, as in France, or by degrees, many of 
Bragi’s rough lines were in the generations between Ari and Snorri 
polished into more or less strict court-metre of Harold Sigurdsson’s 
day; a line here and there being left almost untouched, where tradition 
spoke too strongly in its favour, to give us some glimpse into the real 
state of the case. A line, one half blank, one half with a fairly pure 
consonance, is, we think, the true bBragian line, still extant in the 
burdens — 


pat sék fall a fogrom, etc. a ma sdkn, etc. ; 
and the lines we have been able to recover— 


iofrom vulfs of sinna med valgifris lifro ; 
and— 
fyr Veniris vidri val-rauf fiogor havfud. 


Many of the lines yield as they stand either no meaning at all, ora 
forced commonplace platitude. This must not be put to the poet: on 
the whole, we believe that two-thirds of the verses in Bragi’s remains 
are either maimed or metamorphosed so that we cannot be sure of a 
word in them, in the remaining third a word or phrase occurs with 
the genuine ‘Bragian’ ring. 

The old Hamtheow’s Lay must have been known to Bragi. We have 
noted the parallelisms in the margin. Egil seems to have known 
Bragi’s poems. We may fancy that such characteristic and peculiar 
words as ‘enni-tungl’ (Egil’s ‘enni-mani’) were coined by Bragi, and 
passed from him to the younger poet. 

Most if not all of Bragi’s verse that has reached us are from a Shie/d- 
Lay, viz. the introduction, and two sections (the Everlasting Fight and 
the Struggle in Eormanric’s Hall). Part of a third section (on Gefion’s 
Draught), and an epilogue (on the King’s Guerdon), may have belonged 
to the same poem, as we have arranged it here. As also the fragments 
depicting Thor fishing for the Earth-Serpent, and a few lines on the 
same god’s exploits against the three-headed monster Thriwald and the 
giant Thiazzi (which it is possible may have belonged to a separate 
Thors Drapa), together with a line on Woden. 

The little verse ascribed by Snorri to Bragi, see Book vi, Ditties No, 
1, is given by Saxo to Bersi and Groa. See Notes. 

The shield which Bragi describes, may have been not unlike those of 
Homer and Hesiod. Like them too, it was probably of foreign design 
and make. The lively fancy of a poet would identify the struggling 
monsters on an eastern target with Thor and the Beast (just as he 
would no doubt have, had he seen a Greek vase, identified the sack of 
Troy with the vengeance of Gudrun’s son on Eormanric, or Herakles 
and Geruones with Thunder and Thriwald), as we know that Warangian 
tradition declared the statues in the Hippodrome at Constantinople to 
be the images of their own Wolsungs and Giukungs. 

The story of the Everlasting Battle is a wide-spread tradition in the 
North, localised in many places. Saxo the Dane fixes it in Hethinsoe, 


ee eee 


~~ Sd 


§1.] BRAGIS SHIELD-LAY. 5 


the German author of Kudrun lays the scene at Wiilpensand or Wiil- 
penwert, at the Scheldt-mouth, Bragi the Northman (see 1. 14 and in 
our reading |. 17) in Hod, an island off Northmore in Norway, while 
Snorri, whose information on these matters is, we take it, drawn from 
the Western Islands more or less remotely, places it at Hoy in 
the Orkneys, where also it is fixed by the late legend in Flatey-bok, 
where King Olaf Tryggvason is made to break the spell that bound 
the doomed kings. 

Snorri tells the tale in Skaldskapa-mal thus :—“ A king who is called 
Hogni (Hagena) had a daughter whose name was Hild. The king, 
whose name was Hedin, the son of Hiarrand, carried her off as captive. 
Hagena was away at the time at the Kings’-Moot, but when he heard 
that his realm had been harried and his daughter carried away, he set 
out with his men of war to seek Hedin, having heard that Hedin had 
sailed northward up the coast; but when King Hagena came to Norway, 
he heard that Hedin had sailed west across the main. Then Hagena 
sailed after him as far as the Orkneys, and when he came to the island that 
is called Hoy, there he found Hedin with his men of war. Then Hild 
went to meet her father, and offered him on Hedin’s behalf a Necklace 
for peace, but her words were otherwise, for she said that Hedin had 
made ready to fight, and that Hagena could look for no mercy from him. 
Hagena answered his daughter stiffly, but when she came back to 
Hedin, she told him that Hagena would have no peace, and bade him 
make ready for battle. So the two kings did, and landed on the island 
and set their warriors in array. Then Hedin called to Hagena his 
father-in-law and offered him to make peace and give him much gold as 
boot. Then answered Hagena, Thou makest this offer too late, if thou 
wishest for peace, for now I have drawn Dains-loom which the Dwarves 
wrought, that is fated to be a man’s death every time it is made bare, 
and never swerves in its stroke, and its wound never heals, if it be but a 
scratch of it. Then answered Hedin, Thou shalt brag of thy sword but 
not of the victory. I call that a good sword that is true to its master. 
Then they begun the battle which is called the Heathnings’ Fight, and 
fought all the day, but in the evening the kings went off to their ships. 


_ But Hild went by night to the slain, and woke to life by her enchant- 


ment all them that were dead. And the next day the kings went 
to the field of battle and fought, and with them all they that had 
falien on the former day. So that battle went on day after day, and 
all they that fell and all their weapons that lay on the field of battle, 
and their bucklers likewise, turned to stone; but in the dawning all the 
dead men arose and fought and all their weapons then became of use 
again. And it is told in Lays that the Heathnings shali in this wise abide 
the Doom of the Powers.” 

The ‘stone weapons’ look as if the necessary correspondence in shape 
between weapons of bronze and stone had been noticed by some early 
observer, and theorised upon with a curious inversion of the develop- 
ment theory. 

Bragi takes up the story when the two kings are lying at the island 
ready for war, and that guileful witch, the fair Hild, is going from one to 
the other with the necklace. 

The Eormanric story, as told by Bragi, begins with the Gothic king’s 
evil dream and waking under the swords of the avenging brethren. The 
scene in the hall must have been of great power in the original form. 
The death of the brethren closes the strophe. Snorri’s prose here 
follows Bragi rather than Hamtheow’s Lay :—‘ But when they came to 


6 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. VII. 


King Eormanric’s by night, when he was sleeping, and cut off his 
hands and feet, then he awoke and called to his men and bade them 
awake.’ Nor does Snorri know of Woden’s interposition, but with our 
poem ascribes to Eormanric himself the command to stone the brothers. 

The Gefion story, a geographic legend, is told in Ynglinga Saga, 
where the lake from which the island Zealand is dragged is called 
Melar (by a mistake which would easily occur to foreigners at a time 
when maps were not). However, the poem itself contains the real name 
(which one glance at the shape of the lake makes evident) concealed 
under the senseless ‘uineyiar ualrauf.’ There must have been another 
like story about Gotland and Mezlar lake, one would think. The four 
heads and eight eyes recall the old chariot scenes of Assyrian and 
Egyptian sculpture, and incline one to put this section to the Shield Lay. 

The next morsel, Thor and the Serpent, if we read ‘sent’ as ‘seen,’ an 
archaic form (and it can hardly be from ‘senna’ the meaning of which 
‘to banter’ would not fit), would be also a section of a Shield-Lay. 

We should thus get a round target of four sections, each con- 
taining a scene of a separate subject. The sections of this shield may 
even have led to the strophic division of the drapa, which was possibly a 
development of the Shield-Lay, and Bragi, the earliest Northern Shield- 
Poet, may have been the creator of this metric form. 

Bragi’s fragments are found in Edda, Codex Wormianus as usual 
yielding the best text. But the Eormanric section, not found there, is 
best given in 1 e 8, which, for instance, has preserved the right reading 
‘dl-skalir,’ confirmed by Hamtheow’s Lay, where Cd. r is wrong. 
Gefion’s bit is also seen in Ynglinga Saga. Sinfitela’s death is alluded 
to in a ‘ kenning.’ 

Contemporaries of Bragi are Flein Hicrson, Erp Lowting (Lutandi), and 
W olf Vargi. 

‘Thorwolf the son of Hariwolf Horn-breaker, and Olaf (Anlaf) his 
brother, were kings in the Uplands. With them was FLEIN Hiorson the 
poet, who was bred up north in More, in an island a little off Borgund, 
- which is called Iosurheath, where his father dwelt. Flein went to Den- 
mark to meet King Eystan, and gat great honour there for his poesy, so 
that the King gave him his daughter to wife. Thrasi was the name of 
Thorwolf’s son.’ Landnama-bok, (Hb) V. ch. 1. 

Erp LowTING was the father-in-law of Bragi the poet. See Land- 
nama-bok. 

‘WotF UarGI was a noble baron in Norway, in Naumdale, the father 
of Hallbiorn Half-fiend, the father of Kettle Hing. Wolf made a 
Praise-song in one night, telling his valiant deeds, and was dead before 
daybreak.’ Skaldatal. He was Kveld-Ulf’s mother’s father. Landn. 

We take ‘uarge’ to be simply ‘werg,’ cursed, wicked; the epithet 
applied to any of the bigger beasts of prey, lion, etc. It probably 
implies something like ‘hamramr’ and ‘ofreskr.’ 

No verse of these men remain, but there is a metre called Flein’s. 


I. Lntroductton. 7 
I. N/T, Hrafn-ketill, heyra hve hrein-groit steini 
Prédar skal-ek ok pengil pidfs ilja-blad leyfa? 
I. Prologue. Hearken, O Ravenkettle, to my praise of the brightly- 
painted Shield and of the king, that gave it me: so that the son of 


2. ok] om. W. 








$1] BRAGI’S SHIELD-LAY. ; 


2, Nema sv4 at g66 ins gialla giald baug-navar vildi 
meyjar hidls enn mcéri magr Sigradar Hagna. 


Il. Hilda and Hogni. 


3. Ok um ‘pberris da’ ésk-ran at pat sfnom 5 
til far-huga foéri fedr vedr ‘boda’ hugdi: 
Pa es hristi-sif hringa hals in bals of fyllda 
bar til byrjar drasla baug erlygiss draugi. 

4. Bauda st til bleydi boedi-pridr at méti 
malma mcetom hilmi men dreyrogra benja: 10 
sva lét ey boat etti sem orrosto letti 
iofrom Vulfs of sinna me6 valgifris lifro. 

5.  Letrat lyéda stillir landa vanr 4 sandi 
(pa svall heipt { Hagna) Had Glamma ‘mun’ stadva 
es brym-regin bremja ‘préttig Hedins sdtto’ 15 
heldr en Hildar svfra hringa peir of fengo. 

6. Ok fyr Had { holmi hvedro brynjo Vidris 
feng eydandi fliddéda fordeda nam rada: 
Allr gekk herr und ‘hurdir’ Hiarranda ‘fram kyrrar,’ 
reidr at Reifniss skeidi radalfr af mar brddom. 20 


°f bé mé sékn a Svelniss sal-penningt kenna 
(Res géfomk reisar maéna Ragnarr) ok fisld sagna. 


Ill. Hamtheow and Sorli in Iormunrek’s Hall. 


8. Knatti endr vid illan I~rmunrekr at vakna 
me6 dreyr-far dréttir draum f{ sverda flaumi: 





Sigrod [Sigfred] may learn the song I have made in return for the 
ring-naved buckler. 

Il. The Everlasting Battle. The sense beneath the ‘ overlaid’ words and 
phrases seems to be—And in dire mood she plotted her father’s death, 
when she maliciously brought him the Necklace down at the ships. It 
was not for peace sake she brought it him. She made ever as if no 
bloodshed would come of it, while she was egging them on to the 
company of the corse-greedy Wolf’s sister [ Hell]. 

Hageno, with furious heart, brought his ships to land on the sand of 
the isle of Hod, and the host of Hedin came forth to meet him, having 
received Hilda’s necklace. Yea, the fatal sorceress prevailed on them 
to fight in the isle of Hod, and the whole host of Hiarrandi’s son 
[Hedin] marched straightway down to the sea.... Refrain. This 
_ Battle and many tales more maybe seen on the Shield that Ragnar 
[Reginhere] gave me. 

Ill. The Avenging of Swanhild. In days of yore Eormenric and his... 





3. -navads, 748. 4. Sigurdar, W. 6. boda] miswritten in W. II, ztti, 
Ww. 12. Vulfs... valgifris} emend.; Ulfs . . . algifris, Cd. 14. Read, mar? 
15. Read, -reginn . .. préttigr Hedin sétti? 17. H6d] emend. ; hond, W. 

~ 19. Read, und hialmom Hiarranda fram burar, 21-22. Moved four lines down. 
23. endr] edr, r; ddr, re B, 


8 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [ BK. VII. 


aFJr108. *résta vard { ranni Randvéss hafud-nidja 25 
pa es hrafn-blair hefndo harma Erps of barmar. 
9. Flaut of set vid sveita, séknar-alfs, 4 golfi 
bHr13. hreeva-dagg par es hoeggnar bhendr sem fcétr of kendosk : 
CHrog. ¢Fell { bl66i blandinn brunn ¢al-skdlir runna 
dH 108. —fat-es & Letfa landa laufi fiti—at hafdi. 30 
10. Par sv4 at gordo gyrdan golf holkvis sa fylkiss 
‘segls naglfara siglor saums’ andvanar standa: 
eH39. urdo snemst ok Sarli ¢sam-r4da peir Hamder 
, heélom herdi-mylom Hergautz vino bardir. 
11. Miok let st4la stockkvir stydja f Bikka’ nidja 35 
fHs5. flaums p4 es ‘fiarvi nema Fogl-hildar’ mun vildo: 
ok ‘bla serkjar birkiss ball fagr-gaoto allir’ 
sHit7. enni-hagg ok Seggiar Ionakrs sonom launa. 


73. Bat stk fall & foigrom flotna randar botni 
(Res géfomk reitar mana Ragnarr) ok fiild sagna. 40 


IV. Gefion ploughing Seeland out of Lake Wenereu. 


13. Gefion dr6 fra Gylva, glad ditip-radul, ala, 
(sva at af renni-raknnom rauk) Danmarkar-auka: 
Baro cexn ok Atta enni-tungl par-es gengo 
fyr Veniris vidri val-rauf fiogor hafud. 


V. Thor fishing for the Earth Serpent. 


14. Pat eromk sént; at snemma sonr Alda-fodrs vildi 45 
afls vid uri paféan Ierdar reist of freista. 

15. Vaér 14 Vidris arfa vilgi slakr, enn rakdisk 
4 Eynefiss zondri Ilormun-gandr at sandi. 





host woke out of an evil dream to battle. There arose a tumult in the 
hall of Randve’s kinsman Eormenric what time the raven-black brothers 
of Erp avenged their wrongs. The benches were swimming in blood, 
the king’s hands and feet lay lopped on the floor, the ale-beakers were 
shivered, and he fell headlong in his gore. This is painted on my 
Shield. One might see the hall all stained with blood, the... ., till 
at last the two single-hearted brethren Hamtheow and Sarila were 
stoned with the rolling bowls of the earth [stones]. Bikki’s men stoned 
the brothers who came to avenge Swanhild’s death, and they paid back 
the blows and wounds ¢hey had got from lonakr’s sons. 

The Fall of these men and many tales more I see upon the fair field 
of the Shield. Ragnar gave it me. 

IV. The Hire of Gefion. Gefion the rich dragged the Increase of Den- 
mark out of Gylve’s domain, her ox-team steamed: four fair heads they 
bore and eight eyes, while they drew the broad Spoil of Lake Wener. 

V. Thor and Leviathan. Moreover | see how Thor would try his might 





28. par es... kendosk] re 8. 29. Emend. ; aulskali, 1 e B. 31. gyrdan] 
i.e. goerdan, gory. 35. Bikka] emend.; Giuka,W; see Hém. 85. Pi Fogl- 
hildar = Svanhildar ? 44. Veniris] emend.; Vineyjar, Cd. 


§1.] THIODWOLF’S HAUST-LONG. 9 


16. Hamri férsk { hcégri hand, p4-es allra landa 
eygir ai cls endi-seids of kenndi. 50 
17. Ok bor6-roins barda brautar-hringr inn lidti 
4 haus-sprengi Hrungniss hard-gedr nedan stardi. 
18. Piokk-vaxnom kvaé pykkja pikkling firin-mikla 
hafra-niétz at hafgom hetting megin-dretti : 
Pd-es forns litar flotna 4 fang-boda angli 55 
hreekkvi-4ll of hrokkinn hekk Volsunga drekko. 
19. Vildit vrangom ofra ‘vags hyr-sendir’ egi 
hinn es midé-tygil mava moerar skar fyr Péri. 
20. Vel hafit yérom eykjom aptr, Privalda, haldit 
simli sumbls of mzerom sundr-klitifr nio hafda! 60 


21. _Hinn es varp 4 vita vinda Ondor-disar 
yfir manna siat margra munnlaug fador augom. 


VI. On Woden. 
22. Pars es lofdar lita lung vafadar Gungnis. 
VII. Zhe End. 
23. Elld of pak at iafri alna bekks vid drykkjo; 
pat gaf Fiolniss fialla med fulli mer stillir. 65 
24. Pann 4ttak vin verstan vazt-radd, enn mer baztan 


Ala undir kilo é6nidradan Pridja. 


HAUST-LONG; or, THE HARVEST-LAY OR 
SHIELD-SONG. 


WE have already made some mention of this poet in Book iv, § 2, 
when we dealt with his poem Ynglingatal. He came from the little 
dale of Hwin, still known as a valley west of Lindisness (Naze). 
The patron, for whom he made the poem with which we are con- 





against the wave-washed Earth-Serpent. His line was strained hard on 
to the gunwale while the Leviathan writhed in the sand. He grasped 
the Hammer in his right hand when he felt the monster on his hook, 
and the horrid serpent glared up at him. The burly giant Hymir said 
he thought that Thor had made a parlous haul, when he beheld the 
venomous snake hanging on the ogre-grasper’s hook. He would pull 
no more, and he cut the slim line for Thor. 

O thou that clove asunder Thriwald’s nine heads, thou hast brought 
thy team safe back, 

He who cast the eyes of Thiazzi up into the wide dome of the winds, 
above all the habitations of men. 

VI. Here one may see the steed of Woden, Sleipni. .. . 

VII. I got gold at the king’s hands in return for my song. He (the 
king) was the worst friend to gold and the best to me. 





53. firin} farin, W. 62. fddor] fiogor, W. 64. at] af, W. 66. 
vaz 190, W. 


10 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. VII. 


cerned, was the great lawyer and constitution-maker Thorleif the 
Wise, the organiser of Gula-thing (see King Hakon’s Saga, cap. 11), and 
the counsellor of the Icelanders in their establishment of one General 
Constitution, ‘ which’ (as Ari tells in Libellus) ‘was made for the most 
part according to the law of Gula-thing as it then stood, and by the 
advice of Thorleif the Wise, the son of Hordakari, as to the addi- 
tions or omissions or changes to be made.’ Thorleif was the adviser 
of King Hakon the Good, thelstan’s foster-son, and probably died 
about 960. He was the ancestor of the later Orkney Earls, of the 
twelfth century. (See their pedigrees, vol. i. of Orkney Saga, Roll Series.) 
It was for some member of his family that Hyndlu-liod was made. 
As the poem tells us, he gave Thiodwolf a shield painted with figures, 
and it is as a return for this bounty that Thiodwolf made the Shield- 
Song called Haust-long (Harvest-long). The exact meaning of the 
title is not certain, but it would seem to show that the poem was meant 
to while away the long autumn evenings. It is a brighter, but at the 
same time a more religious poem than any other of its kind. The text 
rests only on two Edda MSS. (W &r), and chiefly Wormianus. 

Thiodwolf’s poems have suffered far less than Bragi’s from the hand 
of the improver, chiefly we believe because he is of a more modern type 
as regards metre. His verses come possibly two generations after 
Bragi’s, and these intervening years are most important ones as regards 
possibilities of foreign, western, and especially Celtic influences; hence 
we may readily admit that Thiodwolf employed a more elaborate 
metric expression than Bragi. Bragi’s characteristic line, as we have 
seen, probably contained no ornament save the old alliterative syllables 
in the first half, but had a line-consonance in the second half. From 
this Thiodwolf seems to have gone a step further and sometimes used 
a full line-vowel rhyme in the second half, while he put a line-con- 
sonance in the first half, thus in all probability, for we have no earlier 
examples of it than his, originating the normal court-metre line. But 
there were still Bragian lines in his genuine poems (many more than at 
present no doubt), and the durdens especially are after the older model, 
and lines with the line-consonance in oth halves are frequent. 

Thiodwolf uses a rich vocabulary, and has many lines of great force. 
The opening of the second section of Haust-long, where the Thunder- 
god comes storming through the sky englobed in fire, is very fine, 
recalling Milton. 

Thiodwolf’s poem is a fountain to the mythologist, both as regards 
the story and, even more, the allusive synonyms. 

There are but two sections of Haust-long preserved as citations in 
Edda, but they seem fairly perfect. The jst, with the prologue, tells 
the tale of the Rape of Idwyn and the death of Thiazzi, thus paraphrased 
(from the poem) by Snorri, in the beginning of Bragi’s Teaching :— 

‘‘He began the story there, how three of the Anses set forth from 
home, Woden and Loki and Honir, and journeyed over fell and forest, 
and were badly off for food. And when they came down into a certain 
dale, they saw a herd of oxen there and took one ox and fell to seething 
it. And when they thought that it must be sodden, they tried the meat, 
and, lo, it was not done; and a second time, when an hour had gone 
by, they tried it again, and it was not done yet. ‘Then they fell to 
talking among themselves as to what might be the cause thereof, when 
they heard a voice up in an oak above them, and he that sate there told 
them the reason why the meat was not done. They looked up, and it 
was an eagle, and no small one, that was sitting there. Then the eagle 


“eye 


her Pe a AC) cami Bee = 


EE SPT Cay epee OT AP TS 


9 a TEE 


§ 1.] THIODWOLF’S HAUST-LONG. It 


spake, If ye will give me my fill of the ox, then the meat will be done. 
They consented so to do. Then he let himself stoop down out of the 
tree, and sate down to the meat, and straightway caught up both the 
thigh of the ox and both the shoulders, 

* Then Loki grew wroth, and snatched up a great staff, and brandished 
it with all his might, and hit the eagle on the back. The eagle started 
at the blow, and flew up, and, lo, the staff was fast to the back of the 
eagle, and Loki’s hands fast to the other end. The eagle flew so high 
that Loki’s feet grazed the rocks and stocks and tree, and he thought 
that his arms would be torn from his shoulders. He cried out and 
begged the eagle hard for quarter; but he said that Loki should never 
get loose, till he set him a day on which he would bring Idwyn with her 
apples out of Ansegarth. And Loki did so, and straightway he was 
loosed and went off to his companions; and nothing more is told of their 
journey before they got back home. But at the appointed hour Loki 
enticed Idwyn out of Ansegarth into a certain wood, telling her that he 
had found some apples, which she would think treasures, and bidding 
her take her apples with her, so as to be able to set them against these. 
And thither comes Thiazzi the giant in his eagle-skin, and takes up Idwyn 
and flies away with her into Thrym-ham to his dwelling. But the 
Anses became distressed at the vanishing, and soon began to grow hoary 
and old. Then the Anses held a moot, and enquired one of another 
what was the last seen of Idwyn; and the last seen of her was, that she 
was going out of Ansegarth with Loki. Then Loki was taken and 
brought before the moot, and they promised him death or torture. 
And when he grew fearful thereat, he said that he would go and seek 
after Idwyn in Giant-land, if Freya would lend him the hawk-skin she had. 
And when he had put on the hawk-skin he flew northward into Giant- 
land, and reached Giant Thiazzi’s in one day. He had rowed out to sea 
Jishing, and Idwyn was at home alone, so Loki turned her into the shape 
of a nut, and took her into his talons and flew off as hard as he could. 
But when Thiazzi came home and missed Idwyn, he took his eagle-skin, 
and flew after Loki, and flapped his eagle-wings in his flight. But when 
the Anses saw how the hawk was flying with the nut and the eagle 
flying after him, they went out in front of Ansegarth bearing thither 
loads of plane-chips.. And when the hawk flew in over the fortress, 
he let himself alight just behind the fortress-wall; and immediately 
the Anses kindled the plane-chips, but the eagle was not able to stay 
himself when he missed the hawk, and the fire caught in the eagle’s 
plumage and stopped his flight. Then up came the Anses and slew 
the eagle that was giant Thiazzi inside the wall of Ansegarth, and this 
slaying is far famed.” 

The second, the tale of Thor’s Wager of Battle with the monster 
Rungnir, is also paraphrased by Snorri in Skaldskaparmal in the following 
words :— 

“ Then Bragi told Egir that Thor was gone into the Eastern quarters 
to smite giants, But Woden rode Slipper into Giant-land, and came to 
the house of a giant whose name was Rungnir. Then Rungnir asked, 
who was the man that wore a golden helmet and was riding over sky and 
sea, and said that he had a wonderful good horse. Woden said that he 
would wager his head that there was not a horse in Giant-land as good. 
Rungnir said that it was a good horse, but that he had a bigger stepper, 
whose name was Goldmane [Gollfaxi]. (Something missing here.) Rungnir 
was angry, and leapt upon his horse and rode after him, and thought to 
pay him for his proud speech. Woden rode so hard that he was only 


12 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [ BK. VII. 


just in sight; but Rungnir was in such mighty giant-wrath that he never 
stayed till he galloped inside the gates of the Anses. And when he came 
into the doors of the hall the Anses bade him to the drinking ; he went 
into the hall therefore and called for drink to be brought him. Then 
they took the bowls that Thor was wont to drink out of, and Rungnir 
emptied them one after another. Now when he was drunken there was 
no lack of big words in him; he boasted that he could take up Walhall 
and carry it into Giant-land, and sink Ansegarth, and slay all the gods 
save Freya and Sif, whom he would carry home captive with him. Freya 
was the only one that dared to bear drink to him, and he boasted that 
he would drink up all the Ale of the Anses. But when the Anses were 
tired of his bragging, they called for Thor. Forthwith Thor came 
into the hall; he was holding his Hammer aloft, and was very wroth, 
and asked by whose counsel it was that dog-minded Giants should be 
drinking there, and who it was that had given Rungnir safeguard to be 
in Walhall, and why Freya should be his cup-bearer, as at a guild-feast 
of the Anses. Then Rungnir answered, beholding Thor with no friendly 
eyes, saying that Woden had bidden him to the drinking, and that he 
was under his safeguard. Then Thor said that Rungnir should rue that 
bidding ere he left the hal]. Rungnir says that it were little glory for 
Thor the Champion to slay him weaponless as he was; it were greater 
prowess if Thor dared to fight with him on the march at Rockgarth, 
and it was the greatest foolishness, said he, for me to have left my shield 
and hone at home, for if I had my weapons here we would try wager 
of battle now; but as it stands now I charge thee with a craven’s deed 
if thou slay me weaponless. Thor would by no means fail to come to 
the wager of battle, now that a battle-place was pitched for him, for no 
one had ever dared to challenge him before. Then Rungnir went his 
way and rode mightily till he came to Giant-land, and his journey was 
widely famed among the Giants, and especially that he had set a day for 
him and Thor to meet. The Giants thought there was great risk which 
of them should win the day. They feared evil from Thor if Rungnir 
should fall, because he was the strongest of them all. Then the Giants 
made a man at Rockgarth of clay; he was nine leagues high and three 
broad under the arms, but they could not get a heart for him big enough 
to fit, so they got one out of a mare, and it was not steady within him 
when Thor came. Rungnir, as it is said, had a heart of hard stone, and 
pointed into three horns, and according to it is made the figure [fylfot] 
which is called Rungnir’s heart; his head was also of stone, his shield 
was of stone too, broad and thick, and he held this shield before him-as 
he stood at Rockgarth and waited for Thor, and for a weapon he hada . 
hone which he bore on his shoulder, and was not a man to cope with. 
On the other side of him stood the Giant of Clay, who was named 
Muck-calf, and he was very frightened, yea, it is said that he.... 
when he saw Thor. Thor went forth to the set place of battle, and 
Thialfi [Delve] with him. Then Delve ran forward to where Rungnir 
stood and spoke to him, ‘Thou art standing unwarily, O Giant, with 
thy shield before thee, for Thor hath seen thee, and he is going down 
into the earth and will come against thee from below.’ Then Rungnir 
thrust the shield under his feet, and stood upon it, and took hold of his 
hone with both hands. And straightway he beheld lightnings and heard 
great thunder-peals, and saw Thor in his god’s wrath. He came on 
mightily, and brandished his Hammer, and cast it at Rungnir from afar. 
Rungnir caught up the hone with both hands, and threw it against the 
Hammer, and it met the Hammer in its flight, and the hone broke 


§1.] THIODWOLF’S HAUST-LONG. 13 


asunder, and one half fell to earth, whence came all the rocks of hone, 
the other half crashed into Thor’s head so that he fell forward to the 
earth. But the Hammer Milner lit on the middle of Rungnir’s head 
and broke the skull into little morsels, and he fell forward over Thor, 
so that his foot lay athwart Thor’s neck. And Delve fought Muck-calf, 
and he fell with little ado. Then Delve went to Thor, and tried to 
take Rungnir’s foot off him, but could not even stir it. Then all the 
Anses, when they heard that Thof was fallen, tried to take the foot off 
his neck, but could not stir it. Then came (Magni) Main, the son of 
Thor and Ironsax, he was at that time three nights old, he cast Rungnir’s 
foot off Thor, and said,‘ Little harm may it do thee, father, that Iam come 
so late, I think that I would have smitten the Giant to death with my fist 
if 1 had met him!’ Then Thor stood up and welcomed his son heartily, 
and said that he would be a big man of his hands; ‘ and,’ said he, ‘ I will 
give thee the horse, Goldmane, that Rungnir owned.’ Then spake 
Woden, saying that Thor did wrong to give that good horse to a giantess’ 
son rather than to his own father. Thor went home to Thrudwong 
with the hone still in his head. Then there came a Sibyl whose name 
was Groa, the wife of Orwandil the Brave [Orion], she chaunted spell- 
songs over Thor, till the hone began to loosen. And when Thor felt 
this and began to think it likely that the hone would soon be out, he 
wished to repay Groa for her leechcraft and make her glad, so he told 
her this news, that he had waded over Sleet Bay [Elivoe] from the North 
and had borne Orwandil fromi the North out of Giant-land in his basket 
on his back, and for a token thereof that one of his toes had stuck out 
of the basket and so got frozen, so that he, Thor, had broken it off and 
cast it up into the heaven and made the star with it that is called 
Orwandil’s toe [Orion’s toe, the star Rigel in Orion?]. Thor said that it 
would not be long before Orwandil would be home, and Groa was so 
glad that she could not go on with her spells, and so the hone never got 
looser, and it is still fast in Thor’s head. And that is why it is forbidden 
to cast a hone across the floor, because it makes the hone turn that 
is in Thor’s head. According to this tale Thiodwolf of Hwin made 
Harvest-long.” _ 

It is said in the Saga of Harold Fairhair (chs. 26, 37) that Thiodwolf 
was a dear friend of that king and foster-father to his son Godfrid Gleam ; 
but it will not do to build too much on such tales as are told of him and 
these princes, for fixing the poet’s age or date. They are popular tales, 
and must go for what they are worth. The king, sitting at a banquet 
of mead, mutters as he looks down at the long row of men drinking, 
‘My men are eager over their mead. Ye are over many here.’ Up 
spake the poet, ‘When we were with the king in the battle we were 
none too many then.’ The story is repeated with reference to King 
Hakon /€thelstan’s foster-son and his men (Fagrsk.), And again as 
occurring to King Magnus Bareleg and Kali the Wise (the descendant of 
Thiodwolf’s patron Thorleif). Another time, when Godfrid was wishing 
to put to sea, Thiodwolf is said to have improvised this stave, ‘Go not 
hence, Godfrid, till the sea grows calm! The billows are dashing the 
rocks aloft. Wait for a fair wind! stay with us till the fine weather 
comes! The surf is running off Iadar!’ But the young man would 
not be stayed, and off Iadar his ship sunk in the storm with all hands. 
We have added these verses as interesting, though not like to be 
Thiodwolf’s. 


W=Cod. Worm, (Il. 1-43 and 53-80), r=Regins (ll. 44-52). 


14 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [ BK. VII. 


I. Zhe Rape of Idwyn by Giant Thiazzt. 


x. HH” skal galla gialdom gunn-veggjar bru leggja 
sated tate . radd-kleifar Porleifi !— 
Tyframra sé-ek tiva trygglaust of far priggja 
4 hrein-gero hlyri hildar-véss ok Piaza. 
2. Seggjondom fl6 sagna Snétar-ulfr at moti 5 
{ gemliss ham gamlom glamma afyr skammo: 
settisk arn par-es Adsir ‘4r gefnar’ mat bro 
(vasa byrgi-tfr biarga bleydi vendr) 4 seydi. 
3..  Tor-midlaér vas tivom tal hreinn medal-beina ; 
hvat kv6do hapta snyrtir hialm-faldinn pvi valda: 10 
marg-spakr of nam mela mar val-kastar baro 
(vasat Hoénis vinr hénom hollr) af fornom bpolli. 
4. Fiall-gyldéir bad fyllar Fet-meila ser deila 
hlaut af helgom skutli Hrafn-Asar vin bldsa: 
Ving-ragnir let vagna vig-frekr ofan sigask 15 
par-es vél-sparir véro varnendr goda farnir. 
5. Fliétt bad foldar dréttinn Farbauta mag ‘ vara’ 
pekkiligr med pegnom prym-seilar hval deila: 
enn af breidom biddi bragd-viss at pat lagéi 
ésvifrandi Asa upp piér-hluti fidra. 20 
6. Ok slfdr-loga sidan svangr (vas pat fyr lango) 
At af eiki-réto ok-biarn fadir Morna: 
46r ditip-hugadr drepi dolg ballastan vallar 
hirdi-tyr medal herda her-fangs ofan stwngo. 
7. b4 vard fastr vid féstra farmr Sigynjar arma, 25 
(s4-es all regin eygja) Ondor-gods ({ bandom) : 





I. Prologue. How can...my mouth render thanks to Thorleif for the 
bright-ringing shield! 

The story of Thiazzi. Yea, 1 see the hapless journey of the three gods 
and Thiazzi painted on the polished cheek of the shield. In days of yore 
Giant Thiazzi flew in an ancient eagle’s feather-skin towards the Anses, 
He alighted where the Anses were boiling their meat (no coward was 
he). The gods’ dinner was long a preparing. ‘What is the cause of it?’ 
quoth the helm-hooded one [Woden]. Up spake the wise eagle from 
the ancient tree; (no friend of his was Loki.) He prayed Honir for a 
share from the hallowed dish. Loki had hard work to blow the fire. 
The greedy Giant stooped down to where the guileless gods were 
gathered. Woden, the lord of the earth, bade Loki to portion out the 
ox, and the wily foe of the gods took the four quarters up out of the 
huge cauldron, and then the hungry Giant out of the tree ate of the ox 
(it is an old tale) till the deep-plotting god, Lofi, struck him between 
the shoulders with a staff. And forthwith Loki (whom in bonds all the 





2. Blank inW; kleif at, W? 3. of |] ok, W. 4. vez, W. 8. seidi, W. 
10 Read, hvat kvad? 14. helgu, W,r. —_laasa, W. 17. faar-, W, 


1g. Emend. ; breido, W. 20. osviprandi, W. 21. slidrliga, r (better ?). 
23. balladan, W. 


a 


$1.) THIODWOLF’S HAUST-LONG. 15 


loddi ro vid ramman reimod Iatun-heima, 
enn hollr vinar Heeniss hendr vid stangar enda. 

8. FI6 med ‘fré6dgom’ tiva fang-sell of veg langan 
sveita nagr, sva-at slitna sundr Ulfs fadr moendi: 30 
p4 varé Pérs of rani (pungr vas Loptr) of sprunginn 
m4lo-nautr hvatz matti midiungs fridar bidja. 

9. Ser bad sagna hrceéri sorg-eyra mey fcéra, 
p4-es elli-lyf Asa, 4tt-runnr Hymiss, kunni: 

Brunnakrs of kom bekkjar Brisings goda dfsi 35 
girdi-pidfr { garda gridt-nidadar sfdan. 
Io. Uréot brattra borda byggvendr at pat hrygegvir ; 
p4 vas I16- med Iatnom -unnr ny-komin sunnan: 
Goerdosk allar Attir Ingi-Freyss at pingi 
(varo heldr) ok haérar (ham-lidt regin) gamlar: 40 
II. Unz ‘hrun szeva hreva’ hund Olgefnar fundo 
leidi-pir ok leva lund Olgefnar bundo : 
Pu skalt véltr, nema velom (Veodér melti sv4) ‘leidar’ 
mun-stcerandi mzra mey aptr, Loki, teygir. 
12. Heyrdak svA pat sf3an (sveik opt Aso leikom) 45 
hug-reynandi Hcéniss hauks flaug bialba aukinn: 
ok l6m-hugadr lagéi leik-blads reginn fiadrar 
ern at aglis barni arn-sig fadir Mornar. 

3. H6fo skidtt, en skéfo skapt, ginn-regin brinna ; 

enn son bidils svidnar (sveipr vard { far) Greipar. 50 





Powers fear) was fast to Thiazzi; the staff clave to the mighty denizen 
of Giant-land, and Loki’s hands clave to the end thereof. Rejoicing in 
his prey, the eagle flew a long way with the god of wiles, so that he was 
like to have been torn asunder; he was well-nigh riven, for he was 
heavy, and was forced to beg for quarter. The monster bade him 
bring him the sorrow-healing Maiden, who knew the gods’ Elixir of 
Youth: upon which the Thief of the Brising-girdle, Loki, brought the 
Fairy of Bourn-acre, Idwyn, to the hall of the giant. Joyful were they 
that dwell in the rocks, the Giants, when Idwyn first came among them 
from the south: but all the kindred of Ingwi-Frey, the gods, became old 
and hoary: very withered of form the gods showed at their moot: till 
they found him that had cruelly carried off the goddess, and bound the 
betrayer of Idwyn. ‘Thou shalt surely pay it dear, thou guileful Loki,’ 
so Thor spake, ‘save by thy cunning thou bring back the blessed heart- 
renewing Maiden.’ I havé heard that after this, Loki (who had often 
betrayed the Anses by his tricks) took flight in the hawk-skin guise, 
gabe, Idwyn with him,] while the false-hearted Giant-eagle flapped 

is eagle wings in 4ot chase of the hawk. In haste the gods gathered 
wood-shavings and kindled a fire, and the Giant was scorched and his 
journey brought to an end. 





29. frddgom] r; miswritten in W, 41. seva, W. 42. ok] at, W. 
43. velom| W leaves a blank for Il. 44-52. 44. teygir] by guess, blank in r. 
45. Aso] emend.; asa, r. 


16 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [ BK. VIL. 


Patz of fat & fialla Finnz tha br& minnz. 
Baugs pak bifom faba bif-kleif at Porlep. 


Il. Thor's Wager of Batile. 


14. Eér of sér es Iatna étti lét of sdttan 
hellis bur 4 hyrjar haug Gridtuna baugi: 

Ok at fsarn-leiki Iardar sunr; enn dundi 55 
(m6ér svall Meila brédor) m4na-vegr und hanom. 

15. Kndétto all, enn Ullar (endi-log) fyr magi 
(grund vas gr4pi hrundin) ginnunga vé brinna: 
pa-es huf-regin hafrar hég-reidar fram drégo 
(sedr gekk Svoinis ekkja sundr) at Hrungnis fundi. 60 

16. Pyrmdit Baldrs of barmi berg-folgnom sak-dolgi 
(hristosk biarg ok brusto; brann Ran-himinn) mana: 
miak fra-ek mcéti hroekkva myrk beins Haka reinar, 
p4-es vigligan vogna vatt sinn bana patti. 

17. Bratt fl6 biarga geeti (band ollo pvi) randa 65 
[imon] flr und iljar fss [vildo sva disir]: 
vardat hoeggs fra hardo hraun-drengr padan lengi 
tridno trollz of rina tfér fiollama at bfda. 

18. Fiar-spillir 1ét falla fialbrs 6l4gra gialbra 
bal-verdungar Belja bolm 4 randar-holmi: 70 
par hné grundar gilja gramr fyr skarpom hamri; 
enn berg-Dana bagdéi briédtr vid iarmun-pridti. 





Refrain. Lo, this is painted on my shield. I received the coloured 
buckler from Thorleif’s hands. 

II. The story of Rungni. Next I see, how the Terror of the Giants, Thor, 
visited the cave-dweller, Rungni, at Rock-garth, in a ring of flame. The 
son of Earth drove to the battle (his heart was swelling with wrath), 
and the moon’s path [heaven] thundered beneath him. The whole ether 
(City of the Ginnungs) was on fire about him, and the flat, out-stretched 
ground below him was beaten with the hail: yea, the earth was rent 
asunder, as the goats drew the chariot-god on to his tryst with Rungni. 
Thor spared not the mountain-abiding foe of the moon [giant]; the 
mountains quaked and the dominion of Ran [ocean] blazed. I have heard 
that the denizen of the dark cliffs shrunk wondrously when he espied his 
slayer, the god of the Car; the yellow shield he flung beneath the soles of 
his feet, the Powers ruled it so, the War-fairies willed it so; the haunter 
of the wilderness had not long to wait for a stroke from Thor, the wielder 
of the life-crushing snout-ogre [Hammer]. He that spoils the wicked 
Giant-host of their lives felled the monster of the loud-roaring ocean- 
caverns on the lists [shield-holm]: the Lord of the glens bowed there 
before the sharp Hammer, what time the Giant-killer struck down the 





53. es] of, W. 54. bur] borua hyriar haugs, W; bror, r (badly). 59. r; 
héfregin héfdu, W. 60. sedr]} seid, W. 61. Emend.; solgnum, Cdd. 
61-62. Thus W; pardolgi... brann upp himin manna, r. 67. hérdo] thus W, r. 


$1] FILIF'S PORS-DRAPA. 4 


19. Ok haré-brotin herjo heim-pingodar Vingniss 
hvein { hiarna mceni hein at Grundar sveini: 
par sv4 edr { Odins dlaus burar hausi 75 
st4la-vikr of stokkin st65 Einrida blédi: 
20.  Adér or hneigi-hlfSom h4rs al-gefjon sdra 
Reidi-tys id rauda ryds heili-bal geéli: 


Gorla lit-ek & Gettiss gardt par of ferdir. 
Baugs pa-eh bifom fida bif-kleif at Porleifi. 80 


Lausa-visor (for translation see the Introduction). 


I, 
King. Miok ero mfnir rekkar til miad-giarnir fornir, 
ok her komnir harir.—Hvi erot avar-margir ! 
Thiodolf. Hsafdo ver { hafdi hoegg at eggja leiki 
me6 vell-brota vitrom—Véroma pé4 til margir. 


II. 

Thiodolf. Farida ér 4dr fleyja flat-vallr hedan batnar, 
(verpr Geitis vegr gridti) Godroedr of sié stéran: 
vind-bysna skaltu visi vidé-freegr hedan bfda; 
vesi§ med mer unz verdi vedr, nu es brim fyrir Iadri! 


EILIF GUDRUNSSON (PORS-DRAPA). 


OF this poet we know nothing but his mother’s name, which might 
imply his posthumous birth, and his date; he is mentioned as one of 
Earl Hakon’s poets in Skaldatal (see § 3). And it is certain that he lived 
into the Christian times, as he made an Encomium on Christ. Besides 
this, which, like his poem or poems on Earl Hakon, is lost (save one 
citation in Edda), he composed a poem on Thor (Pérs-drapa), of which we 
have a long fragment. It deals with the-popular and interesting story 
of Thor’s adventures with the volcanic Giant Garfred (Geirrod), whose 
daughters raise the river Wimmer against the god, while the Giant assails 
him with a glowing mass of iron off his forge, which Thor catches and 
returns with deadly effect upon the huge Smith’s head.—A primitive 
myth, dealing with the weird gigantic forces of nature, water and fire, 
and quite in keeping with the half-humorous, half-fanciful spirit of the 
poets who loved to sing of Thor. 

Eilif has dealt well with the legend. Through the confused corruptions 
of parts of what is left to us of his Thors-drapa, and in spite of the 
intricacy which he affects to a far greater degree than any poet of his 





mighty defaulter. Yet the hard-quarried hone from the Giant’s hand 
struck into the brain-pan of the son of Earth; yea, the steel-grinding 
stone stood fast in Thor’s skull, sprinkled with his blood: till the 
Healeress of wounds [Giantess Groa] chaunted the hone, the ridder of 
rust, out of the chariot-god’s head. 

Refrain. Clearly I see all these adventures on the shield, I received 
the coloured buckler at Thorleif’s hands. 





76. r; um stokkvi, W. 78. heyli-, r. 80. bifom] bifa, W. 
VOL, II. Cc 
> 


18 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. VII. 


we see the mighty stream roaring and rattling over its rocky bed, 
ves "yellow water net on the broad shoulders of the god, while the 
heavy boulders are dashed against his feet, as he staggers through it with 
the help of his trusty staff and his belt of strength, to which the little 
Delve, his servant, hangs, like a sheath-knife, pressed tight and flat to his 
master’s side by the water’s force. The Struggle in the Hall is more 
briefly told, but there is a certain grandeur throughout the poem which 
carries one over its entangled phrases and massed synonyms. 

The story of Garfred has also been treated in a lost poem which 
Snorri knew, and of which the two remaining verses are given in Book 
ii, p. 126. Wolf Uggason knew the tale, calling Thor the ‘Hero of 
Wimmer-ford,’ and there is an incident in King Harold Hardrede’s 
story, which shows the wide fame of the legend, c. 1060:—The king 
and his poet Thiodwolf are walking out one day, when they come upon 
a tanner and a blacksmith fighting: says the king, ‘Put those fellows 
into verse under the names of Thor and Garfred,’ which the poet does. 
‘Now speak of them as Sigfred and Fafni,’ which again was obeyed, 
For the verses made on this occasion see Book viii, § 3. Snorri’s para- 
phrase, taken partly from our poet, partly from the poem of Book ii, 
is as follows :— 

“Then answered Eager: That was a tale worth telling, when Thor 
went to Garfred’s-garth. At that time he had not the Hammer Milner, 
nor the Girdle of Strength, nor the Iron Mittens; and that was Loki’s 
doing, for he went with him. Because it had happened to Loki, when 
once upon a time he was flying in Frigg’s hawk-skin for a pastime, to 
fly for the sake of amusement into Garfred’s-garth; and there he saw 
a great hall, and lit down and looked in at a window. But Garfred 
espied him and bade ‘take that bird and bring him to him,’ but the 
man he sent had hard work to get to the top of the wall, so high was it. 
And Loki thought it sport for the man to be taking such trouble to get 
at him, and he would not fly away before he had got over all the difficul- 
ties. But when the man came up to him he spread his wings and thrust 
against his feet, but then he found his talons were fast, and Loki was 
taken prisoner there and brought to Giant Garfred. But when the 
Giant saw his eyes, straightway he suspected that it was a man, and bade 
him answer him, but Loki held his peace. Then Garfred locked Loki up 
in a chest, and there he starved him three months. And when Garfred 
let him out and bade him talk, then Loki said who he was, and swore 
this oath to Garfred as a ransom, that he would bring Thor into 
Garfred’s-garth without his Hammer or his Girdle of Strength. 

“Thor took up his quarters with a Giantess whose name was Grith, she 
was the mother of Widar the Silent. She told Thor the truth about 
Garfred, that he was a cunning Giant, and bad to deal with. She lent 
him a girdle of strength and mittens of iron, which she had, and her staff 
which is called Grith’s-rod. Then Thor set out to the river which is 
called Wimmer, the biggest of all rivers. And he girt himself with the 
Girdle of Strength and struck the Rod of Grith against the stream, but 
Loki held on by the girdle of strength. And as soon as Thor was got to 
the midst of the stream the river swelled so mightily that it broke on his 
shoulders, Then Thor said these words :—(See vol. i, p. 126. 

“Then Thor beheld a certain glen, and Yelp [Gialp], Garfred’s 
daughter, standing there across the river and causing the river to swell. 
Then he took up out of the river a great stone, and cast it at her, and 
said that ‘One must dam a river at its mouth.’ He never missed when 
he cast at anything. And with that he drifted up to the bank and got a 


EA eee EILIF’S PORS-DRAPA. 19 


grip of a certain rowan, and so came up out of the river; wherefore it 
has become a proverb that ‘rowan is Thor’s rescue.’ And when Thor 
came to Garfred’s they were turned into a goat-house for shelter, he 
and his fellows. And there was a stool for a seat, and Thor sat him 
down thereon, and straightway he found that the stool under him was 
being raised up towards the roof. He thrust the Rod of Grith up against 
the rafter and bore hard down on the stool, then there was a great 
crack, and after it a great shriek heard. Garfred’s daughters Yelp 
[Gialp] and Grip [Greip] had been under the stool and he had broken 
both their backs. Then said Thor :—(See vol. i, p. 126.) 

“Then Garfred had Thor called into the hall to play. There were 
great fires down the hall lengthwise, and when Thor came into the hall 
over against Garfred, Garfred caught up a glowing mass of iron with 
the tongs, and cast it at Thor; but Thor caught it with his iron mittens, 
and swung it up, and Garfred ran behind an iron pillar to save his life. 
Thor cast the mass, and it went through the iron pillar, and through 
Garfred, and through the wall, and so out into the earth. According to 
this tale, Eilif Gudrunsson has sung in Thors-drapa.” 

This poem was originally, and of set purpose, hard and intricate in its 
circumlocutions, and it has since, through corruption, fallen into a sad 
jumble, inasmuch that any attempt to give a word-for-word rendering 
of it or do more than paraphrase as closely as is well, is not to be 
thought of. 

The text is preserved in Edda, W and r. 


I. LUG-STALLA ré6 fellir Forniétz goda at hvetja 
(driigr vas Loptr at liiga) lag-seims fadir heiman: 
ged-reynir kvad grcenar Gautz her-prumo brautir 
vilgi tryggr til veggjar viggs Geirroedar liggja. 

2. Geé-strangrar let gongo Gamm-leid Pérr skommom = 5 
(f¥stosk beir at pr¥sta Porns nidjom) sik bidja: 
pars giard-vendir goerdisk Gandvikr Skottom rfkri 
endr til Ymsa landa I6ja setrs fra Pridja. 

3. ‘Gerr vard { feor fyrri farmr mein svara ’ns arma’ 
‘sédknar haptz med svipti sagna galdrs an rognir’ 10 
pyl-ek gran-strauma Grimnis gall-mann telir hallar 
opnis ilja gaupnom Endils 4 m6 spendo. 

4. Ok gangs vanir gengo gunn-vargs himin-targo 
‘fridar vers til fli6da frum-seyris kom dreyra :’ 
pa bal kvettir bridta bragd-mildr Loka vildi 15 
breedi vendr 4 bridi bag sefgrisnis m4ga. 





LokI, the Earth-Serpent’s father, ready liar as he was, egged Thor the 
Giant-killer to set out, saying that green paths would take him to 
Garfred’s Hall. Thor soon yielded to Loki’s prayer; they were eager 
to beat the giants; what time Thor set out from Woden’s town (Anse- 
garth) for Giant-land .... (unsafe text). 1 go on with my song, how 
they [Loki and Thor] strode on their feet across the Mountain Path. 
And .... the bloody Foes of the Sun [the Giants] were sore afraid 





I. r; Fiornatz,W.- 3. Gautz] om. W. 7. pau, W. — giardveniodr, r. 
12. apnis, W, ee 
C2 


20 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. Vil. 


5: Ok veg-pverrir vaorro vann fet runar nanno 
hialltz af hagli oltnar hlaup-4r um ver gaupo: 
miok leid or stad stakkvir stik-leidar veg breidan 
uréar pridtz p4é-es eitri céstr pidd-4r fnzesto. 20 

6. Par { mark fyrir markar m4l-hvettan bor setto © 
(ne hvel-valor hdlar) haf skot-nadra (svefo) : 
knatti hreggi haggvin hlym-pél vid mal glymja; 
enn felli-hryn fialla Fedjo paut med stedja. 

iE Har6-vaxnar let herdir hall-landz of sik falla 25 
gatad madr nidtr en neytri niard- r46 fyr ser -giardar : 
pverrir let nema pyrri Porns barna ser meornar 
sneri-bl66 til svfra sal-paks megin vaxa. 

8. Oo fast enn fridar flaut eid-svara Gauta 
setrs vikinga snotrir sverd runnid fen gunnar ; 30 
purdi hrann at herdi haudrs runn kvika naudar 
iardar skafls af afli 4ss hret-vidri blasin. 


9. Unz med fta sinni (afl-raun vas pat) skaunar 
4 seil himin-sidla sialf-lopta kom Pialfi: 
ado st4li striéan straum Hrekk-mfmis ekkjor ; 35 
stop-hnfso fér steypir strfé-lundr med val Gridar. 

10. Né ditp-akarn drépo dolg-vams firom Glamma 


strid-kvidiaondom stadvar stall vid rastar falli: 
é6gn-diarfan hlaut arfi eids fiardar hug meira ; 
skalfa Pérs né Pialfa prdéttar-steinn vid dtta. 40 


Tx. Ok sifuna sfdan sverdz lid hattar gerdo 
hlifar bordz vid Hearda hard gleifnir dyn bardi: 





now that Thor in his wrath was coming to fight them. And Thor the 
Giantess-destroyer strode over the wilderness across the swoln rivers 
that rushed along with a hail-like avalanche of stones. Thor the Giant- 
killer sped on a good way, crossing the ford, while the mighty streams 
spurted venom. They [Thor and Loki] put forth [resting on] their - 
steel-shod mountain staves; nor did the slippery round boulders sleep. 
The staves rattled against the stones, whilst the stones clashed in the 
storm-beaten mountain-stream. : Now Thor beholds the mountain- 
stream beat upon his burly shoulders, yet the wearer of the Belt of 
Strength put forth his whole might. He cried out that unless the 
rapid waters went down his strength would wax sky-high. They waded 
stoutly, but the river ran on, the troubled waters tempest - stirred 
rushed over Thor’s shoulders. Now Delve [Thor’s page] lifted himself 
up and clung fast to the Belt of the King of heaven [Thor]. The 
Giant- maidens made the stream swell high, whilst sturdy Thor the 
Giantess-slayer strode on, the Staff of Grith in his hands. Nor did 
their hearts quake within them at the strong rush of the stream. 
Thor’s courage rose, nor did Thor’s or Delve’s heart quake for fear. 
The Second Section, the fight in the Giant’s Hall, is very obscure, but the 
sense of most of the verses can be gleaned. Thor and his companions reach 





18. ver] v’, W. 20. piodar, W. 21. bur, W, 22. hallar, W. 
26. Read, mar? 35. Read, 680? 42. kyn, W. 


; 

P 
- 
iy 





§1.] EILIF’S PORS-DRAPA. 21 


4dr hylridar heidi hri6d-rudr fiaro piddar 
vid Skylld-Breta skytjo ‘skaleik Hedins reikar.’ 

12. Dreif med dréttar kneyfi dolg Svipiddar kolgo 45 
(s6tti ferd 4 flétta) fles-drétt (Ivo nesja) : 
p4 es fun-ristis fasta fl66-rifs Danir st6do, 
knatto Iolnis ettir ut-véss fyrir lita. 

13. Peirs { préttar bersa porn rans hugom bornir 
(hlymr varé hellis Kumra) hrin-balkar fram gengo: 50 
listi fedr { fasta (frid-sein vas par) hreini 
snipo hloeedr 4 greypan gran hatt Res kvAnar. 

14. Ok ham loga himni hall fylvingom vallar 
tr6dosk per vid trodi tungls brd-sdlir pungo: 
huf-stiéri braut hvaro hreggs vafr-zyda tveggja 55 
hlétr-ellida helliss hund-fornan kial sprundi. 

15. ‘F4-tida nam froédi’ fiard-epliss kon Iardar ; 
merar leggs ne mugdo menn al teiti kenna: 
alm-taugar laust cégir angr-biof ‘sege’ tango 
Odins afli sodnom Att-nidr { gin Sudra. 60 

16. Sva at... skyndir handa hrapp munnar svalg gunnar 
lypti-sylg 4 lopti lang-vinr sio prongvar : 
pa es aurprasis esjo 4s hrimnis fl6 drdésar 
til pra mdénis pridar pidst af Greipar briosti. 

17. —_‘BifOisk hall p4 es hafdi Heidreks of kom breido 65 
und flet-biarnar fornan f6t-legg prasis veggjar: 
ftr gulli laust Ullar id6tr veg-taugar pridti 
meina nidr { midjan. mez bigyrdil nezo. 

18. Glaums nidiom fér goerva gramr med dreyrgom hamri 
of sal-vanié synja sigr laut arin bauti: 70 
komaé tvividar tfmi tollur karms s4 es harmi 
brautar lids of beiti bekk fall iotuns rekka. 

19. Hel-blétinn v4 hneitir hég-brotningi skégar 
undir fialfrs at alfi Alfheims bliko kalfa: 





Giant-land, and attack Garfred and his fellow-giants. The fiendish 
host of Giant-land was turned to flight, and gave way; before the on- 
slaught of the Fire-Hurler they fled. There was an uproar among the 
Cave-dwellers, when Thor and his men came into the hall. There 
was an end of peace, when Thor struck the Giantess’ head with his 
lightning. The flashes crossed beneath the roof of the Cavern, and 
Thor, the Chariot’s Lord, broke the aged backs of both the Giantesses 
[Yelp and Grip]. Little joy was the Giant’s; he hurled a mass of 
glowing iron, caught off the anvil, at the son of Woden. Thor caught 
the bar in his hands as it flew, when the lord of the forge, Garfred, threw 
it. The Hall rocked to its fall, when Garfred’s head was crushed 
under the ancient pillars, when Thor dashed the bar down on the head 
of the Giant. Thor made utter destruction of the monsters with his 
bloody Hammer, and won the day. The rod of Grith.... The 





43. hriddendr, r, 59. Read, sega? 71. timi] W, though indistinct. 


22 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. VII. 


ne lid-fastom Lista l4ttrs val Rygir matto 75 
aldr-minkanda eldar Ello steins of bella. 


LAY ON CHRIST (from Edda). 


bese tea kveda sitja sunnr at Urdar brunni; 
sv4 hefir ramr gramr remdan Réms banda sik landom. 


HUS-DRAPA; or, THE LAY OF THE HOUSE. 
By Wotr Uccason (Utrr Uceason). 


OF Wolf’s family we know nothing; though his wife Irongerth, the 
daughter of that Thorarin Corni (the cairn-dweller we had the ditty 
_ about, Book vi, ditty 22), is named by Ari in Landnama-bok. Wolf 
himself lived in the south of Iceland, and one of the few incidents of 
his life is his refusal to make satires on the missionaries who brought 
Christendom into the island; the verses he then made we print below in 
§ 4. His greatest claim rests on this poem, of which Snorri has pre- 
served several fragments, and Laxdzla the following account :— 

Olaf Peacock, the son of Hoskold, the husband of Thorgerd, Egil’s 
daughter, the mightiest man of his day in Iceland, “ made a hall in 
Herd-holt, bigger and finer than men had ever seen. There were 
drawn on it famous Stories, on the wainscot and on the roof; it was 
also so well built that it was thought fairer when the hangings were 
down. At the coming of winter there was a multitude bidden to Herd- 
holt, for the hall was finished by that time. Wolf Uggason was bidden, 
and he made a poem on Olaf Hoskuldsson, and upon the stories that 
were written in the hall, and he delivered it at the banquet. This poem 
is called Hus-drapa, the Praise of the House, and is a fine poem. Olaf 
requited the song well.” 

Snorri, to whom we owe the fragments of Hus-drapa, says that 
‘Wolf Uggason made a long section about the story of Balder.” Again 
he says, “ Heimdal, the God, is the owner of Goldcrest, he is also the 
Visitor of Voe-skerry and Singastone, there he and Loki contended for 
the Brisings’ necklace. He is also called Windler. Wolf Uggason made 
a long piece about the story of these two in Hus-drapa, where it is told 
that they were in the likeness of seals.” 

Parts of three sections, and the prologue, are preserved (all in cita- 
tions from Edda and Skalda). They touch on the subjects of some of 
the carvings, the Bale-jire of Balder, Thor fishing for the Serpent, the Fight 
at Singastone. We should add to these a line or two of a fourth section 
dealing with the Story of Garfred the Giant, miscited, we think, as Eilif’s. 





god slew all the Ogres with his staff, nor could the fires of the Lord 
of the Rocks harm the mighty Monster-slayer. 





Lay on Christ. They say that he, Christ, sits on a mountain throne at 
the Weird’s brook, so has the mighty Lord of the Powers [angels?] 
strengthened himself with the land of Rome. 





75. Read, hval Rygja (hval-lattrs Rygja), Cd, 


§ 1.] WOLF’S HUS-DRAPA. 23 


The poem was made use of by Snorri for his prose paraphrasis of the 
Legend of Balder, etc. It is a poetic work, with some touches of 
skill and picturesqueness of detail. 

The metre is still of an antique type, and reminds one of Bragi and 
Thiodwolf. The poem was in regular sectional Drapa form, with a 
cloven burden of two lines, the first line of which is lost. The bearing 
of which we take to have been, ‘ Thus is the roof inside painted with old 
stories.’ 

The age of the poem would seem to be fixed roughly by the fact that 
while the frequent echoes of Egil’s Hofudlausn and Lay of Arinbiorn 
(complimentary no doubt to Egil’s daughter, who must have listened to 
the poem at the feast) form a very marked feature of Wolf’s verse, 
Egil’s greatest poem Sonatorrek is nowhere imitated. This would in- 
cline one to put the composition of Hus-drapa c. 975-980; and to 
fancy that the hall was built and the banquet (its house-warming pro- 
bably) held rather earlier than the Saga implies, at the time when Olaf 
was yet young and rising in power, a year or so before Egil’s Sonatorrek 
was made. 

The #ext is from citations in the Edda; ll. 13-14 from W Appendix. 
It is in a fair state of preservation, yet ll. 28-29 at least have suffered 
from retouching. The figures on the margin mark parallelisms with 
Egil’s Lays on Arinbiorn and Hofudlausn. 


I. Lntroduction. 


I. ee ték hildar hug-reifom Aleifi 
(hann vil-ek at giaf Grimniss) ge6-fiardar 14 (kvedja). 


Il. Zhe Balefire of Balder. 


2. Riér 4 barg til borgar bad-frédr sonar Odins 
Freyr ok folkom styfrir fyrstr golli byrstom. 

3. Kostigr rfdr at kesti kyn-fré6ds peim-es god hldéo0_— 5 
Hrafn-freistadar hesti Heimdallr at mag fallinn. 

4. Rfér at vilgi vido vid-freegr (en mer 1fda) 

aAs56. Hropta-tfr (of hv4pta *hréér-mal) sonar bali: 

par hykk sig-runni svinnom sylgs Valkyrjor fylgja 
heilags tafns ok hrafna;—‘hrét’? tnnan svd minnom. 10 





I. Prologue. 1 set forth my song to the generous Anlaf, pledging him 
in Woden’s gift. 7 

Il. The Burning of Balder. First rides Frey, the king of men, on his 
boar with golden tusks to the bale-fire of Ba/der, Woden’s son. The 
goodly Heimdal rides his horse to this pile that the gods had cast up for 
the dead son of the wise Friend of the Ravens [Woden]. The wide- 
famed God of Soothsaying [ Woden] rides to the huge wooden bale-pyre 
of his son. (The Song of Praise is gliding through my lips.) I can see the 
Walkyries and the Ravens following the wise God of Victory, the Lord 
of the Holy Draught. Burden: Thus, within, the roof is adorned with 
memories. 

The mighty Giantess launched the ship, while the champions of 
Woden felled her charger, the wolf. 





7. blido, W. 10. hrét] emend, ; hlaut, Cd. (here and 1, 20). 


24 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. (BK. vit 


5. Full-aflug 1ét fialla fram haf-sleipni pbramma 
hildr, en Hroptz of gildar hialm-elda mar feldo. 


Ill. Thor fishing up the Earth-Serpent. 


6. aInn-méni skein enniss zndéttr vinar banda; 
Arg. dss skaut bégi-geislom ord-sell 4 men stordar: 
bA2o, enn stird-pinull stardi stordar-leggs fyr bordi 15 


frons 4 folka reyni fran-leitr ok blés eitri. 
VE Full-aoflugr lét fellir fiall-gautz hnefa skiaila 
(ramt mein vas pat) reyni reyrar-leggs vid eyra. 
8. Vid-gymir laust Vimrar-vads af frdonom nadri 
hlusta grunn vid hrannom ;—Aré/ innan svd minnom. 20 


IV. Loki and Heimdall fighting about the Brising necklace 
at Singastein in the shape of Seals. 

9. R4d-gegninn bregér ragna-rein at Singa-steini 
fregr vid firna slégian Farbauta mag-vari: 
m66-aflugr redr mcéra magr haf-nyra fagro 

@As54. (kynni-ek) 46r ok einnar Atta (@mzrdar padttom). 


V. Thor and Giant Garfred. 


10. Proengvir gein vid pungom pangs rau6-bita tangar 25 
kveld-runninna kvenna kun-leggs alin-munni. 
Vreidr vas Vrasko brédir va gagn fadir Magna. 


VI. The End. 


11. Par koemr 4 (enn eri endr bar ek mer6 at hendi) 
8H69. (‘ofra ek sv4’) til seevar (®‘sverd-regns’ rofi pagnar). 





tll. Thor and the Serpent. The eye of the Gods’ friend Thor shone 
fiercely, the beloved God darted awful glances at the Serpent of Earth, 
and the Serpent, the Stout Girdle of the World, glared over the gunwale 
at the Friend of Man, spirting venom the while. Then the mighty 
Giant-slayer smote the monster with his fist on the ear; it was a deadly 
blow. The Champion of Wimmers-Ford struck the head off the cruel 
Snake as it rose above the sea. Burden: Thus within the roof, etc. 

IV. The struggle of Loki and Heimdall, The skilful renowned Warder 
of the Path of the Powers [rainbow-bridge| wrestled with Loki, Faar- 
baute’s most wily son, at Singastone, before the sturdy Son of Nine 
Mothers [Heimdall] won the fair necklace of stones. I set this forth 
in my song. 

V. The Fight with Garfred. ‘Thor, the Destroyer of the Giantesses, 
grasped the red mouthful of the tongs [the red hot mass] with his hands. 
Wroska’s brother [De/ve] was wroth, the father of Main [Thor] won 
the victory. 

VI. Epilogue. Here the river reaches the sea [my Song ends]. I have 
Spiabie my Song of Praise, till the silence [hearing accorded me] was 

roken. 





12. r; hialm gldom, W. 13. Emend.; ondottz, W. 18. logs, W, 
21. rogna, W, 22. faar-,.. vaari, W. 29. Emend,; lofi pegna, W. 


§1.] MYTHICAL FRAGMENTS. 25 


MYTHICAL FRAGMENTS IN COURT-METRE. 


THERE were other Shield-Songs and Thor-Lays, the authors of 
which, less fortunate than Eilif or Thiodwolf, have only survived in 
fragments kept by Snorri (Sk.), who no doubt made use of their poems 
in his paraphrases of the Thor-myths. 

First of these comes OLw1 SNuB (Olver Hntfa),—in Norwegian law 
‘hnfifa’ is the bondmaid whose nose has been cut off for theft thrice 
repeated; as a nickname it must refer to some hurt that Olwi, like 
Michael Angelo, had suffered,—a poet of Harold Fairhair’s, according 
to Skaldatal, of whom some mention is made in Egil’s Saga. In one 
passage, which is worth comparing with Hornklofi’s Raven-Lay, it is 
written, ‘Of all his henchmen the king set most store by his Poets; 
they sat on the opposite bench [next in honour to the high seat of 
the king]. Inmost of them sat Eadwine Ill-poet (Audunn IIlskelda); 
he was the eldest of them, and had been the poet of Halfdane the 
Black, the father of King Harold. Next to him sat Thorbiorn Horn- 
klofi, and next to him sat Olwi Snub, and the next to him was Bard 
(Barfred) seated. He was called Bard the White, or Bard the Strong.’ 
Somewhat is also told.about Olwi and Bard’s quarrels and adventures, 
but no certain or important fact. There is, however, in chap. 3 the 
following passage, which is worth citing :— 

* Atli the Slim was then Earl] in Firth, he dwelt at Gaul. His children 
were Hallstan, Holmstan, Herstan, and a daughter, Solweig the Fair. 
It happened one harvest-tide that there was a great company at Gaul 
at the Harvest-Sacrifice. It was then that Olwi saw Solweig, and fell 
in love with her. Afterwards he asked for her hand, but the ear! did 
not think him a good enough match, and would not give her to him. 
After this Olwi made many Love-Songs about her. He was so much in 
love with her that he left off going a-wicking (buccaneering).” After- 
wards, for the sake of these songs, “the sons of Atli attacked Olwi in 
his house, wishing to slay him. They had so many men with them that 
Olwi could not withstand them, and only got off by flight. He went 
north to More, and there found King Harold and became his liegeman 
..+. and came into the greatest friendship with the king; and was with 
him long afterwards and became his poet.” 

The bit of Olwi is evidently part of a poem on Thor and Hymi and 
the fishing for the Serpent,—perhaps a Shield-Song. A second fragment 
of his, quoted in Skalda, is subjoined: it seems part of a longer poem. 


EYSTEIN WALDASON, a tenth-century poet, is nowhere spoken of. 
The fragment he has left also relates to the Fishing Adventure of Thor, 
It is bold and realistic, and leads one to regret the loss of the rest. 
Snorri, with his eye ever open to the good points of a story, has used 
the incident of Thor’s hands being dashed against the gunwale by the 
jerk of the Snake he had hooked. 


WINTERLID (Vetrlidi), a son of Summerlid, a contemporary of Wolf 
Uggason’s, who was not wise enough to abstain from satire on the mis- 
sionaries, but, as Ari tell us in Kristni-saga and Landnama-bok, ‘“‘ made 
libellous verses upon Thangbrand and many others. But when they 
[Thangbrand and his fellows] came west into Fleetslithe, Godlaf, the 
son of Ari of Reek-hills, was with them also; they heard that Winterlid 
the poet was out turf-cutting with the men of his household. And 
Thangbrand and his company went thither and slew him...... 


26 MYTHICAL COURT POEMS. [BK. VII. 


Thence they went westward to Grimsness and found Thorwald Veili 
there at Hestbrook, and slew him there.” The Melabok (Landnama) 
tells the story thus:—‘ Winterlid made a Libel on Thangbrand, who 
therefore slew him whilst cutting peat. He (Winterlid) defended 
himself with the peat-cutter against Godlaf of Reekness, but Thang- 
brand run him through with his spear. Song-Chaps (Liodarkiopt) 
made an Encomium on Godlaf.” , 

The bit of Winterlid’s which remains is from a poem in praise of 
Thor, telling over his exploits. 

This THORWALD VEILI is the poet of whom Snorri speaks in Hattatal, 
talking of a variety of the court-metre called Skialf-henda. “ This 
metre Veili first invented, when he was lying upon a certain sea-reef, 
saved from a shipwreck, and they were badly off for clothes, and the 
weather was cold. It was then that he made the poem which is called 
the ‘Shivering Poem,’ or the ‘ Burdenless Poem,’ wherein he follows 
the story of Sigfred.” 


THORBIORN DISAR-SKALD, the poet of the Goddesses, of whom no- 
thing more than the name is known, must have made a poem like that 
of Winterlid’s on Thor, reciting his great deeds; of this song two mor- 
sels remain. 


Of GAMLI nothing is known. 
The ext of all these fragments is from Edda (ll. 2-3 from Skalda). 


OLVI HNUFA. 


; I. On Thor. 
chy allra landa um-giard ok sonr Iardar... 


Il. From Skalda. 
Madr skyldi p6 moldar megja hverr of pbegja 
kenni-seids pé at kynni klepp-dagg Hars laggvar. 
EYSTEIN VALDASON (on Thor). 


I. SN bid Sifjar réni snarla fram med karli 
(horn-straum getom Hrimnis hroéra) veidar-fceri. 5 


2. Sv4 bra vid at syjor seidr, rendi fram ‘breidar’ 
Iardéar Gt at bordi Ullz m4gs hnefar skullo. 
3- Leit 4 brattrar brautar baug hvassligom augom 


(estisk 46r at flausti ‘augrs bid’) fadir Prédar. 





‘ ong Snub. 1. The Girdle of all lands began to rage, and the Son of 
arth... 


II, Yet every man should know how to hold his peace even though... 


Eystan Waldason. Sif’s mate and the churl [Hymi] made ready their 
fishing tackle. Let us stir the stream of Hrimni’s horn [begin our song]. 
The tackle ran out. The Snake pulled so hard against the gunwale, that 
Thor’s fists were dashed against the streaks. Thor looked on the Serpent 
[lit. the rock’s-ring] with piercing eye. The wave, churned up by the 
struggling snake, was raging against the boat the while. 





g. avg’s, W; read, zgis bridr. 


$2.) HORNKLOFIS GLYM-DRAPA. art, 


VETRLIDI (on Thor). 


A Fh ati brauztu Leiknar, laméir Privalda, 
steypdir Starkadi; stéttu of Gialp dauda! 


PORBIORN DISAR-SKALD (om Thor). 
I. Pore hefir Yggs med arom Asgard af prek vardan. 


2. Gall { Keilo kolli, Kiallandi brauztu alla, 
4dr draptu Lut, ok leida léztu dreyra Buzeyro ; 5 
heptir-pu Hengjan-kiapto; Hyrrokkin d6 fyrri; 
po vas snemr en sama Svivar numin Iffi. 


GAMLI (on Thor). 


nyo gramr (hinn es sitt sam@i snart) Bilskirnis (hiarta) 
grundar fisk med grandi glitifr-skeliungs nam ritfa. 








§2, ROYAL COURT POEMS. 
HORNKLOFI (GLYM-DRAPA). 


In Book iv we have given early poetry in the o/d metres, dealing with 
historical subjects and genealogy, by men who lived at the courts. of 
Harold Fairhair and his sons. In this Book we shall give the work of 
the first generation of the long line of court-poets who composed in the 
new metre and the new style. Among them are men whose poems in the . 
old style have already been noticed above, such as Hornklofi and 
Eywind; see the Introduction to their poems in Book iv. 

With reference to these early Encomia in court-metre, it will be 
necessary to give here certain facts and their explanation, which, while 
bearing special reference to Hornklofi, Eywind, and Guthorm Cindri, 
must be borne carefully in mind by the student of the whole mass of 





Winterlid. Thou brakest the legs of Leikn [an Ogress], didst crush 
Thriwald, didst pull down Starkad [the Giant], and didst overcome and 
slay Yelp. 


Thorbiorn, the goddess-poet. Thor, with the champions of Woden, has 
mightily defended Ansegarth. 

There was a clatter on Keil’s skull, thou didst crush every limb of 
Kialland [giantess], ere that thou didst slay Lout, and make the loath- 
some Buzear bleed. Thou didst put an end to Hanglip before Hyrrokin 
— yet ere that was the swarthy Swiwor [Ogresses all three] reft of 
ife. 


Gamli. While the lord of Bilskirni [Thor’s hall], Téor, he of the 
dauntless heart, smote the Serpent with his Hammer. 





8. sitt] emend.; sirk, W. 


28 HAROLD FAIRHAIR’S COURT. [ BK. VII. 


court poetry throughout the whole length of this and the following 
Book. 

When we look at the morsels of Encomia scattered up and down in 
the Lives of Harold and his sons, we find an extraordinary paucity of 
incident, a most marvellous flow of empty words, and an almost 
complete absence of fact; while for regularity and even monotony of 
metre, these verses might vie with the most perfect productions of 
Snorri’s and Sturla’s days. Now these are all features totally unlike 
those we have observed in the undoubted work of men of Harold’s age, 
and if we had no further light to throw upon the question, we should be 
absolutely driven to conclude that these verses are of far later date, 
attributed by some error to early poets. But, curiously enough, we have 
in the King’s Lives distinct categorical statements relating especially to 
names, places, and dates, all sober facts, in proof of which appeal is made 
to these very verses, which not only do not support them, but often 
apparently contain no allusion to them or to any fact whatever. 

How is this to be explained? One can only answer, the verses are in 
their present state corrupt; they once did give the facts for which the 
historian made use of them, they were in their original state the founda- 
tions upon which Ari himself rested for sober annalistic facts, for names 
and places. One thing is certain—the paraphrasing and the inserting 
were not contemporary, but a long time must have intervened, during 
which the poems were ‘inked over,’ all their original roughness polished 
away, and with it their whole worth and truth. The ‘irregularities’ of 
the old verses no doubt shocked the purist poetasters of the twelfth 
and thirteenth centuries, the names and places they celebrated were so 
forgotten that they had become unintelligible; new words, new grammar, 
new metre were therefore substituted for them, and now it is barely 
possible through their smooth vapidity to distinguish the blurs that mark 
some deeply bitten trait of the original design. Yet these poems were 
the means of preserving information of a kind that could have been pre- 
served in no other way, till a wise historian like Ari made use of them. 
After this they were half forgotten, then ‘restored,’ and at last inserted 
in the text of the Kings’ Lives in their sorry condition; so that now we 
have to seek in Ari’s prose paraphrase for the very meaning and con- 
tents of the verses upon which it is founded. 

We have now and then been able to replace a vanished word, to re- 
store a name, or date, or place, underneath some commonplace plati- 
tude, an epithet or ‘kenning,’ often resembling in sound the name required; 
but there are still many instances where we are sure that there were 
words in the text, of which not the faintest indications are left. As an 
example of corruption, in Guthorm’s poems we may give the line ‘ Undan 
allar kindir Eireks 4 haf snekkiom,’ which we see from the prose, ch. 20, 
Hakon’s Saga, must have contained the word Jutland. Beneath the 
‘undan’ here, we can dimly see that ‘Iotlandz’ must have stood. Again 
we are told in the text, chs. 23-26, Hakon’s Saga, of Egil] Wool-sark 
(Ullserkr), Hakon’s standard-bearer, killing King Gamli Ericsson in flight 
at Rastarkalf, by Frodarberg. The verse cited does not give a name 
of any kind, but we can see that beneath the ‘ r4d-sterk’ lies ‘ Ullserkr,’ 
and that at least the names of Gamli (beneath ‘Gramr,’ |. 26) and the place 
of his death must have also occurred though they have left no trace. In 
ch. 9, Hakon’s Saga, we want in the verse cited the names of the Scots 
and of King Tryggwi, and though they do not now appear, we can have 
little doubt but that under the words ‘hraustan’ and ‘skidom’ (Il. 14-15) 
are buried ‘Trausta’ and ‘ Scottom,’ 


§ 2.] HORNKLOFI’S GLYM-DRAPA, 29 


The same kind of corruption marks the verses of succeeding poets, 
though in continually lessening degree, but it is very bad in the poems 
relating to King Olaf and to Cnut the Great, where it is more to be 
deplored, for Ari’s excerpted statements are not so full with reference 
to them. So that for verses relating to doings in England we must grope 
for the facts with the help of the Maps and the English Chronicles, 
which, however, sometimes fail us too, and pass over in silence things 
which the poems seem to have told of. As an instance of corruption in 
these verses we find that under ‘ Sundvigg’ is hidden ‘Sandwich.’ Many 
more instances will be noticed in the text and notes, 

We can see that Ari cared not for the poems, their figures of speech, 
or inanities, only for their facts; having extracted them he left the verses 
like the husks of thrashed corn; yet his wonderful sagacity enabled him 
to make the right use of them, and were they still perfect they would 
in many cases merely confirm his statements. But here and there, as 
in Hallfred’s case noticed below, we can still dimly see that other views 
and facts (unnoticed rather than deliberately rejected by Ari) than those 
the prose preserved must have been contained in the verses, and one 
might have gleaned from them some fresh information of value which is 
now for ever lost. 


GUTHORM SINDRI. Of Guth-thorm Cinder, whose name has not 
been noticed earlier, we know little. He is however the hero of a 
charming story told in the Kings’ Lives. King Harold and his son 
Halfdan had quarrelled and taken up arms against one another. “ Guth- 
thorm Cinder was the name of a nobleman who was in the host of 
Halfdan the Black and had formerly been with King Harold and was a 
dear friend of both of them. He was a great poet, and had made 
poems both on the father and on the son. They had offered him 
guerdon therefore, but he would not take it, but asked them to grant 
him a boon; and they had promised to doso. Accordingly he now went 
to see King Harold and bore messages of peace between him and his son, 
and besought each of them to give him as his boon that he would make 
peace with the other. And the two kings set so much store by him 
that they made peace at his request. It is upon this story that Iorun 
the Poetess made a section of Sendibit;” see Book viii, § 5. 

The name of Hornklofi’s poem GLYM-DRAPA is not explained. It is 
quoted by Snorri (in a corrupt state). 

A verse ascribed to Gundhild herself, in Fagrskinna, is added last, 


GLYM-DRAPA. 
(Verse 1 from Edda, the rest from Lives of Kings.) 


I. Hy ROpR lét heestrar tféar hard-r4ér skipa bardom 
baro-faks ins bleika barn-ungr 4 lag prungit. 
a. Hilmir ré6 4 Heidi ‘hialdr-skiés prumo galdra’ 
66r vid ‘ceski-meida ey vé-brautar’ heyja: 
46r ‘gnap-salar gripnis gny-stcérandi’ fcéri 5 
‘rausnar-samr til rimmo ridvigs lagar sk{éom.’ 





Glym-drapa. In happy hour the king launched his grey billow-steeds 
on the sea. He fought at the Heath with the O... before he went in 
his barks to war against the.... The judge of men went against 





4. Read, Orkndéli? 


30 KING HAKON’S COURT. [ BK. VII. 


3. Geerdisk Glamma ferdar gny-préttr ‘ioro’ dréttar 

hel-kannandi hlanna Hlymreks um ‘trud’ glymja. 
Aér tt 4 mar metir mann-skcéér lagar tanna 
resi-maOdr til rausnar rak vé-brautar Nokkva. 10 

4. Par sv4 at barsk at bordi; bord-holkviss rak nordéan 
hiffar valdr til hildar hreggs daglinga tveggja: 
ok all-sncéfrir iafrar oréa laust at mordi 
(endisk raudra randa raodd) ‘dyn-skotom’ kvaddosk. 

5. Hadi gramr, par-es gnudo geira hregg vid ‘seggi,’ 15 
raud (fn¥sti ben bl6di) bryn-gagl { ‘dyn Skaglar’ 
pd-es 4 rausn ‘fyr resi’ (réd egg-litodr) seggir 
[éfr gall hiaorr vid hiifar] hnigo fizr-vanir (sigri). 

6. ‘Grennir proeng at gunni gunn-més’ fyr haf sunnan 
(s4 vas gramr) ok gumnom (go6-vardr) und sik iardo: 20 
ok hialm-tamiér hilmir ‘holm-reidar’ let olman 
lindi-hiaort fyr ‘landi lund-pridr’ vid stik bundinn. 

. Riks preifsk reiddra cexa rymr; knatto spiar glymja ; 
svart-skygd bito ‘seggi’ sverd pidd-konungs ferdar; 
p4-es hug-fylldra ‘halda’ (hlaut annskoti Gauta) 25 
Ar vas sangr of svirom (sigr) flug-beittra vigra. 

8. ‘Men-fergir bar margar marg-spakr nidar varga’ 
lundr vann sékn 4 sandi ‘sand-mens’ { by randir: 
4ér fyr ‘eljan-pridom allr herr’ Skotta pverri 
lagdis seids af 14di le-brautar vard flcéja. 30 


GUTHORM SINDRI (HAKONAR-DRAPA). 


I. IF-ROKNOM trad bekkjar bl4-rast konungr rom; 
metr hl66é mildingr I6tom mistar-vffs { drffo: 





the Irish, and fought a sea-fight at Limerick before he thrust Nokkwi 
out of the land. Then he drove his vessels from the north to meet the 
Two Kings, and the princes fought each other at the Is/e of Solskel. He 
gladdened the mail-birds (ravens) at .... place, what time the storm of 
spears broke on...., when men fell life-reft in the forecastle before 
....3 the dyer of the sword-edge won the day. The greedy sword 
screamed against the bucklers, He hastened to battle south over the 
sea (he was god-protected), yea, the helm-wont lord of the Holm- 
Rygians moored his mad sea-deer to the stakes of .... The noise of 
the axes waxed high, the spears rattled, the black-polished sword of the 
high-king bit. ... The foe of the Gauts won the day, what time 
there was a song of keen-cutting spears above the necks of the bold- 
hearted .... The waster of the Manx carried the shield into the town 
of ....and fought a battle on the sand of the isle of Man, ere that his 
foes were forced to fly the land before the valiant harrier of the Scots. 





Hakon’s praise. The king trod the blue mile [sea] with his foam- 
splashed oars and slew the Jutes in battle, and drove them to flight into 





7. Read, fra? 14. Read, vid Solskel? 21. Read, Holm-Rygija? 
27. Read, Manverja bar myrdir? Seer 


§2.] SINDRI’S HAKONAR-DRAPA. 31 


svan-geeéir rak sfdan ‘sdétt Ialfadar fldtta’ 
‘hrot giljaéar hyljar hrafn-vins at mun sfnom.’ 
2. Alm-drosar fér eiso él-runnr marom sunnan 5 
triéno tingls 4 groéna tveim einom Sel-méina: 
p4 es ellifo allar all-reidr Dana skeidar 
val-sendir hraud vandar, vid-freegr at pat sidan. 
g Selund n4éi p4 sféan sékn-heggr und sik leggja 
‘vals ok’ Vinda frelsi vid SkAneyjar sido: 10 
skatt-gilda vann skyldir skaut Ialfadar Gauta ; 
goll skyflir vann giaflastr ‘geir-vedr’ { fer peiri. 
4: Ok sdékn-hattar setti svell-ridér at pvi fliddi 
Onars eiki-groéno austr ged-beéti ‘hraustan :’ 
pann-es 46r fré from ‘id-vandr’ of kom ‘skfSom’ —15 
sal-brigdandi Svigdiss svan-vangs lidi pangat. 
5. Val-pagnir lét ‘vegnom vig-nestr saman bresta 
handar-vafs of haféom hlym-mildingom gyldir:’ 
-par gekk Niardr af Nirdi naddz h4-mdna raddar 
.  val-brandz vféra landa vapn-undodom sunda.’ 20 
6. Alm-droegar vas cegiss opt sinn (enn ek bess minnomk), 
barma ald fyr Baldri ben-sfks vita rfkiss : 
bad-scékir hélt brfkar bro@dr sfns ok rak flcédar 
‘undan’ allar kindir Eirekks 4 haf snekkjom. 
4. Hreeddr fér hiarva raddar herr ‘ fyr malma pverri’ 25 
‘rég-eiso gekk resir r46-sterkr’ framar merkjom: 
Gerra gramr { snerro geir-vifa ser hlffa, 
‘hinn es yfrinn gat idfra os kvanar byr mana.’ 


A STRAY VERSE, attributed to Queen Gunnhild, in 
Fagrskinna, p. 15. 


H4- reid 4 bak baro boré-hesti -kon vestan ; 
skaorungr lét brim bfta bard, es gramr hefir Fiordo. 





the land as he chose. He came from the South with only two ships 
towards the green Sealand, and, henceforward famous, cleared eleven 
ships of the Danes. Then he put Sealand under him and beat the 
Wends on the coast of Sconey: he made the Gauts pay tribute, and 
won much gold in this campaign. And he put the Trusty Chief 
[Tryggwi] over the oak-green wife of Woden eastward [Ran-rick], him 
that came here formerly over sea with a fleet from the Irish and Scots. 
The king let ....at....he left his enemies weapon-wounded at.... 
The followers of his brother [Eric] often, as I remember, suffered many 
a defeat before him; he drove all the kindred of his brother Eric out 
into the Jutland sea. At Froda-berg Woolsark fell in front of the 
standard, .... fighting against Gamli....he that.... 


HAKON rode over the billows on his wooden horse from the west, he 
makes his timbers cleave the sea, he lands at the Firths. 





14. Read, Trausta. 15. Read, Skottom. 24. Read, Iétlandz. 
25. Read, fyr Frodarbergi? 26. Read, vig-eiso fell cesir Ullserkr fr. m.? 
27. Read, Gamli? 


32 EARL SIGROD’S COURT. [ BK. VIL 


CORMAC OGMUNDSSON (SIGRGDAR-DRAPA). 


A wILD, wandering, ill-fated Bard this, throwing his life away by 
recklessness and lack of purpose. His life, and many verses ascribed 
to him, are found in a separate Saga, one of the oldest, preserved only 
in one vellum, AM. 132, but in an obscure and corrupt form. 

Cormac’s father, Ogmund, came out to Midfirth, probably from the 
Western Islands, and settled at Melar ‘Sands.’ There is a curious tale, 
which seems to foreshadow the lucklessness of his son, told of his laying 
the foundations of the house there. When a man had laid out his 
house “it was the belief in those days, that as the meteyard fitted, when 
it measured a second time, so the man’s luck should fit. So that if the 
meteyard showed too little, his luck would shrink too, but if the mete- 
yard showed something over, his luck would be fair. And ere the 
measure was found too short every time it was tried, and they tried 
three times.”” Cormac bore an Irish name (his mother, Dalla, was 
a daughter of Anwind Sioni, and may have been of Gaelie family), 
and there was something foreign in his features: ‘he had black 
curly hair,’ which his mistress counted his only blemish, ‘a white 
skin, was somewhat like his mother, big and strong he was, and of 
passionate nature.’ 

The central fact of his life was his love for Steingerd, to which 
nearly all the verses in his Saga refer, being either /ove-songs to her or 
satires on her successive husbands Bersi and Tintein, with whom he 
fought wagers of battle, in the former case unsuccessfully. Of these 
verses we shall treat in § 4. 

Like other Icelandic poets of his day, Cormac went abroad to 
Norway, where he is said to have made an Encomium on King Harold 
Grayfell, which is lost, while bits of his Sigrod’s Praise, which is not 
mentioned in his Saga, are extant. After a number of adventures, the 
story of which is difficult to follow from the confusion of his Saga, 
Cormac is said to have died in Scotland from the hurts he got in a 
struggle with a giant Scot. His bones therefore, like Hallfred’s, lie in 
British ground. 

As a court poet, Cormac chiefly interests us by the curious mytho- 
logical burdens which are wedged into his poem at short and regular in- 
tervals. In these curt phrases we have mention of the tale of Thiazzi, » 
of Sigfred and Fafni, of Woden charming Wrind (an otherwise unknown 
tale), of Weird at her Brook, of Woden’s spear Gungni, and of Thor’s 
car. The historical contents of the poem are also noteworthy, referring 
to Earl Sigrod’s sacrifices, about which we have the following statement 
in Hakon’s Saga, ch. 16. The earl was a great man for sacrifices, and so 
was Earl Hakon his father. He was the King’s representative at the 
solemn sacrificial feasts in Thrond-Law. “It was the old custom when 
a sacrifice was to be held, that all the franklins should come to the 
place where the temple was, bringing their victuals with them to eat 
while the feast lasted .. ., but the Earl was the most generous of men; 
he did a deed which was talked of far and near, he made a great 
sacrificial feast at Hlathe, and bore all the cost. Cormac Ogmundsson 
mentions this in his Sigrodar-drapa, saying etc.” 

Like Eywind, Cormac makes the Earl spring from Frey. It isa great 


§ 2.] EYWIND’S IMPROVISATIONS. 33 


pity that so much of this poem (composed c. 960+970) is lost. Its curious 
refrains are imitated in another good poem, also a fragment, by Illugi 
Bryndola-scald in Harold Hardrede’s day, see Book viii, § 3. 


SIGRODAR-DRAPA. 
I. Lntroduction. 


¥: EYRI sonr 4 Syrar sann-reyniss fen tanna 
(aur greppa lztk uppi) iast-Rin Haraldz mina! 


a. Meidr es margom dri moré-reins { dyn fleina; 
hiaorr feer ‘hildi-barrom’ hiarl Sigroedi iarli. 


II. Zhe Staves. 


2: Hafit madr ask né eski afspring med ser pingat 5 
fé-seeranda at foéra Freyss.—V¢élto god Piazza : 
Hver mani véss vid valdi ‘vegja’ kind of begjask? 
pvi-at ‘fun-ragni fagnar fens. —Vé@ Gramr til menja. 

4: Eykr med ‘enni-duki iard lutr’ dia fiardar 
‘ breeyti htin s4 es beinan’ bindr.— Seid Vggr til Vrindar. 10 

5. Svall, pa-es gekk med giallan Gautz eld hinn es styr belldi 
glad-fédandi gridar, gunnr.—Komsk Urir at brunnit. 

6. All-gildan bid-ek aldar allvald of mer halda 
yss bif-vangi Yngva ungr.—/ér Hropitr med Gungni. 

4. Hr66r goerig of mag meran meirr Hdkonar fleira; 15 
hapt-scenis galt-ek hanom heid.—<Szi/r Bérr é rezdo. 


EYWIND’S IMPROVISATIONS. 


Or Eywind the Plagiarist we have already given the two most famous 
poems in Book iv, but it remains to give some brief account of his Life 
and Family. The following Genealogy shows his kinship to the Haleyia- 
Earls, and gives some means of fixing his date. 





Sigrod’s praise. Prologue. Let Sigrod the son of Harold’s friend 
[Hakon] listen to the rock-nymph’s yeasty River [poetry] which I 
bring. I deliver the poet’s draught. Burden: The warlike Earl is 
foremost of all in the shock of spears. The sword wins land for Sigrod 
the ‘ warrior’ Earl. 

Staves; One need neither take bowl nor basket with one thither to 
the generous kinsman of Frey. Refrain: The gods beguiled Thiazzi. 
Who can vie with the lord of the sanctuary in his welcome? Refrain: 
Grani [Sigfred’s sword] won the hoard. The Earl ekes... the Brewer 
of the Divine Nectar, poet, with gold. Refrain: Woden charmed Wrind. 
The battle waxed high where the war-stirring wolf-feeder [Sigrod] went 
with whistling brand. Refrain: Weird came to the Brook. I, a youth, 
beg the goodly ruler of Yngwi’s folk to hold his hand over me. Re- 
JSrain:; Woden carried Gungni. I go on with further praise on the 
famous son of Hakon. I pay him a fee [wages] of Divine Nectar 
[Soma]. Refrain: Thor is sitting in his Car. 





4. Sigurdi, W. 6. Freyss] emend.; fress, Cd. 10. breyti hun] W. 
VOL. II. D 


34 KING HAKON’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


Earl Griotgard 
L 





3 “as : 
Earl Hakon I fhe 
Earl sha Ingibiorg, #. Eywind Lambi, brother 
| of Okwir hniifa 
Earl Hakon II, d. 995 L—_ 
r— Finn Skialg, #2. Gundhild, grand- 
Earl Eric, d.c. 1023, m. Cnut’s sister daughter of 5K Fairhair 
Hakon, the doughty Earl, d. c. 1029, Eywind 
m. Gundhild the noble wife, | 
Cnut’s niece Harek of Thiotto, d. c. 1036 


To his connection with the Haleyia family, and with the friend of 
_that family, King Hakon the Good, we owe his poems Haleyia-tal and 
Hakonar-mal. In the evil days, when his two powerful patrons, Earl 
Sigrod and King Hakon, were slain, he composed several stray verses, 
cited in the Lives of Kings, which give glimpses into his life. These 
we have given below. Verses 1-4 refer to the battle of Stord. Verse 6 
is a palinode as it were, composed in opposition to a verse of Glum. 
Verses 7-8 recount the miseries of the present in contrast with the 
happiness of the past, ‘once every man had his gold ring on his arm, but 
now folks hide their treasures in the earth.’ This open championship 
of the dead brought down on him an accusation of treason, which he 
repels (v. 9), and a fine for which he was obliged to pay his great ring, 
Mould, which had been dug up at Thursaby long ago (v.10). The hard- 
ships of the famine year, 976, are the subject of the two following verses 
(11-12): first the terrible weather which caused it, snow in midsummer: 
then the call to his men to betake them to the sea, and take advantage 
of the shoaling of the herrings, which alone, it seems, preserved great 
part of the Norwegians from starvation. The last stave (13) recounts 
an anecdote of the famine, mentioned in the. Kings’ Sagas :— 

“* He made a Song of Praise on all the Icelanders, and they gave him 
this guerdon for it: every franklin gave him one scot penny, worth 
three pennies of silver in weight, and white money by essay. And when 
the silver was got together at the Great Moot they took counsel to get 
a smith to purify it, and then there was a Cloak-brooch made out of it, 
and the smith’s fees paid also. Now the cost of the brooch was fifty 
marks, and they sent it to Eywind. But Eywind had it cut in pieces, 
and bought stock with it.’—But even the ring was gone at last, and ~ 
Eywind was obliged to barter his arrows for herrings, as the last two 
lines of the stanza relate. 

Eywind survived the Iomswicking battle. Haleyia-tal, which men- 
tions that event, is the last poetry of his which we know of, but there 
is no likelihood of his having survived to King Olaf Tryggvason’s days. 
He left a sturdy son, Harek of Thiotto, a bit of a poet too, see Book viii, 
§ 2, who played a distinguished part at Sticklestead against St. Olaf, lived 
down to 1036, and had a son he named Finn (after his own grandfather). 
After him we hear nothing more of the family. Eywind’s father’s — 
sister Ranweig was married to a settler in Iceland, Sighvat, from whose 
family came Mord, the Iago of Nials Saga. 

Eywind’s verses are fresh and genuine, and full of incident, and but for 
the metre we should have put them along with his other poems. As the 
sole Norwegian contemporary testimony to the ‘swide mycla hungor,’ © 
which went all over Northern Europe, they have high value. Other 





§ 2.] EYWIND’S IMPROVISATIONS. 35 


references to this famine are found in Niala, the tale of Swadi and Arnor 
Kerlingarnef in Flateyar-bok, vol. i, 435-439. Ari’s account on lost leaves 
- of Hawks-bok, pfinted in the Appendix to Landnama-bok, is as follows: 
“There was a great winter of famine in Iceland in the heathen days, at 
the time that King Harold Grayfell fell, when Earl Hakon took the rule 
in Norway. It was the worst of famines in Iceland: men ate ravens and 
foxes, and much that was not meet for food was eaten, and some slew 
old folks and paupers, hurling them over the cliffs into the sea, many men 
were starved to death, and some took to the waste and robbed, where- 
fore many were outlawed and slain: and it was made law by Eywolf 
Walgerdsson, that he who slew three of those men should clear himself 
thereby.” The English poet mentions both the comet of 976 and the 
famine :— 
Wes geond werdeode 
Waldendes wracu wide gefrege 
hungor ofer hrusan, ete.—Wéinchester Chronicle. 


Eywind’s verses have been better preserved than those of other poets 
of his day, but still, as in line 37 (where the innocent-looking ‘skeria 
foldar ’ covers the palimpsest ‘Mold,’ the name of the poet’s Ring), or in 
the following more opaque line, telling how the ring had been taken 
out of the earth (the image the same as in preceding verses), we have 
several instances of the rewriter’s hand. 

Neither Eywind nor any other poet of his day made pithless platitudes, 
and wherever we find a respectable-looking commonplace verse with 
nothing new or fresh or ingenious about it, we may be certain that 
it is altogether corrupt. 

From the Lives of Kings. Snorri in Edda cites Il. 21-22, 25-26, 29-32. 


I. BLOP-EXAR tid beida bryn-pings fetil-stinga 
(oss goerask hnept) ens hvassa hefnendr (setu-efni) : 
heldr es vant (enn ek vilda veg pinn, konungr), segja 
{fom til fornra va4pna] flidtt her-sago dréttni. 

2. Samira niarér en nordar nadd-regns hvatom pegni 5 
(ver getom bili at balva) bl4-mcérar ske fcéra: — 
nu-es pat-es rekr 4 Rakna rym-leid flota breidan 
(gripo ver { greipar gunn-bord) Haraldr nordan. 

3. Bada val-grindar vinda vedr-heyjandi Skreyjo 
gumnom hollr né golli gefnar sinni stefno: 10 
ef sak-spenni svinnan sigr-minnigr vilt finna, 
fram haltu, nidtr, at nfYtom Norémanna gram pannig. 





Before Stord. The avengers of Bloodaxe are bent on battle, they give 
us little leisurefor rest. It is a risk to tell our king the news of war, 
though I mean it for thy welfare, my lord. Let us grasp our old 
weapons. It does not beseem brave men to put north the head of the 
steed of the black moor [¢4e ocean], now that Harold from the north 
is driving a broad fleet along the roaring path of the Sea-king. We 
scorn to fear! Let us grasp the shields in our hands! 

After Stord. The warrior king, that spares men, not gold, bade 
Skreya hold on his course. ‘Keep straight on there, if thou wouldst 
meet the lord of the Northmen,’ I remember how the double-handed 





6. Cod. Acad. ii; bord-, Cd. Acad. i, 
D2 : 
* 


36 KING HAKON’S COURT. (BK. viI. 


4. Veit-ek at beit inn bitri byggving medal-dyggvan 
bulka skids or badéom ben-vandr konungs handom: 
6félinn klauf Ala él-draugs skarar hauga 15 
goll-hialtodom galtar grandaér Dana brandi. 


5. Fyrr raud Fenriss varra flug-varr konungr sparra 
(malm-hr{dar svall meidom méér) { Gamla bldéi: 
p4-es 6stirfinn arfa Eireks of rak (geira 
nu tregr geti-Gauta grams fall) 4 sia alla. 20 


6. Litt kvddSo pik ldta, land-vardr, es brast, Haorda, 
benja-hag] 4 brynjom (bugosk almar) ge6 falma: 
p4-es tfolgin ylgjar endr or pinni hendi 
fetla-svell til fyllar full-egg, Haraldr, gullo. 

iE Baérom Ullr um alla imon-lauks 4 hauka 25 
fiollom Fyris-valla free Hakonar evi: 
nti hefir folk-stridir Fré6a fa-glyjadra pyja 
meldr { méédor holdi Mello-dolgs of folginn. 

8, Fullar skein 4 fiazllom fall-sé6l bra-vallar 
Ullar kidls of allan aldr Hakonar skaldom: 30 
nti-es alf-radull elfar Iatna dolgs um folginn 
(rOS ero ramrar piéddar rik) { mddor Ifki. 


Q. Einn dréttinn hefi-ek 4ttan, iaofurr dyrr, an pik fyrri ; 
(bellir bragningr elli) bidkat-ek mer ins pridja: 
Trur vas-ek tyggja dyrom ; tveim skialdom lék-ek aldri; 35 
fylli-ek flokk pinn, stillir; fellr 4 hand mer elli: 





stroke of the keen wound-wand bit the traitorous skipper 4/f; the 
desolator of the Danes clove the hair-hill of the pirate with the gold- 
hilted brand. 

The golden age of Hakon. Of yore the flight-hating king dyed the gag 
of the Wolf’s lips, the sword, red in the blood of Gamli: what time the 
gracious chief drove all the heirs of Eric out to sea: men’s wrath 
swelled high. But now all men are grieving over the prince’s fall. 

Apology to Harold. ‘They say that thy courage never flinched, thou 
warden of the Hords’ land, when the wound-hail clashed on the mail, 
and the bows were drawn: what time the bare full-edged spear whistled 
out of thy hand to fill the she-wolf’s maw. 

The evil days of Harold. We bore, my friend, the seed of Fyrisfield, 
the gold, on the hawk’s cliffs, our wrists, all the days of Hakon: but now 
the tyrant has buried the flour of Frodi’s joyless bondmaids, go/d, in the 
flesh of the giant-slayer’s dam, Earth. The snood-sun of the nymph’s 
brows, the gold, beamed on the shield-hills, arms, of the poets all through 
the life of Hakon: but now the stream’s light, go/d, is buried in the body 
of the mother of the monster-destroyer, Earth. The distress of the 
people is great. 

Apology. I have had one lord, O king, before thee, and I wish for no 
third one. Age pursues me. I have been true to my dear lord, I have 
never played with two shields, I stand by thee faithfully, O prince. Age 
is overcoming me. : 





15. draugs] draug, Cd, 34. bid ek eigi, Cd. 





§ 2.] GLUM’S GRAYFELL’S PRAISE. 37 


10. Skylda-ek ‘skerja foldar, skfd-rennandi,’ sidan 
Pursa beés ‘fra pvisa pinn gédan byr finna:’ 
ef ‘val-iardar verdom veljandi’ per selja 
lyngva mens pat-es lengi lattr minn fadir Atti. 40 


II. Snyr 4 Svolnis vjro. Sv4 hafom inn sem Finnar 
birki-hind of bundit brums at midjo sumri. 


12. Latom langra néta lag-séta ver fétom 
at ‘spd4-bernom,’ sporna spor6é-fiadrodom nordan : 
vita ef ‘akkar-mutur iokla’ ‘eld-gerdr,’ falar verdi 45 
ftr, beer-es upp um rota unn-svin, ‘vinom’ minom. 


+9: Fengom feldar-stinga fiard, ok galt vid hiardo, 
pann-es Al-himins titan oss lendingar sendo: 
mest selda-ek mfnar vid mz arom szvar 
(hall-zerit veldr hvaro) hlaup-sildr Egils gaupna. 50 


THE SONS OF GUNDHILD AND THEIR POETS. 
(c. 970-976.) 
GLUM GEIRASON. 


WE have (Book iv) noticed the reigns and fates of Eric Bloodaxe and 
of Hakon the Good, his supplanter. Hakon in his turn was to fall before 
a combination of the old party in Norway and the Danes, set on foot by 
the Queen-dowager Gundhild, the sister of the Danish King Harold 
Bluetooth, as one Chronicle tells us (Historia Norwegiz): and no doubt 
it is true. The recurrence of the names Gundhild, Gorm (Gundhild’s 
two sons), so characteristic of the Skioldings; the course of con- 
temporary politics; the English Chroniclers, who, from this marriage, 
call Eric ‘ King of the Danes ’—all confirm it. The rule of the young 
kings was far from joyful; to the unhappiness of civil strife was added 
the terrible misery of famine and disease. ‘These evils have made the 





His ring Mould. 1 aim obliged to pay thee my ring Mould, that was 
long ago dug out of the earth at Thursaby, and give thee for thy favour 
the necklace that my father long owned. 

The famine. It snows on Woden’s bride, Earth: we, like Finns, must 
house the does of the birch-buds, goats, at midsummer. 

The herrings. Let us from the north make the long-netted sea-steeds 
spurn the sea with their feet, oars, in quest of the fine-feathered shafts 
of the sea, derrings : let us see if we can get these arrows of the waves 
which the sea-swine are rooting up so freely. 

The brooch. Last year, 1 got a cloak-pin, which the Icelanders sent 
me from beyond the sea, and I paid it away for stock, for I had sold 
clean out all the leaping herrings of Egil the archer’s hands, my arrows, 
to buy the slim shafts of the deep, serrings. Famine will make a man 
do anything. 





37. For foldar read Molda. 38. tys, Cod, Acad. ii. 44. Read, spidrum .. .? 
45. akkar] akur, Cd. Thus Cod. Acad, i. Here is a great blank in Acad. ii. 
46. Read, at mun sinom. 


38 HAROLD GRAYFELL’S COURT. [BK. vi. 


name of Gundhild as infamous as Jezabel, and probably coloured her 
character (a sorceress, they say, brought up among the Finns) and the 
rule of her sons in darker colours than the true. What we know 
of Harold Grayfell, the most prominent of them, is not altogether 
unfavourable; of great bodily strength, and master of twelve accom- 
plishments, he seems to have lacked neither valour nor energy, but 
sadly good luck. Perhaps we may liken him and his father to Eric XIV 
of Sweden. But the old prejudice, which led the heathen North- 
men to sacrifice their kings for good seasons, and the patriotism 
which could not brook the suzerainty of the Danes (for there seems 
little reason to doubt that the sons of Gundhild were vassals of the 
Danish king), have blasted the rule of these kings beyond the 
power of apology. We hear tales too of the lust and cruelty of 
a younger brother, Sigrod Sleva, which seem to be well-founded. 
Particulars of the few years of their rule are few. We hear of an ex- 
pedition to Perm-land in the Arctic Ocean, and of a foray across the 
main to the Western islands, wicking expeditions, perhaps, necessitated 
by lack of food. Ari would make their power last sixteen years, but we 
cannot, according to English chronology, give them much more than seven; 
the one fixed date in their period being the great European Famine of 
976. At last the suspicious Danish suzerain wiles Harold to Limfirth, 
where he falls; and Earl Hakon, whose noble father he and his brothers 
had put to death, entered, under the protection of the Danes, upon the 
heritage they left. 

To Harold Grayfell are ascribed two Poets in Skalda-tal—Cormac, 
of whom we treat elsewhere, for none of his poem on Harold has sur- 
vived, and GLUM GEIRASON. Glum was a remarkable man, son of one 
of the latest of the Settlers, who took up his abode in the north of the 
island, whence, with his sons, as Landnama-bok tells us, he was driven 
away, in consequence of a feud and manslaughter in which they were 
involved, There must have been a Saga about Glum, for in Islendinga 
Drapa we are told how he fought at Fitjar, and ‘ got speech out of a 
dead man;’ neither of which feats are mentioned elsewhere. He appears 
as the rival of Eywind, Hakon’s faithful poet, and the champion of Eric 
and his sons, whose henchman he had been. In the Kings’ Lives the 
two poets are brought in, capping verses with each other. One line only 
of his Eric’s Praise remains, but there are several stanzas remaining of 
Grayfell’s Praise—a Dirge, made when the news of Harold’s death was 
still fresh, and apparently addressed to the two surviving Gundhildssons, 
as the heads of their party and avengers of Harold. 


This poem has been dreadfully maltreated. It must have contained 


in the verses we have many names of persons and places, which are now 
washed out, and their space filled by silly commonplace of a late type, 
so that at first sight, from its smoothness and over-regularity of rhyme, 
the poem appears, in parts, at least two generations later than it is. We 
cannot, of course, recover all that is lost; but we have pointed out where 
the text is unsafe, and indicated the places of some of the missing names 
in the translation, which it is obvious, from the state of the text, can 
only be tentative. Among such restorations as appear pretty certain 
are ‘ Hallandi’ for ‘ Scotlandi,’ 1. 5; ‘Gauta’ for ‘ Gauti,’ 1. 6; ‘Skotta’ 
for ‘flotta,’ 1. 9; ‘Hakon’ for ‘heppinn,’ 1. 34. 

The Poem on Eric is described in Fagrskinna, chap. 28. 

The fine improvisation seems to be stuffed up with ‘stals,’ and may 
have been an old-metre couplet. 


7 : 
rg 
tes 
et 


§ 2.] GLUM’S GRAYFELL’S PRAISE. 39 


I, Grum. (GRAFELDAR-DRAPA, C. 976.) 


(From the Lives of Kings; vv. 5,9 from Fsk.; vv. 1, 3, 13, 14 from Edda; the 
Stef from Landn,, Mb.) 


“ LYDI! oes beidiss hefk) mildingar (gildi) 
pvi bidjom ver pagnar pegna tjén at fregnom. 


2. Haf6i far til ‘ferio’ fr6dr Skaneyjar géda 
blakk-ridandi bakka barn-ungr padan farna: 
Rég-eiso vann resir rad-vandr 4 ‘ Skotlandi,’ 5 
‘sendi seggja kindar’ sverd-bautinn her ‘ Gauti.’ 

3. Hilmir raud und hialmi heina-laut 4 Gautom, 
par vas { gny geira grundar vardr of fundinn. 


Ps 


4. Dolg-eiso rak disar (drétt kom marg 4 ‘ flétta’) 
gumna vinr at gamni giddom Irskrar piddar: 10 
Foldar raud ok felldi Freyr { manna dreyra 
sunnr ‘4 sigr of hlynninn’ seggi meekiss eggjar. 

BE. Braut vid brynjo nidta bag ‘rifiunga SAgo,’ 
nadd-sktirar vas ncerir Noregs konungr stéra: 
val-galtar let vélta varg-foedandi marga ae 
(of vegjom ré6 iafri) iafn-borna ser porna. 


6. Austr-lond um férsk undir allvaldr, s4-es gaf skaldom 
(hann fekk gagn at gunni) ‘ gunn harga slag’ margom : 
sliér-tungor let syngja sveré-leiks reginn ferdir 
sendi ‘gramr’ at grundo goll-varpadr snarpar. 20 

”, Austr raud iafra prystir ‘ ord-rakkr’ fyr bo nordan 
brand, par-es Biarmskar kindir brennandi s4-ek renna: 
Gétt hlaut gumna settir geir-vedr { far peiri 
(wdlingi feksk ungom ord) 4 Vino-borii. 


8. Melti mztra hialta malm-Odinn, s4 bl6éi, 25 
préttar-ord, es bordi piddom vall at ridda: 





I, Prologue. Listen, I begin my song. I beg the tao kings. for a silent 
hearing, now that we have news of this disaster [the fall of Grayfell]... 

His Eastern forays. When yet in childhood he sailed to Sconey, he 
fought a battle in Ha//and, and smote with the sword a host of Gauts. 
... He reddened his blade on the Gauts, and was found in battle there. 
_ His Western forays. Then he battled with the Scots and the Irish, and 
victorious south in ... smote... with the edge of the sword. Norway’s 
king fought with . . .and defeated princes of like rank to himself. 

His Northern exploits. The king who gave treasure to poets subdued 
‘the eastlands, he made the sheath-tongues [blades] sing at... He 
burned eastward north of O... by, where 1 saw the Perms running 
from the flames; and battled on the banks of the Dwina. The young 
Etheling won fame there. 

His last battle in Denmark. He spake a word of courage, yea, Harold 





5. Read, Hallandi. 6. Read, Gauta. g. For fidtta read Skotta ? 
24. Read, Dvino bordi? 


40 EARL HAKON’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


vid-lendr of bad vinda verdung Haraldr sverdom 
(freegt pdtti pat flotnom fylkiss ord) at mordi. 
9. Hioggosk hv4rir-tveggjo ‘heggir’ mekiss eggja; 
‘vard { goegn at ganga geir-drdétt’ Haraldr peiri. 30 
IO. Vard 4 vido bordi viggjom hollr at liggja 
getir glamma séta garéz Eylima-fiardar : 
sendir fell 4 sandi szvar bals at Halsi; 
olli iafra spialli ‘ord-heppinn’ pvi mordi. 
II. Féllomk half pa-es hilmiss hiar-drffa bra lifi 35 
(réSat oss til audar) aud-van (Haraldz daudi) : 
enn ek veit at hefir heitid hans brédir mer gédo 
(sid getr par til saelo segg-fiald) hvadar-tveggi. 


12. Kunni tolf s4-es tanna tféom Hallin-skida 
égnar-stafr um iafra fpréttir fram sdétti;..... 40 
13. Hein-pynntan lét hvfna hryn-eld at pat brynjo 
foldar-vardr s4-es fyrdom fiar hardan sik vardéi: 
14. Par vas prafna-byrjar beim styrdo god beima 
sialfr { scéki-alfi Sigtyr Atals dyra. 


The Stef — Vig-eiso tekr visa val-fall Haraldz alla. 45 


II. On Erik Brioopy-axe (from Skalda). 
The Stef.—Brandr fer logs ok landa landz Eiriki banda. 


III. Lausavisa (from Lives of Kings). 


Vel hefir hefnt (en hafna hiars-ben-draugar fiarvi) 
[folk-rakkr of vant, fylkir, framligt] Haraldr Gamla: 
es dakk-valir drekka dolg-bandz fyr ver handan 
(rodin fra-ek rauédra benja reyr) Hakonar dreyra. 





bade his men ‘draw swords for the battle.’ The king’s words pleased 
the warriors! The two namesakes, Harold and Gold Harold, cut at each 
other with the edge of the sword. He (the king) was doomed to lie on 
the broad bank of Lim-firth, at Halse on the sand he fell. It was:.. 
[Hakon] that planned that slaughter. 

His glory. Half my hope is gone, now that the battle has reft the 
king of life. Harold’s death was no blessing to me, yet I know that 
both his brothers have given me fair promises; the court looks to them 
for solace now. Harold was the master of twelve accomplishments... 

Fragment. He made the hone-thinned blade whistle as he defended his 
life against his foes. Woden himself was with him, and the war-god 
steered his course. 

Burden. Warold’s hand makes a great slaughter all... 

“ DIRGE ON ERIC BLooDAxE. His brand wins Eric land and 
gold. 

III. IMPROVISATION AFTER STORD. Well has Harold avenged Gamli 


hee eae now that the ravens over sea are drinking Hakon’s 
ood ! 





30. Read, Haraldar? 34. forheppinnreadHakon. 43. peim er styrdo beima, W. 


§ 2.] EINAR’S VELLEKLA. 41 


EARL HAKON’S POETS (976-995). 


HAVING driven the sons of Gundhild out of the kingdom, Earl Hakon 
ruled Norway for nearly twenty years, when he in his turn fell before 
the young Olaf Tryggvason. Hakon was the scion of a famous family, 
whose genealogy and exploits were given by Eywind in Haleyia-tal, 
Book iv. The first Hakon, Earl of Yriar, his grandfather, was known 
as ‘ the friend of Harold Fairhair,’ whose faithful helper and counsellor 
he was; his father Sigfred, a notable man in his day for his Law-making 
and organisation, was the fast friend and adviser of Hakon Athelstan’s 
foster-son. Of Earl Hakon himself we hear a good deal in the Kings’ 
Lives. Succeeding to the rule of Norway after a time of famine and 
misery, the country recovered under his rule; and the favour of the gods 
was signally manifested to the man whose ritualistic piety to them was 
a contrast to the careless iconoclasm of Gundhild’s sons, by a succession 
of good seasons and unchecked prosperity. His cult of the gods won him 
the renown of a sorcerer, and the name of the ‘sacrificing earl’ from 
his Christian foes. There may have been in truth something of the 
Waldstein character about him, but we can hardly doubt that his memory 
has somewhat suffered at the hands of the party which overthrew his 
dynasty. 

The chief exploits of his life were the Avenging of his father, burnt 
in his house by the crafty treason of the Sons of Gundhild. Asa 
vassal earl of Harold Blue-tooth’s of Denmark he fights against the 
great crusade of the German Emperor, Otho II, 975, where he shares 
Harold’s ill-fortune. On his return through Gautland he makes a sacri- 
fice, ‘casting the Divining Rods.’ In Norway he twice fights the 
wicking Reginfred (said by the Sagas to be a son of Gundhild). Feeling 
himself now firm in his seat, he shakes off the Danish suzerainty, which 
had boasted of making Norway its ‘hawk island.’ The Danish king, 
failing to reduce him, sets the Wickings of Iom, his formidable and tur- 
bulent allies, upon the stubborn Earl, who gains a glorious victory over 
them at Hiorunga Bay, off South More (Norway). This battle must 
not be placed at the end of his career, as the Kings’ Lives seem to do, 
but rather as the ‘crowning mercy’ which put him for many years in 
safety. More grateful than ever to the gods, who had saved him from 
such peril, he restores the fallen Temples, and celebrates their feasts 
with all the ancient pomp and circumstance. His daughters marry into 
the best families of Norway, and there is hardly a noble house in the two 
following centuries which cannot trace up to the ‘ wicked Earl.’ At last 
a sudden rising, in which his good fortune failed him at last, put him to 
flight and hiding, and he met his death at the hand of a treacherous 
slave. Of his son Eric we shall have somewhat to say later. 

Hakon had many poets about him. Eight are named in Skalda-tal ; 
of two of these, Skapti the Lawman and Hvannar-Kalf, no line is left, 
though Skapti’s life is well known from the Sagas. Of Eywind the Poet- 
spoiler and Eilif Gudrunsson we have already spoken. Of Einar Skala- 
glamm, the poet of his early years of power, Tind Hallkettleson, the 
poet of his zenith, Thorleif Redcloakson, and Thorolf Mouth we must 
now speak. 

The following passages will give the best account of EINAR HEL- 
GASON :— 

“ There was a man named Einar, son of Helgi Othere’s son, son of 
Biorn the Easterling, who settled in Broadfirth. Einar’s brother was 


42 EARL HAKON’S COURT. - [BK. vin. 


Oswif the Wise (the father of Gudrun the heroine of Laxdela Saga). 
Einar was even in his youth big and strong, and a very accomplished 
man. He took to making poetry when he was yet young, for he was | 
a man eager to learn. It happened one summer at the Moot that Einar 
went into Egil Skalla-Grimson’s booth, and they fell to talking, and 
their talk soon turned to the craft of poetry. Both of them thought 
talking on this head the best of pastime. Aiter that Einar would often 
turn in to talk with Egil, and great friendship sprung up between them.” — 
Egil’s Saga, ch. 82. 

The poet, like other young Icelanders of family, went abroad to the 
court of Norway and took service with Earl Hakon, where he got his 
nickname ‘ Rattle-scale’ in the following way :— 3 

* On one occasion Einar,-fancying that he was not well treated, grew 
angry and would not come near the earl. The earl, finding that Einar 
was displeased with his treatment of him, sent to bid him come and 
speak with him; then he took a fair pair of Scales made of pure silver, 
and all gilt, and with them there went two weights, one of gold and the 
other of silver, that were made after the likeness of men, and were 
called ‘lots.’ And this was the power that was in them :—The earl 
would lay them in the scales and say which of them should come up, 
and if the one that he would came up, it would shake in the scale so 
that ‘it made a rattle.’ The earl gave Einar the scales, and he was 
very pleased with them, and was ever afterwards called Einar Raittle- 
scale.”’—Iomswikinga Saga. 

Of another famous gift which the generous earl bestowed on his poet 
we are told in Egil’s Saga:— 

“Einar made an Encomium on Earl Hakon, which is called Lack- 
Lucre; and for a very long time the earl would not listen to the poem 
because he was wroth with Einar.” Einar threatened to leave him, 
“but the earl would not have Einar go abroad, and listened to the poem, 
and then gave Einar a shield which was the greatest jewel. It was 
engraved with tales of old, and all between the engravings it was over- 
laid with bosses of gold, and set with precious stones.” Einar comes 
home, and in the harvest rides over to Borg and guests there. Egil 
was away from home at the time. Einar waited for him three nights. 
“And it was not then the custom to stay longer than three nights on 
a visit. So he made ready to go; and when he was ready he went into 
Egil’s room, and there he fastened up the precious shield, and told the 
household that he gave the shield to Egil. Then he rode away. That 
same day Egil came home, and when he came into his room he saw the 
shield, and asked who owned that jewel. They told him that Einar 
Rattle-scale had been there, and had given him the shield. Then spake 
Egil, What, is he making me a gift, most miserable of men that he 
is! Does he think I am going to sit awake and make poetry over his 
shield? Go and catch my horse. I will ride after him and slay him. 
Then they told him that Einar had ridden away early in the morning. 
He must have got to Dale by now. Afterwards Egil made a poem, of 
which the beginning is—[here a spurious verse is inserted]. Egil and 
Einar kept up their friendship as long as they were both alive. And it 
is told as follows of the fortunes of the shield afterwards, that Egil had 
it with him when he went on the bridal-way, when he went north to 
Wood-Mire with Thorkettle Gundwaldsson and the sons of Red-Biorn, 
Treevle and Helgi. Then the shield was spoilt, having fallen into sour 
milk. And afterwards Egil had the mounting taken off it, and there was 
twelve ounces of gold in the bosses.”—Eegil’s Saga, ch. 82. 


§ 2.] EINAR’S VELLEKLA. © 43 


The end of Einar is thus told in Landnama-bok, ii. 11: “ Helgi [Einar’s 
father] harried in Scotland, and there took captive Nidborg, daughter 
of King Beolan, and Cathleen the daughter of Ganger Rolf [Rollo]. 
He married her; their sons were Oswif the Wise, and Einar Rattle- 
scale, who was drowned on Einar’s-reef [Einarssker, now called Einars- 
bodi, near Hrappsey in Broad-fiord] in Seal-sound, and his shield came 
ashore on Shieldey and his cloak on Cloak-holm [Feldar-holm]. Einar 
was the father of Thorgerd, the mother of Herdis, the mother of Stein 
the poet.” 

Einar’s most famous work was Veli-Ekla (Lack-Lucre), which is 
quoted in the Kings’ Lives and also in Edda. It was no doubt one of 
the chief sources for the early career of the earl. It is very antique in 
spirit, akin in feeling and treatment to Thiodwolf’s poems, but, curiously 
enough, without any trace of Egil’s influence. As a dated work, before 
980, on such a man as Hakon, the poem is of high interest to the 
historian. It was in Drapa-form, and each section treated of a separate 
exploit of the earl’s; thus, had we the whole, there would be a complete 
annalistic account of his life, beginning with his revenge for his father’s 
death, down to the eve of the lomswicking battle. We have parts of 
sections relating (1) to Fighting the sons of Gundhild and Gritgard’s fall ; 
(2) the Expedition in aid of the Danish king Harold against Otho II; 
(3) a Campaign in Gautland; (4,5) the first and second Campaigns 
against Reginfred; (6) the Re-establishment of peace and good rule and 
the heathen ritual in Norway. 

Vellekla’s text is in a fearful state, whole lines rotten and overlaid by 
Philistine folly—once a fine poem, rich in parallelisms, and variations 
on a single theme, stern, almost religious, full of condensed facts—but 
now, names and facts that Ari once found there lie buried beneath the 
stucco of jingle, e.g. the name of Griotgard in v. 6 concealed under 
‘harda loptz vinar barda,’ the ‘three winters’ in v. 1, the name of the 
emperor in v, 11, and the name of Othere [Ottar] in v.13. In 1. 62, 
stod and byrjar where Ari read Stad and Byrda; in ll. 65-66, Ari read 
pinga nes. In 1. 44, for ‘fior Gauta’ Ari read ‘sker Gauta;’ farther we 
have been able to restore the reading ‘he enquired of the oracle by the 
divining rods’ to the form in which we believe Ari read it. 

The arrangement of the sections is determined by the German 
chronicle, which forbids us to allow Hakon’s rule to have been estab- 
lished 4efore the Danish expedition, as indeed was @ priori unlikely. 
Ari or his editors have been misled here in some way. 

There is a peculiarity which marks many genuine verses of Einar— 
consonance between the last measure of the first half and the first measure 
of the second half of the line. This ornament characterises a whole 
poem on Hakon ‘different from Vellekla’ cited in Edda and Fagrskinna, 
but of which the name is lost ; and even the text is not safe in parts. This 
metrical form was imitated and pushed to extremes by later poets. 

TIND HALLKETTLESSON, one of Bragi’s descendants (see Book vii, 
p. 2) and kinsman of the poet Gunlaug Snake’s-tongue, was a man of 
adventurous life. There are traditions relating to him in the Heidar- 
viga Saga, where we are told of his smithy, and of his part in the 
Heath-slaughter feuds. The verses ascribed to him in that Saga are of 
doubtful authenticity. There are fragments of a Hakon’s-drapa in the 
Kings’ Lives, and in the lomsvikinga-vellum, AM. 510, is a long snatch 
of the same poem in a terribly corrupt state, published first by Dr. 
Petersens, Lund 1880. This Encomium relates to the Iomswicking 
battle, and contains particulars and names (such as Godmar in the 


44 EARL HAKON’S COURT. [ BK. VII. 


Wick, the site of some engagement of the year 980) which are not 
contained elsewhere, and we must regret the impossibility of doing 
much to restore these verses to their original state. 

THORLEIF REDCLOAKSSON is told of in Landnama-bok, where we 
find the story how he and his brother killed Klaufi who insulted them ; 
a ditty Thorleif made on the occasion is given in Book vi, Ditty 19. 
He is told of also in Swarfdela Saga. He has become a legendary 
person, and a story (known already to Hawk Waldisason and hinted at 
in his Islendinga-drapa) sprung up of his having composed a bitter 
satire on Earl Hakon, who sent a ghost to slay him. The ghost did his 
work at the Great Moot, where Thorleif was buried. It is on his cairn 
that the shepherd sat, as is told in the pretty story, parallel to our 
Czdmon legend, in Flatey-bok, to be found in the Reader, p. 146. 

THORWOLF MOUTH is only known from Skalda-tal, as Hakon’s poet. 

EILIF GUDRUNSSON. We have noticed this poet in the introduction 
to his Thors-drapa, above, § 1 of this Book. 

EyIoLF Dapi’s POET. What is known of this poet is noted below 
in Book viii, § 1. His poem is inserted here, belonging more fitly, as 
a heathen composition of Hakon’s days, to this Book than the next. 


I. Eryar (VEtLtEKia, or Lack Lucre). 
(From the Lives of Kings; vv. 30-32 from Edda.) 


I. ()* odd-neytir Uti eid-vandr flota breidan 
‘gladr { Gandlar vedrom gramr “ svaféi bil” hafdi:’ 
ok raud-mana reynir rég-seg] Hédins béga 
upp héf iafra kappi ‘etjo-lund at setja.’ 
ti Vasat of byrjar arva odda-vifs né drifo 5 
sverda sverri-fiardar svan-glyjadi at fr¥ja: 
brak-ragnir sk6k bogna (barg upyrmir varga) 
hag] or Hlakkar seglom (hiars rakkliga fizorvi). 
3. Mart vard él 4dr Ala ‘Austr-laond’ at mun banda 
randar lauks af rfki rceki-lundr of tcéki. 10 
4. Ber-ek fyr hefnd pa es hrafna ‘ hliébms lof toginn ski6ma’ 
pat nam varér at vinna vann sins fadur hranna:.. . 
e. Rigndi ‘hiars 4 hersa hr{é-remmis fiar vida’ 
(prym-lundr of idk Pundi begns gnédtt) meil-regni : 
‘ok hald-vidorr halda haf faxa’ lét vaxa 15 
laufa vedr at lffom lif-kald Hars drffo. 
6. ‘Hialm-gr4pi vann hilmir hardr’ (Loptz vinar) bardéa 
(pa kom vaxtr { ‘vino’ vinheims) fidndr sina: 





I. He revenges his father. The oath-fast earl had a great fleet on 
the sea for three winters waging war against the kings [Gundhild’s sons]. 
No one could question his courage in battle. He shook the bows’ hail, 
arrows, out of the sail of the Walkyries, Ais shield, and feasted the 
wolves, There was many a hard struggle ere he won the lands of his 
heritage by the gods’ will. I set forth his praise for his avenging of 
his father. Iron-rain was showered at... He strengthened the host 
of Woden. He made the life-chilling sword-storm at... wax high. 





2. Read, priv Svafnis bol. 9. Read, ztt-lond. 


§ 2.] EINAR’S VELLEKLA. 45 


ok for-sniallir fello firs { Pundar skirom 

(pat feer piddar snytri) prir iarls synir (tfrar). 20 
”. Hvarfat aptr 46r erféan odd-stafr fadur hafdi, 

her-fordaér ré6 harda hiar-vedrs konungs fiarvi: 

varéat Freyr s4-es foeri folk-skids né man sidan 

(pvi bregdr ald vid adra) iarls riki framm slfko. 


8. Hitt vas auk es eykir aur-bordz 4 vit nordan 25 
und sig-runni svinnom sunnr Danmarkar runno: 
ok holm-fiaturs hialmi Heoréa valdr of faldinn 
Dofra ‘Danskra iofra’ Dréttinn fund of sétti. 

9. Ok ‘vid frost’ at freista fé-mildr konungr vildi 
myrk-hlodynjar markar moré-alfs bess es kom nordan: 30 
pa-es val-serkjar Virki vedr-hirdéi bad stirdan 
fyr hlym-niard6om Harda ‘Hagbarda gramr’ varda. 

Io. Vasat { goegn pdtt goerdi gard-ragnir styr hardan 
gengilegt at ganga geir-A4sar her peira: | 
P4-es med Frisa fylki for ‘gunn-vidur’ sunnan 35 
‘kvaddi vigs’ ok Vinda vags blakk-ridi Frakka 

Il. Prymr vard logs es lagédo leik-midjungar pridja 
(arn-greddir varé ‘oddom’ andvigr) saman randir: 
sund-faxa kom Saxom sceki-préttr 4 fldétta 
par ’s sv4-at gramr ‘med gumnom’ Gard yr-piddom vardi. 


12. Flétta gekk til fréttar felli-niardr 4 velli 41 
(draugr gat dolga Sago dagréd) ‘Hedins vada’ 
ok hald-bodi hildar hre-gamma tv4 ramma; 





He slew Gritgard. There was fresh company for Woden’s hall. Three 
earls’ sons fell; it was a glory to-the furtherer of the people. He 
turned not back till he had kept the arval over his father, having slain 
the king, Er/ing. Neither before nor after has there been an earl who 
showed such earl’s power; all talk of it. 

Il. Expedition against Otho. Next the ships sped under him south- 
ward to Denmark, and the lord of the Northmen, hooded in helm of 
awe, went to meet the Danish prince; for the Danish king coming 
from the north wished without fail to do battle against the Emperor, 
the ruler of the Dark-woodland, Holstein, Germany ; he bade the prince 
of the Hords, Hakon, defend the Wall against the king of the Longo- 
bards. However bravely he fought, it was no easy task to meet this 
host, when the emperor came from the south, ready for battle, with 
a great company of Frisians, Saxons, Wends, and Franks. It was a 
hard fight when they joined shields; the earl faced Otho bravely, he 
turned the Saxons to flight. Thus he guarded the Wall against the 
army of the Southerners. 

Ill. Sacrifices in Gautland. He enquired of the oracle on the... 
field, and he got for an answer that there was a fair chance of a victory, 





28. Read, Dana iéfri? 29. Read, some place? 32. Read, Langbarda 
gramr ? 36. Read, Sawa ok Vinda. 38. Read, Odda? 43. tvé] sa, Cd. 


46 EARL HAKON’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


tyr valdi s4 tfrar tein hlautar vid sker Gauta. 
£3, H4éi iarl pars 46an engi mannr und ranni 45 
hyrjar-ping at herja hiar-lautar kom Sarla: 
bara madr lyngs en lengra ‘lopt vardadar’ barda 
(allt vann gramr um gengit Gautland) fra sia randir. 
14. Val-faollom hl66 vallo vard ragna konr gagni 
hriar 4ss at hrésa (hlaut Odinn val) Frdda. 50 


re. Enn reid adro sinni iarl bord-marom nordan 
(sékn-herdir lét sverda sétt) Ragnfroedi at méti. 

16. H6f und hyrjar kneyfi (hraut unda fiald) Pundar 
[pat sleit vigi 4 va4gi] vandar-dyr at landi: 
né fial-nenninn fyrri fé-mildr konungr vildi 55 
(veegdit iarl fyrir iafri) Yggs nidr fridar bidja. 

17. Buinn létzk valdr ef vildi val-mey konungr heyja 
halda mordz at halda (herr fell um gram) velli. 


18, Hitt var meirr at Mcéra moré-ffkinn lét nordan 
folk-verjandi fyrva far til Sogns of goerva: 60 
ytti Freyr af fidrom folk-landom sa branda 
‘ullr “stod” af pvi’ allri yr-pidd ‘Hédins “ byrjar.”’ 

19. Ok til métz 4 meita mitk-huréom fram pburdo 
me6 svar-goeli svarfa siau land-rekar randa. 

20. Glumdi allr p4-s Ullar egg-‘ping’ Hedins veggiar 65 
(gndétt flaut nas) fyr ‘nesjom’ Noregr saman foro. 

21. Var6 fyrir Vinda myr@i vié-fregt (enn gramr sfdan 
goerdisk mest at mordi) mann-fall vid styr annan: 
hlym-narfi bad hverfa hlffar-flagds ok lagdi 
ialks vid aondurt fylki ondur-varp at landi. 70 

ay, Strang vardé gunnr 46r gumnar gammi nas und hramma 
proengvi-meidér of pryngi primr hundruéom lunda: 





and he beheld two ravens. Yea, he cast the divining rods at the Gauta 
Skerries. He fought against Othere where none had ever come helmed 
before ; no wicking had ever borne shield farther from the sea. He 
covered the field with slain; won a victory: Woden gained by the dead. 

IV. Fight with Reginfred. Asecond time the earl rode his sea-horses 
from the north to meet Reginfred. The ships hove towards land, which 
cut short the battle in the bay: the earl would not ask the king for 
peace, the earl did not give in to the king. The earl said that he was 
ready, if the king would, to fight on land. 

V. Second fight with Reginfred. Again another time the earl went 
from the north to Sogn; he had with him the full levy of four folk-land 
between Byrda and Cape Stadt. Seven earls sailed to battle with him, 
and all Norway resounded when they joined in fight off Thinga-Ness, 
There was a famous slaughter before the slayer of the Wends in his 
second battle with Reginfred ; the earl laid his ships to land, and drew 





44. Emend.; vildi.. . tyna tein lautar fior Gauta, Cdd. 62. Read, Stad. 63. 
Read, fra Byrdo. 65-66. Read, pinga...nesjom? 70. vorp, Fms.; porf, Cd. 


§ 2.] EINAR’S VELLEKLA. 47 


knatti hafs at haféom (hagnadr vas pat) bragna 
folk-eflandi fylkir fang-szll padan ganga. 

23. Siau fylkjom kom ‘silkis sntinadr vas pat briina’ 75 
‘geymir grundar sfma grand-varr’ und sik landi. 


24. Hver sé if nema iafra ett-rfri god styra. 
Ramm-aukin kved-ek rfki ragn Hakonar magna. 
25. Nd liggr ‘allt’ und iarli (imon-boréz) fyrir nordan 
(‘vedr-goediss’ stendr vida) Vik (Hakonar rfki). 80 
26. Oll Jét senn inn svinni sann Einrida mannom 
herjom -kunnr of ‘heriod’ hofs land ok vé banda 
at Veg-Iéta vitni valfallz um sid allan 
(peim styra god) geira gardz Hlérridi fardi. 
27. Ok her-barfir hverfa Hlakkar métz til bléta 85 
‘raué-brikar fremsk rcékir’ riki 4s-megir slfko: 
nu grcer iord sem Adan aptr geir-bruar hapta 
aud-ryrir letr aro étryggva vé bygeva. 
28. Engi varé 4 iardo ettom gédr nema Frédi 
geeti-niaordr s4-es goerdi geir-brfkar frid slfkan. go 
29. Hvar viti ald und einom iard-byggvi sv4 liggja 
(pat skyli herr of hugsa) hiarl ok sextdn iarla? 
bess rfér firs med fidrom folk-leikr Hedins reikar 
log-skundaéar lindar lof-kendr himins endom. 


30. Né sigbiarka serkir s6m-midjungom rémo 95 
Hars vid Hagna skurir hlédut fast um scédir.. . 

31. Odda gnys vid csi odd-netz pindl setja .. . 

32. Hnigo fidndr at glym Gandlar grams und arnar 


hramma... 





up his men in array. There was a hot fray ere three hundred warriors 
fell, and he walked thence over the dead to his ship again victorious. 

He became the lord of seven counties, from... to... 

VI. Establishes peace, restores the Gods’ evorship. Who can doubt but 
that the gods guide the upsetter of kings! Now all the Wick north of the 
Wethereys is under his sway; Hakon’s realm stretches far and wide. He 
restored the temple glebes of Thor and the holy places of the gods, 
driving the Jutes into the sea with slaughter by the gods’ help. And all 
the people turn back to sacrifices; such might do the gods grant him: 
the earth yields crops as of yore, and he makes men joyfully people again 
the sanctuaries of the gods. Never was there prince save Frodi that 
made such peace as he. 

I say that the gods strengthen Hakon’s sway. Was there ever a land 
and sixteen earls lying so under one ruler? His glory soars high under 
the four ends of the heaven. 

VII. Fragments. Nor could the firm-sewn mail shirts shelter the men 
in the battle... 

To set the sword against the rearer of war no one dared. 

The foemen sank in battle underneath the talons of the eagle. 





79-80. Read, dll... Vedreyjar. 82. Read, hérod? 86. Asmegni, Fms. 


48 EARL HAKON’S COURT. [BK. vil. 


II. FRAGMENTS OF A LATER Drapa on Eart Haxon. 


(Verses 1-8, 10, 11 from Edda, verse g from Fagrsk.) 


; NY es bat es Bodnar bara berg-Saxa tér vaxa; 
goervi { hall ok hly¥di hli6é ‘ fley ’-iafurs piddir. 

2. Hug-stéran bid-ek heyra (heyr iarl Kvdsiss dreyra !) 
foldar-var6é 4 fyrdéa fiardé-leggjar brim dreggjar. 

S Hlidta mun-ek (né hlitik) hiar-tys (of pat fryjo) 5 
fyrir ar-peysi at ausa austr vin-gndédar flausta. 

4. Pvi at fial-kostigr flesto flestr reedr vid son Bestlo 
tekit hefik moréz til merdéar meringr an pu fera. 

5. Goll-sendir letr (grundar gladar pengill her-drengi) 

[hans meeti knd-ek hlidta] ‘hliét’ Yggs miadar nidta. 10 


ee 


6. Eisar vagr fyrir visa, verk ragnis mer hogna, 
pytr OGreriss alda aldr hafs vid fles galdra. 

“B Ullar gengr of alla ask-sagn bess es hvat magnar 
byrgiss badévar sorgar bergs grunn-l4 dverga. 

8. Né ett-studill zettar 6gn-herdir mun verda 15 


(skyldr em-ek hrdé6éri at halda) Hilldi-tannz in mildri. 


9. Bygdi land (enn lunda 1ék ord 4 pvf) foréom 
Gamla kind su-es granda (gunn-bordz) véom bpordi: 
nui es afrendra iafra Ullr geir-vadils peira 
séknar hvatr at setri setrs hveim gram betri. 20 


IO. Hialm-faldinn baud hildi hialdr-arr ok Sigvaldi 
hinn es fér { gny Gunnar gunn-diarfr Bui sunnan. 





Prologue. It is now that the wave of Bodn [poetry] begins to wax 
high, may the prince’s courtiers give ear in the hall and listen to the 
Giants’ beverage, poetry. I pray the brave lord to listen to the Liquor of 
the Giants. Hearken, earl, to Quasi’s blood. I must pour out blame- 
lessly before thee, prince, the bilge water of Woden’s wine-vessel, verse. 
No ruler rules more in accordance with the son of Bestla, Woden, than 
thou. I have begun my poem. I know how to make the ruler of the 
land enjoy Woden’s holy Mead. The prince gladdens his men, I get 
gifts of him. The wave of Woden foams ... . the billow of Odreari 
thunders... The cliffs’ surf that the Dwarves own, my poetry, praising 
him, spreads among all men. Never shall be a more goodly scion of 
Hildi-tand [War-tusk] the generous. I must set forth his praise. 

Hakon revenged. The kindred of Gamli [Gundhild’s sons], who dared 
to defile the sanctuaries, ruled this land of yore; all men’s report wit- 
nesses thereto: but now there is set in the seat of those mighty lords — 
an earl better than any king. 

Tomswicking fight. The helm-hooded Sigwald and the daring Bui, who 
came from the south, offered battle. The warrior fed the ravens on 





2. Read, veig or lid? g. Read, gollsendi-latk ? 10, hlidt =hlaut ? 
14. grynn-, W. 


§ 2.] | EINAR’S VELLEKLA. 49 
II. Fiall-vaondom gaf fylli (fullr vard) [enn spiar gullo] 
her-stefnandi hrafnom (hrafn 4 ylgjar tafni). 


III. Srray Verses. 
(Verse 1 from Edda, verses 2, 3 from Idmsvikinga Saga.) 


I. Bee getr med per peygi pydr drengr vesa lengi 
(elg buom fi6és) nema fylgi, frid-stoekkvir, pvf noekkvad. 

2. Geerda-ek veig of ‘virda’ Vidris illrar tfdar, 

pat vann ek medan adrir ar-vavadir svifo: © 

komkat-ek bess par es pétti ping-szettis fé betra 

(meidér sparir hodd vid hrééri hverr) enn skald in verri. 
3.  Sckjom iarl pannz auka ulfs veré porir sverdom 

(hladom bord-roinn bardéa baug-skialdom) Sigvalda: 

drepr eigi sa sveigir sdr-linnz es gram finnom 

(rand berom ut 4 andra Endils) vid mer hendi. 10 


TIND HALLKELSSON. 


(Verses 1, 2, and Il. 15, 16 from Lives of Kings, the rest from AM. 510.) 


I. 1 san gims sem gcerdi Gerdr bitg-limom herda 
(gnyr 6x Fiolnis ftira) farlig seeing iarli: 

pa es hring-fm hanga hryn-serk Vidorr brynjo 
(hrudosk rid-marar R6éa rastar) vard at kasta. 

2. Vann 4 Vinda sinni verd-bidédr Hugins (ferdar) 5 
(beit sél-gagarr seilar) sverdz-eggja spor leggja: 
adr hiar-meidar hridda (heetting vas pat) meetti 
leidar langra skeida lids halfan tag pridja. 

3. Gat ohredin edra odd galdrs en Sigvaldi 
vitt saukk neeti niotar vidr ndm Bua ‘kvanti’ 10 
adr mét-raduls mattu ‘magrendr’ Grimnis vagna 





the wolves’ quarry, and the spears rang; yea, he gave the mountain- 
ranging ravens their fill. 

To Hakon. 1 cannot stay with thee, Earl, any longer save I get some 
good by it. I shall make my ship ready ¢o Jeave. In an evil hour 
I brewed Woden’s draught [my Song] for this Earl, yea, alas, when 
other men were asleep. I never came to any place where more store 
was set by money and less by poets! Every one here grudges the fee 
to pay for his praise. Let us seek Earl Sigwald, the wolf-feeder. 
Should we meet him, he will not wave us off with his hand. Let us 
dress our oar-fitted bark with the ringed shields! Let us bear the 
targets out on to the sea-king’s car [ship]! 





Tind. It was not as if the damsel were making a bed for the Earl 
in her arms when he had to throw off his ring-stripped mail-coat. The 
battle grew hot: the ships were won. He laid the prints of his sword- 
edges on the Wends [the Iomswickings] before they (Ais men) could 
clear twenty-five ships of war. The sword bit the warriors: a dan- 
gerous game it was. The rest of the lines are untranslateable, so corrupt 





3. vidis, Cd. 10. Read, kvamo? 
VOL, II. E - 


50 EARL HAKON’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


saung at sverda pingi sorla Proenskum iarli. 


4. Dreif at Vidris vedri vargi grim a margan 
vero aud kundu virdri vagll agls timis hagli: 
pars i sundr 4 sandi Szorla ‘bles’ fyr iarli 15 
(pess hefir seggja sessi) serk hring-ofinn (merki). 

5 Forrad iarl enn aara hendr her maurum kendi 


gvndlar déms at glaumi geirs tfrar for meiri 
undz pa er hraudé en hauGri hialldr reesi eg pat giolldum 
nunnar ftis ‘4 meti morér’ vikinga skeidar. 20 

6. Gioréuzt gandlar borda glaumr 6x par at er naumu 
‘audi grims at eydiz’ oll lond Dana brandi 
kent hefir ‘hegr’ at haggua ‘hreber birtingum senar’ 
vedr eggi undum uiggiar ueggurs nidz um bat skeggi. 

a. Saddi iarl pars odda of ping saman geingu 25 
‘van hugda valt hungri hranna’ byrgis nafni 
mord skyar vard monnum mistar gott til vista 
heidins doms at hada ‘alld uann markar sfdu.’ 

8. Pat uill olld medan alldir ‘yngs kuediu menn’ byggja 
gnogt-bess er goglum veitti ‘glaum’ Hakonar efi 30 
pui hyck bitrum beita baund at villdu landi 
hyck lar reidi lyda letr huerium gram betri. 

9. Hraud (en Hroptr um nadi) hialldr skya (ual nfum) 
par uar lindz fyr landi leidangr Dana skeidar. 

10. Pa er fyr bord a Barda i brudar fang at ganga 35 
uedr magnanda uidris uirdendr Bua kendu. 


II. Mikin giordi her hiorua ‘hliomur’ Bui sunnan 
bauga skerdur at breidu balldur Hakonar valdi. 

12. Undr er preytt ef prindi pann kendi ual er sendir 
gulli safnadar gumna ‘ godinnar’ hreum fiarri. 40 





are they; we can however make out a few broken lights. Verse 3, we have 
Sigwald and Bui. Nor could the Wicking vie with the Throndish Earl. 
In verse 4, we can only see descriptions of battle and the mention of the 
mail-coat blown to pieces in the war-storm. In verse 5, the Earl is 
mentioned clearing some number of Wicking ships at More. In the next he 
teaches his Danish foes to veil their beards in the dust. Verse 7, must 
have given the account of some battle on Denmark’s coast. Verse 8. As 
long as men dwell on Earth, so long the joy Hakon’s heir gave the 
birds of prey will be held in mind. I deem him the better of any 
king... The clearing of the Danish ships is told of in verse 9. Bui’s 
going overboard when he despaired of victory, into the embraces of Ran’s 
daughters, is in verse 10. Great was the Sacrifice [human] at the 
Launch of the ships, when Bui set out from the south and hastened to 
Hakon’s broad domain, says verse 11. Verse 12 tells of a fight at God- 
mere in East Wick, 





15. Read, hiosk ? 20. Read, 4 Meeri meidr. 22. Read, audi grimmr 
at eyda? 23. Read, heggr . . . hre-birtingom sevar? 26. Read, vann 
hanga valr hungri hafna, 28. Read, hridé Danmarkar sido? | 29. Read, 


yggs ... man (earth). 30. Read, gla, 37. Read, hlunn-rod. 40. Read, 
Godmarr, 


§ 2] EYIOLF’S BANDA-DRAPA. Br 


PORLEIFR RAUDFELDARSON, 
(Verse 1 from Lives of Kings, verse 2 from Skalda.) 


I. H Ako’! vitom hvergi (hafisk hefir runnr af gunni) 
fremra iarl und ferli (folk-Ranar) ber mana: 
pu hefir adlinga Odni (etr hrafn af n4 getnom) 
_ (vesa mattu af pvi visi vid-lendr) nio senda. 
2. Hafdo ver f{ per, Hakon, es at hiar-régi dr6gomk 5 
(pa rautt Skaglar skyia sk66) forosto géda. 


POROLFR MUDR (from Edda). 


: hitt es hugdi Hlidskialfar gramr sialfom 
hiffar-styggr p4 es haggnir Hiareks lidar varo. 


EILIFR (§ 1) cited in Edda. 


vou per allz orda oss groér um kon Meérar 
4 sef-reino Sénar s46 vin-giafom rdéa. IO 


EYIOLFR DADASKALD. (BANDA-DRAPA.) 
(From the Lives of Kings.) 


I. OLK-STYRIR vas fara finnz al-knarrar linna 
suér at sidvar nadri set-bergs gamall vetra: 
46r at Yggjar bridi el-hvetjandi setja 
hildar hialmi faldinn hodd-mildingar vildo. 
2. Meita f6ér at méti miak sfS um dag sk{éi 5 
ungr med iafno gengi Utvérs framom hersi: 





Thorleif Redcloaksson. O Hakon, I know nowhere under the moon’s 
path [heaven] a greater earl than thou. Thou hast grown mighty by 
war. Thou hast given nine Ethelings to Woden; and hence mayest 
well be a far-ruling lord. O Hakon, thou wert a good captain to us 
whenever we went forth to battle... 


Thorwolf Mouth. The king of Lith-shelf [Woden] spoke out when 
the followers of Harek were cut down... 


Eilif Gudrunsson. May gifts of friendship come to me in return for 
the seed of Séna which grows in our breast respecting the famous 
prince of the land, i.e. I want a fee for my Song. 


Eyiolf, Banda-drapa. The Burden. Joyful in battle, Eric draws under 
himself the land, by the will of the gods, and wages war. Yea, the war- 
glad earl rules the god-protected land since that day. 

Introduction. The prince was but a few winters old when the earl [his 
father] put him over the land. Late one day he went in his ship 
against a proud baron; yea, he slew Skopti at Utver [island]. Thou 





g. Read, verdi mer. Read, iardar. Read, mzran? 


E2 - 


52 _ EARL HAKON’S COURT. [BK. vit. 


pa-es rid-loga reidir rand-vallar lét falla 
(ulf-teitir gaf to opt bl6d-valom) Skopta. 

3. Hodd-sveigir lézk hniga harda rfkr p4-es bardisk 
(log-reifiss brattu lifi land-mens) ‘ Kiar sanda.’ 10 


I. Stal-cégir nam stfga stafn flet-balkar hrafna 
af dyn-sveigi daudom.—Dregr land at mun banda— 
4 Merr vann miklo fleiri malm-hrié iafurr sidan 
adr frogom pat adra—Lirikr und stk geira— 
pa es garé-vala geréi Gotlandz vala strandir 15 
Virfils vitt um herjat—Vedr-mildr ok semr hilde. 
ry Steérir let at Stauri stafn-viggs hafud liggja, 
gramr velti sv gumna.—Gunn-blior ok rés stban— 
sleit at sverda méti svaré vikinga hardo 
unda-mar fyr eyri—dJarl god-virio hiarli. 20 
u. 6. : . , ‘ F , ‘ ; ‘ 
‘ : ; ; ——Dregr land at mun banda— 
ve Fra-ek hvar fleina-sidvar fur-herdir styr goerdi 
endr { Eyrar-sundi—Lirekr und sik getra— 
Raué fur-giafall fidrar folk-meidr Dana skeidar 
ver frogom pat, vaga.—Vedr-mildr ok semr hilde. 25 
8. Attud hialdr par es haldar hlunn-viggs { bf runno 
geeti-niardér vid Gauta.—Gunn-blior ok rés sidan— 
Her-skildi for Hildar (hann pverdi frid manna) 
ass um ‘allar Syslor’—Jarl god-virdo hiarit. 


9. Odd-hridéar fér eyda 6x strié at pat sfdan 30 
log-fagandi lcégiss land Valdamars brandi: 
Aldeigio brauzt cgir (oss numnask skil) gumna 
(si var hildr med halédom hard); komtu austr { Garda. 








ogi thine adversary to bow at K ..., where thou didst fight, taking 
his life. 

Stave I. Thou didst stand over his dead body. A second battle, and 
many more afterwards, Eric fought, when he harried all Gautland.— He 
set his ship’s prow towards Staur [Staver, south point of Femern], off 
the point the ravens devoured the Wickings’ carcases. 

Stave II. I have heard how he battled in Eyre-sound, taking four 
Danish ships. He fought against the Gauts and sacked the town 
of ..., and went with war-shield over all the Adal-sysla [Adal-sysla = 
Curland]. 

End part. He harried Waldemar’s land [Russia] with fire; stormed 
Aldega-borough [Ladoga], that was a hard fight : thou camest eastward 
into Garda [territory of Novgorod]. 





29. Read, Adal-syslo. 


§ 3.] SAILOR POETS. 53 


§ 3. POEMS OF INCIDENT. 


SAILOR POETS, 


The Sea-Walls’ Song. This account is given in Landnama-bok: “ Heri- 
wolf the Younger went out to Greenland (c. 986-990), when Eric the 
Red was settling the land. On board his ship was a Southern Islander 
[Hebrides man], a Christian, who made the ‘Sea-walls’ poem,’ in which 
this burden occurs.” These ‘ hafgerdingar’ or ‘sea-walls’ are noticed 
in the Speculum Regale (King’s Mirror) about 1250, where they are 
described as great waves of the Arctic Sea, which wall round the whole 
ocean ‘ higher than mountains, like steep cliffs.’ These huge rollers are 
coupled with the Northern Lights, as the two wonders of the Arctic 
Ocean; but we may accept the acute conjecture of Japhetus Steenstrup, 
of Copenhagen, who believes them to have been the ‘earthquake waves,’ 
which have been repeatedly observed and described in modern days (in 
1755 for instance). So this poem is the earliest Northern record 
of subterranean disturbance, and therefore of interest. The erup- 
tions of the beginning of the thirteenth century would arouse fresh 
interest in the subject, and account for the name and mention in the 
Norwegian ‘King’s Mirror.’ The poem appears to have been of a 
votive character. Besides the 4urden, one line, the beginning, is also 
quoted in Landnama, v, ch. 14. 

Nordseta-drapa, by Swein. This poem is curious as having been com- 
posed by one of the settlers in a fishing-place, Northset, in Greenland, 
far to the north beyond the Arctic Circle, whence its name, the Nor- 
setman’s poem. It is, perhaps, the most northern in locale of all known 
poems. The few lines that remain_describe with some force the icy 
storms of the North, but the end seenis addressed to a lady. The final 
words ‘ the river at length winds down to the sea’ are prettily expressed. 
One would like to have more of this sailor poet. 

Snebiorn. We have in Book vi, Ditty 20, set a verse on Snezbiorn, 
one of the earliest Arctic adventurers of the tenth century, a pre- 
decessor of Eric the Red, a seeker for the unknown land, ‘ Gundbiorn’s 
reef,’ a sailor poet. Parts of a poem of his on the Sea are quoted by 
Snorri. They are of note as containing the only allusion, outside of 
Saxo, to the Hamlet story, the sea being called ‘Amlodi’s quern.’ 

Snzbiorn’s life, the nucleus for an interesting Saga, is given in Land- 
nama-bok. He was of a good family, that of Eywind the Easterling; his 
mother’s name was Kialwor. He was fostered by Thorodd at Thingness, 
and was nicknamed ‘ Galti.’ Hallbiorn married a daughter of one of 
his kinsmen, Hallgerd, who had the most beautiful hair of any woman 
in Iceland, and murdered her in a fit of jealousy. Snzbiorn slew the 
murderer, and then went off on a pioneering expedition; but one of 
those deadly quarrels, so frequent in the histories of early explorers, 
broke out between the adventurers, and Snzbiorn was killed. 

Orm Barreyiar Skald. Poet of Barra in the Hebrides, At the 
banquet of Reekholar in 1120, among other entertainments, ‘Priest In- 
gimund told the story of Orm, the Barrey Poet, with many verses, and 


54 POEMS OF INCIDENT. [BK. vit. 


at the end of the Saga a short poem of his own making. Many wise. 
men therefore hold that it is a true Saga’ (Sturl. ii, ch. 10). This Saga 
is lost. Nothing further is known of Orm. The fragments are cited in 
Edda, 


HAFGERDINGA-DRAPA; or, THE SEA-WALLS’ SONG 
(c. 986-990). 


(From Landnama; verse 1 from Hb.) 
Beginning : 
Aw hlydi osso fulli Amra fialla Dvalins hallar! ~ 
Burden: 


2. Minar bié-ek Munka-reyni meina-lausan farar beina: 
heidiss haldi harar foldar hallar Dréttinn yfir mer stalli. 


SVEINN: NORDSETA-DRAPA (NORSET SONG). 
(Verses 1-3 from Edda; verse 4 from Skalda.) 


I. e% OKO fyrst til fitka Fornidtz synir lidtir. 


2. P4-es el-reifar 6fo Aigiss dcéttr ok teetto 
(‘fats’ vid frost of alnar fiall-garéz) rokor hardar. 


3. «oe « « « Hléss deettr 4 vid -bléso. 
4. Par koemr (lyngs en langom lind vandi mik strindar 
leika leyni-sfka levi) 4 til szevar. 
SN ABIORN. 
(Verses 1, 2 from Edda; verse 3 from AM. 738.) 
SG TOR- -VIDJAR letr stydja stéls budlunga mili 
hlemmi-sverd vid haréri huf-langan se dufo. 
2. Hvatt kveda hroéra Grotta her-grimmastan skerja 


it fyr iardar skauti Eyludrs nio bridir: 





The Sea-Walls’ Song. Prologue. Let all hearken to the cup... of the 
dwarves’ halls [poetry]. Burden. I pray the guileless Friend of the 
Monks [Christ] to forward my voyage. May the Lord of Earth’s lofty 
hall [heaven] hold his hand over me. 


Norset Song. First the horrid Sons of Forniot [gales] began to drive 
the snow: what time the storm-loving Daughters of Eager wove and 
ripped the cruel foam, nursed by the frost of the mountain-ranges. 
The daughters of Lear [ocean] blew on the ship. Here comes the 
river to the sea. [I.e. here my song ends.] 


Snebiorn. He plunges the broad blade of the beak of his fong-hulles 
bark into the hard wave. Men say that the nine Maidens of the Island- 
Mill, the ocean, are working hard at the host-devouring Skerry-quern [the 
sea] beyond the skirts of the earth: yea, they have for ages past been 


$3.] HROMUND AND HIS SONS. 55 


peer es (lungs) fyr lango lid-meldr (skipa hlfSar) 5 
(baug-skerdir ristr bardi bél) Amléda mélo. 


3.  Sva at or fitjar fiatri f16ds ‘Asynjom bl6di’ 
(rast byrjask ramm) en systra rytr Eymylrir snytir. 


ORMR BARREYJAR SKALD. 
ba Raa gnyrr 4 eyri Ymiss bl6é. Fara gdéra! 


Hvergi es Draupnis drégar dfs (ramman spyr ek visa) 
(s4 reedr valdr fyr veldi vagn-brautar) mer fagnar. 


HROMUND AND HIS SONS. 


RoMUND the Lame came of a Northern family living at Fagra- 
brekka (Fair-brink), in Ramfirth, in the middle of the tenth century. 
He is lying in the early dawn awake in his bed, when there comes a 
raven-on the luffer of the hall, and screams loudly. Romund breaks 
into verse and declares this token to presage death to warriors (v. 1). 
His son Thorbiorn Thyna (axe) answers him (v. 2) and Romund replies 
(v. 3). Hardly had he finished, when certain Easterlings, pirates, break 
into the court. The sons of Romund rush out to meet their foes, but 
the women try to stay Romund, saying he is too old to fight; he answers 
them (v. 3). Hastan and his brothers win the day, though Romund is slain 
and his grandson Thorleif wounded to death, but seven of the twelve 
Easterlings were left dead on the field. “The women ask the men what 
has happened when they see them coming back to the house, and 
Hastan answers (vv. 4-11). The Easterlings that escaped were wrecked 
on Helgi’s reef and drowned the same day. MHastan afterwards went 
out to Norway, took service with King Olaf Tryggvason, and died aboard 
the Long Serpent, at Swold. The tale of Romund, germ of a good 
Saga, and the poem are found in Landnama-bok. It is also told in a 
diluted form in Flatey-bok. The story of the wound that Iokul, Ingi- 
mund’sson, gave him with that famous heirloom, the sword £ttar-tangi,— 
whereby he was lamed,—and of his outlawry from Ingimund’s settlement, 
is told in Vatzdela Saga. The whole family are good specimens of the 
fierce spirit of the settlers. Eywind, the father of Romund, on hearing 
of his foster-brother Ingimund’s death, fell upon his sword, refusing to 
outlive his friend.—From Landnama. 

There is something antique about the sty/e and metre of all the lines, 
and the first verses are markedly poetic and weird. It is, though now 
maimed like its author, a fine old Wicking Song. 





grinding at Amlodi’s meal-bin, #he sea. Let us furrow the waves with 
the prow of my ship. 

So that the Daughters of the Island-grinder [sea] spirt the blood of 
Ymi [brine]; and the Sisters of the Miller of Islands, sea... We are 
coming into a mighty current. 

Orm the Barrey-poet. ‘The blood of Ymi, the sea, is surging out there 
on the Tongue. A happy voyage! 

..» Wherever the lady welcomes me. I know the king of the realm 
of the Wain-path, Christ, is mighty. 


7. Read, Ymis blodi? 





56 POEMS OF INCIDENT. — [BK. vil. 


Romund : ; 
I. Eh I heyri-ek svan sveita s4ra-porns es mornar 
(br45 vekr borgin-mé6éa) bl4-fialladan gialla: 
sv4 g6l fyrr p4-es feigir folk-narungar varo 
Gunnar haukr, es gaukar Gautz bragda spd sagdo. 


Lhorbiorn : 
a. Hlakkar hagli stokkinn (hres) es koemr at szevi 5 
(m6ér krefr morgin-bradar) mar val-kastar baro: 
Sv4 g6l endr p4-es unda eids af fornom meidi 
hreva gaukr es haukar hildinga miad vildo. 


Romund : 
Vasa mer { dag daudi (draugr flat-vallar bauga) 
(buomk vid ilmar ialmi) 46r ne goerr of radinn: 10 
Reéki-ek litt pé-at leiki lit-vandr Hedins fitjar 
(oss vas 46r of markaédr aldr) vid rauda skialdo. 


Hastein : 
4. Her hafa ‘sex’ beir es szevask stit-laust bana Uti 
svip-niardungar sverda sar-teins 4 bri-steinom: 
hygg-ek at halfir liggi heptendr laga eptir ; 15 


egg-skeindar lét-ek undir ébidingom svida. 
5. Vaskat-ek fyrr med fleiri fetla stigs at vigi, 
fyrir varom par fidrir freendr ofstopa veendir : 
enn tolf af glaé Gylfa gunn-pings hvatir runnar 
kald rudo vpn, peir-es vildo vars fundar til skynda. 20 
6. Siau hafa scéki-tivar Svolniss garéz til iardar 
(b166 fell varmt 4 vera, val-dagg) nasom haggit: 
munat ftr-vidir fleiri Fiolniss pings an hingat 
it um Ekkils brautir Ialks mcérar ske foéra. 
". Her mego heeli-barvar hliéms dal-tangar ski6bma 25 





- Romund. Outside in the morning I hear the croak of the raven 
[black-skinned swan], he wakes to the prey: so in times of yore, when 
the Shepherds of the people were death-doomed, the war-hawks were 
wont to scream before a fray, auguring the Game of Wodin, dazzle. 

Thorbiorn. ‘The eagle, dew-sprinkled, screams when he comes to the 
sea, craving his morning meal: so in the days of yore the eagles were 
wont to scream out of the ancient tree when they thirsted for the 
blood of kings. . 

Romund. It was not to-day nor yesterday that my death-hour was 
fixed for me. I care not though brands play on red shields, for my 
life was long ago marked out for me. 

Hastan. Seven pirates have met their death out on the causeway, 
the half of the law-breakers are lying on the field. I made them smart 
with the wound the edges gave. I was not on -the bigger side: there 
were four of us kinsmen, when twelve wickings from the ship met us in 
fight. Seven of them have struck the ground with their faces, the dew 
of the slain is on them; the greater half of them shall never launch 





13. Read, siau, cp. v. 6. 


car} 
= a 
— 


$3.] THORARIN’S MA-HLIDINGA-VISOR. 57 


d¥rs hvat dr¥gdo fiérir dag-verks si4 merki: 
enn ek, hyr-brigdir, hugda (hrafn sleit af nd beito) 
Gunnar-refrs, at gefim grid-bftom frid lftinn. 

8. _Unnom audi-mannom (4-ek punnan hiawr) [Gunnar 
dré6gomk veer at vigi verk| dreyroga serki: 30 
hafdo herdi-loféar Hildar bordz und skildi 
(pvarr hangr-valom ‘hengi’ hungr) ‘veszri’ tungor. 

9. Harér vas gnyr p4-es goerdom gridt-varps loto snarpa; 

engo sveréz at sangvi sundr gra-kledi Pundar: 
4dr 4 hel til hvfléar (hluto peir bana fleiri) 35 
[hialdrs kom hrfé 4 skialdo] Hekings vidir &ki. 

Io. Heyri svan, par-es sdrir sigr-stallz vidir gialla, 
(ben-skori drekkr baro bl66-fallz) of na gialla: 
par fekk arn (enn erni ero greipr hrajom sveipdar) 
sylg, es Sleito-Helgi ‘segd audigr’ félt raudo. 40 

Il. Baro upp af ara all-pekkligom blakki 
¥tar oss at méti alm-pingsamir hialma : 
enn 4 braut peir-es bro beidendr godom leidir 
hlidar herdi-meidar haudr-mens skarar raudar. 


THORARIN THE BLACK: MA-HLIDINGA-VISOR. 


THERE is in Eyrbyggia (chaps. 15-22), among other episodes of which 
that Saga is made up, the story of Thorarin and his famous Feud, with- 
out which lucky interpolation we should know nothing about him, except 
his name and a line of quotation in Snorri’s Hattatal. His character is 
thus drawn in Eyrbyggia: “ At that time there were living at Mew-side 
Geirrid, the daughter of Thorwolf Shankfoot, and Thorarin the Black, 
her son; he was a big, strong man, ugly, and speechless, but usually 
good-tempered. He was known as_a peacemaker. He was not very 
rich, though he had a well-stocked farin. He was so easy to deal with, 
that his foes said he had more of a woman’s nature than a man’s; he 
was a married man, and his wife’s name was Aud.” A quarrel arose 
between Thorarin and Ord Kettleson, and they came to blows in the 
yard at Mewside. Aud rushed out to part them, and the fight was 
stayed, when a woman’s hand was found on the spot. It was the hand 
of his wife Aud. When Thorarin knew of this (though the brave 





their ship hence for sea, The marks of the day’s task we four have 
won are here to be seen, for I know we gave the truce-breakers little 
grace. We gave the rievers bloody shirts, they bore... under their 
shields, There was a grim clatter of stone-casting, and the gray sarks 
of Woden rove asunder at the song of the sword, ere the Wickings gave 
way, the most of them being slain. Hearken to the eagle screaming 
over the carcases; the erne gets his fill of blood, and his talons are foul 
with carrion, where the traitorous Quibble-Helgi won a red hood [a 
bloody pate]. They bore white helmets up to meet us, but they carry 
away ruddy locks, the accursed ones [dyed in their own blood]. 





26. Read, drygdom. 32. Corrupt, 40. Read, seké-audigr ? 


58 POEMS OF INCIDENT. [BK. VII. 


woman, wishing to spare further bloodshed, tried to conceal it), and 
heard the laughter of his foes, who mocked him as being himself the 
man that had wounded his own wife, the fighting spirit woke in him, 
and he rushed out at once and fell upon his enemies, slaying the ring- 
leader Thorbiorn, and pursuing the rest so that one, Nail, a thrall, went 
mad with terror and cast himself into the sea. This victory, while it 
wiped off all the reproaches of his enemies, drew down deadly hate on 
Thorarin ; but with the help of his mother’s brother, one of the heroes ~ 
of Eyrbyggia Saga, Arnketil, the antagonist of Snorri the chief, whose 
brother-in-law Thorarin had killed, he wins through it all. The verses 
which Thorarin made upon the various incidents of this feud were known 
as the Mewsiders’ Verses, and form together a kind of history of it, upon 
which the prose tale in Eyrbyggia seems to be partly founded. This 
piece is in the ancient vein, and not devoid of vigour and poetry in spite 
of its intricate phrasing. It forms a ‘flokk’ addressed to Arnkettle and 
Wermund. 

The text is from Eyrbyggia, edit. 1864, emended and re-arranged in 
parts; for, like most of the older court-metre poems, these verses have 
suffered a good deal from corruption, the plain phrases of the original 
being put out to make way for elaborate and unmeaning circumlocu- 
tions here and there throughout; thus, ‘fyrir einni’ probably stands for | 
‘fyrir Enni,’ ‘fran Vikinga mana’ conceals beneath it ‘4 fundi hlidinga 
Mava,’ and under the name ‘ Froda’ must be the place ‘ Froda,’ Froda- 
water, where Thorbiorn lived. 


I. VA mik, pars myréir moré-fars vega pordi, 
(hlaut crn af na neyta nyjom) kvenna fryjo: 
barkat-ek vegd at vigi val-nadrs { styr padra 
(meeli-ek hél) fyr hcéli hialdrs-gods (af pvi sialdan). 
2. Myndit vitr { vetri vekjandi mik sekja 
(par 4k Iff-hvaotud leyféan) lag-rans [of pat vanir]: 
ef ek nid-breedi needak nds val-fallins Asar 
(Hugins létom nid nidta n4-grundar) Vermundi. 


i: Skal-ek prym-vidom premja (pegi herr medan !) segja 
[veon es fsarns Asom ar-leiks] fra pvf goerva: 10 
hve hialdr-vidir héldo haldendr vid mik skialdar 
(rodin s4-ek hrundar handar hnig-reyr) laogom (dréeyra). 

4. Séttumk heim peir-es heetto hiar-nirdir mer fiarvi 
(gny-lidmi beit geymi geira-stigs) at vigi: 

Sv4 goerdo mer (sverda) sékn-‘nidiungom’” pridia 15 
(sleitka) lfiknar (leiki lostigr) fa kosti. 





Mewsiders’ Verses. 1 have cleared myself in the fray from the women’s 
reproach. I showed no mercy to him, Torbiorn, in the bicker, I seldom 
boast of it. My adversary, Thorbiorn, would not have wrested the suit 
against me last winter, if I could have got the help of Wermund the 
Warrior. 

Now I will set it forth clearly to all men. Give ear the while! how 
they held a Leet-court against me, and how I saw my lady’s hand stained 
red in gore. They visited me with armed force, threatening my°life ; 





15, ver, Cd. Read, -nidungar, 


$3] THORARIN’S MA-HLIDINGA-VISOR. 59 


[hrafn naut hreeva| (gefnor hialdr-sk¥ja) mik fr¥jo: 
p4 es vid hialm (4 holmi) hrein mins fadur sveini 
paut andvaka unda (unnar ben-lckir runno). 20 

6. Knaiti hiarr und hetti (hre-fl65) bragar méda 
(rauk um séknar scki) sliér-beitr stadar leita: 

B68 fell, es vas vadi vig-tjalldz neer, skialdi 
4 vas doémi-salr déma dreyra-fullr) um eyro. 

VE Knatto ‘hialmi heettar hialdrs’ 4 mfnom skialdi 25 
‘pridar vangs ins bunga pings spa-meyjar’ syngva: 
p4-es bitig-radull béga baugs fyr 6dal-draugi 
(giall 6x v4pns 4-vallom) varé bl6é-drifinn Fréda. 

8. Vas til hreggs at hyggja (hrafn-vins) 4 bee minom 
(puréi_eldr um aldir) uggligt Munins tuggo: 30 
pa-es 4 fyrda fundi fran ‘ vikinga mana’ 
lind beit logdis kindar lido hagna vé goegnom. 

9. Reka péttomk-ek (Rakna) remmi-skéés vid mdéda 
(kunn-faka hné kennir) kl4m-ord af mer boréa: 


5.  Urdo ver at val (vas r drifin s4ra) 


hvatki-es (hildar gotna hrafn sleit af na beito 35 
siks) vid sina leiko selingr of pat meelir. 
10. Kvedit man Hroptz at heipdom hyr-skerdir ‘mer’ verda 


(‘kannak 46r fyr “einni” Yggs teiti sv4 leita’): 
es hlaut-vidir héto (hlcékiendr, peir-es skil flcekja, 
eggjomk héfs) at ek hiceggja Hlfn gudévefjar mina. 40 
Bi. Na-gaglom fekk Nagli nest daliga flestom; 
kaf-sunno ri6 kennir kloekkr f fiall at stoekkva: 
heldr gekk hialmi falldinn (hialdrs) ‘at’ vapna galdri 
(purdi elldr um aldir) Alfgeirr af hvaott meiri. 
12. Grdtandi rann getir geira-stigs fra vigi; 45 
(par vasa grimo geymi g60 van fridar hanom) : 
sv4 at mer-skyndir moendi mein-skiljandi vilja 
(hugdi biddr 4 bleydi bif-staups) 4 sid hlaupa. 





yea, they gave me little hope of mercy. I had to defend myself from 
reproach, when the sword whistled about the head of my father’s son, 
me. ‘The sword struck the poet [me] below the helmet, the blood flew 
about the bard’s ears; the moot-place was full of gore. The...rungon 
my shield ... Froda was blood-stained. It is dreadful to think of the 
fight at my homestead when sword clove shield at Mewside. I cleared 
myself of railing accusation, and slew him [Thorbiorn], whatsoever the 
lord [Snorri] may say to his sister [the widow of Thorbiorn]. I had to 
call on the moon against their cursed reviling, when the wretch, that 
wrested the law, said that I had wounded my own wife. Nagli fast 
ran whimpering to the hills, and Alfgeir made still greater haste to be 
away. Weeping he [Nagli] fled from the fray, so that he was on the 
point of leaping into the sea, out of pure cowardice.—I remember, Wer- 





31. Read, hlidinga Mava? 37. Read, mana; see vol. i. p. 15, l. 37. 38. 
Read, Enni, 43. at] read, af or fra. 48. Or bifr-staups ? 


60 } POEMS OF INCIDENT. [BK. VII. 


13. Muna muno ver at vérom, Vermundr, gladir stundom, 
audar-bollr, 46r ollom aud-varpadar dauda: 50 
Nu sidmk hitt at hlégi har-gerér munom verda 
(leitt eromk raudra randa regn) fyr ‘pridom’ pegni. 
I4. Héto hirdi-nidtar hauka-ness til pessa 
(heptandi vas-ek heiptar) hég-lffan mik drifo: 
opt koemr (alnar leiptra efi-fis) or dusi 55 
(ni kn iard til orda) cdi-regn (at fregna). 
15. Skalat al-drukkin ekkja (ek veit at gat beito 
hrafn af hreeva-efni) hopp-fagr at pvi skoppa: 
at ek (hiar-daggvar) hyggja (her es fidn komin liéna) 
fhaukr unir hardom leiki hreva strids] 4 kvfdo. 60 
16. Lata hitt at hlidta haldendr mynim skialdar 
(seekjom ra6 und rfikjan) r6mo-samt or démi: 
nema Arnketill é6rom, «-g6ér vid lof pidédar, 
(vel truik grimo geymi galdrs) sak-maélom haldi. 
17. Esat sem grepp fyr glepi grund fagr-vita mundar 65 
fura fleygi-ara freenings logom reni: 
ef sann-vitendr sunno (sé-ek peira lid meira) 
[oss megni gud gagni] Gautz bekjo mik sekja. 


ORD AND THE SONS OF HEALTI. 


IT is told in Landnama-bok that Healti came out and ‘settled Hof in 
Healti’s dale [in the N.]. His sons were Thorwald and Thord, noble 
men. It was the noblest arval that ever was in Iceland, the arval they 
made over their father; there were 1400 guests bidden, and the men of 
quality among them were given parting-gifts. At that arval Ord the 
Broad-firther delivered a Song of Praise, which he had made upon 
Healti. Before this, Glum Geirason [the poet] had summoned Ord to the 
Thorskafirth-moot, and now the Sons of Healti set out from the north 
in a ship to Steingrim’s firths, and thence went southward over the 
Heath, by the place now called Healtdale-bait. And when they came 
to the Moot, they were so well dressed that men thought that it was 
the gods that were come there, whereon this verse was made’ [see 
verse II, p. 62 below]. 





mund, how often we were merry together, before I slew him; but 
now I fear lest I become a laughing-stock to the wise one [Snorri]. 
Hitherto folks have called me peaceful: a furious rain-storm often comes 
out of a sultry sky. The fair-hipped lady [Snorri’s sister], merry with ale, 
shall not make mock of me, that I ever trembled at what was to come 
[that I lacked courage]. Men say that I shall have the verdict dead 
against me, unless the ever-kindly Arnkettle, in whom I put all my trust, 
upholds my cause bravely. It will not be for crime of mine, if they out- 
law me. They have the bigger party. May the gods strengthen my 
cause. 





51. hiegi] emend.; hlauia and hlaupa, Cdd. 52. Read, frddom (i. e. Snorri). 
58. Read, skaupa? 


§ 3.] ORD AND THE SONS OF HEALTI. 61 


Of this Ord’s poem (Hialta-drapa) nought is left; but in Eyrbyggia 
there is a fragment of a Praise-Song, on Illugi the Black (the father of 
Gunlaug the poet), touching certain law dealings of his, ascribed to Ord 
the poet. We take this to be our Ord of Broadfirth. 

Of the Healtissons, ‘from whom there came,’ as Landnama-bok says, 
‘a great and noble race,’ we have no particulars, save’ in the Tale of 
Styrbiorn the Champion of the Swedes. In Flatey-bok we have, in an 
account of the Battle of Fyrisfield, the following notice :—‘ King Eric 
[the Victorious] was standing on Upsala brink, and he bade him that 
could, to make a verse, promising a guerdon for it. Thorwald Healtisson 
made these verses | given below, verse III]. Thorwald got for his guerdon 
a ring of half a mark for every verse, and he never made a verse before 
or since that any one knows of.’ This is confirmed by Skalda-tal, which 
names Thorwald as a poet of the Swedish king, Eric the Victorious. 


OGMUNDAR-DRAPA, by GUEST THE WISE and SIBYL-STEIN. It is 
told in Landnama-bok that Guest Ordlafsson, whom we know from 
Laxdzla Saga, ‘ was bidden to a harvest feast at Leot’s, and thither came 
Egil, Sibyl-Stein’s son, and prayed Guest to take some counsel, whereby 
his father might be comforted in his deadly grief that he was in for 
— his son. Guest thereupon made the beginning of Ogmund’s 

raise.’ 

We have in Edda the beginning of this Ogmundar-drapa, but ascribed 
to Sibyl-Stein himself, and it may be that Ari means to imply that Guest 
began the poem for Stein to finish. There are two distinct echoes of 
Fgil’s in the four lines left us, ‘ Mims vinar’ and ‘ Thundar fundr,’ which 
would confirm the chronology of the incident, a half-dozen years later 
than Sona-torrek (Book iv). This Sibyl-Stein was the son of Thurid 
Sound-filler, a Sibyl, who came, as Landnama-bok further informs us, 
from Haloga-land to Bolungwick, in Waterness, in Iceland. ‘She was 
called Sound-filler, because in Haloga-land, during a famine, she worked 
her charms so that every sound was filled with fish. She also made Fold- 
bank in Icefirth-deeps, and got thereby a humble-ewe as fee from every 
franklin in Icefirth.’ 


STEINTHOR. The beginning of a Song of Praise, ascribed by Snorri 
to Steinthor, of whom nothing else is known, but the scrap has the true 
early ring about it. The second fragment, though anonymous, is clearly 
part of the same poem, 


UNNAMED POET. BARRODAR-DRAPA. One verse is left of a Praise of 
Barrod [Barfred], who is mentioned in Wiga-Glum’s Saga. 


ORD. I. Llluga-drépa (from Eyrbyggja). 


ae, © aS vas braong 4 pingi Pérsness med hug stérom 
happom studdr par-es hodda hialm-raddar stafr kvaddi: 
snar-radan kom sféan (sett vasa goer med létta) 
Forna sidés und feedi farmr dolg-svalo barma. 
2.  Drétt gekk sy¥nt 4 settir, svellendr en par fello 5 





Ord. Illugi’s Praise. There was a throng in the west on Thorsness 
Moot, when the lucky I!lugi claimed the hoard: it was not easy to come 
to a decision: and at last it came to pass that the verdict gave him the 
purse of Forni. The people clearly broke the agreement: three men 


= POEMS OF INCIDENT. [BK. vit 


premja svellr fyr polli prfr andvako randa: 
4dr kyn-framaér keemi kvAnar hreggs vid-seggi 
(fregt goerdisk pat fyréa forr46) gridom Snorri. 


Il. On Healts’s Sons. 


Mangi hugéi manna mord-kannadar annat 
fsarn-meiér an sir al-meerir par foeri: 10 
, : 


pa-es 4 Porska-fiardar-bing med enni-tinglom 
holt-vartariss Hialta haré-fengs synir gengo. 


Ill. Zhorvald Healtason. 


Fari til Fyris-vallar folka tungls hverr es hungrar 
verdr at virkis garéi vestr kveld-rido hesta: 
par hefir hree-dagegvar hoeggit (hdllaust es pat) sdlar 15 
elfar gims fyrir ulfa Eirekr { dyn geira. 


VOLO STEINN. Ogmundar-drépa (from Edda). 
Heyr Mims vinar mina (mer es fundr gefinn Pundar) 
vid géma-sker glymja, Glaumbergs Egill! strauma. 
Man-ek pat es iard vid orda endr Myrk-Danar sendo 
groennar grafnom munni gein Hldéynjar beina. 


STEINPORR (from Edda). 


Forn-goervom 4-ek fyrnom farms Gunnladéar arma 
horna fors at hrésa hlft-styggs ok pd litlom: 

Bedi 4 ek til bridar berg-iarls ok skip Dverga 
sollinn vind at senda sein-fyrnd gato eina. 


BARRCDAR-DRAPA (from Landnama-bék). 
Barreeér of ristr bero braut land varar andra. 





fell before him, ere that Snorri, the glory of his family, brought about - 
a peace between them. This management of Snorri’s became very 
famous among men. 

The improvisation on the grand array of Healt’s sons. No one doubted 
that the all-glorious Anses were coming in person, when the sons of 
Healti, in helm of awe, marched on the moot of Thorskafirth. 

Thorwald Healtisson. On the battle of Fyris-field, where he fought. 
Let every charger of the ogress [wolf] that hungers go to Fyris-field. 
There (it is no vaunt) Eric has cut down in battle quarry enough for 
every one of them. . 

Sibyl-Stein. Ogmund’s Praise. Prologue. Listen, O Egil of Glamberg, 
to the river of Woden singing against the reefs of my gums, Woden’s 
Find [the gift of poesy] is granted to me. I remember that... rocks. 

Stanthor. I boast of Woden’s horn-rapid [mead of Poesy]; old brewed 
it is, but there is little of it. By the same path I have to send the swollen 
gale of the Giantess [thought] and the everlasting ships of the Dwarves 
[verses]. 

Barrod’s Praise, Barrod is cutting the path of the billow’s-land with 
his sea-sledge. 


§ 4.] CORMAC AND HOLMGONGO-BERSI. 63 


§4. IMPROVISATIONS. 


CORMAC AND BERSIS STRAY VERSES. 


THE Stray Verses (Lausa-visor) of Cormac are given here. What we 
know of his regular compositions and of his life is said above in § 2. 
They rest upon a Saga only, for not one of them is cited by Snorri 
though there are so many of them, while the Sigrodar-drapa is quoted 
several times; nay even, strange to say, Olaf gives one line, v. 42, which 
is not found in the Saga. At first sight there are several suspicious 
points in them; for instance, the repeated use of the word ‘borda,’ 
embroider, a modern kind of sentiment, many ‘half-kennings,’ and the 
too perfect metre. But one is loath to give them up; there is an 
extravagant but passionate force about some of them, especially those 
addressed to Steingerd, which makes one accept them as genuine at 
any rate. And on closer examination one sees that there are evident 
marks of ‘ over-working’ and ‘ repainting’ about the greater number of 
them. Even well-known verses like 8 have suffered, for under ‘ handan’ 
must stand some synonym for Norwegian, ‘Heina’ or ‘ Horda,’ and 
surely under ‘syvinna’ lies ‘ Svia,’ for otherwise ‘ok’ has no raison d’étre 
in the verse. We can see here and there that Cormac’s lines must 
have been like Thiodwolf’s or Bragi’s rather than Sighwat’s, and that 
these irregular lines have often been ‘remodelled. 

Those verses which are absolutely corrupt or meaningless have not 
been printed here; but the rest are given, with such translation as 
seemed most tenable. Were they perfect, they would probably be the 
finest of all Northern classic love-poetry. 

Bersi the Duellist, the scarred old veteran, whose coolness and 
trained courage is contrasted with the violence and rage of the young 
Cormac, is a good specimen of the heroic age, and no mean poet. 

There is a simple straightforward force in his verses which makes 
them tell, and heightens one’s interest in their author. There must 
have been a separate Saga on him, but we only know him from that 
part of it which is wedged into Cormac’s Saga and from a few scattered 
notices elsewhere. The way he got protection from Olaf the Peacock 
when he was harassed by his enemies in his old age, and the verse he 
made on himself and his baby foster-son, will be found in the Reader; 
the ditty we have given in Book vi, no. 25. 

Several of Bersi’s verses deal with his life of combat, some are 
laments over his declining strength and the loss of friends, and recall 
Egil’s feelings in like case, though they are not so thoughtful or pathetic. 
The Editor has only given those which bear most marks of authenticity 
(for many have been tampered with, some may even be forged); these 
have a rougher and more unsophisticated appearance than Cormac’s. 
Edda and Skalda cite three lines of Bersi (5, 6, 15). A new edition of 
Cormac’s Saga in which all these verses are found would be welcome, 


¥i N?® varé mer { mfno, men-reid, iatuns leidi 
réttomk risti snétar ramma ast fyrir skammo: 





The first sight of Steingerd. 1 saw the lady’s feet just now, mighty 
. 


64 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. vi 


peir muno fcétr at fodri fall-gerdar mer verda 
(allz ekki veit-ek ella) optarr an nu svarra. 

2. Brunno beggja kinna biart lids 4 mik drésar 5 
(oss hlégir pat eigi) eld-htiss of vid felldan : 
enn til akla svanna ftr-vaxins gat-ek lita 
(préo monat oss um evi eldask) hia preskeldi. 

3. . Br4-m4ni skein briina brims und lidsom himni 
hristar hervi gloestrar hauk-frann 4 mik lauka: 10 
enn s4 geisli syslir sfSan goll-hrings Frfdar 
hvarma tungls ok hringa Hlinar 6purft mina. 

4. H6fat lind (né ek leynda) lids hyrjar (pvi str{di) 
[bandz man-ek beida ind baug-scem af mer augo: © 
p4-es him knarrar hiarra happ pzgi-bil krappra 15 
helsis scem 4 halsi Hagboréz 4 mik stordi. 

5s Eitt lyti kvezk ‘fta eld bekks’ 4 mer. pykkja 
eir um aptan-skeror all-hvft, ok pé litid: 
hauk-meérar kvad hari Hlfn vel-borin mfno 
(pat skylda-ek kyn kvinna kenna) sveip { enni. 20 

6. - Svart augo ber-ek SAga snyrti-grund til fundar 
pykkir erma Imi all-feolr ‘er la salva:’ 
pé hefi-ek mer hid meyjom men-grund komit stundom 
hrings vid Harn at manga hagr sem drengr in fegri. 

q Ol-Ségo met-ek auga annat bedjar Nanno, 25 
pat es f{ lidso Ifki liggr, hundrada priggja: 
pann met-ek hadd es (hodda) har beidi-Sif greidir 
(dyr verér feegi-Freyja) fimm hundrada snimma. 

8. Allz met-ek audar-pello Islandz, p4-es mer: grandar, 
Hiuna-landz ok ‘handan’ hug-sterkr sem Danmarkar: 30 





love is roused within me; those ancles of hers will some day be a 
stumbling-block to me; though when, I know not. The bright beams 
of both of her cheeks shone on me from behind the plank [shutter], it 
bodes no good to me; I saw the feet of the fair-formed damsel on the 
threshold, I shall never lack pain therefore as long as I live. Fhe 
keen stars of her brows shone on me from the heaven of her face; this 
beam from her eyes will hereafter work my woe. The ring-dight one 
never raised her eyes from me, nor do I hide my pain: what time the 
maid of the house looked on me in the dusk from behind Hagbard’s 
neck [the pillar carved caryatid-wise]. Fair in the even-gloom, she said 
that I had but one blemish in me, and that a small one: she declared 
that there was a curl in the hair on my forehead. Black are my eyes 
and very pale she thinks me. Yet I have won favour with ladies, for I 
am as skilled to please them as any fairer man. 

Her worth. One eye of hers, that lies in her fair face, I value at three 
hundreds, The locks she is combing (she is a costly thing) I value at 
five hundreds. The whole body of her that makes my misery I value 
at Iceland, Hunland, the land of fhe Hords [Norway], and Denmark. 





15. hun, Cd, 20. Or sveipt, Cd. 24. fagri, Cd. 30. Read, 
Horda. 


§4.] _CORMAC AND BERSI’S IMPROVISATIONS. 65 


verd-ek Engla iardar Eir h4-pyrnis geira, 
s6l-gunni met-ek Svia sundz ok fra grundar. 

9. ‘Heitast’ hellor fli6ta hvatt sem korn 4 vatni 
(enn em-ek aud-spang ungri épekkr) enn bid soekkva, 
foérask fiall in stéro ‘frag’ { ditipan egi: 35 
4dr iafn-faogr ‘tr6da’ alin verdi Steingerdi. 


TO. Létt-foéran skalti lata (lidstu vendi mar Tosti) 
‘mdéér of’ miklar heidar mfnn hest und per renna: 
makara es mer at mela, an mérauda saudi 
of afrétto elta, ord mart vid Steingerdi. 40 


II. Braut hvarf or sal seta (sunnz eromk hugr 4 gunni) 
[hvat merkir el (herkis) haoll pverligar alla: 
rennda-ek allt id idra Eiri gollz at peiri 
(hlfns erom harn at finna) hus br4-geislom (fisir). 


12. Sitja sverd ok hvetja sin andskotar mfnir 45 
eins karls synir inni, erod peir banar mfnir: 
enn ef 4 vidom velli vega tveir at mer einom 
pa-es sem er at ulfi é6vegnom fizr sceki. 

13. Sitja menn ok meina mer eina Gn steina, 
peir hafa vil at vinna es mer varda Gn borda: 50 
pvi meira skal-ek peiri es pbeir ala stcéri 
awfund um okkrar gangor unna scerva Gunni. 

14. Sitja menn ok meina mer eina Gnd steina, 
peir hafa ‘lagéis loddo’ linna fcétr at vinna: 
pvi-at upp skolo allar al-stafns 4dr ek per hafna 55 
lfsi-grund { landi linnz pié6é-ar renna. 





I value her at England, Sweden, and Ireland too. The slates shall 
float as light as corn on the water, and the earth shall sink, the huge 
mountains shall drop into the deep sea ere a lady so fair as Steingerd 
shall be born. Yet she loves me not! 

To his friend. O Tostig, strike thy steed, and let the swift horse 
speed panting across the wide heaths. I had sooner hold long parley 
with Steingerd, than chase black sheep over the pasture. 

On Steingerd. My lady is clean vanished out of the hall; eager to find 
her I have scoured the whole house with the glances of my eyes. 

His constancy. My enemies, the sons’ of one man, sit within and whet 
their swords, but should they come against me in open field, it would be, 
as it were, ewe sheep seeking the life of a fierce wolf. They sit on the 
watch and forbid me her company, they have a hard task to win, for 
the more they nurse envy of our meetings, the more shall I love her. 
They sit on the watch and forbid me her company: they might as 


well fit legs toa snake! Every river in the land shall run backward ere 
I forsake thee. 





32. Emend.; svina, Cd. 38. Read, mddan? 43. eirar, Cd. 
44. Read, Hlin.. . horns? 48. ouizknom, 162; oreknom, Cd. 51. 
stceri] meira, Cd, 52. varar, Cd.; ... solva, Cd. 

VOL. Il. F 


= he bees 
es 


66 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. vir. 


Kormak : 
18. Hvern mundir pu ‘grundar’ Hlfn skap-fraamuéd lino, 
‘lfkn synir mer ltka,’ lids per at ver kiédsa? 
Steingers : 
Breéér munda-ek ‘blindom’ baug-lestir mik festa, 
yrdi god sem gcerdisk g66 mer ok skap, Frdda. 60 


16. Brott hefir Bersi setta (beidisk hann 4reida 
val-kiésandi at viso vins) heit-kono mina: 
p4-es unni mer manna (mist hef-ek fli6és ins tvista) 
[p4 kysta-ek mey miéva] mest [dag-lengis flestan]. 


14. At em-ek Yggjar gauta ullr at Svalnis fulli 65 
um reidi-sif ridéa runnr sem vffl at brunni:... 

18. Dyrt verér daggvar kerti Draupnis mart at kaupa, 
primr aurom skal petta Pdérveigar skip leiga: ... 


19. Pu telr lids of logna lfn-gefn vid pik stefno; 
enn ek goerda miak m6dan minn fak um sak pina: 70 
heldr vildag halfo, hring-eir, at mar spryngi — 
(sparda-ek i6 pbannz aéttom all-litt) an ‘pik grafna.’ 

20. Maka-ek hitt of hyggja, hve pu skyldir verda 
goll-hlaéz geymi-pella gefin Tin-drattar manni: 
traulla ma-ek of tcéja tanna silki-nanna 75 
sizt pik fastnaéi freegja fadir pinn blota-manni. 

21. Parftattu hvft at hoeta Hlfn skrautligrar lino 
(ver kunnom skil skepja) Skiéunga mer nfdi: 
nadd-hridar skal-ek nfda nidt ‘sva-at steinar fliéti ;’ 
nu hefi ek fllan enda Eysteins sonom leystan. 80 


22. Skaka verdo vit, Skardi (skald 4 bud til kalda), 





To his love. Whom wouldst thou choose for a husband, fair lady? 

Her answer. Were the gods and the Fates duly propitious I would 
wed the d/ack-eyed lad, the brother of Frodi (Cormac). 

Loss of her. Bersi has taken away my betrothed, she that loved- me 
best. I have lost the maid I kissed many a long day. 

I am like a bucking-bat at the brook, I... my song. 

I must pay dearly for much. I am forced to take Thorweig’s ship 
and pay three ounces for my berth. 

To Steingerd. ‘Thou sayest, lady, I have broken my tryst with thee; 
the truth is, I have foundered my steed for thy sake. I would far rather 
my steed should fall dead than miss thee. I have not spared my horse. 

On her wedding. 1 cannot think of it, how thou, lady, couldst be 
given to a tin-drawer! I can hardly smile since thy father gave thee 
to a loon. Thou needst not threaten me with the Skidung’s libels (I 
know the poet’s craft), I will lampoon them so that...I have made 
an ill knot for Eystein’s sons to loosen. 





59. Emend.; braér, Cd. 72. Read, an ek per hafna? 75. teia, Cd. 
81. verd ek vid, Cd. 


§4.] CORMAC AND BERSI’S IMPROVISATIONS. 67 


[fill ero fiardar ‘kelli’ faldin] hrim af tialdi: 
vilda-ek ‘at reedar’ valdi veri engo hera, 
hann es ‘latr fra’ lidssi lin bedjar gna sinni. 

#3. Uggi-ek litt p6 leggi land varér saman randir 85 
‘varat’ virdar stcéri vell-audigr mer dauda: 
medan sker-iardar, Skardi, skord man-ek fyr nordan 
(hvass of angrar su, sessi, sétt) Porketils déttor. 

24. Skiétt munom, Skardi, ‘hernir,’ skolom tveir banar peira, 
allz andskotom ‘hrinda hiar-drifr’ nio fiarvi: go 
medan godleidom g4da grunnleit, sti-es mer unni, 
gengr at glostom bingi goll seim-niorunn beima. 

25. Brim gnyr bratta hamra blalandz Haka strandar, 

‘allt gialfr’ eyja pialfa ‘ut lfdr { stad vidiss :’ 
mer kved-ek heldr of hildi hrann-bliks an per miklo 95 
svefn-fatt, seorva gefnar sakna mon-ek es ek vakna. 

26. Esa mer sem Tinteini (traudr es vasfara kaudi) 
[‘skiarrer’ hann vid bys benna] pridtr myk-sleda bridti: - 
pa es al-sniallir allir odd-regns stafar fregni 
{ Sdélunda-sundi sund-faxa r4 bundinn. 100 

24. Veit hinn es tin tannar, traudr szfara inn blaudi, 
(staondomk Ilmr fyr yndi) é6garva pat sarva: 
hvar eld-faldin alda opt gengr of skar drengjom, 
hann 4 vifs at vitja varma bud 4 armi. 

28. Svéfom hress { htsi horn-peyjar vid Freyja, 105 
fiardar-leygs ins freegja fimm netr saman grimmar: 
ok hyr-ketils hverja hrafns evi gnod stafna 
lags 4 litt of hugsi l4-ek andvana banda. 

29. Sv4 ber mer {.mina men-gefn of pat svefna, 





On a voyage, to his brother Skardi. ~We two have to shake, Skardi, the 
frost off the awning. The poet has a cold berth, the firths are hooded 
with ice. I would he were no better off that is slinking to his lady’s bed. 

I care little though they threaten me with death, Skardi, as long as I 
think on the daughter of Thorkettle in the north (that is the sickness 
that ails me). We shall be hard put to it, Skardi; we two must be 
fighting nine men, while the fair lady that loves me is going to the 
bed of the god-accursed loon, Tintein. 

The surf is dashing on the steep cliffs, the brine [lit. the trench of 
the islands] is stirred . . . I sleep less than the . .. and miss her 
when I wake. 

The yard springs ina gale. It is not as if a slave broke the pole of 
Tintein’s dung-sled, when our sail-yard snaps in Solund-sound. The 
vile Tin-gnawer little knows how the fire-tipped wave breaks over 
the men’s heads, where he, the wretch, lies warm in his wife’s arms. 

To Steingerd. We two slept five cruel nights together...I lay... 
It comes before me in my dream, lady, unless I am much mistaken, 
that your arms, fair one, shall at last be clasped about my neck. 





82. af] 4, Cd. 84. Read, latrar at? 88. hvess, Cd. g3- brattir 
hamrar, Cd. 96. samna, Cd. es] ef, Cd. rol. Read, veitat. 
104. baud, Cd. Read, inn armi? Iog. sva] sv, Cd. 


F 2 “ 


St 5 opel. ae 
cia V5. hae 
oe ena 


68 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. VII. 


nema fagi dul driiga drengr ofradar lengi: 110 
at axl-limar yérar aud-Frigg mani liggja 
hrund 4 heidis landi hlféar mer um sfdir. 

30. ‘Digla baud-ek vid dregla dagtaéla pvf mali’ 
‘mer vasa dagr sa es dugéi drif-gagl af pvi vifi’ 
enn bli{dé-hugud bedi ‘baud gyls’ ‘maran’ (audar 115 
mitt villat fé fylla) fingr-goll gefit trollom. 


a7. Vilda-ek hitt at veri vald-eir gaomul ialda 
stoeri-lat { st6di Steingerér, enn ek reini: 
vera-ek ‘prada prudi peiri stadvar geira’ 
gunn-ardigra garda gaup-ellz 4 bak hlaupinn. 120 


52. Seinn pykki mer scekkvi snyrti-niédtz or Flidtom 
s4-es Att-grennir unnar ord sendi mer nordéan: 
hring-snyrtir barf hiarta ‘hafeerr’ { sik foera 
pé es ‘men gunnar’ manni merar vant or leiri. 

a3. Ek verd opt pviat pikkjom errdéttr af mer perra 125 
(gollz hlitk af per bella praut) 4 maottuls skauti: 
pvi ldttu { set snauta saur-reidi bragar greidi 
(mér hefir steypt { stro Steingerér) bana verdan. 

34. Hefik 4 holm um gengit hald-eir um pik fealdo 
(hvat megi okkrom #stom) annat sinn (of renna?): 130 
ok vig-sakar vakéar Var hefk um pik baro 
(pvf skal mer an Tin-teini) tveer (unnasta in neeri). 


35. Hins mun har-gefn spyrja, es id heim komit badir 
‘med blét-rodin beidi ben-hlunnz’ sti-es mer unni: 
hvar es nu baugr enn brendi; bal olftid hefir 135 
hann nt sveinn inn svarti, sonr Ogmundar skaldit. 


36. Baugi vard-ek at beta brin-leggs hvadran tveggia 
‘guldot fe fyrir biartrar’ hals-fang ‘myils spangar’ 





I offered the lady gold as a recompense; but the merry lady would 
not take my gift, and wished my ring were given to the Trolls, fends. 

I would the proud Steingerd were an old mare, and Ia stallion, I 
should soon be on her back. 

At his wager of battle for Steingerd with Tintein. He of Fleet, that sent 
me word out of the north, is slow of coming: the huge Mud-man has a 
mare’s heart in his breast. (See p. 12.) 

I have often to wipe my face in the skirt of my mantle... Steingerd 
has put me in sore stead. I have fought a second wager of battle for 
her sake. After two deadly combats for her sake she should be nearer 
me than Tintein. 

He sells a sacrificial bull for a ring of Steingerd’s. The lady will ask 
when we both come back with the sacrificial bull, Where is now the 
ring of pure gold? What has he done with it, the swarthy lad, the 
son of Ogmund the poet? 

He pays for kissing Steingerd. 1 had to pay a fine for both of my kisses; 
there never were costlier kisses. I have lost by my love. 





11g. peiri er, Cd, 121. soekkva, Cd. 124. merar]| emend.; meira, Cd. 


§4.] CORMAC AND BERSIS IMPROVISATIONS. 69 


gotod ‘giallar meta gollz laufgodom polli’ 
(tal hefik teiti-mdla) tveir kossar fé-meiri. 140 


37: Viso mon-ek of vinna 4ér ver til skips gangim, 
senda sarva Rindi til Svinadals mfna: 
koma skolo all til eyrna ord min Skagul borda, 
betr ann-ek silki-Sdgo an sialfom mer halfo. 


38. Fekk sa-es faogro vifi f6r ner an ver stérom 145 
hoegg af hialmar sk{di f{ hattar-stall midjan: 
Eysteins hratar arfi 4 Ellida stafni; 
styréu ekki 4 mik, Steingerér, pdtt pu steigorliga latir. 
39. Drengr ungr stal mik dalki pa-es drakk 4 mey rakka, 
vid skolom dalkinn deila sem drengir tveir ungir: — 150 
vel hefir Vigr of skepta, varé-ek { griét at skidta, 
vist es at mannzins misstag, mosinn vard upp at losna. 


40. Runno randar linna régendr at mer gnégir, 
pa-es ver of fen f6rom flokkom, dikis bokkar: 
Gautz mondi pa gattar gunn-svellz ef ek par féllag 155 
lundr kom-ek litlo sprundi langom munar angom. 


ee: Pyi at mal-vino minnar mildr Porketill vildi. 
42. Vasa sem fli6d { fadmi pa es fangremi ‘mcétask’ 
vid streng-mara st¥ri Steingerdi mer hefdak : 
myndag al at Odins iandugi drekka 160 
(skiétt segig til bess skeotnom) ef mer Skrymir lid veittid. 
43- Vasa med mer { morgin madr pinn konan svinna 


rodinn vas hier til hodda hand-fagr 4 Irlandi: 
pa es slidr-dregin Saga sang um mfinom vanga 
Hlakkar trafr, enn hrafni heitr fell 4 nef sveiti. 165 





Again ona journey. 1 will make a verse ere I go aboard, and send it to 
my lady in Swinedale. All my words shall reach her ears! I love her 
twice as much as myself. 

Cormac strikes Tintein with the tiller, upon which Steingerd grasps the 
rudder. He, that goes nearer to the fair wife than I may, got a stroke 
in the middle of his pate; see how Eystein’s son, Tintein, staggers in the 
bows of his bark. Do not steer athwart me, Steingerd, though thou 
bearest thyself so proudly. 

His brooch is stolen. The young fellow stole my brooch while I was 
drinking with my love. My spear, Wig, was... I shot into the rock... 

As he wades, eels wind round his legs. The eels swarm at me... 

Of Steingerd. Because the goodly Thorketill father of my love... 

Of his last battle. 1t was not as if I had my lady Steingerd in my 
arms, when I grappled with the champion, the sea-steed’s steerer. 
I should have been drinking ale in the high seat at Woden’s, if Skrymi, 
the sword, had not lent his aid. It was not like playing with a fair- 
handed lady this morning when we fought in Ireland, when the sheath- 
drawn blade whistled about my cheeks and the hot blood fell on the 





156. muns or, Cd, 158. Read, meettag. 


70 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. VII. 


44. : ; : : : : 
Fordomk vetr, pviat verda vig-nadrs stafar adrir 
(snertomk hiarr vid hiarta) helnaud ‘ok,’ kar dauda. 


HOLMGONGO-BERSI. 


:. VERR es biarnar bardi 4 bekk kominn rekka? 
ulf hafa ‘érir nidjar’ cgiligr und beégi: 
glikan hefir of goervan, Glimr es nefndr eda Skuma, 

‘forom til métz at morni’ mann Steinari penna. 


a. Pétta-ek p4-es céri (4r-sagt es pat) varom 5 
heefr { Hlakkar drifo hyr-runnom vel Gunnar : 
nu vilja mik mfnir (minz dyljom pess) hylja, 

[pat hefik sétt] f sléttom Saurbcé freendr auri. 

a Mer hafa freendr at fundi (fersk van gledi) bessom 
[roedi-ek heldr fyr haléom hugat mal] { pvi brugdisk: 10 
Torogetir ro (teitan t6k hrafn 4 na iafnan) 

[ek-em vid égnar-rekka 6hryggr] vinir tryggvir. 

4. Mer helzt yggr und eggjar all-sterkr ‘ gois’ vallar 
(naudr hagar nu til froeéda) nadrs, enn hiffdir adrom: 
svA fara rod; enn reidask rég-linnz ‘sumir’ minna; 15 
nti let-ek par pridti, Pérroedr, vinon éra. 

Be Nu hefik, enn tel tanna Tann-gniédst vegit manna 
(pau beri menn fré moréi min ord) tigar fiorda: 
koma manat Ullr pétt elli optar mara bopto 
(litak bl66i svan sveita), setrs { heim at betra. 20 

6. Ben-gid6i hio-ek bradir bl4-fidrodom skdra 
(kendr vas-ek miak vid manna mor6) halfan tog fiorda. 
Troll hafi lif, ef laufa litag aldregi bitran ; 





raven’s beak... We cannot escape death. The sword stands in my 
heart ; other men suffer the pains of death and a wasting agony. 


Bersi on a guest. Who is this grim bear-cloak come into men’s 
benches? He bears a wolf under his arms, a savage fellow. He looks 
like Stanhere, though he calls himself Glum or Scum. 

Faithless friends. When I was young I was thought fit for the fray (that 
is an old tale), but now my kinsmen think to hide me away in the earth, 
here in Sourby. This is what I have come to. My kinsmen have failed 
me at this tryst; all my hope of joy is gone; I speak it from my heart. - 
Faithful friends are hard to find... Thou heldest me under the sword- 
edge while thou didst shelter my enemy. This is my sad tale. So 
things turn. Now I proclaim, Thorrod, the end of our friendship. 

His feats. 1 have slain this Tusk-gnasher, first of the fourth ten [he is 
the thirty-first I have slain]. Let men bear my words in mind... I 
have cut down thirty-five men as quarry for the black-feathered raven. 





167. hidrr] havfud, Cd. 8. sléttan, Cd. 13. helt, Cd. 15. Read, 
stafar ? 16, Read, vinom édrom? . 21. ben-gida... skrara, Cd. 


SF 


§ 4.] EGIL’S IMPROVISATIONS. rR: 


beri pd brynjo-meidar briét { haug sem skidtast. 


1, Veit-ek at Vali beitir veg-stérr tador dérar 25 
oss vill heldr enn hvassi hialm-niétr troda und fétom: 
opt hefig y¥fsk pa es heiptir unn-sélar galt-ek runnom 
raud-ek 4 brynjo beidi benja linn of minna. 

8. Kominn es Ullr vid elli alna-gridtz at f6tom; 
mart verdr gzeti-gautom geir-fitjar nu sitja: 30 
pétt ‘skiald-vidir’ skaldi skapi aldr { graf kaldan, 

(fyrr ‘ry6’-ek hialms 4 holmi hr{é-vaond) ‘en ek pvi kvida.’ 


EGIL’S IMPROVISATIONS. 


BESIDES the three great poems in old metre in Book iv, the Ditty 
No. 26 in Book vi, and the stray staves in Torf-Einar metre in Book vi, 
§ 2, Nos. 3-6, the whole Saga of Egil is studded with verses in court- 
metre, which would naturally find their place here. But a close examina- 
tion of these scattered verses leaves one with the firm conviction that most 
of them are spurious. That Egil made verses in an early form of court- 
metre is, we think, proved from the quotations by Snorri and Olaf; but 
if we look at the proportion their quotations from Egil’s old-metre 
poems bear to the whole poems, viz., about one-twelfth (some thirty lines 
out of four hundred), and find that, in spite of their fondness for court- 
metre, they only cite five lines as Egil’s in that metre, it will be at all 
events fair to suppose that they did not know more than ten or twelve 
stanzas in all—say fifty lines. 

We can identify but a few of these, and as for the others (some 
fifty stanzas), we can only keep or reject them on grounds of internal 
evidence. A certain number bear the marks of thirteenth-century verse, 
and may, we believe, be credited to Lawman Sturla, who would naturally 
take an interest in Egil, and whose hand (or Snorri’s) we trace in editing 
his Saga. They are not entirely valueless, for they contain echoes and 
imitations from Egil’s undoubted compositions, such as Arinbiorn’s Praise 
(e. g. Eromka leitt, and Svart-branum lét si6num ...).. Among the most 
striking proofs of the impossibility of these verses being genuine, is the 
weary sameness in which Kweldwolf, Skalla-Grim, and Egil are made to 
improvise; and the palpable fact that the staves on Brunan-burh battle are 
not the foundation for the prose, but, on the contrary, founded upon it. 

Guided by these considerations we have picked out all those we have 
any grounds to suppose genuine; they are but few and in a mangled state, 
though one would not pledge oneself to the authenticity of even all these. 

Edda and Skalda cite ll. 6, 25, 28-29. (45 mot in the Saga.) 





I have got me a name for man-slaying. May the fiends take me when 
I am no longer able to wield my sword! Let men bear me into 
my barrow then, the sooner the better. 

Wali has been grazing his flocks in my land, he tries to tread me 
beneath his feet. I have often bristled up for less reason and reddened 
my sword. I am crippled by old age, and must sit under much ill-usage 
from others now. I care not though the Fates have decreed me a cold 
grave. Once I could dye the sword in battle... 





31. Read, skuldir, 32. Read, raud. 


72 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. VIL. 


I. ISTOM rin 4 horni, riddom spiall { dreyra 
‘pau vel-ek ord til eyrna 68s dyrs vidar réta’ 
drekkom veig sem viljom vel-gl¥jadra pyja 
vitom hve oss of eiri al patz Barroedr signdi. 


a: Knatto hvarms af harmi hnip-gnfpor mer dripa 5 
ni fann-ek pann-es ennis ésléttor per rétti: 
gramr hefir gerdi-hamrom grundar upp um hrundit 
‘sa er ygr’ af augom 4r-sifma mer grimor. 


a. Okunni vensk ennis ungr bordéag vel fordom 
hauka-hlifs at ‘heyra’ Hlin pver-gnfpor minar: 10 
- verO-ek { feld pa es foldar faldr koemr f{ hug skaldi 
Berg-Oneris brina bratt mid-stalli at hvatta. 


4. Sv4 skyldi god gialda (gram reki band af landom) 
[reidr sé Ragn ok Odinn] rén mins fid4r hanom! 
folk-m¥gi lat flyja, Freyr ok Niarér, af iwrdo! 15 
leidisk loféa stri6i Land-4ss pann-es vé grandar. 


B. Veiztu ef ek ferr med fiéra, feera-bu sex pé-es vixli 
hiffa ‘hveiti-krupom’ hialdr-gods vid mik roédnom: 
enn ef ek em me@ Atta, erod peir tolf es skelfi 
at sam-togi sveréa svart-brinom mer hiarta. 20 


4, 


6. Pel hoeggr stdrt fyrir stali stafn-kvigs 4 veg iafnan 
ut med éla meitli and-zrr iatunn vandar: 





Let us cut the runes on the horn, let us paint the characters red | 


with blood. These signs I choose for the root of the tree of the 
fierce beast’s ear [the horn]. Let us drink as we will the draught the 
merry slave-girls serve. Let us see whether the cup that Barrod 
blessed will harm us. 

His sorrows ended by King © thelstan’s kindness. The crags of my 
brows were drooping for sorrow, but now I have found him that was able 
to smooth the frowns of my face. The king... has thrown open the 
jutting rock-wall that covered my eyes. 

His love-pain. 1 have become unsociable. When I was young I dared 
to carry the steep of my brow high, but now, when the lady’s name 
comes into my mind, I hasten forthwith to hide the high place of my 
forehead under my cloak. 

His curse on Eric Blood-axe. May the gods requite thee for the 
robbery of my goods! May the Powers drive thee from the land! May 
the Holy Ones and Woden be wroth with thee! O Frey and Niorth, 
let the oppressor of the people fly from the country! May the god of 
the land [Thor] loathe the tyrant who defiles the sanctuaries! 

His prowess. If I have four men with me, there will not be found six 
men that will dare to redden swords with us. If I have eight with me, 
there are not twelve alive who can make the heart of the swarthy- 
browed one [myself] tremble. 

Of the wind at sea. The sturdy giant of the forest, the wind, cuts a deep 





4. Bardr of, Cd, 5. harms, Cdd. 10. Read, hefja? heyrna ? 





§ 4.] WIGA-GLUM AND HIS FELLOWS. 73 


enn sval-buinn seljo sverfr eirar vanr beiri 
‘Gestils alfraér gvstv’ gandr yfir st4l ok brandi. 


» ‘Vrungo’ varrar Gungniss varrar lungs um stunginn. 25 


8. Hvarfa-ek blindr of branda, ‘bid-ek eirar Syn geira’ 
pann ber-ek harm 4 hvarma hvit-vallom ‘mer sitja.’ .. . 


9. ‘Vals’ hefi-ek vafor ‘helsis vi;’ fallomk ra skalla; 
blautr eromk bergis f6tar borr; enn hlust es porrin. 


WIGA-GLUM AND HIS FELLOWS. 


THE Saga of Battle-Glum has been preserved. It gives a fine account 
of his life, and is accessible to English readers in Sir Edmund Head’s 
translation; see Prolegomena. It contains some fifty lines of verses, all 
of which appear genuine; six of them (Il. 27-28, 35-38), as many as we 
should expect in proportion, being quoted in Edda. Glum was a hard 
fighter like Bersi, but of weird fancy, and gloomy brooding mind, 
with bursts of frenzied passion; hence his nickname, the murderous 
Glum. Most of his improvisations, and there is no proof of his ever 
having composed a long poem, are on his dreams, which he interprets 
as prognostications of his wishes, or else evoked by the over-mastering 
anger that was boiling within him. The despondency of old age, as in Egil 
and Bersi, is shown in one stanza. The Saga exists but in one vellum 
(AM. 132); that the verses are not in good state appears from the cita- 
tion in Edda. In vy. 9, at a junction of two leaves, the beginning words 
are lost. 

WieFrus, Glum’s son, who wielded his club at the battle with the 
Wickings of lIom, like the valiant Spanish knight in the ballad, alse 
improvised a couple of stanzas, which we add. Wigfus slew Bard, the 
son of Hall the White, on whom a dirge was composed called Bara’s 
Praise, of which the burden is given in Landnama-bok, see § 3. 

Brusl, Bard’s brother, another personage in the Saga of Glum, com- 
posed a couple of lines, also given below. He may be the author of 
Bardar-drapa. 

HAWARD THE LAME of Icefirth is the hero of a Saga that contains 
some fourteen verses which we do not believe to be genuine; but there 
are two lines (not found in the Saga), quoted in Edda, which may 
well be his. We may take this as another proof of the way Saga editors 





groove on either side before the beak of the ship, with the chisel of the 
tempest: and the cold-clad devourer of the woods, the gale, mercilessly 
sweeps the spray above the sea-king’s swan, /ike chips before the chisel as 
it were. 

Of a spear-cast. The lips of the spear are twisted ...ships... 

His old age. 1 grope in blindness round the fire. There is a cloud on 
my eyes. This is the ill that sits upon the white fields of my brows. 

My gait is tottering as that of a... The forest of my head, 4air, is 
falling, desire has failed me, and my hearing is dried up. 





25. Or vrongo. 28, Obscure? fdllomk ra skalla] emend. ; vafallr em ec 
skalla, 132. 


74 IMPROVISATIONS. (BK. VII. 


went to work. It was known that Haward was a poet, therefore his 
Saga must have poetry in it. If none were known it was easy to make 
some which would fit the peripeteia of the tale, and ornament it in the 
accepted way. It is thus that Sagas got filled with spurious verse. 


I. iL pe gengr mer ok mfnom, men-doall, hiim allom 
(pverr vid glaumr) enn grcéni gardr, an oss of vardi: 
verdr hréér-skotad hardla (her tfni-ek pat) mfnom 
{munak enn of styr stala starf-lauss] fador-arfi. 


2. Fara sa-ek holms und hialmi hauks { miklom auka 5 
iord at Eyjafirdi isungs firin-disi : 
pa sva-at déms if draumi dals détta mer pdtti 
felli-cudr med fiallom folk-vandar biad standa. 


3) Halfs eyriss met-ek hverjan hrfs-runn fyrir © sunnan ; 
vel hafa vidir skégar vargi opt um borgit. 10 
4. Eigi sofna-ek ofniss ys-heims { bc beima 


(munat eld-vidom aldo aud-bcétt vid mik) scétan: 
adr grind-logi Gandlar gellr { hattar felli 
(opt va-ek mann of minna) meirr nokkorom beira. 


B Hard-steini lét hina ‘hard-gerdr’ Limafiardar 15 
(pat sk) déms { draumi dyn-niardédr mik bardan: 
enn ek pr4-dr4ttar pdéttomk pidsti keyrér of lidésta 
sevar hrafns { svefni snarr beinanda steini. 


6. Men-stiklir s4 mikla (man sverda brak verda) 





Wiga Glum. After his father’s death, the neighbours encroach upon the 
land of the widow and orphan; young Glum, seeing their wanton trespasses, 
breaks out. The green turf-wall is shrinking about me and my house- 
hold closer than I care for, lady, (O mother.) My patrimony is being 
roughly docked. There is strife in store for me. 

Glum dreams that he sees a Giantess walk to his homestead, whom he 
welcomes in. He believes her to be the fetch of his grandfather Wigfus. 1 saw 
a mighty hooded Fairy of great stature walking under the sky at Eya- 
firth ; as it seemed to me in my dream, she stood on the ground with 
her shoulders even with the hill-tops. 

Glum lurking in the bush. Every brake south of the river is worth half 
an ounce tome. The wide woods have often saved the wolf. 

Glum panting for revenge. \ shall never get sweet sleep at home before 
the sword clashes into the skull of one of them. They will not easily be 
able to recompense me. I have often slain a man for less than their offence. 

Glum dreams that his foe and he, like Rungni and Thor, are fighting with 
hones; he awoke with the crash of the stones meeting, which presaged feud as 
Jar as the sound could be heard. My grim adversary struck me with the 
hone (I saw it in my dream), but I, angered, thought that I smote him 
back with another stone. 

Glum dreamed he saw a troop of women with a trough full of blood, 
avhich they were sprinkling over the country. 1 saw a great troop of spirit- 





4. munat, Cd. 6. fira-, Cd. 


§ 4.] WIGA-GLUM AND HIS FELLOWS, "5 


[komin es grara geira] god-reid of trad [kvedja]: 20 
pa-es Asynjor jéso egg-métz of Fiard tveggja 
(vinir fagna pvf) vegna vig-mddar framm bIl6di. 


7. Virkiss spyrr at verkom vins hirdi-Sif minom 
(esat at manna mali) mord véro bau fordom: 
‘liger beim-es hrafn of huggar har’ van-talid garva 25 


8. Rudda-ek sem iarlar (ord lék 4 pvif fordom) 
(medr vedr-stafom Vidriss vandar) mer til landa: 
Nu hefik Val-pagniss vegna varrar-skids um s{dir 
breida izxrd med bardom bendiss mer or hendi. 30 


. . . (munat enn selo men-bridtandi hliéta) 
[oss kom breidér { budir beeggr] af eino heeggi: 
p4-es (‘fleymarar’) fidra full-katir ver stom 
(ni es mégrennir minna mitt) sextigi vittra. 


10. Lattisk herr med hatto Hanga-Tys at ganga 35 
(pdttit beim at heetta pekkiligt) fyrir brekko: 
p4-es dyn-flisar dfsir dreyra mas 4 eyri 
(brod 6x borgin-mdééda bldds) skialdadir st6dom., 


Enar : 
II. Proengvir vard af pingi pbremja linnz at renna 
(vasat) { Ala eli (aud-lattr) fyrir mel brattan: 40 
p4-es m4-stéttar mAttit Mzevils vid pram szvar 
geira nidtr 4 gridti Gestils klauf of festa. 





- women over the paddock. There will be a swording: there will be a 
greeting of grey spears. The goddesses were sprinkling blood over the 
Firth in front and on both sides. 

Glum is asked how many fell in one of his frays. He answers: The lady 
asks about my day’s work of yore: it is not commonly known what the 
number of the dead was. The score is clearly under-reckoned... 

Glum’s reflection. Like earls of yore I won land with the sword, it 
was famed among men: but now in turn I have fought my own heritage 
out of my hand dy unseasonable manslaying. 

His last troubles. Grief has come upon me from one death-stroke of 
mine. I shall never know joy again! I have got a stumbling-block in 
my house after having sat in peace sixty winters. I am going to the 
wall at last. 

Glum’s vaunt over a bicker. They shrunk from going down the brink 
in arms; they deemed it no pleasant venture: when I stood shielded on 
the shore below. 

Einar’s account of the same incident. Glum had to run from the moot 
down the sand-hill, and could not get a firm hold with his shield among 
the pebbles on the slope by the sea. 





21-22. Emend.; of fior seggja . . . vagna, Cd. 25. van-] emend.; veig, Cd. 
26 and 31. ...] blank in Cd. 38. b1d8, Cd. 


76 IMPROVISATIONS. [ BK. VII. 
Brist > . 
12. Heafom ‘ver’ af vigom (veit-ek ord 4 pvf) borda 
st6ds vid styri-meiéa stafn-Gaondul hlut iafnan : 
pé hykk fur-vido féro fley-garéz an mik vardi 45 
beidi-Hlakk fyrir brekko bliks hardéara miklo. 
Glum: — 
3. fllt es 4 iwrd of ordit; aldr balvar miak skaldi; 


lidit es mest it meira mitt lif Hedins drifo: 
ef évegins eigi Eyrar-leggs fyrir seggjom 
Grims { Gandlar flaumi ‘gefnar’ mak of hefna. 50 


VIGFUS, THE SON OF GLUM (Fagrsk. and Jomsvik. S.). 


I. Veet heégt p4-es hurdir hiaor-klofnar s4-ek rofna 
‘hatt sang Hagna geitis hregg’ til Vagns at leggja : 
bar gengo ver ‘prangvar punn {ss bodi Gunnar’ 
(strong vas Danskra drengja darra flaug) til knarrar. 

2. Oss es leikr (enn lauka liggr heima vinr feimo) 5 
[pryngr at Vidriss vedri vandar] géér fyrir handom: 
hlf¥ss kved-ek hela bossa (hann veentir ser annars) 
vifs und varmom beégi [ver skreytom spiar] neyta. 


HAVARDR HALTI (Edda). 


N?® es id-draugom zegiss arnar-flaug of bauga 
(hygg-ek at heim-bod biggi Hanga-gods) of vangi. 





Brusi’s tale of the same adventure. Our lots were even, as far as the 
slaughter went; though I think they [Glum and his men] ran faster down 
the brink than I looked for. 

Glum’s last verse. It has grown evil on earth. Old age is a curse to 
the poet [me]; my better life of warfare is past, if I shall not be able to 
avenge the innocent Eyre-leg [his murdered brother-in-law] on them. 


Wig fus, Glum’s son, of the Iomswickings’ battle at which he fought. It 
was not easy to reach Wagn, where the shields were being cloven. We 
boarded the ships, there was a strong flight of darts from the Danish 
men. We havea hard game to play, while the gallant is lounging at 
home. The storm of Woden is a gathering. The lover is seeking shelter 
in the warm arms of his mistress—his is another sport—while we are 
handling our spears. 


Haward the Halt, seeing the eagles flying above him. There is a flight 
of eagles over our shoulders. I hold it to be Woden bidding us home. 





43. Read, vegs? 7-8, Read, hlyss medan h. bossi ... neytis ... ver skeytom. 


ie hal cK 
“Sh pions 
ye 


oft, 
as 
\ at 


§ 4.] SATIRES. 7 


SATIRES BY ICELANDERS. 


TIORWI THE MockER. As Landnama-bok says: “ Tiorwi the Mocker 
and Gunnar were sisters’ sons of Roar (Rodhere). Tiorwi asked for the 
hand of Anstrid Manwit-brink, Modwulf’s daughter, but her brothers 
Kettle and Rodwulf refused him, and gave her to Thori Kettles- 
son. Then Tiorwi drew their likenesses on the gong-wall, and every 
evening ... he would spit upon the likeness of Thori and kiss that of his 
sister, till Roar scraped them off the wall. Then Tiorwi carved them 
on the haft of his knife, and made this verse [1, below]... And from this 
came the slaying of Roar and Tiorwi.” Roar was a man of mark, he had 
married the sister of Gunnar of Lithend, the hero of Niala, and his son 
Hammond the Lame is renowned. 

THE Two HE ters. In Landnama-bok it is written, that Olaf Twin- 
brow, a settler who lived at Olafsfield, between Thwartwater and 
Sandbeck, died, and was buried at Brunishowe, under Wardfell, leaving 
a widow, Anshild, and three sons, Helgi Trust, Thori Drift, and Wade. 
Thorgrim Scarleg, an old veteran, foster-father of Thorgils, set his heart 
on Anshild, “but Helgi forbade him her; he lay in ambush for Thor- 
grim on the cross-path down below Anshild-moor. Helgi bade him 
stay from his visit. Thorgrim said he was not to be treated like a child. 
They fought, and Thorgrim fell there. Anshild asked where Helgi had 
been.” He answered in a verse [2, below]. “ Anshild said that he struck 
his own death-stroke,” and so it turned out. Hering Thorgrimsson and 
Teit Gizursson his friend slew Helgi by Helgis-hurst, on the way to 
Einars-haven. Helgi’s sons were Sigrod the Land-dweller, and Skevill 
of Hawkdale the father of Helgi Deer, who fought a wager of battle 
with Sigrod’s son, Liot Longback, on Axwater-holm at the Great Moot; 
whereon Helgi [Deer] made this verse” [3, below]. 

HALLBIORN ORDSSON (see p. 93). Of Hallbiorn, who was slain by 
Snzbiorn, it is written in Landnama-bok, that he and his wife Hallgerd 
did not get on well. He got ready the first year against his journey 
home at the Flitting-days, when he. determined to leave his father-in- 
law’s house. “And while he was getting ready, Ord, her father, went 
from the house to the baths at Reekholt, where his sheep-house was, for 
he did not want to be there when Hallbiorn started, tor he suspected 
that Hallgerd would not be willing to go with him. Ord had always 
tried to make peace between them. When Hallbiorn had saddled their 
horses, he went into the bower, and there sat Hallgerd on the dais 
combing her hair, which fell all over her down to the belt; for she had 
the best hair of any woman in Iceland, as fine as Hallgerd the Tall. 
Hallbiorn bade her stand up and come; she sate still and held her peace. 
Then he took hold of her, but she never stirred, and this happened 
three times; then Hallbiorn took his stand in front of her and said 
[4, below]. Then he twisted her hair round his hand and tried to drag 
her from the dais, but she sat still and did not budge. Then he drew 
his sword and cut her head off, and went out and rode away.” Snezbiorn 
was sent after him by Ord, and came up with him and killed him at the 
place called Hallibiorn’s heaps, now called Szlu-hus, a cold-harbour on 
Blue-shaw heath, between Borgfirth and the Moot-field. It is a most 
beautiful and romantic place on a balmy summer’s night, with an amphi- 
theatre of glacier before the eyes on the one side, and the wide heath 
on the other. Here died Bishop Widalin on 31 Aug., 1720 (as we hear 
from his chaplain Olaf Gislason, afterwards Bishop of Skalholt, who 


78 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. Vil. 


gives a touching account of his death), on his way to his kinsman’s 
funeral. Widalin, who had often passed there on his journeys, said that 
it was the fairest spot he knew. 


THE POETS AND THE NEw FAITH. There is in Kristni Saga a 
series of verses connected with the early missions into Iceland. When, 
in 981, the Saxon bishop Frederick and THORWALD KODRANSSON 
preached the Gospel (and encountered such libellous satires as the one 
we have noticed in Book vi, Ditty 57), they came into West-firth 
Quarter to Hwam, about the time of the Great Moot, to Thorarin’s 
house; he was away, but his wife Fridgerth was at home and their son 
Skeggi. “Thorwald_preached the faith before the house, and Fridgerth 
was in the temple the while sacrificing, and each could hear what the 
other was saying, and the boy Skeggi laughed at them both.” Then 
Thorwald spake a verse [5, below]. 

In 996, STEPHEN (Stefnir), the son of Thorgils, and great-grandson of 
Earl Helgi Beolan, the Christian settler of Keelness, came out to ‘set 
forth God’s errand.’ He was not well received; but when he saw that he 
had no success he took to breaking down idols and wrecking temples, so 
that the Heathen rose against him and he was driven to Keelness. ‘“ His 
ship lay up at Gufwater-oyie, and was torn away from her moorings by 
the rising of the sea and a great storm; whereupon the Heathen made 
these verses [below]. But the ship came ashore little injured, and Stephen 
had her mended in the spring. That summer it was made law at the Great 
Moot that the kindred of Christians being nearer than fifth cousins and 
farther than first cousins, should indict them for blasphemy ; and that 
summer Stephen was prosecuted for Christianity...” Stephen’s death 
at Sigwald’s hands for his satire is noticed in Book vi, Ditty 59. 

In 997-999, Thangbrand, who had been sent by King Olaf Trygg- 
vason, was in Iceland, and while he was teaching the faith ‘many men 
took to making lampoons on him.’ 2THORWALD VEILI (whom we know 
from p. 26) did so; he lived at Wick in Grimsness: he made poetry 
upon Thangbrand and recited this verse to WOLF (ULF) THE POET, the 
son of Uggi [7, below]; but Wolf answered in another verse [8, below]. 
When Gudleif helped Thangbrand to slay Winterlid and Thorwald 
Veili for their satire, this verse was made [9, below]. 

When Thangbrand went into the West, ‘‘ STEINUNN the mother of 
Poet Ref went to meet him; she preached heathenism to Thangbrand 
and spoke at length before him. Thangbrand was silent while she was 
speaking, but made a long speech afterwards, and turned all she had said 
upside down. ‘ Hast thou ever heard,’ said she, ‘how Thor challenged 
Christ to a wager of battle, and that he dared not fight with Thor?’ ‘I 
have heard,’ says Thangbrand, ‘that Thor was nothing but dust and 
ashes save God were willing to let him live.’ ‘Dost thou know,’ says 
she, ‘who wrecked thy ship?’ ‘ What dost thou know about it?’ says 
he. ‘I will tell thee that,’ says she.” And she explained in two verses 
that it was Thor [vv. ro-11, below]. After that Thangbrand and 
Steinunn parted, and he and those that were with him went west to 
Bardstrand. 

LIBEL ON KING HAROLD. It is told in the Kings’ Lives, that Harold 
Gormsson, King of Denmark, was once about to make an expedition 
to Iceland, to revenge himself for the satires they made on him. “ For 
there was a law made in Iceland that one verse of satire should be made 
upon the Danish King for every poll on the island. And this was their 
case, that a ship that certain Icelanders owned was wrecked in Den- 


ee eg ee Lr y 
ye aa eed 
fie “Sy 


i. 2 ere re eer ee ek ee eee ae 
“ a ee f ot 


aS 


§ 4.] SATIRES. 79 


mark and the Danes took all the cargo under the name of ‘Wave-wreck,’ 
and he that brought this about was the King’s steward, whose name was 
Byrgi.” And there was a satire made upon both of them ; and in it the 
following lines come [verse 12]. 

“ And EywULF WALGERDSSON made this verse when he heard that his 
henchman had bartered his axe for a grey cloak, having just heard the 
news of the quarrel with King Harold” [verse 13]. This passage is 
found in lomswikinga Saga. 

THE STONE AT OLAND. On a Runic-stone in Oland in Denmark 
(now Sweden) is found the only court-metre verse met with out of 
Iceland. Possibly the composition of some traveller. It appears to 


mark the grave of a prince [verse 17]. 
v 


ti oe hafom (par sem Péri pat vas sett vid gletto) 
audar unga briidi 4dr 4 vegg of fada: 
nu hefig rasta karms ristid (réd-ek einn fyrir pv{ meini) 
hauka skoptz 4 hepti hlfn ‘al’ boékis mfna. 
Landn. iv. 4. 


2.  Was-ek par-es fell til fyllar (fram sétti vinr dréttar)— 5 
Erro-beinn pa-es unnar itr-tungor hatt sungo: 
Asmééar gaf-ek Odni arfa préttar diarfan, 
gulidom Galga-valdi Gautz tafn enn na hrafni. 


3. Band es 4 heégri hendi (hlaut-ek s4r af ty baro) 
__ [l¥g-ek eigi pat] (leygjar) [linn-vengis Bil] minni. 10 


Landn. v. 10. 


4. Ol-karma letr arman eik (firromk pat) leika 
Lofn fyrir lesnis stofni Ifn-bundin mik sfnom: 
Bida man-ek of bruidi (bal goerir mik falvan) 
[snertomk harmr f{ hiarta hrét] aldregi bétir. 
Landn, ii. 30. 
5 | Pasar med dém inn dyra, drengr hlyddi mer enginn; 15 
gétom had at hreyti hlaut-teins goda sveini: 





Tiorwi’s painting and sculpture. 1 first painted the semblance of the 
young bride on the wall, twas done in mockery of Thori. Now I have 
carved my lady’s hair (face) upon the beechwood haft of my knife. 
I planned the scoff alone. 

Helgi the Trusty. 1 was by when Scar-leg fell to earth, what time the 
swords sung high. I gave Thormod’s gallant son to Woden, a sacrifice 
for the gallows-god, and a carcase for the ravens. 

Helgi the Deer. There is a bandage on my right hand. I got a wound 
from him. I lie not, lady! 

Hallbiorn Ordsson. The linen-veiled lady lets me stand as a poor 
beggar before her face. He slays her and then finishes the verse. 1 shall 
never be recompensed for my lady’s loss. Grief makes my face pale. 
Woe touches me to the very roof of my heart. 


Thorwald Kodransson. 1 went in procession with the halidom, and no 
man listened to me. I got mockery from the sprinkler of the divining 





4. Read, skopt ... minnar? 12. stafni, Cd. 


80 IMPROVISATIONS. [BK. vit. 


enn med enga svinno aldin ryer vid skaldi 
(pa kreppi God gyéjo!) gall um heidnom stalla. 
Kristni §.,, ch. 2. 

6. Nd hefir stafn-valinn Stefniss (straumr ferr um hol knerri) 
felli-vedr af fialli fiall-rcént brotid allan: 20 
heldr geto ver at valdi (vesa muno band f landi) 

[geisar © med fsi] Ass rfkr gny slfkom. 
Kristni S., ch. 6. 

7. °Uskelfom skal-ek Ulfi ein hendis bod senda 
(mer es vid stdla styri stygglaust) syni Ugga: 
at geir-hridar goédir god-varg firin-argan, 25 
s4-es vid Ragn of rignir, reki hann; enn ver annan. 


8. Tekkat-ek, sundz pdétt sendi, sann-reynis, bod, tanna 
~ hverfs vid hleypi-skarfi Hagbardz véa-fiardar: 

esa ra-faka rcekis (rang ero mala-gengi) 

[sé-ek vid miklo meini] mfnligt flugo at gfnad. 30 
9.  ‘Ryé-fidnar gat reynir randa sudér 4 landi’ 

‘boeds’ { Bodnar smidjo Baldrs sig-tédlom haldit: 

s46 reynir lét Sénar sniallr mordé-hamar gialla 

hauvérs { hattar stedja hialdrs Vetrlida skaldi. 


10.  Pérr bra bvinnils dri Pangbrandz or stad longo; 35 
hristi blakk ok beysti brandz ok laust vid sandi: 





rods, the -priest’s son, while the old house-wife rudely shrieked to me 
from the heathen altar. May God cripple that priestess [her]! 

The Heathens scoff at Stephen. Now a mountain hurricane from the hill 
has broken Stephen’s ship to pieces, the stream is pouring through the 
hold of the bark. Surely it was the mighty Thor that made such a 
wreck. The gods are in the land indeed. The river is rushing down 
ice-laden. 

Thorwald to Wolf. 1 will send a message straight to Wolf Uggi’s 
dauntless son (for I love him well) that he may drive away the reprobate 
outcast of the gods, that blasphemes the Powers. I will deal with his 
mate. 

Wolf’s answer. 1 will not take the fly in my mouth, though my 
friend, the warden of Woden’s holy mead [Thorwald the poet], sends 
it me. It is not for me to gulp down the bait. The case is wrongeous; 
I can see the great evil that will come of it. 

Thangbrand the Missionary Priest and Gudlaf slay Winterlid the Poet. 
The bearer of the Rood [Thangbrand] ran his battle-tools, savord, into 
the mind’s smithy, breast, of the master of the Blood of Bodn [Poet]: 
the keeper of the seed of Soma [the poet Godlaf| made his axe clash 
into the skull of Winterlid the bard. 

Steinunn the poetess. Thor hurled Thangbrand’s bark far from her 
moorings; he tossed and battered her and crushed her upon the sand. 





22. Ass rikr] as riki, Cd. 25. fyrir argan, Cd, 26. sva at vid, Cd. 
31. Read, Rédo... = gat] gekk, Cd. 32. Read, bldés? Baldrs] Baldr, 
Cd. 33- Emend.; sid-reynir, Niala; sigd-reynir, Cd. 


a ae ge ok eee © 
ae 
eT aes 


th VS 6 en ae 
0 hy es ~ 
Shere 


§ 4.] SATIRES. 81 


muna sk{3 4 sid s{San”sund-feért Atals grundar ; 
hregg pviat hart nam leggja, hdnom kennt, f spano, 

11. Braut fyrir biallo geti (band rako val strandar) 
maeg-fellandi mello mé-stallz vfsund allan: 40 
hlffOit Kristr, p4-es kneyfdi knarr, mAl-feta varrar ; 


litt hygg ek God getti Gylva hreins it eina. 
Kristni S., ch. 8. 


12. ps es sparn 4 m6 mornar mor6-kunnr Haraldr sunnan 
(vardat Vinda myrdir vax eitt) { ham Faxa: 
enn ‘berg-Saxa’ Byrgir baondom rekr at landi 45 
(pat s4 ald) f{ iwldo érfkr fyrir lfki. 
Konunga Sogor, O.T. ch. 36. 
13. Selit madr v4pn vid verdi (verdi dynr ef m4 sverda), 
verdom ‘heeft’ at herda hli6d; eigom spiar ridda: 
ver skolom Gorms or gamlo Gandvikr poko-landi 


(hard es von at verdi vapn-hrid) sonar bfda. 50 
Tomsvikinga S., ch. 13. 


14. Folgizn liggr, hins fylgdo (flestr vissi pat) mestar 
dadar, dolga Pridar draugr { paimsi haugi : 
munat reid-vidurr rada rég-starkr { Danmarko, 
Vandils iarmun-grundar, cer-grandari, landi. 
: Runic Stone, Oland. 





The ship will never be sea-worthy again, since the mighty gale he [Thor] 
sent shivered her into splinters. 

The Feller of the giantess-brood broke up the sea-bison [ship] for the 
bell-ward [priest Thangbrand]; the Powers wrecked the hawk of the 
shore [ship]. Christ did not guard the charger of the main when she 
was crushed ; God, I ween, kept little watch over the sea-king’s reindeer 
[ship]. 

Lampoon on King Harold Bluetooth and his Steward. When the mur- 
derous Harold galloped from the south to Giant-land [the desert waste] 
in stallion-shape, the butcher of the Wends was no wax-heart then; 
the weakling Byrgi, god-accursed, ran before him to the mountain- 
folk’s land in the likeness of a mare. All men saw it. 

The warning of Eywolf. Let no man sell his weapon for a price, 
there may soon be a clashing of swords. Let us temper our blades, let 
us have our axes ready, Let us abide the onslaught of Gorm’s son in the 
old Fog-land of the Arctic Main. There is like to be a stubborn shock 
of weapons. 


The Epitaph at Oland. The warrior, whom every one knows as the 
man of most exploits, lies buried in this barrow. The strife-strong 
forayer, the rider of the car of the main, shall never lord over the land 
in Denmark [i.e. he is dead], 





45. Emend.; berg-sala, Cd. at] i, Cd. 49. or] af, Cd, 


VOL. II, G bad 


BOO kV IL. 


CHRISTAAN COURT POETRY. 


THis Book covers the whole of the classic age of Court Poetry, and 
falls into divisions according to the leading kings at whose courts the 
successive generations of poets flourished. 


SECTION 1, 995-1015, the poets of Olaf Tryggvason’s day, amongst 
whom the leading figure is Hal/fred. The poets of Earl Eric are also 
placed here, 


SECTION 2, 1015-1040, the poets of the courts of St. Olaf and Cnut 
the Mighty, a period which really closes with the end of the career of 
Sigkvat, perhaps the finest poet of this Book, 


SECTION 3, 1040-1075, the poets of Magnus the Good and Harold. 


Hardrede, Earl Thorfin of Orkney and their generation, closing with 
Sweyn Wolfsson’s death. Thiodo/f and Arnor are the most prominent 
of these. 


SECTION 4, 1076-1130, the poets of Magnus Bareleg and his sons, to 
the death of the Crusader King Sigurd. The foremost man of this 
period is Mark Skeggison. 


SECTION 5, 1130-1200, the poets of the Gille-crist family and Mag- 
nus Erlingsson down to Swerri. The representative poet of this period 
of declension is Einar Sculason. 


a 


SECTION 6. Poems by men of the twelfth century referring to 
past historical deeds and men, on ‘Tryggvason, St. Olaf, Iomswickings. 
Konunga-tal (c. 1190) forms as it were a poetical index to the whole of 
the seventh and eighth Books. 


SECTION 7. Scraps of court-poetry, dream-verses, ditties and other 
pieces belonging to the times covered by this and the preceding Book. 


ny Eas 
rape 


See 
pie 


en ee ee 


a ay 
at Ae 


§1. OLAF TRYGGVASON (995-1000). 


THE greatest of all the Northern kings, his life is an epic of ex- 
ceeding interest. Coming out of the darkness, he reigns for five short 
years, during which he accomplishes his great design, the Christianising 
Norway and all her colonies; and then, in the height of his glory, with 
the halo of holiness and heroism undimmed on his head, he vanishes 
again. But his works do not perish with him. He had done his work, 
and though maybe his ideal of a great Christian Empire of the Baltic 
was unfulfilled, he had single-handed wrought the deepest change that 
has ever affected Norway. His noble presence brightens the Sagas 
whenever it appears, like a ray of sunshine gleaming across the dark 
shadowy depths of a Northern firth. All bear witness to the wonderful 
charm which his personality exercised over all that were near him, so 
that like the holy king Lewis (who however falls short of Olaf), he was 
felt to be an unearthly superhuman being by those who knew him. His 
singular beauty, his lofty stature’, golden hair, and peerless skill in 
bodily feats, make him the typical Norseman of the old heroic times, 
a model king. 

The facts of his life must be gathered from favo distinct bodies of 
documents, The frst and most trustworthy, derived from the oral 
traditions handed down to the faithful keeping of Ari the historian, and 
embalmed in the poetic prose of Snorri, gives us the national, northern, 
and historical account of him, which is comprised in the original draft of 
his life in the Book of Kings. 

The second, legendary, ecclesiastical, and tinged with foreign-medieval 
influence so deeply as to give false impressions of his character and 
doings, seems to owe its start to the Latin Chronicle of Semund, and is 
found in the interpolations and additions intertwined into the MSS. of 
his Life, and in the legendary (Latin) chronicles which deal with him. 
It is in these that we find him, agreeably to the medieval ideal, turned 
into a Charlon, a malleus paganorum, who would shrink from no cruelty 
in his desire to spread the faith. From them came such horrible and 
incredible legends as the torture of the demoniac by fire; the slaying of 
Raud by the snake that was forced to eat into his heart; the exposure 
of the keen-eyed Sigurd naked to the hound Vigi, echo of the Swanhild 
legend; the wholesale Jehu-like massacre of the wizards by fire in the 
hall at Nidarnes (Semund given as authority); and of the warlocks by 
water on the Reef of Wailing. The neglect of distinguishing the two 
distinct sources for Olaf’s history has bred great confusion in past his- 
torians, even Keyser and Munch, and set a brand on the king’s name, 
which it is a duty to help to efface. The clear and patent difference of 
these classes of narrative, which can no more mix than oil and water, 
admits of their certain separation. 





1 A cross of Olaf’s height was borne in the procession at the Althing in 1000; 
last heard of in Ari’s time at East Skard, a farm since 1391 hidden under the ashes 
of Mount Hecla, 


G 2 ~ 


84 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [ BK. VII. 


Of the king’s youth we have little to depend on but notices in 
the Western Chronicles, telling of his forays, and his confirmation, such 
as the famous entry in the English Book, telling how he came with a 
fleet of 450 ships to Stone, and harried there, and then went to Sand- 
wich, and thence to Ipswich, and so to Maldon, where he fought with 
and beat the good Alderman Byrthnoth, whose death is worthily sung 
in the best of old English war-poems. The English Chronicles also tell 
of his coming with Swain to London on the Nativity of St. Mary, how 
God’s holy mother by mercy saved the town, and how, after harrying 
Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, the host wintered at Southampton, 
and took 16,000/. from the English king. Then the king sent Alfheah 
the bishop and Athelward the alderman to King Olaf, and they led 
him with them to Andover, where the English king took him ‘at the 
bishop’s hands, by the teaching of Sigric, Archbishop of Canterbury, 
and of Alfheah, Bishop of Winchester,’ and gifted him royally, ‘and 
then Olaf made him a promise, which he also kept, that he would never 
more come to England with war.’ This is confirmed by the list of 
Olaf’s early exploits given by Hallfred in II,—the poem the king, and 
no wonder, would not listen to,—who notices him as warring in the 
East, Friesland, Saxony, Brittany, England, Wales, Cumberland, Scot- 
land, Ireland, Man, and the Islands (Orkneys). In the Western islands 
the king seems to have married, though the stories concerning this 
marriage are apocryphal; but his wife was probably dead before he 
came to his own country. 

The legends of Olaf’s youth in the lost Latin Semundian books (which 
we can see were the originals of the account in the Kings’ Lives of his 
flight, persecution by Gundhild, adventures in Russia and Wendland, 
and like) are full of echoes of the Josiah and Jezebel of the Bible, and 
perfectly incredible. That he came from the West is certain; that he 
was born there seems likely from his name, borne by the famous Anlaf 
Cuaran, the little we know about his father Tryggwi, and stray hints in 
poems and chronicles, Up to this time Olaf’s career has been that of a 
wicking prince, but we are now to see him as a man with a great purpose 
before him, spending his life in working to fulfil it, and reaping even 
before his death the reward of his labours. "What influence he under- 
went during this period of his life we cannot tell; but underneath the 
bare words of the English Chronicle may there not be a lurking hint of 
a crisis having passed over the man when he was in England? The 
English Churchmen were at that time under the fresh impulse of that 
revival which manifested itself in such men as Odo and Oswald and 
Dunstan; and may it not have been one of the North English clergy, 
Northmen or Danes themselves by race, or even one of those half- 
Welsh monks whose influence may be traced on the Southern English 
of Edgar’s day, that turned his thoughts to a higher ideal than Regin- 
here or Thorgisl, and to labours worthier of David than of Saul? 

' Suddenly he appears in the heart of Norway. All welcome him that 
was to restore the realm and laws of Harold Fair-hair; and the ‘ wicked 
Earl’ and his supporters can make no stand against the popular impulse 
which lifts the hero to the throne. And now he starts on a missionary 
Circuit in Norway (not unlike a Swedish Erics Gate), first to the Wick, 
where by his preaching and persuasion the people (among whom a little 
germ of Christianity was already struggling into life) are converted to 
his faith, and the nobles attached to him by the marriage of his two 
step-sisters. Thence he bends his way to the South-west, to the great 
moot at Moster-Island, when the graphic scene, which Snorri tells so 


§ 1.] OLAF’S MISSIONARY CIRCUIT. 85 


well, took place; where, after the king’s speech, the franklins are unable 
to answer him, one after another getting up and being forced to sit down 
without getting a word out, so that it seemed miraculous, and the moot 
was half-convinced at once of the power of his gospel. Popular fancy 
dwelt on the story; and the foot-print of the king, and the prints made 
by the ‘shoes’ of his followers’ spears, were shown in the rock of the 
moot-hillock. Here, too, Olaf did not neglect to join the chiefs to him 
by the ties of marriage, and Erling Skialgsson, grandnephew of Thorleif 
the Wise, the law-giver and creator of Most-moot (Thiodwulf’s patron), 
weds Olaf’s sister, Anstrith. 

Hence he turned north to a moot at Dragsheath, on the Tarbert 
behind Cape Stadt (Samund has an account of his speech and the pro- 
ceedings here), after which he sets forth his errand among the Hords at 
their Moot of Gula. Thence he was minded to preach the faith in Haloga- 
land, in the far north, and so complete the circuit of the coast; but the 
heathen party was yet strong in the wilder and more pagan parts of the 
land, and the chiefs were forewarned of his intentions,so that he was obliged 
to abandon his work there for the present. A hard struggle awaited him 
on his return to his own people; the Thronds were a stubborn set, and 
for the only time there is a stain of blood on the record of his missionary 
career. Ironbeard was slain in the half-rebellious, half-heathen resist- 
ance which was offered to his projects, but ‘the heart’ of Norway was 
now ‘as his heart.’ The summit of his Hill Difficulty was reached in 
two years. There remained only the baptism of the Up/anders, which 
is connected with the name of Gudbrand o’ Dale. Curiously enough 
(as we can prove by the retention of Olaf Tryggvason’s bishop’s name 
Sigfred) this part of Olaf’s history has, like several other less important 
incidents, been bodily transferred to St. Olaf’s Life, where it is plainly 
out of place, and causes such manifest contradictions as the reconver- 
sion of Gudbrand, whom we know from the context, from an episode in 
Tryggvason’s Saga, and from Sighvat’s testimony, to have been a devoted 
Christian and a friend of the king. 

Haloga-land now submits; and the home-lands being all christened, 
the king meant to evangelise the Qutlands and Colonies also. First 
winning over by his personal influence such western and northern emi- 
grants as visit his new merchant town at Nidaros, he engages them as 
his disciples to carry the faith to their homes. Sigmund Brestisson 
wins over the Fereys at the cost of his own life. Thangbrand, the hot- 
headed Saxon priest, is employed to take the Good News to Iceland ; 
and though he does not meet with all the success the king had hoped, 
Gizur and Healti, Icelanders born, succeed in carrying the law which 
established the Christian Faith in their commonwealth. Not even 
Greenland is forgotten ; Leif the Lucky, son of the old pioneer, Eric 
the Red, the discoverer of the American continent, is the king’s am- 
bassador to the most northern Teuton colony. The Orkneys Olaf had 
already converted on his way to Norway, according to Orkneyinga Saga. 
So he had now planted the Faith firmly in the ‘ five folklands’ that after- 
wards formed the province of Nidaros, his own town, ‘ Norway, Iceland, 
Greenland, Freys and Orkneys’ being the sees of suffragans. 

That during the last three years of his reign, while thus engaged in 
completing his scheme of missionary labour, Olaf was also bent on some 
great political design, we can hardly doubt. The statesmanlike instinct 
which had led him to found the frst city in Norway on Nidaros, a stand- 
ing witness to his foresight, was not likely to have stopped at such 
designs. That it was his hope to found a Christian Empire of the Baltic 

> 


86 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [ BK. VIII. 


(Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and her colonies) is clear from the whole 
context, ra mpayyara, of his last years. Amid the pagan state of Sweden 
(note what Sighvat found it twenty years later) and the half-heathendom 
of Denmark under Sweyn Forkbeard’s rule, his own wooing of the 
Swedish Queen-dowager Sigrid, his final marriage with a Wendish 
princess, and the close league of the two kings against him point this way. 
To this too we must ascribe the building of the three war-ships year 
after year, the ‘Crane,’ the ‘Short Serpent,’ and the ‘ Long Serpent,’ 
the most splendid ship which had ever floated in northern waters; and 
still more surely the gathering and training of that crew of heroes, 
whose names comprise so many men of mark, and who were a fitter 
instrument of conquest than even the buccaneers of Iom, who formed 
in after days the lever with which Cnut was able to win and rule the 


- widest empire any northern prince had ever swayed; even the marriage 


of his last sister to the Earl of Gautland—all seem to give hints of his 
plans; and it is some belief of this sort which underlies the popular stories 
of the Angelica stalk and the like in the traditional narrative of Snorri. 

Nor with all this was law or order neglected. From a hint in Sighvat’s 
Bersoglis-visur we may gather that Olaf had claims to notice as a law- 
giver, and this is but what we should expect from him. 

Then comes the end. Overtaken by his enemies at Swold (off Stral- 
sund, west of the spot that legend had hallowed as the scene of the Ever- 
lasting Battle), Olaf fought his last fight. 

No day is more famous in Northern story, no battle more stirring 
than this of Swold. Legends grew up about it pathetic, marvellous, and 
miraculous. It was impossible for his surviving followers to believe that 
the holy king, their invincible leader, was really dead; and the fond 
popular belief which has in its own dogged faithfulness conferred on such 
men as Frederic Red Beard, Arthur, and Charlemagne an immortality of 
hope, dealt also with the memory of Olaf. The Confessor knew of his 
death as a hermit by miracle, but the people believed that he would yet 
come back to rule in his own land. It is certain that no such king or 
man was to appear again in the North till the great Gustavus, with whose 
life and character that of Olaf has many striking resemblances. 

The age of Olafis uncertain. It is commonly believed that he was born 
in 969 and that he came to Norway at the age of twenty-eight (that of 
Hannibal) and died in his thirty-second year. Looking, however, to the 
length of his warfare in the West, when he was a real commander, not a 
boy-king, the maturity of his plans, andthe character of his work, one would 
incline to put his age at his death as five or six years older in the absence 
of positive information on the subject, for the legends of his connection 
with the Emperor Otto II, etc., cannot of course be credited. About 
the date of Swold itself there is a doubt. The battle and the taking of 
Christianity to Iceland did ot happen in the same year, hence we must 
put Swold at rooo, if we take the vote of the Althing to have been 
passed in 999; but if we hold that court to have taken place in tooo, 
then the king must have fallen in 1001. No Icelander of note was with 
the king when he fell. Skuli, who is the only Icelandic eye-witness we 
have, was in Eric’s following [his account will be found in the Reader], 
the reason being that Olaf, desirous of giving the greatest support to the 
Christian party in Iceland, had, in the preceding autumn, given his 
Icelandic henchmen leave to go home, and they had not had time to 
join him again before he fell. In a passage in the Great Life of Olaf it 
is said that the battle took place on ‘ Monday the day after later Mary- 
mass,’ the 9th of September, tooo. This statement we believe to come 


cs — 


§1.] HALLFRED VANDRAZDA-SCALD. 87 


from some verse of a poet, most probably Hallfred, in whose Olaf’s Drapa 
it may lurk under some commonplace ‘ fill-gap phrase’ or ‘kenning,’ as 
in ll. 43-44, which has taken its place. We incline to accept this date. 


HALLFRED VANDRADA-SCALD. 


To Olaf Tryggvason, curiously enough, Skaldatal only gives two poets, 
Biarni and Hallfred. Of the former no mention is made in the King’s 
Life, but Skaldatal is confirmed by Hallar-Steinarr in Rek-stefia, when 
he says that Hallfred and Biarni formerly made Encomia on Olaf, and 
that he will now make a-third; and in Islendinga-Drapa we have it 
recorded, doubtless from a lost Saga of Biarni’s, that when this poet’s 
courage was challenged, he struck Earl Hakon in the face with a 
drinking-horn, 

Of Hallfred details abound; we have a separate Saga of him, which 
gives a good picture of his life and character. Born in the north of 
Iceland, he took to trade in his youth, and coming out to Norway, is 
said to have become the henchman of Earl Hakon, and to have made 
an Encomium on him. In the autumn of 997, on the King’s first 
return from Haloga-land, he met King Olaf and entered his service. 

“One day King Olaf went out into the street, and there met him 
certain men, the foremost of whom greeted him. The King asked him 
his name. He said his name was Hallfred. ‘Art thou the poet?’ asked 
the King then. ‘I know how to compose,’ said he. Then spake the 
King, ‘Thou must be minded to become a Christian, and then thou shalt 
be my man.’ ‘I will let myself be baptized,’ says he, ‘on condition that 
thou, O King, be my god-sir. I will not accept that office from any 
other man.’ ‘I will do so,’ says the King. Then Hallfred was baptized 
and the King held him up in his baptism. Then he asked Hallfred, 
‘Wilt thou be my man?’ ‘I was formerly a henchman of Earl Hakon’s, 
and now I will not become thy liege or any other chief’s, save thou 
promise me that no matter what I do, thou wilt never drive me from 
thee!’ ‘But I am told of thee,’ says the King, ‘that thou art not so wise 
or careful but that it is likely that thou wilt do something that I could 
not by any means suffer to be passed over.’ ‘Then slay me,’ says 
Hallfred. ‘Thou art a troublesome poet, but thou shalt be my man.’ 
Quoth Hallfred, ‘What wilt thou give me, O King, as a name-gift if I 
am to be called the troublesome poet?’ The King gave him a sword 
without a sheath, and bade him see that no man got hurt by it for three 
days and three nights, and told him to make a verse on the sword, and 
let the word ‘sword’ come into every clause. Hallfred did so [see 
p- 97]. Then the King gave him the sheath and belt and said, ‘ The 
word sword is not in every clause, though!’ ‘No, but there are two 
swords in one clause,’ answered Hallfred. ‘So there are,’ said the King.” 
In another place it is told of him, ‘‘ And now Hallfred was with the King 
for a time and made a short poem on him and prayed him to listen to 
it. But the King said that he would not hearken to him. Hallfred 
answered, ‘ Thou shalt have thy way, but I shall cast off all the stories 
[the Creed, Lord’s Prayer, etc.] thou makest me learn, if thou wilt not 
listen to my poem, for those stories thou makest me learn are no whit 
more poetic than the poem I have made on thee.’ Said King Olaf, ‘Thou 
art truly called the troublesome poet, and I will listen to thy poem.’” 

But with the poetic feeling as to the old gods clinging round him, we 
are told that Hallfred did not very easily put off his old faith, and it 


88 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [BK. VL. 


seems to have been more love for the King than the creed that kept him 
a Christian. ‘ Hallfred would never speak ill of the gods, though other 
men railed at them, saying that there was no need to speak evil of them, 
though they would not believe in them.’ And once he spoke this verse in 
the King’s hearing, ‘ We used formerly to sacrifice to Woden. Our life is 
changed now.’ ‘That is very bad verse, and you must unsay it.’ Then 
Hallfred sang, ‘ We used to sing of the gods, but now I must put away 
Woden’s service though I loved it, and serve Christ.’ The King said, 
‘Thou lovest the gods too well, and it will not profit thee. ‘That verse 
is no better, and must be mended.’ Then Hallfred renounces the gods, 
and the King said, ‘ That is well sung and better than any, but go on.’ 
And Hallfred added another verse witnessing to his faith. While he was 
with the King he made a Poem on him, and when sent on an embassy to 
the east to Earl Reginwald of Gautland, about the marriage of Olaf’s 
sister, he seems to have made the Earl’s Encomium, of which also we 
have fragments. He went back to Iceland the year before Olaf’s death, 
and so was not present at Swold. 

There is a touching account of the way in which he came to hear 
the tidings of his master’s fall. He was just about to fight a wager of 
battle with Gris, the husband of Kolfinna, his love, and he dreamed the 
night before that King Olaf appeared to him and told him not to fight 
in an unrighteous cause, and that he should go to the wood where the 
cross-roads meet, and that there he would bear tidings which would touch 
him more nearly than this matter of the wager of battle. So he went, 
and lo, men in red coats riding from the ships, and from them he heard 
the news that was shocking the whole north. ‘ Hallfred was as if he 
were stunned with a stone.’ He settled his suit, went out at once to 
Norway to hear what he could of the King, and then he made the dirge 
Olaf’s Drapa. A piece of a fragment on Earl Eric is ascribed to him 
about this time, but he seems to have composed no more afterwards, 
for he was never happy or at rest after the King’s fall, ‘the world was 


empty,’ as he says; and though he went out to Sweden, where he had a» 


wife and son, he could not stay there in peace, but was minded to go 
back to Iceland, and on that voyage he died, as the Saga tells us. 

“ Hallfred was then about forty years of age when he set out to 
Iceland to fetch his property. His son Hallfred was with him. They 
had a bad voyage. Hallfred pumped in his turn, and yet he was very 
ill. And one day as he came from the baling, he sat down on the boom, 
and at that moment a wave struck him down on the deck with the 
boom on the top of him. Then cried Thorwald, ‘Art hurt, brother?’ and 
he answered him in a verse. They thought they could see that he was 
in a fever, and laid him aft along the deck, and made up his berth, and 
asked him what he thought of himself. He answered in a verse. And 
lo, they saw a woman walking after the ship; she was tall, and clad in a 
mail-coat, and walked over the billows as if she were on dry land. 
Hallfred looked at her, and saw that she was his Fetch, and said, ‘I 
renounce thee altogether.’ Shesaid, ‘Wilt thou take me, Thorwald?’ but 
he refused. Then said Hallfred the Young, ‘I will take thee.’ Then she 
disappeared. Then spake Hallfred, ‘I will give thee, my son, the sword, 
King’s-gift, but my other treasures thou shalt Jay in the coffin with me 
if I die on board,’ and he spake this verse [see p. 98]; and a little later 
he died, and was laid in his coffin with his treasures, the mantle, the 
helm, and the ring; and they were all cast overboard together. The 
coffin came ashore in Holy Island (Hy) in the Sudreys, and the Abbot’s 
servants found it. They broke up the coffin and stole the goods and 


a oe Oe 


§ 1.] HALLFRED VANDRADA-SCALD. 89 


sunk the body in a great marsh. But lo, in the night the Abbot 
dreamed that King Olaf came to him; he was very angry, and said that 
he had evil servants, that had broken his poet’s ship, and stolen his 
goods, and bound a stone about his neck. ‘Now do thou enquire dili- 
gently of them the truth of these matters, or there shall marvellous 
things befall thee.’ Then the servants were taken and they confessed, 
and were pardoned. And Hallfred’s body was brought to the church 
and buried worshipfully; a chalice was made out of his ring, and an 
altar-cloth of his mantle, and a candlestick of his helmet.” [See the 
Reader for this story, p. 109.] 

Besides the poems noted above, there is an Uppreistar Drapa (or 
Song on the Creation) of his mentioned, which is now lost. In Codex 
Birgianus, there is an Olaf’s Drapa set down to him, but wrongly, for 
the following reasons. The author of this poem speaks modestly of 
himself (not a characteristic of Hallfred’s); says that famous poets 
have sung already of Olaf, but that he also presumes to do so; and talks 
of hearsay information, ‘1 have heard of a king named Olaf,’ which 
Hallfred had no reason to do. Secondly, he uses late phrases, such as 
stol-konungr, Baowevs Kxaédpios, a synonym brought, we fancy, by 
Harold Hardrede from Byzantium, and certainly not used before his 
day. Thirdly, the metre and cadence is not that of Hallfred, but of 
some thirteenth-century poet, presenting striking resemblances, espe- 
cially to those of one named ‘ Hallr Skald,’ whose poem, Brand’s Drapa, 
is quoted in Sturlunga, c.1246.. The similarity of the names ‘hallr’ 
and ‘hallf. would easily lead to a copyist’s mistake, as Hallfred was 
well known as Olaf’s friend and poet. 

Of Hallfred’s own characteristics as a poet, we may call him the first 
of the second school of court-poets;—nothing antique or deeply thought 
out in his verses, though a real devotion and affection breaks out in 
his dirge on the King. Of Hallfred’s improvisations, those which occur 
in his first interviews with the King, and in the last hours of his life, 
are genuine to our mind; but those which are given to him in the 
course of his love for Kolfinn and quarrel with Gris are coarse and 
commonplace and spurious. Like-Thormod and Cormac, his love was 
an unlucky one; he seems, like them, to have been of a wayward Irish 
temperament, hot-headed and ready-handed, and passionately devoted 
to his lord. Like theirs, too, his life was more romantic and imagina- 
tive than his verse. 

Hallfred’s poems have suffered not a little, for it is clear that whole 
lines have been irretrievably ‘improved’ away, chiefly in the Swold 
section: better are vv. 17-25; though there are a few places where one 
sees that behind a banal phrase or word there once stood a statement 
or proper name; thus in II. 7 ‘val-kera’ stands for ‘ Wal-Breta,’ so 
‘Hedinsmeyiar’ (I. rr) is really ‘ Hedins-eyiar,’ as the ‘sundi’ pre- 
ceding shows. Again, ‘Hedins rekka’ (I. 10) is Hedin’s ‘ swirl’ or ‘ race,’ 
not ‘ warrior ;’ ‘rekka’ being the common Slav word for current, which 
translates Swold here, for Swold ‘swelchie’ is not an island at all, and 
the nearest island is Hedinsey. ‘ We fought before the mouth of Swold,’ 
says Skuli, and Skioldunga twice mentions Swold, and enables us to fix 
its place. There are reasons for doubts respecting II. See notes. 

Hallfred helps one to several details in the battle of Swold, which 
differ from the prose account. He hints at some stratagem (vel) in 
the fight, followed by some breach of discipline (such as that of Senlake 
we may fancy) committed by the crew of the Serpent, which he takes 
to have lost the day for Olaf. ‘ Eric would never have won the Long 


go OLAF TRYGGVASON. [BK. VIII. 


Serpent, as long as the King’s men kept the shield-wall within the ship? 
The popularised version of this is that Olaf’s men went mad with Bear- 
sark rage, and leapt overboard. The forecastle seems to have been 
deserted by the crew, who had, contrary to Olaf’s orders, boarded one 
of the ships that lay alongside, so that Eric was able to throw his men 
on board, and once an entry gained the force of numbers must have 
prevailed. Hallfred’s reflection on the Thronds (ver. 20) does not seem 
to be, as might be guessed, an accusation, but simply the thought that if 
all Northmen had stood together, the King would have been invincible. 
Unfortunately both lines 15 and 79 have been tampered with; who is 
meant by ‘committed treason’ is obscure. Respecting Sigwald (to whose 
treason Stephen’s verse witnesses Book vi, Ditty 59) Hallfred says 
nothing, but Skuli speaks to his accompanying Eric against the King, 
though the popular prose account slurs over his behaviour. Whether 
his treason consisted, as one might guess, in some Themistoclean mes- 
sage to Olaf, or in more open treachery, we cannot tell. Hajllfred’s 
poem is touching where he hovers between hope and despair, as he 
hears the varying reports ‘from the East’ as to the fate of his lord, 
and finally is assured of the worst. The last stanzas, however, have 
a triumphant ring; his grief, great as it is, has the greatest comfort, 
the proud remembrance and assurance of the dead King’s glory. 


I. OxArs-pRAPA; or, Oxvar’s Dire. 


(Verses 2-3, 13, 16-18, 20, 21 from Kringla ; lines 1, 2 from idr, S.; 
lines 3, 4, and 89, go from Fagrsk.; the rest from Olafs S.) 


Stef. a. INV ORDR ro iil of orsin aus lind at gram dauban: 
allr glepsk frior af falli flug-styggs sonar Tryggva. 
b. Grams daudt bré gledt gods oférar fiddar 
allr glepsk frior af falli flug-styggs sonar Tryggva. 
c. Ligi litask lar enn petrs vida nenna 8 
Jremra mann of finna folk-reifom Aleifi. 
d. Hverr vas hreddr vid brvan hug-dyggvan son Tryggva 
(dd0sk malm-hings metoar) mabr und sélar-tadri. 


I. Flug-pverrir nam fyrri fregr aldregi vegja 
heldr lét hauka skyldir hug-rekki ser pekkja. 10 
2. Geta skal mals bess es mela menn at vapna senno 


dolga-fangs vid drengi d4é-aflgan gram kvado: 





Burdens. a. All the Northern lands are made desolate, all peace is 
confounded by the fall of Tryggwi’s steadfast son. 

6. The death of the good king has bated the joy of many a people. 
All peace is confounded by the fall of Tryggwi’s flight-scorning son. 

c. Men that have travelled far declare that they have never met 
a man like the doughty Olaf. 

d. Every man underneath the course of the sun trembled before the 
stout-hearted son of Tryggwi, yea, his foes feared him, 

The king’s orders before the battle. The famous king that spurned flight, 
that never turned his back, said that all his mind was set on good 
courage. Now I will tell the word the king spake to his men at the 
clash of weapons. He bade his followers ‘ never think on flight.’ These 
words of prowess shall never die. 


‘aes 
: Sener vies wie 
“r preys. 





2 
r 
r. 
. 


Ss eae ys 


§ 1.] HALLFRED VANDRADA-SCALD. gr 


badat her-tygdar hyggja hnekkir sfna rekka 
(pess lifa piddar sessa prdttar-ord) 4 flétta. 

2. Par hygg vist til miaok misto (marg kom drétt 4 flétta) 15 
gram pannz gunni framdi gengiss Proénzkra drengja: 
nefr vA einn vid iafra allvaldr tva snialla 
(freegr es til slfks at segja sidr) ok iarl inn pridja. 


4. Hept vas Iftt 4 lopti (lido arvar fram goerva) 
brodda flaug 4dr bauga briétendr skyti spidtom: 20 
ord vas hitt at hardast hvar-kunnr fyr lag sunnan 
mest { malma gnaustan minn dréttinn framm sétti. 


5. Sétti herr par es heetti hund-margr drasil sunda; 
‘enn hialm-spiotom’ hilmir hard-fengr Danom ‘vardi:’ 
fello par ‘med polli’ peim skevadar geima 25 


(mein hlaut ek af pvf) minir meirr holl-vinir fleiri. 
6. Her-skerdir klauf hardan (hann gekk reidr of skeidar) 
- svardar-stofn med sverdi sunnr eld-vidom kunnom: 
kunni gramr at gunni gunn-binga iarn-munnom 
(margr 14 heggr of hoeggvinn) hold-barkar ra sarka. 30 
rE Vard um Vinda myréi vig-sk¥s (enn bat ly¥sig) 
ramr und randar himni rymr, knatto spior glymja: | 
hirdir st6dsk vid hardan hnit-vegg med fiald seggja 
vidiss velti-reidar varg-hollr primo marga. 


8. Upp sagdo lag lagdar ‘lif skiétt firom’ hlffa 35 
gnég til gumna feigdar galkn vid randar balko. 
9. Leitt hykk Leifa brautar log-nadrungom varo 


geirs vid ‘gumna’ stidra geigor-ping at eiga: 
pa-es fak-hladendr fradknir farligs at vin iarla 
hifs med hamri pcefdar hring-skyrtor fram gingo. 40 





Then I ween the king missed the Thronds’ backing sorely. A great 
people was put to flight. Alone he withstood two mighty kings and an 
earl the third. It is a glorious feat to tell of. 

The first attacks. There was little space between the arrow-flight and 
the spear-hurling; the story goes that my lord fought foremost of all, 
south over sea. A mighty host beset his ship, he defended himself against 
the Danes and Swedes. Many a good friend of mine fell there on board 
in the king’s crew, whereby I grieve. The king clove the skulls of his 
foes with his sword, and made many a man’s locks bloody with the lips 
of the iron. Many a warrior was cut down at that war-moot. There 
was a grim clatter of shields about the slayer of the Wends [Olaf], he 
and his men withstood the onslaught of many foes. The swords spoke 
out the law of death to the Swedes from the tables of the shields. They 
[the Danes and Swedes] became weary of holding the dread parliament 
of spears against the lord of the Grenes, where the good crew with 
their hammer-clenched ring-shirts charged following their king. 





24. Read, med...Sviom, Read, vardizk. 29. iarn-munnom] Edda 748; 
a hior punnom, Cd. 30. Emend.; holdbarkat r4, Cd. and 748. 35. Fib.; 
lagdiz, Cd. _—_—‘ Read, lif-skidérr Sviom, 37. Emend,; let it hygg, Cd. 38. 


Read, Grena? 
> 


92 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [BK. VIII. 


Io. Firdisk veetr sa es vardisk vid-lendr Breta stridir 
‘bleydi firédr’ vid breidan bekk dém Hedins Rekka: 
hann lét ‘of sak sanna’ (sverd-ialmr 6x par) verda - 
‘skilit fra-ek fyrir skylja sk66 meer rodin blddi.’ 

II. Haré-geervan lét ‘hiarvi’ holms verda tyr sverda 45 
vind 4 vido sundi vig-pey ‘Hedins meyjar:’ 
4dr an Ormi nedi Eirekr eda hlut meira 
marg 66 bitr { bl66i ben-kneif fyrir Aleifi, 

12. Moendit Lung it Langa le-siks und gram rfkjom 
(b166 kom 4 pram pfdan) pidd varliga hridda: 50 
medan ftrs vinir <tto innan-borédz (at mordi) 

(si goerdisk vél) varda (verdung) iafurs sverdom. 

12. Sukko nidér af nadri nadd-fars ‘i bad’ sarir 
baugs goerdot vid vegjask ‘verkendr Hedins serkjar’ 
vanr man Ormr’‘p6 at’ Ormi all-dyrr konungr ‘styri, 55 
pars hann skrfdr med lid lyda, lengi slikra drengja. 

14. Itr-fermédom réd Ormi oré-szll iofurr noréan 
(snarp vard at pat sverda snot) Eiriki 4 mdti: 
enn huf-iafnom hefnir hlfyrs peim gota styrdi 
(46r 6x um gram gédan gunnr) Hakonar sunnan. 60 


15. Gott es gerva at frétta (gunnr 6x) fyr haf sunnan 
[sverd bito feigra fyrdéa fiar-rann]} ord at mannom: 
hvern rakklegast rekka rand-l46s vidir kvado 
(Surtz settar vinn-ek sléttan sylg) Aleifi fylgja. 

16. Ogrédir s4 audan orm-gridtz Trana flidta 65 
(hann raud geir at gunni gladr) ok bada Nadra: 
4dr hialdr-porinn héldi hug-framr or bad ramri 





The assault of Eric. The fearless foe of the Welsh did not refuse to 
plead by the broad bank of Hedin’s Race. He defended himself bravely. 

He fought a hard fight on the wide sound at Hedinsey, till Eric won 
the Serpent and got the upper hand of Olaf. He would never have 
won the Long Serpent from the mighty king as long as the king’s men 
stood on their defence on board. That stratagem [of Eric] wrought 
their death. 

The king’s men on the Serpent sunk down wounded into the 
swelchie of Hedinsey, not sparing themselves. Never again shall the 
Serpent have such a crew, whatever king steer the Serpent. 

The fame-blessed king launched the Serpent from the north to meet 
Eric, but the avenger of Hakon [Eric] steered the even-hulled bark 
from the south again. . 

Thorkettle’s bravery. It is good to enquire diligently into the report 
men gave from the south, as to whom they say followed him most 
bravely of all his men; I go on to this in my song: Thorkettle the 
wise saw the Crane and both the Serpents drifting crewless before 
he turned away on his ship out of the fierce fray. 





41. Emend,; vardi vid lond, Cd. 42. bradan, Cd. 43. Read, fyr sz 
sunnan ? 46. Read, Hedins eyjar. 51. vin, Cd. 54. Read, Hedins 
rekka? 55. Read, par es... styrir? 59. Emend.; hy iofnum, Cd. 62. 
ord at] emend.; at pvi, Cd, 65. auda Trono, Cd, 


a? ae 


: ee eat 


Sind _— ee oy ee 
a ee 4 


$1] HALLFRED VANDR/EDA-SCALD. 93 


Snotr 4 sncéris vitni sundz Porketill undan. 

17. Veitkat-ek hitt hvart Heita hungr-deyfi skal-ek leyfa 

_ dyn-szedinga daudan dyr-bliks, eda pd kvikvan : 70 
allz sannlega segja (s4rr man gramr at hvaro) 
[heett es til hans at frétta] hvart-tveggja mer seggir. 


18. Sumr vas arr of evi ‘odd-flagés’ hinn-es pat sagdi 
at lofSa gramr liféi le-styggs sonar Tryggva: 
vesa kvedr ald or éli Al4f kominn stéla; 75 
menn geta m4li sanno (miak es verr an sva) ferri. 

19. Sagdr vas mer (enn meira munoma strié of bida) 


lydom firdr ok 143i land-vardr fyr sid handan: 
veri oss po-at ‘rir elldz.peim’ svikom belldi 
heila Ifkn ef hauka hé-klifs iafurr lifdi. 80 
20. Mcendot pess, es Proéndir prétt-hardan gram sétto, 
(‘fra-ek med lyda lidi’ land herdar) skap verda: 
at mund-iakuls myndi marg-dyrr koma ryrir 
(geta pikkjat mer gotnar glfkligs) or styr slikom. 
21. Enn segir 6dar kenni austr or malma gnaustan Rs 
seger fra s®rom tyggja sumr eda braut of komnom: 
nti hefk sann-fregit sunnan siklings or styr miklom 
(kannka-ek mart vid manna) mord (veifanar-ordi). 
22. Nordmanna hygg-ek nenninn (nt-es pengill fram genginn) 
[dyrr hné dréttar stidri] dréttinn und lok séttan. go 


23. Illt vas patz ulfa sultar of pverri st6d-ek ferri 
mest par-es malmar gnusto mein, po at smatt sé und einom: 
skilidr em-ek vid skylja; skalm-ald hefir pvi valdit ; 
vetti ek virda dréttins (vil est mest) of dag flestan. 





Olaf’s end. 1 know not whether Iam praising a dead or living king, 
as people tell me both things for certain. However, he is at least 
wounded, for there are no news of him. One there was that told me 
of the fate of Tryggwi’s son, that he was alive; men are saying that 
Olaf came alive out of the battie; but they guess far beside the truth: 
it is much worse than that! I have been told the king lost life and 
land over the sea: though it were a great mercy to me if the king 
were yet alive, in spite of . . . committed this treason. Fate would 
not have turned it so, that he should have escaped out of such a battle 
Bs Saw he Ss Still there is one that tells me that the king was wounded, 
or has escaped from the fight in the east; but at last I have got the 
true news of the king’s death in the great battle in the south: I set no 
store by the wavering reports of men. I believe that the doughty king 
of the Northmen has come to his end. The prince is gone, the dear 
captain of the Guard has sunk in death. 

The poet’s grief. ’T was pity that I was far away from the king, where 
the iron rang, though there is small help in one man. Now I am 
parted from him: the sword-tide has wrought this. I yearn for my 





_ 68. 4) af, Cod. (badly), 73. Samr, Cd. 79. Corrupt text. 85. audar, Cd. 
94. Emend.; ok dul flestom, Cd. ~ 


94 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [BK. Vint, 


24. Hef-ek bannz hverjom iafri heipt-ffknom varé rfkri 95 
und nid-byréi Noréra nordér godfador ordinn: 
bida man-ek bess es breidan bord-md4na vann skardan 
marg-aukanda meekiss mot, aldregi bétir. 

25. Fyrr man heimr ok himnar hug-reifom Aleifi 
(hann vas menzkra manna mest gétt) { tvau bresta: 100 
4dr an glikr at g6d0 go&édingr moni foédask. 
—Kcens hafi Christr inn hreini konungs aond ofarr landom! 


IJ. Tur Oxtper PRAIsE or Oar. 
(From the Lives of Kings.) 


re OLF vas elldz at aldri ¥-setrs hati vetra 
hraustr ba-es her-skip glesti Hardéa vinr or Gardom : 
hl6d0 Hamdes kledom hiarva gn¥s ok skyjom 
hilmis menn sem hialmom hlyr-vigg, enn mol styri. 
2. Hilmir let at Holmi hre-sk66 rodin bl6di 
(hvat of dyldi bess haléar?) haré ok austr { Gardom, 
3. Sv4 fra-ek hitt at hava harg-bridtr { staé margom 
(opt-kom hrafn at heipta) hl66 val-kasto (b16di). 
4. Endr let Jamta kindir all-valdr { styr falla 
(vandisk hann) ok Vinda vé-grimmr (4 bat snimma); 10 
Heettr vas hersa drdéttinn hizor-diarfr Gota fizorvi, 
goll-skerdi fra-ek goerdo geir-bey 4 Skdneyjo. 
Be Baod-serkjar hid birki bark-laust { Danmarko 
hleypi-meidr fyr Heida-, hlunn-viggja, -by sunnan. 
6. Ti{d-heegevit let tyggi Tryggva sonr fyr styggvan 15 
Leiknar hest 4 lesti lidt-vaxin hre Saxa: 
vin-hrééigr gaf vida visi margra Frisa 
blakko brtint at drekka bl66 kveld-rido st6éi. 





lord every day! It is the height of woe! I had him to my godfather 
who was mightier than any king under the burden of the Dwarves 
[heaven]; I shall never get a recompense for his loss. Earth and 
heavens shall be rent in twain, ere there shall be born a lord like to 
Olaf. He was the best of earthly men. May Christ the pure keep the 
king’s soul in paradise [lit. above the lands]. 


Olaf’s wicking exploits. He was twelve years old, the Friend of the 
Hords [Anlaf], when he launched his war-ship out of Garth [Nov- 
gorod territory]. They loaded her with Hamtheow’s clothes [mail-coats] 
and shields and helms, then the rudder churned wp the sea. He dyed 
his spear red in blood at Holm [Borgund-holm?], and east in Garth, 
Who knows it not? I have heard how the Breaker of high-places 
piled heaps of corpses in many a place. The Hater of the Fanes made 
the kindred of the Iamts and Wends to fall in battle. He was trained 
early to that. He was a danger to the lives of the Gots [Gotland folk], 
and I hear that he fought at Sconey. He hewed the mail-coats with 
the sword in Denmark, and south of Heathby Tryggwi’s son cut down 
the coarse-grown carcases of the Saxons for the witches’ chargers 
[the wolves], and gave the blood of many a Frisian to the steeds of the 


Pic’: Sl cee 


§ 1.] HALLFRED VANDRAEDA-SCALD. 95 
VE Régs br4 rekka legir rfkr Val-Breta Ifki; 
her-stefnir lét hrafnom hold Flemingja goldit. 20 


8, Geerdisk ungr vid Engla of-vegr konungr begja; 
nadd-sktrar ré6 ncérir Nordymbra pvi mordi: 
Eyddi ulfa greddir égn-bliér Skottom vida; 
goerdi seims med sverdi sverd-leik { Man skerdir, 

9. Ydrogar let cgir Eyverskan her deyja 25 
(t¥r vas Tiorva d¥ra tfrar giarn) ok fra: 
Bardi Bretzkrar iardar byggvendr, ok hié tyggvi 
(gradr pvarr geira hridar giddi) Kumbrskar pidéir. 


III, On Eart Roenwatp (or, Eart Haxon?), 
(From Edda.) 


si SK-POLLOM standr Ullar austr at miklo trausti 
reeki-lundr inn rfki rand-fars brumadr hari. 
2. R#d lukosk, at_s4 sfdan sniall-meltr konungs spialli 
Atti enga déttur Onars vidi gréna. 
a Breidleita gat bridi Baleygs at ser teygja 5 
stefnir stadvar hrafna stdla rikis-madlom. 
4. Sann-yrdom spenr sverdéa snarr biggjandi viggjar 


barr-haddada, byrjar, bid-kv4n und sik bridja. 
5. Py{ hykk fleygjanda freegjan (ferr iord und men-pverri) 
itra eina l4ta Auds systor miak traudan. 10 


6. Grams rini letr glymja gunn-rikr, hinn-es hvat lfkar, 
Hagna hamri slegnar, heipt-braér, um sik vadir. 

mH. Ok geir-roto gatvar, gagls, vid strengja hagli 
hungr-eySondom hanga hlcedot iarni scedar. 





night-hags [wolves]. He fed the wolves on the bodies of the Gaulish 
Bretons [lit. Wal-Brets], and gave the flesh of the Flemings to the 
raven. The young king waged war against the English, and made 
a slaughter of the Northumbrians. He destroyed the Scots far and 
wide. He held asword-play in Man. The archer-king brought death to 
the Islanders [of the Western Islands] and Irish; he battled with the 
i aa in the land of the British [Wales], and cut down the Cumbrian 
olk. 


On EARL RoGNWALD. This doughty tree of war, budded with hair, is 
a mighty refuge for men in the East. The agreement was concluded 
that the eloquent friend of kings [earl] should wed the only Daughter of 
Woden, green-with-wood [the land]. With mighty covenants he allured 
to him the broad-faced Bride of Woden; with true compacts he wiles 
to himself the harvest-haired Spouse of Woden. And now that the 
land is his, he is very loath to put away the beautiful Sister of Aud [i.e 
he has gained the land, and will not part with it]. 

His battle. The earl made the hammer-beaten weeds of Hagena 
[mail-coat] fall about him. Yea, the iron-sewn mail-coat did not 





1g. Emend.; valkera, Cd, 
> 


96 OLAF TRYGGVASON. [ BK. VIII. 


8. Olid brestr Uti unn-dfrs sumom runnom 15 
hart 4 Hamdis skyrtom hryn-grap Egils vapna. 

9. aan’ verOa fat ‘fyréa’ (fregn-ek goerla pat) Saorla 
[riddask biart { bl6di dy far meil-sktirom. 


IV. On Ear Eric. 
Stef. Beoerr ert hrédér at heyra, hialdr-arr, um pik goervan! 


VY. ImprovisATIONS. 
(From Hallfred’s Saga.) 


FHallfr. CEROM festar érar; ferr sz-roka at knerri, 
svord tekr heldr at herda; hvar es.Akkeris-frakki? 
Olaf. Enn if 6lpo granni ek feek dreng til strengja 
pann-es hnakk-miédom hnykkir. Her es Akkeris-frakki. 


a Veit-ek at viso skreyti vid-lendr konungr sendi 5 
nakéan brand af nokkvi; nu 4k Syrar mey dyra: 
verda hialt fyr herdi (hafom, gramr, kera framdan 
skcelkving um p4-ek skialga) skrautlig konungs-nauti. 


3. Fyrr vas hitt es harra Hlié-skialfar gat-ek sialfan 
(skipt es 4 gumna gipto) geé-skidétan vel bldta. 10 
4. Oll hefir Att vid hylli Odins skipat liédom 
all-gilda man-ek aldar idjo varra nidja: 
enn traudr (pvi-at vel Vidriss vald pisuabiok skaldi) 
legg-ek 4 frum-ver Friggjar fién, pvi-at Kristi piénom. 





protect them [his foes] against the hail of the bowstrings [arrows]. And 
the hail-grape of Egil’s weapon [arrows] burst hard upon the shirts of 
Hamtheow [mail-coats]. The raiment of Sarila [mail-coat] was beaten 
by the iron shower. The bright blades are dyed red in blood. Yea, 
I heard it of a truth. 


Burden. It beseems thee to listen to the song I have made upon thee. 


Hallfred to Olaf. Let us shift our moorings, there is a gust from the 
sea coming upon our ship. The cable is overstrained. Where is the 
anchor-man? 

Olaf to Hallfred. Here in a green jacket is the anchor-man. I will 
get a lad for the cable who shall move the buoy. 

The king’s gift. 1 know that the wide-ruling king gave the poet a 
naked sword for a certain thing [for his song?]. I have a precious 
jewel now. The hilts of the king’s gift are costly mounted. A fine 
sword I have; I got a brand from the king. 

Hallfred’ s conversion. It was of old that 1 worshipped the swift- 
thoughted Lord of Lithshelf [Woden]. Men’s conditions are changed 
now. All men once set their song to the praise of Woden; I can 
remember the honoured compositions of our ancestors; and therefore, 
now that we serve Christ, I unwillingly renounce Frigg’s Spouse, because 
his rule suited me very well. It is the rule of the Lord of Sogn [Olaf] 





17. Read, slegin verda? 6. nokkva nu flaustr burar Austra, Fs. 





§1.] HALLFRED VANDRAIDA-SCALD. 97 


5 Sas med Sygna resi sidr at blét ero kvidjot; 15 
verdom flest at. fordask forn-haldin skap Norna: 
lata allir ¥tar Odins ett fyr réda; 
ver6-ek neyddr fra Niardar nidjom Krist at bidja. 
6. Hafnom halda reifnir Hrafn-blétz goda nafni 
bess es 6l vid ‘lof’ l¥da l6m { heidnom démi. 20 
ve Mer skyli Freyr ok Freyja (fiord let-ek adul Niardar), 
liknisk gram vid Grimni} gramr ok Pérr inn rammi: 
rist vil-ek allrar 4star (eromk leid Sonar reidi), 
{[vald 4 fragt um foldar] Fedr einn ok God kvedja. 


8. Eitt es sverd pat-es sverda sverd-audgan mik gerdi; 25 
fyr svip-niardom sverda sverdétt mun nu verda: 
muna van-sverdat verda; verdr em-ek priggja sverda, 
iardar-mens ef yrdi umgiard at pvi sverdi. 

9. Hnaud vid hiarta sido hregg-bl4sin mer Asi 
(miak hefir) udr (at adro aflat baro skafli): 30 
marr skotar mfnom knerri; miak em-ek vatr af neekkvi ; 
munat ur-pvegin eira aldan sfno skaldi. 


10. Rind mun hvitri hendi har-diks um br4 mitika 
(fi66 gat fremdar cdi) fil-errin ser perra: 
ef daudan mik meidar mord-heggs skolo leggja 35 
(4dr vas-ek ungo fli6di) ut um bord (at stitom). 

II. Ek moenda ni andask (ungr vas-ek hardr { tungo) 


senn, ef solo minni, sorglaust, vissa-ek borgit: 
veit-ek at veetki of sy¥tig (valdi God hvar aldri), 
[daudr verdr hverr] nema hredomk Helviti (skal slfta). 40 





that the sacrifices are forbidden, We are forced to forsake all the time- 
honoured ordinances of the Norns.All men now cast to the wind the 
kindred of Woden [the old gods]; I am forced to renounce the children 
of Niord [Frey and Freya] and to pray to Christ.—I renounce the 
divine name of the Raven Sacrificer, him that nursed deceit to the 
hurt of mankind, in heathendom. May Frey and Freya and the mighty 
Thor be wroth with me! I forsake the son of Niord. May the fiends 
find a friend in Woden! I will call on Christ, one Father and God, 
with all my love. I can bear no longer the wrath of the Son, who 
rules gloriously over the earth. 

The Sword-Verse. There is one sword that makes me sword-rich in 
swords; among sword-bearers there will now be a sword-bounty; there 
will be no lack of swords now. I am worthy of three swords. Would 
there were but a sword-sheath to the sword! | 

Hallfred’s Death-Verses. The tempest-blown billow, with a mighty 
sweep, rushed my heart to my ribs with the boom. The sea tosses 
my ship and I am wet; the brine-washed roller will not spare the poet. 
The linen-clad lady will wipe her soft eyelids with her white hand, 
if they have to throw me overboard, though formerly I caused grief to 
her. I would gladly die now if I knew that my soul were safe. I was 
sharp of tongue in my youth. I feel that I am troubled about nothing 
save that I fear the pains of Hell. Every one must die! May God fix 
whither my soul shall pass! 


VOL. II. H — 


98 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


EARL ERIC HAKONSSON (1000-1014). 


OF Eric’s birth we are told in the Kings’ Lives that his mother was 
an Upland woman of low estate. Having named and ‘sprinkled’ her 
child she took him to Hakon, who acknowledged the boy and gave 
him in fosterage to Thorleif the Wise, who dwelt up in Medal-dale 
(Meldal). Eric was soon of ripe growth, most fair to look on, and 
soon grew big and strong. Hakon did not care much about him. 
The remarkable beauty which he afterwards transmitted to his son 
Hakon was a family characteristic. 

Eric’s life is full of stirring scenes. Born about the time of Eric 
Bloodaxe (after whom he may even have been called), he was at his 
father’s side during the chief events of his rule, for example, at the 
Iomswicking battle, c. 980. After his father’s death, he fled from Olaf 
Tryggvason to the Baltic, where we hear of him as a wicking leader 
harrying the coasts. He is one of the confederates at Swold. At the 
division of the spoil which followed, Eric and his brother Sweyn were, 
as vassals of the Danish and Swedish kings, given the earldom of 
Norway ‘from Weggerstaff to Agde,’ the whole west coastland from 
Finmark to Cape Naze; Earl Sweyn also taking Ranriki from Swine- 
sound to Gota River as a fief from the Swedish king. Both were bound 
to fidelity to their allies by marriage, Eric wedding Gundhild, king 
Sweyn’s daughter, and Sweyn Holmfrid the daughter of Olaf the Swedish 
king. After twelve years (as it seems from the passage in Thorrod’s 
poem, which mentions ‘ the kings,’ i.e. Sweyn and his son Cnut), Eric is 
sent for by his suzerain and father-in-law to England to help in the 
conquest of that kingdom. Leaving Norway and his son Hakon in charge 
of his brother Sweyn, he sets out with a fleet, sailing into the ‘mouth of 
the Thames at the springtides,’ as Thorrod seems to say; meets Cnut at 
Greenore (Greenwich, as we take it); lands and fights a campaign in 
the interior of the island, at several places now obscured in Thorrod’s 
poem, but to be partly recognised by the maps and the English 
authorities; is present at battles west of London against Wolfkettle 
the Brisk (A£thelred’s son-in-law), and at Ringmere-heath. His sub- 
sequent career after Eadmund’s death, when Cnut is sole king, we learn 
from English authorities. He is made earl in Northumberland, and 
signs charters as Dux Ericus down to 1023. Of his end we have a 
tradition in the Kings’ Lives, that he made a pilgrimage to Rome, and 
that on his return he was unskilfully operated upon by a doctor for 
quinsy, and died of hemorrhage. The person who told the luckless 
leech to cut deeper while he was using his knife is variously given 
as Cnut himself or an old friend of Olaf’s who had survived Swold. 

Like his father Hakon, Eric was a patron of poets, and no less than 
seven ‘makers’ are recorded as his panegyrists; the works of four of 
these, Eywolf Dadi’s poet (p. 51), Thorrod Siareksson (§ 3), Gunlaug 
Wormstongue (p. 109), and Hallfred (p. 96), we have given elsewhere. 

Eric had the good fortune to take a secondary part in three great 
actions which brought fame to all concerned in them,—the defeat of 
the Iomswickings, the confederacy against and defeat of Olaf, and the 
campaigns which led to Cnut’s power in England. His fame rests on 
these events, and his poets may be classed chronologically according to 
the part of his life they have celebrated. Indeed of the rest of his life 
we know little, no single action of his during his twelve years’ rule 


te SS Se 
& cs ee 








$1.] EARL ERIC’S POETS. 99 


can be mentioned, save (if we accept the authority of Gretti’s Saga as 
possibly derived from Ari) the abolition of wager of battle in Norway 
(though more like to be St. Olave’s legislation), while of his personal 
traits, save the mercy and generosity which is traditionally ascribed 
to him as a set-off to his father, we are wholly ignorant. 

EyYWoLF DaADASCALD, the singer of the Earl’s youth before the Swold. 
His poem is of heathen times with a heathen burden; we have there- 
fore set what remains of his Banda Drapa by the works on Earl 
Hakon in Book vii. Of Eywolf’s life and family nothing is known; he 
was probably an Icelander, and he must have won his by-name by 
his eulogy on some one called Dadi, a rare name which only occurs 
once in Landnama-bok, where it is held by a person of the Western 
Family (perhaps a Gaelic name). His poem may have got its name 
Banda Drapa from the word bondom in the durden, or else from the 
curious structural peculiarity it exhibits; its burden being cut up into 
five half-lines, which are inserted one by one into the body of the poem, 
thus as it were ‘banding’ or ‘linking’ it together. It is, one would 
think, a further development of the insertion of sentences such as 
Cormac puts into his Encomium. 

For the battle of Swold Halltfred is of course the chief authority, but 
here he is supplemented by Eric’s two poets Halldor and Skuli. 

HALLDOR THE UNCHRISTIAN composed his Encomium on Eric, of 
which eight stanzas remain, the next year after the great fight, if we 
may trust the ‘fiord’ of line 13. He gives the number of Olaf’s ships, 
seventy-one; relates the boarding of the Long Serpent, when Eric laid 
Beardie, his galley, beside her; and mentions the final fight ‘on the 
benches’ in the waist and after-part of Olaf’s ship, and how she was 
at last carried by the Earl. Of this poet’s name, nation, or life, we 
know nothing. His verses are preserved in the Kings’ Lives. 

SKULI THORSTANSSON the grandson of Egil, whom he seems to have 
resembled more closely than his father. His Eric’s Praise was composed 
apparently in his later days. He says that he followed Sigwald and the 
Terror of the Frisians [Earl Eric most likely] to the battle, showing 
that Sigwald was regarded by his followers as Olaf’s open foe. There 
is rather a fresh stirring air about his verses, and he is distinctly original 
and Homeric, when he describes a sunrise in verses worthy of his 
grandfather. He is the one poet of his day who had eyes for aught 


save the glory of the tempest-tossed galley, or ‘the splendour of 


spears,’ and as such deserves special mention. 

The English Campaigns of Cnut are told by three noted poets, 
Sighvat, Othere, and Thorrod Kolbeinsson; the first of whom relates 
St. Olaf’s career in England before Athelred’s death, and the second 
and third tell of Cnut’s campaigns, completing the story as it were. 
We also have an unnamed poet, who sings the Siege of London; and 
Hallward Harek’s-blesi, who mentions Crut at Fleet and Sandwich (as 
we read it). 

We deal with Sighvat, Othere, and Hallward in their more appro- 
priate positions in the following section, but THORROD KOLBEINSSON is 
essentially Eric’s poet, and the best authority for his life. Luckily a 
good piece of his Hric’s Praise is preserved; but it is by no means in a 
perfect state. Again and again we can trace obliterated names, of men 
and places, beneath the commonplace phrases which the Kings’ Lives’ 
text gives us; once or twice we have succeeded in finding what we 
take to be the original wording. Thus in the strophe on the Division of 
Norway, ‘ Veiga-staf’ was hidden under ‘ Veigo....styr,’ ‘svarr,’ l. 29, 


H 2 ~ 


100 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


under ‘vér.’ In the following verses English local names lie beneath the 
corrupt ‘Grunni,’ ‘ uarr 14%,’ ‘herferd,’ ‘glaum skerss bei,’ ‘attstorr,’ etc., 
which even with the help of the MSS. and the English Chronicles, our 
prime authority and staff here, we cannot identify. An important 
chronological point seems to underlie ‘miss-long,’ which exhibits a 
striking coincidence with the Chronicles. 

It is possible this poem wascomposedin England. Thorrod was a notable 
trader and traveller, and his lively description of the place where Cnut 
met Eric tells of local knowledge, as do the numerous place-names which 
must have been derived by the prose historian of the Kings’ Lives (Ari) 
largely from him, though unfortunately he has not cared to excerpt verses 
touching England so carefully as he does those dealing with Norway, so 
that in the work of restoration we are not so much helped by the prose 
here, as in the case of other poets. It is not likely that Thorrod com- 
posed his poem on Eric in Norway, where his enemy St. Olaf was then in 
power, so that we should conclude that he either sent it from Iceland, 
or more likely composed it for the Earl] in England. 

Thorrod’s life and travels are told of in the Saga of Biorn the Hitdale 
champion, where however he is subordinated to that hero, and somewhat 
unfairly handled. The greater part of the Improvisations there ascribed 
to him are spurious, those which may be genuine we give below, along 
with the fragment of his Dirge on Gunlaug Snakestongue. He is men- 
tioned also in Landnama, where his genealogy is given. He was the father 
of amore distinguished poet, Arnor Iarla-scald (see § 3), who in the earlier 
part of his Drapa, when he told of his Western wanderings and early 
life, may have said something about his father, but whose extant remains 
yield no notice of him. 

Thorrod’s poem was once terse and full of facts, with something of 
the antique ring in it, rather taking after Einar than Hallfred. 

Lines 5—6, 31-32 are cited by Snorri in Edda, with the same errors as 
in the Lives of Kings. 

THE LITHSMAN’S SONG, a ‘flokk’ which was, as Skioldunga says, 
‘made by the Lithsmen [men of the levy],’ not, as Olatf’s Legendary 
Life and Flatey-bok have it, ‘by Saint Olaf,’ is an interesting record of 
the siege of London, 1016. In the form of a love poem addressed to a 
- lady, Steinwor, the wife of one Gall, living at Stone, north of Cape 
Stadt, in Norway, it gives a lively account of the besiegers lying at 


Southwark by the Dyke (which is mentioned in the English authorities), © 


looking across the river up at the higher city lying on the hill of 
St. Paul’s. It mentions Thorkettle (the friend of Athelred and Cnut, 
the whilom Iomswicking, the captor of A/lfheah) and his men, and tells 
how Wolfkettle plucked up courage to meet ‘the wickings,’ but was 
forced to give in. The close is a triumphant stave, ‘ Here we sit at our 
ease in fair London,’ which speaks to the date 1016, according to the 
English Chronicles, with which it agrees. 

The love verses are in the stanzas 3, 10, 11, and have little to do 
with the main subject of the poem. 


HALLDOR UKRISTNI ON ERIK (c. 1001). 
(From Kringla; verse 5 from the great Olafs Saga.) 


I. Ut baud iafra hneitir él-mddr af Svipiddo 
(sunnr helt gramr til gunnar) gunn-bliks lidi miklo: 





HALLpor. He levied great forces out of Sweden. He held southward 


ot Ate " -“ 








RESORT LS ACS ET AA ORE LE ETN, 





§1.] . HALLDOR UKRISTNI. IOI 


hverr vildi p4 halda hre-geitunga feitir 
(mar fekk 4 sid s4ra sylg) Eireki fylgja. 

z. Cina for ok einni (unn-viggs) konungr sunnan 5 
(sver6 raud metr at mordi meidr) siau tigom skeida: 
pa es hin-lagar hreina hafdi iarl of krafda 
(sett gekk seggja ettar sundr) Skdnunga fundar. 

g, Geerdisk snarpra sverda (slito drengir frid lengi) 

[par es gollin spiar gullo] gangr um Orm-inn-Langa: 10 
dolgs kvado fram fylgja frans legg-bita hanom 
Scenska menn at senno sunnr ok Danska runna. 

4. Fior6é kom heldr { hardan (‘hnito reyr saman dreyra’), 
[tung] skarosk p4 tingla tangar] Ormr-inn-Langi: 
p4-es boré-mikinn Barda bryn-flagds reginn lagdi 15 
(iarl vann hialms at Holmi hrfd) vid Fafniss sfdo. 

5. ‘Hykkat-ek vegd at vigi,’ vann drétt iafur sdttan 
(fiord komsk iarl at iardo; ogn-hardan sik spardit) : 
pa es fiard-myvils foérdut folk-hardr 4 trad Barda 
(litt vas Sifjar séti svangr) vid Orm-inn-Langa. 20 

6. Hét 4 heiptar nyta hug-reifr (med Aleifi) 

(aptr stakk pidd 4 boptor) pengill sina drengi: 
ba es ‘haf-vita’ hafSo Hallandz um gram sniallan 
(Vardé fyr Vinda myréi va4pn-eidr) lokit skeidom. 

7. Drégosk vitt at vagi Vinda skeiér; ok gindo 25 
pridja haudrs 4 piddéir punn ‘ galkn iarn-munnom:’ 
Gnyr vard 4 sid sverda; sleit arn gera beito; 
dyrr va drengja stiéri; drétt kom marg 4 flétta. 

8. Hialm-faldinn bar hilmi hrings at miklo pingi 
(skeidr glceésto b4 piddir) pangat Ormr-inn-Langi : 30 





to the battle. Every man wished to follow Eric. Olaf, the lord 
of the Oyns [people in Throndheim], stood from the south with 
seventy ships and one, while the Earl was holding his levy among the 
Sconey-folk. There was a tryst of swords about the Long Serpent. 
There followed Eric to the battle Swedish and Danish warriors. Year 
gone the Long Serpent came into hard straits (spears were clashing, 
shields were cloven), when the Earl laid his high-bulwarked Beardie 
alongside the Dragon. He won the day at the Island [Hedinsey]. 
There was little quarter in the battle. Year gone the Earl won the 
land, what time he brought Beardie broadside to the Long Serpent. 
The Earl called on his men, while Olaf’s men gave back to the benches 
[i.e. gave up the forecastle and retreated aft to the waist], while the 
lord of Halland [the Danish king] blocked in the king [Olaf] with his 
ships. The weapons clattered round the slayer of the Wends. The 
Wends’ ships [Sigwald’s squadron] spread over the bay, and the thin 
beaks gaped with iron mouths upon the warriors; much people turned 
to flight. The Long Serpent brought the helm-hooded king to the 





5, einni] emend.; eino, Cd. 
> 


102 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [BK. vitt. 


enn sunnr at gny Gunnar gladr té6k iarl vid NaGri 
(4dr vard egg at ridda) eett-g66r Hemings brdédir. 


SKULI PORSTEINSSON. 


(Verse 3 from the Lives of Kings; the rest from Edda.) 


x; Aree par-es ‘vell-eids ekka’ vidiss 4r ok sidan 
‘greppr hlydir p4’ g6do gallopnis vel spialli. 
2. Meendit efst, par-es undir 4r-flogni gaf-ek sdrar, 
hlakk f{ hundradés flokki hvftinga mik Ifta: 
p4-es reefr-vita Reifniss raud-ek fyr Svold til audar 5 
her-fylgins ‘badé-ek’ Heelga haug-pak ‘sama’ baugom. 
3. Fylgda-ek Frisa dolgi (fekk-ek ungr) bar-es slag sungo, 
[ni fidr ald at ek eldomk] (aldr-bét) ok Sigvalda: 
pa-es til métz vid mcéti malm-pings { dyn hialma 
sunnr fyr Svoléar mynni s4r-lauk rodinn baérom. 10 
4. Marer of hlaut of morgin mor6-elldz par-es ‘ver’ feldom 
Freyjo tar at fleiri far-bidér at par v4rom. 


E. Glens bedja vedr (gydjo) god-blié { vé sidan; 
(lids koemr gétt med geislom); gran setr ofan mAna. 


THORROD KOLBEINSSON (EIREKS-DRAPA). 
(Verse 5 from Fagrsk.; 12-15 from Skidldunga; the rest from O.T. and O. H.) 


‘ ()* sannliga sunnan (s4sk Vfk-buendr haska) 
strié of stéla meida stér her-sagor féro: 





great moot of war, but in the south the Earl, that nobly-born brother 
of Hemming, took her in fight. 


Prologue. Awake....in the winter .... Listen to the good tidings of 
the poet! 

Swold battle. The lady would not have seen me in the rear of the array 
of the hundreds, when of yore I gave the raven drink, when I reddened 
my sword off Swold in adventure. I won gold and rings there. I followed 
the terror of the Frisians [Earl Eric] and Sigwald, when the swords 
sung (I won glory in my youth, now men find that I am aging): what 
time south of Swold Mouth we bore the bloody sword to meet the 
Judge of the iron-moot [Olaf] in battle. In the morning many won.... 
gold when we made havoc.... 

Sunrise. When the wife of Glen, the Sun, wades into the heaven, 
the blessed light of the goddess comes with beams, and the grey moon 
sinks down (vanishes). 


I. The Iomswickings’ battle. And verily there came alarm of war from 
the south, the dwellers in Wick were in dread, the Earl heard that in 





1. Read, vall-seiés ekki. 2. Read, grepps hlydit ér? 6. Read, bar-ek 
...saman? II. Read, val. 14. W; gran serks, r, 1, Or vit 
uendr, Cd. 2. Read, stridan .. . meidar ? 


i USE = | = 
Cake eed We 
& ‘ 








THORROD KOLBEINSSON. 103 


siid-langom fra-ek Sveida sunnr af dregnom hlunni 
vangs 4 vatn um prungit ‘vigg meidr’ Dana skeidom. 

2. Miok lét margar snekkjor mzrdar-arr sem knarro_ 5 
(68r vex skalds) ok skeidar skiald-hlynr 4 brim dynja: 
p4-es Olftill titan odd-herdir fat gerda ; 

(marg vas lind fyrir landi) land sins fador rando. 

3. Setti iarl, sa-es atti ogn-frédr 4 lag st6di, 
hremnis hafa stamna hét Sigvalda at méti: 10 
margr skalf hlumr, enn hvergi huggendr ‘bana’ uggdo 
peir-es gato sid slfta-sdr-gamms bladom Ara. 

4. Enn { gagn at gunni gle-heims skrido mzvar 
(renndi langt med landi leidangr) Dana skeidom: 
peer-es iarl und ‘4rom cerins gollz’ 4 Mcéri 15 
(barms rak vigg und varmom val-kesti) hraud flestar. 

g (Efri vard, enn uréo all-hvatt Danir falla, 
bl65-helsingja breedir, broédr Sigroedar céSri. 


6. Mein-rennir bra (manna margs f¥sa skap) varga 
lidda lftlo sfSar le HAékonar evi: 20 
enn til landz pess-es lindar 146-stafr vegit hafdi 
hraustr ba-es her f6r vestan hygg-ek k6mo son Tryggva. 

‘E Hafdi ser vid scéri (sliks vas von at hdnom) 
auds an upp um kveedi Eirikr { hug meira: 
sétti reidr at rodom (rann eingi pvf manna) 25 
(pr4-lyndi ‘ feksz’ broendom) Preénzkr iarl konung Scénskan. 


8. Par vas hialmads ‘herjar’ Hroptz vid droeergar toptir 





the south the sea was thronged with long-streaked Danish galleys 
launched off the drawn rollers. He in his turn crowded many a sloop, 
buss, and galley into the deep (My song swells high), and made a shield 
fence about the land of his father. There was many a linden buckler 
there. The Earl set his high-stemmed bark straight against Sigwald 
[the leader of the lomswickings], many an oar-loom swayed when they 
clove the sea with the oar-blade, They did not fear the Danes. The 
fleet ran far down the coast to encounter the Danish galleys, most of 
which the Earl boarded and took south of Mere. The well-born 
brother of Sigrod [Eric] won the day, and the Danes fell fast. 

Il. The Death of Hakon. The treason of men cut short Hakon’s life. 
The changes in men’s fates are many! Then to the land which Hakon 
had conquered the brave son of Tryggwi came, I ween: what time 
the Host came from the West. But Eric had more in his mind than he 
put forth (as was to be looked for in such a man). The Throndish Earl 
sought forthwith furtherance from the Swedish king. ‘The Thronds 
were stubborn [i. e. stood fast by him]. 

Ill. The Fall of Olaf at Swold and the Division of Norway. There was 
a fierce battery upon the bloody tofts of Woden .... Hyrning, the 





- 4. Or viggo leid, some place? 7. uti, Cd, 11. Read, Dani. 17. Emend. ; 
iofrom, Cd. 18. Sigurdar, Cd. 


104 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIE. 


ord fekk gétt sa-es goerdi grams sv4rr blom hizarvi, 
hall bilar hdra fialla, Hyrningr, 46r pat fyrnisk. 30 


9.  Enn ept vig fra Veegi- (vel-ek ord dat) -staf nordan 
land ‘eda lengra stundo’ lagdisk sudr til Agda: 
enn Sveinn ‘konungr sunnan sagdr es daudr enn audir’ 
‘f4tt bilar flestra ytra far hans byir varo.’ 

10. [tr prifosk iafra hleyti ‘egg-vedrs’ { far ‘seggja,’ 35 


II. Veit-ek fyr Erling titan 4r at hersar varo 
(‘lofak fasta ty’) flestir (‘far-landz’) vinir iarla: 
all-valdz nuto aldir (una lfkar vel sliko), 
skyldr lézk hendi at halda hann of Noregs mannom. 40 


12. Enn hefsk leyf6 par-es lof6éa lof-kenda fra-ek sendo 
at hialm-tamom hilmi hiarls ‘dréttna’ bod iarli: 
at skyldligast skyldi (‘skil-ek hvat gramr mun vilja’) 
endr at 4sta-fundi Eirekr koma beira. 

13: 4 ; i ; é ‘ ; : ; ‘ 45 

skeid hélt marg f Méédo ‘miss lang’ sem ek vissa: 
brim-dyrom hélt baro brandz sv4 ner landi 
Ullr at Enska vaollo ‘att stérr’ sid knatti. 

14. Enn at ‘eyrar grunni’ endr brim-skféom renndi, 
hinn-es kial-sl6éir knidi, Knutr lang-skipom titan: 50 
var6, par-es ‘vildo fyrdar’ ‘varrl46’ kémo bédir 
hialmads iarls ok hilmis hégr fundr 4 pvi deégri. 

15. Gengo upp beir-es Englom 4r-hrafn-gefendr varo 
langa stund 4 landi leidir upp af, skeidom: 





King’s brother-in-law, won a good report that day; the hall of the high 
hills [heaven] shall fall ere his fame shall grow old. But after the battle, 
the land from Weggerstaff in the north, south to Agde, along the coast, 
came under Eric’s sway: I tell the story. But under Earl Sweyn came 
Ranriki from Swine Sound to Gaut river. Both the Earls flourished by their 
affinity [marriage-bond] with the Kings. I know that, save Erling only, 
most of the barons were the friends of the Earls. I praise him. The 
people rejoiced in him, and he held his hand over the men of Norway. 

IV. The Meeting of Kings. Next I raise my pzan, telling how the song- 
famed Kings of the Danes [Sweyn and Cnut] sent word to'the helm-wont 
Earl [Eric] that he should dutifully come to the friendly interview. 

V. Exploits of Eric in England. Many a galley stood into the Mouth 
[of Thames] with the spring tides, as I have heard. The Earl held his 
course so near the land that he could see the English fields at Sturry, 
while Cnut brought his war ships from the sea to Green-ore [Greenwich], 
furrowing the keel-track with his ocean-cars. It was a joyful meeting 
on that day when the helmed Earl and the King met at W.... lade. They 
landed from their galley far into the land against the English... . 





2g. svarr] emend.; vérr, Cd. 31. Emend.; Veigo...styr, Cd. ordat, Cd. 
32. Read, med langri stréndo? 33. Corrupt; read, Enn Sveinn iarl.. . . Svina- 
sundz .... elfar Gauta....? 42. hialm-s6bmom, Cd.; read, hiarls Dana? read, 
beggja. 46. Read, miss-géng ? 48. Read, atS....? 49. Read, eyrar 
Grenni. 51. Read, W...? koma, Cd. 





THORROD KOLBEINSSON. 105, 





enn { goegn peir-es ‘g4d0 Glaumskers’ boei verja 55 
(galt hialmaS lid hialta) ‘herferd’ buendr goerdo. 
16. Goll-kennir lét gunni (grediss hestz) fyrir vestan 
(pundr v4 leyfdr til landa) Lundun saman bundit: 
fekk ‘regn porinn rekka ronn’ af Pinga-mannom 
¥glig hoegg par-es eggjar Ulfkell blar skulfo. 60 
17. Hvatr vann Freyr ‘4 flotna folkstafns’ sa es gaf hrafni 
sollit hold né sialdan sverdz eggja spor leggja: 
sniallr lét, opt ok olli Eirekr bana beira 
‘raud’ Hringmara-heidi her Engla lid pverra. 


II. Dirce on GuNLAUG. 
(From Gunnl., S.) 


HY? 48r Hrafni nedi hug-reifom Aleifi 

Gaondlar peys ok Grimi Gunnlaugr hiarvi bunnom : 
hann vard hvatra manna hugmdér drifinn bl6di 
Ullr ré6 ta falli unn-viggs bani priggja. 


III. Lavusa-vfsor. 
(From Biarnar S. AM. 551.) 


Thorrod. i. ee skaltu ganga; illr pykki mer 
gleymr binn vesa vid grid-konor: 
sitr-pG 4 aptnom es ver inn komom 
iafn-audigr mer. Ut skaltu ganga. 
Biorn. Her man-ek sitja ok hatt vel kveda 5 
skemta pinni pidd-vel kono: 
pat manat okkr til ordz lagit ; 
em-ek heill {f hug. Her man-ek sitja. 
Thorrod. 2. Ut skaltu ganga; oss seldot mizal 
rautt at liti, rug sagdir pu; 10 
enn begar virdar vatni blendo 
vas pat aska ein. Ut skaltu ganga! 





but the franklins defending .... when they were guarding.... by. 
They joined battle west of London, and Wulfkettle gat ugly blows 
from the Thing-men’s weapons at... . The Earl laid many sword-prints 
on the English, he minished the English host at Ringmere-heath. 


Before Gunlaug got at Raven he laid low Grim and Oleif with his 
thin blade. He was sprinkled with the blood of three men. 


Thorrod, Get thee gone, I mislike thy fooling with the handmaids; 
thou sittest in the evenings, when we come home, as proud as myself. 
Get thee gone!—Biorn. I shall sit here and sing aloud and entertain 
thy lady. It shall never be a reproach against either of us. I am whole- 
hearted. I shall sit here. : 

Thorrod. Get thee gone! Thou didst sell me red [bad] flour, saying 
that it was rye; but when they mixed it with water it was but dust. Get 





56. Read, Hord Hertford? 2. hidrvi] med hior, Cd. 7, pat man okkr eigi, Cd. 
> 


106 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


Biorn. Kyrr man-ek sitja. Kom-ek 4 hausti; 
hefik fornan mer fullo keyptan ; 
feld gafut mer fagr-raggvadan 15 
kapps-vel dreginn. Kyrr man-ek sitja. 

3. Sextén vas hugr hidéna, hverr liféi ser pverrir 

auds { é6ro husi, aud-lin, at mun sfnom: 
46r gard-vita gerdi grundar einn fyr stundo 
stridri stakr { bidom stér-gedr lidi dro. 20 


4. Ollungis bid-ek allar atgeirs eda god fleiri 
(rétt skil-ek) rammar veettir rand-éps beer es hlyrn sképut: 
at styr-bendir standi stal-galdrs, enn ek valda 
blédigr arn of Birni br4d-raudér hafud-snaudom. 


5. Hvert stefni per hrafnar hart med flokk inn svarta? 25 
farit lidst matar leita land-nordr fra Klif-sandi: 
par liggr Biawrn (enn Birni bl6é-gagl of skar st6do) 
(pollr hné hialms) 4 hialla Hyvitings ofar litlo. 


6. | Méér verd-ek mitt hross leida (mitk verdra for sitkri 
[reid vara flidtt] und fridri fiarg-vefjar) dag margan: 30 
pvfi at... . borgar hvergi Hlakk undi sér dakkva 
(mikit stri6 vas pat mééa merki-skins) fyrir verkjom. 


THE LITHSMEN’S SONG. 


(From Flatey-bok iii. 237 ff. and O. H.L [less good text]; verses I, 2 also 
in Skioldunga.) 


I. (ONGOM upp, 46r Engla ett-land farin raondo 
mor6z ok miklar ferdir malm-regns stafar fregni: 





thee gone!—Biorn. I willsit quiet. I came here last autumn; I bought 
old [stinking] lard full dear; I gave thee in return a cloak of fair skins, 
beautifully furred. I will sit quiet. 

Thorrod on Biorn. There were sixteen in the household, all of one 
mind, and every one in the house lived at his ease, till a short while ago 
one man raised discord in our dwelling. 

Thorrod’s prayer. 1 pray all the mighty spirits and the gods that 
made the heavens, that the bloody eagle, fresh from the carrion, may 
stand over the headless Biorn by my act. 

Fulfilment of it. Ravens, whither go ye so fast, ye black bevy! Go 
straight to seek your meat north-east of Cliff-sand: there Biorn lies, a 
little above the shelf of Whiting [a hill in Hitardale]. He fell, and the 
birds of blood stand over his head. . 

Illness of his wife. Many a day in sorrowful mood I have to lead 
my horse; the journey is not easy for my sick wife, for the dark lady 
could find no rest anywhere from pain. It was a great grief to me. 


SONG OF THE SIEGE OF LONDON. Let us march inland, ere that the 
people learn that the heritage of the English is ravaged, or get news of 





15. Read, gaf ek per. 16. drepinn, Cd. 17, 18. pverrir auds] 
emend,; pverri rus, Cd. 20. Emend,; strié’ stokkvi buéom, Cd. 29. 
verd-ek] verdr, Cd. 31. Blank in Cd. (hauk ?). 


nee ee ee 


$1.] THE LITHSMEN’S SONG. 107 


vesom hug-rakkir Hlakkar hristom spiét ok skiétom! 
leger fyrir 6rom eggjom Engla gnétt 4 fldétta. 

2. Margr ferr Ullr { fllan odd-senno dag penna 5 
Freyr pars foeddir vérom fornan serk ok bornir: 
enn 4 Enskra manna walom gié6d Hnikars bl6di 
‘yart” mun skald f skyrto ‘skreidaz’ hamri sda. 

cP Pollr mun glaums of grimo giarn sfdarla 4rna 
randar-sk66 at ridéa roédinn s4 es mey fcedir: 10 
berr eigi s4 sveigir s4ra lauk { 4ri 
reidr til Rinar gl66a rand upp 4 Englandi. 


rydr eigi s4 sveigir s4ra lauk { 4ri 
hinn-es Gridtvarar geetir, gunn-bor6z, fyrir Stad nordan. 
4. Péttot mer, es ek pAtta, Porkels lidar dvelja 15 
(sisk eigi peir sverda sang) f folk at ganga: 
‘46an er “haurda heidi” hrid vikingar knfdo’ 
ver hlutom vdpna skurir (vard fylkt lidi) ‘harda.’ 
5. Har pykki mer hlyra hinn iarl es bra snarla 
meer spyrr vitr ef veeri val-kast ara fasto: 20 
Enn pekkjondom pykkir punn-bl4s megin-Asar 
hard su-es hilmir goerdi hrié 4 Tempsar sfdo. 
6. Ein-radit 1ét 46an Ulfkell par-es spior gullo 
‘hard 6x hildar garda hrid’ Vikinga at bfda: 
ok slfér-hugadr sfdan sdttu 4 oss hve ‘ matti’ 25 
byggs vid ‘bitran skeggja’ brunnz tveir hugir runno. 
". Knitr réd ok bad bida baug-stallz Dani alla ; 








the great Host. Let us be of good courage. Let us shake and shoot 
the spears of the Walkyria. The multitude of the English will take 
to flight before our sword-edges. 

Many a man in the land where we were bred and born is wearing his 
old coat to-day, while the poet, who is drenching the swans of Woden 
with the blood of the English, clothes himself in the hammer-sewn shirt. 
The laggard, who is caressing his lady by night in Noraay, will be slow 
to redden the spear, he will not bear his shield into England this year, 
or, he, the husband of Stanwara, north of Stadt, will be slow, &c. 

Thorkell’s men, when I espied them, seemed as if they would not 
hold back from the fray. They feared not the song of the Sword: 
meanwhile they drew up in stern battle-array at Ringmere-heath. The 
Wickings won the day.... 

Seems to me.... the earl’s brother. It was a hard battle. The king 
fought a hard bout on Thames-side, as all can tell. Wolfkettle made up 
his mind to abide the Wickings, but afterwards it was seen that he 
changed his purpose at... . (p/ace). 

Cnut commanded and ordered the Danes to make a stand, and went 





8. Read, drt... . skrydaz. 11. aari, Cd. 13-14. We have transposed 
these two lines (a duplicate ?), 17. Read, & Hringmara heidi. 18, Read, 
hardar? 25. Read, motti. 26. Read, at Branda furdo? 


108 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


lundr gekk raskr und randir rfkr; v4 herr vid Dfki: 
ner var sveit ‘par es séttom syn med hialm ok brynjo’ 
‘elldz sem olmom heldi elg-rennanda kennir.’ 30 
8. ‘Ut man ekkjan lIfta’ (opt gloa vpn 4 lopti) 
(of hialm-tamom hilmi) hrein su-es byr i Steini: 
hve sigr-fikinn scekir snarla borgar karla 
(dynr 4 Bretzkom brynjom bld66- -fss) Dana visi. 
9. Hvern morgin ser horna Hlakk 4 Tempsar bakka 35 
/_ hanga-ma ery) hialm-sk66 rodin bldéi: 


IO. Bal es batz lind { landi land-rifs fy rir ver handan 

golli merkt vid Galla Griét-alniss skal feolna : 

pann moenda-ek vid vilja val-klifs medan ek lifda 

(alin eromk biark at balvi bandz) al-groenan-standa. 40 
II. Ar st6& enn en dyra iarla-d6ms med blémi 

hardla groen sem Heaordar hvart misseri visso : 

nti hefir bekkjar tré bliknat bratt mardallar grati 

‘lind hefir laufi bundit lfno-iard { gordom.’ 


12. Dag var hvern pat es Hagna hurd ri6dask nam bl6di 45 
4r pars uti vérom ilmr { far med hilmi: 
Knegom ver, sizt vigom vard ny-lokit haréom, 
fyllar dags i fagrom fit, Lundunom sitja. 


BIORN THE HITDALE CHAMPION. 


BioRN’s Saga, like Gretti’s Saga, has been adorned with spurious 
verse, attributed to him and Thorrod Kolbeinsson, but none of them 
can be supposed genuine, save two satirical staves, one in court-metre, 
which has been maimed by the copyist, for its coarseness, and one called 
Gramaga-flim, the Rock-perch-flyting, which is in a rhyming-ditty metre. 

It may here be noted that in Eyrbyggia Saga there is a group of 
verses of the same type as that in Biorn’s Saga, but of rather higher 





himself into the array. The Host fought by the Ditch [London Dyke]. 
The Host was near the place where... . passed with his ships. 

The lady that dwells at the Stone will hear how the conquering lord 
of the Danes [Cnut] attacked the churls of the city [London]. The 
blades glow aloft over the head of the helm-wont hero, the swords clash 
on the British mailcoats. Every morning the lady on Thames-bank sees 
the sword dyed in blood. 

It is a pity the lady Steinwara over sea should wither away. with Gall 
[there is a play here on gall, a blemish, and Gall, a man’s name]. 
Would that she might ever stand green. I was born to sorrow after 
her. She was wont to stand every season like a linden tree in full 
blossom, but now she is like a faded leafless tree. She has... 

Every day the buckler was stained red with gore when we were out 
on the foray with our prince [Cnut]; but ever since the hard fight 
[Assandun] was fought we sit merrily in fair London. 





31. Read, ort man e. spyrja? 









a ie ee 6 ee 6S ee ee le Ole |) 4 i a ‘aa ee Ce ae re 
ere 1 ta [Ey TAPS ae, ee 
salp & PT! Wie fe ag 


$1.) GUNLAUG SNAKESTONGUE AND RAVEN. _ tog 


poetic merits, but they are plainly late: such a line as ‘Spuréusk var 
und yorsum verk’ settles the whole question, for the other verses are 
consonant in style, and must all stand and fall together. But, even if 
we had not the proof, it would be hard for any one that knows the 
genuine tenth-century verse to allow their authenticity. The first satire 
deserved comparison with the libel on Harold Gormsson, and with the 
flytings of the heroes in the Helgi Lays. 


I, Nip-visa. 
ay PS stfri-lundar, stadar es leitad { midjo, 


glikr es geira sékir gunn-sterkr at pvi verki 
(stendr af stafna-lundi styrr) Pérroedi inn fyrri. 


II. GrRAMAGA-FLIM. 


I. Fiskr gekk 4 land, en f165 4 sand, 5 
hrognkelsi glikr, vas 4 holdi slfkr, 
At einaga ylgr gra-maga 
mein-blandit hre. Mart es illt f sx. 
2, Ox bridar kvidr fra briésti nidr 
sva at gerdo eik gekk heldr keik, 10 
ok aum { vamb, vard heldr til pamb. 
*, Sveinn kom f liés, sagt hafdi dréds 
audar-gildi at hon ala vildi: 
henni pétti s4 hund-bftr pars 14 
iafn-sniallr sem geit, es { augo leit. 15 


GUNLAUG SNAKESTONGUE AND RAVEN. 


ONE of the descendants of Bragi and the nephew of Tind, Gunlaug, 
was also a poet. His luckless love for Helga and his tragical death have 
made his name and story famed. “Fo his Saga we may refer the reader 
for all detail. But most interesting to us for our present purpose is the 
vivid account it gives of his poetical Circuit, from which, whether it be 
historically true or not, we may judge of the kind of lives the Court- 
Poets of the heroic age led. 

Setting sail from Norway, where he had got into some trouble by his 
bold tongue and ready hand, he came to London Bridge, and found 
King #thelred Eadgarsson ruling in England. He goes before the king, 





I. Biorn’s Lampoon. The two men.... with a space between them. 
The foremost of them at this work is like Thorrod. 


II. Biorn’s Stone-perch Lampoon. A fish, like a stone-perch, soft of 
flesh, came ashore with a tide on the sand. She ate the venomous 
grey-maw. There are many poisonous things in the sea! Her belly 
grew big down from the breasts, so that she walked with jutting 
paunch, and sore in the womb and swollen in the guts. A boy came 
to light. She had told her husband that she was to give birth to a 
child. She thought the babe looked but a currish morsel, where he 
lay, as cowardly as a wild goat, when she saw his eyes. 





2, Purposely left blank in the vellum. 
> 


110 EARL ERIC’S COURT. | [BK. VIII. 


who asks him whence he came and who he was. Gunlaug answers and 
adds, “and I have come to see you, my lord, because I have made a 
Poem about you, and I should like you to listen to it. The king said 
that he would, and Gunlaug delivered his poem in a fine, bold way.” 
The dJurden of this poem is in verse 1. The king thanks him and 
gives him a scarlet cloak, lined with the finest fur, and laced down the 
skirt, for his poet’s fee. He then goes to Dublin. “ At that time King 
Sigtrygg Silk-beard, the son of Anlaf Cuaran and Kormlaith, was ruling 
over Ireland, and he had been ruling but a short while. He received 
the poet well, and Gunlaug said, ‘I have made a poem on you, and I 
should like to have silence.’ The king answered, ‘No man before up 
to this time has done this and brought me a poem,—thou shalt surely be 
heard.’”” Then he delivered his Song of Praise, of which one of the 
burdens and a few more lines remain. It is in Egil’s rhyming metre, 
and composed in imitation of him. “The king thanked him for his 
poem, and called to his treasurer, saying, ‘How shall this poem be 
repaid?’ ‘How do you wish to repay it, my lord?’ answers he. 
‘How will it be paid,’ says the king, ‘if I give him two ships of 
burden?’ The treasurer answers, ‘That is too much, my lord,’ says 
he; ‘other kings give goodly gifts as poets’ fees,—good swords, or good 
gold rings.’ The king gave him his coat of new scarlet, a laced kirtle, 
a cloak of noble fur, and a gold ring of great price.” And Gunlaug, 
after a little while, went on to the Orkneys. There he recites a short 
poem, ‘ Flokkr,’ before Earl Sigrod (who fell at Clontarf). None of 
this poem is left. Gunlaug then went on to Sweden, where King Olaf 
the Swede, son of Eric the Victorious and Sigrid the Proud (the Ter- 
magant Queen), was ruling at Upsala. Here he met a fellow Icelander, 
Raven, his rival in poetry and love. “ One day Gunlaug asks the king to 
listen to his poem. ‘And I want to deliver mine too, my lord,’ says 
Raven. ‘But mine must come first, if it be your will, my lord!’ ‘Nay, 
I should deliver mine first,’ answered Raven, ‘for I was the first to 
come here to you.’ Said Gunlaug, ‘Where were our fathers ever 
together, when my father was after-boat to yours? Never anywhere! 
and so shall it be with us.’ Raven proposes that the king shall settle it. 
Then said the king, ‘Gunlaug shall deliver his first, for he will not be quiet 
if he does not have his turn first.’ When he has finished his poem, the 
king turns to Raven, ‘ How is this song composed?’ ‘It is well com- 
posed, my lord, but it is full of big words, and not elegant, and there is 
something stiff about it, as there is in Gunlaug himself.’ Then Raven 
recites his song. Says the king, ‘ What do you think of that, Gunlaug?’ 
Says Gunlaug, ‘ It is well composed, my lord. The poem is pretty, like 
Raven himself, but rather common-place. But (turning to Raven) why 
didst thou make a short poem on the king? didst thou not think him 
worth a full Song of Praise?’ ‘Let us talk no more about this matter,’ 
says Raven.” But the insult was not forgotten, and was the beginning 
of jealousy between the two poets. This criticism recalls that of The 
Frogs, but it is not borne out by the remains of the two poets, for the 
three verses of Raven Anwindsson that remain have something antique, 
spiritual, and weird about them, which is lacking in Gunlaug’s verses. 

Raven is twice mentioned in Landnama-bok, which calls him Skald- 
Hrafn, ‘Raven the Poet,’ telling us that he had a sister called Helga. 
We have some seven stanzas of Gunlaug’s in the Saga, two lines of 
which (a fair proportion) are quoted in Edda. All the verses are taken 
from the Saga. 

A short account of this fine Saga is given in Prolegomena, § 9, pp. 51-52: 





§1.] .GUNLAUG SNAKESTONGUE AND RAVEN. 111 


I. Prats—E oN ALTHELR-ED. 


Stave. He sésk allr inn arva Englandz sem God pengil 
eett l¥tr grami gumna gunn-brddom Adalradi. 


II. Pratsk on Sictryec, Kine or Dustin. 
Siave.1.  Elr svoro ske Sigtryggr vid hre. 


2.  Kann-ek mals of skil; enn ek mera vil 
konung-manna kon; hann es Kvarans son: 5 
mona gramr vid mik (venr hann gizfli sik) 

[pess man grepp vara] goll-hring spara: 
Seg hilmir mer, hvart heyrdot ér 
dyrligra brag; pat es drapo lag. 


III. IwprovisaTIONns. 


I. Koma skal ek vist at vitja viggs daglinga priggja 10 
(pvi hefig hlut-vandom heitid) hiarls ok tveggja iarla: 
hverfka-ek aptr 46r ‘arfi aud veital fyrir leita’ 
‘orma-bordé fyrir ermar odd gefnar mer stefni.’ 


2: Segit ér fra iarli odd-feimo stafar peima 

« hann hefir litnar .... har karl es sa baror: 15 
Sig-reynir hefir sénar sialfr { miklo gialfri 
austr fyrir unnar hesti Eirekr blar fleiri. 

*, Reéki-ek litt po-at leiki (létt vedr es nti) péttan 
austan-vindr at andri ann-ness viko pessa: 
meirr sidmk hitt (enn hodd-strfdandi bidit) 20 
ord, at ek eigi verdag iafn-raskr talidér Hrafni. 





I, AETHELRED’S PRAISE. Burden.-All the host reverence the generous 
King of England like God himself. All men pay homage to the valiant 
#Ethelred. 


II. SIGTRYG’S PRAISE. Burden. Sigtryg feeds the ogress-charger with 
carrion. I know the distinctions of speech. Now I will praise a scion 
of kings, he is Cuaran’s son. The king will not grudge me a gold ring, 
he trains himself to liberality. This I know. Tell me, O king, if thou 
hast ever heard a more costly poem. It is all in Encomium Metre. 


Ill. To Aithelred. 1 am going to visit three kings and two earls, I 
have promised so to do; I shall not come back till .... fame and 
money. 

On Earl Eric. You speak of this Earl... . but Eric has seen greater 
waves dancing in front of his sea-steed. 

On the loss of his love. 1 care not though the Eastern wind play 
against my ship this week, I fear more for the report that I shall not be 
reckoned an equal match for Raven [his adversary ]. 





1-2. Emend.; ens... Guds pengils ... grams ok g. gunnbrids, Cd. 4. enn] 
hvern, Cd, 8. Emend.; segi siklingr mer ef hann heyrdi ger, Cd, Ig. 
andra, Cd, 20. bidi, Cd. 


112 EARL ERIC’S COURT.  [BK. vit. 


4. Munat ‘h4d-varom hyrjar’ hr{d-mundadar pundi 
‘hafna’ heaorvi drifna hlyda iord at pydask: 
pvi-at ‘lausikjar’ leikom lyngs es vérom yngri 
‘alnar gims 4 ymsom ann-nesjom pvf landi.’ a5 

5. Orms-tungo varé engi allr dagr und sal fialla 
heer sfzt Helga in Fagra Hrafns kvdnar ré6 nafni: 
Litt s4 halér inn hviti hiar-peyss fadir meyjar 
(gefin vas Eir til aura ung) vid minni tungo. 

6. Veen 4-ek verst at launa, vin-gefn, fador pfnom — 30 
(fold nemr flaum af skaldi fléd-hyrs) ok sv4 médor: 
pvi-at goerdo Bil borda bedi senn und kledom 
(herr hafi haldés ok svarra hag-virki!) sva fagra. 

VE Gefin vas Eir til aura orm-dags in lit-fagra 
(pann kveda mann né mfnna minn iafn-oka) Hrafni: 35 
allra nyztr medan austan Adalraér farar dvaldi 
(‘pvf es men-rfrir minni mAl-gra6r’) { gny stala. 

8. Nut em-ek tit 4 Eyri Al-vangs buinn ganga 
(happs unni God greppi) goert med tognom hiarvi: 
hnakk skal Helgo lokka (haus vinn-ek fra bol lausan) —_40 
loks med lidsom meeki lyf-svelgs { tvau klitfa. 

9. Alin vas rygr at régi (runnr olli pvi gunnar), 

[log vas-ek auds at eiga 66-giarn] fira barnom: ; 
nli-es svan-meoerar s{dan svart-augom mer bauga 
landz til lysi-Gunnar litil barf at lita. 45 


HRAFN ONUNDARSON (SKALD-HRAEFN). 


UGDOMK orms 4 armi ¥-daggvar per hoeggvinn, 
veri bridr { bl6éi barmr pinn rodinn mfno: 


et 





It will not do for Raven to take my love, for when young we had 
many a merry game together. 

No day under heaven has ever been sweet all through to Snake’s 
Tongue, since Helga the Fair was wedded to Raven. The White 
Franklin, her father, did not take my tongue into account when he gave 
her to another. She was given away for the sake of money. 

My lady, who takes my joy away, I have the worst of scores to wipe 
out against thy father and mother, that they both of them, beneath the 
coverlet, wrought thee so fair. The fiends take this masterpiece of man 
and wife. The fair one was given away for money to Raven, though he 
was neither her match nor mine. She was given away to him while 
/Ethelreed delayed my journey from the East in warring. es 

Before the Wager of Battle. Now I am ready to go to the Allfield eyre 
with drawn sword. God give me victory. I shall split the head of Helga’s 
paramour with my bright sword, severing his head from the trunk. 

On Helga. The proud lady was born to cause -strife to the children 
of men. I was very eager to win her, but now it is no use for me, the 
black-eyed bard, to look on her. 


POET-RAVEN. Raven’s Dream, to his wife Helga. 1 dreamed I was 





23. Read, Hrafni? AI. Read, litf-svelgs? 44. Emend.; svart augo mer, 
45. lysi-] legi-, Cd. _ lita] i.e. vita. 





Wr ae ee 


§r.] | GRETTI THE STRONG AND OTHERS. 113 


kneettit endr of undir al-stafns niorun Hrafni 
‘lfk getr pat lauka lind hagdyrnis’ binda. 

2. Samira okkr um eina, Ullr brim-loga, Fullo, 5 
feegir folka Ségo fangs, f brigd at ganga: 
miak ero margar slikar mét-runnr fyr haf sunnan 
(‘¥ti ek szevar séta’) sann-fr6dr konor gédar. 

3. Veitad greppr hvarr greppa gagn-selli hlytr fagna; 
her es ben-sigdom brugdit, biin es egg f leggi: 10 
pekk man ein ok ekkja ung mer, p6-at vit serimz, 
porna spang at pingi pegns hug-rekki fregna. 


PORKEL ON HELGA’S DEATH. 


AGDA-ek orms at armi orm-g6da mer trédo 
Gud bra ley(f|érar lins andada mina: 


bd es beiSondom bida bliks pungara miklo. 


GRETTI THE STRONG AND OTHER ICELANDERS. 


Tue Saga of Gretti (on which see Prolegomena) is full of verses 
scattered up and down it; but of all these, two pieces only are, we believe, 
genuine ; the first is quoted aiso in Edda, the second is found in Land- 
nama-bok. The rest of the verse, much of which by such line-rhymes 
as ‘var-ek’ and ‘beirra,’ ‘hreddr’ and ‘bléddi,’ must be at once pro- 

: nounced as of the late thirteenth century. But besides this group of late 
spurious verse, there is another lot of more poetic worth which, with 
Arni Magnusson, we have no hesitation in ascribing to Sturla. There is 
undoubted proof that Sturla’s edition of Landnama-bok was the sole 
source of the verses known to the Saga-editor, and one curious example 

- of his procedure may be instanced. He found in his Landnama-bok 
text five lines beginning ‘ Ridkat et.’ This would never do; all court- 
metre verse must be in four lines, so he cuts out line 4, and concludes 
his stanza with line 5 (thus Grettis Saga in AM. 556). But when we 
turn to the other text in Hawk’s Landnama-bok, we find two whole 
eight-lined stanzas perfect, and see that line 5 is really the beginning of 





wounded in thine arms, and that thy breast was red-stained with my 
blood, and that thou didst bind up my wounds.... 

To Gunnlaug. it ill beseems us to enter upon deadly strife for this one 
woman’s sake. There are many other such noble damsels, south over 
sea. Neither of us can tell, now that the swords are drawn, who will gain 
the day; but though we wound one another let the young damsel hear of 
my valour in the combat. 


THORKETTLE, Helga’s second husband, on Helga’s death. 1 laid my 
dead lady in my arms. God took her life.... Yet it is worse for me 
to abide death, than for her to die. 





3. knettinn, Cd.. 4. Read, likn? hagdyrnis] AM. 557; hagdreyrins, Cd. 
11. pekk] emend.; pat, Cd. 12. at] read af. 
VOL. II. I oe 


ee el 


114 EARL ERIC’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


the second set of four lines and not the supernumeral end of the first. 
In another instance the two genuine lines ‘Heldo Hlakkar, etc.’ have 
been filled up by a spurious continuation by the same editor, 


GEST THORHALLASON. The lost part of Heidaviga Saga was, as 
John Olafsson testifies, studded with verses of Gest, the slayer of Styr, 
Snorri’s father-in-law ; the Cod. Worm. Appendix has preserved two 
morsels which may be genuine. One would have liked to have the 
Likewake story and the verses there, for § 5 of this Book. 


THORMOD TREFILSSON is mentioned in Landnama. ‘ His (Trefil’s) 
son was Thormod who made Raven’s Speech (Hrafns-mal), on Snorri’s 
Godi.’ A few verses are preserved in Eyrbyggja, a bald, barbaric 
poem, though the later poets laid store by it, for we find that Lawman 
Sturla, 250 years later, borrows name and metre for his Song on King 
Hakon’s Expedition into Scotland. 


SKAPTI, the famous Lawyer and Speaker (1004-1031), is in Skalda-tal 
said to have composed poems on Earl Hakon and St. Olave, one in the 
heathen Era, one in the Christian; of neither is anything left. But Edda 
has preserved two lines of a Praise on Christ (Christ-drapa) of his in 
court-metre. Interesting are those notions of Christ as the Builder of 
Rome, the Holy City. 


i. Hew Hlakkar tialda heféndr saman nefjom 
Hildar-veggs ok hioggosk hregg-nirdir til skeggjom. 


2. R{dkat-ek roéki-meidom randar hétz at méti, 
skaput es pessom pbegni praut, ferr-ek einn 4 brauto: 
vilkat-ek Vidriss balka vinnendr spaka finna ; 5 
ek man ber eigi pikkja cérr, leita-ek mer fcéra. 

2. Hnekki-ek fra par-es flokkar fara Périss miak stérir ; 


esa mer fi bys peira perfiligt at hverfa: 
fordomk fregra virda fund, 4-ek veg til Lundar; 
verd-ek Heimdala at hirda hiar; biargom sva fiarvi. 10 


GESTR PORHALLASON. 
(From Cod. Worm. Appendix.) 
I. Va um sar (enn sdran s4-ek Viga-Styr hniga) 


bandom perf at binda; beit hialma-stod pveita: 
pa-es or brtinar beinom b4g-lundz Goda magi 





Gretti the Strong, on his enemies plotting. ‘The fellows were putting their 
noses together and wagging their heads into each other’s beards. 

The odds are against him. 1 shall not ride to meet them, now that I 
am in such stress. I will go off alone, I will not meet them. I will be 
no such fool as that. I seek for a place of safety. I keep out of the 
way when the big flocks of Thori are passing. It is not safe for me to 
turn into the throng of theirs. I seek to escape from meeting them; 
my way leads to Lund. I mean to save my head. So I save my life. 


Gest splits the head of Styr, his father’s murderer. 1 saw Wiga-Styr fall 
wounded: it was needless to bind up the wound, the axe bit the head, 
when I saw the red stream of blood gush over his eyes out of the temples 








§1.] GRETTI THE STRONG AND OTHERS. 115 


unda scég { augo all-raudan s4-ek falla. 
a. Gestr hefir Geitiss rastar galdrs midiungi skialdar = 5 
(dundi diipra benja dogg) raskligast haggit. 


PORMODR TREFILSSON. 
HRAFNS-MAL ON SNORRI-GOPI, Comp. C. IOI2. 
(From Eyrbyggija S.) 


ELLDI folks-valdi, fyrst ins goll-byrsta 
vellti val-galtar, Vigftiis pann héto: 
slito par sféan s4ra ben-skérar 
br#d af bad-nirdi Biarnar arf-nytja. 
2. _Fekk inn folk-rakki (framdisk ungr sigri) 5 
Snorri sd4r-orra sverdi gndégs verdar: 
laust { Iffs-kaosto, Leifa mé-reifar, 
unda ialms eldi, es hann Arnkel felldi. 
3. Svaddi svan-greddir s4ra dyn-baro 
ern 4 ulfs virdi { Aptafirdi: 10 
par lét p4 Snorri pegna at hiaor-regni 
fiorvi fmm numna. Své skal fiandr hegna. 
4. Meirr v4 inn mé66-barri menn at hiar-senno 
tynir tiar-Rfnar tv fyr o sunnan: 
lago siau sidan (slfks ero iartegnir) 18 
Gifrs- 4 -grand-nesi gumnar fiar-numnir. 
5. Bad vard { Bitro, brad hykk par fengo 
geervi gndégs styrjar giddom sigr-flidda : 
logo lifs vanir leidendr haf-reidar 
prir fyr prek-stcéri. Par fekk Hrafn veeri. 20 


_ 


SKAPTI PORODDZSON: (KRIST-DRAPA.) 
(From Edda.) 


\ A ATTR es munka Dréttins mestr; aflar God flesto ; 
Krisir skép rfkr, ok reisti Réms hall, veraold alla. 





of the father-in-law of the wily Priest [Snorrithe Priest]. He has struck 
him a most daring blow... (The blood gushed from the deep wounds.) 


Thormod Trefilsson. Snorri’s Praise. First he felled the warrior whose 
name was Wigfus, the son of Biorn. Snorri gave the raven a full 
quarry, and the sword struck home when he felled Arnkettle. The 
warrior fed the eagle on wolf’s food at Alfta-firth, There Snorri 
took five men’s lives. Then he overcame two men south of the River 
[Whitewater]. After which, seven lay life-reft at the Ness of Ogress- 
queller [Thorsness]._ There was a fray at Bitter [Frith of]. Three were 
left dead there. Raven won his rest there [i. e. was one of the three]. 


Skapti the Lawyer, on Christ. The might of the Lord of monks 


[Christ] is the greatest. Christ the mighty reared the City of Rome, 
and made all the world. 





14. Conj. tioreinar, Cd. 
I2 — 


116 ST. OLAF’S COURT. | [BK. vIn. 


§ 2° ST. OLA AND CAUTL 


ST. OLAF HAROLDSSON (1014-1030). 


THE son of Harold, King of Grenland or Grend, a county in South 
Norway, whence he was surnamed Grenzki, and of Asta daughter of 
Gudbrand, a Norwegian noble. Harold met with a tragical death 
on a journey to Sweden, ledving Asta a widow, pregnant with the boy 
who soon was to be St. Olave. Asta, many years later, married Sigrod 
the Farmer-King of Ringerik, and by him became the mother of another 
future king, Harold Hardrede. . 

We have the testimony of the poets, that as early as twelve years old, 
the boy Olaf, under the charge of his foster-father Rani, was put aboard 
a Wicking fleet, under his nominal leadership, and that henceforth he 
led the life of a sea-king. Thirteen battles of his are mentioned. The 
Baltic coast, Denmark, Jutland, Holland, England, France were each 
in turn visited by his pirate squadron; from the Wistula to Poitou he 
won his way by the sword. 

But at last there came an opportunity for the young buccaneer to win 
a richer prize than the gold of Gaul or the silver of England. In 
Normandy, where he seems to have had friendly relations with the great 
Duke, Olaf meets with Athelred, and heard of the death of Sweyn, 
with whom he had perhaps served. The English, tired of foreign rulers, 
offer to take their King again on the promise of good rule. It was Olaf’s 
fleet that in Lent, 1014, bore the exile back to his realm. And now he 
sees that there is an opening before him. Cnut had his hands full 
for years to make good his hold upon the land his father had not been 
able totally to subdue. The North was emptied of troops, who flocking 
to Cnut’s call, or eager for the plunder of the richest land they knew 
of, had followed Earl Eric, or joined Thorkettle in England. ; 

In the late summer, 1014, Olaf crossing the sea in two ships of burden, 
overtook the young Earl Hakon unawares, who swore strong oaths to 
him to leave the land and never fight against Olaf. The following 
winter the Uplanders joined Olaf, and on Palm Sunday, 1015, he van- 
quished Earl Sweyn (Eric’s brother, left by him in charge of Norway), 
which battle gives Olaf the-crown of Norway. His youth, his renown as 
a leader, his mother’s energy which won him the help of the Uplanders, 
and even his name, helped to smooth his way. But he was no Olaf Tryg- 
gvason come back, as the people hoped, this short, thick-set, ruddy young 
man, that carried his head slightly stooping, like the hard thinker he was. 
Here was a lover of order, who drove the courts, enforced the laws with 
the strong hand, and who, as other kings in like case, ruled through poor 
men he could trust rather than the nobies whom he suspected; who was 
the organiser of the public and the church-law and the severe scourge 
of those that broke it; in short, as a man of Henry II’s type rather than 
that of Tryggvason, essentially a secular, business-like, hard-working 
man,—such was Norway’s Saint that was to be. 

Ten years he passed as an undisputed sovereign; he swiftly quelled 
a dangerous plot of the Upland Kings who had once joined him, but 
now, like the Horse in the Fable, found out their mistake; settled a 
treaty and marriage with Sweden; made the Orkney earls his liegemen. 





“a es net, EY ee Pe 
ole Se ANN Cli Bi 


§ 2.] ST. OLAFS POETS. 117 


But now, ¢, 1025, when Cnut had made firm his seat in England, and a 
new generation of Englishmen faithful to the new dynasty, Godwine 
and Siward and Leofric, sat in the seats of Eadmund Ironside and Wolf- 
kettle, the mighty Dane sent, like some Assyrian emperor of old, to bid 
Olaf acknowledge his suzerainty. Olaf refused, and then the storm, that 
had been gathering for some years at least, broke upon his head: the 
nobles who had felt the weight of his unswerving justice, the franklins 
who feared for their free moots and allods, and resented his inquisitorial 
proceedings with regard to the smouldering embers of heathendom, 
which were still to be found here and there among them. Their dis- 
content was fed by the fair promises and more tangible money of Cnut, 
who, like Louis XI, thought that gold was a better weapon than steel. 
Olaf attempted to strengthen himself by an alliance with his namesake 
of Sweden, which led to the Holy River battle {near Christianstad, South 
Sweden], 1026; but, like the Jewish kings’ league with Egypt, availed 
him little. When Cnut’s fleet made its progress up the Norwegian 
coast, Olaf was obliged to fly, and after a Sharp stroke of revenge, the 
slaying of Erling (Dec. 21st, 1028), he left his fleet, and marching by 
land across Norway and Sweden, he sought refuge in Russia. 

In 1030 he determined to make an effort to regain his throne, and 
pushing across Sweden he came over Iamt-land into Norway. But it 
was too soon; the remembrance of his harshness and the sweetness of 
Cnut’s gold were still strong, and he comes face to face with his angry 
subjects at Sticklestead. The result of the battle must have been almost 
certain, but calmly and bravely, even cheerily, the King and the little 
knot of gallant followers, who had shared his good and evil fortunes 
with unshaken faith, meet the overwhelming host that were arrayed 
against them, 

The day of Sticklestead (July 29, 1030), when Olaf fell, stands next to 
Swold in the Kings’ Lives, and in the popular mind as the most memor- 
able day of Northern history, and poetry gathers about it. The nobility 
of the man, who, though of a less heroic mould than his namesake, was 
yet very marked and real (Sighvat-and Thormod would not have loved 
a king who was not worthy of their jealous affection), the tragedy of his 
death, the feeling that in the people’s mind ever follows such an event, 
the superstition which the horrifying phenomenon of a total eclipse on 
the battle-field a month later (Aug. 31st), could hardly fail to excite,—all 
contributed to canonise Olaf. And when the unfortunate reign of Cnut’s 
lieutenant, the alien Sweyn Algyfu’s son, with its bad seasons, its dis- 
appointments and degradations, and finally Cnut’s death, had wrought 
such a revulsion of feeling that the very nobles who had slain the father 
sent for the son Magnus, a boy in his eleventh year, from Russia to be 
their king, it is not wonderful that it became almost a: political creed 
and stamp of loyalty to regard Olaf as a martyr, and to cry up the 
miraculous efficacy of his relics. Soon, too, the missionary labours of the 
earlier Olaf were attributed to the later king, and the stern politician 
was transformed into the martyr missionary. 

It is a remarkable proof of its credibility and early date, that the 
Icelandic Life of Olaf, when we remove foreign accretions and appendices, 
is free entirely from any legendary views of his character. It draws him 
as a secular person, law-giver, justice, and financier. Hall of Hawkdale, 
Ari the Historian’s foster-father, was King Olaf’s partner in trade. Olaf 
the Stout (Digri) is the name he bore in his lifetime. Sighvat, repeatedly, 
and the Poets address his son Magnus as ‘the son of the Stout;’ even 


Ari the historian, in Libellus, still names hjm Olafr Digri. 


118 ST. OLAFS COURT. [BK. VIII. 


We can even account for the one mistake the Icelandic Life makes, 
the identifying the day of the battle, July 29th (fixed by his Saint’s day), 
with the day of the eclipse, August 31st; for Sighvat, who was in Rome 
at the time these events took place, must have heard of both together, 
and his words, though not quite clear, may be well construed to favour 
such an identification, so agreeable to oral history. 

St. Olaf’s exact age at his death is not recorded; he would have been 
about twenty or twenty-two at his arrival in Norway, thus, thirty-six 
on the day of Sticklestead. Sighvat, in December 1028 (straitened, it is 
true, for rhyme on Tungor), speaks of him as young: yet every page of 
his Life impresses on one’s mind the image of a man ripe in years and 
judgment. Kings of the olden time in the North, from their early 
youth in camp and on the sea, must have aged wonderfully fast. 


Oxar AND ANWYND THE SwepisH KunGs. 


OLAF THE SWEDE, son of Eric the Victorious, fought at Swold and 
got a share of the spoil, whence arose diplomatic complications with 
the Norwegian King, Olaf Haroldsson. He had two daughters, Ingigerd 
and Anstrith, and one son, Eanwynd (Onund) or James. He married 
his eldest daughter to the Russian king lIaroslaw, instead of to Olaf, 
upon whom the second daughter was palmed off, though she too proved 
a noble-minded lady. By her St. Olaf had one daughter, Ulfhild, married 
to a Duke of Brunswick, through whom St. Olaf is the ancestor of 
almost all the Royal Houses of modern Europe, that of England among 
the rest. 

The Swedish King loved flattery, and we hear of poets at his court, 
and of embassies to him in which poets were employed. He died 
c. 1024, and was succeeded by his son JAMES, the foe of Cnut at Holy 
River, but his friend later on. He is known as the preserver of the 
English Athelings, whom he sent into Hungary. He helped Magnus 
after Cnut’s death, and lived on to 1054. Sighvat is put down as his 
poet in Skalda-tal. After his days Swedish history is almost blank. 
The house of Steinkell succeeds, who also seem to have encouraged 
poets to their court. 


Tue Poetry: SIGHVYAT THE Port. 


THE first half of the eleventh century in the days of St. Olaf, Cnut 
the Mighty and Olaf the Swede, was the heyday of Court-Poetry. 
There are counted nearly twenty poets who were at one time or 
another at these kings’ courts. Of all these, SIGHVAT was incon- 
testably the first; there is no one since Egil who can be put in 
comparison with him; he is indeed the only one of the court-poets 
who, in our acceptation of the term, could be called a poet; he alone 
has burst through the chief difficulties of the metre which bound all the 
others, and is able to express himself almost as freely and pointedly as if 
he were making blank-verse; with him sense must come first, he has a 
meaning and must set it forth plainly; and in several instances it is 
amusing how he contrives to do this, by putting in az aside, often a 
proverb, scorning the inane kennings and fill-gaps of the poetasters. One 
cannot but regret that Sighvat was forced to compose in court-metre; but 
it is certain that he is able to convey more in that straitened vehicle 
than many another poet could in plain rhymeless verse. To this end, 
too, he often dislocates his sentences, throwing object or subject into 


a Se 
et 


§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 119 


the centre of the next period; but as his use of kennings is so sparing, 
the isolated word is at once referred by the mind of the listener to 
the right place, and the sense is not obscured. His vocabulary is remark- 
ably rich, and we meet with many foreign words (indices of Northern 
culture of that day) in his poems, especially those of Romance origin, 
which first appear in them. Happily more of Sighvat has reached us 
than of any other court-poet, although no long poem of his is complete, 
over 600 lines in all. 

Sighvat’s character is also very different from the troubadour-type 
of court-poet, of which we had several examples. He was a thoughtful, 
gentle, peace-loving man; a man to be trusted in matters of state and 
affairs of consequence; a steady, wise and bold counsellor and friend, 
and not ashamed to stand before kings. A man of true valour, though 
in warfare the Nesia Battle is his on/y feat in arms. 

He was dark-haired and dark-eyed, as almost all the Icelandic poets 
were, and his speech was hesitating, but he could improvise verse as 
fast and clearly as another man could talk. 

Sighvat’s father was Thorfred (Thorrod) Sigwald’s poet, an Icelander 
who had been in the service of the Iomswicking Sigwald and his 
brother Thorkettle the Tall (who is well known from the English 
Chronicle). Thorfred is said to have taken to trade on his first 
patron’s fall, and to have met King Olaf in the Baltic and entered his 
suite. The boy Sighvat is said to have been brought up at Apewater 
in South Iceland, and to have come out to seek his father when yet 
a youth. He himself says, ‘I was beardless quite when I met Cnut 
and Olaf first.” This was probably in the year ro14—1o015, but as he 
was old enough to compose a@ poem, Olaf’s Praise, for which he got a 
good fee, and to be enrolled in the king’s guard, and as we find him 
fighting in the Nesia Battle in 1or5 for certain, and a few years later 
(1018, if we trust chronology, which is never quite safe) trusted to - 
carry on some important negotiations, we cannot place his birth later 
than 995. On the Nesia Battle he made a short poem, addressed to a 
comrade, Teit. We are told of his doings at court in connection with 
the troublesome blind King Rorek (Roderick) also about this time. 

The high consideration and friendship with which he was held by 
‘such a king as St. Olaf, often touchingly referred to in his verses, 
is a signal proof of his worth. He was the king’s ambassador in a 
journey which supplied him with material for his ‘ Journey to the East,’ 
a poetical report on a diplomatic errand to Earl Reginwald then in 
Garth [Novgorod], to whom Olaf Tryggvason had sent Hallfred twenty 
years earlier. In the first part of this poem he bids farewell to Olaf, 
and then goes on to tell of his adventures, giving his opinion on the 
Earl’s character, and his attitude towards the Norwegian King. 

About ‘3025, an incident is recorded in which Sighvat plays a pro- 
minent part. “ Alfhild, the king’s hamdmaiden, bore a son one night, 
and for a time it was uncertain whether the babe would live, and 
the priest begged Sighvat, who was present, to tell the king. ‘I dare 
not wake him,’ said the poet, ‘for he has strictly forbidden any one 
to wake him before he wakes of himself.’ ‘But the child must be 
baptized, for it looks very poorly.’ ‘I would rather risk your baptizing 
the child at once, than wake the king; and I will bear the blame and 
give it a name.’ So they did, and the boy was baptized and called 
Magnus. In the morning, when the king was awake and clothed, 
he was told all that had happened. Then he sent for Sighvat to him, 
and said, ‘Why wast thou so bold as to have my son baptized before 

: > 


120 ‘ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


I heard of it?’ ‘Because,’ answered Sighvat, ‘I would rather give 
two people to God than one to the Devil.’ ‘What dost thou mean 
by that?’ said the king. Sighvat answered, ‘The child was at the 
point of death, and would have been the Devil’s if he had died, but 
now he is God’s. Moreover I knew this, that if thou wert wroth 
with me, I could lose no more than my life. Moreover, if thou shouldst 
order that I lose my life for this cause, I hoped that I should belong 
to God.’ ‘ Why didst thou call the boy Magnus?’ said the king. ‘ That 
is not one of our family names.’ ‘I called him after King Carla- 
Magnus (Charlemain), whom I knew to have been the best man on 
earth.’ Then the king said, * Thou art a man of great good fortune; 
and it is no wonder for fortune to follow wisdom; it is rather a marvel, 
when, as sometimes falls out, good fortune follows fools, and foolish 
counsels turn out luckily.’ ” 

In 1026 we find Sighvat travelling to the West with his partner 
Berg to Rouen in Normandy, and from thence to England, where he 
went up at once to see Cnut, for he wished to get leave to go to 
Norway, and he found an embargo laid on all ships, for the king was 
minded to lead a great host across the North Sea to enforce his 
suzerainty on Norway. He made an Encomium on Cnut at this time 
(1026-1027), called Tog-drapa (afterwards imitated by Thorarin Praise- 
tongue), in a peculiar metre, four measured, with line rhyme, in which, 
amongst other things, he records that monarch’s journey to Rome, 
apparently still fresh in men’s minds, an additional confirmation of the 
view that with regard to that event even the English Chronicle is a 
few years wrong. 

From England (autumn 1027) Sighvat sailed to Norway, and went 
to King Olaf at Borg on the Raum-Elbe (Glommen), a favourite resort 
of his, ‘and, entering the hall, greeted him, but Olaf looked at him 
and said nothing.’ Sighvat then improvised a verse, ‘Tell me, lord, 
where am I to sit, I have been away and all the benches are full.’ 
Then was proved the truth of the old saw, ‘The king has many ears,’ 
for Olaf had heard all about his journey, how he had been to see Cnut, 
and he said to him, ‘I know not whether thou meanest now to be 
my marshal or whether thou hast become Cnut’s liegeman.’ Sighvat 
answers in verse: ‘Cnut asked me to be his liegeman as I was yours; 
but I said that one lord was enough for a man, and I think I have 
set a good example in this answer.’ Then the king bade him go te 
the seat he was wont to have before, and Sighvat soon grew into 
the same friendship with him which he had enjoyed before. Of this 
voyage Sighvat made a poem, Journey to the West, which he addresses to 
his partner Berg. 

But it would seem that Olaf never quite forgave the poet, for 
Sighvat anyhow was not with the king in the last days of his career, 
and the death of Erling Skialgsson, 21 Dec. 1028, drew from him a feel- 
ing little poem, Erling’s Dirge, on the generous Baron, Tryggvason’s 
brother-in-law, who had been so cruelly slain. And now the catastrophe, 
which ever since his voyage to England Sighvat had probably seen and 
deplored, came, and Olaf was obliged to fly. Sighvat remained in 
Norway, which he would hardly have done if the two had been on 
the old familiar footing of friendship; but not for long, for he was 
determined to throw away the sword and take the staff and pay a 
pilgrimage to the holy places at Rome, and there he was when Stickle- 
stead fight was lost, and there the news reached him. An affectionate 
poem, O/af’s Dirge, ‘ Erfi drapa Olaf’s,’ attests his sore distress at the sad 








§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 12t 


tidings, nor does the impression ever seem to have worn off; there is 
a deeper and more pensive strain in all his later compositions than 
we find in his earlier works. 

A few improvisations of regret and disgust mark his feelings at 
the degradation of Sweyn’s alien sway: but in 1036 (according to 
Sxmund’s chronology), to his great delight, his godchild Magnus is 
called to his father’s throne. His fatherly affection for the boy 
is shown in all his dealings with him. About 1039 we get the highest 
proof of this; the young king, led astray by evil counsellors, was be- 
ginning, contrary to the agreement of Wolfsound, upon which he was 
raised to the crown, to wreak unlawful vengeance upon those who 
had been in the battle against his father. The franklins called for 
the laws of Hakon the Good, and murmured loudly. At last the 
king’s true friends met, and twelve of them took counsel together, 
and agreed to throw lots among them for one of them to go and tell 
Magnus what men were murmuring against him, and it was so 
managed that the lot fell upon Sighvat. So he made the poem called 
Bersoglis Visor, the Plain-Speaking Verses. ‘A king should keep his 
word. He is a friend that warns a man in time. There is one tale 
all tell, that you are laying your hand on your thanes’ allod-lands. 
This they will call robbery. Be warned in time, my lord,’ are a few 
of the salient phrases of this striking poem. It may be compared 
with the Grand Remonstrance of Simon’s Partisan after Lewes, but 
it was more successful; «to Magnus’ honour he listened to the good 
advice, and it seems to have been a kind of crisis in his life, for a 
Norse Code of Laws called Greygoose was in the tradition known as 
the Law of Magnus, Sighvat’s godchild—in fact, some codification of 
St. Olaf’s Law. 

This is the last noticed act of the poet; he died within a little 
time, 1040-1043, but exactly when we cannot say. His body was 
laid in Christ Church at Nidaros, as the pretty account of his death 
in Flatey-bok informs us. He had one daughter, Tova, to whom King 
Olaf stood godfather, but of her subsequent fortunes nothing is known, 

There must have been a Saga of Sighvat, from which some of the 
stories about him are taken; for instance, that of Ivar the White, 
a gentleman of good family and a baron of King Olaf’s. One day, 
when he had heard Sighvat recite a poem in the king’s honour, he 
said, ‘It would be wise for you poets to make poenis on other great 
men, and not only on the king, for he may grow tired of giving you 
gifts, if you keep on making poetry on him.’ ‘Such men as thou art,’ 
says Sighvat politely, ‘are well worthy of a poet’s praise.’ A little time 
afterwards Sighvat, remembering Ivar’s words, goes to visit him, and 
tells him that he has made a poem on him. The king had warned 
him that Ivar was a fitful and changeable man, so Sighvat was not 
surprised to find him by no means pleased to see him. ‘It is often 
the way of you poets, when the king gets tired of your noise, to come 
down, and seek how to draw money out of us franklins.’ Sighvat 
answered this welcome warily in verse, ‘ You saw the king sit quiet 
enough while I sang in his honour, you can surely do the same.’ ‘ You 
are right, poet,’ says Ivar; and he listened quietly to the poem, and 
paid for it handsomely when he had heard it out. 

Taking Sighvat’s poems one by one :— 

I. Olaf’s Drapa (of c. 1014), a ‘flokk’ or short encomium. It is of 
type originated probably by Sighvat himself or his father, a chronological 
list of engagements in regular order, told in a conyentional way, which 

> 


122 “ST. OLAF’S COURT, [BK. VIII. 


does not show such skill as he afterwards exhibited. It is, however, 
very valuable as an authentic account of St. Olaf’s early life, and may 
be used to check the prose accounts. In the English stanzas we have 
an interesting notice of the Dyke at London, and mention of the Port- 
reeves and Port-men of Canterbury: a place-name is concealed beneath 
‘Nya-modo,’ perhaps ‘Lea-mouth.’ In the French stanzas a good many 
names are corrupt, and not yet identified. ‘ Heli,’ ‘Grislapoll,’ ‘ Earl 
William of Wi...,’ ‘ Fetla-firth,’ ‘Gundwald’s borough,’ and the Earl 
thereof, ‘ Geirfrid.’ Verse 15 is not by the poet of the rest. See Notes. 

II. The Nesia Visor (of 1016), a ‘flokk.’ The poet is here for the first 
time seen in his characteristic style. He delights in having been with 
his sharp sword and his Poitevin helmet, by the golden banner-staff, 
when Carle-head [Olaf’s ship at that time] was laid alongside the Earl’s 
galley, on that glorious Palm Sunday. He describes the rattle and 
confusion of the fight, the wounded crew tumbling overboard in their 
panic when the day was lost, the order of Sweyn (whom he treats with 
chivalrous courtesy throughout) to cut away the stems, so that the ships, 
chained together by head and stern, might get loose quickly. The 
mention of the Upland men confirms the accounts in the Life of Olaf, 
of the king having got hold of Norway mainly by the Upland counties’ 
help. 

Ill. The Austr-fara Visor (c. 1023), in very confused order in the 
Saga. We have tried to put it into order, according to their subjects, 
under three heads: the sailing and riding to Rognwald in Gard [Novgo- 
rod]; the arrival at Rognwald town; the wearisome journey back on foot 
through Sweden, among inhospitable heathens, told with humour; and, 
lastly, the results of the embassy. This seems the only practicable plan, 
for it, at all events, yields a consistent story and does not go counter to 
any fact we know; some order it is evident they must be put into. The 
names ‘Strinda fidrdr,’ ‘ Listahaf,’ ‘ Eikunda sund,’ ‘ Eygota land,’ 
‘Gardar’ mark the points of his journey (though two of them are re- 
stored words). In his journey Sighvat found Rognwald in Garth, not in 
Upsala as the prose makes out, and we thereby learn that he had already 
left Sweden, and was in that universal refuge for princes, the Swedo- 
Slavonic state of Novgorod. There are some fine touches in Sighvat’s 
best style in this poem and the improvisations which we have put in 
their places in its course. It isa pity the political part of the poem 
(vv. 19-23) is partly corrupt, partly lost. 

IV. With the remnants of West-fara Visor (journey to England and 
Normandy) we have put the Stray Verses which deal with his return 
after the journey which he has celebrated in that poem. His frequent 
trading journeys are spoken of in stanza 1. The political allusions in 
some of these verses are to be noted; the grandeur of Cnut’s court (at 
Southampton probably); the splendid presents with which he sought to 
win his rival’s friends; the submission of the Scottish princes ‘ North of 
the middle of Fife’ (a fact recorded in the English Chronicle as hap- 
pening the year after he came home from Rome); the warning to Olaf 
of the way Cnut was using his riches; and we must not overlook the 
poet’s proud repudiation of any treachery to his lord and friend, though, 
poet as he was, he had been dazzled by Cnut’s greatness, and even 

‘requited Cnut’s kindness by an Encomium. 

V. Tog-drapa (autumn 1027?). This metre is here met with for the 
first time. Thorarin’s copy was produced next year, so that it may have 
been a new and admired invention of Sighvat himself. The stanzas on 
the English King’s pilgrimage, meeting with the Emperor, and favour 





§2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 123 


with him and the Pope, confirm (though they are a little corrupt, and 
we cannot be sure of the readings) the conclusions of modern chrono- 
logists. The autumn of 1027, before the poet left England, seems the 
right date of this poem. There is no reason to suppose that this poem 
was a Dirge, though some MSS, read ‘ Cnutr qas und himnorn,’ instead 
of ‘es und himnom,’ but the tenor of the whole is against its being com- 
posed after Cnut’s death. Nor can we find any probability of Sighvat’s 
making a Dirge on Cnut, in the circumstances in which he was then 
placed as trusty adviser of the young Magnus and spokesman of the 
Norwegian baronage. The allusion in ll. 1-2 shows the light in which 
the Danes regarded Cnut, as the successor of Ragnar rather than the 
peaceful ally of Eadmund. 

VI, £Erling’s Dirge (January 1029). It is a chivalrous tribute to one 
whom he must have loved, to risk his patron’s favour in praising. For 
Olaf, though a just, was not a ‘forgiving man,’ and Sighvat could have 
remembered his anger at the Tog-drapa. This poem has suffered sorely. 
The prose of the Kings’ Lives contains statements that certainly were 
drawn from the poem, and are not now found in it. We may be sure, 
for example, that the date Thomas-mass occurred here, and can point 
out the line from which it is missing. One statement as to Sighvat’s 
being at Wick we can see underneath a common phrase. The stanza 
(10) respecting Erling’s wealth and power has been turned into a 
commonplace eulogium on his glory in war. His glory was that of a 
great lord and husbandman, and there is no proof that he ever was 
in battle till the day he fell. 

VII. Erjfi-drapa Olaf’s (c. 1031). This poem is full of noteworthy 
features. We have put into order, according to subject, all the stanzas 
which we have of Sighvat on the dead King, irrespective of their order 
in the Kings’ Lives. Thus we have put to the end the stanza which 
speaks of the Eclipse, 31 Aug. 1030 (as Hanstein has calculated), because, 
though in accordance no doubt with popular belief, the prose makes the 
words ‘ That day’ refer to the battle-day, and inserts the verse there; 
it is not certain that Sighvat thought so. He certainly knew ‘Olaf’s- 
mass,’ 29th July, a date which was by all analogy fixed on because it was 
the day of the King’s martyrdom. In the account of the battle itself, we 
have tried to restore the poet’s text from the old extracts in the Saga, 
the number of the combatants, the order of battle, etc., for which due 
account will be given in the Notes. The early established sanctity of 
the King is attested by this poem, composed within a year or two of his 
death: the two miracles (beside the Eclipse) being the giving of sight 
to the blind and the incorruptibility of the Saint’s body, upon which the 
hair and nails grew. Thorarin’s imitation of these stanzas (at most a 
year or two later, c. 1033-4) in Sweyn’s days adds to these the ringing 
of the bells of the shrine, and the big bells in the tower pealing 
without mortal hands, and sets forth Olaf plainly as the patron saint of 
Norway. Verse 7 we would ascribe to Othere. See Notes, 

VIII. A collection of Stray Verses, some composed before, some after 
the date of the last poem (1030-32), put together in order as here. They 
form a little poem as it were, in which the poet sets forth the grief with 
which he remembered the past when he heard the sad news on the 
Alps in the morning, and repels the accusation of having abandoned Olaf. 
‘I was in Rome in jeopardy,’ he says (sickness probably), and laments 
the evil hungry days of Sweyn, all the more dreary by their contrast with 
the smiling happiness of Olaf’s reign. One would like to have Sighvat’s 
impressions of Rome, but they have perished, 


124 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vil 


IX. Verses on Magnus’ Restoration (c. 1035-36), in praise of Anstrith 
his good step-mother, ‘the wise counsellor, the deep-thoughted lady, the 
daughter of Olaf, whom the Stout One wedded.’ The exhortation to 
Alfhild, ‘the king’s bond-woman,’ Magnus’ mother, is put here as analo- 
gous in subject. 

X. The Bersoglis Visor (c. 1039-40) open and close with an ex- 
hortation to speedy action, for the danger is pressing. But the 
tenor of the whole is to set forth the grievances which caused the dis- 
affection, and to counsel the young king, for his own sake, to amend 
them and cleave to his coronation oath. ‘A noble king should hold fast 
to his word.’ The vindication of the poet’s own position, the enu- 
meration of the faithful service which gives him a right to speak and be 
listened to, are nobly simple and pathetic. We have set the verses in 
order as well as we could, but any arrangement must, in absence of 
more evidence, be tentative. In the Norwegian laws we find the notice 
of an Atli, speaker of the law in Gula-land, who won certain ‘novels’ 
from King Magnus, his name is almost certainly hidden under the 
‘etlak’ of |. 65 and ‘lattan’ of 1. 1, cf. Agrip. cap. 29. The compiler of 
Magnus’ Saga did not understand the verse. [See Dict. sub voce etla, 
769 a.| There are many more corrupt verses in this poem, which stands 
alone among the compositions of the court-poets. 

XI. The Occasional Verses have been thrown together at the end. We 
do not take ver. 10 to refer to the King’s death, but rather to some petty 
incident of Sighvat’s life. The verse, p. 148, seems to be a fragment 
of a Saint’s Encomium, perhaps founded on some story the poet heard 
in Rome. 

The poems of Sighvat have suffered a great deal, though with this 
distinction: his ‘ Visor,’ or more informal poetry (III-V, VIII-X]), 
have, like the Wolsung-lays in our vol. i, undergone decomposition 
from faulty memory and indifferent MSS., but no revision, These may 
in time be restored. Here we often meet with a whole suite of verses in 
Sighvat’s pure strain without a single kenning; even through the faulty 
mangled lines the sense gleams, often pathetic, always loyal. Worse is the 
case in the more historical Encomia of I, VI, VII; especially the battle 
section of Sticklestead. Here whole sets of lines are painted over by 
a later re-modeller; the lines stuffed with inane sentences mostly in 
Cambyses’ vein, unworthy of Sighvat. The facts as they once stood, 


and as Ari read them, we have now to glean from the prose narrative of. 


the Saga, which too is often diluted by a thirteenth-century historian. 
Yet the annalistic, realist sentences of Ari gleam out of it, and the lines 
in the poem whence these statements of fact were drawn can be marked 
out with certainty in many cases. 

The great bulk (always, unless the contrary be stated) of this section is 
drawn from St. Olaf’s Saga (in the foot-notes A, A!, or Cd.= Cod. Holm. ; 
A’=Kringla; B=the text in Fms. vols. iv, vy, AM. 61). 


I. Tue First Pratsze or Oxar (1006-1014). 


I, p Gayete bar ut enn unga iafra kund fra sundi 
(pidd ugdi ser sidan) sid-meidr (konungs reidi): 

(kann-ek til margs) enn manna minni /yrs/a sinni 

hann raud céztr fyrir austan ulfs f6t vid sker Sdéta. 





The East Baltic. The long-ship bore the young king out of the 
Sound (many a thing I can remember); and for the frst time he 





: 
2 
5 
: 
} 


eee ee 


sn, epee 





§2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 125 


2. Pat vas enn ok dumor Alafr (né svik félosk) 5 
odda ping { eyddri Eysyslo gekk heyja: 
sitt atto fiar fétom (far beid or stad) ‘sdra’ 
enn peir-es undan runno allvaldr,’ buendr gialda, 

2, Hrid vard stals { stridri strang Herdala gango 
Finnlendinga at fundi fylkiss nids en Jridja: 10 
ann ‘austr vid 14’ leysti leid vikinga skeidir 
Bala-gardz at bordi brim-skidom 14 sfda. 


4. Enn kvédo gram gunnar galdrs upp-hafom valda 
(dyr6é fra-ek peim-es vel vardisk vinnask) fiorda sinni: 
pa-es Olitill uti iafra lids { midli 15 
fridr gekk sundr { slidri Sudér-vfk Danom kuGri. 

5: Vig vantu, hlenna hneigir, hialmom grimmt it fim/a 


(poldo hlyr) 4 hari (hrid) ‘ Kinnlima-sfdo :’ 
pa es vid rausn at resiss reid herr ofan skeidom, 
enn { goegn at gunni gekk hilmiss lid rekkom. 20 


6. Rétt es at sdkn en sé#/a ; snarr pengill baud Englom 
at pars Aldfr sdétti, Yggs, Lunduna-bryggjor : 
sverd bito Valsk, enn vardo Vikingar bar Dfki, 
Atti Sumt { slétto Sudvirki lid budir. 
‘ie Enn lét szaunda sinni sverd-ping hait verda 25 
endr 4 Ulfkels-landi Aldfr, sem ek ferr mali: 
st66 Hringmara-heidi (her-fall var par) alla 
Ello kind, enn olli arfvarér Haraldz starfi. 
8. Veit-ek at viga mcétir Vindom hettr enn é/fa 
(styrkr gekk vardr at-Virki verdungar) styr gerdi: 30 





reddened the wolf’s paw off Soti’s-reef [off the Swedish coast], That 
was the second when Olaf brought about a sword-moot in the wasted 
Island Osel; nor was treachery lacking there, they owed their lives to 
their feet, the runaways, none dared makeastand. The third was a hard 
fight on the Herdale-raid, where he met the Finlanders: a great gale 
overtook the wickings’ ships, the Balagard coast lay alongside his ships. 

North German Coast. ‘They say that he brought on a battle for the 
fourth time, when peace was broken between the king’s armies in the 
broad Southwick [Suderwijck in Pelworm] known to the Danes. Thou 
didst win the //t/ battle off the high [sic] Kinnham-side [North Frisian 
coast], when the host rode down to the ships and the king’s men went 
up to meet them in fight. 

England. The sixth battle, it is true, the king offered to the English, 
when he beset London-bridges; the Gaulish sword bit, and the wick- 
ings guarded the Ditch; some of the host had better [quarters] in 
Southwark. And for the seventh time Olaf let there be a sword-moot 
on the land of Wolfkettle [East Anglia], as I go on to tell: the kin 
of Alla [the English] took their stand all of them at Ringmere-heath ; 
many men fell there, the heir of Harold set them a hard task. I know 
that the....of the Wends began an eighth battle: the mighty master of 





7- Read, sdrir, 11, Read, laust vedr ok leysti. 12. bordi] B. 


18, Read, Kinnheima sido. ~ 


126 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vir. 


sinn ma&ttod bé banna borg Cantara sorgar 
mart feksk pridom partom port-greifar Aleifi. 

9. Vann ungr konungr Englom étraudr skarar raudar 
(‘endr fell brint 4 branda bl66’) ‘Nyja mddéo:’ 
Nd hefik orrostor austan ‘ogn diarfr’ nio taldar, 35 
‘herr fell Danskr’ par es darrom dreif mest at Aleifi. 


10. Tegr var fylldr { fogrom (folk-veggs drifa hreggi) 

(hélt sem hilmir meelti) Hrings-firdi (lid pingat): 

bél lét hann 4 Hoeli hatt Vikingar atto 

(‘peir ba&dot ser sidan sliks skotnadar’) brotna. 40 
II. Alafr vantu, pars iafrar, e//iffa styr, fello 

(ungr komtu af pvi pingi pollr) { Grislo-pollom: 

~ pat fra-ek vig ‘at vitto’ Vilialms fyr bce hialma 
‘tala minz’ es pat telja tryggs iarls hait snarla. 


12, Tann raud /o/ffa sinni tir fylgjandi ylgjar 45 
(vard) { Fetla-firdi (fiaor-bann lagit mannom). 
13. bretténda vann Prenda (pat vas flétta bal) dréttinn 


sniallr { Seljo-pollom sunnarla styr kunnan: 

upp lét gramr { gamla Gunnvaldz borg um morgin, 

‘Geirfidr’ hét s4, goerva gengit, iarl um fenginn. 50 
14. Malms vann Meera hilmir munn-ridér, es kom sunnan, 

gang pars gamlir sprungo geirar, upp at Leiro: 

varO fyr viga Niardom Varrandi sia ‘fiarri’ 

brendr 4 bygdo landi (beer heitir sva) Peito, 





the henchmen went to the Work; the Port-reeves could not keep their 
town, Canterbury, against Olaf, many a sorrow befell the proud port- 
men. The bold young king gave the English red pates in... . New 
Mouth[ ? |; the brown blood dripped on the brand. Now I 
have counted nine battles beginning from the East; wherein the darts 
drove about Olaf.... 

France. The tale of ten was filled in fair Rings-firth [ ? 


], 


whither at the king’s command they wended their way; he stormed a 


lofty pirate hold on Heli [ ? .... never after enjoyed such 
booty as they won there. Thou foughtest the eleventh fray, where 
princes fell, in Grisla-pool (thou wert young, Olaf, when that battle 
ended); I heard of the victory by the trusty Earl William’s town at 
Wi....; so I count. The tavel/fh time he reddened the wolf's 
tusks in Fetla-firth [ ? ], where there was loss of life to many 
men. ‘The lord of the Thronds won a well-known thirteenth fight 
south in Selia-pool [ ? ]; early in the morning the king bade 
his men march up into the old Gundwald’s borough, and took prisoner 
an earl calied Geifrid [Geffrey]. The Prince of the Mores, when he 
came from the South, made an inroad up the Loire, where the 
old spears sprung: Warrand [Guérande], so the town is named near 
to the sea in Poitou-land, was burnt by his host. 





32. paurtom, A. 34. Read, Lea mé3o? 50. Read, Geifridr? 
53. Read, nerri. 


- 


§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 124 


[15. ‘Rfkr kvad ser “ at soekja”’ Saudungs- konungr ‘naudir’ 
‘fremdar giarn’ { ‘forno’ fund Hdkonar -sundi: 56 
‘Strangr hitti’ bar pengill pann iarl es vard ‘annarr’ 
ceztr, ok ett gat bazta, ungr 4 Danska Tungo.| 


II. Nesja Visor (1015). 
(Verses 1, 4, 14 from Fagrsk., the rest from O, H.) 


I. FoR ér Vik 4 vdri valaust konungr austan 
(peir knfdo bla badir bord) enn iarl kom nordan: 
kann-ek sigr-vidom segja sundz, hve peira fundir, 
cerin skil, pvi-at 6rom, at barosk, par, vdro. 
2. Veitti sdkn par-es sétti siklingr firin-mikla 5 
(b166 féll rautt 4 r6da rein) { hafn at Sveini: 
sniallr hélt at pbar-es olli eirlaust konungr bpeira 
(enn Sveins lidar) sfnom (saman bundosk skip) fundi. 
2 Pat erom kunnt hve kennir Karlhaféa let iarli 
odda frostz fyr austan Agdir ner of lagdan.... 10 
4. Hird Alafs vann harda hrid (enn sv4 vark bfda) 
[Peitneskom félt-ek] (Paska) Palm-Sunnudag [hialmi]. 
B. Vasa ‘sig-mana’ Sveini sverda sverda gnys at flyja 
gidds ne goerrar hridar gunn-reifom Aleifi: 
pvi-at ‘kvistungar kosto’ (kom at herr f stad verra) 15 
‘sotto sin par es séttosk’ seggir hvarir-tveggjo. 
6. Teitr sd-ek okkr f ftro allvaldz lidi falla 
(goerdisk hardr) um herdar (hiar-dynr) svalar brynjor: 
enn min at flug fleina falsk und hialm inn Valska 
(okkr vissak sva, sessi) svart skar (vid her goerva). 20 





Norway. The king stood from the island Selja toward Hakon at 
Saudungs-sound ; there the earl swore strong oaths to that young king 
who was by far the highest and best in race of all the Danish 
Tongue.... [See Notes.] 


NESIA VERSES. The king went from the East out of the Wick in 
the spring, and the Earl [Sweyn] came from the North; they both plied 
the black oars: I can tell men point by point how their meeting went 
off, for I was there myself. The king [Olaf] made a very fierce attack 
on Sweyn in the haven; the king openly brought about the battle and 
held sharply to.it, and Sweyn’s men lashed their ships together. I 
know how the king had Carle-head laid alongside the earl East off 
Agd. Olaf’s henchmen made a hard onset on Palm Sunday. I myself 
kept the Easter vigil hooded in a Poitevin helmet. The brave Sweyn 
could not be challenged for his behaviour in the battle, nor the warlike 
Olaf for his fighting; for on both sides the men had....saplings.... 
when they made at each other. I saw the cold mail coats, Tait, fall 
over our back in the king’s army, and I covered my black hair under 
the helmet of Gaul in the shaft-shower. So we were indeed equipped, 





55. Corrupt, or Seljo. 57. Read, Strong heit vann par pengli peim iarl es 
vas allra...? 4. beim er, Cd.; for varo read hvaro ? 13. svinn-huglom, B. 
> 


128 “ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


VE Staong 66 gylt par es gengom Gondlar serks und merkjom 
gnyss fyr gafgom resi greidendr 4 skip reidir: 
pagi vas sem pessom pengils 4 i6 strengjar 
miod fyrir malma kvedjo mer heid-pegom beeri. 

8. Olld vann ossa skialdo (aud-sett vas pat) rauda 25 
(hlidms) pa es hvitir k6bmo (hring-midlendom) pingat: 
par hykk ungan gram gaongo (gunn-sylgs), enn ver fylgdom, 
(bl66s fekk svarr pars sloédosk sverd) upp { skip gerdo. 

9. Veer drifom hvatt (enn heyra hatt vapna brak knatti) 
[rand klufo rodnir brandar] reidir upp { skeidar: 30 
enn fyr bord par-es bardomk (buin fengosk skip) gengo 
[nar flaut art fyr eyri 6far] buendr sarir. 

IO. Sialfr bad svartar kylfor Sveinn haréliga skeina ; 
ner vas 4dr { é6ra audvdn ‘roit’ hanom: 
pa-es (‘til g6dz enn giddi’) goert (‘fengosk hree svartom’) 35 
(Yggs) lét herr um heeggit (hrafni) skeidar stafna. 

1%: Pess get-ek meirr at missi moré-arr s4-es kom noréan 
harda margr f hardom heim-kv@mo styr peima: 
scekk af syndi-blakki sunno margr til grunna, 

(satt es at Sveini mzettom) sam-kntta (ver Uti). 40 

1% Fr¥r eigi oss { Ari Inn-Proénzk, poat lid minna, 

(goert hugdak sva) snerto, snotr mer, konungs veeri: 
brddr mun heldr at hadi hafa drétt pa-es ‘framm séttit’ 
feld ‘rudom skers,’ ef skyldi, skeggi, adra-tveggjo. 

13. Afli vex, pvi-at efla Upplendingar sendi 45 
(Sveinn fundot pat) penna pil-blakks, konungs, vilja: 





mess-mate. The golden banner-staff waded on, when we, in our mail- 
coats, dashed aboard the ships under the standard before the noble king’s 
face: on board the prince’s ship in the fight it was not at all as when 
the damsel is bearing mead to the henchmen. Our shields, that came 
white thither, were made red, it was easy to see that; and the young 
king boarded the enemy’s ship, and -we followed him: I remember it 
well. We soon stormed on sharply aboard their galleys (one could 
hear the loud clatter of weapons, the red brands clove the shields), 
and overboard went the wounded crew, when we rushed on in the 
fight; corses untold floated out upon the shore. Sweyn himself, in his 
sore distress, bade his men cut away smartly at the black clubs [the 
figure-head beams], and his men hewed the figureeheads of their 
galleys clean off. Many a man, I ween, that came from the North, 
will in this hard fray have lost his hope of coming home again. 
Many a man sunk overboard to the bottom from the ships that were 
knit together when we met Sweyn off the land. The proud In- 
Throndish damsel will not surely challenge our gallantry in the battle, 
though we, the king’s men, were the fewest: the lady should rather 
make mock of them who wrapped their bearded faces in their cloaks, 
if either side are to be blamed. The king’s might grows apace, ever 





34. Read, komit (cdit). 44. feld] emend,; fold, Cdd, 45. vex] A 
vett, Cd. 





§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 129 


raun es hins at Heinir (hre-linnz) mego vinna 
(peir 4tto flug) fleira fial-rekks an al drekka. 


III. AustrraraR Visor; or, Eastern TRAVEL VERSES. 


Yr. A hefek gétt vid g66a grams stallara alla 
Att, p4-es ossom dréttni égn-diarfs fyr kné hvarfa : 
Bizorn, faztu opt at arna, iss, fyr mer at visa 
g6ds megot gdétt of r4da, gunn-ridér, pvi-at vel kunnot. 


2. Nu sittu heill, enn hallar her finnomk meirr pfnnar, 5 
at unz ek kem vitja, Al4fr, konungr mila: 
skald bidr hins at haldi hialm-drifo stafr lffi 
(endisk leyf6) ok landi [lyk-ek viso nt] pvisa. 

3- Bua hilmiss sal hialmom hird-menn, beir es svan grenna 
(her sé ek) bens, ok brynjom (beggja kost 4 veggjom): 10 
pvi 4 ungr konungr engi (ugglaust er pat) dyggra 
hus-binadi at hrésa; hall es dyr med allo. 


4. KAtr vas-ek opt pa-es uti ardigt vedr 4 fiardom 
visa seg] { vAsi vind-blésit ské6f Strinda: 
hestr 66 kafs at kostom; kilir risto haf Lista 15 
‘vit’ bars eisa létom ‘undan skeidr at sundi.’ 

5. Sniallz letom skip skolla skialdungs vid ey tialdut 
fyrir ‘agetu’ Uti andurt sumar landi: 
enn { haust es hestar hag-porns 4 m6 sporna 





since the Upland-men have given him help, Sweyn found that to his 
cost. It is now clear that the Heins [Heathmark folk] are good for 
more than ale-drinking. 


Prologue. Before starting, to Biorn the Marshal. I have ever been 
on good terms with all the king’s marshals, who walk before his knees. 
Biorn, thou hast often won favour for me with the king, for thou art 
well skilled to counsel, I will follow thee. 

Farewell to Olaf. Abide in peace, O King Olaf; when I come back 
to make my report I shall see thee again. The poet prays this, that 
the king may keep his life and land safely. May thy glory endure. 
So I end my verse at this time. 

On his return the Poet makes his report. As he enters the hall he says, 
The king’s henchmen have dressed the walls with helms and mail-coats, 
I see a choice of both on the walls: no young king, verily, can boast of 
such fine house-furniture. The hall is right precious withal! 

Incidents on the journey up. 1 was often blithe enough in the wet 
when a stiff breeze swept the king’s sail on the firths of Strind. The 
sea-steed waded gallantly on, the keels plowed the Sea of Lister when 
we made the galley speed at Eker-Sound. We let the gallant king’s 
ship with awnings pitched hover out off the Isle of Gotland ere the 
summer ended, and in the harvest-tide when the sea-king’s chargers 
are launched on the hawthorn’s mere [hoisted up on land] then I had to 





16. Read, at p. e. 1. Eikunda- skeid -sundi ? 18. Read, Eygota landi. 
VOL. Il. K - 


Se, ee, ee 


130 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vu. 


tekk (ymissar ekkjom idir hl¥tk) at rfda. 20 
6. Iér renn aptan-skero all-svangr gator langar 
(vall kn4 héfr) til hallar [hafom litinn dag] (slfta): 
nu es patz blakkr of bekki berr mik ‘daunum’ ferri; 
fakr laust drengs { dfki (deégr mcétask nu) foéti. 
| Ut muno ekkjor lita all-sntidola préidar 25 
(fi65 sid reyk) hvar ridom Ragnvalldz { by goegnom: 
keyrom hross, svd-at heyri harda langt or gardi 
hesta ros or hisom hug-svinn konan innan. 
8. Oss hafa augo pessi Islenzk, konan, vifsat 
biartan stig at baugi brattom langt en svzarto: 30 
sid hefir, miad-nannan, manni min ékunnar pinom 
fotr 4 fornar brautir full-drengila gengit. 


9. Hug-stéra bid-ek heyra ‘hress fors’ iafurs pessar 
(polda-ek vds) hve visor, verdung, um fer goerdak :— 
Sendr vas-ek upp af androm austr, (svaf-ek fatt) { hausti 35 
til Svididdar sidan svan-vangs i far langa. 

10. Att hafa ser, peir-es sétto, sendi-menn fyr hendi 
Sygna grams, vid sagnir siklinga, feor mikla: 
spardomk fest (enn fyréda fang ero stér) vid gango; 
vordr ré6 nytr pvf'es nordan Noéregs pinig f6rom. = 4o 

Il. Lét-ek til Eids, pvi-at 660m aptr-hvarf, dreginn karfa 
ver stilltom sv4 valtan vatr til gloeps 4 bati: 
taki hloegi-skip hauga herr (s4kaé-ek far verra) 
lét-ek til heims 4 hrtti hett, for betr en ek vetta. 





take to horseback: I will tell the ladies of my various fortunes. The 
slim steed gallops over the long roads in the even-gloom towards the 
hall. The hoof cuts the turf! The day is short! And now it is 
that my steed bears me over the brooks, far from the ships; my horse’s 
feet light on the Dyke; day and night are meeting [it is twilight]. 
The proud ladies, seeing the dust, will look out on us as we ride right 
gallantly into Reginwald’s town. Let us spur our steeds, so that the 
gentle ladies in the town may hear afar off the din of the horses coming 
towards the city. Those black Icelandic eyes of mine have brought 
me from far up a steep path to a bright ring [he had had a ring given 
him at Reginwald’s court], these feet of mine have sped sturdily over 
ancient ways where thou hast never been! 

The journey back. Gentle King, I beg thy henchmen to listen to these 
verses which I made on my journey. I suffered from the wet. In the 
autumn I was put ashore in the east from the ships back to Sweden for 
a long journey, I gat little sleep! The messengers that the Lord of the 
Sogn-folk sent on his business had a great journey before them. We 
spared not to walk. It was the Norse king that sent us thither from the 
North. I hada rickety smack drawn towards Eid [the isthmus], for I 
feared lest I should never get back, we were in such jeopardy in the boat. 
The host of the barrows [fiends] take the mock ship; I never saw a worse 
boat, I risked my life on the old sea-ram [smack], yet things went better 
than I thought likely. . 





23. Read, knérrom, 





§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 131 


2. Vasa f¥st; enn ek rann rastir reidr of skég fra Eidom 45 
(menn of veit at meettom meini) tolf ok eina: 
hykk 4 f6t, enn flekkom fell s4r 4 il hvara, 
hvasst gengom p6 pbangat bann dag, konungs manni. 
13. Ré6-ek til Hofs at hcéfa; hurd vas aptr; (ek spurédomk) 
inn settak nef, nenninn (nidr-litr fyrir titan): 50 
ord gat ek feest at fyrdom ; (flagd bad-ek) [enn bau sagdo] 
hnekdomk heidnir rekkar, [heilagt] (vid pau deila). 


14. Gagkattu inn, kvaé ekkja, armi drengr, in lengra, 
hredomk-ek vid Odins (erom heidnir ver) reidi: 
rygr kvazk inni eiga épekk, si-es mer hnekdi, 55 
alfa blé6t, sem ulfi, ‘otvin’ { boé sinom. 

tm Fér-ek at finna baro, frids veettak mer, sfdan 


briét bann-es bragnar héto bliks vildastan miklo: 
grefs leit vid mer getir gerstr, p4 es illr enn versti 
(litt reidi-ek pdé lyda last) ef s4 es inn bazti. 60 
16. Nu hafa hnekt, beir-es hnakka hein-fletz vid mer setto, 
(peygi bella pollar) prfr sam-nafnar (tiri) : 
p6 sidmk hitt at hlcedir haf-sk{és myni sidan 
ut, hverr es Cilvir heitir, allz mest reka gesti. 
“17. Mista-ek fyr austan Eida-skég 4 ‘ Leido’ 65 
Asto burs, pa-es zestag Okristinn hal vistar: 
Riks fanka-ek son Saxa, sadr vas cengr fyrir, padra; 
Ut vas-ek eitt sinn heitinn innan fidrom sinnom. 
18. Dritig-genginn vas drengjom (drengr magnar lof bengils) 





It was not for my pleasure that I had a smart walk of twelve leagues 
and one through the wood from Eid. Look you, I met with trouble 
enough! Yet I went briskly forward on foot all that day: though 
sores fell thick on the soles of the feet of the king’s men. I made my 
way gallantly to Hof [Temple]; the door was shut, but I put my nose 
in and I asked for lodging from outside, downcast enough. I got no 
answer from them. The heathen-folk turned me away, saying it was 
hallowed. I.prayed the fiends to deal with them! Go not in further, 
quoth the goodwife, thou miserable man! for we fear the wrath of 
Woden; we are heathen folk! The surly housewife that turned me 
away like a wolf said that they were holding a Sacrifice to the Elves 
within her homestead. Then I went to find the man whom the people 
spoke of as the most hospitable, hoping for peace; but the wretched 
digger [farmer] looked grimly on me. I am no slanderer; but if this be 
the best, the worst must be bad indeed! 

Three namesakes have now turned their back upon me, they have 
acted very churlishly, and I fear that every one whose name is Olwi 
drives his guests from his door. 

I missed the son of Asta [King Olaf] when I asked the heathen man 
for quarters east of Eidwood. I did not find a son of Saxi [an hospita- 
ble Earl Reginwald] at home there! There was no kindliness to be 
met with there, I was turned away four times in one evening! 

It was hard walking for us east [from the east ?] towards the king 





45. fyrst, Cd, 51. at] en, Cd, 65. Name of place? 


132 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


‘austr’ til ‘iafra pry¥stiss’ Eida-skégr a ‘leido:’ 70 
skyldit mer, 46r mildan mfnn dréttinn kom-ek finna 
hlunnz af hilmiss runnom hnekkt dyr-loga bekkjar. 


19. Lét-ek vid ydr es ftran, Aldfr, hagat madlom 
rétt, es rfkjan hittag Ragnvald, konungr, haldit: 
deilda-ek mdlom mildan malma-vard { Gwrdom 75 
harda merg, ne ek heyréa heid-mannz talor greidri. 

20. Pik bad sdlar seekkvir sfnn halda vel Rinar 
hvern es hingat 4rnar huskarl nefi iarla: 
enn hverr es austr vill sinna (iamn-vist es pat), Lista 
pengill, pinna drengja, bar 4 hald und Ragnvaldi. 80 

21. Folk ré3 um ‘sik’ fylkir flest es ek kom vestan 
ett ‘sem 4dr of hvatti’ Eireks ‘svika’ peira: 
enn pvi-at iarla freendi eins pvf es t6kt af Sveini 

yor kved ek iard es n&dot Ulfs brédor son stddosk. 

22. Spakr lét Ulfr medal ykkar AlAfr tekit mdlom 85 
(pitt fengom svar) sztta [sakar leggit it] beggja: 
per let pidfa rfrir per sem cengar veeri 
ripta reknar heiptir Ragnvaldr gefit aldar. 

23. Fast skalti rfkr vid rikjan Ragnvald, konungr, halda 
(hann stendr pyér af binni perf) natt ok dag s@ttom: go 
pann veit-ek, pinga kennir, pik baztan vin miklo 
A Austr-vegom eiga allt med groeno Salti. 


24. Nd ero melt, enn m4éla meir kunnom skil fleiri, 





on the road through Eid-shaw. I go on with my song on the king. 
May I not, when I come back to my lord again, be turned away by his 
henchmen ! 

At Reginwald’s court. 1 delivered your weighty message faithfully, O 
Olaf, when I reached the mighty Reginwald. I held much talk with 
the generous Earl in Garth [Novgorod], nor have I ever heard fairer 
speech from any noble. The Earl bade thee to take good care of any of 
his house-carles that might turn hither, and any of thy memthat will go 
to the east shall be in likeway treated by Reginwald. All men when I 
came from the west spoke of thee, my lord, according to the promptings 
of the son of Eric, the Swedish king. But as for the land of the Earl’s 
which .... the brother’s son of Wolf [Reginwald] acknowledged 
thy title also to the land thou tookest from Earl Sweyn. The wise 
Wolf [Reginwald’s son] received kindly your offers of treaty. We got a 
kind answer, ye put away your feuds: the.... Reginwald.... and 
made as if there were no vengeance to be wreaked for breaches of the 
peace between you. Hold fast, O Mighty King, by day and night, thy 
covenant with the mighty Reginwald, for he is helpful to thee at need. 
He is, I very well know, the best friend by far that thou hast in the 
East- Way, all along the green Baltic. 

Epilogue. Now, O King, I have delivered all the words that most 





70. Read, austan? 73. Read, hugaz malom. 75. mal ens milda... 
vérdz, Cd, 76. mérg] A*; margr, Cd. 81. Read, pik? 82. Read, 
Svia? 86, pau, Cd.; pétt, A*. 88. Emend. ; riptar, Cd. 





§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 133 


ord pau-es oss um varda allz mest, konungr, flesta : 
Got l4ti pik gata, ged-hardr konungr, iardar 95 
(vist hefi ek pann) pvi-at, pfnnar, pt ert til borinn (vilja). 


IV. VestrFaRAR Visor; or, WESTERN TRAVEL VERSES. 
(Verse 9 from AM. 75 c.) 


I. eae hafom minnzk hve margan morgon Rudo-borgar 
bard lét-ek { far fyréa fest vid arm in vestra. 


2. Utan vard-ek 48r an Idta and-spilli fekk-ek stilliss 
(melld sa-ek her fyr haldi his-dyrr) fyrir spyrjask : 
enn eyrendi 6ro 4tt-runnr f sal knatti 5 
Gorms (‘ber-ek opt 4 armi iarn-sttikor’) vel ltika. 


3. Orr tegask Alaf goerva ‘allt hefir sa er’ fiar-valtan 
(konungr dauda mon-ek kvida) Kntitr ok Hakon uti: 
haldizk vardr, poat vildit varla Knutr ok iarlar, 

‘ deella es fyrst 4 fialli fundr’ ef hann sialfr koemsk undan. 10 


4. Atti iarl at ‘szetta all-framr’ buendr gamla 
ok peirs optast t6ko AlAf at pvf méli: 
‘peir hafa fyrr af fari framt es Eireks kyn meira’ 
hafdom keypt an heiptir Hakon saman meoendi. 


5.  Knttr hefir okkr enn ftri all-d4é-gafugr bodom 15 
hendr, es hilmi fundom, Hunn, skrautliga binar: 
per gaf hann mark eda meira, marg-vitr, ok hiar bitran 
gollz (redr goerva allo God sialfr) enn mer halfa. 

6.  Hafa all-framir iafrar ut sin hafud Knutti 
fér6d or Fifi nordéan (frid-kaup vas pat) midjo: 20 





‘concern us all, though I have much more which I could tell. May God give 
thee, good King, thy land to which thou wert born! Surely that is my wish ! 


How many a morning, Berg, we have been talking over how on 
my voyage I moored my ship fast to the western side of Rouen. 

. I had to enquire outside the hall before I could get speech of the 

lord of the Jutes [Cnut]: I saw the doors barred before me by a 
host of men. But once within the hall, the scion of Gorm graciously 
discharged my suit. 

Cnut and Hakon threatened to take the life of Olaf. I fear lest he 
should die. May he be kept safe, even though Cnut and the Earls would 
have it otherwise. It would be well if he escape with life. The Earl 
has been bribing the old franklins to betray Olaf, and now they have 
pledged their heads to it. Eric’s kin are eager. 

To Bersi. OQ Cub, Cnut decked the arms of both of us when we 
visited him. He gave thee a mark of gold and a keen sword, and to me 
half a mark. God himself rules all things. 

The foremost princes [Macbeth and “grag away north of Fife, 
have brought their heads to Cnut, to buy peace from him. Olaf never 





4. sa er, Cd. 14. Read, sama moendi ? 


134 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


seldi Aldfr aldri (opt v4 sigr inn Digri) 
haus f heimi pvfsa hann cengom sva manni. 


+, Heim erom hingat komnir (hygg-pu at iafurr skatna) 
[menn nemi mal sem ek inni mfn] stallarar pfnir: 
seg-pu hvar sess hafir hugdan seims pi6d-konungr beima 25 
(allr es pekkr) med pollom (pinn skali mer innan). 
8.  Knittr spurdi mik meetra mildr ef ek hénom vilda 
hendi langr sem hringa hug-reifom Aleifi: 
einn kvad-ek senn at sanno (svara pdéttomk vel) dréttinn 
[goer ero gumna hverjom gnég demi] mer scéema. 30 
g. Eid ldta-pd ftir einn, pd6 ek vera seinni, 
iardar alla verda, audar mildr, an ek vilda: 
esa fyrir m4l pat-es mela mann bu letr her vandan 
‘long parf mun gram’ gengit, gestr Knutz vas-ek flestom. 


10. Fidndr ganga par pengils (pidd bydr opt) med sidda 35 
(hafgan malm fyrir hilmiss haus 6falan) lausa: 
sik veit hverr, es harra hollan selr vid golli © 
(vert es sliks) { svaorto, sfinn, Helvfti innan. 
11. Kaup var daprt patz ditipan dréttin rekt of sdtto, 
peir es, heim 4 himni ham ellz, svikom belldo. 40 
12, Gcerdisk hilmiss Hardéa htskarlar pa iarli 
es vid Alafs fiarvi of vegir fé pegi: 
hird esa hans at verda haligt fyrir pvf mali; 
della es oss ef allir erom ver of svik skirir. 





yielded his neck to any one in this world; the Stout.One often won 
a victory. » 

His return to Norway. Behold, O King, we are come home again, we 
thy marshals. Let men listen to what I am saying. Tell me where thou 
hast settled a seat for me among the men in the hall. Thy whole house 
withal is agreeable to me [or thy hall is all full of men]. 

The King distrusting him. Cnut asked me if I would serve him as I had 
served Olaf, and I told him (and I thought I had answered well and 
given a good example to all men), that it was fit for me to have but one 
lord. O King, let not one oath cover all [i. e. because others are traitors 
do not suspect me], though I am later Jack than I wished. The accusa- 
tion which wicked men have brought before thee has not been sifted 
to the bottom, .... although I was Cnut’s guest. 

The traitors. The king’s enemies are walking about openly with bags 
of gold, offering gold for his priceless head. Every man that sells his 
good lord for gold knows that he deserves to be in the midst of black 
Hell-pain. It was a sorry bargain when the traitors, who betrayed their 
lord, sold their homes in the high heavens for a place in the fire of the 
deep pit. It were a sad thing for house-carles of King Olaf to take 
money of the Earl against King Olaf’s life. It is not honourable for 
his henchmen to lie under such a charge. It would be well if we were 
all clear of treason. 





25. beimom, Cd, 26. paktr, some. 30. Or, gd doemi. 39. rekt] 
emeud.,—red or rett, Cdd. 40. has, Cd. 


Vat 


§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 135 


13. Ut byér allvaldr sveitom Englandz; enn ver fengom 45 
(litt sé-ek loféung dttask) lid feeri ok skip smeeri: 
rod ero lidt, ef lata landz menn konung penna 
(ltr einard fé fyréa ferd) lid-prota verda. 

14.  Fleja ‘getr’ enn fr¥jo fidndr leggr oss til handa, 
verd-ek fyr &édro ords ‘allvaldz en fé gialda :’ 50 
hverr skal pegn (pdétt pverri pengils vina gengi) 

[upp ‘hvolfra’ svik] sialfan sik lengst hafa miklo. 


V. Toc-prapa; or, StretTcH-Sonc on Kine Cnvrt. 


(Verse 1 from Ragnars S.; verses 2 and 11 from Fagrsk.; verse 2 from Skioldungr S.) 


a K Ello bak at lét hinn es sat 
Ivarr ara lorvik skorit. 


2. Ok senn sono sl6 hvern ok pbé 
Adalrads, eda ut fléméi Knitr. 


eo Kntitr es und himnom—Hygg ek ett at frétt 5 

Haraldz { her hug vel duga :— 
Lét lyr-gato lid sudr or Nid 
Alafr ieofurr dr-szell fara. 

4. Purdo nordan (namsk pat) vid gram 
til sléttz svalir Silunz kilir: 10 
enn med annan Onundr Danom 
& hendr ‘at ha’ her Scénskan ferr. 

5. Lét um land lokit lids gramr saman 
mar-bedjom med marg nef-biargom 





The King of England is calling.out a levy, but we have fewer men 
and smaller ships; yet our king fears not. It will be an ugly case if the 
people of this land let their king be short of men. Bribes foil their honour. 

Obscure. Some counsel not to make a stand, the odds are too great, and the 
country not to be trusted, treason smouldering underneath. Let every man 
take heart, 4e said, let us not be the laughing-stock of our enemies. It 


is better to fight than ransom oneself. The king’s friends are getting 


few; yet every man must always take count with himself [he cannot 
evade his conscience]. Treason will out. 


AND Iwar that ruled at York cut an Eagle on the back of lla. 

And then Cnut slew or exiled one and all of Athelred’s sons. 

The Burden. Cnut is the foremost suzerain under heaven. 

Staves. Attack on Cnut. 1 know that heart was not lacking in the son 
of Harold [Olaf]. King Olaf, blessed with fair seasons, let the fleet 
speed over the sea from Nith in the south. The cold keels went from 


_ the north to flat Sealand against the king [Cnut]: while Eanwynd 


brought a Swedish host against the Danes on the other hand. The king 
[Cnut] fenced the land in with many helmets.... (The hostile fleet hanging 





12. hanom or heyja, others. 


136 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 
‘bar es gradr fyrir gndédd gr4 hialmom 1a’ IS 
‘porn heims prumo pundr of fundr.’ 
6. Gatod dréttnar Danmerk spanit 


undir sik sakom snarir herfarar: 
pa lét skarpla Skaney Dana 
hloedr herjada—hifud-fremsir t6furr. 20 


1 Kntitr es und himnom—Herr austan ferr 
friér fylkiss nidr fran-eygr Dana: 
skreid vestan vidr varr-gleéstr, sa-es bar 
Gt andskota Adalrédés padan. 

8. Ok bro { byr blo seg] vid ro 25 
(dyr vas daglings fer) drekar landreka: : 
enn peir-es kémo kilir vestan til 
um leid lido Lima-fiardar brim. 

9. Létad af iafurr (ett manna fansk) 

Iétlandz etask flendr (at pvf): 30 
vildi foldar feest ran Dana 
hiff-skiaoldr hafa—héfuds-fremsir wofurr. 


Ul. 10. Knitr es und himnom 
11. Kémo fylki far-lystir, es bar | 
her-vig { hug, hafanda staf: 35 


rauf resir af Rims veg ‘suman’ 
keer keisara Clus Petrusi. 

12. Sv4 mun far feril fetom sudér metinn 
hring-drifr hafa—héfud-fremsir tofurr. 





all about the coast.) "The two kings could not wile Denmark out of his, 
Cnut’s, hands into their power. Upon which, the Vanquisher of the 
Danes [Olaf] severely ravaged Sconey. 

Burden. Cnut etc. 

Stave. The muster of Cnut’s forces. The keen-eyed son of the Danish 
king [Hardacnut] brought a host from the East. From the West sped 
the fleet that shone on the sea, bearing the enemy of Athelred [Cnut] 
thither. And the king’s dragons carried blue sails on their yards. 
Goodly was the king’s voyage, and the keels that came from the West 
sped over the sea-path to Limb-frith. Men said that the King of 
Jutland would not take the smallest mess. The Buckler of the Danes 
{Cnut] would have no plundering of his land. 

The Pilgrimage. Over the war-minded king came the longing for 
travel, bearing a staff; the Lord of the Cumbrians sped on the way to 
Rome, dear.... Emperor....Key-Peter. No other king will have 
thus measured the southward path with his feet. 





36. Read, Cumbra ? 


— eae 


$2.] ' SIGHVAT THE POET. 137 


VI. Dirce on ER ine. 
(Verse 8 from Flatey-bok iii. 244.) 


: i ré6 Erlingr skidéta eik (‘s4-es raud enn bleika’) 
[‘if-laust es pat’| iafri (‘arnar f6t’) at méti: 
Skeid hans 14 sv4 sfdan siklings { ‘her miklom’ 
(snarir bardosk par sfdan) sf-byrd vid skip (fyrdar). 

2. Rakkr pengill hié rekka, reiér gekk hann of Skeidar; 5 
valr 14 proengt 4 piljom; bung vas sokn fyrir Tungom: 
bragningr raud fyrir breidan bord-vall Iadar nordan ; 
bl66 kom varmt { vidan (v4 freegr konungr) egi. 

=. Oll var Erlings fallin (ungr fyrir nordan Tungor) 
(Skeid vann skialdungr auéa) skip-sdkn vid pram Boéknar: 
einn st66 sonr 4 sino snarr Skialgs vinom fiarri Il 
{ lyptingo lengi le-traudr skipi audo. 

4. Ré6 eéigi grid gygjar ged-stirdr konungs firda 
skers )6 at skurir byrrit Skialgs hefnir ser nefna: 
enn vard-kers virdéir vid-botn ne koemr sfdan 15 
glyggs 4 gialfri legdan geirs ofrhugi meiri. 

5.  Ondurda bad iardar Erlingr (sa-es vel lengi 

geym6i) hann lystr, (ne lamdisk land-varn) kloask arno: 

p4-es hann at sik sannom (s4 var 4dr buinn) r4da 

(atz) vid Utstein hitzig Al4fr um t6k mdlom. 20 


~ 


6. Erlingr fell (enn olli allrikr) ‘scipat slico’ 
[bidrat betri dauda] (bragna konr) med magni: 
mann veit-ek engi annan all-brdtt at fiaor-lati 
enn sd-es allan kunni aldr fullara at halda. 
7. Aslikr hefir aukit (es vardr drepinn Harda) 25 
{fair skyldo sv4] (foldar) fraend-sekjo [styr vekja]: 





ERLING had his ship brought broadside to the king, that is certain. His 
galley lay alongside the king’s shipin.... The king [Olaf] cut down 
the warriors, he soon boarded the galley; the dead lay thick on the 
deck ; there was a tough fight off the Tongues. The king dyed red the 
broad ship-field [sea] north of Iadar. The warm blood fell on the wide 
main, the famous prince won the day. Off the side of Bokn all Erling’s 
crew fell; the young king cleared the galley north of the Tongues. 
Skialg’s gallant son stood long alone on the forecastle of his empty ship. 
The avenger of Skialg [Erling] did not care to ask quarter of the king’s 
men. There was never, nor shall come again, on the wide surf-girt 
plain of the dome of the winds [earth], a braver heart. Erling, who 
long bravely defended his land and never failed, cried out that ‘eagles 
should use their talons face to face,’ when Olaf accosted him there in 
battle south of Out-stone. Erling fell on Thomas’ day; the king caused 
it. Never shall a better lord die! I knew no other man who, till his 
death, could hold his own like him. Anslak committed parricide when 





5. Read, Skeido. 14. pyrrit] A?; berdiz, Cd. 16. loegdan, A’. 
20, Olaf, Cdd. 21. Read, E, fell ogn-hress , . . Thomas messo ? 


138 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


eett-vigi m4 hann eigi (4 Ifti peir) nfta; 
[freendr skyli braedi bindask bornir] (mal in forno). 

8. Drakk eigi ek drekkjo dag pann es mer sagdo 
Erlings fall at I6lom all-gladr ‘pess er red Ia@ri’ 30 
hans mun dr4p um dripa dyr-mennis mer kenna 
hafud baré6m p4 hera (hart mord vas pat) fordom. 


9. Erlingr ‘vas sva at iarla Att’ es Skioldungr mattit 
Aléfs m4gr ‘sv4 at cegdi’ all-dyggs sonar Tryggva: 
Nest gaf sina systor snarr bi-pegna harri 35 
Ulfs fedr (vas pat) adra (aldr-gipta) Rognvaldi. 

10. ‘Erlingi vas engi annarr lendra manna’ 


‘grr sd-es Atti fleiri orrostor stod porrinn:’ 

‘prek bar seggr vid sknir sinn, pvi-at fyrst gekk innan ’ 

‘mildr { marga hildi mest enn or 4 lesti.’ 40 
II. Einn vissa-ek per annan ialks-brik-tapud glikan 

(vitt réS gumna getir) Godbrandr hét s4 (landom): 

ykkr kved-ek iamna pykkja, orm-l4és hati, bada ; 

lygr hinn at ser legir legg-setrs es telsk betri. 


VII. Otnar’s-prapa. Orar’s DirGe. 
(Verse 2 from Flatey-bok.) 


:; LAFR re@ it cefra and-pritt hafud landi 
- fulla vettr 46r felli fimt4én 4 pvi lani: 
Hvar hafi hers inn noeréra heims enda ser kendan 
(skialdungr hellzk an skyldi skemr) landreki in fremri? 
2. Uppland vann til enda ‘éss gneista,’ ok par reisti 5 
Kristni hald, pat es héldo ‘hvers veitir sverdés beita :’ 





the defender of the Hords was slain: no man should wake such war as 
this between kinsmen. He cannot deny that he has slain a kinsman, 
Born kinsmen should abstain from feud; let them look to the legends 
of old. I did not drink merrily the day that I was told, over in Wick, 
of the fall of Erling at Yule. His death will make me droop my head, 
which I carried high before: his wasa cruel death! Erling, the brother- 
in-law of Olaf Tryggvason (that was a stroke of fortune), ruled over Agd 
in spite of the Earls.... He [Olaf Tryggvason] gave his next sister 
to Reginwald, father of Wolf. There was none of the Barons that had so 
much rent (revenues) as Erling. He drew the half of the dues from the south 
to Sogn, from the west to Rygiar-bit. 1 never knew but one other like unto 
thee: his name was Gudbrand; he ruled broad lands [Godbrand of the 
Dales]. I declare you both evenly matched, he who says he is better lies. 


His Glory. OLAF, the proud of soul, ruled the upper land full fifteen 
winters, ere he fell on his own fief. Wherever was there a greater 
ruler known under the northern skirts of the earth! would that he had 
reigned longer! He conquered the Uplands from end to end, and set 
up Christendom again; formerly jive kings had held sway thereat 





30. Read, i Vik padra. 34. Read, at Agdom? 37-40. All corrupt 
and painted over, see O. H. ch, 21. Read, stodir runno undir ... fra Sogni sunnan 
... til Rygjarbitz vestan. 


;? 


§2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 139 


4dr st¥rdo pvi eydar ‘ellifo’ fyrr ‘hella’ 
‘mildings mals’ en guldo menn visliga gfsla. 

a, Lyngs bar fiskr til fengjar flug-styggs sonar Tryggva 
giolnar golli malno (God vildi sv4) rodnar: 10 
annan lét 4 unnir Aléfr buinn hala 
(lagr pé dritigt) inn Digri (dyrs horn) Visund sporna. 


4. Vissi helzt, pat-es hvassom hund-margom let grundar 
vorér med vopnom skerda, vikingom skeor, rikiss: 
mildr let mago valdit Magntss fadir gagni; 15 
fremd Aldfs kved-ek framdo flestan sigr ens Digra. 

5 Goll budo opt, beir es ollo tt-hlaupom, gram kaupask 


rautt enn resir nftti, rfk-lundodom, undan: 
skar lét hann med hizarvi (herland skal sva verja) 
[rans bido rekkar sy¥na refsing] firom efsa. 20 
6. ‘Foeddi’ mest sa-es meiddi marg-dyrr konungr ‘ varga’ 
hvinna ett ok hlenna; hann styfdi sv4 pyfdir: 
pyér let bermlask bzedi pidf hvern konungr erna 
(frid beétti sv4) féta (fylkir landz) ok handa. 
[7.  Tolf fra ek tekna elfar tallaust vido bala 25 
olli Al4fr falli eirlaust konungr beira: 
Svia tiggja leit-ek seggi sokn-strids fyrrum rida 
(beol vas bratt) til Heljar (buit mest) Sigars hesti.] 
8, Lopt-bygegvir, matt leggja land-rétt bann es skal standask 
unnar, allra manna, eiki-hlids, 4 midli. 30 


9. bord fra ek pat sinn ‘herda (preifsk sékn’) med Aleifi 
[g66 ‘foro par’] ‘geirom’ goert vig [saman hiarto]: 





...+. paid hostages .... The Heath-Fish [Serpent] with gills of ground 
gold bore Tryggvi’s son to the battle>- So God willed it. But a second 
Olaf, the Stout One, let the well-rigged Bison tread the waves; the 
billows drenched the Beast’s horns. 

His Law. It wasa proof of his stern rule, that the warden of the land 
had the heads of many Wickings [pirates] cut short with keen weapons. 
The gentle father of Magnus has wrought many a gainful deed jor 
the land. 1 can tell how many a victory made Olaf the Stout glorious, 
They that made armed trespass ofttimes offered gold to the stern king 
for ransom ; but he refused it, and commanded their heads to be chopped 
off with the sword. The blessed king maimed the race of robbers and 
reivers, thus he cut short theft ; he made every thief lose hands and feet, 
so he bettered the peace of the land. Nor did treason, I know well, 
thrive .... towards the king. [There were twelve men taken; Olaf had 
them all put to death without mercy. I formerly saw the messenger of 
the Swedish king ride on Sigard’s steed [the gallows] to hell.] Thou didst 
lay down that Constitution which shall endure among all men... . 

The battle of Sticklestead. 1 heard that Thord Folason fought along- 
side King Olaf (a brave heart was his). Ogmund’s gallant brother 
Sima bore the fair gilt Banner-staff high before the lord of the Ring- 

olk. The king himself marched next to his standard, the banner-staff 





24. fridr bettiz sva, Cd. 32. Read, Folason or viva, 
. 


140 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vir. 


stang bar hatt fyrir Hringa hialdr-médom gram brdédir 
(fullt vann) fagrla gyllta, fram-lundaér Ogmundar. 

10. Mest fra-ek merkjom nzestan minn dréttinn framm sfnom 
(stang 66 fyrir gram) gengo [‘ gndgr styrr vas par’] fyrri: 36 
‘old vann Alaf feldan aflgan sigr’ enn Digri 
gekk sdékn-porinn scekja sinjér framm { brynjo. 

II. Sumir trido 4 God gunnar, grein vas lids 4 midli, 
‘folk-orrostor fylkir fram-r4ér tiogo hadi:’ 40 
fregr bad hann 4 heegri hand Kristid lid standa 
‘fedr Magnus bid ek fagna flétt skiarrom God dréttinn.’ 


12. Enn peir es austan nenna (‘6x hildr’) med gram mildom 
[‘mart segik bert’] { ‘biarta bl66-rast’ Sviar ‘6do.’ 
43; Olmr eromk harmr sa es hilmir hafdi (golli vaféan) 45 


(ioforr kreisti) s4 austan afl-fatt (medal-kafla) : 
gagn fengo pvi begnar peir at halfo fleiri, 
‘hvatod teldi pat hildar,’ hvadrongi fra-ek varo. 


I 4. Fér { fylking peira framm [idrask nu] midri 
(snarir fundosk par) Proénda (pess verks) ‘ buendr’ merki. 50 
15. Vitt vard fold und fétom (frid-bann vas bar) mannom 
[pa ré5 { bad brdda brynjad folk] at dynja: 
p4-es 4rliga erir alms med biarta hialma 
(mikill vard 4 stad Stikla stal-gustr) ofan pusto. 
16. Ekl vas é6gn 4 Stikla é6bl{é stadom sidan... 55 
17. Geirs hykk grimmligt varo gunn-reifom Aleifi 
log-rceétondom lita liédns { hvassar sidnir: 
poréot Proénzkir virdar (pdtti hersa dréttinn 
cegiligr) { augo orm-fraon sid hanom. 





waded on before the prince. Olaf the Stout carried his sword Hneiti; 
the Senior went forth in his mail-coat in quest of a great victory. Some 
of his men believed in God, he made a distinction between them. The 
king had thirty companies 9f a hundred [3,600] in that battle. The 
famous prince bade the Christian band to stand on the right hand,.... 
but the Swedes who followed the king from the East stood on his 
left hand. It is a great sorrow to me that the king who clasped the 
gold-wound hilt had too few men from the East. The thanes got the 
victory because they were more by half. I am told the whole of both 
hosts numbered a hundred times a hundred [14,400]: i.e. they were 
three to one. 

The Banner. The standard of Calf went forth in the midst of the array 
of the Thronds. They repent this deed now! The earth did thunder 
far and wide under their feet as the mail-coated people marched on to 
battle. The peace was broken there when the warriors with the bright 
helmets charged down upon the yeomen. Great was the storm of steel at 
Sticklestead! There was no lack of terror on Sticklestead.... It was 
dreadful for the franklins, I ween, to look into the fierce lion eyes of 





38. Read, folk... fylkir... brid togo... 40. Overworked text. 41. 
Overlaid text. 44. All corrupt; read, stado? 48. hvar tveggi, B. 
Read, hundrada téléosk hundroé. 50.. Read, Kalfs ? ; 


§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 141 


18. Raud { rekka bl6di rand ‘med gumna handom’ 60 
dreyrog sverd par es dyran drétt pidd-konung sétti: 
ok at fsarn-leiki Inn-Proéndom lét finnask 
rekinn gramr { reikar raud-brinan hiar tinom. 

IQ. Mildr fann goerst hve galdrar gramr sialfr megin-rammir 
fiol-kunnigra Finna full-st6rom barg Péri: 65 
pa es hyr-sendir Hundi hina golli bino 
(sleétt ré5 sfzt at bfita) sverdi laust um herdar. 

20. Pollr dylr sadrar snilli seims, en pat ‘veit, heiman 
(hverr szei Hundz verk stcéri?) hug stérs er fryr Péri: 
‘en’ pver-garda pordi préttr hinn-es framm of sétti 70 
glyges { gegn at hoeggva gunn-rannz konung-manni. 

21. Biwrn fra-ek ok af crno endr stallorom kenndo 
hug hve halda dygdi (hann sétti fram) dréttinn : 
fell { her med hollom hann veréungar mannom 
(leyfér es) at hilmiss hafdi hréér-audigs (si daudi). 75° 

a2, Hard es, sizt her-menn goerdo (hlif raufsk fyr gram) lffi, 
audn at Engla stridi, é6mitik, konung sitikan: 
ar br4 Aldfs fiarvi ald, par es herr klauf skialdo, 
(‘folks odda gekk fylkir fund’) enn Dagr hélt undan. 

23. Aér vito eigi meidar égnar skers ne hersa 80 
(pidé ré36 pengils dauda) pann styrk buand-manna: 
es slikan gram séknom sAr-elldz vidir felldo 
(marg 14 dyr f dreyra drétt) sem Aldfr pétti. 


24. _ Geert es beim es gétt bar hiarta goll-skrin of ‘ veg’ minom 
(hrésa-ek helgi reesiss) [hann sétti God] dréttni: 85 





Olaf. The Thronds dared not meet the serpent-keen eyes of him. The 
gory swords reddened the shields in_men’s hands, when the people 
attacked their dear king, and at the iron-play the king let the red-brown 
blade meet the heads of the In-Thronds, The gentle prince found for 
himself how the strengthful charms of the wizard Fins saved the sturdy 
Thori, what time the king struck with the gold-mounted blade on the 
shoulders of Hound [Thori], the blunt sword did not bite at all. He who 
denies that Thori brought from home a full stock of courage lies. 
Who ever saw a bolder feat for a Hound than when he dared to smite 
the king. I hear that Biorn taught the marshals how to keep a true 
heart towards their lord. He fought inthe van! He fell at the head of 
the glorious king, with his fellow-henchmen. That was a death to be 
praised ! 

There is a great void ever since the men of the host made the foe of 
the English sick of life [i.e. slew Olaf]. They took Olaf’s life, but Dag 
got away .... Never before was such strength known in the barons 
and franklins, as that they should be able to fell such a king as Olaf was 
known to be. 

Olaf’s Sanctity. They have made a golden shrine for my lord who 
ever bore a good heart; I praise his saintliness. He has gone to be 
with God. Soon many a man, that came blind to the famous tomb 





6y. Read, hugar stérs ? 70. en] read, es, 73. Read, drottins? 


142 ST. OLAF’S COURT, [BK. vii. 


4r gengr margr fra mero meidr pess konungs leidi 

hreins me6 heilar sidénir, hrings, es blindr kom pingat, 
25. L¥g-ek nema Alafr eigi ¥fs, sem kvikir tivar, 

(goedi-ek ‘helzt’ { hroéri har-vaxt konungs) Arar: 

enn helzk (peims sun seldi) svaordr (panns 6x { Gardom), go 

[hann fekk less] 4 lidsom [lausn] (Valdamar), hausi. 


26. Oss dugir Al4fs messo (iafur magnar God) fagna 
meina laust { mino, Magntss fador, hisi: 
skyldr em-ek skilfings halda, skoll-laust (bess es bié golli) 
helgi (handar tialgor) harm-dauda (mer raudo). 95 
ay. Danar dréttni minom dcégn of sent at hendi... 


28. Dréttinn! hialp pi peim-es déttor (dyrr es pinn vili) mina 
heim é6r heidnom héf, ok nafn gaf Téfo: 
hélt und vatr enn vitri (vard-ek peim feginn hardla 
morni) mfino barni mé6-rakkr Haraldz brédir. 100 
29. Lat auman nt nidta Néregs ok gef stérom 
(mal halt) sva sem szlan, sinnjér, laga pinna! 


30, Undr lata pat ytar eigi smatt es méattit 
ske-niardungom skordo skylauss radull hlyja: 
driig varé 4 pvi degri (dagr nddit lit fagrom) 105 
[orrosto fra-ek austan atburé] konungs furda. 





of the pure king, goes away with his eyes whole. I lie if I deny that 
Olaf’s hair and nails grew like a living being’s. I exalt the king’s 
holiness in my song: and the growth still stays on the bright head of 
him, who sent his son, that grew up in Garth [Novgorod territory], 
to Waldhammar [Waldimar]. He has won freedom from corruption ! 

The Poet’s Prayer. \t beseems us, especially in my house, guilelessly 
to celebrate the mass of Olaf [29th July] the father of Magnus, this 
king whom God magnifies. I am bound to keep duly the holiday of 
him who was grieved for, who formerly adorned my hands with red 
gold. The day of death allotted to my lord..., O Lord, Thy will 
be done, help thou him who lifted my daughter out of heathendom, 
and gave her the name of Tova; for the wise and brave brother 
of Harold held my child at the font. I was mightily glad on that 
morning. O Lord of Norway [Olaf], let the poor as well as the rich 
profit by thy Law and keep thy promise. 

The Eclipse. It is thought a great wonder, that the cloudless sun 
could not give warmth to men. On that day there happened a great 
miracle concerning the king: the day could not yield its fair hues, I 
learnt from the East the details of the battle. 





88. vs, Cd. 89. Read, Helgi. arar] aro, Cd, gt. 4] af, Cd. 
97. minni, Cd. 





§2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 143 


VIII. Pirermace, ETC. 


I. R™s lét-ek ok hélt heiman her-mdéér 4 far gddri, 
giallar vaond, pann-es golli gaf mer konungr vafdan : 
Sult pa es silfri hialtad ‘sverd dyrt vidir pverdo’ 
lagdom vapn, enn vigdom ver ‘ylgjar’ staf fylgdom. 

2. St6d-ek 4 Mont, ok mintomk meorg hvar sundr flaug targa 
breid ok brynjor sféar, borgom ner of morgon: 6 
munda-ek, par es undi,-andurdan brum landom 
(fadir minn vas p4) penna (Pérrcedr) konungr fordom. 

a Fiiss lezk maér, ef missir meyjar fadms, at deyja ; 
keypt es ost ef eptir of latinn skal grata: 10 
enn full-huginn fellir flétt-styggr sa-es vard dréttinn 
(vart torrek lizk verra) vig-tar (konungs arom). 


4. Hrafna sé-ek til hafnar (hres minnask peir) sinna, 
par-es flaut und nid ny¥tom Nordmanna skip fordom: 
gialla hatt fyrir Hillar hvern dag frekir ernir 15 


endr peir-es Al4fr grenndi, innan, meargo sinni. 

5 Geng ek um pvert fra pengils (proask ekki mer) rekka 
[emk sem bast { bridsti bleikr] verdungar leiki: 
minnomk ek hvar manna minn dréttinn lék sfnna 
opt 4 6dal-toptom, ord-szll, ok ver fordom. 20 

6. Hafa lati mik heitan Hvfta-Christr at viti 
elld, ef ek Aldf vildag (emk skirr at pvf) firrask : 
vatn-cerin hefi-ek vitni, vask til Rims f haska, 

(ald leyni-ek ‘pvi’ aldri) annarra pau manna. 





Regrets and Pilgrimage. “WAR-WEARY I left the gold-wound battle 
rod, which the king gave me, and set out from home on a blessed 
journey to Rome, when the king >... at Sult. I laid down the 
silver-hilted weapons and took up the consecrated staff. I stood on 
the Mount [Alps] near the cities in the morning, and it was brought 
back to me how many broad targets and long mail-coats were riven 
asunder; and at that early hour I was minded of the king, who formerly 
sat in the Jand when my father Thorrod was alive. Lo, a man who 
has lost his mistress’s embraces is eager for death (love is dear bought 
when one must weep over the dead!): and the brave soldier, who has 
lost his lord, lets fall cruel tears. Yet the loss, we king’s men have 
suffered, seems the greater of the tao. I see the ravens speeding 
to the Haven, mindful of carrion, where formerly the ships rode 
under the goodly King of Northmen. The greedy eagles scream 
every day inside Hillar, whom of yore Olaf fed full many a time. I 
go indoors from the games of the king’s henchmen. Sorrow waxes 
high within my breast; I am as white as bast: I remember how often 
in his own land my glorious lord and I joined in sport in old days. 
May the White Christ appoint me the hot pains of fire if I wished to 
abandon Olaf. I am clear of this accusation! I have overflowing 
witness of other men (I hide nought) I was in Rome in jeopardy. The 





3. sverd dyrt pat er vidir pverdo, Cd, 10. oblati, Cd, II, sa er ann 
dréttni, B. 


144 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [ BK. VII. 


". Ha pdétti mer hleégja hall um Néreg allan 25 
(fyrr vas-ek kendr 4 Knarrom) klif medan Aléfr liféi: 
nu pikkja mer miklo (mitt strié es sv4) hlidir 
{iaofurs hylli vard-ek alla] dblidari sfdan. 


8. Alfifo mon evi ungr drengr muna lengi 
p& es oxa mat atom inni skaf sem hafrar: _ 30 
annat vas pa-es Aldfr égn-braér ré6 146i, 
hverr Atti p4 hrésa hialmr korns freevi borno. 


IX. Macnus anp ANSTRID. 
(From Kringla.) 


I. | Sia lystir mik austan (erot um spard) or Gardom 
fra cedlingi ungom (opt ‘byrjod’ lof) spyrja: 

frétti-ek smds ‘pa-es’ smeestir smoglir Astar foglar, 
(‘ping hégjomk’) far fliiga fylkiss nids 4 midli. 

2. Hrein getom hala launa hnoss-fiald lofi osso 5 
Aldfs dcéttr, es Atti iafur sigr-hvatastr Digri: 
pings beid herr 4 Hawgrom hund-margr Svia grundar 
austr, es Astrid l¥sti Al4fs sonar madlom. 

3. Mattit hon vid hettna heil-rod Svia deila 
meirr pétt Magnus veri marg-nenninn sonr hennar: 10 
olli hon pvf, at allri Att-leif6 Haraldz knatti, 
mest med ma&ttkom Kristi, Magntss konungr fagna. 

4. Mildr 4tt menzko at gialda, Magnts, enn pvi fagnom, 
(pat goerdi vin virda vid-lendan) Astridi: 





high cliffs all over Norway seemed to me to be laughing while Olaf was 
alive (I was formerly known at Cnear); but ever since the mountain- 
sides seem to me much less joyful. This is my woe, now I have lost 


my beloved king. I shall always remember the days of Algifu’s young ~ 


son when we ate oxen’s food in our houses—bark scrapings, like goats. 
It was different when the valiant Olaf ruled, every rick boasted of 
ripe corn. 


I LONG to get news of the young Etheling east in Gard [Russia]. 
Oft-told praises of him are not lacking! I ask for every bit of news 
whenever the wee inquisitive birds of love [letters] fly between the 
king’s son and myself. I cannot appear in person! I will repay with my 
song of praise .... the daughter of Olaf [Swedish King] whom the vic- 
torious Stout One wedded. Many of the Swedes waited for the Moot 
at Hanger in the east, where Anstrid put the case of Olaf’s son [Magnus]. 
She, the giver of good counsel, could not have pleaded more warmly with 


the Swedes though Magnus had been her own son. She was the chief. 


one, next to the mighty Christ, in bringing it about, that King Magnus 
should enjoy the heritage of the son of Harold. Thou hast to thank 
Anstrid, Magnus, for her manly dealing, which made thee, friend of 





28. iofurs falli kann ek illa, B. 29. From Fms. y. 209 Cod. L; ep. Fb. ii. 
393- 32. Emend.; hialmr porn freri borinn, Cd. 3. Emend.; poat... 
fliugi, Cd. 4. Read, ping- liigomk -for. 





§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 145 


hon hefir svA komit sfnom (seonn) at fo mon annor 15 
(ord geeri-ek drés til dfrdar) ditip-rod kona stitipi. 

6. Astridi lattu @dri, Alfhildr, an pik sialfa, 
per pétt pinn hagr, st6rom, (pat vildi God) batni. 


X. Brrsaeris Visor, c. 1039. 
(From the Lives of Kings, especially Kringla, Hulda, Flatey-bok iii. 267-269.) 


I. | Sheen’ ek at sudr med Sygnom ‘Sighvattr hefir 
gram lattan’ 
folk-orrosto at fresta ‘ferr’ ef b6 skulom berjask: 
‘faorom f{ vapn’ ok verjom vel tvist konung lystir 
‘hve lengi skal hringom hans grund’ til bess fundar. 


2. Sighvatz hugir ro hitzig Harda-Knitz i gardi; 5 
mildr man miak vel skaldi, Magnts, Haraldr fagna: 
fér-ek med fador peira (fékk ungom mer tunga) 

(gollz) [var-ek enn med allo éskeggjadr p4] beggja. 

3. Vas-ek med gram peims gumnom goll baud dréttin-hollom, 
(‘namn’ fekk hann enn hrafnom hrze) pess konungs zevi: 10 
‘full-karskom s4-ek falla fran-eggjom son granom’ 

‘gaf margan val vargi verdung konungs sverdom.’ 

4. Fylgda-ek, beim-es fylgjo fé-mildom gram vildi 
(véro pegnar fridé fegnir) fedr pbinom vel, mina: 
vasat { haoll (enn hiisa) hlid, pars ek st66 { midjom 15 
(hreésinn skal meé hrfsi) hans flokki (vid piokkva). 

6. Gekk vid m66 inn mikla, Magnus, allt { goegnom 





men, the ruler of broad lands, She, the lady of deep thoughts, has 
done for her stepson what few other stepmothers would have done, 
I tell the truth to the lady’s praise. 

Addressing Alfbild. Al\fhild, set Anstrid ever higher than thyself, 
though God willed that thy condition should be the better! [thou shouldst 
have a son and she not.] 


THE PLAIN-SPEAKING VERSES. To the king. I HEAR of a movement 
among the Sogn-folk in the South, how Atli has egged them on to try 
battle, so. that we shall have to fight. Let us take up our weapons 
and heartily defend our lord in this encounter. How long shall the 
land be unsettled? 

O Magnus, Sighvat’s thoughts lie yonder towards Hard-Cnut’s palace ; 
the generous Harold will welcome the poet well. I followed the father 
of them both [Cnut]; I was altogether beardless when I first won gold 
by my tongue [came as a poet to court]. I was with the generous 
pence, who gave gold to his faithful followers and....I remember 

is days. I saw the keen-eyed son of Harold... . I followed the 
open-handed king thy father; he was pleased with my service; all 
men lived in peace. There was no gap in the hall where I stood in 
the midst of his guard: even the proud rafter needs be wattled with 





I. Read, s... hvatta hefir Atli? 2, Read, freista ... ferd. 6. Emend. ; 


mildr nema m, v. s. M. kgr. fagni, Cd. 7. fekk ek mer ungan, Cd. 10. 
Read, mank? 14. véro] nu ero, Cd. 15. Emend.; varat a hel med 
hidrvi, Cd. 


VOL. II. L — 


146 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vii. 


ferd par es flokkar bardosk, fadir pinn lidi sino: 

vardi hart, enn hiarto hug-full vid pat skullo, 

Alafr ré3 sv4 iafra erfdir framm at hverfa. 20 
6. Alafr 1ét mik iafra é6rfr framast dy¥rda 

urdo driig ens Digra dréttins ping med hringom: 

goll bar-ek iamnt um allan aldr ok her-verk sialdan 

hrygg 4 hvarri-tveggja hendi flotna sendiss. 


". Hét sd-es fell 4 Fitjom fial-gegn ok ré6 hegna 25 
heiptar ran (enn hanom) Hakon (firar unno): 
pid6d hélt fast 4 Féstra fial-blfds lagom sfdan 
(enn ero af bvi minni) Adalsteins (buendr seinir). 

8. Rétt hygg-ek kiésa kna&tto karl-folk ok sv4 iarla, 
af pvf at eignom lofda Alafar frid gafo: 30 
Haraldz arfi lét haldask hvar-dyggr ok son Tryggva 
lag pau es lydir pago lauk-iafn at beim nafnom. 


Q. Heim séttir pu heettinn hand, enn vel matt landom 
(pinn stoda-ek matt) sem mannom, Magnus konungr, fagna : 
‘foera ek vist pvf at varom’ varér med per { Garda 35 
skri.... skfri-nafna skript pi6d-konungr ‘niptar.’ 

10. Unger vas-ek med per pengill pat haust es komt austan, 


‘einn stillir matto alla iard hegna sv4 fregnisk :’ 

himin pdéttosk p4 heidan hafa es landa krafdir, 

loféungs burr, ok lifdir, land-folk tekit handom. 40 
II. Minn hug segi ek mannom, Magnus, at ek fagna 

(g6ds ‘lan’ es pat) bino ping-drifo vel lifi: 





faggots [i.e. even I filled a place usefully].... Thy father, Magnus, 
with his company pierced right through his enemy’s ranks with high 
courage. Olaf’s brave heart did not quail. 

Olaf gave me rank and rings; the favours of the Stout king were 
lasting. I ever bore gold of his giving on both my arms all his days. 

The glorious examples of former kings. He that fell at Fitiar and 
punished robbery was named Hakon, and folks loved him: and the 
people have held fast to the Laws of the well-beloved Foster-son of 
/Ethelstan, and the franklins are slow to let his memory die. : 

I am sure that both the gentry and the yeomanry were right in 
choosing both the Olafs; because they both protected men in their pos- 
sessions. The heir of Harold and the son of Tryggwi kept upright as a 
leek the laws which the people had accepted at these namesakes’ hands, 

O King Magnus, when thou didst come home to thy land.... I was 
thy stay. I went to thee to Gard.... 

Lo, here is a sharp shrift from thy godfather! 

I was with thee, thou young king, that autumn when thou camest 
from the East; and all the people rejoiced in thee. The people of 
the land thought that they held the bright heaven in their hands [i.e. 
thought the golden age had come] when they heard that thou wast 
alive and laying hold on thy heritage. 

I tell all men my mind, Magnus, that I rejoice that thou shouldst live 





28. pvier minnir, Cd. 36. Read, skorpnar? 38. Read,... knattoallir,... 
pegnar per fegnir. 42. Read, van or vanir. 





oe eS ee 
tir Z 


$2] SIGHVAT THE POET. 147 


eetti drengja dréttinn dyrdar son, ef yrdi 
(pidd meetti f4 foeda) fedr glikr (konung slfkan). 

12. Fadéur Magntiss let-ek fregna folgin iafurs dolga 45 
ord pau es eyro heyrdo ér 4 svik hve féro: 
mAl bar-ek hvert af heilom hug, pvf at eigi brugdomk ; 
ek vissa p6 éssom 6tta lanar dréttni. 

13. Skolod r46-giafom reidask (ryér pat) konungr yérom 
(dréttins ord til dfrdéar) daglingr, vid bersagli: 50 
Hafa kvedask lag, nema litgi land-herr, buendr verri 
endr { Ulfa-sundom annor an bu hetzk mannom. 

14. Hverr eggjar pik, harri heiptar-strangr, at ganga 
(opt reynir pti) pfnom (‘punn stadl’) 4 bak madlom? 
fast-ordr skyli fyréda feng-sell vesa pengill; 55 
heefir heit at riufa, hialdr-magnuér, per aldri. 

15. Hverr eggjar pik haggva, hialdr-gegnir, bui-pegna? 
ofrausn es pat iafri innan-landz at vinna: 
cengr haféi sv ungom 4ér bragningi rdAdit; 
ron hygg-ek rekkom pfinom (reidr es herr), konungr, 

leidask. 60 

16. Gialtu var-huga véltir vidr beim-es nti ferr hedra, 
pidfs (skal heond f hdfi) halda kvitt (of stytta): 
vinr es s4 es varmra benja varnud bydr; enn pu hlyédi 

-tar-miutariss teitir, til hvat bi-menn vilja. 
17. Heett es pat es allir ‘ zetla’ ‘4dr skal vid pvi r4da’ 65 





well and sway the moots. It is of good augury. The people would have a 
glorious lord, if the son were like his father, Folks find few such kings. 

I used to tell thy father, Magnus, the secret words that reached 
my ears and were bruited around me. I told him every word with 
a true heart, whenever I knew of any peril to my liege lord; for I 
never failed him. 

Ye should not be angry with your councillors, O king, for their 
plain speaking. What I am now telling thee, my lord, is for thine own 
good. Unless the multitude are lying, the franklins declare that they 
have other and worse laws than those thou formerly didst promise 
thy people in Wolf Sound. 

Who is egging thee, king, to go back from the oath thou hast 
sworn? A worthy king of men should be true to his word. It can 
never beseem thee, my lord, to break thine oath. 

Who is egging thee, prince, to slaughter the cattle of thy thanes? 
It is tyranny for a king to do such deeds in his own land. No one 
has ever before advised a young king so. This open robbery is most 
hateful to thy henchmen, I know. The people are angered, O king. 

Take heed of the murmuring of men, which is now bruited hither 
and thither. A man should not stretch his hand too far. He is a 
friend that warns one. Listen therefore. to the complaint of the 
franklins. 

There is one danger I have heard of, that the men..... of Atli are 





a it ‘foedaz, Cd.” 48 Read, svig. 63. enn ek hlyds, Cd. 65. Read, 


L 2 ™ 


148 ST. OLAF’S COURT. . [BK. VIII. 


‘hd4rir menn es ek heyri hét’ skialdungi 4 méti: 
greypt es pat es haféom ‘hneypta’ heldr, ok nidr f felda 
(slegit hefir pagn 4 begna) bingmenn nasom stinga. 

18. Eitt es mal pat es mela, (minn drdéttinn leggr sina 
eign 4 66ul begna); afgast, buendr gafgir: 70 
raun mun segegr, hinn es sfna selr Ut, f pvi telja 
flaums at felli-démi, fadur-leif6, konungs greifom. 

19.  Syni Al4fs bid-ek sntidar (sf5 kveda aptans bfda 
6frams sak); [medal okkar allt es haligt sv4] mala: 
erom, Magnus, mer vegnir, vilda~-ek med ber mildom 75 
(Haraldz vardéa pu hiarvi Hauk-ey) lifa ok deyja. 


Or a Sacrep Porm (from Edda). 
Endr red Engla senda Iérdanar gramr fiéra 
fors p6 hann 4 hersi heilagt skopt or lopti. 
ANOTHER Fraement (from Edda). 


Pat fra ek vig 4 vatni verdung iawfurs goerdo 
nadda él en nyla nest tel ek eigi en smezzto. 80 


XI. Lausa Visor. 


(Verses I, 3, 5-6, 8 from O. H.; verse 4 from Hulda; the rest from Fb. ii. 
and iii. 240-244, cp. O. H. L.) 
“s | ye gekk oss at é6skom eitrs sem ver hafom leitad 
l¥so-vangs or lyngvi leygjar orm at teygja: 
at-rennir lét annan eangul-gripinn hanga 
(vel hefir cerrida at egna) agn-galga (mer hagnat). 





rising against the king; some counsel should be taken against it. It 
looks ugly when all the thing-men [franklins] are g/oomily bowing 
their heads and thrusting their noses under their cloaks [brooding 
vengeance]. Silence has fallen upon the thanes. : 

It is one phrase that all the noble franklins are using: ‘My lord 
claims his thanes’ free-land as his own.? The man that has to deliver 
the heritage of his fathers to the king’s reeves under some sham sentence 
against him will call it robbery by violence. 

I pray for the success of Olaf’s son in his suit; for between us 
two all is ever friendly. The laggard’s case waits till the evening when 
it is too late to get it heard. [Make up your mind now.]| I am willing to 
live and die with thee, Magnus, who guardest Harold’s hawk-island 
[Norway] with thy sword. 





OF yore the lord of Iordan [God] sent four angels out of heaven, 
when he [?] washed the holy hair of the baron, 


Some Battle on a lake.... 





Out fishing. ‘THE poison-fish comes as I wish, for I have sought to 
draw the sea-serpent out of the ling-bed; my fellow-fisherman has 





67. Read, knippa, 76. vardar, Cd. 





§ 2.] SIGHVAT THE POET. 149 


2. Hedan sé ek reyk es ritka rann of fiski-mannom 5 
(st6r ero skaldz um skeror skelli-bragéd) or helli: 
nu fryra mer nyrar nenningar dag penna 
hlyta ek fyrir hvita horn-straums dagurd naumo. 


-, Hlyd mfnom brag ‘meidir myrk blas!’ pvi-at kannk yrkja, 
(all-tiginn mAttu eiga eitt skald) drasils tialda: 10 
pétt allungis allra, allvaldr, lofan skalda 
(per fee-ek hrédérs at hvero hlft) annarra nftid. 


4. Eigi s@tod ftrom, Ivarr, megin-fiarri, 
ord pa es ossom fcérdak (at séttisk lof) dréttni: 
per es, allz hann réd hly¥éa hréér sfnn, lofi pino 15 
(hli6és hefig beitt 4 badéa bekki) vant at hnekkja. 
5. Ek t6k lystr, né ek lasta (leyfS {6 es pat) sidan 
s6knar-niwrér vid sverdi (s4 es mfnn vili) pino: 
pollr féktu hitskarl hollan (hafom rédit vel badir) 
lattrs, enn ek lanar-dréttinn, linnz ‘bl6éa,’ mer gédéan. 20 
6. Goer-bceénn mun-ek gunnar gamm-teitondom heita, 
46r pogom ver egis eld, ef nui bid-ek felda: 
land-aura veittti ‘lf¥ro 146-pverrandi’ af knerri, 
‘enn af ganga engi, ek hefi sialfr mzork halfa. 


*, Proengvisk ér um ungan ftr-menni gram penna; 25 
beegisk ald sva-at eigi Aldfs ndig mali: 





another fish caught on his angle. A sea-trout bait has served me well. 
Hence from the cave I can see the smoke which rolls from the houses 
over the fishermen. The poet has many a trick in the gloaming. 
Now no one could challenge my day’s work, if I could but win the 
white damsel before breakfast. 

To Olaf, who will not listen to him. Listen, O king, to my song, for I 
know how to make verse. Thou mayst well keep one poet, though thou 
refuse the praise of all other poets. I can make thee songs of praise 
enough. 

To Iwar, who will not hear him. Thou wast not sitting far from 
the king, Iwar, when I delivered my song before him. It was received 
well. Since he listened to the whole of the poem on him, it is not 
fit for thee to refuse my Encomium on thee. I have asked both 
benches for a hearing. 

To Olaf, when he took him into his guard. I willingly received the sword 
from thee, king, nor shall I ever repent it. We have both made a good 
bargain: thou hast got a good house-carle and I have got a good 
liege-lord. 

Io Olaf, pleading for a fellow-countryman to be excused landing-duty. 
I shall be called greedy for begging pelts, having already received gold 
of thee. Give up the half-mark landing-duty of his ship to the Ice- 
lander, I cannot pay it myself. The duty was paid in kind, here by pelts. 

When the court was crowded. Ye are thronging about the good 


young king, and elbow each other so that I cannot get a word from 





8. hvitan, Cd, 23. Read, lyra 145-paks-veri. 24. A’; of fanga aungi, 
A‘. —— mork] emend.; krafit, Cd, 





150 . -$T. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


mer vas ord at drom aud-sdétt framom dréttni 
pd-es 660m miak mddir miall 4 Dofra-fizllom. — 

8. Sver6 standa par [sunda sdrs leyfom ver Arar], 
(her-stilliss barf-ek hylli hollost) buin golli: 30 
vid toékja-ek (vika vas endr med per sendir 
elldz), ef pu eitt hvert vildir, allvaldr, gefa skaldi. 


9. Muno peir es mest um skynja mun-veig Dains kunno 
sfér at Sighvatz hrééri svinnir brag-lasto finna: 
sik vill hverr, es hnekkir, hald-orér bodi skialdar 35 
éls, pvi es allir mela, iflaust goera at fiffi. 


10.  Seinn: pykki mer sunnan s6okn-diarfr Haraldz arfi 
(Langr es) at ‘lyda pengils lifs sorg’ (konungs morgin): 
hvatki es heidis gotna hyr-telanda szelan 
(nti hefik ‘vaett { dag’ Drédttins) dvelr (‘ bi6-ek’ hans orSeljo) 40 

II. Sendi mer hinn mceri mann-pengill sid. drengi 
(sfSan mun-ek heldr at hr6édri) hnoetr pidd-konungr(snytrask): 
opt, enn okkr bad skipta, Ottarr, { tvau dréttinn 
(enda-ek mal) sem mundom, mann-diarfr, feodor-arfi. 


OTHERE THE BLACK. 


THIS poet was a near relation to Sighvat, who once got him out of a 
serious scrape into which his poetic fervour had led him, according to 
the popular story told in one of the insertions in King Olaf’s Saga. 
Whilst at the Swedish Court he made a love poem on Anstrid, daughter 
of Olaf the King of the Swedes, which displeased her husband King Olaf 
Haroldsson, who took him when he came to Norway and put him in 
prison, being minded to put him to death. Sighvat went one night to 
his dungeon and made him repeat the poem. ‘It is very strongly ex- 
pressed,’ he said when he had heard it ; ‘no wonder the king was angry 
about it; but now we must soften down the strongest expressions, and 





Olaf. Formerly I got easier speech of my lord, when we were very 
wearily wading through the snow-drifts on Dover-fell. 

To Olaf. Swords gold-mounted are standing there ; I would gladly take 
it, if thou wouldst give me any one of them; I have served thee long. 

A retort. Wise men, those who can judge the Dwarf’s Drink 
[poetry] best, will find least fault with Sighvat’s song. He that carps 
at what every one else values, certainly makes a fool of himself! 

Waiting. ‘The warlike heir of Harold seems slow in coming from 
the South. ‘A king’s morning is long.’ Whatever it be that hinders 
him, I have been all Sunday waiting for him in Seal-island [Selia]. 

On receiving a gift of nuts from King Olaf’s table. The king sent me 
down some nuts, bidding Othere and myself to share them as if they were 
our heritage | fairly}. 





33. mun-veigurs, Cd. 34. svinnz, Cd, 36, Read, meta, 40. Read, 
nu hefek ,., dag Drottins bedit hans or Selja. ; eA 








rere oe ee et ee he ee FY 
je ees 


§ 2.] OTHERE THE BLACK. 151 


then you must make a poem on the king, and make that as full of praise 
as you can. And when the king asks to hear the poem on the queen, 
directly you have finished the one, you can begin the other,’ During the 
three days he lay in the dungeon, Othere worked at his poems; and 
when he was led out to recite his verses on the queen, the king grew 
red as he listened to it. But as soon as they were finished he began the 
other; the henchmen called out, seeing the king’s anger, that Othere 
should stop; but Sighvat said, ‘The king will do as he likes of course, 
whether he allows Othere to finish his poem or not; but it cannot hurt us 
to hear our king’s praise.’ So they were silent, and when he had finished 
Sighvat praised it highly. So the king forgave Othere, saying, ‘Take your 
head as your guerdon.’ ‘A good guerdon too, my lord,’ said he, ‘though 
the head is not a fair one.’ But the queen drew a ring off her hand and 
gave it him. Then the king said to her, ‘ Are you still giving love-gifts 
to Othere?’ Anstrith answered, ‘You cannot blame me, my lord, for 
wishing to reward his praise of me, as you did his praise of you.’ ‘ Well, 
let it stand as it is,’ said the king. The king’s poem (for the queen’s is 
lost), of which there is a part remaining, was called Head-Ransom 
(Flatey-bok iii. 241), a title which, we suspect, gave rise to the whole 
story, which we have already in various forms seen ascribed to Egil, 
Bragi, and others. 

Othere was in high favour with the Swedish king. We hear of him 
and Gizur standing before the king, introducing Icelanders to him with 
their recommendation. ‘ They were often with the king; for they were 
very bold, and often sat by the king’s high seat by day in high honour.’ 

Of Othere and Cnut it is told, that the poet went to England and 
came to the king’s hall, probably at Winchester. “ After evensong the 
king came into the hall and said, ‘I see a man here who is not of this 
country. He looks like a poet, and I would sooner have him to second me 
in a wager of battle than any one else, but I would not trust him alone 
with my wife.’ And now Othere entered the hall and addressed the 
king in a verse [see IV. 1 below], and forthwith asked to be allowed to 
recite a poem on the king. Cnut answered, and the poem was delivered 
to a great gathering at the next day’s moot, and the king praised it, and 
took a Russian cap off his head, broidered with gold and with gold 
knobs to it, and bade his chamberlain fill it with silver and give it to the 
poet. He did so, and reached it over men’s shoulders, for there was a 
crowd, and the heaped-up silver tumbled out of the hood on the moot- 
stage. He was going to pick it up, but the king told him to let it be. 
The poor shall have it, thou shalt not lose by it.” Hofudlausn may be 
dated c. 1020; the poem on Cnut c. 1027, the last event it mentions 
being the Holy River battle; and it was certainly spoken to the king, 
and proves the poet’s being at the English court. 

There is also a fragment of an Encomium on the Swedish King Olaf, 
and a few Improvisations, one on a gift of nuts from St. Olaf one day at 
dinner, the other on some hangings with the story of Sigfred slaying 
the Dragon on them. Othere’s style is even, resembling Sighvat at 
times, though never rising to his level. 

I. Olaf’s Drapa, of which parts of six strophes remain, comprises — 
some valuable lines on English and French history, but they are 
precisely the worse treated. We have obelised the most un- 
sound passages, and in a few instances have been able to suggest 
emendations, e.g. ‘att siclinga’ should read ‘at siclingom,’ at Silling, 
near Canterbury. Tuska-land stands for some name of Touraine, 
‘Tursa-land’ probably. The name of a Northymbrian port, perhaps 


152 _$T. OLAF’S COURT. [ BK. VHT 


Shields or the like, lurks under the corrupt line 44. The curious ‘fore 
Wald,’ p. 154, we have not identified. We might expect to find Selia in 
the unsafe line 51. . 

The restoration of /thelred by Olaf’s ships ‘in Lent,’ as we read it, 
is to be noticed. This verse has been transposed, in accordance with the 
English Chronicle, to the place it originally occupied, we believe. The 
stress laid on the Colonial empire of Olaf is to be noticed. 

II. Cnut’s Drapa completes and supplements Thorrod Kolbeinsson’s 
poem, as Olaf’s Drapa does Sighvat’s Olaf’s Drapa. Here again the names 
of place and person have been covered up by empty phrases here and 
there. ‘Castala verda’ is plainly a mistake for some ‘H ... worth’ or 
the like. The drowning of Eadmund’s men is probably concealed under 
the unsafe verse 10. The flying of the Swedes at Holy River is a piece 
of flattery, if we trust the plain sarcastic words of the English Chronicle. 

Ill. The Savedish King’s Encomium is in a peculiar metre, with double 
line-rhymes, in a ‘stumped’ line, which is perhaps his own invention. 
A metre too difficult to admit of much information being conveyed in it. 

IV. The Improvisation in old-metre is to be noted as containing 
the very titles the Chroniclers give Cnut, as confirming the evidence 
of the coins struck at Dublin, and illustrating Cnut’s own language 
respecting his Empire. 


I. Heorup-LAusN, C. 1020. 


(Verse 1 from Fms, v. 174; verse 2 from Edda.) 


I, LYD ‘mann-gafigr’ minni ‘ myrk-bals’ pv{ ek kann yrkja: 
finnom ydr ok annan all-valdr konung fallinn: 
pat tel-ek grams ok Gauta ‘glaé sistanda’ mistag 
daglings verk at dyrka dyr pengill mik lengi. 
2.  G6é-menniss parf-ek gunnar g166-bridtanda at nidta; 5 
her es al-nennin inni inn-drétt med gram svinnom. 


2 


3. Unger hrattu 4 vit vengiss vig-rakkr konungr blakki, 
(pi hefir dyrom prek droéra) Danmarkar (pik vandan): 
varo nytligust nordan (nu ert rfkr af hvaot slfkri) 
[fra-ek til bess] es f6rot far pin, konungr [goerva]. Io 
4. Ottod erom skreyttom austr { Sallt med flaustom; 
bsrod land af landi, land-varédr, 4 skip randir: 
neyttud segls, ok settod sund-varpaéi stundom 
(sleit miak roin) mikla (marg sr und per béaror). 
5.  Drdtt vas driuglegr dtti, délg-linnz, at far pinni; 15 





I, OLAF’S PRAISE. Prologue. LISTEN, my lord....I cancompose.... 
I tell of the king’s deeds. I need the good favour of the king and the 
intercession of those within the hall.... 

The Baltic. Young, thou didst set thy ship towards Denmark; the 
' yoyage thou madest from the North, O king, was very splendid, I know 
it all clearly. Ye did row the shrouded ships with the oars eastward in 
the Baltic, ye did carry the shield from land to land, ye used the sail 
and the oar by turn. Many an oar clave the billows below thee. 
The people were in great fear for thy voyage. Afterwards thou didst 





I, mannig, Cd. 12. lind, Cd. 





| 


$2] OTHERE THE BLACK. 153 


svan-bredir, namtu sfdan Svfpiddar nes hridda. 

6.  Gildir komtu at gialdi Gotneskom her flotna ; 
pordot per at varda pat land, iafurr, brandi: 
rann (enn madr um minna margr byr um prek) [varga 
hungr fr4-ek] austr (inn yngri) Eysyslo lid [peyja]. 


Nd 


° 


7. Enn brauztu, éla kennir Yggs gunn-borinn, bryggjor 
(‘linnz’ hefir land at vinna) Lundtina (per sntinaé): 
hafdo hart um krafOir (hildr 6x vid pat) skildir 
gang, enn gamlir sprungo, gunn-pinga, iarn-hringar. 

8.  Pengill fra-ek at punga pinn herr skipom ferri 25 
raud Hring-mara heidi (hl66 val-kasto) bl6di: 

Laut fyr ydr, 4dr létti land-folk, f gny randa 
Engla feré at iwrdo étt, enn marg 4 fldtta. 

9.  At-gango vant Yngri ‘att siklinga’ mikla, 
blidr hilmir, téktu breida borg Kantara um morgin: 30 
Lék vid rann af riki (réttu, bragna konr, gagni) ; 

[aldar frd-ek at aldri] eldr ok reykr [at pt. belldir]. 
1o. Mattid Enskrar ettar ald, par-es t6kt vid gialdom, 
visi, vegdar-lausom, vid-freegr, vid ber begja: 
guldot gumnar ‘sialdan goll daglingi hollost ;’ 35 
stundom fra-ek til strandar stér-ping ofan féro. 


11. Nsdot ungr at eyda, égn-teitr iafurr, Peito; 
reyndot, reesir, steinda rand 4 ‘Tuska-landi’.... 
12. Komtu ‘{ land’ ok lendir 143-vardr Adalrddi, 





harry the Ness of Sweden. Thou broughtest the Gotland folk to pay 
tribute, they dared not to guard their land against thee, sword in hand; 
and the people of Osel in the East fled before thee. 

England. Next thou didst break down London Bridge; thou hast had 
good hap in gold-getting. The shields cracked, and old iron rings of the 
mail-coats sprung under the strain of battle. I have heard how thou 
didst redden Ringmere-heath with blood; there thy host did pile a heap 
of corses. The people of the land fell to the ground before thee, and 
many Englishmen were turned to flight. Thou didst make a great raid 
at Silling, thou didst sack broad Canterbury one morning. Fire and 
smoke played mightily against the houses, thou hadst the victory; I 
have heard that thou didst make havoc among the people. The English 
race could not withstand thee, and thou didst receive a merciless ransom 
fromthem. The English paid thee the fine gold ‘by force.’ I know that 
oftentimes great treasures were borne down to the strand to thee. 

France. Ye did lay waste Poitou, and tried the stained shield in 
Touraine. 

Back in England. Ye came back in Lent, and landed Athelred, O 
king. He profited by thy help therein. It was at Iung-firth that ye 
brought back the kinsman of Eadmund from his refuge [Normandy] to the 
land which he had ruled before. The sons of Athelred, meeting opposition 
Srom Cnut’s men, resolve to go back to Rouen (says St. Olaf’ s Life, paraphrasing 





_ 20. ungi, Cd, 29. Read, Siclingom ? 38. Read; Tursa-landi. ....] losé 
half-verse. 39. Read, i Lent? 





154 ~  CNUT’S COURT. [BK. vir. 


pin naut rekka rani rfki efldr at sliko: 40 
‘hardr vas fundr pa-es foérdot’ frid-landz 4 vit nidja, 
réS Att-studill 4dan, Iatmundar, par grundo. 
13. Val-fasta bidttu vestan vedr-arr tva knaorro ; 
heett hafit ér ‘{ otta opt, Skialdunga-popti :’ 
nzeOi straumr ef stcedi strangr kaup-skipom angra 45 
innan boréz um unnir erringar lid verra. 
14. Eigi hreeddosk egi, ér férod sid stéran; 
allvaldr of getr aldar engi nytri drengi: 
opt vas pars (enn forsi flaust hratt af ser brattom) 
neytt 4dr Noreg beittod, ‘nidiungr Haraldz,’ midian. 50 
15.  Bl4-gidda t6ktu~bredir ben-gialfrs ‘ok pa sialfa’ 
skatti gnégdr med skreytto skeié Hakonar reidi: 
ungr séttir pu, Prdéttar bings-m4-grennir, hingat 
(mattid iarl) pau-es 4ttod att-land (fyr pvi standa). 


16. Lytandi hefir lidétar land-raédondom branda 55 
um-stillingar allar ifla ‘follz’ um goldit: 
Hafa léztu Heidska iafra, her-skordéandi, fordom 
mundangs laun, p4-es meinom, meetr gramr, vid pik seetto. 

17. Braut hafit, badvar-preytir branda ‘ridér,’ or landi 
(meirr fansk pinn an peira prekr) daglinga rekna: 60 
stakk, sem pidd um pekkir, per hverr konungr ferri; 
heptud ér enn eptir ord-reyr pbess-es sat nordast. 

18. Nu redr pu fyr peiri (pik remmir God miklo) 
fold, sem fordom heldo fimm bragningar (gagni) : 





a lost verse of Ottar’s),—[‘ Then Olaf parted with them and would not go 
to Walland (France), he sailed north along all England till he came to 
Northumberland; he made a haven there called Fore Wald, and fought 
there with the townsmen and chapmen, and gat there victory and much 
goods,’ 

The Gale. Thou didst set out with two ships of burden from the west, 
thou wast in great peril.... the mighty current would have wrecked 
the merchantmen, had there not been such a doughty crew aboard them. 
Thou didst not fear the sea, but met the mighty main; never had king 
a better crew. The ship kept throwing off her steep-falling billows; ye 
had to try your vessels oft and hard ere ye could make the midst of 
Norway at Cape Stadt. Thou didst take the well-rigged galley of 
Hakon, and the Earl himself. Thou camest young hither to the land of 
thy heritage, which thou shouldst have; the earl could not hinder it. 

The Upland Kings. ‘Thou hast paid the kings for all their dark plots. 
Thou hast given the Heath-mark kings meet reward, who devised thy 
destruction. Thou didst drive four kings out of the land, as all men 
know; every one of them fled far from thee; and afterwards thou didst 
hobble the word-rearer of him that ruled farthest to the north [i.e. 
maimed his tongue?]. Thou art now ruling over the land which five 
kings ruled of yore; God strengthens thee with great increase. The 





41. Read, lung furdo? 44. Corrupt, some place, Shields ? 50. Read, 
Noreg .... at Stadi midjan? 59. Read, fiora? an 


§ 2.] OTHERE THE BLACK. 155 


breid ero austr til Eida cett-lond und per, ‘Gandlar’ 65 
(cengr sat) ‘elda proengvir’ (46r at slfko 146i). 
19. | Gegn ero per at pegnom (pidé-skialdunga gdédéra 
haldit heéft 4 veldi) Hialtlendingar kenndir: 
eigi vard 4 iwrdo, ‘égn-br4dr, 46r per nédom,’ 
austr s4 es Eyjom vestan Ynglingr und sik pryngvi. 70 


II. Knurz-prapa, Cc. 1027. 
(Verses 1, 2, 4-11 from Skioldunga; verse 3 from Edda; verse 12 from O. H.) 


I. H RATSTU litt gamall lytir log-reidar fram skeidom ; 
férad fylkir céri, folk-sveimadr, per heiman: 
hilmir bidéttu, ok heettir, hard-brynjod skip, kynjom ; 
reidr haféir pi raudar randir, Kniutr, fyr landi. 
a At fylgdu per Idtar, aud-mildr, flugar traudir ; 5 
skaut-hreina bidtt skreytir Skanunga lid-vanir: 
vod blés of per, visi; vestr settir pu flesta 
(kunnt goerdir pi ‘penna’ pitt nafn) f haf stafna. 
Z. Skaérot skafno styri (skaut) sylg-hér bylgior; 
(lék vid hun 4 hreini hlunnz, pat-es drésir spunno.) 10 
4. Her-skiald bartu, ok héldut hilmir rikr 4 slfko; 
hykkat-ek, pengill, pekéosk pik kyrr-seto mikla: 
Aitt drap Idéta dréttinn lat-geirs i far peiri; 
pveit rakt (prar ert heitinn) beim, stillis-konr, fllan. 


5. Brunno bygdéir manna, budlungr, fyr ‘ber ungom;’ 15 
opt léztu ‘hus ok heiptir her-kall buendr gerva.’ 
6. Gunni léztu { grénni, gramr, Lindisey framéa ; 


‘beldu vidr pvi-es vildo vikingar pvf riki,;’ 





broad land of thy fathers from Gandwick east to Eid is under thee; 
never king, ere thee, had such domain. “Thou hast the sway of an over- 
lord or emperor. The Shetlanders are now acknowledged thy thanes; 
never, since the day of Fairhair, was there Yngling in the East that sub- 
dued the Western Islands under him. 


II. CNUT’s PRAISE. THOU wast of no great age when thou didst put 
forth in thy ship; never younger king set out from home. Thou, prince, 
didst equip the hard-mailed ships, and put them in jeopardy, and heldest 
red shields before the land. The Jutes followed thee out, thou didst call 
out the levies of the Sconey-folk; the canvas blew over thee; thou didst 
turn all the stems of thy ships to the main, making thy name famous. Thou 
didst score with thy smooth-shaven oarage the high-swelling billows; 
the pennon, the ladies spun, floated from the mast-top. Thou barest a 
war-shield without ceasing, O king ; thou didst not long enjoy a quiet seat 
at home, I ween. The Jutes’ lord on this voyage slew the kindred of 
Eadgar; thou didst strike them [the English] a deadly blow. Thou art 
called ‘the steadfast.’ The dwellings of men burnt before thee, thou hast 
often .... Thou didst play the war-game in green Lindesey .... the wide 
Bay [Wash] .... Thou madest the English people to suffer sorrow in 





65. For Géndlar . . . read Gand-vikr? 69. Corrupt; ... dag ens Harfagra? 
6, bio, Cd. 11, 4] af, Cd, 18. Read, vid vik...? 


156 CNUT’S COURT, [BK. VIIt. 


Bida léztu { breidri borg ‘Heminga’ sorgar 

ést fyr Uso vestan Engst folk, Svia proengvir. © 20 
"E Biddr, vantu brynjor raudar, blidr stér-giafa, sfdan 

(leetr-pi and 46r prek pridti pfnn) fyrir Norévik innan. 


8. Fram gekkt enn par-es unnot (almr gall hatt vid malma) 
‘knattud se’ par-es séttud ‘sverd castala verda:’ 
unnut eigi minni (ulfs gémr veit pat) rémo, 25 


hnekkir hleypi-blakka hlunnz, 4 Tempsar grunni. 
9. Unger fylkir létztu Engla all-ner Theso falla; 

ficedi diipt of daudéra dfk Nordédymbra lfkom: 

svefn brauzt svartom hrafni sunnr, el-hvatudr gunnar, 

{olli sékn enn‘ snialli Sveins magr) at Skorsteini. 30 
10. ‘Fiorlausa hyr Frisa’ frid-skeréir pik gerdéo 

brauztu med bygédo setri Brandfurdo per randa: 

Iatmundar ‘laut undir 4tt-nidr gafugr heettir ;’ 

Danskr herr ‘skaut p4 darrom drétt’ es pu rakt flotta. 
rI. Skialdungr vantu und skildi skeero-verk inn sterki 35 

(fekk bl66-trani br4éir brinar) Assattinom : 

vattu (enn val-fall pdétti veréung), iafurr, sverdi 

ner fyr norédan stérom nafn (gnégt) Dana-skdéga. 


12. Sviom hnekktir pu ‘scekkva siklingr orr’ enn mikla 
ylgr pars A’-in-Helga ulfs beito fekk heitir: 40 
héltu par-es hrafn ne svaltad (hvat-radr ertu) 146i, 
égnar stafr, fyr iofrom ygr tveim vid lid beima. 





broad Nottingham, west of the Ouse, thou crusher of the Swedes. Thou 
madest the mail-coats red, blithe bounty-giver, west of Norwich. Thy 
breath will cease ere the fame of thy exploits-shall end! Thou didst go 
forth to where .... what time ye attacked Haze/worth; ye won no less 
fame on the shallows of Thames. Young king, thou madest the English 
fall near Tees, the Dyke of the Northumbrians flowed deep over the 
bodies of the dead. Thou brakest the fast of the black raven at Scorstan 
[Shirstone]; Sweyn’s brisk son fought there. Thou.... didst make 
a slaughter; thou didst storm Brentford, a settled place. Edmund 
the noble king’s son’s men qwere droaned there; thou didst put the 
people to flight. The Danish host shot at them with darts. O thou 
Shielding, thou didst win under shield a mighty work of war at Assatun 
{Assandun]: again thou didst fight with the sword, and win fame 
enough near to the north of Dean forest. 

Sweden. Thou didst put the Swedes to flight at the Holy River, 
and didst hold thy land against two kings [the kings of Sweden and 
Norway]. 





Ig. Read, Snotunga ? 24. Read, H.... furdo0? 28. dauda, Cd. 
29. gunnar hvotodr, Cd. 31. Read, hykk. 33. Read, hlaut... undir 
heettar ? 38. Storo... gndég, Cd. 





§ 2.] OTHERE THE BLACK. 154 


III. On Oar, THE Kine or SWEDEN. 
(From Edda.) 


I. [ OFURR heyri upphaf (ofrask mun konungs lof) 
(h4tto nemi hann rftt hréérar mins) bragar sins. 
g. Fold verr folk-Baldr; farr m4 konungr sv4; 
arno reifir Aleifr; es framr Svia gramr. 
Orn drekkr undarn; ylgr fer af hrem sylg; 5 
opt rydér ulfr keypt; ari getr verd par. 
Pengill vas pegar ungr prek-goerr, vig-zorr ; 
haldask bid-ek hans aldr; hann tel-ek yfir-mann. 
Braut (en breki haut) bord (6x vidar mor), 
(medr fengo mikil vedr) mid fyr ofan sié. 10 
; Visi tekr Vig-freys vist austr mun-laust 
(aldar hafi all-valdr) ésk-vif (gétt lff!). 


A a F Y 


IV. ImprovIisATION. 
(Verses 1 and 3 from O.H.L.) 


I. SvA skal kvedja konung Dana 
Ira ok Engla ok Ey-bua: 
at hans fari med himin-kraptom 
landom allom lof vidari. 


2. Hnetr sendi mer handan hrandadér alun-branda 5 
(46r veentisk mer meiri min ping) konungr hingat: 
Miér es (markar stiéri meirr seamk bar til fleira 
‘nidr attu oss { wdro’ Islandz) mikils visir. 


3. Geisli stendr til grundar ‘gunnar iardar munna’ 
‘ofan fellr bl66 4 b4da ben-seida, konungr reidisk:’ 10 





III, OLAF OF SWEDEN’S PRAISE. Let the king hearken to the begin- 
ning of my verse; may he catch the metre of it aright. He defends 
his land as few can; Olaf feeds the eagles; the lord of the Swedes is 
foremost. The erne drinks his supper; the she-wolf laps the blood; the 
wolf stains his jaws; the eagle gets his meal there. Already in his youth 
the king yearned for exploits, was eager for battle; I pray for his life. 
Captain I call him. The slender weather-boards above the sea were 
broken, the waves waxed, the gale grew, the crew encountered a great 
storm. The king wins land east of the sea. May he live in prosperity. 


IV. CNuT’s PRAISE. Let us so greet the king of the Danes, Irish, 
English, and Island-dwellers, that his praise may travel wide over all 
lands as far as the pillars of heaven. 

On a gift of nuts, to St. Olave. The king [Olaf] sent me nuts hither; I 
used to look for greater things than this. The seed-sprout of a big tree 
is small; I hope for more.... 

On the hangings with Sigfred slaying Fafni on them. The blade stands 
in the mouth of the dragon; the blood falls down both edges; the king 





_ 12, hafir, Cd, 





158 CNUT’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


hristisk hiarr { bridsti hringi groeénna lyngva, 
en folk-porinn fylkir ferr vid steik at leika. 


THORARIN PRAISE-TONGUE, ann HALLWARD 
HAREK’S-BLESL 


“THERE was aman called Thorarin the Flatterer; he was an Icelander 
by race, a good poet, and had been much with kings and other princes. 
He was with King Cnut the Mighty, and had made a Short Poem (flokk) 
on him. But when the king knew that Thorarin had made a Short Poem 
on him, he grew very angry, and bade him make a full Encomium on him 
by the next day when he should sit at table. But if he did not, the king 
said that Thorarin should be hanged for his presumption in making a 
Short Poem on King Cnut. So Thorarin made a refrain and thrust it 
into his poem, and eked it out with some more verses, And this is the 
refrain, ‘Cnut watches his land just as God guards heaven.’ King Cnut 
gave him fifty marks of silver as his fee for this poem. It is called 
‘ Head-Ransom.’ 

“He made a second poem on King Cnut, which is called Tog-drapa [in 
imitation of Sighvat’s doubtless], in which he tells of the voyage of Cnut. 
when he went northward from Denmark to Norway; ...and boasts 
therein that he was there on that voyage with Cnut when he went to 
Norway.” 

The first poem must have been made before the other, after 1028. 
The refrain of the second poem, of which one line, ‘Cnftr es und solar,’ 
remains, has been happily completed by Dr. Egilson, ‘setri hveim betri.’ 

A later and curious poem of Thorarin’s is the Glelognus-kvida, com- 
posed between 1032-1034, and addressed of all men to Sweyn, A/lfgifu’s 
son, on his accession, describing the shrine and cult of St. Olaf; noticing 
the bells that ring of themselves over his unchanged body, whereon the 
hair and nails grow as on a living man; and asserting that the blind 
beggars come to his shrine to return whole. He further reconimends 
Sweyn to pray to Olaf, ‘for he is a man of God.’ This poem is in the 
old metre, simple in style, and imitates Sighvat’s dirge very closely. 

The title we take to be Shrine Song, Glelogn=Gle-long, Gloe-lung 
(Glow-ship-song). 

All Thorarin’s work is fairly preserved, a few emendations only are 
admissible. The word ‘ Weg-Iota’ is only found in Thorarin’s Tog- 
drapa and in Vellekla. Skalda-tal does not know Thorarin as Olaf’s 
poet, so that the verse about Thormod [below, p. 175] looks extremely 
suspicious, and may refer to some other king and be by another. 


HALLWARD HAREK’S-BLESI. Of him we know nothing, and have but 
a fragment of an Encomium on Cnut, made about 1028; the king has won 
England and Denmark, and now is winning Norway. Hallward’s verses 
are somewhat intricate in style. There are a few lines out of the 
seventeen remaining which are not quite unaltered, ‘ svikol-giardar’ 
stands for the English ‘segel-gyrd,’ sail-yard. The doubtful ‘ Ullr-Ello” 
is like a phrase of Sighvat’s. ‘Sund-viggs’ is, we have little doubt, 
‘ Sandwich.’ 





[Sigfred] is wroth. The sword quivers in the breast of the coil of the 
green ling [the snake], and the gallant prince begins to roast the steak 
[its heart] for pastime. 


$2] - THORARIN PRAISE-TONGUE. 159 


I. Toc-prapa. 
(Verse 8 from Edda; verse 7 from Skioldunga.) 


i, K NUTR es und sélar—Sid-nemr med 1id 
f6r miak mikit mfnn vinr pinnig: 
férdi or firdi- fimr gramr Lima- 
Ut dlftinn otr-heims flota. 
9. Ugdo Egéir ar-beidiss far 5 
svans sigr-lana sak-ramir miak : 
allt vas golli grams lid framid 
veromk sién sago sliks rikari. 
3, Ok fyr Lista lido fram vidir 
Hadyri um haf hart kol-svartir: 10 
byggt vas innan allt brim-galtar 
sudr se-skf6om sund Eikunda. 
4. Ok fyr fornan frid-menn lido 
haug Hiar-nagla hvast grid-fastir : 
par-es st66 fyr Stad stafn-klifs drifo ; 15 
vasat eydilig aor-beidiss feor. 
5. Knatto sidir svangs miak langar 
byr-ramm bera brim-drif fyr Stim: 
Sv4 lido sunnan sval-heims valar, 
at kom norér { N{6 nytr her-flytir. 20 
Seth Fae ate setrt hveim betri.| 
6. ba gaf sinom sniallr goervallan 
Noreg nefa nidtr Veg-Iéta: 
si gaf sinom (segi-ek pat) megi 
dals dakk-salar Danmeork svana. 25 
VE Giald hefi-ek marka malm-dyns fyr hlyn 





I, THE STRETCH-SONG ON CNUT. 

Burden. CNUT is the best of kings under the sun’s seat. 

The voyage to the North. My noble patron went thither out of 
Limfirth with a great following. He stood to sea with a mighty 
ocean-fleet. The guilty Agd-folk dreaded the king’s voyage greatly. 
His fleet was all gold-decked; the sight of it seemed grander to me 
than all report of it [i. e. I saw it myself]. And the coal-black barks 
sped fast over the Lister-sea, doubling Highdoor [a point west of Cape 
Naze]. All Eikund Sound in the South inwards was thronged with the 
war-galleys: and the sworn henchmen swept by Hiornails’ old howe 
[Hornelen] when the ships drove past [Cape] Stad: the king’s voyage 
was not fruitless, The sea-surge carried the long-streaked hulls of the 
ships off Stim [Stem-hesten]. So the sea-hawks glided from the South, 
till the good speeder of the host reached River Nith in the North. 

The Division of the Empire. Then the brisk ruler of the Weg-Jutes 
[Cnut] gave all Norway to his nephew [Hakon]; and to his son he gave, 
I say it, Denmark, the dale of the dark halls of the swan [Sea-land]. 

Epilogue. 1 have gotten fifty marks of the king as a fee, which he 





19. A?; hafdyrs, A. 18. brimdyr, Cd. 22. Iot¥, Cd, 


160 CNUT’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


fram fimm tigo for-vist borit, 
peirra es veitti vig-hagr brag 
mer mor6-stcerir mann-Baldr es ek fann. 
8. Gat-ek goll-skata (goerva leygs um bar 30 
gato gunn-vita graps) Toc-prxpo. 





II. Hzarup-.ausn. 
(From O.H.) : 
Stef. K NUTR verr grund sem getir Griklandz himin-riki. 





III. GL&LOGNS-KVIDA. 
(Verse 1 from Fagrsk.) 


—S 


2 AT vas dullaust at Danir goerdo 
dyggva for med daglingi: 
‘par vas iarl fyrst at upphafi;’ 
ok sv4 hverr es hanom fylgdi 
annarr drengr adrom nytri. 5 
a, Nut hefir ser til sess hagat 
pi6d-konungr { Préndheimi: 
par vill z evi sina 
bauga-briétr bygdom rdda. 
oe Par-es Aldfr 45an bygdi, 10 
46r hann hvarf til himin-rfkiss: 
enn par vard, sem vito allir, 
kvikva-settr or konung-manni, 
4. ‘Hafdi ser hardla rAdit” 4 
‘Haraldz sonr til himin-rfkiss :’ 15 
46r seim-bridtr at set[ti vard] 7 
[Clement-kirkjo konungr grafinn]. 





gave me for my Song that I delivered on him. I made the Stretch- 
Song on the Gold-giver [King]. 


I], HEAD-RANSOM. On Cnut. Burden. CNUT guards his land as the 
King of Greekland [God] keeps the kingdom of heaven! 


III. SHRINE SONG: to Swein Ailfgifu’s son! IT was manifest how 
the Danes made a noble voyage following the prince; there went an 
earl, Harold, son of Thorkettle the High, and every man, one good 
warrior after another in order, followed him. Now the high king 
[Sweyn] has prepared a seat for himself in Throndham, there the 
ring-breaker [Sweyn] will ever dwell all his life; where Olaf dwelt 
before, ere he passed away into the kingdom of heaven; and from | 
a king became, as all men know, an enshrined saint. Harold’s son 
[Olaf] had been laid in the sand at.... before that fe was buried at ; 
Clement’s Church. So that there the pure king lies glorious with a 








30. goerva] goer es, Cd. 3. Read, par var Haraldr iarl Hava borinn ? 
15-16. Read, Hafdi i sandi... legit hilmiss lik...? 17. Blank in A and A’, 





bitin 
1% 


§ 2.] THORARIN PRAISE-TONGUE. 161 


5. Par sv4 at hreinn med heilo liggr 
lof-szell gramr Ifki sfno: 
ok par kn4 sem 4 kykom manni 20 
har ok negl hanom vaxa. 
6. Par ariceess biallor knego 
of sing hans sialfar hringjask : 
ok hvern dag heyra piddir 
klokkna-hli66 um konung-manni. 25 
E Enn par upp af altari 
of kisto konungs kerti brenna: 
sv4 hefir Aldfr 4dr hann andadisk 
synda-lauss slo borgit. 
8. Par koemr hverr, es heilagr 30 
konungr scefr, kryppr at gangi: 
enn beidendr blindir scékja 
piddan mals, en padan heilir. 
9. Bid-pi Aldf at hann unni per 
(hann es Gods madr) grundar sfnnar: 35 
Hann um getr af Godi sialfom 
4r ok frid allom mannom. 
IO, Par-es pu rekr fyr regin-nagla 
béka-mals bcénir pfinar. 


HALLVARD (KNUTZ-DRAPA). 
(Verse 4 from Skioldunga; verses 1 and 6 from O.H.; the rest from Edda.) 
I. K NUTR verr iard sem ftran allz Dréttinn sal fialla. 


2. Vestr léztu { haf, hristir-hard-viggs sikol-giardar 
umbandz allra landa fss, fram-stafni visat. 





whole body; and hair and nails grow on him as on a living man. 
There the bells do ring of themselves over his coffin-bed; and every 
day the people hear the pealing of the big bells over the king. And 
there above the altar over the king’s coffin the candle burns; for the 
sinless Olaf before he died had saved his soul. Every cripple comes 
walking to where the holy king sleeps, and blind suppliants seek to 
get audience of the king and go away whole. Pray thou to Olaf that 
he grant thee his land; for he is a man of God, and he can get good 
seasons and peace for every man of God himself, when thou puttest 
forth thy prayers before the mighty pillar of the scriptures [the Saint]. 


CNUT’s PRAISE. Burdens. Cnut defends his land as the Lord of all 
does the glorious hall of the mountains [heaven]. 

Cnut’s attack on England. ‘Thou didst turn the prows of thy sail- 
yard-steed westward to the main. Thou, the victorious son of Sweyn, 





27. kristi peg, Cdd. 31. sialf, Cdd. 33. piodar, Cdd. 35. A and A®; 
pinnar, B. 


3 VOL. Il. M . 


162 CNUT’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


3. Séd5-langom komt Sveida (sundz lido dyr fra grundo) 
sig-rakkr Salsa bekkjar Sveins magr, 4 trad hreinom. 5 
4. Knttr léztu framm til Flidta (freegr leié vaordr um egi 
heipt-snarr hildar leiptra) haré-brynjod skip dynja: 
Ullar léztu vid Ello eett-leif6 (ok ma reifdir 
sverd-mans) snyrti-gerdar ‘sund-viggs’ flota bundit. 


5.  Esat und (‘iardar haslo ardé-bridtr Danom fordar’) 10 
mold-reks munka valdi mzringr an pu neerri. 

6. Englandi redr Yngi einn (hefsk fridr at beinni 
bad-rakkr beénar noekkva bark-ridér), ok Danmarko: 
ok hefir odda leiknar ialm-Freyr und sik (malma 
hialdr-arr haukom pverrir hungr) Néregi prungit. 15 


s Raud-liésa sér resir (rft brestr sundr in hvfta) 
baug-iaord brodda ferdar (bitig-rennd) i tvau flidga. 


BIARNI GULLBRA (KALFS FLOKKR). 


OF this poet nothing is left but an Ode on Calf Arnisson, a well-known 
Norwegian noble, the chief opponent of St. Olaf, the franklins’ Com- 
mander at Sticklestead, and later the restorer of Magnus. Succeeding 
in some degree to the position of the murdered Erling Skialgson, Calf 
entered into alliance with Cnut, who despatched Hakon Ericsson, ‘ the 
Doughty earl,’ to his aid against Olaf; but even without foreign aid he 
managed to carry out his wishes. Cnut’s promises to Calf, whom our 
poet tells us he endowed with a fief, are represented as false wiles by 
the historian of the Kings’ Lives; but we get a more favourable view 
in this poem, both of Calf and the English King. That Calf was made 
Earl of the Thronds is not unlikely, though we do not find express 
mention of it. Calf is here by his own poet made out a Northern 
king-maker, and celebrated as the restorer of Magnus. ‘It was by 
thy doing he got his kingdom.’ The envy of the courtiers, which 
procured Calf’s disgrace and exile, though Magnus gained nothing by 
it, and was himself little to blame, is also clearly set forth here; 
then the Western adventures of Calf are told, down to the death of 
Earl Reginwald. who was overcome by his help. Earl Thorfin of 
Orkney was nephew-in-law of Calf, having married his niece Ingibiorg, 
Fin’s daughter, ‘Mother of Earls.’ The Arn-modlinga-tal (Fagrskinna) 
gives their genealogy, etc. 

Calf came back to Norway in Harold Hardrede’s days, and was 





didst go with the long-hulled flock of the sea-king [ships] on the 
sea, the ships sped South from the land. Thou, Cnut, didst make 
thy hard-mailed ship to go in array to Fleet, speeding over the sea, 
and didst moor thy fleet by A‘lla’s land, at Sandwich.... 

Epilogue. There is no greater king than thou underneath the sway 
of the Lord of the Monks! the prince .... Danes! 

The Yngwi rules England alone (peace has begun) and Denmark, and 
has now crushed Norway under him .... He sees the shield fly in twain. 





g. Read, Sandvik. 





ee —— ee 








Se ee Pe See Te et ee ee eee 





§ 2.] BIARNI GULLBRA. 163 


by stratagem (Uriah-message) sent to death, a murder which angered 
his brother Fin so much that he left the country. 

We have put this poem with the rest of the poems on Cnut and 
Olaf, as it gives a view which is certainly more true than that of the 
Olaf’s Saga, and is in contradiction to the Reynard-like character 
which the Icelandic historians give King Cnut. 

The reading in 1. 20 is necessary for the context; 1.8 is a correction 
of a manifest mistake. 

The little Epigram of CoLGRIM (from Hulda) exemplifies the poet’s 
assertion, that envious men sowed hatred between King Magnus and 
Earl Calf. Here they are using the sharp-tongued Icelander as a cat’s- 
paw. For Colgrim, see Magnus Saga, cap. 20. 


I, bY darted, par es vigs bad kosta vapn-diarfr Haraldz arfi 
(kynnisk kapp pitt mannom) Kalfr vid Bokn austr sialfa: 

gotod Gridar séta gélig fang til Idla; 
kendr vastu fyrstr at fundi flétto-griétz ok spidta. 

2. Old fekk illt or deildom, Erlingr vas par finginn 5 
(630 birt { bl6di bord) fyr Utstein nordan: 
‘Lids es raun at resir’ radinn vard fra 143i; 
‘lagdisk land und Egéda;’ ‘lid peira fra-ek meira.’ 


3. Austr ré6 all-valdr prysta étdla haf-stdli; 
var6 at vitja Garda vig-mdéér Haraldz brddir: 10 
enn (um idnir manna emkat-ek tamr at samna 
skroekvi), at skilInaé ykkarn, skiétt leztu Knut um séttan. 
4. Attu Engla dréttni ogn-rakkr giafar pakka; 
iarls nidr, komtu ydro 6tdla vel mali: 
per lét fold 46r foérir (frest urdot bess) vestan 15 
(lif pitt esa lftid] Lunduna gramr fundna. 
5- lard réttu vigi at varda vig-reifr fyr Aleifi; 
brauztu vid bragning nyztan bag; pat kved-ek mik fradgo. 
_ Fyrr gektu 4 stad-Stikla stér-verkr (enn 66 merki); 
satt es at sdkn um veittir sniallr unz gramr vas fallinn. 20 





BIARNI GOLDBROW. Calf Arnisson’s Praise: Erling’s death. Thou 
wast there, O Calf, east at Bokn when Harold’s heir summoned men 
to fight. Ye gave the Wolf a good promise for Yule-tide; thou wast 
foremost where sling stones and spears crossed. It was an evil case; 
Erling was caught there north of Outstone. It is clear that the 
lord of the Rugians [Erling] was betrayed. The Agd’s warden [Erling] 
was laid low; their [the king’s] force was the greater I heard. 

Sticklestead. Then the war-weary brother of Harold went to the 
East to Gard in ships, After you parted, thou didst soon go to seek 
Cnut. I donot lie. Thou hast to thank the lord of the English for 
his gifts; thou didst plead thy case well. Ere thou wentest from 
the West, the lord of London found land for thee [gave thee a fief]; 
there was no delay over it. Thy state is no small one! Thou didst 
guard the land against Olaf, and grappled with him; I have heard it; 
thou wast foremost at Sticklestead, and didst not cease from the battle 
till the king fell. 





7-8. Read, Lidst es at Rygja resir and lagdisk land-vérdr Egda? 15. 
Emend.; urdo, Cd, 


M 2 ° 





164 , CNUT’S COURT. [BK. VIil. 


6.  Hafa léztu unga iafra erfS sem til réd hverfa 
satt es at ‘sitja knatti Svein’ at Danmark einni: 
kendot, Kalfr, til landa kapps-fisom Magniusi 
(ollod ér at stillir iard of fekk) or Gardom. 

4. ber frd-ek Porbergs hlyri (pess goerdosk ér verdir) 25 
(hélt pvf unz ‘hann’ of spillti) Haraldz brédor son gddan: 
vokdo afund-menn ykrir idula rég { midli; 
6parf lizk mer arfa Alafs i beim malom. 


8.  Fragom Finnz hve magi fylgdot, Kalfr um dylgjor; 
ok léztu 4 sia snekkjor snarla lagt at iarli: ae 
‘Areedi vattu eyda 6ftiss’ syni Brisa 
hlcédi-reedr, enn toedut heipt-minnigr Porfinni. 


Koterim: Her-stillis parf ek hylli, half ero vald und Kalfi. 


PORDR SIAREKSSON AND SKALD-REFR. 


Thord Seawrecksson. We made a dirge on St. Olaf, which is called 
Roda-drapa, the Rood-Song.. There is a story that he went on a 
pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and that in Syria he met a tall man in a cowl, 
as he and other palmérs went out of a certain city, who accosted 
them in Danish, and asked if there were any Northmen among them, 


‘We are Northmen’ they said, ‘but I am an Icelander’ says Thord, , 


‘I know where that is; how is it with Healti Skeggisson?’ ‘I am his 
son-in-law.’ ‘Where are you going?’ ‘To Jerusalem.’ ‘Turn back 
then, for the road is unsafe.’ ‘Who is king in Norway?’ again the 
unknown asked. ‘Olaf Haraldsson.’ ‘Bear my greeting to Healti 
when you get back to Iceland.’ ‘Whom shall I tell Healti it is that 
sends the greeting?’ ‘The man who spoke with him at Lathe, when 
I was holding a sword, and Healti put his hands between my hands 
the last time I saw him.’ So their talk ended. But when Healti heard 
Thord’s tale he knew that Thord had spoken with Olaf Tryggvason. 
Thord made a poem in praise of Thorwolf Skolmsson, the strong man 
that fell at Fitiar (Book iv. § 3 and vii. § 3), a few lines of which are 





He restores Magnus. Thou madest the young kings have their due 
heritage, according to law. It is true, that thou didst seat Sweyn alone 
in Denmark [sendest him away to Denmark], and brought Magnus 
out of Gard to be king in the land. It was thy doing that he got 
his kingdom. I have heard, thou brother of Thorberg, that Harold’s 
brother’s son [Magnus] was good to thee, and deservedly; and this 
lasted till wicked people spoilt it. Envious men were constantly 
sowing strife between you; though the heir of Olaf to my mind gat 
little profit from this. 

Calf in Orkney. We have heard, how thou didst follow Fin’s 
son-in-law [Earl Thorfin]. Thou foughtest against [Reginwald] Brusi’s 
son, but succoured Thorfin. 





Colgrim’s complaint against Calf. 1 need the king’s protection, half 
the realm is Calf’s. 





22. Read, se ja knattir Svein? 26. Read, herr? 











§ 2] PORDR SIAREKSSON. 165 


given in Kringla; he also made a curious /egendary poem, a fragment of 
which is given in Skalda, the peculiarity of which is that the first 
half-line must be construed with the fifth half-line, the second with 
the sixth, and so on. The only verse we have of it deals with the 
Tale of Gudrun’s egging her sons to avenge Swanhild, and brings in 
as intercalary the story of Scathe and Niord, and the lost legend of 
Woden drawing the sledge. It is an exaggeration of the verses of 
Cormac and IIlugi. 


I. Répa-DRAPA. 
(Verse 1 from Edda; verse 3 from Skalda.) 


I. ie CEO lét fyr Siggjo sél-bordz goti nordan, 
gustr skaut Gylfa rastar glaumi sudr fyr Aumar: 

enn sl6d-goti sidan seedings fyrir skut bedi 
(hestr 68 lauks fyrir Lista) lagdi Karmt ok Agéir. 

2. Atti Egda dréttinn Aldfr primo stdla 5 
vid A4gztan Idta adling pann-es klauf hringa: 
skaut ner skarpt at méti Skanunga gramr hanom ; 
Sveins vasa sunr at reyna sler (paut ulfr of hreevi). 

3: Hlakkar stofns at hefna herdendr at pvi sverda. 


II. On Tuoratr SKOLMSSON. 


(From Kringla; lines 20-21 from Fagrsk.) 


I. AR-ES ba6-haréir bardosk bandz ié-draugar landa 10 
(lystr gekk herr til hiaorva hnitz) 4 Stord 4 Fitjom : 

ok gim-sleengvir ganga gifrs hlé-mana drifo 
nausta blakks it nesta Nordmanna gram bordi. 

2. Vardi varga myrdir vitt (sv4 skal frid slita) 
[iaofur vildo pann eldask] andurt folk [at londom]: 15 
starf héfsk upp bar-es arfi é6tta-vanr 4 fldétta 
gollz es gramr vas fallinn Gunnhildar kom sunnan. 

g. Prot vas synt bar-es settosk sinn ré6érs vid pram stinnan 
(madr lét and ok annarr 6far) buendr sarir: 
ok ‘hior-kraféir’ hafdo ‘huggendr’ Munins tuggo 20 





THE Roop-SonG. He made the ships swing past Sigg [island] from 
the north. The gust drove the bark past Aumar [isles], and the vessel 
showed her stern to Kormt and Agd, doubling Listi between. Olaf, 
lord of the Agd-folk, fought a battle against the noble Etheling of the 
Jutes. The lord of the Sconey-men shot sharply against him. Sweyn’s 
son was no sluggard to deal with. The Walkyria’s...to revenge... 


ON THOROLF THE STRONG, the son of Skalm. When they fought at Fitia 
on Stord, he [ Thorolf] dared to stand beside the king of the Northmen. 
The king, whom the people wished to grow old in the land, fought in 
the van: the havoc began when the king was struck down and the son 
of Gundhild from the south turned to flight. It was a manifest defeat 
when the wounded franklins sat themselves at the stiff rowlocks, and the 





20. Read, hidr klufdrar . . . hoeggvendr? 
> 





166 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


gauks vid gialfr um leikna grunno sand { munni. 
4. Afreks veit pat es izofri all-rfkr { styr slikom 
gandlar niordr sa-es goerdi gekk nest, Hugins drekko. 


III. An unKNown Sone. 


ARB sialf suna Nama snotr una 

Kialarr of tamdi Kvédot Hamde 
Goérun bani. goo-briiér Vani. 
heldr vel mara. hizor-leik spara. 


GIZORR. AND HOFGARDA REFR. 


GIZUR GOLDBROW POET’s fragment of an Encomium on King Olaf 
Haroldsson is the only piece left of this poet, who fell with his master. 
He is also mentioned as being at the court of Olaf the Swedish king. 
His Gold-brow was doubtless his love, like Thormod’s Coal-brow. 

HoF-GARTH REF. The son of Steinunn the heathen poetess who 
opposed Thangbrand. We know nothing of his life, but we have part of 
a poem on Thorstein Egilson (the poet’s son), of a Dirge on his foster- 
father Gizur Goldbrow the Poet, who was slain at Sticklestead, a bit of 
a Shield Song in court-metre, and part of a poem on a sailing voyage. We 
find an echo of Hus-drapa (on Thorstein’s mother’s father Olaf Peacock) 
in the first line of his Thorstein-drapa. 


GIZORR GULLBRAR-SKALD. 
On St. Ovave? (Edda). 
| iba ote gledr { folki flakk ok svan Hlakkar ; 
Alafr of vidr élom Yggs gagl fegin Skaglar. 
SKALD-REFR. 
I. On Tuorstein Eeitsson? (Edda). 


I. (,RIOT-ALDAR ték gildi ged-reinar Porsteini ; 
berg-Mcéra glymr bara; bid-ek lydéa kyn hlyda. 





sword-cut corses drifted, with the sand in their mouth, on the sea- 
washed shores. It was a sign of great prowess that in such a deed of 
arms he marched next to the king. 


A myth-blending. 

« a. Herself of her sons c. The gentle goddess [Scathe] 
6. Kialar [Woden] broke 4d. Hamtheow never was 
a. Gudrun was the death. cc. did not love the Wane [Niord]. 
4. his horses well. d, sparing of sword-play. 


GIZUR GOLDBROW on St. Olaf. The king gladdens the roving wolf, and 
the swan of the Walkyria, Olaf, battens the Walkyria’s fowl in the 
gale of Woden. 


HOF-GARTH REF. Thorstein Egilsson’s Praise at his Wedding Feast. 
Prologue. 1 deliver the Banquet-drink of the Rock-men [poetry] out 
of my mind-field to Thorstein. Lo, the Wave of the Hill-dwellers 





1, ték] rer, Cd. 








§ 4.] GIZORR AND HOFGARDA REFR. 167 


2. Allz bad-gcédi bidda (bar redr til pess hiarva) 
égn-stadvar hefik egi ein-r4dit Porsteini. 

2. Gekk f golli stokkna gisf-rifr Hars-drifo 5 
askr vid cérinn proka ‘es freyr’ swing meyjar. 

4. Enn hodd-vaonuér hlyddi (hlunn vitnis em-ek runni 
hollr) til herméar spialla (hein-vandil) Porsteini. 


II. Drrcr on Gizor GuULLBRAR-SKALD. 
(Verses 1, 2, 4 from Edda.) 


I. Cy kom iardar leiptra ‘es’ Baldr hniginn skaldi 
hollr at helgo fulli Hrafn-Asar mer stafna. 10 
a: Per eigo ver veigar Valgautz salar brautar 
fals hrann-vala fannar framr valdi tamr gialda. 


3. Einn hadi gn¥ Gunnar gall bal Hars stdla 
rimmo askr vid raskva regn-biddr tv4 pegna: 
dal-steypir hi6 Draupniss doegg-Frey bana hoeggvi 15 
(hann raud iarn) enn annan, 4r-strauma, vann sdran. 


4. Dagr vas fridr s4-es faogro fleygendr alin-leygjar 
{ hang-feril hringa hlyr-tungli mer prungo. 


III. Or a Voyace (Edda). 


I. \JAG-PRYSTA berr vestan (veetti-ek landz fyrir brandi) 
[hval-mcéni skefr] hina hég-dyr of lag bégo. 20 
2 Fetrir biarn, par-es bara brestr, undinna festa 
opt { Ymis kicepta tir-sval Gymiss valva: 
enn sid-gnipo Sleipnir slitr ur-drifinn hvftrar 
Ranar raudom steini runnit bridst 6r munni. 





[my song] is roaring. I ask men to listen; for I mean to offer the sea 
of the mind of Woden [poetry], that I have devised, to Thorstein; he 
asked me to do so. 

Stave. He went in the bloom of youth into the maiden’s bed ... and 
the prince listened to Thorstein... 


DIRGE on Gizur Goldbrow, his master. The dear dead poet often 
brought me the holy toast-cup of the Raven-God [taught me song-craft]. 
I have to requite thee for these bowls of Woden, thou master of the ... 

Of bis bravery at Sticklestead. Alone in the battle he bravely en- 
countered two men. To one he gave a death-stroke, the other got 
a wound. 

On the gift of a shield. It was a happy day when they placed the fair 
shield on my arm. 

On sailing. The gentle mast-beast is bearing her wave-beaten bows 
from the west. I see land ahead, the whale-roof [sea] is splashing. The 
ice-cold Sibyl of Gymi [Ran] often drags the bear of the twisted cable 
[ship] down to the jaws of Eager [ocean] where the billow breaks, but 
the foam-flecked steed of the sea-ridges tears her breast, painted with 
red earth, out of the mouth of Ran’s husband. 





6. Read, osk freyr? 11. Valgautr, Cd, 
* 





168 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


2. Hrynja fiall 4 fyllar framm césisk ni Glamma 25 
skid Vetrlidi skeida skaut-biarn Gusiss-nauta. 

4. Bor6é-ristinn nemr bridsti bord-heim drasill skordo ; 
naud polir vidr; enn vidi verpr inn of pram stinnan. 

B, Sell es hinn es hranna h4-dyra vel styrir 
(tf8 eromk Vitniss vida vin-gerd) unir sino. 30 


IV. Rippie (Skalda, Edda Lauf.). 
yeh ok sféra hedna sundr foerir tré grundi. 


MINOR FRAGMENTS. 


BERSI, THE SON OF PoETESS TorwaA (Skald-Torfoson), made a short 
Song of Praise on King Olaf Haroldsson, as is told in Olaf’s Life. “ Bersi 
was on the forecastle of Earl Sweyn’s ship at Nesia battle; and when his 


ship withdrew from out of the rest of the fleet, King Olaf called out 


aloud when he caught sight of Bersi,—for he was easy to know, being a 
very handsome man, wonderfully well-weaponed and clothed,—‘ Farewell, 
Bersi!? He answered, ‘Keep well, King!’ so he says in a short poem 
which he made when he was come into King Olaf’s hands and was 
sitting in fetters.”’ 

He was once with King Cnut, who gave him two gold rings, each 
worth half a mark, and a mounted sword withal. There is an allusion 
to these gifts in a verse of Sighvat’s, who complains that he did not fare 
so well himself. 

ST. OLAF’s PRAISE. A morsel of a poem on St. Olaf, and a fragment 
on Kleng, both by unknown authors. 

IOKUL BARDSSON, a gallant Icelander from Waterdale, an enemy of 
St. Olaf, cruelly put to death c. 1028. His dying words are here 
preserved. 

HAREK OF THIOTTO, the son of Eywind the poet, a sturdy North- 
man of the old franklin type. His clever escape from the great 
Danish Armada, 1027, must have given the Haloga-lander a laugh at 
the Danes for many a day. ‘I am not used to walking,’ he said, when 
after the Holy-River battle King Olaf abandoned his fleet, and every 
one else had to go ashore and return to Norway overland, not daring 
to pass Ore Sound. ‘I am too old and heavy!’ So he dressed his ship 
like a herring-boat and slipped through the Sound past the Danish fleet, 
till he got out far enough to feel the wind, and then ‘hoisted his sails 
and showed his gilt-vanes; the sails were white as snow, and striped 
white and blue,’ in defiance of the whole fleet. So that the chagrined 





O Winterlid, the sea-mountains [rollers] dash upon the ship... . 

And the sea takes hold of the bows of the shores’ steed, the timbers 
strain, and the water comes pouring in over the stiff gunwale. 

Blessed is the steersman of the big billows’ beast [ship], that is content 
with . lot. I am wont to make the wine of the Wolf’s foe [Woden: 
Song}. 


Riddle wholly dark to us. 





26. Emend.; skeid ... skida, Cd. 


rd 





§ 2.] MINOR FRAGMENTS. 169 


Danes, to cover their disappointment, declared that he had been allowed 
to get by under a secret agreement with the king. 

The Ports AT STICKLESTEAD, see the introduction to Thormod 
Coalbrow’s poet below. 

BRYNIOLF ULFALDI [camel], his ditty on the king’s gift. 

HELGI THE POET, of whom there was a lost Saga, see Proleg. § 23. 

The FRAGMENT ON TRyGGvI. A man calling himself Tryggvi, and 
pretending to be the son of Olaf Tryggvisson, came to Norway to claim 
the throne in 1033, but was defeated and slain by Sweyn A¢lfgifuson. 
He had, however, friends who mourned his death in such poems as the 
one we havea piece of, by some man who was in the battle. One of 
Sweyn’s eulogists made a short poem on the same subject, of which a 
verse also remains. 

St. OLAVE. There are several verses ascribed to St. Olaf himself, 
which, though probably wrongly ascribed to him, are of his day, and 
therefore to be given here. The frst may even be the king’s, it is not 
by a practised poet; the second may be by the author of the anonymous 
2 flokk’ upon him; the fourth is by a courtier after Erling Skialgsson’s 

eath. 


Berst SxaLp-Torroson (a Flokk on St. Olaf). 


Z, Hy ROPRS badtu heilan lféa hag-kennanda penna ; 
enn snar-reki sliko svarat unno ver gunnar: 
ord seldom ver elda tit-haudrs boda traudir 
knarrar haptz, sem ek keypta kyn-stérs at vid brynjo. 
Zs Sveins raunir hef-ek sénar (snart rekninga biartar) 5 
(par-es sval-tungor sungo saman f6ro ver) stérar : 
elgs thun-ek eigi fylgja Gt hrfd-boda sidan’ 
‘hellzt’ at hverjom kosti hranna dyrra manni. 
3. Kryp-ek eigi sv4, sveigir sdra linnz, f{ 4ri 
(buom élftinn Ata andor) per til handa : 10 
at ek her-stefni hafna heid-mildr eda ek p4 leidomk 
(ungr kunna-ek p4 proengvi:pinn) holl-vini mina. 


On Sr. Oxar (Fragment). 


Alafr kn¥r und rom oré-sniallr Visund nordan, 
br¥tr annarr gramr Uti unn-heim Dreka sunnan. 





BERSI, Poet Torf’s scn, on St. Olaf, at the Nesia battle. ‘Thou didst 
hail me and I answered, paying back word for word as I got them from 
him. I have seen the great woes of Sweyn, for we were together in the 
battle. I shali never follow a better man to battle. 1am not cringing 
to thy hand, O king, to renounce my lord or turn away from my faithful 
friend, for 1 was with thy foe from my youth up. 





UNNAMED Poker on St. Olaf. Olaf plies the Bison under oars from the 
north; the other king [Cnut] from the south to seaward cleaves the 
wave-world with his Dragon. 





8. Read, hastr. 10. Ata] uti, Cd, 


170 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [ BK. VItL 


On Ktone Brusason. 


tm 


Brunno allvaldz inni (eldr hygg-ek at sal feldi) I 
[eimr skaut 4 her hrimi] half-goer vid Nié sialfa. 


IoxuLL BARDARSON. 


ie Hlaut-ek fra Sult (enn seta s{6 fregn at ek kvida) 
[von eromk hreggs at hreini hlyrs] pvi skipi styra : 
es ¥-stéttar Atti Aleifr funa kleifar 
(gramr vas sniallr) 4 sumri (sigri rentr) inn Digri. 20 
2. Svida sor af mcédi; setid hef-ek opt vid betra; ? 
und es 4 oss su-es sprendi étraud legi raudom: 
byss mer bl6é or pessi ben; ték vid prek venjask; 


verpr hialm-gafugr hilmir heid-seerr 4 mik reidi. 


HAREKR OR PI6TTO. 


I. R4dit hef-ek at rida Rin-leygs hedan minom 25 
148s dyn-mari leidar langom heldr an ganga: 
pott legg-fiaturs liggi lundr i Eyrar-sundi 
(kann pidd kerski minni) Knutr her-skipom Uti. 
Lékkat-ek Lundar ekkjor (Lz-baugs) at pvi hlegja 
(skidtom eik fyrir Utan ey) ne Danskar meyjar: 30 
iard, at ek eigi poerdak, ifla flaustz, f{ hausti 
4 flat-sl6dir Fré6a fara aptr vali krapta. 
s 
Tue Ports aT STIKLASTAD. 
Gigur : 
Skala é6gladan ifa (ord fregin pat) [borda] 
[buomk vid proeng 4 pingi] begns dottir mik fregna: 





On Kiana. The king’s half-built houses were burnt on the banks of 
the Nith. The fire, I ween, broke down the hall, and the smoke spread 
soot on the people. . 


Iokul Bard’s son. Death Song. My lot last summer was to steer the 
ship [the Bison] from Sult, which was once Olaf the Stout’s, who was 
deprived of victory. My wounds smart; I have often fared better. I 
have a wound that spirts red fluid freely ; the blood gushes out of my 
wound; I keep astout heart. The wage-paying king casts his wrath 
on me. 


Harek of Thiotto. 1 have made up my mind to ride my ship rather than 
walk, though Cnut with his war-ships is lying out in Ore Sound. I 
will not make the damsels of Lund or the Danish maidens laugh 
because I dared not go home over the flat roads of Frodi. Let us clear 
Wetherey ! 


The Poets at Sticklestead. Gizur. The thane’s daughter shall not hear 
that I was sorry for the battle. The word is spoken. Let us make 





23- pessu beni, Cd. 








§ 2.] MINOR FRAGMENTS. 171 


pétt sig-runnar svinnir segi von Hedins kvanar 35 
(vesom { Ala eli) austr (bragningi at trausti). 
Thorfinn Mouth : 


Roekkr at regni miklo randar-gardz ins harda; 
vill vid visa sniallan Verdcéla lid berjask: 
verjom allvald arvan; alom teitan ma sveita; 
fellom Proéndr { Pundar (bess eggjomk ver) hreggi. 40 

Thormod : 

Ala pryngr at éli cr-stiklanda miklo; 
skyldo eigi skelknir haldar (skalm-ald es nti) falma: 
buomk vid sékn, enn slékin seggr skyli ord um fordask, 
es at geir-bingi gongom gunn-reifom med Aleifi. 


BryniotF ULrapt. 
Bragningr gaf mer brand ok Vettalandir. 45 
SxaLp-HE el. 
(From AM. 738.) 
(Megot iarna fet fyrnask) fridar skepjanda midjom. 


TryGGva FLoKKR. 


Tir-eggjadr f6r Tryggvi (t6ksk mord af pvf) nordan; 
enn Sveinn konungr sinni sunnan ferd at gunni: 
ner vas-ek pbausnom beirra; pat bar skidtt at médti; 
herr tyndi par Harda (hiar-gall vas pa) fiarvi. 


in 
° 


ANOTHER (Anonymous). 


Sag Sunno-dag, svanni (seggr hné margr und eggjar) 
morgun pann sem manni mer lauk eda al beri: 





ready for the crowded shield-moot. Though the people say in the east 
that there is a battle to come, let us stand true to the king. 

Thorfinn Mouth, The great tempest is darkening over the hard shield- 
wall, The Werdalesmen are going to fight against our king. Let us 
defend our lord, and fell the Thronds in Woden’s storm. So we egg 
one another on. 

Thormod Coalbrow’s poet. The battle is gathering fast, men must 
not fumble now for fear. Let us make ready now for the fray, and let 
no cowardly word be spoken. Now we go forward with the brave 
Olaf to the court of spears. 


BRYNIOLF. The king gave me a sword and Wettaland. 
Port HELGI. The sword-prints will not grow old.... 


TRYGGVI’s VERSES. Tryggvi came from the north, and Sweyn from 
the south. I was present at the fray which broke out suddenly. A host 
of the Hords lost their lives. 


ON SWEYN /fgifu’s son [perhaps by the same poet]. That Sunday 





44. gunn-reifr, Cd, 50. harda, Cd, 
* 


172 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


es Sveinn konungr sfna saman tengja bad drengi 
(hratt gafsk hold at slfta hrafni) skeidar stafna. 


Ordre Hetet. 
(Verses 1-3 from Flatey-bok iii. 241; verse 4 from O.H.L.) 


I. Segid ér Karla es koemr hingat 55 
nytom pegni fyrir nordan haf: 
at fleira skal { foorom vinna 
an hylda hval hvassom kniffi. 

2. Ner es sem upp or eiso (innar lit-ek til kvinna) 
[snét hver sv4 miok lati seg pu mer] loga bregdi: 60 
mik hefir mala sykninn mest 4 skammo fresti 
(gekk-ek um golf at drekka) Gramr ok Brattir-hamrar. 

a, Fagr st6d-ek, es bar brui blakkr, ok s4k 4 sprakka, 
(oss lét yndiss missa aug-faogr kona) 4 haugi: 
keyrdi gerdér or gardi gddlat vala slédar 65 - 
eik, enn ein glap scekir iarl hvern, konor allar. 


4. Litt man haldr inn hvfti (hrafn etr af na getnom) 
[ver unnom gny gunnar] gladr f natt 4 Iadri: 
sv4 hefir allungis fila (ek gekk reidr of skeidir) 
[iord veldr manna mordi] mitt ran getid hinom. 70 


THORMOD COALBROW’S POET. 


IN a very charming Saga, that of the ‘ Foster-brothers,’ we have the 
story of a poet whose life was as wild and adventurous as any of the 
long list of Northern poets. Like the others, Cormak, Gunlaug, and 
Hallfred, he was unlucky in his loves. There is an amusing tale told 
of one of his poems in his Saga which is worth giving here. 





morning it was not as when the maid is serving men with leeks or ale, 
when King Sweyn bade his men lash the prows of the galleys together. 





Ascribed to King OLAF. Tell Charles the good farmer, north over sea, 
that there is better work to do here than cutting up a whale with 
a whetted knife. 

A love ditty. It is like a fire breaking out of the glowing embers— 
my love. I am looking at the ladies passing; tell me, who so proud as 
she! I am going to drink in the house. Ingibiorg [lit. King-Hill, a 
word-play| has made me speechless in-a little space. 

I stood on the howe when the steed bore the lady away. She seemed 
fair to me. She went out of our sight. She turned her horse out of the 
yard. Every man has his madness, 

After Erling’s death. The White One of Iadar will not be merry 
to-night. His plundering of me has turned out altogether ill for himself. 





65. gordom, Cd, 








§ 2.] THORMOD COALBROW'S POET. 173 


“ He made a poem of praise on his love, Thorbiorg Coalbrow, which 
he called Coalbrow’s verses; and when he had made it he delivered it, 
so that many men heard it. Katla, Coalbrow’s mother, drew a great 
and fair finger-ring off her hand and said, ‘ This finger-ring I will give 
thee, Thormod, asa poet’s fee and as a name-gift; for I will give thee a 
name, thou shalt be called Coalbrow’s poet.’ But Thormod was fickle, 
and went off to stay with Grima, the mother of Thordis, another of his 
loves, at Ogur. Grima welcomed him kindly, but Thordis bridled a little 
and looked askant at him, ‘as is women’s wont when they are not quite 
content with a man.’ Thormod, ‘remembering the old saw, that it is 
easier to land your fish if you keep the line a bit slack,’ tries to soothe 
her by calling to mind former love-passages between them; and at last 
she explains her behaviour. ‘I have heard tell that thou hast got a new 
love, and hast made a song of praise on her.’ Thormod, innocently, ‘ Who 
is this love of mine that thou sayest I have made a poem on?’ Thordis, 
‘It is Thorbiorg, west in Ernedale!’ Thormod, 4o/d/y, ‘It is not true 
at all that I made a poem on Thorbiorg ; what is true is, that I made a 
song of praise on thee when I was in Ernedale; for it came into my 
mind how much difference there was between thee and Thorbiorg in 
beauty, and in behaviour also; but now I am here I will recite the poem 
to thee.’ So he recited Coalbrow’s verses to her, turning to the praise 
of Thordis the expressions that were of the most personal bearing in his 
poem on Thorbiorg. This had the desired effect, and Thordis took him 
back to favour again. But one night, when Thormod lay at home in 
Long-boll, he dreamed that Thorbiorg Coalbrow came to him and 
asked him whether he was waking or sleeping. He said he was waking. 
Said she, ‘Thou art asleep, but what happens to thee in thy sleep shall 
be fulfilled when thou wakest. But what is this? Hast thou given to 
another woman the poem thou didst make for me?’ Thormod answered, 
readily, ‘It is not so.’ Said Thorbiorg, ‘Aye, but it is so, thou hast 
given my song to Thordis, Grima’s daughter, and turned to her the love- 
phrases that thou didst make for me; for thou didst not dare, thou 
craven, to tell the truth, and say for whom thou hadst made it. But I 
will pay thee for thy leasing and lie, thou shalt be seized with such great 
and dire pains in thine eyes, that both thine eyes shall start out of thine 
head, save thou publish before all men thy shameful dealing in taking 
my Song of Praise from me and giving it to another woman. Thou 
shalt never be hale again till thou cast out those verses which thou hast 
‘ turned to Thordis’ praise, and put back those thou didst make on me ; 
and do not call thy poem by any woman’s name but mine, for whom it 
was made.’ He awoke terrified, with a pain in the eyes so bad that he 
_ could hardly help crying out, and got no more sleep or rest. His father 
Bersi went to see him, and when he heard of his dream he said, ‘ Thy 
loves bring thee no good; through one thou gottest such a wound as thou 
wilt never be a sound man again [when Thormod was set upon by 
Colback Grima’s thrall], and now thou art like to lose thine eyes by the 
other. I counsel thee to obey thy dream as soon as may be.’ And so 
Thormod did, and his eyes got well again.” 

His friendships brought him almost as much trouble as his love. His 
first friend and foster-brother, Thorgeir Hawarsson, was slain, and 
Thormod went out to Greenland and avenged him in the most sweep- 
ing and dauntless way, at the hazard of his life, lying out on the desert 
reefs, cold and hunted about, and after the most hair-breadth escapes 
getting away from the Arctic regions and coming to St. Olaf, with 
whom he was in high favour, But this secoad friendship cost him 





174 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


his life, for he fought and fell with his master at Sticklestead, as the 
fine passages in the Kings’ Lives tell us. 

When the king had set his men in array in a ‘ shield wall’ or phalanx, 
he called to his poets and bade them come inside the shield wall. ‘Ye 
shall be here,’ said he, ‘and see what things shall betide, then shall ye 
have no hearsay tales to tell, for ye shall set forth all these things in tale 
and poems afterwards.’ There were there that day Thormod Coal- 
brow’s poet, Gizur Goldbrow, the foster-son of Hof-garth Ref, and the 
third of them was Thorfinn Mouth [Sighvat being away on a pilgrimage 
in Rome]. Then spake Thormod to Gizur, ‘ Aye, let us not stand too 
close for Sighvat to take his place when he comes; he will want to be 
next the king, and the king will like him to be there.’ The king heard 
this, and answered, ‘ There is no need to sneer at Sighvat for not being 
here, he has often followed me closely; and he is praying for us now, 
and we shall have no small need of his prayers.’ Said Thormod, ‘Maybe, 
O king, that ye need his prayers; but the ranks round the banner-pole 
would be thinned if all thy henchmen were now on the way to Rome; 
and it is true, that we often used to say, that through Sighvat there was 
no room for a man who wished to speak to thee.’ Then the poets spake 
among themselves, saying that it would be very meet that each should 
make a memorial verse concerning those things which were near at 
hand and like to befall. These three verses have survived and are given 
above, pp. 170-171. 

Again it is written, how in the night before the battle Olaf was sleep- 
less and awoke in the early dawn, and thought it too early to rouse his 
host, and called for Thormod. He was near at hand, and asked what 
the king wanted with him. ‘ Recite us a poem now.’ Thormod got 
up, and recited in a very loud voice, so that he was heard by all the 
host; and the poem he recited was the old Lay of Biarki. [See Book 
iii. § 3.] Then the host awoke, and when the poem was ended men 
thanked him for his poem, and thought highly of it, holding it very well 
fitted to the time, and they called the poem the ‘Guard’s call.’ The king 
thanked him too, and gave him a gold ring worth half a mark. Thormod 
thanked him for his gift and said, ‘We have a good king, but who 
knows how long he may live? This is my prayer, O king, that we two 
shall never part alive or dead.’ The king answered, ‘ We will never 
part by my will.’ Then Thormod said, ‘I hope that I may be found near 
thee, O king, in good hap or ill, as long as I may have my will, no matter 
where Sighvat may be roaming with his gold-hilted sword.’ 

Thormod had his wish; he got a deadly hurt from a javelin, and after 
the fight went to a barn where the wounded lay, and there improvised 
two or three verses in answer to those who asked for news of the battle 
[see p. 177]. The nurse, seeing his pale face, said, ‘ Why wilt thou not let 
me search thy wounds?’ He replied in verse, and before he could speak 
the last word, fell dead to earth, like a nightingale shot in the midst of its 
song. Andit is told that King Harold Sigurdsson filled up the half-finished 
line withthe word ‘svida,’ saying, ‘That is what hemust have meant to put!’ 

The jealous love and passionate irony of Thormod are well brought 
out in the fine scene—too long to quote here—in the Kings’ Lives. 
Thormod’s real poetry was rather in his deeds than in his words. Of his 
person, we hear from himself that he was dark-haired, left-handed, and 
had an impediment in his speech. 

The dirge Thorgeir’s-drapa in the Saga is spurious, the Coalbrow’s 
verses have been lost, and most of the Greenland improvisations are not 
authentic; but the verses relating to the last scene of the king’s and 


§ 2.] THORMOD COALBROW’S POET. 175 


his own life, some twenty stanzas in all, especially those cited in the 
Legendary Saga of St. Olaf or in the Kings’ Lives, may in part be 
genuine, and have a real and peculiar beauty of their own. As to the 
verse spoken to Loftung, it can hardly be Thormod’s, for Thorarin was 
not a poet of St. Olaf, but of Cnut and his son; so, believing as we do, 
that the piece is genuine, it must have been spoken by some poet of the 
Danish king’s court. 

Verses 3-6, 12-19 are taken from O. H. L.; verses 1, 7-11 from Fbr. S, 


I. | are ré6-ek pvi es allar (ey-draupniss) gaf ek meyjo 
(mer barsk déms f{ drauma dis) Kolbrinar-visor: 
pa t6ék-ek porna Freyjo (pridér kann mart in pruda) 
[lfknomk heldr vid Hildi hvitings] 4 mer viti. 


2. Parf sa-es per skal hverfa, pengill, fyrir kné lengi 5 
(svarar-bu hégliga hverjo) hug-bord (konungr ordi): 
fair ero ver (enn fryjo frendr érom pé vendir), 
[minnomk meirr 4 annat mitt starf] konung-diarfir. 

3. Per man-ek enn unz aérom allvaldr nair skaldom 
(nzer veettir pu beira?) ping-diarfr fyrir kné hvarfa.... 10 


4. Loftungo gaftu lengi lattr pat-es Fafnir Atti 
pu lézt mer, inn meri, merkr fran-aluns vdnir.... 
5p Flestr of ser hve fasta fagr-btinar hef-ek tina 
badar hendr or brendom baréz pidé-konungs gard@i: 
eld 4-ek iafri at gialda ungr, peim-es bregdér hungri 15 
ditips (berr-ek goll 4 greipom) gradogs ara (b&dom). 
6. Hafa pcéttomk ek, heettinn happ-scekjandi, ef tcékir 
hreins vid haldi mfno ‘hvert land’ pbegit, branda: 
rikr vil-ek med per rcékir randar-linnz ok Finni 
(rand berom tt 4 andra ey-baugs) lifa ok deyja. 20 


P Orvendi trezk undir (opt-finnomk pess minni) 
[oll es frem6d of fallin fiar-nepps f stra greppi]: 





His apology to Coalbrow. 1 did ill when I gave all Coalbrow’s verses 
to the maid; she [Coalbrow] appeared to me in a dream. I got a 
punishment in my body from her. 

To King Olaf. He need have a stout heart [lit. a high freeboard] who 
would stand long beside thy knee, O king; few of us kinsmen are bold 
before kings. 

His constant faithfulness. Till thou get other poets, king, I will be 
ready at thy knee.... 

[His jealousy. Thou hast given Praise-Tongue gold, thou hast let me 
hope for gold too. Every man can see that I have both my arms adorned 
with burnt gold. I must repay the king for it. I have gold on both 
hands, I should think that I had grasped heaven in my hands if thou 
wouldst receive me. I am ready to live and die with thee and Fin 
(Arnisson). | 

His biography. All my honour is perished. My left-handedness must 





18. Read, hreggland (heaven) ? 21. Read, tésk? 





176 ST. OLAF’S COURT. [BK. vut. 


ef hregg-boda hoeggit hef-ek vart { skar svarta 
nadda-boréz pvi-at nirdéi nettings bana veittag. 

8. Undr es hvi ekki kendo él-barvar mik goerva 25 
stéls; hefig mark 4 mali mart ok skopt it svarta: 
burgomk, langs pvi-at lengra lif vas ty skapad drifo, 
premja svellz, enn polli beim aldr-tili seima. 

9. Matka-ek hefnd (enn hrafni hrings fekk-ek brad 4 pingi) 
[Baldrs lét-ek vigi valdit varga setrs]. vid marga: 30 
gny-polli lét-ek gialla, goert hefek fyrir mik svartan, 
meirr hefni pé peira Porgeirs vinir fleiri, 


la 


10. Skopta-ek pa es uppi undarlegr 4 sundi 
hrékr dé heimskr vid kleéki hans raza klof gandi: 
alla leit-ek 4 Ulli egg-vedrs hugar-gloeggom 35 
(setti gaurr, ok glotti) god-fidn (vid mer siénir). 


Il. (Els) hefig fllan dila (Ekkils) peim-es mik sekdo 
(geig vann-ek goervi-draugom) Greénlendingom brendan: 
si manat sceki-tivom sverd-éls fram framom verda 
hrings 4 hryggjar tanga hég-groeddr nema mer légi. 40 

12. Sex hefig allz, es 6xo 6n hialta mer fidnir, 

(kendr er-mik vid styr stundom) stal-regns boda vegna: 
nu em-ek enn (ok mank manna mor6) varliga (fordom) 
[ver létom pd peira] pritcegr [skarar bfta]. 


3. Brennom all fyrir innan Inney pau-es ver finnom 45 
(land tegask herr med hiarvi) Herbiarg (fyr gram verja) : 
(yss) hafi allra hisa Inn-Proéndir kol sinna 
(angr man kveykt { klungri) kald, ef ek ma valda. 


14. Ala pryngr at éli vice hottie (cee 
15. Ort vas Aldfs hiarta; 66 gramr f styr bl6di; 50 
rekin bito stl 4 Stikla-stadom, kvaddi lid badvar: 





be in fault if I have struck a slack blow on his black head, for I meant to 
kill him,outright. It is a wonder they did not know me, for I have a 
blemish in my speech, and black hair. I escaped, because much longer 
life was fated to me, and destruction tothem. I have not trusted others 
with my revenge. I have struck his black pate, let other friends of 

Thorgeir do more. . 

Satirical verses. 1 floated up, etc. 

His vaunt. 1 have branded the Greenlanders who outlawed me; I did 
them deadly hurt ; this spot on their back will not easily heal as long 
as they leave me alive. I have been the death of six enemies, though I 
am barely full thirty years old. 

Before Sticklestead. Let us burn all the houses inside Herbiorg and 
’ Inney. The In- Thronds’ houses would be lying in cold ashes if I had my 
will. Let the flames be kindled within their walls. 

At Sticklestead. The battle is gathering fast, etc. See above, p. 171. 

After Sticklestead. Proud was Olaf’s heart; the damasked steel bit at 





45-46. innin., . Hverbiorg, Hauksbok, 





re 
* 


Tee A te ND ey aa ETN Bie iP 


rom) ar 


$2] THORMOD COALBROW’S POET. 177 


¥-polla s4-ek alla Ialfadrs nema gram sialfan 
(reyndr vard flestr { fastri flein-drffo) ser hlffa. 


16. A ser at ver varom vig-reifir med Aleifi; 
sor fekk-ek, hildr, at hvaro, hvitings, ok frid Iftinn: 55 
‘skinn’ 4 skildi minom; skald fekk hrid til kalda;_ 
ner hafa eski-askar arvendan mik gcervan. 

17. Haraldr s4-ek at vel vardisk vig-reifr med Aleifi; 
par gekk harra hiarva Hringr ok Dagr at pingi: 
rédo peir und raudar randir prutt at standa 60 
(fekk ben-pidorr blakkan biér) daglingar fidérir. 


18. Undrask cegliss landa eik at ver sém bleikir; 
far verdr fagr af s®rom; fann-ek arva-drif, svanni: 
mik fl6 malmr enn doekkvi magni keyrér { goegnom 
hvast beit hiarta ’t neesta heettligt iarn, es ek vetti. 65 
19. Emkat-ek ri6ér né raudom ‘redr’ grann kona manni 
hauka-setrs in hvfta; hyggr far um mik s4ran: 
hitt veldr mer at meldrar mor6é-venjandi Fenjo, 
diip ok Danskra v4pna Dags-hridar spor svida. 





Sticklestead. I saw them all spare themselves save the king. Many a 
man was hard put to it in the shaft-shower. 

It can be seen that we were with Olaf: I got wounds and little mercy; 
my shield is scored; they have nearly done for the left-handed poet. 

I saw Harold fighting fiercely by Olaf’s side, Ring and Day went up to 
the high sword-moot ; they stood gallantly under their red shields, those 
four Ethelings. 

His last verses. ‘Why art thou so pale?’ says the lady. ‘The maiden 
marvels why I am so pale. I was in the arrow-shower, lady. Wounds do 
not make a man fair. The black iron, hurled amain, has pierced me; 
the deadly steel has bitten me keenly to the heart’s core, as I can feel. 

I am neither red nor ruddy of hue, lady; no one cares for me, a 
wounded man. What ails me, maiden, is that the deep prints of the 
Danish weapon and of the storm Day raised are—smarting. 





56. Read, skeina es, 61. pidors blakkr, Cd: 66. Read, né raudom 
rok... 67-69. iarn stendr fast it forna fen-stigi mer benja | pat veldr mer in 
mera marglédar nu tréda | draupnis dyrra vapna D. s. svida, Hauks-bok; um 
hettinn ... pat veldr mer en mara mot eggiadra spidta draupnis dyrra, O. H. L. 


VOL. Il. N > 





178 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [bx. vim. 


§3. THE COURT POETRY OF MAGNUS 
AND HAROLD HARDREDE. 


(c. 1040-1070.) 


ABOUT the time of. Cnut’s death, probably in the summer following, 
1036, Magnus (in the eleventh year of his age) was recalled from Russia, 
and put on the throne; and, as he was a child, and the nobles formed 
a regency which ruled successfully, prosperity returned to Norway. 
The young king grew up into a good ruler under the hands of his 
friends and tutors. There was matter for bloodshed in the heritage 
of Cnut; but some kind of agreement was come to between Magnus 
and Harda-Cnut, giving the survivor the right to both crowns of Den- 
mark and Norway. 

In March, 1042, Harda-Cnut died, upon which young Magnus (now 
seventeen) set sail for Denmark to take possession of his kingdom. Here 
a sorry inheritance awaited him:—A Wendish invasion into Jutland, 
which Magnus defeated in a fierce battle near Hetheby (Sleswick near 
Lurschau), Sept. 28th, 1043 (age then eighteen), and again at Scotborg 
water (two battles within a few days). Here Sweyn Wolfsson, the 
young Danish ‘Earl,’ fought by Magnus’ side. Soon, however, Sweyn 
rebelled, but was defeated in four successive battles (all in Jutland), 
fought in one year (Magnus’ twentieth); after which Magnus chased 
Sweyn across Funen, Sealand, and Sconen, clean out of Denmark into 
Sweden. . 

Meanwhile, Harold, the young half-brother of St. Olaf, had fought 
and been wounded at Sticklestead when he was only fifteen years 
old; and after adventures in the woods, hiding from his enemies, he 
escapes from Norway and gets to Russia, where St. Olaf’s sister was 
married and where he had friends and kinsfolk. Soon after we hear 
of him as captain of the Warangian guard at Constantinople; and 
wonderful stories of his exploits in their service afterwards reached 
Norway and are told in our Lives of him, how he slew a dragon, how 


he fought in eighty engagements, how he had love-passages with Greek - 


princesses, shared twice in the imperial largesse at the Emperors’ death, 
and finally broke from an imprisonment which he had earned by his 
adventures, and came home with his hoard of money, and his repute 
as a great captain, to claim his share of his family’s restored good- 
fortune. Magnus agrees to accept him as fellow-king (1046). 

The reason why Magnus, in the height of his good luck and in prime of 
youth, should consent to accept a joint king has never been duly given, 
and one cannot believe the puerile account given in the Saga. There 
are manifest marks that weighty plans were brewing, Magnus, now king 
of Denmark and Norway, meant to reconquer Cnut’s empire; and to 
this end Harold’s experience and treasure were serviceable. Even the 
Saga gives hints, how Magnus, like Cnut of yore to his father, wrote a 
letter to King Edward to yield up his kingdom. The Chronicles mention 
about this time an incursion led by Yrling and Lodin (Erling Skialg- 








ee ee os 


eer 








$3] MAGNUS AND HAROLD. 179 


son’s son and grandson?). But the young king Magnus’ sudden death 
in Sealand (Denmark) gave things another turn, Saxo relates the 
accident. His horse took fright in a forest at a hare crossing the path, 
and the king struck (his head?) against a jutting stump of a tree, of 
which he died 25th Oct. 1047, in his twenty-fourth year. The Saga 
makes no mention of the accident, but speaks of the young king’s dying 
in a strange and mysterious way, as though from fever or concussion of 
brain; probably he was not killed on the spot, but died from the effects 
of the blow; and so but half the story was told. Thus by an untimely 
end was the heroic son of St. Olaf cut off in the prime of life. 

In Norwegian Law Traditions, Magnus is the mender and betterer of 
St. Olaf’s law. He, they say, gave the Thronds their code Greygoose, 
Hence he was called the ‘Good,’ the Debonair. Upon his death Danish 
Sweyn took heart, and the Danes rose afresh to shake off the rule of 
Harold, whose reign of nineteen years is filled up by troubles at home 
and by expeditions, victorious but fruitless, into Denmark ; by prepara- 
tions for an English expedition, and the establishment of a somewhat 
tyrannical power in Norway. Here he was driven, by his policy of 
keeping down the great houses, to the murder of Einar, the veteran of 
Swold, and of Calf Arnason, the captain of Sticklestead, which bred 
much evil feeling. In 1062 he at last made peace with Denmark, 
giving up the game; then followed an insurrection of the borderers 
in the Uplands in Norway (1065). 

When Harold at last went out on his forlorn fatal errand he was in his 
fifty-second year, worn by toil, too old one may safely say. 

Early in 1066 the news came of the Confessor’s death, and in that 
year Harold sets sail with 360 ships to the west, picks up the Orkney Earls 
and their force, engages other hireling troops, and coasting southwards, 
meets Tosti with his twelve ships full of Flemings (the remains of a 
squadron of sixty), who is glad to join him. After a temporary success 
and the surrender of York, Harold Godwinesson hurries northwards, and 
by some means, not explained in our authorities, Harold and Tosti, with 
a part of their force, are brought face-to face with the whole English 
army. The details of the battle in the-Kings’ Lives are of course, as 
pointed out by Mr. Freeman, apocryphal, and even the verse said to 
have been sung by Harold would seem to be part of an earlier poem; 
but after a sharp engagement, in which the king’s personal following and 
Tosti’s Flemings seem to have borne the brunt (the Norsemen would 
have suffered less, for we find only ove mention of men ‘ falling with the 
king at Stamford Bridge,’ Brand an Icelander), it is certain that Harold, 
his marshal Eystan Gorcock, and Tosti were slain, and the whole expedi- 
tion thus brought to nought. 

There are fewer verses on the battle and its circumstances than 
we should expect from the king being a poet himself and a great 
patron of poets, and we get little help from them. One verse by 
Thiodwulf (who was present at the battle), which is made by the prose 
Chronicles to be spoken before the king’s fall, must refer to the de- 
spondency felt immediately after that event, for the word ‘avengers,’ 
i.e. ‘sons,’ is only used of near of kin whose relations have met with 
bloody deaths, and the first line must be mended in consequence. 
Harold Godwinesson’s leniency after the battle and the wise policy of 
William, who feared Denmark and therefore favoured Norway, seem 
to have brought about a friendly feeling between Englishmen and North- 
men during Olaf the Quiet’s reign, and the rise and growth of his 
merchant town at Bergen is a memorial of increased trade and 


N 2 





180 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD'S COURT. _ [sx. vm. 


intercourse between the two, countries, which brought in the new 
medieval fashions and ways of life, so that Harold’s death marks the 
beginning of a fresh era of culture in Norway. 

The name Hardrada (Tyrant) is never given by the Icelanders to 
Harold; whatever he may have been to his subjects, to them he was 
ever favourable, helped them in the famine of 1056, sent timber for a 
church at Thingwalla; and though we hear of his cynical speeches, 
and his somewhat cruel sport of setting his sensitive and jealous poets 
to use their gifts one against the other, we should only get a good 
character of this king from them. It was the Norwegians who gave him 
the name, in contrast to the debonairté of Magnus; that it was extant in 
his day, the corruptions of the English Chronicle ‘ Harfayera’ etc. show. 
In Northern authorities it only appears in the superscription to three 
chapters in Fagrskinna, which was written in Norway, whence, through 
Torfeus, it has passed into modern use. 

Harold composed a short poem, recounting some of his exploits to 
his lady; and several stray verses, which we still possess, but probably 
more of his work is lost. Of all the Northern kings, he took most 
interest in the craft and minutie of the court-poetry, which had 
the same fascination for him as the Provengal sirventes and tensons 
had for the sons of Henry II. 


THE ORKNEY EARLS. 


THERE is unfortunately no list of the Orkney Earls and their Poets 
in Skalda-tal, though even English kings and Norwegian barons and 
their bards find place there. This is a pity, for the Earls themselves 
were many of them poets; and as we cannot but believe that many of the 
finest Northern poems were composed within their domains, we should 
no doubt have found in such a list the names of their authors. Sucha 
one as the author of Darrad-liod was certainly closely connected with 
the Stout Earl whom he mentions. Nor have we an Iarla-tal; that 
there was one, known as late as the composition of Iarla Saga, seems very 
likely from the way in which the deaths and burial-places of the first 
Earls are recorded, quite in consonance with similar notices drawn 
from Ynglinga-tal. 

The history of the Northern Earls of Orkney is a curious and in- 
structive chapter in the tale of the colonisation of the Western isles, 
illustrating the enormous influence of the Celts upon the Northern 
immigrants. 

In the necessarily imperfect accounts that are left us in the Earls’ 
Saga, the first part of Orkney Saga, we have a series of brilliant and tragic 
episodes with long blanks of dead silence between, broken only now 
and again by a line or two in an Irish or Scottish Chronicle, There is 
a picturesque character about the scene, the men, and the motives, 
which makes the Orkney Saga one of the most fascinating of the series 
of Northern histories. Reginwald the Mighty and Wise, the friend and 
counsellor of Harold Fairhair, and his name-giver, we have met with 
above. To him, as weregild for his son Inwar, slain in an enterprise 
(undertaken, we should suppose, in Harold’s interest) in the Orkneys, 
Harold gives the Island-Earldom. He, choosing to live in Norway, 
bestows it upon his brother Sigfred the Mighty, who, followed by a short- 
lived son, held it in Alfred’s days, according to Ari’s synchronism. 

But it is by his successor, TURF-EINAR, Reginwald’s bastard son 











§3.] THE ORKNEY EARLS. 181 


according to the tradition, that the Earldom is consolidated and its 
history takes on its distinctive character. By his days the turbulence 
of the Wicking settlement was settling down into regular lines of 
commerce, migration, and buccaneering. His revenge of his father 
upon Fairhair’s son, Halfdan Highleg, is commemorated in his verses 
which we have given in Book vi. § 2. A goodly husbandman, poet, and 
peat-digger, who taught his Norsemen in the wood-lorn islands to dig 
and use turf-fuel, his memory should be ever green in the islands he 
ruled so long ago, 

His sons Thorfinn, Arnkettle, and Erlend are mixed up with the 
Ynglings and Shieldings by their connection with Eric Bloodaxe and his 
wife Gundhild. It was by Eric’s side that two of the brothers fell at 
Stainmoor, c. 954. But Thorfinn lived on to win his ghastly by-name 
‘skull-splitter,’ to wed the Celtic lady Grelod, and to bring up a brood 
of wild reckless sons, who are plunged in fratricidal strife and murder 
by the wicked wiles of Ragnhild, Gundhild’s daughter, which brings 
death to the two eldest. Hlodwe, whose name points to some Frankish 
connection of his father, succeeds to the earldom, and weds Aithne, 
daughter of the Irish king Cearbhal of Leinster. 

Hlodwe had the rare misfortune to die in his bed, and left his earldom 
to his eldest son SIGROD THE SToUT. This earl’s life was eventful. 
His battle with Finnlach the Scottish marmaor, his forced conversion by 
Olaf Tryggvason (according to a shaky tradition), his marriage with the 
daughter of Malcolm the Scottish king, a fact which points to the policy 
pursued so successfully by his mighty son, and finally his ill-fated alliance 
with Sigtrygg Silkbrow, then king of Dublin, and fall at Clontarf, April 
23rd, 1014, make up what is known of his history. He appears before 
us in a more romantic aspect, as the friend of Icelanders, the host 


_ of Gunlaug the poet, and the patron of Flosi the Burner. 


The eldest son of Sigrod is unable to hold the heritage, and Brusi, 
the next, is too easy-natured and void of ambition to take the first 


place. The earldom therefore practically soon falls into the hands of the | 


youngest, THORFINN THE MIGHTY, the.greatest of his race. He submits 
to St. Olaf, who seems to have aspired to rule ‘the whole empire as 
Harold Fairhair held it,’ and seized the occasion of the disputed succes- 
sion to have his suzerainty acknowledged, and to get Rognwald, Brusi’s 
son, as a hostage of its rights being preserved. But Thorfinn, ‘mightily 
strengthened by his Scottish kinsfolk,’ pursued his path unchecked, and 
as the death of Olaf, the anarchy in Scotland, and the absorption of 
Cnut in other projects left him scope to act, he succeeded in making 
himself master of half Scotland. ‘Nine earldoms he ruled,’ says Arnor 
with a reminiscence of the Vellekla pzan-notes, and his sway was felt 
from Dublin to Giant-skerries; the Isle of Man and the Isles and Galloway 
(or rather Cumbria) being also under his influence. At last, however, 
Magnus was restored to his father’s seat, and he determined to pursue his 
father’s colonial policy, for he had a ready instrument at hand. Rognwald, 
Brusi’s son, had been his foster-brother, had fought at Sticklestead 
where his father fell, had gone into exile with him to Russia, and there 
entered upon the career of arms. Magnus sent him to the islands to 
share Thorfinn’s power as the liegeman of the king of Norway. The 
rivalry, as usual in the Orkneys, soon turned to a tragedy. It is as the 
poet of these two kinsmen and historian of their deadly feud that ARNOR 
won his name of Earls’ poet. His finest verses were made for them. 
He was the friend of Rognwald, whose defeat at Redburgh he deplores, 
and the panegyrist of Thorfinn, whose dirge he gomposed. 


— <<?) ~~ soe ae 


182 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [zx. vim. 


After Redburgh, c. 1045, Rognwald fled to Norway, but soon made a 
fresh dash at his opponent, which all but turned the tables and put an 
end to Thorfinn’s career. But the ‘great earl’s’ luck never left him, and 
he was more fortunate in laying hands on his nephew, who was put to 
death in 1046. Thorfinn had been largely helped by his Norwegian 
uncle-in-law, the exiled Calf Arnison, who gave him a steady support 
against Magnus’ friend and nominee. This alliance is alluded to in the 
Dirge on Calf, see p.164. Thorfinn’s later years are unruffled. Magnus’ 
death relieved him of possible trouble, for Harold had his hands full and 
would not, we think, alienate such a useful ally on the brink of his 
great enterprise, the conquest of England. Just before the expedition, 
which was to effect this, sailed, Thorfinn had died full of years and 
honours. 

The Earl’s two sons by Ingibiorg, Fin’s daughter, Mother-of-earls 
(as she is often styled by an echo of Gundhild’s appellation), lived 
together long in peace and amity unexampled in their race. Paul 
marrying back into the old stock by wedding the daughter of Hakon, son 
of that Iwar of the Uplands whom Sighvat compelled to listen to him. 
Erlend wedded Thora, daughter of Somerlid Ospac’s son. Magnus Bareleg 
appeared in the west in 1098; he sent both the brothers to Norway, 
where they died. But, between the two brothers’ sons, Hakon, Paul’s 
son, and Magnus, Erlend’s son, this thirty years’ peace of their fathers 
was not long to remain unbroken. A deadly feud arose among the 
cousins, and the murder, which gave Magnus a place among the Northern 
Saints, was the upshot of their struggle. They had a poet, whose name 
is not given, but who is called upon in Orkney Saga, ch. 49, as witness to 
certain events in their career, the slaying of Dubhniall, the burning of 
Thorbiorn the Shetlander, before ‘wicked men brought strife between 
them.’ Hakon was a man of mark, a pilgrim, and a lawgiver. The 
career of Sweyn Asleifsson, ‘the last of the Wickings,’ which would have 
afforded ample material for a poet, is now only preserved in prose. He 
is said to have been the captor (year 4135) of Paul, Hakon’s son, the 
jast heir on the spear-side of the ‘race of Reginwald.’ As in Norway, 
a new line arose on the spindle-side. Coll, a descendant of Thorleif the 
Wise, the well-known lawman, married Gundhild, St. Magnus’ sister, and 
his son Cali was enfeoffed of the earldom by Sigurd the Crusader (in 
pursuance of the old policy) in rivalry with Paul, Hakon’s son. 

It was now that he assumed the respected name of ROGNWALD. A 
poet himself, and a man of romantic character and remarkable career, 
this earl comes before us as a patron of poets. With his friend Hall he 
composed ‘ Hatta-lykill;? many of his improvisations are preserved in 
Orkney Saga (see § 5). Rognwald completed the work of Coll, the 
splendid cathedral of Kirkwall, which was raised in pious memory of his 
uncle, St. Magnus. With Rognwald, who was murdered in Caithness, 
Aug. 20th, 1158, winning a saint’s name in the Islands, the right line of 
the old lawman, Thiodwolf’s patron, ended, for he left only a daughter. 

The half-Gaelic line of Harold, Maddad’s son, in close affinity with 
the Scottish king, now comes in, but our interest with the earldom now 
ceases. Swerri’s long arm was felt here as at home in Norway, and he, 
a Western Islander, himself asserted his suzerainty over the earldom. 
It is indeed merely as the nurse of doubtful pretenders that the Islands 
had lately influenced the politics of Norway, and soon, when the tem- 
porary revival of the imperial ideas had shown their hollowness, and 
Hakon’s ill-success had disgusted the home government of Western 
enterprise, the earldom falls into a barony of the Scottish kingdom. 


a 





nee ee ean ee ee ae i 


ese. 





oie 








to eal ar G 


Oe Ae eee 2 a, Meee te ey A 
eg ee ee ide - 


§ 3.] SWEYN ESTRITHSSON AND HIS SONS. 183 


ORKNEY EARLS. 
cee the Old 
Inwar the Uplanders’ Earl 


Eystan Glumra, E. 














Reginwald, E. of More Sigfred, E, O. 
Thori, E. Turf-Einar, E. O. Rodwolf Walker, Rodlaug 
of More | E. of Rouen 
<2 
Thorfinn Skullsplitter, E.0., | Arncytel, E. O., Erlend, E. O., 
m. Grelod, d. of E. Dungad d. 954 d. 954 
I = aT 1 
Arnfinn, E.O., Haward, E.O. Liot,E.O. Hlodwe, E. O., m. Edna, 
m. Ragnhild, K. Cearbhal’s d. 
Gundhild’s d. c— 


Sigrod the Stout, E. O., 
m. 2. d. of Malcolm, K. of Scots, d. ro14 
I. I, Rs | a 





r 
Somarlid, Einar Wry- Brusi, E.O., Thorfinn the Great, E.O., . 
d.c.t1015 mouth, E. O., d.C. 1031 Ingibiorg, Fin’s d., d. c. 1064 





d, Cc. 1026 
Rognwald, E. O., 
asc. 1046 f ] 
Paul, E. O., Erlend, E. O., 
m. Hakon Iwarson’s d. d.c. T100 





1 


: | 
Hakon,E.O., Herbiorg St.Magnus,E.0., Erling,E.O. Gundhild, 











d,C. 1122 | d. 1116 m, Coll 
+ | 
Margaret, Paul,E.O.,  Ingibiorg Sigrid . St. Rognavald Cali, 
m. Maddad,__ d. 1135 E, O., d. 1158 
E. of Athole Herbiorg, m. 


| Kolban Hruga 
Harold, E.O., 


d, 1206 Biarni, Bp., d. 1222 


SWEYN ESTRITHSSON AND HIS SONS. 


SWEYN, Cnut’s nephew, son of Ethelwolf and Cnut’s sister Estrith, 
to whom we owe in all probability the preservation of England from 
invasion during the Confessor’s reign, was king till 1076, surviving all 
his rivals. He and his five sons, succeeding one after another, 
founded a dynasty, which lasted for ninety years (1044-1134): Harold 
hone, a quiet ruler (1076-80). Cnut the Saint (d. 1086), who prepared 
to invade England in 1086, but was slain by his own men in church, 
thus enabling the Conqueror to disband his hired forces, and by means 
of the Survey to devise better means for defending his kingdom than 


184 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. © [sx. vm. 


he had hitherto been able to employ. Olaf hunger (1086-95) and Eric the 
Crusader (1095-1103) follow next; Eric’s famous expedition awakened 
the emulation of the Norwegian king; he died in Cyprus. Nicolas, the 
last of the brothers, was killed in 1134 by the guildsmen of King Eric’s 
son, duke Cnut; which Cnut was the father of Waldemar, the founder 
of the new dynasty, or rather the restorer of Sweyn’s house. 

There are several poets who at one time or another attached them- 
selves to those kings. Thorleik the Fair was Sweyn’s poet ; Calf Manisson, 
whose testimony is once appealed to, and Skuli I//ugason, of whom nothing 
is known; but the most notable is Mark Skeggisson, who composed 
poems in honour both of Cnut and Eric the Crusader. (See § 4.) 

The great bulk of the poems in this Section, indeed wherever the 
contrary is not stated, are drawn from Hulda (Hrokkinsk., Flatey-bok 
iii) and Kringla, a few from Fagrskinna. 


ARNOR EARLS’ POET. 


ARNTHOR OR ARNOR THE EARLS’ POET was the son of Thorrod 
.Kolbeinsson, Earl Eric’s poet, the hero of Biorn the Hit-dale Champion’s 
Saga. Like Sighvat, he combined poetry and trade. As his by-name 
‘Earls’ Poet’ implies, the patrons of his predilection seem to have 
been the Orkney Earls, Rognwald first, and afterwards the great Earl 
Thorfinn, whose relative he indeed seems to have married (see VI. verse 
22),so he must have been a man of mark; he appears to have kept house 
and died in the Orkneys. Asa poet he was magniloquent as Marlowe in 
Tamburlaine, nor does he lack the true fire in his verses. His remains 
are considerable, scattered through Hulda and the Iarla Saga (Orkney 
Saga), and a few are also cited in Edda. 

His earliest composition was probably his Dirge on Earl Rognwald, 
c. 1046, the next his two poems on King Magnus, 1046, one of which was, 
we doubt not, the one spoken of in the anecdote translated below, 
and criticised in Skalda by Olaf as macrologic in its inception. We 
have part of a poem on Harold of Norway in 1062-64 (for the earlier 
one has, as that king foretold, perished), and a dirge on him in 1067. 
Between these two comes a dirge on Earl Thorfinn, c. 1065. But with 
all his love for the Orkney Earls, and interest in their concerns, he does 
not forget his countrymen, and there is a morsel still left of his Dirge 
on Hermund Illugisson, the brother of the poet Gunlaug. Arnor also 
made a Dirge on Gelli, Ari the historian’s grandfather, in which he ‘ ex- 
pressly mentions,’ says Laxdaela, ‘ Gelli’s building a great and fine church 
at Holyfell.’ Gelli died in Denmark, 1073, on his way home from a 
pilgrimage. The poem of Arnor’s, therefore, proves his life to have 
been prolonged to at least that date. There are two lines which we 
take to be part of this poem. They are in eight-measured metre, and 
refer to a painting or hangings on which the last Judgment is figured. 

Arnor is remarkable as the only court-poet who quotes from the 
early poems, citing Volospa in one line. Upon our theory his ‘close 
connection with the West would account for this. . 

The following story gives perhaps the most characteristic traits 
of Arnor’s character : 

“It happened once upon a time, that the two kings [Magnus and 
Harold] were sitting in one hall over the table north in Chipping, 
and Arnor the earls’ poet was come to the town. He had made a 
poem for each of the two kings. And one day, while Arnor was tarring 
his ship, the king’s messengers came to him, and bade him come and 
deliver his poem. He went off at once, without washing the tar from 











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AE A SE eg ee ee ne ree tS 





4. Se 
3 pe. 


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eee 
2 
{ 


CS ee ee ee ee SS ene 
- * . + = _—. 


so 


$3] ARNOR IARLASCALD. 185 


his hands, and when he came to the hall, he called to the door-ward, 
Room for the kings’ Poet! and in he went before them and cried, Hail, 
emperors both! Said King Harold, Whose poem shall be said first? He 
answered, The younger’s. The king asked, Why his first? My lord, said he, 
it is a saw that ‘Young men are impatient.’ But every one thought it 
most honour to him whose poem was said first. Then he began to 
recite his poem; and first he treated of the earls west of the main, and 
then he came to his own voyage. And when he had got thus far, 
Harold said to King Magnus, Why sit here, my lord, over this poem, 
which he has made about his journeys and the earls in the Western 
island? Let us wait, kinsman, answered King Magnus, I fancy that 
you will not think me in need of praise before the poem is ended. 
Then he came to the verse (3) in which he calls Magnus ‘the 
greatest of all kings.’ Then King Harold said, Praise this king as 
thou wilt, but do not despise other kings. Then he went on till King 
Harold said again, This man makes the lordliest kind of verse, I do 
not know where he will get to. And when the song was ended, 
straightway Arnor began the poem on Harold, which is called Blue 
cocks-drapa |Raven’s praise], a fine poem. But when it was finished, 
King Harold was asked which he deemed the better poem. I can easily 
see, said he, the difference between the two poems; my poem will soon 
fall to the ground, so that no man shall know it, but this Song of Praise, 
which is made on King Magnus, will last as long as there is a man in the 
lands of the North. Harold gave him a gold-bound spear, and Magnus 
a gold ring, and the poet went out of the hall, holding up the ring 
on the spear, crying, So shall the two kings’ gifts be borne aloft. Harold 
said to him ere he went, He did not come for nought, the wordy fellow! 
When thou comest again bring me another poem. Arnor promised to 
do so, and when he heard of Harold’s death he set to work and made 
a dirge upon him.” 

Arnor’s poems have been spared to a greater extent than any other 
man’s, save Sighvat only. There is a magnificence and dash about them 
which no doubt won him many admirers, and his perfect form and rich 
metre pleased even the later critics, like Snorri and Olaf, The sea and 
the golden-headed galleys, marching like God’s bright angels over the 
waves, the savage triumph over the ‘roasted heathen,’ the horrors of 
the Day of Doom (where he is inspired by Volospa), these are his 
themes, tricked out in glittering if sometimes borrowed sheen. The 
dirge on Thorfinn, his kinsman by marriage, shows feeling and loyalty 
that are to be admired. 

It is, as we have seen before, in poems relating to England and 
foreign lands that the worse corruptions of text are to be looked for, 
and Arnor’s poems have suffered the common fate. It is in the Dirge 
over Harold that we find ‘the Dyke by Ouse’ buried under ‘tok fusa ;’ 
‘Fulford’ under ‘fell at fundi;’ the famous mail-coat ‘Emma,’ which 
‘could not protect him from the spear points’ that fatal day.at Stamford 
Bridge, hidden in the phrase ‘hlenna sefi hoddum,’etc. But in the Dirge on 
Thorfinn matters are worse still; ‘af skeidom’ conceals ‘a Skidi’ on Skye; 
‘trura tyggia’ is the unmeaning substitute of ‘ Tyris tyggi,’ lord of Tyrist. 
The battle in Anglesey Sound is hidden beneath the commonplace ‘ Ein 
uas su-es Engla minnir,’ rightly ‘ Endr was i Onguls sundi.’ Some verses 
we can see are wrong, but cannot put right, such a line as VI. verse 11 sug- 
gests some place-name beneath ‘milli borga.’ Even the lines quoted in 
Edda seem corrupt, and to refer to the Redburgh fight in which Rognwald 
fell, VI. verse 17. The poet’s mention of Tyrfing is to be noted III. 2. 


186 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [bx. vin. 


I. Hrynuenpa (1047). 


(From Kringla, Hulda, Hrsk.; verses I, 2, 21 from Edda and Skalda.) 


I K LUFA lét-ek { kaupfaor dtifo knarra mfnn vid bord in stinno. 
2. Seinkon verér pa es hlébardéz hanka hnika 4r in liéta bara. 


3. Magnis, hlyé til mattigs é6dar! manngi veit-ek fremra annan ; 
yppa rodomk yéro kappi, Id6ta gramr, { kveedi flidto : . 
haukr réttr es-bt, Harda dréttinn ; hverr gramr es ber st6rom verri; 5 
meiri verdi pfnn an peira prifnodr allr unz himininn rifnar. 

4. Her-skip vantu af harda stinnum hlunni geyst { Salt-it-Eystra 
(skiaoldungr stéttu 4 skarom hveldan skeidar-huf) med Girzko skradi: 
vafdir lftt, enn vendir bifdosk; (verda hroekk) enn ‘ nidr nam soekkva,’ 
[geystisk ‘hlyr,’ enn hristizk bdra] (hrimi stokkin) binar grimor. 10 

5. Raudar beérot randir sfdan, rimmo Yggr { Scénskar bygéir ; 
eigi gaztt lids kost l4gan; landz-folk sétti per til handa : 
austan purdut, ulfa ferdar aldum kudr, vid hvita skiaoldo, 
tungo rid6r, til tfrar pinga ‘teknir menn’ ok darr in rekno. 

6. Austan komtu meé allra hestom, Yggjar mds, { Proénda bygdéir, 15 
fidri-riddr (enn fidnd-menn ydra falma kvédo) cegis-hialmi: 

‘breidast’ visso, bl4a-gamms fcédir benja kolgo, ydérir dolgar 
(hreeddir urdo fizrvi at forda fidnd-menn pinir) veszold sina. 

7. Ungan fra-ek pik, eydir proengva ulfa gradar, peira radi 

(skizoldungr stoekk) med skcédan pokka (skeidar-brandz fyr ber or landi). 





MAGNUS’ PRAISE. Introduction. 1 made my stiff-timbered buss cleave 
the billows.... There comes.... when the ugly wave... . the oars 
of the leopard of the tackle [ship] .... 

I. The Praise. Magnus, listen to my mighty song! I know none better 
than thee; I will exalt thy prowess, thou dread of the Jutes, in my swift 
verse. Thou art a true hawk, lord of the Hords; every king is far 
behind thee. May thy glory ever be greater than theirs, until the 
heavens are rent. Thy war-ship thou didst dash off the strong rollers 
into the East Baltic, with her Russian rigging; and didst go on board 
the hollow-straked hull thereof. Little didst thou shrink though the 
masts quivered, the ice-sprinkled bulwarks shrank, and the waves made 
the fair figure-heads rattle; ocean boiled and the billows were tossing. 
Thou didst bear the red shield into the Swedish land. No little company 
didst thou gather, for the people of the land sought thee as their liege. 
Ye sped from the east to battle with your homagers; they bore white 
shields and inlaid darts. Thou camest from the east to the Throndish 
land in helm of terror, and your enemies trembled, it is said. Soon thy 
foes felt their evil plight; yea, thine enemies fled fearing for their lives. 
Thou young king, thou didst put them to straits in thy wrath. Before 
thee the prince [Sweyn Wolfsson] fied out of the land. Thou didst 





g. Read, udr.. . nam kloekkva. 10. Read, Hlér. 14. Read, tekna 
menn ? 17. Read, brada. 





3 


Dai ee 








le i et ka all Cosh seen 





Se ae a ee eee ee 
‘ 


§3.] ARNOR IARLASCALD. 187 


8. Eignask namtu 66al pegna, allan Noreg gotna spialli 21 
(mangi es yér mildingr annarr meéri gramr) til landa-mcéri. 


g. Sidan vas pat es sudr med 143i, siklingr, ¥tti flota miklom ; 
sk{di vas p4 skridar of audit skordo; renndi Vfsundr nordan: 
samnazk ‘ba6’ til hverrar hamlo; hraedazk menn vid ettar kledi 25 
Gitika ‘ pétti’ gafugt eiki Girzkan malm ok Peito hialma. 
to. Lidto dreif 4 lypting titan laudri (bifdisk goll it rauda), 
[fastligr hneigdi furo gléstri par giocid um skeidar styri : 
Stird6om héltu um Stafangr nordan staélom (bifdosk fyrir dlar), 
[uppi glédo él-mars typpi eldi glfk] { Dana-veldi. 30 


11. Heyra skaltu hve her-skiald barot, hilmis kundr, til Vinda grundar 
(heppinn dréttu af hlunni sléttom hélog bord) { Srerya-MEx1 : 

12. Aldri frak (enn, vfsi, valdit Vinda sorg) at daglingr spendi 
[flaustom vas pa £166 of ristit] fleiri skip til 6dals peira. 

13. Skialdungr, fortu um dpidéd eldi (audit vas p4 flotnom dauda) 35 
oo kyndot, hlenna prystir, hyrjar liéma] sudr at Iémi: 

vergi pordi hallir varda heidit folk f virki breido 
(budlungr, unnot borgar-mannom) bizrtom eldi (stall-drzep hizorto). 

14. Skialdungr, lézt vid skfra valdit Skotborgar-4 Vinda sorgom 
(Yngvi vas s4 freegr es fengot feornodr pinn) vid helming minna : 40 
vaorro 14 par val-kaostr heeri (vas per sigr skapadr grams ins Digra) 
‘virdom’ kunn an vida runnin varga eett of klffa meetti. 





take hold of the freelands of men, yea, all Norway up to the borders of 
the land. No king is more glorious than ye favo. 

Warfare in Denmark and the Baltic. Then it came to pass that ye 
stood southward, prince, with a great fleet; the ships sped apace, the 
Bison ran from the North. Thou badest men gather to every rowlock- 
strap; they went on board the goodly bark with mail-coats, Russian 
metal [steel swords], and helmets of Poitou. The grim foam dashed in 
upon the forecastle over the captain. The red gold figure-heads quivered, 
and the stiff gale made the shining ship dip. Thou didst stand from the 
North past Stavanger, thy prow towards the realm of the Danes; the 
deep was stirred; the tops of the ships gleamed like fire above. 

II. Staves. Now thou shalt hear in the STAVE-PIECES, O prince, how 
thou didst bear the war-shield into the land of the Wends, having 
launched the frozen bark off the smooth rollers. I never heard ofa . 
king leading a greater number of ships towards their heritage. Ye did 
work woe to the Wends. The sea was furrowed by vessels! Thou, 
king, didst carry fire south to lom among the barbarians; they were 
death-doomed. Ye kindled the lofty flame of fire. The heathen in their 
great fortress dared not guard their hall against the bright flame, for 
thou didst make their hearts shake within them. With the smaller army 
thou didst bring sorrow on the Wends, by the clear Scot-borough Water ; 
great was the victory ye won. There lay there a pile of corses so high 
that the wood-haunting, wide-roving pack of wolves could not climb it. 





25. Read, badtu. 25-26. Read, hleedask ... popto .. . Girzkan malm, 
33- Read, voldut. 42. Emend.; yvirdum, Cd. Fcnd, vidom. 


188 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD'S COURT. _ [bx. vim. 


15. Keppinn vantu patz 2 man uppi Yggjarvedr medan heimrinn byggisk 
(val-gammr skék { vapna-rimmo) vid Helganes (bl66okt fidri) : | 
Yngvi, féktu all med hringom (iarl vissi sik foldar missa) 45 
piddom kuér, [enn pu t6kt sfSan] peira flaust [vid sigri meira]. 


16. Hefnir, fengot yrkis-efni Al4fs; (gceri-ek slfkt at mdlom) 
[Hlakkar leetr-pii hree-laog drekka hauka]; ni mun kveedit aukask : 
fiérar hefir-pu, randa ryrir reyrar setrs, 4 einom vetri 
(allvaldr, est pt of-veegr kalladr) arva hridir froékn of goervar. 50 

17. Otti, kunnot elgjom heetta &di-vedrs 4 skelfSan groedi, 
fengins gollz, eda foedit ella flestan aldr und drifno tialdi: 
glikan berr pik hvassom hauki, holl-vinr minn, { lypting innan 
(aldri skrfér und fylki friéra farligt eiki) Visundr snarla. 

18. Eigi létot, iaofra bagi, y6ro nafni mann-kyn hafna 55 
(hv4rki flfr-pu, hlenna preytir, hyr né malm) { broddi styrjar: 
hlunna es sem radull renni reidar buningr upp { heidi, 

(hrésa-ek pvf) es her-skip gleésir, hlenna dolgr, eda vitar brenni. 

19. Mannom lizk es mildingr rennir Meita hlidir seevar sk{éi, 

unnar iamnt sem ‘ osamt’ renni Engla fylki himna pengils. 60 


20. Eydendr fra-ek at elska piddir (inn-drétt pin es hafd at minnom) 
gredi lostins Godi it nzesta geima vals {i bessom heimi. 
21. Skioldungr man per annarr aldri ri, gramr, und sdlo foédask. 





Thou didst in champion-wise win that battle at Holy-Ness, that shall 
ever be remembered while there are men on earth. The eagle shook 
her gory wings in the fray. Glorious king, thou didst take also their 
ships with all their crew. The earl [Sweyn] lost his land and thou didst 
gain a great victory. 

III. Thou hast given me matter of song, Avenger [son] of Olaf. I will 
exalt thy deeds. Now I will come to the EkING of my song. Thou hadst~ 
bravely fought four battles in one winter, O king. Thou art wont to 
risk thy ships on the tumbling sea, or else thou art spending thy life 
under the driven awnings [in port]. The Bison bears thee in her fore- 
castle like a keen hawk, my good lord; never sped more famous. ship 
under more glorious king. Thou wilt never let men miss thee in the 
van. Thou fleest neither for fire nor sword. The ornaments [figure- . 
heads] that glitter on thy war-ships (I boast thereof) are to look on as it 
were the sun rising in a clear sky, or glowing beacons. When the king 
plows the main with his galleys, it seems to men as if legions of angels 
of God were marching along over the waves. 

Burden. 1 know that the people cherish thee next to God in this 
world; thy household is far-famed! 

A greater king than thee will never be born under the sun. 





55. Read, latid. 61. Eydendr, i.e. the two kings, objective case. 











7 





— Pe * 


— 


a 


lane St er oe ee ae ae a ee 


§ 3.] ARNOR IARLASCALD. | 189 


II. Macnus-prApa (1046-47). 


I. N® hykk riddanda reido rég-ars, pvi-at veitk goerla, 
(pegi seim-brotar !) segja seggjom Hneitiss eggja: 
vasat ellifo allra orm-setrs hati vetra 
hraustr p4-es herskip glésti Harda vinr or Gwrdom. 

2. Ping baud ut enn ungi egg-riddandi piddom; 5 
fim bar hird at hamlo her-vedr ara brediss: 

Salt skar hifi héltom hraustr piéd-konungr austan 
(bro brim-logs rfri brin vedr) at Sigtinom. 

g. Gekk 4 Svipi6d scekkvi Sveins, es fremd vann eina; 
fystizk Al4fs austan afk4rt sonar hiarta: 10 
nétt beid ok dag dréttins dygg ferd Iadar-bygegva: 
‘fyst’ bad gramr { geysto gffrs vedri ‘ser’ hlffa. 

4. Flyéi fylkir reidi framr pidd-konungs rama, 
stoeekk fyrir otvin okkrom arm-svellz hati gerla: 
létat Noregs nidta nytr pengill gram lengi ; 15 
hann rak Svein af sfnom s6kn-diarfr fador-arfi. 


6. Afkarlig vas iarla oré-gnétt su-es hlaut dréttinn ; 
fylgdi efnd pvf-es ylgjar angr-telir réd mela: 
at framm f{ gny grimmom grafnings und kl6 hrafni 
fass lézk falla reesir feigr eOa Danmark eiga. 20 
6. Segja mun-ek hve Sygna snar-fengjan bar pengil 
(hallr vas hrimi sollinn hlé-bor6z) Visundr nordan: 
setti biddr at breido (bryn-pings) fetil-stinga 
(fas t6k ald vid csi) Iétlandi gramr branda. 
". Naéi siklingr sidan sniallr ok Danmoork allri 25 
(maéttr 6x drengja dréttins~dyrs) Néregi at styra: 





MAGNus’ PRAISE. Now I must tell the deeds of the king, for I know 
them well. Be silent, men! The patron of the Hords was not full 
eleven years old when he launched the ships from Garth [Novgorod]. 
The young king called out a levy, and the men in mail stood to the row- 
lock-straps. .He furrowed the Baltic in a fresh gale from the east with 
his curved hulls toward Sigton. Sweyn’s victorious adversary landed in 
Sweden, Olaf’s brave-hearted son hastened from the East. They that 
dwelt in ladar waited night and day for their lord, begging Christ to 
defend him in the battle. The prince [Sweyn] fled the king’s wrath, 
and ran out of the land. The king would not let him enjoy Norway long, 
but chased Sweyn from the heritage of his father [Olaf]. 

War in Denmark. Marvellous was the boast of the lord ‘of Earls 
[Magnus], and fulfilment followed his words: that he would gladly 
fall, doomed, in battle under the raven’s claws, or win Denmark for 
himself. I must tell how the Bison bore the Sogn-folk’s lord from the 
North. Her sides were thick with ice; he steered his ship’s bows 
towards broad Jutland, and the people welcomed him. Then he came 
to rule Norway and all Denmark. Never has any child-king won him so 





7- Ie, hveltom. 12. Read, Christ bad, grami .. bverr? 26, dyrr, Cd, 


190 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [bx. vim. 


cener hefir annarr pengill 46r sv4 gnégo 14di 
(braskat bragnings proski) barn-ungr und sik prungit. 

8. Vann, p4-es Vindr um minnir, v4pn-hrid iafurr sidan 
(sveid of 4m) at Id6mi (illvirkja hree stillir) : 30 
buk dré br4dla steikdan bl6dogr vargr af glédom ; 
rann 4 6skird enni all-sterkr bani hallar. 

9. Od med cexi breida ddeesinn framm resir, 

(vard um hilmi Harda hiar-dynr) enn varp brynjo: 
p4-es um skapt (enn skipti skap-vardér himins iardo), 35 
(Hel klauf hausa falva) hendr tver iafurs spendo. 
10. Sv4 hl66 siklingr h4van snarr af ulfa barri 
(hrésa-ek hug-fullz visa) hrae-kaost (tfrar-zevi) : 
at 4-legejar Ygejar all-natt-feorull mattid 
(cold 14 vitt), pdtt vildi, vif-marr yfir klffa. 40 
Yi. Fuss lét 4 Ree resir ramm-ping hait Glamma; 
Valska raud fyr vido Vestlandi gramr branda. 


12. Titt hefi-ek heyrt at héti Helga-nes, par-es elgi 
v4gs enn vida freegi varg-teitir hraud marga: 
Roekkr aondurt bad randir Reggbuss saman leggja; 45 
r6g-skyja hélt rygjar regni haust-ndétt gegnom. 

13. Derr lét drengja harri driig-spakr af prek fliiga 
(gloeddi eldr af oddom) almi skept 4 hialma: 
Létat hilmir Hneiti (Hagna vedr { goegnom 


iorn flugo piokt sem pyrnir) pél hardara spardan. 50 
14. Skeidr t6k Biarnar brééor ballr Skénungom allar 
(pidd roeri peirar tiSar pingat) gramr med hringom. 
15. Upp-gango vann Yngvi ftr-l6gandi gndéga 


(gcerdi hilmir Haorda hiar-pey) 4 Skaneyjo. 





much land. He was soon of full power. He fought a battle at Iom, the 
Wends will remember; he singed the dark carcases of the heathen; the 
bloody wolf dragged the half-roasted trunks out of the embers, and the 
fierce fire raged over their unchristened brows. The king went in front 
with his axe, casting off his mail-coat, when he grasped the shaft with 
both his hands. The sword-clash rose round the lord of the Hords. 
Hell [Magnus’ axe] clove the yellow skulls. The Lord of heaven 
shared out the earth. Such a high carrion-heap of wolf’s food did the 
king raise, that the night-roving steed of the mate of the giants could not 
climb up it. Men’s bodies lay far and wide. He fought on Rae [Rugen] 
and reddened the Welsh [Gaulish] blade off the wide Westland [Meck- 
lenburgh]. 

I have heard it called Holy-Ness, where he won many ships. Regbus 
bade them lock their shields early in the twilight, and the battle lasted 
all through the autumn night. Our king made the elm-shafted darts 


to fly fiercely on the helmets. The fire sprang off their points. He | 


did not spare Hnit [St. Olaf’s sword] that is harder than the file. The 
Sconey folks forsook all the galleys of Biorn’s brother [Sweyn Wolfsson] 
with all thereon. The Hords’ lord made a raid into Sconey and fought 





38. firar-evi, Cd. 49. vedr, Cd, 








— oe 7 


eee 





er eee te ee se ee eee eee Os 


sa. 


7_~ 
sete 


$3.] ~ ARNOR IARLASCALD. 191 


16. Svik ré8 eigi eklo all-valdr Danom gialda ; 55 
lét full-hugadr falla Falstr-byggja lid tyggi: 
H166 (enn hala tcédo hird-menn ara grenni) 
audar-porn fyr arno ungr val-kasto punga. 

17. Enn bar framm 4 Fiéni (fold sétti gramr drdttar) 
(rans galt herr fré h4nom) hring-serks litodr merki: 60 
minnisk ald, hve annan iafn-parfr blaém hrafni 
(art gat hilmir hiarta) her-skyldir tog fylldi. 


III. Praise or Harorp. 
(Verse 4 from O.H.; verses 6, 7 from Edda.) 


., | eee (enn ry¥rt vard sfdan) frann eldr of siat manna] 

frana egg 4 Fidni (Falstr-byggva lid) tyggi. 

2.  Hialm-aro léztu heyra hnitz, es rautt fyrir Nitzi 
tyggi; Tyrfings eggjar tver 46r mann-fall vzeri: 

Nadrs bord skrido nordan nys at allvaldz fy¥si; 5 
hlaut til Hallandz skiéta hrafn-parfr konungr stafni. 

3.  Hraud, sd-es hvergi flydi, heid-mzerr Dana skeidar 
glaér und golli rodnom, geir-ialm, konungr hialmi: 
skiald-borg raufsk, enn skufar (skaut hodd-glatodr broddom) 
bragna brynjor goegnom budlungr of n4 sungo. 10 

4. Gekkat Sveinn af snekkjo saklaust inn for-trausti 
(malmr kom hardr 4 hialma) [hugi mfnn es pat] sinni: 
far-kostr hlaut at flidta flidt-meeltz vinar Iéta, 
4dr an wolingr flydi, audr, fra verdung daudri. 

5.  Gengr f{ ett bat-es Yngvi Upplendinga brenndi, 15 
(pidd galt reesiss reidi) rann s4-es fremstr ‘vas’ manna: 
vildot aflgar eettir (4dr vas stfrt til vada) 

[grams dolgom feksk galgi|“gagn-prydanda hlyda. 








there. He paid the Danes back unstintingly for their treason, and 
smote the dwellers in Falster. His henchmen helped him. He bore 
forth his banner to Fion [Funen], and all remember how he fulfilled his 
second tale of ten years. 

HAROLD’s PRAISE. War in Denmark. Fire ran over the seats of men, 
the king reddened the keen edge on Fion [Funen], and the dwellers 
in Falster withered away. 

The Niz River Battle. Thou lettest men hear thou didst dye both 
Tyrfing’s edges red off Niz [1062]. The Snake sped from the North to 
Halland. In his golden helmet the king, that never fled, chased the Danish 
galleys ; the shield-wall was broken. Sweyn did not leave his ships without 
doing any harm. The ship of the patron of the Jutes was cleared before 
the Etheling fled, all his guard being dead. 

Rising of the Uplanders [1065]. It runs in the king’s family for the 
king to burn the Uplanders’ houses [his brother St. Olaf had done it 
before him]. The good people would not obey him, Thé@ people had 
to pay for his wrath. The gallows were the portion of his enemies; ere 





61. hver annan, Cd, 16, Read, es. 
* 


192 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [px. vi. 


6. Cé£mdit rod vid Rauma reiér Ey-Dana meidir, 

heit dvinodo Heina; hyrr gceréi pa kyrra. 20 
4.  Siklinga venr snekkjor sid-litar konr Uti; 

hann litar her-skip innan (hrafns g66 es pat) bl6di. 


IV. Erri-prApa on Kine Harotp (c. 1067). 


i UNG rauéd iarn 4 Englom eir-laust (ne koemr meira) 
visi vel neer Uso (val-fall um her sniallan). 

a, ‘Féll at fundi stilliss framm 630 vé mdééa’ 
‘sort fl6 gridt 4 gauta gléd-heitr ofan sveiti:’ 
‘pidd hykk padra n4do ptisundom tok fusa’ 5 
‘(spiét flugo) lif at lata (laus { gumna hausom):’ 

=; Gagn fékk giaf-vinr Sygna (gekk hildr at mun vildra) 
hinn-es 4 hel fyr mannom ‘hrein-skialdaér’ f6r aldri: 
Dynéo iarlar undan (eir fékka lid peira) 
[mann-kyn hefir at minnom morgin pann] til Borgar. . 10 


4. Upp-gango baud Yngvi ftr med helming lftinn, 
s4-es 4 sinni evi sdsk aldregi haska: 

Enn um England sunnan aflugr herr at berjask - 
for vid fylki dfyran; fundosk peir af stundo. 

5. Olli of-rausn stilliss, orma-lattrs, bat-es méAattit, 15 
stals { strango éli, stridir elli bifda: ; 3 
hinn-es aldregi ‘aldins’ é6tams litodr hramma 
viggs, f vapna glygegvi, vard-rinar, sik spardi. 

6. Hafdit bridst (ne bifdisk bad-snart konungs hiarta) 

{ hialm-primo hilmir hlit-styggr fyr ser litid: 20 





this it had been well-nigh a revolution. The foe of the Island-Danes dealt 
roughly with the Reams, the threatenings of the Heins fell low. Fire 
silenced them. The king ever keeps his sea-swaying ships out at sea. 


DiRGE ON HAROLD. Fulford Fight. The king reddened the heavy 
irons [axes] on the English hard by Ouse without mercy. There shall 
never be a greater slaughter among gallant men! At Fulford the king’s 
army marched down the Dyke, his banner went forth in the van. The 
spears flew. I know that the people rushed by thousands into the Dyke 
by Ouse. One could pass over upon the heads of men. The fair- 
shielded friend of the Sogn-folk [Harold], he that never turned on 
his heel in the face of his foes, won the day: the earls [Eadwine 
and Morcar] marched back to the Borough [York]: their side had 
the worst of it. Men hold that morning in remembrance, - 

Stamford Bridge. The noble king, that never feared danger in his life, 
made an inroad with a little band; but from the south of England there 
came a mighty host to battle with the good king. They met forthwith. 
The king’s rashness in battle prevented him from awaiting old age, that 
king who never spared himself in fight, the dyer of the giant good-wife’s 
charger’s [ Wolf’s| paws. His was a steadfast breast in battle; the bold 





3-6. The whole verse is over-painted. Read, at Fulla-furdo... Mddo... ofan 
sveitir, 5. Read, diki Uso. 8. -skialdaér] thus Hrokk. 














§ 3.] ARNOR IARLASCALD. 193 


‘pars til pengils hersa, pat s4 herr, at skatna’ 
‘bl6éogr hiarr ins barra beit daglinga Hneitiss.’ 
" Eigi vard ins ygja audligr konungs daudi; 
hiffdot ‘hlenna scéfi hoddom reknir oddar :’ 
Heldr kuro meirr ens mcéra mildings, an frid vildi, 25 
of folk-snaran fylki falla lids-menn allir- 


8. Vitt f6r Valsungs heiti; vard marg-lofaér harda 
hinn-es skaut or Nid nytla nordan her-skips bordi. 

9. Myrkt es hverr meira orkar mer, allz greppr ne sérat, 
(hardr es) { heimi (ordinn hrafn-grennir) prek iafnom: 30 
‘ert’ gat dsleett hiarta eljon-fims und himni 
‘mest hefir mildingr kostod minni hvers grams vinnor.’ 

10. Haraldr vissi sik hverjom haré-r46ér und Midgardi 
(daglingr ré6 til dauda dyrd slfkri) gram rikra: 
Hefir afraka ens cefra Att-stf¥random dyrri 35 
(hnigrat hilmir freegri) heilag fold (til moldar). 


_V. R6éeNvALDz-DRAPA. 
(Verses I-5 from Iarla Saga ; verse 6 from Edda.) 


x 1 phage af sv4 aldri, él grafninga pbélar 
gunnar niarér { Gardom gunn-braér tio hadi. 


2. Em-ek sfzt ytar hnekéo iarla sett, es ek vetti, 
(‘iafn fengosk hre hrafnom’) hegjo traudér at segja: 
sleit fyr Eyjar ttan allvaldr bla tialdi, 5 
hafdi hregg-sveol duifa hrimi ‘fast um’ lfma. 

3. Oskepnan var6d uppi endr p4-es margom kendi 





king’s heart never trembled when the bloody brand bit the lord of 
barons [Harold]. His death was not according to fate [it was too 
early]! His... . mailcoat Emma did not save the king from the 
spears. Sooner than take quarter of the people [English], his men 
rather chose all of them to fall with the king. 

Far did his name travel; many were the poems on the king that 
doughtily launched his war-ships out of Nith inthe north. It is dark 
to me, and I can never see king on earth that was his match in deeds 
of prowess .... the greatest prince under heaven, 

Harold the Stern seemed to men the mightiest king on earth, so 
great was his renown till his death.... Never sank to earth more 
glorious captain. 


EARL ROGNWALD’S PRAISE. In Russia. His life passed in such wise 
that he fought ten battles in Gard [Novgorod territory]. 

Battle of Redburgh. I am grieved to tell what happened. I know, 
after men broke the peace between the earls [Rognwald and his 
brothers], the prince struck his awnings and put to sea outside the 
Islands [Hebrides] ....ice cold... . [it was still winter]. A dire fate was 





24. Read, hliféit Emma idfri oddom .. .? 35. Thus Thulor; afreki, Cd. 
6. Read, féstom ? 


VOL. Il. re) > 


194 EARL THORFINN’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


‘hdligt’ r6ég at hnfga hard par-es iarlar bardosk: 
ner rédosk Ast-menn Grir, ‘elld-hrié, enn vard sidan 
(ald fékk mein in milda mearg) fyrir Rauda-biargom. 10 
4. Hv4rn-tveggja s4-ek hoeggva hird 4 Pettlandz-firdi 
(6r prifosk mein at meiri) minn audé-giafa sina: 
sidr blézk, enn dreif dreyri doekkr 4 saum-far kloekkva, 
skaut 4 skiald-rim sveita, skokkr vas bl6di stokkinn. 
a Gramr mundi s4 gamlo gunn-braér und sik l46i 15 
(hann fekk miklo minni mann-spiall) koma allo: 
Ef flendra Endils eett-stafr hafa kneetti 
(vélti herr um Hialta) hialm-prétta lid (drdéttinn). 


6. Sadr stillir hialp pi sniallom sél-tialda Rognvaldi! 


VI. PorFInnz-DRAPA. 


(Verses 3-14, 26 from Iarla Saga, Orkn, S., chs. 22-38, Rolls Ed.; verses 1-2, 
16-25 from Edda; verse 15 from Skalda.) 
I. N® hykk slférs-hugads segja (sf6 léttir mer strfda) 
[pytr Allfaodrs] ¥tom iarls kosto [fen hrosta]. 


2. Nemi drdétt, hve sz sdédtti snar-lyndr konr iarla! 
eigi praut vid zgi of-vegjan gram begija. 
ae Hilmir raud { hialma hreggi skelkings eggjar ; 5 


for 4dr fimtan veeri fet-ridédr hugins vettra: 
goerr lézk grund at verja gunn-froekn ok til scekja 
cerri Einars hlyra——Ongr mannr und sky-ranni. 





ruling when the earls fought of yore, their great feud brought many a man © 
low that morning. My beloved patrons fought at Redburgh [Rattar- 
brough, East of Dunnet Head]. I saw them, both my patrons, hewing 
down each other’s men in Pentland Firth. Very great was my sorrow. 
The sea was stained, the dark gore was dashed on to the fine strakes, 
the blood flew on to the rim of the shields [round the waist of the war 
galleys], the hull was splashed withal. The prince [Rognwald] would 
have won all the ancient land for himself (he lost far fewer men), if ‘he, 
the scion of Endil [the sea-king], had had the help of the Islanders 
[ Hebrides people] the people betrayed the lord of the Shetlanders. 

Prayer. O true king of the sun’s awnings [heaven], help thou the 
gallant Rognwald! 


EARL THORFINN’S DiRGE, Burden. No man under the hall of the 
clouds was greater than Thorfinn. 

Now I am going to tell of the deeds of the great-hearted earl. The 
yeasty draught of Woden is bubbling; [my song is running through 
my lips]; my sorrow grows no lighter. Hearken, O men! how the 
prince of earls [Thorfinn| put to sea; he was not afraid to face Eager 
[the sea-giant]. 

Scotland. He fought and went forth to sea before he was fifteen. 
years old; the younger brother of Einar was ready to defend his own 
and to win other men’s land to boot. I know he battled with Karl 





8. Read, hettligt. 9. Read, odd-hrid. 16. minna, Cd, 3. kgr, Cd, 

















§3.] ARNOR IARLASCALD. 195 


4. Endr hygg-ek Karli kendo ‘kyndom lofut brynjo’ 
(land vasa lofSéungs kundar laust) fyrir Dyrsnes austan: 10 
fimm snekkjom ré6 frammi flug-styggr vid hug dyggvan 
rausnar-madr at resiss reidr ellifo skeidom. 

&. At lagdo skip skatnar skilit, fell herr 4 piljor; 
svomo iarn { amo 66-hard Skotta blddi: 

Stall drapa (strengir gullo; st4l beit, enn rann sveiti; 15 
broddr fl6, biféosk oddar biartir) pengils hiarta. 

6. Prima vas pvigit skemri, pat vas skidtt at spidtom 
metr vid minna neyti mfnn dréttinn rak fldtta: 
g6l ‘4dr grams menn feli’ gunn-m4r um her sd#rom, 
hann v4 sigr fyrir sunnan Sandvfk, ‘ruéu branda.’ 20 

". Ulfs tuggo raud eggjar, eitt pars Torfnes heitir, 

(ungr olli pvi pengill; pat vas M4na-dag) franar: 
sungo par til binga punn fyrir Ekkial sunnan 
sver6, es siklingr bardisk snarr vid Skotlandz harra. 


8. Hatt bar Hialta dréttinn hialm at geira ialmi 25 
(6gn-stcérir raud [rom odd) { ferdar broddi: ; 
minn dréttinn naut mattar mildr und Brezkom skildi, 
hendi Hladvess freendi her-menn, ok t6k brenna. 

9. Tyndosk bél par-es brendi (braskat pat dcégr haski) 
[stoekk { reyr en rokno raudr eldr] Skotta-veldi : 30 
mor6é-kennir galt mannom mein; 4 sumri eino 
fengo peir vid pengil prim sinnom hlut minna. 

10. Veit-ek par-es Vatz-fizordr heitir (vask { miklom haska) 
mins (vid mannkyns reyni) merki dréttins verka: 
pidd bar skidtt ‘af skeidom’ skiald-borg Fri4-morgin, 35 
goerla s4-ek at gindi grar ulfr of n4 s#rom. 





[Duncan] off Deerness [Orkney] in the east .... the earl attacked him 
with a stout heart, his five ships against the king’s eleven galleys. They 
laid their ships together; the keen weapons swam in the black blood of 
the Scots; the bow-strings rang, the steel cut, the blood flew, the shaft 
sped, the bright points quivered, the prince’s heart trembled not. Long 
they fought with spears; but soon my lord with his small force drove 
them.to flight. He won the day in the south of Sandwick [Orkney]. 
The young earl reddened the keen edges of the Wolf’s morsel [sword] 
at the place called Torfness [Tarbatness?]; it wasa Monday. The thin 
swords sung at the meeting south of Ekkial [R. Oikel] when the earl 
fought with the lord of Scotland [King Duncan]. 

Ireland. ‘The lord of the Shetlanders fought the Irish, carrying his 
helm high in the van of his host. Hlodwe’s kinsman [Thorfinn] showed 
his prowess under the British [Welsh] shield, and burnt the land. Many 
a homestead perished when he burnt the realm of the Scots. Three 
times in one summer they were defeated by him. I know the tokens 
of my lord’s prowéss at the place called Water firth [isle of Skye]; 
I was in jeopardy there with my lord. Briskly did men form up in the 
shield-wall at Skye on a Friday morning. 





35. Read, & Skidi, 
02  - 


196 EARL THORFINN’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


Il. ‘Margr’ vard ‘milli borga,’ mildingr proeng at hildi, 
horna-blastr, par-es hristosk hug-stérs iafurs merki: 
‘vatr bra’ es vig-lidst pdtti ‘varg-steypis her greypom’ 


(skulfo iarn, enn ulfar) Yggs morgin (hre tuggo). 40 
r. ‘Ymist vann sa er unni’ Irsk fell drétt ba-es sétti 
‘balldrs edr’ Brezkar aldir, brA eldr Skotta veldi. 
13. ‘Ein er su er Engla minnir’ egg-hrfé, ne mun sfdan 


hdr me@ helming meira hring-drifr komit pingat: 

bito sverd (enn par purdi) bunn-geer, fyrir Maon sunnan 45 

(Ragnvaldz kind und randir ‘ramlig’ folk ins Gamla). 
14. Staong bar iarl 4 Engla zett-grund, enn raué stundom 

(vé bad visi kn¥ja verdung) ara tungo: 

hyrr 6x, hallir burro, ‘her-drdétt’ rak flétta, 

eim hratt, enn laust lidma lim-dolgr ner himni. 50 
rs, . « « « » ».Sumar hvern frekom erni. 
16. Harri fekki f hverri Hialtlandz primo branda 

(greppr vill grams dyrd yppa) gagn, sa-es neestr es bragna. 


17. Svalg Att-bodi ylgjar ég6ér, enn vard blddi 
gredir groéenn at ‘raudom’ grand ‘auknom’ né blandinn. 55 


18. Ungr skialdungr stfgr aldri iafn-mildr 4 vid Skialdar ; 
pess vas grams und gamlom gndég rausn Ymiss hausi. 
19. Hrafns foedi vard hlyda herr fra Pursa-skerjom 
(‘rétt segig pidd hve pdétti’) Pérfinni til Dyflinnar. 
20. Orms felli. drakka allan all-kostigr fen hrosta 60 
-  (rausn dr¥gdi pa reesir) Ragnvaldz nidr { goegnom. 





England and Wales. There was much horn-blowing ‘between the 
boroughs’ [sic] when the earl’s banner swayed....at daybreak.... 
Wednesday morning. The earl... . the Irish people fell... . the British 
[Welsh]; he carried fire over the realm of the Scots. There was a 
battle fought in Anglesey Sound; never shall prince come there with 
a greater fleet. The son of Rognwald the old [Thorfinn] stood under 
shield ; the thin swords bit a multitude of men in the south off Man. 
The ear] bore his banner upon the Englishmen’s fatherland, the fire waxed, 
the halls fell together, the smoke poured forth, and the flame rose 
up to heaven. The prince drove the people to flight. Every summer 4e 
fed the greedy erne. 

The lord of Shetland, doughtiest of men, gained every battle. The 
poet [I myself] will exalt the prince’s praise. 

The Battle of Redburgh. The wolf swallowed the carrion, the green 
sea was blent with blood at Redburgh [Caithness]. 

Never shall such a generous young prince step on Shield’s timber [the 
ship]: great was his renown under the ancient skull of Ymi [heaven]. 
All men obeyed Thorfinn from Giant-skerries [the reef east of Orkney] 
to Dublin. . 

Lost Verse. [He won nine earldoms in Scotland and all the Sudreys.] 





43. Read, Endr vas { Onguls sundi? 49. Read, har dréttinn. 55. Read; 
at Rauda-biorgom. 














——- 


wane. ce ae ee 


-. ee. 
| 


-vo Ty 





. 
lee its ta! 


ey ce 
I 


aye AEF ae ef “4 ee eae See . POR CIM nye mt a 


he i 





§ 3.] ARNOR IARLASCALD. 197 


21. ‘Het ek’ pa es hvern vetr stom hrafns verd-giafa iafnan 
(lf8 drakk gramr 4 gdédar) gagn-vert (skipa sagnir). 
22. Réd Heita konr hleyti her-parfr vid mik gcerva; 


styrk lét oss of orkat iarls maegd af pvi fraegdar. 65 

23. Bera sin (en ‘mik minir’ mord-kendz taka enda) 
(pess of pengils sessa) bung mein synir ungir. 

24. Beénir hefi-ek fyrir beini bragna fallz vid sniallan 
Grikkja vard ok Garda; giaf launag sv4 iafri. 

25. AMitt-beéti firr ftran all-riks (enn ek bid Ifkna) 70 
(‘trira’ tyggja dyrom) Torf-Einars, God, meinom! 

26. Bizort verdr s6l at sortna; soekkr fold { mar doekkvan, 


brestr ervidi Austra, allr brunar ser med fiallom: 
4dr at Eyjom frféri (inn-dréttar) Pérfinni 
(peim hialpi God geymi!) goédingr moni foédask. 75 
VII. Dirce on Hermunp (from Edda). 
H IALP pu dyrr konungr d¥rom dags grundar Hermundi! 


VIII. Direct on Getxi (from Edda). 


SS, igs raga vegr pat-es mis-goert pykkir, mannvitz fré6r, ok 
allt it g6da; 
tyggi skiptir sidan seggjom sdlar-hialms 4 dcemi-stdli. 


IX. Improvisation (from Iarla Saga). 


Seale es { gegn at ganga (gétt es at fylgja dréttni) 
{aold leynig pvi aldri] 6ftiss syni Brusa: 





Rognwald’s kinsman [Thorfinn] drank of the yeasty pool [ale] all the 
winter through (such was his state). I used to sit over against the earl 
every winter, and he used to toast his-good men. The kinsman of Heiti 


_[Thorfinn] contracted affinity with me [he gave me his kinswoman in 


marriage]. This marriage kinship gave me rank. The earl’s young sons 
bear up against their heavy sorrow. Lo, now my memories of the earl 
are fast tending to an end. 

Epilogue. 1 offer prayers for the valiant earl [Thorfinn] to God, the 
ready Patron of the Greeks and Gard-folk [Russians]; thus I repay him 
his gifts. O God, deliver the goodly furtherer of Turf-Einar’s mighty 
race from woe! I pray mercy for the good lord of Tyree. 

The bright sun shall turn black, the earth shall sink into the dark 
sea, the burden of the Dwarf [heaven] shall be rent, the whole sea 
shall rush up over the hills, ere there shall be born in the Isles a better 
prince than Thorfinn. O God! help the lord of the henchmen! 


HERMUND ILLUGISSON’S PRAISE. Help thou the good Hermund, thou 
dear King of the land of Day [Heaven]! 

GELLI’s DirRGE. The wise Michael weighs men’s misdeeds and good 
works; then the King of Heaven, sitting on His judgment-seat, sepa- 
rates men into tavo companies. 

IMPROVISATION. Before Redburgh Battle. 1 will never hide it. I am 





62. Read, Hlaut-ek hvern v. sitja? 66. Read, enn midk minni. 71. 
Read, Tyris ? 74. fridom, Cd. 
>. 


198 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD'S COURT. _ [sx. vut. 


oss es, ef iarlar pessir é6gn-br4dir til r4dask, 
(hard mun vin-raun verda) vandligr kostr fyrr handom. 


FracmEnts (Edda Lauf.). 


Bekks 14 eldr ok axla ulf-lids Daonom midli 
ek s4 ‘orm rud pakka’ eitt Skanunga hanom. 
Kreysti kntito lostna klifs bein fizro-steina. 3 


THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 


THIODWOLF, the poet of Harold par excellence (as Arnor was of the 
Earls and Magnus), was a prolific poet, and so much of his work has been 
preserved that we might construct a little Chronicle from it of the 
reigns of his patrons, even of Magnus; for he followed that king in his 
campaigns in Denmark, and has left vivid pictures of the scenes he 
beheld; he carefully tells us of the spoils he bore home, a Gautland 
shield, a mail-coat, sword and helm. He talks, too, of Harold’s benefac- 
tions to him, and of other personal reminiscences. 

He was an Icelander, son of a poor man (if we may credit the court 
gossip preserved in the story of his quarrel with Hall, provoked by the 
king), but of his family and quarters we know nothing. He seems to have 
been in Norway as early as 1043, he was present at Stamford Bridge, 
and survived Harold at least. 

His career, as traced in his poems, begins with Improvisations on 
Magnus’ campaigns, 1043-45; and encomiums on both kings, Magnus 
Jiokk, and a Welcome to Harold, in 1046. The Dirge on Magnus, the 
Launch of the Dragon, seem to belong to 1048, and the short poem on the 
Levy against Sweyn to 1054. The longest poem, Six-Stave, contain- 
ing a review of Harold’s whole career down to the quelling of the Upland 
Rebellion, which he says was put down after three years, cannot be 
earlier than 1065. The Improvisations on the morrow of the fight at 
Stamford Bridge and the Dirge of Harold, of which we have a fragment, 
would belong to 1066. A fragment of a poem on an Earl {Thorfinn?] 
we cannot date; nor of course the comic lines composed for Harold, 
who delighted in his impromptu verses. The tale of Thiodwolf in 
Flatey-bok, iii. 415, isa mere inflated version of the Hulda story, stuffed 
out and garnished with additions and forged verses, 

Thiodwolf’s poems have undergone serious injury, as can be seen by 
comparison with the prose drawn from his verses; but, as usual, it is in 
those lines where reference is made to foreign places (e.g. Denmark) that 
the dilapidation is the worst. 

In the Magniis Ode we have been able to restore ‘ Iota’ for ‘ iéfra,’ 
‘Fion’ for ‘i folk,’ ‘solar-dag at Iolum’ for ‘Sunnudag of unnin,’ and 
‘pridia vé,’ Woden’s home, i.e. Odensé, for ‘ bordir be,’ etc. 

It is in the Improvisations on Magnus’ Danish campaigns in Denmark 
that the corruption and rottenness of the present text is most mani- 
fest. After the repeated defeats in Jutland (that of Helganes was the 
finishing stroke), Magnus gave chase, pursuing Sweyn over Fiinen, 
Sealand, and Sconen into Sweden; for from the places named in Sealand 





unwilling to march against the son of Brusi [Rognwald]. It is good to 
follow one’s lord. A hard choice is before me if these two earls come 
to blows. It will try their friends sharply. 





3- Some Danish name of place? Orms-rud ? 








AS comely Bl te 





$3.] THIODOLF ARNORSSON, 199 


it is manifest the hunt ran eastaard, and not, as in the Saga, over 
Sealand to Fiinen.... Under ‘au%trodu, saur stokkinn’ lurks ‘And- 
word skog’ and ‘ Saurar,’ the famous Soré. ‘Hrokaland’ is nonsensical, 
and stands for ‘Hnikars-lund,’ i.e. Woden’s grove, that is, Odensé in 
Fion; ‘at ezrno’ marks some place-name in Sconey, as do ‘locuanar’ 
and ‘suia collom.’—The fire of youth is in these rough cruel verses. 

In Six-Stave we can trace sections: 1. On Sticklestead, where Bolgara 
brennir is a notable synonym for Harold. 2. On Harold’s Eastern war- 
fare, where the curious Gaelic ‘cras’ occurs, and the blinding of the 
Emperor is mentioned. 3. His return to Norway. 4. The battle at the 
mouth of the river Niz, in Halland, 1062, when the number of Sweyn’s 
ships is given. There are several rotten places here. 5. The remaining 
strophes on the Swedish quarrel. 6. The Upland rebellion. 7. The 
law-keeping of Harold. 8. Seemingly the End Piece: his generosity and 
glory, where the poet uses the metaphors (peculiar to himself) of the 
harvest-field and the reaping. The concluding Epilogue is preserved. 

The Launch of the Dragon is Thiodwolf’s best work (as he calls the 
king young, so we have put it as early as we could, in 1048 Harold was 
thirty-three). It is a good dashing picture of the fine new galley of 
Harold, steered out of Nith river down to the Firth on a bright day, 
while the ladies of the city are looking out with wonder at the quick 
even stroke of the oarsmen (seventy oars) and the glittering jaws of 
the Dragon figure-head. Thorodd the Grammarian cites l. 9. 

The Levy Ode and the Ode on the Tryst with Sweyn are anonymous, 
but so entirely consonant with Thiodwolf’s work and age that we do 
not hesitate to put them among his works. 

The Stamford Bridge verses convey the feeling that the expedition was 
ill-advised from the beginning; which, as such legends as the Dream 
Verses, § 7, relate, was the impression left on the popular mind. 

The Dirge on Harold contained, like Arnor’s short poem, a rapid 
calendar or summary of the king’s exploits, imperfect now. 

The Comic Verses are corrupt, and we could not mend them. All 
through Thiodwolf’s poems we can see that he knows and admires 
Sighvat’s works, but of course beyond form and place there is no direct 

‘imitation or echo. Thiodwolf is at his best in his impulsive emotional 
verses and short odes, some of which, as the Launch, are not surpassed 
by any court-poet. 


I. Macnus-FLoxkr (c. 1046). 
(Verse 1 from Edda.) 


¥; 5 eas Olafs son, austan efldr 4 vatn it skelfda. 

2. Ut réttu, allvaldr skiéta (eikin didisk rH) snekkjo ; 
enn pritceg skip ‘prauta’ pann tid { haf skrida: 
vegdit vendi sveigdom vedr 6tt um per, dréttinn; 
hl6do hird-menn pridir hin-skript { Sigttinom. 5 

3. Aur spornadot arnar il-ridédr fra Svi-piddo 





I. MAGNUS FLOKK. Return to Noravay. THovu didst come in strength, 
O son of Olaf, over the troubled water. Thou didst thrust out thy 
bark, the oaken yard was tossing; thou didst run out to sea in a thirty- 
oared ship; the gale did not spare the creaking mast above thee, king. 
The proud crew furled their mast-scroll [sail] at Sigtun. Thou didst 
tramp over the clay out of Sweden from the east to Norway. A trusty 

. 


200 MAGNUS’ COURT. . [ BK. VII. 


(herr fylgdi per, harri hraustr) { Néreg austan: 
flydi Sveinn, enn sfdan sann-r4dinn fra 146i, 
erlendiss, fra-ek undan Alffivo son drifa. 


4. Diarft neyttir-pd, dréttinn dolg-strangr skipa langra; 10 
af pvi at ytar hafdo austr siau tigi flausta: 
sudr gnaudodo stdir segl-hind 4 stag ‘ryndo;’ 
Vik skar vand-langt eiki; Visundér hneigdi pram sveigdan. 
5. Sialfr vas austr vid Elfi Ulfs magr, ok hét fagro; 
par réd Sveinn at sverja sinar hendr 4 skrini: 15 
ré5 Aldfs sonr eidom (Att hafa peira sdttir 
skemra aldr an skyldi), Skanunga gramr, hanom. 


6. Hykk { hundradés flokki Haraldz brédor son stédo 
(hrafn vissi ser hvassast hungr-bann) framast manna: 
vitt 14 Vinda flétti; varé par-es Magnus bardisk 20 
heeggvinn valr at hylja heidi rastar breida. 

cE Minn va sigr fyrir sunnan sniallr Heida-by spialli 
(Neer fra-ek skarpa skero Skotborgar-4) gotna: 
undi é6tal Vinda Ello konr at fella; 
hvar hafi gumnar goerva geir-hrid fregit meiri? 25 


8. Lagdo (grediss gl6da) gramr ok iarl fyrir skammo 
(par kom bitr 4 barva brand-leikr) saman randir: 
sva-at man-binga moendot merkendr Hedins serkjar 
(herr knadi gny goerva geirs) orosto meiri. 

9. Skotid fra-ek skepti-flettom skiétt ok margom spidtom 30 
(brood fekk hrafn par-es hadisk hildr) 4 breida skialdo: 
neytto mest sem matto menn at vapna senno 
(baugs enn bardir logo barvar) gridtz ok erva. 





host followed thee, O king! and then Sweyn fled abroad, deserted, from 
his land. I know that the son of Alfgifu hastened away. 

War in Denmark. Thou didst take boldly to thy long ships, standing 
east with seventy ships. The barks went scudding on, the sail-hind 
[ship] raced ahead; the tall-masted oak [ship] clave the Wick (Bay); the 
Bison ran her gunwales under. The son of Wolf himself [Sweyn] met 
thee at the Elbe [Gaut-Elf] and promised fair; yea, Sweyn [Sweyn the 
Earl] swore with his hand on a shrine. Olaf’s son, the lord of the 
Sconey-folk, gave out the oath; yet their covenant lasted a shorter 
while than it ought. 

Magnus defeats the Wends. WUarold’s brother’s son [Magnus] stood 
foremost I know in his host of hundreds [battle array|; far and wide 
the flying Wends lay; where Magnus fought the slain covered a league- 
wide Heath. In the south my patron won a battle at Heathby 
[at Liirschau near Sleswick]; there was another hard fight near Scot- 
borough water [border of Jutland and Sleswick]. I know the kinsman 
of Alla [Magnus who claimed the English crown] slew Wends untold. 

Sweyn vanquished. ‘The King and Earl fought a short time ago [at 
Aros = Aarhuus in Jutland] a greater battle. ...the wearers of Hedin’s 
shirt [mail] ....I heard of the swift shooting of staff-slings and spears 
on the broad shields; men used their stones and arrows as fast as they 











4 
t 
' 
4 
} 
3 





OR ET tee meta ee Oe Ee 


THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 201 


Barot beeslar fleiri bog-menn af har tognom ; 
moendit pann dag Preéndi preyta fyrr at skeytom: 35 
sv4 piokt flugo sidan snceri-darr um ‘skzro,’ 

(ort vas cor-drif 14tid) flla sAttu { milli. 


$i, Miak bad Magnuss rekka mannr raskliga annan 
(hard ‘prifosk’ bord par-es bardomk) bad-sky framar knyja. 
24; Varédr gekk meirr at mordi Magnus kialar vagna 40 


(pat vas freegt) i fagran fram-stafn varrar hrafni: 
gcerdom par sva-at burdi (pengils enn 6x gengi) 
[skeidr nam herr at hridda] huskarla lid iarli. 

13. Adér svan-foldar seldi sél-rfrandi inn dyri 
(iarls 14 ferd 4 ferli) fiar-grid stafom hizrva. 45 

14. Ramm vas hildr, su-es hramma hard-éls vidir bardosk, 
(herr gekk snarr at snerro) ‘Sunno dag of unnin:’ 
flaut, pa-es feigir léto fiar gny-stafar hiarva, 

(pi6d soekk niér af Nwdrom) nér 4 hverri béro. 

15. NAdi iarl at eyda ‘iafra’ settr 4 vettri; 50 
lézt eigi pu lftla land-varn af per standa. 
mattir Magnus heetta mildr ‘{ folk’ und skildi; 
nefa Kniitz vas p4 nytom ner sem radinn veri. 

16. Rand bartu, resir Proenda, reidr ‘pordir be’ meida; 
his namtu hvert ok eiso hyr-felld gefa eldi: 55 
geerr vildir-pi gialda, goédinga konr, skcedar 
(ert rendo beir undan) iarls fylgiorom dylgjor. 


17. Hizig laut, es heitir Helganes, fyrir kesjom 
(sukko sdrir rekkar) Sveins ferd (bana verdir) : 
metr hélt margo spidti Mcéra gramr f{ sncri 60 
(odd raud aski studdan arr land-reki) darrom. 





could. The archers never sped more [arrows] off their strings. The 


Thronds did not fall short in shooting that day, the thong-darts flew so 
thick one could hardly see between them at .... Every man of Magnus’ 
host was cheering on his neighbour to the attack. Magnus went forward 
in the battle; we lessened the number of the Earl’s house-carles; the 
king began to board the galleys before he gave quarter to the earl’s 
men. Hard was the battle on the Sunday before Yule. The people 
sunk dead from out of the Snakes [dragon ships]. The earl left the 
land of the Jutes in the winter; Magnus crossed under shield to Fion 
[Funen]; Cnut’s nephew [Sweyn] was then, as it were, done for. Thou 
didst bear the shield, O lord of the Thronds, and sack Woden’s grove 
[Odensé], giving every house to smoke and flame; thou wast eager to 
pay the earl’s people for their evil words of hate. 

Final Battle of Helganes. Sweyn’s men fell before the javelins at 
Holyness [Helganes in East Jutland]; the lord of the More-men swung 
many a thong-dart. The earl fled from his empty ship where Magnus 





39. Read, rufosk. 42. pengill . . . fengi, Cd. 47. Read, Solar dag at 
Idlom ? 50. Read, Idta. 52. Read, 4 Fion? 54. ronn lézt, Cd. 
54. Read, pridja vé? 


ae 
Boh 


202 MAGNUS’ COURT. [BK. VIII. 


18. Fly¥di iarl af audo, otvin, skipi sino 

mord, par-es Magnus goerdi mein-foért padan Sveini: 

ré6 her-konungr hridéa Hneitiss egg { sveita; 

sprendi bl66 4 bryndan brand; v4 gramr til landa. 65 
19. Hadisk heilli g6do0 hildr sem Magnus vildi; 

selr of slikt at pylja sékn-stcérir mer feéri: 

brand raud budlungr Proénda; berr fdula sidan 

hann ept her-vig prennin hera skiald or gialdom. 


II. Visor (1044-45). 
(Verse 3 is in Hulda wrongly given to Arnor.) 


I. Heve Alafs magr 4an (iafurr v4 sigr) ens Digra 
[fregnat slfkt or Sogni] siau skip [konor hnipnar]. 


2. Misst hafa Sveins at syno, sveré-gautr, faoro-nautar 
(hard es heldr um ordin) heim-kvaémo (far beima): 
hreerir hausa peira hreggi cést ok leggi 5 
(sir pytr auds of drom) unnr 4 sanda grunni. 

3. Sveins manna rekr sunnan sandog Ifk at strandom ; 


vitt sér ald fyrir titan Idtland hvé hre flidta: 
vitnir dregr or vatni (vann Al4fs sonr bannat) 
[buk slftr vargr { vikom] val-kast (ara fasto). 10 


4. Hrindr af ‘Hroka lundi’ hregg af eiki-vegejom 
(sunnr leikr eldr of innom) 6dr { lopt upp glééom: 
ber logar halfo hera hiénom ner 4 Fidéni; 
refr pola naud ok nefrir; Nordmenn sali brenna. 

5 Menn eigo pess minnask manna Sveins at kanna_ 15 
viga-Freys sizt varo, vef-gefn, tvinnar stefnor: 
ven es fagrs 4 Fidni flidés, dugir vopn at ridda, 


ea 


vesom meO fylkto folki framm { vapna glammi. 





wrought woe to Sweyn; the king won the land, wielding Hnit [Olaf’s 
sword]. The battle turned as Magnus hoped. The lord of the Thronds 
bore ever his shield highest three times over at their settling. 


Il. His own exploits when following Magnus. Jutland. The son of Olaf 
the Stout cleared seven ships [carried them]. The ladies of Sogn will 
not grieve at such tidings. The men of Sweyn have lost their hope of 
getting home; the storm-stirred water tosses their heads and legs on the 
sandy shoals. The sandy corses of Sweyn’s men are floating off the 
strand at Jutland. The wolf drags his prey from the water, and tears it 
in the Wicks. Olaf’s son won the day. 

Funen. ‘The storm-wind throws up the glowing embers of the oak 
walls at Woden’s grove [Odensé]. The furious fire plays over the houses; 
the rafters and black thatch are in evil case, the farms at Fion [Funen] 
were aflame over the households. The Northmen burnt the hall. 
Sweyn’s men will remember those two battles. There is no lack of fair 
maids in Fion [Funen]. It is seemly to redden one’s weapon; let us go 
forth to battle in array ! 





11. Read, Hnikars lundi. 12. unnin, Cd, 











aaa ay iia ths 
ees? Laat Gath 


ATEN PAE On Nana ie 


be i ae 





‘>> 


IP OR a Te 
7 





Se ee ee ee Tl eT Pee ere, ek A ee 
, 


ita 


THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 203 


Geer sd-ek gridti st6ro (gein hauss fyrir steini) 
[fora fylking peira fast] hardliga kastad : 20 
ofan keyrdo ver (ordom iard mana Sveinn of varda) 
[stadar hefir stafn { ‘midjo’] strand-hoegg [numit ‘landi’]. 
7. Spurdi eino ordi (ald bl6d-rodna skialdo) 
(satt es at ‘sva’ marg atti) Sidlandz meer hverr vé beeri: 
‘audtrodu’ vard audit yfir um ‘skég’ at spréga; 25 
titt bar t¥-margr flétti til Hring-stada ‘ iljar.’ 
8, ‘Saur,’ stokkinn berr svira snarr Skanunga harri, 
undr es nema allvaldr Lundar ‘aldr prudér fyrir haldi:’ 
goer flugo mold ok myrar merki iarls ens sterka, 
sl6d drap framm at flcédi flaugar ‘dorr’ um Hauga. 30 


9. Baud Aldfs sonr 45an upp 4 land at standa; 
gekk vid mann-dyrd mikla Magnis reidr af skeidom : 
snarr bidr hilmir herja (hark 6x { Danmearko) 
[fleygir hart of Hauga hestr] or Sk4ni vestan. 

10. Nu taka Nordmenn knyja (ner gango ver stango) 35 
[berkak] Magntis merki [mfnn skiald 4 hlid sialdan]: 
Skytr skeifom foéti Skani yfir slani 
(far vegr es mer fegri fundinn) sudr til Lundar. 

II. Barom iarn at ‘cerno’ fskald 4 hlid visa 
skiétt rida ni skeyttar Skénunga ‘lokvanir: ’ 40 
raudr leikr of by ‘breidom’ bradr at dro radi’ 
eldr, enn cérnir valda at-blasendr pvi vasi. 

12. Svidér of seggja budir siklingr ‘f her’ miklom 
(eydir bygd sem brddast biartr eldr) Dana-veldi: 
moor berr halr of ‘ heidi hialdrs’ Danmarkar skialdo; 45 





Sealand. Yesterday I saw big stones thrown crashing into men’s 
skulls. We drove cattle down to the shore. With words alone Sweyn 
cannot guard his land. The stem of the ship had come to landin.... 
The maid of Sealand asked who bore the standard. The.... They 
had to hasten through the Andwordwood to Ringstead. The lord of the 
Sconey-folk marked to Sora. The king....Lund.... Yesterday the 
strong Earl’s banner flew over field and fen .... at the Howes. 

Sconey. Olaf’s son bade us land, Magnus came ashore in great state. 


. Ever grows Denmark’s danger. The king bade us harry Sconey from 


the west. The horse flies over the Howes. The Northmen carry 
Magnus’ banner, I walk by the pole. They are trampling over Sconey, 
southward to Lund. 

He bore the ice-cold irons [swords] after the king at A.... The 
Sconey-folks’ houses at .... are tumbling in, the red fire plays over the 
broad tower [Lund] at our command, and many fan the flames at.... 

With a mighty blaze he wastes the houses of men in the realm of the 





22. Corrupt, some place ? 24. Read, sia? _hverr] hve, Cd. 25. Read, 
Andverdo skog. 26, illra, Hulda. 27. Read, Saura? 28. vatr sem 
veigdo skauti valdrudr fyrir haldi, Hrokkinsk. 30. Read, kidrr, or Kicegr, 


Keegi ? 40. Some place? 43. Read, hyr? 45- Some place ? 
> 


204 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


ver hlutom sigr, enn sarir Sveins menn fyrir renna. 


*3. Fiord lét fylkir veréda forn-traddan mé spornat 
(leynomk Iftt) 4 Fidni (liés skialdunga midli) : 
muna fyrir Magnus synja menn Sveins, beir-es nu renna, 
(upp fara marg { morgin merki) stérra verka. 50 


I 4. Ekki hef-ek at drekka annat an sid pbenna 
(syg-ek or saltom zgi sylg) es ek iafri fylgi: 
Liggr fyrir oss, enn uggom all-litt, Svia ‘kollom’ 
(driigt hafom vas fyrir visa) vid Skaneyjar sfda. 


15. Skiald bar-ek heim fra hialdri (hlauzk mer til bess) 
Gauzkan | 
{ramr vard sudr 4 sumri sverd-dynr] ok pdé brynjo: 
vopn gat-ek frid; enn fli6di fyrr sagda-ek pat kyrro; 
par fekk-ek hialm es hilmir hard-r46ér Dani bardi. 
16. Nd es val-meidom vidiss (veit drétt mikinn étta) 
[skeidr hefir hann fyr haudri] hett géds fridar veetta: 60 


mildr vill Magnus halda mordéz hlym-gotom nordéan 
{tr enn snnor skreytir unn-vigg Haraldr sunnan. 


Ili. Srex-sterja on Kine Harortp (1065). 
(Verses 23, 25-29 from Edda; verse 24 from Skalda.) 


I. 1S Aga fra-ek Haugi it neesta hiif-él 4 gram drffa, 
enn Bolgara brennir broeér sinom vel tdi: 
skildisk hann, ok huldi hialm-setr, gamall vettra 
tyggi tolf ok priggja traudr vid Alaf daudan. 





Danes, the bright fire swiftly wastes the houses....heath....Den- 
mark .... Sweyn’s men run wounded before us. 

Last year the king stepped on the paths Funen trod of yore. Sweyn’s 
men cannot deny Magnus’ great deeds. Many a banner landed that 
morning. 

I have nought save the sea to drink as I follow my lord. I suck 
my draught from the salt Ocean. There lies before us the broad coast 
of Sconey.... 

I bore home a Gautish shield, that was my luck, and a mail-coat too, 
There was hard fighting this summer in the south. I got a fair weapon. 
I told the gentle lady. I got a helm also where the Stern King beat the 
Danes. ; 

Harold’s first appearance in Norway. There is now scant hope of 
peace, there is great peril ahead. The king has his galleys ready; 
Magnus is going to stand south with his ships, but Harold is bringing 
another fleet northwards. 


Ill. S1x-STAVE. Before Exile. I heard that the sharp war-gale burst 
upon him close to Howe [Olwi’s howe near Sticklestead]; and the 
burner of the Bulgarians backed his brother well. He parted from the 
dead Olaf against his will, when he was twelve years old and three 
[fifteen], and hid his head. 








| rie 


= 





i >” 


y 


Oe a re et ee 


ee eR Cae) Wane ee 


hy eee ae 





ia. 


a iat ee, i 


a 


pre ee 


§ 3.] THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 205 


2. Togo m4 tekna segja (tand-rauds) 4 Serklandi 5 
(ungr heetti ser) Atta (orm-torgs hatudr) borga: 
4ér her-skoréuér hardan Hildar leik und skildi 
Serkjom heettr { sléttri Sikleyjo gekk heyja. 
*: Dolg-liédss hefir dasi darr-latr stadit fiarri 
endr pa-es eljo Rindar é6mynda t6k skyndir : 10 
vasat Afrika iafri Anars mey fyrir hanom 
hag-faldinni at halda hly¥di-samt né lydom. 
4. Lét, pa-es lypt vas spiédtom, lids hafdingi kvidjat 
(enn peirs undan runno) ulfs gr4é (fridar bdo) : 
Hann hefir fyrir Sid sunnan (sv4 finnask til minni) 15 
opt med oddi keyptan aud, pars leitt vas blaudom. 
Be Pi6d veit at hefir h4déar hvar-grimmligar rimmor 
(rofisk hafa opt fyrir iafri) Attian Haraldr (sAttir) : 
hass arnar raudtu hvassar, hrédigr konungr, bl6di 
(imr gat kra&s hvar kémot) kleér 46r hingat foérir. 20 
6. Stél-pengils lét stinga (styrjald vas p4 byrjod) 
eydir augo bedi ut heidingja sitar: 
lagdi allvaldr Egda austr 4 bragning hraustan 
graligt mark, enn Girkja gzoto illa fdr stillir. 
". S4-es (vid lund) 4 landi Langbarda ré65 ganga. 25 


Reist eiki-kialr austan ardigt vatn or Gardom, 
(Sviar tid60 per sfdan) sniallr landreki (allir). 
Gekk med golli miklo (glygg féll étt um tyggja) 
hall 4 hlé-bord sollin Haraldz skeid und vef breidom. 
9. Vatn lézt, visir, slitna, vid-kudér, und skar pbudri 30 





Warfare in the East. Eighty conquered towns may be counted in 
Saracen-land; the young king went.through much danger, ere he, the 


_periller of the Saracens, began to wake war on the flats of Sicily. The 


laggard, slow to handle the dart, stood afar off when he took to himself 
the ripe rival of Wrind [land]. The king of Africa could not keep the 
grass-hooded maid of Woden [the land], nor his people, against him, Our 
leader stayed the wolf’s hunger, the foe ran away praying for peace. 
He has often bargained treasures with his spear south of the Sea, 
where cowards dare not come. I know that King Harold fought 
eighteen fierce battles, the grey-wolf got ‘cras’ [dainties] where he went. 
Before he came hither [to Norway again] the king stabbed out both 
eyes of the Enthroned King [xa@edpos Bacwievs]: the lord of the Agd-folk 
set a cruel mark on the prince in the East. The ruler of the Greeks 
went an evil way .... He that bravely marched on the land of the 
Lombards [South Italy]. 

Back to Norway. The oaken keel breasted the steep water from Gard 
in the East. All the Swedes, O gallant king, backed thee there. Harold’s 
galley, carrying the great hoard, went gunwale under beneath the broad 
canvas, while the sharp gale blew over the king. Thou far-famed 
prince, thou didst cleave the waters with the strakes of thy ship from 





20. kars, Cd. 





206 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


(d¥r klufo £166, bars f6rot, flaust) or Danmeork austan: 
baud half vid sik sidan sonr Aldfs per hala 
(frendr hygg-ek par fyndisk fegnir) lond ok begna. 


10. Pegn skyli hverr sem hugnar hialdr-vitjadar sitja 
dolg-stcéranda dyrom drdttin-vandr ok standa. 35 


Stef. Lytr folk-starra feitt ( fait es til nema tétta) 
(Avi sem Aé vill gotnom) 165 oll (konungr bi66a). 


II. Lét vin-giafa veitir varg-hollr Dreka skolla 
lystr fyrir leidangrs bridsti (lids oddr vas pat) midjo. 
12. Fast bad fylkir trausta frid-vandr iafurr standa 40 


hamalt ‘syndosk mer hamlo hildings vidir skildir:’ 
ram-syndan lauk random rédéandi mann-d4da 
nytr fyrir Nizi titan Nadr, sva-at hver t6k adra. 

13. Alm dré Upplenzkr hilmir alla natt inn snialli, 
hremsor lét 4 hvitar hlffar landreki drffa: 45 
buand-mannom smé brynjor blééogr oddr, pars sté6do 
(flugr 6x) Fafniss (vigra) Finna giald { skialdom. 


14. Sogns kv@do gram gegnan glcest siau tigi it festa 
senn 4 svip-stund einni Sveins piddar skip hridda. 
15. Sveinn ‘att sigr at launa’ sex ‘peim er hvot vexa’ 50 


‘innan eina gunni arleiks’ Dana iarlom: 
vard sa-es vildit forda vig-biartr snaoro hiarta 
{ fylkingo finginn Fidr Arna son midri. 


16. Old vas su-es iarli skyldi égn-teitom lid veita 
(sterkr olli pvf stillir) Steinkels gefin heljo: 55 





the east out of Denmark. The goodly ship climbed the flood. The son 
of Olaf [Magnus] offered thee half his land and people along with him. 
The kinsmen [uncle and nephew] met with joy I ween. 

Burden Verse. Every loyal thane of the king should sit and stand at 
his will. The whole nation bows to him; there is nothing for it but to 
submit to what the king commands his people. 

Battle of River Niz, 1062. ‘The king hove his Dragon before the 
breast of the levy in the midst thereof, at the point of the column [at 
the apex of the battle-wedge of ships]. The prince bade his men stand 
fast. I saw his rowlock-beams [ships] drawn up in wedge-shaped array: 
the king commanded them to fence his mighty Adder [his ship], outside 
off Niz, with shields, so that one touched the other all round it. The Up- 
land king was drawing his elm-bow all that night, making the arrow-heads 
hail on the white bucklers; the bloody points pierced the franklins’ mail, 
what time the Fins’ tribute [arrows] stood ¢4ick on the Serpent’s shields. 
They say that the lord of the Sogn-folk, in one swoop, cleared and 
carried seventy [17?] of Sweyn’s ships. Sweyn was followed by six 
warlike Danish earls. Fin Arnisson, who would not turn his brave heart 
out of the fight, was taken in the midst of their array. 

The Swedish quarrel vith Hakon and Steinkel. ‘The people of Steinkel 





41. skilda, Cd. 48. Read, siautian ? 51. Corrupt. 








ee ee ee aT Pe Ne Tn a ee ey ae ae TT ENS 





— ee ae 


OT ee ear aaa NT = * 
) 


§ 3.] THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 204 


enn, pvi-at flla reyndisk afls von padan hd4nom, 
fyrir 1ét Hakon harfa; hvat segir hinn es pat fegrir? 


17. Nu es um verk pau es visi vand-melt, sva-at af standisk, 
audan plég at eiga Upplendingom kendi: 
ok pvi radi piddar peim bruto troll, es ollo, 60 


heels { hleypi-kidla hris, andskotom visa. 
18. T6k Holm-bua hneykir hardan taum vid Rauma, 
par hykk fast ins froékna fylking Haraldz gingo: 
eldr vas goerr at gialdi, gramr réd, enn pa tcedi 
hdr { héf at foéra hrét-garmr buendr arma. 65 
19. Gagn brann greypra pegna, gl6d vard fast { trddi; 
laust hertoga hristir Heina fllom steini: 
lifs bodo ser Lidar; logi pingadi Hringom 
naudgan dém 4dr nedisk nidr-fall Halfs galla. 
20. Ferdi fylkir Haorda (fridr namsk) 4r it pridja 70 
[rendr bito stal fyrir straando] starf til kréks (at hvarfi). 


21. Arediss naut eydir all-dyggr Selundz-bygeva ; 
Hugr redr halfom sigri (Haraldr sannar bat) manna. 


22. Refsir reyndan ofsa réé-gegn Haraldr pegnom; 
hykkat-ek hilmiss rekkar haldi upp pvi es valda: 75 
sver6z hafa slikar byrdar (sannz nytr hverr vid annan) 
[Haraldr skiptir sv4 heiptom] hliétendr, es ser bridta. 

23. Utan bindr vid enda elg-vers glatudr hersa 





[King of the Swedes], who ought to have helped the earl [Hakon Ivars- 
son], were given to hell; thé King [Harold] wrought this; and as the 
hope of help from them failed, Hakon turned away. What can he say 
who would put a fair face on this? 

The Rebellion in the Upland, 1063-65. Now it is hard to tell, so that 
it all be in right order, how the king taught the Uplanders to have an 
empty cart. The king’s head has gained such glory these three seasons 
[years] that it will last for ever, The unruly churls of the land would 
not consent to their king’s law, and committed crimes in the country; 
and now the fiends broke rods over the legs of the ring-leaders of the 
king’s enemies. Harold, the enemy of the Holm-dwellers [Danes], had 
a tight trace over the Reams, the king’s array went forth fast. They 
were paid with fire; the king ordered that the high roof-wolf [fire] 
should teach the wretched franklins their meet course. The wicked 
thanes’ crops burnt, the embers took hold of their roof-trees. The 
dukes’ lord struck the Heins [Heathmark people] a deadly blow [lit. 
with an evil stone]. The Liths people prayed for pardon, but the flame 

assed sentence on the Ring-folk [Ringrick people] before Half’s scathe 
fire] was quenched. The third year the lord of the Hords brought 
the matter to the haven; peace ensued at last.... 

Fragments hard to place. The waster of the dwellers in Sealand was a 
man of dash. A good heart is half the battle. Harold is a proof of it. 

His law. The orderly king punished the proved transgressions of his 





57. Read, hvat sé? 
. 


208 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


‘hreins vid hifi r6nom hafs botni far gotna.’ 
24. Gera vas gisting byrjod gndég (enn ulfr or skégi) 80 
sonr (4 sr at spenja) Sigordar kom nordan. 


25. Lét hree-teina hveiti hrynja gramr 4 brynjo ; 
vill at vexti belli val-bygg Haraldr Ygejar. 
26. Blé66-orra letr barri bragningr ara fagna; 


Gautz berr sigd 4 sveita svans ard konuner Harda: 85 
geirs oddom letr greddir grunn hvert stika unnar 
hird p4 es hann skal varda hrae-gamms ara szevar. 

as Ord seer Yrso burdar inn-drétt iafurr sinni 
biart-pl6gadan bauga bratt-akr vaolo-spakra : 
eyss landreki lidso last-varr Kraka barri go 
4 hlé-mildar holdi hauks kalfor mer sialfom. 

28. Meork lét veitt fyrir verka vekjandi mer ‘snekkjo’ 
(hann leetr hylli sinnar) hialdrs (til-gerdir valda). 

29. Har skyli hirdar stiéri hug-reifr sonom leifa 
arf ok 6éal-torfo (6sk min es pat) sina. 95 


IV. Visor (from Hulda). 


I. KEID s4-ek framm at flcedi, fagrt sprund, f © hrundit ; 
kenndu hvar liggr fyrir landi long sid Dreka ins prida: 
Orms gloa fax und farmi fran, pvi-at ¥tt vas hdonom 
(bro bunir svirar brunnit goll) af hlunni. 
2. Slyngr Laugardag lango lid-Baldr af ser tialdi, 5 
lit p4-es ekkjor lfta Orms sid or beé pridar: 





people. The prince’s subjects, I know, cannot do as they please. Men 
must carry the loads they cut. Fair play is kept between man and man, 
so Harold stops feuds. 

Fragments. The King’s valour and liberality, etc. The lord of barons 
moors his ship.... 

The she-wolf got food enough, and the wolf out of the wood drunk 
of the wound-wells when Sigurd’s son [Harold] came from the north. 

Harold lets blood sprinkle the mail, and wishes the harvest of slain to 
grow thick. The Hords’ king makes the eagle enjoy the crop of the 
blood-bird, and puts Woden’s sickle into the raven’s harvest. He makes 
his men fence the land with a stockade of spears.... 

His gifts. He sows the crop of Yrsa’s son [gold] on the fresh-plowed 
steep acres of the wrist-rings [arms], and scatters the seed of Kraki 
[gold] on my warm flesh paddocks of the hawk [arms]. 

He gave me a mark for my song, he metes out his favour according 
to merit. 

ra he leave to his sons their heritage and patrimony, that is my 
wish. 


IV. THE LAUNCH OF THE DRAGON, 1048. A galley I see, fair lady, 
launched into the river [Nith river] seaward; look where the long 
hull of the proud Dragon is riding off the shore: the bright Serpent’s 
mane is gleaming under her go/den weight; her neck is ornamented with 
burnt gold, now that she is launched off the rollers. On Saturday the 
king furls the long awnings, while the ladies of the city look out upon 








$3.] THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 209 


vestr réS or Nid nesta nyri skeid at styra 
ungr, es 4rar drengja, allvaldr, f sid falla. 

a Rétt kann rcédi slfta rasiss herr or verri; 
ekkjan stendr ok undrask 4ra-burd sem furdo: 10 
ert man snut 4ér snerto se-fangs { tvau gangi 
(‘pall’ leggr vid ‘frid fullan’) fer-kleyf (4 pat leyfi). 

4. ‘Sorgar veit,’ 46r slftisk see-fang or mar strangom, 
herr par es heldr til varra, har, siau tigom 4ra: 
Nordmeér roa Nadri negldom straum inn heglda; 15 
ut es sem ekkjan liti arnar-veeng or iarni. 


V. Visor. 


I. peor ski6l und skégi skafnir snekkjo stafnar, 
lesir leidangrs visi land her-skipa braondom: 

almenningr ‘liggr’ innan (eid léta ser skeidar) 
(h4-brynjadar hlyja) hverja vik ({ skerjom). 

2. Hléseyjar lemr h4van hlym-gard konungr bari; 5 
neytir pa til prautar pengill snekkjo strengja: 
eigi es iarni biigo inn-dell skadi lindiss 
(gnegr af gaddi digrom gridt) ok vedr in lidéto. 


VI. Visor. 


Pe ALDE peysti nti hraustla helming sinn at Efi, 
nattar Ndéregs dréttinn ner at landa-meéri: 





the proud Serpent’s hull. The young king is steering his new galley west- 
ward out of Nith river, while the oars of the crew dip into the sea. The 
king’s crew pull the oars out of the water in time. The lady stands 
and wonders at the oars’ stroke as a marvel. They must pull briskly 
indeed ere the four-square blade-looms fly in two. The damsel praises 

..- The rowlock is sorely tried at each pull, before the blade 
is slashed out of the strong sea, when seventy oars smite the sea with 
one stroke. The Northmen are rowing the nailed Dragon on the 
stricken stream. It seems to the ladies as if she had eagles’ wings of 
iron upon her sides. 


V. The Levy. The polished galley stems find no shelter in the 
forest; the king is fencing his land about with the stem-beams of 
the war-ship of the levy; the whole levy of the land locks in every 
bay, and the necks of the skerries shelter the high-mailed galleys. 

- The king smites the high surf wall of Hlesey with his prow; he tries 
the strength of his cable to the utmost, the scathe of the linden [the 
wind] and the ugly storms are not easy for the iron bows [anchor-bows]| 
to bear, when it gnaws the rocks with its thick flukes. 


VI. Levy against Sweyn, 1054. Harold is now moving his forces to 
Elbe [Gauta-Elf]; the king of Norway takes a berth near the Marches. 





11. I.e, snuid; snot, Cd, 12. Some place? 3. Read, lykr, 


VOL. Il. P 
> 


210 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


gramr 4 ping vid Pumla, par es ein-dagadr Sveini 
‘hrafni skyldr’ (nema haldi) hans fundr (Danir undan). 


VII. Visor. 


FRAN hefir sveit vid Sveini sinni skipt (at minnom) 
dad ok drdéttni gédom (dreng-spell es pat lengi). 


VIII. Visor. 


x: N ORDR lykr gramr sa-es gerdir grund fra Eyrar-sundi 
(hrafn-gcelir sparn heeli haofn) lang-skipa stafnom: 
rista golli gléstir gialfr (enn stdir skialfa) 
hvast und her fyr vestan Hallandi fram brandar. 
2. Gerdir opt fyr iardo, eid-fastr Haraldr, skeidom; = 5 
Sveinn skerr ok til annars ey-sund konungs fundar: 
ut hefira lid lftid lof-sniallr Dana allra, 
hinn es hvern vag sunnan hrafn-grennir lykr stafnom. 
3. Systot sudr par-es césto, sniallr gramr, Danir allir 
(enn sér eigi minni efni) meeltrar stefno ; 10 
Sveinn tekr nordr at nenna ner til landa-mcéri 
(vard fyr vidri iardo vindsamt) Harald finna. 
4. Telja hitt, es hittask, hv4rs-tveggja miak seggir 
ord, pau es angra fyréa, all-marg, buendr sniallir: 
lata peir, es preta pegnar, allt { goegnom 15 
(svellr ofr-hugi iafrom) eigi bratt vid sattom. 
é Ofreidi vard iafra all-hett ef skal szettask; 
menn bpeir-es midla kunno mal all vega { skdlom: 
Dugir siklingom segja slikt allt es her lfkar; 
veldr, ef verr skolo haldar, vili girndar pvi, skilja. 20 





The prince holds a moot at Thumblie [Thumla off the Gauta-Elf], 
where Sweyn is to meet him on a given day, unless the Danes fail him. 


VII. The Danes take Sweyn for King, 1054. The Danes have bartered 
their honour and their good lord for Sweyn [the son of Wolf]; this 
villany will long be held in mind. 


VIII. The tryst with Sweyn, 1063? The king locks the whole land north 
of Eyra Sound [Ore Sound] with the long-ships’ stems, he treads the 
havens with his rudders’ heel [starts from the haven]. The gold-glitter- 
ing prow-coursers cleave the sea swiftly eastward off Halland. Harold 
the faithful often walls in the land with his galleys. Sweyn is cutting 
through the island sound to meet the other king; he has no small levy 
of Danes out in the sea, shutting up every bay as he comes from the 
south with his ships. Ye hastened south, where all the Danes had 
fixed the trysting-place .... while Sweyn is travelling north to meet 
Harold at the Marches. On both sides the franklins count over, when 
they meet, all their grievances; they are not very easy to bring to 
agreement, for they push their case to the utmost; the kings are 
puffed up too with pride. The anger of the kings is dangerous, if they 
are to come to terms at all; men who can mediate will have to 





§ 3.] THIODOLF ARNORSSON. 211 


6. Hitt hefi-ek opt at setti Haraldr ok Sveinn vid meinom 
(God syslir pat) gisla glaér hv4rr-tveggi adrom: 
peir haldi sv4 scérom (sétt lauksk par med vsttom) 
ok «ll { frid fullom ferd at aldri skerdi. 


IX. IMPROVISATION. 


I. KALKAT-EK fr4, ‘ pétt fylkir falli sialfr’ til vallar 
(gengr sem God vill) ungom grams erfingjom hverfa : 

skfnnat s6l 4 synni snar-r4dés, an pé bdda, 
(Haraldz ero haukar goervir hefnendr) konungs efni. 

2. Old hefir afr4d goldit fllt; ni kved-ek her stilltan; 5 
baud pessa fer piddom parflaust Haraldr austan: 
sv4 lauk siklings zevi sniallz, at ver rom allir 
(loféungr beid inn leyféi lifs grand) { staé vandom. 


X. Rimuenpa on Haro rp. 
(Verses 1, 2 from Edda.) 


I. a Vein Oldfs fedr Iarn-saxo vedr, 
haré-redit hvert, svA at hrdéérs es vert. 


2. Tarizleifr of s& hvert iafri br, 
héfsk hl¥ri frams ens Helga grams. 
2; Eitt hafdosk at Eilffr par es sat, 5 


héfdingjar tveir, hamalt fylkto peir. 
Austr-Vindom 6k { angan krdk, 
vasa Lzsom léttr Lids-manna réttr. 





weigh all the charges in scales [fairly]. If they part.... it is passion 
that is the cause thereof. Now I have heard that Harold and Sweyn 
have, by God’s help, given hostages=to each other against future out- 
_ rages. May they and all the people keep their oaths and keep full 
peace, so that no damage be done. The peace was concluded there by 
the sworn witnesses, 


IX. Stamford Bridge, Sept. 25, 1066. I shall not forsake the king’s 
young heirs, though the prince himself is now fallen on the field. All 
goes as God wills! The sun shines on no finer king’s sons than both of 
them. MHarold’s avengers are true hawks. 

The people have paid a terrible price, the army is trapped, I know. 
It was ill-devised when Harold bade his levy sail from the east. We 
are all at a parlous point, now that the good king has lost his life. . Yea, 
the famous king is dead. 


X. Dirge on King Harold the Stern. The giantess storm [courage] 
rose in Olaf’s father in every danger worthy of song. _Iarisleif saw after 
whom he took, the bréthren of the holy king [Olaf] waxed well. The 
two princes, he and Eilif, had one intent, they formed the wedge of 
battle together. He drove the East Wends into a narrow pass. The 
lord of the Lithsmen did not deal lightly with the Lechs. Now dead 





1. Read, pétt sé fylkir fallinn sialfr til vallar, or pétt fylkir fallinn sé til vallar. 


P2 
> 


212 


EIGHT small poets, one (Ord) on King Magnus, and one (Thorleik) 
on King Sweyn, the rest on Harold, especially the earlier part of his reign. 





MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD’S COURT. _ [zx. vm. | 


Andaér es sd, es of alla bré, 
hauk-stalla konr, Haraldz brééur-sonr. 10 


XI. Comic ImprovisATIONS. 


Gieeene eggjadi sleggio snak ‘ v4ligrar’ brakar, 
enn skap-dreki skinna skreié of leista-heidi: 

menn s4sk orm 46ér ynni il-vegs buinn kiljo 
nauta-leérs 4 nadri nef-langr konungr tangar. 

Varp or preto borpi Pérr, smid-belgja stérra, 5 
hvatt eldingom haldnom, hafra-kiatz, at Iatni: 
hli6d-greipom t6k hidéa hroekkvi-skafls or afli 
glaér vid galdra smidjo Geirroedr sio peiri. 


Feérér syndizk mer freendi Frisa kyns { brynjo, 
gener fyrir hird { hringum hialm-faldinn kurfaldi: 10 
‘flyrat elld { ari’ Ut-hlaupom vanr Tita; 
sékk vid sido leika sverd rug-hleifa skerdi. 


XII. Fracments (Edda and Skalda). 


Iarl leetr odda sktrar opt herdir goer verda, 
hrings 46r hann of pryngvi hard él und sik iardo. 
Snart vid see-pra6 kyrtat sfkr, 14 bler 4 difki. 


ODDR KIKINA-SKALD, etc. 





is he that surpassed all, the noble king, Harold’s brother’s son [Magnus 
the Good, nephew of Harold]. 


XI. Improvisations. On the fight between the Blacksmith and Tanner. 
Sigfred of the sledge-hammer challenged the horrid Serpent of the 


brakes, and the Dragon of the hides wriggled out of Last-heath [the 
tan pit where the shoemakers’ leather was tanning]. Men feared the 
Serpent of the boots ere the long-nebbed King of the tongs got the 
better of the Adder of the neat leather. 

The same figured as Thor and Giant Garfred. Thor of the he-goat flesh 
cast out lightnings against the Giant of the big smithy bellows, and 
“a ri te of the brake caught the glowing bar in his speech-smithy 

mouth}. 

The Dwarf in the King’s mail-coat Emma. The Frisian is clad in a 
mail-coat. Cuttiecoat walks helm-hooded before the host. Tout strides 
about in the mail-coat Emma; I see a sword by the side of the carver 
of the rye-loaf. 


XII. A Fragment. The earl [Thorfinn?] had fought many battles 
ere he could win the land. 

A Fishing Scene. The seak [a kind of salmon] touched the sea 
thread gently, there was a calm over the sea. 





II. Read, flerat Emmo...? 





$3.] ODDR KIKINA-SKALD, ere. 213 


ORD, KITCHIN’s PoET. Part of a dirge on Magnus, composed about 
1047, which must have been a beautiful and affecting poem, is all that 
remains of this poet: his name was probably derived from some patron, 
a foreigner, whom he had eulogised, One of the verses (5) is in Skalda 
given as Thiodwolf’s, erroneously we think. 

The exact date of the battle of Aros was contained in these verses, 
and we have been able to restore it. A verse which we believe to be 
his is added here. 

BALEWORK (Bolverkr), brother of Thiodwolf, recounts in order, 
in a drapa of about 1055, the exploits of King Harold in Russia, 
Byzantium, Sicily, Africa, his return to Norway and his wars with 
the Danes. 

His encomium is of the regular type of Harold’s court-poets, 
and corrupt in many places. The date of the levy-song by Thiodwolf 
is fixed by the last verse to 1048. 

WALGARD 0’ FIELD (Valgardr af Velli) bears a name which would 
connect him with the home and family of Fiddle-Mard, the traitor 
of Niala. He also runs over Harold’s early exploits (a theme which 
the king seems to have never tired of hearing), and goes to tell of 
his doings in Sigtun, Sweden, Selund, Funen, Roskild, and winds up 
with addressing him as king of all Norway. This encomium must date 
after Magnus’ death, 1047. 

Walgard’s poem, which is one of the best of those on Harold, is very 
unsafe in places. King Harold’s fleet seems to have anchored at 
Fredriksverk, mouth of Roskeld-firth, harrying cruelly on both sides. 
We recognise under the cover of inane appellatives, names such as 
Hramnlausa= Ramlésa, Helsinge, Skylda-laif (?), in north point of Sea- 
land; by the forest the people fled into is meant Gribskoven, still the 
ornament of Sealand. 

ILLUGI THE BRYNDALE PoET. An Icelander from the south-west, 
of whom there exists a morsel, containing as a kind of burden a series of 
allusions to the Wolsung story, wedged into the body of the poem, 
which is in praise of Harold after the manner of Cormac and his 
imitators. One of these burdens we have not been able to make out. 
_ The name of the Greek emperor, Michael, occurs in the fragment. 

GRANI. We know nought of him save the fragment in which he - 
celebrates Harold’s Danish wars: the captivity and ransom of Dotta, 
daughter of a Danish noble, Thorkell Geysa, who had satirised Harold 
and the Northmen. 

THORARIN SKEGGISSON. He sung of Harold’s eastern exploits, as 
the two lines left of one of his poems testify. We take him to be 
the brother of the well-known Mark Skeggisson (§ 4), whose elder 
he would seem to have been by several years. 

We have mended these lines in accordance with the indications 
furnished by the prose derived from them when they were perfect. 

SHUTTLE-HALLI (Sneeglo-Halli). This poet, like Thorwolf, a poor 
man’s son, is always described as having a very marked individuality ; 
there is something of the Falstaff about him; but his sharp wits and 
bitter tongue always bring him out of the scrapes he is thrust into, 
and he gets the better of Thiodwolf in their quarrel. It is of him 
and Edward the Confessor that the Herodotean story is told in Hulda. 
The king graciously hears his poem, on his visit to the English court, 
and when assured of its goodness by Raud, his own poet, promises 
Hall as much silver as will stick on his hair when a money-bag is 
emptied over his head. Hall puts tar on his hair and manages to 


214 MAGNUS’ AND HAROLD'S COURT. _ [ax. vim. 


catch the greater part of the money, and then hurries off with his fee. 
When he is gone and they begin thinking over his poem, they find 
that it is nothing but nonsense-verses. 

One fragment of his, in old metre, remains on Harold. 

THORLAK THE Fair (Thorleik Fagri). King Sweyn Wolfsson’s 
poet, whom we have mentioned above. His Praise-Song on that king, 
of which a fair part remains, composed c. 1055, deals with Harold’s 
inroads and escapes in Denmark, and with negotiations not yet suc- 
cessful. He congratulates his lord on still, in spite of the northern 
king’s power, remaining sole king of Denmark and Jutland. It gives 
some notable historical details, the number of Sweyn’s ships, etc., and, 
when in a perfect state, no doubt contained more. Lines 18, 22, 27, 
34-36 are unsound and overlaid certainly. 


Oppr KIKINA-SKALD. 
(Verse 5 from Skalda.) 


I, 
me AS fyrir Mikjals-messo malm-grimm hain rimma; 
féllo Vindr, enn vandosk vapn-hli6éi miok piddir: 
Enn fyrir 161 varé annor ‘dhlitulig’ litlo 
(upp hdéfsk grimm med gumnom gunnr) fyrir Arés ‘ sunnan.’ 


II, 

2. Felldo menn, pa-es mildan, marg tar, f graf boro 5 
(pung byrdr vas st) bengil (peim-es hann gaf seima): 
deildisk hugr, sv4-at heldo huskarlar grams varla 
(siklings pi6d6d enn sidan sat opt hnipin) vatni. 

3. Ma-ek, sizt Magnuss evi méé-fikins praut g6da 
(Odd hafa strié of staddan) stilliss, harda flla: 10 
hvarfa-ek hvers mannz burfi ; harmr strangr feer mer angrad ; 
pidd es at dagling daudan dapr, pvf fro ver aprir. 


4. Nu fara heim { htimi her-kunn fyrir lag sunnan 
daprar skeidr med daudan dyr-nenninn gram penna: 
old hefir illa haldit, esa str{é-vana sfdan ; 15 
hult hafa hird-menn skylja hafud pat-es fremst vas isofra. 





OpD, KITCHIN’s PoET. I. Dirge on Magnus. There was a cruel 
battle fought before Michaelmas; the Wends fell, and on Sunday a 
little before Yule a second fight off Aros [the river mouth by Aarhuus 
in Jutland]. 

II. When they bore the gentle king to the grave, there fell many a 
tear, it was a heavy grief to his henchmen: their minds were so distraught 
that the house-carles could scarce withhold their tears, the prince’s 
followers have often sat bowed down since then. I feel very sorrow- 
ful since the good life of Magnus came to its end. Affliction has over- 
taken me. I wander about helpless, strong sorrow is oppressing me. 
The people are sore distressed since the king’s death, and I go joyless. 

[Now the drooping galleys have borne the beloved king over the 
sea in the dark from the south. The land has suffered sorely. There 
is no lack of woe ever since the henchmen covered the head that 





3 and 4. Read, ohlitin, dag... .Sunno. 


Ay nee 
Pee 


§ 3.] BOLVERKR. 215 


b. Leida langar dauda limar illa mik stilliss ; 
barot menn inn mera Magnis { graf fusir. 


BOLVERER. 


I, ILDINGR strauktu um meekiss munn, es lézt af gunni; 
holdz vantu hrafn um fyldan hras, paut ulfr f asi: 
enn, gramr, (ne ek fra fremra, frid-skerdir, ber verda) 
austr vastu or in nesto ardig-lyndr { Gardom. 


2. Hart knidi sval svartan snekkjo brand fra landi 5 
skirr, enn skrautla boro skeidr brynjadar reidi: 
metr hilmir s4tt malma Mikla-gardz fyrir bardi; 
marg skrido beit at borgar barm-fagr ham armi. 
3. Sniallr rautt { styr, stillir, stl ok gekkt 4 mala; 
hadisk hvert 4r sidan hildr sem sialfir vildot. 10 
- Sud vard, par-es blétt bl6di, (bord rendosk at iardo) 
[vattu drengiliga, dréttinn] dreyra-full ‘ vid eyri:’ 
fann und ser fyrir sunnan Sikley (lidi miklo) 
sand (par-es sveiti skyndi) sokkit lik (of stokka). 
5. Réttu vid rausn at heetta, reid-meltr iafurr, skeidom 15 
(pryddr 14 byrr at breeddo) Blalandz 4 vit (stali): 
laust (enn lauka reisti loféungr vid sid pungan) 
skirr 4 skiald-rim dyra skokks miall 4 pram stokkinn. 
6. Gramr nenninn hefir gunni (gekk ferd ok hid sverdom) 
[snarp hadisk p4 sidan snerra] gagn or hverri. 20 
ve Ok hertoga hneykir her-fengnom létzt stinga 
leyf6 fra-ek hans or hafdi ‘hauks’ skyndadi augo. 





was the highest among the kings, Sorrow has struck deep roots into 
me! All unwillingly, men bore Magnus to the grave. Unnamed, but 
probably Oda’s.| 


BALEWORK, KING HAROLD’S PRAISE. After Sticklestead. Thou, 
king, didst wipe the mouth of thy sword when thou didst pass from 
the battle, and wast in the east in Gard the years after. 

Warring in the East. The cold shower blew the black prow-stems 
of the ship from the land, and thou didst see the towers of Mickle- 
garth [Constantinople] before thee, and broughtest many a fair-bosomed 
bark to the high city side. Thou didst dye the steel in battle and take 
a covenant [enter the Emperor’s service]; every year after thou didst 
fight at thy will. The hull was full of gore off the....shore the sunken 
carcases grounded on the shoals south off Sicily. Thou didst jeopard 
thy ships, O ready-spoken king; the gale blew proudly on the tarry 
bows, towards Blackland [North Africa]; the shower fell on the costly 
shield-rim, and the foam drove upon the bulwarks. Thou didst win 
every battle . . . . and didst put out the two eyes of the prisoner- 
emperor’s head. 





7. sa, Cd. g. raud... gekk, Cd. 12. Some place? 14. Read, 
skokka ? 16. breiddo, Cd. 21. let, Cd. 


216 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VII. 


8. Heimol vard, es ek heyrda, hodd-stridir, per sidan 
groen, enn goll bautt hanom, grund es Magnus fundot: 
endisk ykkar freenda all-fridliga midli 25 
seett, en sfdan veetti Sveinn r6m-aldo einnar. 


Leidangr bidtto af 146i (lagr gekk um skip fagro) 
[gialfr-st6dom reistu gradi gleéstom] 4r it nesta: 
skokkr 14 dyrr 4 deékkri (Danir v4ro pa) baro 
[skeiér s4 herr fyrir haudri hladnar] (illa stadnir). 30 


> 


VALGARDR A VELLI (c. 1047). 
(Verse 1 from Fagrsk.; verses 2-5 from Edda.) 


ed H ELMINGI bauttu hanga’ hilmiss kundr, af stundo ; 
Skipt hafit ér, sv4 at ‘eptir ero’ Veringjar feeri. 
Skilfingr héltu (par-es skulfo skeidr) fyrir ‘laond in breido’ 
(aud vard) sudr (um sfdir Sikley) lidéi miklo. | 
Biartr sveimadi brimi, bruto vikingar fikjom a 
visa styrks of virki ‘varp sorg 4 menn’ borgar. 
Snarla skaut or séti ‘svek of hus’ (enn reykir 
st6do stopdir sfdan) stein-d6r logi gl6éom. 


Lal 


NS 


- 


= 


Skauztu und farm inn frizta (frami veitisk per) beiti; 
foérdir-pi goll or Gardom grunniaust, Haraldr austan: 10 
styrdir hvatt { hardo, hug-dyger iafurr, glyggvi 
‘sAttu pa es seedrif létti Sigtin en skip hnigdo.’ 

6. Eik sloeng und per, Yngvi, é6gn-blf{ér { haf sidan 
(rétt vas ydr of ztlat 6dal) fra Svipiddo: 








Back in Norway. ‘The green land became thy own, and thou gavest 
him thy gold, when ye found Magnus, as I heard. Then came to pass 
a very peaceful agreement between you two kinsmen, and Sweyn had 
only war to look for afterwards. 

King alone. ‘Thou didst call out a sea-levy the next year; the costly 
galley lay on the dark billow; the Danes were in evil stead. 


WALGARD 0’ FIELD. KiNG HAROLD’s PRAISE. In the East. 
Thou didst order the half of them to be hanged forthwith. Ye 
have had the Largesse few Warings ever had. Thou didst hold 
thy course with a great fleet to the south of the ‘broad land.’ 
Sicily was wasted there. The bright flame flickered. The king’s 
wickings stormed the town [of ....]. The violent fire poured glow- 
ing embers out of the sooty reek, and the smoke went up like pillars 
from the burning houses. ; 

Home again. Thou didst launch thy ship with the costliest cargo, 
and didst carry gold without end out of Gard from the east; thou didst 
steer thy ship through a sharp gale, and when thou didst furl thy 
canvas thou didst see Sigtun. The oak sped under thee next over 





3. Name of place. 6. Some place. 12. Corrupt; read,... Sigttina 
skript hina ? 








§ 3.] VALGARDR. 217 


hind bar rif, pars renndi rétt 4 stag fyrir slétta 15 
skeid (enn skelkto bridir) Skaney (Danom nénar). 


7. Gekk 4 Fidén (enn fekkat) fiaol-medr konungr (hialmom) 
[brast rfkula ristin rft] (ervidi litid). 


8. Haraldr garva léztu herjat (hnyggr-pu andskotom tyggi) 

[bratt rann vargr at vitja val-fallz] Selund alla: 20 
9. Brann { beé fyrir sunnan biartr eldr Hrois-keldo ; 

raonn lét reesir nenninn reyk-vell ofan fella: 

logo landzmenn gndgir ‘lo hel sumom frelsi;’ 

drésk ‘harm vesalt’ hyski hlidtt til skégs 4 fldétta. 

10. ‘Dvaldi daprt ok skilda’ (drifo) peir es eptir ‘lifd0’ — 25 
‘fer6’ [enn fengin urér foogr sprund] (Danir undan): 
lass hélt Ifki drésar; leid fyrir ydr til skeida 
(bito ‘fikula’ fiaotrar) fli66 mart haorund-biarta. 


2B; Inn vas f sem brynni id-glikt sid midjan 
eld par-es ySrom heldot, orms-munn-litodr, sunnan: 30 
skeié bar skolpt inn rauéa; skein af golli hreino; 
dreki fér dag-leid mikla; difo braut und hifi. 

12. Laudr vas lagt { ‘bedi,’ Iék sollit haf golli; 
enn her-skipom hrannir hafud égorlig pégo: 
redr-pu (enn resir c€dri rfstr alldri sid kaldan) 35 
[sveit teéer sfnom dréttni sniall] Néregi allom. 





the main from Sweden ; thy birthright land was duly given thee; the 
galley sped straight ahead, doubling the flats of Sconey; the Danish 
maidens were in fear. 

War in Denmark. Funen. Thou didst land on Fion [Funen]. 
Sealand. Thou didst harry all Sealand thoroughly. The bright fire 
burnt in the town of Hroe’s weli [Roskeld] in the south. The 


- Ramnlosa people fled to the woods. The Helsings [men of Helsinge, 


the Neck of Sealand] lost their freedom. At Skyldelow we got fair 
bondmaids, the Danes were put to flight. The cords were tight on the 
ladies’ bodies; many a fair-skinned damsel was driven down to the 
ships. The fetters bit sore. 

Voyage home. Your gilded galley-head was to look on like a serpent 
breathing fire, when ye sailed from the south; she bore a dragon’s 
head, she shone with pure gold; she went a long day’s journey, breaking 
the waves with her breast. The foaming waves lay in ridges, the swollen 
billows played against the gold, and the rollers washed the grim heads of 
the war-ships. Thou rulest all Norway! Never shall greater king 
cleave the cold sea! 





23. Read, lésk Helsingjom frelsi. 24. Read, Hramnlauso, 25. Corrupt ; 
read, Skylda-leif? in the point between Roskeld-firth and Ice-firth. 


218 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


Intuct Brynpd@La-sKALD. 
(Verse 1 from Edda; verse 2 from AM. 748.) 


1. \ 7 ARGS vas munr par es margan-—/Men-skerdir stakk sver6¢ 
myrk-orriva markar—minn dréttinn rak fldtta. 


2. Enn hélt ulfa brennir—Ziskaldi framm beisko 
mildr ré3 Orms of elldi—austr-feor padan goerva. 

3. Opt gekk 4 frid Frakka—‘ Pvotrent at by snotar’ 5 
‘vara doglingt duglom’—dréttinn minn fyr Otto. 

4.  Brauztu und Mikj4l mestan—J/dgom heim sem frégom 


sonr Bubla baud sinom—Sunn-land, Haraldr, rando. 


GRANI-SKALD. 
(Verses 2, 3 from Edda.) 


I. Ba aldregi uti osvifr Kraka drffo 
hlakk { harda piokkom Hornskégi bra porna: 10 

Fila dréttinn rak flétta fianda grams til strandar 
aud vard ut at greida all-skidtt fadir Détto. 

a Daglingr fekk at drekka Danskt bl66 ara i6di, 
hard veit-ek hilmi goerdo Hugins I6] vid nes Pidlar: 
gett spornadi arnar all-vitt um val-falli; : 15 
hold at vargr sem vildi (vel niédti hann pess!) Idta. 

3. Gléér hygg-ek, Glamma slédar (gramr eldi svd), feldo. 


PO6RARINN SKEGGJASON. 


N42! ‘goerr’ enn gl6dom Griklandz iafurr ‘handa ;’ 
st6l-pengill gekk strango stein-blindr adal-meini. 





ILLUGI BRYNDOLA-SCALD. The Wolf’s joy was when my lord drove 
many a foe to flight. Refrain: The king [Sigfred] stabbed the Serpent 
[Fafni] with the sword.—He also made a foray thence eastward. 
Refrain: The king held the bitter heart of the Serpent to the fire.— 
My lord often fought with the Franks in the morning watch. Refrain: 
The doughty prince had not . .. .—Thou didst subdue the most of the 
southern lands, O Harold, for Michael. Refrain: We have heard 
how Budli’s son Attila bade his brothers-in-law to his house. 


GRANI THE POET. Harold’s Danish Campaign. May the ungentle 
gold-decked lady [lit. Walkyria of Kraki’s scattering] of Horn-shaw 
[ Jutland] never have dry eyes. The lord of the Fiala-folk drove his 
foes captive to the coast. The father of Dotta [a Danish lady] was 
forced to pay down a ransom forthwith. ‘The king gave the young 
eagles Danish blood to drink at Thiolar-ness [Jutland]. He gave the 
ravens a merry Yule: the erne’s white brood stood above the slain Jutes, 
the wolf ate flesh as he would: may he enjoy it well! He gave gold, 
the king.... 


THORARIN. The prince bound forthwith the King of Greece’s 
hands; the throned-king, stone-blind, suffered a terrible outrage. 





18, Read, hondom. 





§ 3.] THORLEIK THE FAIR. 219 


Snacio-Haru, or Harri Strip. 
(From Skalda.) 


Sv lét und sik seggja dréttinn 
land all lagin lids oddviti. 


THoRLEIK Facri (FLoKkr). 
(Verses I, 10 from Skioldunga; verses 4, 5 from Fagrsk,; verses 11-13 from Edda.) 


I. PPOR-SENDIR vann fidndom fiar-spell f gny hiarva 
(br6 fekk hrafn) fyr Heida-, hauk-storda, -b¥, nordan: 
Rakosk Vindr (enn vakar vals gino beim of halsa) 
[daudr 14 herr 4 heidi hund-margr] fair undan. 


2. Van eromk visa kco&enom vigs 4 Rakna stfgo 5 
err { odda snerro Inn-Proénda 1i6 finni : 
pé ma enn, hvd4rr annan wndo nemr eda landom, 

(litt hyggr Sveinn 4 settir siald-festar) God valda. 

3. Feérir reidr, s4-es rauda rand hefir opt fyr landom, 
breid 4 Budla sl6dir bord-rakn Haraldr nordan : 10 
enn lauks of sia scekja Sveins fagr-buin steini 
gleesi-dyr (bess es geira) goll-munnud (rydr) sunnan. 

4. Fiars mun flestom hersi feng-szll Dana pengill 
(reidr hefir hann fyr haudri h4-brynjod skip) synja: 
es htn-ferils hreina hlunn-tamdéa rekr sunnan 15 
vid Harda gram hardan, hundraéd sex, til fundar. 

5s Styrir Ulfs til Elfar ésk-magr skipom fagrom, 

‘s4-es hree-kasto hesta hleédr { Gunnar vedri:’ 
Skullo vé, par es vallo_vdpn-laudri drffr raudo, 
(regn drepr Gautz { goegnom) goll-merkt (‘ Halfs’ serki). 20 





SNEGLE’S HALL. So the king brought all lands under him. 


THORLEIK THE FAIR. 4 Flokk on King Sweyn. Battle with King 
Magnus against the Wends at Sleswick, Lurschau. He put his enemies 
to death north of Heathby [Sleswik]; few of the Wends escaped, 
a countless host lay dead on the Heath. 

Rising and Battle against King Harold. We may \ook for a battle on the 
sea between our king [Sweyn] and the In-Thrond’s patron [Harold]. But 
God will rule which of the two will take the other’s life and land. 
Sweyn puts little store by covenants that are seldom kept. Harold is 
bringing his broad timber-teams [ships] over Budli’s tracks [the sea] 
from the North, while the fair-eyed, gold-jawed, glittering mast-beasts 
[ships] of Sweyn speed from the South. The victorious king of the 
Danes will take the life of most of the Northern barons; he is driving 
north six hundred billow-wont reindeer of the mast [ships] to meet the 
king of the Hords. The beloved son of Wolf [Sweyn] stands with his 
fair ships to the Elbe [Gaut Elf]. The gold-marked banner waved, 





20. -morkud, Cd. Read, Hamdés. 


220 SWEYN’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


6. Hvf hefir til Heida-byjar heipt-giarn konungr 4rnat, 

 folk-ragnir getr fregna fylkiss sveit hinn es veitad: 
pd-es til pengils bcéjar parf-laust Haraldr austan 
‘4r pat-es 4n of veri’ endr byr-skféom rendi. 

". Baud, sd-es baztrar tfSar borinn varé und Midgardi, 25 
rfkri pidd at ri6déa randir Sveinn 4 landi: 

P6 lézk heldr, ‘ef “héldi” hvat-raér konungr 146i,’ 
4 byrjar-val berjask bil-styggr Haraldr vilja. 

8. Allt of fra-ek, hve ellti Austmenn 4 veg flausta, 
Sveinn, enn siklingr annarr snar-lundadr helt undan: 30 
Fengr vard Proenda pengils (peir létto skip fleiri) 
allr 4 éli sollno Idtlandz-hafi flidta. 


9. Sett budo seggja dréttni siklings vinir mikla 
‘sveefSo hialdr peir es hafdo hug-stinnir lid minna:’ 
‘ok snar-radir sf6an sdkn es ord um tékosk’ 35 
‘(and vas yta kindom 6fal) buendr dvaldo.’ 

10. Hett hafa ser peir es sdétto Sveins fundar til stundom; 


litt hefir ‘per’ at preyta brim bragningom hagnat: 
p6 hefir hald-vinr haldit (hann es sniallr konungr) allri 
Idéta grund med endom égn-starkr ok Danmarko. 40 


Ee Kastar gramr 4 glostar gegn val-stadvar pegnom 
(ungr visi gefr eiso arm-leggs) digul-farmi. 

12. Hird vidr grams med gerdom goll-vorpodr ser holla. 

og Sidr pytr, enn berr bara biart laudr of vid raudom, 


grans par es golli binom ginn hlunn-visundr munni. 45 





Woden’s rain [missiles] pierces Hamtheow’s sarks [the mail]. Why 
the cruel king has come to Heathby....can easily be known, when 
Harold wantonly steered his ships to....by.... Sweyn, who was 
born under the best augury on earth (Midgarth), proffered him to fight 
on land, but Harold would rather fight on sea than give battle ashore. I 
have heard how Sweyn chased the Eastmen over the sea, whilst the 
other king fled. The booty of the Thronds’ lord was floating about 
on the shower-swollen sea of Jutland [Cattegat]. They prayed for 
peace [seven ships of the Norway levy of Wick whom he had captured 
at Hlesey] ....the franklins . 

Fight qwith Stankel the Savedish King. Those who have encountered 
Sweyn have jeoparded themselves, The three princes [Magnus, Harold, 
Stankel] have gained little by it, for he has in the end kept all the land 
of the Jutes and Denmark withal, 

His generosity. The king gave his thanes gold. 

His ship. The sea roars and the waves dash the white spray over the 
red-painted timbers, while the water-bison gapes with golden jaws. 





27. Read, hildi, 36, The verse is all painted over. 38. Read, vid pik. 














§ 3.] STUF THE BLIND. 221 


STUF (STUMP) THE BLIND AND STEIN HERDISSON, erc. 


BotHu poets of the Stamford Battle and the next following events. 

Stump. Ina chapter of the Book of Kings the following account of 
Poet STUMP occurs :— 

‘There was a man named Stump, the son of Thord (Thorfred) Cat, 
whom Snorri the Chief fostered. Thorfred Cat was the son of Thor- 
fred, the son of Glum Geirason, the poet. Thorfred’s mother was 
Gudrun, Oswif’s daughter (the heroine of Laxdela Saga). Stump was 
blind; but he was a wise man and a good poet. He went to Norway, 
and lodged with a franklin in Upland. One day when men were 
standing out of doors on his farm, they saw a number of richly-dressed 
men riding up. ‘I did not look to see King Harold here to-day, but I 
should not wonder if it were he.’ And as they drew near, they saw 
that it was he. The franklin greeted the king, and then said, ‘We 
cannot treat you as ye should be treated, my lord, for we did not 
know of your coming.’ The king replied, ‘We would not give any 
trouble; we are only going on our way through the country; my men 


shall tend their horses themselves, and look after the horse-gear; but I 


shall go into the house.’ The king was in a merry mood, and the 
franklin followed him into the parlour to his seat. Then the king said, 
‘Go about, franklin, as thou wilt, and treat us in all things as thou art 
wont to do every day!’ ‘ Well, I will do so,’ says the franklin. So he 
went out, and the king looked about on the bench and saw a big man 
sitting below on the bench, and asked him who he was. ‘My name is 
Stump,’ says he. ‘ What a name,’ says the king; ‘ whose son art thou?’ 
‘I am Cat’s son,’ said he; ‘ That is no better.’ ... Then said the king, 
‘Come up near me on the bench and let us talk together.’ So he did, 
and the king found him no fool, and took pleasure in talking with him. 
When the franklin came back, he said that the king must have been 
dull. ‘Not at all,’ says the king, ‘for this winter-guest of thine has 
entertained me finely, and he must»be my partner at the drinking to- 


_ night.’ And so it was. The king talked a good deal with Stump, and 


he answered him wisely; and when folks went to bed, the king bade 
Stump come into the room where he slept to amuse him. Stump did 
so; and when the king was got to bed, Stump began to entertain him, 
and recited a Short-Poem (flokk), and when it was ended the king told 
him to go on again. The king kept awake a long while, and Stump kept 
reciting to him, and at last the king said, ‘How many poems hast 
thou recited to-night?’ Answers Stump, ‘I thought you would have 
reckoned them up.’ ‘So I have,’ says the king, ‘and there are now 
thirty; but why dost thou only say Short-Poems? knowest thou no Long- 
Poems [Encomia]?’ ‘I know as many long poems as short,’ answers 
Stump; ‘and I have many which I have not yet given.’ ‘ Thou must be 
very learned in poetry,’ said the king; ‘ but whom wilt thou entertain 
with thy long poems, since thou givest me only short poems?’ ‘Thy- 
self,’ says Stump. ‘ But when?’ says the king. ‘ When next we meet.’ 
‘Why then rather than now?’ ‘ Because,’ said Stump, ‘I would have 
it so with my recitals as with all else in me, that thou shouldst 
like me the better the longer thou knowest me and the better we are 
acquainted,’ ‘ Well, let us sleep now,’ says the king.” Next morning 
he grants Stump three wishes, and receives him afterwards into his 


222 HAROLD'S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


guard, and Stump became his liegeman and was with him some time, 
‘and made a dirge upon him, which is called Stump’s Praise-Song or 
Stumpie.’ 

We have fragments of this Dirge. For Stump’s family and kindred 
see the table given below, p. 228. 

The prose shows that a stanza has been dropt out between those we 
have, which are not quite uncorrupt. The little reminiscence in the 
last lines is natural and pathetic. 

STEIN HERDISSON. ‘There are two poems of his—a Poem of Praise 
(flokk), called Nizar Visor, on his cousin, Wolf the Marshal, and the battle 
of the River Niz, about 1062. He here imitates Sighvat’s Nesia Visor. 
Surviving the fall of Harold, he made a long poem to King Olaf the 
Peaceful, in which he glosses over the defeat of Stamford-bridge, and 
declares that the English will never forget the defeat of Fulford. 
This poem is imitated by the author of Rekstefja. Several verses are 
unsafe. We have restored the mention of the ‘ Fleet ;’ the verse about 
Morcar is strange: it has suffered corruption. The mention of Chip- 
ping (Nidaros), Olaf’s town, and the confidence in St. Olaf are to be 
remarked. 

THORKELL HAMMER PoET. The son or poet of Skalli, but of his 
family nothing is known. He made a Dirge on Earl Waltheow, whom 
he may have met in England on one of the expeditions of Asbiorn or 
other leaders which harried England in the Conqueror’s days. He is 
mentioned in Skalda-tal as a poet of Magnus Bareleg, and we have part 
of a Dirge of his on that king, and a fragment of a Poem in Old Metre. 
‘The son of the Wolsungs sent me a gold-mounted weapon over the 
cold ocean,’ alluding to the gift of a weapon from some king. The 
first verse seems to refer to Waltheow’s exploits at York; the second 
shows the general impression as to the execution of the Earl, which led 
to the belief in his sanctity. 

ANONYMOUS. Four lines of a ‘ Stikki,’ a small poem or sonnet on King 
Harold’s victory at Fulford, mentioning ‘ Waltheof’s men,’ which seems 
to be used as a synonym for ‘ Northumbrians,’ which may have led to 
the misunderstanding in Harold’s Life as to Waltheof’s presence or 
- leadership in the Stamford-bridge campaign. If this be so, the poem 
must date from 1076 rather than 1067. 


Sturr Burnpr (Stura). 


I. Fo ofr-hugi (in cefri) egg-diarfr und sik leggja 
fold vas viga valdi virk] Idrsali [ok Girkjom]: 
ok med cerno riki 6brunnin kom gunnar 
heimol iard und herdi—Hafi riks Jars vel lkar. 
2. [Lost verse. : |—Haraldz ind ofar lindom. 5 
2 Stédosk rad af reidi (rann pat) svika-~mannom 





STUMPIE. Burden. May the soul of the mighty Harold have a plea- 
sant dwelling above the earth with Christ for ever. 
' In the East. The king went to conquer Jerusalem-land, and the 
upper country welcomed him and the Greeks; the whole land came un- 
burnt into his possession with mighty dominion. The Jost verse here, as 
the prose tells us, must have read, ‘ He offered at the grave of the Lord and at 
the Holy Rood, and at other holy places in Jerusalem-land, so much in gold 
and jewels that it is hard to count in marks. The lord of the Agd-folk 








F 
' 
7 
3 
“a 
: 

{ 4 


§3.] STUF THE BLIND AND STEIN HERDISSON. 223 


Egda grams 4 ymsom (ord) Iordanar bordom: 
enn fyrir afgcerd sanna fila ‘gat’ fra stilli 
pi6d fekk visan vida—Vist um aldr med Christe. 
4. Mcég6 gat all-valdr Egda dgnar-mildr p4-es vildi; 10 
gollz t6k gumna spialli gnétt ok bragnings déttor. 


5. Autt vas Falstr ‘at fréttom,’ fekk drétt mikinn étta, 
gladdr varé hrafn, enn hreddir hvert 4r Danir véro. 

6. Fly¥do peir af Piddo pengils fund af stundo ; 
stért ré6 hug-fullt hiarta—Haraldz ind ofar lindom. 15 


”. Tir-eggjadr hid tiggi tveim handom lid beima 
(reifr gekk herr und hiffar) hizig sudr fyr Nitzi. 


8. Gekk sem vind, s4-es vetki vardandi fiar spardi 
geira-hreggs, { gegnom gladr orrostor padra: 
gramr flydit s4 (sidan scém ero bess of ddémi 20 
éls und erki-st6li) eld né iarn it fellda. 


g.  Vissa-ek hildar hvessi (hann vas nyztr at kanna) 
af gddom byr Gridar gagn-selan mer fagna: 
pa es ben-starra bredir baugom grimmr at Haugi 
giarn me6 gylldo horni gekk sialfr 4 mik drekka. 25 


STEINN Herpfsarson. I. Nizar Visor. 
| (Verses 7, 8 from Skioldunga.) 
I. es ate hitt es hugdi hauk-lyndr vesa mundi, 
(par kvad pengill eirar protna vén fyr hénom): 
heldr kvazk hvern varn skyldo hilmir fregr an veegja 
(menn bruto upp) of annan (all vpn) pveran falla. 





.... brigands .... on both banks of Jordan, and for their proved 


_ crimes .... paid heavy fines to the prince. He won the match he 


wished, getting gold enough and the king’s daughter, 

War in Denmark, Falster was made waste, and every year the Danes 
were full of fear. They fled from Thiod [in Jutland] before the king 
forthwith. 

Fe Battle. He hewed down his foes with both hands there, south 
off Niz. 

In England. He went like the wind through the battle there, the 
king that never fled for fire or sword; there are many glorious proofs of 
that on earth [lit. under the wind’s cathedral or archbishopric]. 

The King’s Hall. 1 remember how he graciously welcomed me (he was a 
good friend to know), when he himself drank to me in a golden horn at 
Howe (in Throndham). 


Niz VERSES. The king spoke his will, he said that every one of us 
should fall one across the other before we gave way; the men brought 
out their weapons. Wolf, the king’s marshal, when the high javelins 
were being brandished, and the oars pulled for the attack out on the 





8. Read, galt? 20. sem ef p. ero demi, Cd. 


7 


224 OLAF THE QUIET’S COURT. [ BK. VIII. 


2. Hét 4 oss, pa es uti, Ulfr, ha-kesjor skulfo, 5 
(r66r vas greiddr 4 gradi) grams stallari alla: 
vel bad skip med skylja skel-eggjadr framm leggja 
sitt; enn seggir idtto, sniallz landreka spialli. 

Be Heetti hersa dréttinn hug-strangr, skipa langra 
hinn es vid halft beid annat hundrad, Dana fundar: 10 
nest vas pat-es ré6 rista reidér at-seti Hleidrar 
pangs-l46-marom pangat primr hundrodom sunda. 

4. Vann fyr médo minni mein-foért Haraldr Sveini 
‘var, pvi at visi goerdi vidr-ndm, fridar bidja:’ 
Heréu hiarvi gyrdéir Halland iefurs spiallar 15 
(heit blés und) fyr titan atréér (4 lag bIddi). 

5. Nytr bad Skialdungr skidta (skamt vas lids 4 midli) 
hiffar styggr ok haggva hvarr-tveggi lid tiggi: 
Bedi fl6 (p4-es bl66i brandr hraud af ser raudo), 
[pat bra feigra flotna fiarvi] gridt ok zrvar. 20 

6. Undr es ef eigi kendo ar-métz vidir goerva, 
bardomk ver, peir-es vardo vida grund, of sidir: 
p4-es her-skildi héldo (hrafn fekk gnétt) { 6tto 
nds fyr Niz4r-6si Nordmenn, Harald, fordom. 

“¢ Oss dugir hrafns ens hvassa hungr-deyfi sv4 leyfa 25 
linnz at lastim annan Jattr-sveigjanda eigi: 
aldregi kvaddozk oddom (annat hverjom manni 
tal es um tiggja at meela) tveir full-hugar meiri. 

8. Figi mundi undan all-valdr Dana halda 
(oss dugir satt um snotran selinga kon mela): 30 
ef menn fyr sid sunnan (sverd reiddosk at ferdir), 
peir-es her-skildi héldo, hrafns-foédi vel tcédi. 


II, OLvars-pRAPA. : 
(Verse 1 from Edda; the rest from Hulda.) 


s; HAS kved-ek helgan resi heim-tiallz at brag peima 
(meer6 tésk fram) an fyrda fyrr, pvi-at hann es dyrri. 





sea, he, the king’s friend, bade us lay his ship in the forefront of the battle, 
by the side of the king’s, and his men assented. The King [Harold] 
ventured on meeting the Danes witha third half-hundred of ships [180], 
while the dweller in Hlethra [Leire] led three hundred [360] vessels. 

Harold beat Sweyn at the mouth of the river [Niz].... The king’s 
men, sword-girt, attacked off Halland. When there was little space 
between, both kings bade their men shoot; both stones and arrows 
flew. It isa wonder that they did not ....when we the Northmen 
held the shield about Harold in the morning-watch, off Niz-mouth. 
Let us praise one of the kings, so that we do not blame the other. 
Never did two more stout-hearted men greet each other with the spear- 
point. The king of the Danes would not have given way (we must 
speak the truth of him), if the men from the south of the sea had fought 
well for him. 


OLAF THE QUIET’S PRAISE. Prologue. I first call on the holy King of 
the World-tent | Heaven], for he is more glorious thantheking of men. My — 








§ 3.] STEIN HERDISSON. 225 


2. Veit-ek hvar Oldfr uti éslékinn raud meéki 
(deilask mer til m4la minni) fyrsta sinni: 
Hlaut til hafs fyrir titan Halland konungr branda 5 
(fagr sverd rudo fyrdar) fial-gd6dr litod blddi. 

3. Gengo Danskir drengir (dynr vas goerr) med brynjor 
itan-boréz til iardar ‘urfks’ malms ok hialma: 
sukko sd4rir rekkar sunnan hafs til grunna; 
hdr varp hausom peirra hrann-gardr 4 pram iardar. 10 


a Ungr visi léztu Uso all-ner buendr falla, 
s6tti herr par-es heetti hiar-diarfr konungr fizrvi: 
pess man pangat-kv4ma pengils vesa Englom 
enn sem eptir renni iflaust es p4 lifdo. 
5 Féllo vitt um vallo (vargr n4di p4 biargask) 15 
benja regn, enn bragna bl6d Vikingar 6éo. 


1.6.  Pidd férsk marg { Méddo (menn druknodo sokknir) 

drengr ‘l4 ar of’ tngan 6far Morokara: 
Fila dréttinn rak flétta framr, t6k herr 4 ramri 
ros fyr raskom visa.—Rék-lundadr vert undir 20 

?. Fylkir lét ‘in flioto’ flaust, es leid at hausti ; 
skaut { haf, pars heitir Hrafnseyrr, konungr stafni: 
trodo bord-vigg breidan brim-gang (skipa langra) 
(6dr fell si6r um stdir).—szk baztan gram miklo 

8. Austr helt Engla prystir, é6tvin, lidi sino 25 
stéran (braut um stfri straum) se konungr Rauma: 
Gladr t6k herr, p4-es hedra hring-lestir kom vestan, 
allr vid aflgom stilli—Olé/r borinn sélo. 


Il. 9. Heldr sfzt harri foldo heipt-br4dr iafurr ndéi 





song sets forth! I know where Olaf first reddened his sword out in the 
sea off Halland. My memories fal! into speech. The Danish men 
_ went overboard in the mail-coats, sinking to the bottom, their bodies 
drifting ashore in heaps. 

In England. O young king, thou madest the franklins fall hard by 
Ouse. The coming of the king will be to the English who escaped 
alive a memorable thing. The Wickings waded in blood. They (the 
English) fell wide over the field. 

Burden. The mighty-minded Olaf knows himself to be by far the best 
king under the sun. 

His English Foray. Stave 1. Many people fell in the mouth [of Humber], 
many a man lay about the young Morcar. The Fiala-folk’s lord drove 
the fliers forward. 

Return. The king put his ships in the river, and ran out at harvest- 
tide to sea by the place called Ravensore; the timber steeds trod the 
long sea-paths, the mad waves fell on the strakes of the long ships. 
The enemy of the English [Olaf], the king of the Reams, held his course 
over the great deep, the mighty stream broke around him. All the 
people welcomed the noble prince when he came hither from the west. 

His good-will. Stave 2. Nowsince the king [his brother Magnus, who 


18. Read, orof. 21. Read, i Flisti, 23. bordveg, Cd. 
VOL. I. Q 





226 OLAF THE QUIET’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


(ett preifsk Egda dréttins) dlaust konungr stéli: 30 
mezetr hilmir raué malmi (man-ek skialdungs lof) kaldom 
Rauma grams ok rwndo.—Rék-lundr borinn undir 

10. Oll bidr Egéa stillir egg-diarfra lid seggja 
sund fyrir sino landi sékn-arr stika darrom: 
iard mun eigi verda aud-sdétt Fila dréttins 35 
sékn-herdondom sverda.—szk bazfan gram mtklo 

II. Land vill pengill Proénda (pat lfkar vel skatnom) 
coll vid cérna snilli egg-diarfr { frid leggja: 
hugnar pidd, es pegna prda-lyndr til frid-mala 
kigar Engla>égir.—Olé/r borinn sélo. 40 


m.12. Oldfr gefr sv4 iafra, allz engi m4 sniallra 

hoegegvit goll til hylli hildinga konr mildri: 
Gramr vett hetiom himni, hann es fremstr khonung-manna, 
[spyr-bu hverr glikt man gaorva] 926/-lundr borinn undir 

13. Gefr Att-studill iafra arr ok steinda knarro 45 
(hann vill hneeggvi sfnnar) h4-brynjo6 skip (synja): 
pidd nytr Olafs audar (annar konungr mannom 
se-pu hverr slfkt-fé reidir).—szk daztan gram miklo 

14. Her-pengill gleér hringom hodd-arr sa-es ryér odda, 
bekk-sagnir letr bragna bragningr giafom fagna: 50 
Noré-mannom gefr nenninn Néregs konungr stérom; 
arr es Engla pverrir—Olé/r borinn sélo. 


15. Enn-at goerva gunni gramr bidsk vid styr rommom, 
her-skildi bad halda hraust-gedr konungr austan: 
it foérdot lid litid lang bord fyrir Staéd nordan; 55 
trodot tin-vall reydar tveir daglingar meiri. 
16. Sin 66ul mun Sveini sékn-strangr { Kaupangi, 


par es heilagr gramr hvilir (hann es rikr iafurr), banna : 





died young] won heayen, he [Olaf] holds his throne firmly (the race of the 
Agd-folk’s lord thereon). The good king of the Reams defends his land 
with cold iron and shield. I set forth his praise. The lord of the Agd- 
folk makes his men fence in every creek of his land with darts, so that 
the Fiala-folk’s king [himself] cannot be easily attacked. The Thronds’ 
prince wishes his land to lie in peace, and the people are well pleased 
that he, the terror of the English, forces them to peaceful dealings, 

His open hand. Stave 3. Olaf gives so much gold to his men that no 
other king can do the like. He gives them helmets and mail-coats as if 
it were nothing. ‘King’s clothes look so well.’.... [The two verses 
have been amplified out of one we think, the rendering of which we 
give.| He gives them also painted busses and high-mailed war-ships, for 
he despises miserliness, He gladdens his henchmen with rings, and his 
courtiers with gifts. The minisher of the English is generous indeed. 

War is at hand, but the poet is confident in the patron saint of his master. 
The brave king [Olaf] bade his men make ready for battle, for another 
prince [Sweyn] was coming with war-shield from the East. He [Olaf] 
is standing to sea north of Stad with his fleet. Never did two better 





42. mildi, Cd, 43. veit] es, Cd, 








§ 3.] THORKEL SKALLASON. 224 


sett sfnni man unna Aldfr konungr hdla; 

Ulfs parfat pvf arfi allz Néregs til kalla. 60 
17. Vardi é6gnar-ordom Oldfr ok frid-malom 

isord sva-at engi pordi allvalda til kalla. 


PorKELL SKALtason (Vatpiérs-FLoKKRr). 


I. UNDRAD lét { heitom hird-menn iafurr brenna 
séknar yggr, enn seggjom (svido-kveld vas pat) elldi: 

frétt vas, at fyréar kna&tto flagé-viggs und kl6 liggja; 
im-leitom fekksk Ata als blakk vid hre Frakka. 

2. Vist hefir Valpidf hraustan Vilhialmr, s4s raud malma, 5 
(hinn-es haf skar sunnan hélt) { trygd um véltan: 
satt es, at sfé man létta (snarr enn minn vas harri) 
[deyr eigi mildingr meri] mann-drép 4 Englandi. 


HaARAtLpz STIKKI. 


| 4 fallnir { fen ofan 

Valpidfs lidar vapnom heeggnir: 
sv4 at gunn-hvatir ganga knatto 
Nordmenn yfir 4 nam einom. 


OCCASIONAL VERSES AND IMPROVISATIONS. 


KinG HAROLD SIGURDSSON. A Love-Song, of which six stanzas out 
of sixteen are imperfectly preserved, is attributed to the king himself, 
who was quite capable of composing it. It is addressed to the lady of 
the gold-ring in Gardric, of whom we know nothing. The allusion to 
Olaf and the wicking exploits of Harold’s youth are quite consonant 
with what we know of the buccaneer king. The verse on his accom- 
plishments is a copy of that on Earl Rognwald, but there was, we take 
it, a stanza in the original on the subject, which, being lost or corrupt, 
some copyist has filled up for the better-known Rognwald’s verses. The 
list is interesting: Earl Rognwald knows—tables, runes, book-reading, 
' harping, smithying [carpentry], shooting, rowing, snow-skating, and 
poetry. Harold Greyfell had ‘twelve royal accomplishments,’ says 
Glum Geirasson, but the verse he counted them up in is lost. Olaf 





kings tread the whale-path. He will keep Sweyn off his heritage at 
Chipping [Nidaros], where the holy king [St. Olaf] lies. King Olaf [the 
saint| will protect his race to the utmost. [Sweyn] Wolfson’s claim to 
all Norway shall be of no effect. Both against threats and soothing words 
Olaf protected his land so that no king durst lay claim to it. 


THORKETTLE SKALLASON ON WALTHEOW. His exploits. He burnt in 
the hot fire a hundred of the king’s henchmen ; it was singeing-time for 
men [the day they singe the fresh slain sheep in the autumn]; prey was 
given to the grey-wolf from the corpses of the French. 

His death. Surely William, that reddened swords and clave the icy sea 
from the south, has dealt treacherously with the gallant Waltheow in full 
truce. Verily, slaughter will not soon be stayed in England. Brave 
was my lord, a better prince never died. 


HAROLD’s SONNET. Fulford, Waltheow’s weapon-slain men lay down in 
the Dyke, so that the brave Northmen could walk across on their bodies! 


Q2 


228 HAROLD’S COURT. ~ [px. vim. 


Tryggvisson, we learn (no doubt from a verse now perished), knew 
climbing, swimming, juggling with knives, was ambi-dexterous, and 
could walk along his galley on the bows of the oars which the men were 
rowing. These passages recall the list of feats in the Irish Tales, 

We have added the King’s Improvisations on the Death of Fin and 
Capture of Einar (the veteran from Swold); the verses before Sticklestead 
and Stamford Bridge battles; and the Dialogues with his poets Thiodwolf 
and Hall, The Thiodwolf and Fisherman lines existed apparently in 
two versions, one of which replaced Fisherman by a Salt-burner. 

Kine Maenus. A little scrap out of a love-song is ascribed to this 
prince, it refers to some unnamed lady. 

WoLF THE MARSHAL. A great friend of Harold, one of his old 
comrades in the East. He died in 1066, just before the English Expe- 
dition. His kinsmanship to Stein and Stump, his contemporaries at 
Harold’s court, and other men of mark before and after, will be clear 
from the following table : 


King Beolan m. Cathlin d, of Rodwolf Duke of Normandy 
Helgi, m. Nidbiorg 
i 





Einar Skalaglam Oswif the Wise Glum Geirasson 





Thorgerd Ospak Gudrun m. ‘Thorkell m. (2) Thorrod 

Hers Wolf the Marsha. d.1066 Gelli,d.t073 Thorrod Cat 

Sisk John of Rayfield Thorgils Stump ‘a Blind 
Erlend Himaldi ARI the Historian, d. 1148 


Eystein the Archbishop, d. 1188 


How Harold missed him may be guessed from his eulogy at his grave: 
‘ Of all men he was the truest to his lord.’ 

The stave of his, given below, alludes to the report of Harold God- 
winesson’s house-carles, ‘that they were a match for any two Northmen.’ 


I. Mansone. 


“¢ i Phewlee vas pess at Proéndir; peir hafdo lid meira; 
vard sti es ver of gerdom vist errileg snerra: 
skildomk ungr vid ungan all-vald f styr fallinn— 
bé letr Gerir i Girdom goll-hrings vtd mer skolla. 

2. Sneid fyr Sikley vida sid, vérom pA prudir; 5 
brynt skreid vel til vanar vengis-hiartr und drengjom: 
vetti-ek midér at motti moni enn pinig renna— — 
bé letr Gerir i Gériom goll-hrings vis mer skolla. 





I, KiInG HAROLD’s LovE-SonG. Battle at Sticklestead. We met the 
Thronds: they had the greater host. It was a sharp bicker we had. 
I was young when I parted with the young king [Olaf] fallen in the 
fray.—Refrain:; Yet Gerd Gold-ring in Gard holds me in scorn. 

In the East. The bark sped to broad Sicily ; we were proud of array 
then, The galley went fast under her crew. I do not think the 








§3.] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 229 


3. Senn idso ver, svanni, sext4n, enn brim vexti, 
(dreif 4 hlaéna hifa him) f{ fidrom rimom: 10 
veetti-ek minnr at motti moni enn pinig renna— 
Pé leir Geror i Gérdom goll-hrings vid mer skolla. 
4.  Ipréttir kann-ek Atta:—Yggs fet-ek lf5 sm{da; 
fcérr em-ek hvasst 4 hesti; hefi-ek sund numit stundom ; 
skrida kann-ek 4 skiéom; skyt-ek ok roék sv4-at nytir— 15 
bé leir Gerbr ¢ Gordom goll-hrings vid mer skolla, 
5s Enn monat ekkjan finna ung ne mer at verim, 
par-es goerdom svip sverda, <i { borg of morgin: 
Ruddomk um meé oddi; ero merki bar verka— 
Pé leir Gerbr i Girdom goll-hrings vid mer skolla. 20 
6. Foéddr vas-ek par-es alma Upplendingar bendo ; 
nui let-ek vid sker skolla skeidr buandom leidar. 
Vitt hefi-ek sfzt ¥ttom ey-gard skorid bardi— 
Pé leir Gerbr ¢ Gorbom goll-hrings vid mer skolla. 


II. Lavusa Visor. 


I. pora mun-ek pann arm verja (pat es ekkjo munr) ‘ nokkut’ 
[rid6d0m ver af reidi rand] es ek f{ hlyt standa: 
Gengr-a greppr inn ungi gunn-blfdr, par-es slag rida, 
(herda menn at mérdi médt) 4 heel fyr spidtom. 


2. Nd let-ek skég afskdgi... (see Book vi, § 1, vol. i. p. 365). 5 
The King: 
3. Lato ver, me@an lirlar lin-eik veri sfnom, 
Gerér, { Godnar-firdi ‘galdrs’ akkeri halda. 





laggard would hasten thither. Yet, etc. We baled sixteen of us in 

four berths. And the sea grew high and the dun wave drove over 
' the laden hull. I do not think, etc. I know eight accomplishments: 
I can brew Woden’s draught [poetry], I am nimble on horseback, 
I have at times taken to swimming. I know, etc. [See Earl Rognwald’s 
verse, p. 276, from which these have been at all events mended.| The young 
damsel shall never find us late in the town of a morning when sword 
strokes are to be given. We broke our way with the point of our 
spear. There are marks of our deeds. Yet, etc. I was born where 
the Uplanders bear the bow, but now I make the galley, the franklins 
hate, hover off the skerries /ike a wicking’s. 1 have cloven the main far 
and wide with my prow since first I put out to sea. Yet, etc. 


II. IMPROVISATIONS. Before Sticklestead. 1 shall be bold enough to 
guard the wing in which I stand. The young poet in his war-joy will 
not turn his back to the spear, where the missiles are flying. 

Sticklestead. See Book vi, § 1, no. 42. 

At Sea. King: We make the anchor of the galley take hold in 
Godnar-firth [Guden-firth in East Jutland], while the lady Gerd is 





1, Read, nokkur? 


230 HAROLD’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


Thiodwolf : 
Sumar annat skal sunnar (segi-ek eina spa) fleini 
{ver aukom kaf kr6ki] kald-nefr furo halda. 


4. Sk4ro iast or osti Eybaugs Dana meyjar 10 
(pat of angradit pengil ping) akkeris hringa: 
ni sér marg f morgin meer (hier at pvf feeri) 
cérnan kr6k or iarni all-valldz skipom halda. 

King: 5. Logid hefir Baldr at Baldri: 

Thiodwolf : Bryn-pings fetil-stinga 
linnz s4-es land 4 sunnan 146-bridtr fyrir rada: 15 
pé es sid niwrdr inn nerdri nordér glym-hridar borda 
(gramr es-pu froékn ok fremri) fast-mdalari hala. 

King: 6. Hvert stillir pu Halli? 


Halli : Hleyp-ek fram at skyr-kaupom. 
King : Graut muntu geerva lata? 
Halli’: (Goerr madr es pat) smicervan. 

7. Her sé-ek upp inn arva Einar (pann-es kann skeina 20 


pialma) Pambar-skelmi (pangs) fial-mennan ganga: 
Full-afli bidr fyllar (finn-ek opt at drffr minna) 
hilmis-stéls (4 heela huskarla-lid iarli). 
8. Riddandi mun raéa randar-bliks or landi 
oss, nema Einarr kyssi cexar-munn inn punna. 5 
9. Nu emk ellifo allra (eggjom vigs) ok tveggja 
(pau ero sva-at ek mani inna ord) r46-bani vordinn: 
‘ginn enn grdleik inna gollz ok ferr meéd skolli;’ 
lytendr kveda lfti6 lauki geeft-at auka. 





fondling her husband at home.—Thiodwolf : | utter a prophecy. Another 
summer Cold-nose [the anchor] shall hold the bark with his fluke 
farther south still. We make the anchor-bows dive! 

In Jutland. ‘The Danish maids carved anchor-rings out of yeasting- 
cheese. That did not vex the king. But this morning many a maiden 
may see how the huge iron flukes hold the king’s ship. None of them 
will laugh now! 

Sweyn would not keep tryst or truce. Harold: King has lied to king.— 
Thiodwolf : Warrior to swordsman. I saw the King of the South; but 
the King of the North is truer to his word. Thou art the better king. 

King : Whither art thou slinking, Halli ?—Ha/ii: I am running off to 
buy curds.—King: Thou wilt be having porridge ?—Ha//i: With butter 
—dainty food! 

At the Capture of Einar. Here is the bold Einar gut-shaker with 
his company ; he knows how to plow the sea. In his pride he looks 
forward to filling the throne. I have often seen a less number of 
retainers at an earl’s heels. He will scheme us out of the land, unless 
he kiss the thin lips of the axe. 

Harold at Calf’s death. Now I have caused the death of eleven men 
and two, that I can remember. These men are showing treason, 
schemes, and plots. Little makes the leek grow, they say. 





27. ord] moré, Cd. 








§ 3.] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 231 


10, Kriipo ver fyr vapna (val-teigs) brakon eigi 30 
(sv4 baud hildr at hialdri hald-ord) { bug skialdi: 
Hatt bad mik (par-es mcéttosk) men-skord bera fordom 
(Hlakkar iss ok hausar) hialm-stall { gny malma. 


III. Kine, Turopwotr, anp FIsHer. 
Fisher : 


I. ()Fosa dré-ek ¥so, 4tta-ek fang vid lango, 
vann-ek of hafdi hennar hlomm—Lu Jat var skimmo: 
pé6 man-ek hitt at hrotta hafdak golli vafdan, 
didom darr { bl6éi drengs—Vas Jat fyr lengra. 
King: 
pa Hioggo harda dyggir hird-menn Dani stirda, 5 
sétti ferd 4 flétta framm—LZn pat vas skimmo: 
Hitt vas fyrr es fiarri féstr-landi raud-ek branda, 
sver6 { Serkja gardi sang—LZnn pat vas lingo. 
Thiodwolf : 
: Mildingr raud { Médo, (mét fllt vas par) spidétom ; 
Danom v4ro god geira groam—Ln jai vas skimmo: 10 
Setti nidr 4 slétto Serklandi gramr merki, 
st6d at stillis radi stong—Lun pat vas lingo. 
Fisher : 
4. Heyr-pt 4 upp-reist orda, otvin, konungr, mfna, 
gaf mer goll it vaféa gramr—Vas pat fyr skimmo: 
Saddir arn, ok eyddir arom Bl4manna fiarvi, “15 
gall styr-fengins stilliss strengr—Vas Jat fyr lengra. 
King: 
5. Hlaut-ek af hraudung skidta hlyri, mer in skyra, 
skeid gekk felld 4 fleedi framm—Vas Jat fyr skimmo: 





At Stamford-bridge. ‘We do not crouch behind the hollow of our 
shields in the crash of weapons. The faithful lady bade me be bold 
in battle. Of yore she bade me bear my head high where swords and 
skulls met. Hardly genuine. Another verse attributed to him (quoted 
from an old song paraphrased in Saxo, Book i) is given in Book vi, no. 45. 


Ill. Fisherman ; | pull up the struggling haddock, and grapple with the 
ling. I beat its head in with my club, a short while ago. But I remem- 
ber how I held a gold-wound Hrunting [sword]; we dipped our darts 
in men’s blood, a long while ago.—King:; My gallant guard cut down 
the stubborn Danes, they fled away, a short while ago. But before that 
I made my sword sing in the Saracen’s city, a long while ago.—Thiodwolf: 
The king dyed his spears at the Mouth of Niz. The gods of the lance 
were angry with the Danes, a short while ago. The king planted his 
banner on the flats of the Saracen land, and the staff stood still by his 
command, a long while ago.— Fisherman: Hear my song’s beginning! 
The king gave me the twisted gold, a long while ago. Thou didst rob 
the Blackamoors of life, a long while ago.—King ; I launched my ship in 
haste, O lady, and the well-payed galley ran out to sea, a short while 


232 HAROLD'S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


Enn fyr ‘England’ sunnan ‘66’ bord und mer nordan, 
ristin skalf { rastom raong—Lun Jai vas longo. 20 
fisher : 
6. Vig létzt Vinda mygir viréom kunn of unnin, 
Proendir drifo rfkt und randir, romm—Ln Jat vas skimmo : 
Enn fyr Serkland sunnan snarr pengill hid drengi; 
kunni gramr at gunni gang—Zn Jat vas lingo. 


Cod. Fris. adds—Salt-burner : 
4, Fer-ek { vanda verjo, ‘ver naud’ of mer snaudom; = 25 
kausunegr fer vist { vAsi voamm—Lun Jat vas skimmo: 
Endr vas hitt at hrundi hring-kofl of mik Inga, 
gagl baro sik sara svang—Lun Sat vas lingo. 
8. Brendom brik 4 sandi, baud-ek hyr para raudom, 
reyk-svelan t6k riika romm—Lnm jai vas skimmo. 30 


Uutrr STALLARI. 


SA stallarom stilliss stafn-rim Haraldz (iafnan) 
(6naudigr fekk-ek audar) innan pzorf at hverfa: 
Ef, har-skoréan, hroekkva hrein skolom tveir fyr einom 
(ungr kendak mer) undan (annat) Pinga-manni. 


Kine Macnus THe Goop (BarEL£G ?). 


NT ORGE kvedr ser at sorgom sver6-ridér alin verda 
(uggi-ek all-litt seggja détta) bu-karls déttor: 

Enn ef einhver bannar eld-gefn fyrir mer svefna, 

vist veldr siklings systir svinn andvako minni. 





ago. - But south of Sicily the ship tossed under me from the north, its 
ribs rattled in the swirl [off Messina], a long while ago.—Fisherman: 
Thou didst fight far-famed battles; the Thronds flocked under shield, 
a short while ago; but south off Saracen-land thou didst cut down 
warriors, a long while ago. 

Salt-burner. Another version. 1 go in a poor frock, a smock covers 
me in my need. A jacket covers me in the wet, since a short while ago. 
But of yore the ring-cowl of Ingwi clothed me, a long while ago. I 
burnt weed on the sand, I set fire to the red tang, the bitter smoke 
began to reek, a short while ago.... 


Wolf the Marshal before Stamford-bridge. It is no use for the king’s 
marshals to turn into the forecastle, if two of us, lady, are to fly before 
one ‘ Thing-man’ [guard of the English king]. I did not learn this in 
my youth. 


King Magnus in love. Many a man complains that a cotter’s daughter 
was born for his sorrow; but if any woman banishes sleep from me, it 
is the king’s sister. 





19. Read, Sikley ... sveif? 25. Read, vesl. 1. alin] read, alna, 





§ 4.] MAGNUS BARELEG. 233 


§4. KING ERIC THE GOOD OF DENMARK, 
AND MAGNUS BARELEG AND HIS_ 
SONS (1093-1130). 


THE Danish King Errc THE GooD—Eirikr Gédi, as the Annals call 
him (1095-1103), whose poet Mark heads this section—for him and his 
father and brothers, see Introduction to § 3. 

But as for the Norse kings of this period— 

The quiet reign of Olaf Haroldsson (1067-93, died Sept. 22, 1093) 
was not marked by such deeds as the court poets loved to sing. His 
motto, ‘Farmers and Peace’ (see the Ditty 46, Book vi), was not one 
to please them. His son Magnus, on the other hand, took after his 
grandfather Harold, and was the last king of the real old type, adven- 
tureus as Charles XII himself, and not without dreams of a mighty 
sea-empire, the realisation of which was impossible. His pleasure in 
the storm in the North Sea, when the ‘seventy feet wand’ was swaying 
in the ship and bending to the force of the gale, shows the same spirit 
that breathes through the Helgi Lays. 

Twice in his ten years—first in rog8 and again in 1102—‘ Fighting- 
Magnus’ (like Fairhair two centuries earlier) crossed the main and 
harried in the Islands. He dressed like the half-Gaelic chieftains of 
the Irish and Scotch coasts, in the saffron-dyed pleated shirt and long 
mantle, whence he got one of his nicknames, ‘Bareleg.’ It was his 
deadly aim that slew the doughty Norman earl off Anglesey, his exultant 
shout that marked his enemy’s fall. All through his short career he 
lived up to the device he had chosen—‘ Kings should live for glory 
rather than grey hairs.’ But like his grandfather, he perished by a blow 
from an unknown hand, for he fell on the 24th August, 1103, in an 
ambush set for him by the wild Irish, near Downpatrick, where he is 
buried. Yet his plans, the restoration of Harold Fairhair’s colonial 


empire over the Isles (Orkney, Sudrey, Anglesea, the Isle of Man, for he 


laid claim on all the isles, including Cantyre), did not quite fail. He was 
long after his death a bugbear to the Scots, still remembered in Ossianic 
ballad. Shock-head’s [see vol. i. p. 258] expedition was the first, but the 
third and last, pompous and badly managed, was that of King Hakon in 
1263, who meant to restore Fairhair’s and Bareleg’s empire. 

And now the Norse colonies, memorials of the great wickings and 
kings of old, fell off one by one. By the Treaty of Perth, 1266, Man and 
the Hebrides were lost. Two centuries later, in 1468-9, Orkneys and 
Shetland were pledged and never redeemed, All trade with Iceland, 
Greenland, Faroe ceased. The Greenland colony, deserted by the 
mother country, perished in the fifteenth century [by famine and 
plague ?]; trading in Iceland passed into English hands (fifteenth cen- 
tury); though the Norse fishermen remained what they have always 
been, the best seamen and boat-builders ever known. 

Magnus left three young sons who reigned together, and with them 
died out the true line of Harold Fairhair, the Ynglings whom Thiod- 
wolf had traced to the gods. The youngest, O/af, died in his youth 
(1116); Eystan the Lawyer, who stayed at home like his grandfather the 


234 KING ERIC THE GOOD’S COURT. _ [bx. vim. 


Farmer-King, died 29 Aug. 1122; and the third, Sigurd the Crusader, 
who chose the other path and went abroad and accomplished the crusade 
of which Northmen long boasted, but when he came home he fell into 
a mischievous madness, and died 26 March, 1130, aged forty years. 
Except Mark’s poem, taken from Skioldunga, the poems of this Sec- 
tion, like those of the preceding, are, where there is no statement to the 
contrary, taken from Hulda, Kringla.... : 
MARK SKEGGISSON THE LAW-SPEAKER. A man, on Ari’s testimony in 
Kristni Saga, ‘The wisest of all the Law-speakers next to Skapti.’ 
‘From his narration,’ he also says in Libellus Islandorum, ‘ has been 
written down the lives of all the Speakers of the Law in this book 
[referring to the lost Liber Islandorum in which they must have 
existed]; all those, I say, which were before our memory. But he was 
informed by Thorarin his brother [the poet, we think], and Skeggi 
their father, and other wise men, of the life of those that were before 
his memory, according to the narration of Bearni the Wise, their father’s 
father, who could remember Thorarin the Law-Speaker and six more 
after him.’ Mark is mentioned in the Laws, as Gaius or Ulpian are 
cited in the Digest, and his decisions were looked on as authoritative. 
His Speakership lasted from 1¢84 to 1108; died 15th Oct. [1108 ?]. He 
had a daughter Walgerd; for her offspring, see Sturl. ii. 489 (Table). 
As a poet he is high in the rank of court-poets. His ‘hryn-hend’ 
Dirge on Eric of Denmark (1103) is interesting from its tone, which 
rings to a nobler chord than Arnor’s glowing but boisterous work. 
It praises the king for deeds of Peace and Order, derives his epithets 
from law and peace rather than war, and is a welcome relief from the 
monotonous strain of most of Harold’s poets, whose delight is in the 
shedding of blood, setting banquets for the wolves, dying their blades in 
the rain of the tempest of Woden, and the like,—though something must 
be set to the remodeller’s score. Nor is Mark a mean craftsman. He has 
all the melody which one expects from poets of his day, and he was highly 
esteemed for‘his skill by such exacting critics as Snorri and Olaf. 
_ We have bits of longer poems of his on Christ, on Eric’s brother King 
Cnut the Saint of Denmark, and a morsel of a Sea Song, and a Satire. 
The long poem on Eric the Good is of high value, not only from its 
style, but from its contents. It is addressed to Nicholas, the last of ‘the 
five kings,’ whose brother Eric was; [unlike Saxo and Knytlinga, Mark 
seems to count Harold, Cnut, Olaf, Biorn, Nicholas.| Its successive 
strophes deal (1) with Eric’s Visit to Gardric; (2) his glorious rule, 
generosity, good law, upholding of canon law, memory, learning, and 
knowledge of tongues; (3) recounts his pilgrimage to Rome (1093), 
with the splendid reception he met with, and its happy results—the 
founding of the archbishop’s see at Lund, which was for many years 
afterwards the centre of Danish culture and Christendom. His War 
with the Wends takes up strophe 4, the apostacy of these heathens rousing 
the anger of the pious king and the lawyer-poet. In the next strophes 
(5-6) he recurs to the defensive measures and ecclesiastical work of Eric, 
the Danish St. David, who founded ‘ five stone minsters,’ ‘ head churches.’ 
The Visit to the Emperor (7), the lord of Franconia, when final arrange- 
ments were probably made with regard to Lund. The Consecration of 
Ozur (8) was not Eric’s doing (it took place in the year following his 
death), nor does the poet imply this; he merely turns aside to pay a 
compliment to the archbishop, who was sitting, we may fancy, by 
Nicholas’s side when the Encomium was delivered. Strophe g tells of 
Eric’s Second and final pilgrimage to Palestine (1102), which was the fore- 








§ 4.] MARK SKEGGISON. 235 


runner of the exploits of Sigurd of Norway (1107-1109) and Earl 
Rognwald of Orkney (1151-1152). His visit to the Emperor of the 
Greeks, from whom he received a royal robe and ‘half a last’ of gold, 
and to whom he gave fourteen war-ships, is to be noted. Part of a 
strophe on Eric’s death in Cyprus (10), and bits of other lost stanzas, 
complete all we have of the poem, which is very well preserved. 

The Improvisation on the ship as a Bear is one of the best examples of 
the ‘conceits’ of Mark’s day, 


I. Hrynnenpa, or Erriks-prdPa, c. 1104-1108. 
(Verses 1-3 and 27 from Edda.) 


I. ARRA kved-ek at hréér-gar6 dyrri hauk-lundadan Dana 
grundar. 
2.  Eireks lof verdr ald at heyra, engi madr veit fremra pengil ; 


(Yngvi hélt vid ordrz-tfr langan iafra sess) { veraold pessi. 
3.  Fiarri hefir at foédisk dyrri flotna vardr 4 él-kers botni 
(hava leyfir hverr madr zevi hring-varpadar) gialfri kringdom. 5 


4.  Fcedir sétti fremdar r4da foldar vardo austr { Garda ; 
audi gcéddo allvald pridan ftrir menn peir-es hnoeggvi slita : 
Stillir vard um Austr-veg allan einkar tfér inn meerdar blidi; 
hinn vas engr es hans nafn kunnit heidar-mannz { lofi reida. 

5. Var awndurt bid Vinda rfrir vegligt flaust or Gardom austan 
(hlyrom skaut 4 hola bro helmings oddr) { sumars broddi: 11 
hl¥do studdi bord-vid breidan brédir Knutz { vedri 660 ; 
s{dan knatti svik-folks eydir snilli-kendr vid Danmark lenda. 


6. Drengir pogo aud af Yngva, arr fylkir gaf sverd ok knarro 
(Eirekr veitti opt ok st6rom arm-leggjar raf) dyrom seggjom: 15 
hringom eyddi harra slangvir hildar ramr, enn stillir framdi 
fyrdéa kyn, sva-at flestir urdo, Frdda stéls, af h6nom géddir. 

y.  Vargom eyddi Vinda fergir, vikingom hepti konungr fikjom; 
pidfa hendr lét pengill st¥fa, begnom kunni hann ésid hegna: 





I. Eric’s PRAIseE. Prologue. I call on the gallant king of the Danes 
[Nicholas] to listen to my precious song. 

People shall hear the PRAISE OF ERIC, no one knows a better king 
in this world. He held his throne to his lasting fame; never shall a 
goodlier king be borne on the surf-ringed floor of the wind’s chalice 
[earth]. Every one praises his lofty life. 

His visit to the East. The nourisher of mighty schemes visited the 
kings east in Gard; they, generous, gave him wealth, he became famous 
all over the East-way. There was no one but praised his name. Early 
in the spring, at the point of summer, the dread of the Wends made 
ready his gallant ships to sail West from Gard; the captain launched his 
barks on the hollow waves; Cnut’s brother strengthened his broad 
bulwarks with weather-boards in the mad storm, and at last landed 
in Denmark. 

His glory. He gave swords and ships to his good lieges. Yea, the 
lord of Frodi’s Throne helped his people so that all got good from him. 
The Terror of the Wends thoroughly purged the land of Wickings 
[pirates]; he cut the hands off thieves, he knew how to punish breach 
of law. Thou hast never heard of Eric’s wresting righteous judgment ; 


236 KING ERIC THE GOOD’S COURT. _ [xx. vu. 


alldri fréttu at Eirekr vildi all-réttligom démi halla; 20 
hala kunni ser til szelo sigrs valdari Gods laghalda. 

8.  Hrddigr atti bryn-pings beidir biartan aud ok freéknligt hiarta, 
minni gnégt, ok man-vit annat mest, fylgdo pvi hvergi lestir : 
alla haf6i adlingr snilli, ungr nam hann margar tungor; 
Eirekr vas, sva at matti meira, mestr ofr-hugi, iaofri flestom. 25 


9. Lystskal hitt, es loféungr fy¥stisk langan veg til Réms at ganga 
(fylkir sa par frid-land balkat Feneyjar-lf6) dyrd at venja: 
Brédir gekk { Bar ut sidan (bragningr vildi god-d6m magna) 
[hylli Gods mun_hlifa stilli] hafud-skialdunga fimm [at 

gialdom ]. 

10. Stdéra sdtti Haraldz hlyri helga déma tit fraé Rémi; 30 
hringom varéi 4tt-konr Yngva audig skrin ok golli raudo: 
mildingr f6r um Munka-veldi mééom feéti sal at beéta ; 
sveitir kn{6i all-valdr austan ; Firikr vas til Réms f peiri. 


11.  Eirekr nadi titan at foera Erki-st6] um Saxa-merki 
(hli6tom ver pat-es hag varn beétir) hingat nordr (at skiaold- 
ungs ordom): 35 


Eydisk hitt at iafn-stért r4di annarr gramr til burftar mannom; 
leyfdi allt sem konungr krafdi Kristz unnandi P4vi sunnan. 


12. Veldi pordot Vindr at halda (villan goerdisk peim at illo), 
[sunnan kom ba svikd6éms manna satta-rof | bat-es budlungr atti; 
Yngvi hélt { 6da-strangom aldo-gangi skipom pangat, 40 
hlydan skalf, enn hristo gradi hélog bard, fyr Vinda gardom. 

13. Reando lauk um rekka-kindir risno-mad6r své at hver t6k adra; 
hamalt (knatto pa hiffar glymja) hildingr fylkti lidi miklo: 





he upheld to the utmost the laws of God [the church law] to his own 
profit. He had bright wealth, a bold heart, a good memory, and other 
gifts of mind to the utmost, and aijl without blemish; he had all kinds of 
knowledge, he learnt many tongues in his youth. Eric was the most 
high-minded, the best of all kings beside. 

His Pilgrimage. It shall be told how the king went the long-path to 
Rome to win a share in its glory; there he saw the fenced land of 
refuge. After this the brother of five kings went on to Bari to the glory 
of the Godhead; and God’s grace will keep his soul safe therefore. 
Harold’s brother visited the great halidoms [relics, etc.] in Rome; he 
adorned the rich shrines with rings and red gold; he went with weary 
feet round the realm of the monks [Rome] for his soul’s good; he passed 
on from the East and came to Rome withal. Eric carried from abroad 
an archbishop’s see over the Saxon March hither in the North [the 
archiepiscopal see of Lund]. Our spiritual state is the better by his act. 
It is impossible that another king should do as much for our sou/s’ 
needs. The pope, Christ’s friend, in the south granted all that he asked 
of him. 

His war with the Wends. The Wends durst not keep the realm that. 
was his. Their apostacy cost them dear. When the traitors’ rebellion 
was heard from the south, he sailed with his ships in a swelling sea 
thither, the weather-boards shivered, and the cold timbers troubled the 
sea off the Wends’ land. The king arrayed his men in a great shielded 








Ce ae ee ne tee ae fet eee e eee ey 


§4.] MARK SKEGGISON. 237 


Styrjald 6x um stilli arvan; stengr boro framm visiss drengir ; 
mildingr gekk at miklom hialdri malmi skrfddr ok faldinn 


hialmi. 45 
14.  Harga vardisk herr { borgom; hialdr-ganga vas snarod 
pangat ; 


hardir knidosk menn at mordi; merki blés um hilmi sterkjan: 

Eirekr vak6i odda-sktrir; eggjar t¥ndo lifi seggja ; 

sungr iarn, enn scéfdosk drengir; sveiti fell 4 val-kast heitan. 
15.  Blddit dreif 4 rand-gard raudan; régs hegnir drap tal 


~ pegna ; 50 
fram6i sik, par-es folk-vpn glumdo, fylkir ungr, enn brynjor 
sprungo : 


Heidinn vildi herr um s{dir hamlo vigs é6r porti gamlo ; 
urdo peir es virkit vardo vangi nest 4 hand at ganga. 

16. _Heidin véro hiarton l¥da hryg@ar-full { Vinda bygdom ; 
eldrinn sveif um 6étal haldéa; Eirekr brendi sali beira: 55 
eisor kyndosk hatt { htisom; hallir nado vitt at falla; 
étto leid ; enn uppi pétti elris grand f himni standa. 

17. Eirekr vas med upp-reist hari; undan fl¥do Vindr af stundo ; 
giald festo b4 grimmir haléar; gumnar voro sigri numnir: 
Yngvi taldi erfOir pangat ; alpyda var6 stilli at hlyda ; 60 
veldi ré6 pvi Ast-vinr aldar; einart 14 pat fyrr und Sveini. 


18. Flaustom lukdi folka treystir foldar s{So brimi knfda, 
eorr visi bad oddom lesa trga straond ok svalri rando: 
hiffom keyréi hersa reyfir hardla nf¥tr um land it ftra; 
hilmir lauk vid hernad stéran haudr Ey-Dana skiald-borg raudri. 


19. Vida setti visdéms groédir virki skrfddar hafud-kirkjor 66 
goerva let par holl-vinr herjar hrein musteri fimm af steini : 
véro pau med trygéar tfri tida flaustr, es gramr lét smida 
badévar sniallr ok baztr at allo,boréi mest fyr Saxland nordan. 





-war-wedge, so that target touched target. The fray waxed high about 


the gallant prince. The host of the fanes [heathen] defended themselves 
in their strongholds, the banner blew over the strong king. Eric waked 
the war, he slew men unnumbered. The heathen host tried to sally 
out of the ancient town. Heathen hearts were sorrowful in the country 
of the Wends. Eric kindled the lofty flame in their houses; Eric had 
great good fortune, the Wends fled away forthwith ; that gruesome folk 
paid ransom, being reft of victory. The king claimed his heritage there, 
it had formerly lain under Sweyn’s sway. 

His defensive measures. He bade them guard his watery shores with 
spear and cold shield. He locked the land of the Island-Danes with a 
red shield-fortress against great raids. 

His good works. The nurse of wisdom [king] raised walled head- 
churches [cathedrals] in many places; the patron of men built five 
polished minsters of stone; these ships of services [naves horarum], which 
this most gallant king and noblest built to his true glory [devoutly], were 
the loftiest north of Saxony [Germany]. 





69. mest] emend.; merkt, Cd. 





238 KING ERIC THE GOOD’S COURT. _ [px. vi. 


20. Bl{dan goéddi biartom audi Biarnar hlyra Frakklandz stfrir ; 
storar lét ser rand-gar6z ryrir rfks keisara giafar lfka: 71 
Hanom lét til her-vfgs buina harra spialli 146-menn snialla 
alla leid, 46r adlingr nedi Iéta grundar Cesars fundi. 


21. Dréttom lét { Danmark settan daglingr grundar skamt fra 


Lundi 
Erki-st6l pann-es all pidd dyrkar, elion-pungr, 4 Danska 
tungo: 75 


Hildingr framdi heilagt veldi; hvar-gegnan m4 Otzor fregna 
(hénom vfsar halda reynir himna-stig) til byskops vigdan, 


22. — Lyst en hitt, es leknask ffstisk lid-hraustr konungr sar 
in idri; 
nordan fér med helming hardan hersa mcédir s&l at groéda: 
harri bidésk til heims ens dyrra; hann geerdi feor itat kunna. 80 
(budlungr vildi biart lif cedlask) bygd Iérsala { fridi trygda. 
23. Baro menn or borgom stérom bleydi-skiarrs 4 méti harra 
(sungit vas p4-es herr t6k hringja) hnossom gafgod skrin ok 
krossa : 
Aldri feer { annars veldi iafra rfkir metnad slfkan ; 
eitt vas pat es iafnask mAtti engi madr vid Dana pengil. 85 
24.  Hildingr p4 vid hest lof aldar hafgan aud i golli raudo, 
halfa lest af harra sialfom, hardla rikr, { Miklagardi: 
46an t6k vid allvaldz skriéi Eirekr pé-at gefit vas fleira ; 
reynir veitti her-skip hanom, hersa mattar, sex ok Atta. 


25.  Andar krafdi ut { landom allz-styrandi konung sniallan; 90 
elli beidat of-veegr stillir; aldr-strid es fraegt es vida : 





The interview with the Frankish Emperor. The lord of Frankland [Fran- 
conia| gratified Biorn’s brother [Eric] with bright wealth, and he was 
pleased with the great gifts of the mighty Emperor, who gave him good 
guides all the way till the Etheling of Jutland reached Cesar. 

The founding of the province of Lund. The king founded an archbishop’s 
throne a short way from Lund, which all men of the Danish Tongue 
should reverence. He forwarded the holy province. The wise Ozur 
was consecrated as bishop there, to whom the Patron of men [Christ] 
shows the pathway of heaven. 

His Pilgrimage to Palestine. It shall be told how the gallant king 
prepared to heal his inner wounds [his soul’s hurt]. He went from the 
north with a brave company to heal his soul; he made him ready for 
the Dear World [heaven]; he went his way to seek Jerusalem-land in 
fair peace; he wished to win a life of light [in heaven]. Men bore 
splendid jewelled shrines and roods out of the great cities to meet him; 
they sung to the pealing of bells. Never gat king such honour in 
another king’s dominion. It is certain that no other man could match 
the king of the Danes. He received a weight of wealth in red gold, half 
a last from the mighty lord of Micklegarth [Constantinople] himself, 
and the praise of all men withal. He received a king’s robe and more 
beside of the Emperor, and gave him six and eight war-ships in return. 

His death, The Ruler of all [God] required the king’s soul in a 





§ 4.] MARK SKEGGISON. 239 


SiSan harma siklings dauda sniallir menn um heims-bygé alla ; 
drupir herr at dolga steypi dyggvan; pdtti verald hryggva. 


26. | Hvergi stédosk hiarva borgar hristi-meidar konungs reidi ; 
raunar vardat rand vid hanom reist, goerdot pess iafrar freista : 
égnin st66 af iarla meidi; engi pordi kapp at strengja 96 
(flestir ugdo fold-vaord hraustan) fylkir snarr vid Dana harra, 


27.  Reesir lét af rodnom hausi Rinar s6l 4 mar-fiall skina. 


II. On Sr. Knute? (from Skalda). 


‘, IART-FCERRA veit harri hrein-vazta sik baztan 
Rikr es harra hneykir, heldr God iafurs veldi, 
sann-dyggs vitod seggir Sveins bro&edr konung Ora. 


III. Curist-prApa (Skalda). 


Stef. : ea aegag skép grund ok himna glygg-rannz sem her 
dyggvan ; 
einn still m4 ‘allo alldar Kristr of valda. 


IV. Ora Voyace (from Edda). 


IARD-LINNA 66 fannir fast vetrlidi rastar ; 
hliép of hina gnfpor hvals-rannz iugtanni: 2 
biarn gekk framm 4 fornar fl6és haf-skipa slédir ; 
skur-ardéigr braut skordo skers glym-fiator bersi. 


V. Some Lise (from Skalda). 


Sess man-ek sfdr an eigi (s4 es fllr es brag spillir) 
s6lar sverri-mdlan glfdr-4ls Regin nfda. 





foreign land; this public sorrow has been noised far and wide. Good 
men, all over the inhabited earth, bewail his death ever since ; the world 
mourns. 
- His prowess. No man durst withstand the king’s wrath, no prince 
even tried to do so. Terror was shed from him; no prince ever dared 
to match his prowess with the king of the Danes. 

His ships. He let the gold shine from the red figure-heads down upon 
the mountains of the sea, 


Il. On St. CnuT. .... best of kings. Mighty is he; God supports 
his power; men know no king greater than Sweyn’s brother, 


III. On Curist. Burden, The king of the winds’ hall [heaven] 
created earth, and heaven, and all men, Christ, the lord of men, alone 
rules all things. 


IV. IMPROVISATION. The bear of the stream waded through the waves; 
the mast-bear ran over the peaks of the whale-abode; the flood-bear 
wended forward through the old track of the ships [sea]; the high- 
headed bear of the waters clove the roaring sea. 


V. SATIRE. Iam far from lampooning him. He that wrests a song 
is a bad man. 





2. Emend.; hliop ok huna gnipor hyal iugtanni hranna, W. 





240 MAGNUS BARELEG’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


GISL ILLUGISSON AND HIS FELLOWS. 


A DESCENDANT of Bragi, as may be seen by his pedigree (p. 2). His 
highly romantic career may be read in Magnus Barefoot’s Life. He 
came to Norway when seventeen years old, and slew his father’s slayer, 
Giafald, one of the king’s henchmen, for which he was condemned to 
death; and was only saved by the wisdom of John (since Bishop of 
Holar), who, with the rest of the Icelandic colony in Norway (Nidaros), 
interceded with the incensed king. He was with the king on his Anglesey 
expedition. His Poem on Magnus Bareleg is in plain old metre, almost 
perfect, in four sections, which deal with the Rebellion of Egil and Thori ; 
the Western Foray, when Hugh was slain, Il. 49-53; the Ga/e on the way 
back to Norway; and the Gautland Campaign. ‘There are many fine 
touches and noteworthy passages in this poem. We have besides an 
improvisation of his in prison. 

BIORN CRAMPHAND. A Poem on King Magnus by this poet, of whom 
-nought else has reached us, is rich in names of Western Islands,— 
Lewes, Uist, Tyrvist, Mull, Sandey, Santire [Cantyre], Man; it men- 
tions the slaying of Hugh the Proud in Anglesey Sound, and runs 
parallel to Gisli’s, which it supplements. 

KinG MaGNnus BARELEG. A Love-Song on Mabthild is ascribed to this 
king in Frisbok and Fagrskinna, but they appear to belong to a later 
time, and there is ‘r’ for ‘s’ (hvat’r) in the fifth line, which makes one 
hesitate to believe it his. It has, however, been very badly treated, so 
that it is hard to judge of it definitely. Another verse on an Irish love is 
far better, and one would like to think it his. 

The Improvisation on Giffard, the cowardly French knight, is also his, 

ELDIARN OF CONSTANTINOPLE. He is known from his rebuke 
to the cowardly Giffard, who stowed himself away during the battle 
at Foxern, and lay helpless in the ship which brought him back 
to England. When they landed, Giffard went to the city and com- 
plained to the reeve of the lampoons of Eldiarn. ‘The reeve was 
a young man, and had but lately taken up his office, and he said he would 
listen to his plea, according to the state of the case as he should find it.’ 
A moot was called, and the Northman summoned, and the case came 
on. Eldiarn denied that he had libelled Giffard, and offered to recite 
the poem if the reeve liked. The reeve said, ‘I have not yet had much 
experience of law, but I know still less how to deal with what you call 
poetry, nevertheless let us hear it.’ So Eldiarn, in high-sounding words, 
praised Giffard for his noble deeds at Foxern, where he had run away. 
And the reeve said, ‘I don’t understand poetry, but I can see that this 
is not libellous but laudatory, and I can give no other judgment.’ Giffard 
could not explain the true state of the case for very shame. 

ANONYMOUS. Popular verses on the pretenders and rebels of Magnus’ 
days, especially on Thori, vv. 1, 2, 3. The fourth is a fine verse on a 
ship plunging in the gale, a noble bit of Sea-Poetry. 


I. NGR framéi hann sik, pa-es alendr vildo 
lof-selan gram landi reena, 
Iméar faxa; enn iafurr sétti 





GISL ILLUGISSON. Magnus’ Praise. The Rebellion of Egil and Thori 
of Skye. Ue fought in his youth when they wished to rob him of his 
land [lit. Woden’s bride], but he sought them with the black blade, 





§ 4.] GISL ILLUGISSON. 241 


Baleygs ‘vido’ med blam hizrvi. 

2. Ytti or Oslé til Egils fundar 5 
lofdéungr lidi landz at krefja: 
fylgdo resi ok Rygir sunnan 
linnz 146-gefendr é6r lagom tvennom. 

3. Sid knatti pa siklings flota 
vel vigligan vanan sigri: 10 
pa-es fyr Yrjar { aga miklom 
6protligt lid 4rar kn{éi. 

4 Atti hilmir htis-ping vid sié, 
pat vas fyr innan Orva-hamra: 
biésk at brenna, enn buendr flydo 15 
stér-radr konungr af Stadi titan. 

§. Raufsk vid rosto, rymr vard f her, 
helmingr Egils vid Hladir titan ; 
mattod hersar vid Hada-dréttni 
146-gaofgodom landi r4da. 20 

6. Hyrr sveimadi, hallir purro, 
gekk har logi um hérad peira: 
sié knatti par es salir fello 
land-r46 konungs um lidi Périss. 

4, Seettisk sidan, sidr batnadi, 25 
hug-fullr konungr vid hatendr sfna: 
pann gat bragningr, es buendr Atto, 
rétt ra6-spakr rekkom launat. 

8. Gramr vann goervan, enn glatad pidfom, 
kaup-mannom frié pannz konungr beétti: 30 
sva-at { Elfi cexom hlyddi 
flaust fagr-buin firom at skorda. 


9. T6k fyr Sk{di, enn Skoitar fiydo, 
iofra cegir Ivistar gram: 





He set forth out of Oslo to meet Egil to claim his land, and the Rygs 
{of Rogaland] followed him and the men out of two laws [Gulalaw and 
Heithlaw]. His fleet was very warlike, and victorious to look on, 
when they plied their oars with great power away off Yria [mouth 
of Throndham-firth]. The king held a husting at sea, off Arrow- 
Hammer, and made ready in his anger to burn all north from Cape 
Stad. The franklins fled. Egil’s company broke up north of Lather; 
there was a murmuring in their host; the barons could not prevail 
against the lord of Hada-land. The fire wandered wide, the halls 
were consumed, and the high flame walked over their land. The 
king’s anger was shown when the halls fell about Thori’s men’s heads. 
Then the king made peace with his rebels, and they repented, and he gave 
back to the franklins the rights they had before. The king punished 
thieves, but kept the peace for the merchants, so that they could safely 
shore up their fair busses with their axes on the Elbe [the Gaut E/d]. 
The first land-foray (1098) to the West. The king took the lord of 





4, Read, brudi or vino. Ig. mattod, Hrokk, 
VOL, II. R 
* 





242 MAGNUS BARELEG’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


hafdi fylkir, s4-es frami tcédi, 35 
Lagmann konung { héi sfno. 
10. fEtt-lond um vann Eyja dréttar 
folk-varér und sik fidrom prungit: 
4dr an hitti, s4-es hamalt fylkti, 
vedr-smidr Vidors Valska iarla. | 40 
11. _ Hédom hildi med Haraldz freenda 
Onguls vid ey innan-verda: 
par-es af reidi rfkis-veendir 
konunegr ok iarlar kapp sftt bruto. 
12. Margan hafdo Magnts-lidar 45 
biartom oddi baug-vang skorit: 
vard hertoga hiff at springa 
kapps vel skipod fyr konungs darri. 
13: Bad-kennir skaut boddom handom 
allr v4 hilmiss herr prudliga: 50 
stukko af almi, beims iafurr sveig6i, 
hvit-mylingar 46r Hugi félli. 


14. Hafdo seggir, pa vas sdékn lokit, 
heim-far pbegit af hafuds-manni: 
land-menn lito yfir lidi gafgo 55 
seg] sid-drifin sett vid hina. 
15. Vagr pritnadi, enn vefi keyrdi 
stein-66r 4 stag stordar galli: 
braut dy¥rr dreki und Dana skelfi 
hrygg { hverri hafs glym-bridi. 60 
16. Blér zgir skaut bunom svira, 
gialfr hliédp { gin gollno hafdi; 
skein af hafédom sem himins-eisa 
daglings dreka ditips val-fasti. 





Uist off Skye; the Scots fled; he kept King Lawman in his company. 
Four heritages [four provinces, Hebrides, Orkneys, Shetlands, and Man] 
of the Island people the king subdued by force before he met the Welsh 
[French] earls. I fought beside Harold’s kinsman [grandson] inside 
Anglesey, when the ambitious king and earls tried their prowess fiercely 
together. Magnus’ men scored many a target with their bright spear- 
points. Many a well-made buckler of the duke’s was sprung by the 
king’s dart. The king shot with both hands, and all his men fought 
gallantly; the white arrow-heads sped from the bow he drew, ere 
Hugh fell. ; 

The voyage back. When the battle was over, the king’s men got home- 
leave from their captain. The men of the land saw the sea-bleached sail 
hoisted to the top over the noble crews. The wave rose high, and the 
mad gale drove the canvas forward of the stays. The goodly dragon, 
bearing the dread of the Danes, broke the back of every daughter of 
Ocean [billow]. Black Ocean struck the carven neck, and the sea 
leaped into the jaws of the golden figure-head ; the gold shone like the 
fire of heaven [the sun] from the heads of the king’s dragon-ships, 


§ 4.] BIORN CRAMPHAND. 243 


17. Framdéisk sfdan 4 Svia dréttni 65 
austr fra Elfi Upplanda gramr: 
Lid-skelfir t6k or lagom Gauta 
fimmtén hérod franni eggjo. 
18. Reid folk-hvatodr fyrst { goegnom 
safnad Svia sigri hnugginn: 70 
malmr dreyrogr vard 4 medal hlaupa 
hauss ok herdéa hans andskota. 
19. Hel-merki bles, enn huginn gladdisk, 
frano hafdi fedr Sigurdar: 
Pann sd-ek fylki med frama mestom. "5 
snarpo sver6i til sigrs vega. 
20. Fylgda-ek froéknom sem ek framast kunna 
Eysteins fedr { Atals drffo: 
opt bra-ek hiarvi med Haraldz freenda 
vanr vas-faorom pars vega purfti. 80 


II. IwprovisaTION. 


kK ATR skal-ek enn, pétt etli aldr-ran vidir skaldi 

(iorn taka oss at orna) unda-teins (at beinom): 
Hverr deyr seggr (enn svarri) [snart es dreng-skapat hiarta] 
(pridr skal-ek enn { 6di) eitt sinn (4 prek minnask). 


BIORN KREPPIL-HENDI. 
(Verse 4 from Morkinskinna.) 


I. Vit lét Vorsa dréttinn (vard skidtt rekinn flétti) 
[huis sveid Herda resir] Halland farit brandi: 
brendi budlungr Proénda (blés_ kastar hel fasta) 
[vak6i Visk-deélsk ekkja] vidz marg hérod sf{dan. 





Expedition to Gautland. After this the lord of the Uplands won fame 
over the king of the Swedes, east by Gaut-Elbe. He took with his 
keen sword-edge fifteen hundred out of Gautland. He went fore- 
most through the vanquished herd of Swedes. His gory steel passed 
between the necks and shoulders of his foes. Hell-mark [his standard] 
blew over the head of Sigurd’s father, Then with greatest glory did I 
see the king win victory with the sharp sword. I followed the bold 
father of Eystan in the battle as well as I could. Wont to wet trave!- 
ling wherever a fray was at hand [on the sea], | often swung the sword 
beside Harold’s kinsman. 


Gisli in prison, The irons begin to burn into my lezs. I shall be 
cheery still, even though they mean to put the poet to death. A man 
can only die once, and, lady, I shall still remember my exploits in my 
song. A warrior’s heart is stout. 


BIORN THE CRIPPLE-HANDED on King Magnus. The War in Halland, 
Denmark. The lord of the Wors-folk Toe Wors], the prince of the 
Hords, had Halland burnt. The Thronds’ king burnt many hundreds 
more. The Wisk-dale [Wiskerdal in Halland] lady waked in fear. 

R 2 - 


244 MAGNUS BARELEG’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


a. Snarr raud Sygna harri sverd 4 tthlaups ferdom 5 
(vitt rann vargr at slfta varma brad) 4 Harmi: 

Frattu hve fylkir matti (f6r sv4 at hengér vas Péri) 
[for vard Gunnar goerviss greid] dréttins svik leida. 

3. Hrafn-greddir vann hreedda hlffar-stygér, { bygdom, 
Preénska drétt, es pdétti beim markar bal sveima : 10 
hygg-ek at hersa tveggja her-Baldr lyki aldri; 

(sinjér vesa séro); svangr flaug arn til hanga. 

4. Vikinga letr vengiss vall-baugs hati falla 

(vitt rfydr iarn 4 ¥tom) Ol4fs magr (in-fagro). 


B; Lék of Liééhus fikjom lim-sorg ner himni ; 15 
(vitt bar ferd 4 flétta ftis) [gaus eldr or hisom]: 
srr skialdungr fér eldi Ivist; buendr misto 
(r6g-geisla vann reesir raudan) lffs ok audar. 
6. Hungr-pverrir lét herjat hridar-gagls 4 Sk{di; 
tann rau6é Tyrvist innan teitr vargs { ben margri: 20 
Gretti Grenlandz dréttinn (gekk hatt Skotta stoekkvir) ; 
- [pidd rann Mylsk til mcédi] meyjar suér { Eyjom. 
ie Vitt bar sniallr of slétta Sandey konungr randir; 
Rauk um II, pa-es i6ko all-valdz menn 4 brennor: 
Sanntfris laut sunnar seggja kind und eggjar; 25 
sigr-ecedir ré6 sf{San sniallr Manverja falli. 
8. Hett vas hvert, pat-es Atti, hvarf Godroedar arfi; 
land vann loféungr Préénda Lagmanni par bannat: 
nytr fekk nesjom utar nadrs-bing-tapod finginn, 
Egda gramr, par-es umdo, ungr, veett-rima tungor. 30 
g.  Lif-spelli ré6 laufa lundr { Onguls-sundi 
(broddr fl6 pars slag snuddo snudigt) Huga-ins-Prida: 





The Rebellion. The lord of the Sogn-folk fought the rebels at Harm 
[Haloga-land]. Thou hast heard how he made them smart for their 
treason: it came to pass that Thori was hanged. He frightened the 
Thronds, when he made the fire walk over their dwellings: he put to 
death two barons, I ween; the ‘senior’ had them hanged. Olaf’s son 
destroyed the robbers. 

His voyage to the West (1098). Fire played fiercely to the heavens 
over Lewes; he went over Uist with flame; the yeomen lost life 
and goods. He harried Skye and Tyrey. The terror of the Scots 
was in his glory. The lord of Grenland made the maidens weep 
in the Southern Islands; the people of Mull ran for fear. Far 
over the flats of Sanday he warred. There was a smoke over Ila: 
the king’s men fed the flame. Further south, men in Cantyre bowed 
beneath the sword-edge. He made the Manxmen to fall. Every way 
of escape was stopped for Godrod’s son; the lord of the Thronds 
banished Lawman from the land. The Agd-folk’s prince caught him 
off the Nesses [of Skye]. He quickly caused the death of Hugh the 
Proud in the Sound of Anglesey. The slayer of the Irish [Magnus] has 





20. tonn, Cd, 25. Thus, the elder form, 








§ 4.] THORKELL HAMAR-SKALD. 245 


wll hefir ‘Iota’ fellir Ey-land farit brandi 
(vitt liggr ‘dyggs und’ dréttom daglings grund) of stundir. 


THORKELL HAMAR-SKALD. 
I. Magnis-drépa. 


I. Vir T dré sfnar sveitir saman stér-hugadr Périr 
(heldr vérot pau haldom haglig rd) med Agli: 

snaorp fra-ek 4 par, es urpo, endr Skialgs vinom, lendir, 
menn vid moré-hauks brynni, mein, um afl ser steini. 

2. Ord fra-ek Agli verda, unnar dags, 4 munni, 5 
s6l! vid siklings prela satt einardar latta: 
Hvern peira kva6é heera (hialdr-bliks) an sik miklo 
(beid of mikit eydir angr) makligra at hanga. 


3.  Vestr lét varga nistir (vann hilmir frid bannat) 
{hrann bruto hlyr in stinno] hug-pridr faro sntdat. 10 
4. Dunéi broddr 4 brynjo; bragningr skaut af magni ; 
sveig6i all-valdr Egda alm; stakk bl66 4 hialma: 
strengs flé hagl { hringa; hné ferd, enn lét verda 
Haorda gramr { hardri hiarl-sékn banat iarli. 
5 Eggendr bad at ugga Ohlffinn gramr Iifi 15 
hvegi es lét inn liéti land-garér fyrir bardi: 
satt vas at all-valdr Atti 6gn-snart borit hiarta 
(sid vard { gny greediss geyst) far-seelo treystask. 


6. Hraustr lét Elfi austar all-valdr saman gialla 
(vitr stillir raud vallo) Valskan brand ok randir : 20 
Vard 4 vig, par es ‘ Herdir,’ vell-mildr konungr, fello, 
(bolr 14 Gauzkr und gulri gras arnar kl6) prasi. 





carried fire over all the Islands for a while. The broad.... lies in the 
king’s power. 


THORKETTLE HAMMER-POET. MaGNus’ PRAISE. The Rebellion. 
Thori and Egil in their pride drew men together; ill-fated was their 
plan. It was evil for the friends of Skialg when the barons cast ‘a 
stone beyond their strength.’ Egil, 1 ween, spoke a true word to the 
king’s slaves [his executioners], when he said that each of them was 
worthier to hang than he. He, Egil, met too sad a fate! 

Western expedition. He hastened on his warlike way to the West. 
He shot amain, the lord of the Agd-folk drawing his bow; the bow- 
ah hail flew on the mail-rings ; the lord of the Hords slew the earl 
in fight. 

The voyage back. He bade them not fear for their lives, however the 
sea might roar at the bows. The king’s brave heart was proved; he 
believed that his voyage would be prosperous. 

The War in Gautland. He made the Welsh sword scream on the 
targets east of the Gaut-Elbe; he warred where the Herds [people of 
Hiarad ?] fell and the Gauts died. 





33- Read, Ira? 21. Read, Herdir, people of Gautland (Harad). 





246 MAGNUS BARELEG’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


". Upp-gango réd Yngvi ftr med helming Iftinn; 
4reedi hygg-ek 46an Eysteins fador treystask: 
Hatt gall hiaorr; enn sdtti (hneit egg vid fiar seggja), 25 
[malm-scékir raud meki] Magnus lid { goegnom. 


II. Another Drépa (from Edda). 


ME ré5 senda um svalan gi 
Valsunga nidr vapn goll-buin. 


STRAY VERSES. 
I, Anonymous. 


. Hig hance: kom Hakon hingat (hann es baztr alinn manna) 
_freegdar mildr 4 foldo f6r med Steigar-Péri: 
syni Oldfs baud sfdan sialfr upp Néreg halfan, 
mildr enn Magnus vildi mAl-sniallr hafa allan. 


2, Breér { Biarkey midri bél patz ek veit gélast, 5 
tera parft af Péri (pytr vandar-bal) standa: 
Ioan man eigi fryja elldz né rans es kveldar, 
sviér biartr logi breidan by, leggr reyk til skyja. 

3F Spurdi Ull-strengr orda (at rendosk skip hvatla) 
[sverd bito snarpra ferda sett] hve Périr meetti: 10 
Lundr kvazk heill at handom hizars (fragom pat goerva) 
[goerdisk glamm 4 bordom gridtz] enn hrumr at f6tom. 


Il. Anonymous. 


re Vegg bless vedr um tyggja; vidr polir nauvd { laudri ; 
le tekr klungrs at knyja keip; enn gellr f reipom: 





His death in Ireland. He made an inroad with a small company; 
the son of Eystan trusted in his boldness. Magnus went through the 
foe, the sword sung shrill. 

Fragment of a Praise-Song on King Olaf (?). East over the swollen 
Ocean the son of the Wolsungs [King of Norway] sent me a gold- 
mounted weapon. 


STRAY VERSES. I. Unnamed Poet on Magnus’ cousin Hakon’s death. 
Hakon, the best-born man on earth, came.over here young and joined 
Sty-Thori. He offered half Norway to Olaf’s son, but Magnus wished 
to have it all. 

On Thori’s rebellion. \n the midst of Bearkey high burns the merriest 
homestead I know; the ill is Thori’s doing. John will have enough of 
fire and plundering this evening; the bright flame burns the broad town, 
the smoke climbs up to the clouds. 

Sigurd and Thori. Woolstring asked how Thori did, when the ship 
drew near. ‘Hale in the hands,’ said he, ‘but tottering on the feet.’ 
We tell the truth. 


II. 4 Storm at Sea. The wind blows round the king’s ship; the 





26, i lid, Cd. 


§ 4.] KING MAGNUS. 247 


midr skelfr (Magntis styrir; m68 skerr eik at 166i) 
[beit verda sid slfta] siau-teegr vaondr [und random]. 


Ill. King Magnus’ Love-Verses (Fagrsk.). 


x; RN er su er mer meinar Makthildr, ok vekr hildi, 
(m4r drekkr sudr or srom sveita) leik ok teiti: 
s4 kennir mer svanni, ‘sfn lond er ver rondo’ 
(sverS bito Hagna hurdir) hvi{t-iarpr sofa lftid. 

2. Hvat ’r { heimi betra (hyggr skald af pra sialdan) 5 
[miok er langr sa er dvelr drengi dagr] an vif in fagro: 
pungan berr-ek af pingi pann harm, at ek skal svanna 
(skreytazk menn at mdti) minn aldregi finna. 

3. Iorp mun eigi verpa orm-hlin 4 gle sfnom 
(ord spyr-ek goll-hrings gerdar) g6dom skald ({ hli6di): 10 
ann-ek, pdétt eigi finnak opt, god-vefjar bopto ; 
veit menn at ek hygg hennar hala rcéktar-madlom. 


4. Hvatt skal heim-far kvitta, hugr er minn { Dyflinni, 
enn til Kaupangs kvenna kem-ek eigi austr { hausti: 
unik pvf at eigi synjar Ingjan gaman-pinga ; 15 
cerskan veldr pv{f er Irskom ann-ek betr an mer svanna. 


IV. Zhe Norman Knight. 


King: 1. £9 faeces hann eigi flokk varn fylla, falsk riddarinn 
Valski. 
Eldjarn: 2. Avi samir hitt at disa hirémanni geé-stirdom; 
vestu nu, po-at kial kosti kn4rr, riddari ’nn hari: 





timbers labour hard in the foam. ~The gale tries the rowlocks, and 
screams in the rigging; the slim seventy-foot stick [mast] is quivering ; 
Magnus is steering, and the angry bark cleaves the flood; the shielded 
ship cuts through the sea. 


III. Ktnc MAGNus BARELEG. Love-Song. Mahthild alone grieves me, 
forbidding me joy or pleasure. That fair brown lady lets me have little 
sleep. What is better on earth thana fair woman? The poet never 
ceases to pine; long is the day that keeps her away. I carry this heavy 
grief home from the moot, that I shall never meet my lady again. The 
brown lady will not have cast on the sea her good words about me 
which I have heard. I set great store by her loving speech, though I 
Sey see her. [Grammar of original is bad and twisted, but the sense is 
clear. 

The Irish lady. The King’s last Verse. Why should we think of going 
home? My heart is in Dublin, and I shall not go back in the autumn 
to the ladies of Chipping [Nidaros]. I am glad that the darling does not 
deny oe her favour. Youth makes me love the Irish girl better than 
myself. 


IV. On Giffard the Coward. King: He will not take a place in our 
band. The Welsh [French] knight hides himself.—E/djarn : Quit thee 
well now, noble knight. Why shouldst thou now be lagging when the 





248 SIGURD CRUSADER’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


pat-es satt at ek by¥d bytto (breid-htifodom) reida 
(austr es til hdr 4 hesti hval-iardar) Giffardi. 5 


Variation of the same. 
Spurdi gramr hvat goerdi Gipardr par er lid bardisk, 
ver rudom vapn i dreyra, varat hann kominn pannog: 
fram-reidar var fnaudi full-trauédr 4 id raudom. 
Vill hann eigi f. v. f.... 


3.  Frd-ek at flétta rakot (falsk annat lid manna), 
[par vas hardr sem ek heyrda hernodr] 4 Foxerni: 
var6é hialm-primo hilmiss harr, pars staddir v4rom, 
ganer, es Gautzka drengi, Giffarér, { hel bardir. 


V. King and Kaiti (Orkn. S.). 


Kali : HE launa per pfnir ping-rikir haféingjar 
(vestr bifask rengr { raostom) [reyndu oss, konungr] 
hnossir ? 
King: Aud hef-ek minn, panns mannom marg-teitom re6-ek veita, 
(huf let ek kloekkvan klffa kolgor) illa folginn. 


HALLDOR SQUALLER; or, HALLDOR SKVALDRI. 


THE author of a Pxan on Sigurd the Crusader’s Voyage, recounting the 
taking of eight galleys, the fighting at Cintra, Lisbon, Alkassi, Gibraltar, 
the Caves of Algiers, and the expedition to the Balearic islands Iviza 
and Minorca, and storming a ‘heathen’ castle on the coast. He also 
made a poem on Harold Gilli-Christ.. (See § 5.) 

THORWALD BLEND-POET. Fragments of two poems of his are pre- 
served. We only know his date from Skalda-tal. 

THORARIN CURT-MANTLE (STUTT-FELDR). An Icelander, who 
made a poem in Tog-metre on Sigurd’s Crusade, the fragments of 
which add to our knowledge of it. He mentions his sixty ships, his 
worshipful reception in England, his Formintera and Cave Exploits, 
and his reaching the Jordan and visiting ‘God’s grave.? The poem 
runs parallel to that of Halldor. Of the improvisations (1) refers to 
the origin of his nickname; the others (2-3) are satirical. 

EINAR SCULASON. We treat of him in the introduction to § 5. 
We here insert pieces of two of his poems, one on the Crusade of 
Sigurd, which tells of his wintering in England, the first winter; in 





keel is straining? Verily, I offer the bucket to Giffard to hand up, 
for a bilge-water is very high in the broad-hulled steed of the whale’s 
land. 

In England before the Port-reeve. 1 heard that ye drove the flying 
host at Foxerne, while other men were hiding away : it was a hard battle, 
Iheard. It was.a mad fray where you were, Giffard, beating the Gauts 
to death. 


V. Kali: How do thy mighty chiefs requite thy gifts? Try me, O 
king. The ship is tossing in the current.—King Magnus: 1 have put 
the money I gave my men to little profit; I make the crank hull climb 
the billows. 





§ 4.] HALLDOR SQUALLER. 249 


Galicia, with an Earl, the next; his passage over the Greek Sea to Acre ; 
his arrival at Jerusalem, and bath in the white water of Jordan. 

KinG SIGURD THE CRUSADER. One verse to his lady—‘I have 
struck a blow in the Saracen’s land: let thy husband do the same !’—is 
attributed to this king. 


Hartitpé6r SKVALDRI. 


(Verses 11, 12 from Edda,) 


:: Cy f4-d¥rir f6ro (Fiolniss-hrétz) at méti 
(vig-esom hl66 visi) vikingar gram rfkjom: 
N4éi herr at hridda (hlaut drengja vinr fengi 
fyrdom hollr; enn féllat fatt lid) galeidr Atta. 

2. Stér skal-ek verk, pau-es véro (Vanar-dags) 4 Spani, 5 
(pritt lét slangvir séttan Sintra) konungs inna: 
Goerdisk heldr vid harda her-menn gramr berjask 
gratt, es goerva nftto Gods rétti ser bodnom. 

3. Sudr vannt sigr inn pridja sniallr vid borg, pa-es kalla, 
loféungs kundr, es lendot, Lissib6n, 4 fréni. 10 

4. Ut frd-ek ydr, par-es heitir Alkassi, styr hvassan 
folk-peysamdi fysask fidréa sinn at vinna: 
unnit fra-ek { einni eyddri borg, til sorga 
(hitti herr 4 flétta) heidins vifs (at drffa). 

5. Treystosk egg fyr austan (ydr ti6di God) ridda 15 
[nd-sk4ri f16 nyra] Neaorva-sund [til unda]. 

6. Baé-styrkir lézt-pi barka (bragnings verk 4 Serkjom 
freg hafa goersk) fyr gygjar gagn-stig ofan siga: 

Enn f hall at helli her-nenninn fial-mennom 

Gandlar pings med gengi gny-préttr nedan sétti. 20 
7. Ndi folk, par-es flydi ferd skundliga undan, 

(illr vard hreimr f helli) heidit konungr meida : 

Lifs baud ‘enn’ ba es unnot, af-tig gamall, vigi 

(kvaol beid ald { eldi dszel) Dizafuls preelom. 





HALLDOR SQUALLER. King Sigurd’s Crusade. And the wicked 
Wickings [Moorish corsairs] attacked the good king, and he was 
able to carry eight of their galleys. I will tell the great deeds he 
wrought in Spain. He took Cintra; the warriors who altogether deny 
God’s law offered to them, found it grim work to fight against the king. 
The third victory he won at the city which is called Lisbon, coming 
ashore. Ye won a fourth victory at the place called Al-Kassir, I ween, 
and caused grief to the heathen women in a certain waste city. Ye did 
redden your sword-edge east of the Narrow-Sound [Straits of Gibraltar]. 
God helped you. Thou didst let down barks over a giantess-stair [pre- 
cipice], (the king’s dealings with the Saracens have become famous,) and 
fought victoriously from below against the crowded cave of the rock. 
The king destroyed the heathen: there was an evil howling in the cave. 
He, when only nineteen years old, made life hard for the Devil’s slaves, 





22. heimr, Cd, 23. Read, dun, af-tig] thus; cp. Lat. un-de-viginti, 





250 SIGURD CRUSADER’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


8. Marg-dyrkadér kom merkir mor6-hidéls skipa-stéli 25 
(fass vas fremdar-reesir frid-slitz) til Ivitzo. 
9. Knatti enn ina 4tto odd-hr{é vakit sféan 
(Finnz raud giald) 4 groénni (grams ferd) Manork verda. 
10. Borg heidna t6kt breedir benja-tikr af rfki 
(hadisk hver vid pry¥éi hildr) enn gaft af mildi. 30 
II. Er kndttud par peira (pti vast aldregi) [skialdar 
leygr paut of sict] (sigri sviptr) goérsemom skipta. 


I2. Orkit Ala serkjar él-festir Brek mestom ; 
att berr grams ok gumna gagn-priir Sigurér magni. 


PORVALDR BLENDO-SKALD. 
I, (From Edda.) 


Ke heill! ok sv sniallir, s6kn-zorr vid her goervan 
(65 hafa menn { munni mfnn) htskarlar pfnir! 
Goll-stridir verpr gl6éom (gefr aud konungr raudan) 

[6piddar bregdr eydir] orm-leggs [Grana farmil]. 


II. (From Edda.) ’ 


N® hefik mart { midi geipat 
burar Bors Bura arfa. 


THORARIN STUTTFELD. 


- Baas til handa herr framr grami 
hollr hauk-sniallom hvadan-zva sv4: 
sem fyrr f far frétt hafdo rétt 
konunga kyn Kraka marg-spakom. 
2. Sv4 kom fylkiss framt lid saman 5 
marg-spaks mikit mildingi vilt: 





when he took their stronghold, and the cursed folk perished in the fire. 
The king came with his fleet to Ivica. He woke the eighth fray there 
on green Minorca... . He took by force a heathen city [Acre], and gave 
it up in kindness [to Baldwin] ....when he shared out the precious 
things there. 

Burden. Ye wrought the greatest deeds! Sigurd the gallant out- 
does all kings and men in might. , 


THORWALD BLEND-POET. On King Sigurd. Hail, O king, and all 
thy gallant house-carles: men have my songs of praise in their mouth! 
The prince casts the rings away, and gives the red treasure, and distri- 
butes Grani’s burden [gold]. 

End of another Poem. Now I have talked freely in the mead of the 
son of Bor, Buri’s heir. 


THORARIN CURT-CLOAK. King Sigurd’s Crusade. They drove 
together from all parts to take service with the good king, as of yore it 
is told that on his journey the people sought service with the wise Kraki’s 
kinsman. A great host devoted to the king came together, so that 


| 
. 
i 
. 


pr 5 ee, 





$ 4.] THORARIN CURT-CLOAK. 251 


at skip, vid skap, skar-fagr um lag, 

hreins grams himins, hnigo sex tigir. 
3. Odo at Engla ett-iardo bard 

skaplig skipa skafin vestr um haf: 10 

pdétti Proénda par-landz sem hvar 

yfir-ma6r izofurr allz-herjar sniallr. 
4. Varé fyr stafni styrjar-giaornom 

frid-raskadi Formintera: 

par vard eggjar ok eld pola 15 

Bl4-manna lid 46r bana fengi. 
5 Bad gramr guma gunn-hagr draga 

byr-varga 4 biarg bl4-svarta tv: 

pa-es { reipom ram-dyr prama 

sigo fyr helliss hlid-dyrr med lid. 20 
6. ...+ Herr hauk-snarom hard-madigr vard.... 

Ey man uppi Endils medan stendr 

s6l-borgar-salr svar-goediss foor: 

pu hefir { vatri vegsamr pvegizt, 

geirs gny-stcérir grans, Iorddnar. 25 
". Varéir Harda hvatr fylkir at 

graf Gods... . kvik-sdttar: 

A skinn eva Yggs fial-dyggra 

s6l svan-gcéli, siklingr, an pik. 


II. IwprovisATIONs. 


I. | Reborn at her megi pekkja heldr { stuttom feldi 
oss, enn ek let bessa 6prydi mer hlyda: 
verir mildr, ef mera mik vildir pi skikkjo 
(hvat hafim heldr an tatra?) hildingr muni vildri. 





’ there went, at God’s order, sixty fair-timbered ships over the sea, The 
shapely-smoothed ships rode west over the sea to the fatherland of the 
English; the Thronds’ lord there, as anywhere else, was held the most 
gallant of kings. . .. Formintera was before the king’s bows, the Blacka- 
moors had to suffer sword and fire before they died. The king 
commanded two blue-black wind-wolves [boats] to be drawn up the 
mountain and to be let down filled with men in ropes before the doors 
of the cave .... The people were angry with the gallant .... As long 
as the hall of the city of the sun [earth] endures the king’s voyage shall 
be spoken of. Thou hast bathed, O glorious king, in the water of 
Jordan. Thou, lord of the Hords, didst endow the grave of God [Holy 
Sepulchre] and the shrines of the saints with gold in plenty. The sun 
shall never shine on a better king than thou, my lord! 


Improvisations. 1 daresay thou knowest me in my very scant cloak, 
but 1 have to put up with my shabby attire. Thou wert a right gra- 
cious king, if thou wouldst give me a little better mantle. What have 
I but tatters now? 





8. himins, emend.; hedan, Cd, 


252 SIGURD CRUSADER’S COURT. [BK. VIII. 


2. Pu veendir mer, Proénda pengill, ef ek stef fengja 5 
frenda Serks at fundi folk-rakkr gefa nakkvat: 
lét-pbu at Hakon héti, hildingr inn fé-mildi, 
(enn samir mer at minnask) Mar-stritr (4 pat goerva). 
oe Full-vida hefir froédéom Fizaro-skeifr of her veifat 
lystr ok leiri kastaé last-samr ara ins gamla: 10 
ok vanti eina krako oré-vandr 4 Serklandi 
Skeifr (bartu Hagna hufo hreeddr) varliga breedda. 


EINARR SCULASON (Sicurpar-prApa). 


I. \/ AS.OFLUGR ré3 visi vestr helmingi mestom; 
66 at Ensko 146i AXgiss marr und harra: 
Stal lét hilmir hvflask heipt-glaér ok vas padra 
(ne gramr 4 val Vimrar) vetr-lengis (stfgr betri). 
2. Ok, s4-es cézt gat rfki, 61 pi6d-konungr sdlar 5 
end 4 Jacobs-landi annan vetr und ranni: 
par fra-ek hilmi herjar (hialdrs) laus-meeli gialda 
(gramr svan breeddi snemma snar-lyndr) framom iarli. 
3. Huf lét hilmir svffa haf-kaldan (lof skaldi 
esat um all-valdz risno ein-fallt) { Grik-salti: 10 
4dr vid einkar-breida aud-lestir skip festi 
(all beid ald meé stilli) Akrs-borg (fegins-morgin). 
4. Get-ek pess es gramr fér vitja (glyggs) Iorsala-bygdar 
(medr vitod adling dra) d6gn-blidr (und sal vidom) : 


ok leyg-hati laugask (leyft r46 vas pat) nddi 15 
hauka-setrs { hvito hvatr Iérdanar vatri. 
5 Seett fra-ek Doéla dréttinn (drengr minnisk bess) vinna ; 


t6ko hvasst { Hristar hrié val-slangor rida: 
Sterkr braut vdligt virki vargs-munn-litodr gunnar ; 
(feogr rudosk sverd); enn sigri snarr bragningr fagnar. 20 





A Satire. Thou wilt have me make a stave on Serk’s kinsmen, pro- 
mising to give me something for it, telling me that his name was Hakon 
Suet-paunch (Pot-belly). I must not forget thee. 

A Satire. F. has scattered libels far and wide, and cast about the 
droppings of the old eagle [satire]. Thou didst hardly feed one crow in 
Saracen-land, thou slanderous Wry-leg, coward in armour! 


EINAR SCULASON. King Sigurd’s Crusade. ‘The sailor-king went 
westward with a great force, and Ocean’s steed galloped under him 
towards the English shore. He let his ships rest there, and stayed there 
all the winter. Never better king ever stepped aboard Wimmer’s 
charger [ship]; and a second winter he passed in James’ land [Galicia], 
where, I ween, he paid the bad earl [ ? |] for his breach of covenant. 
He made the sea-cold hulls sweep into the Greek sea [Levant], and at last 
moored his ships off the full broad town of Acre. All the people 
welcomed the king that morning. I tell how the king went to see 
Jerusalem-land, and was able to bathe in the white water of Jordan, a 
noble deed. The lord of the Dalesmen won Saietta [Sidon], I ween; 
“the war-slings did sharp work in the fight; the strong captain stormed a 
huge stronghold and won a victory. 





2 
‘ 
j 
3 
é 
; 
4 


eee ee ee we ee en er | 





§ 5.] THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, zrc. 253 


SicuRDR IORSALA-FARI. 
iP ILLIR hann visd6m allan, veldr pvi karl { feldinom. 


2. Skiétt bar-ek skiald inn hvfta (skald bidr at God valdi) 
dr til odda sktirar audigr, enn fra raudan: 
par hefek heegg of hoeggit handlaust 4 Serklandi 
(God redr sékn ok sigri), svanni, binom manni. 


Guti-Aiso Pérpr. 
N® tekr ygr at cegja of-kiginn mer dritigom ; 
pinn hefir haldr of hlannat hialdr gegninn mik tialdi: 
trautt mun-ek lausan lata linnz ... . giafi at sinni 
visan piéf, po-at vafi vin min und hlut pinom. 








§ 5. THE GILCHRIST FAMILY AND 
LATER KINGS (1130-1200). 


Up to the death of Sigurd the Crusader Norway had been ruled by a 
series of vigorous and talented kings, following each other by a rough, 
but well-understood and acknowledged, rule of succession. But from 
henceforward the power fell from the crown to the barons, who were 
divided into factions, and ruled under cover of rots faineans, impostors 
set up, as occasion required, by the opposing parties. A nominal king 
was necessary, that was all, and there was little difficulty or back- 
wardness shown by the heads of the factions in supplying themselves 
with one that would suit their views. 

The insanity of Sigurd gave opportunity for the first contrivers of this 
kind of imposture to act. They seem to have plotted against Magnus, 
the young prince, and his friends,-and to have worked on the mad 
jealousy of the distraught king, to induce him to look with favour upon 
-the man who declared himself the son of Sigurd’s father. ‘Towards 
the end of Sigurd’s reign’ (in 1129?) a certain Gilchrist was discovered 
in Ireland by a Norse noble, and carried over the sea to Norway. ‘The 
worst import ever brought to Norway,’ says a later historian. Arrived 
there he took the name of Harold. Like the following impostors, he 
does not pretend to be the son of an acknowledged concubine such 
as Alfhild or Thora, but merely the offspring of a chance amour. 
He does not come forward till twenty-six years after his supposed 
father’s death (1103). He brings no proof of his assertions, as far as we 
know, but merely offers to undergo the ordeal of ‘bearing the iron,’ 
which he accomplished safely, thanks no doubt to his clerical supporters. 





KING SIGURD THE CRUSADER. To Curt-cloak. He confounds all 
wisdom. The churl in the cloak is the cause! 

A Love-Song. I bore my shield white to battle, and red back again. I 
pray God to keep me. I have cut a sure stroke now here in Saracen- 
land for thy husband, lady, to match. God orders battles and victories. 

ASA-THORD. Complaint to Ingimar of Ask. The tyrant is threatening 
me, but thy vassal has stolen my tent. I shall not give up a red-handed 
thief, though thou art richer than I, 


254 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


The party that are behind him, however, manage to gain such a hold on 
the country before the death of Sigurd (in March, 1130) that they are 
able to seat their claimant on the throne as joint-king with Magnus 
Sigurdsson. Ere long a quarrel, premeditated or not, arises between the 
colleagues. Magnus is defeated, blinded, mutilated, and sent helpless to 
a monastery. This is the first instance in Norway of the foul cruelty 
which breaks out again and again in the Orkney Saga, and in the 
histories of Scotland and Ireland. It is not, however, the last ; the civil 
wars which go on for a century are, like our Wars of the Roses, red with 
butcheries and barbarities. 

The path Harold Gilchrist had trodden was still open, and Magnus 
had a few supporters left. A new claimant, Sigurd Slembi-diakn, ap- 
pears next (in 1135), a reputed son of Magnus Bareleg, a man whose 
romantic life and cruel death awake an interest in him, which few of 
the actors in this wretched epoch of Norwegian history can arouse. 
His mother was a Norwegian lady, Thora, of the great Arnmodlinga 
family, and we should guess that it was her ambition which led her to 
put the fanciful claim forward on behalf of her son, who may very well 
have believed it. He is in character above the adventurers that follow 
his track ; a true Northman, second only to Swerri, and a man who had 
proved his worth before he started to claim the throne. The foster-son 
of a priest, Athelberht, in the Western Islands, he had taken minor 
orders in his youth,—hence his name ‘IIl or Sham-Deacon,’—had served 
in the court of David of Scotland, and made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, 
where he had found five bishops to go through the ordeal and thus 
give the required proof of his claim to be Magnus’ son, before he 
appeared as king in Norway. Gilchrist tried to do away with Sigurd, 
but he escaped and murdered him Dec. 14th, 1136*. However, Gilchrist 
left two or three sons born in Norway: Sigurd-Gilchrist, born 1133; 
Ingi-Gilchrist, a cripple, born 1135; and Magnus (?); from whom in after 
time sprang a fresh brood of claimants. 

The Hords and men of Sogn and Haloga-land helped the pretender 
Sigurd, but he never could secure a hold on the heart of the country, nor 
the-clergy, so as to be admitted to the ordeal. After adventures among 
the Fins in the north, and on the Baltic in the south, he obtained help 
from Denmark, and sailed back to put his fortunes to the touch in a 
pitched battle. But his Danish auxiliaries fled, and he was defeated, 
taken, and tortured to death by the partisans of the Child-Kings, 
Harold’s sons, Ingi the crippled baby and Sigurd, Nov. 12th, 1139. 

His failure did not discourage fresh pretenders, the most impudent 
of all being Eystan, who claimed to be the son of Harold Gilchrist by a 
Western Island woman, whom he had met before he started on his 
career in Norway. Eystan was acknowledged by the partisans of the 
young kings whom he claimed as half-brothers. But this did not prevent 


civil war between them. Sigurd was slain by Simon Scalp in a treach- 


erous way in 1155. Eystan fell in a brawl with Ingi,in 1157. Gregory 
Daysson, the king-maker, to whose protection Ingi owed his life and 
realm, was killed in January, 1161; and in a few weeks afterwards, Ingi 
the crippled king is vanquished and slain, Feb. 2nd, 1161, against a fresh 
claimant put forward by Einrid the Young (known from Orkney Saga), 
who, falsely no doubt, was represented as the son of Sigurd Gilchrist. 
This pretender, Hakon Broadshoulders, a mere boy, did not long 





1 Sigurd’s life should be compared with that of his contemporary claimant. 


Wigmund (Malcolm M°Eth). 








ei ed ye 





§ 5.] THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. 258 


enjoy his position, for Erling Shank, the most energetic of the barons, 
decided upon an innovation in the succession, and set up his son Magnus. 

Magnus Erlingsson was an undoubted scion of the Ynglings however, 
and born (1156) in wedlock. His mother Christina, Erling’s wife, was the 
daughter of Sigurd the Crusader; but still, to trace descent through a 
woman was an entirely new phenomenon in the history of Norwegian 
claimants, and it was only by securing the aid of the Church and paying 
a high price that Erling secured the seal of a solemn coronation, 
hitherto unknown in the Northern kingdom (1164), for his son’s claim 
(an eight years’ child), But in return for this a regular acknowledgment 
that Norway was held as a fief of St. Olaf was required by the Church. 

In spite of these precautions the ‘first crowned king’ did not escape 
the fate of so many of his predecessors. A pretender, Eystein Meyla, rose 
against him and was put down (1174), but his followers, the Birchlegs or 
Birkbones, lit upon a man who was to put an end to this era of confusion 
and anarchy. This time the Faro Islands, a poor outlying colony, proved 
a Corsica to Norway, her mother country :—A Faro franklin, named 
Unas the Comber, a brother to Roi the Faro Bishop (d. 1162), had, by 
his wife Gundhild, a Norse lady, a son named Saerri, who was brought 
up for the Church and ordained priest. In 1176 he appears as a 
pretender, as a son of Sigurd Gilchrist. Watchful, untiring, sober, per- 
severing, and full of confidence and zeal, this man was of a very different 
mould to any of his contemporaries in the North. That he was the son 
of Sigurd is on the face of it impossible, and may be set down as the 
necessary fiction which entitled the man best fitted to rule to claim the 
crown. We know that Sigurd Gilchrist’s son was two years older than 
Ingi, and born therefore in 1133. As far as we can judge, Swerri, who 
first appears in 1176, must have been over fifty at his death (1202). This 
would put his birth about 1150, when his reputed father was seventeen. 
But everything we know would rather incline us to put his birth at a few 
years earlier, and so tend to increase the impossibility of the story. The 
character of Swerri is however the weightiest proof that he was no chip 
of the Gilchrist block. The reticence displayed in his own narrative 
on his early career is easily accounted for. 

It cannot be denied that the time was ripe for a destroyer. Material 
prosperity had sapped the frugality and energy of the Northern cha- 
racter, at least in the leading families. Seamanship even was being 
neglected; drunkenness, to a phenomenal degree, had become an 
unpleasant national peculiarity; lazy gluttony, bold perjury, selfishness, 
and cruelty are seen in the most prominent men of the day. Brave 
they are, but they have lost the power of combination, or of foreseeing 
the danger to come. Swerri swoops down upon the Earl and his 
son in the midst of their drunkenness (June rgth, 1179), and though 
Magnus escapes, his father is killed. Defeat follows defeat, till at last 
Magnus, after a swift voyage from Denmark, overtakes Swerri in Sogn. 
But Swerri breaks fiercely through the toils that have been spread 
for him and inflicts a crushing defeat upon the royalists on June 15th, 
1184, slaying the king and most of his adherents. This wonderful and 
unlooked-for victory threw the country at his feet. For eighteen years 
he ruled alone, all the party-risings against him being put down. The 
Cowlings were quelled; the Is/and-Beardies, a formidable fleet from the 
Western Islands, were smitten and broken by the terrible king (April 3rd, 
1194). The toughest tustle, that with the Croziers headed by a fierce 
Bishop, took up Swerri’s last years. The powerful position of the 
clergy (which drew from him the famous Anecdoton, a protest against 


256 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


the encroachments of the Roman power), the difficulties which only 
a longer peace and leisure could have smoothed, concurred to prevent 
him from showing his constructive power. As with Cromwell, his work 
was undone when he died (March gth, 1202), and he was not lucky 
enough to have his plans and wishes carried out by his successors. 

His only son, Hakon, died suddenly after less than two years’ reign, 
perhaps by poison (Jan. 1st, 1204), leaving, as far as we know, no son. 
Two rival makeshift kings are set up by the Birchlegs and Croziers, each 
ruling part of the country, Earl Hakon Galin, the Regent, now brings 
forward as a candidate a boy whom he declared to be the son of Hakon 
Swerrisson. His mother, Inga, bears the iron as proof of his birth, and 
the party accepted the child. The Editor’s impression is that the Earl 
himself, his foster-father, was the father of this Hakon. The sour looks 
and harshness of Lady Christina, the Earl’s wife, and the fond doting of 
the Earl himself towards the orphan boy, so naively told by the historian, 
gives a hint of the true relationship of the parties. This boy, Hakon 
Hakonsson, grew up and survived in the struggle which went on as usual 
with the pretenders who cropped up against him. He ruled Norway for 
forty-six years, restored the country to prosperity and peace, and gained 
a hollow, paste-board glory, such as that of the Second Empire. The 
test of war shows its real value. A skirmish at Largs and the shock of a 
storm drives the dream of conquest away for ever; and the king dies, 
worn out and disappointed, at Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, Dec. 15th, 1263. 
His only success was the subjection of Iceland, his life-aim, planned 
and schemed for through long weary years (1262); it took him some 
thirty years, and coming too late, brought little good to either country?. 

Magnus the Law-mender, Hakonsson, b. 1238, d. March 6, 1280, Sturla’s 
friend, succeeds his father in regular orthodox fashion. His sons Eric 
(d. 1299) and Hakon Highleg (d.1319), who follow him, are the last males of 
the line. The son of Hakon’s daughter and the Swedish duke carry on 





* In the following list the first column gives the name of the claimant, the 
second that of the person of whom he claims to be the son, the third the date of 
the claimant’s appearance, and the fourth the number of years elapsed since the death 
of the supposed father. Nowhere, save from the history of some Slavonic or Eastern 
dynasty, could such a list as we append be compiled. We have omitted some of the 
more insignificant fungi, but there are enough given to prove the character of the 
age, which produced but one man of mark, Swerri, and even he could do nothing 
but cut away as much as he could of its shams, without being able to begin the 
work of regeneration, 


Harold Gilchrist . . Magnus Bareleg . . . . It29 .. 26. 


Sigurd Slembidiakn . Magnus Bareleg . . . . 1135 . « C 32. 
Eystan » « » . Harold Gilchrist. 2 37> sees sl) 
Hakon Broadshoulders Sigurd Gilchristsson . . . I15Q . .¢. 4. 
Eystan Meyla . . . Eystan pseudo-Gilchristsson. 1174 A Ne fe 
SwERRI . . . . . Sigurd Gilchristsson . . . 1176 a 
Eric . . . . . . Sigurd Gilchristsson . . . 1181 . c. 26, 
John the Cowling . . IngiGilchristsson. . . . 1185 + C. 84, 
Sigurd Brennir . . . Eystan pseudo-Gilchristsson. 1188 CoS. 
Broadbeard . . . . Eystan pseudo-Gilchristsson. 1191 “ Ce Ss 
Sigurd . . . . .° Magnus Erlingsson . . . 1192 Be bey 
Erling Stonewall . . Magnus Erlingsson . . . 1205 . . c. 21. 
Hakon . . . . . Hakon Swerrison. . . . 1205. . 2. 
Beni . - « Magnus Erlingsson . . . I218 . . 34 


Sigurd Ribbung ». »: Erling Stonewall” .: 2. 4 eS ee ee 
Gilchrist appeared in 1129, Ribbung perished in 1226, making ninety-seven years, 








$ 5.] THE GILLUNG POETS. 254 


the blood of Hakon in the new line, whereof the last scion, a boy, died 
in 1387. In 1380 Norway and Denmark were united. The Hanseatic 
Company, with true Carthaginian policy, soon forced their ‘celibate 
tyranny’ upon the sea-coast towns; the Norwegian shipping, sailor-life, 
and commerce disappeared. And such had been the force of Swerri’s 
strokes, so completely had the upper and middle classes been swept 
away, so dead was the stupor which the Hanse Towns’ thraldom had 
laid upon the towns, from which some fresh element might have been 
looked for, that Norway slept a ‘bear’s sleep’ of hybernation through 
centuries, not even waking at the Reformation, or stirring when the 
Hanse fell. ; 

Norway is the most modern and the oldest of all European countries ; 
her new semi-American constitution and her Old World life, half yeo- 
man’s, half fisherman’s, are quite exceptional phenomena. In no 
country have the medieval spirit or institutions left so few traces. 
The coarse healthy animal existence, which she led for so long with- 
out a ray of spiritual light, gave place after 1814, when the deadening 
bond of foreign supremacy was snapped, to a vigour and energy which 
has, under a new Royal House and in a happy union with Sweden, 
brought the kingdom to a happy issue. 

At the final separation from Denmark in 1814, Iceland and the Faroes, 
the ancient colonies of Norway, were left behind, forgotten and un- 
claimed by the rising Norwagia Rediviva and her new king. 


THE GILLUNG COURT POETS. 


IvAR INGIMUNDARSON, the author of Sigurd’s Baulk, was an Ice- 
lander, of whose life we know little, save the pretty story (printed in 
the Reader, p. 144) which tells of his despairing love for his brother’s 
wife, Ordny, and shows him to have been a favourite of King Eystan 
the Law-giver, who died Aug. 29, 1122. In Skalda-tal Ivar stands as 
the poet of Eystan and Magnus Bareleg and Sigurd the Crusader, but 
no line of his on these kings survives. His Praise of Eystan one is 
sorry to miss. After the death of the Crusader, Ivar appears as the 
poet of Sigurd Slembidiakn the Claimant (whose own improvisations 
are given in Book vi, Nos. 51-52), and it is from the Dirge the poet 
made on his patron that the Chronicler has drawn the chief facts of the 
Ill-deacon’s life. 

It is fairly complete, in distinct stanzas, but in the old epic metre. 
It contains several clear echoes from the old poetry of the Western 
Islands (Sigurd’s birthplace), which we have pointed out in the margin. 
In two or three instances (ll. 129, 135), one seems to hear the cadences 
of the Helgi Lays. There is a love of the sea (characteristic of the 
gorge and a certain simplicity of tone about it, which relieve its tale 
of war. 

It is found imbedded in the Hryggiar-Stykki of Eric Oddsson in the 
Morkinskinna MS. of the Book of Kings. (See Prolegomena, § 13.) 

There is a notable Ingimund in the Sturlunga, a poet, story-teller, and 
priest, but the dates forbid us to assume him as the father of our poet. 


HALLDOR SKVALDRI. All that is known of this poet is told in the 
preceding section in the introduction to his poems on pp. 248-9. 


EINAR SCULASON. The favourite poet of the twelfth century, a 
Western Islander, as we know from Presta-tal (see Sturlunga, vol. ii, 
VOL. II. S 
7 





258 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


p. 502), and according to an interpolation in Gunlaug’s Saga he was of the 
Myre-men family. ‘ Wise men [historians] say that many of the house of 
the Myre-men, who come from Egil, have been very handsome men, albeit 
it went by extremes among them, for some of that house have been 
called the ugliest of men. In this house there have also been many 
men who were accomplished in every way, as was Kiartan Olaf 
Peacock’s son, and Battle-Bard, and Skuli Thorsteinsson [the poet, 
see p. 102]. Some of this house were also great poets—Biorn the Hit- 
dale champion, Einar Sculason the priest, Snorri Sturlason, and many 
others.’ But we do not know Einar’s pedigree, though the very name 
of his father is one that is-met with in the family. He seems to have 
passed most of his life in Norway, and we can trace him there by his 
poems, from the days of Sigurd the Crusader to the death of Gregory 
Daysson. There are a good many anecdotes about him in the Kings’ 
Lives, witnessing to his remarkable powers of improvisation. These 
bits are given p.277. Einar’s death-year is not known; we might guess 
that he died abroad shortly after 1160. His earliest poem, Praise of 
Sigurd, one of the parallel poems on the Crusade, composed during Sigurd’s 
last years, we take to have been one of his first poetical flights. Next 
came Tog-drapa, and a parallel Poem in epic metre on Harold Gilchrist, 
c. 1135. In his rhyme-metre Praise of Eystan, the frays of the pseudo- 
Gilchristsson are recounted, and especially his raid upon England in 
1151. It wasabout c. 1154 that his most famous poem Geis/i, the Beam, 
on the patron saint of Norway, was composed and recited in Thrond- 
ham Cathedral before the three brethren. (See § 6, p. 283.) To Sigurd, 
whose marshal he was, he was especially beholden ; and after his death 
(1155) we have from Einar, who was still with the other brothers, 
a long Encomium on the Gillungs, of which there are many fragments, 
here patched together and arranged as well as the materials allow. 

The last of his dateable poems are the Verses on the Gaut-Elbe Battle 
(1159), in imitation of Sighvat’s Ness-verses. Besides his Improvisations 
there is a curious composition on the Gift of an Axe from one of his 
royal patrons, in which Einar has set himself to emulate Bragi’s Shield 
Song. It is a poem of his later years, full of conceits. The bits of 
Love-Songs, one to Solborg and one to Joreid (on whose name he puns), 
cannot be dated. The Thulor (see Book x) fill the list of his known 
works. 

Prolific and industrious, Einar has left more behind him than almost 
any one save Sighvat; but the quality is not high, though the perfect 
mastery of métre can be clearly felt. It was this quality which 
especially raised him in the eyes of his followers, the Sturlasons, But 
the paucity of idea and the absence of any reality in his phrases make his 
work tiresome and in many cases unworthy of translation. In Geisi he 
reaches his highest mark. Its mechanical finish is very remarkable, 
and it provoked a crowd of imitations. 

We have a grave suspicion that Einar was the person who re-edited 
and polished and veneered many of the poems we find in the Kings’ 
Lives and Snorri’s Edda. Ari knew them in their perfect state; 
Snorri seems to have received them in their ‘newly-restored’ state, for 
we can hardly impute the restoration to fim. FEinar’s verses are always 
smooth and flowing, and so are the restorations; while Snorri’s verses 
are all hard and wooden. As it must needs be some poet Jetaveen Ari 
and Snorri, and as Einar was a ready poet, a ‘collector,’ as the Thulor 
show, and master of a style which is as like to that of the re-edited 
verses as egg to egg, we take it that Einar collected the old verses, 





§ 5.] THE GILLUNG POETS. 259 


which no doubt were in a more or less corrupt state from one to 
two centuries of oral tradition, and polished them up, as Percy did 
his Ballads, so that they might ‘obtain the favour of an elegant and 
critical public.’ This is no proved case, of course, but, we think, one 
in which there is some reasonable presumption of Einar’s guilt. 

The Kings’ Lives, Edda, and Skalda give the foundation for the text 
of Einar’s poems. 


BoDWAR THE HALT appears in Skalda-tal as poet of Sigurd, where he is 
called ‘ balti,’ de/t, instead of ‘ halti,’ Aa/t, which may be right. There 
is a like name found in the Western Islands. The fragment is from a 
Praise of Sigurd. 


CoLL THE Provup. Another of the Gillung poets. The fragment 
of his work is from a Praise of Ingi. 


THORBIORN SHANK’S PoET. The bard of the king-maker, Earl 
Erling Shank. His poem on his patron’s exploits would be c, 1165. 


ASGRIM KETTLESSON. He is named as Swerri’s poet in Skalda-tal, 
with twelve others; hence the verse remaining may be the only 
remains of the Encomia of the thirteen poets of the terrible king. 


STYRKAR ORDssON. The Law-speaker of Iceland (1171-1181), at 
which last date he died. We cannot identify the subject of his verse. 


CLONG, BisHop OF SKALHOLT, A fragment of his on sailing, in 
‘alhenda’ court-metre, is preserved in Edda. We have a life of this 
prelate in Hungrwaka, which testifies to his high worth and ability. ‘He 
was a fair man to look on, and of middle size, active and bright, very 
accomplished and a good scribe, anda man of great learning.’ And again, 
‘Bishop Clong was a great advocate, when he was taken as coun- 
sellor, for he was, both for the sake of his wisdom and his eloquence, a 
great chief. He was also learned in every point of the constitution.’ 
Bishop John’s Life tells a story of his youth. ‘It is told that he [Bishop 
John] found out that Clong Thorsteinsson (he who was afterwards bishop 
of Skalholt, but was then a novice and-a_ boy) was reading the verse-book 
which is called Ovidius de Arte. Now in this book Master Ovid treats 
of the love of women, and shows how men may beguile them with all 
kinds of devices and get their will of them. When the blessed John 
saw and understood what he was reading, he forbade him to study that 
kind of book, saying that man’s frail nature was well inclined to lustful 
living and fleshly love, without a man’s irritating his mid with filthy and 
sinful books.’ Bishop John, a worthy man, was the founder of the 
school at Holar, of which Clong was a pupil. Clong, in spite of his love 
of Latin and native poetry, turned out well. Among other things he 
built the church at Skalholt (a ditty on which see p. 282),and died aged 71; 
Hungrwaka winding up his life with, ‘ And it seems to us now that there 
has never been in Iceland a man of such manifold accomplishments as 
was Bishop Clong, and we may likewise be sure that his fame will last 
as long as Iceland is inhabited.’ In his last few years he was bed- 
ridden, owing to his penances, walking barefoot in winter on the snow, 
and Thorlac, abbot of Thickby, was chosen as his suffragan and substi- 
tute. His death-day was Feb. 27, 1176. His name means ‘ Clawing,’ 
i.e. Raven—a rare name. 

With this group of poets the CourT Poetry really expires; the 
talents of Einar himself are those of a dying art, like those of the 
Italian Improvisatori of the last century, Thought had grown more 


$2 - 


260 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIL. 


and more vapid, metre had been polished up to the highest degree, the 
synonym system had multiplied in stereotyped lines till every under- 
standable paraphrase had been employed. There was also no longer a 
hero to sing to. The crippled Ingi, the swash-buckler Eystan, the wanton 
Sigurd could hardly inspire the enthusiasm necessary to carry even a 
court-poem through, and this difficulty, which Landor too felt, as he 
plainly told Southey, was not to be surmounted. Even Einar only shows 
at his best when he is chanting the praises of the worthy dead. Swerri, 
who was a man indeed, was as little fitted for flattery as Cromwell 
himself; and the praises his poets sung on him are happily lost. There 
is not likely to have been a Milton, no, nor a Cowley, among them, And 
even in Cromwell’s case, we feel the few earnest words of the chaplain 
more deeply than all the praise that authors have given him since. And 
Swerri was a man of distinctly lower type than Cromwell. 

To go on with court-poetry after Swerri was to galvanise a corpse; 
the thing was dead. But the Sturlungs, Snorri, a great poet in prose, 
but a bad praiser in verse, and his two nephews Sturla and Olaf, also 
men of talent, attempted it. Snorri sings his wonderful Hatta-tal, ordo 
metrica, to Hakon and Earl Skuli, his patrons. Sturla hymns the praises 
of Hakon Hakonsson, and Magnus his son. Sturla’s verses of him are 
all preserved in Islendinga and Hakon’s Saga, like flies in amber, and 
Snorri’s Hatta-tal fills a useful place in giving examples to his Poets’ 
Handbook. Some of Olaf’s are to be found in Sturlunga. We have not 
reprinted them here, for they are mere laboured book-poetry, Chinese- 
puzzle verses, full of echoes, imitations, citations from the older spon- 
taneous poetry; and they themselves were never really genuine court 
poets, but just would-be revivers of an old perished fashion. Medieval 
poetry and medieval subjects were attracting every one in Norway, and 
the poet was set aside for the ‘translator from the French.’ We have, 
from Sturla’s own hand in Islendinga, a scene which may fitly wind up 
this sketch, showing us, as it does, the last court-poet face to face with 
his last king-patron. 

In 1263, Sturla, flying from foes at home [see Prolegomena for his 
life and those of the other Sturlungs], came to Norway to seek refuge at 
King Hakon Hakonsson’s; but the king had gone on his last voyage, and 
the young king Magnus, like his father, was no friend to the Sturlungs. 
However, he gave him shelter, and Sturla found the means of rousing 
his interest and winning the goodwill of the kindly queen Ingiborg 
(daughter of the ‘holy king’ and granddaughter of the Danish king, 
Waldimar II) by his fine telling of the Tale of Hold the Giantess. 
When he had ended the Tale “Sturla thought he could see that the 
king’s whole behaviour was more favourable than on the former day. 
Then he told the king that he had made a poem on him and likewise on 
his father. ‘I would fain have thee hearken to them.’ The queen said, 
‘Let him recite them, for I am told he is the best of poets, and his 
poem will be wonderfully good.’ The king bade him recite if he liked 
‘what thou pretendest to have made upon me.’ Then Sturla recited it 
to the end. The queen said, ‘I think this, that the poem is very well 
composed!’ The king said, ‘ Dost thou indeed understand anything of 
it?’ She said, ‘I should like you to think so, my lord!’ The king said, 
‘I have heard that Sturla knows how to make verse.’ Sturla saluted the 
king and queen and went to hisroom. The king got no fair wind that 
day, and in the evening, before he went to sleep, he sent for Sturla. 
And when he came he greeted the king, and then said, ‘ What wilt thou 
with me, my lord?’ The king bade them give hima silver beaker full of 











Ae Pe Me Ly Pe ee ae Re ie | wh Eh Pn 
Co 4. oe ea es P ght 


§ 5.] IVARR INGIMUNDARSON. 261 


wine, and drank some of it, and then gave it to Sturla, saying, ‘ Friends 
should drink wine together.’ [There is a play of words in the original 
here, ‘Vin skal til vinar drekka.’] ‘God be praised that it is so!’ said 
Sturla. ‘So it shall be,’ said the king. ‘And now I wish thee to recite 
the poem that thou hast made on my father.’ Then Sturla recited the 
poem, and when it was finished men praised it highly, but most of all the 
queen. Said the king,‘I think thou art a better composer than the pope!’ 
[After a little more talk the king says], ‘I have now heard thy poem, 
Sturla, and I think thou must be the best of poets. Now I will give 
thee for thy reward, that thou shalt come home with me in quiet and 
good peace! But my father will judge of what is between you, when 
ye two meet, but I will do my best for thee.’ The queen thanked the 
king and said she thought Sturla was a very good man. The king 
treated Sturla well, and kept him liberally. The queen was exceedingly 
kind to him, and all the rest followed her example.” 


IVARR INGIMUNDARSON (Sicurpar-BoLkR). 
i. Ox { ésko vid Adalbricti. 


a. Vas meé iarli afkar-lyndom 
vargs verO-giafi vestr { Eyjom: 
unz siklingar soknar hvattir 
Féstra Porkel . . . rufo. 5 
3. Sétti sidan Sigurér af Eyjom 
dyrr at rodom David konung: 
vas med visa Vilialms-bani 
flein-binga-samr fimm misseri. 
4. Pétti dgrom Daéfinnz lidom 10 
cengr madr kominn dri pangat: 
betti visi verédungar lid, 
hafoi ungr konungr almanna lof. 
5: Ol hertogi hrafna 1 Fiaordom, 
(skulfo skeyti) { Skotta bl6di: 15 
pars fyr iafri austan komnom 
mord-als metendr merki bro. 
6. Bar Sigurdi sigr at hendi 
ér orrosto inn fra Stauri: 
H4éi hilmir her-vfg fiogor, 20 
skyrstr at collo, { Skotta-veldi. 





Sigurd in the Western Islands. He grew up in his youth with thel- 
briht.... He was with a noble earl [Harold] west in the Islands [in 
the Orkneys] till they slew Thorcytel Fosterer. Then Sigurd went from 
the Islands to seek help of King David. The slayer of William [Skinner] 
stayed five years with the king. David’s men thought that no such man 
had ever come thither, the young king won all men’s praise. He, 
the duke [Sigurd], fed the ravens in the Firths [Minch]; the missiles 
were shaken in the blood of Scots, as they bare the standard before 
him. Sigurd won a battle inside Staur. He won four victories in 
the Scottish realm [probably against Malcolm the rebel claimant]. 





262 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. viIL. 


if Vann Réms gato resir Proeenda 
féti farna, s4-es frama drygéi: 
sétti sidan, ok syndom hraud, 
hers odd-viti helga déma. 25 
8. Sétti breida borg Idrsala 
err odd-viti ut { londom: 
4$r { vatni, pvf-es vigdi God, 
Sigurér af ser syndir pvzegi. 
9. Goerdo skfrslo um skialdungs kyn 30 
fimm byskopar, peir-es framast pétto : 
sv4 bar raunir, at riks konungs 
pess vas enn mildi Magnts fadir. 
10. Léto sidan sud-vigg buin, 
(céstisk zegir) titan or Girkjom: 35 
sotti Frakka fremdar reesir, 
4dr Saxa siat Sigurér kannadi. 


II. Hélt snarr konungr snekkjo einni 
vigligr um ver vestr { Eyjar: 
12, Téko sfdan Sigurd til landa 40 


Heardar ok Sygnir at Harald fallinn: 
svardosk margir menn 4 pingi 
budlungs syni { brdédor stad. 
13. Riso vid visa vestan komnom 
Preéndir ok Meérir, beir-es prifom nitto: 45 
brugdosk haldar f huga sinom 
menzko mildom Magnuss syni. 


14. Drifo til reipa { rodo-vedri 
reyndir at risno resiss begnar : 
urdo seggir segls at geeta, 50 
(pA vas svalt 4 see) enn sumir idso. 





Pilgrimage. The lord of the Thronds went on foot over the road to 
Rome; and there he stripped off his sins and sought the holy places. 
He sought the great city of Jerusalem, far from home, and then he 
washed off his sins in the water, God-hallowed [Jordan]. Five bishops, 
the greatest known, went through the ordeal; the proof came out that 
Magnus the Generous was his father. Now his ship was bound home- 
award out of the land of the Greeks [Byzantine Empire]; he sought 
the Franks’ land [Franconia], and then the home of the Saxons 
[Saxony]. With one cutter he came over the sea westward to the 
Islands [Orkneys]. 

Pretender in Norway. The Hords and Sygns took Sigurd as king over 
the lands at the death of Harold; many men swore to brotherhood with 
him at the moot [Gula-thing]. The Thronds and More-men did not 
know their own good, and rose against the prince that came from the 
West ; they turned their hearts away from the gallant son of Magnus. 

Voyage to Denmark. The king’s men ran to the ropes in wicked 
weather, some to get in the sail, some were a-baling ; it was cold at sea. 





§ 5.] IVARR INGIMUNDARSON. 263 


15. Sk6k vedr-vita { vatom byr 
golli gloéstan um grams skipi: 
kloekkar urdo (enn konungr styrdi) 
snekkjo sneisar of Sigurdi. 55 
16. Hratt hvast skipi f hvato vedri 
rast riSandi ok ramir straumar: 
festo seggir snekkjo langa 
kyn-stérs iafurs vid Kalmarnir. 
17. Ser framliga fridar leitadi 60 
il-riddr ara vid Iéta gram. 


18. Mcétti Vindom, s4-es vega pordi, 
sékn-diarfr Sigurér sudr vid Erri. 


IQ. Hraud ungr konungr Atta snekkjor 
(vargr gein um val) Vinda ferdar: 65 
hné fyr eggjo dpiddar lid. 


20. Enn lét adra austr fyr Mceri 

gramr geir-borinn gunni hada: 

_neytti vipna, pa-es Vindr hnigo, 

err odd-viti adro sinni. 70 
21. Vann f{ Elfi, par-es iafurr bardisk, 

fall folk-starra til fador-leifdar : 

skulfo skeyti, skot magnadisk, 

hnigo hring-vidir hvarra-tveggjo. 
22. Vann leyfér konungr af lidi Pédriss "5 

prid skip hrodin f{ peirri feor: 

setto undan Oléfs lidar, 

peir-es or Elfi eltir véro. 


23. Hélt 4 Lista loféungr skipom 
err fyr Agdir austan af Nesjom: 80 





The weather-vane, glittering with gold, on the king’s ship rattled in the 
wet gale. The cutter’s spars bent, the king was at the helm. The 
rolling race and the mighty currents drove the ship sharply along in the 
sharp gale. The crew moored the king’s long-cutter off Calmar. He 
sought refuge with the lord of the Jutes. 

Adventures in the East. The bold Sigurd met the Wends south off 
Arroe. The young king cleared eight smacks, the barbarian crew sunk 
before the sword. And he had a second battle east of More [More 
hundred by Calmar], when the Wends fell a second time. He made a 
slaughter for the eagle in the Elbe [Gaut-Elbe] when he fought for his 
father’s heritage, men fell on both sides. In this cruise he won three 
ships of Thori’s fleet which he cleared. Olaf’s men sailed off when they 
were chased out of the Elbe. 

Again in Norway. He held his course along List in his ships in Agd 
east of the Naze; the baron’s kin fell; the homesteads burnt before 





59. Emend.; Kalmarnes, Cd. 





264 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


hné hersa lid; herr vas f landi; 
brunno bygéir fyr budlungi. 
24. Dreif til skégar fyr skialdungi 
land-manna lid, par-es logar brunno: 
vokdo drengir med darr rodin 85 
bl165 Benteini, 46r bana fengi. 
25. Pann vas enn nesta nadra deydi 
~  hug-fullr konungr med Haleygjom : 
olli falli fedga priggja 
ulfs angr-teopodér ut f Vaogom. go 
26. Pat vas et nesta norér f Vogom 
vapna-skipti es Vilialmr féll. 


27. Mcétti sfan sudr vid Byrdo 
gramr gunn-borinn Gleesi-réfo: 
olli stillir Styrkars bana ; 95 
bar ben-pidorr bl6éga veengi. 
28. Veitti visi fyr Valsnesi 
sékn snarpliga Svina-Grimi: 
hann lét missa mildings nefa 
heégri handar, 46r hialdr lykisk. 100 
29. Mcétti Finni fremdar-giarnom 
err odd-viti austr 4 Kvildrom: 
léto n¥tan nadd-vedrs boda, 
Ulfs arf-pega, ando tyna. 
30, Vann fyr Mceri mildingr tekinn 105 
Hédin med handom ok hans lida: 
hann lét Kalfi Kringlo-auga 
heldr hardliga heiptir goldnar. 
a5; Her-skildi f6ér harri Sygna 
allt i6 ytra eyjar ok strandir. 110 





him; there was a host in the land. The country folk fled to the woods 
when the flames were blazing. They wounded Bentein with reddened 
darts before he got his death-blow. The next serpent-death [winter] he 
was with the Haloga-men, and slew a father and two sons, three of a kin 
[Swain the priest and his sons], out in the Voe. The next action was 
north in the Voe, where William [William Skinner] .... and Thorald 
Chap fell. Then south off Byrd, the king met Glitter-tail; yea, he brought 
about Styrcar’s death. By Walsness he gave Swine-Grim a sharp bout, 
cutting the right hand off the king’s nephew before the fray ended.. He 
met the gallant Fin east of Quilder. Sigurd’s men caused Wolf’s brave 
heir to lose his life. By More he took Hedin and his men prisoners, and 
paid a heavy score off on Calf Cringle-eye. He went with war-shield, 
the lord of the Sygns, the whole way outside the islands and the coasts 
[outside the Skerries in the green sea]. You might see the bitter brands 





99. hnefa, Cd, 


Phe x 
a MeN Pg me Ye | 


age be ee ee ee eS ee ee ee rele eee, 








§ 5.] IVARR INGIMUNDARSON. 265 


32. Sid knAtti par fyr Sigurdi 
bitra branda, brynjor hoeggnar, 
skarda skialdo, skwpt bl66-rodin, 
Gkv. 12. vedr-blasin vé of vegaondom. 


33. Fy¥stisk sunnan Sigurdr 4 lesti 115 
med 1ftid lid land at scékja: 
biésk med hdnom til her-farar 
margs andvani Magnus konungr. 
34. Hélt prim togom piéé-nytr konungr 
snekkjom sunnan vid s6kn buinn: 120 
uggdo ly¥dir lid Sigurdar ; 
H. 105. 1ék skialdr vid skiald a skipom visa. 
35. Féro leyféir med lidi miklo 
Haraldz hréér-synir her-stefno til: 
p4-es at mildom Magnits-syni 125 
at-réér 4 sid Ingi kn{éi. 
36. Hraut { stangom par-es hildingar 
vid vig vanir vapna neytto: 
Pas be: fridr slitnadi freenda 4 millom, 
guér geisadi, gekk hildr saman. 130 
a7. Stundo seggir, st4l rodnodo, 
skaut biartr konungr bodom handom: 
hard spidt bito, benjar svfddo, 
her-skip hrudosk hvd4rra-tveggjo. 
H. 49. 38. Flugo hundrodom her-stefno til 135 
sar-gagl um sid sveita at drekka: 
eyddo oddar iafors full-triom, 
mor6 mikladisk p4-es Magnus féll. 
39. Flydo Iétar 4tj4n_skipom 





hewing the mail-coats before Sigurd, the blood-sprinkled shafts scored 
the shield, the gale-tossed banner waved over the fighters. 

His final defeat at Grey-Holm, off Frederick-hall, At last Sigurd hastened 
from the south to seek his lands. There went with him on the expe- 
dition the hopelessly maimed king Magnus. Sigurd stood from the 
south with thirty ships; they dreaded his fleet. Shield played against 
shield [they were ready for action] on his ships. The renowned, 
noble sons of Harold came with a mighty fleet to the war-tryst, what 
time Ingi rowed out against the generous son of Magnus. There was a 
clash in the forecastles, or the banner-staves groaned, as the war-wont 
princes handled their weapons. The peace was shattered between the 
kinsmen, the fray raged high, the battle was joined. The warriors 
shouted, the steel was made red, the bright king [Sigurd] shot with both 
hands; the hard spears bit, the wounds smarted, war-ships were cleared 
on either side. The ravens flew by hundreds to the war-moot to drink 
the blood. The spear-heads swept away the king’s true friends, the 
murder grew to its height when Magnus fell. The Jutes fled, eighteen 





126. knvdi, Cd. 


266 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK 


peir-es Sigurdi sunnan fylgdo: 
raufsk reesiss lid, pd-es rikr konungr 
vanr vas-feoorom vapna neytti. 

40. Hraudésk und iafri austan komnom 
(bito slag sudrcén) snekkja med stafnom: 
p4-es skialdungs son af skipi sfno 
s6kn-feérr 4 sid sundz kostadi. 

4i. Var6d 4 vatni vikingr tekinn, 


s4-es manna vas mestr full-hugi. 


42. Pat tel-ek fila, es iafurr skyldi 
kyn-stérr koma { kvalar slikar: 150 
tekr Sigurdi sidan engi 
maor raskvari um medal-kafla. 
43. Sang Saltara, medan Sigurd pfndo 
iafurs évinir, yta drdéttinn: 
bad fyr bragnom bad-freékn iafurr, 155 
peim-es vell-skata veitto pfslir. 
44. Fra-ek at léti lif sitt konungr 
p4-es Saltara sungit hafdi: 
_vildi ganga gramr til skriptar, 
enn pvi piddé-konungr peygi nadi. 160 


HALLDORR SKVALDRI (on Harotp Gricurist). 
(Verse 5 from O.H.L.; verse 6 from Morkinsk.; verse 5 from Fagrsk.) 


I. M AGNUS fekk (par es miklo margs gengis naut hann) lengri 
[valr nam veoll at hylja varmr] fylkingar arma. 
2.  Hard-éla léztu herdir Haddings 4 i6 tradda 
(glaér t6k gramr vid haudri) grund til Eireks fundar: 
fekk, sa-es fremstr vas miklo, fli6t-mzltr konungr Idta 5 
(réd Hollseta hredir) hraust gengi per drengja. 
3.  Asbiarn vard, sa-es ordom fila hélt vid stilli, 
(gramr foédir val vida vigs) { Sarp at stiga: 





ships of them, that had followed Sigurd from the South. The king’s 
array was broken where the sailor-king handled his weapons. The 
southern missiles bit ; the cutter of him that came from the East [Sigurd] 
was cleared from stem to stern, when he sprang from his ship into the 
sea to try swimming. He was taken in the water, the Wicking who, of 
all men, had the bravest heart. 

His cruel death. It is ill to tell that a king should come to such 
torments. Braver man than Sigurd never gripped a sword-hilt. He sang 
the psalter while his enemies tortured him; he prayed for the men that 
ordered his torments. I know that he died when he had sung the psalter 
through; he wished for shrift, but it was denied him. 


HALLDOR SQUALLER. 4Harold Gilchrist’s Praise. Magnus’ battle- 
array had the greater wings. He [Harold] sailed the sea on the horse 
of Harding steed [ship] to meet Eric. The swift-spoken king of the Jutes 
gave thee a fine company of warriors, Asbiorn, who kept his word 


a suet lt by aay ct ba 








4 4 i ae 4 
ae ee oe ee ee) ore 








§5.] EINARR SCULASON. 264 


Nereid 1ét gramr 4 grimman grand-meié Sigars fidnda 
(hiis-pinga galt) hengja (hrann-bals-glatodr mala). 10 
4: Fékk meira lid miklo mildr an gloeggr til hildar, 
hird pa-es hugdi fordask heid pidd-konungs reidi : 
Enn vinlausom visa vard, peim es fé spardi, 
(hddisk vig fyrir vidom vangi) punnt um stangir. 
5s Mattit ald, pa-es étta égn-ffstr konungr lysti, 15 
(hliép fyrir hilmiss vpnom her-flétti) by verja. 
6. Nu es aud-sendir undir allr Néregr pik fallinn ; 
pin liggr gipt 4 groééno (Gods r46 es pat) 14di. 


EINARR SCULASON. I. Toc-prdpa. 
(Verses 4, 5 from Mork.) 
I. Sort 4 slétt seids hryn-leidar 
iord él-skerdir ungr Sk4nunga: 
fann fizl-nenninn freks landreka, 
gifr-skees gafugr gran-riddér, Dana. 
2, Luko vag viko, vara kostr fara 5 
bryns Biargynjar braut ha-skrautom. 
3.  Allz vard Ello ungr geitunga 
lofadr lff-giafi landz raéandi. 
4. Vann val-grennir vidr ‘ra fidris’ 
Hvedn ‘ha maédro hrodit vapn boda:’ 10 
flugo framliga, fekk svan-bekkjar 
snarr sdl-pverrir sigr, fal-vigrar. 
5. Eyddi oddom ey ben-peyjar 
Hiéss- hel-ffsir hungr gollunga: 
likn gefi leknir lofadr ‘frid-rofa 15 
hims haf-li6ma har lausnari. 


IJ. Harapz-pRApaA. 


Te i a eae lezt-bu eggjar elion-prér und hari 

Hvedn 4 haldom rodnar hrafns munn-lituér gunnar: 
Atti sékn vid slétta serk-ridér Hars merki 
harda (par-es hregg of virdom) Hless-eyjar pram (bléso). 





badly to the king, had to step over Sarp [the water-fall] ; but the prince 
had Nereid hung on the cruel deadly tree of Sigar’s foe [Hagbard]. 
The stingy one [Magnus] could gather a much less force than the 
generous one [Harold], and thin was the array before the banner of the 
friendless king. It is God’s will.... could not defend the city [Ber- 
gen] against the.... Now all Norway is fallen to thee. 


ErnaR SCULASON. I, Dirge on Harold Gilchrist. Stretch-Song. The 
young king sought the .... he met the lord of the Danes. They locked 
the bay of Bergen, so that there was no means of getting away. He that 
feeds Ella’s wasp [the eagle] became ruler of all the land.... He 
fought at Hwedn [in Ore-Sound] and at Hlesey [Cattegat]. May the 
Redeemer, the great Healer of Heaven, grant the king his mercy. 

II. PRAISE OF HAROLD GitcuRisT, He fought a battle at Hwedn 
and another by the shore of Hlesey. 





268 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. (BK. vim. 


III. Eystrins-prAPA (RimHEND). 


I. VJ IKVERJOM galt, (varé pannog hallt) 
goerreedi gramr giaf-mildr ok framr: 
flest folk var hrett 46r fengi sett, 
enn gislar t6k s4-er giawldin idk. 
a. Funi kyndisk flidtt, enn fifdi skiétt 5 
Hisingar herr sa-er ‘haf6i verr. 
3. Vann siklingr sétt vid snarpa drétt 
(leyf6ér er ly¥Som keer) Leikbergi neer: 
Remir flydo rfkt, ok reiddo slfkt 
(ald festi aud) sem adlingr baud. 10 


4. Frétt hefig at fell, (folk brusto svell) 
[iafurr eyddi frid] Apardidnar lid. 
* Beit budlungs hiarr (bl66 féll 4 dearr) 
[hird fylgdisk holl] vid Hiartapoll : 
Hugin gladdi heit (hrudosk Engla beit) 15 
[6x vitniss vin] val-kastar Rin. 
6. I6k hilmir hialdr (par var hiarva galdr) 
[hiésk Hildar sky] vid Hyvftaby : 
rikt lék vid rann (raudsk ylgjar tann) 
[feksk firom harmr] fyri-skégar garmr. 20 
7. Drap daglingr gegn (dreif strengjar regn) 
vid Skorpo-sker skiald-kcénan her: 
rauf styrjar gard pa er stoekkva vard 
randdlom sétt reid-manna gnétt. 
8. Raué siklingr sverd (sleit gyldiss ferd 25 
prutt parta lfk) { Pflavik : 
vann visir allt fyrir vestan salt 
(brandr gall vid brin) brent Langatin. 
9. Skar-ek sidéom sund fyr sunnan Hrund 
min pryddisk mund vid mildings fund. 30 





III. EySTAN’S PRAISE. Forays in the South. He paid the Wick-dwellers 
for their treason. Many a man was in fear; ere peace was made, he 
took hostages and laid fines on them. Fire was kindled, and the people 
of Hising [on Gota-river mouth] fled fast in defeat. He had a sharp 
struggle near to Leikberg; the Rems fled [people of Rimaland], they 
submitted to pay what the king ordained. : 

Cruise to the West. 1 know that many fell of the Aberdeen array: the 
king broke the peace. His trusty guards followed him: he fought at 
Hartlepool. The English ships were stained with blood. The king 
raised war at Whitby. The fire-shaw’s hound [fire] wrought men woe. 
He slew a shield-keen host at Sharpreef [ ? J. The war-fence 
was broken when the knights fled. The sword tore the bodies of proud 
Portmen [citizens]: the prince crimsoned his blade at Pillwick[ ? 

He won all west of the Main: he burnt Langton. I clave the waves south 








§ 5.] EINARR SCULASON. 269 


ro. Brynd véro darr, boga fylgdi herr, 
sparn rastar knaorr ra-dyris var. 


IV. Prats—E oN THE Four BROTHERS. 


- 
.* 


RA-EK vid Holm at heyja hildingar fimm gingo 

(lind varé groén) inn Grdéna (geir-bings { tvau springa), 

%, Aud gefr Eysteinn lydom, eykr hialdr Sigurér skialdar, 
letr Ingi slag syngja, semr Magnus frid bragna: 
fiaol-dyrs hafa fidrir (folk-tiald) komit aldri 5 
(r¥ér bragnings konr bl6di) brcédr und sél in cri. 

a. Snild berr, snarpa elda sdr-fl6ds pess er rydr b164i, 

(gefit hefir God sialfr iafri gagn) Sigurdédar magni: 

sva’s es Rauma resir reid-mezltr talor greidir 

(rausn vidr gramr) sem gumnar (glad-meeltr) pegi adrir. 10 


4. Véro Sogns med (sdra) syni Maddadéar staddir 
(m4-grennir fremsk) manna (miattigr) tigir Atta: 
prim skitom ték preytir pann iarl drasils hranna ; 
hraustr gaf her-skufs nistir hafod sftt framom izofri. 


V. Drrce on SIGuRD. 


I. A the engi barf Inga arn-grennir pat kenna 
4 4 (hverr spyri satt fra snerro seggr) at gram bito eggjar: 
bad gatat stillir stadvat styrjar mildr poat vildi, 
fas var fiaor-spell visa fylkiss sveit at veita. 

2. Ut let stang 4 streti sterkr dyrligra merkja 5 
(didosk darr af reidi) Dags-sonr bera fagra: 
hnigo menn { gny gunnar gagls fyrir strengjar hagli, 
broedr hafa barsk { vidri Biargyn fyr ésynjo. 

3. Myndi eigi seima-sendir sva skidétt hafa latid 





of Hrund [island in South More]. My hand was decked when I met 
the king [i. e. he gave me a guerdon]. Darts were whetted, etc. 


IV. On the Gillungs. I have heard that the kings went forth to battle at 
Grey-Holm, the green linden-wood [shield] sprang in two in the fight. 

Eystan gives men riches, Sigurd makes the shield-fray to rise, Ingi 
lets the arrows ring, Magnus brings peace to men. Four such noble 
brethren of royal blood have never come beneath the sun’s canopy. 
Sigurd’s valour is surpassing, God gives him victory. When the Lord of 
the Reams speaks, all other men may hold their peace. 

Of Eystan. There were eighty men with the son of Maddad 
[Harold, Earl of Orkney], and the king attacked the earl with three 
small ships, and the earl bowed to him. 


V. DIRGE ON SIGURD. Ingi cannot be blamed in that the edges bit 
the king [Sigurd]. Let the truth be told. He could not stop the 
slaughter of the king though he would, for his men were too eager to 
kill him, Daysson bore the banner up the street, the brothers fought 
untimely in the midst of Bergen. The king would not have died so 


270 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


(spidt flugo langt f lidtri) lif sftt (boga drffo); 10 
ef all-kostigs austan Eysteins flota leysti 
beinn at Biargyn sunnan byrr tveim dagom fyrri. 
4. Mun, sa es mordi vandisk marg-illr ok sveik stilli, 
sf af slikom réSom Simon Skalpr of hialpask. 


VI. (From Edda.) 


i LFYS rydr ett & egi Olafs skipa sdlar 
(ylgr brunar hvatt) ins Helga (hre-gidérn i spor érnom) 
2. Snaks berr fald of froeknom fold-v6rér (konungs Hérda) 
(frama kvedr greppr fyr gumnom) ged-sniallr skarar fialli. 
3 Glym-vindi letr Gondlar (gnestr hidrr) taka mestom 
Hildar segl par er hagli, hraustr drengr, drifr strengjar. 
4. Verja haudédr med hjérvi hart déglinga biartir 
5 
6 


om 


(hialmr springr opt fyr olmri egg-hrid) framir seggir. 
Dolg-skéra kn dyrom dyr-magnadr styra 
Hugins fermo bregdr harmi harmr blik-sdlar garmi. Io 
Enn vid hialdr, par er héldar, hug-prutid svellr, Iuita, 
(Muninn drekkr bI66 or benjom bla-svartr) konungs hiarta. 
as Sam-leitom raud sveita (sleit Grn gera beito) 
[feksk arnar matr iarnom] Iarn-séxo grén faxa. 


8. Loégr pver flaust, (enn fagrir) fldds vaskar brim glédom, 15 
par er ser 4 hlid hvara hlymr (vedr-vitar glymja). 

Q. Kaldr pbver marr und mildom mart doegr vido svarta 
(grefr él-snuin) idfri (alm-sorg Manar-pialma). 

10. Ne fram-lyndir fundo fyrr (hygkat 14 kyrdo) 


par er siar 4 vid vorro vini dra féll stérom. 20 
ae Viknar ramr i Rakna rek-saumr fluga-straumi; 
duks hrindr b6l par er bleikir bif-grund 4 stag rifjom. 
12. Haror hefir drt fra idrdéo él-vindr (svana strindar 
blakk letr i sog soekkva Snz-grund) skipi hrundit. 
13. Margr riss, enn drifr dorgar dyn-strond i svig léndom 25 
(spend verda stog stundom) stirér keipr fira greipom. 
14, Grans bera gollna spano (géfug ferd er su idfri), 
[skytr holm-fioturr Heita hrafni] snekkjo stafnar. 
15. Haustkold skotad heldom holm-rénd varrar Ondri. 
16. Sundr springr svalra landa sverri-gidrd fyrir bordom. 30 


VII. Exrar-visor on GREGORIUS. 


I. Ny A8es fell madr af dreyrgo mar-blakks 4 kaf saxi; 
gnoéegt eléi fekksk g¥gjar glaum; rak na fyrir straumi: 








soon, if a fair breeze had borne Eystan’s fleet to Bergen but two days 
earlier. The wicked Simon Scalp, who betrayed him, will be long ere 
he is helped out of torment [i. e. will be in hell for ever]. 


VI. Fragments of Encomia. Battle. St. Olaf’s kinsmen redden the 
sword at sea. The king of the Hords bears a serpent-hood [helm]. 
Their men defend the land with the sword.... The king’s heart 
quakes not ; he feeds the wolves. 

Sea. ‘The sea breaks on both bows; the weather-vanes gleam fairly. 
The cold sea washes the black timbers; the whirlwind cuts the sea... . 
The tree-nails spring in the fierce race, The gale drives the ship on from 
the Snowland. The ship.... The wind tries the stays.... The stems 
of the galley bear gilded chips of pine. 


VII. ELBE-VERSES on Gregory Daysson. Many aman fell from ship to 
sea. The poison-cold Elbe [Gaut-Eibe] was dyed with bloody foam, and 


' 
hy 
Tee ae ey ee 


cer ey ee ae a eee 





§ 5.] EINARR SCULASON. 241 


Elfr vard unda gialfri eitr-kald rodin heito; 
vitniss féll med vatni varmt aldr { men Karmtar. 
2. Marg fluto aud [4 trga] (alm sveigdi lid) [hialma] 5 
fraud flugo steal] { strfdri stafn-blé6dog skip Médo: 
4dr 4 grund af grediss geedinga lid flcéedi 
(sveit varé f rym ritar ryr) Hakonar dyrom, 


VIII. Lay on AN AXE. 


(From Edda; verse 5 from Skalda.) 


I. HL ROPR-BARNI kn4-ek Hérnar (hlutom dyran grip) styra, 
brandr prymr gialfrs 4 grandi goll-vifido hlifar: 
sids berr sinnar mddor svans unni mer gunnar 
féstr-goedandi Fréda Freyss nipt bra-driptir. 


2. Nyt budomk Niardar déttor ‘ndlegt var pat skéla’ 5 
vel of hrésag pvi visa ‘varn sidvar Ol’ barni. 
3- Gaf s& er erring ofrar égn-pruér Vana-bridar 


ping-vavadar proengvir prétt-dflga mer ddttor: 

rikr leiddi mey mekiss mé6t-valdr 4 bed skaldi 

Gefnar glédom drifna Gautreks svana brautar. 10 
4: Réé-véndom pé-ek raudra randar is at visa 

(grand berom hialms i hendi) hvarm-pey drifinn Freyjo. 
5. Hring-telir gaf Halo hlyr-sdlar mer dyra, 

oss kom hrund til handa hre-pollz drifin golli; 


s6tt pa-ek Herjans hattar . . , . . : 15 
6. Nest sé-ek orm 4 iastar {tr-‘ serki’ vel merkéan, 
nemi biddr hve ek ferr floedar fiard-bals of hlyn mili, 
“eo par er Mardallar milli (megin-hurdar) liggr skurda 
(Gautz berom galla pritinn) gratr (dal-reydar lattra). 
8. Eigi pverr fyrir augna Ods bed-vino réda 20 
refrs (eignisk sv&) regni ram-svell (konungr elli). 
9. Bldd-eiso liggr bedi biargs tveim-megin geima 
(sidds &-ek soekkva stridi) sner ok eldr (at mzra). 
10. Sia mego rétt, hve, Revils ridendr, vid bré Gridar 
Fiorniss fagrt of skornir fold-viggs drekar liggja. 25 
11. Fra-ek at Fréda meyjar full-goliga mdlo 


(ltr stillir grid golli) grafvitnis bed (slitna). 





the warm blood flowed down into the sea. Many an empty ship with 
bloody bows was floating on the rapid river-mouth ere the warriors of 
Hakon Broadshoulders betook themselves to flight. 


VIII. The axe Hnoss. 1 own the child of Horn [Hnoss], a precious 
possession decked with gold. The king gave me Frey’s niece adorned 
with the corn of Frodi. The child of Niord’s daughter....He 
provided me with a wife, the daughter of the Wane’s bride; he led her 
to my bed, the daughter of Gefn, sprinkled with the embers of the sea 
[gold]. I received an axe adorned with Freya’s tears. He gave me a pre- 
cious shield-devouring ogress. I got a helmet-crusher studded with gold. 

Next I see a well-carved serpent on the willow-bane [axe]. I praise the 
king. Lo, a target-breaker heavy with Mardall’s tears and the dragon’s 
litter. There was no lack of the eye-rain of Od’s spouse on the blade. 
Silver and gold lie on both cheeks of the axe. Thou mayest see the 
dragons lying fairly carved about the face of the blade. I know that 
Frodi’s maids did merrily grind the serpent’s bed, and the cheeks of my 


16. Read, -herkio or verki? 





272 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK 


12. Mitks bera minnar cexar meldr bann vid hlyn feldrar 
(konungs dyrkar fé) Fenjo fogr hlyr (bragar-styri). 

13. Deegr prumir hvert (enn hiarta hlyr-skyldir redér mildo) 
Heita blakks of hvitom haf-leygr digol-skafli: 
aldri m&é fyr eldi als hryn-brautar skala 
(Oll vidr folka fellir fram-redi) sne breda. 

14.  Hvargi er Beita borgar bal-grimmostom skala 
harr of hnoss-vin érom heims vafr-logi sveimar. 


IX. Love-Sone (on Sotpore AnD IoreEtp). 
(Verses 1, 3 from Skalda ; verse 2 from Edda, W. App.) 


9 H ARPAN prytr 4 hvitom harm Sélborgar armi. 
2. Hrynja lét in hvita haus-mioll ofan lausa 
strind Grrida strandar stallz af skarar fialli. 


3: Vist eromk Hermd 4 Hesti hefir fi63 ef vill gédan. 


BODVARR HALTI (on Sicurp). 
(Verse 1 from Mork. ; verse 4 from Edda.) 
I. N® skal lyst hve Lista le-skiarr konungr harra 
(gardisk afreks orda efnd) pins fador hefndir: 
létod hialms at Holmi (hrid-spurdisk sti vida) 
[ofkugi dé iafra] allvaldr, Sigurd falla. 
2, Magnus vard at mordi mAl-sniallr { bad falla; 5 
ré6 fyrir reesiss dauéa rikr pidd-konungr slikom: 
meirr rak pik til peirra, prek-sterkr konungr, verka 
(flagds hest hafit flestan fylldan) naudr an skyldi. 
$. Par féll allt ok arvir (ulfr raud 4 her daudom 
tedr) { tognings vedri tveir iafrar lid peira. 10 
Allz engi vertr Inga undir solar grundo 
bodvar havir né betri, bredr, landreki in @ért. 


KOLLI PRUDI (on Inez). 


I. Lie austr fyrir Mynni odd-hrié (ok bratt sfdan 
hilmir fekkt und hialmi hrafns verdar lid) sverdéom : 





axe are fair with plenty of this meal. The sea-fire [gold] lies on the 
snow of the crucible [silver] on my weapon, but that fire will not meet 
that snow. The generous king’s gift makes the poet proud. Wherever 
the world’s flame [sun] swims may he, my Hnoss-giving patron, be 
happy. 


IX. To Solborg. Deep grief vanishes in the white arms of Solborg. 
She lets her hair [the white meal of the skull] fall down from her head 
to her shoulders. 

To Ioreid. Verily 1 love Ioreid [lit. horse =io + wrath=reid] if she 
will have me. 

BODWAR THE HALT. Sigurd’s Praise. Now I will tell how thou 
didst revenge thy father. Ye made Sigurd to fall at Holm; the cower 
of kings died. Magnus the eloquent was slain there. It was a greater 
need than was meet that drove thee to this. There fell two kings and 
all their host. 

Burden, There is no king better than Ingi’s brother underneath the sun. 


COLL THE PROUD. Ingi’s Praise. Ye fought a battle in the east off 


ee a eee Te yey Se 








eee ee a ee 








§5.] KOLLI AND THORBIORN SHANK POET. 273 


lagdot ér, enn eirar srr synjadir brynjo 
(ungr vardir-pti, pengill pitt land) saman randir. 

2. Fyrr 14 hans, an harri hring-mildr padan vildi, = 5 
verdung all 4 velli—Vig-fimr konungr himni: 
sundr klauft siklingr Proénda (sékn-fiss an Magnisi 
per féksk hzaolfo heeri) her-skriptir (iafurr gipta). 

3. Ly¥sa man-ek hve lidésa (laut hrafn { ben Gauta) 

[eorn fyldit sik sialdan] sdr-fsa raud visi: 10 
goldit varé peim-es goerdo glaum herdondom sverda 
(raun er at riki pino) r6g 4 Kréka-skégi. 

4. Raudri dreif (p4 er ritifa ré5 ald of gram skialdo) 
miall, 4dr Magnus félli moré-giarn, prumo iarna: 
harmar cengr (pvi-at, Ingi, Attu rada vel 146i) 15 
[doegg fell driagt 4 skokka] drap Sigurdar [v4pna]. 

5s Syndi sialfr at landi sniallr (enn pu brdtt allri) 

[vel um hrésak pv{] visi val-kast (ara feosto) : 
ulfs barnom vard arnar einkar tfdr { vido 
(bor6 rudo fregir fyrdar) fundr Langeyjar-sundi. 20 


PORBIORN SKAKKA-SKALD (on Eart Eruine SKaxxt). 
(Verse 2 from Edda.) 


I, | eager cexar eggjom ugg-laust hvatir glugga 
(pvi var nennt 4 nyjo) Nordémenn { kaf bordi: 
eySendr s4 ydrar arnar hungrs (4 iarnom) 
(vg-fylvingi) vélar (vig-skard) ofan (bardot). 
2. Haf-reidar var hloedir hlunnz { skfrnar brunni 5 
Hvita-Kristz sa-es hesta hodd-sviptir t6k gipto. 


3.  Greitt fra-ek gumna dréttinn (gridar faks) { vido 
(traudr erat tenn at ri6da) Ttinsbergi ber snina: 


= 





the Mouth [southern outlet of Lake Midsen], All his men were lying on 
the field before he turned to flight. 

Burden. ... Gallant king, greatest under heaven.—The Thronds’ king 
clave the war-scrolls [shields|; ye had better luck than Magnus. Now 
I will tell how the prince dyed his bright blade. The raven stooped to 
the gashes of the Gauts: the evil they wrought was repaid them on Crook- 
shaw. There was a snow-fall of blood ere murderous Magnus fell. The 
slaying of Sigurd no man is sorry for, because thou, Ingi, wilt have the 
rule of the land. Thou didst break the eagle’s feet. There was a feast 
for the wolves in Langey-sound, ~ 

THORBIORN SHANK’S PoET. Sigurd and Erling’s Praise. The drome- 
dary taken in the Mediterranean. The brisk Northmen cut a clean dead- 
light into the timbers at the -water’s edge with their sharp axes. It 
was a cunning trick. The pirates [Saracens] could not see your stratagem 
from above. Ye cut a scarp with your iron upon the ship. 

Pilgrimage. ‘The earl had the bliss of bathing in the baptismal font 
of the White Christ [Jordan]. 

Fight in Tunsberg. 1 heard of thy success at Tunsberg ; the townsmen 
feared the bright spears and fire and the bow bent, and submitted, 


VOL. I. T - 


274 - THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, ‘etc. [ BK. VIII. 


hreddosk biartra brodda boéjar-menn vid renno; 

ugdo elld ok sveigdan alm dyn-vidir malma. To 
4. Urd dré austan-fiardéar Erlingr at vfkingom 

(mein fekk margr af Koéno mar) er hann fér padra: 

foerdr var fleinn medal herda Fridreks ofar noekkvi 

skolldi éparfr aldom ill-giarn vid tré Biarni. 


ASGRIMR KETILSSON (on Haxon Herpr-sremp). 
(From Edda.) 


IGR-GCEDIR var sfdan seim-arr { bréndheimi 
(pi6d veit pinar idir) pann orms-trega (sannar). 


STYRKARR ODDASON (on Maenus Ertineson). 
(From Edda.) 


C)* ept ftrom steekkvi 6k Hagna lid vagnom 
hlunnz 4 heida fannir hyrjar fl66s af mddi. 


KLCENGR BISKOP (AtHEnpa). 
(From Edda Ht.) 


AD-EK sveit 4 glad Geitiss, goer er i6 at far tfdom ; 
dragom hest 4 lag lesta; lid flytr, enn skrid nytom. 


OCCASIONAL VERSES. 


WE have placed here a number of Occasional Verses of interest, all, 
save one or two, between 14130-1202, contemporary with the events 
treated of in this section; a pendant to the Improvisations in Book vi, 
though they are of a less spontaneous character. They are arranged 
roughly in chronological order. 

The first set belongs to EARL ROGNWALD the Crusader, whose life and 
deeds have been already touched on. They are selected from a number 
of verses in the Rolls Series’ edition of Orkney Saga, where the rest will 
be found. They refer to Rognwald’s stay at Grimsby in his youth (No. 1), 
to his accomplishments (No. 2), to his exploration of the Doll’s Cave 
in one of the islands off South More in Norway (No. 3), to Hall his 





Hanging of Biarni and Frederick, East of the Wick Erling piled stones 
over the Wickings ere he left. Many a man had fared ill at Kona’s 
hands, A fluke lashed to Frederick’s back was cast overboard, but the 
wicked Biarni was whipped up to the gallows-tree ashore. 


ASGRIM KETTLESSON. On Swerri. This winter thou didst stay in 
Throndham. Men know thy deeds of renown. 


STYRKARR ORDSSON. On Sawerri(?). The host chased him in 
Hogni’s wains, making a hot pursuit over the snow-heaps of the surges. 


CLONG. 4 Cruise. I call my crew aboard my ship. I am often 
busy a-journeying. Let us launch the cargo-horse on the water. The 
galley speeds; let us carry on, 





—_——— ne. ae 





ae |e Bll Ne 
ves 6 


$5] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 275 


friend and poet’s introduction to him (Nos. 4, 5), to the Earl’s crusading 
exploits (Nos. 6,7), and to his escape from his enemies when they were 
foiled by the clever misdirection of Botolf the Icelander (No. 8). The 
poem which the Earl and his friend Hall (the author of verse 4) made 
together as a Clavis Metrica, ‘ Hatta-lykill,’ must be dealt with elsewhere. 

The next group gives stray verses of the prolific Eizar Sculason, whose 
powers of making impromptu epigrams were remarkable. One (No. 9) 
refers to the scant welcome he got from the Danish king Swain, who 
preferred the new-fashioned music to the Encomia, which he could not 
understand. The next three (Nos. 1o-12) were made at the court of 
the Northern kings, to whom he was marshal. One when he was fined 
for being late for dinner, having been on a visit to the Abbess of Bank. 
One made while Earlman the fiddler was being flogged for theft, it 
being understood that he was only to be beaten till the poet had made 
a verse. It is said that he finished the couplet ere more than five 
stripes had fallen. The last is on a fair lady sailing out of harbour 
in her ship, and was completed before the ship reached a certain point 
in the bay. 

Thorward, Hall, Biarni, Mani, Nefari, and others are the composers 
of the next group, which deals chiefly with events in Norway, chiefly 
from Swerri’s time. To be noted is the greeting from Thorward in 
Iceland to his brother Ari in Norway at the king’s court; and Mani’s 
complaint that poetry is going out of favour. 

The next two sets (Nos. 30-42) deal chiefly with Icelandic men and 
things. yiolf tells of the famous Gudmund’s voyage, and refers to a 
certain Botolf the skipper. Kolbein Tumason (died 1208, see Prolego- 
mena, cxxiii-iv) complains that, like Henry II, he has made a mistake, 
Gudmund his minister has turned out like Thomas a Becket. Kolbein’s 
prayer, inspired by the Psalms, is not to be passed over. 

In the last group we have Runo/f talking with pride of the cathedral 
of Holar, built by Arni and Biorn, under the orders of his own father 
Clong (No. 43). -Amund Arnison, the architect of Paul bishop of Skal- 
holt, who may be the son of Runolf’s Arni, made a dirge on his patron. 
He had already composed a blessing (No. 44) on Paul’s four children. 
The fortune of these children did not come up to all that the good 
poet wished. Loft (the puffin-bone picker of Book vi, No. 70) lived long 
enough to play the spy for Snorri Sturlason’s murderers, dying 1261: 
see Sturlunga Saga. Of Kettle we know but this, a wit said of the two 
brothers, that Loft had always a good word to spare, but that Kettle 
bore good will to all; one preached what the other practised. Halla, 
still a girl, was drowned with her mother whilst crossing a river, May 17, 
1207 (see the pathetic story in the Reader, p. 225); when the whole 
burden of the Bishop’s household fell on Thora (called after her great- 
grandmother, the Royal Thora of p. 319), who, as the author of Paul’s 
life tells us, though a mere child, managed everything exceedingly well. 
What afterwards became of her we do not know. The Bishop was 
the son of John Loptsson, of whom below, p. 309. 

The hangings in Holar cathedral bore on them the verse, No. 46. 
They were in existence in the last century. 

Hall of Madderfield, the popular chief praised in the ditty, No. 45, 
was one of those who signed the Act of Resignation in 1262, which 
transferred the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Iceland to the 
king of Norway. 

Both these last verses may be by the same man, the metre (called dun- 
hent) is the same, and both are from North of Iceland. 


T 2 = 





276 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. vim. 


I, RoGNWALD AND HIS FRIENDS. 


+ A deo hafom vadnar leiror vikor fimm megin-grimmar 
(saurs vara vant bar er varom vidr) f Grimsby midjom: 

nti es pat-es mars of myrar megin-katliga lotom 
branda-elg 4 bylgjor Biargynjar til dynja, 

2.  Tafl em-ek arr at efla—fprdéttir kann-ek nfo ;— 5 
t¥ni-ek traudla rinom; tfS erom bék ok sm{dir: 
skriéa kann-ek 4 skidom; skyt-ek ok r&-k sv4-at nytir; 
hvart-tveggja kann-ek hyggja, harp-slétt ok brag-p2tto. 

3. Her hef-ek havan reistan hard-gedjodom varda 
Dollz { doekkom helli draug; leitak sv4 bauga: 10 
eigi veit ner ftir unn-skf6a koemr sidan 
langa braut ok lidta leid yfir vatnit breida. 

Orkney S., chs. 61, 63. 


4.  Senda-ek son pinn, Ragna (sann koma mal fyrir bragna) 
hans var hagleg idja hirdé-vistar mer bidja: 
hafa kvezt hodda ryrir, hinn-er hestom veg styrir, 15. 


(neitti hann gripans granna) gndétt viglegri manna. 
Hall Breidmagi, Orkney S., ch. 85. 
5.  Aldr’ hefek frétt pat-er féldo fr4n-stallz konor allar 
(verdrat menja-myréir mitk-ordr) hafod-dikom : 
nu tér Hlokk um hnakka hauk-strindar ser binda 
(skr¥disk bridér vid breedi ben-gagls) merar tagli. 20 
Orkney S., ch. 85. 
6. Vill eigi vinr minn kalla (vard allr f drit falla 
{ner var { pvi cérin ugeefa] midevi: ‘ 





I, EARL ROGNWALD. The mud at Grimsby. I have been plodding: 
through the muck in the middle of Grimsby for five awful weeks. There 
was no lack of mud when we were there; but at last with great joy I 
am making the prow-elk (ship) run over the billows of mew’s moor [sea] 
to Bergen. [c. 1125.] 

His prowess. 1 am strong at table-play. I know nine accomplishments. 
I never mistake a rune. I am used to book-learning and carpentry, 
I can stride on snow-skates, and I can shoot and row as well as needs be 
[very well]. I understand both harp-playing and poet-craft. 

The Giant’s Cave. Here I have reared a high cairn to the grim ghost 
in Doll’s dark cave where I came seeking for treasure. No one can tell 
how long it will be ere another man shall pass over the long road and 
ugly way over the broad water [inside the cave]. ; 

Hall’s rejection. 1 sent thy son Ragna, of a truth, to seek quarters for 
me, but the Earl said he had no lack of better men, and refused the 
Sausager [Icelanders were so nicknamed from their mutton sausages]. 

On the new fashion. | always heard that ladies were wont to wrap 
their heads in kerchiefs, but here is a lady who binds her hair with a 
mare’s tail. [c, 1140.] 

In the Eastern city. My friend would not cry ‘ midhefi’ [peraBnd:, 





22. midhefi, Cd. 














$5.] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 244 


litt hykk at pd pcétti pengils m4gr, er hann rengdisk, 
(leir fell grar of geira) gdligr { Imbélom. 
4. RfSom Reevils vakri (rekom eigi pl6g af Akri) 25 
[erjom urgo bardi] ut at Mikla-gardi : 
piggjom pbengils mala, pokom framm f gny¥ stala, 
riddom gyldis géma, goerom rfks konungs-séma. 
Orkney S., ch. 96. 
8. Ferr at foglom harri, firar neyta vel skeyta, 
von 4 heidar-hoeéna hnakka-dytz und bakka: 30 
par letr almr, er olmir unn-linnz stafar finnask, 
(land verr lofdungr brandi) lyng-heésn vegin kyngjom. 
Orkney S., ch. 193. 
II. Exar Scurason. 


9 Eigi hlaut af ftrom Einarr giafa Sveini 
(ald lofar adlings mildi cédro-styggs) fyrir kvedi: 
Danskr harri metr dyrra (dugir midlung pat) fidlor 
{reedr fyr reesiss audi Ripa-Ulfr| ok pfpor. 
Skioldunga (Knytl. S., ch. 108). 
10. Oss lét abbadissa angri fir6 um svangann 5 
(dygg poli vif in vigdo viti fyr pat) gyrda: 
enn til 4tz med nunnom (6gnar-rakks) 4 Bakka 
(drés gladdit vin visa) varat stallarinn kalladr. 
rz. Austr t6k fila kristinn Iarlmadr fra bt-karli 
(graér var kiatz 4 kauda) kidling, hinn er sler fidlo: 10 
vaondr hroekk, vamr 14 bundinn vesl-mall ‘4 sk...’ pislar, 
sceng leikarn lengi limi hardéan prima. 
12. Hola bro rfstr hlyri hreysti-sprund at sundi 
(bless él-reki of Asi) Utsteins (vefi pritna) : 





make way]. It was a great mishap, he felt-into the dirt. I do not think 
that he was very gay to look on, the king’s son-in-law, when he was 
rolling in the mire in the city [€umodw?]. [1152. 

In the Archipelago. Let us ride Refil’s steed to Micklegarth. Let us 
plow with our wet prows from Acre [Constantinople]. Let us enter 
the service of the Greek Emperor. 

Botolf the Icelander. The earl is a-fowling, the men are plying their 
shafts. The heath-hen may look out for a blow on her neck. The 
bow is making terrible havoc of the heath-cock. [1154.] 


II, EINAR SCULASON. Swain’s stinginess. Einar got no gifts from king 
Swain for his song; the Danish king cares more for fiddles and pipes. 
Ripe-Wolf rules his treasury. [c. 1155.] 

The Abbess’ poor fare. The abbess left me starving. Let the holy 
wives suffer for it. The marshal was not called to dinner with the nuns 
at Bank. The lady did not treat the king’s friend [me] well. 

The verse on Earlman. The heathen Earlman, greedy fiddler, stole a 
kid from a cottager. The rod is swung, the thief is sized to the gratings, 
the minstrel sings a long-drawn note under the stick. 

The fair Ragnhild sailing round the Naze at Bergen. The proud lady 





6. poli] emend.; pétt, Cd. 





278 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


varla heldr und vildra vik-marr 4 iardrfki a 
breidan vid brims-gang sidom barmr lyptingar farmi. 
Morkinskinna, pp. 227, 228, 


III. Norwecran IncIpENTs. 


13. Berit hildingi haldéa, hard-gedr Ari, kvedjo 
(peim-es letr { bad bfta bryn-bing) ok Erlingi: 
at lang-vidris lengi lifi peir, ok sé meiri 
allri pidd, { allom éttlaust fridi Dréttins. 
14. Gramr hefir suédr 4 sumri snar-fingr med Erlingi 5 
bré6éir mfnn und breidar brand-éls stadit randir : 
vig-gardz hefir vardat vedr-eggjandi beggja 
okkart rim, par-es 4mir, ungr, bad-koflar sprungo. 
Gudmundar Saga, Bk. i. 410, 411. 
15.  Onundr kvask eigi mundo vid orrosto kosta, 
fyrr an sunnan sigldi Sigurdr iarl med hiiskarla: 10 
miak fara Magntss rekkar metir upp at streeti, 
enn Hakonar haukar hart skundodo undan. 
Hulda, Kings’ Lives. 
16.  Fylgdo resi Rygir ok Hardar, 
Filar ok Sygnir, sem Firda 1id, 
Meerir allir, menn Raumdeélskir, 15 
Erki-biskop, all Proenda-lag. 
17. _ Glym-vallo rfstr, golli (g6d er stilliss far) Réda 
Olafs-sid und audi (aud-grimms) buin raudo: 
Nu er cegr or far fregri (fellr hufr { svig dufo 
svelldr) med scémé ok mildi siklingr kominn hingat. 20 
38. Berr fyrir Holm, par-er harri hlyrs fagr-gota styrir 
(stéol bruna raud 4 reydar rym-vall) und gram sniaollom : 





plows the hollow billows in her ship over Utstein’s Sound, the gale blows 
upon the canvas on the yard. Never ship on earth held prouder lady, 
nor broad hull bore costlier burden over ocean. [c. 1150-55.] 


Ifl. Thorward Thorgeirsson to his brother Ari, Ingi’s henchman. Greet for 
me, good Ari, the King and Erling, that they may live a long life many 
a day in the peace of the Lord. My brother stood stoutly under shield 
this summer with Erling, when the dark war-cowls were split. He has 
filled his place and my own. [1160-67.] 

Anonymous. Tunsberg Battle. Anwynd would not fight till Earl Sigurd 
and his guard came from the south. Magnus’ men are marching swiftly 
up the street, but Hakon’s war-hawks are flying fast away. [1162.] 

The Norwegians. The Rugians and the Hords followed the king, the 
Fils and Sogn-folk, and the men of the Friths, all the Mores, the 
Reamsdale men, the Archbishop and all Thrond-law. [1180.] 

Hall Snorrisson. Olaf’s galley, adorned with the red gold, furrows the 
roaring plain of Rodi, beneath her costly load. The king’s cruise is 
prosperous. The king has come off his famous journey, the big hull is 
dipping into the lap of the billows. The goodly ship fetches Holm; the 
king is steering; the red prow speeds over the thundering whale-path 
beneath the king. The famous prince is come hither with fame and 
victory, for he has won a battle. [1182.] 


= vy 


hi a een Te eee ene “b= 


$5.] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 279 


fregr er med freméd ok sigri (folk-br4dr konungr hadi 
darra-ping vid drengi) daglingr kominn hingat. 


19 Fant sé-ek hvern 4 hesti (her er nti sidr inn versti) 25 
Oe eigo ver langa] enn lendir menn ganga: 
iré-menn skolo hlaupa (her erat gétt til kaupa) 
[munka-ek margo kvida], enn mat-sveinar r{da. 


20.  Byr gefdu bratt inn arvi Biargynjar til margom 
(pess bidjom ver) piddom, pung-stéls konungr sdélar: 30 
angrar oss pat-er lengi tit-nyréingr heldr fyréom 
(vindr er til seinn at sundi sunn-rcénn) {f dys Unnar. 


21.  Sleégr ferr gaurr med gfgjo (ginn er her komit inni) 
[meidr hefir skialdar-sk6da skrfpa-lat] ok pfpo: 
rekkr letr rauda bikkjo (rekkit skvaldr!) fyrir aldir 35 
[skolot hl¥da pvi pidéir; pat er skaup] yfir staf hlaupa. 
22. Gigjan syngr, par-er ganga (gripa menn til pfpo) 
{foéra fiflsko st6éra framm|] leikarar bleikir : 
undr er hve augom vendir umb sa-er pytr f{ trumbo, 
knfdan lft-ek 4 kauda kiapt ok bl4sna hvdpta. 40 


23. | Tynom Birki-beinom! Beri Sverrir hlut verra! 
l4tom rand-heéing reyndan rida hart ok tidom: 
heélomk minzt { mali, metomk heldr at val feldan, 
l4tom skipta Gud gipto, goerom hrid pa-er beim svidi. 
24. Reisom vé fyrir visa, verom pungir Kuflungom, —~ = 45 
l4tom bryndan hizar lita, bolom tafn und kl6é hrafni: 





Bearni Calfsson. We have a long way to march. There is a most evil 
custom observed. Every rascal footman is on horseback, but the barons 
are walking; the guard must run, while the sutlers ride. This is a bad 
bargain, but I shall not worry over it. [1182.] 

. Mani the Icelander. For a fair wind. O thou King of Heaven, give 
us a fair wind to Bergen, we pray thee. It grieves us that the north- 
west keeps us here so long at Unnar-dys. The southern wind is too 
slow in coming from the Sound. [1184.] 

The same. Jugglers preferred to Poets. The crafty rascal comes with 
pipe and fiddle. The conjuror has come. The chattering impostor is 
beginning his mummery. He is making a red bitch jump over a stick 
for a show to the people. What folly! People ought not to listen to 
it. Cease this din! The fiddle sings out as the pale players walk along; 
they grasp their pipes, they carry on the greatest foolery. It is won- 
derful how the man that blows the trumpet rolls his eyes. Behold 
the wry chaps and puffed out cheeks of the zany ! [1184.] 

Nefari. Curse on the Birchlegs. Let us destroy the Birchlegs; may 
Swerri be crushed; let the shield-snake strike hard and swift. Let us 
not boast in our speech; let us tell over the score when the battle is 
over. God give the victory! Let us fall upon them and make them 
smart. [1186.] 

Blank’s answer. Let us hoist the standard before the king, and bear 
hard on the Cowlings. Let the keen blade bite, and let us hew a sacri- 
fice beneath the rayen’s talons, Let us hobble our enemies’ bands. 


280 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


hnekkjom fidnda flokki, fridom land iafurs brandi 
riddom dearr f{ dreyra, drepom meira hlut peira. 

25. Old man heldr, at heéldosk (hvatir guldo pess skatnar) 
fyrr (or flokki peirra) forradés-tungor Koflunga: 50 
nui kné bergs { biargom (buk reidir 16 sitikan) 

[mettr vard hrafn { Fst hétz annan veg pidta. 

26.  Biart kveda brenna kerti Breid-skeggs yfir leidi, . 

lidss veit-ek at mun missa meirr hafdingi peira: 


vitom at vdnir betri (verr hugdomk pvf) brugdosk. 55 
27.  Hafdi her medan lif6i hv4rt-tveggja Breid-skeggi 
(nu er frid-spillir fallinn) feest gétt ok dul heesta. 
28. Maénadag kvaddi mildingr sina, menn drifo hart til vapna 
unno; 
Inga hird enn upp ré6 ganga 4r morgin til Sverris borgar: 
¥tar reisto merki at méti margar stengr, ok bardosk lengi; 60 
Baglar st66o { brodda hagli, brunno skip pa-er kappar runno. 
29. Maénadag kvaddi ‘nfdingr’ sina menn g. h. til v.s. 
(PGfo-skitr prffisk aldri!) pann morgin t. S. b. 
ytar r. m. at m. m. st. ok b. lengi 
Baglar standa f banni allir, brunno sk. p. e. k. r. 65 
Verses 16-29 from Sverris Saga. 





Let us win peace for our lord’s land with the sword. Let us dye our 
darts in blood. Let us slay the most part of them. 

After the battle. Men remember well how the slanderous tongues of 
the Cowlings boasted. Now they have paid for it in person. There is 
another sound heard in the hill [berg] of Tunberg, [the wind has turned] 
now that their corpses are washing in the shallow, and the raven was 
sated at Rott [island]. [1187.] 

Broadbeard the Rebel. They say that bright candles are burning over 
Broadbeard’s grave, but I rather think that this chief of theirs will turn 
out a lack-light. Better hopes have failed than his; I believe the case is 
a far worse one. ; 

Burden of a mock dirge on Broadbeard. All the while he lived here 
Broadbeard was both of smallest good and greatest damage.  Spill- 
peace is dead at last. [1191.] 

The Croziers’ lampoon. On Monday the king called on his men, and 
soldiers rushed swiftly to battle. Ingi [the Croziers’ king] marched u 
to Swerri’s stronghold early in the morning. They raised many a sta 
over against the standard and fought long. The Croziers stood in the 
arrow-hail. The ships burnt when the champions fled. 

The Birchlegs’ answer. On Monday the Niding called on his men, and 
soldiers rushed swiftly to battle in the morning to Swerri’s stronghold. 
Plague upon him, that dung-heap! They raised many a staff over 
against the standard and fought long. The Croziers stood all under 
one curse. The ships burnt while the champions fled. [1198.] 


IV. Grim and his friends sailing with the bishop-elect, Gudmund, to Nor- 
way, July 14th, 1202, are driven out of their course to the Orkneys, where they 
hear the news of Swerri’s death, On the storm there are the following verses. 
Eyiolf; The ship was driven eastward out of Ireland. God gave them 





2 
: 


ee ee ee ee 





| hen 


FOE PE We ie 


§ 5.] OCCASIONAL VERSES. 281 


IV. Gupmunp’s FRIENDS. 


30.  Be&ro austr fra fra zett-landi ske branda 
hrege 63, himna tiggi heit-byr firom veitti. 
31.  Sér 4 sigling 6ra Sudreysk kona (pudri 
sid gerask nui naudir) n4m-giarn, er hrydr stiarnom. 
32. Her hefir beitt 4 brattri Bétolfr skipi flidto 5 
(4dr fell seer um stidir) Sandeyjo ske branda: 
reisti sialfr (ok sy¥sti) snarr félagi harra 
hafnar-mark fyrir hrefnis (happs-verk) gota sterkan. 
33. Her nddom val vidis vig-lundr med Gudmundi 
sterkr at stadva merki stefno, biskops-efni: 10 
frogom 4dr 4 Eidi einni nétt fyrir Dréttins 
(traudr man glaum at goéda grams herr) bana Sverris. 
34.  Eisandi vedr undir udr (nt er hvast or sudri) 
stérir sterkar baror, starf erad smatt] fyrir Hvarfi: 
loekkr verdr kiaolr, enn rakkan kemr hregg { stad seggja, 15 
nu ero fiall 4 sz sollin, sid gengr 2 sem prtdast. 
Hrafns S., ch. 11. 
35.  Klasi nam kalla prysvar, komi menn ok renni! 
(iaoré bifast all und fyréom) undan biskops fundi. 
Bisk. Sogor, i. 513, v.1. 


V. Korsein Tumason. 


36. Bals kvedr hlynr at Hdélom hvern mann vera { banni 
Gylva l4és pann er greidir ged-rakkr fyrir mer nakkvat: 
trautt kann h6f, sd-er hattar hodd-lestir vel flesto, 

(medr ero at pvi adrir dszlir) stér-meela. 

37. Bannar biskop mannom (berr strié af pvi vida 5 
lyda kind 4 143i langom) kirkjo-gangor : | 
geystr man gegn at flesto Gudédmundr fara um stundir, 
trautt m4-ek enn fyrir annan enda sia hvar lendir. 





the wind they desired. Grim: The maids of the Isles look on our 
“dae sailing. ‘The wave dashes up to the stars. Here Botolf has laid 
is ship on steep Sanday. He had a harbour-mark raised for the strong 
ship. We have now reached the harbour-mark. At Eid, one night 
before the Lord’s day, we first heard of King Swerri’s death. [Swerri 
died March gth, 1202.| The surge is boiling off Cape Wrath. The ship 
goes on as proud as may be. [1202. 
Anonymous Ditty, in a fight. Clasi called out thrice, ‘Come and let us 
run away from facing the Bishop. The earth is quaking beneath our 
feet.’ [1220.] 


V. KoLBEeIn TuMASON’S troubles with Gudmund. The bishop of Holar 
ait every man under his ban who does me any kindness. He 
nows no measure in his curses. He forbids men’s going to church, he 
carries his head high; I cannot tell what end it tends to. God has 
made Gudmund like Thomas in power, she lies close to our ears, he 





3. Read, festo? 


282 THE GILCHRIST FAMILY, etc. [BK. VIII. 


38. Gud hefir Gudmund garvan glikan Thoma at rfki, 
ner liggr okkr vid eyra erfingi hafdingja: 10 
redr Guds laga geymir ged-biartr snaro hiarta ; 
hreedisk himna prydi hann, enn veetki annat. 
39. Mundi mer fyrir stundo mikit orda-lag pykkja 
of elg-renni unnar eyrom slikt at heyra. 
Bisk, Sogor, i. 490, 491 (verse 39 from Skalda). 
‘40.  Heyrdu, himna smidr, hvers er skaldit bidr; 15 
komi mitk til min miskunn pin: 
pvf heit-ek 4 pik, pi hefir skapdan mik ; 
ek em prellinn binn, pi ert Dréttinn minn. 
41. Gud heit-ek 4 pik at pu grcédir mik; 
minnstu, mildingr, min, mest purfom pin: 20 
ryttu, raodla gramr rik-lyndr ok framr, 
haldz hverri sorg or hiarta borg. 
42.  Gettu, mildingr, mfn (mest purfom pin) 
hoelzt hverja stund 4 halda grund: 
sentu, Meyjar magr, mals-efnin fagr 25 
(all er hialp af per) { hiarta mer. 
Bisk. Sogor, i. 568. 
VI. Own Icetannic Susjects. 


43.  Hraust er hall su-er Kristi hug-blfé6om lét smida 
(g65 er rét und rddom) rfkr stidérnari (slikom): 
gipta var pat-er goerdi Guds rann [gultanni, 

Pétr hefir eignast ftra Arna smié ok Biarnar. 
Runolfr, Hungrvaka, ch. 17. 


44.  Lopt efli Gud gipto (gangi feest af pvf) heestri! 5 





has a proud heart; he fears God and nought beside. A long time ago 
I should have thought it strange to hear such language from him. 
c. 1206.] 

: Kolbein’s prayer. Listen, O Maker of the Heavens, to the poet’s prayer. 
May thy gentle mercy reach me. I call upon thee, thou hast made me, 
I am thy servant, thou art my Lord. I pray thee, O God, to heal me. 
Remember me, O Lord, I am in sore need of thee. Do thou, King of 
the Sun, mighty and great, take every sorrow of mine from my heart. 
Keep me, O Lord, I am in sore need of thee every hour on this earth: 
send a fair hope into my heart, O Son of the Virgin; all help is from 
thee. [c. 1206.] 


VI. Runolf, Bishop Clong’s son, on his father’s new-built Cathedral at Skal- 
holt. Proud is the hall that he [the Bishop] raised to Christ. Such a 
plan springs from a good root. It is of good omen that Bearn built this 
house of God. Peter [the saint to whom it was hallowed] has acquired 
the noble handiwork of Arni and Beorn [the architects]. [c. 1170.] 

AMUND ARNASON, the cleverest carpenter in all Iceland, who made the 
steeple of Holar Cathedral, that for carpentry bore the palm over all that had 
ever been done in Iceland. His, blessing on Bishop Paul’s children, two boys 
and two girls. May God magnify Loft with the highest and most 





5. Emend.; eflir, gengr, stydr, lier, Cd, 








2 a ee ee ST ee 





en a ea tO Ra ee 





ia =, J 
atelier 
dis . 
. ) 


§ 6.] GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 283 


kcénn stydi krapti sfnom Ketils l4n iafurr mana: 
céztr leai evi baztrar allz Dréttinn per, Halla! 
dyrr magni prif Péro pengill hafud-Engla. 
Amundi, Pals S., ch, 12. 
45.  Oll unna hit Halli, Hallr er blfdr vid alla; 
getr eigi slfka { sveitom, sveit po-at vida leiti: 10 
kynnist margom manni mann-baldr sa-er fremr aldir ; 
full er albzrd allom, all a Madro-vallom. 
Bisk, Sogor, i. 593- 
46. | Gramr skép hestr heima, heims fegrd ok kyn beima ; 
freegr hefir sett med sigri sigr-valdr skipan aldar : 
spenr f{ selo sina sfn barn iafurr stiarno, 15 
pvf er al-stillir allra all-sannr fadir manna. 








§6. TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS ON 
PAST. EVENTS. 


GEISLI, or OLAF’S DRAPA, sy EINAR SCULASON, 1154. 


_ THE following statement is found in Morkinskinna:—“ Einar Sculason 
was with the brothers Sigurd and Eystan; and King Eystan was a great 
friend of his, and bade him compose an Encomium on Olaf; and he 
did so, and delivered it at Throndham in the North, in Christ Church 
itself; and this took place in the midst of great tokens, and there came 
a sweet savour into the church. And men say that this was a sign from 
the king (St. Olaf) himself, that he was_pleased with the poem.” 

The time of this occurrence is fixed between 1152, (the establishment 
of the archbishop’s see spoken of in the text,) and the beginning of the 
quarrel between the brothers which led to Sigurd’s death in 1155 (roth 





unstinted gifts. May the King of the Moon increase Kettle’s estate 
by his power. May the Lord of all bestow a most blissful life on Halla. 

1 ei Ruler of the archangels make Thora thrive mightily. 
C. 1200. 

On Hall of Madderfield. Anonymous. All the household love Hall. 
Hall is blithe with all. You will not find such a man though you seek 
far and wide through the counties. He is well known to many men, 
this chief of men who helps every one. There is hearty hospitality for 
all in Madderfield. [c. 1260.] 

Embroidered on the hangings in the Cathedral Church of Holar in Iceland. 
The high King of the worlds, he created the beauty of the world and the 
children of men; the glorious Prince of victory has victoriously ordained 
the estate of mortals. The Ruler of the stars draws his children into his 
bliss; whereby he, the Lord of all, becomes a true father to all men. 





12. Le, olverd, 


284 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII. 


June). Still nearer we can get by the mention of Eindrid the Young, a 
crusader who had been with Earl Rognwald in the Holy Land. He could 
not, we should think, have been home before the spring of 1153; and it 
must have been on St. Olaf’s day, July 29th, of 1153 or 1154 that Einar de- 
livered his composition before the three kings, Eystan, Sigurd, and Ingi, 
the new archbishop John, the Guild-Brothers of St. Olaf, and the general 
congregation of Thronds. There is a blank in the Gillungs’ Saga 
covering these two years 1153 and 1154, so that we are dependent on 
the poem itself for the record of this great meeting and ceremony. 

The texé is founded on the two vellums, Birgis-bok (Codex Holmensis) 
with the better, and Flatey-bok (vol. i) with the worst text. A skilful 
edition of this poem by Cederschiold, Lund 1874, has been consulted. 

The #it/e is given as GEISLI in Flatey-bok. In the other MS., and when 
cited, as in Morkinskinna, it is headed Olaf’s drapa. The title ‘Geisli’ 
is taken from the word for ‘saint’ in lines 3 and 25. 

The poem is planned on the lines 17+1+(9 x 3) +26=71, and the 
internal arrangement is fairly symmetrical. 

The interest of the poem lies in its historical notices and associations, 
for which alone it can be read; for the long-winded and sanguinary 
synonyms mixed up with grotesque religious ‘kennings,’ and the tire- 
some repetitions of the ‘stal,’ will quickly weary the hearer or reader. 
There is however that musical rhythm for which Einar is well known. 

The old church of Throndham, built by Olaf the Quiet, is the scene 
of the first recital; portions of it are still imbedded in the magnificent 
pile which the piety, zeal, and art of Eystan (the archbishop who 
followed John) raised over the shrine of the patron saint. Eystan’s 
cathedral is of interest to every Englishman, as it contains a ‘crown’ 
imitative of that of Canterbury, which Eystan would have seen and 
copied in his exile in England (1179-83) from the power of Swerri. 
Muncb’s splendid volume tells the tale of the succeeding churches which 
occupied the place of Magnus’ wooden fane. 


I. 


pes ma (66 ok beénir) allz-valdanda ens snialla 
(miak er frdér sa er getr greida) Guds prenning mer kenna: 
gafugt lié6s bodar geisli gunn-aflugr miskunnar, 
4gcetan byd ek ftrom Oldfi brag sdlar. 
2.  Peirrar er (heims) { heimi, heims myrkrom bra peima, 5 
(ok liés medan var visi vedr- kalladisk -hallar) : 
sa lét biartr fra biartri berask mannr und sky-ranni 
(freegr st6d af pvf) flcédar (faornodr) radull, stiaorno. 
3.  Sfdar (heilags) bra sdlar setr (var pat fyr betra), 





I. OPENING. Verses 1-6, the CREED. It becomes me here to set forth 
the Trinity of One God Almighty. Wise is he that knows the song 
[Litany] and prayers [the Mass]. The mighty Beam, that shines from 
the Sun of Mercy, forebodes a glorious light,—I offer my poem to Olaf. 

The Incarnation. From that Sun J say, who, when he was in this 
world, scattered the darkness of the world, and though he was the King 
of Heaven, called himself the Light of the world. In all his brightness 
he chose to be born a man of a bright Star of the Sea [Mary]. 

The Passion. Afterwards setting darkened the light of that Sun, that 





1. 60] ord, Fl. 2. greida] goda, Fl. 8. stiornur, Cd. 








§ 6.] GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 285 


(aud-finnandom annars émidss raduls) lidsi : 10 
ceztr prifnadr nam efnask oss p4-er lif 4 krossi 
jardar allra fyrda é6naudigr t6k dauda. 
4. Upp rann (Engla skepno id-vandr) of dag pridja 
(Kristr reedr) krapti hestom kunn réttletiss sunna: 
veit-ek at mildr fra moldo megin-fialdi reis halda, 15 
(iflaust m4 pat efla ossa von) med hanom., 
5.  Sonr sté upp med yndi audar-mildr fra haudri, 
isofra baztr, til céstrar allz-radanda hallar: 
lofadr sitr allom cefri (adlinga hnigr pingat 
daglings hird) 4 d¥rdar, dag-béls konungr, stdli. 20 
6.  Veitti dfrdar dréttinn daé-vandr giafar Anda 
(mal sanna pau) mannom mattigs (framir vattar): 
padan reis upp sti-er einom al-byd Gudi hlydir 
(heestr skioldungr bydr haldom himin-vistar til) Kristni. 


». Nd skolom gafgan Geisla Guds hallar ver allir, 25 
{tr pann-er Olafr heitir, all-styrkan vel dfrka: 
pidd veit hann und heida hrid-blésnom sal vida 
(menn nemi ml sem ek inni min!) iartegnom skina. 

8.  Heyrdu til afreks orda, Eysteinn konungr, beinna! 
Sigurér, hygg at pvf snceggjom, sdkn-sterkr, hve ek fer verka! 
drengr berr 66 fyrir Inga; ydarra[r] bid-ek stydja 31 
mzrd, pat-er miklo vardar, mattigt hafod Attar. 

9.  Yfir-manni b¥d-ek unninn (upp er moerd komin) lardrar 
[Ioan kalla-ek] allrar alp¥do, brag hlyda: 
hafom hréér, enn leyfa hygg-ek vin raduls tiggja 35 
(stéls vex heed par-er hvflir heilagr konungr) fagran. 

ro. Oss samir enn at pesso (ord-gndéttar bid-ek Dréttinn 





we might gain another light [win life everlasting]. It was the greatest 
blessing for us when the Life of all mankind received death on the cross 
of his own will. 

The Resurrection. On the third day Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, 
who rules over the angel creation, arose in his glory; I know that a 
noble multitude of men arose with him from the earth; this must 
strengthen our hope. 

The Ascension. The Son ascended from the earth to the highest hall 
of the Lord of all, and sitteth there above the angels on a throne of 
glory, and the host of God bow before him.... 

Sending of the Holy Ghost. Then God granted to men the gifts of the 
Mighty Spirit ; blessed witnesses speak to it. Hence arose the commu- 
nion of Christendom, that obeys one God.... 

Dedication. Now let us all worship that bright beam of God’s hall, 
whose name is Olaf. All men under the storm-tossed hall of the hills 
[heaven] know that he shines brightly with tokens of power [miracles]. 
Hearken, King Eystan, to my song; and do thou, Sigurd, mark how I 
carry iton. Before Ingi I deliver my poem; I pray the mighty head 
of your race [St. Olaf] to strengthen my Song of Praise. To John, the 
head of the clergy [archbishop of Throndham], I offer my Song of 
Praise. I am about to celebrate the fair friend of the Lord of the Sun, 


286 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII. 


aldar) Oldfs gilda ftr-geds lofi _kvedja : 

fann-ek aldri val vildra vall-riddéandi allra 

(raun dugir rétt) { eino ranni fremdar-manna. 40 
11. Prek-lyndz skolo Proéndir begn-prydis brag hlyda, 

(Kristz lifir hann f heestri hall) ok Norémenn allir: 

dyr3 er Agzet ordin elion-hress { pesso 

pidd (né pengill foedizt pvi-likr) konungs-riki. 


12. Sighvatr fra-ek at segdi sdkn-bradr iafurs dadir; 45 
frétt hefir ald at orti Ottarr um gram dréttar : 
peir hafa pengils Mcéra (pvf er syst) frama lystan ; 
[helgom lyt-ek] er héto hafod-skald [fira ay 

13.  Ré6 ok tolf, s4-er tridi tfr-brédr 4 Gud, 14di 
(pi6d muna pengil bida) prid vetr konungr (betra) : 50 
4dr full-hugadr félli folk-valdr { dyn skialda 
(hann speni oss) fyrir innan Olvis-haug (fra beolvi)! 

14. M6ér vann margar dadéir munn-ridér Hugins kunnar 
(satt var at siklingr bcétti sin mein) Gudéi einom: 
leyndi loféungr Proénda lid-gegn snara pegna 55 
(feestr gramr hefir fremri fcezk) haleitri goézko. 

15.  Fregit hefi-ek satt at segdi sniallri ferd 4dr berdizk 
(drétt nytr daglings mattar) draum sinn konungr Rauma: 
stiga kvad standa fagran styrjar-fimr til himna 
(rausn dugir hans at hrésa) Heaordéa-gramr fra iard0: 60 

16. Ok hagliga hugdisk hroekkvi-baugs ins doekkva 
lyngs { lopt upp ganga lattr-stridandi sidan : 
lét, sd-er land-folks geetir, lik-samr himin-riki 
um-geypnandi, opna, allz heims, fyrir gram snizllom. 

17. Vakit fra-ek vig 4 Stikla- (vid-lendr) -stadom sidan 65 
(Inn-broéndom 1ét undir alm-reyrs litodr dreyra) : 





The renown of the see, wherein the holy king rests, shall wax high. It 
beseems me next to address my lay to the noble Guild-Brethren of 
St. Olaf. Never have I met a fairer assembly of worthies in one hall. 
The Thronds and all the Northmen shall hearken to my Encomium on 
the glory of the Saint, who is now living in the Hall of Christ. His 
renown is become very precious in this kingdom. No such king shall 
ever be born again among us. 

The King’s holy life. Sighvat, I know, has told the deeds of the king; 
Ottar has sung of his works. These two master-poets have praised the 
lord of the Mores, the holy king, to whom I bow. Fifteen winters he 
ruled over the land, ere he fell in his holiness in the battle within Olwi’s 
howe. May he deliver us from evil. Many mighty deeds the prince of 
the Thronds accomplished, known to God alone, hiding them from men, 
to the healing of his soul. I know of a truth that the king of the Reams 
told his dream ere the fight began; that he, the lord of the Hords, saw 
a fair ladder reaching from earth to heaven, and he dreamed that he 
climbed aloft, and that the merciful Encompasser of the World opened 





50. konungs, Cd. 





se yee ST 


eS a ee ee oe 





naka ee edels 


PA iy ReMi al ABO Hp fs Sg fr eemnicg! 


cat 


Sag =e yt * 2 





my 


$6.) .-+«~GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 28% 


heims pessa fra-ek hvassan (hvatir felldo gram skatnar) 
[peir dr¥gdo bal] brigdo baug-drif numinn Iffi. 


II. 
A ee 
18. Fiiss em-ek, pvi-at vann vfsi (var hann mestr konungr) flestar, 
[drétt nemi meré] ef ek meetti, mann-dyrdir, Srrr vanda: 70 


Greitt mé gumnom létla Guds ridari stridom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem estir Olafr af gram sélar. 


1.19. Nadit biartr, p4-er beidir baug-skialdar lauk aldri, 

(syndi sal-varér grundar syn tokn) radull skina: 
fyrr var hitt er harra, haudr-tialda bra aldri, 75 
hept (nytask mer meetti mal-t6l) skini sdlar. 

20. Giardozk bratt, par-er bardisk brodd-riddrvid kyn piddar, 
(gramr vandit s4 syndom sik) iartegnir miklar: 
lids brann Ifki reesiss (lag-skids) yfir sidan, 
(pvi at and med ser syndis) sam-dcégris (Gud framdi). 80 

21. Dyrd letr dagling Harda (dyljask medr vid pat) gledja 
ftr [munat «dlingr betri] allz groédari [foédask] : 


Grewlt mé gumnom létta Guds ridari stridom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


m. 22,  Drdtt pd dyran sveita daglings rfks af Ifki 85 
(van gledr hug) med hreino hans (batnadar) vatni: 
satt er at Sygna dréttinn serendr Gudi keeran, 
hrings, (skolo heyra drengir hans bragd) { graf lagdo. 

23. Par kom blindr (enn ek byrja blf{d verk) muni sf{darr 
audar-nidtr, er ytar iafurs bein pvegit hafdo: go 





the kingdom of Heaven unto him. Afterwards the battle of Sticklestead 
was fought, and the prince of the In-Thronds was reft of his life. An 
evil deed they did that struck him down. 


II. STAVE. Fain would I, if I could, work out the STAVES of my 
Praise of the glorious king.—Réfrain : Verily God’s knight is able to 
lighten the sorrows of men. The brave Olaf can get all that he desires 
from the King of the Sun! 

The sun was not able to shine the day the king lost his life. God 
showed forth manifest tokens! So, long ago, when the Lord of the 
Heavens died, the sun’s light was stopped. 

After the battle great signs and wonders were made manifest. A light 
burned over the king’s body the day that he died. The Saviour of all lets 
the lord of the Hords enjoy his glory—R.; Verily God’s knight .... 

The blind man’s sight restored. "The people washed the precious blood 
from the body of the king with pure water, and laid the lord of the 
Sogn-folk in the grave. Hearken to his miracles! Soon afterward 
there came a blind man where they had washed the king’s body; he 





76. mztr,Cd. 78, yandit] firdi,Cd. 80, syndizt,Cd. 81, medr] m’, Cd, 





288 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [px. vin. 


sidn-brautir strauk sfnar seggjom kunns { brunni 

Arr, peim-er Olafs dreyra, orms-landa, var blandinn. 
24.  Sién fekk seggr af hreino (si dy¥ré munat fyrdom) 

[farnodr var pat] (fyrnask) fial-g6ds konungs blddi. 


Gretit mé gumnom létta Gubs ridart strivom ; 95 
hraustr piggr alll sem estir Olafr af gram sélar. 


mw. 25.  Tolf manodr var tynir tand-rauds hulidr sandi 

fremdar lystr ok fasta, fimm netr, vala stretiss: 
4dr an upp or vido ulf-nistanda kisto 
dyrr 1ét Dréttinn harra d4d-milds koma 144i. 100 

26. Mal fekk maér, er hvilir marg-fridr iafurr, sidan 
4dr sd-er orda hl¥do af-skyfér farizt hafdi: 
fregd vinnr fylkiss Egda folk-sterks af pvf verki ; 
iafurs snilli preifsk alla ungs 4 Danska Tungo. 

27. Fador skolo fulltings bidja (fremdar pidd) enn gdda 105 
(mc&dir mart 4 146i) Magntss hvatir bragnar! 


Greitt maé gumnom létta Gubs rivart siridom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem eshir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


Iv. 28. Gekk sfnom bur scekkvir sélar-straums { drauma; 
valdr kvezk fylgja foldar fram-lundom gram mundo: 110 
43r 4 Hlyrskégs-heidi hard-fengr iafurr bardisk 
(g68s eldiss fekk gyldir gnétt) vid heidnar dréttir. 

29.  Lét iarp-litan #to (arnar-idds) enn Gddi 
(munn raud mildingr innan) Magnis Hugin fagna: 
hrett var6é folk 4 fldétta (freon beit egg) at leggja; 115 
sorg hluto vif [en vargar] Vindversk [of hre gindo]. 
30.  Raun er at sigr gaf sfnom sniallr Lausnara spialli 
(hrésa-ek verkom visa vig-diarfs) fraomom_ arfa ; 


Greitt mé gumnom létla Guds ridart stridom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem @estr Oléfr af gram solar. 120 





washed his eyes in the stream that was mingled with the blood of Olaf, 
and received his sight.—R.-: Verily God’s knight.... 

A man gets back his speech. Twelve months and five days the king’s 
body was shrouded in sand, till God made his coffin to come out of the 
earth. A man, whose tongue had been cut out, got back his speech after- 
wards on the spot where the king rests. The prince of the men of Agd 
won renown through this mighty work; he became famous throughout 
the Danish Tongue. Men should pray for help to the noble father of 
King Magnus.—R.. Verily God’s knight .... 

Magnus’ Dream. He appeared in a dream to his son before he fought 
the heathen-folk at Lurschau-heath, and promised to help him. Magnus the 
Good gave a meal to the grey wolf; the people were soon turned to flight. 
Upon the Wendish women a sorrowful lot fell [they were widowed]. 
The king gave his son the victory.—R.: Verily God’s knight.... 





gi. i] or, Cd. 94. -godr, Cd, 





§ 6.] GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 289 


v. 31. Reyndi Guthormr grundar (gat hann rétt) vid pram 
sléttan 
(45r) hvat Oldfs toéSo al-kcéns vid Gud beénir : 
dag lét sinn med sigri sdkn-pydr fafurr pry¥dask, 
pa-er { Onguls-eyjar- und-reyr bito -sundi. 

32. Vist hafdi lid lestir linnz brimr hlutom minna ~~ 125 
heiptar-mildr at hialdri (hardédr fundr var sid) grundar: 
pé ré5 hann at hvaro (hénom tiddi vel mdédor) 

{har feksk af pvi hlyri] (hagnudr) or styr gagni. 

33. Old hefir opt enn mildi unnar-bliks fra miklom 

(Kristz meeri-ek lim) leysta, lit-rauds, konungr naudom: 130 


Greilt maé gumnom létta Gudbs ridari strivom; 
hraustr piggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


vi. 34.  Satt er at silfri skreytta seggjom hollz ok golli 
her lét Guthormr gcerva (grams hréér er pat) rédo: 
slfkt hafa menn at minnom meirr iartegna peirra; 135 
mark stendr Kristz { kirkjo (konungs nidr gaf pat) midri. 
35. Menn hafa sagt at svanni sunnr Skaneyjom kunnir 
oss at Oldfs messo é6mildr baka vildi: 
enn pa er bridér at braudi brenn-heito ték leita, 
pat vard grién at grano gridti Danskrar sndtar. 140 » 
36.  Hildings hefir haldin hatf{6 verit sféan 
(sann-spurt er pat sunnan) sniallz of Danmark alla: 


Greitt mé gumnom létta Guds ridari strisom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


vi. 37. Gafog skar Harn or haféi hvitings of sak Iftla 145 
audar aumom beidi (ungr madr var si4) tungo :. 
pann sam ver, pa-er va&rom; vdlaust nominn mili 





Earl Guthorm’s deliverance. Guthorm [St. Olaf’s nephew] found out 
how the king’s prayers prevailed with God. Olaf caused his day to be 
celebrated in Anglesey sound. Guthorm had three times less men, and 
yet, by the help of his mother’s brother, he carried the day. The king 
[Olaf] has ofttimes delivered men from evil straits—R.: Verily God’s 
knight .... [29th July, 1052]. 

Guthorm had a rood made, inlaid with gold and silver. Such tokens 
all men may remember; it stands right in the middle of Christ’s church; 
the king’s kinsman gave it. 

The miracle of the loaves. Men have told how a misbelieving woman 
of Sconey would bake upon the feast of Olaf; but when she looked 
for the burning-hot bread to be baked, lo! the Danish damsel’s loaves 
were turned into grey grit. The king’s feast has been kept ever since 
throughout Denmark.—R.: Verily God’s knight... . 

The maimed man healed. A noble lady, for a slight cause, cut out a 
poor young man’s tongue. I saw him a few weeks since entirely bereft 





130. Kristz] Krist, Cd. 133. ok} of, Cd. 140, grenu, Cd. 
VOL. Il. U 


290 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII, 


hodda briét, par-er heitir Hlfé, fom vikom sfdarr. 

38.  Frétt hefi-ek, at s4 sétti sidan malma strfdir 
heim, pann-er hialp gefr aumom, harm-skerdéanda ferédom : 
hér fekk hann (enn byrja hatt kveedi skal-ek) bedi 151 
(snaka vangs of sloengvi slungins) mal ok tungo. 

39.  Dyrd er aget ordin adlings riks af sliko 
(mzerd nemi mildings Harda mest!) of heims bygé flesta: 


Grewtt m&é gumnom lélta Guds ridart stridom ; 155 
hrausly piggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


vi. 40. + Veit-ek at Vindr fyrir Skauti (verdr bragr af pvf) skerdi 

gialfrs nid-branda grundar (greiddr) s4rliga meiddo: 
ok endr fra tri tyndir tfrar-sterks or kverkom 
aud-skyfanda é6dar ér grimmliga skzro. 160 

41.  S6tti skrin it skreytta skid-rennandi sidan 
(ord finnask mer) unnar Oldfs dreka béli: 
ok peim, er vel vakdi (veit-ek sann) Hugins teiti, 
mals fekk hilmir heilso heilagr (4 pvi deili). 

42, Has letr helgan resi heims démari séma 165 
(fyllir fram-lundr stillir fer6 himneska) verdan. 


Greitt mé gumnom léitta chit ridart strioom ; 
hraustr Biggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 


1x. 43. . Hneitir fra-ek at héti hialdrs at vapna galdri 

Oldfs hiarr, pess-er orra il-bleikom gaf steikar : 170 
peim klauf pengill Rauma punn-vaxinn sky gunnar 
(rekin bito stl) 4 Stikla-stadom val-basta radli. 

44. Tok, pa-er fell inn froékni fylkis kundr til grundar, 
sver6, hinn er sc&kja pordi, Scéénskr maér af gram Proénzkom: 
s4 var hiarr ins hava hring-striédanda sidan 175 
golli merktr { Girkja gunn-diarfs lidi fundinn. 

45. Nut fremr,pann er gafgumnom, gafug dyré konung fyrda, 
(sloeng Einridi Ungi) arm-gleéér (i brag rcédo): 





of his speech at a place called Lith. Afterwards, I have heard, he visited 
him who gives help to the wretched, and there he got back both speech 
and tongue. By this the king’s renown was spread all over the world,— 
R.: Verily God’s knight.... 

The mangled man made whole. 1 have heard how the Wends, off 
Sheet, sorely mangled a man. Yea, the miscreants cruelly shore the. 
tongue out of his throat. Afterwards he sought the shrine of Olaf, and 
the holy king healed him. The Judge of the World grants much 
glory to the holy king.—R.: Verily God’s knight.... 

The Saint’s sword. Olaf’s battle-sword with which he, the Reams’ 
prince, fought at Sticklestead was named Hnit [Cutter]. When he fell to 
earth, a Swede picked up the sword, and it was afterwards found in the 
warlike troop of the Greeks [Warangian guard]. Eindrid the Young 





171. Read, punn-varin ? 174. svyenskr, Cd, 








§ 6.] » GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 291 


Greitt mé gumnom létta Guds ridari stridom ; 
hraustr piggr allt sem estir Oléfr af gram sélar. 180 


Il. 


46. Mer er (enn meré skalk stcéra mildings pess-er gaf hringa 
styrjar sniallz) of stilli styrkjan vant at yrkja: 
pvi-at tokn pess, es lid leknir, loféungs vinar tungla 
(lids verér raun of reesi) rannz ferr hvert 4 annat. 


47. Gyr@disk hala herdom heldr néliga at kveldi 185 
glaum-vekjandi grimo gladr vett-rimar nadri: 
drengr nam dyrr 4 vangi (dagr rofnadisk) sofna 
ftrs landreka undir 6gn-fimr berom himni. 

48. Misti madr, er lysti, (morgin var pa) borgar 
styrks mundrida steindrar styr-sniallr rodins galla: 190 
patti sfinn 4 sléttri seim-piggjandi liggja 
grundo gyldiss kindar gém-sparra ser fiarri. 

49.  Pridr grimor vann peima pidd-nytr Haraldz brédir 
raokn-stefnandi Reifniss rfkr bendingar slfkar : 
46r prek-hvassom pessar ping-diarfs firar Yngva 195 
(biart ero bauga styrtiss bragd) iartegnir sagdo. 

50. Més frd-ek iardar eiso allvalld fyrir hiar gialda 
(slétti-ek 63) pann-er Atti Oldfr (bragar-télom) : 
yfir-skialdungr lét iafra odd-hridar par sfdan 
Gar6dz 4 golli vardo grand altari standa. 200 


51.  Takn geerir biart, pau-er birta brand-él, 4 Girklandi 
(mezer6 finnsk of pat mannom) mann-parfr Haraldz arfi: 


fregn-ek allt; ne 6gnar innendr megod finna 
(dyrd Oldfs rfdr d4la dag-refrs) konung heéfra. 


52.  Héadisk hildr 4 vidom (hungr sloekdi vel bungan 205 





has now forwarded my poem [Eindrid told me this] —R.; Verily God’s 
knight.... 


III. ENp-pIEcE. It is hard for me to work out my poem on the 
king, for his miracles pass from one place to another, 

Olaf’s sevord, One evening the man girt on the sword and fell asleep 
on the field beneath the open sky. When he awoke he missed the 
weapon and saw it lying some way from him on the ground. Three 
nights running Harold’s brother wrought this marvel, before the men 
told the emperor of the miracle, The emperor bought the sword of 
Olaf for gold, and had it laid ever afterwards upon the high altar in 
Garth [Constantinople]. Harold’s glorious heir showed forth tokens 
in the battle in Greece. I set forth his praise. 

Battle in Wallachia. A battle was fought on the broad Petzina-plain 
[ Wallachia]; the people fell in thousands by the sword; the Greeks 





185. hola, Cd. ~ 
U2 


292 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. » [BK. vit. 


gunnar marr { geira gall) Petzina-vallom: 
par sv4 at pidd fyrir hiarvi pisundom laut undan 
(hrfd 6x Hamédes kleeda hialm-skcé6), Girkir fice6o. 
53. Mundi mest und fidndom Miklagardéz ok iardar 
hryggs (dugdit lid) liggja lagar eld-brota veldi: 210 
nema rand f byr branda (baré-rakns) fair harda 
(raduls bliko vpn f vedri) Veeringjar fram beeri. 
54.  Héto hart 4 ftran hraustir menn af trausti 
(str{d svall égn) p4-er 6dosk, Alf { gny stdla: 
par-er of einn f arva (und-baéro) flaug varo. 215 
(rodin klofnudu Reifniss rann) sex tigir manna. 
55. War sem reyk (af riki regn dreif stals) { gegnom 
hialm-niardungar hardan heidingja lid gengi: 
halft fimta vann heimtan hundrad brimiss sunda 
nyztan tir pat-er ncera Nordémanna val pordi. 220 
56. Eyddo gumnar gladdir (gafogr pengill barg drengjom) 
vagna borg, bar-er vargar v4pn-sundrod hre fundo: 
Nennir all at inna cengr brim-loga sloengvir 
daglings verk pau er dyrkar d4é-sniallz veraold alla. 


57- | Nter oss pau-er vann visi verk fyrir pi6d at merkja —225 
naudr { n¥jom 60i nest; ridra pat smeestom : 
krapt skolom Gods (enn gipto) geé-styrks lofi dyrka 
(lér hialdr-framom harar heims leknir gram peima). 

58.  Angr-fyldrar varé aldar (illr goerisk hugr af villo) 
mildings pidnn fyr (manna marg-faldr) afund kaldri: 230 
lygi hefir bragna brugdit (brytr stundom frid) nytra 
(hermdar kraptr) til heipta (hialdr-striér) skapi blido. 

59.  Lusto sundr 4 sandi seggs marg-litendr eggja 
(hard groér fiédn af fyrda) fét (alldr-trega rétom) : 
ok prest, peir-er lag lesto Ifknar krafé, or hafdi 235 
(hzett m4l var pat) heila himin-tungl pegar stungo. 





were fleeing. The realm of the king of Micklegarth [Byzantium] must 
have yielded to the enemy, had not the few shield-bearing Warangians 
attacked them in the fight. They called loudly upon the good king Olaf. 
There were sixty heathens to one of them in the fray. They went 
through the heathen host as through smoke. The four hundred and 
fifty Northmen won fame in that place. They destroyed the heathens’ 
waggon-fort. No one can count the wonders the king wrought; they 
are famed all over the world. 

The injured priest healed. Now 1 must needs, in a fresh strain, last not 
least, make mention before men of the deeds the king did, and praise 
the might of the saint.—A priest fell under the cruel wrath of wicked 
men. Slander has often turned a kindly nature to hatred. Out on the 
sand they brake the priest’s legs, and, against the laws of mercy, thrust 
his eyes out of his head. Twice was his tongue drawn out with 
tongs and cut with a knife; they left him lying there cruelly scalped 





234. Read, groeri. 235. leyfOar krofé (better ?), B. 








Oe ne nn a . 





§ 6.] GEISLI, BY EINAR SCULASON. 203 


60. Tunga var med tangar tfr-kunn nomin munni 
(vasa sem veenst) ok tysvar (vidr-lff) skorin knffi : 
eor-skiptir 14 eptir (and letr madr) 4 straondo 
(margr of minni sorgir) meinsamliga hamladr. 240 
61. + Leyfér er, s4 er lét ok styfdrar lamids fétar, gramr, nidéta 
ungan pegn, sem augna Ut-stunginna, tungo: 
hand Oldfs vann heilan hreins grimmligra meina 
(goer muno giald peim-er byrja) Gods preel (afog-meeli). 


62.  Bfdr allz-konar cri (ceruggt meeli-ek pat) szlo 245 
dyrdar-vattr med Dréttni dyggr an pidd of hyggi: 
ef Lausnara lysir (lids valdr) nominn aldri 
vinr (firdi sik syndom) slfk verk 4 iard-rfki. 
63. | Hedan var ungr fra angri (allz mest vini flesta 
God reynir sv4 sina) siklingr nominn miklo: 250 
nu lifir hraustr f hestri himna-valdz (par-er aldri) 
far-skerdandi (fyrda) fridar-syn (gledi tynisk). 
64. | Hverr er sva horskr at byrjar has vegs megi segja 
liédss { lffi pesso loféungs giafar tungla: | 
peer-er heims ok himna heit-fastr iafurr veitir 255 
(skreytt er of skatna dréttinn skrin) dyrdar-vin sfnom. 
65. Heims hygg-ek hingat k6mo hafods menn { stad penna 
(snarr tyggi bergr seggjom sdlar) erki-stdli: 
hér er af himna geervis heilagr vidr (sem bidjom 
yfir-skialdungr biarg aldar oss) pfningar-krossi. 260 
66. Old nytr Oldfs mildi (iafurs dyrd hafom skyrda 
préttar hvass) at pessom prek-sniall frama allom: 
Luti landz-folk ftrom lim sal-konungs himna! 
sell er hverr, er hollan hann‘gerir ser, manna. 


67.  Talda-ek fatt dr fialda frid-gegns af iartegnom 265 





upon the shore. Little life was left in him; many a man has lost his life 
by less hurts. Praised be the king that gave the young man the use of 
his lamed feet, stumped tongue, and his stabbed-out eyes. Olaf’s hand 
healed God’s servant of his grievous wounds. They who set the slander 
afoot must pay for it. 

Verily, the precious martyr must be enjoying bliss not to be told of 
with the Lord, if after death he can show forth such mighty deeds. He 
was taken away in his youth from much evil,—so God tries them that 
love him ;—now he lives in highest peace before the face of God, where 
is joy that never shall cease. Who is so wise that he can tell all the 
gifts which the Lord grants to his beloved one? His shrine is fairly 
adorned! The Ruler of the earth [Pope] set an archbishop’s see 
here, where is the holy wood of the cross of the Lord’s passion. 
Herein all men profit by the blessing of Olaf, whom I have been praising. 
Let the folk of this land bow to the Limb of the Lord. Blessed is he 
who makes a friend of him. 

The End. | have counted up but a few of Olaf’s Miracles. May every 





254. tungia] emend.; tungna, Cd.; Panga, F. 





204 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. _[sx. vu. 


(ber koma ord fra d6rom) Olafs (bragar stéli) : 
béls taki seggr hverr-er, sdlar siklings, bess-er God miklar, 
hilmis est ens heesta heid-biartrar lof greidir: 
68. Sv4-at Lausnara leysi lang-vinr fra kvaol strangri 
nfta pidd ok naudom nagl-skaddz vid trai stadda: 270 
viga-sky¥s par-er visa veljendr gladir telja, 
sflogs Kristz af stom al-nennins, brag penna. 
69. | Bragr mundi nu brandom baug-ness vera pessi 
(man-ek rausnar skap resis) raun-dyrliga launadr: 
ef lofda gramr liféi leik-mildr Sigurér hildar 275 
(pess hrésa-ek veg visa vellom grimms) enn ellri. 
yo.  Oléfs hafom iafra ord-hags lidi sagdar 
(fylgdi hugr) ens Helga happs dadir (pvi radi): 
laun fee-ek holl ef hreinom hrz-siks primo likar, 
gaofugs 6dar lér gcédir Gods bletzon lids pessa. 280 


wt. Boén hefi-ek, pengill, bina, prek-ramr, stodat framla ; 
iflaust hafum iafri unnit merd sem kunnom: 
Ageetr segit ftran, Eysteinn, hve ek brag leystak : 
Has elskit veg visa vagn-reefrs!—Enn ek pagna. 


HALLAR-STEINARR (Rexsterya, ov Drapa Tvi-skELFpDA). 


OF this man, save that his fore-name seems to be derived from a 
farm, Hall, in the West of Iceland in Borgar-firth, we know nothing; 
and it is in accordance with the internal evidence afforded by his poems, 
which present a most remarkable likeness to those of Einar Sculason, 
that we place him here. One might even guess at a relationship between 
the two. 

Rekstefia, his famed poem, is in the great Olaf Tryggvason’s Life 
ascribed to ‘ Hallar-stein;’ under which form the Rimur on Skald- 
Helgi also cite this author: and Dr. Egilsson believed that Hallar-Stein 
was no other than Stein-Herdisarson (§ 3), and urges that a refrain of 
Stein-Herdisarson is copied in Rekstefia. But we find our poet’s full 
name to have been, not Stein, but Steinar (in Bergs-bok); under which 
form he is once or twice quoted in Edda; and we can have little doubt 
that Hallar-Stein is merely a shortening of this. The style and bearing 





man that spreads these praises of the king whom God magnifies, win 
the love of the high King of Heaven; so that the friend of the nail- 
pierced Saviour may save men from torment and evil, whenever they 
shall joyfully recite this praise of the king for the love of Christ. This 
Song would have been richly rewarded were the generous king, Sigurd 
the Elder, still alive. The Mr1racues or ST. OLAF I have told before 


the kings. I shall surely get a noble fee for my Lay in the blessing of 
the saint, if my verse please him. 


I have accomplished that which thou didst desire of me, O king: 


I have wrought the praise of the king [Olaf’s Encomium] as well as I 
could. Tell me, O Eystan, how I have acquitted me of my Lay. Love 
ye the Lord. Now I will hold my peace. 





270. -skaddz] emend,; nagl-kvaddr, Cd. 280. let, Cd. 


“1 5 
eae ee 














§ 6.] REKSTEFJA, BY STEINARR. 293 


of the whole of Steinar’s work is decidedly that of the twelfth century, 
or Einar Sculason’s age. Notice that Steinar calls the ‘stone’ bokar sol, 
a pun or image drawn from illuminating (staining) manuscripts. 

Rekstefia is a poem in praise of Olaf Tryggvason. Its title, given it 
by the poet, of Inlaid or Set-Stave, is derived from the ‘ cloven burden,’ 
cut into three, and wedged bit by bit into the stanzas of the stave- 
strophes. He also calls it Tai-skelfda Drapa, or the Two-stress Encomium, 
from the occurrence of a measure of double stress at the beginning of 
each line. There are a few exceptions to this (possibly corruptions), as 
hatto, 1. 44; sidan, 1. 903; hegio, l. 90; eigi, 1.137; others, as heidinn, 
blodogr. ..., may pass as double stressed. The metre, as Steinar says, 
‘is not often met with.’ 

In form the poem, as we have it, follows the scheme (1 + 7) + (5 x 3) + 
(10+ 2) =35. 

The historical worth of Rekstefia is not small. It gives in some in- 
stances the life of Olaf according to a tradition, followed only by Agrip, 
and differing from that of the Book of Kings altogether. Thus it 
praises Olaf for avenging his father (on the rebellious men of Ran- 
rick). It also gives fresh details as to Swold; the Swedes attack first 
with ffteen ships, then Swain with sixty, lastly Earl Eric with five, an 
order and number which does not tally with the received account. He 
alone gives the stratagem by which Eric wins the Serpent, viz. casting 
big beams on to the big ship’s deck, to crush and hamper her defenders. 
One cannot help recalling the gallant Sir Andrew Barton of our Ballad, 
and his famous ship ‘ brass within and steel without ’— 

‘With Beams for his Topcastle: that is both huge and high. 
There is neither English nor Portingale : can Sir Andrew Barton pass by? 


Said the merchant, “If you do so, take counsel then I pray withal ; 
Let no man to his Topcastle go, nor strive to let his Beams down fal 


Steinar is also the primary poetic authority for the miracles of St. Olaf 
and his great bodily feats. The mention of Hallfred and Biarni and 
their Drapas on Olaf is also to be noted. 

There is a bit of a Love-Song of Steinar’s (in Einar’s very vein) cited 
in Edda, wherein is an echo fold Egil. Steinar also made a Dirge on 
Helgi the poet, a hero of his own district (see Prolegomena, § 23). A 
piece of it which has survived is given below. 

The text, like that of Geisli, is from Bergs-bok. Many verses, in 
a less good text, are cited in O. T. Saga, A.M. 61 (B). We have 
consulted Cederschiold’s Edition, Lund, 1881. 


I 


I. H ERS-DROTT halda sléttom hliédéds kved-ek mer at 631; 
rand-hvels remmi-Pundi Rexsteryo tek-ek hefja: 
sk¥-runn skialdar linna skal-ek fridom lof sm{fda 
ping-Baldr’ préttar-mildom, peim-er fremstr var beima. 


2.  Veg-mildr vidrar foldar varér pa féstr { Gardom; 5 
vell-bi6dr visar d4dir vann, s4-er heest gekk manna: 





THE OPENING. I call on men to listen to my song. I am beginning 
my SET-STAVE (Rek-Stefia). I shall smithy a Song of Praise upon a 
king that was the first of men. 





3. sky-runn] emend.; skurumz, Cd. 
> 


296 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. vin. 


Blik-runnr brigSa-miklom bratt ré6 hann peims Atti 
all-pritt éla-Préttar Ol4fr skipa-stdli. 

3.  Oléfr allra iafra éttlaust ok nam bridta 
varg-hollr Vinda borgir, vestr hernad rak mestan : 10 
hre-linnz hverjo sinni, hlidbm-vattandi, knatti 
sokn-bradr sigri r4da, Svolniss déms, { rémo. 

4. Senn all sidan runno snekkjo bard or Gardom 
her-marg h4la tiargod hildings und gram mildom: 
Vestr-laond virda kindir ver-fokom lét herjat 15 
all-dyggr arfi Tryggva Aldfr ok klauf stalom. 


5.  Full-snart froékno hiarta friér pengill lét sféan 
(hizorr gall, haldar féllo) hefnd sins faodor efnda: 
bl6dogr bragnings piddar brandr gall 4 Englandi, 


6-trautt Enskrar dréttar aldr-spelli fra-ek valda. 20 - 


6.  Ugg-laust fra bygdir tkvidinn lét sidan 
él-Freyr Ullar kiéla endr fikula brendar: 

Skot-land skafnom brandi skiald-fryér of nam rydja 
(oddr beit) [ulfar saoddosk] édeigr (Skotta feiga). 

7.  Fr6én-bandz foéri-androm fridr til Néregs sidan 25 
sker-Baldr Skaglar elda skiald-binom lét haldit: 
heidinn heiman flydi (hildingr ne bar vildi 
‘4$r an’ Oléfs bia) iarl af sfno hiarli. 

8. Hauk-i6ds harda vida (hatt) Norcénar dréttir 
(Pund-regns heim of vandak pengil) 4 by gengo: 30 
6-r48 illri piddo0 Aldfr of galt dala; 
vig-runnr velja kunni vikingom hlut slfkan. 


Il. Srer. 


1 9.  Fé-mildr fylkir vildi firna marg ok harga, 
blét-hus, brenna l4ta; bad hann heidin god meida: 
sigr-brandz sféan kendi sann-hrddigr tri gééa 35 





Olaf was fostered at Garth, he was soon the leader of a fleet. Olaf 
betook himself to storming the strongholds of the Wends, raising war in 
the West; every time he fought he won the day. Many a well-manned 
smack ran out of Garth at his command; Olaf, Tryggwi’s heir, harried 
the Western lands [south Baltic coasts]. 

Soon he avenged his father. His bloody blade whistled in England, he 
wrought the death of English folk. Then he burnt the dwellings of the 
Irish, and cleared Scotland with his whetted blade. 

Then he held his course in his ships towards Norway. The heathen 
earl [Hakon] fled from his land, afraid to abide Olaf’s coming. The 
Northern people [Norwegians] took him as king. He requited evil- 
doers heavily, he paid the buccaneers for what they had done. 

II. THE STAVES. Refrain: Olaf was the mightiest and best of kings 
beneath the sun’s path. 

He busied himself in burning many a fane and high-place, and the 





7. -rudr, Cd. 18. hefnt .. . efndi, Cd. 20. Odd-ridd Enskra lyda, B. 
23. frydr] B; prudr, Cd. 30. I.e. pengli; pengils, Cd. 














vtech mere eee, Poe. 
Pt Dyes poe See 6 
‘ —_—. 4 a ¥ 


§ 6.] REKSTEFJA, BY STEINARR. 207 


her-lundr halda kindom.—Hann var rikstr konung-manna 
10.  Pidd-land premja skyndir prenn kristnadi ok tvenni ; 
hilding happom valda (hans rfki fr4-ek) slikom : 
merings mannom skfrisk merki fremdar-verka 
egg-méiz ekki Iftil—Olé/r und veg sélar 40 
rr. Island éla skyndir ftr lista vann kristnad, 
goll-mildr, Greéna-veldi, gaondlar-peyss, ok Eyjar: 
hand-vist Hialta grundar hann, sem Néregs manna 
‘hatto’ hilmir boéttii—Adl/, ok fremstr at ollo. 


u. 12. Haf-gl6d hilmir s46i hialdr-rikr ok gaf skialdo, 45 
stétt-hrings stwfnom veitti stikka, vapn ok skikkjor : 
st6r-radr steinda knarro stillir fekk, ok ekki 
hildings hoéfdi mildi— Hann var rikstr konung-manna 

13.  Hns-nétt hverja knatto hiré-menn konungs spenna 
gylid horn grediss meldrar; gladr visi drakk padra: 50 
vid-fregr velja tcédi vin hus-karlom sfnom 
all-valdr einkar-mildom.—O/éfr und veg sélar 

14. Mord-linnz margo sinni méé-pritinn bid uti 
(hifr svall, hrannir féllo) hvessi-meidr 4 skeidom: 
gyllt hlyr (gnaopdo skalptar) gunn-ffkinn lét blikja 55 
her-rudér hafnom fiarrii—Aé//, ok fremstr at illo. 


mw. 15. Or-riddr Atta skeidom efsta sinn ok prinnom 

(byrr vard) beita pordi (brfnn) or Préndheims mynni: 
Ormr skreid (Arar knidi) alna-vang inn-Langi 
(hird prad) hilmir st¥rdi—ann var rikstr konung-manna 

16.  Raun-skiétt reesir hitti [rit] (vara fridr at lita) 61 
et raud Svolniss éla] senn daglinga prenna: 

immtan fiwrniss mana fleygjendr at gram rendo 

Ekkils fti-blakkom.—Olé/r und veg solar 

17. Grar reif [goerdo drffo} (gall brandr vid slag) [randa] 
troll-marr tryni sollinn [tveir nafnar] hre iafnan: 66 





houses of offering. He had the heathen gods broken up, then he taught 
the people the true God. Three folklands and twain he christened, this 
is the blessing he wrought. He got Iceland christened, Greenland and 
the Isles too. He bettered the faith of the Shetlands and of the men 
of Norway. 

He scattered gold and gave gifts of shields, and bestowed weapons 
and mantles, he gave away the painted ships; no one could outvie his 
largesse. Every winter the king’s henchmen handled the gilded horn; 
when the merry king was drinking he gave his henchmen wine. Yet 
many a winter he lay out at sea in his galley. 

Last he clave the sea from Throndham’s mouth with eight 
galleys and three. The Long Serpent furrowed the main, the king 
steered her. Soon he fell in with three princes. The enemies set upon 
him with fifteen ships of war. The two namesakes fought [Olaf of 





38. hildings,Cd. 44. Read, hatt-brégd? 58. Or, Svoldrar mynui, B. 
* 





298 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII. 


Svenskr herr sigri porrinn; sverd beit; enn flé peita; 
hrid 6x; haldar fl¥é0o.—Ad//, ok fremstr at ollo. 


iv. 18. Aur-bragéz zrir loagdo ann at sinn at Linna 


(grimmt varé Gaondlar borda gnaust) sex tigom flausta: 70. 


Danskr herr dyran harra, drétt hné marg, par-er sotti 
(hird féll, hrafnar gullo)—Hann var rékstr konung-manna 

19. Strang vard (stalin sungo) sterklig iafurs merki. 
gramr skaut, gardisk rimmo gangr um Orm-inn-Langa : 
Nytr herr Néregs getiss ner vasa traudr at sera, 75 
ord-prids, Iéta ferdir—Olé/r und veg sélar 

20.  Myrkt hregg mekiss eggja mein-illa gekk Sveini; 
drétt hné dreyra pritin; Danir skundodo undan: 
Tandr beit (tyggi renndi tveim daglingom) Skaglar ; 
hans vaorn hefdisk firnom.—Aé//, ok fremsir ai bllo, 80 


y. 21. Itr iarl einkar snarla endr fimm skipom renndi 
prek-mannz pridja sinni premja storms at Ormi: 
Ben lét (baréosk ytar) bryn-skfds vidom svida 
Hyrningr heiptar-giarnom.—Hann var rikstr konung- 
manna 

22,  Ran-siks remmi-lauka rég-svellir bad fella 85 
(styrr preifsk) stcéri-aska stangr 4 Orm-inn-Langa: 
Att-stérr ella matti Eirikr { dyn geira 
of-Linn aldri vinna.—Olé/r und veg sélar 

23.  Hvast skaut (hlifar brusto) hildingr or lyptingo 
[sidan synt nam eydask] sékn-strangr [Ormr-inn-Langi] : 
unn-elldz yppi-runnom engi kann sva en lengra gt 
‘hegio’ hilmiss segja.—Adél/, ok fremsir at ollo. 


III. Sroemr. 


24.  Hizar-fl6ds hnykki-meidom her er um Sicém at deéma, 
hnig-reyrs, haréa stéran; hefi-ek par lokit stefjom : 





Norway and Olaf of Sweden]. The Swedes were reft of the victory. 
The battle-storm raged high, the warriors fled. 

A second time the Serpent was set upon with sixty ships of the 
Danish hosts; much people fell in that onslaught. The strong stave 
bore the king’s banner. There was a fierce attack made upon the Long 
Serpent, the mighty men of the King of Norway were not slack in wound- 


ing the Jutes. Sweyn fared very ill in the fray, the Danes fled away. 


Our king’s defence is renowned among men: he put two kings to flight. 

A third time the Serpent was attacked by the bold Earl [Eric] 
with five ships. Hyrning’s blows were sore. The Earl [Eric] ordered 
huge ash beams to be cast upon the Long Serpent, or else Eric would 
never have won the Serpent in the fray. The king kept shooting sharply 
from the forecastle. At last the Long Serpent was being fast cleared of 
its crew. No man after that can tell farther of the king. 


II]. THE END-PIECE. Now men must listen to the End-piece, for I have 





73. Read, sténg bar? gi. en sva, Cd, 92. Read, heggj-ord ? 


ical, ii sa ii ala te are re 














$ 6.] REKSTEFJA, BY STEINARR. 299 


Id-vandr adrar dadir ek f¥somk nui ly¥sa 95 
eny-bidds geysi-tidar geira héti fleiri. 

25. Tver senn tiggja vinnor tel-ek (pzer-er ek veit feeri 
gny-linnz Gandlar runna, gramr ipréttir framdi): 
hyr-Baldr hvftra skialda hand-saxom Iék vandla 
(flein-riddr flestra d4da frar) ok gekk 4 Hrom. 100 


26.  ‘Val-stafns veetki rofna:’ viti menn at ek fra tvenna 
haus ‘mannz’ hringi liédsom hird-meér konungs vedja : 
(her-mart) hisrva snyrtir hvarr lézk grams { hamri 
(styr-remdr stillir framdi stcéra) adrom feeri. 

27. <Annarr sdlings manna ékvidinn ré6 sidan 105 
(stigr vard stdla sveigi strangr) { biarg at ganga: 

Hatt fiall hv4rki m4tti (hans var lff protid) klifa 
eld-ruér alna foldar upp eda nidr fra midjo. 

28.  Hilding hvasst fra-ek ganga (hann ré6 prutt) eptir manni 
[réd-vandr hilmir rendi rfp] { bratta gnfpo: 110 
prek-leyfér pengill haféi (pat var endr) und hendi 
{sigr-poll sv4 barg stillir] sinn dreng, ok gekk lengra. 


29.  Dreyr-serks dyrdar-merki d4é-minnigs skal-ek inna 
sky¥-biéds skelfi-hridar Skaglar-bordz in fiordo: 
hard-leygs hrinda frdgom hvat-lyndom Pérkatli 115 
styr-lund strfdra branda storms fyr bord 4 Ormi. 

30. Spell vann (spardit stillir) spidt-runnz (skada-bétir) 
mein-garér margra iaréda mikit dyrligrar skikkjo: 
god-vefr goerdisk iafri, gron ok skinn*und hadnom, 
senn 4 svip-stund einni sfdan iafn eda fridri. 120 


31.  Or-riddr allra d4da iartegnir vann biartar 
(Dvergs regn dreyra megnom dimmt) f sinn it fimmta: 
sigr-giarn sélo venni sénn vas.skrf¥ddr med pryddom 
daglingr Dréttins englom dyréar-fuss { hisi. 





finished the Staves. I will now hasten to speak of other exploits of the 
king. Two of his feats that few beside could do, I will tell together: he 
could play marvellously with daggers, and he could walk upon the oars. 

I know a third miracle of his: two men betted, one a ring, the other 
his head, as to which of them were the best cliff-climber. One of them 
began to climb the rock, but he could not go on higher nor get down 
again, When he was midway up his life was in danger. The king went 
quickly after him on the steep cliff, caught his man in his arms and then 
climbed higher still. 

The fourth deed of his I will set forth, how he threw Thorkettle 
overboard out of the Serpent. He spoilt his precious cloak, yet in the 
twinkling of an eye the king made the fine cloth and the grey fur 
lining as fair or fairer than before. 

A fifth time he wrought a bright token: he was seen brighter than the 
sun, compassed about with glorious angels of the Lord within a house. 





101. Read, varr-skids verk it pridja. — fra] sé, Cd. 110. Thus B; resir 
hendi, Cd. 113. dad-styrks . . . dolgminnigs, B, 120. sion-fagr svip-stuud 
eina, B. 


300 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIM. 


32. Hring-skéds herdi-meidar hvar viti pann, er anni 125 
ellz-vellz annan stilli 66-rikr frama slfkom: 
gunn-elldz geymi-runnom Geaondlar f¥str sem ek lysta 
(hirdS var hans at mordi hrygg) arf-pegi Tryggva? 

33.  Pengill préttar-strangom peim baud Kristr af heimi 
byr-tiallz (bazto heilli bragningi God fagni): 130 
ygg-laust alla biggi eljon-fimr 4 himnom 
Oldfr cézta szelo ftr-bdéls med gram solar. 

34.  ‘Her-mart “hvi kvedom” orti ” hug-dyggs of son Teen 
hand-bals hnykki-lunda hreins, ok flokka eina: 

Hallfradr Hearda stilli hrid-aflgom vann smf{dat; 135 
hiar-graps, hugda draépo hrdéédrar-giarn ok Biarni. 

35 Figi einkar laga ek fe ena pridjo 
hyr-niarér hrééri stcerda héps TviskELFpa DRAPO. 

Slikr hzottr, sv4 mun-ek vAtta, siall-stundom verér fundinn ! 
Herr prudér harvi kveeda hafi gagn! Enn ek pagna. 140 


A Love-Sone (Edda and Skalda). 


I. OLM-LEGGJAR vidr hilmir hring-skéglar mik péglan. 
2. Sval-teigar mun seljo saltz Vidblinda galtar 
raf-kastandi rastar reyr-bvengs muna lengi. 
3. pu munt furs sem fleiri fid4s hirdi-sif trédor 
gronn vid gefo pinni, gridtz Hiadninga, bridtask. 5 
4. Mens hafa mildrar Synjar mitk-stallz logit allir 


(Sid h6fomk velti-stod stilltan straum-tungls) at mer draumar. 
5. Ek hefi déar lokri Gl-stafna per skafna, 
ven mork skala, verki vandr, stef-knarrar branda, 


On Sxatp-Heter? (from Lauf. Edda). 


- } ART fi6 hvast um snerto (hregg magradisk) bragua 10 
bokar sol par es bukar (ben-vargs) hnigo margir. 
2. Flaug (enn firna biugir) foldar negg at seggjom 
(fiard-elldz fleygi-nirdir fello skidtt at velli). 





Who knows of such miracles as those of Tryggwi’s heir which I 
have now set forth, wrought by any other king? Christ, the king of 
Heaven, called him from this world. May God welcome him with joy! 
May Olaf partake of every joy in heaven with the Lord of the Sun! 

Epilogue. Many men have wrought mere lays and Short-Songs to the 
son of Tryggwi, but Hallfred made an Encomium on him and so did 
Biarni. And now I have the third encomium on him. May the noble 
company profit by my T'wo-sTRESSED Song of Praise. Such a metre 
as mine I know well is seldom to be met with. Now I will be silent. 





THE Lady’s lovely hue [a pun, Dwarf=Litr] makes me silent. I shall 
long remember her. Thou, like other women, wilt struggle against thine 
own luck. All my dreams of her have deceived me; she has beguiled me. 
I have, lady, with my tongue carved thee a nice dwarf-ship [poem]. 





STONES flew, and the men fell apace... 





125. vita, Cd. 131. piggr, Cd. 133. Read, hyggjomk orto, or hykk 
at orti? 


‘ \ 
ss ee eT ee 


; 
pili Anise Cont Same o 





ae ey ay ee, a 


mn a nn 











§ 6.] IOMSWIKINGA-DRAPA, 301 


IOMSWIKINGA-DRAPA, sy BISHOP BIARNI. 


BrisHOP BrARNI, of the Orkneys, was the son of Kolbein Hruga (the 
Cobbie Rowe of Orkney popular tradition), a hospitable man and the 
friend of such Icelanders as Bishop Paul, the son of John Loftsson, and 
of Raven Sweinbiornsson, ‘as may be known from the tokens that 
Bishop Biarni .... sent him, a finger-ring of gold, that weighed an 
ounce, and was engraved with a raven and his name upon it, so that he 
might use it asaseal. A second time the bishop sent him a good saddle, 
and a third time some dyed cloth.’ See Sturl. ii. p. 277. 

In 1195 Biarni went with Earl Harold Maddadson to Norway to 
deprecate the wrath of the terrible Swerri, who was angry with the 
Western Islanders being found in the ranks of his foes. He had 
defeated them with a fearful overthrow on Palm Sunday, April 3rd, 
1194, and now he was threatening ‘to carry the war into Africa,’ after 
the example of Harold Fairhair when he had beaten the Western 
Wickings at Hafrsfirth. 

The Bishop’s nephew, Thorkettle Walrus, has dealings with Snorri 
c. 1202. See Sturlunga, vii. ch. 30. According to the Annales Regii 
and Obituary (Sturlunga Saga, vol. ii. p. 369) Biarni died Sept. 15th, 
1222. Sturla, indeed, makes Biarni to have been present at the Great 
Council at Bergen, 1223; but in writing this passage in Hakon Hakons- 
son’s Life, he was, we take it, copying a list of contemporary bishops, and 
overlooked, if he ever knew it, that Biarni died a few months before. 

The poem we here deal with is manifestly composed for recital at 
entertainments, see \l. 1-4, and contains references to the author’s luck- 
less love for the daughter of an Orkney gentleman—all circumstances 
more appropriate to Biarni’s earlier years, say before 1200. It is well 
composed, has a certain quiet strength, which recalls Thiodwolf’s 
Haustlong, and contains a minute and faithful account of the famous 
defeat of the buccaneers of Iom, as Biarni received the two-hundred- 
years old tradition. 

In one respect the bishop adds to our knowledge of the battle, by his 
account of Arnmood, and his exploits atid death; which seems to come 
from a Western version of the story, and to be well worthy of credit. 
This Arnmood we know as the progenitor of almost the whole Norwegian 
nobility, as may be seen from the famous pedigree of the Arumodlings in 
Fagrskinna (Cod. B, § 215), which gives his origin thus :—‘ There wasa 
man called Finwood the Foundling, he was found in an eagle’s eyrie, 
wrapped up in a silk swaddling-cloth, and no man knows his family ; 
from him is come the whole house which is called the house of the 
Arnungs. His son was Thorarin Bull-back, the father of Arnwood, the 
father of Arnmood [our hero], from whom is come all that house which is 
called the Arnmodlings. The account of Finwood recalls William of 
Malmesbury’s Nesting, whom King Alfred found. Bishop Biarni him- 
self was a descendant of Arnmood; see Orkney Saga, Rolls Series, vol. i. 
Table iv. B. 

The text rests on the Codex Regius of Snorri’s Edda, the last three 
leaves of a sheet, which a fresh hand has filled up with Iomswikinga- 
Drapa (defective at the end), and Malshatta-kvedi (see Book ix, §2). The 
ink is faded and dim, and the writing hard to make out. It was first 
correctly copied by Mr. John Sigurdsson, who first observed verse 2 written 
in the margin underneath the text. It has since (1880) been edited by 
Mr. Petersen, of Lund. 


302 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. | BK. VIII. 


The structure is still clearly shown, though some stanzas at the end 
are lost. These we can only partly supply from the citations found in 
O. T. Saga, but they are taken from a worse text than ours. The whole 
saab would have stood thus:—14+1+(5 x 4)+15=50. Peculiar to its 
internal shape is the ‘cloven burden’ (imitated by Snorri), which, with 
its broken love lament, runs, like a thread of gold on the dead dark i iron 
of an Indian bracelet, through the Epic of war. The metre is so carefully 
observed, that from the two hundred pairs of contrasting vowels we 
can gather a fair view of the internal phonetic phenomena of the 
Orkney speech in the Bishop’s day. 

The Malshatta-kvedi, which we would ascribe to Bishop Biarni, will 
be found in Book ix. 

Bua-DRAPa is one of the latest insertions in the great O.T. Saga. It 
is in Egil’s rhyming-metre, and by an unknown poet, Thorkel Gislason, 
of the same age‘as Biarni, whom, indeed, he seems to imitate. Only part 
of it has been preserved. It is almost entirely made up of the worst 
and latest ‘vulgus-phrases’ of the school of Einar and the last court- 
poets. Two lines only present any interest,—l. 27, where it is said that 
‘Every hail-stone weighed an ounce!’ and 31-32, ‘The loathsome 
ogress shot sharp arrows from her fingers.’ These exaggerations are 
duly inserted into the text of the later edition of the Kings’ Book. Ari 
tells the tale simply according to the older and undecked traditions. 


I, 


I. NGAN kved-ek at 638i 6rom malma-ryri 
(p6 gat-ek hréér of hugdan) hlidés at ferdar prydi : 
Framm mun-ek fyr aldom Yggjar biér um fcera 
ef einigir ytar ett-gddir mer hly¥da. 
2.  Varka-ek fréér und forsom; fér-ek aldregi at galdrom; 5 
hefka-ek ; 4 : 
allungis nam-ek AP Yegjar feng ‘und hanga 


eS Hendir enn sem adra tteitan mik ‘stitar ; 
mer hefir harm 4 hendi hand-fagr kona bundit: 10 
p6 em-ek 66 at auka crit giarn at hvaéro; 
miak em-ek at mer ordinn tgefr um far vifa. 
4. Dreng var datt um svarra dorgar-vangs fyr longo, 
pvi hefir oss um unga elld-reid skapi haldit: 





I, OPENING. Prologue. Of no prince [ring-breaker] do I demand a 
hearing for this song that I have made at this worthy assembly. If but 


any of you gentlemen will hearken to me, I will set forth my poesy before. 


men. I did not get my knowledge beneath waterfalls [like Woden], 
I have never given myself to enchantment, I have never.... It was 
not beneath the gallows that I learnt the gift of song. 


His love. Joyless grief has overtaken me like other men; a fair- — 


handed damsel has loaded me with sorrow. Evil has been my fate 
in my dealings with women. Yet 1 am ready to trick out my poem for 
her, I have doted on her a long while, and this passion for her has 





4. ef ,.. hlyda] emend.; poat .. . hlydi, Cd, 6 and 8 blotted out. 





: * tees he 
pee er ey 








tee)! ied 


—— 


etiu =—s s ”:hCC  S 





Ser Se eee ee 
ne 


§ 6.] IOMSWIKINGA-DRAPA, 303 


pé hefi-ek ort um ftra all-fatt miadar pello, 15 
vel samir enn um eina al-seljo mer pylja. 


annat barf at dg all-st6rom mun fleira 
greppr of snerto: 
(pat berom upp ‘fyr fia) Shia sago-kveedi). 20 
6.  Sudr frago ver sitja (seima-gu a at Ié6mi 
(feogr reenir mik flaumi) fimm hafdingja snemma: 
vel samir vist at telja vinnor hreysti-manna, 
par er um malm-bings meida merkiliga at yrkja. 
4. Hver-vetna fra-ek heyja Harald bardaga stéra, 25 
beir rudo bitra branda bad-giarnastir nidjar : 
sid kna&tto par sidan sid-fornir glym iarna, 
pétti beim at efla barf Véseta arfa. 
8. Geta skal hins hverr hvatra hafdingi var drengija, 
si gat sigri at hrésa sniallastr at goervaollo: 30 
hverr var hdéti minni hreysti-madr at flesto 
heldr { herdi-raunom hauk-lyndom syni Aka. 
g.  Sigvaldi hét seggja snar-fengra hafdingi; 
ok réd par fyr begna Porkell idi sniallo: 
Bui var at hverjom hialdri hard-r46r med Sigurdi ; 35 
frogom Vagn at veeri vist ofr-hugi inn mesti. 
10. Héldo dreyrgra darra Danmarkar til sterkir 
(peim gafsk rausn ok rfki) ridéendr skipom s{fdan ; 
ok aué-brotar erfi égn-rakkastir drukko 
(peim fr4-ek ymsom aukask annir) fedra sfnna. 40 
11. Enn vildo pa einkom aldor-menn at skyldo 
(slikt ero yrkis-efni) Agzeta ser leita: 
ok haukligar hefja heit-strengingar gdto ; 
eigi segi-ek at yea al-teiti vas litil. 





endured within me. But though it had well beseemed me to praise her, 
few indeed are the songs that I have made upon her. For I have been 
bound to deal with other and mightier themes .... din of war, and such 
is the Epic that I shall now set forth to men. 

The vows of the Iomwickings. My fair lady robs me of happiness ! 
South in Iom, they say, there sat five noble captains. Right seemly 
it were to tell their deeds, for mighty men they were to sing of. 
Everywhere, they say, Harold fought great battles; the war-loving 
kinsmen reddened their bitter brands; as heathens they loved to look 
on the shock of iron; they held it their work to help Weseti’s son 
[Bui]. I will tell who was the noblest captain of them all, he that was 
ever blest with victory. No warrior was more dauntless in trial or danger 
than Aki’s hawk-hearted son. There was a captain named Sigwald, 
and Thorkell held command there too, and Bui the Stern, and Sigurd 
with him, and Wain, men say, the loftiest heart of all, They sailed to 
Denmark, and drank the arval there over their fathers. Fit matter ’tis 
for song! They wished to show their prowess, and began to make their 





17. Torn off, 21, Sudr frago] . .. gv, Cd. (torn off). 32. Read, héldr ? 





304 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


12.  Heit-strenging fra-ek hefja heipt-mildan Sigvalda ; 45 
Bui var arr at efla é6roekinn prek slikan: 
hétosk peir af hauéri Hakon reka (fikjom 
grimm vas fregra fyréa fidn) eda Iifi reena. 

13. Bui lézk barr at fylgja bad-mildom Sigvalda 
til hiaor-primo harérar hug-pridér vera sidan: 50 
hafa kvazk Havard vilja hranna-bridir at gunni, 
ser kvad hann eigi flla Asl4k f feor lfka. 

14. Vagn kvaé hitt enn hrausti, Hamdis gunnar tomédom 
sa lézk froéknat fylgja fald-rudr Bua skyldo: 
pa ré3 heit til hvitrar hringa-meidr at strengja 55 
(mér kemr harmr at hendi hettr) Porketils déttor. 


Il. Srer. 


1s. Lin drepr fyr mer allri—Utraudr 4 log skeidom 
rr pengill bad ¥ta—é/r mannz-konan tert : 
God eit of kemr grimmo—Gekk herr a skip darra 
hinn er kunni gny goerva—ga@dings at mer striot. 60 

1.16. Sagt var at sunnan héldo snyrti-menn um hrannir 

(kaldr dreif marr 4 meiéda mord-bals) skipa-stdli: 
Laméo heldir hifar (hrid kannadi lyér) ; 
{gnudi svalr 4 s¥jo ser] fsogar baror. 

a Sagt vas at raudra randa reynendr flota sinom 65 
Idla-nétt at Iadri Ié6msvikingar kc&émi: 
Varo heldr 4 hardéan hernod firar giarnir; 
riddendr budo rfki rand-orma Geirmundi. 

18. b& budo peir 4 méti peim er sunnan kvémo 
til geir-hridar greppom gcerla Noéregs iarlar: 70 
par var mestr 4 mezeli (moré-remmandi) skammo 
(margr var at laufa leiki) land-herr saman fundinn. 





vows. It was no small feud I ween. Sigwald, they say, began the 
vowing; Bui was eager to second his task. Cruel was their hate! 
They vowed to drive Hakon from his land or take his life. Bui swore_ 
to follow Sigwald to the fray: he said that Haward and Aslac should be 
his fellow-warriors. Wain said that he was minded to follow Bui, and 
made a vow touching that white maid, the daughter of Thorkettle. 


I]. THE STAVES. Refrain: The noble’s daughter, she alone, kills all 
my joy; the scion of a great house is she that works me sore distress. 

The gathering. ‘The gallant prince bade them launch their ships, he 
went aboard. From the south they sped in their galleys: the icy 
billows smote the big-bellied hulls, the cold sea brine splashed upon the 
strakes. It is told that at Yule-night the wickings of lom came with 
their fleet to Iader. They were very eager for the fray: they did 
violence to Geirmund. ‘Then the earls of Norway called out their 
spearmen to meet the Southerners; that was the biggest host that ever 
was gathered at such brief summons. 





63. I. e. hveldir, see p. 189, |. 7. 68. Geirmundi] om. Cd. 








§ 6.] IOMSWIKINGA-DRAPA. 305 


19. Lin drepr fyr mer allri—Eldr gnaubdadi vida 
elri skce@dr um evjar—é/r-mannz konan tettt: 
G66 elt of kemr grimmo—Gauss upp logi or hisom; 75 
gridom renti si gumna—gedings at mer stridt. 


u. 20. Ok hafdingjar hraustir heyra menn at veri 
(pat hefir pi6é at minnom) prir med flokki hvarom: 
par-er hregg-vidir hittosk hialma-skéds 4 vidom 
(fundr pdétti s4 fyréom freegr) Hiarunga-vagi. 80 
21.  Hawudr fra-ek Hdkon verja hart sv4 at eigi skorti; 
Eirikr hefir eggjar 6traudr verit ridda: 
ok sagdo par ytar Arnmdéd vera sidan 
(s4 var greppr vid gumna gladr) odd-vita inn pridja. 
22.  Lagédo heiptar-hvattir herdi-menn par-er bardosk 85 
(herr var haudr at verja hund-margr) saman randir: 
ok vikingom vaéro (vard raun at pvi) einom 
[pat kveda eigi aukit] ytar fimm at méti. 
23. Lin drepr fyr mer aliri—Atréér mikinn greido 
, : ; : ; tir-mannz konan tettt : go 
Géd ett of kemr grimmo—Glygg magnadisk eggija 
‘ ‘ gavings at mer strivz. 


m. 24.  Sigvaldi bad sina sékn-stranga vel ganga 

(hann vara samr 4 sattir) sveit Hakoni 4 méti: 
Haraldz arfi klauf hialma hildar-arr ok skialdo; 95 
framm gekk hann fyr hliffar hart nakkvara snerto. 

25. Par gekk framm f folki fran-lyndr Bui sfno 
(pess kveda verda visso vanir) hart meéd sveina: 
ok geir-vidir goerdo grimma heeggom rammir 
(gengo peir at gunni geystir) v4pna-bresto. 100 

26. Klauf med Yggjar eldi d!imr Gull-Bui hialma, 





Refrain. Wide raged the fire over the islands; the flame gushed up 
from the houses. 

The Norwegian leaders. We have heard-that there were three 
doughty captains in each host when the warriors met on broad 
Hiorunga Bay. That was a meeting men thought worth the telling. 
Hakon that never flinched, Eric the Dauntless, and Arnmood the third, 
—a gladsome wight among men was he! Angrily they dashed their tar- 
gets together; great was the host that stood to guard the land. There 
were five men to every one of the wickings: that is no multiplied 
count. 

ete Mighty was the onslaught.... High rose the noise of the 
swords.... | 

The attack. Sigwald bade his men meet Hakon boldly. Harold’s heir 
clove helms and shields in the battle-storm. Bui the eager-hearted went 
forward in the ranks with his following. The weapons were fiercely 
knapped by their stout blows. Bui o’ the Gold clove helmets in his 





83. Armod, Cd. 86. Read, garpr. 8 9. guido? Cd. —g0, g2. Torn off. 
too. Emend.; geysta, Cd. 


VOL. II. x ~ 





306 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


nidr Iét hann f{ herdar hring-serkja bal ganga: 
hart nam heégg at steera Havardr lidi fyrda, 
vid hefir illt at eiga Asl4k verit fikjom. 

24. Lin drepr fyr mer allri—¥E] gnidi miak stdla; 105 
almr spann af ser odda—i/r-mannz konan teiti : 
G06 att of kemr grimmo—Gripo peir { bug sncerom 
gunn-rakkastir gumnar—ge@dings at mer striot. 


iv. 28. Pa frd-ek vOpnom verjask (Vagn felldi lid) pegna; 
hann klauf breiéra brina borg hundrodom margom: 110 
grimmr var snarpra sveréa sangr; burgosk vel drengir ; 
vann arf-pegi Aka 2s; féll bl6é 4 kesjor. 

29.  Wagn hefir ordit ¥tom cer-fengr at bad strangri; 
meO full-huga freéknom framm gingo vel drengir: 
par-er { Yggjar éli Aka sunr enn rfki 115 
bratt fra-ek hann at hlééi hug-pridom Arnmédéi. 

30.  Hver-vetna fra-ek halda (herr cxti gny darra) 
fyr hregg-vidom hiarva hreekkva gunnar rakkom: 
4dr { arva drifo ytom grimmr at bléta 
(framm kom heipt en harda) Hakon syni tcéki. 120 
31. Lin drepr fyr mer allri—Y\gr gekk 4 n4 bolginn; 
par st66 ulfr { &to—iét-mannz konan tetti: 


G6s ett of kemr grimmo—Gein vargr of sal mergijar; 


gradr pvarr gyldiss idda—g@dings at mer strioi. 


v. 32.  b& fra-ek él ft illa &@6a Heelga-bridi, 125 
gluméi hagl 4 hiffom harda grimmt or nordri: 
par-er { orm-fraon augo ytom skyja gridti 
(pA knatti ben bldsa) baréi hreggi keyrdo. 
33. PA var parfom meiri prek-farlodom iarli 





fury: down to the shoulders he drove his blade. Haward dealt out 
many a great blow: it was ill to cope with Anslac in the fray. 
Refrain. Stern grew the fight, the bow sped the arrows, the warriors 
drew their bow-strings tight. 
The battle. When the weapons crossed, Wain brought down a host o 
men, cleaving the broad skulls of hundreds. Cruel was the song of the 
sharp swords! The blood dripped on the javelins! Brave was the 


defence. Aki’s heir [Wain] made a havoc. Wain cheered his men to © 


fiercer fight. Brave was the attack! when in the fray Aki’s mighty 
son struck down the stout-hearted Arnmood. On every side the foe 
gave way before them in the fight, till the cruel Hakon offered up his 
son in the midst of the battle. 

Refrain. The she-wolf was crammed with carrion, the he-wolf stood 
on his prey. 

The storm. It was then, they say, that the Bride of Holgi [Thorgerd 
Hakon’s patroness] raised a dreadful storm; right cruelly the hail out of 
the north clattered down upon their bucklers, what time the tempest- 
driven stones of the clouds beat into the snake-keen eyes of the 


wickings. ‘That was too hard a proof for the failing earl [Sigwald]; | 





116, Armdéi, Cd. 














§ 6.] IOMSWIKINGA-DRAPA. 307 


(braut hygg-ek hann at héldi) hug-raun (flota sfnom): 130 
snara bad segl vid hina Sigvaldi { byr kaldom ; 
gntidi hard 4 hiffom hrid; féll byrr f vadir. 
34. Par lét Vigfiss verda veg-roékinn Aslaki 
ee era parf at segja patt) hel-farar veittar: 
érleifr of vann piokkva prek-stcéérdéom Havardi 135 
(hart 1ét hann) med kylfo hoegg-ramr brotid leggi. 
35: Ein drepr fyr mer allri—Andat folk at sandi 
straumr dré ut of eyjar—é/r-mannz konan tert: 
Géd ait of kemr grimmo—Gifrs hesta bra fasto 
gny-miklandi geira—gadings at mer strt0z. 140 


III. Stamr. 


36. Bad fyr bord at skyldi bad-svellandi allir 
(p4 fra-ek vapnom verjask Vagns lid) Bua pegnar: 
4ér hregg-bodi hiarva hraustr med pungar kistor 
(sd var illr af aurom) ttraudr 4 kaf rédi. 
ay, Nam eld-broti Yggjar yer fyr bord at stiga; 145 
uit bar hann af hifom, hraustr Gull-Bui, kistor: 
ok opiliga eptir é6blaudir par sidan 
knego lyéir lita langan orm 4 hringom. 
38. Skeid fra-ek vallt at verdi Vagn med sina pegna; 
zoll vero pa peira punn skip hrodin annor: 150 
upp n#do par eigi Eiriks menn at ganga; 
ofan rédo peir afga Ejiriks vini keyra. 
39. Upp st66o par eptir ungra snyrti-drengja 
(sveit fylgdi vel Vagni veen) prir tigir einir: 
allz cenga fra-ek adra iafn-marga sv4 burgosk 155 
(4dr létti dyn darra) dreng-menn hugom stranga. 





he and his fleet put out of the battle. Yea, Sigwald bade his men hoist 
the sails in the cold gale, and the wind smote the canvas. The storm 
was beating hard upon their bucklers. It was there that Wigfus sent 
Anslac on the path of death (no need to tell of that), and the hard- 
hitting Thorleif broke stout Haward’s legs with his club. 

Refrain. The stream drove the dead from the islands on to the 
sand, the wolves broke their fast on the slain. 


Ill. CLosE. The victory. Wain’s crew fought on! Bui called on 
all his men to leap overboard, and then he plunged with his heavy chests 
into the sea; he would not part with his money. He carried his chests 
up from the hold, the bold Bui o’ the Gold, and leapt overboard [with 
them]; and often since good men have seen the long snake lying there 
over the rings. Wain and his men, they say, kept their galley well. 
All the other ships were cleared by this time. Eric’s men could not 
board her, for they drove the friends of Eric backward down her sides. 
Wain’s crew followed him well, till the battle ceased. At last only 
thirty men were still afoot: I have never heard of so few men making 





143. ddr] emend.; ok, Cd. (cp. the following subjunctive). 
X 2 — 


i pg ee a ee OE ee ee Ts ce ee a ee ee “> 
Co en tg Fe ee ee ge ee Se Se Ren eae oe aa Calla Re ta Ae Ore Se wee ee 
en > waa Son Sa M3 po RD Rp A ee eR, eae oes 


a 


308 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


40. Ré3 med Danska dolga drengr 4 land at ganga; 
rodin fr4-ek darr { dreyra; daudr 14 herr 4 skeiéom: 
Vagn kvaéd eigi ytom undan r46 at skunda; 
saman goerdo peir s E : ; : ‘ 160 

41. Par lét Eirikr.aondo atian pegar tyna 
(heldr frogom p4 pverra) pegna (lid fyr Vagni): 
melto hraustar hetjor (haukligt var pat fikjom) 

(pau hafa piddir uppi) prdéttar-ord (med fyrdéom). 

42. Ok meé fiorniss flo fér Porketill Leira, 165 
p4-er men-broti meelti man-sang um Gna hringa: 
goerdisk hann® at hoegeva hauk-lyndan sun Aka; 

Vagn gat heldr at hanom heipt-arr vegit fyrri. 

43- Viltu, kvad hringa hreytir hyggjo-gegn at Vagni, 
él-svellandi, ydvart, Yggjar, lif of piggja? 170 
Figi mun-ek nema efna (ungr) pat-er heit namk strengja — 
(sv kvad Ulir at iarli egg-hridar) fiar piggja. 

44. Grid lét srr ok aura Ejirikr gefit st6rom 
(miak leyfa pat piddir) pegnom tolf med Vagni. 

45- b4 gekk Ullr at eiga cer-lyndr primo randa 175 
(menn f¥sto bess) meta (margir) Ingibiargo. 


BUa-pRAPA. 


1. BARO & vali vika (vel fra-ek peim lika 
seggjom snarredi) sverd ok her-klzdi. 
2. Knudéi hvast haréa (hliédpo marir baréda) 
hregg 4 hefils spidllom 4 humra-fidllom: 
bl4 pé hrénn hlyrom; hraut af brim-dyrom ; 
(kili skaut cest alda) udr in sval-kalda, 
3. Baro rékn rasta rekka grid-fasta 
(prong at rym randa) til resis landa: 





such a sturdy defence. Wain took counsel with the Danish foemen 
[wickings] to try and land; he said it was no use for them to fly. The 
darts were dyed with gore: the host was lying dead on board the 
galleys. They ....together.... 

Execution. Eric took the lives of eighteen there; Wain’s crew was 
running short. The bold heroes spoke words of prowess, which men 
have held in memory ever since. They were as bold as hawks.... . 
Thorkettle [the headsman] swung his axe, when the captain we 
sung a love-song to the lady [Thorkettle’s daughter]. He was minde 
to cut down the hawk-souled son of Aki, but Wain the Brave wrought 
so, that he was beforehand with him and slew him.... ‘ Wilt thou,’ 
said the prince [Eric] to Wain, ‘take thy life of me?’ ‘I will not take 
my life unless 1 may fulfil my oath;’ thus said the young lord to the 
earl. The gallant Eric gave quarter to twelve men besides Wain.... 
Then the bountiful hero [Wain] married the fair Ingibiorg; it was a 
joy to many a man. 





160. Here Cod. breaks off. The following fragments are from O. T. (AM. 61). 
171. nam, Cd. 


















§6.] KONUNGA-TAL. 309 


vid nam vidi mérgom (vipn ero grimm térgom) 
(nytr gaf nest hréfuom) Néregr skip-stdfnom. io 
4. Herr bar hatt merki; 4 Hamidis serki; 
grimt kom él eggja; at gekk lid seggja: 
meiddo fidr flotna (flest vard hlif brotna) 
[glumdo grair oddar] gridt ok skot-broddar. 
5. Hruto fyr bord bedi (brusto her-klxdi) 15 
héfod ok hendr manna; hre nam vargr kanna, 
6. Neytti herr handa; hrid var snérp branda; 
fist var far randa til fidrniss landa : 
féllo flein-bérvar; flugo af streng Orvar; 
sungo hatt hidrvar vid hlifar goervar. 20 
re Gullu hress haukar; hvassir ben-laukar 
skyfdo lids leggi; lamdi gridt seggi: 
usto grair malmar (gengo i sundr hialmar) ; 
hauks vara fridr fidllom] i fidrnis stéllom. 
8. Bua fra-ek greitt ganga (gladdisk svanr hanga) 25 
[vokt var goll geira] gegnom lid peira. 
9: Hagl va hvert eyri; hraut 4 log dreyri 
(b166 pv& bens d4rom) or bragna sarom: 
par féll valr vida (vé s& gylld rida) 
[bardisk sveit snarla] 4 snekkjom iarla. 30 
10. Orom ré3 snorpom (slikt var raun gorpom) 
flagd id for-lidta af fingrom skidta: 
goerdisk grimmt fikjom at gumnom rikjom 
(gnyr var har hlifa) hregg ok lopt-drifa. 
II, Felldi Vagn virdéa (valdi of nai stirda 35 
hrafn enn hvass-leiti) hrundi 4 bord sveiti: 
pa réd pess dala (prymr var har stdla) 
eydis unn-glééa Eirekr skip hridda. 


KONUNGA-TAL; or, GENEALOGY OF THE 
KINGS OF NORWAY. 


INTERESTING as the last of a series, of which the first, Ynglinga- 
tal, preceded it by at least two hundred and fifty years, it completes 
its predecessor and model by continuing the royal line down to 
Swerri, who became sole king in 1184. Theaccount it gives of the first 
ten kings, including Magnus the Good, is founded on the work of 
Semund the Historian (see ll. 159-60). Indeed it is in honour of John 
Loftsson, Semund’s grandson, that it was composed, and during his life- 
time, which would place it about tigo, for John died ist Nov. 1197 
(born 1125). John’s father,’ Loft Semundsson, married Thora, the 
natural daughter of King Magnus Bareleg, so that it was natural for 
this panegyrist to run over the roll of the race of kings to which his 
patron belonged. The number of royal names as in other ‘Tals’ is meant 
to be thirty. 

In form, the poem is in strict stanzas, and in three parts or strophes 
(2+ 38)+(32)+(10+1)=83. The introduction, in which the author 
compares himself to a prudent whaler gradually closing upon his game, 
is fresh and original. In phrase and style, as far as he can, he copies 
Thiodwolf and Eywind (cp. ll. 125, 207, 259, 264). We have noted the 
most pronounced parallelisms in the foot-notes. The author is not 
named, but we would ascribe the poem to the monk Gunnlaug, author 
of Merlinus-Spa, the style and fashion of which it falls in with. 

The error which led to the mistaken title in Flatey-bok—‘ Here 
begins the generation of the Kings of Norway which Semund the 





310 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. _[bx. vu. 


Historian made’—arises from a misunderstanding of verse 40. All copies 
are derived from the unique MS. Flatey-bok text, cols. 581-2 (vol. ii. pp. 
520-8). There area few misreadings of the copyist, as we have learned 
to expect from the way in which all the verse is given in this MS. 

One great merit of this poem lies in its having preserved Semund’s 
chronology, which is, in one instance at least, more correct than Ari’s, 
and is not given elsewhere so completely. 

There was another Konunga-tal, called ODD-MiIor, of which there 
remains one morsel in the abridgment of the Kings’ Lives, now known 
as Agrip, where the following passage occurs :— 

“ After Halfdan, Harold took the kingdom that his father had held, and 
he won for himself a greater kingdom withal, inasmuch as he was a man 
of early ripeness and of mighty growth, so that he fought battles with the 
neighbouring kings and overcame them all, and came to be the first sole 
King of Norway when he was twenty years of age; and the last battle he 
fought was against a king called Sceidar-Brand [Galley-Brand] in Hafrs- 
firth, off Iadar, and Brand fled to Denmark and fell in battle in Wend- 
land, as it is said in the Lay that is called Odd-mior [Fine Point], 
which deals with the Generations of Kings in these words:—‘ The 
Shielding drove,’ &c.” 

This is plainly a tradition of the great Hafrsfirth Fight. We find 
Brand nowhere else. There is a curious echo of the passage in Arnor’s 
Hryn-henda Encomium on Magnus (see p. 186, vol. ii. Il. 19-20). Are 
we to account for it by supposing that the author of Odd-mior has 
borrowed the phrase and used it in a new sense? 


I 


‘: AT verér skylt, ef at skilit yrkja, 
greppom ‘beim,’ at peir gledi fyrda : 
allra helzt ef ero feeri 
virdar peir an verit hafdo. 3 
2. Roa skal fyrst fiarri reydi, 5 
ok koma 6 nidr ner 4dr luki: 
par hefi-ek hugt hrdédéri pessom 
ordom peim eptir at mynda :— 


>. Par vil-ek fyrst, ef firar hl¥déa 
minni meré, til mals taka :— 10 
Hug-priér Harrpan Svart1 | . 
erfi-vard atti froeknan. 

4. T6k kapp-samr vid konungs-nafni 
Haravpr bratt inn HArragri: 





THE CounT oF Kines. I. Prologue. It becomes a poet, if he knows 
his work, to entertain men, all the more if good poets be fewer than has 
been. One must at first row farther from the whale, and then draw 
nearer and nearer to the end. According to this example I have 
thought to order the words of my song. 

I will first take up my parable here, if men will give heed to me: 
HALFDAN THE BLACK had a noble heir. HAROLD FAIRHAIR early took 





1. skilum, Cd. 2. Read, hveim or gédom? 7. Read, hrédrar pessa 
ordom pvi? g. virar, Cd. 








§ 6.] KONUNGA-TAL, BIL 


p4-er Halfdan haféi drukknat 15 
{ heings hallar neefri. 

g. Ok er hann { haug lagidr 
4 her-sk4 Hringa-riki: 
enn barn-ungr burr Halfdanar 
t6k fram-lyndr vid fador-arfi. 20 

6. Eigi hann pat eitt eiga vildi 
er hans lang-fedgar leif6o hanom: 
sva var rikr resir Sygna 
ok 4giarn vid aud-gefendr : 

- At allt land Elfar 4 milli 25 
ok Finn-merkr fylkir atti: 
naéi hann fyr Néregi 
ellom fyrst einn at rada. 

8. Atti gramr, s4-er giafar veitti, 
barna mart peir-er bido proska: 3? 
pvi kemr hvers til Haralldz sfdan 

_  skialdungs kyn ins Skarar-fagra. 

9.  Réé prid vetr Pundar bedjo 
siklingr snarr ok siau tigi: 
4dr an lofdung lffi at rena 
Asa-dolgs kom einga-déttir. 

10. P4 var haugr eptir Harald orpinn 
reisoligr 4 Rogalandi: 
pess mun z uppi lengi 
hildings nafns Halfdans sunar. 40 

II. T6k Emre vid iafurs nafni 
Briép-ca@x bratt sem buendr vildo: 
var vig-fimr vetr at landi 
Eirekr allz einn ok fiéra. 

12, Adr an vin-szell vestan kcémi 45 
ADALSTEINS einga-F6sTRI : 


Ww 
on 





upon him the royal title, when Halfdan was drowned in the thatch of the 
salmon’s hall [ice]; yea, he is laid in his barrow in war-wont Ring-rick, 
but the ambitious young son of Halfdan took up his father’s heritage. 
He would not be content to own merely what his ancestors left him: the 
Sygns’ lord was so mighty and grasping towards his neighbours, that he 
got hold of all the folklands between the Elbe [Gaut-Elbe] and Fin- 
mark. He was the first of all to reign alone over Norway. This king 
had many children who grew to manhood; so every king’s family since 
comes back to Harold Fairhair. He ruled three-and-seventy winters over 
the land, before Loki’s only daughter came to take his life. Then there 
was a lordly barrow cast up over Harold in Rogaland. The name of 
Halfdan’s son will ever endure in the land. Eric BLoop-AxkE forthwith 
took the name of king as the franklins wished; he was one-and-four 
winters in the country before the only beloved FOSTER-SON of ASTHEL- 





17. haug} om. Cd. 30. Read, pau er. 36. Emend,; audlings, Cd. 


312 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


Ok HAkon halfrar allrar 
brédor sinn beiddi erfdar. 
< Enn Eirikr undan flyéi 
heiptar-giarn ok hans synir: 50 
kom haré-r46r ‘hersa’ mygir 
aptr { land aldri sfdan. 
14. Ré6 kapp-samr fyr konung-démi 
H4kon einn hrié nokkora : 
var sex vetr samt at landi BR 
tfrar-giarn ok tuttogo. 
15. Hadi gramr gunni 4 Fitjom 
vid Eiriks erfi-varéo: 
vard { hand hilmir skotinn 
pa-er folk-meidr flétta kn{di. 60 
16. Pat hygg-ek bratt til bana leiddo 
litid sAr loféung snaran: 
par-[er] Avallt er visi dé 
hella kennd til Hakonar. . 
17. Enn { haug Hardar lagdo 65 
sikling pann 4 Sz-heimi: 
hurfu ‘hrygevir’ fra Haraldz arfa 
freeknir menn fizrvi reentom. 
18. P4 hefi-ek heyrt at Haratpr teeki 
ii-Ar-seell iaord ok riki: 50 
ré6 Grdretpr Gunnhildar son 
nio vetr fyrir Néregi. 
19. Aér an Gorms-son ok Goll-Haraldr 
nafna sfnn at nai gerdo: 
var siklingr suér 4 Halsi - "5 
lffi rentr { Lima-firdi. 
20. T6k hard-r4ér ept Harald fallinn 





STAN came from the West. Yea, HAKoN required half of all the in- 
heritance from his brother. And the revengeful Eric and his sons 
fled away; the stern oppressor of his barons [brothers ?] never came 
back to the country again. The glory-loving Hakon ruled alone over 
the kingdom for some time: he was six-and-twenty years altogether in 
the land. He fought a battle with Eric’s heir at Fitia, and was shot in 
the arm while he was chasing his flying foes. This little wound soon 
brought him to his death, I ween; ever since the king died the slope is 
called after Hakon. And the Hords laid him in a barrow at Seaham; — 
they turned sorrowfully away from the dead heir of Harold. After 
this I have heard that HAROLD the famine-cursed took the land and 
sway. GREYFELL Gundhildsson ruled nine years over Norway, ere that 
Gormsson and Gold-Harold made his namesake a corpse; yea, the 
king was reft of his life at Halse on Limbfirth in the south. The 





51. Read, hlyra ? 60. knadi, Cd. 61. leiddi, Cd. 65. haudar, 
Cd. 67. hryggvir] emend, ; sv4, Cd. 74. gerdi, Cd. : 











§ 6.] KONUNGA-TAL. 313 


HAkon 1arz vid Hars vifi: 
si ré6 tiggi ok tuttogo 
prett4n vetr Pundar bedjo. 80 
21, Urédoa g66 { Gaular-dal 
eevi-lok Eiriks fador: 
p4-er Karkr preell knifi meitti 
hattar stall af Hakoni. 
22. Misti litt, sti-er lagom sty¥réi, 85 
rekka kind rads ins bazta: 
p4-er norér { Néregi 
Kristinn mann til konungs tdéko. 
23. Ok Ordre ari TRYGGVA 
t6k lid-driigr land ok pegna: 90 
hinn er fimm 4 fom vetrom 
lofda vinr land kristnadi. 
24. Var Oldfr allz at landi 
fimm at eins fadmins galla: 
4dr Ejrikr med off-lidi 95 
resi bann rémo beiddi. 
25. Su var allz, 4dr Ormr hrydisk, 
hrotta hrid hard ok lengi: 
par hefir ald er Oldfr féll 
Svoldrar-vag sfdan kallat. 100 
26.  Ré6 tolf vetr tfri gafgadr 
Errikr IARL fyr Yggs mani: 
4ér an loféungr or landi fér 
vestr um haf, s4-er vini goeddi. 
27. P4 var fr Eiriks skorinn 105 
4dr an Rum-far resir heéfi: 
ok bl6é-ra&s til bana leiddi 
vitran iarl vestr med Englom. 
28. Taldi land ok lausa-fé 





stern EARL HAKON took the land after the dead Harold; one-score-and 
thirteen years he ruled the country. The end of the life of Eric’s 
father in Gaula-dale was not a good one, where Cark the thrall slit the 
throat of Hakon with a knife. The men of the land, who swayed the 
provinces, did not fail to take the best of counsel, when they took a 
Christian man for king north in Norway. And OLAF, HEIR OF TRYGGWI, 
with his powerful guard, took land and lieges; he that christened five 
folk-lands in afew years. Olaf was altogether five winters only in the land, 
before Eric, with overwhelming odds, offered him battle. ‘That battle- 
storm was fierce and long ere the Serpent was cleared. Men have 
since called the bay where Olaf fell Swold. Ear Eric ruled twelve 
winters over the land, before he went away west over sea. Eric’s 
tonsils were cut before he started on his pilgrimage to Rome, and the 
hemorrhage brought about his death west among the English. SWAIN 





81. urdu ei, Cd, 97. ryddiz, Cd. 


314 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII. 


sina eign Svein ok HAxon: 110 
ok tvd-vetr, at tali fyrda, 
Eiriks arf iarlar hafdo. 
29. Adér { land meé lftinn her 
konung-ma6ér kcémi vestan : 
ok Oléfr iarli mcétti 115 
{ Saudungs-sundi midjo. 
30. Vard Hakon pa hilmi at sverja 
eida pess, er Olafr beiddi: 
at folk-baldr flyja skyldi 7 
65ul sfn til aldr-slita. | 120 
31; Baud Oldfr austr fyr Nesjom 
snarpa sdkn Sveini iarli: 
vard lid-farr land at flyja 
sigri sviptr sonr Hakonar. 
32. Fékk lof-szell land med hringom 125 
Oxdrr einn allt inn Dicrt: 
ré6 hr6d-magr Haralldz ins Groénska 
fimmtan vetr folldo gryttri. 
34: Bar kapp-samr Knttr inn Riki 
biartan seim und boéndr marga: 130 
sparéi litt vid lenda menn 
aud til bess at peir iafur vélti. 


34. Reisto her hilmi 4 méti 
kynjadir vel Kalfr ok Périr: 
par var feldr fylkir Proénda 135 
sem -stadir Stikla- heita. 

35. PA bar raun, at reesir var 


Kristi kerr, um konung helgan : 
_stendr { Kristz kirkjo midri 
heilagt skrin yfir Haralldz arfa. 140 





and HAKON [brother and son] claimed land and treasure for themselves, 
and held Eric’s inheritance for two years by the common reckoning, 
till one of royal race came from the West with a small force, and Olaf 
met the earl [Hakon] in the midst of Sauthung-Sound. Hakon was 
obliged to swear the oath that Olaf gave him, to fly from his native land 


till his death-day. East by Nesia Olaf gave sharp battle to Earl Swain; 


reft of victory, followed by few, Hakon’s son was turned to flight. The 
renowned OLAF THE STOUT took land and treasure to himself alone: 
the famed son of Harold of Gren-land ruled the land fifteen years. 
Cnut the Mighty bestowed the bright ore upon many a franklin; he did 
not begrudge the liege lords his wealth to get them to betray their king. 
The well-born Calf and Thori raised an army against their lord; the 
prince of the Thronds fell at the place called Stickle-stead. -Then was 
it made manifest of the holy king that he was dear to Christ. A holy 
shrine stands over Harold’s heir in the midst of Christ Church. Then 





125.. =Y. 85. hringom] rinum, Cd. 























§ 6.] KONUNGA-TAL. 315 


36. ba ré6 Svemnn sonr Alfifo 
snaka strié sex fyr landi: 
46r an Knitz sonr af konungdémi 
vina-lauss vard at flyja. 
37. Kom 4gzetr austan or Gardom 145 
einga-son Oldfs konungs: 
fekk Magnus, ok mikit rfki, 
6éals-iard alla sfna. 
38. Var tal-laust tolf vetr konungr 
mannom parfr Macnus Gépr: 150 
4dr { sétt Sygna dréttinn, 
afreks-ma6r, andar misti. 


39. Vard harm-daudr hverjom manni 
fylkir foérdr pars hans fadir hvilir: 
s4 var norér { Néregi 155 


Kristz at kirkjo ‘konung maér’ grafinn. 


40. Nd hefi-ek talt tio landreka 
pa-er hverr var fra Haraldi: 
innta-ek sva evi peirra 
sem Smunpr sagdi inn Frépr. 160 


II, 


41. Pd er bess mals, er ek mela hygg, 
_ meiri hlutr miklo eptir: 
Nu skal pann pdbtt of greida 
iafra kyns er enn lifir. 
42. Pat er mer sagt at Sigurér Hrisi 165 
Haraldz sonr héti fordom: 
var Halfdan Hrisa arfi, 
enn Sigurédr Syr son Halfdanar. 





SWAIN ALFGIFUSON ruled six years over the land, till Cnut’s son had 
to fly friendless from his kingdom. There came from the East out of 
Garth [Novgorod territory] the only son of King Olaf; yea, Magnus 
took a mighty realm, all the lands of his heritage. MAGNUS THE 
Goop was doubtless king for twelve winters, ere he, the lord of the 
Sygns, lost his life in sickness. All men held it a sorrowful death: he 
was borne where his father rests; he was buried north in Norway at 
Christ Church in Cheaping. 

Now I have told up ten kings, each of whom descended from Harold. 
I have gone over their lives, according to the words.of Semund the 
Historian. 

II. But yet by far the greater part of the discourse which I am minded 
to deliver, remains. Now I will set forth orderly that branch of the 
royal race that is still living, It was told me that of yore there was a 
son of Harold [Fairhair], named Sigurd the Bastard. Halfdan was 





156. Read, i Kaupangi? 163. Emend. ; pvi padan af, Cd. 165. risi, Cd, 


_-, 08. «- 6 + See 2 oe. ee eee | Ae ae a a ed ee 0 ee Se Pd oe” or se DO Be ee” es eee eT A a eee yy 
ne a ae SD ee hae OPO Es Sysco aracc nth veg Mine Sh a yal ea a eS ; 
he = =I : 2 z 5 : Se av ap 5 ed A, vt 


316 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


43. PA gat son Sigurdr ok Asta, 
pann-er Hararpz heiti atti: 170 
si ré6 einn all-vitr konungr 
vidri foldo vetr tuttogo. 
44. Aor her-far hilmir gerdi 
til Englandz me6d of-stopa: 
felldo vestr { vapn-primo 195 
Enskir menn Oldfs brédor. 
45. T6k fridsamr til faodor-leifdar 
ok Ar-szell OrArr Kyrrr: 
sé ré6 gramr gryttri foldo 
sam-fast vetr siau ok tuttogo. 180° 
46. Kom of bratt ando at rena 
mikil sé6tt Magnuss fador : 
s4 var enn aolingr grafinn 
Kristz at kirkjo { Kaupangi. 
47. Enn Olafr 4tti enn Kyrri 185 
fréknan son ok fidr gé6an: 
ré$ Maenus fyr mani Yggjar 
tio vetr at tali fyrda. 
48. Fra-ek Brerrcettr barn at etti 
Magntis marg pau-er metoré hafdo: 190 
véro pess pengils synir 
fremdar-fliétz fimm konungar. 
49. Fér mal-sniallr Magnus konungr 
til Irlandz ungr at herja: 
var 4geetr Eysteins fadir £95 
fleina flaug felldr { ‘peiri.’ 
50. Pat er pa sagt, at saman rédi 
pidd-konungar prir fyrir landi: 
pat hefi-ek heyrt at hafi varla 
fremri broedr 4 fold komit. 200 





Bastard’s heir, and Sigurd Sow the son of Halfdan. Sigurd begat a son 
on Asta, who had the name of HaroLtp, That wise king ruled the 
land alone for twenty winters, till in his pride he made an expedition to 
England. The English felled Olaf’s brother west in the battle [Stamford 
Bridge]. The peaceful and season-blessed OLAF THE QUIET took up 
his. father’s estate. He ruled the land seven-and-twenty winters 
through. Too soon came a mighty sickness to stop the breath of 
Magnus’ father. The king was buried at Christ Church in Cheaping. 
But Olaf the Quiet had a noble and generous son. MAGNus ruled the 
land ten years, as men tell it up. I know that BARELEG had many 
glorious children of his blood: five of his sons became kings. King. 
Magnus went to Ireland in his youth to harry. Yea, Eystan’s father 
was stricken down in battle there. It is told that three fellow-kings 
ruled the land together. I have heard that three nobler brothers never 





179. redr, Cd. 196. Read, i fl, fl. f. padra? 











- 


oe « a ; , ‘ 


$6.] KONUNGA-TAL. 317 


we VarS Ordre ungr in Gépr 
lof-szell fyrstr lif at missa : 
matto bess Magntiss sonar 
skamma stund skatnar nidta. 
52. Gerdi flest pat er frama gegndi 205 
innan-landz Eysteisn konungr : 
unz hiart-verkr hilmi froeknan 
brigda brAtt til bana leiddi. 
53: Peir ero broedr badir lagdir 
nordér f grund 4 Nfdar-bakka : 210 
par stendr hatt f hafud-kirkjo 
Oldfs skrin yfir altari. 
54. Enn Sicurpr s¥no lifdi 
peirra lengst priggja broédra : 
hinn er ut til Iérsala 215 
freegsta for fér or landi. 
55: Ré6 Agetr ok ellifo 
sextan vetr Sigurér fyr rfki: 
4dr mann-ské6 Meéra dréttins 
bana-sétt brygdi Iffi. 220 
56. Pess er austr { Oslo be 
lofdungs lfk lagit f kisto: 
nu greer iord yfir iafurs beinom 
at Hallvaréz harri kirkjo. 
BY. Enn bil-traudr bedi lifdi 225 
eptir Sigurd sonr ok déttir: 
pess mun enn pbokkom sfdar 
déttir nefnd Deéla hilmiss. 
58. Nu er heldr sv4 at halla tekr 
eevi-lok iafra at telja:~ 230 
hét Magnus magr Siguréar 
heiptar-giarn, enn Haraldr brdéir. 





walked the earth. First of them, OLAF THE GooD lost his life in his 
youth; the people had but a short while to profit by the rule of Magnus’ 
son. EySsTAN did all that was good within the land [at home], till in 
a short while spasm of the heart brought about his death. Both 
these brothers are laid in the ground north by the banks of Nith, 
where Olaf’s shrine stands high above the altar in the cathedral church. 
But S1GuURD lived far the longest of the three brothers,—he who made 
the very famous journey out of the country away to Jerusalem. Now 
Sigurd ruled the realm sixteen-years-and-eleven, till a murderous mortal 
disease [mania] cut off his life. This king’s body is laid in a coffin east 
in Oslo-by [Christiania]; the grass is growing over his bones by the lofty 
church of St. Hallward. But a son and daughter both outlived Sigurd. 
This daughter of the king of the Dales I will shortly speak of later 
on. And here this count of the kings’ deaths [necrology] is sad for me 
to tell. MaGNnus was the name of Sigurd, but HAROLD was his 





207. =Y. 173. 223. = Book vi, No. 54. 


318 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [BK. VIII. 


59. Peir miak rég-samt rfki hafdo 
nanir freendr { Néregi: 
allt f6r verr an vera skyldi 235 
(pess galt margr) 4 medal peira. 
60. Unz Magnus misti beggja 
seemdar-laust sigrs ok heilso: 
pat veit hverr, at Haratpr GILLI 
var sex vetr sam-fast- konungr. 240 
61. Aér an lofdSung af lff-dagom 
tfrar-laust t6ko fyrdar : 
S4 er { Kristz kirkjo iardaér 
{ Biargin brdééir iafra. | 
62. Fr4-ek land-varn ept lidinn reesi 245 
Sygna grams at synir toeki: 
var Eystrmsn Inga brédir 
séknar-giarn, enn SicuRDR annarr. 
63. N46i freegt { fridi at standa 
peygi lengi peirra rfki: 250 
pvi-at beir bro@dr, er bruto scéri, 
bana-spiét barosk eptir. 
64. Varat saklaust p4-er Sigurd hafdo 
freekinn mann fiarvi reentan: - 
s4 er { fold hid fedr sfnom ' age 
{ Biewrgin buinn at liggja. 
65. Var Eysteinn austan-Fiardar 
lffi reentr af lidi Inga: 
nui er s4 gramr grundo ausinn 
andar sparr austr at Forsi. 260 
66. St66 einart Inca rfki 
Attian vetr ok adra siau: 
unz Hakon med her-lidi 
austr { Vik Inga felldi. 





brother. These kinsmen had a reign of sore feud in Norway. Every- 
thing went worse between them that should have been; many a man 
had to pay for it; till at last Magnus miserably lost both victory and 
virility. Every one knows that Harold Gillie-[Christ] was king six 
years together, till men ingloriously took his life. He is laid in the 
earth at Christ Church in Bergen. I know that after the king’s death 
his sons took charge of: the land—EysTAN and SIGURD, the brothers of 
IncI. Their rule did not long endure peacefully, for the brothers 
broke their oaths, and took up the spear of deadly strife. It was not 
guiltlessly that Sigurd was robbed of his life; he was duly laid by his 
father in Bergen. Eystan was robbed of his life by Ingi’s following 
east of the Firth [of Christiania]. He lies lifeless with the earth heaped 
above him east by Force. Ingi’s sway endured eighteen winters and 
seven to boot, till HAKON with his army struck him down east in 





. 250. lengr, Cd. 259. =Y. 175. 








§ 6.] KONUNGA-TAL. 319 


67. Sa er gunn-diarfr gramr { Oslo 265 
haudri hulér at hafod-kirkjo: 
enn HaAxon hlaut at r4da 
litla stund landi ok begnom. 
68. Pvi-at Erlingr Atti inn Skakki 
veenan son ok vel borinn: 270 
gofo landz-folk eptir lidinn Inga 
konungs nafn Kristfnar bur. 
69. Ok Macenus 4 Meéri norér 
freméar-giarn felldi Hakon: 
s4 var vin-sell vigdri moldo 275 
resir hulér { Raumsdali. 
70. Var sékn-diarfr son Kristinar 
siautian vetr { samt konungr: 
unz 4gztr austr { Sogni 
froeekinn gram felldi Sverrir. 280 
"I. Nu er gunn-diarfs { graf lagit 
Magnuss lik { musteri: 
{ Biawrgin, par-er buit golli 
stendr skraut-goert skrin Sunnifo. 
"2. Nu er pat synt at Sverrir reOér 285 
égnar-arr einn fyr riki: 
allo pvfi, er Att hefir 
Haralldz kyn Halfdans sunar. 


Il. 


43. P6 skal-ek enn pokkom fleira 
fra Berfcéttz barnom segja : 290 
adlings pess, er aldregi 
elld né iarn 6éttask haf6i- 

74. Hét ein daglings déttir Péra, 





the Wick. He is shrouded in mould at the cathedral church at Oslo. 
Albeit Hakon was fated to rule land and lieges but a little while, for 
Erling Shank had a fair and well-born son, and the people of the land 
gave the name of king to Christina’s child after Ingi’s death. Yea, this 
MaeGnus struck down Hakon north in More. The beloved king 
[Hakon] was shrouded with hallowed dust in Ream’s-dale. CHRIS- 
TINA’S SON [Magnus] was king seventeen winters in all, till the re- 
nowned Swerri felled him in Sogn in the east. Magnus’ body is now 
laid in the grave in the minster at Bergen, where stands the inlaid gold- 
decked shrine of Sunweva. Now it is well known that the warrior 
SWERRI rules alone over the whole realm that Harold, Halfdan’s son, 
held of yore. 

III. Now I am going to speak more at length of the children of 
Bareleg, the Etheling that never shrunk from fire or sword. One of his 
daughters was named THORA. She was given in marriage to a noble- 





265. =Y. 175. 280. gramr, Cd. 


320 TWELFTH-CENTURY POEMS. [ BK. VIII. 


si var gipt gafgom manni: 
allra helzt, st-er Ioan foéddi; 295 
var son-sel systir izofra. 
"5. Kom r4é-vaond resiss déttir 
til Neefr-landz-nykra-borgar : 
gaofog-lynd géérar tidar 
allra helzt Islendingum. 300 
76. Pvi-at hug-rakkr henni at fylgdi 
einga-sonr iafra systor: 
hiarta-priér, s4-er hefir allra 
yta vinr ord-lof fira. 
a P Pat er vist at Ioans verda 305 
metoré mest mistar runna 
einaré-lyndz, par-er eigosk vid 
merkis-menn madlom skipta. 
78. Nu vill kappi vid konungs frenda 
afreks-madr engi deila: 310 
gipto-driigr, sem glikt er, 
ver6r vin-szll vella deilir. 
79. Pétti arr ok désvikall 
fadir hans flestom mannom: 
vissi Loptr und laufi skyja 315 
dédvin sinn engan fcéddan. 
80. Enn Samunpr sina vissi 
SieFUss sone snilli iafnan: 
fadir Loptz, s4-er firom pétti 
hafods-madér um hluti alla. 320 
81. Pat hefir ztt Odda-verja 
iafra-kyns alla prydda: 
déttor-son s4-er dagom optar 
fremsk marg-nytr Magnuss konungs. 


82. Nefnda-ek 4dr ner pria tigi 325 
-  tignar-menn tfri goedda, 





man. She was blessed in her sons, especially in giving birth to JOHN. 
This king’s daughter came to the land of the Roof of the Nixie’s town 
[i.e. Iceland] in a good hour, especially for the Icelanders. For her 
only son came with her, the courteous one, who has a good report of all 
men. It is certain that John is the highest in rank of all men, fore- 
most where men of mark take counsel together [at the Moots]. No 


one will vie with this kinsman of kings, for he is much beloved, as is | 


most natural, His father LorT was deemed gallant and guileless by 
all: he had no enemy beneath the foliage of the clouds [under heaven]. 
And S#MUND SIGFUSSON, the father of Loft, was unequalled in wisdom, 
and was deemed foremost in everything. But the pride of the Ordwara 
family (see Sturl. ii. 487) is the famous son of the daughter of King 





295. Ion, Cd. 305. Ions, Cd. 315. lofi, Cd. 320. vid, Cd. 





* =| * 
Te ee ele ee 


- 
ee ee ee ee a ae 











§7.] IORUN THE POETESS. 321 


preeto-laust enn peir eru 
Ioans ettar allir iaofrar. 


83. Nd bid-ek Krist, at konungs spialli 
hafi pat allt er hann céskir sér, 330 
gipto-driigr af Godi sialfom 
allan aldr, ok unads nidti. 


Onpp-MIOR. 


CIOLDUNGR rak meé skildi Skeidar-brand or landi, 
ré6 s4 konungr sfdan sniallr Néregi allom. 








§7. SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. 


THIS poem might have appeared with the other poems of Harold 
Fairhair, but that one has no means of knowing whether Ierun was 
contemporary with the events she describes or no. All we can with 
certainty say is, that Ari has drawn from it one particular in his text 
of Harold’s life, the quarrel between father and son, where he mentions 
‘Thorsbiorg’ within Cape Stad, and ‘Rein-slétta,’ place-names drawn 
from this poem, either from the pure text (for ours is over-painted and 
polished) or from lost verses. If lorun were not earlier, we should fancy 
that she was a contemporary of St. Olaf, but the few lines remaining of 
her have been so metamorphosed that it is hard to judge. There are a 
score of Ioruns in Landnama-bok, but none that one could fix on. 

The place ‘ Rein-slétta’ seems to have stood in |, 11, where the 
MSS. have ‘raun,’ but beyond this we cannot mend the verses much. 

The story of the incident related, touching Sindri the poet, has been 
given, vol. ii. p. 29. 

We take what is left to be a strophe of a longer poem, which dealt 
with more than our tale, perhaps a poem of Embassies, which indeed in 
Ireland formed one class of stories, just as cattle-spoils, elopements, 
banquets, etc. did. The words of Harold’s Saga, ‘According to this tale 
Iorun the poet-maiden (Skald-mzr) made a certain section of Sendibit,’ 
evidently refer to a poem of which the ‘erendis’ were many and 
various. A Saga of the poetess would have been a welcome thing, but 
we are doomed to rest ignorant about this unknown lady. 


Worm STEINTHORSSON. A poet whose age is also unknown (probably 
of St. Olaf’s time). He has left an unplaceable scrap, a beginning of an 





Magnus [John]. Now I have named near three tens of famous princes : 
they are all without gainsaying of the family of John. 

Epilogue. Now I pray Christ that this companion of kings may. have 
all that he desires, life-long prosperity from God himself, and enjoy 
a life of bliss. 


Opp-m1orR. The Shielding with his shield drove Galley-Brand out 
of the land. The gallant king ruled all Norway after this. 


VOL. II. Y 
> 





322 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [nx. vm. 


Encomium, and a piece of a Dirge on his dead lady, which ought to 
have been preserved whole: it is touching, and unlike other dirge- 
poetry. The metre is rough and ‘docked,’ feeling its way towards 
eight-measure. That Worm had made satires, a hint in |. 1 shows. 


IORUN THE POETESS (Sennzsir). 
(Lines 1, 2 from Lives of Kings; 3-12 from St. Olaf’s Saga in AM. 75 c. 4to.; 
13, 14 from Edda,) 
I, ARALD fr4-ek Halfdans spyrja heréi-bragd (enn lagdiss 
synisk svart-leitr reyni sia bragr) enn Har-fagra: 
Pvi-at rfkr konungr rekka reyr und-lagar dreyra 
moréz p4-es merkja pordo magnendr héfsk at fagna. 


2. Hvar viti einkar arvir ar-vedrs frama goervan 5. 


tingl-ryrondom tungla tveir iafrar veg meira? 
an ged-hardir goerdo gollz land-rekar pollom 
(upp angr um hdfsk Yngva 6blindr) fyr lof Sindra. 

3.  Hrdér vann ‘ Hringa strfdiss’ harm fyr-kvedinn ramman ; 
Godthormr hlaut af ‘Gauti’ g63 laun kvedins ddar: 10 
‘raun-framla’ br4 rimmo runnr Skialdunga ‘gunnar’ 

(4dr bidsk herr til hiarva hreggs) daglinga tveggja. 

4.  Bragningr ré6 { bl66i (beid herr konungs reidi) 
[huis luto opt fyr eiso] 6piddar slag ridda. 


DIRGE BY ORMR STEINPORSSON (Edda). 


I. oe purfot ala ugg (ango sny-ek { Vidriss feng 
hadi) [kunnom hréér-sm{6 haga] of mfinn brag. 


2,  Pvi-at hols hryn-bd4ls hramma, batz ek ber framm 
Billings 4 ‘burar’ full biarkar hefi-ek lagit mark. 
3. At veri borit bidrs brikar ok miftt Ifk 5 


(rekkar nemi) dauds (drykk Dvalins) { einn sal. 





Sendibit. 1 have gathered how Harold Fairhair heard of Halfdan’s 
venturous plots, and this behaviour seemed to him black-hued. The 
great king went forth to war against his son. Who has ever heard of 
more glorious honour granted to any man than this which the Two 
Kings bestowed on Sindri for his song? Open strife had arisen between 
the two princes. The poet’s song prevented a great calamity. Guth- 
thorm gat from the king of the Ring-folk a good largesse for the poem 
he delivered; yea, the poet clearly stopped the battle between the Two 
Kings, when both armies were in array for the fight at Rein-slade within 
Cape Stad. ‘The prince reddened his shafts in the blood of the wicked. 


Worm Steinthorsson. A Dirge on his Lady. Prologue. Men need not 
fear my song, I put no spite in it; I know the poet’s craft [1 am not 
writing satire now]. But when I deliver the cup of Billing’s maid [the 
poem], I put the mark of a fair lady on it [dedicate it to her]. Would 
that my dead body and hers were laid in one grave. Let men hear this 


Dwarves’ draught of mine! The lady was clad in clean white raiment, 





g. fyr-] emend.; fram kvedinn, Cd. 11. Read, Rein-slétto? ... fyrir 
Staé...innan. 4. Read, bridar? i.e. Gunnlad. 


ep ore 














$7] EILIF KULNA-SWAIN. 323 


4.  Skorda vas { fat feérd fiard-beins afar-hrein ; 
nyri sloeng nadd-Freyr nisting um miadar-Hrist. 

5.  ‘Hrddrar’ niéti funa Frfdr! fundins merda-ek salar grund ; 
fastan lagda-ek flagds gust fiardar 4 brimis gard. 10 


From another Song tn different metre (Ups. Edda). 


Ek hefi ord-gnétt miklo (opt finnom pat) minni 
[fram bar-ek leyf6 fyr lofda] lids, an ek munda kiésa. 


Réd-ek penna mag manni i ; ; ; 
P ; : : Vind-svals unad blindom. 


EILIFR KULNA-SVEINN. 


EILIF KULNA-SWAIN must be distinguished from EilifGudrunson, Of 
this man we know no more than we can gather from the scraps of his scat- 
tered in Edda. They seem to belong to an Encomium on a Saint (ver. 3). 
Two of the lines refer to a scarcity of hay caused by ice and snow 
(ver. 4). It is not impossible that the Saint referred to may be Bishop 

ohn of Holar (d. 1121), whose holy prayers and vow of the founding of 

hing-ore church brought about a miraculous thaw after a terrible 

winter and long frost, whereby a ‘hay-famine’ had begun. The story, 
as given in the Bishop’s life, runs— 

“When St. John had been but a short while in his see, men fell into 
great straits, they were visited by mighty storms and cold weather, so 
that the ground was not green at the spring-moot-tide. The holy 
bishop John went to the spring-moot [in May] which was held at 
Thing-ore ; and when he got there, he made a vow for a good season, 
with the consent of the whole people, promising that they would rear a 
church and glebe-farm there, and that each should do his share till the place 
was finished. After the vow, the holy bishop John took off his mantle, and 
himself marked out the foundation walls for the church; and so swiftly 
were men’s condition bettered, that in the same week all the ice was 
gone, whereby the famine for the most part had risen, so that it could 
be no more seen anywhere; and the earth began to yield so fast, that 
there was well-nigh plenty of pasture grass for sheep within a week’s 
time.” This church and glebe became famous soon after, from the 
completion of the bishop’s plan, by the founding of a Benedictine 
cloister at Thing-ore (1133), in which several learned Icelanders have 
lived; Abbot Karl, the author of Swerri’s Saga; the two monks Odd 
and Gunnlaug; and, if we may guess, perhaps Eilif himself. 

There is a curious play on the word ‘ vond-ol,’ ‘ vond’ being supplied 
by its equivalent ‘torra%in’ [this grammatical pun makes it unlikely 





the needle-man sewed up her body in a new garment. May she enjoy 
the earth [rest in peace]. I have ended my song of praise. I have set 
my mindon.... 

Beginning of an Encomium. My word-store is lower than I would. 

I deliver my Song of Praise to the Prince.... I was a blind man 
this... .son of Windcold [winter].... 





8. song, W. g. Read, haudrs? 11. mikla, Cd. 


Y2 ~ 





324 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [BK. VIII. 


indeed that it could be by his tenth-century namesake, Eilif Gudrunson]. 
Verses 1-3 appear to be a variation of the burden. 


On BisHop Joun (?). 
(Verses 1-4 from Edda; verse 5 from Skalda.) 


I. HyR°?TZ lftr helgom criici heims ferd ok lid beima, 
sann er enn all dyrd annor ein Mario sveini. 


2. Hird lytr himna dyrdar hrein Mario sveini ; 
matt vidr mildingr dréttar (madr er hann ok God) sannan. 
3.  Mattr er an menn of hyggi metr Gods vinar betri; 5 


pé er Engla gramr allo arr helgari ok dyrri. 
4. Himins dyrd_lofar halda (hann er allz konungr) stilli. 
5.  Wo6ro vatn ok myrar [verdr hitt at pau skerda] 

(svell var 46r) of alla [al tor-r4din] hdla. 

6. Baro meta méti malm-pings vidir palma 10 
(sveit hraud) seggja bcéti (sorg) er hann kom til borgar: 
sv4 ladar siklingr skyja sin, hiarta, til, biartir 
p4 er fyréda gram fora feogr verk med trd sterkri. 


UNCLASSED FRAGMENTS OF ENCOMIA, etc. 


MOSTLY anonymous, drawn from later parts of Edda, and from 
Skalda. They appear to have been overlaid, and some of them are 
undoubtedly old. Even those scraps which have a name appended are 
by poets not in Skalda-tal, so we cannot class them, and have 
preferred to set them together here in such rough arrangement as 
was feasible, under the heads MYTHICAL, HISTORICAL, PERSONAL, 
SATIRICAL, LEGENDARY. 

There is not much to be got from them apparently, but one or two 
are certainly interesting. Haflida-mal was probably a satirical Dialogue. 
Gudbrand, Skraut-Odd, Thorolf, Thord More’s poet, Erringar-Stein (Brawl 
Stone), Gamli Gnevada-scald, Hall, and Harold, etc. are the poets whose 
names have been preserved. ‘The fragment (9) is on Cnut the Great, 
or St. Cnut; the No. 17 on Magnus the Good, or Magnus Barefoot. 
There are bits of poems on Kugi and Swala, and two pieces called Strid- 
kera-visor (cf. p. 336, § 7, No. 6) and Morgin-sol (Morning Sun) which 
look genuine. 

There is a bit on the Wolsung cycle, a scrap on the Hagbard-Haki 
legend, and a bit from a Drapa on Asmund o’Gnod. Verses II. 6 and 64 





Burden. The host of heaven and the company of mankind bow to 
the Holy Rood. There is no greater glory than that of the only son 
of Mary. The army of heaven bow to the pure son of Mary. Wide 
is his fame, he is God and Man. 

The friend of God’s mother [Bishop John] is mightier than men think, 
but the Lord of all angels is holier and nobler than all. The angels 
praise the Lord, the King of All. 

The waters were over all the marshes and hills, but before this there 
was ice, hence it came about that hay-cocks were getting scarce. 

Joyfully they carried precious palms to meet the Saviour when He 
rode into the city: thus the Lord of Heaven welcomes those of pure 
heart who bring him good deeds with strong faith, 








§7.]| UNCLASSED FRAGMENTS OF ENCOMIA. 325 


look as if they came from a poem of the same class as Islendinga-Drapa, 
Book x, § 5. 

The Charlemagne legend is referred to in IV, No. 16: cf. Bp. Biarni’s 
Proverb-Song. 

Einar Skulason’s hand seems to be felt in several of these scraps. 
There is a marked difference in Skaldscapar-mal between the early 
good quotations, the middle citations of whole poems (unworked 
material collected by the first editor perhaps), and the mass of later and 
balder and drearier verse (much by Einar himself) in the end part, 
which is unfinished. 


I. Myruicat. 
I. APR diip-hugadr drepi dolga ramr med hamri 
gegn 4 grediss vagna gagn-sell fadir Magna. 
2. Adr grimm-hugadr gengi af Gridt-méda daudom. 
Haflida-mdl. 3. Ristu mi, Fala, fardu { bud hinig, 

po es mals-gengi mikit. 
4. Reid Brynhildar brédir bort s4-er hug né skorti. 
5. Haki var brendr 4 bali par er brim-slddir 650. 
6. pordi Idja orda ae ° 


II, HrsToricat. 

(From Edda; verses 8, 10, 20-24 from Skalda.) 

Bordr Mera-skald. 1. SER & seima ryri sigdiss latrs at Sttom 
hrauns gléd-sendir handa hermdér fodur gdédan. 
2. 5 (enn cerno nadi ims sveit freka hveiti), 
[gera dléra naut gyldir] gialpar st6d i blddi. 
Erringar-Steinn. 3. Enn pétt dfrid sannan al-pidd segi skaldi, 
hlédom Geitiss mar gridti (gladir nenno ver) penna. 
Gamli Gnevadar- 4. Odlingr drap ser ungom ungr nagl-fara tungor 
skald. inn-bordz ok orda afl-fatt medal-kafla. 


Haraldr. 5- Grund liggr und bér bundin breid holm-fidturs leidar, 
hein-landz hoddom grandar Hédr eitr-svélom nodri. 





I, MyTHIcAL. On Thor. Ere the victorious father of Magni struck 
.... with his hammer. 

On Thor and Rungni. Ere the fierce one [Thor] left Stone-heart [the 
giant Rungni] dead. 

Haflidi’s lesson. Arise, O Fala, and come into the booth; there is a 
great talk going on there. 

From a strophe or burden on the Wolsung cycle. Brunhild’s bold brother 
rode away. 

The death-pyre of Haki, Hagbard’s brother, on board a ship launched 
aflame on the sea. Haki was burned on a bale fire where the surges were 
washing. 

II. HisToricaL. Thord Mora-scald. It is manifest that we had a noble 
father [king]. 

A battle scrap, perhaps by Thord. The wolf waded in gore, etc. 

Erringar-Stein. Though all men report war from the south, yet let 
us fill our bark with stones. 

Gamli Gnevad’s poet. The young king struck with his hilted brand. 

Harold’s obscure verse, Hall’s battle lines, Atli’s Arnor-like scrap on the 
burning and barrying of some land, and Leidolf’s bit of eulogy follow. 


7 





326 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [BK. VIII. 


Hallr. 6.  Heidingja sleit hungri, har gyldir naut sara, 
granar raud gramr 4 fenri, gekk ulfr i fen drekka, 
Alli. 7: Cx rydsk (eisor vaxa) all-mérg, [loga hallir; 
hus brenna; gim geisar; géd-mennit fellr] bldédi. 
Leidolfr. 8. Nidrér bar goll or gardi grams pess er verdung framdi. 
Anonymous. 9Q. Allvalda kann-ek aldar austr ok sudr of flausta 
(Sveins es sonr at reyna) setr (hveim gram betri). 
" 10. Skid gekk framm at floedi fld6s i hreggi ddo. 
* II. Sva skaut gegn i goegnom gard stein-farinn barda 
(s& vas gny-stoerir geira gunnar hefr) sem nefrar. 
“ 12, Erom 4 leié fra 140i lidnir Finnom-skridno ; 
austr sé-ek fidll af flausta ferli geisla merlod, 
. 13.  Oregildiss var-ek eldi als Fiérgynjar mala 
dyger sé heidr ok hreggi ‘ hryn bods ar’ stedja. 
fa 14. Hregg-skornis vil-ek handa haleitan miéd vanda. 
a 15. Ganga él of unga Ullar skips med fullo 
par er sam-nagla siglor slidr-dukadar rida, 
ia 16. Ogn-rakkr skalat okkra, almr dyn-skurar malma, 
(sv& baud lind i landi linus) hug-rekki dvina. 
a 1%. Eldr brennrat sia sialdan (sviér dyggr idfurr bygdir) 
{blasa rénn fyrir resi reyk] es Magnus kveykir. 
is 18. Bodi fell 4 mik bradla, baud heim med ser Geimi, 
pa ek eigi 166 legiss ° ° : . ° 
9 19. Hraud i himin upp glédom hafs; gekk ser af afli; 
bord hygg-ek at sky skoréi; skaut Ranar vegr mana. 
9 20. Hring-lestir gekk hraustan hverjom kunnr at gunni, 
¥ $15 Fér hvat-r4dr hilmi at finna 
adr siklingr til setta gekk. 
% 22. pat hef ek sagt er sialfr vissak 


dulér fer-ek hins er drengr pegir. 

ANONYMOUS FRAGMENTS, 9-24. On one of the Canutes. I know all 
the kings east and south of the sea, and the son of Sweyn is the best of 
all his line. 

A gale. Magnus’ home-coming, or the like. The ship ran out to sea in 
the mad gale. 

An archer-hero. Heshot through the painted shield as though it were 
lime-bark. 

Home from Finland. We are speeding away from the Scrid-Fins’ land, 
I see in the east from the sea the sun’s beams glancing back from the 
glittering hill-tops. 

The faithful poet. 1 was faithful.... = 

Prologue of a poem. 1 will raise high the mead of .... [poesy]. 





Two obscure fragments (15,16). The first talks of ‘broad canvassed sails,’ — 


On a King Magnus. ‘They are not far between the fires that Magnus 
kindled. 


Peril at sea. The billow fell upon me. Ocean bade me home to him, 
but I did not accept his welcome. 

The storm. The embers of the deep [foam] surged up to heaven, the 
sea rose very mighty; I think that the ship was tossed up to the clouds; 











$7.] UNCLASSED FRAGMENTS OF ENCOMIA. 327 


Anonymous. 23. Sa er af {slandi ardi bardi. 
ne 24. Hve’s efek hleyp atcruci . . . ,. 


III. Prrsonar, SATIRICAL. 
(From Skalda, v. § from W. App.; vv. 8, 10 from Lauf. Edda; v. 9 from AM. 748.) 


Anonymous. 1. HREk«k at Hauga-brekko[m] hétz meir an til gitom 
fyrir hidr-goedi hridar Hallddrr { bug skialdi. 


_ 2. Framm praukodo fakar fidrir senn und henni, 
pé gat peim in hava prym-gé6ll hladit dllom. 


. Heill kom-pui handar svella hlynr, kvaddi své Brynja. 
4 
5 


: Her liggja brot beggja, brudr, strykvinna svida. 
4 Hefka ek opt (enn evi 4-ek flidds lofa géda) 


9 
Morginsél. 
enni-leiptr af unnar eld-spéng degi léngom. 

Aura stendr fyrir 6rom eik fagr-buin leiki. 


Kiga-drdpa, 7 
Stridkera- ‘ pess sit-ek pagra hnossa prudr avalt in prfida 
visor. hverjom leik 4 hraka hnuggin Gleipniss tuggo: 
at urd-heeings iardar ytendr fyrir mer nytir, 
greipar svellz ins gialla gefn, Stridkera nefni. 


3 
Anonymous. 6 
Megin-hreddir ro menn vid Kuga, meiri ertu hverjom peira. 

8 


Gudbrandr on 

Svala (poem). 9. Upp dregr mokk inn mikla mdé-stallz veréld alla. 
Gnodar As- 10. Megn i gegn glyggvi (kvad grefja tyggvi) 
mundardrdapa. {halft nam hann pat liga] hrafnar titt fliiga. 


Skraut-Oddr. 11. Ef veri bil baro brunnins logs si-er unnom 
(opt geerig orda skipti einrcenliga) 4 boenom. 


The same. 12. Béls munat bor at dylja Bergpérs ndsom drom. 
Anonymous, 13. Rann hreddari hranna hyr-briétr fra styr lidtom. 
a“ 14. pvi hefek heitid mey mztri mest nema hamlan bresti. 
me 15. Vetti ek harms nema hitta héfod-gollz naim Fullo. 
” 16. —_ Blés um hvdpta hdsa h6fod skripa-mannz pipa. 





the streamers of Ran (see Balder’s Doom, 1. 49, vol. i. p. 183) [foam- 
sheets cut off by the wind] were flung against the moon. 

The rest are in old-metre or mere phrases (20-24) referring to war 
(20, 21), to the poet’s heroes (22, 23), and to some ecclesiastic figure (24). 


III. PERSONAL. On a certain Haldor. At Howe-brinks [a play-moot 
place mentioned in Eyrbyggia, ch. 40] Haldor squatted behind the bend 
of his shield rather more than we guessed he would. 

On a big bell being drawn to its steeple. Four horses plodded along 
together under her, but yet the big bell was a load for them. 

A greeting. Hail, O man.... thus the giantess [lit. Brindle, a cow’s 
name] greeted me. 

Of his poem. Here lie the mortals of the ship of the Dwarves, lady ! 

Morning Sun. A love-song. The live-long day 1 could not lift mine 
eyes from her. 

A lover’s pain. The lady so fairly arrayed stands between me and joy. 

On Kugi. All are afraid of Kugi, thou outdoest them all. 

The rest (8-16) are scarcely translateable or worth translating; to the 
satirical ones we have not the key. In No. 8 there is a pun, the slaver 
of the Wolf=Van=VaAn, hope. No. 16 is a satire on a flute-player. 


328 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [ BK. ViIL. 


IV. LEGENDARY. 


; FORK letk 2 sem orkar at glamrandi hamra 
& glot-kylli gialla Geirhildar hvi meira: 
iarn-stafr skapar cerna (ero sollin rif trolli) 
har & Hialta-eyri hrid, kerlingar sido.—Landn. iii. ch. 14. 


Lae! 


2. Einn byggi-ek st0d steina, stafn-rim Atals hrafni ; 
‘erat’ of begn 4 piljom proeng, by-ek 4 ‘ mar” ranga: 
rim er bdd-vitrom betra (brim-dyri kn4 ek styra) 
[lifa man pat med lydom lengr] an illt of gengii—_Landn. ii. ch. 6. 


3. Sniallr 4 haug 4 hello, Hialdr 4 bué til kalda . 
—vekit ér i dag dreyra drétt, nu er sigr 4 spidtom !— 10 
valdr man hitt at Hildar hlejandi raud-ek blejo 
(skidld nefni-ek sv) sk6fnom skiéma fyrstr at rémo; 

Min stéé bud sizt broedéra brandz gekk hvaérr fyr annan 
‘holl ok heldom sniallir her fellom pa velli’ 
hrésar ‘ hug fyrir visa’ Hialdr, ero vig til sialdan ; 
gledr oss pat er val Vidri veit ek pik gefa teitan,— 
Landn. Hauks-bok, App. 


4. Maiti dogla deilir diéom rakkr sd-er hadi, 
‘biartr’ med bezto hiarta, ‘ ben-régn,’ fadir Hogna: 
heldr kvazt hialmi faldinn hidr-piljo sia vilja 
vetti stafr enn vegja Val-freyjo stafr deyja— 20 
V. st. d— Niala, ch. 79. 


5. Mundit mello kindar midiungs bruar ldja 
nnr um geira senno galdrs bra-regni halda: 
er hre-stykkis hlakka hraustz sins vinir minir 
(tryggvi ek 65) ok eggjar und-genginn spor dundo.—Jiala, ch. 131. 


6. Vissa-ek Hrafn, enn Hrafni hvéss kom egg i leggi, 
hialt-uggodom heeggva hryn-fiski mik brynjo : 





IV. LEGENDARY. Epigram on Stanfred the brave blacksmith, who, with 
his tongs and bars, fought a witch in the shape of a cow. The fork hammers 
about the back of Geirhild as hard as it can, the iron staff beats a loud 
tattoo on the old wife’s side. The fiend’s ribs are broken at Hilt-ore. 

Asmund’s cry from his burial-chamber in the ship, he wants the thralls 
buried with him to be taken away. 1 would fain be alone in my stone 
house. There is an ill crew on the decks of my ship. To a brave 
man room is better than bad company. I can steer my bark.... 

Cairn-songs of two old heroes in a howe at Glammstone in Halland, heard 
by Sig fred the White and Biorn-buck, King Harold Hardrede’s men. Snell 
has a howe on the cliff, Heald has a hilly dwelling. Wake men to a day 
of blood, there is victory now on your spear-points.... My booth is 
furthermost.... Hiald and Snell smile .... Wars are too few. We 
are glad that ye give slain to Woden. Heald and Snell were. the sons of 
Watnar, a king from whom many famous families sprang. 

Gunnar of Lithend. The bold-hearted father of Hogni, he that had 
the bright halbert, spoke; he said he would rather die than give in. 
The verse of Skarphedin, which follows, is quite dark to us. 

' Gunlaug’s ghost sings. Raven cut me with the fin-hilted fish [sword].... 


= 





I. letr, Cd. 5. Read, ill er. 6. Read, ma? 14. Read, hello 
Hialdr , . . Snialli, 15. Read, hugboré ? 





ow a - elites 











$7.] UNCLASSED FRAGMENTS OF ENCOMIA. 329 


p& er ‘hr skerri’ hlyra (hlaut fen ari benja) 
klauf gunn-spiédti gunnar Gunnlaugs hofud nunna. 


66. Rodit sverd, enn sverda, sverd-régnir mik gerdi, 
voro reynd i réndom rand-galkn fyr ver handan : 30 
blédog hygg-ek { blddi b16d-gégl of skér stddo ; 
sar-fikinn hlaut sara sir-gammr en 4 pramma,— 
Gunnlaugs S., ch. 13. 


Ws Var-ek par er bragnar bérdosk, brandr gall 4 Irlandi ; 
margr, par-er moettosk térgor, malmr gnast i dyn hialma: 
svipan peira fra-ek snarpa ; Sigurdr féll i dyn vigra, 
ddr toedi ben bloeeda; Briann fell ok hélt velliiNiala, ch. 148. 
8, Vas-ek par er fell af fialli 168-korn iotuns médir 
ham Berg-risa or himni heidins ‘ 4 na leidar’ 
goerr farr iotunn fleiri ‘fold ivinga moldo’ 
‘homlo heidar pumla’ ham-vata mer béta.— 40 
Landn. Hb, ii. ch. 7. 


9. Hroeng er parz havan pongul heldek . . . . fidr seldak ; 
‘syn er at sitk’ at Ranar, ‘sumir ro { bid’ med humrom: 
liést er lyso at gista, land 4-ek ut fyrir stréndo, 
par sit-ek bleikr i bruki, blaktir mer pari um hnakka.— 
Haralds §., Hulda. 


10. Hégg-orma mun hefjask herdi-pundr 4 landi, 
siaé mego menn 4 moldo margar heila-borgir : 
nui vex blarra brodda beysti-sullr i fidllom ; 
koma mun sumra seggja sveita-deegg 4 leggii— Niala, ch. 134. 


Il. Vist er at allvaldr austan eggjask vestr at leggja 
métz vid marga knuto (minn snudr er pat) prida: 50 
par 4 val-pidorr velja (veit hann cerna ser beito) 
steik af stilliss haukom stafns; fylgi ek par iafnan. 
Skeed letr skina raudan skidld, er dregr at hialdri; 
brudr sér Aurniss idda 6fér konungs goerva : 
sviptir i svardar-kicepta svanni holdi manna ; 
ulfs munn litar innan 68]4t kona blddi—o. h. b. 





In the same complicated metre is Raven’s verse, not worth translation. 

A ghost tells of Brian’s battle. (7) 1 was where men fought. The sword 
was whistling in Ireland. Sigrod fell in the rattle of spears, Brian fell 
but kept the field. 

The giant that wrecks ships. (8) I was where the.... Few giants have 
pulled down more ships. 

A sea-giant. (9) There is boisterous mirth where I wield the tall tangle- 
root.... Thesun shines where I sit at Ran’s. It is blithe summer where 
the lobsters dwell. There are bright guest-quarters with the pike. My 
estate lies far from the shore; there I sit wan in the sea-weed, with 
the tare-weed waving over my head. 

The giant’s prophecy of war, a dream before the Althing battle. (10) Then 
shall be..,. im the land. Men shall see many a skull upon earth. There 
is a plague of spears preparing in the mountains. Blood shall flow to 
men’s knees. 

Portents before Stamford Bridge. (11) Gurth’s dream. It is true my lord 
is going east to meet many knots there [a pun on Knut the name]. There 
will be plenty of prey for the wolves and me. 

Thord’s dream. She hoists a red shield ready for the king’s unlucky 
voyage. She sweeps men’s flesh into the wolf’s mouth. 





41. hefek, Cd. 42. sumor ro blid? 44. pvi, Cd. 





330 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [ BK. VIII. 


Gramr va fregr til fremdar flestan sigr inn Digri; 
hlaut-ek, pvi at heima sdtom, heilagt fall til vallar : 
leggi-ek cefst 146 tiggja, yr mon feigd of byrjod ; 
trollz gefit fakom fyllar fiks; veldrat God sliko.— 60 
Haralds S., Hulda, ch. 114. 


12. Of-fiarri stendr errinn (Ormr brunar dékkr at noekkva) 
harr med hyggjo stéra hlyri minn ok vinnor: 
ef verim her harir Hardraés synir badir 
(Snakr skridr par-er brim blikir) broedr tveir, ne vit pé fladim, 
Leika baréz 4 bordi byr-hreins fyrir per einom 
(gramr mun 4 foldo fremri far) sex-tigir ara: 
mer leikr einn ok annarr éldo sveipr i greipom, 
pvi verd-ek baréz 4 bordi beginn fyrir vegja.— 
O. T., ch. 212 (see Reader, p. 215). 


13. Hildr stendr hverjan morgin hialdrs und raudom skialdi, 
nu hafa sigr-meyjar settan sverd-leik Doénom hardan: 70 
‘eigom viga veigi vil-baldrs fodor illan’” 
‘Odinn horédr sem allir dlidsan val kidsa.’ 
Letr-eigi mik lytir lid-brandz s4 er her grandar 
(reidr em-ek stéla styri) Styrbidrn vera kyrran . . . — 
Flatey-bok, ii. pp. 71, 72. 


14. Hvarf inn hildar diarfi, (hvat vard af porgardi ?) 
villo-madr 4 velli vig-diarfr refil-stiga : 
farit hefir gautr at gridti gunn-eldz inn fidl-kunni, 
sidan man hann i Heljo hvilast stund ok milo.— 
Flatey-bok, i. 214. 


15. Hér liggr skald pat-er skalda’ skérungr var mestr at flesto ; 
nadd-veiti fra-ek nytan nid Hakoni smida: 80 
adr gat cengr né sidan annarra sv manna 
(fregt er ordit pat fyrdom) fé-ran lokit hanom.— 

Flatey-bok, i. 215 (see Reader, p. 146). 





Olaf’s appearance. The stout king [I myself] fought and won till his 
death-day. I got a holy death in battle, for I died at home. I fear ye 


must be death-doomed on your last journey. God does not order such 


an enterprise. 

Thor’s son, Main, overtaken by Olaf Tryggvason at sea. My brother, 
good in thought and deed, is too far off to-day. The black Serpent is 
overtaking my boat. If both of us, the sons of stern Thor, were here, 
we would not fly. The Snake is creeping up, where the sea is whitened 
[by her oars]. Sixty oars [thirty a side] are playing before thee at thy 
ship’s side. One and a second [two] play in my hands at my ship’s side, 
so I must yield to the king. 

Woden appears before Fyris-valla fight, and prophesies the result of the 
Jray. Monster: The Maids of War stand red-shielded every morning, 
the ladies of victory have set a hard sword-game for the Danes.... 

Woden: Styrbiorn will not leave me in peace. I am wroth with him.... 

Earl Thorleif. Vanishing of a ghost over the sea or into the earth. 
Thorgard disappeared, what became of him? Up Refil’s path the ghost 
went. The wizard has gone into the earth, for he will rest in hell for 
ever and a day [lit. an hour and a mile]. 


The ghost-poet. Here lies a poet, the best of poets, who made a. 


lampoon on Hakon. It has become famous. Never before or after 
did a man so well avenge his loss of plunder. 





a ee a ee a ea 











$7] VERSES OF THE SAGA EDITORS. 331 


16.  Hneggi ber-ek x ugg 6tta, hlydi mer drétt! 
Dana vek-ek dular mey drauga 4 kerlaug : 
drapo let ek or Dvalins greip dynja medan fram hrynr 
(rekkom byd-ek Regins drykk rettan) 4 bragar stétt.— 
Flatey-bok, i. 582. 


VERSES OF THE SAGA EDITORS. 


WE have spoken elsewhere of the verses put by thirteenth and four- 
teenth-century editors into the texts of the Sagas, and noticed how it is 
quite impossible to suppose them to be of earlier date. We have printed 
here a few of those which, for one reason or another, are worth special 
notice. To print the whole would be to try English readers overmuch, 
though it might be worth doing some time, as an illustration of a phase 
of Icelandic culture. 

Of the whole number (some 1700 lines) those in Gis/i Sursson’s Saga 
are the only really poetic verses, and present a curious problem, to 
which we may suggest a possible solution. At first view one is struck 
with the definite marks of patchwork and late date; e.g. ‘Hneiter,’ the 
name of St. Olaf’s sword, is used as a common sword-synonym; the 
kennings are ill-adapted, ponderous, long-drawn, the whole work is 
clumsy and botched. But, on the other hand, there are archaic 
words and poetic phrases, as in Il. 6, 10, 12, 20, 25, 31, 44, 63, 82, and 
there is a real beauty and power of romance running like a vein of 
silver through this dull formless block of lines. The case would 
seem to be, that the versifier, to whom we owe the composition as it 
now stands (he is, we think, the editor of our Saga withal), knew a 
snatch or two of some of the finest old poetry in the style of the 
Helgi-Poet, which referred—a. to a Walkyria coming to her lover 
before the battle in which he died, showing him his last resting-place, 
and giving him counsel; and 4. to a Flyting Scene (our 6): that he 
took these genuine old-metre verses and worked them up into bastard 
court-metre stanzas, and used them to ornament his edition of the Gisli 
Saga. It may well be that in the few lines he knew (some score in all 
one might guess) there was no hero’s name given, but we cannot help 
suspecting that if we had more, we should find some allusion which 
would fix them to Kara and her lover. See Book iii, § 1. 

Parallels to Helgi-Poet are ll. 25, 45-56, 82, 91. 

For Gisli Saga see Prolegomena, § 9. There are two vellums, Cod. 
AM= A, Cod. Reg.=B; which latter in the verses is preferable. 

The two American verses by Thorodd of Wineland, which may or 
may not have something genuine in them, are given here from Eric the 
Red's Saga, as noteworthy. 

Heidarviga Saga is full of verse, but we have only taken two as 
specimens: ll. 5-6 are cited in Codex Wormianus from a written Saga, 
we take it (perhaps even the very same now extant). The rare word 
pisl (our thill or phill), an old word, is a reminiscence of some genuine 
verse of older date. 

From Bandamanna (a Saga which we have in its primitive state with- 
out later interpolations) we have two verses in the old metre. 

In St. Olaf’s Saga, AM. 61, there are two more in the same measure. 

In the verses from Gretti’s Saga, probably by Sturla, we have some 





The bewitched king. The Charlemagne story transferred to King Harold 
Fairbair. 1 am waking the dead lady.... 


332 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. (BK. VIL. 


old-metre stanzas which are remarkable for their word-plays, quite in 
the half-humorous taste of the thirteenth century. 

A verse from Egil’s Saga in Rhyme-metre (Rim-henda), attributed 
there to Egil’s grandfather, Kveld-wolf, is an undoubted anachronism. 


I. Gistr Sursson’s SaGa. 


I. BE hugdak at brygdi (bfdkat-ek draums ins pridja 
sliks) af svefni vaktom sar-teina Vésteini : 
p4-er vér { sal s4tom Sigrhaddz vid miad gladdir 
(komsk ei madr 4 midli min né hans) at vini. 


2.  Hylr 4 laun und lfni linn-vengis skap kinna 5 
Gridar less or g660m Gefn él kerom svefna: 
eik berr angri lauka eirekks bra geira 
bré6or doegg 4 bedi blid andugi sfdan. 

3.  Hrynja letr af hvitom hvarm-skégi gna bauga 
hrann fylvingom hyljar hlatr-bann { kné svanna: Io 
hnetr less (enn preyr bessom pagn at merdar ragni 
snaka tins) af sino sién-epli bzal-gréno. 


4.  Teina sé-ek f{ tini T4al-grims-vinar Fa4lo, 
Gautz bess es geig um veittag gunn-bliks, p4-mikla: 
ni hefik gunn-stcéri geira, Grimo-prdétt, um sdttan ; 15 
pann lét-ek lund of lendan land-kost-a4r branda. 
5.  Gatat sal-fastrar systir sveigar min at eiga 
geetin Gitka déttor Gudrinar hug-tinom: 
pa-er log-sa4ga legiss lét sinn af hug stinnom 
(sva rak hon sniallra broeSra) ‘saur freyjan’ ver deyja. 20 


6. | Mondot pau 4 Pérsnesi 
mala-lok 4 minni sak: 





Gisli on the death of his friend Westan, stabbed in his sleep. Westan had 
a bitter waking. When we two sat merrily over wine on the benches 
in Sigrhard’s hall there was no empty space between us, i.e. we sat 
close together. ; 

Aud, Gisli’s wife and Westan’s sister, silently weeping. The lady hides 
her grief behind her head-rail, gathering the showers of her cheeks 
from the rain-cups of dreams [her eyes], and in her mourning for her 
brother the dews are on the high seat of her brows [her face]. She 
shakes the shower of the filberts of woe [tear-drops] from the thicket 
of her brows to her knees, and catches the nuts [big tears] from the 
sorrow-laden apples of her eyes. ; 

Gisli confesses his foe’s slaughter. 1 see the deep furrows in the howe 


of the Mask of the Giantess’ foe [i.e. Thor-grim]. I set upon him [Grimo- 


Prott=Thorgrim]. I sent him to the god of good seasons [Frey]. 
Gisli's. sister, Thordis Thorgrim’s widow, overheard and interpreted bis 
verse and betrayed him. My sister had not the steadfast soul of Gudrun, 





5. qvinna ... leggs, A, B. 6. avl kerum, A, B. 12. A; sion 
hersis, B. 15. Thus B. 16. landkostudar, B. 20. Thus A, B. 





PO a a a ee eee 











a 6 ee 
z - 


§ 7.] VERSES OF THE SAGA EDITORS. 333 


ef Vésteins veri hiarta 
Biartmdrs sonom f briést lagit. 
P4 ghipnodo er gladir skyldo 25 
mé6éor-breéér minnar kvdnar : 
sem eydendr eggi veri 
fiardar dags filo lostnir. 


7. Fold kom-ek inn par-er eldar unn-firs { sal brunno 
(eir 6rom par aura) einn ok sex (at meini): 30 
s4-ek blidliga baéar bekk-sagnir mer fagna 
(hréér-deilir bad heilan hvern mann) f pvf ranni. 
8.  Hyggit at, kvaé Egda ann-spilli var banda, 
mildr, hve margir eldar, malm-runnr, { sal brunno: 
sv4 Attu, kvad bil bloéjo biargs, dlifat margan, 35 
vedr-skialdunga valdi, vettr; nu er skamt til betra. 
9. Geerskattu nzemr, kvad nauma, nid-leiks ara steikar 
err, nema all gétt heyrir idja galdrs at skaldom: 
f4tt kveda fleina brautar fur-pverranda verra, 
randar logs ins renda runnr, an illt at kunna. 40 
10. Vald eigi pu vigi, (vertu 6tyrrinn) fyrri 
moréz vid mcéti-mardo [mer heitid pvi] sleito: 
baug-sendir hialp-pt blindom; Baldr hygg-pt at pvf skialdar ; 
fllt kveda had at haltom; hand-lausom Ty granda. 


11. Heim baud med ser sinom saum-Hlakk gram blakki 45 
(pA var bridér vid beidi bifid) lof-skreyti at rida: 
m4-grundar kvazt mundo (man-ek ord um bat skordo) 
hneigi-s6l af heilo (horn-flcédar) mik goéda. 

12.  Dyr lét drapo stiédra dis til svefns um vfsat 
legiss eldz par er ldgo (lftt t¥ni-ek pvf) dynor: 50 
ok med ser in svinna saums leiddi mik nauma, 
sakat ek hol f hvflo, hlaut skald szing blauta. 





Giuki’s daughter, who put her terrible husband to death to avenge her 
gallant brothers ; i.e. Thordis slays her brother to avenge her husband. 

Gisli’s dead friend. My suit at Thorsness would not have ended so if 
Westan’s heart had been in Biartmar’s sons’ breast. My mother’s 
brothers whimpered, as though they had been children hit by a foul egg, 
when they should have been merry. 

The fair Dream-Lady. Gisli’s vision of the seven fires. 1 came into a 
hall where seven fires were burning. I saw the men off both benches 
welcome me thither. Lo, said the Dream-Lady, as many fires as burn 
in this hall, so many winters hast thou to live! Do not take up witch- 
craft, said she, nought is worse for a man than to know evil! Do not 
be the first to wake slaughter, help the blind, mock not the lame, hurt 
not the handless Tew [the handless man] ! 

The fair Dream-Lady has prepared a place of bliss for him. The lady bade 
me ride with her on a grey steed, promising me loving entertainment. 
She took me to sleep whereon down cushions lay, and led me to a bed, 





33- Agda, A; Agdi,B. 49. B; sess, A. 52. B; lagdi heil i hvilo, A. 
| * 


334 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. [BK. VIIL 


13. Hingat skaltu, kvaé hringa hildr at é66ar gildi, 
fleina-pollr, med fullo fiall-heyjaér deyja: 
p& muntu Ullr ok allo fsungs fé pvisa 55 
(pat hagar okkr til audar) orm-l4ds, ok mer rdéa. 


14. Villa oss ef elli odd-stridir skal bfda, 


15.  Eigi verdr (enn orda oss ler um pat) [skoréa 


16. Skulod it ei, kvad skorda skapt-kers, ‘saman’ verja 
sv4 hefir ykkr til ekka eitrs god-munar leitaé: 
All-valdr hefir aldar erlendis mik senda 65 
enn or cedra-ranni annan heim at kanna. 

17. | Hugda-ek pv4 mer prddi. premja linnz or brunni, 


Odins elda lavdri, auds, mina skaor rauda: 

ok hyr-kneifar hreifa hand veri pvi blandi 

bals { benja éli bl65-raud vala slddar. 70 
18. Hugda-ek geymi-gandul gunn-elda mer falda 

um rak-skorinn reikar rif dreyrogri hufo ; 

veri hendr 4 henni i hiar-regni pvegnar ; 

sv4 vakti mik Saga saums or minom draumi. 


19.  Vissa-ek fidndr at fundi (fekk-ek) innan (li6 minna) 75 

4r pdétt ek eigi vera andadr at mer standa: 
(geett var verr) enn veeri (val-tafn { mun hrafni) 
fridr { fagro bl6déi faémr pinn rodinn mfno. 

20.  Hugda-ek bl66 um bdédar, baug-Hlfn, granar mfnar 
hardar hvasso sverdi hre-netz regin setja: 80 
ok val-meerar veri Var af miklo fari 
(likn reynomk sti lauka) lifs vanir mer grénar. 





and laid me therein. Hither shalt thou come after death, of a truth, and 
then thou shalt possess me and all this wealth. 

The dark Dream-Lady prophesying woe. My dreams belie if I am to live 
to an old age. A lady appears to me in my dreams; my dreams are 
bodeful of no good. As soon as I fall asleep a woman visits me, 
washing me all over in blood. Ye two shall not, she said to me, wed 
one another or live in bliss together; so the word of doom has 
decreed. Woden has sent me from his High Hall to this world. Then 
I dreamed that she washed my ruddy hair with the lather of Woden’s 
fires [blood] and her hands were dabbled with blood. I dreamed that 
she covered my close-cropped head with a gory cap, her hands were 
laved in blood. Then my Lady (his wife) woke me from my dream! 

His last dreams told to his wife. 1 thought my enemies had compassed 
me about here, and that thy bosom was dyed with blood.... I dreamed 





56. ok mer] A; fyrir, B. 63. B; vera, A; read, lini verja. 64. god- 
runar, A, 65-66. A; pik sendan einn or yéro ranni, B. 





- 














§ 7.] VERSES OF THE SAGA EDITORS. 335 


21. Hugda-ek hiffar flagda hristendr af mer kvista 
(stér fengom ben) brynjo badar hendr med vendi: 
enn fyrir mekiss munni minn hugda-ek, Syn tvinna, _— 85 
(oss gein hiarr um hiassa) hialm-stofn ofan klofna. 

22. Hugda-ek Siafn { svefni silfr-bandz at mer standa 
(Gerdr hafdi si garda) gratandi (bra vata) : 
ok eld-Niorunn aldo all-skyndila byndi 
(hvat hyggr-pi mer in mera?) min sar er pa varo. 90 


23.  Fals hallar skal fylla fagr-leit si er mik reitir 
rekki-l4t at rekkom regns sinom vin fregna: 
vel hygg-ek, bdétt eggjar ftr-slegnar mik biti; 
p4 gaf sfnom sveini sveréz minn fadir herdo. 


If. Eric Rep’s Saca. 


: H4FA kyv4do mik meidar malm-pings er ek kom hingat 
(oss samir litt fyrir ly3om lasta) drykk inn bazta: 

Bildz hattar verdr bytto beidi-tyr at reida ; 

heldr er hitt at ek kryp at keldo; komat vin 4 grén mina. 
2. Férom aptr par er érir ero, sand-himins, landar, 5 
Jatom kenni-val kanna knarrar skeid in breido: 
medan bil-styggir byggja bellendr peir-er hval vella 
laufa vedrs, peir er leyfa lond, & Furdo-stréndom. 


_ 


III. Hetarvica SaGa. 


I. [490 lydar fregir légdis skeids 4 Heidi 
(lind sprakk i rym randa raud) ellifo daudir : 
hitt var ddr en audar (6gnar gims) i rimmo 
(i6kom sékn vid sceki) sdr-pislar fekk Gisli. 
2. Styrr lét snarr ok Snorri sverd-ping hait verda, 5 
pa er gny-vidir gerdo Gislungom hlut pungan: 
enn vard eigi en minna ett-skard pat er hid Bardi 
(féll geysla lid Gisla) gunn-nérunga sunnan, 





that my beard was dripping with gore, and that I had scant hope of life. 
I dreamed that .... and that my head was cloven by the mouth of the 
sword. I dreamed that my lady [the fair Dream-Lady] stood over me 
weeping, and bound up my wounds, 

His death-verse. The fair lady that charms me will ask for her lover. 
I am glad of heart, though the keen sword-edges have bitten me! Such 
endurance my father gave his son. 


II. THORODD. The old heathen in Wine-land. 1 used to have the best of 
drink, but now I have to wield the bucket and stoop to the well; wine 
does not come between my lips! Let us go back whence we came, 
while they stay here boiling the blubber down at Ferly-strand. 


Ill. Eric-Widsea on the fight. There lay eleven dead on the Heath, 
but ere that Gisli was touched by the wound-shaft [sword]. Styr and 
Snorri made a hard lot for the Gislings, and no less havoc did Bard 
wreak upon the Southerners, Gisli’s men fell headlong. 





go. er pa varo] thus A. 


336 SCRAPS OF COURT POETRY. 


IV. Banpamanna Saca, AM. 132. 


x. LLT er ytom elli at bida, 
tekr hun seggjom fra sién ok vizko: 
atta-ek nesta val nytra drengja, 
nu er ulfs hali einn 4 kréki. 


2. Bra-ek or sliérom skalm ny-bryndri, 
peirri lét-ek Mavi 4 maga hvataéd: 
unna-ek eigi arfa Hildiss 
fagr-vaxinnar fadm-lags Svdlo. 


V. Oars Saca, AM. 61. 


I. pee horn, kona! féll af hesti 
Rannveigarson par er rido drengir: 
kunno eigi Sygnir & sddol-dyrom 
full-vel fara. Foer mer of ker! 
2. Fyll horn, kona! fra-ek at belldi 5 
Olafr konungr undri miklo: 
pa er hann s6dladi sinom magi 
bukk at rida. Berr mer of ker! 





VI. Grettis SaGa. 


z Mit var gilt gefo-leysi 
Marpaks i midjom firdi: 
er gamlir grisir skyldo 
hladast mer at héfud-beinom, 
2. Ségdo mer, pau er Sigarr veitti, S 
mezgda-laun margir hefa : 
unz lof-groinn laufi semdar 
Reyni-runn rekkar fundo. 
$i Monda ek sialfr i snéro egnda 
heelzti bratt h6fdi stinga : 10 
ef porbidrg pesso skaldi 
(hon er all-snotr) ekki byrgi. 
4. Mik bad Hialp handa tveggja 





IV. Bandamanna Saga. .Ofeig’s regret. It is ill: to come to old age. 
Eld takes men’s eyesight and wisdom away. I had many a good fol- 
lower, but now one wolf’s tail is left alone on the hook, [the shark of 
ill-luck has snatched away the rest.] 

Ospac’s Boast. I plucked my fresh-whetted sword from the sheath, 
and ripped open Mew’s belly, for I could not grant him the fair 
Swala’s embraces. 


V. The boy St. Olave to Halldor Ranweigsson, who fell of his horse 
in hunting. Fill the horn, lady, Ranweig’s son fell off his horse, the 
Sogn-folk cannot sit the saddle-beasts. Bring me the cup.—Halldor 
answers: Fill the horn, lady, Olaf did a marvellous thing when he 
saddled a he-goat for his step-father to ride. Bear me the cup. 


VI. Gretti’s adventures in Icefirth, when Thorbiorg saved him from 
the galleys. Wonderful was my ill-luck on the firth of the sea-thatch 
[Icefirth] when the old hogs [churls] took me by the neck. They said 
that the reward Sigar’s brother-in-law got [hanging] was what I 
deserved, till they met the noble Rowan-grove [Thorbiorg] with its 
foliage of fame. I should have had to lay my head too early into 





V. 4 and 8, emend.; fer and ber mer ok per, Cd. VI. 4. halda, Cd. 














$7.] VERSES OF THE SAGA EDITORS. 337 


Sifjar-vers med ser fara: 
su gaf pveng-pundar-bedjo 15 
gOdan hest er mik goeddi fridi. 


5. /Etla-ek regns i raun-ketil 
steypi nidr fra Stér-Frerom : 
par man Hengr hitta grundar 
Litinn-stein ok land-hnefa. 20 


6. Var porfinnr pundar sessi 
aldar alinn oss til hialpar : 
pa er mik vif i val-skorom 
lukt ok lest lifs um kvaddi, 
7, Var Stér-skip Stal-gods-bana, 25 
Rauda-hafs ok Regin-skali : 
er Byleistz brédur-déttur 
manna mest mer varnadi. 
8. potti pa pengils méunom 
eigi delt vid oss at sdknom : 30 
er Hlibardr hlifar eldi 
bragda borg brenna vildi. 


9. Vard i Vedra-firdi vapn-séttr i byr préttar 
(cest for Arfs-ok-Gneista-afl) fang-vinr Hafla: 
nu er dsidtlad Atla and-ran pat er var hanom 35 
(daudr hné hann fyrr at fridri fold) makliga goldit. 


VII. Eems Saga (ch. 27). 


U er hersiss hefnd vid hilmi efnd 
gengr ulfr ok 6rn of Ynglings bérn: 
flugo heeggin hrz Hallvaréz of sz, 
‘ grar slitr ari’ undir Snarfara, 





the noose, if gentle Thorbiorg had not rescued me. The help of Sif’s 
husband’s two hands [i.e. the rowan= Thorbiorg] bade me come with 
her. She gave the Thong of Woden’s wife [i. e. earth-serpent =Grettir] 
his life. 

Grettir is going to meet Giant Hallmund. To the kettle of the lava 
[cave] on Bald-glacier I am bound, where I [earth-fish=Grettir] shall 
meet the pebble of the hand [i. e. Hallmund]. 

Grettir in peril in Norway, rescued by Thorstan Dromund, It was 
Thorfin who was my saviour, when the cavern-locked beldame [Hell] 
craved my life. The great buss of the Red Sea and the Giant-killer’s 
Dwarf-hall [i.e. Thorstan Dromund] did most of all men save me from 
Hell. The king’s men thought it no easy game to set upon me, when 
Leopard [Beorn] wanted to burn my mind’s abode [body]. 

Grettir slays Thorbiorn Ox-main in Ramfirth. The might of Arf and 
Gneist [Ox-main] was slain in Wether-firth [Ramfirth]; the unatoned 
murder of Atli has now been avenged on him. 


VII, Qweld-wolf’s verse on the death of Hallaward-hardfarer and 
Sigirygg-snarfari. Now the baron’s revenge is wreaked on the king. 
Wolf and erne prowl over the king’s sons. Hallward’s hewn carcase is 
floating on the sea and .... the grey erne is tearing at Snarfari’s wounds. 





17. run ketil, Cd. 20. I,e. Hallmund. 


VOL. II. Z 


BOOK IX. 


EPIGONIC POETRY. 


Auslatig-Crow, to Sigfred and Brunhild (an incident by) no ‘means. a. 
to the spirit of the older lays). 


a SECTION 1 are the Kraku-mal and other verses on the Ragnar 1 
together with other fragments of poems on later epic or pseudo-epi 
subjects, some in Turf-Einar metre (continuing Book mi « a), som 
— metre (like Book iv). . 


~ SECTION 2 contains the Orkney Bishop’s Proverb-Song, a0 a nd 
Runic verses. 








ae pci et A was nye 
aie ce ar 3 
= “g f 


§1. THE RAGNAR CYCLE. 


KRAKU-MAL. 


WE have two texts of this well-known poem, Magnus Olafsson’s copy 
(of 1632) of a lost vellum (B) given to Ole Worm, who published it 
in his Literatura Runica (1651) in Runic characters under the heading 
‘ Biarkamal sem orti Ragnarr Lodbrok,’ and the fourteenth-century 
vellum, Royal Library, Copenhagen, No. 1824 (A), which contains the 
unique Wolsunga Paraphrase, and Ragnar’s Saga, followed by ‘ Kraku- 
mal ;’ but the last leaf, with the end of the poem on it (from 1. 108), is 
lost in this copy. Two verses in Ragnar’s Saga are duplicates of vv. 26 
and 25. 

The story of the poem is the one legend which has survived in 
Norway of the great movement which led to the conquest and settle- 
ment of half England by the Danes in the ninth century. 

It is found in Saxo, in Ragnar’s Saga, and in the short ‘ pattr af 
Ragnar’s Sonum’ of Hauks-bok, which last gives one the idea that it is 
founded on parts of the lost Skioldunga Saga. Besides this, it occurs in 
the Turf-Einar-metre scraps of a long poem, scattered through the 
Saga and Thattr (see below, p. 345). 

From the Thattr we hear that while Ragnar is away fighting in the 
Baltic, his sons Eric and Agnar are slain by Eystan Beli, king of the 
Swedes. Before he returns home, his wife and sons have avenged their 
deaths and slain Eystan. He is angry that they have not waited for his 
help, and when he comes home he tells*his wife Anslaug (his first wife 
Thora, whom he won from the dragon, is dead) “that he will do as great 
a deed as his sons have done. ‘I have now brought under me nearly all 
the realms my ancestors owned, save England only, and now I have had 
two busses built at Lithe in Westfold (for his realm stretched from 
Doverfell to Lidandis-ness).’ Answers Anslaug: * Many a long-ship thou 
mightest have built with what those busses cost, and thou knowest that 
’ it is not good to sail to England in big ships, because of the tides and 
shallows, and thou hast not planned wisely.” But he set out with his two 
ships and five hundred men and was wrecked on the English coast. He 
and his men got safe to land, but were cut off and slain to a man by the 
ferocious Northumbrian king A®lla, save Ragnar, who was kept from hurt 
by his magic shirt. But Alla put the Northern king into a pit full of 
serpents. This is the moment chosen by our poet, who supposes him to 
have sung a death-song in his torments, likg an Indian bravo, in which 
he tells over his feats, and invokes vengeance on his foe. His son Iwar 
(the Inwer of our Chronicle) and his brothers arrive in England and 
avenge him, taking Alla and cutting the ‘blood-eagle’ on his back ; (see 
Book viii, § 2, p. 135.) Two base-born brothers of Iwar, Yrf$war and 
Hubbo [our chronicler’s Hingwar and Hubba], put the holy king 
Eadmund to death at Inwer’s orders, and reign in hisstead. The brothers 
harry far and wide over the world, and set up kingdoms: Inwer ruling 

% 2 * 


re 1 ye ae ee etter tik, Meet ia Pe klk a Ae et Bn 
af OTE a 4 Fe Ou ae t 





340 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [ BK. Ix. 


in Northumberland; Biorn Ironside in. Upsala; Sigfred Snake-i’-th’-eye, 
who had married Bleja daughter of Alla, in Selund, Sconey, Halland, 
Wick, Agdir to the Naze, and most of Upland; Whitesark in Reed- 
gothland and Wendland, 

Inwer died childless in England of old age, and was laid in a barrow 
_ there, where Harold Hardrede saw his ill-omened ghost. Sigfred fell in 
Frankland with Godfred the Dayling, fighting against the Emperor 
Arnulf, in a battle in which one hundred thousand Northmen and Danes 
fell. There is a curious genealogy’? drawn from Sigfred and Bleja, con- 
necting their descendants with the Danish house; and it is said that 
Ethelmund, the brother of Eadmund the sainted East-English king, 
ruled after Iwar, ‘and took scat off Northumberland because it was then 
heathen.’ His son Ethelbriht, a good king and old, reigned after him, 
and fought against Gorm’s sons at Cleveland and Scarborough. 

The age of the poem is limited by the pronunciation of the language, 
i.e. the lost 4 in the ‘hr’ and ‘hl’ words, which here occur in alli- 
terative syllables, ll. 27, 29, 34, 43, 143; the varum for drum, 1. 55, a 
' peculiar change which (see Dict. s, v. varr, p. 686) in Iceland does not 
occur till the end of the twelfth century, in Norway and the Orkneys 
the change may bea little earlier. Nor do we expect to find such 
words as palmr, messa (mass), asni (ass), kapa, etc. in very early poems, 
Looking to the language, metre, and character of the poem, we should 
be disposed to put it c. 1150-1200, and fancy the author an Orkneyman, 
The proverbs in the last lines remind one of Bishop Biarni. 

The metre is the Turf-Einar metre, and the poem is divided into 
stanzas of five lines, the first line of each, save the last epilogue verse, 
beginning with the burden which fills half a line. Stanzas 1-21 are a 
business-like, prosy roll or list of battles fought in the Baltic, or on the 
British coasts and the Mediterranean. The latter stanzas (22-29) are 
by far the finest, and it is those that have made the poem famous. There 
is a wild savagery about them that is really striking. The earlier verses 
of the poem (if indeed they are not a later filling up or accretion 
by another hand), with their ingenious variations of the everlasting theme 
of bloodshed, would not alone have made much impression. The funny 
mistake which led Bishop Percy and his copiers down to this very day 
to entertain the belief that ‘the Heroes hoped in Odin’s hall to drink 
beer out of the skulls of their slain foes,’ has its origin in a misinterpre- 
tation of the phrase ‘ biug-viSum hausa’ 1. 122, by Ole Worm, who says: 
‘Sperabant Heroes se in aula Othini bibituros ex craniis eorum quos 
occiderant,’ 

There is a spirited version of the poem by Professor Aytoun. 





* Sigfred Snake-i’-th’-eye, Ragnar’s son, Ring a Dayling, descendant of Day, 








m. Bleja, FElla’s daughter m. Thora, mother of Heroes (Hyndl. 1. 71) 
| 
| Olaf 
F q r acs pe 
Harda-Cnut Anslaug, m, Helgi Keen Godfred Frodi 
. L 











| ~ 
Gorm the Old, m. Thyra, d. of Klank- Sigfred Hart, m. Ingibiorg, d. of 
| Harold, K. of Jutland K. Harold 
l 








r ee 
Cnut the Beloved Harold Blue-tooth Godthorm Ragnhild, m. Halfdan the 
| Black 
Sweyn Forkbeard | 
Harold Fairhair 











KRAKU-MAL. 341 


I. 


1. F{IOGGO ver med hidrvi.—Hitt var x fyr longo 
er 4 Gautlandi gengom at graf-vitnis mordi : 

pa fengo ver péro, padan héto mik fyrdar, 

—pa-er lyng-al um lagdag—Lopsr6k, at pvi vigi; 

stakk-ek 4 stordar lykkjo stali biartra mala. s 
2. Hioggo ver med hidrvi.—Heldr var-ek ungr pé er skiféom 

austr i Eyra-sundi undurn frekom vargi ; 

ok fét-gulom fogli fengo ver, par-er sungo 

vid ha-seymda hialma hord iarn, mikils verdar ; 

allr var egir sollinn; 68 ramn i val-bl6di, Io 
3 Hioggo ver med hidrvi—Hatt barom pa geira 

er tvitogir téléomz, ok tir rudom vida ; 

unnom atta iarla austr fyr Dino-minni ; ; 

gera fengom pa gnéga gisting at pvi vigi, 

sveiti fell 4 sollinn se; tyndi lid evi. 15 
4. Hioggo ver med hidrvi.—Hedins kvanar vard audit 

pa-er ver Helsingja heimtom til heim-sala Odins : 

Légdom upp i Ivo, oddr nadi pa bita ; 

6ll var unda gialfri 4 su rodin heito, 

grenjar brandr vid brynjor benshilldr, klufoz skildir. 20 
5. Hioggo ver med) hidrvi.—Hygg- -ek engan pa frydo, 

adr an a heflis hestom Herraudr i styr félli: 

klyfr ei Egils Gndrom annarr iarl in fregri 

lindar vOll til legiss 4 lang-skipom sidan ; 

s& bar siklingr vida snart fram i styr hiarta. 25 
6. Hioggo ver med hidrvi.—Herr kastadi skidldom, 

pa-er re-gagarr rendi restr at gumna bridstom ; 

beit {i Skarpa-skerjom skeri-bildr at hialdri ; 

rodinn var randar-mani 46r Ramn konungr feélli ; 

dreif or h6léa hausom heitr 4 brynjor sveiti. 30 
f Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Hatt grenjodo hrottar 

adr an @ Ullar-akri Eysteinn konungr félli ; 

gengo golli fadar ‘ grundar vals at bryndom,’ 

re-kyndill smaug raudar ritr-at_hialma moti ; 

svira vin or s4rom sveif of hiartta kleifar. 35 





I. WE hewed with the brand! It was ever-so-long ago when we went 
to Gautland to the slaying of the snake. Then I won Thora; hence 
they called me Lodbrok [Shaggy-breech] because of that battle, when 
I pierced the serpent. I struck through the monster with my bright 
inlaid steel. We, etc. 1 was very young when we made a breakfast for 
the wolf, east in Ore-sound. We, etc. We bore our spears high, when 
we were twenty years old, and reddened our sword far and wide. We 
overcame eight earls in the east at the Dwina’s mouth. We, etc. 
Hedin’s wife [war] was fated when we sent home the Helsings to 
Woden’s hall. We laid our ships up at Iwa’s mouth [East Baltic]. 
We, etc. No one, I think, questioned our courage, before Herraud fell 
on his ships in the fray, We, etc. The host cast away their shields 
when the sword bit at Skarpa-reef [Scarborough]. The shield-moon 
was crimsoned ere King Raven fell. We, etc. The swords screamed 
shrilly before King Eystan fell in Wuldur-acre. We, etc. At Enderis- 





1. 2] ei, Cd. Io. ran, Cd. 16. heidins, A. 18, fvo] B; modo, A. 
20. Read,...; ben-sildr klufo skioldo ? 





342 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [BK. IX. 


8. Hioggo ver med hidrvi.—Hafa gato ba ramnar 
fyr Eynderis-eyjom cerna braé at slita ; 
fengom Falo hestom fullan verd at sinni; 
‘illt var eins at geta,’ med upp-runa solar, 
streng-volor sa-ek stiga ; stakk malmr 4 skor hialmi.. 40 
9. Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Haédom rendr i dreyra, 

pa er ben-starra breddom fyr Borgundar-holmi, 

regg-sky slito ringar ; ; ratt almr af ser malmi, 

Vulnir fell at vigi; varat einn konungr meiri ; 

Val rak vitt um strandir; vargr fagnadi tafni, 45 
10, Hioggo ver med hitrvi. —Hildr ver synt i vexti 

4ér Freyr konungr félli i Flemingja-veldi ; 

nadi blarr at bita bl6di smeltr i gylltan 

Hoégna kofl at hialdri hardr ben-grefill fordom ; 

mer grét, morgin-skezro, modrg, pa-er tafn feksk vérgom, 50 
Ik. Hiog go ver med hiérvi.—Hundradom fra-ek liggja 

& Eynefis 6ndrom, par-er Engla-nes heitir ; 

sighdo ver til snerro sex doegr adr lid feélli ; 

Attom odda messo vid upp-runa sdlar ; 

vard fyr varom sveréom Valbidfr i styr hniga. 55 
12. Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Hrundi dogg af sveréom 

bryn i Barda-firdi, bleikan na fyr hauka ; 

umdi almr, pa-er oddar all-hratt slito skyrtor 

at slidr-loga senno Svolnis hamri poefdar ; 

rendi ormr til unda eitr-hvass drifinn sveita, 60 
13. Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Héldom Hlakkar tidldom 

hatt at Hildar leiki fyr Hédninga vagi. 

Sid knatto pa seggir, er sundrodom skidldo 

at hre-silna hialdri, hialm ‘ slitnadar? Gotna; 

varat sem biarta brudi i bing hia ser leggja. 65 
14. Hioggo ver med hidrvi—Hird kom hrié 4 skidldo ; 

nar féll nidr til iardar 4 Nordymbra-landi ; 

varat um eina 6tto dldom porf at fryja 

Hildar-leik, par-er hvassir hialm-stofn bito skiémar ; 

b66-mana s4-ek bresta; bra pvi fira lifi. 70 
15. Hioggo ver med hidrvi—Herpidfi vard audit 

i Sudreyjom sialfom sigrs 4 varom m6nnom ; 

vard at randar regni Rognvaldr fyrir hniga ; 

Sa kom hestr of héléa harmr at sverda gusti ; 

hvast kastadi hristir hialms streng-logar palmi. 75 





ore [?] the ravens soon got plenty of carrion to rip. It was ill at 
sunrise. We, etc. We blooded the shields when we battened the 
ravens at Bornholm. "Woolner fell at the battle. We, etc. The fray 
was fast growing ere Frey fell in the land of the Flemings. Many a 


maid wept. The weapons bit in the morning. We, etc. They lay by — 


hundreds on their war-ships at the place called Angel-ness [Cape An- 
gelico]. We held a mass of spears at the rising of the sun. Waltheow 
fell by our swords in the struggle. We, etc. The dark blood dripped 
off our swords in Bard-firth [?]. We, etc. We hoisted high the tent of 
Hlank [shield] in the game of Hild [war] off Hedninga-bay [Hedinse by 
Swold]. It was not like laying a fair lady by one’s side, when we were 
splitting men’s helms. We, etc. Hard was the shower that fell on the 
shield; the corse fell to earth in Northumberland; the battle in the 
morning watch could not be gainsaid. We, etc. Hertheow was fated 
to win a victory over our men. Regnwald sank in the shield-rain [war- 





3). Somename? 50. B;skaru,A. 70. benmana,A. 75. Read,streng-flaugar. 











, Rv's «y 


eee eee ne 


ee ee RY ef 


KRAKU-MAL. : 343 


16, Hioggo ver med hitrvi.—Hverr la pverr of annan ; 

gladr vard gera brddir gati vid séknar lati: 

Let eigi rn né ylgi, s& er Irlandi styrdi, 

(mét vard malms ok ritar) Marsteinn konungr fasta, 

vard i Vedra-firdi val-tafn gefit hrafni. 80 
17. Hioggo ver med hidrvi—Hund-marga sé-ek falla 

morgin-stund fyr ‘meidi’ menn at odda senno: 

syni minom hneit snimma slidra-porn vid hiarta ; 

*Egill’ lét Agnar rentan éblaudan hal lifi; 

Glumidi geirr vid Hamdiss gran serk ; bliko merki. 85 
18. Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Hali-orda sé-ek brytja 

ekki smatt fyr ulfa Endils nida bréndom : 

varat 4 Vika-skeidi sem vin konor beri; 

rodinn vat /Egiss asni Ofarr i dyn geira ; 

skorin var skéglar kapa at skiéldunga hialdri. go 
19. Hioggo ver med hiirvi—Hadom sudr at morni 

leik fyr Lindis-eyri vid lofdunga prenna : 

Far atti pvi fagna (féll margr i gin ulfi) 

(haukr sleit hold med vargi] at hann heill padan koemi ; 

Tra b16d { egi cerit féll um skero, 95 
20, Hioggo ver med hiirvi.—Har-fagran sa-ek hroeekkva 

meyjar dreng at morni ok mal-vini ekkjo: 

vara sem varmar laugar vin-kers Nidrun beri 

oss i [la-sundi, 4dr an Orn konungr félli ; 

vara sem unga ekkjo i 6ndugi kyssa. 100 
2i. Hioggo ver med hidrvi.—Ha sverd bito skidldo, 

par er goll-rodinn glumdi geirr vid Hildar-nefri : 

sié mun i Onguls-eyjo of aldr mega sidan 

hverso at légdiss leiki lofdungar fram gengo ; 

rodinn var ut fyr eyri ar flug-dreki sara. 105 


II. 
22. Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Hvi sé. drengr at feigri, 
at hann { odda éli andurér latinn verdi? 
opt sytir s4 evi er ‘aldregi’ nistir: 





tempest]. We, etc. Marstan, the king who ruled Ireland, let neither 
eagle nor she-wolf starve. A sacrifice of the slain was given to the 
raven in Wetherford. We,etc. I saw many hundred fall that morning 
in the Mouth in the battle. The sword cut my son to the heart: yea, 
Eystan slew Agnar. We,etc. On Wick-field it was not as when women 
are serving the wine. We, etc. South we held a game [of war] with 
three kings at Lindis-ore of a morning. The blood of the Irish fell into 
the ocean in the dawn. We, etc. I saw the fair-haired damsel’s son quail 


. in the morning, and the gallants gave back in the battle. It was not as 


if the damsel were setting a bath for us in Ila-sound ere King Erne fell. 
It was not as if one were kissing a young girlin the high-seat. We, etc. 
Ever after it will be seen in Anglesey, how the kings stormed forth to the 
sword-play. The dart was dyed on the Ore, early in the morning. 

Il. Henceforward the poem is of a nobler type, and we translate more 
Sully. We hewed with the brand! Why should a man be nearer to 
death, though he be placed in the van in the tempest of spears? He 
who has never fed the she-wolf will often bemoan his lost life. Hard is 





77. getu, Cd. 80. A om. stanza 16. 82. Read, Mddo? 84. 
Read, Eysteinn ? 88. -skedi, B; -skerdi, A; read, Vikrar-skeidi ? 95. Read, 
Engla ?. 98. niurn, A. 99. Lla-sundi] B; Ala-sundi, A. 108. sytir] 


here Aends. Read, ylgi ne nistir ? 


344 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [PK. TG 


Illt kveda argan eggja arom at sverda leiki; 

hug-blauéom kemr hvergi hiarta sftt at gagni. 110 
93. Hioggo ver med hiorvi.—Hitt tel-ek iafnt at gangi 

at sam-togi sverda sveinn { méti sveini: 


hrakkvat pegn fyr begni; pat var drengs adal lengi; 

ee skal 4st-vinr meyja einharér f{ dyn sverda. 115 
24. Hioggo ver med hiorvi.—Hitt synisk mer raunar 

at forlagom fylgjom: Far gengr of skap Norna: 

eigi hugda-ek Ello at aldr-lagi mino, 

pd-er ek bl66-vali braeeddak, ok bord 4 lag keyréak; 

vitt fengom p& vargi verd { Skotlandz-fiardom. 120 
25. Hioggo ver med hisrvi.—Hitt hlegir mik iafnan, 

at Baldrs fedrs bekki btina veit-ek at sumblom : 

Drekkom biér at bragéi or bitig-vidom hausa 

(s¥tira drengr vid dauda) dyrs at Fiolniss husom ; 

eigi kem-ek med céro ord til Vidriss hallar. 125 
26. Hioggo ver med hiérvt.—Her vildo nu allir 

burir Aslaugar brandom bitrom hildi vekja, 

ef vandliga vissi of vid-farar ossar, 

hve fair ormar eitr-fullir mik slita; 

mééerni fekk-ek minom magom sva-at hiarto duga. 130 
24. Hioggo ver mes hiorvt—Hardla lfdr at evi; 

grimmt stendr grand af nadri. Goinn byggir sal hiarta: 





it to egg on a coward to the brisk play of the sword. The heart of the 
coward will never stand him in good stead. 

We hewed with the brand! I count it fair that man should meet 
man when swords are drawn. Let not thane flinch before thane. That 
was never the way of the brave. The darling of the maidens should 
ever be dauntless amid the clatter of swords. 

We hewed with the brand! Of a truth methinks we must follow our 
fates: no man can overstep the decree of the Fates. I never thought 
that Ella would be my death, when I gorged the blood-hawks and drove 
my ships through the water, what time we gave the wolves a quarry in 
the firths of Scotland [the West coast]. ; 

We hewed with the brand! It is ever my joy, that I know that the 
benches are decked for a banquet at Balder’s father’s. We shall soon 
be quaffing ale out of the crooked skull-boughs [horns] in the splendid 
house of Woden. The brave man does not quail before death. I shall 
not come into Withri’s [Woden’s] hall with a word of fear. 

We hewed with the brand! All the sons of Anslaug would be waking 
the battle here with their bitter blades if they but knew of my plight, 
how a multitude of venomful serpents are rending me. Good kin on the 
mother’s side I gave my sons, so that their hearts will hold. 

We hewed with the brand! My life is well-nigh past. Cruel is the 
pang that the adder gives. Goin [the snake] has housed himself in my 





113. A line missing here. 122. fedrs}] emend.; fedr, B. 131. Emend. ; 
arfi, R. 














RAGNAR LODBROK, ANSLAUG, ezrc. 345 


vettom hins at Vidriss vandr { Ello standi; 

sonom mfnom mun svella sinn fador radinn veréa ; 

ei muno snarpir sveinar sftt kyrt vera lata, 135 
28, Hioggo ver med hiérvi.—Hef-ek fimm-tigom sinna 

folk-orrostor framdar flein-pings bodi ok eina; 

minzt hugda-ek manna, at mer vera skyldi 

(ungr nam-ek odd at riéda) annarr konungr fregri. 

Oss muno sir bidda. Era sytandi daudi. 140 
29. F¥somk hins at hetta. Heim bi6da mer Disir, 

sem fra Herjans hallo hefir Odinn mer sendar: 

Gladr skal-ek al med Asom { andugi drekka. 

Lifs ero lidnar stundir. Leejandi skal-ek deyja. 


RAGNAR LODBROK, ANSLAUG, AND RAGNAR’S SONS. 


THE Wolsunga vellum, No. 1824, supplies the text for these verses, 
the Hauks-bok (AM. 544) gives a few stanzas in parallel text (vv. 10, 
16-20, 32). All but a few are, unfortunately, hopelessly corrupt. The 
metre is that of Turf-Einar. They seem to have been pieces of a poem 
on Ragnar and his Sons, inserted piecemeal into a diluted amplification 
of a piece of the lost Skioldunga Saga. The age of these verses we 
should put to the end of the eleventh century. They are more simple 
and genuine than many of those of the same metre, such as Kraku-mal; 
nor is there anything in their language which forbids them to have been 
made so early. The curious statement in Skalda-tal, part of the original 


draft of that list, ‘ King Ragnar Lodbrok was a poet, and so were Anslaug 


his wife and their sons,’ seems to refer to the very verses we have, or 
at all events to the best of them, and would testify to their existence as 
early as the beginning of the twelfth century. 

The story tells first of Ragnar’s earliest feat, the winning of Thora 
by slaying a dragon that guarded her (an early myth transferred 
to the popular hero). Then comes.the pretty tale of Crow, the 
maiden in mean attire and low estate, who is seen by the king’s men. 
After a trial of wits—(copied perhaps from the well-known Irish tale 
of Diarmaid and Graine, see Atlantis, where the same incident of the 
net in which the lady is neither clad nor unclad is met with)— Ragnar 


‘marries the fair one, who turns out to be Anslaug, a princess, daughter of 


Sigfred and Brunhild. Four sons are born to the king and queen, and 
these, because of the king’s breaking the hallowed ‘three nights’ absti- 
nence,’ which we meet with in other old Teutonic stories, are each 





heart’s core. I hope that Woden’s wand [the sword] shall one day 
pierce lla. My sons will swell with wrath, when they find their 
scree has been thus betrayed. The brave lads will not rest in peace 
withal. 

We hewed with the brand! I, the harbinger of war, have fought fifty 
pitched battles and one. My least thought was that any king should 
ever prove my better. Young was I when I betook me to the reddening 
of spears. The Anses will welcome me. Death is dreadless. 

I am willing to depart. They are calling me home, the Fays whom 
Woden, the Lord of Hosts, has sent me from his hall. Merrily shall I 
drink ale in my high-seat with the Anses. My life days are done. 
Laughing I will die. 


346 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [BK. 1x. 


distinguished by some physical peculiarity; the eldest, Inwer, is born 
without bones in his legs, but his cunning and speech-craft make up (as 
/Ethelred and Alfred found out at Nottingham) for his bodily weakness; 
Sigfred has the likeness of a snake, as it were, coiled in the pupil of his 
eye, whence he was called Snake-i’-th’-eye. Biorn is called Ironside, 
no doubt from some mark on his body, but the legend or the exact 
meaning of his nickname and that of his brother White-sark, whose real 
name has perished, is not given us. After these children are grown up, 
Eric and Agnar, Ragnar’s elder sons by Thora, fight against Eystan Beli, 
the king of the Swedes (and friend of poets according to Skalda-tal). 
Agnar is slain, and Eric is taken and allowed to choose his death. Eric 
chooses to be impaled on sharp spears fixed in the ground. 

In the next scene Ragnar is setting out for England. Anslaug, presaging 
evil, gives him a charmed coat, which preserves him even in the snake- 
pit into which he is cast by A®lla, king of the Northumbrians, till the 
enchantment is suspected and it is torn from him. The two death- 
song stanzas are finer here than in Kraku-mal. 

Then follows an account of the four brothers, their avenging their 
father, and their wicking exploits; on one of which Whitesark was 
taken, and, Tamerlain-like, chose for his death to be burnt alive on a 
pyre made of the heads of the foes he had slain. 

A kind of epilogue to the whole is furnished by the story of the two 
huge men who came into the hall where a young king and his men were 
drinking the arval. They can empty the biggest horn at one draught, 
and were so big that the two together filled five men’s places. They 
begin questioning each other in a surly mood, but soon recognise each 
other as former companions-in-arms, old sea-dogs of Beorn’s and 
Ragnar’s. This episode reminds one of the verses ascribed to Egil and 
the lady, Book vi, § 2, No. 6, which are probably parts of the same poem. 
Were they in better state we should be able to give some verdict on 
their age, for there is something genuine about them. 

The continuation of verse 23 is probably to be found in the lines from 
Arrow-Ord’s Saga, Book ix, § 1, No. II, p. 355. 


I. 
Ragnarr : 
I. See hefek leyfdo lifi, lit-feogr konan vitra, 
(va-ek at foldar fiski) fimt4n gamall, mfno: 
‘hafa skal-ek bal nema bfti bradrakin mer dauda’ 
heidar lax til hiarta ‘hringleyginn vel’ smitgi. 


II. 
Kréka: ' 
2. Porig eigi bod bridta er baHdot mik ganga, 5 
né resiss kvad ritifa, Ragnarr, vid pik stefno: © 
mangi er mer f sinni, mitt er bert harund eigi, 
‘fylgi hefi ek full-gott, ferr-ek ein saman mfno.’ 





I. Ragnar on his fight with the Dragon. I risked my life when I was 
fifteen years old. ... I pierced the coiled serpent to the heart. 


II. At their meeting. Crow: I dare not break the command ye laid 
upon me, nor the order ye gave me, Ragnar. There is no one with me; 
my body is not bare; I have smelt but at a leek; 1am come alone.—Ragnar ; 











§1.] RAGNAR LODBROK, ANSLAUG, etc. 347 
Ragnarr : 
cf ‘SG mundi vist ef veri vordr fodur iardar’ 
‘meetr 4 mildri snéto 4 mer taka handom,’ 10 
Kréka: 


Vammlausa skaltu, visi, ef viltu gridom pyrma 
(heim hafom hilmi séttan) hedan mik fara latid. 
Ragnarr: 
4. Vilti benna piggja, er Péra Hieortr Atti, 
serk vid silfr of merkéan? sama all-vel per kledi: 
fodro hendr hvitar hennar um bessar goervar, 15 
si var budlungi bragna blidom pekk til dauda. 
Kréka: 
5 Porig eigi bann piggja, er Péra Hizortr Atti, 
serk vid silfr of merkéan; sama elig mer kledi: 
pvf em ek Krdka kallod { kol-svartom vidom, 
at ek hefi gridt of gengit, ok geitr med sid reknar. 20 


Kréka : 

6. Pridr neetr skolom ‘ bessar ok po’ saman byggja 
‘hresvar netr’ f husi, 46r vit heilog god blétim: 
pé muno mein 4 minom megi til lang um verda; 
heldr ertu braér at byrja pbann-er bein hefir eingi. 


II. 
Ragnarr : 
7 Sigurdr mun sveinn of heitinn, s4 mun orrostor heyja, 25 
miak glikr vera médor ‘ok’ magr fador kalladr: 
si mun Odins ettar yfir-b4tr vera heitinn, 
peim er ormr f auga ‘er annan lét’ svelta. 
8. Brynhildar leizt bragnom briin-stein hafa franan 





The king [I] would fain lay hold on the maid with my hands... .— 
Crow. Thou shalt let me go hence unshamed, O king, if thou wilt keep 
thy covenant.—Ragnar: Wilt thou take this sark, silver-broidered, that 
Thora Hart had? It will befit thee well; her white hands often touched 
this raiment. She was blithe to her husband till she died.—Crow. I dare 
not take the silver-broidered sark that Thora Hart had, it will not befit 
me. I am called Crow because in coal-black raiment I have tramped 
over the pebbles and driven the goats along the shore. 

Crow, after their wedding, to Ragnar. Let us wait three nights, nor lie 
together, till we have sacrificed to the Holy God. There shall be a 
blemish on my son for many a day. Thou art too eager to beget him 
that shall have no bones. 

III. Ragnar on the birth of his son, naming the child. Let the boy be 
called Sigfred, he shall fight battles and be like his mother’s father, 
[Sigfred|. He shall be called the noblest of Woden’s race, there is a 
serpent in his eye.... Brunhild’s dear daughter’s son has a keen eye 





21. Read, preyja ok peygi s. b. 22. Read, hy-netr? 23. pd] pa, Cd. 
26. Read, miok gl. mégr mddor-fodor kalladr. 28. Read, er Grn léta svelta? 








348 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [ BK. Ix. 


déttor-magr inn dyri, ok dyggvast hiarta: 30 
s4 berr alla ¥ta unn-leygs bodi magni 
Budla nidr, er baugi, br4d-gerr, hatar raudom. 

9. Si4 er engi sveini nema Sigurdi einom 
{ brin-steinom . ont “egerba, '< 
sia hefir dagr enom dyra (deelt er hann af pvf kenna) 35 
hauss f hvarma tuni hrings myrk-vidar fengit. 


IV. 
Etrekr : 
10. Vil-ek eigi bod fyrir bréddor, ne baugom mey kaupa, 
(Eystein kveda ordinn Agnars bana) heyra: 
gretr eigi mik mddir, mun-ek cefstr 4 val deyja, 
ok ‘geir-tre’ { goegnom geerr l4tid mik standa. 40 
II. Munat eins konungs efni, sva-at ek vita domi, 
4 dyrra bed deyja til dagurdar hrafni: 
mun bl6di p4 brééor ok bratt yfir gialla 
‘hirdr veggja slita’ blar pd at illa launi. 
12, Hlakkar hrafn of haféi ‘her minna nu sinna’ 45 
krefr unda-valr augna. .  minna: 
veiztu, ef, hrafn, or hafdi hoeggr brin-steina mina, 
launar unda-valr Endils illa marga fylli. 
13. Pat berit ord it cefsta (ero austr-farar lidnar) 
at mzr hafi mina mié Aslaugo bauga: "7 <2 
p& mun mest af médi, er mik spyrja daudan, 
min stiip-mdédéir mildom magom til segja. 


Aslaug : 
14: Hvat segit ér or ‘ydéro ero Sviar { landi’ 
‘eda elligar uti all-nytt konungs-spialli :’ 





and a doughty heart. He shall surpass all other men in might, he, the scion 
of Budli, that hates the red rings. There is a serpent in no other child’s 
eyes save Sigurd’s alone. This prince has a snake in his eyeball. 


IV. Eric fixes his own doom, and gives his last words to Starkad. 1 will 
not take atonement nor rings as ransom for my brother’s death. Eystan 
[Beli] is Agnar’s slayer. No mother weeps for me. I shall die last; let 
the spears pierce me. No prince, that I know, shall die ona costlier bed 
for the raven’s feast. The raven shall soon be screaming over my 
blood, requiting me ill for my care for him. The raven is screaming 
over my head, he is asking for the eyes out of my head. Know, 
O Raven, if thou tearest the eyeballs out of my head, that thou wilt be 
repaying me ill for many a fill I have given thee. 

To a messenger. Carry my last words, now that the Eastern journeys 
are come to an end. Let my step-mother Anslaug have this ring of mine. 
She will be wroth when she hears of my death, she will egg her gallant 
sons on to avenge me. : 

Anslaug to the messenger. What say ye, are the Swedes in the land? 





35. enom] yfir, Cd. 49. pau . . in ofri, Cd, 52. mogum sinum til 
segia, Cd, 54. Read, hvat. nytt. . spialla? 








§1.] RAGNAR LODBROK, ANSLAUG, ete. 





fregit hef-ek hitt at foro, enn framarr vitom eigi 
(ok hildingar hafdo hlunn-rod) Danir sunnan. 
Sendimaor : 
15. Per segjo ver pina (pat er are kona dauda 
‘elli einkar manni’ arlag sonom Péro: 
ceng spiall vitom awnnor enn nyjari an pessi; 


Aslaug: 
16. Eigi mondi ydarr, ef ér dotid fyrri, 
eitt misseri eptir 6hefnt vera broédra: 
(litt rodomk pvi leyna), ef lif hafa kneetti 
Eirekr sitt ok Agnarr 6bornir mer nidjar. 
Sigurd Ormr-i-auga : 
o4. Pat skal priggja ndtta, ef pik tregar mddir, 
(leid eigo ver langa) leidangr buinn verda: 
skal Uppsalom eigi, pdétt ofa-fé biddi, 
ef sv4 duga dfsir, Eysteinn Beli rada. 
Biorn Tarnstda : 
18. Duga mun hugr ok hiarta { hauk-snaro bridsti, 
pétt minnr um bat mei, manni innan rifja: 
eigt es oss f augom ormr né franir snakar, 


Hottserkr : 
19. Hyggjom at 4dr heitim, at hefnt megi verda, 
l4tom ymso illo Agnars bana fagna: 
hrindom hif 4 hrannir, hoeggom fs fyrir bardi, 
si4m 4 hitt hve snekkjor ver snemst faim bunar. 
Ivarn Beinlaus? : 
20. Hafid ofr-huga cérinn ok 4reedi bedi, 
bess mundi pa purfa at ‘pra’ mikit fylgdi: 


nu hefig fram komit ‘fagrom flaug arn of n4 daudan.’ 


‘broedr gladdo mik mfnir,’ man-ek stitip-sono pina. 


349 


55 


60 


65 


75 





come from where the ravens were flying over their dead corses. 


sons of mine, were living. 





I have heard that the Danes have come from the South, and I know 
that the kings had a sacrificial-launch.—The messenger : I tell thee, lady, 
of Thora’s sons’ death, There is no news fresher than this, I have just 


The egging words of Anslaug to her sons. Ye would not have been left 
one year unrevenged of them, if ye had died first, if Eric and Agnar, no 


The brothers answer one by one. Sigurd Snake-i’-th’-eye: The levy 
shall be ready within three nights. Eystan Beli shall not rule Upsal 
long though he offer us weregild, if the goddesses help us. — Biorn 
Ironside: The heart may be steadfast in a man’s breast, though he speak 
little. I have no snake in my eye.... I will remember thy step-sons. 
—Whitesark: Let us look ere we vow, that our revenge be feasible! 
May every ill befall Agnar’s slayers. Let us launch our barks on the 
wave! Let us cleave the ice with our prows! Let us make ready our ships 
. as soon as may be!—Inwar the Boneless; Ye have spirit enough and dash 
= to boot, yet ye lack foresight. Ye must bear me with you in the van}; 





59. pung spioll, Cd. 72. Read, minjom, 
> 


: tdi ben Sie Pierrerg? Sra ee 


350 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. [BK, Ix. 
bera mun mik fyrir bragna beinlausan framm verda, 
‘pé gat ek hand til hefnda at ek hvariga nyta,’ 80 
V. 
Ragnarr : 
21. Spari mangi raf Rinar, ef roeskva vill her menn; 





verr samir horskom hilmi hringa fialé an drengja: 

‘fllt es { borg lid bauga brandrauédum framm standa’ 

‘all-marga veit-ek iafra pa-er ... . lifir dauda’ 4 
22. Hyvat er pat ‘baugs’ or biaorgom ‘briét’ heyrig nu pidta 

‘at menn mundils mar svan drafnir hafna’ 86 

po skal-ek peirra r4da ‘pann bil’ ef god vilja 

‘Fgils alun leygjar’ 6kvidandi bfda. 


Aslaug : 
23. Per ann-ek serk inn sféa ok saumadan hvergi, 
vid heilan hug ofinn or har-sima garni: go 
mun eigi ben bléda, né bfta pik eggjar ; 
{ heilagri hidpo, ‘vas hon peim’ godom signod, j 
VI. ~ 
Ragnarr : ; 
24. Orrostor hefi-ek Attar ber-er 4gztar pdtto 
(goerda-ek margom manni mein) fimm tigi ok eina: 
eigi hugdomk orma at aldr-lagi mino; 95 


pat verdr margom manni er minzt varir sialfan. 
25. Gnydja mundo grisir, ef galtar hag vissi ; | a 
mer es ‘gnot’ at grandi, grafa inn ranom sinom: 








though I can use neither hand, yet I shall take my share of the revenge 
with you. . 


V. Ragnar setting out on his foray to England, Let not a man spare 
gold if he will gather warriors about him; a great treasure beseems _ 
a king less than a company of heroes. 4 fort cannot be held by rings. 
Many a king I know of that is dead when he might have lived but for his 
meanness. . 
Ragnar will not listen to the evil omens. What is this murmuring I hear 
from the hills? Nevertheless, I shall abide without fear what shall 
happen, if the gods will it so. 
Anslaug gives her lerd a magic shirt. With a whole heart I give thee ig 
this long shirt, not sewn, but woven of hair-fine yarn. Wound shall not 
bleed on thee, nor weapon-edge bite on thee in this holy surcoat, that 
was blessed by the gods. 


VI. Ragnar in the Serpent-pit. 1 have fought battles fifty and one. I 
never thought that serpents would be my death. What he least 
looked for befalls many aman. The porklings would grunt if they knew 
of the old boar’s need. The serpents gnaw me to death, they are eating 





80. hreifa at h, neytki, A, 95. hugda ek mik, Cd, 96. miok morgo 
sinni, Cd. Ze 





$1] | RAGNAR LODBROK, ANSLAUG, etc. 351 


ok hardliga hrina, hafa mik sogit ormar; 
ni mun-ek nar af bragdi ok ner ‘dyrom’ deyja. 100 


VIL. 
Biorn Larnsiva : 
26. Her flygr hverjan morgin hress of borgir pessar ; 
leezk heill muno hungri heida valr of deyja: 
hann fari sudr um sanda ‘seggi hvar ver letom’ 
par feer hann dauds mannz dreyra deegg or skyli-haggom. 
27. Pat var fyrst er f6rom Freys leika t6k-ek heyja 105 
‘par er einiga allum old’ {f Réma-veldi: 
par lét ek of gran grana (gall arn of val-falli) 
at ‘mann skelko’ mordi mitt sverd dregit verda. 
28. Upp hrundo ver 6pi 4r ‘bito meir an peira’ 
(satt man-ek til pess segja) sverd { Gnfpa-firdi: 110 
knatti hvar er vildi fyrir Hvitaby titan 
(ne sitt spari sveinar sverd) mannz bani verda. 
Aslaug : 


29. Kaga léto mik minir . . . . synir langom 
ér erot ... . heiman ... . medal-fcerir, 
Ragnvaldr t6k at ridda rand { gumna bidédi, 115 


hann kom yngstr til Odins égn-diarfr sona minna. 


30. Sonr beid einn s4-ek Atta f Austrvegi dauda, 
Hyvitserkr var s4 heitinn hvergi giarn at flyja; 
hitnadi hann af hafdom heeggins vals at rémo, 
kauss pann bana pengill préttar-sniallr 4dr félli. 120 
31. Hafdom lét of hrundit hund-margom gramr undir 
‘{ feiga by foska fingi ivir syngja’ 
hvat skyli bed inn betra~bad-heggr und sik leggja 





into me, and they hiss cruelly, draining my blood. I shall soon be a 
dead man. The verses which once followed here seem to have been used to 
‘make the final part of Kraku-mal. 


VII, Biorn Ironside on the brothers’ forays. Here flies every morning a 
raven over the fort, he is hungry for carrion; let him go south of the 
sand where we fought, there he may slake his thirst in the wounds of 
the dead. When I first set Frey’s game going in the Roman empire 
[Italy], I was eighteen years old, There....my sword was drawn. 

Biorn Ironside. Let us raise a mighty war-whoop in Gnip-firth [Scar- 
bay =Scarhorough ?], Let every one slay his man outside of Whitby. 

Anslaug |now called Randalin| egging her sons to avenge Rognwald. 
My sons have left me sorrowing. Ye are aye laggards all of you. 
Rognwald the brave was wont to dye his target red in men’s blood, he 
came first of all my sons to Woden. 

The death of Whitesark, burnt on a pile of dead men’s heads, One son I 
had that died in Eastway—Whitesark was his name—that never sought 
to flee. He was burnt on a pile of the heads of the slain, this was the 





102, mun af, Cd, 10g. hrunda var, Cd, 


352 THE RAGNAR CYCLE. 


‘illa deyr vid ordztfr allvaldr iofurs falli.’ 
32. Sitja ‘ veidi-vitjar vals’ 4 borgar halsom, - 125 

bal er pat’r hefir um hafnat hrafn Siguréar nafni: 

blasi ‘nyti nidtar nas’ { span at hanom! 

of snemma lét Odinn alf valmeyjar deyja. 


VII. 
1st. 33. Seg pi fra pegn-skapom pinom; pik rddomk ek spyrja: 
hvar sattu hrafn 4 hrislo hrolla dreyra fullan? 130 


z 


optar sattu at alérom f andugi fundinn 
an pu dreyrog hre drcégir { dal fyrir val-fogla. 


2nd. 34. — Pegi-pu heim-dragi heitinn! hvat er pik ‘ vesal latan!’ 
hefir-pi aldregi unnit bess es ek mega protna - 
fe ea 3 TO Se oy ae 135 
gaftattu hafnar hesti (hvat roékir pik) drykkjo. 

1st. 35. | Hafs létom ver hesta hlyr-stinna brim renna, 


medan 4 biartar brynjor bl6éi dreif um sfdor: 
ylgr gein oldor-monnom ‘eyra’ grar of svira 
hard-meldri ; é ‘ : roona. 140 
2nd. 36.  Allz engi sa-ek yéarn par-er upp lokinn fundom 
‘heila varg’ fyr hvitom hesti mava rastar: 
‘ok vid lasi ludrar’ fyrir landi ver undom 
pone miallo hrafns fyrir raudom stafni. 
2) ame: & Samira okkr at aldrom of andugi preta 145 
‘hvarr okkar hefir unnit hvadarr’ framar adrom: 
pu stétt par es bar bara branda-hizort at sundi, 
enn ek sat par es ‘ra reiddi’ raudan stafn til hafnar. 





death he chose ere he fell. There were hundreds of heads piled beneath 
him .... What better bed could a king spread for himself! .... 

Sigurd Snake-i’-th’-eye’s death. Lo, the ravens perched on the pin- 
nacles of the burghs. The doom has overtaken Sigfred’s namesake. 
Blow, gentle winds, on the chips of his funeral pile. Woden made the 
Walkyrie’s darling die too soon. 


VIII. First Champion: Tell thy feats, I bid thee. Where hast thou 
seen the blood-sated raven perched on the bough? Thou wert oftener to 
be found in the high-seat than dragging their food to the eagles.—Second 
Champion: Hold thy peace, thou stay-at-home. What hast thou, thou 
wretch? Nought hast thou wrought wherein I should fall short. Thou 
hast never slaked the wolf’s thirst.—First Champion: We made the 
prow-strong sea-horses speed through the brine. The grey wolf yawned 
over the dead.... golden beacon heads.—Second Champion: 1 did not 
see thee where we saw the white waves gaping for the ship.... and 
the sea .... furiously before the red prow.—First Champion relenting : 
Let us not quarrel in the high-seat which of us two has done the 
greatest deed of daring. Thou didst stand where the billow floated 
the ships, and I was sitting on the ship as she touched the harbour.— 





131. pattu at odom, Cd. {142. Read, Heita vang. 145. Ondugi] 
read, 6nd? or anddyri? 




















§1.] LAST FRAGMENTS. 353 


and. 38. Fylgdom Birni badir { branda gny hverjom, 
(v6éro reyndir rekkar) enn Ragnari stundom: 150 
var ek par-er bragnar bardosk 4 Bolgara-landi 
pvi berr-ek sdr 4 sido. Sittu innarr meirr, granni! 


LAST FRAGMENTS. 


In the Legendary Tales, of which we have spoken in § 34 of Pro- 
legomena, and which are chiefly to be found in the Fornaldar-Ségur, 
Copenhagen, 1829, there are about seventeen hundred lines. 

This mass falls into three categories, which we must treat separately. 
First there comes a small number of verses in Turf-Einar Metre, more 
or less poetic in character, and with zo direct imitation of earlier poetry 
or subject. The second group contains lines in the Epic Metre, dealing 
with popular traditions of a more or less medieval character. What is 
noteworthy out of these two groups we have printed here. But the 
third group is of a different character. It consists of a number of poems 
in Epic Metre, by a late versifier, directly imitated from the old genuine 
poetry, which he must have had access to in book-form. Three of 
these poems, all of which may be by the same hand, of the same type, as 
the Saxo Starkad-Lay, but not imitated from it, are the Death-Song of 
Arrow-Ord, the Life of Rook sung by himself in the hall of Hake, and 
the Wikar's-balk of Starkad in the hall of Alric. There are more 
pieces, but of an inferior interest. We need not believe that more than 
one person was concerned, and we have no proof that he knew more 
about songs or traditions of old days than we do now. He knew the 
poems of the Helgi and Heroic group, perhaps also those of the lost 
sheet, for he may even have used our MSS. The Editor has long suspected 
that the Fornaldar-Ségur, as we have them, were edited in the east of 
Iceland, where there is some reason to suppose that the ‘Edda’ MSS. 
were lurking all along till the seventeenth century. The stiff, prosy, 
monotonous vein of this set of poems betrays their wholly artificial and 
book character; and when we take Gunnlaug’s Merlinus-Spa, a poem 
written at a time Jetween them and the old poems they imitate, we can 
see how great a difference there is between a man at home in the 
old metre and to a certain extent inspired by noble models, and a mere 
dilettante, forging verses for amusement, without a spark of real fancy 
or any true comprehension of the spirit and melody of his originals. 

These poems, of which the only use or worth can be that they contain 
a few direct citations from the old poems, we cannot print here. They 
are at best but appendage-matter. They are as much book-poetry as 
forged eighteenth-century ballads; but, as far as space allowed, we have 
given them in an appendage, that readers may see their nullity plainly 
set out in black and white, and judge the question for themselves. 

It should be noticed that the MSS. on which Fornaldar-Ségur occurs 
are all of late date. The Editor’s hypothesis as to the composition of 
these tales will be found in Prolegomena, § 34. 

Of the former two groups of verses, which we give below, we have 
set first those in TURF-EINAR METRE. 

I. The first set of lines in this metre belongs to the story of Asbiorn 
the Proud. It was from part of this piece that we took the List 





Second Champion: We both followed Biorn or else Ragnar to battle. 

I remember how we followed men in the Bolgars’ land [Bulgaria]. 

There I got a wound in my side. Come and sit here inside next me! 
VOL. Il. Aa 


354 LAST FRAGMENTS. [BK. Ix. 


of Champions, No. III, printed in Book v, § 6. The maker knew 
Kraku-mal. 

II. The next, from the tale of Arrow-Ord, the Northern Odysseus 
or Philoctetes. These lines would seem rightly to form a part of the 
verse in Ragnar’s Saga, ver. 23, p. 350. 

III. The third from the story of Fridtheow, well known by the poem of 
Tegner, of which it is the foundation. There are one ortwo antique touches 
in this verse, the parting of the ring, for instance, and the magic tempest. 
There are phrases resembling those of Kraku-mal I. and Egil’s verse. 

IV. The fourth set is modern in spirit, but really poetic. One or two 
verses of those we give are probably the best known lines in Iceland of 
all ancient poetry. The Saga in which they are found is purely 
fictitious, and worthless in itself, though the verse is so pretty. Metre, 
modernised court-metre. | 

V. The ditties which follow might perhaps have stood in Book vi, § 2, 
They are really popular in spirit ; they are found in the late and manu- 
factured Saga of Bard the Snow-fell spirit, which is curious as containing 
several bits of native folk-lore. 

The second group (vi-xi) in Epic METRE, or other short metre, is 
arranged next in order. 

VI. The -first is taken from the end of Ragnar’s Saga (the first few 
lines being also found in a different and, we take it, wrong connection 
in Half’s Saga), where the prose runs—‘ There was a certain Ogmund 
called Ogmund the Dane, he was once coming with five ships and lay 
to off Samsey in Munarvoe,’ The story goes, ‘that the meat-swains 
landed to get meat, and that others of the men went into the woods 
to amuse themselves, and there they found an ancient wooden man, forty 
fathoms high and moss-grown; but yet his face could still be seen. And 
now they fell to reasoning among themselves, who could have worshipped 
this great god.’ Then the wooden man spake—‘ It was, etc.’ . 

The final lines of his speech remind one of pieces in the anthologies. 
The first line is the same favourite ‘folk-phrase’ we have in King Harold 
and the Fisherman, Book viii, § 3. 

._ VII. The next set refers to the presages which foretell the fates of the 
kings in Half’s Saga. They ali occur in the first chapters of that Tale, 
from whence we have taken Nos. 4, 5 for Book vi, § 2; and 

VIII. Here we, for the first time since Book iv, § 3, and the Ditty, Book 
vi, No. 13 a, meet with a scrap in DIALOGUE METRE, It is a bit of a 
song composed on an amusing half-allegoric folk-tale. A king (Gaut) is 
out hunting and loses his way, and comes to a hut in which he gets 
shelter; the household are strange folk, and one of the women explains 
their ways and doings to the wondering guest. ‘My father is Shabby, 
my mother is Tatter, my brothers are Curlea, Sea-urchin, and Drone}. 
My name is Gentle, my sisters are called Hetter and Fetter. There is a cliff 
near our house called Gilling’s cliff, and a steep thereon called the Family- 
steep ; over it we throw ourselves if any misfortune falls upon us, and so 
we go to Woden.’ The old people first kill themselves, and then the 
young do likewise, as one after another they are afflicted by some small 
piece of ill-luck. The daughter Gentle bears a child to the king, who 
grows up to be the famous prince Gautric the Munificent. 

IX-XI. The next extract, from Rolf-Kraki’s Saga, refers to the story of 





* Norse Skafnortungr, Totra, Fiolmod, Imsigull, Gillung, which last we would read 
‘Geitung;’ the sisters Snotra, Hiotra, and Fiotra; the cliffs Gillungs-hamar and 
fEtternis-stapi. 




















§1.] FRIDTHEOW. 355 


two orphan princes, who, according to the prophecy in the Mill Song (1.80), 
were to avenge Frodi, They escape their foes as the two young princes 
in the Lancelot story do, in spite of the witch, who discovers them, In 
the same Saga there are two other scraps referring to the two brothers 
who are deformed by enchantment and recognise each other, and to 
King Eadgil’s recognising his old champion who visits his court with 
Rolf. There are two verses (cited in Edda) in this Saga which are older 
and genuine; these we have printed in Book iii, § 2, vol. i, p. 190. 

XII. The next scrap, from Bard’s Saga, tells of the heroine’s home- 
sickness. 


XIII. The last bit, in rhyme metre, is found in Fridtheow’s Saga, It 
deals with a storm-scene, and is ascribed to Biorn, one of the characters 


in the Saga, though, of course, it would suit any hero in the same cir- 
cumstances, 


I. (From Flatey-bok.) 
: AGDI mer 4 seidi sangom pat langom, 
at ek feigom foéti frag norédr 4 Mectri: 
veetki vissi voelva, vera man-ek enn med mannom 
glaér { Gauta-veldi. Gramir eigi spdr hennar! 
2. Segit bat minni mdédéor, man hon eigi syni kemba_ 5 
svardar 146 4 sumri, Svanhvit { Danmarko: 
haféa-ek henni heitid, at ek heim koma mundag, 
nu mun segg 4 sido sverdz-egg dregin verda. 


II. (From Arrow-Ord’s Saga.) 


ERK of fra-ek or silki { siau stadom goervan: 
ermr var 4 fra-landi, annor nordr med Finnom, 
sl6go Saxa meyjar, enn Sudreyskar spunno, 
v6fo Valskar briidir, varp Opiddans mddir. 4 


III. (From Fridtheow’s Saga.) 


I. YNDA lét-ek or Sogni (enn snétir miadar neytto) 
breeddan byrjar séta ({f Baldrs-haga midjom) : 





I, Asmund the Proud defies the Sibyl’s prediction, and resolves to explore 
the cavern and fight the Giant. Long ago the Sibyl told me in her en- 
chanted song that I should go north to More on doomed feet. The 
Sibyl was wrong, I shall live merrily among men in the realm of the 
Gauts. The fiends take her forebodings ! 

Asmund is caught by the Giant and tortured to death; he sings at the 
stake. Tell my mother, Swanwhite, in Denmark, that she will never 
comb her son’s hair again this year, I promised her that I would come 
home, but now the sword-edge shall be drawn over my side. 


Il. Arrow-Ord has a magic shirt given him by the fairy-maidens, who 
sing as they hand it to him, That silken shirt was wrought in seven 
places, one arm in Ireland, the other north among the Fins, the Saxon 
maids beat the flax, the South-Island [Hebudes] damsels spun it, the 
ladies of Gaul wove it, the heathen mothers [of Wendland] warped it. 


Ill. Fridtheow in the storm which is raised by witchcraft against his 
good ship Ellida. 1 put my black bark out of Sogn, while the ladies were 





1. ok song um, Cd. 4. Read, Opiddar=Viuda? Cp. p. 187, |. 35. 
Aa2 = 





356 LAST FRAGMENTS. [BK. Ix. 


nu tekr hregg at herda; hafi dag bridir gédan 

per-er oss vilja unna, pdétt Elliéa fylli. 
a Miak tekr sidr at svella, svi er ni drepit skyjom, 5 

pvi r4da galdrar grimmir at gialfr or stad foerir: 

eigi skal vid zgi { ofvidri berjask, 

l4tom Sdélundir seggjom svell-vifadar hlifa. 


3 Helgi veldr at hrannir hrim-faxadar vaxa, 
era sem biarta bridi { Baldrs-haga kyssim. 10 
4. Eigi sér til alda, erom vestr { haf komnir, 


allr pykkir mer zgir sem f{ eymyrjo szi: 
hrynja haf-baror, haug verpa svan-flaugar ; 
nu er Ellidi orpinn f{ ardugri baro. 

Her vard svarf um siglo, er ser 4 skip hrundi, 15 
ek vard err vid Atta innan-boréz at vinna: 
della var til dyngjo dagurd konom fcera 
an Ellida ausa { ardugri baro. 
6. Brusto bad@ir halsar { baro hafs stérri, 

sukko sveinar fidrir { se 6grunnan. 20 


Or 


“2 Pann skal hring of hoeggva, er Halfdanar Atti, 
4dr oss tapar ANgir, audigr fadir raudan: 
sid skal goll 4 gestom, ef ver gistingar burfom 
(pat dugir rausnar rekkom), { Ranar-sal midjom. 


8. Sigldo ver or Sogni, sva féro ver nestum, 25 
pa 1ék eldr it efra { 6éali vdro: 
enn nt tekr bal at brenna Baldrs-haga midjan, 
pvf man-ek vargr { véom, veit ek bat munk heitinn. 





boiling the mead in the midst of Balder’s-Haye. The gale is rising, may 
the ladies that love us fare well, though Ellida fill. The sea is swelling, 
the air is thick with clouds; it is through wicked charms that the surges 
are stirred. Who can fight against ocean in tempest? Let us seek 
shelter behind the Solunds. It is Hélgi that makes the rime-maned 
billows swell. It is not as when we were kissing the fair maidens in 
Balder’s-Haye. We cannot see the.... We are driven westward on 
the main. All ocean looks to me like glowing embers [all a-fire]; the 
billows of the deep are crashing down upon us; the swan-meads [waters] 
are cast up in high barrows; Ellida is plunging into the ramping billow. 
There was havoc in the waist when the sea clashed over the ship; I had to 
do eight men’s work in the hold. It was sweeter work to bring the 
ladies their breakfasts in this bower than to be baling Ellida in the 
ramping billows. Both neck-boards broke in the big sea-wave, four lads 
sank to the bottom of the sea. 

He cuts his ring up and divides it among his men, believing that the 
ship must founder. ‘et us cut up the ring that Halfdan’s father owned, 
before ocean wrecks us, so that gold shall be seen on us as befits gentle- 
men if we must needs be guests in Ran’s hall. : 

Having avenged his wrong and burnt Balder’s-Haye, Fridtheow sails off. 
We sailed out of Sogn, that was our last voyage ; the flame was playing 
then over our heritage, but now the flame is blazing in the midst of 
Balder’s-Haye, I shall be called a ‘ Wolf in holy-places’ for this, I know. 





I 

4 

= § 
* 


§1.] WIGLUND AND KETTLERID. 357 


IV. (From Wiglund’s Saga.) 


| eg ma ek 4 egi égratandi lita, 
sizt mal-vinir mfnir fyr mar-bakkann sukku: 
leidr er mer sidévar sorti ok stigandi bdra 
(heldr goerdi mer hardan harm) { unna farmi. 


_ 


2. Trudi malm-bings meidir mar-gl6dar per tréda; 
hugda ek sfzt at hefdi hring-lestir pik festa: 
eigi tiddu eidar oss eda margir kossar, 
seint er kvenna ged kanna; kona sleit vid mik heitum. 
a. St66u vit tvau f tini; t6k Hlin um mik sfnum 
handum haukligt kvendi har-faoogr, ok grét s4ran: 10 
titt flugu tar um trédu; til segir harmr um vilja; 
strauk drif-hvitum duki drés um hvarminn lidsa. 
4. Skamt leidda ek sk¥ran skrauta-niwrd or gardi, 
p6 fylgdi hugr mfnn hénum ‘hverskyns konar’ lengra: 
skylda-ek leitt hafa lengra, ef land fyrir legi veeri, 15 
ok egis-mar yr6i allr at grenum velli. 
5. Laug-audig strauk laudri lfn-eik um skar mina, 
pvf er mer enn til annars tbrdtt hafud-pvattar : 
ellungis skal engi audi gloest it nesta 
ein 4 aldri mfnum ask-laugar mer vaska. 20 
6. Sé-ek 4 fiall pat-er fiatra fram-lundudéust sitr undir, 
pé renn ek til hennar hug-rekk vinar-augum: 
pa brekku kved-ek mer pekka pruiér er par stendr hid prvdri 
hlads sem hlfdar aérar hug-pekk er mer nokkut, 


wm 





IV. Kettlerid believes her lover Wiglund to be drowned and weeps for 
him. I can never look on the sea without weeping, since my love sank 
_in the deep water. I hate the blackness of the sea and the sucking 
surges of the heaped waters. Cruel is my grief therefore. 

Wiglund’s reproach to his mistress. 1 trusted thee, lady; least of all did 
I think that another should have espoused thee. Vain were oaths and 
kisses many. It takes a long time to fathom a woman. My lady has 
broken her vow to me. 

Wiglund on parting with bis mistress. We stood together in the court, 
the fair-haired lady clasped me in her arms and wept sore, thick fell the 
tears upon her. Sorrow witnesses to love. She wiped her bright eye- 
lashes with her snow-white kerchief. 

Kettlerid’s farewell. 1 did not go far with thee out of the court, 
yet my heart followed thee ever farther. I would have gone farther 
with thee if the sea were land, and ocean’s mere were all green 
fields. 

Kettlerid is washing Wiglund’s head. My lady has rubbed the lather 
into my hair. It will be longere I have another head-washing. No other 
lady shall ever lave my hair as long as I live. 

Wiglund looks back at the hills, where his lady lives, as he sails away. 1 
look at the hills my love lives under, casting loving eyes towards her. 
Dearer to me than any other hillside is the brink of the hill where she 


358 LAST FRAGMENTS. [BK. 1x. 


". Liést er Ut at lita lauka-reid yfir heidi, 25 
s6l gengr si6 und mila, slikt langar mik pangat : 
fill eru mer pekk af pellu (pvi er-ek hlidér, valin tr6da) 
[vif 4-ek veenst at leyfa val-grund] er par sitr undir. 


8. Ketilrfér bad ei kviéa karlmann jf far sniallri 
ungan pdétt aldor gangi iafn-hatt skeidar stafni: 30 
enn er 4 ord at minnazt (verum hraustir ni Trausti) 
([verd ek af harmi hardum hrid-lundr] Ketilrfdar. 


V. Tue GIANTESS AND THE FisHEer (Bardar Saga). 


:: Re: skaltu fiall firdan fram { lag stirdan, 
(par mun geer glitta) ef pu vill Grims-mid hitta: 
par skaltu pd liggja; ‘Pdrr er viss til Friggjar;’ 
roi norpr inn nef-skammi Nesit { Hitk-hvammi! 


5: Ut reri einn 4 bati Ingialdr { skinn-feldi ; 5 
tyndi atian englum Ingialdr { skinn-feldi, 
ok fertogu foeri Ingialdr { skinn-feldi, 
aptr kom aldri sféan Ingialdr { skinn-feldi. 


VI. (From Ragnar’s Saga and Half’s.) 


I. AT var fyrir longo er f leid megir 
Heekings f6ro ‘hlum tunglom:’ 
sigldo um salta sl66 birtinga, 
pa vard-ek pessa porps radandi. 





lives. It is light above the mountain tops, the sun is setting late behind the 
Mull, would I were there! Dear to me are the hills because she lives 
beneath them, that is why I am silent. Mine is the fairest of ladies. 

Wiglund in the gale to his brother Trust. Kettlerid bade me never flinch, 
though the waves rose as high as the bows of the bark. Now let us be 
mindful of her words. Let us be bold, Trust. I am heart-sore with 
my bitter sorrow. 


V. The giantess Hetta, wishing to lure Ingiald to death, shows him the 
marks of a fine fishing bank. Vhou shalt row till the mountain shows low, 
out in the high sea, where the wild fowl are glittering, if thou wilt light 
on Grim’s bank. There shalt thou lie.... Row till Andwerd’s-ness 
shows into Sleet-dell, and shiver there Snubbie! 

Ingiald rows out to the bank and is persuaded by an evil spirit in guise of 
a fisherman to wait there, till he was caught in a terrible gale. While the 
storm was raging his household, sitting at supper, hear a hollow voice 
chanting at the window. Out he rowed alone in his boat, Ingiald in his 
sheep-skin coat. Eighteen hooks he lost and forty fathoms of line; he 
will never come back again, Ingiald in his sheep-skin coat. But Bard, 
a friendly mountain spirit, saved him, and he came home alive to his 
Frightened household. 


VI. The wooden image. It was a long while ago, when the sons of 
Hocing went forth ....on the salt sea-trout’s path. It was then that I 





2. Heklings, Cd. 





a Oe 





om wo 











eS 


§ 1.] FROM HALF’S SAGA. 359 


2. Ok pvi setto ‘ sverd-merdlingar’ 5 
sudr hid salti synir Lodbrékar : 
pa var-ek blétinn til bata mannom 
{ SAmseyjo sunnan-verGri. 

3. Par bado standa medan strand bpolir 
mann ‘hia pyrni’ ok mosa-vaxinn : Io 
na skytr 4 mik skyja grati, 
hlyr hvarki mer hold né kledi. 


VII. (From Half’s Saga.) 


I. AKK-PU fr& brunni!—glottattu vid mer— 
preell herfiligr, pins inniss til! 
man-ek senda per sveidanda spidt 
pat-er gyrja mun granar pfnar. 
2 Veita gearla vif pitt, konungr, F 
hvat hnekkja mun hennar szlo: 
‘yer verOom per’ .. .. . 
‘Hildr Hizorleifi, haltu nzer loga.’ 
3. Ek se Hringjo haug um orpinn, 
enn Hera hniga hvatinn spidti : 10 
sé ek Hizorleifi hapt-band snuin, | 
enn Hreidari hoegginn galga. 
4. Ek sé ly¥sa langt sudr { haf, 
vill Danskr konungr déttor hefna; 





became ruler of this thorp. And the sons of Lodbrok ....set me up 
in the south, hard by the salt sea. It was then I was worshipped for 
the saving of mariners, southward in Samsey. They bade me stand 
there a wooden and moss-begrown man while the strand endures. The 
tears of the clouds fall upon me, neither flesh nor clothes cover me. 


VII. Hiorleif’s men go to draw water at a spring in Finland, that fell 
from a rock; there they saw a Burn-soiler (one of the Fox’s names, here 
used of a goblin). When they told the king, he heated a spear-head in the fire 
and shot at the spirit, crying, Go from the brook, thou filthy slave, to thine 
own place. Never make mows at me! I will send thee a hissing spear 
that shall gore thy lips. But the monster bolied into the rock, and afterward 
answered the king back. Beware of thy wife, king, she will put an end to 
thy luck. We warn thee, O king,.... near the fires. But Hiorleif 
threw a spear which put out his eye. Again, Hiorleif lay in a calm in the 
Jutland main, and at sunrise he saw in the north a man-mountain rise out 
of the sea, that spoke to him. 1 see a barrow cast over Hringia [thy love] ; 
I see Heri [thy son] sink spear-smitten. I see the shackles twisted for 
Hiorleif, and a gallows cut for Reidhere [thy kinsman]. Again, the 
Jisherman caught a merman and brought him to Hiorleif, who let him go on 
condition of his prophesying his fate. 1 seea gleam far south in the sea, 
the Danish king will avenge his daughter ; he has out ships untold; he 
bids Hiorleif to a tryst of war. Keep thee if thou canst! I will go back 





7. Emend.; bana, Cd. Io. Read, hapyrnis ? I, gletta littu vid mik, Cd. 
10. Bugge; hingat, Cd. 12. Bugge; huginn, Cd. 





360 LAST FRAGMENTS. 


hann hefir uti é6tal skipa, 
bydér hann Hioorleifi holm-stefno til, 
varastu viti ef pu vill; vil-ek aptr f sia! 
5. Sago kann-ek segja sonom Haleygja 
vilgi gé6da, ef ér vilit heyra: 
her ferr sunnan ‘Svaréar’ doéttir 20 
um drifin dreyra, fra Danmeorko. 
6. Hefir ser 4 haféi hialm upp spentan, 
her-kuml hardligt ‘Hedins of létta’ 
skamt man sveinom ‘sé pat sem er’ 
hildar at bida her 4 ferli. 25 
a. Bresta mun baug-rast, bra mer augom 
um. herud ‘hingad Hagna til pegna’ 
‘hafa skal hverr drengr hiar-niétz mzarg spidt’ 
‘45r komi mikil fram malm-hrié sidan’ 
‘bé man, ef pat er satt pa ferr illa hafa’ 30 
‘¥tar al keypt ar pa er kemr var.’ 
8. Minnistu, Hreidarr, hverr Hera felldi ; 
va vaktist bar fyrir vestr-durom: 
enn man in svinna til sala pinna 
byr-sel koma; bfé-pi enn konungr! 35 


VIII. (From Gautrick’s Saga.) 


I. KUA tva er mer Skaf-nartungr gaf, 
pvengjom er hann pba nam: 
illz mannz kved-ek aldri vera 
granda-lausar giafir. 
2. Heimskliga veik-ek hendi til 5 
er ek kom vid kinn kono: 
litil lyf kveda haféd til lyda sona; 
af pvf var hann Gautrekr geoerr. 





to the sea! I can tell ye Haloga-men a tale if ye will hearken. Hither 
comes from the south Hedin’s daughter [war] blood-besprent out of 
Denmark. She has on her head a helm... . stout war-tokens. - It will 
not be long waiting for war. The shield shall break, she is turning her 
eyes into this quarter. Let every man take his sword and spear.... 
yet shall. ...if it be true.... There was a voice heard crying, Let 
Reidhere remember who slew Heri. Woe was awakened at the west 
doors. Nevertheless the Wise maiden shall come to thy hall. Wait 
awhile, king! 

VIII. Gaut on the stinginess of Shabby. The two shoes that Shabby 
gave me he took the thongs out of. An ill man’s gifts are never lucky. 

Gentle persuades her brother Drone that she is with child through his 
having touched her face with his hand. Drone cries out: Fool that I was to 
touch her cheek with my hand. How little goes to make a man! That 
is how Gautric was begotten. 





20. Read, Hedins? 30. Read, pat er sak. 32. Thus Bugge; minstu... 
hvar H. feldut, Cd. 34. Bugge; hun sinna ... kona, Cd. 1. Read, Skaf- 
nyrflungr ? (nyrfill). 


eh 'y “ x 
Py es Lh EC ee sl 














oe 
b W 





Lye appa eB hK ed PET ety vie aba yi ! 








ROLF KRAKI’S CYCLE. 361 


3. Svartir snfglar éto steina fyrir mer, 
nu vill oss hvat-vetna hata: 10 
snaudr mun-ek snépa, pvi-at sniglar hafa 
goll mitt allt grafit. 
4. Pat var spell er sparr um vann 
4 akri Ims-iguls: 
axi var skatt, or var korn numit, 15 
pat mun ze Teatro ett um trega. 
5. Ungr sveinn drap oxa fyrir mer; 
slfkt eru ban-vzen bysn! 
mun-ek aldregi eiga iafn-gédan 
po ek gamall verdi. 20 


IX. (From Rolf Kraki’s Saga.) 


I. (Et er ordin ett Skialdunga 
lofdungs ‘lundar’ at limom einom: 
broedr s4-ek mina 4 berom sitja, 
enn Sevils rekka 4 sadlodom. 
ai Tveir ’ro inni, trig hvdrigom, 
peir er vid elda ftrir sitja: 
peir { Vifilsey véro lengi, 
ok héto par hunda nafnom, 
Hoppr ok Hé. 
3. Sé-ek hvar sitja synir Halfdanar, 10 
Hréarr ok Helgi, heilir bAdir, 
peir muno Frdéda fizorvi rena. 
4. Otul ero augo Hams ok Hrana, 
ero wOlingar undra diarfir. 


or 





Curlew seeing that two snails have scrabbled upon his gold slabs, cries, Two 


_ black ‘snails have eaten my slabs, everything is going against us. I shall 


have to slink along in beggary, now those snails have eaten all my gold. 
So he throws himself over the rock. Sea-urchin sees that a sparrow has eaten 
an ear of his corn and laments: It was a destruction that the sparrow 
wrought in Sea-urchin’s acre, the ear was spoilt and one grain taken. 
Tatter’s race are doomed to woe! So he threw himself over also. Drone 
saw the boy Gautric kill an ox, and called out, The boy kills an ox before 
mine eyes, an awful business. I shall never have such a jewel of a beast 
again however old I grow. And he followed his brethren. 


IX. Signy’s lament at her brothers’ low estate. The Shielding race, 
the kingly branches, have all shrunk to mere shrub twigs. I have seen 
my brothers riding bare-backed horses while Seavil’s men were sitting 
on saddles. The sibyl Heid betrays the princes’ presence. ‘There are two 
in the house, sitting by the fire, neither of whom I trust. They were 
long in Weevilsey and were called by dog’s names, Hop and Ho. dnd 
again she says, 1 see where Halfdan’s sons, Rodhere and Helgi, are 
sitting safe and sound; they shall rob Frodi of his life, save they be quickly 
sent away, and that will not be, says she; and she sung on, Keen are the 





g. svartir] stuttir, Cd, 20. Corrupt text and metre. 
> 


—?_— i a 


+e —., 


362 LAST FRAGMENTS. [BK. 1%. 


E. Reginn er uti ok rekkar Halfdanar 15 
snoefrir andskotar, segit pat Frdéda: 
Varr sl6 nagla, ok Varr hafdadi, 
ok Varr varum var-nagla sl6é. 


X. (From Rolf Kraki’s Saga.) 


Ele-Fré0 : Pies skalm, gengr or slidrom, 
minnisk hand hildar verka. 
Thori: En ek let viz 4 vegom 
cexi mina iafnt hlidd bera. 


XI. (From Rolf Kraki’s Saga.) 


Adils : ‘i piekas er { hnakka, auga er or hafdi, 
err er { enni, hoegg ero 4 hendi tvau. 


XII. (From Bard’s Saga.) 


JEL vera-ek ef ek sid meetta 
Burfell ok Bala, b4ééda Lén-dranga, 
Adalpegns-Héla ok Ondurt-nes, 
Heidar-kollo ok Hregg-snasa, 
Dritvik ok mel fyrir durom Foéstra. 


XIII. (From Fridtheow’s Saga.) 
RA sem ekkja 4 pik vili drekka, 
biart baug-vara bidi neer fara: 
salt ero augo sukkod f{ laugo, 
bill sterka arma, bftr mer i hvarma. 





eyes of Ham and Rani, the Ethelings are wonderfully bold! King Frodi 
hears the voice of Regin the smith, outside, saying, Regin is outside, and the 
champions of Halfdan, bitter foes. Tell this to Frodi. Ware struck 
the nail, Ware headed it, and Ware struck a ware-nail [bilge-plug] for 
the wary. 


X. Tao brothers meet in the fight and recognise each other by their strokes. 
The one says, The sword howls as it is drawn from the sheath, the hand 
is mindful of the toil of war. The other answers, But far and wide on 
the ways I make my axe match ¢hy sqword in noise. 


XI. Eadgils recognises the old champion Sweep-day by his wound-marks. 
There is a trench on the nape of the neck, an eye out of the head, a 
scar on the brow, two cuts on the hand. 


XII. Helga, set afloat by her brothers in play on a piece of ice, drifts 
to Greenland, where she is kindly lodged, but she cannot forget her home, and 
laments: Happy were I if I could see Burfell and Bole, and the two 
Lon-drengs, Athelthane’s hill and Andwordness, Heath’s-knoll and 
Sleet-peak, Dirt-wick and Shingle, before my foster-father’s doors! 


XIII. Fridtheow and Biorn in the gale. Biorn says, It is not as when 
a maid is bidding one to drink with her, or a ring-decked damsel asking 
one to draw nearer to her! The salt sea is in mine eyes, the brine 
is washing into them. My strong arms are aching, my eyelids are 
smarting ! . 











Ree Pan Ac fey 


gy 





1 moe = 
rena, eee 





THE PROVERB-POEM. 363 


§2 PROVERBS AND SAWS. 
THE PROVERB-POEM. 


FOLLOWING Iomswickinga Drapa, at the end of Codex Regius, comes 
this piece, which we, like Mébius, are inclined to ascribe to the same 
author—Bishop Biarni. 

It was first really read by Mr. John Sigurdsson, a most painstaking and 
successful reader of faded MSS., who spent a good deal of time and care 
over it; for, though the whole poem is on the vellum, it is almcst 
illegible in many places. But the first and last words (containing no 
doubt the title and perhaps the name of the author) are either torn off 
or unreadable, and words and names here and there are still unsafe. 
Dr. Mobius published it from Mr. Sigurdsson’s copy in 1873. 

Its subject is ‘forn ord,’ old saws, and it contains about one hundred 
and twenty saws and proverbs, besides allusions to the exploits and 
fortunes of well-known eroes ; Biarki; Starkad; B...; ‘ Bronting who 
slept himself to death;’ ... Romund Gripson; Eleazar, the valiant 
Maccabee, who ‘put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver 
his people, and get him a perpetual name,’ and slew the mighty elephant 
of the army of Antiochus Eupator (1 Macc. vi. 43-47); Nidiung the 
dwarf that carved the horn of the howe; Sérli the lover; Asmund that 
broke Gnod, his famous ‘ sea-steed,’ to the waves ; and Gizur that set the 
kings at variance. There are also allusions to sundry gods and goddesses : 
Frigg and her famous son, snatched away suddenly to the Hell’s Hall ; 
‘ Eliudnir’ [Sleet-den], wept for by all, and sought in vain by Hermod 
(that Northern Hermes) ; Thiazi and his golden speech; the Bond that 
bound Fenris; Woden’s beer (the gift of song); and Mardoll’s tears 

It is in Drapa form, 10+ 1+(3 x 3) +10=30, with a durden, drawn 
from the late tale of Harold Fairhair’s love-craze for the dead Finnish 
witch (a legend best known in connection with Charlemagne), the king’s 
foolish passion being likened to his own fond love for a faithless ‘pigsney’ 
Randwey. The metre is eight-measured Rhyme metre. The poem was 


_ obviously composed for recitation at entertainments, where its variety 


and irony would render it amusing. 

It is to be observed that all the feminine rhymes are vu vu, never - Vv; 
in the masculine rhymes five in — occur to every one in vu. 

Dr. Egilsson cites it as ‘Mansongs kvedi;’ the Editor quotes it in the 
Dictionary as Malshatta kvedi, which is perhaps most convenient, in 
the absence of any definite hint as to its true title. 


I. 
I. . . . . pegir: Dylja m4 pess er einn-hver segir ; 
Fa OT Re er aeRO ad om ce eitt brigzt héti sfdr : 
Fcéra zetlom forn ord saman: Flestir henda at nceekkvi gaman: 
Gledi minnar veit geipon sid: Griplor er sem hendi pa. 
2. Ekki hefi-ek med flimtan farit: full-vel zetla-ek til bess varit ; 





I, INTRODUCTION, .... One man’s word may be denied.... I mean 
to set OLD SAWS together. Most men have some hobby, my pleasure 
is chattering odds and ends just as they come to hand. I have never 





5. etta-ek, Cd. 
* 





364 PROVERBS AND SAWS. [BK. Ix. 


yrkja kann-ek vano verr: vita pykkisk pat madrinn hverr: 6 
Stolit veri mer ‘ekki’ or ett: iafnan pdtta-ek kveda slétt ; 
(Roa verdr fyrst 4 it naosta nes) nokkuéd ezetta-ek kyn til bess. 
3. Pidd spyrr allt pat-er prir menn vito: peir hafa verr er trygdom 
slito. 
Ekki er pvi til eins mannz skotid: ymsir hafa pau doémi hlotid. 10 
Hermdar ord muno hittask {: heimolt 4-ek at glaupsa af pvi. 
Nokkué vard hon s¥sla of svik: svin-eyg drés hve hon fér med mik. 
4. R6 skyldo menn reidi gefa: Raun-litid kemsk opt 4 prefa. 
Gagarr er skaptr pvi at geyja skal: Goera etla-ek mer létt of tal. 
Verit haféi mer verra { hug: var bat neer sem kveiso flug. 15 
Iafnan fagnar kvikr maér ki: Kennir hins at ek gledjomk nu. 
5. All-litid er ungs mannz gaman: Einom pykkir daufligt saman. 
Ovinar barn er sem ulf at frida: O8-ftiss myndi blindr at sid ; 
Dyrt lata menn dréttins ord: Drekarnir risa opt 4 spord: 
Odlingr skyldi einkar-raskr: G2pa kann f mcérom fraskr. 20 
6. Fylki skal til freegdar hafa: Fregna eigom ‘langt til gafa:’ 
Oddar gcérva iarli megin: Ut-sker verdéa af borom pvegin : 
Ymsir bidéda adrom far: Ormar skrida or hamsi 4 var: 
Vel hefir s4 er pat lida letr: Langar eigo peir bersi neetr. 
7. Biarki Atti hugar-korn hart: Her-lid felldi Starkodér mart: 25 
Ekki var... f hvildom heégr: Hrémundr pétti Grips-son sleégr : 
Okat peim ne einn 4 bug: Eliazar var trir at hug, 


ee ee ee a a 


ed! ia il asl Si ie 








meddled with lampoons; my lay is well meant. 1 understand how to 
compose, as every one knows, or else I take not after my family. My 
verse is thought to run smooth, there is some touch of poet-craft in 
my blood. We must first row to the nearest ness! (Begin with the 
beginning.) 

Every one knows what three men know! III do they that break their 
troth. (This woe of mine is not mine only, such fortunes have befallen 
many a man. Angry words may be found in my song, I have something 
to snap for; that pigsney when she dealt with me, it was not wholly 
without guile.) One should let one’s anger wait. Little things make 
great quarrels. A dog was made for barking. (1 will unburden my mind, 
There have been worse things in my heart, they were just like shooting © 
pangs. A live man is sure to get a cow—it may be seen that I am 
getting merrier now.) Very little amuses a boy. It is dull for a lone 
man. A foe’s child isa wolf to cherish. The blind would be very glad to 
see. Precious are the master’s words. Snakes often rise up on their tails. 
An etheling should be a brave man. The frog will croak in the marsh. 
Glory for a king! .... The spears make the earl’s might. The sea- 
ward reefs are washed by the wave. There are ups and downs in every 
fight. Serpents cast their sloughs in spring. Blessed is he that can bide 
his time. The bear’s night is a long night. Biarki had a steadfast heart. 
Starkad killed a mort of men,.... was not a gentle..... Romund 
Gripsson was thought to be a cunning man: no one could make them 





6. Read, vano ver? 7. Read, ella. g. = Guest’s Wisdom, 279 ; = Old Play of 
Wolsungs, 259. 12. sik,Cd. 13.=Atlam. 280. 16, = Guest’s Wisdom, 14. 
18. Annars, Cd.;=Old Play of Wolsungs, 311. 26, garpr z, Cd. 








, 


na ES ee 





< ie Spr a Siti is os 
S ag 





$2] ° THE PROVERB-POEM. 365 


Fflinn gat hann f fylking sétt: full-straoang hefir si mann-raun pétt. 
8. Bana péttusk peir bida vel: Brandingi svaf loks { hel: 
Mardallar var glysligr gratr: Gledr s4 menn er opt er katr: 30 
Asmundr tamdi Gndéd vid gialfr: Golli meelti Piazi sialfr : 
Nidiungr skéf af haugi horn.—Heelzti ero pau minni forn. 
g. Friggjar pdétti svipr at sveini: s4 var teeldr af Mistilteini ; 
Herméér vildi auka Aams aldr: Elidénir vann solginn Baldr: 
Oll gréto ‘pau’ eptir hann; audit var beim hlAtrar bann ; 35 
heyrin-kunn er fra h6nom saga. —H vat parf-ek um slikt at jaga! 
ro. Sftt mein pykkir sarast hveim : Seettar-goerd er zetlod tveim: 
Odda-madér feesk opt inn pridi; iafn-triirr skal s4 hvarra lidi: 
Engi of doémir sialfan sik ; slikt zetla~ek nu hendi mik : 
Yta lid pétt allt fari byrst: engi leezk pvi valda fyrst. 40 


Il. 


11. StTEFjom verdr at stela brag :—stuttligt hefig 4 kvedi lag— 

ella mun pat bykkja pula; pannig neer sem ek henda mula :— 
Ekki verba frésom farald: Finnan gat 6 erdan Harald. 
Héinom pétti sél-biért st: Sliks demi verba mirgom ni. 


1. 12, Skips lata menn skammar rar: ‘Skatna’ pykkir hugrinn 
grar: 45 

Tungan leikr vid tanna sér: Traudla er gengt of fs 4 var: 

Miak far er ser rinn einn: Eyfit tyr pdétt skyndi seinn: 





give way. Eleazar was true of heart, he set upon the elephant in the 
fight, that was thought a mighty deed of daring. They thought B.... 
waited well. Bronting slept to death at last. Mardoll’s tears were bright 
to see. A merry man makes others glad. Asmund broke Gnod [ship] 
to the waves. Thiazi spoke gold. »Nidiung carved the horn o’ the howe; 
old indeed these memories be. Frigg’s boy was snatched away, he was 


_ done to death by Mistiltoe. Hermod tried to prolong his [Balder’s] life. 


Sleet-den [Hell’s Hall] swallowed Balder down. All things wept for 
him; laughter’s ban [sorrow] was fated to them. Widely known is the 
story of him, why should I keep harping on it?) Each man’s own sorrow 
is the sorest. It takes two to an agreement. There is often a third, an 
odd man, he should be equally fair to each. No one condemns himself ; 
so..... When every one’s back is up, no one says it is his fault. 


Il. Staves. I must inlay my song with a durden, or else it will be 
thought a list, as if I had been picking up crumbs; for my lay is made 
up of odds and ends. 

Refrain. The wise man seldom goes astray, yet the Fin-woman could 
craze Harold; she seemed to him as bright as the sun. So it is with 
many a man now. 

Scant of space are ships’ cabins. The fox he has a crafty mind. The 
tongue plays on the broken tooth, ’Tis unsafe to walk on ice in spring. 





32. See Christian Wisdom, App. II, 12. 33. Emend., syni, sa var taldr af 
miklu kyni. 35. Read, bing, or regin, cp. vol. i, p.124,1.6. aukit (aupit), 
Cd. 43. Ekki varé at fordum, farald, Cd, 45.= Mythical Ensamples, 
1, 43. Read, Skolla? 47. =Guest’s Wisdom, 163. 


* 


366 PROVERBS AND SAWS. [BK. Ix. 


Gefgask metti af gengi hverr: Goerva pekki ‘sut’ hve ferr. 

13. Afli of deilir sizt vid sid: Szorli sprakk af gildri pra: 
Stundom pytr f logni 14: Litlo ‘verr at ek rada fa :’ 50 
Meargom pykkir full-gétt fé: Frano-skammr er inn deigi lé: 
Kveedit skal med kynjom allt: Konungs morgin er langr Avallt. 

14. Brad-ged lata barnin opt: ‘ Bregdr at peim er heldr a lopt :’ 
All-margr er til seinn at sefask: Sva kalla menn 146 sem gefask : 

Ekki veria frésom farald: Finnan gat pé ervan Harald. 55 

Honom pétti sél-biort si: Sliks demt verda mérgom nt. 


u. 15. Audigr pykkir ser érinn hvar: Annars reedir margr of far. 
Or-grannz erom ver lengst 4 leit: ‘ Lund-veerr bykkir baztr { sveit.’ 
Skamm-e pykkja ofin all: Ekki mart er verra an troll. 
‘Eigi’ spillir hyggins hiali: Hefkat-ek spurt at bersa kali. 60 
16. Engi a at hreedask hét: Heldr kemr opt vid sdran f6t. 
Hlut-giarn ferr med annars sak. 
Nakkvi rikstr er heima hverr : SSN eM elas em er ene 
ta-ek um at sfér: Ordin fara begar munninn Ifér. 
17. Varla synisk allt semer: ytom . . 65 
Figi at eins er i faogro fengr: Fundit mun pat er reynt ¢ er lener. 
Eki verda frévom farald: Finnan gat pé eroan Harald. 
Hénom potti sél-bibri si: Sliks demi verba morgom nt. 


wu. 18. Efnom pykkir bezt at boa: Bragdétt reyndizk gemlo foa. 
Margar kunni hon slégéir ser: Slfkt nakkut gafsk Rannveig mer. 
Illa hefir s4 er annan s¥kr: Eingi veit 46r hefndom lykr. 71 





Few be they that can stand alone, A laggard’s haste is little speed. 
A man is famed by gaining [nothing succeeds like success] ..... Never 
try to match the sea. Sorli broke his heart for love. Sometimes the 
sea will moan in a prcat .... Many think too much of money. A soft 


scythe is soon blunt; .... The king’s morning is very long. A child’s 
patience is soon worn out; . aloft. Men are slow to be soothed 
down. Call counsel good as it turns out.—R. The wise man..... 


The rich man thinks he can stand alone. Most men are busy over their 
neighbour’s concerns. Little things are the last to be found. A mild 


man is the best mate. Violent delights are short-lived. Nothing is ~ 


worse than the devil [Troll]; 4nger spoils the wise man’s talk. I never 
heard of a bear being frost-bitten. Pay no heed to angry words {hard 
words break no bones]. A sore foot is sure to be trod on; .... The 
meddlesome man takes on himself his neighbour’s business. A man is 
king at home if anywhere;..... Words have wings when they slip 
the lips. Things are not always what they seem; .... Fair-to-see is 
not the only thing worth seeking. You will find it if you seek long 
enough.—R. The wise man..... 

Happy he who lives according to his estate. The vixen outwitted the 
old ewe; many were the sleights she knew. (In just such way has 
Randwey served me!) It is an ill deed to betray one’s neighbour. No 


re =," 
ee ee ee eee’ 











49. =Sona-torrek, 33 ff. 52.=Sighvat, xi. 38. 53. Emend, ; brad-sett 
. bragnar, Cd. 57. Cp. Christian Wisdom, 69. cerinn] einn (erin), Cd. 
59. =Sturl, ii. 276. 63.=Guest’s Wisdom, 82, 69. bua—fua, Cd. 





i 
“sh 
oy 
q 








© 60 beet + Sy Tan * 


LS PR 


a 


§ 2.] THE PROVERB-POEM. 367 


Brdd-fengr pykkir brullaups frami: Brigda-lengi er hverr inn sami. 
19. Ly¥tin pykkja skamm-e skarar: ‘ Skrautlig kallom ver nafnit 


farar.’ 

Trautt kalla-ek pann valda er varar: Verda ‘menn’ bpeir er uppi 
fiarar. 

‘Ugipt verdr f umbiid skiét :’ Elin pykkja marg um lidt. 75 


Engi of sér vid allom rokom: Iafnan spyri menn at lokom. 
20. Ast-blindir ero seggir svi: sumir at pykkja miak fas gd. 
(Pannig verdr um man-sang melt): Marga hefir pat hyggna teelt. 
Ekki verda frésom farald: Finnan gat pé ervan Harald. 
Hénom péttt sbl-biéri sti: Sliks deemt verda mirgom nu. 80 


III. 


21. Yndit lata engir falt: All-opt verdr f hreggi svalt : 
Andadés dripa minnjar mest: Magran skyldi kaupa hest. 
(Erit pykkir vid-kveem v4: vin-fengin ero mis-iafn pé. 
Fast-halldr var 4 Fenri lagdr; fikjom var hann mer ramligr sagér. 

22. Grand-varr skyldi inn g6di madr: Gizurr varéd at régi sadr; 
etja vildi hann iafrom saman: Ekki er mer at ‘sturv’ gaman: 86 
Kunna vilda-ek sid vid snarom: Sialdan hygg-ek at gyggi varom: 
Vel hefir hinn er sitr of sftt ;—Svart-flekkétt er kveedi mitt. 

23. lafnan segir inn rfkri r4d: Raskir menn gefa arnom brad : 
Upp at eins er ungom vegar: Engi maér er roskinn pegar: go 
Fallz er van at forno tré: Fleira pykkir goll an sé: 

Aué-sénna er annars vamm: Engi kemsk fyr skapa-deégr framm : 

24. Enginn krettir um annars mein: Alldri lzt-ek at munni sein. 





one knows when the day of reckoning will come. The bridal glory 
blazes high for a day. A man takes a long time to change. Foul-cut 
hair will soon grow straight ; . He that has warned one goes blame- 
FOO Sin fee v'e'ae $e here is many a storm in a man’s lifetime. One 


. can’t keep out every splash. Men should look to the end. Some 


men are so blinded by love that they heed nought. Love-songs tell many 
such tales: many a wise man has been so beguiled.—R. The wise man..... 


III. END-PIECE. No one will willingly part with a pleasure. It is 
often cold in a gale. Dead men’s leavings wither away. Buy a horse 
when it’s lean. A sorrow is sore to touch; friendships often fail one 
then. Holdfast was bound round Fenri [the Wolf], it was wonderful 
strong they tell me. The righteous man should be spotless. Gizur was 
proved to have sown discord; he wished to set the kings at variance; 

I would be ware of snares; the wary man seldom has a mis- 
chance. Well fares he that sits quiet with his own. Chequered is my 
song! ‘The stronger must rule, Gallant warriors feed the eagles. Up- 
ward runs the young man’s path. No one is full-grown at once. An old 
tree may fall at any time. More things seem gold than are. [It’s not all gold 
that glitters.] Other men’s faults are sooner seen than one’s ow. No 
man can outlive his death-day. No one dies of another man’s wound. 
I never found the tongue too slow. The world, they say, is always 





76. spyrja, Cd. 82.=Song of Saws, 9g. 87.=Guest’s Wisdom, 312, 


. 8y.=AM. 236. gl. gott, Cd, 93. knettir, Cd. 





368 PROVERBS AND SAWS. [BK. Ix. 


Heimi heyri-ek sagt at snui: Sumir einir hygg-ek at mer trui “i 
Ervitt verdr beim er ‘flla’ kann: ‘engan parf at hidfra mann ;’ 95 
pannig hefir mer lagzt { lund: Lang-vidrom skal eyda grund. 

25. Sialdan hittisk feigs vaok froerin: Fli68in verSa at alérom 

kicerin. 
Lengi hefir pat lyst fyrir mer-: Lfitinn kost 4 margr und ser: 
Sagt er fra hve namn-lauss narir: Nu verdér sumt bat er manngi varir: 
veri betr at ek pegda pokks: Pat hefir hverr er verdr er loks. 00 

26. Pr¥tr-at pann er verr hefir ’vallt: Verda kann 4 ymsa hallt: 
Mis-iafnir verda blindz mannz bitar: Baolit keaollo ver illt til litar : 
Fik hefir pat af ‘adérom’ skefr: Ekki mart er sloégra an reff: 
Iafnan verdr at 4-f166 stakar: Aud-fengnar ero gelti sakar. 

24. Goll-ormr 4 ser brenn-heitt b6l: Biartast skinn f heidi sél: 
Undrom pykkir gagn-szett gler: Glymjandi fellr hrann of sker: 106 
Allar girnask Ar { sid: Ekki er manni verra an pra. 

Fysa man-ek ins fyrra vara: Flestr mun sik til nokkurs spara: 

28. Geta ma pess er gengit hefr: Goerir sa betr er afund svefr. 
Veitkat-ek ‘vist’ hvat veréa kann: Véla er delst of heimskan mann: 
Fl4-r4dom ma ‘sizt’ of trua: ‘ Til sin’ skyldi ino betra snua. 111 
Hugga skal pann er harm hefir bedit: Hoelzti miak er at flimti 

kvedit. 

2y. Orda er leitad mer { munn: melgin verdr oss heyrin-kunn. 
Yegjar bidérs hverr endir muni: désynt pykkir lyda kyni. 





turning. Some will believe me, I think; it is hard for him; Faas 
so has my mind foreboded. Storm after storm will destroy a land. a 
doomed man’s ice-hole is never frozen. Ladies are chosen partners at 
merry-makings. This I have long known, how small many a man’s 
mettle is. It is said that the nameless man lingers his life out. The 
unlooked-for will sometimes happen. It would be better for me to stop 
now! Every one gets his due at last. The wrong man doesn’t always lose. 
Each man gets the worst in turn, The blind man’s bits are not all the 
same size. Woe makes a wan face. The oak has what is scraped from 
its neighbour. Nothing is slier than the fox. The stream makes one 
stagger. A fat hog’s guilt is soon proved. The gold-snake has a fiery lair. 
The sun shines brightest in a clear sky. Glass is wondrous easy to see 
through. The billows fall roaring on the reef. All the rivers make for 
the sea. Nought is worse for a man than hope deferred. Fore-warned 
is fore-armed. Every man is afeard of something. Tell the story as 
it happened. Blessed is the peace-maker..... A fool is soonest 
caught. The fool will trust the fiend himself; .... the better part. 
Comfort the afflicted. Most lampoons are much too strong. 
I have been called on to speak, but I shall be called a babbler. Men 
are looking out for the end of my song and see it not; ....3 ....3 50 





95. Read, ungan . . . hiuka? 99. Emend. ;= Alexander Saga, where 
nennolaus, wrongly; neflauss, Cd. 100. I.e. pokks betra, much better. Iol. 
= Lesson of Loddfafni, 61. 103. Read, annarri, cp. Hbl. 66. 108. Cp. 
ii. 177, verse 15; Arnor, iv. 18. Iog. afund] annan, Cd. 110. villa, Cd. ? 

_ 111. Read, ma sizt trolli trua, cp. Book vi, §1,n,2. 112. flestu, Cd. ; = Christian 
Wisdom, 107. 114, endir] eiga, Cd. ? 








meet 


grike 


§ 2.] THE SONG OF THE RUNES. 369 


Eyfit mun sti at-frétt stoda: ‘All-miok ero ver lynd til hroda.’ 115 
Peygi var sid aflausn ill: Eiga skal ni hverr sem vill. 
30. Stidrn-lauso hefi-ek slungit samah: s . . . . gaman 


. . . , . . * . . . 


. . . . . . . . 120 


THE SONG OF THE RUNES. 
(A Runic Fupork or a b c.) 


FounpD on a fly-leaf of a Norse Law Codex and copied by Ole Worm 
in the seventeenth century, whose copy, since the vellum is lost, we depend 
on for a text. However, Worm did not know Old Norse, and moreover 
thought right to put it into Runes when he published it, so that there 
are many corruptions and mistakes, some of which defy all resti- 
tution. It is evidently not older than the twelfth century, as the 
dropping of ‘h’ before ‘r’ shows, and it is possibly derived from O/d 
English models, in imitation of such poems as that in the Exeter book. 
Where the Norse and English words do not correspond, the author has 
taken the Old English name unaltered,.and seized upon the nearest 
Norse equivalent word of the like sound, e.g. the English ‘Cén,’ a 
torch, is made into the Norse ‘ Kaun,’ a kind of blain which breaks out 
on children; and ‘Qs,’ a god, Anse, is metamorphosed into ‘ Oss,’ an 
oyce or river mouth, 

The author alludes to Christ, the creation, the sacrament or halidom ; 
and to the stories of Frodi and his generosity, of Loki and his contriving 
a net to catch Andware, of Regin and his sword. 

Concerning the Runes, their character, origin, and extent, a brief 
account is given in the Icelandic Reader, pp. 444-458. 


A Runic Fuporx. 


F Fe veldr frenda ré6gi: Foédisk ulfr { skégi. 

h Ur er af eldo iarni: Opt sleipr rani 4 hiarni. 

> Burs veldr kvenna kvelli: Kaétr verdr fir af elli. 
} Oss er flestra ferSa: Enn skalpr er sverda. 





I have done my task, let him have it who will. I have put together a 
rudderless dwarves’ ship [piece of verse] for entertainment. 





rere (Fee) makes strife between kinsmen: The wolf is bred in the 
wood, 

Steam comes from hot iron: The ice on a slope is often slippery. 

‘p’ causes hysterics : Old age seldom makes a man cheerful. 

Every firth has an Oyce (mouth): And every sword a scabbard. 





2. Ur er af ellu iarni opt sleipur Rani a hiarni, Worm, 3. kvillu... ellu, 
Worm. 4. Oys er flestra ferba, Worm. 
VOL. Il. Bb me 


oe ee? Be ae Se Ae ee ee Te a eee 


370 PROVERBS AND SAWS. [BK. 1x, § 2.] 


R Rew kveda rossum nesta: Regin 4 sverdit bezta 5 
Y Kaun er bagi barna: Bal gcerir ‘neor fiolvarna,’ 

‘KX Hacer er kaldast korna: Kristr sk6p heim inn forna. 
k Naup goerir nappa kosti: Naktan kelr { frosti. 
| fs kallom bri breida: Blindan parf at leida. 
A Ar er gumna grédi: Get-ek at cerr var Frddi. 10 
L, Sér er landa liémi: Lutig at helgom démi. 
4 Tyr er ein-hendr Asa: Opt verdr smidr at blasa. 
B Brarxan er lauf-groénst lima: Loki bra flerdar sfma. 
 Léer er pat er fellr or fialli: Fast en goll ero halli. 
YY Maor er moldar-auki: Mikil er greip 4 hauki. 15 


A Yr er vetr-groénst vida: Vant er par er brennr at svida. 





The Cart comes next the horse: Regin had the best of swords. 

A Blain is a baby’s ailment: Bale makes the colour wan. 

Hail is the coldest of grain: Christ made the ancient world. 

Need gives little choice: The naked man is bitten in frost. 

Ice we call the broadest of bridges: The blind man must be led. 

A good Harvest-season is an increase for men; Frodi was open-handed 
I know. 

The Suz is the earth’s torch: I bow to the halidom. 

Tea is the one-handed Anse: A smith has often got to blow. 

The Birch has the greenest-leaved branches: Loki braided a coil of 
falsehood. 

The Loch falls from the mountain: Gold is set with gems. 

Mazn is a heap of dust: The hawk’s clutch is broad. 

The Yew is the most winter-green of trees: Smart is wont to follow 
scald. 





5-6. Ridhr kveda rossum vesta Raghn er sverdit bradesta. Kaun er beggia 
barna Bol giorer near folvarna, Worm. 13. Loki bar flerdar tima, Worm. 


14. Fost en gul eru nalli, Worm. 15.= The Sun Song, |, 60, and the Waking of _ 


Angantheow, |. 38. 16, Yr er urtur gronst vida, Worm, 





§ M + 
eb i i I ae ae 





Ie “<< ‘a es 
> “SE ad od isd) 
Las eo eit ! : ; 


<i ak ae aa ala etic 


BOO KE exX. 


MEDIZVAL AND BOOK POETRY. 


Tus Book forms a necessary conclusion to the foregoing series. In 
it are gathered such pieces of genuine worth as may illustrate earlier 
poetry (sections 1, 5, 6, 7); and such notable and representative pieces 
as may show how Medizval Influences affected Northern poetry, and led 
the way to fresh and distinct kinds of composition, the full history 


and development of which lie beyond the scope of these volumes 


(sections 2-7). 


In SECTION 1 is Merlinus-Sp4, a translation of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 
Vaticinatio Merlini, made by Gunnlaug, the Thing-ore monk, about the 
beginning of the thirteenth century. 


SECTION 2 contains several satirical poems which close the series of 
genuine o/d-metre verse. 


SECTION 3 comprises a collection of Dance-burdens. 


‘ In SEcTION 4 are set the two oldest Rimur, followed by a collection 
of Ditties and Impromptus in the same metre. 


SECTION 5 contains what is left of Index-poems by scholars on early 
topics, 


In SECTION 6 are given the T4u/or, mnemonic verse-graduses of high 
value, as illustrating the early poetry from which they were compiled. 


SECTION 7 completes the whole with Sfa/da-tal, the old prose-roll of 
court-poets. "he: 


The verse in this Book is as a rule inspired by either foreign medizval 
example or by.antiquarian zeal, and is thus in spirit and style distinct 


_ from the poetry of earlier days, 


Bb2 


eae We pore 


os 


372 | MERLINUS-SPA. [BK. x. 


§ 1. MERLINUS-SPA; or, 
THE PROPHECY OF MERLIN. 


AN early versified paraphrase of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s well-known 
prophecy, the text of which is freely treated and amplified by one who 
knew some, at least, of the old Heroic Lays, as we can see by the stray 
imitations and phrases cited from the Volo-spa, the Lays of Helgi, the 
Waking of Angantheow, Lay of Gripi, the old Wolsung Play with its 
insertions, etc. This is especially remarkable, as we have but few other 
proofs of these poems being known in Iceland during the Middle Ages. 

Merlinus-Spa is only found inserted in the Hawks-bok text of Breta- 
Ségur, written in the delicate hand of Hawk himself (who died at a high 
age in 1334), with the heading ‘ Hér eptir [Merlin’s words] hefir Gunn- 
Jaugr munkr ort kvedi pat er heitir Merlinus-Sp4.’ But in the other 
better text of Breta-Sdgur we find the fuller statement, ‘on which is 
formed the greatest part of the poem which is called the Prophecy 
of Merlin, which Gunnlaug Leifsson the monk made, and many men 
know that poem by heart.’ This MS., however, omits the poem. 

Bishop Bryniolf (died 1675), finding the ink of the text of Hawks-bok 
faded and yellow, handed it over to the clever penman Sigurd Johnsson, 
the Lawman (died March 4th, 1677), to be freshened up by inking it 
over with black ink. Sigurd has only added to the difficulty of reading 
the poem, for he often makes mistakes in running the letters over again. 
Many of these errors were corrected by the late Mr. John Sigurdsson, 
who was particularly keen-sighted and correct in the reading of such 
difficult manuscripts, in his editio princeps of Breta-Sdégur, 1849. A few 
further emendations we have been able to supply (as inl. 440). The 
poem is in two sections or baoks. 

Gunnlaug, a literary man of note in his day, was a Benedictine monk 
of Thingore in North Iceland, and died at a high age in 1219. (See 
Prolegomena.) Whence he got his early copy of Geoffrey of Monmouth 
we do not know, the one which comes last in Geoffrey’s book, and 
refers to the future, standing first. Maybe that, like his older contem- 
porary Bishop Thorlac, he had travelled and studied in England; if so, 
his journey would fall in c. 1170-1180. His paraphrase is a proof of 
the wide popularity of Geoffrey’s romantic book. 


I. FIRST SONG. 


R4P0MK segja sunn-bals vidom heldr fysomz nu fornra minna 
spar spakligar sp4-mannz gofugs, midsamlig rok mOnnom segija. 

pess er & breido Bretlandi [sat] ; Lids man lydom 1id6d-borg vera 
hét Merlinus marg-vitr gumi. 6 er i froedi flest at rada 
Sagér var lySom ok land-rekom pat-er fyrir ‘idfurr ldo’ sagdi 
myrk at rada morg rok fyrir; Brezkri pidd0.—Nu skal brag kveda, 
kerr var hann Kristno kyni pidédar, 
varad & moldo madr vitrari. Vaxa i vidri Vintonia 

Leitiga ytom ord at vanda (pat er borgar nafn) brunnar prennir : 


(viti flotnar pat) froediss pessa : Io __ peir muno 140i loekjom skipta 








» 


yom Sh ~ 


? 


a. 


> 


F 


§1.] FIRST 


prir ulikir i pria stadi. 20 
Einn er brunna baztr at reyna, 

eykr aud-stéfom aldr ef drekka : 

né sétt héfug scekir hélda 

pa er bergt hafa beisko vatni. 

llr er annarr, allir svelta 

peir-er af bekkjar bergja drekko ; 

pé er enn pridja pyngst at reyua ; 

deyja peir allir er par drekka af, 

né hre guma hyljask foldo, 

Vilja héléar hylja brunna 30 
pa er flestom hal fidr-spell goera ; 

enn pat lydir & log bera ; 

allt verdr at 6dro an Adr sé, 

grund at gridti, gridt at vatni, 

vidr at Osko, enn aska at vatni. 

Farid er at meyjo marg-frédastri 

i kapps-audga Knutz-skégar-borg, 

at hon lekningar leiti fyrsom 

‘ok hon firri menn fari sliko. 

Tekr hon at reyna ok at réda fidld, 40 
tekr hon ipréttir allar fremja ; 

andar sidan snét 4 brunna 

ok pa brud-purra bada goervir. 

Hon p4 drekkr et dyra vatn, 

ok mattr vid pat magnask bridar, 

berr hon i heegri hendi sinni, 

kyn-stér kona, Calidonis skég; 

enn i l6fa man Lunduna-borg. 

Gengr hon sidan gott frén yfir, 

sv4 at sporom snotar sprettr upp logi 50 
med romom reyk Rutheneos ; 

sé vekr ok ‘ verkn’ ver-piddo goer. 
Geerisk dgorligt dp i landi, 

er goll-skogul gretr ha-stdfom ; 

ok pidta tekr pidd med henni 

innan um alla ey med hringom. 

Hidrtr drepr hana, hinn er tvenna fimm 
* hres’ & hausi horn-kvisto berr ; 

hafa korono kvistir fidrir, 

enn sex adrir sialfir verda 60 
at visundar verstom hornom; 

peir pidtandi priar um roera 

bunir at berjask Bretlandz eyjar: 

pa mun vakna vidr enn Danski 

ok mannz réddo mala sialfri: 

Kom pti Cambria med Corn-Bretom, 
segdu Viutoni vollr pik um gleypir ; 
foerdu hirdiss sidt hinig er leggja 

lung at 140i; munu lidir allir 

hofdi fylgja; pat er hialp guma. 70 
Enn szti hans sund-dyr fagna, 

hans mun stdll vera yfir st6dom tvennom ; 


SA Pe ee Pe) es 


SONG. 373 


po hefir gumnom grandad mérgom 
hvitrar ullar hvers-kyns litir. 

Borg mun falla, veit-ek bana piddom, 
pvi-at hon eid-rofa 4dr um goerdisk : 
munu grid-bitar goerla drepuir ; 

geldr Vintona vandra manna. 

Mun biarn-igull borg upp goera, 
smidar hesta hdll land-reki: 80 
hd4na mun remma rikr odd-viti 

fimm hundrodom fagra turna. 

pat Lundunom likar illa, 

eykr hon prem hlutom piokka veggi, 
kostar hon keppa vid konung idnir, 
ferr sudr um Fiall fregd af smidi ; 

eun Tems um borg tekr at geisa. 

Enn it horska dyr hlezk aldini 

hardla gédo pvi-er hilmr velr ; 

koma foglar par fliigandi til go 
af vam vida vitja epla. 

Enn biarn-igull byr um vélar, 

leynir hann eplom Lundunom i; 


grefr i i grundo gotor haligar. 


fystr til fengjar, fld-rédogt dyr. 
pa mun or moldo mala steinar 
ok ver-piddar vel upp koma; 
ey man vidaz, enn Valir skialfa, 
ok siér saman scekja fikjom, 
sva at millim landa mal um heyri. 100 
Kemr or skégi Kalaterio 

fogl fliigandi, sa-er fira villir ; 
flygr um noéttom, nysir geerla, 
kallar hegri hvern fog! til sin; 
er um tvi-vetri tal-rad samid ; 
flykkja fuglar, fara peir i sedi, 
eyda peir Okrom ok aldini ; 


~ sultr verdr ok sétt, sé-ek mart fyrir, 


mann-daudr mikill, mein gengr um piddir. 
Enn fogl eptir pat ferr vestridal, 110 
pann er Galabes gumnar kalla ; 

hann mun hefjaz i ed hesta fiall, 

ok par verpr i eikr-limom 

hreidr hegri, hra-fogla verstr ; 

pria klekr hann unga bpvi hreidri i, 

eigi er hegra kyn hug-pekkt firom : 

par er vargr ok bidrn, ok at viso refr 
sloeegr ok ‘ sinom’ sialdan er alinn. 


_ Vaxa par ballir upp broedr saman, 


erat giarnir beir gétt at vinna: 120 
refr 4 mddor redr grimmliga, 

tapar henni s& tynir sauda ; 

er gren-bui giarn 4 riki. 

Broedr vill hann sina beita vélom, 

tekr ors-h6‘ud hildingr 4 sik ; 





22.=Old Play of the Wolsungs, |. 294. 
ringom, Cd. 65.= Lay of Gripi, 1. 67. 85. keppir, Cd, gi. Emend. ; 
vagom, Cd. ? 98. vidar, Cd, 108. = Volo-spa, |. 128. 113-114. par 
verpr...] thus emend.; Cd. faded and uncertain. 119. allir, Cd, 125. ors-] 
emend, ; hors-, Cd. 


35. at osko vatn, Cd, 56. 





374 


enn hodd-skata hredaz badir : 
flyja barmar brott or landi. 

sudr skal sveitar leita, 
vekr vargr ok bidrn villi-galta ; 
enn galti peim gengi sino 130 
heitr hvatliga, pvi-at hann hug truir. 
peir snarliga sund-rokn bua ; 
dragaz litinn peir land-her saman ; 
gnyr of marr, gengr lid roa, 
hylr Hogna sidt herr Corn-Breta. 
Halda peir sunnan um svalan 2gi 
Bretlandz 4 vit, buaz til r6mo: 
enn refr hinig med rekka lid 
ferr fraliga fold at verja. 
Hrid goeriz hialma, hlifar klofna, 
ero ramliga randir knidar ; 
gnesta geirar, er gudr vakin, 
verdr vida lid at vall-rodi: 
dregr él yfir égnar-lidma ; 
goerir driugan dyn dyrra malma ; 
gnyrt er 4 gloestom Gondlar himni; : 
ok i hérdom hlam Hlakkar tidldom ; 
erad skidl-samar skOglar treyjor ; 
hrytr hagl boga hlifar gegnom ; 
grenja granir garmar slidra ; 
bitr frann freki ferd hels-gerdar ; 
ryr gramr guma gollar-hallir ; 
bregér ben-logi bygdom hiarna ; 
ero brotnar midk borgir heila. 
Sé-ek vé vada, verdr flytt skada, 
syngr sara-klungr snyrti-drengjom : 
enn 4 leid fara le-gidrn ara 
i6d ok ylgjar enn til sylgjar ; 
hrapa hre-gidrn heidingja born, 
Enn refr gerir rada 4 galta, 160 
pvi-at hann reisa maat rond vid hanom ; 
sva letr déglingr sem hann daudr sé; 
erad lik hulid lofdungs Breta. 
Enn galti pat gerrat reyna, 
bless hann i andlit ok i augo gram; 
enn refr vid pat redr 4 galta; 
fer hann af hanom fét enn vinstra, 
hlust ina heegri ok hrydjar-nes ; 


140 


150 


MERLINUS-SPA. 





[BK. x. 


hann bydr settir af svikom einom, 
kvezt hann mart vid svin mala vilja: 180 
Heyrdu mer, galti, (ek mun heill vera, 
svik-ek aldregi svin i trygdom) : 
fund skulom leggja ok frid gera, 
skaltu einn gera okkar i millom, 
Er fundr lagiér, ok friér samidr, 
koma mildingar mal-stefno til: 
enn 4 fundi peim flerdir reynaz, 
banar hertoga Brezkr land-reki; 
ok 4 sialfan sik sidan festir 
lepardz hofud loféungr at pat: 
redr hann lydom ok lofda fid15,— 


par prytr pessa pengils sdgo. 


Ok svins [liki] 4 sikh... . 
bregér, ok broedra bidr sloegliga: 
Enn er peir koma kosti at foera 
bitr hann bada tvé ok banar hlyrom., 
Er 4 hans dégom hégg-ormr alinn, 
sd-er fyrdom vill fidr-spell goera ; 
svA er hann langr, at um Lundunir 
heidar hvalr hring of malir ; 
ok sva 66r, at urdar-lindi 
um-lidendr alla gleypir. 

Hann Cambrie kallar sveitir 

ok Nordhumro nanar hiardir, 

ok u-trautt Tems at purro 

drengs dolg-porins drekka lydir. 
Verda sidan et sama ar 

loepartar tveir linni bornir: 

peir hafa briisa b6l-gidrn héfod, 
ero dad-lausir déglings synir: 

peir flestar taka flidda sveitir, 
her-vigs ramir, ok héra mengi ; 
ok sam-eignat sinnar kvanar_ s 
goera geir-vanir; geigr er i sliko. 4 


190 


200 


210 


Langt er at tina pat-er lofda vinr 
um aldar-far ytom sagdi: 
er fest i pvi fagrt at heyra; 
let-ek lida pat, ok lok segja, 

Verdr & foldo, (kvad enn fré8i halr) 





enn i fialli felz fa-dyget hofud, styrjold mikil, stérar égnir, 220 
hygegr kerr idfurr kyn at cexla: 170 _-vig ok vélar, varg-old, ok kéld 
Enon villi-géltr vargi ok birni hrimi hvers-konar hiérto lyda. 
segir sarliga sorg ok misso: pa muno gleymaz galausir menn, 
enn hraustir broedr hugga galta, ok sel-lifir seggir drekka, 
kvedaz sar muno sialfir groeda ; leita at-fanga, ok vid fé una, 
fara skulom badir fotar at leita vell at cexla ok vegs-muni: | 
hlustar ok hala per. Her bidtu, galti! § hagr goeriz hdlda hettr { morgo, a 
Enn refr ofan renn or fialli, munad fyréa raé fagrt at reyna; 
ferr far-hugadr finna galta ; dyljaz driigom draums ivadendr, 
134. gnyr er meirr, Cd. 135. Corn-Breta] her korn skipa, Cd. T4l.= 


Hlod and Angantheow Lay, 1. 60. 

Wolsung Lay, 70. 147.=Gretti, l.1, 
The Lay of Darts, 1. 24. 
gerrat} thus Cd. 170. Or keenn? 
1. 49. 221-2. = Volo-spa, 1, 133. 


144. = Helgi and Sigrun, |. 81; the Western : 
153.= Helgi and Sigrun, |. 213. 

159. her numin hvartveggi, Cd. 

181. Trudu, Cd. 
225. at fagna, Cd. 


155.= ee 
161. mott,Cd. 164. 
186. = Helgi and Sigrun, 

229. drams, Cd. 


4 
ee 
>. 
b Sg 
FE 
ty 
= 

« 

| 

a 








§1.] SECOND SONG. 375 


vid sialfa sik, siask ekki at. 230 
Verst er i heimi, veitad sun fodor, 

slita peir sifjom sva synir vid fedr: 
kannaz engi{r] vid kunna menn, 

né nana frendr, nirdir bauga. 

Ho6fugt er at heyra patz um her geeriz ; 
lifa fénadar fyrdar lifi; 

hyggja 4 penna pra-giarnan heim, 

ok hvers-konar hafna goezko. 

Mun ed hvita silfr héléom granda, 

ok goll goera gumna blinda ; 5 240 
himni hafna, enn & haudr sid, 

svikr of-drykkja yta mengi. 

Lifir in Danska drétt at holdi, 

goerir eyvid ser dld at moti: 

pvi muno en tigno tid-mérk himins 
lidsi sino fra lyd snua. 

enn grund eptir pat gréda hafnar, 

né skiir ofan or skyjom kemr; 

s6l ok mani sialf annan veg 

fara fagr-sk6pud an pau fyrr hafi: 250 
ok par 4 hlyrni heidar stidrnor 

ma marka pvi moldar hvergi; 

sumar fara Ofgar, sumar annan veg 

af enni giémlo géngo sinni; 

sumar soekjaz at, enn sumar firraz, 
bregda lidsi ok litom fégrom ; 

berjaz vindar,—pau ero vedr mikil,— 
ok hliém geera medal himin-tungla. 
Geisar geimi, gengr hann upp i lopt, 
slikt er égorligt yta bérnom ; 260 


slikt er dgorligt upp at telja ; 
mun en forna mold firir-verda. 


Veri mart ménnom kynna 
or folk-stafs forno kvzdi; 
ek mun po peygi fleira 
préttar-pings-pollom segja: 
po hefi-ek sagt seggja kindom 
slikt er bék brégnom kynnir: 
nyti ser nidtar stala 
slika ségn, ok sésk fyri! 270 
sid vid synd ok svika radom 
ok allz kyns illom verkom! 
drygjom 44d, Dréttinn elskom! 
hrindom Grt illo radi! 
Skritipt er lif lyda barna 
undir hregg-sk& heidar tialdi ; 
enn lifs laun lida eigi, 
g6d eda ill, gumna mengiss, 
Gledjomk all { g6om hug, 
ok vid vin vegs ok dyrdar ; 280 
getom gdds, gleymom illo, 
eflom opt andar prydi: 
bidjom opt bragna stilli 
ceztan efid dllo hiarta ; 
ok vid-fregr virda stidri 
doegr ok dag dréttar geti! 
Ok her-parfir hrindi goerla 
gumna-lids grandi hverjo: 
sva at til lifs leidi goerva 
piddar vordr petta mengi! 290 


II. SECOND SONG. 


NO! skal-ek flotnom pat-er fordom var 
(hlydi frddir mer fyrdar !) segja :— 

At budlungr sat Bretlandi at ; 

hét vell-skati Vortigernus. 

lérd var fordom fyrr-kend Bretom, 

sui-er Englom er eignud sidan ; 

pvi-at en Enska pidd Adan vélti 

bréks ésama Brezka hali; 

ok 143 peirra med lidi miklo 

sialf eignadisk i ségom fornom, Io 

ok par-er Kristnir koenir byggja 

adr tok heidin pidd hallir smida. 

Er &tt-bogi Enskrar piddar 

Saxneskr sagadr i ségom fornom ; 

padan efidosk peir til primo geira 

landi at rena lofdung Breta. 

Enn hers-iadarr halda mattid 

Brezkti idrdo né bauga fidld ; 

allt for enn heidni herr ed eystra 

eldi ok iarni eylandz iadar. 20 


Enn hertogi heeliss leitar, - 


~ geerisk traustan turn tiggi at smida ; 


ok pangat til beirrar goerdar 

samnar mdrgom mildingr smidom. 
Kémo til smidar spakir volundar 
(pat-er ytom sagt) uppi i fialli: 

enn pat er drengir 4 degi goerdo 

si pess engan stad annan morgin. 

Kalla lét fylkir fréda seggi; 

fra gunn-porinn gramr hvat voldi, 30 
er goerla hvarf grund-vollr sa 

brott sem grund gomol gleypdi steina, 
eda ham-lodin...... eldi. 

Einn var madr s4-er myrkva frétt 

fyr skatna skyrom skynja kunni, 

hét Yngva vinr Ambrosius ; 

ok enn ageti ddro nafni 

Merlinus sé madr kalladiz. 

pat kvad valda ver-dags hétudr 

at bar undir var ulitid vatn. 40 





232.= Volo-spa, 1. 131. 
= Volo-spa, 1. 177. 
287. = Vellekla, 1. 85. 


248. né] ok, Cd. 
260. = Lay of Darts, 1. 35. 
17.= Western Wolsung Lay, |. 56. 


251.=Volo-spé, 1.176. 259. 
262. firir-verda} affirum, Cd. 


376 


Baud grund grafa gumna stidri ; 

reyniz spaklig spa-mannz saga. 

Ok enn frédi halr frétti lofoa 

hvat undir vatni veri nidri; 

ok er engi pat annarr vissi 

sagdi fylki flein-pollr ° spdkom :’— 
Sofa par i dimmo ditpi nidri 

tvenuir ormar tveimr hellom {; 

peir ero lindar landz dglikir, 

sé-ek rauda seil ras ok hvita. 50 

Lattu grund grafa, goera skorninga, 

(sagdi Merlinus menja deili), 

veitid vatni,—ok vitid sidan 

hvat spad hafi spillir bauga, 

pat er nylunda—nidr or fialli. 

Geerdo greppar pat er gumnom baud ; 

vard vatni nidr veitt or fialli; 

ok seim-gefendr snéka bek6o 

trygdar-lausa, sem tyr firom 

haldi Hristar hug-spar sagat. 60 

Ok driugligir drekar voknodo, 

goerdoz badir brott or nimi; 

rennask sidan snart at méti 

fréns f4-synir froeknir baugar ; 

goeriz sdkn mikil snaka tveggja, 

gapa grimmliga grundar belti ; 

héggvar heknir haudrs girdingar, 

blasask eitri 4 ok blam eldi, 

For-fidtti var frann enn raudi, 

bar enn lidsi hann lidr at bakka ; 70 

enn hann hagliga hroekkr at moti, 

elti hann enn hvita hug-truir dreka ; 

peir vig goera vatz far-veg i, 

ok lengi hvatt linnar berjaz ; 

mega ormar par ymsir meira, 

ok ymsir peir undan leggija. 
Segdu, Merlinus, (kvad men-broti), 

ertu {rdéari fyrdéom 6drom : 

hvat takna man tveggja orma 

égorligt vig aldar-bornom. 80 

Grét gumna vinr, er hann greida bad 

pengill géfogr pbessa hegjo; 

ok eptir pat aldar snytrir 

rok-stelta spa rekkom sagdi:— 
Taknar inn raudi ras fagr-sili 

(kvad bjédr bragar) Brezka lydi; 

enn inn hviti nadr pa ena heidno pidd, 

er byggja man Brezkar iardir. 

Er harmr mikill héldom segja; 

segi-ek sigr hafa snak enn hvita ; go 

146 mun leggjaz ok lyda fidld, 

muno dreyrgar ar ér délom falla ; 

faraz mun Kristni, kirkjor falla, 


MERLINUS-SPA. 


- fer hann af miklo matt ervidi; 





[BK. x. 


Muno par i liki loféungar koma 
(sa er vegligastr) villi-galtar ; 

hann full-tingir faradom her, 

ok und fétom tredr ferdir Saxa; 
fersk undir hann foldo groenni 

ok eyja fidld i Gt-hafi, 

fra ok Engla ok ut-Skota, 

vidom léndom Valskra pidda, 
Noregs sido ok Nordr-Dana ; 

ok Rumverjar resi ugga, 

megod reisa peir rénd vid stilli. 
Mart veit-ek annat um men-brota, 
enn ek dgloeggt ség cerldg Konungs ; 
hann muno tigna tungor lyda, IIo 
s& mun gramr vera gumnom tidastr ; 
ey man uppi ddlings frami, 

ck hans hréér fara med himin-skautom. 
Ok Attungar sex ens ftra grams 

lada at loféungi landi ok begnom: 

enn eptir pat orms ens hvita 

verdr meira vald an verit hafdi; 

hénom falltingir Fenrir sidvar, 

peim er Affricar utan fylgja ; 

verdr Kristni-brot um kyni piddar; 120 
bé muno sialfir sidar neekkvi 

Enskir lydir allir skiraz. 

Lidr stéll Lundunom or 

{ ena breido borg Cantara, 

ok langa tign Legionum 

taka mun en meeta Menevia, 

Stér verda rok ; rignir blddi ; 

har snarpr at pat sultr mannkyni. 

Enn inn raudi sndkr efliz sidan, 


100 


130 

lidér naud yfir nadr inn hyita, zoe 
er hans kyn kvalid ok konor ristnar, 
rentr er hann borgom ok bui mérgo, E 
fé hvers-konar, foldo groenni, Bes: 
ero grimmliga gumnar drepnir. 3 
Hniga fyr Brezkom bragninga kon z 
siklingar siau sigri numnir ; * 
ok heilagr verdr herja deilir 

einn af Enskom odlingom siau. 

Sa er slikt goerir mun sialfr taka 140 
eir-mann 4 sik aldar stidri; 

ok of ha hlidi hilmir sidan 

eir-hesti @ itarligr sitr, 

getir Lunduna lof-szll konungr. 

pa goervisk bat um pidd Breta, 

er peim enn hefir 46r um grandat, 

at peir sialfir sizt sAttir verda, 

deila peir um veldi ok um vida fold, 

ero kapp-samar kindir Brezkar, 


i Rs ial 





(sa er harmr h6fugr); herr er i landi; Kemr bardagi budlungs himins 150 

pa man enn eflaz en auma pidd, akafr um her, ari steypir ; ! 

adr er hardla hnekkt hennar kosti. kvelr enn hardi hel-verkr fira, x 
46. Read, spakr. 49. ulikir, Cd. 113.= Lay of Gripi, 1. 40. A14. 


sex] om, Cd, 


127.=The Lay cad Darts, |, 2. 


149. -samir, Cd. 








at RS 


* 
ase 
9 


pee te 


> as 
SS 
dy 


Reg ASRS 





§ 1] SECOND SONG. 377 


megod daudan her dréttir hylja, 
lidr sultr ok sétt at sigr-vidom, 
missir manna, mérg strid hofug. 
Ld muno lata, peir-er lifa eptir; 
ferr en ping-diarfa pidd or landi; 
byr blezadr gramr (s4 er Brezkr idfurr) 
skip sin 4 brott, ok hann skiétla verdr 
talidr tir-géfugr tolfti i HGll 160 
sell med selom settr Gods vinom, 
Sv& toemiz 143 ly3a bérnom— 
drifr hryggr hedan herr or landi:— 
at skégar par skidtla vaxa 
er 4r-samir akrar véro 
fyrr med fyrdom 4 fold Breta. 
pé mun enn hyviti hiarl-bvengr fara, 
snét Saxneska snar-radr lada, 
ok med miklom mann-fiéléa kemr 
fiard-byggs-Skogul fold at byggja. 170 
Man sad koma sinni dro 
utlent yfir dra garda ; ; 
enn ‘sumt yfir’ 4 svélom barmi 
eylandz prumir ormr enn raudi. 
Fer hann litid af landino; 
pa korénask kapps hvit-dreki, 
ok Saxneskir seggir rikja ; ; 
enn eir-idfurr ofan at stiga 
verdr af bréttom borgar armi. 
Ero lauf-vidar lidsom fidtri 180 
tak-m6rk gefin i tali ara; 
munad hann rikja um en rémmo skép, 
né pvi eno fagra fréni rada. 
Vera mun 4ra i aga miklom 
fimtan tigi foldar belti; 
enn ti-roed tiri géfgadr 
hundrud prid hann mun sitja 
Lundunom at ok lyda G61. 
‘Man gumnom ganga at méti 
land-nyrdingr hvass lundar fidtri, 190 


’ ok bléma pa 4 brott reka 


er vestroenir vindar groeddo, 

Mun gol! gloa Gods hiisom 4; 

en logdiss vedr leg'r peygi, 

man trautt taka t4l-samr dreki 

hid sin mega, pvi-at honom nalgaz 
viti fyr vélar patz hann verdr bera. 
Fé mon hann uppgang afar-litla stund, 
hnekkir honom hring-serkjat 1id ; 
koemr sunnan sti sveit um 2gi, 200 
er hann riki mun rena miklo, 

S& mun lofdungr, er lidi styrir, 

bratt Brezkom her byggja iardir; 
mun sad tekit sndks ens hvita 

endr or 6fam aldin-gérdom. 

pé mun hann gialda grimmra réda, 

er hans tiundad tal-aukit Jid ; 

verdr hann groenni grund at vinna, 


ok hann upp fra pvi aldri rikir ; 

tekr hann sv4 fyr svik sarar hefndir. 210 
Rikja enn at bat ormar tvennir, 

missir annarr par aldr fyr skeyti, 

enn annarr mun aptr um hverfa 

und skugga nafns, at skOpom vinna. 

pa moun rikja réttletiss dyr, 

pat er Eyverskir ormar hredaz, 

ok fyr sunnan se sialfir ugga 

viz ramligir valskir turnar, 

& mun goll snarat af grasi morgo, 
flytr 6r klaufom kalfs-zttar silfr; 220 
ero fagr-buin fli6d {i landi, 
verdrat sadtom sid-bédt at pvi. 
Sprett er { midjo mét penningom, 
mun geerst gledi, glataz ransemi, 
tennr muno gyldiss trausti numnar, 
ok leo-varga verda at fiskom, 
hvassir hvelpar hval-tunom i. 

Verdr meinliga meki brugdit, 
sé-ek bl63i ben blasa mddor ; 


lidr mart héfugt yfir lyda kyn; 230 


rydr vardar bldd Venedociam, 

ok sidan sex snarpir lifra 

kyns-menn drepa Corineus. 

pa muno gumnar grata 4 néttom; 
ok pidd goera pegiar beenir ; 

pa muno héldar til himins kosta, 

fa ed langa lif lofdar nytir. 

Enn muno { skégi skoedir sidan 
vargar vakna, veida i borgom ; 

peir muno sina sialfir dolga 240 
fella edr fidtra; fair muno verda 
peir-er treystaz beim ‘ telja’ at méti. 
Einn sitr nytastr Nevstrie or 
Evglandi at audar skelfir ; 


pé [ro] siklingar sunnan komnir 


fimm eda fleiri foldo at rada. 

Sid biartar brytr borgir fra 

ok foldar til fellir skéga ; 

goerir resir eitt riki margra, 

tekr leonis lavardr héfud. 250 
Er i reidingo rad pidd-konungs 

enn fyrra hlut fylkiss evi; 

enn inn cefri aldr aud-varpadar 

likar helgom himin-stilli vel. 

Mun hann byskopa borgum skryda, 

ok helgan stad hefja margan, 

tignar borgir tvzr pallio ; 

gefr hann pyjom Kristz pegiar hnossir. 
Verdr af sliko sverd-éls hétudr 
himna-ferdar hug-pekkr grami; 260 
ok at petta lif ping-diafr konungr 

talidr er tiggja tungls med englom. 
Glikt mun gaupo grams idd vera; 

vill hann sinni pidd sialfri steypa ; 





160. itclfta, Cd. 162. toeemir, Cd. 


202.=HelgiandSigrun. 226.-vargar, Cd. 


173-4. = Waking of Angantheow, 1. 66. 
231.=SunSong,1, 108. 263. gaupa, Cd, 
i 


EE hr ee. Lae BP 


378 MERLINUS-SPA. 


enn af peim sékom permlaz hann 
bedi fra ok Engla audgrar iardar, 
Nevstria ok numinn tignom, 

Enn eptir pat ddals 4 vit 

fara fréliga fyrdar Brezkir ; 

po er illa 4dr ert i landi, 270 
ero usdttar Enskar piddir. 

Ridr enn prudi til Perironis ar 

hvitom hesti hvatr dléor- 

madr, ok hvitom par hann markar staf 
aldroen yfir 4-kvernar hus. 

Kalla mun Conan Cadwaladrus 

ok skilfinga Skotlandi af; 

reckkr at grimmo Gondlar éli; 

verdr ed mikla malm-ping hait ; 

svifr ed hvassa hagl tvividar 280 
(hnigr holda lid) hart af strengjom ; 
enn geyst bingat gaflok fara, 

megod Skéglar sky vid skotom halda ; 
bresta brynjor, bita malmar ; 

ero dreyr-fadir dorr 4 lopti; 

fleinn 4 flaugom, folk i dreyra, 

bildr i benjom, broddr 4 skildi, 

hialmr 4 h6fdi, hlif fyr bridsti, 

geirr 4 gangi, gudr i vexti: 

hittiz targa ok enn togni hiorr, 290 
hialmr ok hneitir, hlif ok Orvar, 

brynja en Brezka ok brandr rodinn, 
mannz mattog hond ok medal-kafii, 
hvit-mylingar ok hélda bridst. 

Hrapa hrafna goer, hatt gialla spidr, 

er malm-pbrima mest 4 hiarli ; 

verdr einn vid einn val-késtr hladinn, 
muno bléégar ar af biddom falla ; 

enn vig-roda verpr 4 hlyrni: 

falla fyrdéar i flein-drifo, 300 
verdr Enskri pidd aldr-spell skipat ; 

er volir rodin, enn vig bodin ; 

hlytr havan sigr helmingr Breta. 

Yppir fidllom flidt Val-breta, 

muno Brutus pau bera kérono; 
groenaz Ofigar eikr Corn-Breta, 

fagnar sliko fis Cambria. 

Eydiz eyjar id Enska nafn, 

mun hon Anglia eigi kélloé, 

hlytr hon at halda heiti eno forna, 310 
kennd er vid Brutum Britannia. 

Mun villi-goltr vig-diarfr koma 

or kyn-stérri Conanus ett ; 

sa vig-tonnom Valskar hoeggr 

Yngva son eikr or skégi, 

pé mun hilmir hollr smA-vidi. 

Muno Rabitar resi ugga 


[BK. x. 


uit { heimi ok Affrikar ; 

for mun visir vid-lendr goera 

& ed ytra cegr Ispaniam. 320 
Sitr eptir hilmi hafr at londom, 

hans erat skilja skap fra vifni; 

berr hann 4 hof6i horn Gr golli, 

er skegg skata skapat or silfri. 

Bless ‘ mistar vinr or nésom tiossa’ 

poko pvi-likri at pekr um ey; 

fridr [mun] um fylkiss fastr lif-daga, 
brestr eigi pa ar i landi, 

pa muno [um] foldo fogr vif draga, 
blistrar meyjom metnodri spor; 330 
muno kvensemi castra smidod, 

svikr gumna vin girnd en ranga. 

Verdr at blddi brunnr enn fagri, 

pé er 4 grundo gnott hvers-konar ; 

enn 4 holmi hildingar tveir 

berjaz um brudi biart-haddada, 

sfi er i vidri Vadbaculi: 

sid pessi rok prenvar aldir ; 

po er lyda rAd lidtt fyr Dréttni : . 

unz land-rekar Lundunom i 340 
grafnir or grundo gumnom vitraz. 
Koeemr 4r-galli enn inn mikli, 

ok meinliga mann-dauér um her, 

Eydaz borgir vid bragna tidn, 

er audn mikil itra manna; 

flyr margr 4 brott madr or landi. 

Koemr kaup-skapar kapps-gddr pinig 
villi-galti viréom samna, 

peim-er af fréni flydo 4dan, 

letr hann byggja pa Brezkar iardir, 350 
borgir eyddar, bdl géligost. 

Mun hans bridst vera brégnom foezla 
peim er fatt hafa fidar med héndom; 

ok en tal-lausa tunga hilmiss 

sloekkvir porsta piddans lidi. 

Falla or orda al-meerri vok 

dynjandi Ar. dréttar styriss ; 

per muno dceggva dyrar iardir 

geds i gloestom gollor-heimi, 

ok purrar kverkr piddar margrar. 360 
Upp renn sidan (sé ek pat fyrir) 

traust i turni tré Lunduna; 

prir ero kvistir peim lundi 4; 

enn hann laufi pekr land med hringom. 
Keemr par af lagi land-nyrdingr hvass, 
lystr hann fllom byl eik af stofni; 

peir muno kvistir er pruma eptir 

pess rim taka. ‘pat sé-ek goerla. 

Hylja peir alla ey med laufi 

unz annarr par 6érom begir, 370 





278. rykr af, Cd. 
hreva, Cd, 
1. 34. 320. hispanian, Cd. 


lost Song ? 364. = Konunga-tal. 


285.= The Lay of Darts, 1. 8. 
299. = Helgi and Sigrun, 1. 127. 

325. Corrupt. 
1131. 337. Le. vado baculi=Stafford. 


dorir, Cd. 295. 
302.= The Lay of Darts, 
336. we of Gripi, 


345. nytra, Cd. 356-8. =Some 


ringom, Cd. 


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§1.] SECOND SONG. 379 


ok hann eydir hans dllo laufi; 

tekr hann prid rim prek-stérr hafa ; 

ok hann sidan pekr piokko laufi 

einn um alla ey-barms fiéro: 

megod pa flitiga fuglar i landi, [sin 
pvi-at hann cegir beim, enn hann enn til 
ladar fogla flidtt ferd utlendra. 

pa man illingar-asni rikja, 

s& er flidtr taka fé goll-smida ; 

er lofda vinr latr at hefna 380 
gyldiss barna gramr ransemi., 

Ok & hans dégom hardla brenna 
ofs-ramligar eikr ér skégom ; 

enn 4 Jitlom lindar kvistom 

vex Orliga akarn i lundi, 

Ok Ranar vegr renn um sa 

Sabrinus sjav, sé-ek pat fyrir: 

ean Oskar-& (pat er undr mikit) 

man manodr siau mattog vella ; 

geerviz fiskom fidr-tién at pvi, 390 
er or sialfom peim sndkar verda. 

Muno Badonis-borgar verda 

(lidr mart yfir) laugar kaldar ; 

ok hennar vétn, heil-nem firom, 

goera pa dauda driuigt man-kyni. 

Verdr tuttogo tiédn pusunda 

liéna ferdar Lundunom i; 

peir muno drengir drepnir allir ; 

geerir karla tidn Tems at blddi. 

Muno kofi-ménnom kvan-foug bodin, 
ero ekkjor par ordnar margar ; 401 
enn 4 kéldom kall peira mest 

menn Mundio-montom heyra. 


Hér mun-ek létta 1163 at semja, 
ok spé-ségo spilliss bauga ; 
po ero fleiri ord ins fréda mannz ; 
hefi-ek sumt af beim samit i kvedi. 


. pau ero 6nnor 1i6d upp fra pessom ; 


ylfiz eigi auds ben-draugar 

(bid-ek piddir pess) vid penna brag, 410 
po-at ek mynt hafa mal, at hetti 
peim-er spakr fyrir spidll um rakdi 
malm-pings hyétudr, i mérgom stad. 
Viti bragnar pat, peir er bék lesa, 

hve at spidllom sé spé-mannz farit, 


ok kynni pat kalldyrs vidom 

hverr fyrda sé fram-synna hattr 
mal at rekja, pau-er men vitod. . 

Lesi Salma spidll, lesi Sp4-manna ; 
lesi biartar peir beekr ok R6dla; 420 
ok finni pat, at enn frddi halr ° 

hefir horskliga hagat spa-sdgo, 

sem fyrir hénom fyrdar helgir. 
Virdi engi pat vit-lauso, 

pott hann hodd-skétom heiti gefi 
vidar eda vatna, edr vedrs mikils, 
eda allz-konar orma ok dyra; 
taknar edli taldrar skepno 
spiér-radanda spidll eda kosti. 

Segir Daniel drauma sina 430 
marg-hattada merkjom studda : 
kvezt hann dridglig sia dyr & idrdo, 
pau-er taknodo tiggja riki, 

pau-er 4 haudri hofoz sidan. 

Rekr enn dyri David konungt 
marg-falda spé, ok mallir sva: 

Fidll mono fagna ok enn fridi skégr, 
enn skoedar Ar skella 16fom, 

ok dalar ymna Dréttni syngja. 


Hirtisk héldar at heda beekr, 440 
nemi skynsemi, ok skili goerla 
hvat taknad man i tilo pessi. 
Erad enn lidin ll spd-saga ; 
pé ero mérgom myrk mal propheta. 
Frétti fyrdar, peir-er 4 fold bua 
enn at é6ra evi lidna, 
hvat um her geeriz ok huga leidi, 
beri en nyjo spidll vid spa-sdgo ; 
sé sidan pat hve saman falli. 
Vard sui en Enska ett fyr stundo 450 
yeldiss missa ; nu er Valskr konungr. 
po er peygi enn peirra ‘ hatti’ 
lidit af 143i, né lyds Breta 
hvdssom meki hiarl eignadiz. 


Heilir allir, peir er hlytt hafa, 
flein-varpadir froedi pesso ! 
Geeri gétt gumar, enn glati illo, 
bidi brada bét af-runa] 
Hafi hylli Gods ok Himin-riki! 





374.= Waking of Angantheow, 1. 66, 
404.= Western Wolsung Lay, l. 45. 
spar, Cd, 
xeviii. 8, 


409. Emend.; alviz, Cd. 
435. Emend,; enn dyra dom, Cd.; ‘d0’=*.0d.’ 


386. asa, Cd. 400, kapps-, Cd. 
412. spakr] 


437.=Ps. 


380 LAST POEMS IN OLD METRE. [BK. x. 


§ 2. LAST POEMS IN OLD METEE, 


WE have noticed in the preceding Books the old metre employed by 
writers of pseudo-epics and imitations of old poems, as it has been down 
to our own days. But the old metre was not quite forgotten by the 
people, and it was put to fresh use by popular singers at the very time 
when the book-poets were using it for their closet-poetry. 

The last popular compositions in the Old Metre fall under two heads, 
Satire and Fairy or Folk-lore verse. 

Under the former category, which we shall take first, came the 
Fa@rsLA PorMs at merry-makings, representing a thing passed from 
hand to hand of the present guests, each being bound in turn to 
Say a verse, somewhat after the fashion of Welsh fenillion singing. 
These compositions are quite sui generis in Northern verse, where they 
are the sole remnants of a class of poetry well represented in Greek 
and Latin literature. 

There are remains of two of these poems. At the end of St. Olaf’s 
Life in Flatey-bok (cols. 483-85, vol. ii, pp. 331-35) is placed a Thattr 
which turns on a curious legend of Phallus-worship in the heathen days 
of Norway, derived from a piece of verse VOLSA-FERSLA, parts of which 
are cited. It begins with the proper formula, ‘There lived in A. a man, 
etc.,’ and is of course in dialogue, touching the Handing on of the 
Phallus (whence the title), each person in turn taking the emblem and 
passing it on, till the king casts it to the dog Leri, to the no small con- 
sternation of the good-wife. At this point the daughter recognises the 
king, and—here the piece breaks off incomplete. We have transposed 
ll. 9-11 to the end, where they ought rightly to come. This half-comic 
and wholly Aristophanic piece no doubt furnished a model for the 
humourous treatment of an incident in Gretti’s career which was the 
subject of the next piece, 

In Gretti’s Saga, ch. 52, it is told that Gretti, after a long career of 
outlawry, was caught by some farmers who bound him to keep him safe 
till Wermund, the local chief, should come home and settle his fate. 
But the question arose, Who should have the care of the redoubtable 
prisoner? One after another, Helgi of Lauga-boll, Thorkell of Giorwe- 
dale, Thoralf of Eyre, refuse to take him, and in their puzzlement the 
worthy churls settle that the only way out of the hobble is to get rid of 
their prisoner by hemp-solution. Luckily for Gretti, Thorbiorg of 
Waterfirth (see p. 336) rode up as they had got the gallows ready, and 
offered to take charge of the luckless prisoner. They gladly closed with 
her offer, and Gretti was not ill-pleased. ‘And,’ says one of the editors 
of Gretti’s story, ‘on this parley and debate of theirs merry men have 
made the poem called GRETTIS-FERSLA [the Handing on of Gretti”], 
and dressed it up with merry words for folk’s amusement.’ Indeed, the 
story in the Saga is, we take it, drawn from the poem. 

At the end of the AM. 556 vellum of Gretti’s Saga, occupying part of 
three pages, and written in the same fifteenth-century hand as the Saga, 
is the poem itself. But some ‘unco guid’ person, offended probably by 
some too free expressions, has scraped it all out, so that in spite of some 
trouble and care the Editor was (in 1861) unable to read more than the 





ae ee ee 


ely, 





2S te el 


4 
7 
if 








VOLSA-FGERSLA. 381 


first line (whereby metre and kind were discovered), and to catch a word 
here and there, pointing to the drift of the whole. It would have been 
about sixty verses or two hundred and forty lines long. 

As the last editor of Gretti’s Saga could remember Lawman Sturla, 
the poem can hardly be later than 1300, and, if our guess that it was 
directly modelled on Volsa-fcersla be correct, a fair date would be 
C. 1200, 

The verses that follow it at the end of chapter 52 in Gretti’s Saga 
(see above, p. 336) are not part of this poem, but, we believe, of Sturla’s 
composition. 

There is a third poem in old metre, belonging to the SATIRIC DIVISION, 
which is worth giving here as a specimen of its class, and as the work of 
Einar Fostri, whose amusing Skida-rima we give below. It is called 
SKAUF-HALA-BALKR, ‘ Sheaf-brush-piece,’ and is found on a leaf of AM. 
603, a sixteenth-century vellum of Rimur, etc. Its authorship is testified 
to by Biorn of Skardsa, who gives lines from it, and attributes it to 
Einar. It is of the same metre, but of even simpler character than Volsa- 
foersla, and begins in the orthodox way: ‘An old grey brush had long 
lived in his earth,’ etc. The word ‘balkr’ seems to have been the 
technical name for this sort of composition. 

The poem is almost perfect, as the hero is on his death-bed in the 
last stanza we have; but Biorn of Skardsa knew the last few lines, which are 
now lost. The story is of an old fox, who, driven out by his vixen wife 
to get store for the empty larder, meets with an accident on his foray, 
whereon he returns, and feeling himself on the point of death proceeds 
to relate the story of his life to his six last cubs. Uncle Remus will 
bear faithful testimony to most of Brer Fox’s doings. 

The poem, which almost deserves a glossary of its own, is full of 
curious words of life in the author’s days on a country farm, the cooking, 
work, etc., that are not found elsewhere, and gives a good picture of the 
medizval Iceland homestead. It proves the early use of many modern 
words, and confirms the Editor’s guess in the Dictionary (1872) as to 
‘Téa’ =‘ T6fa,’ Brush, Reynard’s nickname, and ‘ yrlingr’ =‘ yrmlingr.’ 

The date would be about 1450. ~~ 

The first edition is that by Mr. Kélbing in 1876, and the few citations 


-in the Dictionary are from memory and not exhaustive, as the Editor 


had no copy at hand. 
VOLSA-FCERSLA. 


(The persons are, a heathen good-man and good-wife, their son and daughter, their 
man-servant and maid-servant; and as guests in disguise, St. Olave and his 
two trusty men.) 


I. ARL hefir buit ok kona 6ldrut 
& andnesi eino hverjo: 
Atti son vid seima bil 
drengr ok déttor dritig-skyrliga. 


Here the Play begins. 
The Thrall 2. Her megot sia heldr réskligan 5 
to Bondmaid: vingol skorinn af yiggs fédor : 


per er, ambétt, pessi Volsi 
all-6daufligr innan lera. 





2. ein hyerjo, Cd, 5. megit, Cd, 
> 


382 LAST POEMS IN OLD METRE. [ BK. x. 


Good-wife: 3. Aukinn ertu, Volsi, ok upp um tekinn, 
lini goeddr, enn laukum studdr :— 10 
piggi Mornir petta bleeti! 
Enn pu, béndi sialfr, ber-pui at per Volsa! 
Good-man: 4. Mundi eigi, ef ek um réda, 
bloeti petta borit i aptan :— 
piggi Mornir petta blceti! 15 
Enn pt son bénda sé-pu vid Volsa! 
Son: 5. Berid ér beytil fyrir brid-konor, 
per skulo vingol veta i aptan :— 
piggi Mornir petta bloeti! 
Enn pu, déttir bénda, drag-pui at per Volsa ! 20 
Daughter : 6. pess sver-ek vid Gefjon ok vid godin 6nnor 
at ek naudig tek vid nosa raudom :-— 
piggi Mornir petta bleeti! 
Enn pu, prell hidna, prif-pu vid Volsa! | 
Thrall : "7. Hleifr veri mer halfo scemri, 25 
piokkr ok cekkvinn, prunginn s4dum, 
an Volsi pessi 4 verk-dodgom :— 
piggi Mornir petta bloeti! 
Enn pu, py hidna, prystu at per Volsa ! 
Bondmaid: 8. Vist eigi metta ek vid um bindask 30 
i mik at keyra, ef vid ein legim { andketo :— 
piggi Mornir petta blceti ! 
Enn pu Grimr gestr vorr, grip-pa vid Volsa ! 
1st Guest: 9. Legit hefek vida fyrir andnesjom, 
snzfgom hondom segl upp dregit :— 35 


Piggi Mornir petta bloeti! 
Enn pu, Grimr gridi minn, grip-pu vid Volsa ! 

and Guest: 10, Sa-ek eigi fordom, pé hefig farit vida, 
flennt reér fyrri fara med bekkjom :— ie 
piggi Mornir petta bleeti! 
Enn pu, Adal-Grimr, tak enn vid Volsa! 

The King: 11. Verit hefik styrir ok stafn-bui, 
ok oddviti allra pidda :— 


© . . .* . e e 45 
piggi Mornir petta bleeti! 
Enn pu, hundr hidna, hirtu bakn petta! 


Good-wife: 12, Hvat er pat manna mer ékunnra 
er hundom gefr heilagt bloeti? 
hefi-ek mik um hiarra ok 4 hurd-asa ! 50 


vita ef ek borgit fz bloeti ’no helga. 
Legg nidr, Lerir! ok lat mik eigi sia, 
ok svelg eigi nidr, sar-tikin rég ! 
The Daughter 13. Ek sé goll & gestom ok godévefjar skikkjor, 


recognising mer fellr hugr til hringa; heidr vil ek ‘ bing en linga ;’ 55 

the guests: kenni ek pik, konungr minn; kominn ertu, Olafr. 

(The rest missing.) ° : ° : : ° : . 
GRETTIS-FCERSLA. 


KARL nam at bua, beint ma pvi /ysa, 
: . : : ‘ i afdali 


. ° e © . * ° 





26, prunginn sadum] ok pé vidr, Cd. =Lay of Righ, Il. 13, 14. 34. vida} 
read, opt? ' 36. A line or two missing. 45. Here a line is missing, 
48. =Balder’s Doom, 1, 17. 





ee ee yk OP ee ee ee 





eal ee 


—e- 
a Sr = 


¢ pap bo Oe Tet) ee 


§2.] SKAUFHALA-BALKR. 383 


SKAUFHALA-BALKR, sy Erznar Fostrt. 


HEFIR i grenjum gamall skaufali 
lengi buit hia lang-hdlo ; 
&tt hafa pau ser allz upp talda 
4tian sonu ok eina déttur. 
2. pvi véru nitjan nidjar skaufala, 5 
hundz iafningja, heldr en tuttugu: 
pat sannadiz fyrda forn-mali, 
at Opt verdr Srgum eins vant 4 tog. 
3. 4 véru burtu born skaufala 
flest Oll farin ur fOdur-gardi, Io 
p6 voru eptir peim til fylgdar 
prir yrmlingar ok priar detr. 


4- Malti gor-tanni vid gren-legju : 
Hvat skulum vinna ver til parfa? 
vit erum ordin veyk-lendut midk, 15 
hrygg-snaud harla, en halar rotnadir. 

5. Svarar grenlegja gomul 4 méti: 
Nu eru 4 burtu bérn okkur roskin, 
enn pau ung sem eptir sitja, 
ok enn ekki 4 legg komin. 20 

6. pu munt heiman halda verda, 
ok afla brada til buss okkars; 
veri pat til vinnu at leggija 
sem virdum ma verst gegna, 

7. Maiti pannin modir drattala: 25 
Matr er eigi meiri mer i héndum, 
hala-réfu-bein ok hryggr or lambi, 
bég-leggir prir, ok bana-kringla. 

8. Své er nu lidit,—segir lag-fata.— 
lod-bakr minn, langt 4 tima, 30 
von er upp hedan vedra hardra; 
enn at héndum kominn haust-piustr 

mikill. 

g. Betra er nui brada at leita, 
en pA fyrdar f6 sitt geyma ; 
liggja med brinum lomb hver-vetna, 35 
enn 4 fialli feitir saudir. 

10, Sa er nui timi,—segir rebbali,— 
sem seggir munu at saudum ganga ; 
vist er allstadar v6n um hunda ; 
mun 4 fidllum ni mann-ferd mikil. 40 

11. Vissa ek eigi vist,—segir téfa,— 
at pu huglaust hiarta berir ; 
pu vilt bolvadr til bana svelta 
afkvemi pitt ok okkr bzdi. 

12. pu skalt r4da,—segir rebbali,— 
vid man ek leita vista at afla; 46 
po hafa nornir bess um mik spdd, 
at mer gomlum glepaz mundi. 


13. Fér heiman pé flidtt drattali, 
ok etlar ser afla at-fanga ; 50 
fann skiétliga fimtan saudi, 


ok einn af peim all-vel feitan. 

14. pat var geldingr gambrliga stdr, 
gra-kolléttr, gamall at aldri; 
vendir skolli vist at hénum, 55 
ok med ténnum tdék i lagda, 

15. Svélauk skiptum skolla ok saudar, 
at gra-kollr gekk fré lifi ; 
biéz drattali burtu heim padan, 
hafdi saud fengit ser til vista. 60 

16. Nu skal segja nokkut fleira 
fra ferdum hans fyrst at sinni : 
heim kom sidla saud-bitr gamall, 
svangr ok sofinn sv6 til grenja. 

17. Kallar kémleitr 4 konu sina 65 
heldr hvass-eygdr hundz iafningi : 
mé-ek segja per fra ferdbum minum 
heldr hrakliga, sem mer hugr sagdi :— 

18, pat var morgin pa ek heiman for, 
hafda ek fengit mer feitar bradir, 70 
bundit bagga, ok 4 bak mer lagdan, 
hugdumk heim flytja hann til bygéda. 

1g. pa vard mer litid i lag eina 
hvar ha-fettr madr hlidp kallandi, 
for med hénum ferliki mikit, 75 
kol-svart at lit; kenda ek hunza. 

20. Rétti hann tryni, en rekr upp 

sidnir, 
ok kendi pegar hvar ek keifada ; 
mer kom heldr i hug ‘ hvat hann mundi 
vilja,” 
vatt-ek af mer venni byrdi. 80 
_ 21. Hann tok 4 skeidi skidtt eptir mer, 
skundar hvatliga ok skrefadi stérum ; 
hliép ek fraliga heldr undan ; 
leitada ek vid lifi at forda. 

22. Féru vit lengi um fiallz-hlid eina 
upp ok ofan své undrum gegndi, 86 
hitta ek hamra-skard ok holu eina, 
hlaut ek { hana hreddr at smitiga. 

23. Var gren petta gridti um hvorfit, 
mAtti hundr par hvergi inn komaz; go 
g6 hann grimmliga, pa hann gat ekki, 
garpr gin-mikill, gripit mik t6nnum. 

24. par hukta ek, pé mer illt petti, 
heldr hund-eygdr ok hreddumk dauda ; 
hliép hinn hé-fetti fyrir holu-munna, 95 
hafdi staf stéran ok stakk inn til min. 

25. Mer kom 4 sidu mikill stafs endir, 
mAtta-ek hvergi undan blida ; 
pa brotnudu pegns fyrir skapti 
um pvert pungliga prid rifin { mer. 100 

26. Vida er ek pé srr vordinn 
straks af stingjum ok stafs-enda ; 





12. peirra do:tir, Cd. 


15. -lendit, Cd. 


39. hedan,Cd. 78. kendi] pekti, Cd. 
> 


384 FAIRY METRE. [BK. x. 


herkom péatlyktum,athann heim leitadi, 
ok hafdi bagga minn burt gorvallan. 

27. Své hafa aldri, sizt ek leitada vid, 
mer sv6 tekizt minar ferdir ; 106 
pat er hug-bod mitt at hedan man ek eiga 
skidtt skapliga skamt dlifad. 

28. Hef-ek margan heldr hala-feitan 
saud serliga sviptan lifi, 110 
tint kidlinga, enn tynt lamb-gymbrum, 
gripit geldinga ok gamal-rollur. 

29. Hefik med stréndu strokit iafnliga 
ok heima um hauga iafnan snudrat, 
bitid hef-ek Alar, bellt klypingum, 115 


33. Fannzt sé eingi fyrr né sidar 
hundr ha-fettr eda hestr i bygdum, 130 
at mik 4 hlaupi heféi uppi; 
var ek frara dyr en flest ll Snnur. 

34. Nu tekr elli at mer sekja; 
ma-ek allz ekki 4 mik treysta; 
farinn fraleikr, fit-skér trodnir, 135 
tenn slidvgadar, enn toppr ur enni. 

35. Mun-ek til rekkju reika verda; 
mer tekr verkr at vaxa i sidu; 
sv6 hef-ek etlat, sia mun dagr koma 
mer yfir hofut minn enn sidazti. 140 

36. pat hlegir mik, pé mun her koma 


ér ett minni annarr verri; 
hann mun mann gera margan saud-lausan, 
ok aldri upp gefa illt at vinna, 


rifit af ponum rétt hud hverja. 
30. Hef-eg optliga éparfr verit 
benda folki i bygd pessi; 
skodat iafnlega skreid i hidllum, 
riklinga rar, ok rafa-belti. 120 37. Bidst pa skolli i bdl sitt fara, 145 
31. Hef-eg i-hentad merhakalz-lykkjur, beit hann hel-stingi hart til bana: 
ok héggit mer hvinna snepla ; par mun hann verda pidfr af-gamall 
eiga mer allir, ef ek dy] einskis, lif at ldta. (Here the vellum breaks off, 
ytar optlega fllt at launa. some ten lines missing.) 
32. Fordazt kunna-ek vélar gorvallar, . a ; 4 & 3 
pott fyrdar per fyrir mik setti; 126 
purfti eingi pess at leita, 
pvi-at ek vissa ‘ vélar gorvallar.’ 


38. Hefir balk ‘penna ok barn-galur 
ort Ofimlega Einarr Féstri. 150 


FAIRY METRE. 


EVEN when the time of the ‘ foersla’ and ‘ balkr’ had gone by, and all 
forms of composition were in the Rima Metre, this old metre, or a 
modification of it, was still employed in pieces relating to the super- 
natural, especially those dealing with fairies. 

The fairies or ‘good people’ are called in Iceland ‘the darlings’ 
(lidflingar), and there are of course many stories about them. One runs 
thus—A girl had a child by a fairy, and one day the baby was fretful and 
she could not still it, and the household folk spoke so unkindly of her 
and the child, that the poor girl sat down heart-broken and burst into 
tears. Then there came a sweet voice through the window above her, 
singing a lullaby, and calling down good luck on her child. This song 
was long remembered, and the more so, that all the blessing it had spoken 
of came to pass. When the baby-boy was grown up, he and his mother 
disappeared, and it was said that she had gone off with her fairy lover. 

A poem on this story in Epic Metre, supposed to be the very Lullaby 
of the Fairy, ‘Liiflings-Odr,’ is to be found in a paper MS. in the AM. 
collection c. A.D. 1650-1700, ‘There are numerous later copies with 
many additions, as the piece has always been very popular. From it 
the Epic Metre has for the last three centuries been commonly known 
in Iceland as the Fairy Metre, ‘ Lidflings-Lag.’ 

Kotlu-draumr, another well-known poem of the same type and cast, tells 
of a woman, named Katla, who is carried off by a fairy named Kari, who 
treats her with magnificence, but still she pines to come back, and at last 
rejoins her husband on Reykholar, much to the sorrow of her fairy lover. 
After her return she bore a child, who grew up like his father K4ri, and 
became a famous man. 

Besides these two, there are many more on kindred subjects, such 
as Sniors-kvedi, Kringil-nefju-kvedi, Mardallar-kvedi, Wambar-liod, 


yt 
OT a ‘ F 
ST i a? eT a 








* 
are eer © 


3 

2 

+ 
ss 
4 

, 
a4 
ong 
Y 








2 Mo) a . - 


§ 3.] DANCE AND BALLAD. 385 


: Thoru-liod, Bryngerdar-liod, and the New Hyndlu-liod. None of the 

; MSS. of these go back ‘to vellum,’ i.e. beyond the Reformation-time. 
The poems are of the last years of the Middle Ages, and stand in the 
same relation to popular stories and folk-lore as the Rimur do to the 
Book-stories and romances. 

After the Reformation the metre was used for other ends, e. g. 
POETICAL BIOGRAPHY. inar the Priest (1540-1627) reviews his long 
life in Afi-quedi, and John the Learned (1575-1655) does the like in 
Fiolmod (the Curlew). 

After them the metre is somewhat neglected, till the Learned Revival 
when the Eddic Poems came to be known, and many poems to be 
written in imitation of them. But even in later times the cadence and 
harmony of John Thorlaksson’s translation of Milton, and Grondal’s 
version of Pope, are rather those of Litflings-lag than Kvido-hattr, and 
smack rather of the medixval than the early poetry they were pro- 
fessedly modelled on. Such lines as 

O gef pu gédan mer, 
edur allz Ongan hrddur, 
are far too stiff and monotonous to be like ‘Eddic’ verse, but exactly fit 
the popular sixteenth-century metre. 
In his contributions to K. Maurer’s Islandische Volk-sagen, and in his 
. preface to John Arnason’s Icelandic Folk-tales (1862), the Editor has 
: touched on the subject of the Fairy-poems and cited scraps of popular 
‘ verse of the kind. 








q §3. DANZ OK VISUR. 


AFTER the Icelandic Saga-time, there comes a blank of some seventy 
years (1030-1100) before the next literary development, the Biographic 
Sagas. This interval is an important epoch in Iceland’s history, and at the 
end of it we find ourselves in a different social and political atmosphere 
from that of the old days: medizval influence and culture have come in 
and made many changes. We are here more especially concerned with 
a new form of popular entertainment, which had been introduced and 

_ grown into high favour by the end of the eleventh century—the ‘danz.’ 

Of this amusement we have a description in the Life of Bishop John 
(d, 1121). When speaking of his patron’s strict piety the biographer says, 
“It was a customary pastime, and not a seemly one, for people to recite, 
man to woman and woman to man, wanton and ridiculous and improper 
verses, and this he did away with and forbade altogether. Love-lays and 
verses he would not hear sung or allow to be sung, yet he could not alto- 
gether accomplish this.” A parallel MS. reads, “ There was a favourite 
pastime before St. John became a bishop [1106-21] for the man to sing 
to the woman in dance soft and lustful lays, and the woman to the man 
love-verses; this pastime he did away with and strictly forbade.” A third 
fifteenth-century version of the passage from a later MS. runs, “It was 
the custom at that time, which was very unseemly, to carry on dotatilldi 
[a corruption from some English word, perhaps botafyld, butt-filling or 
gild-feast], when the man sings to the woman and the woman again to 

: the man wanton and improper verses with allusions and filthy words of 


“ls BX er Ct 


| love-lays.” We have been particular to cite these passages, as their 
| scope and bearing have frequently been misapprehended as if Eddic 
songs were meant, 

VOL. IL. cc 


386 DANZ OK VISUR. [BK. xX. 


Again, in the Life of Bishop Thorlac (b. 1133), ch. 16, it is said of him 
that in his youth “he took pleasure in tales and poems, and all harpings 
and carpings and wise men’s counsels and dreams, and everything 
that gentlefolk amuse themselves with, except songs [‘leikr’ here being 
‘danz’].” 

ree Bishop Arni (b. 1237) in his youth it is told, ch. 2 of his Life, how, 
‘when his father, Thorlac, went away from Redleek, he made merry 
with every one, and joined in the popular merry-makings, and this was 
his way of life till he was at Scal, and then he went with other men to 
a ‘scinnleic’ [lit. a Aide-play, possibly some kind of mumming in which 
the ‘capul-hide’ was used to deck out and disguise the players]. At 
that same play he struck one of his knees down on the hearth-slab in 
the big room, so that it was badly put out, and he lay in bed nigh a 
week of it. And after that he was never present at any play of this 
kind, or dance neither before or after [sic], for he felt that this was a 
judgment on such unseemly amusements.” 

In another story in Bishop John’s Saga, the singing of dances at plays 
and mummings is indicated. ‘ There was a man named Thori, a house- 
man of the blessed John, watcher of the sheep at the bishop’s dwelling. 
He was a young man, reckless, little watchful of his words, not regular 
at service, though he lived in the bishop’s house, and Bishop John often 
admonished him to do better.... It was on a certain holiday, while 
my lord bishop was at evensong and all decent folk were standing 
at the service, this man Thori was in the big room after his naughty 
custom, and fell to playing and wrestling with the boys. He was told 
that the service was over, but he paid no heed to it. And thereupon 
a sudden punishment overtook him for breaking the bishop’s orders, for 
he fell in the play, and that very tongue of his which he kept so little 
watch over, was between his teeth and got a sore hurt.” The mention 
of the tongue shows that there was singing at all events in the ‘ play.’ 

In the Islendinga Saga, ch. 81, where the wanderings of the exiled 
Bishop Gudmund and his rabble are told of, it is said that at one farm 
where he was stopping in the North (1229) “ when the bishop was gone 
to bed of an evening, and those who chose had gone to the bath 
[evidently it was one Saturday], that there was a dance struck up in the 
big room. Canute the priest sat on the dais, and the room was lighted 
from above. In came John Birneson from the bath with his bath cap 
and linen clothes on,” etc. 

Another mention of dances and plays and amusements is in Thorgil’s 
Saga, ch: 10, where, speaking of the famous banquet at Reek-hill (1119), 
the author says, “There was now mirth and much merry-making and 
good entertainment and many kinds of plays, both dance-plays, wrestling, 
and telling of tales.” So in Islendinga Saga, ch. 295:(1255), “ In Wood- 
wick there was much merry-making and good cheer, plays, and a great 
company gathered together. One Lord’s day there was a great dance and 
many people came to it. Hammond, the priest of Holar, had sung the 
mass that morning at Mickleby in Osland’s-lithe, and he rode into Wood- 
wick for the dance, and was in the play, and people thought a great deal 
of his dance. But when he came to Holar the bishop drove him out of 
the church with contumely, and would not see him.” Again of Thorgils 
Scardi’s last night at Ravengill, Jan. 21st, 1258, Sturla says, Islendinga, 
ch. 314, “ He was asked to choose what pastime he would have, Tales or 
Dance, that evening. He asked what choice of Sagas they had there. 
They told him that they had in hand the Life of Archbishop Thomas, and 
he chose that because he loved him more than all the other saints.” 


nes 
: MEA 


Py 


a ee re er 


Pcie sk te een hhc ey ee 


ae Vins 


oy ae 


$3] DANCE AND BALLAD. 387 


We hear also of a man nicknamed from the dance, Danza-Berg. 

The word ‘danz’ is used as synonymous with the older words 
‘nid’ and ‘flim,’ which sufficiently indicate its character as satirical 
or amorous, and we have two scraps of danz verse which illustrate this. 
The first, dating from 1221, shows the answering couplet, one line sung 
by the man, the other by the woman. It is No.1 below. The other, of 
1264 (No. 2 below), was cited by Thord Andrewsson as he was riding to 
his death. He and his brothers had been inveigled into Gizur’s power, 
seized, disarmed, and forced to accompany the earl to Thrand-holt. 
Arni, the son of the good-man of Audkoll-stead, was riding by him 
and talking to him. “Said Thord to Arni, ‘What thinkest thou the 
earl will do concerning the case of us brothers?’ Arni said he thought 
that he would deal well with them, and put them up at some gentlefolk’s 
houses for the winter. But Thord said that it would not go off'so. ‘What 
thinkest thou will happen then, good-man?’ says Arni. ‘I shall be:slain,’ 
says Thord, ‘but my brothers will get quarter.’ And with that he spurred 
his horse under him, and sung this dance— 


‘My sorrows are heavy as lead!’” 


Poor Thord’s forebodings proved right, and he was: beheaded next 
morning at the earl’s orders, by Geirmund thief, ‘ with the axe that was 
called Gilt,’ two days before Michaelmas [Sept. 27th, 1264]. 

Three hundred years later, at the time of the Reformation, we have a 
third scrap of ‘danz,’ when John Arason, the-Northern- catholic bishop, 
had taken prisoner the Southern protestant bishop Martin. ‘ He was 
brought north to Maddersfield to Ari [John’s son]. Ari kept him well, 
and often had him at drinking-bouts, when folk came together, and Ari 
was host. Once upon a time Ari-was the host, and Bishop Martin was 
sitting facing him at the table, and Ari-drank to the bishop and sung the 
old stave— 


‘So gay at heart and glad am I, all for thy sake, 
Out in the grove I fain would be, with thee, fair make!’ 


The bishop took the stoup and answered him back.in the same verse, 
turning the words a little— 


‘So ill at heart and sad am TI, all for thy sake, 
Out in the grove I would not be, with thee, fair make !’ 


Then Ari grew angry and said, ‘ Back, back, into the bag, the bag, as the 
Eyfrith men used to say!’ and Martin got up from the table and went 
away.” [See our No. 3.] 

In his preface to the First Reformation Hymn Book of 1589, good 
Bishop Gudbrand gives testimony to the Dance of his day, in his own 
earnest and racy words, to the following effect! :— 

“ For after the manner of drunkards, drenched in wine and beer, these 
men keep up in their midst foul talk of fleshly and devilish defilement 
and other uncleanness, singing and bellowing like cattle or calves, playing 
and dancing, and carrying on other naughty behaviour and wantonness, 





1 We subjoin his own vigorous text :— 

pvi at lika sv6 sem peir drykkju-darar, sem-ad drekka vin og bidr, peir hafa sin 
i milli slemt skraf um holdliga og didfulliga saurgau og annan dhreinleika, syngja 
og baula sem naut og kalfar, spila og danza, og fremja annad vondsligt athefi eda 
galuskap, og lata opt af ser koma gudlastarnir og Gnnur énytsamleg ord. 

Ad sidustu, til pess ad af matti leggjast onytsamlegir kvedlingar um Trill og 


cc2 
— 


388 DANZ OK VISUR. [Bk. x. 


and putting forth continually biasphemies and the like unprofitable 
words.” And again— 

“And lastly I have made this book to the end that men might be able to 
put away unprofitable songs of Ogres and of the Heathen of old, Rimur, 
naughty love-songs, amorous verses, sonnets of lust, verses of mockery 
and malice, and other foul and evil poesy, ribaldry, wantonness, and 
lampoonery and satire, such as are loved and used by the commonalty of 
this land to the displeasure of God and his angels, and to the delight and 
service of the devil and his messengers, more than in any other country, 
and more after the fashion of pagan men than Christian folk, for on 
Wake-nights or Vigils and other gatherings of men, and likewise at 
feasts and banquets, hardly anything else is heard by way of entertain- 
ment and merry-making than such vain poesy,—God a’ mercy !” 

And in the ‘man-song” or prologue of a Rima of the same century? 
we find— 

‘With holy writ they mock and play, to pious folk’s displeasure ; 

And sacred song and wanton lay mix in the self-same measure.’ 
And— 

‘ The gospel song and Bosi’s screed are mingled up in one.’ 

The final account of the ‘danz’ is given by Eggert Olafsson (who 
was born 1726), in his Travels, 1772, when he says, § 520, “ Entertain- 
ments or merry-makings are now held in the winter not nearly so often as 
of old. In these something or other is represented and always the same 
ineach mumming. For example, a hart decked up with lights, a knight 
riding a horse, a procession of amazons or shield-maidens, and the like. 
During the show the guests that are bidden hold a Week-wake, that is 
a kind of song between men and women paired off together. They hold 
each other by the hands and sing verses touching each other, or on the 
common circumstances, to different tunes. Here it isan advantage to have 
a good memory and be able to bring out of one’s head the prettiest verse 
that will suit best. And while they sing in this way they bow the body 
slightly backwards and forwards, stepping on the right leg, though without 
changing place. For the beginning and the refrains, the leader sings a 
verse in a lou’ voice, and some of the company sing with him and the 
others respond. Week-wakes have been known from old days, and are 
called in some places ‘ Dans,’ which word in our old Northern speech does 
not properly mean a moving of the body, but a concert or song, sung by 
many people, so arranged as to set forth some occurrence or other.” 

_ In 1746 there was a decree put forth by the bigot King Christian V1 - 
of Denmark, against such popular mumming and merry-making, threat- 
ening transgressors with the pillory; and before the end of the century 





Fornmenni, Rimur, illir Mans6éngvar, Afmors-visur, Bruna-kvedi, H4ds og Hug- 
mods-visur; og annar liétur og vondr kvedskapr, keskni, klam, og nid, og had, 
sem her hia Alpydu-félki er elskad og idkad, Gudi og hans Englum til stygéar, 
Didflinum og hans drum til gledskapar og pidnustu, framar meir enn i nokkru landi, 
og meir eptir plagsid heidinna manna enn Kristinna; 4 Voku-néttum og 6érum 
manna-motum, ok sdmuleidis i veizlum og gesta-bodum heyrist valla annaé til 
skemtunar haft og gledskapar enn pessi hegémlegi kvedaskapur,—sem Gud nadi. 


: Flika beir svo med fredin gdd : ad frémum pykir a3 vansi ; 
heilég kvzdi og hindur-lidd : eru héfd i einum danzi. 
And— 
Guéspidllum og Bésa-brag : er blandad saman i eiuu. 
Compare the language of W. Buldwin, 1549, with reference to his ‘Canticles or 
Balades of Solomon,’ which were to ‘ drive out of office the baudy balades of lecherous 
love.’ —See }. Ritson. =e 








§3.] - DANCE AND BALLAD. 389 


the practice had entirely died out, so that people born in 1762 and 1775 
in the West of Iceland knew nothing of such entertainments. Not 
that the worthy king’s edict had so much to do with it as the deep dis- 
tress caused by the appalling natural visitations to which Iceland was 
a victim during a score of years after Eggert wrote. 

Still the prejudice of the more serious part of the community was deep- 
rooted against these mummings with their light songs, as the evidence of 
the Icelandic folk-tales illustrates. There is a story of a priest and all 
his congregation setting up a dance one Yule-night at service-time in 
the churchyard. The priest’s old mother, terribly scandalised, ran out 
to stop it, and remonstrated with her son three times to no avail. The 
third time, at midnight, she saw a man among them who sang with a 
hollow voice—‘ My turn is come! These good folks have sung all round.’ 
The good-wife took the priest’s horse and rode off for help, for she saw 
that her son and the whole congregation had all gone mad. When she 
came back with the priest of Waltheowstead, they found that the con- 
gregation had sunk down wholly into the earth, and the priest.and clerk 
were half covered, but they were able to rescue them. Long afterwards 
the noise of the merry-making of the dancers could be heard under the 
ground, 

Another version lays the scene at Hruna, names the priest’s mother 
Una, and makes the verses run— 


‘The song in Hruna sounds so gay, 

The people flock to join the play; 

The dance shall din in such a way 

They shall not soon forget the day. 
All save Una!’ 


One gathers from the above quotations that these ‘ danz,’ which 
had lasted six hundred years, must have been very like the French 
‘jeu-partis,’ and those twelfth-century songs in which there is a 
change of persons and a refrain or chorus to be sung by the company. 
This was the origin of our English ‘jig’ or ‘ballad,’ in which the | 
leader sung the refrain first, then verse by verse was sung, sometimes 
by two persons, but afterwards, asthe song became less lyrical and 
satirical than of an epic or narrative character, by one person, the whole 
company singing and stamping the chorus. Our mummeries, too, are 
just what Eggert describes as ‘the show’ St. George and the Dragon, 
Bessy (a late and uncouth Amazon), Jack-in-the-Green, and the like. 

We have unluckily no full text of a Week-wake song, but we know 
many of the verses which, being favourite and well known and setting the 
tune, were used as refrains for the ‘ Visur’ on epic subjects, which in the 
seventeenth century seem to have been known in Iceland, but which 
were, down to recent times, the staple popular poetry of the Faroese 
and Orkneymen. From a selection of their burdens, which we give 
below, a good idea of the medizval ‘Danz’ may be gathered. 

It will be manifest that the Dance may be clearly marked off from 
the epic VisUR, to which some modern writers have given the name 
‘fornkvedi.’ These never had a deep popularity in Iceland. We 
have only one collection, that gathered and composed by Gizur, the 
brother of Bishop Bryniolf (b. 1603, d. 1681), priest and poet of Alpta~ 
Myre. They represent a great variety of composition, adaptations of 
foreign (Danish, Swedish, Norse, Faroese) book-tales, and though a 
few have Icelandic names, they have not the flavour of the soil. One 
doubts indeed whether they were anything more than an attempt on the 
part of Gizur and his friends to imitate the ballads of the Continent or 





390 DANZ OK VISUR. ~— [BK. X, 


the British Islands. There was no necessity or place for them really in 
Iceland, where the pungent satire and love-poetry of the Week-wake 
were still enjoyed; while the alliterative ‘Rimur’ completely satisfied the 
appetite for epic narrative. The numerous Danicisms, the foreign form of 
the epic ‘ Visur,’ suffice to prove their origin. Some (55 out of a hundred) 
have been edited by Sigurdsson and Grundtvig under the title ‘ Islenzk 
Fornquedi;’ some 50 still remain in paper MSS., the Brit. Mus, 11,177 
of the end of the seventeenth century containing about 75 Icelandic 
Visur, derived from Gizur’s collection. The ballad is in fact an exotic 
in Iceland. The ballads of the Faroese are, on the other hand, good 
and fine of their kind; their subjects were, as we noticed in Prolegomena, 
mostly taken from one or two Saga-vellums which came from Iceland 
at the end of the Middle Ages, the contents of which can be gauged 
from the stories chosen by the poets of the ‘ Visur.’ 

The Orkney ‘ Visur’ are almost entirely lost, a few fragments alone 
surviving to show the existence of a former school of ballad-poetry 
having flourished there also, the last leaf of the poetic stock which had 
borne such wonderful fruit.there six centuries earlier. 

Both the ‘ Danz’ and the ‘ Visur’ are distinguished from other Icelandic 
poetry by the frequent lack of alliteration. This lack was less felt because 
they were sung and stepped to, the metre being thus clearly and unmis- 
takably marked out. But the absence of alliteration no doubt prevented 
the epic ‘ Visur’ from ever competing successfully with the Rimur. 

The ultimate French origin of this whole class of poetry is unmis- 
takable, especially in the best ‘Danz’ fragments, which have quite the 
ring and tone of such lines as— 


‘Or ne hais rien tant com lou iour 
Amis, ke me depart de uos.’—Gaces Brulez. 


The article ‘Danz’ in the Dictionary was written Dec. 1867, and may 
be supplemented by this notice. 

The Faroese ballads, which they themselves call ‘Ruimur’ (though 
they are not at all what are called in Iceland ‘ Rimur’), and which are, 
of all the Northern Ballads, nearest to the ‘Danz’ verses we have 
been speaking of, were first collected by F. C. Swaboe in 1781-1782, and 
remain for the most part unpublished in the Royal Library, Copenhagen. 
Selections have been published by H. C. Lyngbye, 1822, at Randers, 
and by V. V. Hammershaimb (in Icelandicised spelling), Copenhagen, 
1851-55. 

The earliest collection of Danish ballads is not older than 1548, to wit, 
the Folio of Karen Brahe in the Odense Library in Funen (a Royal wed- 
ding of 1548 is the subject of one of the ballads in it), Next comes 
that of the historian Swaning (b. 1503, d..1584). There are other MS. 
collections, but all later. The first printed collection is that of roo ballads 
by Andres Sérensen Wedel, Swaning’s son-in-law, the translator of 
Saxo, which came out in 1591, and was dedicated to the reigning queen. 
A century later Peter Syv, the collector of Danish proverbs, republished 
this collection, adding a second hundred. 

The first printed collection of Norwegian ballads is that of Landstad 
the priest, the famous Norse hymn-writer, taken down from viva voce 
recitation in Thelemark, printed in 1853 at Copenhagen. Landstad 
died at a high age in 1880. 

The Swedish collections are late, those of Arwidson 1834, Afzelius 1814, 

The palm of Northern Ballad Collections is due to Swen Grundtvig’s 
huge work, Danmark’s Gamle Folkeviser, 1853-81, a vast store of ballads 
and ballad-lore, especially interesting to Englishmen and Scots. 











§3.] ICELANDIC AND FAROIC DANCE-BURDENS. 391 


It would be very interesting if some good observer would give a care- 
ful account of the ballad-singing of the Faroese in the present day, for it 
is only there that the old way of performing da//ads and jigs has sur- 
vived in unbroken continuity from the Middle Ages. 


I. Icetanpic DAnz FRAGMENTS AND REFRAINS. 


Sr ¥: LOPtR er i Eyjom, bitr lunda bein, 
Semundr er 4 heidom, etr berin ein. 


* 2. Minar ero sorgir pungar sem bly. 
3. Sv6 er mer glatt ok gledisamt,—pvi veldr pu— 
mik Jangar ut i jundinn med pa jungfru. 
Sv6 er mer illt ok angrsamt,—pbvi veldur pi— 
mik langar ekki i lundinn med pa jungfra. 


4. Fagurt syngur svanrinn um sumar-langa tid, 
pa mun lyst at leika ser, min liljan frid. 


5. Skinn 4 skildi sél ok sumarid frida, 
dunar i velli er drengir i burtu rida. 


6. Einum unna-ek manninum 4 medan pat var, 
pé hlaut ek minn harm at bera i-leyndum stad. 


7. Blitt letur verdldin; fOlnar fogur fold, 
langt er sidan mitt var yndid lagt i mold. 


8. Ungan leit-ek hofmann i fogrum runni, 
skal-ek i hliddi dilla peim mer unni, 


g. Fagrar heyrdéa-ek raddirnar vid Niflunga heim, 
ek ma ekki sofa fyrir sénginum peim. 


10. Mein-bugir begja mer fra bruidi, 
sorgin mik 1udi, sorgin mik 143i. 

11, Ein ber hon angur fyrir pann déling. 

12, SA er einginn gladur eptir annan preyr. 


13. Své linna tregar sem tidir, 
allir dagar eiga kveld um»s{dir. 


14. Fdélnar fold, fyrnist allt ok mzdist, 
hold er mold, hverju sem pat kle@ist. 


15. Leggjum land undir fét 4 Dana-mot 
ok danz vil hun heyra, 


16. Ventir friin pin, 
vid Lundunaborg par bidér hin min, 


17. Ut ertu vid eginn bla, eg er her 4 Drongum, 
kalla eg longum, kalla-eg til pin longum, 


18. eim var ekki skapad nema ad skilja. 
1g. 6 er hinn sami vilinn minn til hennar. 
20. Ekki er dagur enn! Vel danza vifin’? 


II. Farorc ‘ Vuicencur, or Burpens. 


I. VEL er mer ansad, her vil eg 4 golfid fram danza, 
po at pu vilt mitt lif i vanda, vel er mer ansad. 





* Nos. I and 2 repeated here for completeness sake from Book vi, No. 70. 


392 RIMUR. [BK. x, 


2. Gefid hliéd fruvor, karl er kominn { danz, — 
Gud lati engi iomfruna gialda hans. 


3.. Stigum fastara 4 fiol! sporum ei vorn ské! 
Gud mun rdéa hvar ver drekkum onnur [6l. 


4: Hvad skal mer harpan undir mina hénd, 
vill ekki fregur fylgja mer 4 onnur lond? 


ee Orlof bidjum ver erlegir menn, 
danz skolum ver hefja, er ekki dagur enn.—Cf. I. 20. 


6. Glymur danzur i holl, slaié ring, 
gladir rida Norémenn til Hildurs thing, 


7 Noregis menn danza vel i fridom : 
stillid ydur alla riddara  Noregis menn. d. v. i. fr. 
8, Latum danz dynja, drengir, stoltsliga stigum {i ring. 
Stendur hun vel fruva. 
9. Gyltan spora vid minn fot eg spenni 
svo temi eg minn gangara god og let renna. 
40. Mer stdd hugur & venu mey, kann eg hana fa. 
II, Olafur kongur herjar hann m6t trollum. 


E2. Froedid er komid fra Islandi, skrifad i bék so breida. 








§4. RIMUR. 


BESIDES the ‘danz’ songs, there is another type of poem, which was 
adapted by Icelandic poets under the influence of French models. This 
is the ‘Rima,’ the very name of which points to its foreign origin. 
The first of these is the O/afs-rima by Einar Gilsson, which is printed 
below; it may be dated about 1360. The next that we know of is the 
Skida-rima of Einar Fostri, c. 1450, which follows it; and the great 
Wolfen-buttel Cod. and AM. 604, of about 1500. . We have in Prole- 
gomena, § 25, given a fairly complete list of those Rimur which are 
found in vellums, i.e. older than the Reformation. 

But besides these, there is a continual succession of Rimur down to 
the present day, of which huge collections exist in paper MSS., not 
to speak of those which have been printed. They are mostly book- 
poetry, the earlier ones founded on the stories found in the Romantic 
Sagas and the Bible; the later also based on foreign novels, and now and 
then, though a less favourite theme, on the Kings’ Lives and Islendinga 
Sdgur, etc. There are Rimur of all types,—religious, satiric, historical, 
and romantic. Though popular, their poetical standard is low. A curious 
story, to be found in the first volume of John Arnason’s Icelandic Folk- 
tales, pp. 196-7, will illustrate this:—A party of men lose themselves on 
the mountains and take shelter in a cave, where they agree to while 
away the time in reciting poetry. One wishes for ‘ Hallgrim’s Hymns,’ 
but another calls for ‘Andra-rimur,’ one of the coarsest of these poems. 
When this Rima was being recited a deep voice was heard out of 
the depths of the cave, ‘ Now I am pleased, but my wife is not.’ Now 
they changed the chanting, and Biorn, the best reciter of the company, 
struck up Hallgrim’s Hymns, and: again the deep voice was heard, 
“Now my wife is pleased, but not I? When Biorn had done, the same 


fo ions 5 





wm Ce a Ss 


Oe 








1 


§4.] OLAFS-RIMA. 393 


voice called out, ‘ Wilt have a lick of my ladle, poet Biorn?’ and a 
wooden trough full of porridge was handed out of the cave-depths to 
the hungry men. The giant of the cave had evidently a Christian wife. 

The Hallgrim of this story is the author of the beautiful Passion- 
hymns, commonly called Hallgrims-salmar, sung at family worship, the 
best and most popular of post-medizval poems. There is some account 
of Hallgrim Petersson in the Reader. 

There are many varieties of metre employed in Rimur. The early 
and original one is commonly called ‘ sguare verse,’ ‘ fer-skeytt-visa,’ 
from the alternate rhyme, the model being the well-known medieval 
hymn-measure used, for example, in— 

‘Mihi est propositum: in taberna mori, 
Vinum sit appositum : morientis ori,’ etc. 
Both strict alliteration and rhyme are necessary in every variety of Rimur. 

In imitation of the Drapa, the regular Rimur have a kind of intro- 
duction called ‘ man-song,’ a dedication, as it were, addressed to some 
lady, and sometimes an epilogue, These have no necessary connection 
with the body of the poem, and are often in different metre. Several 
metres are also often employed in the different ‘fyttes’ of the body of 
the poem. 

There are, besides long poems, heaps of ditties and epigrams in Rimur- 
metre. The Rimur, to medieval and modern Iceland, have replaced 
the Saga as the zatural artistic mode of expression and subject of 
entertainment. 


OLAFS-RIMA, sy EINAR GILSSON. 


AT the head of Flatey-book, following Geisli and before Hyndlu-liod, 
and written like them, by the second scribe of that volume, about 1380, 
on an extra sheet affixed to the body of the big book, comes Olafs- 
Rima, the first, as far as we can tell, of its class. 

Its author, Einar Gilsson, is named in Icelandic documents, which prove 
his being in Shaw-firth in 1340 and 1353, his holding the post of Sheriff 
in Hunawater Bailiwick in the North, and his filling the office of Law- 
man from 1367-1368. He is the author of poems in court-metre on 


. Bishop Gudmund (see Biskopa Ségur, vol. ii, pp. 1-184), and he was, we 


believe, the scribe or owner of the great Saga-vellum, AM. 61. 

The contents of Olafs-Rima touch on the Battle of Sticklestead, the 
Death and Translation of St. Olaf according to tradition and the church 
legend. The poem has no historical worth, but, though not very melo- 
dious (the metre was new as yet), it is interesting as showing the 
relations of the new medizval poetic school to the old court-poetry. 


I. OLAFR kongur arr ok friér: Atti Noregi at rada; 
gramr var e vid bragna blfdér: buinn til sigrs ok ndda. 


2. Dagling hélt svi dyran heidr: dréttni himna hallar; 
engi skyrir arvar meidr: adlings freegdir allar. 

3.  Milding haféi mentir per: er mestar véro { heimi; 5 
hvergi freegra hilmi feer: hvérki af gledi né seimi. 

4. Fimm hefir kongur kristnad land: kann-ek all at nefna; 
gramr vill iafnan ri66a rand: ok rangan tsid.hefna. 

5 Ran ok stuldi refsti hann: ok rektar stidrn { landi; 


hilmir lagdi 4 heidni bann : ok hefndi stért med brandi. _10 


394 


RIMUR. [BK. x. 


Gramr nam lagmél setja sv4: at seggir poldu valla; 
ddligan lét hann dauda f@: dréttins svikara alla. 
Rekkar ¥fduzt resi 4 mét: ok rétti hardla sannum; 
véru kongi heimsklig hét: hafin af sialfs sins mannum. 
Harekr var fyrir bragnum bystr : buinn at strfda stilli; 15 
Périr hundr er bann veg lystr: pridi var Ka4lfr enn illi. 
KaAlfr var fyrst med kongi s4: kerr f{ allum r4dum; 
ni er hann horfinn hilmi fra: heidri sviptr ok d4éum. | 
Prendir gengu Péri 4 hand: peim var lidft at herja ; 
Ha4leysk pi66é vill ridéa rand: ok rfkit kongi verja. 20 
Fylkir rikur, freegr ok mildr: fréttir safnaé penna; 
pa vill hilmir hraustr ok gildr: hvergi undan renna. 
Bragning letur byrja ferd: bénda mug { méti; 
hann vill iafnan hrera sveré: ok herda skot med spidti. 
Sikling haf6i safnaé p4:sfinum garpum sniallum; 25 
lofdungs kann-ek lyéi at tid: langt bar gramr af allum. 
Hlyri kongs var hardla iungr : hann vil-ek fyrstan nefna ; 
vist nam Haraldr pykkju pungr: Preendum strié at hefna. 
Get-ek ei hrotta haggit rand : (Haraldr talar vid garpa); 
bindit mér vid mina hand: meki pann inn snarpa. 30 
Ragnvaldur var mildr ok merkr : med peim kongi g6éa; 
Brisason nam brigda sterkr: brand { dreyra at ridda. 
Finnr Arnason freekn ok hraustr: fylgir iaofri sterkum ; 
Bizorn stallari tryggr ok traustr: trur vel reesi merkum. 
S4 var annarr Arna magr: ¥tar Porberg kalla; 35 
hann lét stalin stinn ok fagr:{ sterkum hlffum gialla. 
Porméér var vid Kolbriin kendr : kongsins skaldit dyra; 
s4 bar hvassar hyggju strendr: hvar sem garpar strfda. 
Nadéuzt menn { niflungs flokk : ner sem risar at lfta; 
peir hafa bragnar brynju rokk : brandi skorit enn hvfta. 40 
Gengu fram fyrir kongsins kné: ok kvaoddu stilli enn teita ; 
budu peir beedi fylgd ok fé: freegum sidla at veita. 
Gramr ré6 spyrja garpa ba: Georit mér heiti at inna ; 
tri skulu greina seggir sv4: at satt megi til bess finna. 
Opt hafa pegnar pri6ézku hefnt : pat mun engi lasta ; 45 
Gauka-Péri hafa gumnar nefnt: glaéan ok Hafra-fasta. 
Treystum vér 4 matt ok megn : er margan riddara pryd6ir ; 
eongva hafa af Asum fregn: okkrir sterkir lydir. 
Taki-pér heldr helga tri: himna kongs med bléma ; 
virdar kastid villu nti : ok verit med oss { sé6ma. 50 
Lydir gerdu lykt 4 pf: at leysa penna vanda ; | 
skfrnar brunn fara skatnar {: ok skynda Gudi til handa. 
Prek-stérr kom til pengils madr: pann fra-ek Arnlidt heita ; 
t6k hann skfrn ok gekk pé gladr: grams f flokkinn teita. 
Garpar fleiri at fylki renn: enn fyréar mega pat telja; 55 
siklingur nam szemdar menn: sér til lids at velja. 
KA4lfur haf6i miga mann: merkta vallu vida ; 
nfdingligt var ‘nesta’ hans: niflung peim at strida. 





TE ee oe ee ee 








§ 4.] OLAFS-RIMA. 305 


30,  Bialfa kleeddizt hardum Hundr: ok hans sveitungar margir ; 
pat hafa geysi-grimmligt undr: gert Bu-Finnar argir. 60 
31. Reesir talar vid Porgils b4:—pbat var mest af prydi— 
Pér vil ek silfr { siddi f4 : pd sed med auma-lydi. 
32.  Porgils hugsar pengils mal: bér innit framar héti; 
Gef fyrir peirra garpa sal: er ganga oss { méti. 


33. . Herrinn drffr 4 hilmis fund: at heyja imon stranga ; 65 
sv4 var pritin peirra lund: at praut vard fram at ganga. 

34. Muginn pessi geysizt gegn: gram me sdrum vilja ; 
lagdu 4 orku ok allt sitt megn : iaofur vid land at skilja. 

35. A Stikla-stadum var r6man remd:rfkum kongi f méti; 
par véru skaopt med handum hremd: ok haréu kastad gridti. 

36. Harekr eggjar her-lid sitt: heitir margum séma: 71 


Luki garpar geysi-strftt : gram-fyrir harda déma. 
37.  Gé6éda sverdit Hneitir hét : hafdi gramr til viga; 
par fyrir margan pengill lét: pegn at iardu hnfga. 
38. | Gumnar hlaupa geystir fram: grams fyrir merkit vena; 75 
reisa bannig randa glam: ok rista skialdu greena. 
39.  Gellini t6k at geysazt hart: ok gerdi r6mu stranga ; 
sannliga lét hann seggja mart: s4ran dauda fanga. 
40. Arna-synir sinn unda na@r: einart drégu af magni; 
kendiz ei sv4 klékur maér: keemi hlff at gagni. 80 
41. Pormddur nam brytja brad: bleikum falu hesti; 
vardi kong med dygé ok d4é: darra él hann hvesti. 
42.  Périr Hundur prautar gildr: preif sftt spidtid snarpa ; 
laga var hann ok haggva mildr: vid harda kongsins garpa. 
43-  Porsteinn hét s4 er Péri vidr: par nam fram at ganga; 85 
sé var kendur Knarrar-smiér : kominn f villu stranga. 
44.  Kongrinn hid til Péris pa4: pat fra-ek undrum setti; 
ekki beit hans bidlfann 4: brAtt sem gridti meetti. 
45- Bian stallari bystr ok reiér: bardi Hund f{ méti; 
sfdan hné vid sannan heidr : seggr 4 Pédris spidti. go 
46.  Porgeirr v66 { randa regn: resi ndéi at finna; 
snarr ré6 kongur pri6zkum pbegn: pessi ord at inna: 
47. _- Peygi gerir—pu Périr rétt: at preyngja mannum m{num ; 
lypta-ek pér af l4gri slétt : lokit mun sigri pinum. 
48. _Kongrinn hid med Hneiti p4: sv4 hraud af egejum bédum ; 


Porgeirr daudr 4 lyngi 14: Iffi sviptr ok d4dum. 96 
49.  Porsteinn ré6 4 pengils kné: punnri axi at sn{da; 

sidan lét hann fiar med fé: ok féll f 4naud strida. 
50. Biartum varp sér brandi fra: budlungs handin meta; 

sidli bad med seonnu pa: sidlfan Gud sin geeta. 100 


51. Périr lagdi { kongsins kvid: kaldum snétar r4dum ; 
hilmis sal t6k heestan frid: himna grams med n4dum. 

52. Kalfur hid til bragnings bystr : batt sér pungan randa ; 
ramliga var hann 4 reidi lystr:reesi beim at granda. 

53- | Myrkri sl6 yfir menn ok hiard: vid mildings dyran dauda; 
litu pa hvdérki lag né iard : 1¥3 aflar pat nauda. 106 





396 RIMUR. [BK. xX. 


54.  P& kom Dagr med drengi sin: darra ping at heyja; 
margur hlaut vid mikla pin: madr af stit at deyja. 
55.  Adsilig var odda hrid: undrum fra-ek pat gegna ; 
matti ekki meira strid : af m4lma leiki fregna. 110 
56.  Hredilig var hiorva gnaud: hardar brynjur sprungu ; 
drengir fengu dapra naud: deorr 4 hiffum sungu. 
57.  Stért var betta manna mot : mest kom hialp til bragna ; 
daudir fengu ok blindir bét: bitigir heilsu fagna. 
58.  Porgils geymdi pengils lfk: pat fér heldr af hliddi; 115 
madr t6k syn fyrir merkin slik : af mzetu kongsins bl6di. 
59.  Fréni er huldur fylkir meetr : firédur naud ok grandi; 
lfkami kongs var mildr ok metr: manudr tdlf { sandi. 
60. Peim kom virdum vondzlig praut: at visis fengu reidi; 
geislar skinu um grund 4 braut: grams af dyru leiéi. 120 
61.  Lyéir t6ku upp lfkama hans: lutu pa kongi sniallum ; 
har ok neg] var heilags manns: hatt at vexti allum. 
62.  Hildings taka p4 helgan dém: halir f skrin at leggja; 
nu er Kristz et biarta bl6m: ok blidust miskunn seggja. 


63.  Drédttni ferdi adlingr and: ftum lfkam seldi; 125 
nti er hann Guds 4 hegri hand: himins { zezta veldi. 
64. | Budlungs heidr er biartr ok rfkr: beedi um land ok geima; 


feeddizt engi fylkir slfkr : fyrri norér { heima. 


65.  Reidzt-pti ei pd, pengill pér : pyrda-ek visu at bidda ! 
Bidr ek Olaf biarga mér: vid bragning allra pidda! 130 


SKIDA-RIMA, sy EINAR FOSTRI. 


THE original vellum of this poem, which is from its subject, age, . 


and humour worthy of separate notice, is unfortunately lost. We have 
nothing but a paper copy (AM. Additamenta) by Erlend Olafsson, 
brother of the well-known John Olafsson, c. 1730. It is glossed with 
proposed alterations (substituting coarse and common words for the 
mock-heroic epithets and style of the original) between the lines, and is 
a little difficult to deal with. The Editor copied it in 1862 and gave the 
copy to Dr. Maurer, who published it in 1869. It has since been re- 
printed by Dr. Cederschiéld, who, in a few cases, has bettered the order 
of the stanzas. 

- Biorn of Skardsa (c. 1633)mentions the poem, and describes its contents, 
naming Einar Fosterer as its author; and we have no reason to doubt 
this ascription, which may well have been on the vellum itself from 
which Erlend copied it. The only point to settle is the date of Einar. 
Biorn’s words are, in his Greenland’s Annals, talking of Biorn of Vatns- 
firth, the Crusader, “ With him on his journey was Einar Fostri, his poet 
and entertainer, who used to amuse him every Sunday, Tuesday, and 
Friday, whenever he wanted amusing. Wise men say that Einar made 
Skida-Rima for pastime one day when his turn came to entertain the 
crew, as is indeed expressly mentioned at the end of his poem: ‘ Here 
shall the poem wait till Sunday.’ Einar also composed Skauf-hala-balkr 





117. Read, setr? 


En Re ee eRe See oe 





§ 4.] SKIDA-RIMA. 397 


and Barngcelur, as he says at the end of the ‘balk.’ This piece and lullaby- 
song Einar made without art, i.e. not in court-metre.” But Biorn seems to 
have been mistaken in his dates, for misled by the words ‘sfovar-rok,’ a 
tradition had no doubt grown up taking Einar on the pilgrimage with 
Biorn, who is last mentioned about 1415, and was a little king in 
North-west Iceland in his day. However, Erlend Olafsson knows 
Einar as the poet of Lady Olaf, the wife of Biorn, the grandson of this 
Crusading Biorn, and this is perhaps the most likely. The pbrase ‘sea- 
drift of the dwarves’ is a mere synonym for ‘poetry,’ and does not refer 
to a sea-journey at all. The metre and character of the poem would 
rather require more than less years between it and Olafs-Rima, and had 
we not known Biorn’s tradition, Erlend’s date would readily have been 
accepted. At any rate, it has all the test-marks of a pre-Reformation 
poem: the end measure is always trochaic —v, never uv, which in 
a poem of four hundred lines cannot be a mere chance. Hence 
at the time of its composition quantity was still observed in speech. 
Further, the forms of the rhyme-words—védinn (peril), sv6, vérr, for 
the later vodi, svo, vor; the inflexive r is not syllabic before a pause 
(in the fourth measure), but in other places is syllabic now and then; 
strange foreign words, as jungr for ungr (the poet seems but half aware 
that jung and ung are the same word, for he calls the o/d beggar ‘ young’ in 
v. 199, though that may be half for fun, perhaps, as the wooer of Walhalla), 
and so on. Neither date is impossible, 1400 or 1450. 

The internal evidence of the poem points to the fact that it was 
intended for entertainment on Sunday evenings, the recognised time for 
dancing and music asin our Book of Sports, and that it was the work of 
a man who knew the Medalfell-Strand Headlands in Broadfirth, North- 
west of Iceland, thoroughly well; the journeys of his hero Skidi and 
the locale of the poem are there. Geirmund Hellskin, Skidi’s patron in 
Walhalla, was the first settler of this peninsula. 

The name ‘ Fostri’ may allude to some connection between the poet 
and the Biorns. Was he the older Biorn’s foster-son or the younger 
Biorn’s fosterer? 

The story of Skida-Rima is based on an incident in the life of Sturla, 
Snorri’s father, and is told in his Saga (Sturlunga, i. p. 69), but without the 


_ name of the hero, the beggar Skidi, which suggests that the author Einar 


got his story from an earlier and fuller life of Sturla than the abridged one 
which we possess. Skidi, the sturdy beggar, has been going his rounds in 
the North-west of Iceland, and comes to the house of Thorgils Oddason 
at Stadarhold, where they are just killing a fat ox from Stagley ; he begs 
enough leather for two pairs of brogues out of the raw hide, and trudges 
over the ridge to Hvamm, where Sturla lives. Here he gets a steel knife 
and scrip, and goes on to Hit-dale to the homestead of Thorleif, no friend 
of Sturla’s. Thorleif, finding out whence he has come, will not give hima 
meal, so when he has cut him the brogues out of his piece of hide, he 
trusses his pack on to his shoulders, and lying down with the other beg- 
gars in the porch falls fast asleep. So far the Saga has given material, but 
now follows the poet’s own creation, Skidi’s dream. In comesa big man 
with a great iron hammer and says that he is come from Woden to take 
him to Asiaham (on the Black Sea) to settle the disputes of the heroes. 
Off goes Skidi with Thor the messenger: crossing Iceland, they wade 
over to Norway from Cape Horn, the sea hardly covering their shoes. 
The first person they meet in Norway is Olmod, ‘sitting out’ working 
sorcery. He and Skidi quarrel, and Skidi breaks the rivet-band of his 
staff. But they cannot stay; on they trudge, down the whole length of 


398 RIMUR. [BK. x. 


Norway, through Denmark, and ever on till at last they reach the god’s 
hall in Asiaham, Thor acts as guide to Skidi, and points out the heroes 
in order to him, where they sit round the hall below Woden and the twelve 
Anses. Woden welcomes Skidi, and asks about the different Icelandic 
noblemen. Skidi praises Thorgil and Sturla. He then begs for a new 
rivet-band and his pig full of butter, which he gets; and Woden gives 
him a wife withal, the beautiful Hild. But Skidi crosses himself and so 
rouses the ill-will of the Anses, and Heimdal strikes him with his horn. 
A terrible conflict now takes place,-in which mock-heroic exploits are 
performed of a Gargantuan character. At last Sigfred takes up the 
‘christian’ Skidi and hurls him out of Walhall, but the beggar has left 
his butter-pig behind him and calls lustily for it. Asmund hurls it down 
to him, and it strikes him in the mouth and wakes him up again—in 
Hitdale. He is wounded and battered, four of his teeth are knocked out, 
he has been laying about him in his blind sleep-fury during the night and 
has killed five of his fellow beggars. The proof of the truth of the story 
is that Skidi’s two new pairs of brogues are trodden to pieces, his staff 
is bound with an iron band weighing pounds and pounds, his pig is full 
of butter (which is given to the dogs and kills them), and lastly, in 
his wallet is found a tooth of one of the heroes, so huge that the ‘best 
crozier north in Holar’ was made out of it. Skidi was long ill, ‘and I 
fear he will never thrive as long as he uses such bad language and 
refuses to wash on Saturdays.’ 

There is a fine Rabelaisian tone about Skida-Rfma, and the realism of 
its vocabulary, with the keen observation of life it implies, is quite akin 
to the French master’s 

‘Nouvelles des diables et des damnés’ 


told by Epistemon when he came back from the Elysian fields, Pant. 
Book II, ch. 30; and give the poem a high place among the produc- 
tions of Icelandic humour. 

As verse it is extremely melodious and pleasing to the ear; after copy- 
ing it out for the first time, many years ago, the Editor found that he 
had got it by heart, a test which Olafs-Rima, or even Einar’s own 
Reynard’s Lay (Skauf-hala-balkr), utterly fails to bear. 

An additional argument in favour of the later Biorn as Einar’s patron 
is the poet’s apology for not putting in a ‘man-song’ or introductory 
envoy. ‘This framing of the later Rimur had clearly not been thought 
of in the days of Olats-Rima. 

The list of heroes named in it gives an insight into the literature of 
Ejnar’s day—Hilditann, King Halfdan the Generous, Iwar, King Alf the 
Strong, King Rolf Kraki, Haki, Hagbard, Starkad the Old, Arngrim’s 
Sons, Blot-Harold, Thrain-o’-Howe, the Wolsungs, Widolf Mit-stang, 
Edgar the Giant and Aventrod, Wikar, Sorli the Strong, Gnod-Asmund, 
soar Widefathom, Sigurd Ring and Ragnar, Ali the Keen, the Ragnarssons, 
Earl Andri, Isung’s Sons, Regin and Fafni, Dwarves, twelve Bearsarks, 
Rolf Ganger, Rolf Gautrick’s son, Thori Ironshield, Hogni and Gunnar, 
Ubbi the Frisian, Sigurd Swain, Rook the Black, Utstan, Agnar, Biarki, 
Bruin and Brusi the Bearsarks, Earl Halfdan—and last not least, the 
Icelandic settler Geirmund Hellskin, the founder of the farm where 
Biorn and Lady Olaf resided, the only uzromantic person of the list. 


I. Tue BEGINNING. 


M ER er ekki um Mansaong greitt : minztan tel-ek bat greida; 
pvf mér pykkir allum eitt : af pvf gamni lei6a. 





lee 


PEE ne 


§4.] 
2. 
3: 
4. 


5: 


23- 


24. 


SKIDA-RIMA, 399 


Yngis-menn vilja ungar frir: { aldin-gardinn teela ; 
feta par ekki freedin ur: flest er gaort til veela. 
Ef koma upp nakkur kveedin fin : hid katum silki-hrundum; 5 
kalla per sé kvedit til sfn: af keerleiks elsku-fundum. 
Ekki sémir afmors vess : allum bauga skordéum ; 
gengur margum gaman til bess: at gylla per { ordum. 
Latum heldur leika tenn: 4 litlum zvintyrum ; 
p4 munu geta vér g6dir menn: hid gull-hlads skorSum dyrum. 
Fialniss Atti-ek fornan bat: sem flaut { 6dar ranni; II 
par var skrifud 4 skemtun kat: af Skiéa gaongu-manni. 
Hann 6lzt upp f Hftardal: har 4 ungum aldri ; 
pat er hvérki skrum né skial: skr46 af menja Baldri. 
Manna heestur, miér sem pvengr : miklar hendr ok sfdar ; 15 
p6 var upp tr kryppu kengr: ok krummur har@la vi8ar. 
Skeggit punt ok skakkar tenn: skotit Gt kinnar-beinum ; 
diarf-mzeltur vid dandis-menn : drengrinn hvass { greinum. 
Skreppu Atti hann Sk{di sér: ok sk6-n4l hardla prida ; 
par med enn, sem innt er mér: allan skreppu-skrtida. 20 
Hér med 4 hann stéran staf: ok steltan brodd med hdlki: 
Maérinn kunni matar skraf: mis-iafnt kendraf f6lki. 
Hius-gang ré6 um allan aldr: evi sinnar preyta; 
enga menn fann audar-Baldr : {f orSum sfnum neyta. 
Hirzlu Atti halrinn sér: heldur innan feita ; 25 
Gr mata stér ok mikil er: m4 hun pvf Smizar-svin heita. 
Er hun gar sem annat svin: innan hol sem kista ; 
Greland dvergr tr gardi sin: gaf hénum pé til vista. 
Hleypr 4 millum horna lands: halrinn buinn til pretta ; 
getit er Skiéa gangu-manns: um garvalt landit petta. 30 
Nit hefir kempan kappi hard : kannat Vestur-sveitir ; 
aptur kominn yfir um Fiard:ok par Saurbeer heitir. 
$t66 par beer, er Stadar-héll hét : stefnir pangat Sk{di; 
penna fra-ek at pekkjast lét : Porgils béndinn fr{di. 

Odda-son til afreks vendr : ftum styrdi finum ; 35 
par var Sk{fdi af skaotnum kendr: ok skemti af ferdSum sfnum. 
Segist drengrinn sétt hafa heim: seggi vestr um Fiardu ; 

‘Brenni allr 4 baki beim: beininn, sem mér gardéu.’ 
Porgils tekr ir seggnum sult: s4 kann drengnum hitka ; 
mat-svin hans var meir enn fult: at morni vill hann stritika. 40 
Arla dags er uppi s4: sem 4 fyrir margu at hugsa; 
seggir féru at slatra p4: ok sl6gu Stagleyjar-uxa. 
Porgils taladi pydr ok gladr : 4 vid drenginn fina : 
‘ Hvat vill Skidi htisgangs-maér : hafa fyrir skemtan sfna?’ 
Askzedum kvad sér skidtast pzorf : pvf sk6-laust gengi longum; 
margur hefir s4 meiri svarf: er minna treystir gangum. 46 
Skin véru tr skarpri hid: skorin med hvassum kniffi; 
pau véru ekki pynnri enn sié:p4 var gaman at Iffi. 





46. svérf] pérf, Cd. 


46. 


47. 


RIMUR. [BK. x. 


‘Renna mundi rausn af pér: fyrir rekka hardla fréda, 
ef bu geefir annur mér: af uxanum peim inum géda.’ 50 
‘Sker pu sialfur, Sk{éi minn : skeedin sv6 pér lfki!’ 
‘Ofrligt er um aorleik pinn: corva lundrinn rfki!’ 
Ristir hann ofan af malunum mitt : mikla lengju ok sfda ; 
hafdéi hann 4 pvi hvers manns kvitt : at hann mundi aldri rfda. 
Alt var senn f einum klid: upp vatt triss medal herda; 55 
seggi bidr hann sitja { frid: své er hann buinn til ferda. 
Asélfs-gaotu ok austr um Skaord : tla ek drengrinn prammi ; 
par til kempan kappi har6é: kemur nidr at Hvammi., 
Sturli hét s4 st¥rdi par: stajnum beim inum frida; 
seemd ok heidr af seggjum bar : sidlf-bodit lét hann Skida. 60 


‘Hefir pi kannat hérudin vestr? (htt ré6 Sturli at mela); — 


hverr er bar skatna skarungr mestr? skylt er pvf at heela,’ 
‘Porgils er par béndinn beztr: baugum kann at geda, 
var-ek hans { gzer-kveld gestr: hann gaf mértvenn par skeda.’ 
Sturli gaf hénum stzeltan knff:st6ra skreppu ok mitika; 65 
si4lfan Gud bad signa hans lff: ok sv6 er hann buinn at stritika. 
Drattar hann 4 Svin-bitg sudr: ok sv6 med Hitar-vatni ; 
{ hénum georGist illur kudr: aldri trdi-ek hann batni. 
Beiskjaldi { Belgja-dal: byréum trii-ek at safni ; 
penna pegninn pyéa skal: Porleif adru nafni. 70 
Hénum var ekki hitkat par: heldur t6k at natta; 
fram { stofunni fra-ek hann var: pa félkit skyldi hatta, 
Hann vilja ekki haldar sia : hvérki at mat né drykkju; 
hann Leifi kvaéd ei liggja 4: um lftil-mennis pykkju. 
Hann skefr p4 ofan af skeedum sin: ok skéna geordi fidra; 
(pat kom rétt f reikning mfn):hann rekr { pvengi stéra. 76 
Byr um sk6 4 belti sér: enn bindr upp 4 sik adra; 
pat hafa seggir sagt fyr mér: at slfkt eru bragdin para. 
Setr hann fyr sik sv{nit fritt: ok sian bregdéur kreppu ; 
fiska-stykkit fagrt ok hvitt: fra-ek hann hef6i{skreppu. 80 
_ Seggrinn teemdi svfnit halft: ok siau grunnunga barda ; 
vid-bit hlytr at synja sidlft: setr ni at h6num kvarda. 
Kastar sér { kr6k-pall nidr : keenn til hisgangs-ferda ; 
svinit bindr hann sfdu vidr: enn setr upp triss medal herda. 
Drengrinn fra-ek { lopt upp 14: litid varé. af songum; 85 
fateekt f6lkit hvildi hid: ok hreeddist strakinn longum. 
Ekki fra-ek hann signdi sik : (seint t6k gledin at rakna) ; 
ei mun bratt, bat uggir mik: af fllum draumi vakna. 
Sidan fér at sofna bratt: segginn engi geymdi; 
ferlig undrin fram 4 natt : frd-ek hann Skidéa dreymdi. go 


II. Tue Dream. 


Inn kom mar f stofuna stérr: med steltan hamar f hendi ; 
pat var enn illi Asa-Pérr : er Odinn kéngur sendi. 

Ordéum hagadi banninn Pérr : pegar hann finnur Skida: 
‘Odinn kéngur, yfirmann vérr : ydr bad til sin rida.’ 


Ta. Lone ee ee ea Tee ae 





TL ee a ee 


§4.] SKIDA-RIMA. 401 


48.  ‘Frétt hefir hann, at fremdin pfn: ferr um heiminn vida; 95 
hann vill alla hafa til sin: sem heimsins lystir frida.’ 

49.  ‘L&naé er pér list ok vit : lukkan hefir pik fangat: 
pvf hefir sidli sent pér rit: at seekja austur bangat.’ 

50. | ‘Kom par til med kéngum tveim: { kveld, peir skyldu hatta ; 
Odinn gefr pér aud ok seim: ef pti garir p4 satta.’ 100 

51.  Réttast gordi raumrinn stirdr: ok ré5 pa fyrst at hreekja : 
‘Ei er milding minna virdér: mun-ek 4 fund hans szekja.’ 

52. Skfdi fra-ek at skauzt 4 feetr: ok skundar ut med Péri; 
ekki fr4-ek at Iftit letr : laufa-vidrinn stéri. 

53. Arka peir 4 iakla austr : Asa-Pérr ok Sk{6i, 105 
leidsaagu-madrinn lukku-traustr : ‘last par ei p6’ bfdi. 

54. Austr af Horni ok ut 4 haf: 4lpudu peir fra landi, 
Né6reg fra-ek peir nzedi af: nerri Prandheims sandi. 

55-  P6é bylgjur rfsi 4 brattum sié: bragna gzorir pat kata ; 
aldri t6k peim upp yfir sk6é: ok ei fra-ek pa vata. 110 

56. _Fundu peir f fiarunni mann: fra-ek hann Olmé6 heita, 
Uiti-setuna eflir hann: ok zetlar spadéms leita. 

57. Olméér heilsar pegar 4 Pér: ‘PG munt kunna at skfra: 
hverr ’r s4 madr er med pér f6r : edr mun hann lukku stfra?’ 

58. Por. ‘Skida Nordmann skulum vér hann: at skfrnar-nafni kalla ; 
hefr { briésti hreysti-mann : heims ndatttru alla.’ 116 

59. Olm. ‘ Mér lizt ekki “ meiri” kraptr: mens yfir pessum lundi ; 
hitt mik uggir, hann komi ei aptr: heill af ykkrum fundi.’ 

60. Sk. ‘Spadu mér engra, Herjans haottr ! hrak-falla! (kvaé Sk{3i) 
ellegar skal-ek, pinn digri dreottr ! dubba pik, své6 svf8i. 120 

61. Olm. ‘ Hvérki er pat hél né skrum : hafi pik AMsir fangat ; 
pér mun kostr at kaklast um : komist pt austur pangat.’ 

62.  Flidtliga leiddist Skiéa skraf: skap-illr trdi-ek hann_pekki, 
laust til Olmdédés langum stafslitt kom vid edr ekki. 

63. Sk{6i datt, ba skyldi hann:skiétt 4 baranum ganga; —125 

-  hélkinn misti hisgangs-mann: af harkinu pvi inu langa. 

64. _ Virdum gengur varla { hag: vist, ef fleiru tfna ; 
Olméér haféi annan dag: idrnit petta at s¥na. 

65. Austr af Néreg ftar tveir : Attu fyrst at ganga, 
drukk-langa stund dratta peir : fyrir Danmezork endi-langa. 130 

66.  Své var brautin breid fyrir beim : sem borgar-streeti veeri ; 
¥tar kému { Asia-heim : Odins haollu neerri. 

67. ba véru skérnir Skiéa { sundr: skipti hann um pé4 sfdan ; 
enn ina fornu laufa-lundr : lagi { klas-sekk vidan. 

68. Borgar-turnar gléa sem gull: glymr f hverju streti, © 135 
heimsins er par hegdan full: ok hzeversk zonnur leeti. 

69. ‘Hverr 4 pessi husin stér?’ (hatt réd Skidi meela)— 
‘Petta er hin Valhall vér: sem viss er { audr ok szela.’ 

70. Skidi spurdi at pessu Pér:‘ PG munt kunna at skyra, 
hvar kempur sitja ok kéngur vérr: ok kappa-sveitin dyra.’ 140 





96. pryda, Cd. 106, Somehow wrong. 117. Thus. 120, minn, Cd, 


VOL. Il. pd = 


402 


RIMUR. ~ [BK. x. 


71. Bor.‘ Odinn sitr dar inzt { hall: ok AXsir télf 4 stéli : 


72. 


gléar hun all af greipar-mizll : ok grettis raudu bdli. 

Horféu beint 4 Hilditann: ok Halfdan kéng enn Milda; 
pér mun virdast saga mfn saonn: slikt tel ek kapp gilda. 

{varr sitr par inzt { hell: ok Alfur kéngr hinn sterki; 145 
Hrélfur Kraki ok hiré hans all: hradr at snildar-verki. 

Haka Ifta ok Hagbardé m4: hid hénum Starkad Gamla ; 
Arngrfms-synir par ttar ffra : ekki lftit bramla. 

Blét-Haraldur byr par nest : beint ok Prdinn f{ haugi; 
vid pa lfkar fyrdum feest : flagds er litr 4 draugi. 150 

Valsungur med “ visis” pj66: ok Vidélfr Mittum-stangi, 
Eddgeirr Risi ok Aventr66: alt er 4 reidi-gangi. 

Hér er Geirmund Heljar-skinn : ok hid hénum kappinn 

Vikar, 

Seorli hinn Sterki sezt par inn: slfkt eru kempur rfkar. 

Asmundr sitr par yzt vid g4tt: er s4 mesti kappi; 155 
garprinn s4, sem Gndd hefr Att : gaorir sér flest at happi. 

Enn Vidfadmi I[varr sitr :inztr 4 pallinn langa; 


hundraé kénga, herrann vitr: hvern dag med hénum ganga. 


Sigurér Hringur sitr bar hia : ok sonr hans kéngrinn Ragnar; 
Ali hinn Freekni titar ffrd : eru pat reoskvir bragnar. 160 
Ragnars-synir reiknast pa: rétt hia Andra ialli; 
sungs-synir utar {fra : ekki smair 4 palli. 
Regin ok F6fni rekkrinn, sid: rétt fyrir nordri midju,— 
tian dvergar utar {fra : allir hagir { smidju. ; 
Hér nest sér-pti haolda télf : heldr { vexti gilda ; 165 
garprinn, pekktu Gangu-Hrdlf: ok Gautreks arfa hins Milda. 
Péri Iarn-skiald pekkja m4 : par med Hagna ok Gunnar ;— 
Ubbi hinn Friski ttar {fra : “ei mun betra” sunnar. 
Yzt vid gatt er Sigurér Sveinn: settr af gaorpum sniallum; 
fyrrum vann hann Fo6fni einn: freegstr af k6ngum allum. 170 
Heldr hann allum hreddum hér: hirdir orma-setra ; 
Odinn setr hann ei hid sér : autt ram pykkir betra. 
Par er 4 stéli Freyja ok Frigg : ok fara med hvita gléfa ; 
enn er hin pridja porna-vigg: pat er hin Hildr in Midéva. 
Hedinn vill giarna Hildi f4: enn Hagni stendr 4 méti; 175 
fyrir pat magnast malma pr4 : mugrinn kastar gridti. 
Hér felst undir audnan pin: ef pu garir pa satta; 
ellegar verdér pat ¥ta pin: innan priggja natta.’ 
Pvi nest gékk { HAva-holl : halrinn kanpa-s{di; 
hirdin t6k at hleja all:‘ Hvat mun vilja hann Ski6i?’ 180 
Skidi heilsar Ficolni fyst : ok féll pat ekki tr minni ; 
hann s4 alla heimsins lyst : f hiisi pessu inni. 
Herra Odinn hreyfi sér : ‘ Heill ok sell, minn Sk{6i! 
sidlf-bodinn skaltu f sess hi4 mér:seima-lundrinn fri6i! 


Hér er s4 maér mik hefir lyst : marga stund at finna; 185 





151. visis] thus. 163. sa, Cd. 168. Some name? 





) 
| 


ll 


§ 4.] SKIDA-RIMA. 403 


pu skalt segja mér fréttir fyst : ok far-lengd pina inna.’ 
94. Sk. ‘ Frétta-laust er { feréum min: Fatt er kyrru betra ; 
ndlgast hef-ek 4 nadir pin: nti er-ek sex-tigi vetra.’ 
95.  Odinn spurdi aptur nt: er bat minni vandi : 
‘Eru margir meiri enn pti: menn 4 [salandi?’ 190 
96. Sk. ‘A fsalandi eru margir menn: mis-iafnt nakkut rfkir ; 
pé eru ekki allir enn: oss at mentum Ifkir. 
97.  Porgils er bar béndinn beztr: 4 bygdum vestur-sveita ; 
s4 kemr engi gangu-gestr : at greida vili neita. 
98. _—‘Ei er ek vanur (aulinn kvad):f ordSum menn at gylla; 195 
pé vil-ek sfna pér svinit pad: er seggrinn ré6 at fylla, 
99. Annat er par Ageett lff: zetla-ek hann heiti Stulli, 
mér gaf penna meta knif: madrinn seemda-fulli.’ 
100. Od. ‘Fyr pa neyd, pu fékkt af mér: at fortu ur landi pinu, 
kiaor-grip skaltu kiésa pér: karl! dr rfki mfnu.’ 200 
ror. Sk. ‘ Herra, gef mér hdlk 4 staf: hann vil-ek giarna piggja ; 
tria min veit, ek t¥ndi hénum af: tel-ek vid Néreg liggja.’ 
102. Reagnir kallar Regin til sin:‘ Rammliga skaltu smfda 
stinnan hélk tr stali fin: 4 staf mins herra Sk{da.’ 
103. Hann kvadst mundu hradr at pvi: ok hefr sik ut { smidju, 
halfan fidrdung haf6i {: heest var raond { midju. 206 
104. Sk. ‘G6di herra! gef mér smizr: greitt { hirzlu mfna!’ 
Benin sti féll beint { kiar: bidr hann Freyju sfna. 
105. Fr. ‘ Vista-fatt mun verda pér: vist, ef jatar flestu ; 
si kostnadrinn sezt at mér: smiaorlaus er-ek at mestu.’ - 210 
106. Od. ‘ Laufey min skal lata {: enn Loki eptir hlaupa.’ 
Fr.‘ Meér s¥nist engi seemd at pvf: ef smizor barf tit at kaupa.’ 
107.  Farbauti lét fylla svin: ok feera pat heim til hallar. 
Od. ‘Fardu ok geym pat, Freyja min: ok f& hénum, pegar 
hann kallar |’ . 
108. Par kom innar 4fengt wl: Odinn drakk til Skida: 215 
‘Pu skalt hafa hid mér dval: ok hvergi f kveldi rida.’ 
10g. _ Halrinn pakkar herra vin: ‘ Hafi-pér Guds-laun, Odinn!’ 
Enn hann greip fyr eyrun sfn: sem at hénum feeri védinn. 
110. Od.‘ Hann skaltu ekki { hisum m{n: hirda pratt at nefna; 
ellegar tapast audnan pin: sem 4éur hef-ek pér gefna. 220 
111. Kvén-fang skaltu kiédsa pér: kann-ek fleira at greina, . 
fliddin leet-ek faol hia mér: nema Freyju mina eina.’ 
112. Sk. ‘ P¥da kys-ek porna bri: pat er hun Hildr in Midéva; 
mér lizt engi connur sti: iafn-vel kunni héfa.’ 
113. Od. ‘ Hagni reedr hverr hana 4: pvi hun er hans einga-déttir ; 
ei mun Hedni hugnast p4: ef hér eru menn til séttir.” 226 
114. Sk{6i veik at Hagna hér: ok héf své reedu sina: 
‘ Hvat skal ek leggja { l6fann 4 pér : pu leifir mér mey své ffna?’ 
115.  Hagni segir, at Hedinn ma: Hildi sidlfur gipta: 
Sk. ‘ Hvergi kys ek heerra 4: pvi hér er vid dreng at skipta.’ 230 





211. Laufey] lavardr, Cd. 229. Hedinn] emend,; Hilmir, Cd, 
pd 2 * 


404 RIMUR. [BK. x. 


116. ‘Alt { heimi ynni-ek til: at pit Hagni szettist.’ 
Hed.‘ Peygi gengur petta { vil: pé vit Hildur ettimst.’ 
117.‘ M4gur pinn ek veréa vil:’ veik své Sk{6i at Hagna. 
Sk. ‘Verid katir ok vikid til: vist vid kénginn Ragna!’ 
118. Hagni segir, at magr hans m4: mikit um petta ra6a. 235 
Sk. ‘Séu pit kvittir ok sattir pa! signi Gud ykkr bada!’ 
119. ‘Illa er talat, (kvad Asa-Pérr) : afreks-madrinn fr{di! 
fyrir pat tapast vindttan vér: vendu pik af pvf, Skidi!’ 
120, dinn spurdi unga fru: ord barf s{zt at teiga: 
‘Er pér viljugt, vella-bri : vaskan dreng at eiga?’ 240 
121. Hz. ‘ Hedni hef ek heitit pvi: hans ek skylda bféa ; 
en ef hann fadir minn feest par {: forsm4i-ek ekki hann Skfda.’ 
122. OB. ‘Hilditaonn skal hafa fyr vatt: ok Halfdan kéng hinn Snialla; 
__vér skulum drekka bridkaup brAtt: vid bragna pessa alla.’ 
123. . Sk{di rétti skitna hand: skyldi hann fastna Hildi; 245 
Odinn gaf honum Asia-land : ok alt pat hann kidsa vildi. 
124. | Kappinn par med kéngs-nafn hlaut: keenn ok aorr { stridi; 
stungu sumir at stdla-gaut : ‘ strakligr lfzt mér Sk{di!’ 
125. Sk{di gordi skyndi-kross: skiétt med sinni loppu ; 
su hefr fregnin flogit at oss: fékk hann hagg 4 snoppu. 250 
126. Heimdall gaf hénum haggit pad: horns meé sttti sfnum. 
‘Hy bui pér (hann Hagni kvad): sv6 hart at m4gi minum?’ 
127. Heimd. ‘Hann hefr feert bau fyrn at oss: fleina-lundrinn steelti! 
gordi hann fyrir sér gamlan kross: ok “gaorvall” ordin melti.’ 
128. Skidi gardi at skylmast pa: skiétt 4 litlum tima, 255 
Heimdall slé6 sv6 hafudit 4: at hann 14 pegar { svima. 
129.  Hilditann ré6 hlaupa upp pa: ok hristi 4 sér bidlfann: 
‘Hverr veit, nema hrottinn s4: haggvi kénginn sialfan.’ 
130, Hid til Skida haggin prit: hér var yss 4 f6lki: 
skrakva-ek ekki, at skraefan sti: lét skella f steeltum hélki 260 
131. Hliép uppGeirmundr Heljar-skinn: ok hefr upp axi breida: 
‘Lemdu hann ekki landa minn: Iftinn tel-ek pat greida!’ 
132,  #Remmi-gyYgi rekr hann pé:rétt at Haraldi midjum ; 
grimmliga letr garprinn s4:sem geysist leon { vidjum. 
133.  #Mikit var um pa Haraldr hné: heita matti yki; 265 
rétt sem stykki af stofni tré : st6ra heyrdi dyki. 
134. Ubbi hinn Friski atgeir rak : 6tt at Heljar-skinni ; 
afugr féll hann aptr 4 bak: ei vard dykrinn minni. 
135.  Halfur kéngur hliép upp pa: ok hreyf6i brandi sfinum : 
‘Pann skal lff-tién leggja 4 : sem lemr 4 freenda minum.’ 270 
136.  Ubbi fékk af Alfi slag: Gtan 4 kinnar-vanga; 
pat ma kalla keppa sag : er kratins-synirnir danga. 
137. Ovit beid pd Ubbi 4 sér : Ivarr ré5 sv6 mela: 
‘Madr mun fast { méti pér : minst er oss um preela.’ 
138. | Starkadér Gamli staokk 4 feetr : ok sterkliga t6k at emja: 275 
‘Ekki hirdi-ek hvat Ivarr leer : ei skal hann Skiéa lemja.’ 





265. ynki, Cd. 266. dynki, Cd, 


§ 4.] 


139. 
140. 
141. 
142. 
143. 
144. 


145. 


SKIDA-RIMA, "405 


fvarr fékk { augat slag : af Starkadi Gamla ; 
égurligt var eggja sag : engi matti hamla. 
Halfi kéngi var haldit pa : sv6 hann mAtti ekki str{da ; 
alla lét hann eitthvat f4: sem yfa vildu Skfda. 280 
Hrékr hinn Svarti ok Utsteinn iarl : at Ubba séttu bddir ; 
skyzt { leikinn Skelja-karl : skaotnum gefr ei nddir. 
Ubbi feldi 4ti4n menn : afbragés-kempur stérar, 
Skida sl6 4 skoltinn enn : sv6 skruppu tr tennur fiérar. 
Ali hinn Frekni 4 pat spiédt: sem ¥ta kann at dubba; 285 
rennur fram at randa briét : ok rekr { gegnum Ubba. 
Ubbi féll p4 dt um dyrr: med Atian hundruéd sara ; 
lét hann ekki Iffit fyrr : enn lungun féllu um nara. 
Sveri br4 p4 seima-vidr : s4 var nefndur Agnarr ; 
hann klauf Ala { herdar nidr: hann sezt nidr ok pagnar. ago 
Eddgeirr Risi til Agnars hié : ofan kom mitt f skalla ; 
seggrinn angu svaradi ok hlé : sidan gaordi at falla. 
Arngrfms-synir { zorva seim : etla begar at strida, 
enn Valsungar vardu peim : ok veita péttust Sk{da. 
Vikarr kéngur vardist p4 : vakrt 4 hallar-g6lfi ; 295 
Sarli hinn Sterki sverdi br4 : ok sdétti at Gangu-Hrédlfi. 
Mittum-stangi manadi Hrélf: meettust peir ok Biarki ; 
at hénum séttu ftar télf: ei var litill harki. 
Var6 pat loks at Vi6dlfr féll : veittist sigrinn Hrdlfi ; 
hundraéd rasta heyrdi smell: p4 halrinn datt at gdlfi. 300 
At Skida sétti mengit mest : margur var6 at falla ; 
heyréi pangat hAvan brest : { hdélkinum Iét hann gialla. 
Fyrdum pétti ferlig undr : fliiga um heiminn padra ; 
hverr klauf annan halda { sundr: hverir drepa par adra. 
Ogurlig var odda-sktr :; undur mAtti kalla ; 305 
engi gardist adrum trir : ymsir rédu falla. 
S16 til Gunnars Sigurér Hringr : s4 var arfi Gitika, 
augna-brinin 4 hénum springr: ei mun gédéu luka. 
Sv6 hid hann til Sigurdar Hrings: at sverd st6d fast f 
taonnum ; 
hér hefr nesta komit til kings: med kearskum fregdar- 
mannum. 310 
Sveitin gardist sir ok m66 : sumir af mzedi sprungu ; 
upp t6k par f akla b166 : axar ok kesjur sungu. 
Eddgeirr Risi ok Aventrééd : eda fram at Skida; 
Blét-Haraldur berst af m66 : biinn vid Prdin at strida. 
Périr [arn-skiaoldr preif upp stein : pat m4 undur kalla ; 315 
keyréi 4 Haralds kinnar-bein : sv6 kappinn varé at falla. 
Prainn er sterkur, pat er ei undr : pv{ hann er trall at meetti, 
Risana b46a reif { sundr : ok rak pA it um geetti. 
Berserkr einn, er Brini hét : bardi Prdin til heljar, 
enn { pvf hann Iffit 1ét : li6tliga { hénum beljar. 320 
Ormrinn F6fnir eitri spié : ok eedir fram at Sk{a ; 
hrakk hann titar at hurdu pé : hvergi var fritt at bida. 
> 


~ RIMUR. [BK. X. 


Sk{8i rak sinn fastan flein : { Féfnis triénu lidta; 
trallslig var si tannin ein: er t6k tr hénum at hridta. 
[Starkadr Gamli st6d p4 upp : ‘ok stillti neesta Brina’] ; 
Ormrinn rak upp balvat bupp : p4 ball h6num haggit nina. 326 
Sk{6i lét { skreppu sfn : skak-manns efnit detta ; 
lang var st hin lidta pin: lifir hann enn vid petta. 
Fé6fnir f sitt forna hf{d: fér ni heim at sinni; 
Starkadr gaordi st4la hrié: um stund er lagéd f minni. 330 
Asa-Pérr at ¥tum gengr : ok innir til vid Skfda: 
‘Muntu ei zetla at lemja oss lengr : fyr langu er mal at rfda.’ 
‘Ei er v6n, (kvad Asa-bérr) : at Odinn muni pér ltita ; 
heldur mun fyr haggin st6r: pinn hrottinn verda at sttita.’ 
‘Ef pd vilt, ek ei pik sl4: ofan f paonnu pina, 338 
legestu nidr ok lit mér p4: Litt skulu haggin dvfna.’ 
Mizalni spenti hinn mattki Pérr : af megni slé6 til Sk{a ; 
hér kom 4 méti hélkrinn stérr : heyréi bresti vida. 
Starkaér hié til Péris p4 : pat kom framan f enni; ° 
allan kvidinn ofan ffr4 : etla-ek sverdit renni. 340 
Berserkr einn, er Brusi hét : bregdur kylfu sinni, 
Starkaé Gamla sttita lét : styrr varé ekki at minni. 
Ragnar kéngr ok rekkar hans : rédu at Gautrek Milda; 
Ketill ok Hrélfr { kappa dans : k6bmu meé drengi gilda. 
Heyrdi til par hetjan f6r : haggr hann Iatuninn Brisa; 345 
féll hann daudr 4 feetur Por: flestir urdu at dtisa. 
P4 vard Alfr { pessu lauss : ok prffr upp kappann Vikar; 
feerdi ofan { Fialnis haus : sv6 fidndliga Odni Ifkar. 

Pat s4 hiin Freyja, Fiawlnis vif: at fast t6k Odni at svida ; 
stokk hun upp meé stzeltan knff: ok stakk { nefit 4 Skida. 350 
Hagni preif upp Halfdan iall: hann var freegstur gotna, 

rak hann nidr své rammligt fall: at rifin gaorveoll brotna. 
Allir rédu ASsir p4 : einni raddu at kalla: 
‘Hrekid hann Skfda, hverr sem m4 : Hann mun drepa oss alla!’ 
Flestir urdu fisir pess : fékk hann hagg vid vanga; 355 
pa var mikit pausnar vess : prid-tigi at h6num ganga. 
Hann bardi { hel p4 Baldr ok Niard : bedi Loka ok Heeni; 
fimmtan lét hann falla 4 iord : enn fleygdi télf { meni. 
Til orda t6k p4 Sigurér Sveinn : er s4 hann brynju ristna: 
‘ Mér lizt nu sé margr um einn : manninn pann inn Kristna. 360 
Greyliga t6kst pér gangan, Pérr : pt gintir hingat Sk{da; 
syndr er hénum sidrinn vérr : s4 mun spyrjast vida.’ 
Sigurér t6k pa sverdit Gram : ok sveiflar til med afli; 
allir beir, sem oddrinn nam : innar hrukku at gafli. 
Hnykti hann Skiéa um hallar-dyrr : enn hliép par sidlfr { 
milli; - 365 
ldinn ok md6ur 14 hann par kyrr : lftit vard af snilli. 
Heyréi hann inn { Hava-hall : hark ok styrjald bedi; 





325. This line is maimed or else in a wrong place. 








| nd eae ome, 
ME NT ee T0 > RM oe 


sey 


SKIDA-RIMA, 407 


borgin var sem bifadist soll : beint ok Iéki 4 praedi. 
Skidétliga kallar Sk{6i inn : par skatnar lagu hneptir : 
‘Sell ok litfur Sigurér minn : svfnit last mér eptir ! 370 
Nefna mundi ek nafnit pitt : nistill silki-treyju, 
ef pu, Sigurdr, svinit mitt : seektir inn til Freyju.’ 
Gnodar-Asmundr gardi pé : gilda atsékn ok strida; 
svinit tekr hann seggjum fra: ok sendir ut til Skida. 
Pat kom framan { freeda sal: fra ek at aulinn vakni; 375 
Nu er hann heima { Hitardal: Hildar tri ek hann sakni. 


III. Tue Enp. 


Yzt vid gAtt at aulinn 14: ekki er tritt at hnidsi ; 
peir staoktu vatni strakinn 4: ok styrmdu yfir med lidési. 
Porleifr talar vid pegninn bratt : ‘Pu hinn véndi slangi! 
erst hefir-pti f alla natt : ok einart verit 4 gangi. 380 
Fatekt hefir hér f6lkit mart : fengit s4rar naudir ; 
ymsa hefr-pbu beyst ok bart: sv6 bragnar fimm eru daudir.’ 
A stafnum sdu peir stéran hdélk : st6S hann merkur Atta ; 
hér hefr meizlin fateekt f6lk : fengit af st6rum hrétta. 
TroOdnir { sundur tvennir skér : tel-ek pat ei med listum ; 385 
eorkumlaér var aulinn stdérr: upp véru hinir 4 ristum. 
Fiérar tennur framan tr haus: fallnar véru 4 Skida; 
enn hin fimta er ordin laus: { hana kvad sér svida. 
Bradliga segir hann bragnum fra: hvat bar fyrir hann f 


svefni ; 
margur setr { mikla skr4: minna yrkis-efni. 390 
Skatnar hugdu at Skida brdtt : ok skodudu hann uppi ok 
nidri; 


hans var vida holdit blatt :-enn harit lfkast fidri. 
Hirzla hans af hagleik gar: hun var t6m at kveldi, 
par var komit { prf-fornt smizor : pat var tr Asia-veldi. 
Heoldar g4fu hundum smizr : tr hirzlu-tatri Skféa, 395 
peir létu sitt hit leida fier : ok l4gu daudir vida. 
Fundu peir f trissi hans taonn : tuttugu marka punga ; 
Nt mé heyra at sagan er sann: seima bollsins iunga. 
Peir gréfu hana me6 fagran flur : af fremstu meistara télum, 
bragnar gardu bagalinn ur : sem beztr er nordr 4 Hélum, 400 
Lengi vetrar ]4 hann sitkr : lftit batnar Sk{da, 
flagnadi hans hinn fili bukr : féllu 4 sdrin vida. 
Aldri trii-ek ermum pridét : mun illra meina batna, 
fyrr enn lofar at leggja af bl6t : ok Laugar-netr at vatna. 


Ej hef-ek heyrt hver zevi-lok : ur6u Nordmanns Sk{da. 405 
Hér skal Sudra sidvar-rok : Sunnudagsins b{da. 





408 RIMUR. | [BK. X. 


ONE HUNDRED RHYME-DITTIES. 


THERE are heaps of Rimur of the fifteenth century on vellum, of the 
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries on paper MSS., and of the eighteenth 
and nineteenth partly in print, rivalling the chansons de geste themselves 
in quantity, but very few among them are worthy of being dragged 
from their limbo. 

But by far the best verses in Rima-metre are the Improvisations and 
Ditties, of which there are hundreds known, some composed by well- 
known persons, some by farmers or labourers; for your Icelandic 
yeoman will often turn a Rima-verse as neatly as a Welshman an 
‘englyn.’ Many of these couplets are of great sweetness and deep 
melody; and coming from the mouths of the people, whose fine ears have 
instinctively picked out and remembered the best of them, a pretty 
collection might be formed illustrative of nearly every phase of Iceland’s 
life and thought. 

The one essential in a good ditty is that it charm the ear, and it is on 
this quality that its preservation as a live thing in the people’s memory 
depends. Indeed to Icelanders for many generations the melody of the 
Rimur has supplied the place of vocal and instrumental music, and in 
consequence the harmonious qualities of the popular verse are notable. 
In the present day the imitation of foreign poetry and music has dulled 
the feeling for alliterative verse-melody, for tune and word-rhythm are 
two things. 

They are roughly cast together as they came into the mind; and, 
being easy to make out and really rather illustrative matter than of the 
substance of the book, not translated. Their authors are in great part 
unknown, though some are by well-known poets, and no doubt many of 
the best now nameless verses are their work also. 

Chief among authors of these pieces and ditties is Hallgrim Peterson 
(d. 1674). Of him many stories are told, and he has become the typical 
poet in the popular mind. It is told how he made his first couplet, 
when he was yet a child, on the cat ; how he once abused his gift and lost 
it for a time by singing a fox to death by his curse; how he asked his 
little Steinun, a girl three years old, as to her creed, and how she, having 
inherited her father’s powers, answered him in verse (she died aged 34). 
There are stories, too, of incidents attached to the composition of his 
different hymns, and it is said that, like Thormod of old, he died with 
an unfinished verse on his lips. 

Of his beautiful Passion-Psalms and their great popularity we have 
spoken in the Reader. Here we must notice the well-known Rules of 
Life, which every child learned, and which takes the place of the old 
medieval Disticha, and the inimitable Skegg-karls-visor, Beardie-verses 
on the stone-ware Jug, a model of that pious humour which died, in 
England, with Fuller. Hallgrim’s poems have never been completely 
edited. His Passion-Psalms were indeed printed in his life, 1666 (though 
the best edition is of 1693), but when there was a collection of his 
poems made in 1777 by Halfdan Einarson, the religious poems were all 
given, but the secular ones omitted. Thus there are many of his best 
couplets that have never been printed at all, and many a nameless ditty 
now passing from mouth to mouth may be his, its sweetness and sound 
melody its only remaining marks of parentage. 

In the next generation after Hallgrim, many good ditties were im- 
provised by such men as Stephen Olafsson (d. 1688), Paul Widalin (d. 








OO EE 


§ 4.] RHYME-DITTIES. 409 


1727), John Sigurdsson Dala-skald (drowned 1720), and other less pro- 
minent contemporaries of Arni Magnusson (d. 1730), who is even 
recorded to have made a couplet himself as an epitaph on a Nor- 
wegian friend of his. Paul Widalin’s verses have a special interest 
from their sweetness of flow and clear thought. Indeed it was at this 
period (1650-1730) that the best couplets were made; their melody and 
simplicity has never since been reached. There is a MS. collection of 
Widalin’s ditties in the Bodleian Library, though not complete, for 
many of his good ditties are missing. 

Eggert Olafsson (1726-1768, of whom there is some mention in the 
Prolegomena), the most notable Icelander of last century, is the author 
of some very beautiful Improvisations. Of his lyrics we give the bright, 
grateful verses which he made on his last voyage back to Iceland in 
1766, wherein he speaks of the gentle gale, the glad screams of the gulls, 
the porpoises playing round the good ship, and finally of the glorious 
greeting of flame from Hecla. 

‘Such welcome ne’er got I before, to mine own native land.’ 


Eggert’s, too, are the verses, Heimildar-skra, which give the now clas- 
sical picture of a winter’s night on an Icelandic farm, with the women 
working and listening to the reading of Sagas and reciting of Rimur till, 
when ‘the star is past its middle height,’ the night is brought to an end, 
as in Burns’ masterpiece, by prayer and psalm. Of such happy evenings 
in his youth the Editor has lively recollections. 

When Eggert was engaged in his five years’ tour of Iceland (1752-57), 
making the observations which were wrought into his well-known 
‘ Travel Book,’ he passed the winters at the little island Widey, near 
Reykiavik, in the house of Sculi, a fine yeoman of the old type, and 
there he wrote a set of verses, on the fly-leaf of a child’s book, which 
he gave to Sculi’s daughter Oddny, whom he calls his sister ‘little 
Bunchie.? Oddny grew up and married, we can (though inquiring) 
learn nothing more of her. Some of the verses we give below. 

Eggert’s ditties are always melodious and clear. We have picked a 
few lines of his best, which will give a fair example of his style when 
he followed his own bent, for he tried to revive old Eddic and Court- 
poetry—in vain one is glad to say. 

In later days still, there are good racy couplets by John Thorlaksson, 
the translator of Milton (1744-1819), a humorous man and good 
scholar; Sigurd Petersson (1759-1827); Benedict Grondal (1763-1825); 
Sigurd of Broadfirth, the Rimur writer who had lived in Greenland 
(1799-1845); and Sweinbiorn Egilsson (1791-1852), who made the fine 
prose version of Homer. But their ditties are the aftermath. 

Our collection is fairly representative of all that is best among these 
Ditties. Every verse of it (with but few exceptions) has been picked out 
of a mass of verse which the Editor learnt as a child (age 8-12) by ear, 
not by book, spontaneously and mot as a task’. A verse which one picks 
up in childhood, and which clings to one through life, must at all events 
be really good in rhythm and clear in expression. The subjects are very 
various. Thus, there are couplets on the poet’s changeful moods and 
passing feelings, his passions, and his prayers, Then there are numbers 
of verses on the daily farm-life, the weather, the hayfield (one on a 





* Capping verses in pairs was a favourite pastime of his youth; the rule was that 
the second player should go on with a verse beginning with the Jast letter of the 
verse the first player had cited; the first player again had to follow the cue given by 
the second player’s verse, and so on, 


410 ) RIMUR. [BK. xX. 


mouse killed by a mower recalls the occasion of Burns’ ode), the house- 
hold stock, the pet pony’s death, the busy smith, the hard-working 
boat-builder, the household intrigues and quarrels even; but the prettiest 
of home-life verses are those on children, the little girl taught how to 
sit at meat, the child frightened by the cat, the little girl’s catechism, 
the sampler, the boy in the dairy, the children being taught to read and 
write, etc. There are many lines on travelling too, of travellers on the 
coast or in the desert, of hospitality and inhospitality, of benighted 
wayfarers shouting to wake the household, of the priest who lost his 
horse and had to come afoot to church in his vestments. Then there 
are the epitaphs, often humourous or satirical, on well-known characters, 
poets and others. There is also no lack of those which deal with the 
supernatural, with ghosts, and fiends, and omens, and the like; amongst 


others, the story of the murdered love-babe’s reproach to its mother 


(recalling our touching Northern ballads); and the dream-verses spoken 
by the spirits of those who have been lost at sea, or on the ice, or in 
the snow, and who appear in the visions of the night to their best- 
beloved and tell their fate. Ditties on fairies and ogresses there are too 
(as in England and Wales). 

There are couplets on celebrated adventures or incidents, for instance, 
on the outlaw who fought himself free and got away though his leg was 
smitten off. 

There are other ditties of a mere didactic character, triads, saws, 
riddles, and many anagrams, rebusses and word-plays of various kinds, 
There are some by scholars, the trying of the pen, the funny satire on 
the commentator by himself (Biorn of Skardsa’s mentioned above). 

The reader will get a better idea of the character of these ditties from 
reading two or three than from any definition we could give. Their 
essence lies in the simplicity of the thought, which must be so clear and 
naive that a child could have thought it; in the cleverness of the wording, 
which secures it popular favour in the first place; and (most vital of all) 
in the melody of the sound, which enables it to keep alive from generation 
to generation. No man could sit down to write such ditties, and no 
man but a born poet could write one that would outlive himself. 

Hallgrim Petersson, d. 1674, Nos. 1, 2, 10, 13, 54, 67, 75: Eggert Olafsson, 
d.1768, Nos. 3-5: Stephen Olafsson, d. 1688, Nos. 21, 22, 31, 34, 35; 38; 39, 81; 96, 
99: Paul Widalin, d. 1727, Nos. 12, 18, 20, 24, 36, 37, 40, 41, 58, 72, 93: John 
Gudmundsson, lerdi, d. 1655, No. 51: Bidrn Skardsa, d. 1656, No. 71: Bishop 
Stein, d. 1739, No. 65: John Sigurdsson, Dala-skald, d. 1720, Nos. 69, 100: Arni 
Magnusson, d. 1730, No. 71: Gunnar Paulsson, d. 1792, No. 68: Sigurdr Pétersson, 
d. 1827, Nos. 47 b, 73 b: Benedikt Grondal, d. 1825, No. 23: John porlaksson, 
d. 1819, Nos. 75 b, 79. 80, 82, 84, 86, 87 a, 88-91: Sigurd Breidfiord, d. 1845, 
Nos. 25, 64: Sveinbidrn Egilsson, d. 1852, No. 17: Jakob Samsonson, No. 8. 

1. The Child’s Rules. 

Lykee™ er pad allra bezt : a3 dttast Gud sinn herra; 
peim mun vizkan veitast mest : og virding aldrei pverra. 
Foreldrum pinum péna af dygd: pad ma gefu veita, 
varastu peim ad veita stygd: vilirdu gott barn heita. 
Hugsadu um pad helzt og fremst: sem heidurinn ma nera, 
aldrei sa til eru kemst : sem ekkert gott vill lera. 
Lerdur er i lyndi gladr: lof ber hann hia piddum ; 
enn hinn er ei nema halfur madr: sem hafnar sidonum gddum. 
Opt er s& { ordum nytr: sem idkar mentan kezra; 
enn pursinn heimskur pegja hlytr : sem pridzkast vid ad lara. 
Litilatur, liufur, og katur: leik pér ei ur mata ; 
varastu spidtur, hedni og hlatur : heimskir menn svo lata. 














$4.) 


RHYME-DITTIES. 


Vertu dyggur, trir og tryggur: tungu geym vel pina, 

vid dngan styggur né i ordum hryggur ; athuga redu mina. 
Vist avalt peim vana halt: vinna, lesa og idja, 

um framm allt pu 2tid skalt : elska Gud og bidja.—[H. P.] 


2. The Beardie-jug. 


Skyldir erum vid Skegg-karl tveir: skamt mun ett ad velja ; 
okkar beggja er efni leir : ei barf lengra ad telja. 

Vid héfum pad af okkar ett: efnid slikt eg pekki, 
bédum er vid broti hett : byltur polum ekki. 

lat vinsins athuga vond : erum vid pess 4 milli, 

og purfum bédir hentuga hond : svo hvorugur sinu spilli. 

pad er annad ettar-mét : af okkar hetti réttum, 
vid héfum badir valtan fot : vitum ei ner vid dettum, 

Einn eg mis-mun okkar fann : ef af6ll nokkur skerda— 
eg 4 von en aldrei hann ; aptur heill at verda.—([H. P.] 


3. A Winter Night at Home. 


Fyrst ad bladid autt var eitt : og eptir stund af voku, 
vilda eg heldur en vinna neitt : vefa par 4 stdku. . . . 
pegar hia beim humar ad : og hiarnar lids i ranni, 
mart per raula rimu blad : og reka hrygd fra manni. 
Drésir iafnt med dygd og dst : dyrum hlyda ségum, 
ad fedra vorra fregdum dast : sem fyrri voru 4 dégum, 
Ma p4 snéta marka pel : mali birt i lausu, 
illa likar eda vel : eptir hverja klausu, 
Sauma, greida, karra, klia : kappid sagan eykur, 
spinna, priéna, pefa pa: pad er eins og leikur. 
peim hvergi svefninn sér : seggir tidum heyra, 
lesarinn pegar letjast fer ; ‘lestu nina meira.’ 
Si6-stiérnu spyr einginn ad; inn i béndans gardi. 
hin er komin i hadegis-stad : halfu fyrr en vardi. 
pegar hattum pokar ner: pratt eg heyra kunni. 
bezt er ad fara, birta per : ad beta ser { munni. 
Slik pé synist vinna ven : vid pad dllum semur ; 
idju dagsins endi bea : adur svefninn kemur. 
Skamm-degrin med svoddan sid : sem per léngu netur ; 
vetrar prek og porra grid : pannig stytta setur.—[E. O.] 


4. Homeward Bound, 1766. 


Heldur long var Hafnar dv6l : hitinn ekki minni, 
gladur let eg flidta fidl : fram i atta sinni. 

Linast sidnin lestrum af : lifid deyfist sidan, 
af pvi skal eg um Islandz haf Aegis hesti rida. . . 

Akurinn hef-eg yrkt og s46 : adrir grédann taka, 
hyggjan ordin pvi er piad : bungum vagni ad aka. 

po mitt hiarta pryti 4 ny : og porna loksins teki, 
hver veit nema eg Island i; annaé hiarta seki. 

Eg hefi fengid idmfrur-byr : iafnan, hegan, blidan, 
Ongan svo eg atti fyr : eskilega pidan. 

Natturan er s6m ad sid: sekist skipa vegur, 
leidar-steinninn fidllum fra ; flaust ad landi dregur, 

Allar skepnur yndis-hét ; inna a6 minu gedi, 
h6frungarnir hlaupa 4 mét : hefja danz og gledi. 

Landsins fugl um fiska tun: finnur hrelling dngva, 
hleypur mot oss hafs 4 briin: hefja kvak og sdngva, 

Skipurum nottin birtu bid : bra ei vanda sinum: 
Hekla lysti langt 4 sié : lauka-faki minum. 

Hatt i loptid hvergi kyr ; hygg-eg lidsin brynni, 
svoddan kyedju eg fekk ei fyr : 4 fostur-idrdu minni.—[E. O.] 


411 


412 RIMUR. [BK. x. 


5. Written on the Fly-leaf of a Child’s Book. 
Oddny litla bad um b6k : brédir hennar af pvi ték, 
bratt hann Oddny kysti i kr6k : kverid fekk, pad yndi idk, 
Ef pu verir eins og brid: undir bordi nett og prvi, 
handa-fip] og gumpa-gidgt : getir af per vanid snoget. 
Eitt er pad sem enn eg tel: ef hun nenti ad priéna vel, 
ekki pyrfti ad 6ttast par: andann, myrkrid, grylurnar. 
Oddny falleg petti pa : pé hin skyldi i i kaupid fa, 
bedi sykur, bok, og skrin : Boggull veri systir min. 
Oddny gadu gloggt ad pvi : gordu pig ekki svoddan bi, 
ad pu gorir illa litt : eda rifir kverid pitt—[E. O.] 


6. Wet Weather. 
Niu er uti vedrid vott : og veykur manna hugur; 
& morgun kann ad gefa gott : Gué minn almattugur. 


7. Evening and Sunset. 
Kv6lda tekur, sezt er s6l : sigur poka 4 dalinn ; 
komid er heim & kvia-bél : kyrnar, £63, og smalinn. 
Kveld-ulfur er kominn hér: kunnigur innan gatta, 
sdlin rennur, synist mér : senn mun mal ad hatta. 


Senn er komié sdlar-lag : sezt 4 nordur-fidllum ; 
lidur & penna dyrdar dag : Drottinn hidlpi oss dllum. 
Senn er komid sdlar-lag : sezt 4 nordur-heidi ; 
lidur & penna dyrdar dag : Drottinn veginn greidi. 
Senn er komié sdlar-lag : sezt & nordur-tindi, 
lidur 4 penna dyrdar dag : Dréttinn styri vindi. 
Senn er komié sdlar-lag : sendi oss Drottinn fridinn ; 
og svo gefi annan dag: eptir penna lidinn. 


8. Sunrise. 
Lifnar hagur nu 4 ny : nyr skal bragur spunninn ; 
dyr og fagur austri i: upp er dagur runninn,—(I. $.] 
g. The Calendar. 
Tolf 4 ari tunglin greid : til ber ad prettan renni ; 
sdlin gengur sina leid : svo sem Gud baud henni. 


10. The Catechism, 
Father: Hver hefir skapad pig skepnan min? skyréu mér pad niina, 
hver leid fyrir big harda pin? hver hefir gefid pér truna? 
Child: Gud Fadir mig gérdi um sinn : Guds Son endur-leysti 5" 
Guds fyrir Andann gafst mér inn : gédur truar neisti. =i. P.] 


11. Prayer at rising. 


Nu er eg kleddur (or kledd) og kominn 4 r6l: Kristur Jesus veri mitt skiél ; 


i Guds étta gef pu mér : ad gangi i dag svo liki pér. 
12. The little Girl’s Sampler, 


Niu vetra nu i vor : nem er 4 ipréttir, 
hefir saumad hvert eitt spor : Hélmfridur Pals-déttir—[P. W.] 


13. The Child and the Cat. 
I huganum var eg hikandi; hart ner svo sem fallinn, 
kattar réan kvikandi: kom hér upp 4 pallinn.—[H. P.] 
14. Capping Verses. 
Kondu nu a6 kvedast 4: kvedin okkar stér og sma, 
eitt-hvat pad sem ekki er last : eigum vid ad skanderast. 


146, Kondu nu ad kvedast 4: karl minn ef pu getur, 
lattu ganga lidda-skra : lidst i allan vetur. 


15. Reading and Writing. 


Lesa og skrifa list er g68: lari pad sem flestir, 
peir eru haldair heims hia pid6 : hofdingjarnir mestir, 











“yo i a a 


§ 4.] 


16. 


17. 


18. 


19 


20. 


aI. 


22. 


43 


24. 


25. 


26. 


27 


28. 


29. 


RHYME-DITTIES. 


Or, Skrifadu bedi skyrt og rétt : svo skétnum pyki 4 sovilli, 
Ordin standa eiga pétt : enn pé bil 4 milli, 


Or, Skriptin min er stafa-stér : og stylad illa letur, 
pad er eins og kattar klér : eg kann pad ekki betur. 


The Boy in the Dairy. 
Drengur einn med dalli rann : drift-hvitur 4 har og skinn, 
litlar flautir fyrir sér fann : fingri drap { munninn sinn. 


Father teaching a Child to eat. 
Bordadu med mér blautan fisk : brosleit hringa reinin, 
teri-latust tins af disk : taktu utur pér beinin,—[S. E.] 


Melancholy. 
Z£ri8 liggur illa & mér : ekki eru vegir finir ; 
heilir og salir séud pér ; snid-titlingar minir.—[P. W.] 
Hope in Distress. 
Latum lida og bida, born : befolum Gudi tima, 
pegar eg kemst yfir pessa tidrn : ba er mér radin glima.—[P. W.] 


The Poet's Farewell. 
hvad timinn er ad sia : undarlega skaptur ! 
hvad mun dagurinn heita si: ad hingad kem-eg aptur?—[P. W.] 


Three Things to cherish, 
Vand-farid er med venan grip: votta eg pad med sanni— 
siduga konu, sidlegt skip : og samvizkuna { manni.—[S, O.] 


Love Repaid. 
Fadirinn bar min esku-ar : innst i skauti sinu, 
geymi eg hans hin grdu har: gott er i horni minu.—[S. O.] 


Hardships make the Man. 
Flest er sagt i veréld valt : vondt hins g64a bidur; 
hollt er ad pola heitt og kalt : hia medan eskan lidur,—[B. G.] 


Fate. Forlég koma ofan ad: orlég kringum sveima, 
dlégin ur ymsum stad: enn dlég fedast heima.—[P. W.] 


Changeful Moods. 
Eg er einsog verdldin vill : velta, katur, hliddur, 
pegar vid mig er han ill: ekki er-eg heldur gédur. 
pegar vid mig hun er hly : og bugann eitt-hvad gledur, 
eg er léttur einsog sky : sem ytir af sdlu vedur. 
pa heimur um dyrnar brindir mér : hattinum af eg lypti, 
og til hinna hnatta fer: holl era mér pau skipti.—[S. B.] 
Sorrow after Foy. 
Sumarid pegar setur blitt : sdlar undir faldi, 
eptir-4 med sitt edlid stritt : andar veturinn kaldi, 
Felur hum hid fagra lids : frostid hitann erfir, 
ven ad dupti verdur rés : vindur logni hverfir, 
Lydum pegar letur datt : lukku-byrinn mildi, 
sinum huga i sorgar Att; sér-hver renna skyldi. 
The Three Greatest Pleasures, 
Held ek mestu heimsins lyst, : hesti ad rida brédum, 
sofa hia ungri seima rist; sigla byr i nadum. 
The Good-man's Wealth. 
Niu 4-eg born, enn nitj4n kyr : ner fimm-hundrud saudi, 
sex ok tuttugu sddla dyr : svo er hattad audii—[Esp. 1584.] 
The Boat-builder. 
Hundrad eitt med héfud sveitt : hlunna-birni frida, 
pria-tigi tvenn og Atta enn: eg hefi gért ad smida, 


413 


414 


30. 


31. 


44. 


33: 


34- 


35: 


36. 


37: 


38. 


39- 


40. 


41. 


42. 


43. 


RIMUR. [BK. x. 


The Grand New Ship splits on the Old Rock. 
tar sigli austur um sid: 6ldu-idrnum kata. 
Skipid er nytt enn skerid er hré : skal pvi undan lata. 
The Pet Pony Dead. 
Mér réé falla fakurinn : framm tr 6llum mata, 
par for allur audur minn ; ekki skal pé grata. ie 0.) 
The Busy Smith. 
Vili nokkur fa pinn fund ; og frétti pinnar idju, 
allir svara 4 eina lund: ‘ Eyjolfur i smidju.’ 
The Mower. 
Gridt er nég i Gnipu-tétt : glymur iérn i steinum, 
tunid er ekki 4 Tindum miétt : tefur pad fyrir einum. 
The Fox's Doing. 
Gra-hnyfla er gengin af : eg get hana hvergi litid, 
ernar tolta tver vid staf; hun téa hefir per bitid. ea 0.] 
The Trusty Friend. 
Nu vill ekki standa um stafn : stédugan vin ad“fanga, 
p6 allir beinist ad pér, Rafn ; undan skal eg ganga.—|S. O.] 
Short-lived Peace. 
p6 pu lofir fogru, fli6d : fer pad sem er vani, 


settin verdur 4 Svenskan méé: sem peir gidra ‘vid Dani, —[P. W.] 


The Lawsuit over at last. 
Hross-skinns-lengjan er nu elt: allt for pad med stilli, 
hun hefir lengi legid melt : Légmannanna 4 milli —[P. W.] 


The Mower and the Mouse. 
héggi einu hid eitt sinn : hér 4 grundu vallar, 
undan fiérum madur minn: myslum fetur allar.—[S. O.] 


Spade and Hoe. 
Sé eg vid beinn systkin porf : er seint um matinn breka, 
pokka-hitin hent vid stérf: heita pall og reka. 
Henni saurinn hrin opt 4: enn honum er gridét ad meini, 
hun vill pvott og hreinsun fa: enn hann fegist 4 steini—[S. O.] 


Teaching a Boy to ride. 
p6 slipist klar og slitni gidrd : slettonum ekki kviddu, 


hugsadéu hvorki um himin né i6rd : enn haltu pér fast og riddu!—[P.W.] 


The Fool in the Judgment Seat. 
démara sti seggurinn sitr : svo sem ada i leirum, 
sé-eg ad halurinn synist vitr : sér, enn ekki fleirum.—[P. W.] 
The Dead Poet's Work, 
Siguréur Gisla-son kvaé mart ;: sé var skéld i Dolum— 
sumt var gaman, sumt var part : sumt vér ekki um tolum. 
The Outlaw's Escape on one Leg. 
Hiartad mitt er hladid med kurt : bvergi néir ad skeika, 
med fétinn annan for eg 4 burt : fair munu eptir leika. 


43 6. Halt and Happy. 


44. 


45. 


p6 eg fétinn missi minn : min ei rénar keti, 
hoppad get-eg i himininn : haltur 4 einum feti.—{[S. P.] 
Lost in the Ice. 
Enginn veit um afdrif hans; utan hvad menn sau, 
skafla-forin skeif-berans ; sk6r til heljar lau. 
Weather-bound in a Cave, 
Leidist mér ad liggja hér 1 lidtum helli: . 
betra er heima 4 Helga-felli: hafa par danz og glimu-skelli, 





| c 
ea ee. ar 








I) See 


§ 4.] RHYME-DITTIES. 415 


46. The Priest afoot. 
Furdar mig 4 fréttum peim : fét-gangandi var hann, 
pegar hann kom til Héla heim ; hempuna sina bar hann, 


47. Weather-bound in the Waste. 
Biskups apy erring med raun : og bitid litinn kost, 
Adur eg lagdi 4 Oddda-hraun ; At eg purran ost.—[Esp, 1616. ] 


48. For a Fair Wind. 
; Kristur minn fyrir kraptinn pion : kongur { himna-hollu, 
gefdu pann vind 4 gredis hind : at gangi i lagi dllu! 
49. The Girl’s Wish. 
Eina vildi eg eiga mér: éskina svo géda, 
ad eg xtti synina sid ; vid Semundi hinum Fréda! 


50. What the Raven bodes. 
Hrafn situr 4 harri sténg : héldar mark 4 taki, 
ei pess verdur evin léng ; sem undir byr pvi paki. 
51. The Fairies. 
Hafa peir bedi heyrn og mal : hold og b166 med skinni, 
vantar ei nema sidlfa sal : s4 er hluturinn minni.—(I, G.] 
52. Gryla the Bogie and her Children, 
Gryla kallar 4 bérnin sin : pegar htin fer ad sidda,— 
komi pid hingad Gil til min ; Leppur, Skreppur, Langleggur og Skidda ! 
The Ghost of the Man who was buried Upright. 
K@ld er mold 4 kér-bak : kiirir par hann Jén Flak; 
ytar snuia austur og vestur: allir nema Jén Flak. 
54. The Poet’s Curse on the Fox. 
pu sem bitur béndans fé : bélvud f pér augun sé, 
stattu ni sem stofnad tré : steina-daud 4 idrdunne.—[H. P.] 
55. The Murdered Babe and its Mother. 
Médir min i kvi, kvi: kviddu ekki pvi, pvil! 
Eg skal lia pér duluna mina ad danza i. 
56. The Thief and the Moon. 
Thief:  Viltu tungl, pér i munn: penna bita feitan ? 
Moon:  Viltu, hvinn, pér 4 kinn : penna lykil heitan ? 


53- 


w 


57. A Ghost seeking his Stolen Skull. 


Gengid hef-eg um gardinn mé6: gledi-stundir dvina, 
haus-kupuna, heillin gd : hvergi finn eg mina, 
58. The Wailing of the Ghosts. 
Svo var réddin drauga dimm : ad dunadi i fialla-skardi, 
heyrt hef-eg p& hlidda fimm : i Héla kirkju-gardi.—[P. W. ?] 
59. Dream Verses :—Drowned at Sea, The Dead Man’s Wife Dreams. 
Gakktu framm 4 Gygjar-stein ; g6r3u svo min kvinna, 
liggja bar min latin bein : liédst muntu pau finna, 
Gakktu framm 4 Gygjat-stein : giétan er par furdu-mid, 
bar mig pangad baran ein: biargadu mér undan sid. 
60. Another. 
Vid héfum fengid seng i sid : sviptir Silu grandi, 
hofum pé 4 himni ré ; hestan Gud prisandi. 
61. Dead in the Snow :—The Dead Man’s Sister Dreams. 
Einginn finna okkur m4: undir fanna hiarni, 
dagana pria yfir daudum na: dapur sat hann Biarni. 
62. Another. 
Frost og fiuk er fast 4 bik : frosinn mergur tr beinum, 
pad finst & mér sem forn-kvedit er; ad Fatt segir af einum, 





416 RIMUR. [BK. x. 


63. Dying in the Fire. 
Raud-litadur er refill minn : af rauna-badi hordu; 
um litinn skiptir Lausuarinn : 4 lifandi manna idrdu. 


64. The Benighted Traveller's Shout. 
Hér sé Gud & gédum bz : gestur er 4 lidra! 
andsvorin eg engin fe : ekki vaknar pdra,—[S. B.] 
65. Shaving has come in. 
Hér kemur madur og heitir Steinn : hefur skegg & grénum, 
hann mun vera eptir einn : ekki er rakaé af honum.—[(S. 1.] 


66. The Good-wife’s Generous Greeting. 
Gaktu i ana, gédurinn minn : pad gorir biskups hesturinn. 
67. A Pretty Speech. 
Held eg nu i hondina 4 pér : hana og fyrir mér virdi; 
engi er su sem af pér ber: i 6llum Borgar-firdi.—[H. P.] 
68. No Answer. 
p6 eg brépi pratt til pin: pu kant ekki ad heyra, 
puridur! puridur! puridur min! pykkt er 4 pér eyra.—[G, P.] 
69. An Anagram. 
Ofugur smidur arkar s&: sem ytti Dverga lidi, 
bindur skyndi-enda 4; Allir lifi i fridi!—[1. S. D.] 


70. The Commentator. 
Min ei pykir mentin slyng : mztri ad hlyda dréttu— 
eg var ad rada 4rid um kring : pad Egill kvad 4 néttu.—[B. I.] 
71. An Epitaph. 
Mun hans uppi minning g6d : medal Noregs lyda, 
medan i Biérgvin byggir pidd : og barur & vidi skrida,—[A. M.] 
72. The Miser’s Death. 
Sinum 6rfum sinti ei par : salugi Gvondur riki, 
audur i Brokey eptir var : pa Ondin skrapp ur likii—[P. W.]} 
73. Epitaph on Biorn the Chemist, died 1798. 
Apotekarinn andadist Bidrn : dllum vard pa pungt um; 
salin hans fié einsog Orn ; i upp-hedirnar, Punktum. 


73.6. A Poet’s Epitaph. 
Enginn gretur og einginn hler : og 6ngum stofnast vandi, 
pegar salar sinum rer : Siggi kugg ur landi.—{S. P.] 


74. A Riddle: the Rainbow. 
Hver er s& vegur vidur og har : venum settur med roéndum, 
grenn og raudur, gulur og blar : gidréur af meistara hondum ? 


75. Hallgrim’s Portrait of Himself. 
Sa sem orti Rimur af Ref : reiknast ma hann gladur, 
med svartar bryr og sivalt nef: svo er hann upp maladur.—[H. P.] 


756. ohn Thorlaksson. 
_ Seggurinn hefir sddul-nef : sem er hatt ad framan, 
melir opt fré munni stef : svo mérgum pykir gaman.—[I. p.] 
76. Trying a Pen. 
pessi penni poknast mér : pvi hann er ur hrafni; 
hann hefir skorid geira grér ; Gunnlaugur ad nafni. 


77. Upside-down Land. 
Fiskurinn hefir falleg hlidd : finnst hann opt & heidum; 
gtmar renna eina sl66 : eptir sidnum breidum. 
$66 hef-eg k6ttinn syngja 4 bék : selinn spinna hér 4 rokk, 
sk6tuna elta skinn i brék : skiminn priéna sm4-bands-sokk, 
Sé6 hef-eg merina eiga egg : alptina folalds siika, 
ur reyknum hladinn venan vegg : ur vatninu yst var kiuka, 





A Le 
— > 


Fe peg en eee ee ge et ee Le st a 2 er 
‘ : : 


§ 4.] RHYME-DITTIES, 


78. The Cow-boy mocks his angry Master. 
Rollant hié med Dyrumdal : driigum vakti hildi, 
bardagann i baulu-sal : byrja aldrei vildi. 
pordur Hreda pegna vo : pessi bid 4 Osi, 
breytti aldrei béndinn svo : haun berdi menn f fidsi, 
Karla-Magnus keisarinn dyr : kendi trina hreina. 
aldrei hann fyrir aptan kyr : orrustu h4di neina. 


79. The Love-child. 
A Besa ytri borinn er : bysna valinn kalfur, 


vent um pykja mundi mér : matti eg eiga hann sidlfur.—[{I. p.] 


80. The Poet's little Nephews and Nieces on his Knees. 
Nu er komid full-mart fé : og félkid nég ad vinna, 
sitt 4 hvoru situr hné; systkinanna minna.—(I. p.] 


81. Old and Young. 
Vid héfum lengi sveizt hér saman silki-hlin ; 
pu ert ung, enn eg er gamall, Eyvér min.—[S. O.] 
82. A Poor Poet's Thanks. 
Gud launi ykkur gddu hidn ; gidfina nu og fyrri; 
fyrir kerta gidf og grién : gamli pakkar Besar-Jén.—[I. p.] 
83. A Poet's Lameness. 
Hedi-pid ekki Herrans pidn ; um heltina pd eg kvarti, 


heeri foturinn heitir Jén : hitt er hann Kolbeinn svarti—[I. p.] 


84. The Greeting of the Lame Poet and his Pony, 
Ydar kerum ekta-maka og Gllu kyni, 


heilsid pér fra halta Joni : Humrum-rumrum segir Skiéni.—[I. p.] 


85. The Poet’s Pleasure. 
Ad yrkja stoku élan bid : eptir flestra sdgu, 
enn gaman er ad geta pd: gert fer-skeytta bogu. 


86. The Purring Cat. 
Monsénia malar vel : med svo léngu skapti, 
enn pé kemur aldrei mél ; utur hennar kiapti—[I. p.] 


87. Coming Down in the World. 
Minn var fadir Monsiur : med pad vard hann Séra, 
sidan vard hann Signiur : og seinast témur porlakur,—{I. p.] 


‘87. How to address a Bishop. 


Szlid verid pér Séra minn : sagdi-eg vid biskupinn ; 
ansadi mér pé aptur hinn : pu attir ad kalla mig Herra pinn. 


88. Luna Latrata. 
Margur rakki ad mana gé ; mest pa skein i heidi; 
enn eg sé hann aldrei pd: aptra sinu skeidi.—{[l. p. ] 


89. How Big Folks are Fed. 
Ef ad daudur almuginn : allur legi 4 Frdni, 
metti ske a6 m6r-v6mbin ; minkadi i honum Jéni.—[I. p.]} 
go. The Population Question Solved, 
Margur fengi mettan kvid : ma pvi nerri geta, 
yrdi f6lkid vanid vid : vind og snié ad éta.—t{I. p.] 
oi. The Bursten Tub, 
Tunnan valt, og dr henni allt: ofan i diuipa keldu, 
skulfu lénd, enn brustu bond ; botn-giardirnar héldu.—[I. p. ] 
92. How not to behave. 
pakkadu aldrei begnum mat : pegjandi burtu skunda, 
avalt settu ask ok fat : ofan 4 golf til hunda. 


VOL. II. Ee 
> 


417 


418 RIMUR. 


93. A True Tory. 
Vili nokkur segja peim satt : svara peir allir 4 einn veg— 


hann fadir minn szli—og sé honum glatt : sé hafdi pad einsog eg —[P. W.] 


94. A Dangerous Silence, 


Margir héldu mig mdlugan mann: malti kerling ords-kvid pann, 
pagaéd gat-eg pé med sann: pegar hun Skalholtz-kirkja brann. 


95. The Cries of the Beasts. 
Hani, krummi, hundur, svin : hestur, mis, titlingur— 
galar, krunkar, geltir, hrin : gneggijar, tistir, syngur. 


96. Name in Runes, 
Einn piltur a3 hné : i blautan snié sté, 
és, logur, Ar, 6 ; air, reid,—hans nafn sé.—[S. O.] 


97. Hard Rhyme: Capping Verse with the Devil. 
Devil: _—_ Allt er runninn ut i botn : 4ttungur med hreina vatn— 
Man: Oll er n4d hid einum Drottn’: 4 hans naé ei verdur siatn, 
Devil: —Littu i pessa egg, egg: undir petta tungl, tungl! 
Man: Steypi-eg pér med legg legg ; lid sem hrerir unl, unl. 


98. Palindromes. 
Forward. Déma grundar hvergi hann: hallar réttu mali, 
séma stundar aldrei ann: illu pretta tali. 
Backward. Tali pretta illu ann : aldrei stundar séma, 
mali réttu hallar hann : hvergi grundar déma. 


99. Rhymes in Complex Metres. On a Horse. 
Bylur skeidar virta vel : vil-eg par 4 gora skil, 


pylur sanda, mérk og mel: mylur griét enn syndir hyl.—[S. O.] 


And— Hialla fyllir, fenna dy : falla vill ei kari, 


valla grillir Ennié i; alla hryllir menn vid pvii—[Hreggvidr.] 


In Consonantic Line-rhyme. The Bad Pen. 
Blekid lekur bék-fell 4: bitur litid penni, 
heldur veldur héndin sm4: henni menn um kenni. 


100. Tima-Rima: Mansongur. 
Opt eru kvzda efnin ryr : ekki 4 stundum parid, 
eg & skrytid evintyr : i po litid varid. 
Mart er sér til gamans gert : gedi pungu ad kasta, 
pad er ekki einskis vert : ad eyda tid an lasta.... 
Beri madr létta lund : linast rauna tetur, 
eigi hann bagt um eina stund : adéra gengur betur. 
Sumir hliéta semd og vin: sorg i annan tima, 
eptir biarta blidu skin : brunar dokkva grima. 
Hverfult lukku-hidlid er : hamingju einn pd nzdi, 
améta fyrir augum mér : og pad léki 4 predi. 
Kalla eg hreti kroppinn 6nd ; kortur mati sléttur, 
eins og sker-bord reist 4 rénd : rambar par til dettur. 
Sél og mA4ni synir ld : sama vitnar manna ged, 
allir dagar eiga kvold: inn til pessa svo er sked. 
Held eg lidid heims 4 dag : Herrann po bad viti, 
sigur undir sdlar-lag : synist bregda liti. 
peir sem vilja vakna i séng : og vondar kyalir flua, 
undir nétt pé ei sé long: eiga sig a6 bua. 
Teygir ei daudinn tima vorn : pa tid er burt aé halda, 
pad eru 4 oss alég forn; allir skuld pa gialda.—[I. S. D.] 








oe a. peor 





ey ee 


eee eS Se ee ee ee he 








$5.] ISLENDINGA-DRAPA. 419 


§5. INDEX POEMS, 


ISLENDINGA-DRAPA, sy HAWK THE SON OF WALDIS. 


ON the fly-leaf at the end of Cod. AM. 748, covering two pages and 
going on to a leaf or leaves which have now perished, stands this poem, 
which contains a series of brief notices of Icelandic heroes, forming a 
kind of Index to the Sagas known to the author. Judging from the 
precedence and disproportionate space he allots to the heroes of the 
East, he must have been of Eastern Iceland, but neither of him nor 
his mother Waldis do we hear aught elsewhere. One would take him to 
have lived about the middle or third quarter of the thirteenth century. 
We have made use of this poem in the Prolegomena as a base for certain 
calculations with respect to the number of Sagas /ost since Hawk’s day, 
etc. It is in regular stanzas, but not strophic, unless we allow it to have 
been of greater length than is likely. We have marked the heroes of 
Sagas alluded to, in distinctive type, noting in the margin the Saga pre- 
sumably alluded to, whether lost or extant. Hawk (verse 1) has borrowed 
words and images from Egil’s Arinbiorn Lay, |. 24, and from Haleygatal, 
ll, 1 and 34 (from the citations in Edda and the Lives of Kings). 

From a similar poem by Thorkil Elfara-skald, no doubt, comes the 
stanza on Gunnar, our No. II. Thormod Olafsson seems to have written 
a poem of the same kind from which one stanza survives, our No. III. 
Thormod is mentioned in the Annals, signature N. s. a.1338. ‘The 
Krafsi sailed from Deerfirth to Norway. Priest Thormod Olafsson was 
a-board her. The ship was wrecked on the North of Norway, but men 
and cargo were saved.’ 

Other Kappa-kvedi, or songs about Champions, were written, perhaps 
all founded on the prototype by Eywind Poet-spoiler, which is now lost. 
Such is our No. IV, which is the beginning of such a poem, but we do not 
think, as some have thought, that it is to be ascribed to Eywind. 

In the Stockholm MS. 22, of the fifteenth century, is a poem dealing 
with the heroes of the Romantic cycles, etc. 

Poems of the same class continued to be written after the extinction 
of traditions in Iceland, taking subjects from the Sagas known to us, for 
example, one by Thord of Striug, at the end of the sixteenth century. 

It is interesting to compare this class of composition with the old 
catalogue poems of the earlier type, and with the Thulor-Lists of Sea- 
kings and Gods. 


I. IsLENDINGA-DRAPA, BY Hauxk VALDISARSON. 


Introduction. BERA skal lid fyr lySa Lédors vinar, gléda 
hrafna-vins nema hafni hneigendr Dvalins veigom : 
reyndir bid-ek at randa runnar hlusta-emunnum 
hausa harda lidsan hasl-rekka mi6d drekki. 
2. Hvals- mun-ek hvassa telja -hdd-lendinga budar 5 
hamra vifs pa er héfdo hodd-légendr byr gnégan : 
medan til pess, (enn bessum pégn veiti hlyn peitu 
garda grundar nirdir) ged deilizt mer (seilar), 
1, Vapnfirdinga S. 3. Hverr gekk hreddr vid drvan Hundings 4 Snw-grundu 
(verses 3-5). rr til odda skurar elg-rennir Brodd-Helga: 1° 
adr grunnungi gunnar Geitir 16d at beita 
(askr féll alms inn réskvi) 6rlyndr fodur Sorla. 





4. hasl-] hals, Cd, 
Ee2 


420 


1, Droflaugarsona 
S. (verses 6-8). 


m. Egils Saga 
(verses 9, I0). 


1v, Glum Geirason 
(lost S.). 


v. Hallfredar 8. 


vi. Boralfs S. 
(lost S.) 


vu, Finnboga S. 


vin, Orms Stor- 
olfssonar S, 


1x. Biarni-skald 
(lost S.). 


INDEX POEMS. 


4. Enn fak pess er va vika vagn-skreytir lét fagna 
gridar Geitiss bl6di giarn hialm-primu Biarni : 
ok fiall-gestils flesta folk-meida va beidir 
ulfum hollr pa-er ollu, ordz, hans fodur mordi. 

5. Varat hregg-vana hyggnum hraun-Atla porkatli 


(reyndr vard rimmu skyndir rakk-lyndr) at pvi, sprakka: 


pott sins fodur (sénar saddr vard i gny nadda 
ofnir) eigi hefna ett-gddr skérungr metti. 
6. Opt vann aldri svipta elgs-fen-vidu Helgi; ; 
bardizt hann vid harda herdendr primu sverda: 
fra-ek baru hlut hera, heidinn unz vard meidir 
daudr, um drengi adra Droplaugar sun, bauga, 
7. Helgi raud (enn hridar hygg-ek meir geta peirra) 
Fenris tedr i fédri flein-galdr-svolu (skialdar) : 
pa-er Asbiarnar (6rnu) erfingi hre fingin 
(fra-ek nyta ser sveita) sins nafna lét hrafni. 


8. Hefndi Grimr, pa-er geymir gekk inn at Frey linna 


foldar Fidlnis elda, frdér vaskliga brddur : 
Niorér lagdi si sverdi sndka Stigs (af vigi 
Tyr vard Agetr dra elgs) { gognum Helga. 


9. Vordu haudr, pé-er h4du, hlyrar tveir med dyrum 


foldar voré ok fyrda, flein-glygg, Adalsteini : 
pollr varé allr inn ellri atgeirs i for peiri ; 
hrings féll & pvi bingi Hdrolfr inn hug-stéri. 
10, Egill fékk unda gagli (ulfs kém hrafn at tafni) ; 


[hygg-ek burguzt vel varga] verd med brugdnu sverdi : 


sunr raud sidar brynjur (sverda Freyr) i dreyra 
(mildr klauf skatna skidldu) Skallagrims inn snialli. 


11. Ar fré-ek arf-vérd Geira (ylgr saddizt vel) fylgja 


[menn va Glémr at gunni] Gunnhildar bur kunnu;: 
nidrér klauf Herjans hurdir harda vitr 4 Fitjum ; 
sa er mal af manni metins audar fekk daudum. 

12. Hitt var satt at sdtti (seggr déglinga tveggja) 
austr (fékk hald it hesta) Hallfredr konung sniallan: 
hvar-dyggva lét hoggva hann arm-vidu fannar 
(sverdz fra-ek él at yrdi all-hord) i gras bérdum. 

13. Esti ungr med Fostra Adalsteins dunu fleina 
(pa raud pegn i dreyra) Bérdlfr (Hnikars bidlfa): 
Skolms fra-ek hart med hilmi hvé6tum Norenna skatna 
Yggjar bals i éli erfingja fram gingu. 

14. Raud Finnbogi frida Fidlnis gl6d i blddi 


(hinn er hialms vid runna hart gekk framm) inn Rammi : 


ok ha-raddar hreddir hrings éfair gingu 
fytir prym-svelli pollar peim sér-idkuls- “geims. 
15. Iarls moénnum baud unnar ein-vigis til hreina 
esi-prottr ok atta Ormr Stérolfs son fidrum : 
itr bad Eirikr leitazt egg-diarfr fyrir seggi 
angrs pa-er as at drengjum eld-meidir tok reida, 
16. Frydu fylgi-meidar flausta einkar-hraustum 
(s& var vapn-riddr Vidris vedr-giarn) hugar Biarna: 
pa- er Hakonar hefis hauss enn gegndar-lausi 


_& iarls nasar Asa 6l-beinir laust fleini. 


x. Greitis 8S. 


17. Satt er at sid mun Gre#ti sverdz réskvari verda 
(hraustr var lofda lestir) leik-pundr 4 Sne-grundu: 
s& réd sins of hlyra sékn-efnandi hefna 
(prés hné par til drésar Dorbidrn) i gny fidrnis. 


[BK. x. 


15 


20 


25 


30 


35 


“o 


“% 


5° 


55 


60 


65 





25. getu, Cd, 26. -vélu, Cd. 











< Og 











_ 


ee ee ne ee ee 


S 


ee a Oe eS ee ee eee Se tee oe Ft 
’ 


ae ae eS SS! Ue ee eee ee ee 


§5-] 


ISLENDINGA-DRAPA. 


x1, Thorleif Iaria- 18. pordi forleifr herda ping all-snarpra hringa, 


skald, 


66 sé-er iarli heidnum 6fridan 1éd smida ; 
vega kvadu pvi piddir pann ok Olaf annan 
(bredr voru par badir) Berserk (at pvi verki). 


xu, Gauk Trand- 19. Sniallr fra-ek opt at olli Ormr Skégar-nef régi; 
ilsson (lost-S,). Orr var s& til snerru snarr hlidm-bodi darra : 


xu. Gunnar 


Ok geir-raddar gladdi Gaukr Trandils sun hauka ; 
(geig vann heldr) at hialdri (hann 6fém manni). 


S. 20. Vardizt gondlar garda Gunnarr snorum runnum 


(Niala). greitt, enn Gizurr sétti garp akafa snarpan: 


xiv. Midjirth 


nidrdér lét sextan serda snarr hlidm-vidu darra 
(sart lék halr vid hélda) hidr-regns, enn tva vegna. 


Skeggi (lost S.)? (drengr raud opt inn ungi ulfs munn) fyr haf sunnan: 


gekk i haug at hnykki hre-klungrs ept Sk6fnungi 
hrid-gervandi hidrva hild-frekn Kraka ins milda. 


21. Hvast fra-ek hialms at esti hregg Midfiardar-Sheg gi 


421 


7° 


75 


80 


xv. Sidu-Hall 22. Hélt til fullz, sd-er fylla fir-runna log kunni 85 
(lost S. ?). (sén raun var bess) sénar, Sidu-Halir vid alla: 
atti él-biddr hrotta 4getr sonu meta; 
dyrr skép himna harri héfuds-manni veg sannan. 
xvi. porstein Hall- | 23. Hallz arfa fri ek hollan hyr gollungum styrjar, 
son’s S. __ pann er 6ligast, unnar, ill-melis rak, telir: go 
valdr lét fimm of fellda fleins 4 morni einum 
(pba va Porsteinn havan porhada) vidu nadda. 
xvi. Bersi (lost 24. Kunnr var mérgum manni marg-préttr ‘ leizt s4” dréttum 
S. ?). vegdar-traudr at vigum, vers, Holm-géngu-Bersi : 
hinn er of hlakkar runna hard-glédar sté mddi 95 
bliks med bruma ekka boréz halfan tog fiorda. 
xvul. Kormaks S. 25. Kendi Kormakr stundum kyn-stérr vidum brynju 
(opt bra hann vid heiptir hrafns suit) i gras lita : 
ok almr sa-er hlaut hilmis hald bl6dugra skialda 
(héld fra-ek hredazt aldri) hug-prudr a sik trudi. 100 
xix. Thorarin Stein- 26, Felldi horska hélda hialdr-6rr, ok vann sialdan 
arsson (lost S.). (malmr beit hlif) 4 holmi happ, Dérarinn kappi : 
ne prym-nirdir pordu-peim i gegn (enn seima- 
lundr hid stért) at standa Steinars syni, fleina. 
105 


xx. Starri (lost S.). 27. Vist seim-farra snerru snarr Holmgéngu-{ Starri| 


II. Porxert Exrara-skAtp (from Niala). 


PURDU vér hve vardiz vig-m6dr kialar sléda 
gny-sterandi geiri Gunnarr fyrir Kiél sunnan: 
sékn-ryrir vann sara sextan vidris mana 
hridar herdi-meida haudr-mens en tva dauda. 


III. Pormopr Otarsson (from Niala). 


()NGR var sdlar sloengvir sand-heims 4 {slandi, 

(hréér er af heidnum lydum hegr) Gunnari fregri: 
Niérdr vann hialma hridar hlif-nunna tva lifi; 
sar gaf stala styrir st6rum tolf ok fidrum. 


IV. By an unknown Autuor (from Skalda). 
Bb 160 Ingolfr leita égn-reifr med Hidrleifi. 


oS ee cee 
re ay “apt 


422 - _RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 


§6. RHYMED GLOSSARIES. 


THULOR. 


To the chief MSS, of the Edda of Snorri there are affixed certain 
collections of words, either in prose or verse, which are of high interest 
both for philology and mythology. These lists of words were thrown 
together as a kind of poetical word-book, a ‘ gradus,’ in which the poet 
would find choice of terms gathered from all sources, When these lists 
are in verse they are known as Thulor. The MSS. containing them may 
be divided into two classes, A and B; the A-class best and fullest, 
consists of AM. 748 and 757; but the latter is in so deplorably rotten 
and bad a state that it is of little use, and ends at line 594. The B-class 
comprises Cod. Regius, which has hitherto been made the basis of 
editions, though it is imperfect and inferior to 748, and leaving out 
Kings’ names, dwarves, trees, Woden’s titles, and ending altogether at 
line 502. Of the B-type is AM. re. 

The value of the Thulor will appear when it is stated that in these 
seven hundred odd lines in old metre, some three thousand primitive 
words and names are found. The arrangement has a rough symmetry 
of its own. Beginning with some sixteen sections relating to PERSONS 
MYTHICAL and POETICAL, titles of gods, and terms of kinship and the 
like, we next come to a section on dattle, arms and armour, man’s 
belongings, which make up the first part. This is followed by a fresh 
part treating of PHysICAL OBJECTS and the like: the Ocean with its 
Rivers, the fishes, whales, and ships that occupy them, with a final voca- 
bulary touching the various parts of a ship; next comes Earth with the 
animals that dwell thereon, from oxen to wolves; then the Heavens 
with its population of moon, sun, stars, skies, and tempests: after dir 
comes another set of animals, serpents, horses, birds of various kinds, 
Another section, somewhat out of place, deals with female names, the 
hart, fox-names, and Walkyria-names. The Third part seems of a 
MIXED cast. It gives lists of Islands, Firths, Seeds. ‘To these we have 
added a little morsel (Il. 691-718) printed in the editions of Edda as 
prose. It is found in all the MSS., but it is derived from an older MS., 
as there is the same omission of the last line but one in all. 

The question now arises, whence and when were these verse-lists 
compiled. For a variety of reasons we are inclined to think that they 
were put together in the West about the age of Bishop Biarni, The 
number of foreign words and places forbid a very early origin, and 
would make it subsequent to the Crusades, by which time Latin and 
Byzantine Greek words would have crept in and reached the North 
in the mouth of sailors and pilgrims. The number of foreign birds, 
many of which the Editor, when writing the Lexicon, was only enabled 
to. identify from Bewick, and of which the names are not known to 
Icelanders or Norwegians, as well as the positive indications offered by 
such Old English words as ‘sicul-gérd,’ sail-yard, would point rather 
to the Western Colonies than to. Iceland or Scandinavia proper. In 





> > 
¢ 
r 
a 
E 
4 
A 
i 
> 
¢ 
: 


§ 6.] THULOR, 423 


the section on Rivers, which contains one hundred and twenty names, 
when the sprinkling of classic and scriptural streams (such as Euphrates, 
Tiber, and Jordan) are taken out, the remainder are almost all British 
Rivers, an observation which startled the Editor as he was looking 
over a map in the Oxford City Library many years ago (Oct. 1866). 
These rivers belong to the river-system of the North-East of Scotland 
and of the Northumbrian coast. It is evident that when one can once 
identify certain of those rivers as British and nothing else, then those 
river-names which may be found existing in Norway as well as in 
Great Britain must refer to British, not Norwegian streams. This 
cannot be wholly accidental; this section at least must be by some one 
who knew, or was working for those who knew, these coasts and 
streams. Smaller indications point the same way, the occurrence of 
grain and trees, not grown in Iceland or Norway, but common in 
Great Britain; the knowledge of ship-building and rigging, which would 
never suit an Icelander, but is singularly appropriate to those favourite 
Wicking haunts, the Orkneys and North-Scotch coasts. A Gaelic word 
here and there tells the same tale. With regard to the Islands (ll. 650 ff.), 
so distinctly a feature of the Norwegian and Danish coasts, they are 
mostly Scandinavian, and it is not surprising that they should be so, the 
Wickings came precisely from those Norwegian skerries and island- 
bound coast-counties, and they gave the old names to some of the islands 
in the West; but still, of these there are some twenty which can only 
belong to the West, of mostly Gaelic origin. There is an evident inten- 
tion on the compiler’s part to put round numbers, especially 120 and 
60, the hundred and _ half-hundred, whenever he could, which will 
account for a few synonyms to eke out the long lists, They must have 
been made by one who used qriting, one would fancy. 

We have also Thulor in court-metre, some of them attributed to Einar 
Skulason, who may indeed have been the author of all such lines, they 
would suit his time and cast of thought. They are evidently less im- 
portant than the others, and the difficulty of the internal rhymes would 
not tempt many men to try such a task. 

We have added a few more in court-metre, of grammatical bearing, 
etc., found in Edda MSS, (Cod. Ups.)and AM, 778, by the same Einar 


and others. 


I. Mythical, Personal. 


1. Sea-kings. Gs Nise Frééi, Ali, Glammi, 
Beiti, Ati, ok Beimuni, 

Audmundr, Guédmundr, Atall, ok Gestill, 
Geitir, Gauti, Gylvi, Sveidi, 
Goir, Eynefr, Gaupi, ok Endill, 
Skekkill, Ekkill, Skzevill, Solvi, 
Halfr ok Hemlir, Harekr ok Gorr, 
Hagbarér, Haki, Hraudnir, Meiti, 
Hizarolfr, ok Hraudungr, Hogni, Mysingr, 
Hundingr, Hvitingr, Heiti, Meevill, 10 
Hialmarr, Moirr, Heemir, Meevi, 
R66i, Rakni, Rer, ok Leifi, 
Randverr, Rokkvi, Reifnir, Leifnir, 
Neevill, Refill, Néri, Lyngvi, 


424 RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 


2. 


3- 


4. 


Byrvill, Kilmundr, Beimi, Iorekr, 

Asmundr, Pvinnill, Yngvi, Teiti, 

Virvill, Vinnill, Vandill, Solvi, 

‘Gaverr,’ ok Hunn, Gitki, Budli, 

Homarr, Hnefi, Hurfi, Surfi.— 

Sékat-ek fleiri S.z-KoNUNGA. 20 


Kings. Man-ek HAUK-STALDA heiti segja:— 
allvalldr, fylkir, ok afraki, 
bragningr, adlingr, budlungr, daglingr, 
adlingr (!) ok gramr, iafurr, ok tiggi, 
hildingr, ok harri, ok hertogi, 
meringr, hilmir, mildingr, ok nor, 
lofdungr, niflungr, ok landreki, 
pengill, vfsi, piddan, konungr: 
sinnjor, siklingr, sidli, reesir, 
Skialdungr, Skilfingr, skyli, ok Yngvi, 30 
Ynglingr, Ylfingr—Ero nt talid 
H6Fup-sKIOLDUNGA HEITI nakkur. 

Dwarfs. Tel-ek Motsogni ok Migklitud, © 
Midvid, Munin ok, Migévitnir, 
Blin[{d]vidr, Burinn, Bumborr, Nyi, 
Bivorr, Bavorr, Blainn ok Nordri(!), 
Grimr, Nar, Nidi, Nidottr, Dvalinn, 
Nainn, Nefr, Nefi, Nifengr, ok Dolgr, 
Nyraér, ok Nyr, Nordri ok Sudri, 
Skaverr, Skaviér, Skirvir, Virvir, 40 
Alpiofr, Austri, Aurvangr, ok Ddfr, 
Ae, Andvari, Onn, Draupnir, 
Dori ok Dagfinnr, Dulinn ok Onarr, 
Alfr ok Dellingr, Oinn ok Durnir, 
Vindalfr ok Vitr, Vivir, Ori, _ 
Varr, Gull, Mevill, Vidr, ok Olinn, 
Ginnarr ok Prérr, Gandalfr, Porinn, 
Pekkr, Prar, Pulinn, Prasir ok Fullangr, 
Fainn, Farr, Fili, Figlsvidr, Gloinn, 
Fiér, Har, Farli, Frosti, ok Tigve, 50 
Hanarr, Forve, Hepti, Fili (1), 
Heri, Hog-stari, ok Heenbui, 
Hliodolfr, Kili, Hildingr, ok Litr, 
Radé-spakr, Lofarr, Reginn, ok Liomi, 
R46-svidr, Loinn, Rekkr ok Eitri, 
Toki, Eggmoinn, Eikin-skialdi. 

Giants. Ek man J6tTwa inna HEITI— 
Ymir, Gangr, Mimir, Idi ok Piazi, 





Cd. 


15. bilmundr, re 8B, 16. iosmundr, 1 eB. 18, Gautrecr ? 36. blavorr, 
44. ok] or, Cd. 56. Cd. 757; taki, Cd, 


“4 


oe ee 3 


§ 6.] THULOR. — 425 


Hrungnir, Hrimnir, Hraudnir, Grimnir, 
Hveérungr, Hafli, Hripstuttr, Gymir, 60 
Haréverkr, Hrokkvir, ok HAstigi, 

Hre-svelgr, Herkir, ok Hrim-grimnir, 

Hymir ok Hrim-purs, Hvalr, Pri-geitir, 

Prymr, brid-gelmir, Pistil-bardi, 

Geirroér, Furnir, Galarr, Prifaldi, 

Fialverkr, Geitir, Flegr, Blap-pvari, 

Forniétr, Sprettingr, Fialarr, Stigandi, 

Sémr, ok Svdsudr, Svarangr, Skratti, 

Surtr, ok Stérverkr, Szekarls-muli 

Skeerir, Skrymir, Skerkir, Salfangr, 70 
Oskrudr, ok Svartr, Ondudr, Stumi, 
- Alsvartr, Aurnir, Amr ok Skalli, 

Kottr, Osgrui, ok Alfvarinn, 

Vind-svalr, Vidarr, ok Vafprudnir, 

Eldr, Aur-gelmir, Aigir, Rang-beinn, 

Vindr, Vidblindi, Vingnir, Leifi, 

Beinvidér, Bigrgolfr, ok Brandingi, 

Dumbr, "Ber-gelmir, Dofri ok Lace 

Nati, Sokk-mimir, 

Enn ero eptir l6Tna heiti :— 80 
Eim-geitir, Verr, Imr, Hring-volnir, 

Viddi, Vidgripr, Vandill, Gyllir, 

Grimnir, Glaumvarr, Glamr, Sam-endill, 

Vornir, Hardé-greipr, ok Vagn-hofdi, 

Kyrmir, Suttungr, ok Kalld-grani, 

Iotunn, Ogladnir, ok Aur-grimnir, 

Gyllingr, Gripnir, Gusir, Ofoti, 

Hloi, Gang-lati, ok- Hel-reginn, 

Hross-piéfr, Durnir, Hund-alfr, Baugi, 
Hraudungr, Fenrir, Hroarr ok Nidi— go 

; Nu ero upp talid 
amatligra I6TNA HEITI. 


5. Giantesses, Skal-ek TRroii-Kvenna telja HEITI:— 
Ogresses. Gridr, ok Gnissa, Gryla, Bryia, 
Glumra, Geitla, Grima, ok Bak-rauf, 
Guma, Gestilja, Grottin-tanna, 
Gialp, Hyrokkin, Hengi-kcepta, 
Gneip, ok Gnepja, Geysa, Hala, 
Horn, ok Hrtga, Haré-greip, Forad, 
Hryéa, Hvedra, ok Holga-bridr, 1c0 
rt Hrimgerdr, Hera, Herkja, Fala, 
Imé, Iarn-saxa, Ima, Fiolvor, 
Mavrn, Ividja, Amgerér, Simul, 








62. hriki, re 8B. 66. Fleckr, 1 eB. 79- segrimnir, 1 eB, gl. 
pa er nu lokit pursa heitum, 1 e 8. 





426 


6. Woden’s 
names, 


7. Sons of 
Woden. 


8. Thor. 


RHYMED GLOSSARIES. 


Svivor, Skrikja, Sveipin-falda, 
Oflug-barda, ok Iarn-glumra, 
Imgerér, Ama, ok Iarn-vidja, 
Mar-gerdr, Atla, Eisor-fala, 
Leikn, Munn-harpa, ok myrk-rida, 
Leirvor, Lidta, ok Lodin-fingra, 
Kraka, Varé-rin, ok Kiallandi, 
Vigglod, Purr-bord—viljom nefna— 
Rygi, sfdast, ok Rivin-geflo. 

Nd skal yppa Opins nafnom :— 
Atridr, Audunn, ok Allda-fodr, 
Gizurr, Kialarr, Gautr, Vidrimnir, 
Gollorr, Grimnir, Ginnarr, Hnikoér, 
Figlnir, Dresvarpr, Fengr, Arn-havf6i, 
Fraridér, Al-fodr, ok Farma-tyr, 
Herjan, Figl-svidr, Hnikarr, Fornglver, 
Hréptr, Hialm-beri, Horr, Fiall-geigoér, 
Grimr, Gap-prosnir, Gangradr, Svipall, 
Glapsvidr, Gangler, ok Gangleeri, 
Her-teitr, Har-barédr, ok Hropta-tyr, 
Geigodr, Gollnir ok Geir-lodnir, 
Hlefodr, Havi, Hagyrkr, Svidoédr, 
Sié-hottr, Svafnir, Sig-faodr, Prasarr, 
Hrami, Hiarrandi, ok Hengi-kceptr, 
Hrossh4rs-Grani, Hridétr, Tv{-blindi, 
Proptr, Her-blindi, ok Herja-faér, 
Hvat-mdéér, Hlé-freyr, Hvedérungr, Pridi, 
Gollungr, Bileygr, ok Geirglnir, 
Vavodr, Val-fodr, Vingnir, Rognir, 
Svidurr, ok Skollvaldr, Sig-gautr, Vidurr, 
Svidrir, Baleygr, Sigbér, Bruni, 
Sigmundr, Svolnir, S{é-skeggr, ok Nidtr, 
Olgr, Biblindi, ok Enni-brattr, 
Balverkr, Eyludr, Brunn, Sann-getall, 
Pekkr, Pudr, Omi, Prundr, ok Ofnir, 
U6r, Iglnir, Vakr, Ialkr, ok Lang-bardr, 
Grimr, ok Lodungr, Gestum-blindi, 
Sigtryggr, Iormunr, Sadr, Gunn-blindi, 
Iafn-harr, Oski, Iolfodr, ok Prér, 
Yivngr, Skilfingr, Odinn, Tveggi, 
Vera-t¥r, Sigpror, Val-gautr, ok Ygegr. 

Burir ro Oprns :—Baldr, ok Meili, 
Vidarr, ok Nepr, Vali, Ali, 
Pérr, ok Hildolfr, Hermdér, Siggi, 
Skialdr, ok Oldnir, ok Itreks-id6, 
Heimdallr, Semingr, Hadr, ok Bragi. 

Heitir Atli, ok Enni-langr, 


[BK. x. 


iro 


120 


130 


140 


150 


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8 TS ee ere ae 


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46] 


g. Names of 


10. 


Il. 


12. 


13. 


14. 


the Anses. 


Goddesses. 


THULOR. 


Pérr, Eindridi, ok Asa-bragr, 
Biorn, Hlorridi ok Har6é-veorr, 
Vingporr, Sgnnungr, Veodr, ok sae 
sa-hetja Sor : 
Enn skal telja Asa heiti: = 
Par er Yger, ok Pérr, ok Yngvi-Freyr, 
Vidarr, ok Baldr, Vali, ok Heimdallr; 
pa Tyr, ok Niardr, tel-ek nest Braga, 
Haédr, Forseti; her er cefstr Loki. 


Nu skal Asynjor allar nefna:— 
Frigg, ok Freyja, Fulla, ok Snotra, 
Gerér, ok Gefjun, Gnd, Lofn, Skadi, 
Tord, ok ane, Ilmr, Bil, Niorunn, 
Hlfn, ok Nanna, Hnoss, Rindr, ok Siofn, 
Sél, ok S4ga, Sigyn, ok Vor. 
b4 er V4r, ok Syn, veRDR at nefna; 
enn Pridr ok Ran er peim nest talid. 


Names of  Grét ok at Odi golli Freya: 


Freyja. 


Walkyries, 


Women. 


Men. 


heiti ero hennar: Horn, ok Pungra, 


Syr, Skialf, ok Gefn, ok it sama Mardoll. 


Deettr ero hennar: Hnoss, ok Gersemi. 


Enn ero adrar Opins MEYJAR: 
Hildr, ok Gondul, Hlokk, Mist, Skogul, 
p4 Hrund ok Eir, Hrist, ok Skuld, taliéd. 
Nornir heita per er naud skapa, 


Niet ok Dist ni mun-ek telja:— 
Snét, bruidr, svanni, svarri, sprakki, 
fli66, sprund, kona, feima, ekkja, 
rygr, vif, ok bridér,.ristill, szeta, 
svarkr, drés, ok man, mer, ok kerling. 


Mal er at segja Manna heiti :— 
Greppar ok gumnar, gumar ok drengir, 
gotnar ok rekkar, garpar, seggir, 
sveit, snillingar, ok szelkerar: 
bragnar, begnar, beimar, haldar, 
firar, ok flotnar, fyrdar, ‘ 
foroneyti, drétt, flokkr, bard-meint 
kniar, ok kappar, kenpor, nautar, 
Old, ok erir, ok afar-menni, 
lidar, ok lofdar, lyér, ok sagnir, 
liddr, of-latar, lidnar, ok ferdir, 


mildingr, ok meringr, mann-baldr, spekingr. 


427 


160 


170 


180 


190 





153. Vingborr .. 


nest, Cd. 


1e8; dros, Cd. 


174. Eir] add. 1e8. 


. Veodr] Vingper . . . Vingpor, Cd. 
seta] 1e8; hneita, Cd, 185. hauldar, A, 


159. cefstr] re B; 
178. kona] add. reB. 179. brudr]} 


428 


15. Company 
and Kindred. 


VES eee ae UE 
ee ims 


RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [ BK. X. 


b4 er gloesi-madr, ok goll-skati, 

snyrti-menn, ok seelingar, 

aud-kyfingar, ok oflatar (!), 

herr, ok helmingr, ok hafdingjar: 

Folk, ok fylki, fundr, almenningr ; 

er prang, ok pyss, porp, aud-skatar, 

drétt, ok syrvar, dunn, prydi-menn, 

sagn, ok samna6r, seta, sterti-menn, 200 
fiorr, ok brionar 


Enn ero eptir ALDAR-HEITI :— 
hird, ok gestir, ok htskarlar, 
inn-drétt, ok hidn,—ef ek allt segi— 
rini, ok popti, ok r46-giafi: 
Inn-hysingar, alda-poptar, 
sessi, ok mili, scerlar, fylgdir: 
pa ero félagar ok freendr saman, 
vinir, einkili, veréung, halir: 
Ai, ok Attungr, arfi, sonr, 210 
fadir, brédir, barmi, bl6di, ok lifri,. 
i6d, burr, nefi, ok arfuni: 
p4 eru hlyrar, ok hafud-badmr, 
nidr, hleyta-ma6r, nidiungr, ok barn, 
konr, ok kyn-kvisl, kundr, zett-bogi, 
magr, malo-nautr, magr, ok spialli, 
ett-barmr, zett-sl66, of-skapt, ok sveinn: 
sesso-nautar, ok sifiungar, 
af-spring er pa, ok eett-studill. 


16. Household. & ero rddo-nautar, ok r46-giafi, 220 


17. Battle. 


18. WEAPONS 


piénar, ok preelar, pirr, annungar, 
verk-menn, kefsir, ok vil-megir. 


OrrosTA heitir:—hialdr, ok rimma, 
gigll, geira-hod, ok geir-privul, 
r6g, ok réma, rand-grid, ok stord, 
svipul ok snerra, sig, folk, iara ; 
sékn, mord, ok vig, sdta, dolg, égn, 
dynr, gnyr, tara, drima, imun; 
pa er orrosta, ok orlygi, 
hrid, ok etja, her-pagn, prima. 230 


. Ek man segja svERDA HEITI:— 





Swords. hiarr, ok Hrotti, hggudr, Drag-vandill, 
groa, gramr, gillir, giallarr ok nedan-skar6r, 
sigdr, ok snyrtir, s6mi, skiémi ; 
skalkr, skerkir, stufr, Skrymir, Laufi, 
201. fiorr ok br.] add, re 8B. 210. arfi] 1e8; avi, Cd. 213. -bad- 
mar, Cd. 223. Orrosta heitir] pau ero heiti, Cd. 227. sdta] sotti, Cd. 


230. etja] B; ztna, Cd. 


: ' 
ee ae 





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s 
i Se 


eee ee a ee ee ee a 


si 
a it 





Bi 
4 
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of Aa? 








§ 6.] THULOR. 429 


gltfr, langbardr, ok orm-pvari, 

Legg-bitr, kyr, galmr, ok leifnis-grand, 

her-beri, Hneitir, ok hre-frakki, 

lotti, hrondudr, logder, meekir, 

mgdéuér, mundridi ok Mistil-teinn, 240 
malmr, prér, ok marr, ok mi6-fainn, 

fet-breidr, grind-logi, ok Fiar-svafnir, 

vegi, leiptr, veegarr, valangr, ok brandr, 

verulfr, valnir, vinn-biartr, ok kol, 

askr, angr-vadill, eggjom-skarpi, 

svipudr, ok svipa-lidtr, salgardr, hnefi; 

hvati, hafud-hvessingr, hausa-maolvir, 
hreeva-gautr, her-brai, ok hold-mfmir, 

ben-segr, brigdir, brimarr, hudlognir, 

skyggber, skryver, skardi, grindlogi, 250 
Mimungr, fellir, ok méAl-vitnir, 

taurar, hrevaér, trani, vind-pvari, 

lidnir, Kvern-bftr, liémi, herdir, 

vitnir, yfri, veegja-lestir : 

skelkingr, fillingr, flemingr, skerdingr, 
skotningr, skilvingr, Skofnungr, rifiungr, 
brotningr, hvitingr, Bzsingr, Tyrvingr, 

hekingr, ok hringr; hittaz man nettingr: 

logi ok mund-giallr, langr, hvass, ok eldr, 

avrn, ok zgir, ‘ok’ naglfari, 260 
brigdir, maurnir, bler ok skerdir, 

hyrr, ok helsingr, hrfdir, Atti: 

fellir, folvir, FAfnir, raufnir, 

imir, eimnir, afspringr, pinurr, 

siglir, snyrtir, svelgr, skar, ok nar, 

goinn, gest-moinn, ok gramr, primarr, nidhager. 


19. Parts of _ Oddr, bléévarta ok ben-knuar, 


the sword, bl66-refill, bl68-varp, ok b165-ida, 
bl66-vaka, liigfengr, ok bl6d-hnefi, 
idvarp, ok brandr, egg-teinar, folk, 270 
emjar, bremjar, ok glrtinar-nautr, 
merki, vett-rim, ok missi-fengr, 
onn, ok skafningr, undir-dregningr, 
vargr, kall-hamarr, valbast ok herdr: 
sverd, ok gelmingr, ok sam-nagli, 
hugr6, sigr-hnod, hialt, ok tangi, 
mundridi, hagg-fadr, ok medal-kafli. 





238. hre-f.] 1e8; hafraka, Cd. 240, mundudr, 1 eB. 242. 1eB; fior- 


sodnir, Cd. 244. verulfr] 1e 8; verr vifr,Cd. kol] kvol, 1e8. 248. 
her-brai] huglognir, 1 e 8. 255. filbiungr, 1 e B. 269. -vaka] r; -varta, 


Cd. 271. r3; olreda-, reB. 274. kalld hamar nautr, Ie 8. 277. 
1eB8; hogg stadr, Cd, 


430 


20. 


21. 


22. 


23. 


24. 


25. 


26. 


Axe. 


Spear. 


Arrows. 


Bow. 


Shield. 


Helmet. 


Coat of 
Mail. 


WATER. 


1. The Sea :— 


RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 


Gix, iard-hyrna, . . . s[parda] 
skiava, ok skeggja, skrama, ok genja, 
regin-sporn, gnefja, ok gygr, fala, 280 
snaga, ok bulda, barda, vigglod, 
pveita, ok penja; pa er arg-hyrna ; 
hon er cefst talié @xarR-HEITA. 
Darr, spidt, ok myt, def, lenz, ok vigr, 
snata, fleinn, ok svaf, svida, hree-mezeki, 
geirr, spiar, nata, gefja, kesja, 
gaflak, frakka, Gungnir, peita. 
Orr er ok, akka, oddr, hvit-mylingr, 
fenja, drifa, flaug, dynfara, 
bgsl, bol, bilda, broddr, ok hremsa, 290 
gogn, flaug, ok pros ..., ok skapt-snoar, 
flug-glavd, ok flug-svinn, fiva, ok skeyti: 
Geta skal, Fennu ok Gusis-sm{dis, 
Iolfs-sm{6i, hon er cefst pura. 


Almr, dalr, Boer, ¥r, ok tv{vidr, 
sveigr, gler, ok brymr, [sémr], scal, gelmir: 
Enn kved-ek heita all vAPpN saman ;— 
iarn, ar, ok spiar, fsarn, slog. 

SKIOLDR, brungin-salr, skaun, salbendingr, 
bugnir, hlébarér, ok buklari, 300 
vettrimi, targa, vedr-glaér, ok hiff, 
vid-bleiknir, rit, vig-glaér, ok lind, 
giallr, dogg-skafi, ok gunn-skylir, 
bad-lids, gryta, ok bad-skylir, 
svalinn, ok randi, saurnir, bordi, 
skutfingr, baréi, skirr, tv{-byrdingr, 
yrlygr, ok svarmr, eilifnir, heidr, 
baugi, fagr-blainn, bera, mié-fornir. 

Hroptz HATTAR Skal-ek heiti segja:— 
hialmr, goll-fainn, hraur, val-hrimnir, 310 
hall-hrimnir, skdlkr, ok hlffandi, 
fiornir, poki, ok fisk-moinn, 
hildi-gaoltr, kellir, her-kumbl, ok velgr, 
grima, cegir, glever, stefnir. 

Brynja, kund, hialmgoll, hvgd ok nan, 
kald, Finnz-leif, badfara, pyn, syn, blod-leika. 


Il. Physical. 


gett silegja, salt, Adgir, haf, 
lagr, sumr, légir, laga-stafr, ok vagr, 





284. myt] naut, 1 eB. 293. Fenna, B. Gusisnauta, 1e8. 299. Read, 
salpenningr. 


315. hrgd ok nati, re 8, 








$6] THULOR. 431 


giallr, gnap, geimi, gnarr, svifr, ok marr; 
sigr, sog, sami, svelgr, rast, ok fiardr ; 320 
sund, agr, velfzerr, soni, vidir, 
hr{d, verr, breki, htim, £163, ok brim, 
gredir, gl¥jodr, Gymir, ok vegir, 
gnidr, ok oror, gialfr, fen, snapi: 
gnat, var, vika, vozt, hép, ok mid, 
vatn, ditip, ok kaf, vik, tiaorn, ok sfk, 
stormr, dfki, hylr, straumr, loékr, ok bekkr, 
4ll, brudr, kelda, ida, fors, ok kill: 
hefring, alda, hvftingr, ok 14: 
hrann, Ran, kolga, ok himin-glzeva, 5 936 
drafn, udr, ok ‘solmn,’ dufa, bylgja, 
bodi, ok bara, blééug-hadda. 
2. Rivers Gall, Glit, Gera, Glod, ok Valskialf, 
(geograph.):— Van, Vid, Vimur, Ving, ok Ysa, 
Sid, Sudr, Freka, Sekin, Einstika, 
Elf, Ro, Ekla, Ekin, Rennandi: 
Pyn, Rin, ok Nid, Poll, Rymr, Ysia, 
Dun, Ofn, Dyna, Dyn, Holl, Fara, 
Orun, ok Bro, Aud, Skialg, Lodda, 
Myn, Merk, Rida, Mein, ok Sax-elfr: 340 
Tifr, Dyrn, Vina, Tems, Vind, ok Strind, 
Mavrn, Moda, Prym, Morn, ok Gaut-elfr, 
Alin, Udr, Kolga, ok Evfrates, 
Ogn, Eiér, Eimir, ok Apardion: 
Rogn, Hronn, ok Ronn, Raum-elfr, Hnipul, 
Hngpul, Higlmunl4é, Humra, Vina, 
Vil, Vin, Vella, Valin, Somd, Salin, 
Nepr, Drofn, Strauma, Nis, Mynd, Gnapa. 
Gilling, Nilus, Ganges, Tvedda, 
Luma, Ver, Vé6éa, Leira, ok Gunnpré, 350 
1d, Svgl, Vegsvinn, Yn, Piodnuma, 
Figrm, Strgond, ok Spz, ok Fimbul-pul: 
Nyt, Hronn, ok Naud, Not, Slidr, ok Hrifd, 
Kormt, Leiptr, ok Ormt, ok Kerlaugar tvzer, 
Gomul, Sylgr, ok Yn, ok Geir-vimul, 
Yigr, Vod, ok F16d,—TIordan er 4 lesti. 
3. Fishes:— Lax, ok langa, l¥sa, brosma, 
birtingr, heingr, bust, ok hrygna, 
humarr, hrognkelsi, hvednir, fl6ki, 
glunn, aurridi, ok andvari: 360 
sfld, seidr, skata, sil, reydr, ok ogr, 
skreidungr, ok sfkr, skalgi, ok flydra, 
fyldingr, styrja, ok fudryskill, 





321. B; cegir, Cd. 331. solmr,re8. 342. Maura, re. 347. Vilrin? 
341 or 316. Read, Nina? 351 and 355. Yn] one must be wrong. 


432 


4. Whales :-— 


5. Ships :— 


6. Paris of a 
ship :— 


RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [ BK. x. 


hamerr, steinb{ftr, ok hdskerdingr : 

fiorsungr, prammungr, ok fengrani, 

hamarr, sand-hverfa, ok horn-geela, 

mar-knutr, glgmmungr, ok mar-pvara, 

sflungr, skel-fiskr, sverd-fiskr, ok lyr: 

pyrsklingr, ufsi, porskr, vartari, 

grunnungr, gedda, giolnir, keila, 370 
all, ok karfi, krabbi, geir-sfl, 

har, ok gudlax, horn-sifl, igull. 


Hafr-hvalr, geir-hvalr, ok haf-gufa, 
hnfsa, haf-strambr, ok hnydingar, 
reyor, reydar-kalfr, ok raud-kembingr, 
bruungt, rostungr, ok blejo-hvalr: 
noré-hvalr, ok bur-hvalr, n4-hvalr, ok leiptr, 
skeliungr, fisk-reki, ok sktito-hvalr, 
sletti-baka, skiald-hvalr, ok sand-legja, 
hross-hvalr, and-hvalr, hrafn-reydr, ok vogn. 380 


Nu man-ek skfra of skIPA HEITI— 
cork, 4ra-kl6, askr, sess-rimnir, 
skeid, skita, skip, ok Sk{6-bladnir, 
nor, Nagl-fari, nokkvi, ok snekkja: 
byrdingr, buza, baré-kaldr ok hreinn, 
bakki, homlungr, hélug-bardi, 
rost, bétr, ok regg, rod, Hringornir, 
lung, kidll, lang-skip, leifnir, karfi, 
hringr, Gndd, freki, hrod, mdérdi, 
hemlir, bardi, ok hylbauti, 390 
ugla, ledja, ok askvitill, 
keéna, kgtla, kati, reid, ok skalpr: 
knorr, kugegr, knui, keipull, eikja, 
dreki, Ellidi, dromundr, ok prdmr, 
fura, vigg, galeid, ferja, skalda, 
fley, flaust, ok peekr, far, tfdr, ok lid. 


Segl, skeor, sigla, svidvfs, styri, 
syjor, saum-feor, sid, ok skaut-reip, 
stag, stafn, stidrn-vid, studill, ok sicul-giard, 
snotra, s6l-bord, sess, skutr, ok strengr, 400 
sax, ok stcédingr, sviptingr, ok skaut, 
spfkr, siglo-tré, saumr, lok-stolpar, 
laukr, siglo-toppr, lina, eyro, 
flaug, flaugar-skegg, ok far-nagli: 
huinn, hin-bora, ok hialmun-voolr, 
hufr, hlyr, hrefni, ok hals-stefni, 
hefill, hals, hanki, ok hafut-hendor, 





376. bunungr, 1 eB, 388. karfi] B; bardi, Cd. 390. homlu-bardi ? 
407. hnacki, ref. 





b 
E 
F 
B 
hi 





Y tna 
— — 





§ 6. 


4. EARTH :— 


8. Trees and 
Plants :— 


9. ANIMALS. 
Oxen :— 


THULOR. 


hair, hell, hamarr, hialp-reip, ok lfk, 
r4, rakki, rif, rengr, ok hamlur, 
vind-4ss, vengi, vaondr, lang-nefjur, 
vaolt, beiti-Ass, varta, brandar, 

bitar, bég-lfna, bulka-stokkar : 

bard, kné, byrdi, bellti, ok kinnungr, 
kialr, bord, keili, ok kial-syja, 
kraptar, kerling, klcér, ok poptor, 
kal-reip, primir, klofar, ok piljur, 
drengir, drag-reip, dela, 4rar, 
ak-taumar, rcer, arinn, ok nAlar, 
aur-boré, kialar-hell, ok akkeri, 
hnakk-midi, aust-ker, ok hin-spzenir. 


Iérp, fiarn, rofa, eskja, ok Hddyn, 


gyma, Sif, figrgyn, grund, haudr, ok rand, 


fold, vangr, ok Fif, frén, hiarl, ok barmr, 
land, bigd, pruma, 146, ok merski, 

hollt, hals, ok fiaoll, hlfd, ok leiti, 

hdll, heidr, ok hvilft, hvall, ok brekka, 
hr6, dalr, ok vallr, hvammr, ok tunga, 
mold, flag, rimi, mdr, laut, ok sandr. 


Viner, yllir, tag, vidir, selja, 
pors, mark, glvidr, pléma, spifra, 
biark, vid-vindill, beinn, fiall-rapi, 
buss, hlynr, ok bék, beinvidr, mgpurr : 
hasl, heggr, hallarr, hagporn, reynir, 
ro, almr, ok rét, reyrr, askr, fura, 
apaldr, asp, laurus, ulfvidr, lykkja, 
eik, einir, pfll, elri, palmar : 
lind, lag, ok linnr, pile. sk{6, pera, 
poll, ok pyrnir, pinurr, stord, ok klungr, 
mgsurr, gran, mistil-teinn, ok mar-hrisla, 
ilstri, vin-vidr, iolstr, cipressus. 


Ek man skyra fyr skatna mengi 
all-ramligra yxna heiti :— 
arvoror, drioni, ok igrmun-rekr, 
simi, Freyr, Reginn, Smidr, eypvari, 
raudr, ok rekningr, ok rokkvi-liér, 
viggi, bautadr, Vingnir, stidéri, 
Himin-hriétr, simarr, ok har6-fari, 
heefir, dignir, hiaollorr, simull : 
hlidr, stifr, ok litr, hridr, forsimi, 
arfr, iarmuni, ok eiki-smidr, 


433 


410 


420 


430 


440 


450 





4iI. Varta) vortur, 1 e8. 426, heidr] B; heill, Cd. 427. hré] B; 
bro, Cd.; hrof, re 8. 439. Emend.; grén tvenn, Cd. 440. iolstr] iostr, Cd. 
448. B; " hefir, dirnir, kiollor, Cd, ; digni, 1 eB (better). 

Ff 


VOL, Il. 


434 RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 


gneisti, apli, gollin-horni, 

audr, kvfgr, aldungr, ok orfuni, 
gridungr, algr, gellir, glymr, ok hredi, 
tfdungr, boli, tarfr, aur-gefinn. 


10, Cow:—  Kyr heitir: skirja, kviga, ok frenja, 
ok Audumbla,—hon er ellzt kua. 
11. Ram:—  Hrvrr, ofr-hyrningr, hornum-skali, 


gumarr, horn-gloinn, ok giald-hroinn, 

hvedrudr, horn-gldéi, hallin-sk{di, 

berr, horn-hroinn, ok heimdali, 460 
bekri, midiungr, bler, mardr, ok ver. 


12. He-goat:— Harr heitir, grimnir, ok geiralnir, 
Tann-gnidstr, kiappi, ok Tann-grisnir, 
skemotr, ok brisi, bukkr, grfmr talidr. 


13. She-goat:— Gertrar-heiti: Heidrin, hadna, ok kidlingr ; 
er ok kol-mula, ok kid saman. 
14. The Bear :— Biden, bersi, bolmr, bera, elgvidnir, 
bl4-iaxl, fsolfr, ok breidvegi, 
bestingr, bassi, ballti, hlebarér, 
ulfr, frekr, vilnir, Igorekr, mosmi, 47° 
fetvidnir, htinn, fress, vetr-lidi, 
iug-tanni, ialfudr, ifiungr, vil-skarpr. 
15. The Stag :— Hidrtr, Dura-pror, hlidr, eik-pyrnir, 
Dineyrr, Dainn, Dvalarr, motrodnir. 
16. Zhe Boar:— Géxtr, valglitnir, griss, irminir, 
svin, tarr, runi, Sz-hrimnir, bzorgr, 
rai; valbassi, rodr, dritrodi, 
prér, vidrir, skrumpr, prondr, vaningi. 
14. The Wolf:— WVargr, ulfr, Vitnir, ilmr, skoll, ae 
hvinnir, ok gra-dyri . . ; 480 
Hati, Hrdévitnir, ok heidingi, 
freki, kinni, viénir, Fenrir, hlebardr, 
goti, gildir, glammi, gyldir, imarr, 
imr, egdir, ok skolkini: 
Enn heitir sva:—ylgr, vargynja, 
bokn, ok ima. . ._ svimul. 
18. Heavens:— Nio ero HEmar 4 hed talid:— 
veit-ek inn nedzta, s4 er vind-blainn, 
pa er heidornir ok Hregg-mimir: 
annarr heitir andlangr himinn, ; 490 
(pat mattu skilja), pridi vid-bléinn ; 





464. skimudr, 1 eB. 467. bolmr] 1e 8; blomr, Cd. 474. Dainn] 
te; dalarr, Cd. 479. Yigr vargr vitni, Cd. 480. hvinnir, ok gré-dyri] 
add. re 8B. 











§6.] THULOR. 438 


vid-fedmi kved-ek vera inn fiorda; 
hri6dr, ok hl¥rni, hygg enn sétta ; 
grimr, vett-mf{mir:—get-ek nu vera 
Atta himna upp um talda: 
skatyrnir stendr skfjom cefri, 

hann er titan alla heima. 


19. THE Sun:— Suwnna, syni, S61, fagra-hvel, 
hridéér-leika, Ifk, skin, radull, 
leiptr, if- roedull, ok lidsfari, 500 
drffandi, alf-radull, ok Dvalins-leika ; 
al-skir, geisli ok ey-gloa. 


20. THE Moon :—MAn1, ‘midgarér,’ mulin, tung] ok glamr, 
skyndir, ok skin, skr4mr, 4rtali, 
ny, skialgr, luna, nid, fengari. 


21. Day and Dar, hlyrn, ok rakr, dies, ok l¥sing, 
Night:—  dagr, nétt, svefn-gaman ok draum-nigrun, 
nox, nis, grima, niol, myrkfara, 
6lids, draum-vor, emisperium. 


22. The Heavens Heimr, hregg-mimir, himinn, skatyrnir, 510 
(repeated) :— vid-bl4inn, andlangr, ok vetrimnir, 

gimir, vindblainn, vidfedmir, hridér, 

hlyrnir, leiptr, ok heidornir. 


23. Windand Vrpr, byrr, vansudr, vindr, él-reki, 

Weather :— glygg, bleér, ok gustr, grap, logn, poka, 
regn, ur, rota, rfid, miorkvi, él, 
fiik, fok, mugga, frost, k4ri, hregg: 
‘gonsurr,’ gradi, gol, of-vidri, 
gidsta, grindill, gla, ok 6lidér, 
gneggiodr, gonsudr, ge, dyn-fari, 520 
hlommuér, ganrekr, hus-briétr, ok piétr. 


24. Fire :— Gius heiti vil-ek greppum segja:— 
Agiss-br6éir ok él-reki, 
eldr, eimr, usli, Gi, herkir, 
‘hrotudr,’ ok hrét-gandr, Hrimnir, eimi : 
leygr, Vafr-logi, linnr, ok farri, 
brandr, f¥rr, tisi, brimi, nertill, 
viti, eimyrja, vellan-fasti, 
funi, hyrr, foédir, firr ok eisa : 
freki, glgr, seti, feykir, ysja, 530 
hrgduér, ok horvir, harkr, for-brennir, 
hrapi, myln, logi, hripudr, aldr-nari, 
kyndr, bal, veeginn, kveykir, ok busi: 
‘brisingr, brenna, blossi, gneisti, 





5Or. ge B Cee.) ends. 504. Emend, from Alvis m.; skydir eki, Cd. 
508. nis] read, niks? 
Ff2 . 


436 


25. ANIMALS 
again. 
Serpents :— 


26. Horses :— 


27. Brirps. 





RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [ BK. x. 


gnipall, gléér, dini, geiri, tandri, 
dunsuér, dini, dusill, ok snzra :— 
Nd er sex-tigir seydiss heita. 
Skal-ek eitr-f4 orma telja :— 
édinn, ok ofnir, glirr, iapra, 
furr, flug-dreki, Fafnir, ori, 540 
freningr, ok 4ll, feginn, ok ornir: 
grafvitnir, fann, goinn, holt-skridi, 
grafningr, grettir, gra-bakr, trani(!), 
grimr, ok graf-pvengr, gargan, eitrungr, 
hringr, holdvarinn, haugvarér, dreki: 
Nidhoger, ndinn, nidr, holdvari, 
langbarér, lyder, linnr, heidbui, 
strykr, steinbui, styrir, svafnir, 
snakr, scorpion, sneldingr, nadra: 
liédr, iapr, bréinn, linni, stefningr ‘oo 556 
snillingr, vidnir, serfr, ok vinduér, 
raér, rabia, reimir, seimir, 
moinn, dalginna, ok Midgardz-ormr. 
Glaér, Gler, Gyllir, Gollin-faxi, 
glitnir, Goll-toppr, Gisl, skeidbrimir, 
Silfr-toppr, Simir, Sleipnir, Skeevoér, 
Goti, Skin-faxi, Grani, Stifr, ok Skeer : 
fakr, Léttfeti, figr-svartnir, Valr, 
fengr, Falhofnir, fet-md6r, ok lungr, 
Vakr, viglitnir, vindr, Tialdari, 560 
vedr, vidir, vigg, ok veg-draupnir: 
vegbiartr, Hglkvir, Ving-skornir, Hrafn, 
Alsvidr, allvarr, Arvakr, Drasill, 
Blakkr, bglpvari, brainn, Ha-stigi, 
marr, idr, bautuér, mér, iormuni: 
Moinn, hestr, fiztri, méénir, réni, 
alsvartr, apli, askr, mal-feti, 
Bl66[ug]|-héfi, Ham-skarpr, brinn, H6f-varpnir, 
vigr, Skinfaxi(!), Virvill, Hrim-faxi. 


Havuxr, haméer, harmr, Habroék, tregi, 570 


The Hawk :— heidér, heim-pér, hrimnir, kolking, 


ginnar, gandir, ok geirlodnir, 
gollungr, ginnungr, ok gagl-hati: 
ytlygr, ymir, und-skornir, valr, 
ifiungr, ifli, ifill, vedér-folnir, 

Forseti, vidnir, figrsungr, prommungr, 
glgr, mutari, oglir, saudnir. 


28. The Raven :— Hramn, holdbori, Huginn, éveri, 


bleingr, liti, borgin-m6éi, 





569. Vifill, vol. i. p. 80, 1. 5. 








§ 6.] 


THULOR. 437 


horn-klofi, viti, kloakan, krakr, 580 
drukr, Muninn, corvus, geri (sz), 

krummi, krumsi, korpr, boringi, 

spori, Artali, ok 4r-flognir. 


29. The Cock :— Fegringr, nant, Fialarr, ok Aslakr, 


30. The Eagle : 


kokr, Sal-gofnir, kambr, vidofnir, 
gylmir, gallus, ok gallina: 


nana, keila, HAbrék, skada. 


—Onry, gallofnir, ok Andhimnir, 
Hre-svelgr, ok hregg-skornir, 


-egg-pér, kumarr, ari, blindvidnir, 590 


31. Birds :— 


1. Goddesses 


again :— 


arnkell, Gemlir, ok aquila. 


Gamr, gripr, gaukpior, gaukr, svipleekja, 
gra-gas, heim-gas, gagl, ok helsingr, 
geir-fugl, geitungr, gleda, dodr, kvisa, 
ari, nagr, arta, alpt, mar, ok haukr: 
Odins-hani, alka, and, hrossa-gaukr, 
hramn, hens, himbrin, hryggjar-stykki, 
héri, hani, hcéna, ok hilduri, 
ifr, valr, smyrill, ugla, skurfir: 
sveorr, storkr, stila, svarr, skidr, sparr-haukr, 600 
stelkr, spaorr, svala, stein-delfr, spiki, 
skufr, spdi, seedingr, skarfr, ok svart-bakr, 
skeglingr, skidi, skisoldungr, p4i: 
k4rn, igda, kialar-fogl, kraka, ditfa, 
praostr, pidorr, perna, peisti, dunna, 
trana, tialdr, titlingr, tyrdil-miuli, 
lémr, levirki, ok ledr-blaka: 
langve, lundi, 16a; fizol-mdéi, 
f¥ling, 16-preell, Friggjar-elda, 
rindill, pvari, lfri, ritiipa, fiall-rota, 610 
iarpi, ertla, ok iadrakarn, 
akri, dodka, zér, ok netingr, 
kreppingr, f166-skitr, ‘ kiar-filki,’ spzetr, 
meisingr, ¥fingr, myri-snfpa, 
rytr, heengi-vakr, rivann-skinna: 
hrékr, giddr, hegri, ok haf-tyrdill, 
brand-gis, hr66-g4s, brimm-orri, marr, 
sendlingr, skr¥tingr, snz-fogl, sk4ri, 
vakr, valr, dtifa(!), vallofr, starri. 


Ill. Sundries. 


Pessi skal kenna KELLO-HEITI: 620 
Saga, Sigyn, Sif, Prédr, dunn, 
Frigg, ok Bestla, Fulla, ok Nanna, 
Gefiun, Horn, Gerdr, ok Laufey. 


438 RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 
2. Females Reid, selja, strind, rein, skord, ok figrn, 
again:—  biawrk, veig, ok pall, brik, popta, Gefn, 


lag, grund, ok lid, lodda, broka, 

fit, norn, ..., fold, pirr, ok lind. 

Sél, fizotra, spang, Siafn, Nauma, Rindr, 

Eir, bella, list, Ilmr, troda, dis, 

Nigrn, Vor, ok Frfér, nipt, Ran ok Bil, 630 
Likn, Hlin, ok Syn, Lofn, ok Gna. 


3. Minp AND Méér, hiarta, negg, munr, hugr, sefi, 
Heart:—_ ge, heil, siafni, gollorr, ok eljun. 


4. The Fox :— Skolli, slapparér, ok skaufali, 
skollr, mel-rakki, skaufi, gryla: 
enn er refr, ok skroggr, aldungr, dainn, 
laufa-fettir, foa, brunn-migi. 


5. THE Hanp:— HeitTI ero HANDAR:—hrammr, dyr, ok ravkn, 
greip, mund, ok spann, gaupn, ok hreifi, 
ulfliér, ok fingr, armr, leggr, ok bdgr, 640 
lamr, hnefi, 16fi, loppa, krumma. 


6. Tue Wat- Man-ek Varxyrjor Vidris nefna:— 

Kyrjas:—  Hrist, Mist, Herja, Hlokk, Geiravor, 
Goll, Hior-primul, Guér, Her-figturr, 
Skuld, Geir-anul, Skagul, ok Rand-gniéd, 
Rédgrid, Gandul, Svipul, Geir-skagul, 
Hildr, ok Skegg-old, Hrund, Geir-driful, 
Rann-gniér, ok pPridr, Reginleif, ok Sveid, 
Paogn, Hialm-primul, Prima, ok Skalm-ald. 


7. IsLEs :-— Ey, Omd, ok Ormst, Ollum-lengri, 650 
Horn, Hrund, ok Hugl, Herdla, Ivist, 
Hvedn, Hrafnista, Hising, Skrofa, 
Mon, Most, Hasley, Myl, Stolm, Bataldr, 
Selja, Sdélrann, ok Sortoland, 
Sigg ok Salarey, ok ..... 
Saga, Laland, Salbiorn, Leka, 
Ski6, Strind, ok Vigr, Solm, ok Aldi: 
_ Krit, Kipr, Lygra, Kormt, Rod, Biarkey, 
Hering, Gylling, Hugré, Varda, 
Lauga, Lygra, Lag, ok Gizki, 660 
Pridna, ok Pidétta, Pruma, Kinn, ok Hrott: 
Nos, Dyn, Nauma, Nala, Norva, 
Félskn, Frigg, Feetilor, Fenring, ok Mon, 
Bolm, Bokn, Raufa, Bonn, Sekk, ok Vorl, 
Alost, ok Stord, Iala, Tior, Veey : 
Aurn, fl, ok Rist, Ira, Lodda, 





645. Read, randgrié, « 


as = 
ee ae 
ca So a 


§6.] 








8. FrITHS :— 


9. SEED :— 
. 
4 
j 


to. NuMBERS :— 


Madr heitr einn fyrir ser— 
T4 ef tveir ero, 691 
porp ef prir ero, 

fidrir ero feoro-neyti, 
flokkr eru fimm menn, 
sveit ef sex ero, 

siau fylla saogn, 

atta bera A4meelis-skor, 
nautar ero nio, 

dunn ef tiu ero: 

eerir ero ellifo, 

tog-lo6 ef tolf ero, 
pyss ero prettan, 

ferd ero fiortan, 

fundr er ef fimt4n hittaz, 


700 


THULOR. 


Soland, Siri, Solskel, Miola, 

Hlesey, Vedrey, Hitra, Frosta, 
Lognd, Vikna, Lag, Syllingar: 

Fién, Figlbyrja, Frikn, ok Senja, 
Selund, ok Dimun, Sela, Pumla, 
Usna, Sidland, Askrad, ok Sild, 
Ala, Borgund, Erri, Torgar, 

Hel, Rokstr, ok Falstr, ok Helliskor, 
Asparnir, Hin, Iolund, ok Hanki, 
Marsey, Samsey, Mystr, ok Vingi, 
Hlesey (rep.), Hedinsey, ok Hnotirnar. 


Fidérpr: Sogn, Iali, Folld, Oféti, 

: Angr, Harmr, Tregi, Eitri, Vefsnir, 

rr Hardangr, Stafangr, Heyangr, ok Glaumr, 
Godmarr, Hardser, Grenmarr, Hrodi. 


439 


670 


680 


Akr, ax, sedi, agn, barr, ok halmr, 
All, efsta-kné, eigin, skotblad, 
blad, kné, ok rét, bygg, rugr, ok sad, 
korn, gin-hafri, korki, barlak, 
grién, ok val-bygg, groska, dumba, 
hveiti, hirsi, hialmr, skraf, ok miaol, 
bendill, heslar, bundin, s4é-korn, 
; i flir, gmstr, prefi, free-korn, gniodi. 


seta ero sextan, 

s6kn eru siautian, 

cernir pykkja d6vinir beim er 
Atian mcetir, 

neyti hefir s& er nitian menn 
(fylgja), 

drétt ero tuttugu, 

pidd ero prir tigir, 

folk ero fidrir tigir, 

fylki fimm tigir, 

samnaér sex tigir, 

svarfadr siau tigir, 

cold ero Atta tigir, 

1... ero nio tigir (blank), 

herr er hundrad. 


710 








1 Some word on 2, 





440 RHYMED GLOSSARIES. [BK. x. 


APPENDIX. 


THULoR In Court-METRE. 


SEA-KINGS :— 
| enenses Eitill, Skekkill, Emmir, Gestill, Remmir, 
Heiti, Hékingr, Meiti, Heimi, Mysingr, Beimi, 
Randverr, R66i, Mundill, Roekkvi, Solsi, Noekkvi, 
Hemingr, Hagbarér, Glammi, Haki, Beimuni, Rakni. 


Kvenna heiti okend :-— 

Braut er svanni ok seta, sveimar rygr ok feima, 5 
bridr er { feor med flid6di, fat-ek drés ok man kidsa, 
pekki-ek sprund ok sprakka; sparik vid hel at mela, 
firrumk-ek snét ok svarra; svifr mer langt fra vifi. 

BIS er mer vid mdéur; méla drekkr 4 ekkjo 
kvidir kerling eid0; kvedr déttir vel bedjo; 10 
opt finnr ambdétt hapto; e ’r frilla gram svero; 
kiljar kvan ok elja; kann nipt vid snar skipta. 


The Mind (from Cod. Ups.) :— 
Stendr pat er st6rom grandar, sferk-vzéri mer Herkjo, 
{ hnegg-verald hyggjo hefi-ek strié borit vida, 
par kemr enn, ef unna ftr vildi Bil skaldi, 15 
at bl{ér groér Gridar glaum-vindr { sal pindar. 


Islands :— 
Békn, Kormt, Brising, Vikna, Brua, Hfrar, Dun, Siri, 
Sotr, Pamb, Selja, Hitrar, Sigg, Rétt, Bataldr, Pidtta, 
Vigr, Stord, Vorl, Rod, Lygra, Veig, Fenring, Tigr, Senja, 
Hvedn, Vad, Hisning, Fridnar, Had, Borgund, Smyl, Torgar. 


The Sea-girt Isles by Einar Skulason :— 

1.  Brattr er baldrekr Pidtto; berr vindr Radar linda, 21 
vid-gyrdill p¥tr Vardéo, veltr Fenringar belti ; 
ygliz umgiord Huglar; olmr er gr4-sili Stolmar; 
fleygir Bolmar baugi; brakar Lygro men nakvat. 

2.  Blar er baldrekr Sfra; Bri gyrdill pver fyrdom; 95 
sundr springr Lygro lindi; Leko velt af pram belti; 
kiaol skolar Karmtar helsi; klyfr stidrn sila Pidrnar; 
bard skera Gizka girdi; grafaz bord { men Stordar. 

3.  Stdért fellr gyrdill Garta; grefr vindr Prumo linda; 
py¥tr sval-fizoturr Seljo; svellr undrom men Hrundar; 30 
allt skelfr Brimlar belti; brestr ern sili Hernar; 
cest ferr umgiard Hristar; olmr er hringr Primlinga. 





5. seta] svera, Ups. 28. Edda Lauf. enters these three following stanzas 
under the name of Einar Skulason. 


THULOR. 3 441 





Bard rfstr Gelo girdi; grefr saum fiaturr Tauma; 
geist ferr umgiwrd Ostrar; opt er men klofit Senjo; 
brand pver Bolmar lindi; bifaz stinnr sili Kinnar; 35 
hringr pytr Hvedno langom; hart veltr Glanar belti. 


The Daughters of Ran :— 
(Esir hvasst at hraustom Himingleva pyt szvar ; 
Glymr Unnar vex grenni Gandlar sktfs, ok Dé/fa ; 
Breedd strykr Blovughadda ; brim-solginn fellr Kolga ; 
hlyr skylr Hefring, stoérir haf-laudr of vid raudan. 40 


Another Version :— 

Drofn sky\r stal par er stafni straum-fylgin pver Aylgja ; 
Hefring brestr, enn hristir Himingleva mar Vimrar ; 
Hrénn dregr graonn or grunni; gadd svelr Biédug-hadda ; 
elg venr Udr ok Kolga egg-hufs vid glym Dé/o. 


Grammatical (from Skalda, of later date) :— 
1. yf veldr Gr at aerir akr bi-manna spakra; 45 
aera verdr med drum undan dolga fundi, 
réoa gener af roa rina systir olystug 
é6rar dregr af érum ytum skemda flytir. 
2. Cli telsk pat er é/o Usnotran mann gotnar; 
aeiy vatn par er Gar all-strangir fram hallazt ; 50 
heitir Jér 4 Leru ; laeringar kenningar ; 
kallazt mer 4 Meri ; maeringr ef giaf teerizt. 
3.  Haetia verdr 4 haettu ; ; heting ef bel roétisk, 
Ast er maer at maera, ni er ver konan feri; 
skeind tekr aedr enn cedazt; wdz deyr pa er br... 55 


Hair by Arni the Benedictine :—_ 

Skafa sveinar klif krino; kvedr eik medan reikar ; 
biigr pyrnir hnfgr hiarna; haf-sk{da stafar rida; 
pola hlusta keol kvistir; kn4 skalla r& falla; 
elr kringiz vel vanga; venz skardi gran svardar. 


Einar :— 
Hrynja lét in hvfta haus-mioll ofan lausa 60 
strind arrida strandar stallz af skarar-fialli. 


Snorri :— 
Kom ek inn par er sat svanni svanna veenstr { ranni; 
gerdr leysti sid svardar svard-akr radar gardi. 





Olaf :— 
Hag leit hvarma skégar hlad-norn vid mer stiarnom. 
Cd. Worm., App. 
35. Herdar, Cd, 41. From 748. 55. Read, pat er bredi? 





442 SKALDA-TAL. [BK. x. 


§7. SKALDA-TAL. 


THIS interesting Roll of Poets has reached us from two sources. A, 
the Kringla MS., c. 1264, which, the vellum having perished, we have in 
Arni Magnusson’s autograph copy, AM. 761. 3B, the Codex Upsalensis 
of Snorri’s Edda, c. 1300, in which this table appears side by side with 
other additimenta of interest. The Kringla text is the best, but the 
other is the more complete, adding to the lists of Kings and Earls and 
their poets, lists of lesser noblemen, etc., and their poets. From these 
two our text is composed. 

The date to which the table reaches in its fullest text is about coeval 
with that of Codex Upsalensis itself, but Skalda-tal itself, we think, 
bears traces of earlier origin than even Kringla. Skalda-tal is in tavo 
parts, the first entitled ‘Scalda-tal Dana kononga oc Svia;’ the 
second ‘ Her 4efr up Scalda-tal Noregs kononga.’ But these titles do 
not correspond to the present contents, for in both our MSS. the order 
now is: Title I, a beginning of Danish list to the word Boddason, 
followed by a list of Swedish kings and earls. Title II, a Norwegian list, 
followed by the rest of the Danish list. The original order plainly was, 
Title I, Danish list, Swedish list; Title II, Norwegian list; and this 
would suggest that the table was first drawn up at a time when the 
memory of the great Danish kings’ hegemony was not faded out of 
men’s memories. In Ari’s days the tongue was still called ‘ Danish,’ 
and the Danish (Canute’s) empire was vividly remembered, and we 
should be disposed to put the original table about 1130. 

The origin and grounds of the list are for the most part unknown. 
There are some pieces of information in the short glosses, e.g. on Erpr 
Lutandi and Ulfr hinn Oargi, which are not found elsewhere. The list 
of poets of Eystan Beli looks as if it were derived from a verse. 

The first edition of Skalda-tal is that of Ole Worm ; the first trust- 
worthy edition is that of Text B, by Mébius, 1856, at the end of his 
useful Catalogue, and both texts were given by Mr. John Sigurdsson in 
the third volume of the AM. edition of Edda, 1880. 


I. SkaLtpDA-TAL Dana KononGa ox SvIA. 


my TARAADE. INN GAMLI var skald: hans kvzdi ero fornuzt peirra er menn 
kunno nu; hann orti um Dana kononga. Ragnarr konongr Lodbrék var 
skald, ok Aslaug kona hans, ok scenir peirra. 


Ragnar konungr Lodbr6ék : Erpr Ltitandi. 
Bragi skalld inn Gamli Bodda son. Kalfr proenzki. 
SwepisH Kines :— Refr Ruzci. 
Eysteinn Beli: Ormr Oframi. 
Bragi inn Gamli, Olvalldi. 


Grundi Prudi. Oc enn Olvalldi. 








Avalldi. 
Fleinn Skalld. 
Rognvalldr. 


Biorn at Haugi: 

Bragi inn Gamli. 

Erpr Litandi va vig i véum ok var 
etladr til draps; hann orti drapo 
um Saur konongs hund, ok pa 
hofut sitt fyrir. 


Birekr Refils son: 
Alfr iar] inn Litli. 


Styrbiérn Sterki: 
Ulfr Sulo iarl, 


Eirekr Sigr-seli: 
porvalldr Hiallta son, 
Olafr Scenski: 
Gunnlaugr Orms-tunga. 
Rafn Onundar son, 
Ottarr Svarti. 
Gitzorr Svarti. 


Onundr Olafs son : 
Sigvatr skald pordar son. 


Ingi Steinkels son: 
Marcus Skeggija son légsogo-madr. 


SKALDA-TAL. 443 


Sérkvir Kols son: 
Einarr Skula son. 
Halldérr Skvalldri. 

Knittr Eireks son: 
Hallbiérn Hali. 
porsteinn porbiarnar son. 

Sérkvir Karls son: 
Sumarlidi skalld. 
porgeirr Dana-skalld. 

Hirekr Knutz son: 
Grani Hallbiarnar son. 


Ion Sorkvis son: 
Birikr Hireks son: 
Olafr pérdar son. 


SweEpisH EARts :— 


Ion iarl Sorkvis son: 
Einarr Skula son. 
Halldérr Skvalldri. 


Soni iarl Ivars son: 
Halldérr Skvalldri. 

Karl iarl Séna son: 
Halldérr Skvalldri. 

[Birgir iarl Magnus son :] 
{Sturla pordar son*.] 


II. Her were upp SKALpDA-TAL Norecs KononGa. 


IODOLFR INN HVINVERSKI orti um Rognvald Heidom-hera Ynglinga-tal, 
broeedrung Haraldz ins Harfagra, ok taldi prid tigi lang-fedra hans. Hann 


sagdi fra dauda hvers peirra ok legstad. 


Norse Kinocs :— 

Haraldr Har-fagri: 
Audon Illskelda. 
porbiorn Hornklofi, 
Olver Niifa. 

Ulfr Sebba son. 
piodolfr or Hvini. 
Gothormr Sindri. 

Hirekr konungr Blédcx: 
Egill Skallagrims son. 
Gluimr Geira son, 

Halfdan Svarti: 
Guthormr Sindri. 

Hakon G6di: 

Eyvindr Skalda-spillir. 
Gothormr Sindri, 

Haraldr Grafelldr: 
Glimr Geira son. 
Kormakr Ogmundar son, 

Oléfr Trygeva son: 
Hallfroedr Vendreda-skald. 
Biarni skald. 


Olafr inn Helgi: 

Sigvatr pordar son, 

ttarr Svarti. 

Bersi Torfo son. 
poérdr Kolbeins son. 
porfinnr Munnr. 
porméddr Kolbrinar-skald. 
Gitzorr Gullbra. 
Hofgarda Refr. 
Skapti pdroddz son, 
pordr Siarreks son, 


Magnis Gé6di: 
Sigvatr skald, 
Arnorr Iarla-skald. 
Oddr Kikina-skald. 
Refr skald. 
piddolfr skald. 


Haraldr Sigurdar son: 
piddolfr Arndrs son, 
Bolverkr brédir hans. 
Valpidfr. 

Oddr Kikina-skald. 











1 The lines in [ ] add. Cod. Ups. 


444 


Stufr Blindi. 
Arnorr Iarla-skald, 
Illugi Bryndcela-skald. 
Grani skald. 
Snéglo-Halli. 
porarinn Skeggja son. 
Valgardr af Velli. 
Halli Stridi. 

- Steinn Herdisar son. 


Oldfr Kyrri: 
Steinn Herdisar son. 
Atli Litli. 
Vilborg skald. 
Magnus Berfecettr : 
porkell Hamar-skald. 
Ivarr Ingimundar son. 
Biorn Kreppil-hendi. 
Bardr Svarti. 
Gisl Illuga son. 


Sigurér Iorsala-fari : 
Einarr Skula son. 
Ivarr Ingimundar son. 
Halldérr Skvaldri. 
porarinn Stutt-feldr, 

- porvaldr Blondo-skald. 
Arni Fidro-skeifr. 

Eysteinn Magnus son: 

varr Ingimundar son. 
Einarr Sktla son, 

Haraldr Gilli: 

Einarr Skiula son. 
Halldér Skvaldri. 
Hallr Munkr. 

Magnus Blindi: 
Einarr Skula son, 

Sigurér Slembir: 
{varr Ingimundar son. 

Ingi Haraldz son: 
Einarr Skiula son, 
porvardér porgeirs son. 
Kolli skald. 

Sigurér Haraldz son: 
Einarr Skiula son. 
Bodévarr Ballti, 
porbidrn Gauss. 

Eysteinn Haraldz son: 
Einarr Skiula son, 
Sigurér Skrauti. 


Magnus Erlings son: 
porbiorn Skakka-skald, 





SKALDA-TAL. [BK. x. 


Suigandi skald. 

Hallr Snorra son. 
Markus Stephans son. 
pordr Halliz son. 
Skald-Mani. 


Hakon Herdi-breiér: 
porbiorn Gauss. 


Sverrir konungr: 
Asgrimr Ketils son. 
porstein porbiarnar son. 
Sumarlidi. 

Arnérr Saxa son. 
Hallbiorn Hali, 

Blakkr skald. 

Unas Stephans son. 
Liétr skald. 

Bragi. 

Snorri Sturlo son, 
Sigvatr Egils son. 
Snorri Butz son. 
porbiorn Skakka-skald. 


HAakon Sverris son: 
Lidtr skald. 
Bragi Hallz son, 


Ingi Bardar son: 
Snorri Sturlo son, 
Liétr Sumarlida son. 
Iatgeirr Torfa son, 
Hoskullr Blindi. 
Runolfr. 


Hakon konongr Haékonar son: 
Snorri Sturlo son, 
Olafr pordar son. 
Sturla pérdar son. 
latgeirr Torfa son. 
Gitzorr iarl, 
Arni Langi, 
Olafr Leggs son. 
[Guthormr Kortr1.] 


Hakon son Hakonar ins koron- 
ada konongs: 
Olafr pérdar son. 


[Magnus Hékonar son :] 
[Sturla pérdar son *.} 


[Hirikr Magnus son :] 
[porsteinn Orvendils son.] 
[ porvaldr Helga son. ] 
[fon Murti Egils son.] 
[porsteinn Ingialdz son.] 
| Gudmundr skald *.] 





1 The lines in [ ] add. Cod. Ups. 








§ 7.] SKALDA-TAL. 445 





HYVINDR Skalda-spillir orti um Hakon inn Rika kvezdi, pat er heitir Haleyja- 
tal, ok taldi par langfedga hans til Odins, ok sagdi fré dauda hvers peirra ok 


legstad. 


Norse Earts :— 

Hakon iarl Griétgardz son: 
piddolfr or Hyvini. 

Sigurér Hlada-iarl : 
Cormakr Ogmundar son, 

Hakon iarl inn Riki: 
Eyvindr Finnz son. 

Einarr Skala-glamm, 
Tindr Hallkelz son. 
Skapti pdroddz son. 
pérolfr Munnor, 
Eilifr Gudrunar son, 
porleifr skald, 
Hvannar-Kalfr. 

Hirekr iarl Hakonar son: 
Hallfroedr Vendrxda skald. 
Gunnlaugr Orms-tunga. 
pordr Kolbeins son. 
Halldérr Ukristni. 

Eyiolfr Dada-skald.- 
Skuli porsteins son. 
péordr Siarreks son, 

Sveinn iarl Hakonar son: 
Bersi Torfo son. 


Hakon iarl S sip: on) 


Ceiba iarl Bilifs son: 


Hakon iarl Weald son: 


Sigurdr iarl weve son: 
Erlingr Skakki: 

porbiérn Skakka-skald. 
Birekr iarl sia eta son: 


Philippus iarl Birgis s son: 


Hékon Galinn: 
Snorti Sturlo son. 
Steinn Ofeigs son. 
Liétr skald. 
porsteinn Eyiolfs son. 
Skiuli hertogi: 
Snorri Sturlo son. 
Olafr pérdar son. 
ldtgeirr skald, 
Lidétr skald. 
Alfr Eyiolfs son. 
Sturla Bardar son. 
Gudmundr Oddz son, 


Teitr skald, 

Rodgeirr Afla son, 

péoralfr prestr. 
Knitr Hékonar son: 

Olafr pérdar son. 


DanisH Kincs :-— 


Sveinn Titgo-skegg: 
Ottarr Svarti. 


Knitr inn Riki: 
Sigvatr skald, 
Ottarr Svarti. 
porarinn Lof-tunga. 
Hallvardr Hareks-blesi. 
Bersi Torfo son. 
Steinn Skapta son. 
Arnorr Iarla-skald. 
Odar Keptr. 
Sveinn Alfifo son: 
porarinn Lof-tunga. 
Sveinn Ulfs son: 
porleikr Fagri. 
pordr Kolbeins son, 
Knitr Helgi : 
Kalfr Mana son, 
Skuli Illuga son. 
Markus Skeggja son. 
Hirikr Sveins son: 
Markus Skeggja son. 
BHirikr konongr Himuni: 
Halldérr Skvaldri. 
Sveinn Svifandi’: 
Einarr Skiula son. 
Valdimarr Knitz son: 
porsteinn Kroppr. 
Arnhallr porvallz son. 
Knittr Valdimars son: 
porvardér porgeirs son. 
Valdimarr Gamli: 
Olafr pordar son. 
latgeirr Torfa son. 
porgeirr Dana-skald. 
Suguvalldi. 


DanisH Ears :— 


Strait-Haraldr iarl: 
piddolfr or Hvini. 
Sigvaldi iarl: 
pordr Sigvalda-skald, 
Haraldr porkels son: 
_ piddolfr Arnérs son *. 





1 Read, svidandi. 


2 Arna son, Cd. 


ay a eT. wy ONS oe Se ee, 





446 SKALDA-TAL. [Bx. x. § 7.] 


Cod. Ups. adds the following :— 


ENG.LisH KincGs :— 
Adalsteinn Engla konungr: Adalrédr konungr: 
Egill Skallagrims son. Gunnlaugr Orms-tunga. 


Us HINN OARGI var hersir 4getr i Noregi i Naumodali, fadir Hallbiarnar 
Half-trollz, fodur Ketils Heings. Ulfr orti drapo 4 einni ndétt ok sagdi fré prek- 
virkjom sinom, Hann var daudr fyrir dag. 


Norse Noses :— 


porleifr Spaki: Eysteinn Orri: 

piddolfr or Hvini. porkell Hamar-skald. 
Arinbiorn Hersir: Vidkunnr Ions son: 

Egill Skallagrims son. Aso-pérdr. 
porsteinn Héro son: Gregorius Dags son: 

Egill Skallagrims son, Einarr Skula son. 
Erlingr Skialgs son: Nikulas Skialdvarar son: 

Sighvatr Skald. Stigandi skald, 
Gudbrandr i Dolum: Hindridi Ungi: 

Ottarr Svarti. Einarr Skula son. 
tvarr Hviti: Tvarr Selki: 

Sighvatr Skald. Arnoérr Kalfs son. 
Harekr or Hidtto: Sigurér munkr: 

Refr Gestz son. ’  Arnérr Kalfs son. 
Hinarr Fluga: Arnbiorn Ions son: 

Refr skald. Olafr Herdisar son, 
Kalfr Arna son: Gautr 4 Meli: 

Biarni Gullbra-skald. Steinvér Sighvaz déttir. 
Ulfr stallari: Olafr Herdisar son. 


Steinn Herdisar son. Dagfinnr Gudlaugs son. 








i a 





EXCURSUS I. 


ON THE FIGURES AND METAPHORS (KENNINGAR) 
OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 


WITH SOME REFERENCE TO THE ANCIENT LIFE, THOUGHT, AND 
BELIEF AS EMBODIED THEREIN. 


INTRODUCTION. 


JusT as Snorri dealt with the question of Metre, founding a system 
upon an analysis of the elaborate and artificial verse of his day, so has 
he handled the subject of Metaphor, Trope, and Synonym, which forms 
so prominent a feature of Northern poetry; basing his classification and 
treatment upon: the highly rigid and conventional phrasing of his 
own time. In fact, he began at the wrong end, and he has led the 
tribe of commentators after him. They have no excuse. He is jus- 
tified by his object, which was not the study of the old poets’ minds 
and feelings, but simply the production of a handy ‘Gradus.’ Thus 
he culls his first metaphor from Arnor, and, though he certainly 
knew Egil’s poems, Wolospa and Ynglinga-tal, makes little use of them, 
but gathers the bulk of his examples from such men as Einar Sculason 
and his compeers and models. True, he uses Bragi and the Shield 
poems; but it is rather because of his intense appreciation of the 
humorous Thor stories, after all, than the striking and complex 
metaphorical phrases in which they.abound. 

So again Snorri, treating first of the favourite style of Synonym in his 
day (for which the technical word ‘kenning,’ description, recognition, 
was invented, and to which it fitly applies), relegates the earlier pro- 
nominal terms to the end of his unfinished treatise, where they remain 
huddled together under some half-dozen heads. 

Yet they are the germ from which the whole later many-branched 
and far-spreading growth has sprung. They are examples of the primi- 
tive observations out of which language itself has sprung; they are 
‘crystallised thinking ;’ looking through them, as it were, we can see 
the world as the early poet saw it,—nay more, we can even find out 
what he thought of himself, and how he supposed himself to think. 
To call the flesh the /ocker of the bones, the bone-box, as it were; to 
think of the breast as the abode of thought, for thought came not from 
the brain, but from the heart, to the man of old time; to speak of the 
ship as the steed of the waves, or the hair as the sward of the head, exhibits 
quaint primitive ways of thought, which are not only common to old 
Northern and old English poetry, but would readily occur to early poets 
of all times. In Egil’s vigorous and concise figures we have the noblest 
example of this kind, often as deeply thought out and as ruggedly 
true and bold as the tropes of Aschylus himself. Yet Snorri knew 


448 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Egil’s three poems in their pure form, and could have preserved for us 
the true text of these marred and ruined lines and dark blanks, every 
one of which marks the lost thought of a true poet, gone beyond 
recovery ; for it is rarely that one can hope to get back such a metaphor 


as ‘the cauldron of tears,’ which we have been able to restore to the - 


text. One can only hope that, had Snorri ever lived to finish his incom- 
plete Treatise (for Skaldskapar-mal is not only incomplete as regards 
the citations, which very probably are added by a later hand, but 
actually unfinished in substance, e.g. giants and giantesses are wholly 
omitted), he would have filled up many of the blank spaces from the 
works of the poet on whose homestead he dwelt and whose office and 
blood he inherited. 

Later than these early metaphors we have been speaking of, are 
those Synonyms which are based on early beliefs respecting Cosmogony 
and the Supernatural World in its lighter and darker aspects—myths 
of the Creation, of the Monsters and Powers of Evil, of the Blessed 
Gods, and of the Holy Draught that inspires men to sing of things past 
and to come. Later than these, again, are those which witness to 
heroic exploits, to the warring and sea-roving of wicking-leaders, and 
the offerings and dooms of heathen tribal kings. We can in the case of 
this class, ‘ myth-figures,’ as we might call them, often almost detect the 
poet who set the fashion of a particular kind of synonym. Thus we 
have a large number of expressions derived from sea-kings’ names (as 
the lists in the Thulor drawn from actual poetry show). Many of these 
names in the later poetry are manufactured, drawn from analogy of 
names which really existed; for instance, one whole set of names ending 
in -ill looks very suspicious, as they exactly fit the requirements of the 
court-metre and are none of them hinted at in real tradition. Later 
poets, who were not fanciful enough to invent, actually use the names 
of such well-known persons as Atli, Budli, and others, which well fit 
their verses, as if these ‘tyrants of the steppes’ had been North-Sea 
rovers of Alfred’s or Ecgberht’s days. Of the names of Woden many 
are founded by analogy upon real old titles, and among those of the 
Dwarves, Giants, etc. there are similar instances. By noticing such 
points it is possible to form a rough classification, sufficient to give basis 
for a psychological study of the early poetry. 

Snorri of course makes no distinction between the different strata of 
synonym, though the difference is so patent to us. Such an expression 
as the Meed of Woden for Poetry, enwraps a deep and sacred sense, while 
to invent a new synonym for Walcyria or Ogress, by which to vary the 
everlasting sameness of the later poets’ metaphors for Shield or Wolf, is 
merely a trick of song-craft. Some other arrangement of matter and 
subject than that which suited Snorri’s purpose is evidently required to 
exhibit the growth, development, and inward thought-life of these 
metaphors. 

There are several other points to be noticed; for instance, there is 
an evident reason for the extreme development of the ‘kenning’ in 
Northern poetry in the very make of the verse. The simplicity of 
syntax and the dependence on the root-syllables for the rhythmic 
element—alliteration—both necessitated a variety of expression; hence 
comes the strict rule (hardly ever violated) against repetition of a 
stressed word; hence, too, the pleasure felt at the recurring thought 
appearing each time in a fresh and varied raiment, Greater com- 
plexity of verse-structure, the increased necessity for strict line-rhythm 
and regular measure, which characterise the court-poetry, imply, of 


ee ee ee ee ee eee oe Rey 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 449 


necessity, a singular syntax, still more restricted form and subject, and 
a more lavish use of synonyms, for without them the verse could not be 
constructed: so it comes that the ornament, which Bragi and Thiodwolf 
wisely restrict to the main subjects of their poem, their ingenuity on it 
there, is now spread over every noun in every line, till the hearer gives 
up all idea of tracking the poor little thought under its gorgeous garni- 
ture, and is content to listen to the babble of sweet sound. The type 
and plan of the court-poem might be represented in six lines :— 


Introduction. The Poet brings the King a poem. 


The King launched his ship. oe 
He met his foes at N. Historical fact. 
He battened the wolf, b 
And quenched the raven’s thirst. Embellishment. 


End. The King will reward the Poet. 


And every subject and object throughout every poem is put into a 
more or less dark and rigid dressing of metaphor. 

It is but fair to observe that the sameness of metaphor is far more 
marked in the court-poems, as we have them, than it would have been 
could we have heard them in their original state; for, as has been shown 
in this volume, the whole of the court-poetry from 970~-1070 bears evident 
marks of corruption and overworking by some twelfth-century poet. The 
best example of the way in which this ‘ restorer’ worked (whom the 
Editor has guessed to have been Einar Sculason) would be to say that 
he has swept away the Aistorical clause which told where the king met his 
foes, whom they were, what counties he ruled over, etc., and replaced 
it by such stock phrases as ‘he clove the shields and dyed his blade in 
blood;’ where metaphors of little meaning but of pleasing sound take 
the place of the historical, but less euphonious, names of men, islands, 
rivers, and towns which give their real value to the lists of exploits in 
the Panegyrics of the Court-poets (as Ari well says). 

The examination of the synonyms of the Early Poetry is extremely 
interesting in the results it yields. The justice of our classification of 
these older poems is confirmed by it, and a very marked distinction is 
made manifest between the terminology of the different groups. Thus 
the rich, bright Homeric metaphors of the Helgi-poems are quite dis- 
tinct from the myth-figures of the Didactic and the Aristophanian lays. 
The synonyms of the Hymi-lay show affinities with the more developed 
metaphor-system of Thiodwolf’s Ynglinga-tal, while the poems of Book v, 
so strong in description—note the ornate embroidery scenes, so cha- 
racteristic of them—but so strikingly bare of these figures of speech, 
recall the style of many of our Old English Poems. The contrast 
between Atla-mal, with its one or two ‘ kennings,’ with its citations or 
imitations of the Atla-kvida phrases, and the wealth of free primitive 
figures in the Helgi trilogy, is very noteworthy. Again, the coincidence 
between the terminology of these latter and of the Waking of Angen- 
theow and that of Wolospa is marked. 

The data gleaned by a careful investigation of these points are to be 
depended on, for one must not forget that the terminology is here 
a faithful mirror of the poet’s thoughts, feelings, and ways. How 
eloquent in its witness to the Helgi poet’s ideas is his beautiful meta- 
phor for Sleep, ‘the Parliament of Dreams,’ bringing one back to Job, 
shrinking from the awful gathering of ‘the Visions of the Night,’ and 
Homer’s fancy of the shadowy figures that people Dreamland, thronging 
out through the horn and ivory gates. How vividly such a word as 

VOL. Il. Gg 


Body x n. 


450 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Bragi’s ‘sal-penningr’ calls up the picture of the long smoke-darkened 
wooden hall, set round with tables and benches, crowded by a goodly 
crew of merchant-adventurers, and filled by the merry sounds of the 
clinking can, blithe talk, and laughter, while the light of torch and 
hearth plays upon the long row of glittering brazen targets that deck 
the walls above their owners’ heads. Again, how deep is the thought 
that is expressed by that tragic figure of the ‘cauldron of tears,’ which 
we noticed above. No one who has not seen, as Egil saw, the hot spring 
of volcanic Iceland, the cup-like pools in which the boiling water slowly 
wells up in a strange weird way, can fully realise the force of the old 
hero’s setting forth in his own way the ‘divine mystery of tears.’ 

Many more examples might be given did space permit, but these will 
suffice to show how much there is of interest in these figures, many of 
which seem at first so strange and barbarous to a modern reader. 
What we have tried to do in the following pages, is to exhibit, as 
clearly as may be, a view of the metaphors and synonyms of Northern 
Poetry. We have been careful not to smother the varied and primitive 
examples beneath the rank and weedy crop of the spurious and imitative 
metaphors of the court-poem, while at the same time including the 
striking and evidently genuine phrase of Sighvat or Arnor or Cormac 
in its due place. ‘The arrangement adopted has been to begin with the 
most primitive type of synonym, then to put the vast class of phrases 
derived from cosmogonic and classic myths, which are followed by those 
terms that bear witness to later states of society, the home-life of the 
franklin, the warring of the noble, the sea-life of the wicking, the sacri- 
fice and the rule of the heathen tribal king, and finally, the curious 
group of figures which witness to the poet’s acceptance and conceptions 
of the New Faith. To each class is prefixed a short introduction point- 
ing out briefly the main features; a general index concludes the list. 

It may be well to note that a careful comparison of our lists with the 
Thulor and Snorri’s collection will be by no means unfruitful. The 
sources from which the Thulor drew are in the main those which are 
still happily preserved to us. Many of Snorri’s later and less valuable 
sources have perished. 

In the course of working at the text and going through the metrical 
and metaphor systems of the different poems a fresh sheaf of emenda- 
tions and corrections has been gathered. These have been printed in 
such-wise that the reader may be able at once to enter them in the text 
of the poems, each in its proper place. In the references which occur 
in the following tables, we shall always quote from the corrected text. 

The metrical use and technical history of the ‘kenning’ have been given 
in the Excursus on Metre. The following pages are concerned with 
its interpretation. With their help the reader may be able to get a 
literal word for word rendering of any uncorrupt passage in the fore- 
going poems; indeed they form a little ‘ poetic lexicon,’ and may be 
looked on as a supplement to the Editor’s Dictionary. 


fr. PHYSICAL. 


I, THE BODY. 
THE chief interest in this first group is the insight it gives into the 





life and ways of thinking of theearly Northmen. Thus taking the Bopy 


first, the. Breast and upper trunk is looked on as the most noble and 


a] ee 
trang 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 451 


worthy part, and styled ‘the mind’s house, memory’s sanctuary, the 
lurking-place of thought, the shore of the mind, the bark of laugliter, 
the hall of the heart ;? while the Heart is conceived to be ‘the acorn of 
courage, the life-clod, the pebble or stone of the will.’ Such terms 
conform to the ideas of most primitive peoples, and we still talk, like 
Jews and Greeks of old, as if the bowels were the seat of pity and 
sympathy, and the heart the organ of courage and will. 

The Head is treated with far less respect by Northern poets; its worth 
to them lies in its proving a fit support for a helmet, and as containing 
eyes, mouth, and ears, the importance of which they fully recognise, 
Egil is the fountain-head of many curious phrases for the head. His 
humourous lines on his own high craggy forehead and huge grey jutting 
brows will be remembered. He held strength and solidity the most 
desirable attributes for the head, and of this point of view typical ex- 
pressions are—‘helm-stock, helmet-block, the rock of the shoulders, the 
peak of the hair.’ More descriptive are, ‘brain-roof, field of the brows,’ 


‘for the sku// ; and more fanciful ‘the bolster’s fellow’ for the whole head. 


The metaphor ‘ Heimdal’s sword’ refers to a iost myth in which the 
god chooses his weapon like Samson. The drains are seldom noticed, 
and simply described as ‘the ocean of the brain-pan;’ and not con- 
nected with ¢hought, which in obedience to a legend now perished is held 
to be an afflatus, ‘the storm or gale of a giantess,’ tearing through the 
breast and stirring it. 

The eye is the ‘moon or star of the brows, the light or levin of the 
forehead, the cauldron of tears, the pledge of Woden,’ shining out from 
under the ‘crags or steeps of the eye-brows;’ striking and vigorous 
similes. The remarkable brightness of the eyes of Walcyria-born 
heroes is noticed, and they are likened to those of a hawk or snake. 
The eye is also known as the ‘sight-apple ;’ #ears are ‘the cob-nuts or 
filberts that roll from the forest of the eyelid;’ they are also the ‘ rain of 
the cheeks, the ban of laughter,’ while the eyelids are poetically styled 
the ‘cups of sleep.’ S 

Next in rank comes the mouth, ‘the temple of speech, the city of song, 
the cave of the voice, the ice-hole of words [a fisherman’s metaphor], 
the croft of the teeth,’ and even_in humourous vein ‘the purse of the 
grinders.’ The ¢eeth are the ‘pales of this temple, the fence of this 
sanctuary.” The tongue is the ‘steelyard of song, the plane of poesy’ 
(with which compare Richard Fitz-Neal’s image of the dolabrum pru- 
dentioris architecti working on the rough-hewn, axe-squared timber to 
fit it for building a royal palace), and quaintly ‘the talking-pin’ (for so 
we read Egil’s simile in Arinbiorn’s Lay). “ 

From another point of view the head is ‘the field’ on which grows 
the crop of Aair, ‘the harvest of the skull, the forest or scrub of the 
brain-pan,’ and the deard ‘the shaw or thicket of the chin.’ On the 
head too are set the ears, ‘listening mouths, tents or awnings of hearing, 
pails of hearkening,’ and the like. In the case of animals the head may 
be, like the neat’s head with which the giant fisherman, Hymi, baits his 
hooks, the lofty ‘acropolis of the horns,’ Of the Aorns themselves we 
shall speak below. 

The Jimbs are not forgotten. Arms and /egs are looked on as 
‘boughs’ of the human trunk, branching out hands and feet. So the 
toes are the ‘twigs of the footsole,’ and the arms the ‘crooked limbs of 
the shoulders.’ But the and has many uses, each of which yields its stock 
of metaphor. It is the ‘perch or field or crag or croft of the hawk,’ a 
mark of the love of hawking in the North recalling the early scene in 


Gg2 
*. 





452 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


the Tapestry where Harold rides down, hawk on fist, to the sea. The 
hand and wrist is also ‘the gallows of the gold rings,’ which are the 
faithful henchman’s guerdon and wage from generous kings. In sterner 
aspect, the hand is the ‘quivering field of the yew, the tongs of the bow, 
the seat of the buckler, the haunt of the spear.’ 

The back is the ‘staple or stall of burdens,’ the spine the ‘ keels of the 
ship of laughter.’ The feet are aptly described as the ‘snow-skates of 
the heels.’ 


THE BODY :— 

The Breast.—Mun-tin, Wak, 71; mun-vangr, Lokas, 206 ; mun-strond, H6fudl. 
2; munar-grunnr, 67; hugar-fylgsni, Sonat. 4; hyggjo-stadr, 6; minnis- 
knorr, H6fudl. 4; minnis-vé, Lokas. 206; hug-ttin, Gisli, 18; eee 
Gkv. 54; vilja-byrgi, Yt. 17; hlatra-hamr, Hofudl. 72 ; hlatr- ellidi, pd.5 
yed-mork, Husd, 2; Bodnar-smidja, ii, 80. 32; hiarta- hrét, ii. 79. 14. 

The Heart.—M66-akarn, Helgi, i. 23; diup-akarn, fd. 37; hug-steinn, Hyndl. 
138; préttar-steinn, hd. 40; fidr-segi, W. W. L. 46; hugar-korn, Malsh. 25. 

The Head.—Hattar-staup, Ad, 28; hattar-fell, ii. 74. 13; hattar-stedi, 80, 32; 
hialm-stofn, Hym. 120; lesnis-stofn, ii. 79. 12; svardar-stofn, gl. 28; 
herda-klettr, Lokas. 231; skarar-ha-fiall, Hym. 90; bra-vollr, ii. 36 29; 
brina brims himin, 64. 9; hiarna moenir, Haust. 74; hlusta-grunn, Husd, 
20; heila himin, Geisli 236; ar-sima grund, il, 73, % 

Bélstr-maki, Ad. 21. 
Mythical.—Heimdals hi6r, ii, 114, 10. 

The Brains.—Hiarna egir, Yt. 1o5. 

The Mind, Mythical.—Bry-vindr, Sonat. 50; Iarnséxo vedr, ii, 211; Gridar 
byrr, 223. 23 (cp. ii. 440. 13-16), 

The Eye.—Enni-mani, Ad. 19; ennis inn-mani, Husd. 13; enni-tungl, Bragi, 43; 
enni-leiptr, ii, 327; bra-tungl, Ad. 17; bra-tiror, 29; briina brim, ii. 64. 9; 
bra-mani, id.; hvarma skégar-stidrnor, 441. 

Tara vellir, Hofudl. 74; svefna ker, Gisli, 6; sidn-epli, 12; briin-steinar, ii. 
348. 34. 
Vagna varar, Hofudl. 74. 

Tears.—Hvarma skdégs fylvingar, Gisli, 10; kinna él, 6; bré-dégg, 8; bra-drift, 

ii, 271. 4. 
Hlatr-bann, Malsh. 35. 

The Eyelashes.—Hvarma skdgr, Gisli, 9 ; ii. 441. 

The Eyebrows.—Hvarms gnipor, ii. 72; hvarma hvit- vollr, 73.27; bruina mid- 
stallr, 72. 12; ar-sima grundar gerdi-hamrar, 7. 

The Mouth.—Ord-hof, Sonat. 19; bragar-tuin, Ad. 95; bragar-stdll, Geisli, 269 ; 
1i66-pundara lopt-vett, Sonat. 2; galdra fiés, ii, 48.12; radd-kleif, Haustl. 2; 
orda vok, Merl, 356. 

Tanna-hverfi, ii, 80, 27; idtrs bi-gyrdill (vid-gyrdill?), pd. 68. 

The Teeth.—Goéma sker, ii. 62. 18. 

The Tongue.—Omon-lokarr, Ad. 57 (ii. 300. 8); 1i68- pundari, Sonat. 2; miéal- 
porn (-priénn?), Ad. 93; 6dar-ar, Geisli, 160; orda-hlyda, 102; mal-tdl, 
76; bragar-tdl, 198. 

The Hair.—Skalla ra, ii. 73. 28 (cp. p. 441, 1. 58); reikar rifr, Gisli, 72; haus- 


mi6ll, reikar eik, hiarna pyrnir, hbk kvistir, vanga Olr, svardar gron, svard- 
akr, ii, 441. 


The Comb.—Svardar radar gardr, ii. 441. 

The Beard.—Kinn-skégr, Hym, 38. 

The Ears.—Hlusta-munnar, Ad. 24; hler-tidld, 34; heyrnar-spann, 74. 
Head of Beast.—Horna ha-tun, Hym. 73. 





(ee 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 453 


LIMBS :— 


Hand ne Arms,—Alin-munnr, Husd. 26; herda bitig-limir, ii. 49. 1; axl-limar, 
8. 111. 
Seat of Hawk.—Hauk-strénd, Héfudl. 60; hauka-fidll, ii. 36. 26; heidis stallr, 
54. 3; heidis land, 68, 112; hauk-meer, 64. Ig. 
Seat of Ring —Hringa hé-ferill, ii, 167. 18. 
Seat of Bow.—Dal-ting, ii. 56. 25; ys bif-vangr, Korm. 14; baug-set, Hofudl. 
473 baug-vangr, ii. 76.10; at-geirs toptir, Ad. 84. 
The Nailed Fingers.—Yfs ar, ii. 142. 88. 
The Back.—Byrbdar stallr, Bk, vi. 30 ; hlatr-ellida kidlr, pd. 56. 
The Feet.—Hals hleypi-kidlar, ii. 207. 61. 
The Toes.—ll-kvistir, Am, 233. 
Nakedness.—F étar bergis borr, ii. 73. 29. 
Claws.—lIl-porn, i. 372. 20. 


Il. THE HOME. 


Turning from the man to his HOME and work-a-day life, one finds the 
house looked on as the place for cooking, eating, drinking, and sleeping, 
and described as the ‘mead-hall, the ship or keep of the hearth, the fire- 
ship, the bark of the beds.’ One learns the look and build of the old 
Northern hall from such phrases as ‘the ship of the toft, the bear of 
the walls, Bruin with the floors,’ the latter simile being followed up in 
the description of the pillars as the legs of this bear-like mass of timber 
and thatch, with its rough-rounded, turfed or shingled back, its twin 
gable-ends like ears and snout, and feels that the comparison is by no 
means so extravagant as at first sight it appears. Indeed modern 
English instances of like metaphors applied to buildings might be given. 
The word window, ‘eye of the wind,’ is a Norse loan-word, which ex- 
plains the use of the old dead-lights that ventilated the hall; curiously 
enough, it is not found in any of our poems. The door is alluded to, 
but the passage is too corrupt for one to gather any facts regarding it 
therefrom. The Aearth is the central and most important part of the 
house, it is called ‘the fire-table’ on which burnt the ‘ waster of the 
wood, the murderer of the lime-tree, the dread of the birch-tree;’ the 
glowing fre itself, feeding on the wood-fuel and boiling the cauldron 
that hung over it, a vessel which (as the emblem of hospitality, in which 
ale was brewed, fish and meat boiled) was held in due respect and 
honour by the poets and their patrons as the ‘ale-barge, liquor-boiler,’ 
etc. Sausages of sheep’s flesh, which were favourite viands in Iceland, are 
associated with the cauldron too, and merrily termed by Cormac ‘the 
snakes of the kettle.’ From the cauldron to the 4orn or cup was the 
first journey of the ale or mead when it was brewed, and the poet’s fancy 
lingers round these. The horn he tells of as the ‘spear or blade or pike 
or dirk of the ox ;’ the cup is ‘the argosy of wine, the ale-box,’ and the 
like; while the /iguor itself, mead, beer, or wine, is termed ‘the wave or 
stream or lake or waterfall of the horn, the lake or pool of the mash-tub.’ 

Of food less is said than of drink, as was to be looked for, but the 
‘mill-grit’ of the guern and the grain are spoken of. In the poems 
hams, flitches, and joints are mentioned. 

The flocks and herds are not forgotten. The oxen are the ‘reindeer or 
bears of the yoke, whales of the harness, steeds of the giant;’ the goat is 
‘the champer, the deer of the birch-buds, the shackled team-beast of 
Thor.’ The 4orse is ‘the pad-horse, the saddle-beast, the war-horse,’ 
used only for riding, as it seems; his bridle ‘head-fetter, the riding 


454 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


trappings ;’ his food the Aay is ‘Slipner’s banquet’ (Slipner being 
Woden’s steed, best of all horses). 

The broad plain of EARTH which lay beneath the covering vault of 
heaven was called the ‘ floor beneath the wind-cup, the bottom of the 
bowl of the showers.’ It was also, in a higher aspect, the ‘seat of man- 
kind,’ the sacred ‘réuevos of man.’ It was also ‘the evergreen,’ fresh 
and beautiful to look on, with its clothing of sward and forest, which 
are likened to ‘the hair or waving locks of Sif, Europa, mother Earth,’ 
or, in sailor-phrase, as the ‘sea-weed of the mountain sides.’ But the 
waste places and deserts of earth are not forgotten ; they are the ‘ patri- 
mony of the wolf, the home of the reindeer.’ The art is hardly spoken 
of, because he was not found in Scandinavia in olden times; only in the 
Helgi-poet and his western compeers, who had seen the red-deer in 
Ireland and Scotland, we meet with glorious similes wherein the hero is 
likened to a great hart in his pride. The sxake is well known and aptly 
described as the ‘thong or necklace of the woods, the fish of the heather 
or the vales ;’ his venom is the ‘ draught the Wolsungs quaffed.’ The wild 
shore by the sea too is the haunt of wild dirds, such as the osprey, ‘ fish- 
hunter,’ whose pinions are ‘oarage,’ and whose c/aws are ‘ foot thorns.’ 
The birds’ skins are ‘ feather cloaks or pelts’ (bialbi is a trade word). 

The fox is well known in the later poems: ‘sheaf-tail, long-brush, 
low-foot, shaggy-back’ they call him from his looks; ‘lair-lurker, den- 
holder, and gory-tooth’ from his habits. Of his victims the geese are 
mentioned, but not in metaphor. The mouse is ‘the spoiler of old 
walls.’ And the cock, ‘ gold-comb,’ that crows and wakes the sleepers in 
the hall, is not met with after the earlier poems, from which the names 
given in the Thulor are taken. 

The tools mentioned are mostly the simple implements of the smith 
or husbandman: the ¢ongs, ‘the lifter of the lump, the bar of the forge;’ 
the Aone, the ‘ pumice of the steel, the rust-medicine;’ the iron-shod 
walking-staff, ‘the broken branch of the tree of the wood;’ the hay-fork, 
‘ pitching-staff.’ Cord was spun of goats’-hair, as the term ‘ she-goat’s 
heir-loom ’ proves. 

More poetical, though not perhaps of such psychological interest, are 
the metaphors of observation applied to NATURAL OBJECTS, as when the 
sky is called ‘the world above, the field of heaven, the fair-roof, the seat 
or hall or path or pavilion of the sun or moon, the sun’s helmet; the cup 
or vault or dome or bason of the winds, the vault or hall or basket of the 
clouds, the hall or cup of the rain, the path of the birds.’ 

(Helgi’s poet once calls air the ‘sea of the Waicyria Mist :’ by an exten- 
sion of this idea, his magnificent picture of the shield-maidens appearing 
on their steeds high above the heroes’ ships in the midst of the storm, 
works out this fine thought.) _ Last of all, the half-Christian Wolospa 
calls heaven ‘the gods’ home.’ 

Wind is the ‘death or destroyer of ships, the roarer, the waster of the 
woods, the wolf of the forest.’ Calm is ‘the cheery warmth, the lull of 
the wind, the sweetness of the day.’ Hail is the ‘ gravel of the clouds,’ 
rain the ‘tears of the sky.’ The clouds are the ‘ wind-floe, the dark 
helm, the shower-harbinger.’ The rainbow is the ‘sky-bridge, the fiery 
or flickering league,’ or (if we read Bifrost) the ‘swaying or rocking mile.’ 
Then the sun is the ‘target of heaven, the loaf of the sky, fair-wheel, 
ever-sheen, eye-glow ;’ the moon is the ‘ year-teller, the warping or chang- 
ing wheel.’ Night is the ‘lightless one, the dreams’ joy, lady of dreams ;’ 
and sleep the ‘moot of dreams.’ A charmed slumber is ‘the thorn or 
stave of sleep;’ worked by magical staves or characters put into the ears, 








=] 
- 
, 


— 


~ i 
Rae 


TS POEL AS THO | oN i n/t 7 





Pre OPPO 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 455 


The seasons are also characterised: summer is the ‘joy of the serpent,’ 
and winter ‘the snake’s dread, horror, and death, the bear’s night ;’ 
autumn is the ‘hemp-cutter.’ 

The sea, as one would guess, is very fully treated. It is the ‘blue-moor,’ 
—aterm still used in Norway—‘the glittering land.’ Then it is the ‘home 
of the eels, the hall of the whales, the pike’s meadow, the road of the 
cod, the path or the moor of the sea-mew, the path of ships;’ it is the 
‘shackle or fetter or girdle of islands, the band of the land, the neck- 
lace of the earth:’ so the ice is the ‘heaven or roof of the deep,’ etc. 
Its di/lows are the ‘mountains of the main, the steeps of the sea;’ its 
coast is the ‘sea-bed, the islands, the studs of the sea.’. The rock or 
boulder of the coast is the ‘bone or apple of the sea, the heart of the 
ocean ;’ pearls are the ‘kidney of the sea.’ 

Of the SEA-BEASTS and FISHES, the porpoises are of course the ‘ swine 
of the waves,’ the 4errings the ‘ arrows of the sea, the darts, the tail- 
barbed arrows of the deep.’ 

SHIPS are characterised by a host of metaphors; the ‘tree or beam, 
the sled, the car, the beam or timber of the sea or waves ;’ or as the 
‘steeds, deer, hart (only in Helgi-lays, Ragnar’s verses, and in one of 
Harold Hardrede’s lines), dragons, goats, bears or boars or elk or hinds 
or reindeer of the main:’ and again, by an instructive series of syno- 
nyms, as the ‘steeds of the helm, oars, mast, sail-yard, sails, prow-heads, 
prows, stems, tiller, steer-withy [stior-vid], seams, keel,’ and the like. 
The sai/s are called the ‘ mast-scroll, the sheet the ladies spun ;’ the 
oars the ‘square sea-grippers, wave-sweepers, the feet of the ship;’ 
the anchor, ‘ cold-neb;’ the fishing-lines, ‘sea-thread or ribbon;’ and the 
hook the ‘ gallows of the bait.’ 

In later times by a metaphor, dear to the court-poets, the sea is 
treated as the sea-kings’ realm, ‘the track of Frodi, the road of Enkil, 
the moor of Ialk [?], the way of Geiti, the land of Leif, the tracks of 
Glammi and Budli, the path of Rakni, and the huge-ground of Wandil.’ 

The Suips that traverse the sea are, in consonance with this fancy, 
called ‘the cars, sleds, snow-skates, or beams of a host of sea-kings, Re, 
Shield, Endil, Atal, Glammi, Ati, Eynefir;’ and by another figure, the 
steed, riding-horse, deer, reindeer, of Gylfi [sic], Rokkvi, Thwinnill, 
Sweidi,’ see p. 458. 

THE HOME :— - 
The House. As ship.—Brand-nér, Yt, 113; 4rin-kidll, 21; toptar nékkvi, 115; 
leg-vers-knorr, Ad. 82. 
As animal, steed.—Golf-hélkvir, Bragi 30; hvil-bedjar hélkvir, Akv, 120. 
As bear.—Veggja vidbiérn, Biark. 22; flet-bidérn, pd, 66. 
The Bed.—Hvil-bedr, Akv. 120; leg-verr, Ad. 80. 
The Drinking-hall.—Mié6-rann, Akv. 39. 
The Pillars.—Flet-biarnar fét-leggr, pd. 66; bratt-steinn, Hym. 111 (of a cave). 
The Window.—Vind-auga. 
The Door.—Hallar hlunn-blik, Brunh, L. 278. 
The Hearth.—Birkis-étta-biddr, Ad. 64. 
The Fire.—For-brennir, Alvm, 103; lindar vadi, W. W. L.72; lindar bani, Grip. 59; 
vidar herr, Brunh. L. 324; elris grand, Mark. 57 ; aura-mein, Gisli, 30. 
The Cauldron.—Ol-vellir, Hornkl. 23 ; lég-vellir, Hym, 21; 6l-kidll, 127. 

Sausages.—Ketil-ormar, Bk. vi. No. 62. 

The Horn or Cup.—Vin-ferill, Hym. 121; vin-gnéé, ii. 48. 6; 6l-karmr, 79. 11; 
(hrosta) karmr, id. 4; dl-stafn, ii. 113. 3. 


456 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


The Horn.—Hiardar mekir, Yt. 83; sveidods mekir, 80; svigdis geirr, 3; ok- 
hreins logdir, 82; hefis hidrr,g2; bruina horgr, 90; farra tridno freningr, 
87; hausa bitg-vidir, Krakom, 123. 


Ale.—Hrosta fen, ii. 192. 2; [hrosta tidrn, Egil]; horna fors, ii. 62; horn-straumr, 
26.5; hver-logr, Hit. 3; ker-straumr, i. 371. 3; svigdis geira vagr, Yt. 4; 
hreina-logr, Alvm. 135. 

‘Wine.—Vin-gnédar austr, ii, 48. 6. 

The Mill.—Gridtz grid, Grott. 6; akvernar hus, Merl. 275. 

Grain.—Laga-stafr, Alv. 127. 


BEASTS :— 
Oxen.—Ok-hreinn, Yt. 82; ok-bidrn, Haust. 22; pbrym-seilar hvalr, 18; renni- 
rokn, Bragi, 42. 
Idtuns eykr, Yt. 86. 


The Goat.—Tann-gnidstr (see Thulor and Edda); birki-brums hind, ii. 37. 42; 
skékuls sker (Thor’s), Hym. 143. 


The Horse.—Saddle-horse —Hnakk-marr, Yt. 57; sddul-dyr, Old G.L.11. War- 
horse.—Vig-bler, Helgi, i. 282. 


The Bridle.—Hnakk-mars hofué-fetlar, Yt. 57; eykja gérvi, 59. 
Hay.—Sleipnis verdr, Yt. 47. 


LAND, EARTH :— 
The Earth.—Vind-kers botn, Ad. 72; él-kers botn, Mark. 4; glyggs vard-kers 
botn, ii. 137.15. 
Alda vé, i, 22. 47; manna sidt, Bragi, 62; i-groen, Alvm. 39. 
The Wood, Forest.—Vallar-fax, Alv. 109; fagr-limi, 111; hlié-pang, 110, Yt. 
114; iardéar haddr, Biark. 23. 
The Deserts.—Varga-leifar, Old G. L. 36; hreina std, Helgi, i. 168. 
The Hart.—Dyr-kalfr, Helgi, i. 290. 
The Wolf.—Hris-grisnir, Hit. 26 ; hre-gifr, Old G. L. gg. 
The Fox.—Skauf-ali, lang-hali, rebbali, lod-bakr, gor-tanni, gren-legja, lag-feta, 
Skaufh. ii. 383-84; gren-bui, Merl. i, 123. 
The Mouse.—Aldinna veggja velir, Biark. 22. 


The Snake. As thong.—Holt-vartari, ii.62.11; lyngva men, 37.40. As fish.— 
Dal-fiskr, i. 377. 34; lyng-fiskr, Old G. L. 126; heidar-lax, foldar fiskr, ii. 
346; stordar lykkja, Krak. 4. 


Mythical.—Volsunga drekko hroekkvi-All, Bragi, 56. 
Venom.—Volsunga drekkja, Bragi, 56. 
The Osprey.—Fiska veidir, Vsp. 184. 
The Cock.—Sal-gofnir, Helgi, i. 318 ; gollin-kambi, Vsp. 122. 
Bird’s Plumage.—Fiadrar leik-blad, Haust. 47; hauks bialbi, 46; fiadr-hamr, 
prym. II, 
TOOLS, Erc.:— 
Hammer.—tTriéno troll, Haust. 68. 
Smith’s Tongs.—Sio lyptir, pd. 62. 
A lump of Iron.—Tongo segi, hd. 59; tangar raud-biti, Husd. 25; esjo ass, pd. 
63; sio lypti-sylgr, 62. 
A Woof.—Rifs reidi-sky, Darr. 2. 
The Hone.—Stala vikr, Haust. 76; ryds heili-bol, 78. © 
The Hay-fork.—Sleipnis verdar slongo pref, Yt. 47. 


ie eee Oe ig 
Bi id 
2 ee 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 457 


The Walking-staff.—Skégar hég-brotningr, pd. 74. 

The Gallows.—Varg-tré, Hamd. 81; hérva sleipnir, Yt. 71. 
The Halter.—Hagbardz hodnoleif, Yt. 74. 

The Hanged.—Virgil-nér, Havam, 57; trono hvét? Hamé, 83. 


SKY AND WEATHER AND SEASONS :— 
The Heavens.—Vind-ker, Ad. 72; él-ker, Mark. 4; glyggs varé-ker, ii. 137. 15; 
vind-hialmr, Helgi, i. 317; glygg-rann, ii. 239. 102; vinda mund-laug, Bragi, 
62; rdduls tiald, Wak. 101; heims tiald, ii, 224.1; vagn-braut, ii. 55; 
mana salr, Helgi, i.12; mana vegr, Haust. 56; sdlar siét, Grip. 208 ; él-sidt, 
Bk. vi. 1; fialla salr, ii. 171; sdlar hialmr, 197. 78; sdl-tiald, 194. 19; dags 
ground, 197. 76; sky-rann, 194. 8; skyja laupr, Kont. 315; hauks holms 
hialmr, ii. 74. 5. 
Vind-ofnir, fagr-refr, upp-heimr, driipan-salr, Alvm. 46-48. 
Ragna-siét, Vsp. 114; fogl-vegr, Helgi, i. 316; R6da (wind’s) braut, 315 ; 
Mistar-marr, Helgi, i. 192 ; himin-vangr, 60. 
The Wind.—Dyn-fari, Alvm. 79; stida bani, Sonat. 34 ; vandar idtunn, ii. 72. 22 ; 
seljo gandr, 73. 24. 
The Clouds.—Skur-van, vind-flot, vedr-megin, hialmr hulids, Alvm. 70-72. 
The Rainbow.—Vindhialms bru, Helgi, i. 317; Bil-rést or Bif-rést, Wols, Pl. 119, 
i, 77+ 4 ‘ 
Hail.—Skyja grist, Jomsy. 127. 
Rain.—Skyja gratr, ii. 359. 11. 
Calm.—Vind-slot, of-hly, dag-sevi, dags-vera, Alvm. 86-88. 
The Sun.—Himins hleifr, Bk. vi. No.1; himin-targa, pd. 13 ; Ey-gld, fagra-hvel, 
al-skir, Alvm. 63-64. 
The Moon.—Ar-tali, Alvm. 56; hverfanda hvel, 54. 
The Night.—Svefn-gaman, draum-nidrun, dlids, Alvm, 119-120. 
Sleep.—Blund-stafir, Wols. Pl, 203 ; draum-ping, Helgi, i. 301. 
The Summer,—Dal-fiska miskun, i. 373. 34. 
The Winter. Snake’s death_—Orms-fellir, ii. 196.60 ; nadra deybdir, ii. 264. 87; 
Svafnis bol, Vellekl. 2; fadmins galli, Kont. 94; snaka strid, 142. 
Bear’s night-—Hiuns nott, Rekst. 49, cp. Malsh. 24. 
The Autumn.—HoOr-meitidr, Hym. 152. 


SEA AND SHIPS :— 


The Sea.—Silegja, laga-stafr, 4l-heimr, diipan mar, Alvm. 86-88 ; bla-mer, ii. 
35-6; gle-heimr, 103. 13. 

As girdle.—Haudr-men, ii. 57. 445 pangs pialmi, 230. 21; skers glym-fi6turr, 
239. 4 (cp. ii. p. 440); landa band, ii. 165. 10. 

Land of sea-beasts—Ma-skeid, Ad. 89; mava mer, Bragi 58; lyr-gata, ii. 
137. 73 augrs bud, 26.9; hval-meenir, 167. 20; hvals rann, 239. 2; lyso 
vangr, 148. 2; sadings sléd, 165. 3. 

Land of ships.—Fleyja flat-vGllr, ii. 17 ; borda-braut, bord-heimr, 168. 27 ; haf- 
slédir, 239. 3; stafn-klif, 159. 15. 

Land of fishing.—Dorgar vangr, Jomsv. 13. 

Land of sea-kings.—Vandils iérmun-grund, ii. 81. 54; Ekkils braut, 56. 24; 
Ialks mer, id.; Rakna rym-leid, 35.7; Rodda rein, 127.6; R6dda rést, 49. 4; 
Geitis vegr, 17 ; Leifa land, Bragi 30; Glamma sld8, ii. 218.17; Rakna 
stigr, 219. 5; Budla slodir, 10; Froda flat-sl6d, 170; Sveida vangr, 103. 4; 
Sveida trod, 162. 4 ; Sdlsa bekkr, 5. 

The Waves.—Sid-gnipa, ii, 167. 23; mar-fidll, 239. 98; hina gnipor, 239. 2. 


458 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


The Ice.—Al-himin, ii. 37.58 ; haings hallar nefr, 311.16; elgjar galgi, Sonat. 58. 

Rocks and Stones. Bones of the sea.—Lagar hiarta, Yt. 119 ; lagar bein, 151; 
sevar bein, Hlt.11; fiard epli, pd. 57. Of earth.—Foldar bein, Yt. 127; 
Hlddynjar bein, ii. 62. 20; foldar negg, ii. 300. 10; Hergautz vino herdi-myll, 
Bragi, 34; hvél-volor, hd. 23 ; moerar leggr, 58; Fedjo stedi, 54. 

Pearls and Gems.—Haf-nyra, Husd. 23; iarkna steinn, Ordeal 30, Gkv. 71. 

Caves and Caverns.—Holt-rida hver, Hym. 105; undir-fialbr, pd. 74; gialbra 
fialbr, Haust. 69 ; regns hraun-ketill, ii. 337. 17. 

The Coast, Beach.—Sevar-bedr, i. 126. 7; mar-bedr, 135.14; ey-barmr, Wak. 66. 

The Ship. Tree or car.—Sex-tré, W. W. L. 27; se-skid, ii. 159; varr-vidr, 136. 23. 

As sea-beast, steed, horse.—Gialfr-marr, Wak. 102; gialfr-dyr, Helgi, i. 118; 
brim-dyr, 205; vag-marar, W. W. L. 26; stidrn-marr, Helgi, i. 114; segl- 
vigg, W. W. L. 25; hlunn-vigg, 30; hlunn-goti, Hym, 76; lég-fakr, 103 ; 
log-séti, ii. 37. 43; ra-fakr, 80. 29; lauks hestr, 165. 4; sedings sléd-goti, 
id.; sdlbordz géti, id.; byrjar droesull, Bragi, 8; haf-sleipnir, Husd. 11 ; 
stiér-vidjar sker, ii. 54.1; blamoerar sker, 35.6; sikol-giardar hard-vigg, 
161. 2; varrar malfeti, 81. 41; barms vigg, 103.16; hremnis stéd, 9; 
skoréo drasill, ii. 167. 27; sid-gnipo sleipnir, 23; hranna hd-dyr, 29; stafn- 
klifs st66, 159. 15; landa bandz idr, ii. 165. 10. Bear.—Rastar vetr-lidi, 
ii. 239. 1; hvals-rannz iugtanni, 2; skordo bersi, fldds bidrn, id.; festa bidrn, 
167. 21; skaut-bidrn, 168. 26. Boar.—Brim-svin, Hym. 104; brim-gdltr, 
ii. 159.11. Hind.—Segl-hind, ii. 200.12. Buck:—Flot-bruisi, Hym. too, 
Elk,—Hranna elgr, ii, 169. 7; cedi-vedrs elgr, 188. 51. Reindeer.—Hlyrs 
hreinn, 170. 18; hiun-ferils hreinn, 219. 15; byr-hreinn, 330. 65; hun- 
lagar hreinn, 101. 7 ; Solsa bekkjar hreinn, 162. 5; hlunnz hreinn, 155. 10, 
Serpent,—Fiar6-linni, ii. 239. Hawk.—Krapta valr, ii. 170. 32; stafn-valr, 
80. 19; sval-heims valr, 159. Ig. Hart,—Rakka hirtir, Helgi, i, 199; 
branda hi6rtr, ii, 352. 147; vengis hidrtr, 228. 6. 
Steed and car of Sea-kings.—Refils hestar, W. W. L. 23; Rokkva sté8, Ad. 

90; Res reid, Bragi, 40; Eynefis 6ndurr, 48; Endils Gndurr, ii, 49. 10; 
Ala 6ndurr, 169. 10; Glamma skid, 168, 25; Atals dyr, 40. 44; Atals 
grundar skid, 81. 37; Sveida hreinn, 162. 4; Gylva hreinn, 81. 42 ; pvinnils 
dyr, 80. 35; Gylva rastar glaumr, 165. 2; Roda rastar rid-marar, 49. 4; 
Skialdar vidr, ii. 196. 56. 

The Sail.—Hiun-skript, ii. 199. 5; skaut bat er drdsir spunno, 155. 10. 

The Anchor.—Kald-nefr, ii. 230. 9. 

The Oars.—Fer-kleyf sx-fong, ii, 209, 11, 13 ; dldo-sveipr, 330. 67 ; log-séta foetr, 
37+ 4- 

The Fishing-line.—Mara meerar mié-tygill, Bragi, 58; se-pradr, ii. 212. 14. 

The Hook.—Agn-galgi, ii. 148. 4. 

Hooked Fish.—Agn-galga hangi, ii. 148. 4. 
Herring.—Sezvar mz-orvar, ii, 37. 49; iokla akkar (?), id.; sp... pornar, id. 
Porpoises.—Unn-svin, ii, 37. 46. 


§2 MYTHOLOGICAL 


I. WODEN. 


THE Northern Mythology, like that of the Greeks, is very complex 
and heterogeneous, and historical analysis alone can help us to get 
order and reason out of the tangled strata. Thus we have two distinct 
layers or deposits, the older, with many marks of its primitive origin, 
with a simple cosmogony; gods who are evidently personifications of 














OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 459 


natural forces, ‘powers of might, the mighty ones,’ or deified heroes, 
‘the blessed gods, the chosen gods ;’ regular practices of sacrifice and 
feasting, such as other early religions can parallel ; and a profound belief 
in ghosts, who lived in their barrows a second life, and who were the 
objects of the family and clan worship. These features of the older 
faith we have, in part, sketched in the first volume; they are just those 
which, from our knowledge of other parallel Aryan systems, we should 
expect to find. But this primitive bed of faith is overlaid in places by 
whoily new and strange beliefs, the key to which is not, as has lately 
been proposed, to be sought in book-reminiscences of Greek and 
Roman classic mythology, but rather in the Christian Churches of the 
East and West, whose beliefs, reaching the Northmen of the Wicking 
Age (oftenest in somewhat distorted shape), coloured his ideas, and 
gave rise in the imaginative brain of two or three foremost poets to 
a system and view of mythology very different to the old simple faith of 
their forefathers. In this system Woden became king of the Slain 
in Battle, head of a royal race of Anses, a Charlemain of the Empyrean 
with a splendid hall, a host of handmaidens, a chosen guard of the fallen 
kings and heroes of all generations, who feast on roast pork and mead, 
and spend the day in warlike sport, just as their earthly types did. 
Then there is a great Last Battle to be fought by the Warrior-Angels 
and the Elect against the Beast and the Dragon—and the Demons of 
Fire, an eschatology the origin of which is very plain. The old myths 
again are twisted into new forms; the ancient Prometheus story of the 
wise man enduring pain for knowledge, the idyllic weeping for Balder, 
the Northern Adonis are coloured, as we have them in the Edda, with 
the hues cast by the dawn of the New Faith upon the last hours of 
heathendom. 

This Wicking religion, with its half-Mahomedan fatalism, its belief 
that death in battle was a victory, its material paradise of fighting and 
banqueting, its Warrior-gods and Amazon-angels, is a new and striking 
phenomenon in the history of the Teuton peoples. But it has been 
somewhat unduly treated. It was never the accepted faith of the 
Northmen, Danes, or Swedes. Some of its most famous myths, such as 
that which transformed the Gallows-tree Ygg-drasil/ to a Tree of Life, 
the Rood itself, may never, most probably, have travelled beyond the 
single poem in which it was wrought out by a master-mind. Its striking 
shape, the disproportionate part which it plays in the later scholars’ 
mythic system and in Snorri, and its systematic form, artificial as 
Hesiod’s own, have all helped in leading people to think that what was 
the lightly-held if enthusiastic creed of three generations of Wickings, 
was the arch-belief time out of mind of the whole Teuton-stock. Nay, 
there have been those who have not been afraid to hint that Christianity 
was hardly needed by men who knew of the Self-Sacrifice of Woden, of 
the Sorrowing for Balder, of the Judgment Day, or Twilight of the 
gods as it is erroneously named; who in short already held the more 
important truths of revelation,—a wholly false and unhistoric view it is 
needless to say. 

The case of WODEN is one of the best examples of the way in which 
the new ideas have wrought upon the old in Northern mythology. In 
the pra-wicking days he is the God of the Heaven, nay the Heaven 


- itself, ‘Earth’s love and lord,’ Ouranos. Then the process went on, 


which tended to blend into one god’s personality the attributes and 
adventures of many gods, to hang many myths upon one peg as it 
were, Among the separate figures that have been fused into the one 





460 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


many-sided god, are a god of Poetry, of Wisdom, of the Holy Draught; 
a god of magic and sorcery; a war-god, patron of the Gauts, the deity 
that the Deacon tells of. Each of these had his own gear of myths 
and legends, and they will not always fit together congruously, so that 
we can with some certitude decompose the compound, and gain some 
knowledge of the various parts. It was upon Woden as the god of 
war, the adventurous god, that the Wicking fancy chiefly dwelt, and 
it is in this capacity that he was made the warrior king of a host of 
heroes, prince of the Anses, with such state of palace and service as 
befitted a warlike monarch of the ninth and tenth centuries, 

Among the first in order (taking Woden’s several aspects one by one) 
is that of the Heaven, ‘husband of Earth, father of Gods and Men:’ by 
that primal wedlock he acquires the titles, ‘Blessed Father, Sire’ (so 
we take Gautr). To him, as the Heaven, belongs the myth which 
explains why the sky has only one eye, by the tale that there were two, 
but that one was pledged to the ‘ Giant of the Abyss’ [Sokk-mimi] for a 
draught of the deep well of wisdom,—a myth of the earliest type. To 
Woden as the Creator, who with his fellow-gods made earth, sky, and sea 
out of the Giant’s body, and who (according to the myth in one half- 
Christian lay) made man and woman out of trees, Ash and Emble, 
belong the epithets ‘friend of Loft, Loder, and Heeni.’ 

As God of War he bears the names ‘Sire or lord of hosts, lord of 
spears, father of victory or battle, master of victory, wielder of Gungnir 
[his magic spear], the Gauts’ god;’ for in this capacity they worshipped’ 
him as their ‘ confederate or ally,’ while the Swedes worshipped a patron 
god whom they called Frey, another Woden. 

As the God of Wisdom Woden is hymned in early poems, ‘ the Sage 
of the Powers, the Councillor of the Gods;’ Hroptr is probably his 
right title in this capacity. How he got this wisdom is told in several 
myths: the chiefest of these are connected either with a Prometheus 
legend of privation and pain gone through to win the secrets of know- 
ledge, of long fasting, and strange penances, prevailing in the end; or 
the legend takes another turn, and tells how, by wiliness and Ulysses- 
like patience, and even perjury, the Soma-draught was stolen by the god 
from its foolish or wicked possessors—to be a gift and joy for men. 

Woden is taunted in one early poem with having won his wisdom by 
magic, with sitting under waterfalls, and speaking with the dead; here 
he is the Wizard-God consulting the omens of the ravens, and haunting 
the gallows upon which his victims are offered to him; ‘ raven-consulter, 
raven-flamen, companion of the ravens,’ he is called, and the ravens are 
_ his ‘swan or hawks or mews.’ 

The gallows is Woden’s ‘steed or tree,’ and he is the ‘lord of the 
gallows, the god of hanging.’ Most famous of the myths of lift-offerings 
to him are the stories of Sigere and Hagbard, and of King Wikere and 
Starkad, which also furnish metaphors for the accursed tree, ‘ Sigar’s 
steed, Signy’s husband’s horse.’ The connection between the []-shaped 
gallows and the horse, and between gallows and cross, is common to 
English poetry, and late in the Middle Ages the cross is spoken of as 
‘Christ’s palfrey.’ Whether it is as God of Heaven or as God of War 
that the gallows belongs to Woden is not quite clear. 

Woden’s adventures are hinted in such phrases as Way-wont or 
Traveller, Wide-beard, and the like; and the stories of the one-eyed, 
cowled, long-bearded old sage who tells King Olaf tales of old days, 
witness to the late belief in his wanderings among men. 

Most striking of all his adventures are those which have to do with 








OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 461 


the Soma, when he became the guileful ‘lover of the Soma-giant Sup- 
tung’s daughter Gundfled,’ and stole the precious draught, which is 
known as his ‘wine, his mead, his ale, his toast, his stream, pool, sea, 
liquor, his theft, and his find.’ He was held to have swallowed the 
Soma when he flew home in eagle-plumage ; hence poetry is the ‘ billows 
of Woden’s breast, the stream of the lipbeard of Woden,’ and bad 
verse is the ‘ancient eagle’s leavings.’ 

Earlier probably are the myths which connect the Inspiration of Poesy 
(‘ Mood-raiser’) with the Davarves, and give rise to .the expressions, 
‘ Dwarves’ cup, the Dwarf’s ship (which is met first in Bragi, but now a 
popular and hackneyed synonym), Quasi’s blood, the ransom of Gilling, 
and the weregild of Woden.’ The archaic metaphors, ‘Soma’s blood, 
Soma’s seed, Bodn’s billow,’ denote the drink itself rather than (as 
Snorri and the later poets say) the cups in which the mystic drink was 
kept. ‘Quasi’s blood’ refers to a sacrifice or covenant between the 
two tribes of the gods. 

The Giants succeeded to the precious possession according to Snorri’s 
tale, but it is evident that this was originally a separate myth. It has 
given rise perhaps to the curious phrase for Mind or Thought noted 
above, and has certainly supplied many a quaint figure for poetry ; such 
as the ‘ beer of the Rock-dwellers, the Boulder-men’s ransom (referring 
to the tale told by Snorri), the cup of the Rock-Saxons, the foaming or 
fermenting Rhine of the lady of the crags.’ 

So the Poet is looked on as ‘brewing Woden’s mead,’ as ‘ bearing his 
cup;’ and his Song is the ‘ poet’s brew, the wine’ he bears. 

We may here put Woden’s genealogy, as the poets give it us; it is 
doubtless early and traditional, and seems to belong to the war-god of 
the Goths and Gauls. He is ‘son of Bestla and Bor, brother of Wili 
and Wil, husband of Frigg,’ the lover of Hlodyn or Fiorgyn [Firgen, 
O.E.], that is of Démétér. He is head of the Anse clan, of the gods, 
‘father of Balder’ and many sons more, 

In the later poets, when Woden is a mighty monarch, the old Liths- 
shelf—the watch-tower of his mountain-fort (the window of heaven of 
the old fairy tales, as Grimm points out)—is heard of but little more. His 
dwelling is now a magnificent hall, thatched with shields, pillared with 
pikes, lit with swords for torches, with pit and gallows at its west door, 
like a Frank noble’s castle. In this Walhall are banquetings and the 
joy of song; thither are the Elect gathered, in readiness for that great 
day, the Crack of Doom, when Woden shall go forth to meet the Beast 
(whose ‘foe and enemy’ he is), and steadfastly undergo the doom that 
shall fall upon all, gods and men. The authors of Ejiriks-mal and 
Haconar-mal, both, we know, popular poems, no doubt did much to 
spread these conceptions, the originals of which are to be found in the 


_. beliefs of the early Christian Churches. It is a view of Woden’s power 


and position peculiar to one branch, the colonial, of the Western Scan- 
dinavian tribes, but its poetry and fire have preserved it in the minds of 
the court-poets, from whose verses Snorri derives his account. 


WODEN :— 


Father of Gods and Men.—Sig-tivi, Lokas. 4; Sig-fodr, 236; Her-fodr, Vsp. 
82; Herja-f6dr, 132, Hyndl. 4, Grimn. App. 6; Alda-fidr, Bragi, 45; Val- 
fodr, Vsp. 3, 93; goda iadarr, Sonat, 87 (god iardar, v. 1.). 

Lord of Soma, God of Wisdom, Charms, and Poetry.—Mims vinr, Sonat. 88, 
ii, 62.17; galdrs fadir, Doom 10; Sdénar sylgs sid-reynir, Husd. 9; Rogna 
hroptr, Havam, 31; Hropia-tyr, 112, Hakm, 38, Husd. 8; forns hrosta 
hilmir, Sonat, 76, 


462 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Lord of the Ravens.—Hrafn-dss, Haust. 14, ii. 167.10; hrafn-freistadr, Husd. 6 
hrafna sig-reynir, 9; hrafna-bleetr, ii. 97. 19. 

Lord of the Gallows.—Galga-farmr, Ht. 4; farma-tyr, 37} galga valdr, ii, 
79.8; hanga-god, 76. 2; hanga-tyr, 75. 35. 

As Creator.—Lééors vinr, Hit. 34; Loptz vinr, Vellekl, 17; Vagna runi, 
Sonat, 84. 

Giver of Victory.—Sigr-héfundr, Sonat, 85; geira dréttinn, 83; her-primo 
gautr, pd. 3; Her-tyr, ii, 48. 5. 

Friend of the Gauts.—Gauta spialli, Sonat.69; Gauta eid-svari, fd. 29; Gauta 
tyr, Hakm,. 1; Her-gautr, Sonat, 4, Bragi 34; Val-gautr, ii. 167. 11. 

His Adventures.—Val-tamr, Doom 21; Veg-tams sonr, id.; Sid-grani, Alvm, 
22; Ulfs bagi, Sonat. 90; Vitnis vadi, ii, 168. 

His Kinship.—Bestlo sonr, ii. 48.7; Bors sonr, Vsp. 13; Bors arf-pegi, Hyndl, 
123; Bors burr, ii. 250; Vilja or Vilis brdédir, Yt. 11, Sonat. 86; Friggjar- 
angan, Vsp. 164; Fidrgynjar fadm-byggvir, Hornkl, 83; Gunnladar arma 
farmr, ii. 62. 22; Baldrs fadir, Hyndl. 123. 

Seat of —Hlidskialfar gramr, ii. 51. 7; Hlidskialfar harri, ii. 96. 9. 

Wielder of the spear.—Gungnis vavodr, Bragi, 63. 

His Steed, Sleipni—Gungnis vavadar lung, Husd. 63. 

The Sun, his Eye.—Valfddrs ved, Vsp. 97; vagna ved, Alvm. 11; Vagna varar, 
Hofudl. 74. 

Walhall.—Heilagt vé, Hyndl. 4; Svafnis salr, Hornkl, 79; Svelnis salr, Bragi, 21; 
Vidris holl, Krak. 125 ; Herjans holl, 142 ; Fiolnis his, 124; Val-holl, Eiriksm, 
2, Hakm. 4, Hyndl. 4, Grimn. 26, Vsp. 105 [of a king’s hall Akv. 55]. 

Anses.—Hroptz megir, Lokas, 182; Hroptz gildar, Husd, 12 ; As-megir, Doom 27; 

sa synir, Lokas. 11, 227, 258; Sigtiva synir, 4, ii. 76. 28; Odins ett, ii, 
96. 11, 17; Niardar nidjar, 18 ; Friggjar nidjar, Sonat. 7, 

Binherjar.—Sigr-pisd, Helgi, i. 318; As-lidar, Skirn, 138; Einherjar, Vpm. 160, 
Grimn. 136, App. 4, 22, Eitiksm. 3, Hakm. 46, Helgi i. 160, 

The Walcyries, the Maids of Woden.—Herjans dis, Tale of G. 73; Odins 
meyjar, ii. 427.172; Valkyrjor, Eiriksm.5, Hakm. 26, Husd. g, Hornkl. 5 ; 
cp. ii. 75. 17-23, Helgi i. 158. 

The Earth. As Woden’s leman.—Valtys bridr, Hit. 48; Hergautz vina, Bragi, 34; 
Baleygs brudr, 95.5; Yggjar brudr, ii. 51. 3; Svelnis Var, 37. 41; Svelnis 
ekkja, Haust. 60; Rindar elja, ii. 205.10. Sister, daughter of.—Ods systir, 
ii. 95. 10; Onars déttir, a3 Anars mar, 205.11. , 

The Gallows. Woden’s Steed.—Yggdrasils askr, Vsp. 50, 139, Grimn. 88, 96, 144; 
Vinga meidr, Havam. 9, Hit. 18. Steed of Hagberd.—Sigynjar vers hestr, 
Yt. 53; Sigars idr, Hit.15; Sigars hestr, ii. 139. 28; Sigars fianda grand- 
meidr, 269. 9. 

POETRY :— 

Soma, the holy drink.—Sénar dreyri, Hyndl.156, Old G.L.123; sénar s6, ii. 51:9; 
hapt-sceni, Korm. 16; heid-sceni, Hit, 23; Bodnar bara, ii. 48. 1; Odrerir, 
Havam. 21; Oéreris alda, ii. 48. 12 ; drykkr ausinn Odreri, Old Ritual. 21 ; 
Kvasis dreyri, ii. 48. 3; dia fidrdr, Korm. 9; Hagbaréz véa-fidror, ii. 80. 28 ; 
Iolna sumbl, Hit. 52; Vidris veig, ii. 49. 3; Vidris pyfi, Sonat. 3; -Friggjar 
nidja (vas) fagna-fundr, 7; Vidris mun-strandar mar, 2; (Woden’s) ged- 
markar 14, Husd. 1; Galga farms hver-logr, Hlt. 3; Mims vinar straumr, li, 
62; Gautz gidf, Bk. vi. No.1; Grimnis gidf, Husd. 2; hapta beidis (Woden’s) 
gildi, ii. 39. 1; Alfodrs hrosta fen, 194. 2; Grimnis gran-straumr, pd. 11. 

Woden’s cup, mead.—Odins middr, Sonat. 6; Odins egi, 68; Hars lid, Hit. 1; 
Hrafn-asar full, ii. 167. 10; Vidris full, Ad. 50; Yggs full, 23; Yggjar midér, 
Ad. 27, ii. 48. 10; Yggs 6l, Bk. vi.1; Yggs bidr, Malsh. 114; Vitnis vada 
vin, ii. 168; Valgautz veig, 167. I1; Hertys vin-gnddar flausta austr, 48. 5. 

The mead of Giants—Gillings gidld, Hlt. 2; bauga bidrr, Hofudl. 73; fialla 





ae 








a ee pee SA oe ee ree 
% a) ; be ea . ete Lie: 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 463 


fiolnis full, Bragi, 65 ; Forniotz (?) hrosti, Sonat. 76; Hrimnis horn-straumr, 
ii. 26. 53 fiard leggjar fyrda brim, 48. 4; fen-tanna Syrar iast-Rin, Korm. 2; 
Berg-meera bara, ii, 166. 2; gridt-aldar gildi, 1; Berg-saxa fley, 48. 2; berg- 
iarls brudar sollinn vindr, 62. 23. 
The mead of Dwarves.—Dyalins hallar full, ii. 54. 1; Dverga grunn-la, 48. 14, 
Dwarves’ ship.—V idurs skip, Bk. vi. No. 1; Dverga skip, ii.62. 23; cp. Skida R. 1. 
Poets’ liguid.—Greppa aurr, Korm. 2. 
Bad poetry.—Ins gamla ara leirr, ii. 252. 10. 
The Poet. Bearer of Woden's mead. Soma inspired.—Yggs 6l-beri, Bk. vi. No. 1; 
ds skap-m6di, id. ; Hagbardz vea-fiardar sann-reynir, ii. 80.27. Brewer of 
the divine draught.—Bragar hag-smidr, Bk. vi. 1; Vidurs skip-smidr (Dwarf 
ship-wright), id.; Gautz giaf-rétudr, id. 


II. THOR. 


WIDE is the contrast between Woden and Thunder in the lays of 
the earlier poets. Thor is a less complex divinity, with a well-marked 
and individual character; the friend of man, the husbandman’s god, 
whose wrath and anger are ever directed against the evil powers that 
injure mortals and their possessions, whose bolt destroys the foul thick 
blights that betray the presence of the wicked ones, and smites through 
the huge cloud-masses that seem to be crushing the earth. Thus we 
see him ever associated with Earth, who bore him to Heaven (Woden 
in his Ouranos character); her proudest titles are the ‘mother of the 
Giant-killer, the mother of the Ill-dam’s foe.’ So also he is ‘ husband 
of Sif,’ the golden-haired goddess [the cornfield, Ceres]. 

When the mythology was worked up into a system, Thor, as 
‘Woden’s heir or comfort,’ of course is treated as one of the heavenly 
family, and the poets give him such titles as ‘brother of Meili or of 
Balder, brother-in-law of Wuldor,’ and the like. There is a curious 
set of legends which tell of his adventures in Giant-land, and amours 
with giantesses, by whom he is the father of such half-allegoric beings 
as Main and Mood and Might, huge Aschylean creations. Of his deal- 
ings with the giants we shall have examples below. 

Among his noblest titles are those of ‘champion of the gods, the 
mighty one of the gods, hallower_and sanctifier of earth, friend of man, 
patron of the people.’ ‘Wing-Thor’ is obscure to us (the Heaven- 
Thunderer?). His goat-drawn car, whose rumbling wheels scare the 
giants, makes him ‘the car-god, the wain-wight, the lone-rider, the 
captain of the keel or boat-shapen car, lord and owner of the goats.’ 
The unexplained but frequent title ‘Hlor-ridi’ doubtless belongs to 
this category. 

Thor also owns the mittens and belt of strength, but it is as the Lord 
of the Hammer or Thunderbolt (‘the Pick-headed ogress, the bane of 
Hrungni, the hammer of Might’) that he has won his chief claim to 
men’s gratitude, as the ‘adversary, foe, crusher, feller, life-despoiler, 
death-dealer, awe, dread, down-healer, mauler, and destruction of the 
giants and ogresses.’ 

The poets know of his dealings with that devil’s dam Mella; with 
Hrungni, who is the moon’s foe, the ravisher of Thor’s daughter, Might ; 
with Garfred, the giant smith, the god of the bellows [?], the metal- 
wright [?]; with the Nimrod-like Thiazzi, the ‘foul foe of the Anses 
and Thor, the clansman of Hymi, the son of Olwald [Orwandil, Orion ?], 
the haunter of Giant-land, the Nidad [king] of the rocks, the winged 
being, the hunter-god, the father or foster-father of the Snowskate 
goddess or of Morn the ogress, the brother of Idia and Orni,’ whose 


464 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


speech or mouthful is a synonym for go/d, from the legend that Thiazzi 
and his brethren divided their hoard, in barbarous and uncouth fashion, 
by each filling his mouth with as much as it could hold. 

From these exploits Thor is called ‘Mella’s foe, Hrungni’s head- 
crusher.’ He is also the ‘adversary’ of far more formidable beings 
than these rude Titans, ‘ Frost-giants and Mountain-giants,’ whom he 
journeys over Ocean and through icy torrents to seek out and destroy,— 
for he is the deadly enemy of Loki [Wloki] and his brood. His famous 
fishing-expedition at Hymi’s is fondly dwelt on by the early poets, who 
held this deity in peculiar veneration ; and the later eschatologic fancies 
make Thor ‘the god that shall in the Doomsday slay with his unaided 
might the Leviathan that girdles earth deep in the ocean stream.’ 

The homely features of Thor’s character mark him out for humourous 
treatment, and the anonymous Aristophanes of the West, and Snorri 
himself, deal so with him, Alone of all the gods we find his image 
carved on stocks and stones, a long-bearded face with the hammer 
hung beneath; and the hammer itself, a primitive stone-headed short- 
hafted instrument, is found separately as a charm. The ‘Anse,’ or 
‘the God of the Country,’ or ‘the Mighty God’ in the old carmina of 
oaths and vows, always refers to Thor. It is curious to notice how ill 
the sturdy farmer’s friend suits the new Walhall. The poets get out of 
the difficulty by making him stay away fighting giants; his uncouth 
might is scarcely needed when Woden has a host of chosen warriors 
ever ready to defend himself and his friends. 


THOR :—. 


His kin:hips.—Iaréar burr, kv. 4; Iardar sonr, Haust. 55; Hlddynjar mégr, 
Vsp.199; Fidrgynjar burr, 171; grundar sveinn, Haust. 74; Odins burr, 
76; Odins sonr, Vsp.170, Hym.135; Vidriss arfi, Bragi, 47; Alda fddrs 
son, 45; prddar fadir,g; Magna fadir, Harb. 138, Husd. 47; Md6da fadir, 
Hym. 130; Meila brdédir, Harb. 23, Haust. 56; Baldrs barmi, 61; Ullar 
magr, 57, ii. 27. 7; Ullar gulli, pd. 67, 

His wife.—Sifjar verr, bkv. 100, Hym. 11, 132; Sifjar runi, ii. 26. 24 ; prong- 
var langvinr, pd, 62. 

His home.—Bilskirnis gramr, ii. 27. 8. 

Champion of the gods.—prudvaldr goda, Harb. 24; Vingpérr, hkv. 1, Alvm.; 
Vingnir, Vpm, 205. 

The Car-god.—Finridi, Lokas. 243, Haust. 76; Hldérridi, Lokas, 219, 222, 
bkv. 26, 29, 59,126, Hym. 15, 61, tol, 110,142; kidla valdi, 75; reidi- 
Tyr, Haust. 88; hdg-reidar huf-regin, 59; vafreyda (lightning’s) huf-stidri, 
pd.; vogna vattr, Haust. 64. 

Lord of the goats.—Hafra dréttin, Hym. 76; hafra nidtr, Bragi, 54. 

Hallower of earth.—Midgardz veorr, Vsp. 172; Veorr, Hym. 43, 64, 83, 151. 

Friend of man,—Verlida vinr, Hym. 43; folka reynir, Husd. 16; banda vinr, 
14; Land-ass, ii, 72. 16. 

The slayer of monsters.—Orms ein-bani, Hym., 85 ; allra landa endi-seids eygir, 
Bragi, 50; Hrungnis haus-sprengir, 52; Loka bol-kvettir, pd. 15. 
The foe of giants and ogresses,—purs 145-bani, Hym, 72; hrddrs andskoti, 42; 
Idtna étti, Haust. 53; Idtna dolgr, ii. 36. 31; Belja verdungar fidr-spillir, 
Haust. 69; mello dolgr, 28; gygijar gretir, Hym. 53; mello mog-fellandi, 
ii. 81. 40; kveld-runninna kvenna prongvir, 24. 24; gnipo hloedr, pd. 52; 
stop-hniso steypir, 36; Berg-Dana bridtr, Haust. 67, 72; fiall-gautz fellir, 
Husd. 17; urdar-priotz stékkvir, pd. 20; steins Ello aldr-minkandi, 76; 

Ivo-nesja drottar kneyfir, 45. 

Owner of the belt of strength.—Giard-vendir, pd. 7; niardgiardar nidtr, 26; 

himin-sidli, 34. 





(ae SEM ay - 


ea eeenaanenna 











7" Ue Sea he eee 


OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 465 


Lord of the hammer.—Triéno trollz rini, Haust. 68. 

The Hammer.—Hrungnis bani, Lokas, 247; prid-hamarr, 229, 245, 254; 
triéno-troll, Haust. 68 ; glitfr-skeljungs grand, ii. 27. 9. 

Earth, Thor's mother.—létna dolgs mddir, ii. 36. 31; mello dolgs mddir, 28 ; 
Fiorgyn, Vsp. 171, Harb. 144; Hlddyn, Vsp. 199. 

Giant Hrungni.—Mana sak-dolgr, Haust. 61; prudar pidfr, Bragi, 2. 

Giant Thiazi—Asa dsvifrandi, Haust. 20; Hymis Att-rani, 34; Iétun-heima 
reimodr, 27; Olvalda sonr, Harb. 50; Ondor-gods féstri, Haust, 26 ; Ondor- 
disar fadir, Bragi, 62; Morna fadir, 22, 48; skotgiarn(?) iotunn, Hyndl. 
127; Vagna Ving-rognir, Haust. 15; gridt-nidodr, 36; leidblads regin, 47. 

Gold,—phiaza ping-skil, Biark, 18. See below. 
Giantess Skadi.—Ondor-god, Haust, 26 ; Ondor-dis, Hit. 12, Bragi, 62. 
The Constellations, Castor and Pollux,—Olvalda sonar (piaza) augo, Harb. 50. 
Rigil in Orion —Orwandil ta, Edda, 

Giant Garfred (Geirrod),—See pd, and ii, 212, 4-8. 

Giant Thrym.—pursa dréttinn, pkv. 

Thialvi, Thor's page.—Roskvo brdédir, Husd, 27. 


III. MINOR GODS. 


THE other gods are not such favourites with the poets, and, as the 
figure of Woden gradually grows larger and more striking, the other 
divinities fade out of mind; indeed, most of their attributes have been 
absorbed by him, as it were. An ancient god is Heimdall, from whom 
the Amals spring. There are strange lost myths connected with him; 
his struggle with Loki for the Brisinga necklace; the fight in which 
they fought in the shape of seals. He is ‘the gods’ warder,’ dwelling on 


'the gods’ path, the Rainbow. There he sits, ‘the white god,’ ‘the 


wind-listening god,’ whose ears are so sharp that he hears the grass 
grow in the fields and the wool on the sheep’s backs, with his Blast- 
horn, whose trumpet-sound will ring through the nine worlds, for in 
the later legends he has some of the attributes of the Angel of the Last 
Trumpet. His teeth are of gold; hence he is ‘stud-endowed.’ . 
Curious genealogical myths attach themselves to him. He is styled 
son of nine mothers; and as Rig’s father, or Rig himself, the ‘ walking 
or wandering god,’ he is the father_of men, and the sire of- kings, and 
of earls and ceorls and thralls alike. His own name is epithetic, perhaps 


- the World-Bow. The meaning of Hallinskidi is obscure. 


Frey means simply ‘ Lord, and is used in the early poems of Woden 
the chief god, ‘the Anses’ king.’ It is the epithet of Yngwi (Tacitus’ 
Inguio). But later on it becomes the special title for a god, whose 
attributes are marked off to some degree, as ‘patron of the Swedes, 
harvest-god, slayer of Beli (a monstrous Titan).’? He is the ‘lover of 
Gerd,’ the giant Gymi’s daughter and maiden. He is the ‘ Wanes’ 
god,’ of a different gens or clan from the Anses, ‘the son or heir of 
Niorth’ (Nereus) sea-god of riches, and his consort Skadi the giantess, 
‘ Thiazi’s daughter, the god’s bride, the snow-skate nymph, or goddess, 
huntress,’ like a Finnish amazon; and brother of the lady Freyia, the 
‘ Wanes’-maid, Syr, Mardoll [an unexplained epithet], the leman and 
maid of Od,’ whom she seeks, weeping tears of gold [Mardoll’s tears] 
all over the world, like a northern Isis. Her boar-steed * Gold-bristle, 
War-swine, the Chosen-boar,’ is brought into Hyndla-liod. Her neck- 
lace or cestus is the ‘ Brising’s necklace.’ By late poets she is given as 
Hnoss and Gersime, ‘Jewel’ and ‘ Necklace,’ law-terms for parapher- 
nalia or women’s ornaments, Gefion, a giantess with a mighty plow, is 
the Old English Geofen, an ocean goddess, She is ‘ Woden’s love.’ 

VOL. I. Hh 





466 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Frigg is a repetition in more human form of Mother Earth. As one 
would expect, she is ‘ Woden’s wife, and Earth’s daughter.’ She weeps 
for Balder, her son and Woden’s. Balder, which, like Frey, is an im- 
personal name, meaning lord or king, is in early times the genealogic 
head of a whole Teutonic clan, of whose legend we know nothing. In 
later times the story of his hapless death, wrought by Loki’s treachery, 
is the most pathetic of all the northern myths. It is deeply coloured, 
as we have it, by the Christian Gospel stories which had won their way 
among the Northmen. He is the ‘ Bloody victim, or Sacrifice.’ Had, 
Balder’s innocent slayer, is entitled ‘ the adversary, the bane of Balder,’ 
the ‘ greatest coward of the Anses.’ There must have been at least 
one beautiful and famous poem on the Balder story to have given the 
legend its peculiarly impressive form. Nand, Balder’s wife, the image 
of constancy, is merely by etymology—maid, like Full, etc. 

The other gods and*nymphs are to us names and naught else, the 
poets have not even noticed the legends at all. Bragi, the poets’ god 
of Snorri, is simply the king (‘ brago’ in Old English poetry), and meant 
Woden himself in the earlier poetry; but when Woden was turned into 
the image of a human king, with palace and train, he must have his 
poet and counsellor (‘ Thyle’ or ‘ bulr’), and accordingly he is cut in 
two, and his finest attributes, song and wisdom, go with the name 
Bragi, to make a fresh god, who henceforth is looked on as a separate 
being, ‘husband of Idwyn’ and servant of Woden, of whose hall he is 
an ornament, ‘ bench-adorner.’ 


Heimdall.—Goda vorér, Lokas. 195, Grimn. 47, Skirn. 111; ragna rein-vari, 
Husd. 22; Hallin-skidi, ii. 40. 39. 
Einnar ok Atta moedra mogr, Husd. 24; cp. Hyndl.147-156. [See Head above. ] 
Human-kind.—Meiri ok minni megir Heimdallar, Vsp, 2. 
Frey.—Ynegvi-Freyr, Hit. 44; Ingunnar-Freyr, Lokas, 172; Niardar son, 160, 
Skirn. 171; Niardar bur, i, 75. 26; Niardar adull, ii. 97. 21; goda folk- 
valdi, Skirn. 9 ; Asa-Bragr, 133. 
Belja bani, Vsp. 163; Belja dolgr, Hit. 22; Vaningi, Skirn, 156; Vanr, ii, 166. 
Landkost-arr, Gisli, ii. 332. 16. 
Gerér.—Gymis déttir, Lokas, 168 ; Gymis mer, Skirn. 48. 
Skadi—God-briidr, ii. 166; Ondor-dis, Hit. 12 ; Ondor-god, Haust. 26. 
Freyja.—Ods vina, Hyndl. 177; Ods mer, Vsp. 73; Niardar déttir, pkv. 91; 
Vana dis (Edda); Vana bridér, ii. 271. 7. 
Freyja’s Boar.—Val-svin, Hyndl, 22, 25; Gollin-bursti, Hildi-svini, 26, 27. 
Hnoss, her Daughter.—Syrar mar, ii, 96. 6 (cp. ii. 271). 
Frigg.—Fiorgyns mzr, Lokas. 104. 
Gefion.—Diup-réduls gl64, Bragi, 41. 
Balder.—Odins sonr, Doom 35, Skirn. 80, Husd. 3; Friggjar sveinn, Malsh. 33; 
blodogr tivor, Vsp. 98. 
H65.—Baldrs bani, Doom 40; Baldrs andskoti, 44; hraddastr Asa, i. 124, 10. 
Bragi.—Bekk-skrautodr, Lokas. 59 (cp. Eiriks mal). 


IV. GIANTS, DWARVES, ETC. 


WITH regard to the cosmography, the ideas of the poets seem to 
have been somewhat of the following kind;—for we must remember 
that the striking figures of the Tree that reached all worlds, and the ideas 
of the nine heavens tier above tier, are clearly of foreign and Christian 
origin, and confined to a few poems. The general idea was, that the 
flat earth-plain, on which mankind dwelt, ‘ Mid- Yard,’ was ringed round 











Pa a eee 


OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 467 


by Ocean, along whose shores lay gloomy caves, beetling cliffs and 
huge mountains, rocks and wastes, the home of the GIANTs, ‘ the Etyns’ 
land;’ the ‘ways, the garths, the dwelling-places of the Giants, the 
paths or stairs or causeways of the giantesses ;’ the huge beings themselves 
being called the ‘hill-folk, the mountain-dwellers, the crag-men, the 
cave-men, the dwellers in the waste,’ and more fancifully the ‘ whales 
of the wilds, the seals of the surfing caverns, the folk of the beach ;’ 
with greater loathing they are styled ‘the foes of earth, the mighty 
enemies;’ and by a quaint conceit, for which Eilif Gudrunsson is re- 
sponsible, copying perhaps from the hints in Haustlong and Hymisquida, 
the giants are marked out as the ‘ Danes of the reefs, the Jutes of the 
outlands, the Cumbrians of the caverns, the Scots of the White Sea, 
the Brets of ..., the Gauts and Fins of the cliffs, the Weal Rugians 
that dwell in the Strand [county of Norway, List] of the whale’s litter.’ 
They are also called ‘the people of Cold-Sweden (Scythia), the folk of 
the reefs of Iva’s nesses’ [off the Baltic coast]; and single giants are 
termed ‘ the A£lla of the boulders, the Forniot of the steeps, the Woden 
of the Outland.’ A giantess is mentioned as the ‘lady of the hills, the 
maid of the caverns, the nymph of the teeth of the tarns [rocks], the 
dolphin of the precipices.’ 

One or two giants have a regular habitation in the poets; Suptung, 
the father of Gundfled, lives at ‘ Hnit-hill’ or Hnit-cliff; Thiassi’s house 
is Thrum-ham at the edge of the world. 

Under-ground, but upon Mid-Yard, live the DwaRvEs, beings not 
wholly baleful, Of their habits but little is told in the poets’ phrases, 
which are chiefly concerned with their pedigrees: they are the ‘ Stone 
or Boulder-folk, lords of the Stone-wall, sons of Durnir, kinsmen of 
Dulsi;’ their king is the ‘Warden of the dwarves’ hall’ [i.e. of the 
stone]. Of particular Dwarves, Atlantes, etc., and of particular giants, 
we have spoken above. 

Far away somewhere the earlier poets placed an adyss, ‘ Abaddon,’ 
‘the hall of the giant of the pit, the deep dale of Swart,’ a place which 
Woden once visited in search of wisdom. 

The Ogresses are not akin to either of these races, though they are 
often confounded with giantesses: they are pictured as cruel demonic 
women riding on wolves [see p. 482} in the night, or cowering in dark 


_ forests, working their unhallowed spells, ‘ night-riders, fence-riders, 


corse-greedy monsters, Wicked Ones.’ Evil ghosts, fiends, cairn-abiders 
are also known, and the darrows are called ghost-houses. 


GIANTS,—Hraun-bui, Hym, 147; berg-bui, 6; hraun-drengr, Haust. 67; 
gilja grundar gramr, 71; biarga getir, 65; hellis burr, 54; gialbra fialbrs 
(caverns) bolmr, 70; fidro-pidd, pd. 43. Rock-beasts—Hraun-hvalr, Hym. 
140 ; gliufr-skeliungr, ii. 24.17; idtna att-nidr, Hym. 31; herjo heim-pingodr, 
Haust. 73. 

As the Adversaries.—l6rmun-priétr, Haust. 72 ; vallar dolgr, 23; tal-hreinn, g ; 
urdar-pridtr, pd. 20; Belja bél-verdung, Haust. 70. 

By proper names.—Gandvikr Skottar, pd. 7; helliss Kumrar, 50; £168-rifs 
Danir, 47; hard-gleipnis bordz Hérdar, 42; Skyld-Bretar, 44; Ivo nesja- 
flés-drétt, 46; Kolgo-Svipiddar drétt, 45; hval-lattrs Lista Val-Rygir, 75 ; 
steins Ella, 76; flug-stalla Forniétr, 1; uivés Iolnir, 48 ; fiall-gautr, Husd. 17; 
fialla Finnr, Haust, 51; berg-Danir, Hym. 67. 

Giantess.—Iarn-saxa, ii. 211; hellis sprund, pd. 56; fialla Hildr, Husd. 11; fen- 
tanna (rocks) Syr, Korm.1; stop-hnisa, pd. 36. See above, Mind. 

DWARVES.—Dulsa konr, Yt. 8; Durnis nidjar, Yt. 6; Durnis nidja sal- (rock) 
vordudr, id.; veggbergs visir, Vsp. 1,6. 

Hh 2 


468 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Atlas-borne Heaven.—Austra ervidi, ii. 73; Nordra nid-byrér, 94. 96. 

Night-hags —Myrk-ridor, Harb, 60; kveld-rida, Hrimg. 16; hala na-grééug, 17, 
Svipd. and M. 53; kveldrunnar konor, Husd. 26; tun-ridor, Havam. 84; 
ividja, Hyndl. 183, Vsp. 7. ; 

Evil Ghosts.—Dolg-megir, Helgi i. 321. 

Cairns,—Draug-hus, Helgi i. 319. 


V. COSMOGONIC BEINGS, 


THE Cosmogony of the poets is full of beautiful and fanciful figures, 
which sometimes have a deeper meaning than perhaps those who made 
them knew. The creation-myth of the world-giant Ymir or Hymir is 
witnessed to by such phrases as make the Ai//s ‘ Ymi’s-bones,’ the vault 
of the sky his ‘skull,’ the sea his ‘ blood,’ the clouds his ‘ brains.’ 

The firmament is figured as a huge skull or head, revolving every day, 
with but one eye; and why one? because Woden (here Ouranos) had 
for a draught of his well pledged his other eye to Mimi the Titan of 
the Deep, the Bourn of Mimi or Sunken-bench. 

Quaint is the idea of the firmament being upheld by such pillars as the 
Dwarves of the Airts, North, South, East, and West, whose ‘ burden’ 
or ‘labour’ the heavens are. Early too is the idea of the world-giant 
Forniot or corse-swallower sitting at the world’s end in the shape of a 
huge eagle, flapping the tempest out of his wings. 

Of the Sun there are mythical names; ‘ Mundilfori’s daughter (i.e. 
the daughter of the Fire-Auger, the holy Drill by which some Teutonic 
Prometheus first woke the elemental flame), the Moon’s sister, the 
Dwarves’ play, the Wheel of the Elves,’ and, as noted above, ‘ the 
Pledge of Woden.’ The Sun comes and goes through doors in the East 
and West, as if from another world. The Day is Delling’s son, child of 
Heaven; and the Nig#t is ‘the kinswoman of the Dark-moon, Niorvi.’ 

Other notable myths are those of Ocean, which figure him as a huge 
- giant, ‘ Eager, Hler, Gymi, brother of the Wind or Rodi,’ whose daughters 
are the Billows, whose song is the roaring of the surf, whose wife is the 
cruel net-wielding goddess Ran (’Apdyvn, as we take the etymon to be), 
who weaves destruction for sailors, and takes the drowned to her hall. 
Then Eager is the ‘ brewer of the gods,’ or ‘the giant-miller Hamlet’ 
(Amlodi), whose ‘ quern’ is the sea, and whose ‘flour’ is the sand. 
Hence we get such phrases as ‘ Ran’s heaven, Amlodi’s mill.’ The hall 
of Eager is lit by go/d, which recalls to one the golden sands, and those 
secrets of the deep that Clarence saw, ‘ wedges of gold,... heaps of 
pearl, inestimable stones, unvalued jewels, all scattered in the bottom 
of the sea.’ So the northern poets term gold ‘the gleam of Ocean, the 
fire of Oran (a Scottish stream), the sun of the deep or the rivers.’ 

The Pantheon would be incomplete without the dim mysterious 
Three, the Weirds or Fates, who speak men’s doom, or spin on magic 
web the changeful pattern of his earthly life. We have several pictures 
of these goddesses in the old poems. One, familiar to us all from the 
fairy tales, is that of the Midwife Norns coming to the hero’s cradle to 
predict his fate (like the Wise-women who, in those days, went round 
prophesying). Another is the dream of them sitting far away in their 
Paradise or Hesperian Garden, ‘ the paths of bliss, the Brook of Weird, 


Bee-hive’s-by,’ the ‘Garden of the Norns’ [Neorxna wang], as the Old- 


English poet has it. . Again, we find them metamorphosed into Walcy- 
ries in the later wicking-days, but still retaining their character as 








OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 469 


weavers of the web of fate, in the powerful and terrible vision that is 
set forth in the Lay of Darts. The Norns or Fates are called ‘the 
maids of Mégthrasi,’ and one evil Fate is called the ‘ Weird of kings, 
the sister of Night.’ Their decree or doom is called the ‘ Word of the 
Fates, the Norns’ decree or design.’ 

The Walcyries, as we have them, belong to the later stage of Northern 
Religion; they are the creatures of the Wicking-Age. In early belief 
they are of the tribe of the Norns, or Weird sisters; thus the old German 
charm speaks of the ‘fairies twisting bonds,’ and we have the names 
‘ Shackle’ and ‘ Fetter of the Host’ applied to Walcyries in Norse songs, 
which Grimm connects with the War-chain of the early German armies. 
They also have a spiritual affinity to the spirits of slaughter and doom, 
kijpes or badbs, such as howled over Cuchullin’s head on the day of 
battle, in the older faith. As they are depicted by the Helgi-poet they 
are half-human, half-unearthly Amazons, whose love brings death and 
glory to their love: only in one passage does he talk of the Walcyries 
as associated with the Einheriar; indeed he uses the word as one of 
reproach. He is indeed halting between the old and the new ideas. His 
heroine goes into the grave (according to the old beliefs) with her 
lover; but again, like the armed angels of later times, she soars through 
the air. The author of Erics-mal has, on the contrary, made them 
merely the handmaids of the king of the Heavenly Hall, hardly to be 
distinguished from the noble captive maids that were wont to hand 
round the ale-horn for the earthly conquerors, of whose court Woden’s 
was but the idealised copy. Eywind imitates Erics-mal, but he has on 
this point inspired himself, we take it, from the Helgi Lays, when he 
makes Woden send his angels horsed and helmed with spear and shield 
to bid the dying king to the banquet in Wal-hall among the Elect. The 
human element is gone here entirely, and it is in no barrow-chamber, 
but on the ‘starry threshold of Ygg’s court,’ that the poet leaves his war- 
weary hero. This is the view that subsequent poets took up, it was in 
consonance with the rest of the wicking-creed, and in the ‘ kennings’ of 
the late court-poets it is as the messengers of Woden, the patronesses 
of war, that the Walcyries figure. 

The old word ‘ vittr,’ ‘ wight,’ used in the technical sense of fairy, is 
only used in compounded or metaphoric form to denote Walcyries; 
in its proper meaning it is suited to such beings as the saan-maidens of 
- Weyland’s Lay, Melusina-like nymphs who sit spinning by the side of 
the lake in the wood, like the ‘good people’ of later days, who how- 
ever have shrunk in size in most countries. 

The names of the Walcyries are to be found in the Thulor. The 
Helgi-poet’s metaphors for his heroines are ‘ helm-fairies, all-fairies 
[the one epithet common to the Swan-maidens and the Walcyries, 
if the readings be right], the winged wound-fairies, tribe- or host- 
fairies. The ‘lady of the Kings, of the Shieldings, the maid of the 
Wolfings’ refer to the heroic amazon rather on her human side. Later 
poets use the term ‘ maid of Woden.’ The origin and meaning of the 
word Walcyrie is discussed below. 


COSMOGONIC GIANTS :— 


Giant Ymi.—Ymir, Vpm. 77-84, Vsp. 9. v.1.; Bergelmir, Vpm. 112. 
Heaven.—Ymis hauss, Vpm. 79, ii. 196. 57; Hymis hauss, Hornkl. 8. 
Earth,—Ymis hold, Vpm. 77. 

Mid-yard.—Ymis brar, Vpm. I. c. 


470 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Rocks.—Ymis bein, Vpm. 1. c. 
Clouds.—Ymis heili, Vpm. 1. c. 
Sea.—Ymis bl65, Vpm. l.c., ii. 55. 1. 
Soma Giants.—Suptungr, Less. 54; Baugi, Hofudl. 73 ; Suptungs synir, Skirn. 
138; Seckk-mimir, Grimn., App. 47. 
Frost Giants.—Hrim-pursar, Less, 52, Skirn. 120, 137, Vpm. 127. 
Rock Giants.—Berg-risar, Harb. 105, Grott. 41, 89. 
Mud Giants.—Miskor-blindi, Hym. 6; Mokkor-kalfi, pd. 74 (?), Edda; Aur- 
gelmir, Vpm, I14. 
Prometheus.—Mundil-fori (i.e, Pramantha), Vpm. 189 (father of the Sun 
and the Moon). 
Giant Okeanos.—/®gir, Gymir, Lokas., Skirn. The brewer.—Allra tiva 6l- 
smidr, Sonat, 30. As the island grinder.—Ey-lidr, ii. 54. 4; Ey-mylrir, 
55. 8; Skerja grotti, 54. 3; Amlddéa lid-meldr, 55. 6. 
The Surf.—Gymis lidd, Yt. 122. 
The Sea-Ogress.—Ran, Sonat. 25; Rodda va-bridr, 31; gis man, 32; 
Gymis volva, ii. 167. 72; R&n-himin = sea, Haust. 62. 
The Okeanid Billows.—gis deettr,-ii. 54. 2; Hléss deettr, 4; Eylidrs nio 
brudir, 4; AXgis dottir, Helgi i, 113; kolgo systir, 109. 
The Wind Giant.—Forniétr, pd. 1, ii. 54.1; Fornidtz synir (the gales), id. ; Hra- 
svelgr, Vpm. 143. 
Chaos.—Gap Ginnunga, Vsp. 12. 
Ether.—Ragna sidt, Vsp. 114; ginnunga vé, Haust. 78. 
The Deep, The Pit.—Mimis brunnr, Vsp. 91; Hver-gelmir, Grimn. 83; 
Sékk-mimis salr, Yt. 9 ; Surtz soekk-dalar, Ht. 4, 
Caves and Rock-Hollows.—lIotna vegir, Less. 42; Suptungs salir, 34 ; 
Hnit-fidll (Hnit-biorg), Hlt. 24 (Edda) ; Hallvarps hlif, Yt.145 ; l6tna gardar, 
Less. 49. 
_ Night.—Nidrva nipt, Sonat. 95, Vpm. 98. 
Day.—Dellings sonr (son of Heaven), +s cp. Dellings dyrr=the east doors 
(opp. to Vestr dyrr), Riddl. i. 88. 30 ff. 
Winter.—Vindsvals mogr, ii. 323. 9. 
The Sun.—Glens bedja, ii. 102.13; Mana systir, W. W. L. 36; Dvalins leika, 
Alv. 62; Valfddrs ved, Vsp.97; Vagna ved, Alv.11; Mundil-fora dottir, Vpm.go. 
The Powers.—Regin, Vsp.; val-tivar, Hym.1, Vsp.195; ginnheilég god, Vsp. ; 
ginn-regin, Alvm. 78, 118, Havam. 30 (cp. i. 29. 3), Hym. 14, Haust. 49; 
ginnungar, 58; upp-regin, Alvm. 40. 
The a Rr ats meyjar, Vpm. 195; Nera nipt, Helgi i. 15; odlinga urdr, 
Gkv. 


Fate, Weird.—Norna démr, Wols. Pl. 101; Norna skép, W. W.L. 78; Urdar 
ord, i, 100. 237; Norna kvidr, Hamé. 135. 
The Wolves.—Norna-grey, Hamd. 129. 
Heavenly Abodes.—God-heimr, Sonat. 69; by-skips-beer, 73; Uréar-brunnr, 
Vsp. 54; Havam. 2, ii. 22.1; mun-vegar, Sonat. 39; Gim-lé, Vsp. 200. 
Pays, Fairies (see Valkyrjas).—Hialm-vittr, Helgi i. 224; al-vittr, 240; fluga sar- 
vittr, 226; folk-vittr, W. W. L. 71; lofda dis, Helgi i. 344; Ylfinga man, 
iii, 18; Skioldunga dis, i. 330; Her-fiotur, ii. 438. 


VI. THE DEMONS, 


BESIDES the monstrous beings that dwelt in the waste places of the 
earth by the Ocean-stream, there were also distinct powers of evil, the 
foul brood of Lofi (i.e. Wloka). This god is shown as ‘the friend of 
Woden and Honir,’ in the days of yore ere trouble began, and called 








ee eer CU hCU 


OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 471 


‘the Raven-god’s friend and counsellor, the colleague and fellow of 
Honi.’ Of Loki’s kinship mention is made: he is ‘the son of Farbaut 
and Laufey’ (names as yet unexplained), ‘the brother of Byleist, the 
husband of Sigyn.’ His evil deeds and adventures are also sung of; 
he is ‘ the mischief-maker, the thief of the Brising’s girdle, the dog or 
wolf that stcle Idwyn, the adversary of the Anses, the contriver of 
Balder’s death.’ But it is as the father of the Evil Ones that he is most 
notorious. He is ‘father of the Beast, and of Leviathan, and of Hell,’ fit 
children of the chained Titan whose throes cause earthquakes. 

Heil, the first-born, is known as ‘ Loki’s only daughter, the maid of 
the Hwethrung’ (for Loki’s race sprung from Ogress Hwedra), ‘the 
sister of the Wolf and Nara, the nymph of Glitni (wolf?), the lady of 
the cavern.’ From a lost song, quoted by Snorri, we get a good picture 
of her dread abode. Her hall is Sleet-den; despair, the porch ; stumbling 
stone, the threshold; pale woe, the door; Gilling, the precipice, the 
key; falling peril, the hangings; carebed, the couch; lazy, the latch; 
hunger, the dish; famine, the knife; starvation, the spoon, etc. 

The Wolf, the mighty monster, the ‘ Wolf of Fenri, the child of 
Fenri, the son of Loki,’ is less mentioned by the poets than the Serpent, 
which they believed to lie wound round the earth beneath the sea, 
‘ earth’s girdle, or net-rope, or ring, the monster-snake, the fish of earth, 
the fast brother of the Wolf.’ With these we may couple the other 
monsters and demons that will join in the final Catastrophe, the Doom 
of Gods and Men, such as the Wolves of the Eclipse, ‘the gripper and 
tearer of the moon, the swallower of the loaf of the heavens, the de- 
stroyer of the sky’s light,’ and the Flying Dragon, the wicked, venomous 
‘tearer’ of corses (Nié-hogg), and lastly, the Fire Fiends that shall gather 


* to the Wreck of the World |Mu-spilli, older Mut-spilli= Mund-spilli ?], 


‘sons of Treason,’ ‘the demons or sons of the Destruction, Monster- 
demons, Destroyers of the Doom’s day.’ 


LOKI.—As Lodor, Friend of—Hrafn-Asar (Woden’s) vinr, Haust. 14 ; her-prumo 
Gautz ged-reynir, fd. 3; Hoeenis vinr, Haust. 28; Hoenis hugreynandi, 46; 
hvatz m... malo-nautr, 32. 

As father of monsters, etc, Son of—Laufeyjar son, Lokas. 208 ; Farbauta mégr, 
Haust. 17, Husd. 22. Brother of—Byleistz brédir, Yt. 150, Vsp. 154, Hyndl. 
136. Father of—Vulfs fadir, Lokas, 37, Haust. 30; lég-seims fadir, pd, 2. 
Husband of—Sigynjar arma farmr, Haust. 25. 

His evil deeds.—Asa dolgr, Kont. 36; bélva smidr, Lokas, 167; Brisings girdi- 
pidfr, Haust, 36; sndétar (Idwyn’s) ulfr, 5; dl-gefnar hundr, 42; her-fangs 
hirdi-tyr, 24; Hvedrungr, Yt. 156, Vsp. 167. 

Hell.—Loka mar, Yt. 40; Byleistz brédor mer, 150; Hvedrungs mer, 156; Asa 
dolgs einga-déttir, Kont. 36. Sister.—Nara nipt, Hofudl. 36; Vulfs lifra, 
Bragi 12; Ulfs ok Narfa iodis, Yt. 37; Glitnis (Wolf’s?) gn4, 36; hall-varps 
(abysms) hlifi-nauma, 145, 

Hell’s Abode (from a lost song),—Hall, El-iidnir; porch, ygléd; curtain, fall- 
anda forad; bed, kor; pillow, kér-bedr; threshold, brota-bil; key, gillingr ; 
door, blikjanda bél; latch, lati; hangings, forad; dish, hungr; knife, knifr, 
sultr; spoon, affeldr ; chest, frost-ofna; acre, hnipinn; dog, vaningi; horse, 
..+?3 cock,.,.?; Cd, AM. 748 at the end (Edda ii. p. 494). 

The Wolf.—Hvedrungs mogr, Vsp. 167; hréd-vitnir, Lokas. 156; Fenris ulfr, 
Hakm. 64; Ulfr-inn-hdsvi, Eirm, 26; Fenris kind, Vsp. 111; Fenris ulfar, 
Helgi i. 164. : 

The Serpent.—Ulfs hnit-brédir, Hym. 91; Iormun-gandr, Vsp. 148, Bragi 48; 
allra landa um-gidrd, Hym, 87, ii. 26.1; mold-pinor, Vsp. 186; iardar seidr, 


472 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Bragi 6; allra landa endi-seiér, 50; Iardar reistr, 46; lég-seimr, Hd. 2; 
barda brautar hringr, Bragi 51; brattrar brautar hringr, ii, 26.8; hraun- 
galkn, Hym. g2; stordar men, Husd. 14; stordar-leggs stird-pinoll, 15; 
grundar fiskr, ii, 27. 9. 

The Dragon.—Nié-hoégegr, Vsp. 215, 221, Grimn, 117. 

The Demon World-destroyers.—Muspellz synir, Lokas. 170; Muspellz lydir, 
Vsp. 151; Mims synir, 135; Fifl-megir, 153; (ragna rék) ritifendr, Doom 7. 

The Crack of Doom.—Ragna rék, Doom 7, Vsp. 129, Lokas. 159, Vpm. 221, 
Atlam, 78, Helgi i. 303; alda-rof, 307; alda rok, Vpm. 154; Muspell, 
Lokas. 170, Vsp. 151. 


§3. POLITICAL. 


THE FAMILY. 


THE ties of FAMILY were looked on with great respect by the 
heathen Northmen, and it is possible, by an analysis of the terms ap- 
plied to the family and its members in the old poets, to throw some 
light upon the matter, though the subjects with which the poets were 
chiefly concerned did not permit the introduction of a very full voca- 
bulary on this head. Still, what they have given is of high worth, and 
one can trace the transformations which came upon the family system 
of the North in successive generations; the old-fashioned patriarchal 
life of the pre-wicking days, with its unvaried course, as shown in 
Havamal; the change of manners which, as in Rome after the Punic 
war, and Hellas after the Persians’ defeat, followed the growth of 
luxury and the importation of captive slavery into Northern chiefs’ 
households. The contrast between the wild gallant and his brother the 
stay-at-home yeoman is, as we noticed, well shown in the pictures of 
Woden the wicking and Thunder the worker in Harbard’s Lay. The 
increase of polygamy, of a new and lower type than the patriarchal, 
influenced even the religious views of the wicking and post-wicking 
days among the upper classes (for the lower rank would cling perforce 
to the old ways, they could not afford captive slaves), which in the end 
had its effect; as Norway became united, and the chiefs from all quarters 
brought under the influence of the head-king’s court, the tone of the 
higher families relaxes, especially in those reigns in which wicking ex- 
peditions occur, till at last the royal race ends in a slough of bastards 
and pseudo-bastards, and the great Houses wore themselves out in 
low drunkenness and debauchery or fell in the unglorious slaughter of — 
those civil wars which in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries killed 
off well-nigh all the nobles and gentlemen of Iceland and Norway. 
There are among our poems some which must be carefully studied for 
their evidence on the old Teutonic family; those of Egil himself, a 
patriarch with strong and pious family feeling, Thryms-kvida with its 
wedding scene, Gudrun’s ordeal, a tale of an injured and righted wife. 
The Icelandic Sagas of the Patriarchal time, too, afford some beautiful 
pictures of family life and affection: the union of Nial and Bergthora, 
faithful unto death, is the noblest example, the one blot on that picture 
being the episode (for it is no more) of the concubine’ and her son. 





1 This however may well be an addition of a late Editor; it is a doubling of the 
other Hoskuld, who is really essential to the plot, and it does not bring out any 
special traits of Nial’s character: though even allowing it to remain, it is but the 
kind of connection which was accounted lawful in patriarchal times. 








SCC 


OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 473 


Wholly different to these are the Helgi poems, with their wild, furious, 
romantic love, the most heart-stirring of all Northern stories, akin 
to the boiling passion of the court-poets’ lives, and the deadly love of 
Gudrun Oswif’s daughter. The individual is all in all here; the man 
or woman stands alone; the old family tie, which had forced all personal 
feelings to bow to its supreme claims, is gone; the wandering wicking, 
the captive lady are left to work out their life’s struggles as best they 
can, with the keen sense that sudden death might at any moment cut 
the knot. 

The court-poets again are outside the family ties in great measure. 
They are the slaves of love in their lives, but they ignore it in their. 
works (Cormak’s fragments have been so ‘over-laid,’ that one hardly 
knows whether they be true or false; and real songs, such as those in 
Book ix, are medieval, inspired by troubadours, and late), save in the 
coarse satire where it is used to point an insult. They are proud of 
their pedigrees too, but they have their fortunes to make, and are ready, 
the noblest of them, to become Northmen at heart in their love for 
their patron, caring little to look back to their old homes, and this is 
more the case as poetry becomes a profession. 

To take the evidence of the poets in order, and begin with their con- 
ception of the family itself. In the earliest metaphors one sees the 
family conceived as a fence of pales or stocks, the ‘garth of kinsmen,’ 
and one of the individuals composing it is the ‘ family-ash, the family 
stake or stock or prop’ (the word ‘ ett,’ lit. ‘ought,’ with that mixed 
idea of property and blood-community which ‘ familia’ bore in Rome). 
Again, the family is likened to the ‘ring of stakes and cords’ which 
always enringed the temple and the hallowed court or lists, the members 
being the ‘family bonds or cords or staves.’ In another metaphor 
the family is a ‘ shield-wall or phalanx’ against foes, and its members 
the ‘ family shields’ locked in united strength. An archaic term is that 
which points to the family sacra and sortilege, and calls the members 
sortilege-men’ (hleyti-menn). The ‘att-rfini’ of Haustlong would 
seem to be the family-friend or kinsman. Egil’s ‘kynwid’ [O. H.G. 
‘Chuni-wit’], the fruit-tree, we take it, is to be noticed. The terms 
‘heritage-taker, heritage-warden’ (like the old London charter’s yrf- 
numa) are to be observed. Of the word ‘avenger,’ as applied to the 
next of kin after the head of the family has suffered violent death, we 
have spoken elsewhere: the feud or blood-revenge, of course, like were- 
gild and inheritance, descended as part of the universitas familiae. The 
patrimony is called the ‘ family’s-leaving, the kindred’s-leaving,’ and the 
technical word ‘leif’ appears in such compound names as Anleif, 
Thorleif, and in such images as homera-laf, darrada-laf, in Old English 
poetry. ‘Head-tree’ is the title of the caput-familias, and hints that 
the law of descent was reckoned as in England and Germany, by the 
joints beginning from the neck downwards, ‘ Attar-scati, which we 
find in a corrupt line in Egil’s Arinbiorn’s Lay, very likely means ‘ head 
of the family;’ ‘ scati,’ an obscure word, not yet fully traced, seems to 
have ‘stock or pale’ as its primitive meaning. Hence the image of the 
tree is constantly applied to man throughout the poems of the court- 
poets, and gives rise to such expressions as ‘ offshoot, scion’ [nid-quisl], 
and to various names for men and women. 

The family is founded on the union of blood or kinsmen, begot in 
lawful marriage, when we get our first view of Scandinavian life in 
the poems (not earlier than 800). Husband is ‘wer’ [vir], wife is 
‘quan’ [yvvy]| or ‘ wor%,’ ‘ ward,’ In Iceland as in England ‘ bondi’ and 





474 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


‘husband’ and ‘ hfs-freyia,’ ‘ housewife,’ have replaced those in ordinary 
use. The ‘man of the house’ [husguma] is once used in the Rigs-mal. 
‘Frum-wer’ [O. E. fruma-were], ‘ foremost man,’ is found in the sense 
‘lawful husband.’ 

The recognised concubine, Lat. pellex, or secondary wife, the captive 
lady, whom the king or chief brings home as his choice from the booty, 
is the ‘ alien woman,’ ‘elja,’ and with more contempt the ‘ bond-maid,’ 
‘man’ [mancipium]; for foreign slaves were bought from the merchants 
who followed the track of conquest. There is a large class of words, 
sprung from the secondary meanings of this word, which is always 
associated with lustful love, e.g. ‘love-matters, love-wiles, love-meeting 
[congressus], love-songs,’ etc. But the most remarkable terms in this 
connection are those compounds of ‘ osk,’ ‘ osk-wif,’ ‘ osk-kwan,’ ‘ osk- 
mer,’ and the like, used rightly with a genitive of the possessor, 
Woden’s wish-wife and.the like. These words we take to refer to 
chosen captives, the chief’s share of the spoil, as Briseis, or aliens chosen 
Jor wives and then captured, as Helen, looked on with pride as the spoil 
of the bow and the spear (the trace perhaps of an early system of 
exogamous marriage), and the evidence of the superiority of the 
conquering race. These words may be paralleled by a word hitherto 
unexplained, ‘wal-cyria,’ which the Editor believes to mean simply 
‘chosen alien-woman,’ that is, ‘captive’ [wal=osk and cyria standing 
for some foreign word for woman, xépy, or the like, in which case it 
would mean a Greek bond-woman, brought to the North through 
Russia]. In Hornklofi’s Raven-song figure captives or bondmaids ‘from 
the East;’ money, swords, and maids from the East are the king’s 
guerdon to his valiant men. When we first meet Walcyries they are 
distinctly the attendants, wine-bearers, etc. of Woden, part of the riches 
and glory of his golden Wal-hall, as they were of the timber-palaces 
of earthly pirate-kings, The gold-decked maid slaves which Angan- 
theow offers his brother, the gold-decked woman who sank on Sigfred’s 
pyre were such as these, noble captive ladies who by the fortune of 
war fell into captivity, as we are told in the Lay of Gudrun. The idea 
of an Amazonian guard and of warring women seems to have been 
partly derived from the general feeling that even Woden’s bondmaids 
must be armed; his hound is the wolf, his hawk is the raven, his hat 
is the helmet, his staff the sword, his bondmaids must be clothed as 
he is, preside over the swaying fight, and bring home the war-weary 
champions to their master’s banquet. The fact that there were Amazon 
sea-queens in the wicking days, such as the Ingen Ruadh, would neces- 
sarily add touches of truth and force to the idea. Then the noble or 
dire features of the Destinies that weave men’s fates, the Norns that 
sit by the Well of Paradise, and the Holy Three, Divae Matres, who 
give men bliss and wealth, and the War-Fairies, are borrowed and at- 
tributed to the Walcyries, in such poems as the Web of Darts, the Helgi 
Lays, and the like. 

‘Lhe marriage-union was sacred and respected, but the loose bonds of 
concubinage with foreign-born slave-women, dependent on their master’s 
passion and goodwill, have given rise to such terms for paramour as the 
‘burden of a mistress’s arms or embrace,’ or most expressive of them all, 
‘he whose head is buried in his mistress’s tresses.’ The position of the 
bond-woman is shown by the phrase applied to her, ‘she that whis- 
pers in her lover’s ear.’ The shame and secrecy of more unbridled 
lust, chance-love, are shown in the phrase ‘ secret-meeting’ for an in- 
trigue, and in the words for the offspring of such amours, the ‘ wood- 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 475 


child, the nook-child, the captive’s son or love-child, the straw or 
bast - child (our “ bastard”), or stall-child, the son of secrecy, the 


secretly-begotten one’.’ 


THE FAMILY. As fence.—Frend-gardr, Sonat. 22 (cp. frend-balkr). 
Single Member. As éree.—/£ttar askr, Sonat, 70; kvanar kynvidr, 71; 2tt- 
stafr, Helgi i, 223; Att-studill, ii. 48.15; ztt-badmr, ztt-bogi, kyn-kvisl, 
428. 215-219; nid-kvisl, Yt. 169; af-springr, 60; hdfud-badmr, Ad, 69, 
Hit, 23; ettar-skati, [Ad. 48]. 
As kinsman.—Att-konr, Yt. 141; att-nidr, Hym. 31; att-rini, 77. 
As shield.—Ettar-skidldr, Sonat, 40. 
As bond,—/Ettar-pattr, Hamd. 17, Sonat, 28; 2ttar-bdnd, 27. 
As sharer in sacrifice—Hleyti-menn, pul. 224. 
Son, Heir.—Erfi-nyti, Brunh. L. 102; erfi-vérdr, Tregr. 25. 
Avenger.—Hefnir, hefnandi,—Blédéxar hefnendr, ii. 35.1; Hakonar hefnir, 29. 60 ; 
Skialgs hefnir, 137.14; Alafs hefnir, 188. 47; Haraldz hefnendr, 211. 4. 
Husband.—Frum-ver, Brunh. L, 242, ii. 96.14; angan...? Vsp.164; hus-gumi, 
Rigsm. 103. 
Wedded Wife.—His-kona, Rigsm. 105; huis-freyja, Atlam. 9; vard-rin, ii. 
192.18; vordr, Ord. 12, pkv. 54, Lokas. 217, Thulor 166. 
Concubine (pellex).—Osk-kvan, Bragi 1, ii. 31. 28; ésk-vif, 157.12; ésk-mar, 
Vols. S. ch, 1; eyra-runa, Less. 15, Vsp. 215 ; elja, ii. 440. 
Paramour.—Fadm-byggvir, Hornkl, 83; arma farmr, Haust. 25, ii. 62. 21; 
lokka lyf-svelgr, 102. 41. 
Amour.—Man-kynni, Harb, 97 ; man-ping, ii. 200. 28; man-vélar, Harb. 60 ; 
laun-ping, 95. 
Bastard.—Hornungr, Hamé, 75; hrisungr, Yt. 126; besingr (see Lex.) ; dsk- 
moégr, Lokas. 63. 
Patrimony.— £tt-leifd, ii. 144.11; cedli, Bragi 41. 
People.—Ver-piéd, Lokas. 98 ; ver-lidar, Hym. 43; yr-pidd (=ver-pidd), Ad. 66, 
Vell. 62; al-pidd, Ad. 62. 
Household.—Vard-drétt (?), Less. 24; sal-drétt, 28 ; drétt-megir, Atlam, 231. 
Thralls.—Vil-megir, Biark. 2, Less. 96, Skirn. 144. 
Farmer.—Bundin-skeggi, Breid-skeggr, Rigsm. 90-92. 
Bondmaid.—Okkvin-kalfa, Arin-nefja, Gengil-beina, Tétrug-hypja, Eikin-tiasna, 
. Rigsm. 46-50, Helgi i. 280. 
A Captive Slave-woman.—Her-gopa, Hornk, 89. 


MAN AND WOMAN. 


THE place of women in the late poetry is not high, it does not deal 
with the noblest women of old, the wise prophetesses whose words 
could stop the Roman legions and sway the national will (the last of 
whom are finely sketched in such sagas as Eric the Red), nor even with 
the honoured and respected housewife. The court-poet only sees or 
notices in his verse two kinds of women, the Queen and her damsels, 
gold-decked and silent, living apart, and the train of fair captive-women 
who bear the wine at the king’s banquet. Hence for the former we 
get such metaphors as exhaust the list of ornaments and goddesses and 
nymphs, e. g. Gefn of the necklace, Gna of the broidery, Gund of the 
gems, Wrind of the head-band or golden snood, Wor of the gold, and 


* The Norse ‘ besing’ [from bas-s] and the Normannic ‘bastard’ [from the elder 
form banst-s] are cousins, as we have observed in 1867 in Icel. Dict. s.v., p. 92, 
and six years later, p. 771, bottom. 





476 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


the like. And as Wrind is Earth, the later poets will use all the syno- 
nyms of earth to swell out their verse, calling their mistresses the ground 
of gems, the field of gold or of the veil or linen (if married, for Northern 
matrons, like English ones, ‘ went under the linen,’ and covered their 
heads after the bridal). . 

From the other class of women came the terms, ‘the nymph or god- 
dess—Thrud, Freyia, Gefn, Hlokk, etc., of the horn or beaker or cup, 
or wine, or ale, or mead,’ and the like. That once-found word ‘ lauka- 
lind,’ leech-lady, may refer to the office of nurse to the wounded, and 
the leek-broth and leech-craft, which women occasionally at all events 
exercised, as the Kings’ Lives testify. The later half of the ‘ kenning’ 
—the nymph’s name—might be replaced by the name of any feminine 
tree, ‘linden, oak, fir-sapling, birch,’ andso on. These frigid and pedantic 
metaphors are even used in the few genuine love-verses that remain. 

As regards Man, we have already noticed the appellations proper. 
to chiefs and kings, but some of more general type must be added 
here. As the pronouns must never be used in court-poetry, we 
shall of necessity find many varieties of equivalents to ‘he’ and ‘ him,’ 
but they may be reduced to very few categories. Man, as member 
of a family, is a stock, as we have seen; so we have many compounds, 
one member of which is ‘stock,’ e. g. ‘the pillar of war, the stock 
of the helmet, the staff of wealth.’ Then we have the names of mas- 
culine trees coupled with the like attributes of war or wealth, e.g. 
‘elm, ash, plane-tree of the gold, apple-tree of war.’ Sea-life has given 
the ‘steersman’ as a synonym for man. But for the court-poets the 
noblest work for man is to be the wolf’s butcher and the raven’s brewer, 
which culminates in Earl Rognwald’s, in Snorri’s and Sturla’s compo- 
sitions, and is shown in its worst form in the latter-day wicking-poets 
of the twelfth century. Such compounds are the ‘feeder, hunger- 
queller, steward, provider, battener, meal-maker, etc. of the wolf,’ and 
the ‘thirst-quencher, slaker, drink-giver of the raven or eagle. We 
have rarely been able or cared to translate these terms save by the 
simple pronouns ‘he’ or ‘him,’ the repetitions would have been too 
tedious and coarse for most people now-a-days to take pleasure in or 
even tolerate. As a specimen, the first part of Kraka-mal, which is 
the best of its kind, will show the reader the kind of impression which 
the originals of the greater part of the panegyrics, if translated verbally, 
with their useless fill-gap phrases wholly made up of such images of 
the shambles, would produce. The importance of ‘war’ in the poets’ 
metaphor system will be noticed below. 


Woman. Goddess of jewels and trinkets—Menja mérk, Brunh, L. 189; gollz 
Var, 295; men-Skégul, 159; hor-gefn, W.W. L. 74; goll-hrings Fridr, 
Korm, ii. 64, 11; aud-Frigg, 111; hringa Hlin, 12; bandz Rindr, 14; sorva 
Rindr, 142; hodda fegi-Freyja, 28; erma Ilmr, 22; baro logs Var, 131; 
sundz sél-Gunnr, 32; silki-Saga, 144; sdrva-Gunnr, 52; men-Gefn, I0g; 
féldo hald-Eir, 129; gollz Eir, 43; steina Gna, 49; bordz Gna, 50; bordz 
Skégul, 143; gims Gerdr, ii. 49.1; hérdiks Rindr, 97; geira Syn, 73. 26; 
linn-vengis, Bil. 79. 10; borda Bil, ii. 112. 32; f166 hyrs fold, id. 31. From 
trees.—Men-reid, Korm. 2; audar-pella, 29. 

Ale-server.—Ol-Saga, ii, 64. 25; dlkarma Lofn, 79.11; horn-peyjar Freyja, 
Korm. 105 ; vin-Gefn, 112. 30; hvitinga Hl6kk, 102, 4. 
Needle-work.—praéa prudr, Korm. 119. 
Healing,—Sira 6l-gefjon (=Gro), Haust. 77; lauka lind, i. 373. 32; lauka 
Hrist, ii. 64. 10. 
Men, From trees,—Hildi-meidr, Helgi ii. 23; hialm-stafar, Wols. Pl. 55; aud- 


, 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 477 


stafar, 294; ognar liéma almr, Helgi i. 34; rég-apaldr, ii, 23 ; vapna hlynr, 
Wols. Pi. 245; Hars drifo askr, ii. 167.6; bdérr, 56. 25; bpollr, 95. 13 
runnr, 56.19; draugr, id. g; lundr, 95. 2; vidr, 92. 63; hlynr, 103. 6; 
porn, 191. 58, etc, etc. 

From gods.—Ass, ii. 58. 10; Arr, wrir, 140. 53; nidrdungr, 56. 14; tivar, id. 
21; Hédr, 325, bottom; Ullr, 113. 5; Nidrdr, 97. 26; Odinn, 39. 25; 
Baldr, 208. 5 ; Freyr, 39. 11; reginn, id. 19; régnir, 45. 333 Tyr, 176. 27; 
prottr, 194. 18, etc, etc, 

Wolf and carrion-bird feeder. — -greddir, ii. 95. 23, 244. 93 -grennir, 269. 1; 
-brynnir, 218.3; -bredir, 103. 18, 223. 24; -foedir, 61. 4; -alandi, 240. 1; 
-hungr-deyfir, 93. 69; -hungr-pverrir, 244. 19; -lif-giafi, 267. 8; -feitir, loI. 3; 
-geelir, 210, 2; -teitir, 52. 8; -nistir, 245.9; -nistandi, Geisli, 99; ulfs tann- 
litodr, i. 373. 333; hrafns munn-litodr, ii. 267. 2; -gran-riddr, 267. 4 ; -munn- 
riddr, Geisli 53; -fidri-riddr, ii, 186.16; -fet-riddr, 194. 6; -il-riddr, 263. 
61; etc, etc, ad nauseam ! 

War-waker.—Hildar hvessir, ii, 223. 22; gunnar herdir, 222, 3; herdandi, 
273. 11; hildar haldbodi, Vell. 42; hialdrs vekjandi, 208. 93 ; hialdr-vitjodr, 
206. 34; sdékn-steerir, 202. 67; dgn-stoerir, 159. 26; bragna fallz beinir, 
197. 68; mord-kennir, 195. 31; mord-kannadr, 62. 9. 

The steerer of a ship.—Skeidar styrir, ii, 187. 28; unnar skid-rennandi, Geisli 
161; -rennir, ii. 419. Io. 


KING AND FOLK. 


THE epithets applied by the poets to the king furnish a fair view of 
the royal duties, claims, and rights in their day; and show the various 
stages between the early conception of a half-heroic god-begotten 
tribal priest and general to that of a national ruler keeping order, 
upholding law, and preserving his land and people. 

In the early poets the divine origin of kings is dwelt upon, é« 5é Ards 
Bacities. Yngwi, also called the Lord-Yngwi [Yngwi-Frey], is the 
ancestor of that royal race which tradition brought from Upsal to reign 
in Norway. Tacitus’ Ingaeuones point to the Yngwi genealogy. Hence 
come such titles as ‘the scion, the offspring, the descendant of Yngwi 
or the God [Tyr], the branch of Woden’s own race.’ So the Lay of 
Righ brings all kings from Rig [ Heimdal]. 

Another early and widespread set of metaphors refers to the priest- 
_ hood of the king. As head of the race,-the duty of worship is incumbent 

onhim. He is the ‘ Warden of the holy Temple or the holy altar, the 
prophet of the hallowed twigs of divination.” We should have had 
many more of these epithets but for Christianity. 

As old as either of these is the idea of the king as Jord of his comitatus. 
The comitatus is called the household (hird), the in-service (inn-drott), 
the guard (verdung), the soldiery (heid-), the following (fylgia), and the 
men composing it the housecarls (hfskarlar), the young men (drengs), 
the lads (haukstaldar, a word borrowed from hagestalder), men of 
valour (itr-menn), braves (herdi-menn), gallants (snyrti-menn), sword- 
bearers (sverd-berendr), wage-takers (heid-pegar =solidarii), and the 
king is ‘ their patron, lord, chief,’ etc. These mighty men were often, 
like David’s guard, foreigners, and there were certain special cham- 
pions among them, who in Harold Fairhair’s case were called ‘ Wolf- 
hoods’ and ‘ Bear-sarks,’ as being fur-clad, according to what appears to 
have been an old custom. The whole band [‘ weorode’ O. E.] formed 
a guard, paid, drilled, and disciplined, over whom the king had power of 
life and death, according to ‘Thingmen’s Law’ [the guards’ custom]. 
A good comitatus was the king’s pride and security, and warlike princes 
surrounded themselves with as large and well-drilled guard of gentlemen 


478 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


adventurers as they could support. Young men of good family served 
for a time in the comitatus of a great king, learning by obedience then 
how to rule when it came to their turn to command. 

It is no doubt in this connection that the frequent phrases touching 
the king’s liberality arose; for instance, ‘ ring-breaker, lord of treasure, 
necklace-sharer, gold-divider, spoiler of neck-rings, gold-minisher, wage- 
giver, guerdon-dealer,’ and the like. 

As supreme general in war, leader of the battle-wedge, the king is the 
‘ first man of the host, lord of the host,’ and ‘destroyer of the host’ [her 
=invading army]. In more peaceful aspect the king is the ‘ establisher’ 
or ‘settler of the land,’ a fit name for colonising princes; and in some 
early poets he appears as the patron and defender of the people, he is 
the ‘feeder of his folk (woiuyy Aadv), captain of the tribe, warden of 
the country, or the patron, lord, or director of men.’ 

His political status and the means by which tribal kings became 
head-kings are shadowed forth in such terms as the ‘ruler of barons, 
foe of earls, the sole slayer of earls, and the crusher of dukes,’ and 
‘head-king,’ ‘ national-king’ (piod-konungr). The king is the supreme 
judge, ‘settler of disputes,’ as in Hesiod’s well-known verses :— - 


oi d€ vy aol 
, > > \ e “ , 4 
mavres es avToyv épaot Siakpivovra bémioras 
iBeinor Sixnow. 


It is not till Sighvat’s day however that he has become a ‘terror to 
evil-doers,’ such as Henry I, Leo Justiciae, or Henry II, who would 
have loved to be sung of as the ‘ minisher, avd crusher, and scorner, 
and disappointment of thieves, malefactors, and pirates ;’ so had times 
changed since Angantheow (in the Waking) could be praised as ‘ patron 
of wickings.’ Sighvat also calls the king ‘ Moot-keeper.’ 

There is a good deal of history to be gleaned from the terms applied 
to particular kings: thus in Norway the recent rise of the overlordship 
and head kingship of Harold Fairhair is witnessed to by the persistence 
of tribal-names, by any of which the ‘ King of the North-men’ or ‘ Lord 
of the East-men’ (as the Western colonists styled him) might be fitly 
called. So we find Norwegian monarchs addressed as ‘ princes or kings 
of the Dalemen, Egdes, Fils, Firth-folk, Grans, Halogers, Hades, Heins, 
Hords, Hrings, Holm-Rugians, Mores, Genes, Reams, Rugians, Renes, 
Sognfolk, Throwends, Thiles, Worses,’ the original tribes which settled 
in Norway. So the Danish king is called ‘Lord of the Danes, Jutes, 
Ey-Danes, Way-Jutes, Sconians, Scots, English, Cumbrians,’ and the 
Swedish monarch ‘ Prince of Gauts and Swedes,’ So the Earl of the 
Orkneys is known as ‘ Prince of the Shetlanders, lord of Tyree’ (if we 
guess right), and the like. 

In Denmark the famous old settlements and sanctuaries at Lund and 
Lethra have given the terms ‘ Lord of Lund, Sitter at Lethra, Holder 
of Frodi’s throne.’ Had we Swedish poems, no doubt ‘ Upsal’s Lord’ 
would be a standing phrase also. 

Particular kings are spoken of as ‘ Norway’s king’ (late), ‘lord of 
Humberland or Yorewic-land’ (Eric Bloodaxe), ‘head of Randwe’s race’ 
(Eormanric). Akin to these are the Eastern-looking expressions which 
point out a king by means of his relations, often insignificant persons; 
thus, Harold Hardrede is called ‘ Olaf’s brother ;’ Earl Eric, ‘ Heming’s 
brother ;’ and there are many such phrases which must have been 
picked out and used by Ari to construct his genealogies. The bom- 
bastic phraseology applied to the Orkney Earls, ‘furtherer of Turf- 








OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 479 


Einar’s kin, Rognwald’s son, Heiti’s kinsman, head of Endil’s race,’ 
should be noticed here. One phrase, ‘the avenger,’ coupled ever with 
the name of a s/ain king, points to the duty of blood-revenge as felt 
by princes, and, as we have noted, settles the chronology of an interesting 
verse of Thiodwolf’s at Stamfordbridge. See vol. ii. p. 211. 

Another more curious instance of hereditary feud is seen in the 
epithets derived from national hate: to call the Swedish king the foe of 
the Ests, the Northern king ‘enemy, and destroyer, and dread of 
Danes;’ to call the Danish king ‘crusher, and foe of the Wends or 
Frisians,’ or to style either ‘the ravager, and waster, and turner-to- 
flight of Scots, Brets, English, Saxons, or Irish,’ 

The Pope and the Greek Emperor receive special attention: the former 
is the ‘lover of Christ,’ the latter ‘throne-king, preserver of the Greeks.’ 

The countries best known to the poets receive characteristic epithets. 
England is the ‘ patrimony of A¢lla’s race,’ Norway is ‘ Harold’s hawk- 
island’ (Harold Bluetooth’s tributary land, the annual payment of 
which was in hawks), Sweden is ‘ Gylwi’s heir-land,’ Greece the 
‘mould of monks,’ Zealand the ‘prey won from Wenner’ or ‘the 
eking of Denmark,’ from the old story told in vol.ii. p.8. Iceland, 
whose name lends itself to the wildest fancies of the court-poets, is 
the ‘land of the sea-sky or sea-floor [ice], the country of the elks’ gallows 
[ice, from the way in which elks were hunted over water-holes],’ and 
the ‘land of the roof of the Nixies’ hall.’ 


KINGS :— 

God-born, especially the King of Upsal.—Yngva konr, W. W.L. 16; Yngva ett, 
Hakm. 3; Yngva piddar allvaldr, Yt. 39; Yngva aldar allvaldr, Korm. 14; 
Yngva ett-stafr, Helgi i. 229; Yngvi-Freys ett, Hit. 44; Freyss attungr, 
Yt, 104, Hit. 30; Freyss afspringr, Yt. 60, Korm, 5; Tyss Attungr, Yt. 86, 
Hit. 43; Freyss vinr, Brunh. L. 97; Ylfinga nidr, Helgi i. 17, iii. 31; Fidlnis 
nidr, Yt. 34; Skilfinga nidr, 91; lofdunga nidr, Wak. 104; Lofda kyns att- 
konr, Yt. 141; prottar burs nid-kvisl, 108. 

God-konungr, Yt. 132; Austr-konungr, 84, Ht. 14. 

Pontiff of temple worship, of the King of Upsal mainly,—Vé-tiallz ‘(vé-stallz) 
vordr, Yt. 62; vé-frémodr, 100; Roégna hreers frémodr, 128 ; valteins spak- 
frémodr, 44; vés valdr, Korm, 7; val-scefandi, Yt, 66; reyks laudodr, 152 ; 
skiald-bleetr, Hlt. 7. 

Lord of the guard.—Vcrdungar visi, Hakm. 15; verdungar gramr, Brunh, L, 
170; gumna stidri, Grip. 3; dréttar stidri, ii. 93, 90; inn-dréttar geymir, 
197. 74; verdungar voérdr, Sighvat. 

Pay-master of the guard,—Baug-broti, Helgii. 70; hring-broti, 184, Oddr. 83 ; 
hodd-freyr, Hofudl. 58; goll-midlandi, Brunh, L. 327; sdrva deilir, 122; 
men-glitodr, Yt. 16, Hit. 16; Vell-vénodr, Ad. g1; hramm-pvita bidér, 
Héfudl. 57; heid-frémodr, Ad. 40; haukstalda vinr, Oddr. 21; haukstalda 
gramr, Brunh, L. 75; haukstalla konr, ii, 212. 10. 

Defender, protector,—Land-vordr, ii, 36. 21; foldar-vérdr, 40, 42; folk-vérdr, 
Old G, L. 18; iard-byggvir, Vell. 91; land-reki, Helgi i. 127, v.1., Hit. 41; 
flotna-vordr, Mark 4; folk-narungr, ii. 56. 3; pidd-skati, Hofudl. 48; folk- 
hagi, 61; 1i68-fr6modr, Ad. 14; lofda holl-vinr, i. 315.16; piddar pengill, 
Grip. 164; aldar dstvinr, Mark 61; folka treystir, 62. 

War-captain, conqueror.—Hers oddviti, Grip. 161, 205; folks oddviti, Helgi 
ii. 39, ili. 45; sigr-h6fundr, Yt. 160; her-baldr, Brunh. L. 75; her-konungr, 
Yt. 160; pidd-konungr, 146; hers-iadarr, W. W. L. 56; folks iadarr, Helgi 
i, 311; egg-leiks hvdtodr, Old G, L. 109; hids-leiks hvati, Hofudl. 48; her- 
glotodr, Short Brunh. L. 20, 71; bryn-jalfr, Yt. 148; sverd-alfr, Hit. 47; 
her-megir, Helgi iii. 20; hildi-meidr, W. W. L. 55; Vikinga vinr, Wak, 10 ; 
Vikinga nidr, go, 


480 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


Hersa valdi, Yt. 73; hersa dréttinn, Sighvat; iarla bagi, Hit. 21; iarla ein- 
bani, Hakm, II. 

Enemy of aliens.—Ala dolgr, Yt. 108; Eistra dolgr, 125; Idta dolgr, 27; 
Ey-Dana cegir, Hakm, 13; Skota far-biddr, Hofudl. 35; Vinda myrdir, ii. 
QI. 31; Breta stridir, 92. 41; Frisa dolgr, 102. 7; Dana grandadr, 36. 16; 
Engla cegir, 226. 40. 

Fustice—Sdk-midlandi, Yt. 144; [vig or vé?] midlungr, 175; régs hegnir, 
Mark 50; pinga kennir, ii, 132. QI. 

Foe of thieves.—pidfa ryrir, ii. 132. 87; pidfs véltir, 147. 61; blenna hneigir, 
125.17; hlenna preytir, 188. 56; hlenna dolgr, 58; hlenna prystir, id, ; 
svik-folks eydir, Mark 12. 

A Christian King.—Visdéms greedir, Mark 66. 

A tyrant.—Lofba stridir, ii. 51.15; folk-mygir, 16. 

King of the Norwegians, Lord of the various tribes or folks——Deela-, Egda-, 
Fila-, Firda-, Grena- (ii. 91, 38), Hada-, Haleygja-, Heina-, Horda-, Hringa-, 
Holm-Rygja-, Moera-, CEna- (101. 5), Rauma-, Rygja-, Rena-, Sygna-, 
proenda-, pila-, Vorsa-, dréttinn, gramr, konungr, etc., pass., and Nordmanna- 
dréttinn, Hornk. 18; Austmanna iofur, 69. 

Noregs konungr, ii. 39. 14. 

King of the Danes,—Dana, Idta-, Ey-Dana-, Skanunga-drdéttinn ..., pass. ; 
Hleidrar at-seti, ii. 224.11; Frdda stdls stillir, Mark 17; Lundar allvaldr, 
ii. 203. 28. 

Greek Emperor.—Stél Pengill, ii. 205. 21; Girkja stillir, 24; Mikla-garéz 
konungr, Geisli. 

Bear-sarks, Wolfcoats. — Berserkir, Hyndl. 96, Hornkl. 44, 71, i. 161. 14; 
Ulfheénar, Hornkl. 47, 72. 

Wickings.—Vikingar, Wak. 10. go, Helgii. 105, Brunh. L. 298, 330. 

Henchmen.—Inn-drétt, ii. 197. 74; heid-pegar, 128. 24; lidé-megir, Hakm. 17; 
hilmis fylgja, Old G. L. 51; huis-karlar, Atlam. 101, pass. 

Nobles.—Herdimenn, Jomsv. 85 ; snyrti-drengir, 153 ; itr-menn, 138 ; goedingar, id, 

Evil-doers.—Laga heptendr, ii. 56, 15; audi-menn, 29; grid-bitar, 28, 

Traitor.—Var-liigr, Ad. 50; vara vargr, Wols, Pl. 259 ; drottins sviki, pass. 

The Divining Rods.—Val-teinn, Yt. 4; hlaut-vidr, Vsp. 196; hlautar-teinn, Vell. 
44; teinar, Hym, 3; hlaut-spann (?), id.; spa-gandar, Vsp, 83; blot-spann, 
Ari [see Excursus to vol. i. p. 411]. 

Temples.—Einrida hofs-lénd, Vell. 82 ; banda vé, id.; hapta vé, 88. 


COUNTRIES :— 

Zealand.—Venis valrauf, Bragi 44 ; Danmarkar auki, 42 ; Sel-meina tridna (Selund), 
ii. 31.6; Svana dékk-sala dalr, 159. 25. 

Sweden,—Gylva cedli, Bragi 41. 

Norway.—Haraldz hauk-ey, Sighvat ii, 148. 76. 

Icelanders.—Al-himins-lendingar, ii, 37, 48; elgjar galga alpidd, Sonat. 58; 
Nykra borgar nefr-land, Kont. 298. 

Greece.—Munka veldi, Mark 32; munka mold, ii, 162. 11, 

“England.—Ello zttleifd, ii, 162. 8. 


WAR, WEAPONS, GOLD. 


WAR was the most honourable occupation of a king in his own eyes, 
and the court-poets, whose business is purely to recount in sounding 
verse the victories of their patrons, in as unvarnished but more inflated 
strain than the Assyrian chroniclers of old, are full of metaphorical ex- 
pressions relating to this all-absorbing subject. 

The dattle itself is spoken of as the ‘moot of swords, the game of 
iron, the play of edges, the assembly of blades;’ or, more poetically, as 








OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 481 


the ‘gale of spears, the shower of arrows, the tempest of darts;’ or, 
again, as the ‘din or the sweeping of swords, the clatter of edges, the 
clash of brands, the song er hum of the bows, the ring of metal’ [black- 
metal is iron and yellow-metal bronze]. 

Later terms, derived from myths, were favoured, and the court-poets 
abound in such expressions as the ‘storm, the gale, the drift of Woden 
or of the Walkyries, Hild, Hlank, Shackle, Gondul.’ In Hornklofi’s 
phrase we take ‘Frey’ to have the primitive sense of ‘Lord,’ and to 
stand for Woden, te Lord. In later times the famous heroes and sea- 
kings are pressed into the composers’ service, and one gets ‘ Hedin’s 
gale’ and ‘ Ali’s [Anilas] shower’ as synonyms for the tempest of war. 

The savord is by far the favourite weapon of the Northman, as it was 
of the Roman of old, and it is fully dealt with. It is the ‘leek of war, 
the wand of wounds.’ Its brightness (so remarkable to those who had 
been used to ‘fallow blades’ of bronze) provokes the titles ‘ wound- 
fire or flame;’ its power and uses supply the terms ‘the destroyer of 
the shield, the saddle of the hone, the graver or chisel of wounds, the 
shearer [justice, doomer] of man.’ From myth and legend come such 
names of the sword as ‘ Woden’s wand or flame; the work of the 
Dwarves; the bane of Hialmar or of Fafni.’ 

The spear is less often noticed, but it is called the ‘wound-thorn,’ 
and may be meant (rather than the sword) by the phrase ‘the plug or 
gag of Fenri’s lips,’ a synonym derived from the well-known story of 
the Beast and the Gods. 

Arrows are spoken of as ‘wound-bees, corse-ogres;’ or else they 
are ‘ Gusi’s and lolf’s craft’ (two kings of Fins or the Dwarves) ; or ‘the 
tribute and the craft of the Fins’ (who appear to have been skilled in 
making spears and to have paid their Scandinavian neighbours dues in 
arrow-heads as well as skins. Fin and archer are almost synonymous 
terms, and the bow, save in myths such as that of Egil, is hardly a 
regular Northern weapon. (Gunnar’s defence, half legendary in its de- 
tails, perhaps derived from that of Egil, will scarcely weigh much on 
this point.) Arrows are also the ‘ hail-shower of Egil’s hands,’ or, more 
fancifully, ‘the swift-herrings’ of the same great archer: they are also 
the ‘barley of Woden or the wheat of Woden,’ a comparison drawn 
from the evident likeness between the haulm and ear of those grasses 
and the shaft and head of the arrow. ~ 

The axe is the most curiously treated; it is called the ‘ogress of the 


“woods or the shields.’ This personification of the axe may date back 


far (the axe is mountain-born, like giantesses, being of stone or metal). 
It is ‘battle-ogress, shield-crasher, helm-cleaver.’ We hear much of 
the axe in the Sagas, but on the other hand it is curious that the axe is 
so rarely mentioned in the poems, late or early, The later celebrity of 
S. Olaf’s axe in monument and story makes the axe famous as Norway’s 
emblem, and a well-chosen one it is for a nation of ‘woodsmen.’ The 
witness of Wace and Giraldus is conclusive as to its efficacy in defence. 
Of defensive weapons the first place belongs to the shield, in whose 


_ honour famous bards in the North, as among the Greeks of old, wrought 


elaborate lays. The phrases applied to it by the early poets are varied 
and striking, and have some reference to its round target shape, the 
brazen rings which surround it, the linden wood of which it is com- 
posed, and the bosses that adorn and strengthen it; or to its uses, to be 
hung up round the hall above the guests like pictures in a College Hall: 
such are the ‘penny of the hall [see above, p. 450], the quivering ring- 
cliff (or perhaps flag-stone), the cloud with the rims,’ Later singers 
VOL. IL. li 





482 FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


prefer to call it, from its battle uses, the ‘ness of the sword, the floor 
of the spear-heads, the field of the pikes, the sky of darts.’ 

Many are its mythical names, some derived from the story of the god 
Wuldor, as ‘ Wuldor’s ash or boat;’ some from Hrungni’s adventure, 
‘the giant’s foot-bridge;’ others (mostly of later type) concerned with 
Woden or the Shield-maidens, e.g. ‘the bark, flake [shingle] of Wal- 
hall; the plank or garth or thatch or toft of Woden; the cloud or gate 
or wheel or board or réyevos or wall or cliff of Skogul, Hild, Gondul, or 
Gund.’ Later the sea-kings are drawn upon, and the buckler is called 
the ‘roof of Reifnir, the cliff of Gestil,’ etc. Last of all in point of 
time are the metaphors drawn from the rows of shields that ran round 
the waist of a war-galley, glittering in red and gold—the ‘moons of 
Re’s car; the foliage of Leif’s land; the lee-board moons of the steeds 
of the boat-house or dock.’ . 

The 4elmet is spoken of in early days with reference to some such 
belief as is witnessed to by Latin writers, who tell of the Teutonic 
custom of wearing a boar or other image on the helm, which was sup- 
posed to charm the wearer and terrify the foe; the ‘boar-helm’ of 
Beowulf is one of the best instances of this in Teutonic poetry. In 
the Western Scandinavian tribes, the giant sea-god Eager is especially 
associated with the helmet, and takes the place elsewhere filled by the 
patron, Lord or god (called Frea, Woden, or Gaut as it may be). 
Hence the phrases, ‘helm of awe, Eager’s helm [Ocean’s helm ?],’ and 
the fascination of the look of a warrior is called the ‘ eye of the serpent.’ 
The helmet is also ‘ Woden’s hood or hat.’ 

The mail-coat is the ‘raiment of war, the ring-kirtle or skirt, the 
dart-web.’ It is also, from the legends of charmed armour, the ‘ kirtle 
of Hamtheow, the shirt of Sarila, the raiment of Hagena.’ The 
Walkyries ride panoplied like their master Woden, and so the later 
poets talk of the mail-coat as the ‘trapping of Spear-Rota, the awnings 
or pavilion of Hlank, the sark of Gund,’ and the ‘weeds or grey-coat 
of Woden.’ 

The right array of chosen champions was the hide of a wolf or bear 
(an old Teuton custom borrowed by the Romans in the case of their 
standard-bearers); this raiment is called the ‘wood-boar’s sark’ (the 
wolf here, as usual, being the wood-beast par excellence). 

The delight in battle and bloodshed, which is noticed as a marked 
feature of the early Teuton warrior, is well brought out by the poets in 
the endless series of synonyms and metaphors which speak of wounds — 
and blood and carrion, and the beasts and birds of prey that haunt the 
battle-field, The Helgi lays have several such metaphors, though in 
the later court-poets this mode culminates. So pleasing was it to their 
patrons and so deeply interesting to themselves, that there is no 
difference between Christian and heathen poets in this respect; indeed 
the ‘ Christians’ here make the saddest show, and down to the last the 
fashion is kept up, even by clerks like Sturla, a man of peace and 
letters, who had no love for battle or slaughter, but who, nevertheless, 
in his poems has to follow the set fashion, employing such forced | 
imagery as to call the shield the ‘ heavenly vault of the Walkyries, under- 
neath which the lightnings, i.e. the swords and missiles, gleam forth ’— 
poor and borrowed conceits. é 

Wounds are the ‘footprints of the dirk, of the sword-edge;’ the scar 
is the ‘mark of war.’ Blood is the ‘ gash-shower, the wound-dew, the 
ocean or lake of the sword, the river or stream of the blade, the beer or 
mead of the raven,’ . 





ie eee ee ee _ ~~? 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 483 — 


Carrion is the ‘ wolf’s dainty, the raven’s barley, the eagle’s supper, 
the sword’s harvest or swath.’ 

Of birds of prey, the hawk is the ‘ falcon’s son,’ and is never spoken of 
as a carrion-bird, but the raven and eagle are ever the ‘haunters of the 
battle-field.’ The former is called the ‘rover of the sky, the eagle’s 
sworn brother, the partridge, mew or hawk of the wounds, the crane of 
battle, the blood-drinker.’ But the raven is also the ‘wise bird, the 
companion of Woden, and the follower of the Walkyries,’ hence he is 
called ‘ Woden’s swan, hawk,’ etc., and the ‘ goose or hawk or mew of 
Gund.’ 

The wol/f is known as the ‘corse-greedy beast, the greyhound of 
Woden, the steed of Leikni, Grith,’ and many another ‘ night-riding 
witch-wife.’ 


GOLD is one of the most frequently mentioned objects in the court- 
poets, who have repeated occasion to mention it when talking of the 
king’s generosity, the poet’s guerdon, or the lady’s ornaments. Several 
of its synonyms have already been alluded to, such as ‘ Freyia’s tears, 
Sifia’s tresses, the roof of Holgi’s barrow, Thiazi’s speech, Glasi’s 
leaves, Draupni’s sweat,’ which all refer to mythologic incidents. There 
is an equal wealth of these which touch on heroic legends, such as that 
of the Hniflungs, from whence are formed such phrases as ‘the Hniflung 

Niebelung] hoard, the Hniflung heirloom, the Weregild of Otter, the 

arth of Fafni, the burden of Grani, the discord-breeder of the Hnif- 
lungs, the red ore of Rhine.’ The idea of serpents lying on treasure, 
which appears in the Sigfred and Beowulf stories, is wide-spread among 
the poets, and gives rise to the terms, ‘ Snake’s meadow, serpent’s bed, 
the downy couch or the litter of the snake.’ Another story, that of the 
Mill that ground Gold, gives the metaphors, ‘ Frodi’s flour, the meal 
ground by Frodi’s bondmaids, Fenia’s grits, Menia’s meal.’ The story 
of Hrolf Craci has produced the phrases, ‘ Craci’s barley, the sowing of 
Yrsa’s child, Craci’s glistening seed, the seed of Fyris-field.” More 
general terms are the vivid ‘metal of strife, foreign metal.’ Com- 
monest and most prosaic and far-fetched are such as refer to personal 
adornment, e.g. ‘the fire of the elbow, the pebbles of the wrist, the 
meal of the hand, the lady’s snood,’ 


WAR, ARMOUR, WEAPONS :— 


Battle.— Moot.—Hisr-ping, Helgi i. 217; val-stefna, 76; hidr-stefna, 50; bryn- 
ping, W. W. L. 85; brimis démar, Helgi i. 147; Fiolnis ping, ii. 56. 23. 
Play.—Egg-leiktr, Old G, L, 109; isarn-leikr, Héfudl, 30; Freys leikr, 
_ Hornkl- 22, 
Din, rattle.—Geira vedr, Helgi i. 46; nadd-él, Grip. 92; sverda svipan, Wols. 
Pl. 44; malm-hridar spa, Hofudl, 16; hidrva glém, 13; dolga dynr, Helgi 
i. 79; randa rymr, 68; alma prymr, 67; vig-brima, 27; egg-prima, Eirm. 
31; vigra seidr, i. 373. 36; egg-rod, Short Br. L. 36; egg-tog, Héfudl. 62. 
Storm.—Of Woden.—Hars vedr, Hit. 25 ; Odins vedr, i, 266. 15; Vidris 
vandar vedr, ii. 76.2. Of Walkyries.—Hlakkar drifa, ii. 70, 6 ; Skglar vedr, 
266.14; Géndlar flaumr, 76, 50; Géndlar peyr, 105. 2. Of sea hings.— 
Hedins drifa, ii. 76, 48; Ala él, 75. 40. 
The Sword. As wand.—Imon-lavkr, Helgi i. 28, ii, 36. 35; ben-vindr, Short 
Brunh, L. 73; sar-laukr, ii. 102.10, As fire——Ben-logi, Helgi i. 213 ; ben- 
eldr, i, 266.9; bauga tuss, Eywind 265.5; vig-nesta bol, Helgi iii. 33; 
hein-sddull, H6fudl, 27 ; ben-grefill, 28, 
Mythical—Dvyerga smidi, Wak. 573 Fafnis bani, Grip, 60; Hialmars ban 
112 


484 “FIGURES AND METAPHORS 


(Tyrfing), Wak. 77, 107; mannz midtuér, 109; Fiolnis furr, ii. 49. 2; 
Gautz eldr, Korm. 11; Vidris vondr, ii. 75. 28. 

The Spear.—Sara-porn, ii. 56.1; Fenris varra sparri, 36.17. 

The Axe,—Rimmo-gygr, Niala ; nausta blakks hlé-mana gifr, ii, 165. 3 ; hlyr-sdlar 
hala, 271.14; fiornis (helmet) gridr, 24, cp. id..16. 

Arrows.—Unda by, Hofudl. 51; hre-sk6d, ii. 94. 5; flug-gl64, flug-svinn, Thulor 
292; hvit-mylingar, ii, 242. 52, Merl. 294, Thulor 288. 

Mythical_—Egils vapna (gaupna) hryn-grap, ii, 96. 16; Egils gaupna hlaup- 
sildr, 37. 50; Yggijar val-bygg, ii. 208, 83 ; Herteitz hveiti, id, ; lolfs smidi, 
Thulor 294; Gusis smidi, 293. 

Historical.—Finna gidld, ii. 206. 47. 

The Shield.—Baugs bif-kleif, Haust. 52; randar himin, i. 266.13; sverda-ness, 
id. 11; brodd-Aldtr, Hofudl. 47; geir-vangr, 18. From the hall.—Svelnis 
sal- (Walhall’s) penningr, Bragi 21; Svafnis sal-nefr, Hornkl. 79. From 
ships.—Res reidar mani, Bragi 40; Leifa landa lauf, 30; nausta blakks 
hlé-mani, ii. 165.12. From Giant Hrungni.—Fialla finnz ilja bru, Haust. 51. 
From Wuldor.—Ullar askr, ii. 95.1. From Walkyries.—Skoglar sky, ii, 
51.65 Hildar veger, 114. 2; Hildar bord, 57. 31; Gunnar refr, 28; Gondlar 
grind, 74.13; Hildar vé, Haust. 4; Hoégna meyjar hidl, Bragi 4. From 
Woden.—Vidris balkr, ii. 114. 5; Svolnis garér, 56. 21; Gautz pekja, 60, 
68; Hroptz toptir, 103. 27. From Sea-kings.—Reifnis refr, ii. 102. 5 ; 
Gestils kleif, 75. 42. 

The Helmet. Boar’s head.—Hildi-svini, Hildi-goltr, Edda and Hyndl. (see also 
Thulor). 


Helm of terror.—Ygrs hialmr, Ad. 13; ezgis-hialmr, Wols. Pl. 121; holm- 
fioturs hialmr, Vell. 27; holt-vartaris enni-tingl, ii. 62.11. Woden’s hood. 
—Hanga-tys héttr, iii, 75. 35. 

The Mail-coat. War-woof.—Vig-nest, Helgi iii. 36; vig-nisting, i. 23; darradar 
vefr (spear woof), Hofudl. 17 (cp. Lay of Darts); hring-skyrta, ii. g1. 40. 

Legendary.—Hamées skyrta, ii. 96. 16; Sérla fot, 17; Hogna vadir, 95. 12. 
From Walkyries—Geirroto gotvar, ii. 95. 13; Hlakkar tiald, 114. 1; 
Gunnar serkr, 57. 30. From Woden.—Vafadar vadir, i. 265. 2; undar 
gra-kledi, 57. 34. 

A Wolf’s or Bear’s Coat.— Hris-grisnis serkr, Hit. 26: cp. Ulf-hedinn, Ber-serkr, 
p- 480, 

Wound.—Dolg-spor, Helgi i, 313; eggja spor, Death Song 36; her-kuml, i. 
192. 36. 

Blood.—Sar-dropi, Helgi i. 314; val-dégg, 330; harm-dégg, 334;- hidr-légr, 
Wols, Pl, 115; Sar-gymir, i. 266. 11; fleina f164, odd-l4, mekis-straumr, 
Eywind 266. 11-16; mekis 4, Héfudl.15; odd-breki, 39; hra-ser, Hornkl, 
44; hre-sollr, Bk. vi, § 2.6; Farma tys svana bidr, Hlt. 36. 

Carrion.—Ulfa krasir, Helgi i. 50; Hugins barr, 227; ara ndttordr, Héfudl. 36; 
hres lanar, id., etc. 

Raven and Hagle.—Arnar eid-brédir, Hornkl.14; hre-sevar bergir, 44; ben- 
pidorr, i. 373. 41; ben-mar, Hofudl. 38; hialdr-tranar, 37; hreva nagr, 
holunda valr, i. 372,12. Raven, Woden’s bird.—Farma tys svanr, Ht. 35 ; 
Odins haukr, Helgi i. 324. From Walkyries.—Gunnar systra gogl, Helgi iii, 
26; Gunnar haukr, ii. 56. 4. 

Wolves.—Hre-gifr, Old G. L. 99. | Woden’s hounds.—Vidris grey, Helgi i. 52. 


Witch steed.—Flagds goti, Hofudl. 35; Gridar séti, ii. 163 ; kveldrido stdd, 
94. 18; Leiknar hestr, 16. 


GOLD :—Sun, light, fire of the deep.—Diup-rdéull, Bragi 41; Oranar eldr, 
Biark. 16; dgnar-liémi, W. W. L. 70, Helgi i. 32, 82; elfar alf-rddull, 
ii. 36. 31; Rinar rof (amber), 350. 81, abe 





OF OLD NORTHERN POETRY. 485 


From Myrus, Freyja.—Mardallar tar, Biark. 15; Freyjo tar, ii. 102. 12 
(cp. Thulor 168 and Malsh, 30). 

From Sif.—Sifjar svard-festar, Biark. 15 ; Fullar bré-vallar fall-sdl, ii. 36. 29. 

From King Holgi.—Hiélga haug-pik, ii. 102. 6. 

From Giant Thiazi.—phiaza ping-skil, Biark. 18; [dja glys mal, 16, cp. Bragi 
66 (cp. Malsh. 31). 

From the Tree of Wealth.—Glasis barr, Biark. 11. 

From the Wonder-ring.—Draupnis dyr-sveiti, Biark, 12; Draupnis drdg, ii. 
55.10; Draupnis dogg, 167. 15. 

From ueroic legends, Niflungs.—Hniflunga arfr, Akv. 42, 107; Hniflunga 
hodd, 103; Hniflunga rég, Biark, 9 ; Rinar raud-malmr, id,; Rinar malmr, 
Brunh. L. 66; Otrs gidld, Biark.15; Fafnis midgarér, 10; Grana byrdr, 
11; Grana hlid-farmr, Oddr. 79; linn-vengi, 120; orm-bedr, Tale of G. 103 ; 
Grafvitnis dunn, Biark. 12; lyngva mens lattr, ii. 37. 40. 

As Frodi’s Meal.—Fenjo forverk, Biark. 10; Fenjo meldr, ii. 177. 68; Menjo 
neit, Brunh, L. 110; Fréda pyja meldr, ii. 36. 27; Frdda mil, Héfudl. 59 
(cp. Runic Song Io). 

From King Craki’s Story.—Fyris-valla fre, ii. 36. 26; Kraka barr, 208; 
Kraka drifa, 218. 9; Yrso burdar (Craki’s) 6rd, 208. 88. 

As the metal of strife-—R6g-malmr skatna, Akv. 106; Vala malmr, Hyndl. 32. 

From the hand,—Olna bekks eldr, Bragi 64; Olna gridt, ii. 71. 29; hauk- 
strandar m6l, Héfudl. 60. 

Gems. Pearls.—Haf-nyra, Husd. 23; iarkna-steinn, Volkv. 99, Gkv. 71, Ordeal 

30; Hallin-skida (Heimdal’s) tannir, ii. 40. 39. Necklace.—Hals-baugr, 

Bragi 8; Hildar svira hringar, 17. 


CHRISTIAN SYNONYMS. 


CHRISTIANITY, as it induced the poets to write of sacred subjects 
and make Drapas to saints, obliged them to make fresh similes for sacred 
things and persons, when they were obliged to speak of them; the 
court-poetry was however dying at heart when these terms were 
made, and (save one or two) they-are all imitations of long-used epic 
formulas, but they are often ingenious, and show the thoughts of the 
_ makers on religious matters. The second Person of the Trinity is called 
the ‘ Lord and friend of the monks, the King of heaven, the Lord of the 
sun.’ He is also the ‘King of the monks’ land [Rome], the Lord of 
Jordan, the King of Greece, the Warden of the Greeks and Gard- 
folk [Russians or Byzantians].’ The Brook of the Fates was supposed 
to be at Rome and to be ‘God’s seat.’ In exact consonance with the 
royal state as it was before their eyes, the poets make heaven a more 
glorious Wal-hall, with angels for henchmen, saints for heroes and 
champions, The saints are also ‘ Christ’s limbs, Christ’s knights, the 
Saviour’s friends, God’s crew, the beams or rays of God’s hall, the 
pillars or studs of book-speech’ [i.e. the Gospel or Evangel]. The 
Virgin Mary is called the ‘Star of the Sea,’ a phrase translated from 
the Latin hymn. A riest is the ‘bell-warden’ (a name well suited to 
the early Irish missionaries), or ‘God’s thrall’ (Culdee), The Pope ‘lover 
of Christ ;’ the Aeathen are the ‘host of the high places.’ The church is 
the ‘ ship or nave of the services,’ 

Epistles or Letters, which may be mentioned here, are called by 
oe ‘searching birds of love,’ in reference to their passing between 
riends. 
Illuminating, ‘staining,’ books is recorded by a twelfth-century poet. 





486 FIGURES AND METAPHORS OF OLD POETRY. 


Christ. <sailis reynir, ii, 54. 2; Munka dréttinn, 115. 21; Griklandz ati, 
160. 32; lordanar gramr, 148, 77; Grikkja ok Garda vorédr, Ar 
heidis foldar hallar drottinn, ii, 54. 3; munka mold-rekr, ii, ants 11; banda 
[angels] gramr, 22. 4. A 

Heaven.—Munka mold-reks vald, ii. 162. 8 

The Virgin. erat leebar stiarna, Geisli 8. 


hird, 3. 

A Saint.—Bika mals cones ii, 16%. 38; miskunnar sdlar geisl, Gods | oe fe 
geisli, Gods lidr, Kristz limr, Gods ridari, Lausnara spialli, begm-prydi, etc., 
Geisli passim. 


A Church.—Tida flaustr, Mat 68. 

A Shrine.—Bordvegs szing, ii. 161. 23 ; Gle-logn, i.e, Glz-lung, id, 
The Pope.—Kristz unnandi, Mark 37. 

Priest.—Bidllo-gatir, ii, 51. 39 ; Gods prall, Geisli. 
Pagans.—Horga herr, Mark 46. 

Rome.—Munka veldi, Mark 32. 

Letter -—Smogiir dstar foglar, Sighvat ii. 144. 3. 


Stone, i.e. colour for illustrating, ‘ staining, books —Békar Sél (Book Sun), i ii. cee oe 
II, Balers is 








Ba 
ze 





BACURS HS): TE 


ON CHRONOLOGY. 


THE ideas of time and reckoning of dates which prevailed among the 
early Teutons seem to have been of the most primitive kind. Genea- 
logies soon lose themselves among gods and heroes and giants: thus 
lordanis takes only seven steps between Heimdall the god and Her- 
manric’', the famous king of the Goths; and the similar genealogy in 
the imperfect Lay of Righ would probably have had even fewer steps. 
Such long genealogies as that of Ynglinga-tal are merely artificial. Ari’s 
longest pedigrees, such as Bodwere the settler’, do not reach a dozen 
names. No other mode of reckoning save by pedigrees was known, 
Three generations prove allodial possession; the man who, like Nestor 
of the Iliad, has seen three generations is the ‘ ancient witness’ (our 
‘oldest inhabitant’). Eternity was for great men’s fame; ‘his renown 
shall endure while mankind endureth upon earth’ and the like phrases 
are used with a childlike faith in the certainty of remembrance, which 


is touching and all unconscious of Ulysses’ baser worldly wisdom :— 


‘Time hath (my Lord) a wallet at his backe, 
Wherein he put almes for oblivion: 
A great-siz’d monster of ingratitudes: 
Those scraps are good deedes past, which are devour’d 
As fast as they are made, forgot as soon 
As done.’ 


There is no reckoning of numbers, backward or forward, and the 


_ past, ‘times of yore,’ is a region in which Attila, Theodric, Sigtfried all 


appear on the same plane with complete absence of historic perspective ; 





1 « But of these heroes, as they tell in their own stories, the first was Gaut, who 
begat Haimdal, but Haimdal begat Rigis, Rigis begat him who is called Amal, from 
whom also the beginning of the Amals comes. Which Amal begat Isarna, who 
begat Qstrogotha, who begat Hunwine, who begat Athal, who begat Athiwolf and 
Oduwolf; but Athiwolf begat Ansila and Ediwolf, Wuldwolf and Hermanarig. Now 
Wuldwolf begat Walraven, who begat Winethari, and he begat Wandalari, who 
begat Theodmir and Walamir and Widimir. Theodmir begat Theodric, Theodric 
begat Amalswinth, who bore Athalric and Mathswinth to Eadric her husband, who 
by family kinship was related to her, as will be seen. For the aforesaid Hermanric, 
Athwolf’s son, begat Hunmund, who begat Thorismund, who begat Bearmund, 
who begat Widric, who begat Eadric. . . . Athalric dying in‘ childhood, Mathswinth 
was married to Witgar, by whom she had no children... . and Witgar dying, Ger- 
manus the Patrician, brother’s son of the Emperor Justinian, took her in wedlock, and 
got her the rank of patrician: by him she had a son, who was called Germanus.”— 
Iordanis, ch. 14 (Holder’s edition). 

2 The steps are given at p. 490. In England there are only seven names between 
Woden and #thelberht of Kent, Augustine’s friend ; and from Eadwine of Deira, 
ZEthelberht’s son-in-law, to Woden, twelve, . 


488 ON CHRONOLOGY. 


see, for instance, the roils of heroes in the Lay of Hyndla. Just 
as Gildas and Nennius reckon by great JSatiles, so there is a rough 
popular chronology by famines, fire-raisings, and Mickle-Moots noticed 
by Ari. Thus there was a famine “in the year when Islaf was hallowed 
bishop by Albert of Bremen in the days of King Harold Sigurdson.” 
And “eighty years before” there had been a still worse famine “ at the 
time when King Harold Greyfell fell and Earl Hakon took the sway of 
Norway.”—[Landnama-bok, Appendix.] 

The first man who had a sense of the.necessity of an exact reckoning 
for historical purposes was the historian Ari, who was the sixth in 
degree from Anlaf Feilan, one of the Western settlers; born thirty- 
seven years after the close of the heroic period of Icelandic history 
(1030, 1067), of a famous. family, in the most central and wealthiest 
district of the land. He not only collected historical information, but 
he put it in good order; and though in his complete isolation he has 
made some mistakes (for he knew no neighbouring nation’s chronicles— 
ours of Winchester would have saved him much labour), it is easy to 
put these right, and so to avail oneself of the vast stores of fact which 
he has painfully saved for ever from the Ogre Time. : 

His scheme of chronology hinges upon the one well-known date 4 

f 








A.D. 1030, the death of S. Olaf. This year 1030 is a memorable one; 
it is the last of the Saga Age, and in it there died a famed King of 
Norway and a famed Law-speaker in Iceland. The great eclipse fixes Bh 
it for certain. It isthe only year of the ancient Saga Age where the 4 
A.D. is absolutely certain. From it he reckons the dates backward <A 
according to the years of the Law-speakers in Iceland and the Kings in 
Norway, to two other points which he makes to coincide in 930 :— 


Iceland. Years 27 Skafti. Norway. Years 15 S. Olaf. 
2 Grim. 14 The Earls, 
17 Thorgeir. 5 Tryggwason. 
15 Thorkel Moon, 19 Earl Hakon. 
20 Thorarin. 16 Greyfell. i 
20 Raven. 26 Hakon the Good. 


5, Eric Blood-axe. 


EE 


IOI —I years = 100 years 


Thus he brings his history of Iceland back to the foundation of the 
Althing (for he has evidently counted in the year of the foundation), 
and that of Norway to the death-year of Harold Fairhair. His Ice- 
landic chronology he rests on the authority of Mark Skeggison the 
Law-speaker, who had the authority of his brother Thorarin, who got 
it from his father, whose father could remember Thorarin the second 
Speaker and the six who followed him, remembrance not implying here 
more than contemporaneity. 





Biarni the Wise, d. zs g60, d. c. 1040 
Skeggi 
se 1. 1 
Thorarin, - Mark (vol. ii. p. 234), 


Poet (vol. ii. p. 218), Poet and Law-speaker 
from 1084 till 1108. 





Beyond this second stage, 9 30, Ari goes back, ina great stretch of 
sixty years, to a third and final fixed point, 870, which (having, as he tells 





; 
: 





ON CHRONOLOGY. 489 


us, access to a Life of S. Edmund) he marks as the year of that king’s 
martyrdom, reckoning thus :— 


Iceland, 930 A.D. Norway. 930 A.D. 
60 years of settlement 60 years of Harold’s reign 
870 A.D. 870 A.D. 


When we come to test these schemes, which bear evident marks of 
arrangement, first by independent chronology, and then by Ari’s own 
witnesses the pedigrees, an aberration of about thirty years is revealed, 
which only requires to be corrected, when the discrepancies between 
his scheme and the true year at once disappear. 

Taking the external evidence first. Othere’s account of Halogaland 
is given to King Alfred some time after 880, probably nearer 890. But 
neither Othere nor his fellow-voyager says anything about the discovery 
of the great island far in the West, nor of the stir of emigration which 
by Ari’s chronology must have been convulsing the Norwegian coast- 
counties. Othere’s chief merchant-station is Sciring-heale in Westfold, 
the very cradle of the Northern kingdom and of Fairhair and his race; 
yet Othere speaks of no rising kingdom there, which he could hardly 
fail to do if he had really been a contemporary of Harold Fairhair. 
Rather, Othere’s whole narrative, the more valuable on this account, 
is a picture of a peaceful land, resting between the adventurous career 
of Godfred, Charlemagne’s foe, and Harold the founder of the Nor- 
wegian kingdom, It is a record from the very eve of the discovery of 
Iceland. 

Again, Ethelstan is spoken of as the contemporary of Harold Fair- 
hair, whose son Hakon he fostered; but, by Ari’s chronology, the 
Northern king would be 76 when Ethelstan began to reign, and would 
have only reigned three or four years more, decrepit and failing. 

Almost immediately after Hafursfirth battle, say 877, a settler goes to 
Iceland; but his son fights at Brunanburh in 937, as a young man 
beginning his career. This is in the highest degree improbable. 

According to Ari again, King Eric Blood-axe was five years king and 
then went to the West in 935, but the English Chronicles give his 


coming many years later, 951; and it is certain that 935 cannot be 


right, there was no place for him in the West at that time. 

How can all this be set right? One must suppose that the dates of 
the first Settlement and of Harold’s accession have been antedated by 
Ari about thirty years; that Iceland began to be colonised and Harold 
to reign about 900. Harold probably survived till at least 940. If this 
be accepted, all will fall in with what we know from Irish and English 
Annals, Eric’s wife Gundhild, Harold Bluetooth’s sister (as we have 
seen), becomes his contemporary, instead of being too late for him. 

Ari has made Harold Fairhair’s reign too long, and also lengthened 
the years of Hakon the Good; in fact the whole century from 870 to 970 
has been stretched, as it were, out of seventy years. 

Tocometothe equally conclusive evidence of the Landnama-bok. When 
the Editor was writing Tima-tal (an Essay on Early Icelandic Chrono- 
logy) in 1854-55, purely from the parallelism of dozens and dozens of 
pedigrees recorded by Ari, he arrived at the conclusion that the bulk 
of the Settlers came, not from Norway direct, but from the Western 
Islands, and that they did not begin to come to Iceland till about 89a 
at earliest: and this coincides with all that is to be gleaned from foreign 
sources, As the Editor at that time placed implicit faith in any direct 


490 ON CHRONOLOGY. 


statement of Ari on chronological matters, he was compelled to except 
from the mass of Settlers a few expressly dated by his author, and place 
them in a first period of settlement by themselves. But this position gave 
rise to immense difficulties which he could not solve; and a glance at the 
accompanying table of genealogies will show how, though extraordinary 
circumstances might account for a single instance, the consensus of 
cases forbids such an explanation, and forces one to the conclusion 
that Ari has antedated the Beginning of the Settlement by nearly 
thirty years. 

We have taken below a number of the most prominent Icelandic 
families, and given the steps from the Sef¢tlers to the contemporaries 
of S. Olaf, and side by side with them are placed the chief Norwegian 
families with their pedigrees, from Harold Fairhair to the generation 
of the sainted King (marking the Icelandic series by a, b, c..., the 
Norwegian by A, B,C ...). There can be no doubt about the ances- 
tries of these genealogies of men of mark; they are the faithful record 
of family traditions, without any trace of being ‘made up’ to suit a 
chronological theory; indeed it is through them that the need of some 
correction of Ari’s date is so clearly seen. 

By way of illustration to the list below :—a. 2, first settler’s grandson, 
held office till 985 ;—b. 2 (also in second degree) was in the year 1000 
‘ baptized in his old age ;’—c. 3 and h. 3 died, one in 1031, one in 1030; 
—d. 3 fought at Swolder, a young man of twenty, in 1000;—e. 3 slain 
in 1029 [vol. ii. p. 170] ;—-f. 2 baptized in rooo, then an old man ;—i. 3 
survived year 1034 ;—k. 2 a missionary in year 1000; his son, Iceland’s 
first bishop, consecrated in 1056, died in 1079;—1. 3 fought at Clon- 
tarf 10141;—g. 4 died about 1025; whose great-grandson Bishop Ketil, 
Ari’s friend, died in 1145 ;—n. 3 a young man in Tryggwason’s reign, 
995-1000 ;—o. 3 (father to l. 3) baptized in 999, a founder of the Mis- 
sion ;—m, 3 survived into S. Olat’s reign; his daughter, Ari’s great- 
grandmother, lived much beyond 1030; her nephew Wulf [vol. ii. 
p- 232] died in 1066.—In Norway, A. 1 (Harold Fairhair’s son) died 
in 954; another son survives to c. 965; Tryggwason, Fairhair’s great- 
.grandson, dies under forty in roo1; S, Olaf, in fourth degree, in 1030, 
he, too, under forty; King Harold, in same degree, in 1066, aged 51;— 
C. 3 (well known from the English Charters and Chronicles) died an old 
man c. 1023;—D. 3 fell at Clontarf in ro1r4;—E. 3 (the Conqueror’s 
grandfather) died 1026 ;—F. 1 lived in 950 ;—F-. 3 died in 1028 [ii. p. 137]; 
—G., 1, Egil’s friend [i. p. 271], died in 976.—All is in good concordance 
if we accept the year goo as the starting-point. On the other hand, 


there are several impossibilities if we follow Ari’s choice of 870, e.g. 


in B. 1 Earl Sigrod survives his father by some ninety years”. 


7 ee ee 





1 We give here Bodwere’s pedigree back to the heroes; as one of Ari’s longest, 
it may compare with that of Theodric, p. 487:—‘ Bodwere the White was the 
son of Thorlaf Midlung, the son of Bodwere Snow-thrum, the son of Thorlaf 
Whale-gull, the son of An, the son of Erne Horn, the son of King Thori, the son 
of Swine-Bodwere, the son of King Kaun, the son of King Solgi, the son of Rod- 
wulf o’ Rock.’—Landn. IV. 7. 

2 It may be noted here that there are but two sources for the older Icelandic 
genealogy, Aris works and the genealogies of Nial’s Saga, which belong to a 
different source of tradition. The later medieval genealogies of Iceland must be 
sought in Sturlunga Saga and the Bishops’ Lives. For the continental Northern 
genealogies Ari (resting on tradition and poems) is the fountain-head, though there 
are a few items to be gathered from other less trustworthy remains, . 











491 














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ON CHRONOLOGY. 493 














I, Enciisu Kinas, K, Fiemish Ears, 
Edward the Elder, Baldwin, 
d. 925 brother-in-law of I, 
{ d. 918 
.: ! ! | 
1. Ethelstan, Edmund, Edred, Arnulf, 
d, 940 d. 946 d. 955 d. 965 
2. Edwy, Edgar, Baldwin III, 
d. 959 d. 975 d. 962 
3. Edmund “Martyr, Ethelred the Unready, Arnulf, 
d. 979 Richard II’s brother-in-law, d. 988 
d. 1016 
7 ; 
4. Edmund Ironside, Edward Confessor,. Baldwin IV, 
d. 1016, d. 1066. brother-in-law of E. 4, 
d. 1036. 


It will be seen that one cannot differentiate the Settlers, to whom 
Ari expressly gives a date, from the others; they were evidently all 
contemporaries, many of those to whom Ari does not assign any 
definite date being among the settlers of Waste-land, and could not 
therefore have been late-comers, for the land was very soon parcelled 
out in great ‘claims,’ and the later immigrants were forced to ‘take 
land’ of those whom they found already in occupation. Broadly speak- 
ing, one hundred years back our great-grandfathers were ado, bustling 
and busying, at a similar age as their living great-grandsons. In modern 
life, with its late marriages, there will be exceptions; less so in old 
times, especially so in the stir and perils of the Wicking Age, when 
men aged fast, married early, died young. Now in rank 3 of our list is 
the generation between rooo and 1030, so that we should give goo—930 
for the Settlers and Kings and Earls (printed in thicker type) at the 
head of each file. For, taking those men as a contemporary generation, 
we must either imagine that they were as far in time from their grand- 
sons as Chatham and Frederick the Great’s generation is from us living 
in 1882, or we must throw over Ari’s scheme, and shorten the time he 
allows by about thirty years, at a distance of time which is as that of 
Washington and the younger Pitt to us. This change will fill up an 
otherwise unexplained blank in Icelandic history, between 930 and 960 
of Ari’s chronology, and will bring the history as related by Ari into 
exact conformity with the ascertained chronology of the ninth and tenth 
centuries, with the statements of the English Chronicles, and with ordi- 
nary human experience. 

We may note that the Editor’s conclusion as to Rollo, drawn in 
1855 from the Pedigrees, “ that all that was said of him in the foreign 
annals before 912 is nothing but moonshine,” has lately been inde- 
pendently confirmed by Mr. H. Howorth in a conclusive Essay on Dudo 
[ Archeologia, vol. xlv] based on a study of the continental annalists’. 

The amended chronology exactly fits in too with the position which, 
judging from internal evidence, one would assign to Hornklofi’s Raven- 





1 The following are the dates which he has established :— 
921. Rollo settles with his men in the dioceses of Rouen, Seez, Lisieux, 
and Evreux, and makes peace with Charles. 
924. He is granted Bessin and Maine. 
925. He is defeated (and, according to Richer, slain) at Eu, 
927. His son William does homage to Charles. 


494 ON CHRONOLOGY. 


Song, to Ynglinga-tal, and the other Court-poems, A.D. 870 would have 
been far too early for the Raven-Song, 920 is a most probable date. 
Again, it was impossible from external evidence to imagine that we 
have many ninth-century poems, and the amended chronology happily 
does not require us to strain our faith. . 

The following scheme gives the best approximate dates for Early 
Iceland and Norway. It will be seen that one can depend on the re- 
ceived chronology of Norway after 976, as the great famine, a known 
date, is rightly given by Ari; and in Iceland after 960 Ari’s dates are 
true :-— 


Iceland. c. 900 Discovery. Norway. c. 900-45 Harold Fairhair. 
960 Settlement over, and c. 945-50 Eric Blood-axe. 
Constitution settled. 950-67 Hakon the Good, 
Saga-tide begins. _ 967-76 Greyfell. 
998-1000 Mission-tide. 1oo1 Fall of Tryggwason. 
1030 Saga-tide ends, 1030 §, Olaf’s death. 


The millenniums of Iceland and Harold Fairhair are therefore yet to 
come, and there is yet time for further progress ere the first thousand 
years of the colony and mother country’s history are completed. 

Some other single errors in Ari’s chronology may be noted here. The 
Jomswicking battle is somehow post-dated about ten years, the expedi- 
tion of Otto II to Denmark post-dated about ten or twelve years, while 
Sweyn’s conquest of England is ante-dated about five or six years. 
This discrepancy between the taking of Christendom in Iceland and the 
death of Olaf Tryggwason, and the Editor’s view as to the right date, 
are noticed in vol. ii, as years ago in Tima-tal. 

The difficulty which Ari met in putting events into a strict system of 
chronology is far greater than we can easily allow for now-a-days. 
Years, when past, are so apt to run into clusters or nebule, even those 
of one’s own life. And.when one had got a clear starting-point, to 
convert it into the year of Christian era was no small perplexity. The 
very notion was in Ari’s days unusual or all but unknown. Even two 
generations later a contemporary of S. Thorlac and Bishop Paul, writing 
1200-15, adopts an inexplicable system, which we have elsewhere called 
the Thingore system of chronology, the peculiarity of which is that Christ 
is supposed to have been born in the year 7. _ It is followed in the 
Bishops’ Lives, in Hungrvaka, Bishop John, and in the Life of Swerri, 
an evidence that our A.D. system was, even at that late date, not yet 
established. Here there is no insecurity about the right year, for 
the dating of the Bishops’ Lives is largely helped by the fact noticed 
by the Editor (in 1856-58, whilst editing the whole series), that every 
Icelandic bishop whose consecration-day is known (and there are some 
nineteen so given) was consecrated on a Sunday. We can even some- 
times get the exact date, elsewhere lost, of a Norwegian prelate who 
happened to be hallowed along with an Icelandic bishop. 


One more chronological point must be considered from its bearing on 
the date and condition of one poem, the date of the General Moot or 
Althing, and the final establishment of the Icelandic constitution, 
Here we must first hear Ari’s testimony :—“ And when Iceland was 
already widely settled, an Eastern-man [Norwegian] first brought a 
Constitution out hither from Norway—so Teit told us,—and it was 
called the Constitution of Wolfliot. And it was for the most part set 
according to the then Constitution of Gula and according as the counsel 





Te ee a TE ee de. 
es ees : 
; 
; 








ON CHRONOLOGY. 498 


of Thorlaf the Wise, Horda Kari’s son, ran, with regard to what should 
be added thereto or taken away or changed therein.” [Libellus.] Now 
the Constitution of Gula was fixed and founded by Hakon the Good and 
Earl Sigrod, therefore not before 950; and as we must allow some years 
for knowledge of this Constitution and its benefits to reach Iceland, the 
Constitution of Wolfliot must be postponed from 930 (Ari’s date) to, 
say, 960, 

That a suit of Egil at Gula-Moot is mentioned in Egil’s Saga, ch. 57, 
cannot be a valid objection. A thirteenth-century story-teller is a 
small authority for a lawsuit three centuries earlier. He will of course 
tell his story in the best way for his audience; he does not seek out 
legal antiquities, or care to enquire whether there was a Gula-Moot or 
Gula-Law in King Eric or Fairhair’s day. His audience knew there was 
such a court in Norway in their day; that was enough. No legal argu- 
ment can be founded on such a statement; it is as if one were to 
seriously try and get at old Kweld-Wolf’s style of clothing from the 
thirteenth-century foreign dress of Bolle in Laxdola Saga. 

The other difficulty is more important; it is that of Wolfliot’s age. 
Landnama-bok is very puzzling on this head, and cannot be taken as 
authoritative where it contradicts the pure and certain mention of him 
in Libellus as a Norwegian. The references in Landn. iii. ch. 16, iv. 17 
are on the face of them false glosses, which have crept into the text. 
On the other hand, the statement that Wolfliot was son of Thora 
Horda-Kari’s daughter, and therefore nephew of Thorleif the Wise, 
King Hakon’s friend and adviser, is probably true. It must always be 
remembered that Landnama-bok in our MSS. is not Ari’s text pure and 
simple—glosses and mistakes must have crept in. There is no neces- 
sity to suppose that Wolfliot ever lived in Iceland more than a year 
or so. He vanishes after the settling of the General Moot. 

It is interesting to find in Libellus and the fragment (as we take it) 
of the lost Liber some account of the earlier striving after a Constitu- 
tion and General Moot. Ari says, “The General Moot was set, by 
counsel of Wolfliot and all the folk of the land, where it now is. And 
before this the Moot was at Keelness, which Thorstan son of Ingolf 
the Settler, the father of Thorkell Moon the Law-speaker, hallowed, he 
himself and those chiefs who were banded with him,” [Libellus, ch. 3.] 


And again, “ Thorstan, Ingolf’s son, first of men, set up a Moot on 


Keelness ere the General Moot was set up, according to the counsel of 
Helgi Beolan and (Erlyg o’ Esia-hill, and other wise men. For which 
reason the hallowing of the General Moot follows that priesthood [that 
of Thorstan’s family]. Thorkell Moon the Law-speaker [a. 2 of the 
pedigrees above) was the son of Thorstan, Ingolf’s son; Thormod 
the son of Thorkell was the Priest of the Whole Congregation when 
Christendom came to Iceland.” [From the lost Liber?]. We have 
even notice of the oath by which the Moot at Keelness, and afterwards 
at Axewater, was hallowed: “So said the sage Thormod, who was 
Priest of the Whole Congregation when Christendom came to Iceland, 
that with these words and Moot-marks his forefathers were wont to 
hallow the General Moot all their days—.” Here the foolish copyist 
has left out the carmen which, as the oldest instance of the Opening of 
a Teutonic Court and the heathen prototype of our House of Commons’ 
‘ prayers,’ would have been highly instructive’. 





1 Alpingi vas sett at radi Ulfiétz ok allra landz-manna par es nies. Enn 4dr 
vas ping 4 Kialarnesi pat es porsteinn Ingolfs son landnéma-mannz, fadir porkels 





496 ON CHRONOLOGY. 


Other reminiscences of the pre-Wolfliot days are preserved in the 
gloss of Hen-Thori’s Saga, ch. 14, “ And the Moot was at that time under 
Arman’s fell;”’ i.e. at its present site, the explanation meaning, “ It was 
after the days when the Moot was at Keelness’.”” ‘The remains of the 
booths of the old Keelness Moot could still be seen in the days of 
the author of the fabricator of Kialnesinga, who at all events knew the 
geography of his district”. The old Moot seems to have been deserted 
when the General Moot was set up, and there is a notice, we believe, of 
a Spring-Moot held at Axewater. 

The history of the General Moot may thus be summed up in a few lines: 

In the midst of the seething life of the sixty years of settlement, a little 
knot of the earliest, most reputable, and noblest settlers banded together 
for law and order, and held a League-Moot, as we might call it, at 
Keelness; their influence spread, till probably they were joined by most 
of the chiefs in the South-west and South®. 

At last a general feeling, fostered by their success and peace, arises 
elsewhere as to the desirability of a General Moot and one Constitution 
for the whole country. Wolfliot the Northman is the link by which 
the new and good Constitution of Gula, which has become famous, is 
brought out to Iceland with necessary modifications. Then a compro- 
mise is effected: the League of the Moot at Keelness is enlarged into a 
General Moot, and the locale changed to the more central and conve- 
nient Moot at a specially chosen Mootstead at Axewater. The 
link between the two was the Keelness priesthood, which now rises to 
the more glorious dignity of the Priesthood of the Whole Congregation, 
a noble compensation to the Keelness family for their early efforts in 
behalf of a settled government. And it is pleasant to know that the 
Priesthood of the General Moot, the Chaplaincy of the Icelandic Par- 
nate as it were, remained in their hands as late as the Sturlung- 

ime *, 





Mana logségo-mannz, hafdi par, ok héfdingiar peir es at pvi hurfo.—Libellus, 
ch, 3. 

porsteinn Ingolfs son lét setja fyrstr manna ping 4 Kialarnesi 46r Alpingi vas sett, 
vid ra6 Helga Bidlo ok CErlygs at Esjobergi, ok annarra vitra manna. Ok fylgir par 
enn sdkom [bess] pvi godordi Alpingis helgon. porkell Mani Légségo-maér vas son 
porsteins Ingolfs sonar. ormddr vas son porkels, es pa vas allz-herjar-godi es 
Kristni kom 4 {sland.—From [slendinga-bok. 

Enn pa es [sland vas vida byggt ordit, pa hafdi madr Austroenn fyrst log tit 
hingat or Noregi, s& es Ulflidtr hét—Sva sagdi Teitr oss—ok véro pa Ulfliétz-log 
kollod. Enn pau véro flest sett at bvi sem pba véro Golapings-log, eda 140 porleifs 
ens Spaka Horéa-Kara sonar véro til, hvar vid skyldi auka eda af nema, eda annan 
veg setja.—Libellus, ch. 2. 

Sva sagdi vitr madr Ppormddr, es pa vas allzherjar godi es Kristni kom 4 {sland, 
at med pessom ordom ok ping-mérkom helgodo lang-fedgar hans Alpingi alla evi 
(carmen unfortunately lost).—Ari (in Landn. Append.) 

1 Enn pingit vas pa undir Armannz-felli—Gloss in Hen-Thoris Saga, ch. 14. 

2 Enn sér stad budanna.—Kialnes. S., ch. 2. 

3 Thus Raven of Wrangwater was the first Speaker of the General Moot, and we 
might well suppose that, like the Keelnesing Moot-priest, he was chosen to hold this 
office because he had already filled it in the League-Moot. 

* We may here, to save further discussion, record our adherence to the views, as 
to the Moot-stead, accepted and confirmed by Dr. Kaalund, and put forth fully in an 
Excursus to vol. ii of Sturlunga Saga, for the following reasons:—(1) There is no 
mention whatever in the old authorities of the Moot-stead being on the east of the 
river. (2) There are no remains such as would mark a Moot-stead on the east of 








ON CHRONOLOGY. 497 


Anything relating to Thorlaf the Wise, who with Hakon and Earl 
Sigrod made the Gula-Moot and Frosta-Moot Constitutions, is of high 
interest to us, because of his connection with the early poets, whose 
bee he was; for instance, Ynglinga-tal, Haustlong; and even to know 

is date would be a step towards fixing the date of Hyndlulio%, a poem 
which Ari never knew. In the Prolegomena we have already given a 
brief view of the origin and growth of Northern Law in Norway and 
Iceland; this it is not necessary to recapitulate here, but it is necessary 
to sketch the true position in which Thorlaf, the creator of the 
Gula-Moot, stood to Harold Fairhair, the founder of the Northern 
monarchy. In considering these questions, it is most needful here to 
state once more clearly that the view of even the best and most 
learned continental writers on these matters is biased radically by 
their inveterate conception of Law as a Code, of Law-makers as 
Parliamentary Orators and Bureaucrats,—Statesmen of modern days, 
everlastingly proposing, emending, and digesting statutes. Law in old 
times is Custom, the Legislator is the man who makes or mends the 
necessary machinery for getting this Custom-Law observed. What 
the chiefs of Iceland wanted from Wolfliot was not a Code,—they knew 
the law of weregild, of inheritance, and the like; what they did 
lack was means for having it enforced, and for putting an end to the 
conflict of customs which inevitably arises when men of different 
districts are brought face to face. Wolfliot brings them over the 
plan of the machinery which Thorlaf had devised and set up; not a 
Code, but a Constitution. Englishmen and Americans can understand 
this easily enough; but, as they are liable to be misled in such matters 





the river. (3) There is no ‘berg’ (rock or hill) there, as there was at the true spot. 
(4) There is no tradition, older than a hundred years, as to the Moot-stead being east 
of the river; for that the present ‘tradition’ is false and late, not indeed a tradition at 
all, is clear from direct statements of scholars of the seventeenth and eighteenth cen- 
turies. (5) The site of the ‘ pseudo-logberg’ is well fitted for a place of defence 
or robbers’ stronghold, but for a place of public assembly a more dangerous and 
ill-chosen spot could hardly have been found than a narrow tongue of land, sur- 
rounded by two deep and dangerous crevasses or rifts. Wherever the Moot-stead 
was, it was not at any spot east of the river, and certainly not where the pseudo- 
logberg (really Byrgi’s booth) was placed by some imperfectly ‘informed antiquary 
of the end of the last century. To call on local tradition to support such a theory 
is as if one were to try and find out whether Alfred. founded the University of Oxford 
by questioning and collecting affidavits of the old women in Headington Workhouse. 

That the Law-hill was on some part of the lower brink of the Great Rift west of the 
river is supported (1) by its suitability for the purpose, it is a brink sloping down to 
the river—a true ‘ping-brekka;’ (2) by the traditions of the seventeenth and eighteenth 
centuries as to a Moot-stead west of the river, see Kaalund; (3) by the site of the 
Logretta during the Middle Ages down to 1800 west of the river; (4) by the 
testimony of Sturlunga to its being near Lathe-booth, the site of which is well 
known; this again is corroborated by Kristni-Saga; (5) by the very name 
Almanna-gia, i.e. the Rift of the Whole People. Every visitor is struck by the 
sight of Almanna-gia. It is the crown and glory of the whole place. One sees 
the whole people thronging together to listen to the Speaker; and one feels as if 
one were listening to his voice, echoed back, as in some ancient cathedral, from the 
walls of the Rift. During an earthquake in 1789 the lower brink sunk in places 
some eight to twelve feet, so in days of yore the place was even more impressive 
than it is now. 

We have no doubt that the place could be ascertained within a few yards, by 
careful examination of the lower brink of the Great Rift, and it is to be hoped that 
this will ere long be carried out, 


VOL. IL. Kk 


498 ON CHRONOLOGY. 


when they find eminent authorities and good scholars talking of Codes, 
and Law-making, and Legislative machinery and the like in this con- 
nection, we do not deem it out of place to give them a word of 
warning. 

Another error connected with the subject is to suppose that Harold 
Fairhair was a mere tyrant, who put down the old Folk-Moots and 
crushed freedom out in Norway. On the contrary, he was the cham- 
pion of the yeoman, the enemy of the wicking, the general whose victory 
brought law and order in his train. The impression left upon one’s 
mind by reading the Book of Settlement and Fairhair’s Battles is that 
before his day Norway was a land of loosely organised folk-kingdoms, 
an n-archy rather than even hept-archy; save in the South, where, 
as Ari tells us, under Halfdane the Black (perhaps even of earlier origin) 
there was a little well-organised nucleus, strong, compact, orderly, a 
small league we take it of folk-tribes round Heathsevi-Moot by the © 
Wick [Frith of Christiania]. Harold Fairhair in fact starts as head 
of the best organised state in Norway, the only compound state which 
qwas ruled by one king, and he wins folk-kingdom after folk-kingdom, 
and governs them by his sons as other conquerors have done, but 
ever keeping a strict eye to their good rule and peace-keeping. The 
only time that Harold is in danger, through all his task of conquest, 
is when he meets the war-league of kings and Western wickings, which 
he beat at Hafrsfirth after a struggle of the most desperate kind’. But 
this victory was the key-stone of his power. His kingdom was never 
again in jeopardy, and he was able by his expedition to the West 
(Scotland and Orkney) to force great part of the Confederation that 
had fought against him at Hafrsfirth to leave the Western island for 
the Northern colony. Harold dies, but his kingdom survives the 
struggle for the crown among the sons of the dead conqueror, a 
struggle repeated so often in history, Eastern and Western; and after 
a brief interval Hakon comes in fresh from the teachings of Athelstan, 
whose task of uniting all England, Danes and English, under himself 
was the very prototype of his own policy, down to the details, The 
Three Laws of Hakon’s day are to be compared to our Three Laws. 
Hakon, like the English kings, left each set of folks their own customs, 
but insisted upon unity and good law within these limits. Neither 
does Hakon try to make the West or North Norwegian tribes obey 
the Southern customs, he simply confederates them round two con- 
venient central Moot-steads, Gula and Frosta. He has in each case 
the assistance of local magnates, Thorlaf the Wise for the West and 
Earl Sigrod for the North; who have the wisdom to see how far 
better it is to have folk-confederation with free law and good order 
under a head king, than to continue on in isolated tribal kingdoms 
each under its own dynasty in the midst of everlasting war. The 
Upland kings alone seem to have had the sense to make some sort 
of league, and accordingly they manage to preserve their independence 
long after the rest of Norway was under one head king. 

The testimony of Ari is as follows?:— 

“King Halfdane [Fairhair’s father] was a great sage, and a man of 
verity and even-dealing, and he set laws and kept them himself and 





+ The Waking of Angantheow must be subsequent to this fight, if the allusion in 
1. 93 points, as we believe it must, to Fairhair. 

7 We here give only the translation; for the texts we refer the reader to Prole- 
gomena, § 35, notes, ; 








ears 





ON CHRONOLOGY. - 409 


forced all men to keep them; and that violence should not beat down 
law, he himself made a Cause-List [Table of Crimes] and arranged 
weregilds for every man according to his birth and rank.”—The very 
ideal of the early statesman ruling his confederate state wisely and 
well, and simplifying the variety of local customs.—And, “ King Hakon 
[Athelstan’s foster-son] was very wise, and gave much thought to 
making a Constitution (laga-setning). He made the Gula-Moot Con- 
stitution [in West Norway], according to the counsel of Thorlaf the 
Wise, and he made the Constitution of Frosta-Moot [in North Norway], 
according to the counsel of Earl Sigrod and other of the wisest men 
among the Thronds. But the Heath-sevi Constitution [in South Nor- 
way] Halfdane the Black had made, as was written above.” And again 
of Hakon, “‘ He made the Constitution of Gula-Moot and of Frosta-Moot, 
but Heath-sevi’s Constitution [here is something dropped out; we read, 
eas made by Halfdane the Black| first of all, but before that every folk 
had its own Constitution *.” : 

Later on, the rest of the kingdom is finally brought into big Moot- 
districts by S. Olave, who “set up the Constitution which is called 
Sefs-Law, which has stood ever since over Upland and the east half 
ot the Wick;” substituting the district-Moot under a head-king for 
a confederacy of kings. 

The little confederacy in the South, ruled by the just Halfdane (for 
let us dismiss all thought of him or his son’s having been a tyrant or 
a bad king), has thus formed a model for the organisation of all Norway 
and also for Iceland; for the All-Moot (Alping) and Constitution there 
is copied, as we have seen, from the Moot and Constitution of Gula. 

This organisation greatly furthered the legal acceptance of Chris- 
tianity in Norway and in Iceland; for it must not be forgotten that 
Christianity was carried in Norway, no less than in Iceland, not by 
violence’, but by Act of Parliament at the three Great Moots, by the 
free vote of each Moot in its turn, won over by the eloquence and 
wisdom and (last not least) by the spell the heroic missionary king 
threw over all that saw or heard him. And we shall get the best idea 
of the scenes of missionary work at the Moots of Gula and Frosta, 
Moster and Heath-sevi, where Olaf ITryggwason was, like Oswiu, the 





pe 


1 Years ago (Dict. p. 736, s.v. ping C, and p. 776 a) the Editor showed that 
* Laga-setning’ (Law-setting) in Ari’s parlance and in its proper sense means Con- 
stitution-making, not Code-making, and in Prolegomena he again repeats the proofs. 
But apparently in vain, for in an Essay just to hand, an otherwise well-informed 
Scandinavian scholar is found talking of ‘Gula-Code,’ and supposing that this ‘ Code,’ 
of which he quotes a paragraph, dates from ‘ the middle of the tenth century.’ Law, 
like Religion, is too often supposed to lie not in Life, but in Books. It is all 
important that the terms which stand at the base of a great subject should be 
rightly and clearly understood: one such word misapprehended will bring down the 
whole structure it underlies. In modern histories, for instance, Fairhair is spoken of 
as if he had uprooted a model Commonwealth, and driven its members to carry off 
their precious organisation to a new asylum in bleak cold Iceland, whose Althing is 
supposed to be a reconstruction of the pre-Haraldic political life of Norway. As in 
most errors of this kind there is a grain of truth in the hypothesis—the Icelandic 
constitution contains elements of pre-Haraldic life, swept away as it seems in Nor- 
way—but that does not prevent the hypothesis itself being false, and indeed, as we 
have tried to show, the very reverse of the real state of the matter. 

® The stories of Tryggwason’s clubbing idols and torturing pagans are but idle 
gossip; see above, vol. ii, p. 83 sqq. 

Kka2 


ON CHRONOLOGY. | 
reacher of the word to his people, from the true and faithful record 2 

Kristni Saga of what took place at the Icelandic General Moot, whicl 
was in fact a repetition of the same phenomena, only that in Iceland 
king preached through the mouth of his delegate, though the c 
his person was even there at work. Moreover our records ay 
and purer with regard to Iceland than they are with regard 
Christening of Norway. In Law and in Religion Iceland is still a 
of Norway, her General Moot is the last of the series of General M 
which began with Heath-sevi, her vote of acceptance of Christe 
the last of the list of votes which had begun with the vote of E 
sevi-Moot at the agen of Olaf Tryggwason himself. 








A tee ee, t 


Fo ata TD 
a a a Tal 





EXCURSUS: TH. 


ON THE TRACES OF OLD HEROIC POEMS TO BE 
FOUND IN THE ICELANDIC FAMILY TALES (IS- 
LENDINGA SOGUR). 


IT is a strange thing that one rich branch of Northern literature 
(the Islendinga Sagas") has never been examined with a view to discover 
the echoes of old long-lost Teutonic ballads which are undoubtedly to 
be found there. The fact is that sufficient attention has not been 
paid to the comparative physiology and psychology of the Saga. The 
_ criticism of the last century, which took as literal truth all that was 
not absolutely miraculous in old literature, had survived far too long 
among scholars with respect to these epic tales, which from their very 
style and phrases are as clearly the creations of imagination as the 
Song of Roland or the ballad of Edom 0’ Gordon. They treat indeed 
of real personages, real events, real utterances, but the whole is seen in 
that golden ‘light that never was on sea or land,’ in fact, to coin a 
needful word, epicised. ‘There was no Chinese wall between the Icelandic 
Sagas and the outer Teutonic world, the men that composed them had 
their heads full of older cycles of story and song, and is it not probable 
that they would weave much of their old stock of stories or incident 
here, a personage there, into the prose epics they were making? 


1. Gretti and Beowolf. 


The first instance which we may give of the survival of old Teutonic 
legend in the Islendinga Sagas is the notable one of the Grettis Saga. 
‘Here the most famous episode in the whole tale is undeniably an echo of a 
Beowolf poem or poems. A good farmer is living in a wild part of the 
country, which is haunted by an evil ghost named Glam, whose power 
waxes as the sun wanes, and is greatest at Yule-tide. Year after year the 
franklin’s shepherd is killed, he can keep no servants, his cattle are maimed, 
his house is wrecked, benches torn up, panelling broken, roof-rafters 
crushed in, the whole place a scene of desolation. When things are at 
their worst and the poor farmer at his wits’ end, Gretti the Strong, who 
has shown his prowess in many a fight, resolves to go to his help, against 
the counsel of his friends, who tell him that he is over-bold, that it is 
no common fiend he will have to overcome. Gretti however sets out, 
is welcomed, but the farmer has become hopeless, and though he thanks 
his guest, has not much faith in his success. The first night the ghost 
is pretty quiet, but the second evening he kills Gretti’s horse, and on 
the third he boldly enters the hall, where the hero is lying on a bench 





* The Islendinga Sagas are those which relate to Icelanders of the Heroic Age, 
See Prolegomena, §§ 8 and 9g. 





502 ON ICELANDIC TRACES OF 


wrapped in a rug. Gripping the rug the fiend tugs against Gretti till 
the coverlet is riven in twain between them, and he stumbles back with 
the bit in his hands. The hero springs upon him, and a dreadful 
struggle ensues. Up and down the hall they wrestle, every post and 
pillar crashing and cracking as they dash against it, while the fearful 
franklin is trembling in his cupboard-bed. At last Glam manages to get 
Gretti to the porch, but at this supreme moment, for the fiend’s power 
would be resistless in the open air of the night, Gretti by a trick 
contrives to bring down the fiend beneath him. They fall outside, and 
as the hero grips his sword to cut off his head, Glam curses him with 
haunting and ill-luck to the end of his days, warning him that he will 
bring about his death. Gretti, at first horror-struck at his evil look 
and words, recovers, and cutting off his head lays it at the corpse’s 
thigh’. The farmer, over-joyed at his release, thanks Gretti, begifts 
him with a horse, and praying him first in vain to abide longer with 
him, dismisses him with high honour. Here the ‘haunting, the broken 
hall, the wrestling, the farmer’s attitude, his gifts are all identical in 
poem and tale; the riven coverlet is paralleled by the torn limb of 
the fiend; only the curse is a fresh feature, and this may be a trait 
of the original legend which our poem has not preserved. It is almost 
needed as a thread to bind the whole life of Beowolf together’. 

But we have also the struggle with Grendel’s mother in the mere-cave 
in a subsequent chapter of the Saga. An ogress haunts at Yule-tide 
a farm in the same way as Glam had done; the hero awaits her in 
the hall, struggles with her at night, she drags him out of the house 
to the edge of the cliff by the waterfall, where her abiding-place is, 
but at last he manages to get his right arm free and cut off her right 
arm; she looses her hold and falls headlong into the force out of 
sight. Here is a certain repetition of the Grendel story. Shortly after 
Gretti resolves to search the waterfall; he goes out with a companion 
(who watches for his return, but deserts him just as the Danes do 
Beowolf when the blood and gore comes up in the mere). Having 
dived below the force, he gets into a cave, where he finds a giant, 
whom he slays with a thrust of the famous short sword (hefti-sax, 
Beowolf’s hefti-mzci). He then plunders the cave, finding the bones 
of two men, which he brings back with him, and gets back to the 
farm. Here are the incidents of the ‘Grendel’s dam struggle with little 
alteration,—the wound through the bowels, the weapon that inflicted 
it, and the cave in the mere. The Saga also gives the very reason 
why it localises the story in Bardsdale, viz. that there was a pillar 
near the fall there, which was held to be a giantess turned into 
stone by the sunlight falling on her ere she could regain her home 
in the force. 

The story in Gretti we take to be an echo, not of the present diluted 
epic, but of the lays from which the epic was later made up. There 
must have been such lays—one or two on Grendel and his dam, and one 
on the Dragon fight, each, say, some 250 lines. 





1 This is the proper way to prevent the ghost from rising again. 

* The childlessness of Beowolf, his devotion to others, and his Weird, all seem to 
require some such explanation ; the noteworthy speechlessness of Grendel would also 
point to his speaking once to terrible effect. We may be allowed to repeat here what 
we once said (Reader, p. 705) :—‘ There is a deep tragic scene underlying the story— 
Gretti rid the land of the monster, but like many great men, he does so at the cost 
of his own happiness. His reward is, that he is a doomed man and an outlaw for 
the rest of his life.’ 








OLD HEROIC POEMS. 503 


The third part of the Beowolf legend, his Dragon fight, is not in 
the Saga, but the especial stress laid upon Gretti’s prowess as a 
strong swimmer cannot, one would think, be wholly influenced by 
Beowolf’s special glory for his feats of long swimming in the cold 
stormy sea’. 

The historical Gretti, the great outlaw, is given accurately in the 
brief lines of Landnama-bok, and especially in the purely native parts 
of the Gretti’s Saga, his escape from hanging, his fellowship with the 
other outlaws, and his death. That the revenge-part of the end of 
the Saga is borrowed from a medieval romance has long been known. 


2. Waterdales’ Saga and the Lay of Ail fwine’s Youth. 


We have noticed (Introd. § 7) that the story of the good faith of 
Thuriswend and the daring of Alfwine is imperfect in the paraphrase 
of Paul the Deacon, and that the central epic link of the Alfwine 
ballads is the revenge of the queen, the kinswoman of the man A‘lfwine 
has slain. We can however supply what is missing from the legend 
given in the beginning of Vatzdola Saga. It runs thus :— 

A mountain-path between Sweden and Norway suddenly becomes a 
pass of death. Travellers who start upon it never reach their goal, and 
no one knows how they disappear. Ketill the Ream, the chief who lives 
on the Norwegian side, is blamed for not freeing the road of danger, 
but he is old, and his son Thorstan is a lazy fellow, who lies at the 
fire and pays no heed to anything that is going on. “ Young men were 
very different when I was young,” the old father breaks out one day. 
“They used to go warring in their youth, earning riches and glory. 
You are old enough to be following your noble kinsmen’s footsteps, 
and this is Warriors’ Law*, which I would have you to remember, that 
a young man cannot hold land or fee till he has proved his worth.” 


_ The boy gets up angrily—‘‘ You have egged me enough!’”—and goes 


forth secretly to the pass of death, resolved to meet the hidden peril. 
He finds in- the wood a great desert house, well garnished with meat 
and drink; he hides till the owner comes in, a huge man, who seeks 
for the intruder, whom he feels certain is lurking about, but missing 
him falls asleep. Thorstan now gets up, and drawing a short sword 


drives it through the sleeping outlaw into the bedstead. The big man 


wakes with the deadly thrust, seizes the lad, and asks him his name, 
which Thorstan tells him truly. He then says, “I might slay you, but 
I give you your life, and I wish you to do as I tell you after my 
death. I am Iokle, son of Ingimund Earl of Gautland. Go to his hall 
and tell my mother Wigdis what has happened, and give her this ring as 
a token, and greet her from me, and bid her set the Earl at peace with 
you, and give you my sister Thordis in marriage. And if you two have 
a son, call him after me, that my name perish not utterly.” Thorstan 
promised him to obey his will. Then at his bidding Thorstan plucked 
the sword out of his breast and he fell back dead. Thorstan sets off 
at once to Ingimund’s hall, gets an interview with Wigdis, and showing 





' In the English Poem of Eger and Grime in the Percy MS. there is an echo of 
the Beowolf story in the hand of Graysteel, the monster knight of the moor; and 
that ‘noble brand Egeking’ mentioned there, which King Fundus got from ‘ full far 
beyond the Greekes sea,’ may be the last traditional descendant of the hefti-sax. 

2? The technical word for the Court-Law relating to House-carles and Kings’ 
Guests, the Martial Law or Custom to which AElfwine’s father appeals. 





504 ON ICELANDIC TRACES OF 


her the token tells her the whole truth. “Thou art a bold fellow 
to come here with this tale. But since Iokle gave thee thy life, thou 
shalt have it. I will break the story and make thy peace with the 
Earl.” So all falls out as Iokle wished. But there is a curse upon 
the marriage, springing from the bloodshed that lies between them. 
The dying man had said that tragic death (or, as Landnama puts it, 
“ death by chance medley”’) should not cease out of his slayer’s race, 
Here we have the missing links of the Alfwine story: /lfwine has 
been lying lazily at home till his father tells him “ the Custom of the 
Lombards.” (The next piece is missing in Paul’s paraphrase.) He 
then must have gone forth secretly and slain in single fight Thurismund 
son of Thuriswend king of the Gefths. No doubt the dying hero 
bade him go to his father, ask him for knighthood, and for his sister or 
kinswoman in marriage. He obeys, and the story goes on as Paul gives 
it (Introd. § 7). The old father, for love of his dead son, carries out 
his last request and refrains from following up the blood-feud. The 
hero weds Rosamund, and to-seeming all goes well, but the curse (which 
in Paul’s original was no doubt foretold in the dying Thurismund’s 
words) after many long years awakes and brings about the tragedy 
of Alfwine’s death. 

The hatred of Rosamund, roused by the sight of the cup made 
out of her father’s skull, brings A-lfwine to an evil death, “to be slain 
like a coward in his own house.” Of course the cup story is purely 
epic; the one Paul saw was probably one captured by Alfwine from 
some Kaan of the Huns. For it was a Hunnish, not Teutonic, custom 
to make cups from enemies’ skulls, as Mr. Howorth has noticed; the 
classic instance (among many others) being the skull-cup which Crum 
made out of the Emperor Nicephoros’ head in 811. The real events 
which led to A’)lfwine’s death we shall never know, tradition has woven 
a dire tragedy out of it, and linked together his knighthood and his 
death by the epic motive of the curse of the blood-feud, which no 
forbearance can stay, and against which, as in Attila’s case, not even the 
most sacred bond can hold’, 


3. Gunnar and Egil the Archer. 


Our third instance of transferred tradition is from Niala. 

A lady of Irish descent, of great beauty, with wonderful golden. hair, 
but of evil nature, “with thief’s eyes,’ marries in succession three 
husbands, each of whom in turn she provokes, by her elfish wickedness, 
to slap her in the face, and the blow in each case leads to her husband’s 
death. But the tale of the death of the third husband Gunnar is to be 
carefully considered. He is beset by his foes in hi§ house, but keeps 
them at bay with his unerring arrows, till one of them creeps up and 
cuts his bowstring. He turns round and begs his wife for a lock of her 
hair to replace the severed string. ‘‘ Does your life lie on your getting 
a fresh bowstring?” says she with cruel mockery. “Of a truth it 
does.” “Then die! You mind the slap on the face you gave me, 
I will repay you now.” In vain the hero’s old mother curses the 





* The Frodi-peace, which is given to Eadgar among English kings, to Rollo of the 
Norman earls, etc., is ascribed by Paul to #lfwine. For excellent examples of the 
mutation of myths from person to person, see Mr. Steenstrup’s Normannerne, with 
regard to the stratagems of taking towns by birds carrying fire and by pretended 
burial-parties. 








OLD HEROIC POEMS. BOR 


bad wife, she persists in her refusal, and Gunnar’s foes, dreading his 
arrows no more, break in upon him and slay him at his wife’s feet. 
Now this story is plainly legendary. Gunnar’s real weapon was his 
famous bill, and though the real Hallgerd was married thrice, we may 
be quite sure that it was not because her husbands slapped her face. 

In reading lately Professor Rhfs’ pretty little collection of Welsh 
fairy-tales on the Melusine or Lady of the Lake theme, the Editor 
was struck by the coincidence of the fairy water-maiden with long 
hair and tricksy disposition. She comes out of the lake and marries a 
Welsh gentleman, and brings him riches and luck, but she must not 
be struck. Her wayward humour and accident bring it so about that 
her husband strikes her with cold iron, whereon she gathers the beau- 
tiful water-cows of her dowry and goes back to the lake for ever. Her 
descendants, a famous family of Doctors, still survive. Here we have 
the skeleton of a legend which has clearly attached itself to Hallgerd. 
In the tragic death of Gunnar it would seem that we have the lost 
legend of Egil the archer and Alrune the daughter of Caer, the fairy 
bride whom he won from the lake, the second part of the trilogy of 
which we have one fragment in Weyland’s Lay. On Mr. Franks’ casket 
we see the death scene, the foemen besetting the house, the hero in 
the loft shooting, the woman spinning by his side [just as Gunnar in 
Niala]. How Egil outwits the king by his skill (parallel to Weyland’s 
revenge on Nidad) we have in the Palnatoki (Tell) story. The story 
of Weyland’s death, brought about no doubt by his fairy-wife too, we 
have not yet been able to trace; nor the story of the third brother 
Slag-Finn (whom we from the surname ‘slag’ take to be the Aarper- 
hero), unless the tragedy of Glas-Gerion be a last echo of the tale of his 
death, and the Magic Fiddler of Grimm’s Marchen the legend of his 
outwitting the king. There is a foreign cast (Celtic we believe) about 
all the three stories’. 


4. Gunlaug and Waltharit Poema. 


Again, in Gunlaug’s Saga there is a legendary element which the 
Editor believes may be traced back, in part at least, to a scene in the 
Waldhere cycle. An Icelandic franklin, whose wife is with child, has 


a dream in which he sees a fair white swan on his house ridge. An 
eagle flies down to her and caresses her, but their love is broken upon 


by another eagle with whom the first one fights, till the two fierce birds 
have torn each other to death and fall lifeless together from the roof 
to earth. The swan sits disconsolate and forlorn till a little hawk flies 
up and wins her over to fly away with him. This dream is read as 
a prophecy of ill to the coming child, who, according to it, proves a girl. 
The franklin determines to expose the babe. She however is saved, 
grows up of wondrous beauty, and one day is made known to her 
father, who, seeing that fate is not to be fought against, takes her 
home to him. The rest of the dream is fulfilled: the first eagle is the 
true lover Gunlaug, who is tricked out of his wife by the second eagle 
Raven; they fight for her, and after a fruitless judicial duel in Iceland 
(an historic event) adjourn to Norway. Here the two rivals meet and 





1 The whole legend might be represented thus :— 


The opening. The brothers’ deeds. The curse works, 
Capture ofthe Swan- § Weyland outwits Nidad, Weyland betrayed by (?). 
maidens by three Egil » aking, Egil betrayed by his wife. 
brothers, Finn » aking, Finn betrayed by his servant. 





506 ON ICELANDIC TRACES OF 


fight again. Gunlaug wounds Raven’s leg severely, but Raven wishes 
to go on with the fight; “If only I could get a draught of water I could 
fight on merrily.” “I will get thee thy desire, if thou wilt not betray 
me,” answers Gunlaug, and accordingly fetches his wounded foe the 
water in his own helmet. But Raven, despairing of success, cannot 
withstand the opportunity, and he treacherously smites his adversary 
a deadly blow on his defenceless head. ‘Thou hast betrayed me!” 
“T could not bear to think that Helga the Fair should lie in thine 
arms.” So both the eagles fall, but Helga weds a third husband, and 
pines to death. i 

The unhistorical character of Gunlaug’s Saga and the small founda- 
tion of fact which Landnama supplies have been noted( Introd. § 8, vol.i); 
but compare the last deadly duel with the final unfinished scene in the 
tenth-century Waltharius’ legend, told in the Novalician Chronicle. Here 
Waldhere has carried off Hildegund from Attila’s court; he is pursued 
by twelve champions headed by Hagan his old brother-in-arms. He 
turns upon his pursuers and discomfits them all save Hagan, and lies 
down to rest, but is awakened by the lady. “Hagan is upon thee!” 
“Him alone I fear, for he is my old comrade and knows all my feats 
of fence.”” They fight, and Hagan, exhausted, spies a keg of wine at the 
saddle-bow of Waldhere’s horse’. Here the good monk, whose auto- 
graph we have, breaks off in the middle of his page and the rest of the 
story is lost. But can we not supply the end? Hagan prays for a drink, 
Waldhere gives it to him; Hagan, betraying the trust of his rival, smites 
him a deadly blow, but not before Waldhere has scarred him for ever 
by a stroke that puts out or blinds his right eye. True, the later 
Wilkina Saga (thirteenth century), founded on Saxon Lays, makes a 
comic incident of the loss of Hagan’s eye, which Waldhere destroys by 
a blow of the flitch. The death of Waldhere by Gaudefer (a Southern 
Romance form of Waldfrid) is in Wilkina Saga obviously imaginary, and 
merely put in to finish off a prominent person who must be got rid of. 
The English fragment of a Waldhere Lay and the allusions to the 
story in the later German medieval poems do not explain the story, 
nor tell of Waldhere’s death. The ‘moiniage’ of a Waldhere in the 
other part of the Chronicle has in reality no connection with the 
Waldhere Saga. 


5. Laxdola and the Lays of Brunbhild and Hamtheow, etc. 


In the Laxdola Saga we have historic personages shining with a light 
borrowed from the Sigfred story. Gudrun, whose pedigree and kindred 
are given from Landnama-bok (ii. ch. 17), married Thorrod, by whom she 
had two children; she married again Bolli Thorlac’s son, by whem she had 
six children before he was slain by Kiartan Olatsson’s brother, in revenge 
for Kiartan, who had been murdered by Gudrun’s brethren a short 
time before. Gudrun now married a third time, had two children, and 
one of her sons, Gelli, was born 1008, as the Editor pointed out in the 
Tima-tal (1855). So far the facts, which will not admit of being re- 
conciled with the Saga; for we must allow two years at least between 





1 “Occisis cunctis preter Regem [Gundharium] et Haganonem . .. contra quos 
ilico Waltharius quasi leo insurgens, armis protectus fortiter debeliabat bellantibus 
sibi. Qui diu multumque inuicem pugnantes, ac pre nimia lassitudine et siti defi- 
cientes iam non ualebant uirorum fortissimum superare, Et ecce respicientes © 
uiderunt a sagma Waltharii uasculum uini dependere,’—Chron, Novaliciense, lib. ti. 





<) ies ek ae a 
A ri aes 
‘ 





ee ee sp let ere ee ee 


OLD HEROIC POEMS. 507 


Gelli’s birth and the death of Bolli, and six children who lived would, 
according to ordinary statistics, give ten years for the years of the 
second marriage. So that Kiartan could not have loved her as a single 
woman or as a widow during Tryggwason’s reign (995-1000), and all the 
scenes abroad must be purely epic. The real facts have no doubt 
been epicised under the influence of some old Sigfred Lays. Kiartan 
is the blameless Sigfred, Bolli is Gundhere, the anger of Gudrun is 
exactly like that of Brunhild, the revenge and all the rest are parallel. 

There is also a purely unhistorical scene, when Gudrun, like her name- 
sake in Hamtheow Lay, eggs on her sons to revenge Bolli, an evident 
echo of that old Lay. The Dream of Gudrun, as to her four husbands’ 
fate, is a parallel to the Dream of a Lay in the Lacuna (which we have 
translated in the Appendix to vol. i, p. 392), and may even be borrowed 
from a parallel lost Lay, which the Wolsunga Compiler has not put in. 
The words of the Treg-rof, ‘the hardest woe, the cruellest woe,’ etc., 
are even paralleled in the fine dialogue between Gudrun and her young 
and best-loved son Bolli, where the famous phrase 

‘I treated him the worst I loved the most’ 

is far more poetic than the poetry from which it is borrowed. The 
passages of Laxdola referred to will be found in the Reader, pp. 43 and 8r. 


The scene in the Northern version of Eiric the Red’s Saga, in which 
the virago Freydis snatches up a sword and dashes among the frightened 
Eskimo, reminds one of the view taken of Gudrun in the Atla-mal, 
I]. 164-172, and of the fierce Amazon Chriemhilt of the later German 
poem. 

The Flyting scenes of Skarphedin in Nia/a, chaps. 120-124, are ob- 
viously an echo of ancient lays, in which these rough word-contests 
were favourite topics; e.g. the scenes in Helgi and Sigrun, and the 
f£lfwine Lay, in which some of the images are the very same. 

The Dream-story of Gis/i’s Saga (as is pointed out on p. 336) is clearly 
an echo and imitation of an old poem, perhaps the lost Lay of Cara and 
Helgi.—Indeed the whole of the Islendinga Sagas should be carefully 
searched for such imitations and reflexions of the old Teutonic Heroic 
cycles. The bigger complex Sagas, which we have carefully examined, 
nearly all, as we have shown, bear eyident traces of the existence of 


the old Teutonic traditions down to the time when the Sagas were 


put together. 


The Latin Chronicles and the French Romances will also be found, 
when minutely searched, to contain many an incident which is de- 
rived from some of our old epic cycles. Thus in the first chapters 
of Widukind of Corbey’s History of the Saxons there is a very full para- 
phrase of the story of Gizur Greotingalidi, ‘who set the kings at odds.’ 
Widukind’s Iring replaces Gizur, and there are minor details which, as 
we should expect, differ (a wicked queen is brought in), but the main 
plot is exactly the same. The story is plainly unhistorical, an epic 
accretion which has grown round Theodric the Frank. Very likely, 
if we knew the poems that were sung in Aclfwine’s hall, we should find 
some whose incidents were afterwards transferred to him. We cannot 
always, as is the case of Gudrun and Charlemagne, get behind the 
scenes and see how a History becomes an Epic. 

A curious instance of a phenomenon, met with once or twice in Saxo, 
the same myth told of different heroes, is the parallelism of the Northern 


 Biarka-mél and the Old English Fin’s Lay; the fragments that survive 


of each running absolutely side by side. 





508 ON ICELANDIC TRACES OF OLD HEROIC POEMS. 


There is in Deor’s Woe a fragment of the Hiarrand cycle and a 
mention of Weyland’s Nidad, and Widsith’s Wanderings is a conspectus 
of the poems and heroic legends known to the author, amongst others 
that of Alfwine. Some others of the Old English Poems also contain 
passages which run parallel to our Lays (see Introd. vol. i, § 7). 

It may be worth while, in conclusion, to clearly disclaim holding any 
such theory as that of Finn Magnusen, that the Islendinga Sagas are 
derived from ballads or poems, It is by no means so in our opinion. 
What we hold is, that the Sagas are to be looked on as Epics, founded 
on fact, not as exact Histories: that in certain cases the historic nucleus 
has gathered round it old traditions, which have completely obscured 
and overshadowed the scant facts upon which they are strung. Some 
of these cases we have pointed out. It is very necessary, both from 
a literary’ and from an historical point of view, that the true position 
of the Islendinga Sagas should be definitely ascertained, and as this 
question was intimately associated with other weighty questions refer- 
ring to the poems of these volumes, we have thought it right to deal 
briefly with it here. 





a “wr 


1 That admirable and philosophic study of the Saga-style by Dr. R. Heinzel 
(Beschreibung der Islandischen Saga, Wien, 1880) should convince the most 
hardened patriot that the Sagas are not literally true. Niels Mathias Petersen, the 
Danish historian and Rask’s friend, held a similar opinion, and used to tell me that 
the Sagas were ‘ Dichtung und Wahrheit,’ Facts and Fancy woven together.—The 
Editor. 





-* ate Tae pea ' 43 2 





EAGURSUS. fV. 


THE CREATION-MYTH AND THE NORTHERN 
GENEALOGIES IN HYNDLA’S LAY, ETC, 


It has always been a matter of puzzlement to the Editor, after 
reading the famous passage of the Germania in which Tacitus gives 
what he tells us was the very soul and essence of the Teutonic religion 
of his day, the divine origin of the pure German race, or after perusing 
the pedigree of Ermanaric in Jordanis, and the account of the way 
in which the Anses were linked by ancestral tie to the heroes of his 
history—to turn to the Eddic poems and find there so little answering 
to the old beliefs and songs of Tacitus’ or even Jordanis’ day, with 
reference to those ideas which lie at the core of our ancestors’ religion— 
the origin of man, the faith that they are Heaven’s chosen sons, a god- 
born race, like Homer’s warriors and kings. 

Yet, if we put aside the later poetical fancies that cluster round 
Walhall, Ygg-drasil, Doomsday, and are so attractive to the modern 
imagination, and look deeper for the older substratum of granite 
thought, we shall find it by no means inadequately set forth in two 
notable poems, the Lay of Righ and Hyndla’s Lay. The importance 
of the first, which has hitherto been too lightly treated as a mere 
playful poet’s dream, we have noted; the second however, mangled 
and misjointed as it is, must be our main authority. We have given 
it in vol. i. in its due chronological rank, with such mending and re- 
construction as we at first thought sufficient to show the reader some- 


‘thing of its true purport; but there is need of a more radical treat- 


ment, if its true scope and import are to be fully brought out, and 
this we must attempt here in connection with the very problem which 
the Lay is to help us to solve. Thus the right placing and under- 
standing of the lines on Heimdal is most vital and in reality the key 
to the right intent and scheme of the whole poem. Luckily we have 
the assistance of a (twelfth-century?) paraphrase of the genealogical 
part of the Lay (in Flatey-bok i. pp. 24, 25) from a fuller and better 
text than that which Flatey-bok supplies?. 

Before turning to the Lay of Hyndla it may be well to note that in 
the first passage from Tacitus we take Tuisconem to be the right reading ; 
almost all the MSS. have se or st (¢ and ¢ being the commonest of 





1 That it is a paraphrase is indeed (though not stated) obvious from the wording, 
falling in places (as in Halfdane’s marriage) literally in with our poem. The story in 
Snorri’s Edda on Halfdane the Old is again manifestly merely an abridgment of our 
paraphrase, the date of which is thus thrown back to the twelfth century, most likely 
its earliest part, when the poem was still entire in men’s memory. 





B10 THE CREATION-MYTH 


confusions), and the archetypus no doubt read Tuisc. In Ulfila’s and 
probably in Tacitus’ days our T¥-r (Aios, divus, divas) would have been 
nom. Tius, gen. Tiwis, whence the regularly formed adjective Tiwi-sc-s, 
Tacitus’ Tuisco-, which in sense and use exactly answers to the ‘ T¥s 
attungr’ of our poems. The word or the passage in Tacitus can never 
have been Theutonem, or Teutonem, etc. For, though Isidore (five hun- 
dred years after Tacitus) says that Spaniards and Gauls of Ais day call. 
Germans Teutones, this use, we take for granted, was not so old as 
Tacitus; it only arose after the small German tribes had linked 
themselves together into leagues, Franks, Saxons, Wandils, and the 
like, against the common danger, the Romans in front and the Sclavs 
and Huns behind. In Tacitus’ days, Thiudans would mean a king as 
it does in Ulfila and old English poetry. Besides, the context requires, 
not a nfere eponym, but a significant word, pointing to the descent of 
the race from a God (Heaven) and Mother Earth, ‘Mammun Ertham,’ 
i.e. Terram Matrem, as we take Tacitus to have written (in accordance 
with Holder’s and Holzman’s view). 

Now, turning back to our Lay of Hyndla, and its prose paraphrase— 
The paraphrast Jeaves out (1) the framework, or setting of the whole 
poem, and all that refers to Othere’s claims, (2) the part touching 
Heimdal the god, and the links between him and Halfdane the Old: | 
and on the other hand he extends the pedigrees, by drawing them all 
to Harald Fairhair, adding links which we have tried to weed out 
and mark off by []. To him Scandinavia is the cradle of all the royal 
heroic races of the oixovyévn, and he divides them into three groups: 
(a) the home-kings, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian; (4) the sea-kings, 
conquerors and colonists by sea; (c) the conquering kings of foreign lands, 
Saxony, Gaul, Hunland, whom he also draws from the Scandinavian 
stock—from Heimdai and Halfdane. This is the attitude of a Western 
man to whom the Teutoni-Celtic world is practically one. 

As for the poem itself it may be analysed into— 

1. Frame (Introduction and End): ‘Fla estu Freyia, etc.’ must be 
transferred to the end, Freyia having evidently said something to 
rouse the ogress’ anger, as in the Doom. 

2. The section on Heimdal, displaced in Fb. text: ‘ Vard einn 
borinn, etc.’ is given twice over, ‘ SifjaSan siotom gorvollom’ (the 
gossip to all tribes) manifestly referring to Heimdal as Sire of gods 
and men. The links between Heimdal and Halfdane are lost, but 
from Half-dane one may guess Dane to have been one and perhaps 
Righ another, three would be quite sufficient (Righ, Dane, Halfdane). 

3. The last section on Halfdane and his sons, which is the central 
part of the whole, is duly preserved in the paraphrast. 

Halfdane the Old makes a sacrifice, begging the gods that a life of 
three generations may be granted him, but gets for answer, that a life of © 
but ove generation shall be vouchsafed to him, but that for three genera- 
tions no one less than a king or earl shall spring from him, and zo 
woman shall till then be born in his race.—Here we see the poet’s 
hand. Unfortunately the Flatey-bok text leaves out these lines, re- 
membering only the fragment on Halfdane’s marriage. 

This part seems to have been divided into three pieces : (a) Halfdane’s 
two nines of sons, the first nine, dying in battle, childless, mere archaic 
names for kings, Iofur, Stillir, etc. (as one sees from the pedigree in 
Snorri’s Edda) ; the second nine, founders of royal lines, ranked in three 
groups of three. (4) Great ladies, heroines of the past, descended from 
Halfdane—a very fragmentary morsel. There would have been always 


fee Fe 


y 
a 
a, 
ow 
a 
€ 
= 
Bi 
is hs 








AND THE NORTHERN GENEALOGIES, ETC. 511 


three generations of kings, and zo ladies till, according to the oracle, the 
queens appear in the fourth and following generations. (c) Othere’s 
own special pedigree, also very fragmentary *. 

According to this scheme the poem is to be restored, keeping con- 
tinually in sight the better preserved morsels of the paraphrase, which 
again and again give help in interpreting and correcting and restoring 
or putting aright, like the potsherds of a broken vessel, the mutilated 
lines of the poem, which stands to the paraphrase as a B to an A text. 
So, for instance, it may be seen that ‘ Ali vas adr’ comes from the Day 
section; *po war Frodi fyrr enn Kari’ must be inserted in the Audi 
section; under ‘hinn ellri war’ lies ‘ Alrunar,’ Cear’s daughter (of the 
Weyland cycle). The lines on Haki, too, we can identify in the 
paraphrase; it is not a part of the Sibyl Songs (as we once thought), 
and so on. 

There is much missing, perhaps the greater part; but the plan is 
clear; and it is a happy chance that what the poem gives best the 
paraphrast ignores or omits, and on the other hand, what the paraphrast 
preserves the poem has lost; the paraphrast cared but for the history, 
the poetical dress he discarded; the only really mournful loss is that 
of the Halfdane-Heimdal links. This is a more antique poem than 
Righ’s Lay, more aristocratic in tone; the Lay of Righ is more demo- 
cratic (and surely the later of the two). Righ is father of earl, churl, 
and thrall equally, and all men are in one sense brothers, though not 
peers; but Hyndla’s Lay only concerns itself with nobles and gentle- 


_ folk, kings, earls, lords (hersar), and gentlemen (holdar, hold =heled) ; 


the rest of mankind are beneath and beyond its notice, turans and 
monkey-men as the proud Eastern Aryans would have called them. 

Both this Lay and Righ’s are the latest descendants of those old 
carmina of which Tacitus had heard. Every Teutonic tribe, of course, 
had its own version of the subject, endless variation of the same motive, 
with its own Anses and heroes. No matter which version we take— 


- Erdha, Tius, Mannus (Tacitus)—Gaut, Heimdal, Righ (Jordanis)— 


Heimdal [Dane], Halfdane (Hyndla-poet)—Heimdal, Righ, Kon (Righ 
Lay)—Odin, Niord, Yngwi-Frey (Ynglings)—Odin, Skiold, Frid-leif 
(Skioldungs), etc.—all are really one in character and meaning: 
Heaven and Earth, and the gods and the heroes sprung from them (the 
Anses),. are the ‘ultima fons et origo’ of each tribe, of each pure- 
blooded Teuton freeman. The Axses, deified heroes in the later 
links, are the ‘sanctum divorum collegium,’ ‘ gumnar gosom signabir,’ 
‘numero deorum recepti, coliegio deorum ascripti,’ as the good Adam 
repeats King Eric’s phrases. When the old Northern poets speak of 
‘Ty’s Attungr,’ ‘Freys attungr,’ ‘ Yngwa ett-stafr,’ and the like, they 
are alluding to this well-known and deep-set heathen belief,—one so 
human and so true, that Paul, far from refuting it, eagerly seized on it 
as a link between the New Tidings and the Old Faith. And have not 
we Teutons also, in the authors of these two Lays, ‘certain poets of our 
own,’ who, like Aratzus, witness that ‘ we too are His offspring?’ 

So also when Woden is called by our poets Al-fodr, Wal-fodr, Wera- 
Tyr, Aldin-Gautr, and by other such titles, or where Thunder is spoken 
of as Earth’s Son, or even Sif’s Goodman, the same beliefs are, we 
take it, witnessed to. We have a last echo of them in the Old English 


phrase ‘ Adam’s grandmother’ for Earth. 





' We have transposed this piece; in the paraphrase it stands foremost, before 
Halfdane and his Nine Sons, 





512 THE CREATION-MYTH 


The LANGFEDGA-TAL or Generations‘ are artificially built up out of 
this basis of the divine origin of heroes and gods. Thus in the Ynglinga 
generation the first names, Woden, Niord, Yngwi-Frey, were held to 
be the Anses of the Swedish kings’ race long ere Thiodwolf composed 
his poem. He may have worked upon an Old English model, the 
Pedigree of Ecgberht or Ethelwolf. His genealogic poem again was 
the model in form and style for many others; the Haleygia generation, 
with its Seming (son of Saomi, the Finn which would seem to speak to 
a mixture of blood in the great Earl race), is the best known. There 
was, we might guess, a Skioldunga generation on the same model; the 
names down to Cnut the Great are just the right number, thirty; see 
Hauks-bok, AM. 415, and the early leaves of Flatey-bok. 

The Orkney. Earls have a genealogy made out for them, the early 
names of which are those of physical and metaphysical entities—the 
Elements (Fire, Wind), the Months (Thorri, Goi), and etymological 
inventions such as ‘Ndr,’ an imaginary hero from which the name 
Noéregr is derived. This etymology, Nér’s way, points to a date when 
the ‘%’ of ‘Nor®é-wegr’ was lost, and perhaps the ‘w’ becoming vo- 
calised, yet so that the meaning of ‘ way’ still survived, while that of 
‘North’ was gone. The long vowel in Néregr is the compensation for 
the loss of the ‘%’ and ‘w’—Nor®-wegr, Nér-wegr, Néregr. The ‘6’ 
was lost as early as the tenth century, as the Jellinge-stone (see Reader, 
P- 443, no. 8) shows; the ‘w’ probably vanished in the eleventh 
century, so that we have pretty certain proof of the lateness of this 
Orkney genealogy, even if the Story of the Tarbet did not fix its 
fabrication to the days of Magnus Barefoot. 

There are two genealogies given for the Dublin Kings: one (Laxdola) 
taking them up to the Skioldungs and connecting them with the Danish 
kings; the other (Ari in Libellus) linking them with the Ynglings. It - 
would almost seem as if Ari at different times in his life had had vary- 
ing information through song or tradition, and had given both, once 
in his Liber whence Laxdola draws, the other in his later Lidellus *. 

With regard to the Upsala Kings’ generation it is necessary to walk 
circumspectly, as the road is full of pit-falls. The Ynglinga Saga makes 
the true Ynglings to have been driven by Ingwar Wide-fathom from 
Upsala to Norway, where alone they were to be found®, and Hervarar 
Saga mentions also a further conquest by the Sons of Ragnar*. Here 
we have Norwegian and Danish views. The proud Swedish kings would 
never have accepted such traditions, or acquiesced in an inferior posi- 
tion to their younger neighbours. But in the Fridgerd Story (an episode 
now of St. Olaf’s Life, dramatised in Snorri’s finest vein) we hit upon 
the true old Swedish version of their pedigree, taken from some lost bit 
of Ari, one would think. Says the Swedish king: “I am the tenth 
Upsala king, every one of whom hath taken the realm after his kins- 





1 We use ‘ generations’ in the sense of Matt. i. 1 in the Authorised Version: it 
answers to Icelandic ‘ langfedga-tal,’ to which else there is no good equivalent in 
English, 

P The Laxdola pedigree as it stands is plainly wrong somehow; see II. Skioldungs. 

§ ¢Eptir Ingialld Illrada hvarf Uppsala veldi or ett Ynglinga, pat er Langfedgum 
metti telja.”—Yngl. S. ch. 45. 

* ‘peir synir Ragnars konungs loégdu p& undir sik Swia-weldi, en eptir dauda 
Ragnars konungs tok Biorn sonr hans Iarnsiéa Swia-weldi.—~Hervarar Saga. And 
from Biorn the present race is derived! The Jist in Hervarar Saga is wholly worth- 
less, only Eric the Victorious and perhaps his father and grandfather are really 
historical persons. See Thorgny’s speech in the Reader, p, 178. 





1 NRC Argh 08 Sat a 
Pr.) \ wD Fes 
: ae 





eS Rei kh ee mE es, TOS 
; YB) rag « ets 


AND THE NORTHERN GENEALOGIES, ETC. 513 


man, and hath been sole lord of the Swedish realm and many other 
mighty lands, and hath been suzerain of all other kings in the Northern 
Lands!.” And further on, speaking of his daughter’s birth, he boasts 
that “she is of kingly birth in every branch of the race of the Up- 
Swedes, which is the most worshipful in all the Northern lands, for this 
race is sprung from the gods themselves?.” 

A king of Norway—again says the Swede—is far below the king of 
Sweden, which he thus proceeds to prove in grand logical style. “ Blue- 
tooth slew Grayfell when he ventured to rise against him, and my uncle 
Styr-biorn beat and overcame Blue-tooth; yet my father King Eric 
overcame Styr-biorn and slew him when he rebelled against him*.” All 
which isin direct contradiction to the Norwegian theories of Ynglinga-tal. 

We take the ‘ten kings’ to be the intervening links—Anses, heroes, 
and men—between the Swedish king Olaf and his divine ancestor Frey; . 
Jordanis has just as many steps from Ermanric to the God. The 
Swedish king in poetry is called ‘Ty¥s 4ttungr’ and ‘Freys Attungr,’ 
‘son of the God’ and ‘son of the Lord.’ What were the first steps 
down from the gods? Not improbably, if one might guess, the per- 
sonifications which Theodwolf has borrowed for the early part of his 
poem—Dom-here [the Judge], Dom-waldi [the Justiciar], W{s-bur [the 
Priest],—names suitable to the most legal and priestly of all Northern 
kings, the guardians of the greatest Treasury and Temple of the whole 
of Scandinavia‘. 

Men have laughed—as indeed Snorri’s fine irony incites one to do— 
at the proud vaunting of the Swede; but we must sympathise with him 
too ; he was of an old stock and a good stock, and, just as Mr. Carlyle says 
that Henry of Anjou felt big with something great he knew not what— 
American colonies, Indian empires, British commerce and.constitutions, 
so we may say of Olaf that he too felt big with future glories—King 
Gostaf the Liberator, Gustavus Adolphus, Charles XII, Linnzus, etc. 
Cnut’s mighty empire has long ago passed like a dream of the morning, 


but without Gustavus, the true avenger of Widukind, freedom and 


science and letters would have been swept out of Germany, and the 
labours of lesser and later statesmen could never have been begun. 
We may be very sure that the lost pedigree of the Up-Swedes was no 





1 pvi at ek em enn tiundi konungr at Uppsélum, sva at hverr hefir eptir annan 


tekit varra frenda, ok verit einvaldz konungr yfir Svia-veldi, ok mérgum 6drum 
stérum l6ndum, ok verit allir yfir konungar annarra konunga 4 Nordr-londum.—S, 
Ol. S. ch. 54. 

? Er hon konung-borin { allar kvislir of Upp-Svia ett, er tignust er 4 Nordr-léndum, 
pvi at su ett er komin fré godunum sialfum.—S. O/, S. ch. 54. 

® Gunnhildar synir véro af lifi teknir pegar er peir gérduz uhlydnir Dana konungi, 
lagdi pa Haraldr Gorms son Noreg vid sitt riki ok skatt-gildi, ok pétti oss pé 
Haraldr konungr Gormsson vera minni fyrir ser en Uppsala konungar, pvi at Styrbiorn 
frendi varr kigadi hann, ok gordiz Haraldr hans madr, enn Eirikr inn Sigrszli fadir 
minn steig pd yfir hofud Styrbirni pa er peir reyndu sin 4 milli —S. Ol. S. ch. 71 (Kr.) 

* In Beowolf are pedigrees of the Scylfings of Sweden (from Scylf through (?) 
Angantheow, Ohthere, to Eadgils) ; of the Scylding's of Denmark (from Sceaf through 
Scyld, Beowolf, Healf-dene, Halga, to Hrodwolf [Hrdlf Craci]); of the Weder-Geatas 
of Gaut-land (from Swerting through Hredel, Hygelac, to Heardred) ; of the Angles 
(through Garmund or Wermund, Offa, toEomer) ; of the Heath-Bards or Wickings 
(Froda, Ingeld); of the Wolsungs (Wels, Sigemund, Fitela); besides notices of the 
Wolfings, Mere-Wioings, Healmings, Folewaldings of Friesland, and Brondings. 
Widsith, too, gives some of the names that occur in Beowolf and Hyndla’s Lay. 

VOL. Il. Ll 


514 THE WORDS EDDA AND ANSE 


mean one, and certainly it has been worthily vindicated by the royal 
line of Sweden. 


To this brief Excursus we subjoin the etymology of Edda and Anses. 
THE WORD EDDA. 


Tue first point to settle is, how this word came into the Lay of Righ; no solu- 
tion, which does not account for this part of the problem, can be correct. The poet 
makes Edda the ultimate ancestress, grandmother, first mother, from whom, by 
Righ, the earliest race of mankind sprung. ‘Tacitus tells us how the old poems of 
the Germans of his day make ‘ Terra mater’ the mother of ‘ Tuiscon,’ whose son is 
‘Man.’ And he gives the German name of Terra Mater—Mammun Ertham, 
Here, between the Ertha of Tacitus and the Edda of the Lay, there is a twofold 
identity, viz, the common notion of MOTHER, and the resemblance of both words in 
form and sound. In the days of the Righ Lay, the Low German form of earth 
would still have been ‘Ertha,’ as in Tacitus’ time, while the High German (even 
Frankish ?) would be ‘ Erda ;’ the Old English ‘ Eorthe’ weakened ; the Old Northern 
‘Eorth’ monosyllabic. Both words Earth and Edda are, we take it, etymologically 
identical, Edda being a poet’s adaptation of the foreign bisyllabic form, by him 
aptly designed as great-grandmother. The High German form meets all require- 
ments. According to the regular Northern formula, ‘zd’ becomes ‘ dd’ (thus the 
old ‘ hozd-’ becomes ‘hodd-,’ the old ‘ hazd-’ becomes ‘ hadd-,’ and so on). The 
Old Northern tongue had no rd, only rth; the nearest sound to a German or 
foreign rd would thus in fact be the assimilated dd. 

It is not hard to fancy how it came about. Let us suppose that a western man 
has learnt a snatch of a High German song on that favourite subject with all 
Teutons, the Origin of Mankind and Mother Earth, from a Southern trader or com- 
rade (there were Germans and Southlings in Orkney and Scandinavia in the tenth and 
eleventh centuries as we know from history and Saga). In this song the word ‘ Erda’” 
(or Grandmother Erda*) occurs ; he puts it into his own tongue as neatly as he can, 
and the result is ‘Edda,’ Or, if he himself did not make the change, the minstrel 
would have done so, who sung it after him, for the Lay had passed through many 
Northern mouths before it got written down in our Codex. There are other foreign 
words half understood, half unchanged in the poem, such as Righ, in which the 
notion of the Celtic ‘ri’ is intermingled with the Old Teutonic hero-god, Jordanis’ 
‘Rigis.” And even ‘afi’ and ‘amma’ are loan words; ‘ai,’ too, is the vocalised High 
German ‘ano’ (whence Modern German ahnen, ancestry), 


From the Lay of Righ the word Edda passed into that curious List of Synonyms, . 


‘okend heiti,’ which is the base of the Thulor Collections and of Poetic Gradus, such 
as Snorri’s, Thus the name got applied to Snorri’s book ; for it is probable, though 
not absolutely demonstrable, that this older draught of Scaldscapar-mal was headed 
by our Lay of Righ, being in all likelihood called forth by that very Lay. From 
it the text in Cod. W is derived, for the List of Synonyms, at the end of the MS. of 
Snorri’s unfinished work, contains the words ‘ mddir heitir, ok amma, pridja, Edda,’ 
Hence it follows that the author knew the Lay. 

From Snorri’s work, as we have elsewhere shown, the word came into general use 
as expressing the very spirit and essence of the Court-poetry with all its intricate 
synonyms and figures. Thence, by false and misleading application of the scholars 





* AnA,§S. poet, as noticed above, calls Earth Adam’s grandmother, in fact, his Edda. 








IN NORTHERN GENEALOGIES. BIS 


of the Icelandic revival, it got transferred to the old heroic epic Lays, the ‘ Eddic’ 
poems of our first volume,—The word has had a strange history. 

In Wolospa, as we should expect, there is another version.of the myth of the 
Creation. Three gods wandering like Righ on earth, breathe life into two stocks, 
‘Ask’ and ‘Embla,’ Ash and Elm [Emla for Elma]. In the initials of these two 
stocks it must be more than a coincidence to find the initials of ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve?’ 
The Sibyl-poet treats the subject in his own half-mystical, philosophic, semi-Christian 
way, and has managed by the force of his genius to impress it on his hearers, so that 
this late and wholly individual conception has swallowed up, in the minds of modern 
readers and commentators, the old primeval and popular version which we have en- 
deavoured to bring to light again in these pages, 


THE WORD ANSE, 


Disguised in its Northern form, owing to the vocalisation of 2 before s [as in 
gas, Gans, Greek ynv-]; hence the forms 4ss, xsi, esir, A4su; it is a u-stem; its 
Gothic form would be ansus. The Northern vocalised form has been very mis- 
chievous, for from Ari down to a quite recent date it was the fashion to derive it 
from Asia, the gods having immigrated to the North from the far East. In our 
days the ms root has demolished that etymology, Throughout the Teutonic world, 
ancient and new, it is frequent enough as a prefix to proper names, e. g. Anscar (in 
A.5S. even in Bede’s time the an- is vocalised and the vowel rounded into o, Osfrid, 
Osred, Osric, Os-thryd, Oswald, Oswini, Oswulf), but as an appellative it is, excepting 
Jordanis’ famous passage, not found outside Scandinavia, What then is the true 
etymon of Anses? We have tried to show that it means ghost, ancestral spirit 
of such kind as the Di manes of the Romans. This leads one to the etymology 
from the root AN, to breathe, whence an-i-m-us, depos, an-d-a, as well as, we 
should say, an-s-u-s, the word thus simply meaning sfirit, Whether the German ano, 
ahnen (ancestors), be related to it we leave undecided, 

One wonders not to find a household word like this in Tacitus’ Germania; but is 
it not there after all? In ch. 43 we read—‘ Apud Nahanarvalos antiquae religionis 
lucus ostenditur ; praesidet sacerdos muliebri ornatu; sed deos interpretatione 
Romana Castorem Pollucemque memorant; €a vis numini, zomen Alcis; nulla simu- 
Jacra; nullum peregrinae superstitionis vestigium; ut fratres tamen, ut juvenes vene- 
rantur.’ Is not Tacitus here speaking of the Amses-worship of the Germans, and is 
not Ansis (not Alcis) the word? Munch has indeed suggested as much. The Ger- 
mania has come down in a single MS., a now lost archetype of the eighth or ninth 
century, written therefore seven or eight hundred years after Tacitus, and, however 
good this copy may have been, yet in so long a time, a slip between cup and lip is 
not to be wondered at, 

I. THE LAY OF HYNDLA, 


Reconstructed from the Paraphrase (A) and the Text in Fl. (B),. 


Introduction, 
[Freyja q. 3] Bidjom Herja-fodur i hugom sitja ; 
Vari mer meyja! vaki min vina! hann geldr ok gefr goll verdungo: 
Hyndla systir es i helli byr! gaf hann Herm6di hialm ok brynjo, 
Yu es roekkr roekkra; rida vid skolom — enn Sigmundi sverd at piggja: 
til Valhallar ok til véss heilags, gefr hann sigr sonom, enn sinnom aura, 





1 The expression ‘son of Adam,’ derived probably from the Hebrew through the 
Latin, is common enough in the Irish poems, as a synonym for ‘ human being. 
Ll2 
> 


516 


mezlisko mégom, en man-vit firom ; 
byri gefr hann brégnom; enn brag 
skaldom ; 

gefr hann mansemi moérgom rekki. 
por mun-ek bléta; bess mun-ek bidja, 
at hann e vid pik einart lati. 
pé es hénom étitt vid Idtuns brudir. 
Nu taktu ulf pin» ein af stalli; 
14t hann renna med rina minom. 
‘Seinn es’ géltr minn Godveg troda ; 
vil-ek 4 mar pinn mztan hloeda. 
Sennom vid or sédlom ! sitja.vid skolom, 
ok um i6fra ettir doema: 
gumna peirra es fra godom kvémo. 
peir hafa vedjat Vala-malmi 
Ottarr inn ungi ok Angantyr. 
Skylit es at veita, sva-at skati enn ungi, 
fodur-leifd hafi eptir freendr sina : 
Horg hann mer goerdi hladinn steinom ; 
nu es gridt pat at gleri ordit ; 
raud hann i nyjo nauta-bl6di ; 
e truidi Ottarr 4 Asynjor. 

Niu lattu forna nidja talda, 
ok upp bornar ettir manna :— 
Hvat es Skidldunga? Hvat es Skilfinga ? 
[Hvat es Odlinga]? Hvat es Yifinga? 
Hvat es hélé-borit ? Hvat es hers-borit— 
mest manna-val und Midgardi? 


Genealogies. 
Hyndla: 
Varé einn borinn i ardaga 
ragna reinar ramm-aukinn mogr 
nio baro pann nadd-gofgan mann 
Iétna meyjar vid iardar prom: 
Hann Gialp um bar, hann Greip um bar, 
hann bar Eistla ok Eirgiafa, 
hann bar Ulfrin ok Angeyja, 
Imér ok Atla ok Iarn-saxa: 
Sa vas aukinn Iardar megni 
sval-kéldom sz ok Sdnar dreyra, 
pann kveda stilli stérudgastan 
s... sifjadan sidtom goervollom: 
Mart segjom per ok munom fleira: 
Vorimk at viti sud: viltu enn lengra ? 
[Here are lost the links between Heim- 
dal and Halfdane, upon which the poet 
proceeds to Halfdane and his nine sons.]} 





HYNDLA’S LAY RESTORED. 


Halfdan fyrri hestr Skiéldunga ; 

freg véro félk-vig pau es frama? goerdo, 

hvarfla pdétti hans verk med himin- 
skautom. 

Efidisk hann vid Eymund idfur Aust- 
manna? 

enn drap Sigtrygg svélom eggjom 

eiga gekk Alvigo® cezta kvinna, 


élo pau ok atto attian sono; 
4 


Alla senn borna arfa, nio 5; 
pengill, Gramr, Gylfi, Resir, 
Hilmir, I6furr, Tiggi, Harri, Skyli 
Engi peirra... born , . 
fello allir senn i orrosto. 
Enn atto pau adra sono, 
héto, Hildir ok Audi, Hnefill ok Skelfir, 
Budli ok Dagr, Bragi ok Lof8i ®, 


padan ero SKIoLDUNGAR, padan ero SiK- 
LINGAR 


padan ero Optincar padan ero YLFIN- 
GAR, 

[padan ero BRaGNINGAR padan ero Bup- 
LUNGAR | 

[padan ero Hixpine@ar padan ero Hnir- 
LUNGAR | 

[padan ero DéctincaR . . . . 2] 

[padan ero LorpuNGAR o 

padan h6ld-borit, padan hers-borit 

mest manna val und Mid-gardi. 

Mart segjom per ok munom fleira : 

Voromk at viti sud: viltu enn lengra? 


I. The Daylings: 
Dacr atti péro Drengja-mdor: 
délosk i ett par ceztir kappar: 
Ali, Amr, Idsur?, Mar, 
Armgrimr®, .. Alfr inn Gamli, 
Fradmar, Gyrér ok Frekar badir. 


Ali vas 4dr Sfigastr manna 
Enn Arngrimi éro bornir 
arfar tolf ok Eyfuro: 
Hervarér, Hidrvarér, Hrani, Angantyr, 
Bui ok Brami, Barri ok Reifnir, 
Tindr ok Tyrfingr, Tveir Haddingjar. 
Broedr Berserkja i Bolmi austr 





= 


1 frama] emend. ; framir, Cd. 
8 Alvig, A. * Lost line. 5 See A. 


? {fur Austmanna] emend.; see A, ‘ or Holmgardi.’ 
® See A. 


7 Jofur, Cd. = * i Bolmi. 





um lénd ok um lég sem logi féro. 
Allt es Lat ett pin, Ottarr Heimski. 


Il. The Bragnings, ([Blank.] 
Ill. The Skilfings. [Blank.] 
IV. The Hildings. [Blank.] 
V. The Siklings, [Blank.] 
VI. The Lofdungs. [Blank.] 
VIL. The Ethelings, Othlings: 


. . . Frodi fodur Kiars .. . 
fodur Olrinar, es vas Agli gefin (?). 


VIII. The Budlungs, [Blank.] 
IX. The Hniflungs: 


Gunnarr ok Hégni Gidka arfar, 
ok it sama Gudrtin systir peirra, 
peygi vas Guthormr Giuka ettar, 
po vas hann brddir beggja peirra. 


Ladies: 
{losurr Mar, Alfr inn Gamli .. .]? 


Haraldr Hilditann, borinn Hroereki 
Sloengvan-bauga, sonr vas hann Audar, 
Audr Ditip-andga fvars déttir, 
Enn Radbardr vas Randvéss fadir. 
Gunnar Balkr, Grimr Ardskafi, 
Iarnskioldr périr, Ulfr Ginandi, 
peir voro gumar godom signadir . . 
Voro peir i hird Hrolfs ins Gamla 
‘allir bornir ’ fra 16rmunreki, 
Sigrédar mégi—hlyd pu sdgo minni— 
. folkom grimms bess es Fafni va, 
Sa vas visir fra Volsungom %, 
enn Hiordis fra ‘ Hraudungum,’ 
enn Eylimi fra ‘ Odlingom,’ 
Var Hildigunn ‘ hennar’ mddir 
Svavo barn ok Sekonungs* 

Othere’s Genealogy: 
Haki vas Hrodmars son Hrodgeirs burar, 
enn Hrodgeirr var Haka borinn *, 


pu ert, Ottarr, borinn Innsteini : 
enn Innsteinn var Alf enom Gamla; 
Alfr vas Ulfi; Ulfr Sefara ; 


HYNDLA’S LAY RESTORED. 


517 


eon Sefari Svan ’nom Rauda. 

Médor atti fadir pinn menjom gofga, 

hygg-ek at hon héti Hiédis gydja; 

Fr6di vas fadir ‘ peirrar,’ enn ‘ Friaut’ 
md6dir ; 

Oll pétti ett su med yfir-m6nnom. 


Ketill vas vinr peirra, Klypps arf-pegi ; 
vas hann mddor-fadir mddor pinnar, 


Nanna vas nest par Noekkva déttir, 

vas moegr hennar magr pins fddor. 

Fyrnd es sid megd. Fram sé ek lengra: 

kunna ek bada Brodd ok Horfi— 

Allt es pat ett pin, Ottarr Heimski, 
fsolfr ok Asolfr Olméds synir, 

ok Sktrhildar Skekkils déttor. 

Skaltu til telja skatna margra— 

Allt es pat ett pin, Ottarr Heimski. 


End of the Poem. 


H, Fila ertu, Freyja, es pu freistar 
min,— 
visar-bi augom 4 oss banog,— 
es pti hefir ver pinn i val-svini, 
Oitarr inn unga Innsteins bur. 
Fr. Dulid ertu, Hyndla, draums etlig 
per— 
es-bu kvedr ver minn i val-svini, 
par-es géltr gloar Gollin-bursti, 
Hildi-svini, es mer hagir goerdo 


-dvergar tveir Dainn ok Nabbi. 


H. Hleypr pu, Os vina, uti 4 néttom, 
sem med héfrom Heidriin fari: 
Rannt at Odi ey preyandi, 
skutosk per fleiri und fyrir-skyrto, 


Fr, Ber pu minnis-61 minom gelti, 
sva-at hann 6ll muni ord at tina 
pessar roedo & pridja morni, 
pa-es peir Angantyr attir rekja. 


H, Ber-pu Ottari biér at hendi 
eitri blandinn miok illo heilli. 

Fr. Oré-heill pin skal cengo rada, 
péttu, bridr Idtuns, bélvi heitir: 
Hann skal drekka dyrar veigar ; 
bid-ek Ottari Gll god duga! 





? A corrupt line repeated by mistake from the Daylings I. 


2 Volsungi, Cd, 


* Hildigund is the daughter apparently of Swava and Hedin, Helgi’s brother; see 


* See A, 


P- 527- 


518 VOLOSPA IN SKAMMA. 


VOLOSPA IN SKAMMA; or, Tue Snorr Sisyt’s Propaecy. 
A Scene of Necromancy. Woden and a Sibyl. 


To this poem may possibly belong many of the fragments embedded in the Lay of 
Volospa in the MSS, Such as those numbered II and i. 23, Bk. ii, § 1, on Dwarves, 
Fates, and Walkyries. ‘These bits are Western, as is proved by the word ‘ Durinn,’ 
Welsh ‘Dwryn.’ II and I has a double text and is very corrupt. 


Sibyl : Ol Ulf Loki vid Angrbodo, 
Snuido braut hedan, sofa lystir mik enn Sleipni gat vid Svadil-fora : 
fer-bu fatt af mer fridra kosta. Eitt pétti skars allra feiknast 
[Woden] : pat vas brddor fra Byleistz komit. 
Ek slz elldi of Ividjo Loki ‘ af hiarta lindi brendo’ 
sva at pi... . & braut hedan. ‘fann hann half-svidinn hugstein koma :” 


varé Loptr kvidogr at kono illri, 


Sibyl : padan es 4 foldo flagd hvert komit. 


Muno! ellifo #sir taldir 

Baldr es hnigr vid bana pufo ; 

pess lezk Vali ‘ verdr’ at hefna, 
sins um brdédor sler hann handbana. 


Haf sé-ek brenna enn haudr loga, 
verda flestir fidr-lausn pola. 


Haf gengr hridom vid himin sialfan, 
liér lond yfir; enn lopt bilar, 
padan koma snidvar ok snarir vindar, 
pa es r48 ok regin pridta *. 

pa koemr annarr enn mattkari ; 
Heidr ok Hross-piéft Hrimnis kindar, bo boriga-ek pann at nefna: 

, Z are ; . Fair sia nu framm um lengra 
Freyr atti Gerdi, hon vas Gymis dottir, an Odinn mun Ulfi meeta. 
Iétna ettar ok Aurbodo. : : ; ° . ; 


Ero Volor allar fra Vidolfi, 
Vitkar allir fra Vilmeidi, 
Seid-berendr fra Svarthofa, 
l6tnar allir fra Ymi komnir. 


THE PARAPHRASE OF HYNDLA’S LAY (FI, vol. i. pp. 24-26). 


PeERRA son var HatrpaN GAMLI: ok pa er hann ték konungdém geerdi hann bldét 
mikit at midjom vetri, ok blétadi til pess, at hann skildi mega lifa pri hundrud vetra 
[three generations] i konungdémi sinom, sem sagt var at lifad heféi Snzrr hinn Gamili. 
Enn fréttin sagdi hanom sya, at hann mundi lifa ekki meirr en einn mannz-aldr ; 
enn pat myndi vera prid hundrud vetra [three generations ?] at eingi myndi vera 
utiginn madr i hans ett, ok engi kona. Hann var hermadr mikill ok herjadi-vida 
um Austrveg, bar drap hann pann konung er Sigtrygegr hét i ein-vigi: hann gekk at 
eiga Alveigo* déttor Eymundar konungs or Holmgaréi :— 

a. pau atto nio sono :—hét. einn pengill, er kalladr var Manna-pbengill, Resir, 
Gramr, Gylfi, Hilmir, I6furr, Tiggi, Skyli, ok Harri—pessir nio er sagt at allir veri 
iafn-gamlir*, ok uréo sva agetir, at i dllom froedom ero peirra nofn hofd fyrir 
tignar-ndfn ok konunga nofn. Sva er sagt, at eingi peirra etti born, ok féllo allir 
senn i orrosto. 

B. Enn Atto pau adra nio sono: héto peir Hildir, Hnefill®, Audi, Skelfir, 
Dagr, Bragi, Budli, Lofdi, Sigarr.—Hildir, Sigarr ok Lofdi véro allir her- 
konungar: Audi, Budli ok Hnefill véro se-konungar: Dagr, Skelfir, ok Bragi sdto 
at léndom [i. e. remain in Scandinavia, the other six being ex-Scandinavian]. 





1 Emend.; Véro... hneig—lezt—slé, Cd. ? { radi at regn um pridti, Cd. 
5 Alfnyju, Cd.; cf. Almveig Ed. ‘ nio sono, alla senn borna, Edda. ° Neefill, Cd. 











PARAPHRASE OF HYNDLA’S LAY. 519 


Home Kines :— 
I, Dacr Atti péro Drengja-mddor, ok Atto pau nio sono.—Hét einn Ali, 
Annarr Amr, pridi Jofurr, fidrdi Arngrimr. [Rest lost here.) 
a, Ali var fadir Dags, fédor Oleifs, fodur Hrings, fdur Oleifs, four Helga, 
[fodur Sigurdar Hiartar, fodur Ragnhildar, médur Haralldz ins Harfagra] 


b and ¢ lost. : : : : : . 
d. Arngrimr atti Eyfuro. peirra. son var Angantyr Berserkr. 
e, J, &, h, and i lost, ‘ . ° ‘ . 


Sui ett [Haralldz] var kéllud Doctnvaan. 

II, Bract Gamli var konungr 4 Valldresi: Hann var fadir Agnars, fodur Alfs, 
fodur Eireks [fodur Hildar, médur Halfdanar ins Milda, fodur Godrcedar, 
fodur Halfdanar Svarta, fodur Haralldz ins Harfagra]: 

pessi ett [Haraldz] heita BRAGNINGAR. 

III, SkeLFir! var konungr 4 Vérs: Hans sont var Skioldr, fadir Eireks, fodur 
Alreks, fodur Eireks ens Malspaka, fodur Alreks ins Froekna, fodur Vikars, 
fodur Vatnars, fodur peirra Hialldz ok Sniallz* [links here lost], [ok 
Eireks, fodur Gydo, er atti Haraldr inn Harfagri). 

pat heitir Skirrinca zrt edr SKIOLDUNGA 2TT, 


ConQuvEROR KineGs :— 

1V. Hip var enn fiordi sonr Halfdanar gamla*: Hann var fadir Hildibrandz, 
fodur Hédbrandz*, fédur Hilldiss ok Herbrandz [fddur Haralldz ens 
Granrauda® fodur Aso innar Stérrédo, médur Halfdanar Svarta, fodur 
Haralldz ins Harfagra]. 

(pat heitir Hipinca Zr.) 

V. Sicarr var fadir Siggeirs, er Atti Signyjo, déttor Volsungs konungs: Sigarr 
var ok fadir Sigmundar er Atti Hildi, déttor Griédtgardz konungs af Meeri, 
hans son hét Sigarr, fadir Signyjar; hann lét hengja iedbcaia 

pat heitir Sixtinca zrr. 

VI, Lorp1 var konungr mikill. pat her-lid er hénom fylgdi ero Loféar kalladir. 
Hann herjadi 4 Hred-Gotaland *, ok vard par konungr: Hans synir véro 
peir Skekkill se-konungr ok Skyli, fadir Egdiss, fodur Hialmpérs, fédur 
Eylima, fodur Hidrdisar, médur-Sigurdar Faéfnis-bana [fodur Aslaugar, 
médur Sigurdar Orms-i-auga, fodur Aslaugar, médur Sigurdar Hiartar, 
fodur Ragnhildar, médur Haralldz ins Harfagra]. 

pessir [ztt-menn Haralldz] ero kalladir Lorpunear, 


Sea Kines :— 
Audi ok Budli véro se-konungar ok féro badir saman med her sinn; peir 
kémo med lidi sino til Saxlandz ok herjodo par vida; légdo undir sik 
Valland ok Saxland, settozk par at londom. 
VII. Avupi hafdi Valland, ok var fadir Frdéda, fodur Kiars, fodur Olrinar. 
pat ero kalladir Optincar, 
VIII. Bupri hafdi Saxland; hann var fadir Attils, fodur Vifils, fodur [Le]fa, fodur 
Budla, fodur Sérla edr Serla, ok Atla [ok Brynhildar, médur Aslaugar]. 
Ok er su ett [Haraldz ins Harfagra] kéllud BupLunear, 
IX. Hnermx konungr var fadir Heimars, fodur Eynefs, fodur [Ra]kn, fodur 





1 Edda Sk. has Yngvi for Skilfir, and calls the family ign and Ylfingas a 
little below. * Imaldz, Cd. 8 Halfdanar gamla] Dags, Cd * Hod- 
brandz] Vigbrandz, Cd. ® Granrauda] Grenska, Cd. Reidgota-l., Cd, 


520 PARAPHRASE OF HYNDLA’S LAY. 


Gitka, fodur peirra Gunnars ok Hoégna, Gudérunar, Gudnyjar ok Gull- 
randar. 
Ok er pat kéllud Hniflunga ett. 


QUEENS OR LADIEs :— 

Niu ero taldar konor per er fyrst kémo i ett Halfdanar Gamla —Eon pa er 
in fyrsta kona kom ‘i ettina, var lidit priii hundrud vettra [three genera- 
tions ?] fra blétino er Halfdan blétadi til aldrs ser ok rikiss :— 

Alfr konungr inn Gamli! ré6 fyrir Alfheimom. Hann var fadir Alfgeirs, fsdur 
Gandalfs, fodur Atrumpar. Alfhildr var médir Ragnars Lodbrékar, fodur 
Sigurdar orms-i-auga, fodur Astavear, médur Sigurdar Hiartar [fodur 
Raenuitpar, mddur Haralldz Harfagra]. 

Haraldr inn Gamli, son Valdars hins milda Hroars sonar, 4tti HeRvéro 
Heidreks déttur konungs, peirra son var Halfdan Snialli, fadir Ivars Vid- 
fadma, fodur AupaR innar Drdpaupco; hana atti Hroerckr Sloengvan- 
baugi; peirra son var Haraldr Hilditann. Sidarr Atti Audi Radbarér 
konungr: peirras on var Randvér, fadir Sigurdar Hrings, fodur Ragnars 
Lodbrékar (fodur Sigurdar, fodur Astaucar, mddur Siguréar, fodur Ragn- 
hildar, médur Haralldz ins Harfagra, er fyrstr var einvalldz konungr yfir 
Noregi }. 

[Finnalfr inn Gamli fekk Svannitpar er kollud var Gottri66Rr ; hon 
var déttir Dags Dellings sonar ok Sdlar, déttor Méndilfora.] 


OTHERE’s PEDIGREE :— 

Sonr peirra var Svanr inn Raudi, fadir Sefara, fodur Ulfs, fodur Alfs, fodur 
peirra Innsteins ok Utsteins? . . . 

Hodr atti par riki er kallat er Hadalicid; hans son var Hédbroddr, fadir 
Hrolfs, fodur Hrémundar berserks, fodur peirra Hamundar*, Haka, ok 
Gunnladar, mddur peirra Utsteins ok Innsteins *. 

Hamundr var Horda-iarl; hann var fadir Hréks ins Svarta ok Hroks ins 
Hvita. 

Haki var fadir Hrodgeirs, fodur Hrodmars, fodur Haka Berserks—Gunnl6d var 
déttir Hroks ins Svarta, enn mddir Hrémundar Grips sunar ®. 

[Haddingr son Rauma atti Haddingja-dal ok pela-m6rk ; hans son var 
Haddingr, fadir Haddings, fodur Hogna ins Rauda. Eptir hann téko 
tiki Haddingjar prir, ok var hverr peirra eptir annan. Helgi Hadd- 
ingja-skadi® var med einum peirra. Hringr son Rauma Atti Hringa- 
riki ok Valldres, hann fekk déttor Vifils iach peirra son var 
Halfdan Gamli, ete. ué supra’™.] 





1 Is he Dag’s son? ? Ingimundar ok Eysteins, Cd. 3 Hamundar] Hag- 
bardz, Cd. * This should be Ingimund and Eystan probably, 5 Gunnldd, Grip’s 
wife, seems here confused somehow ge the Gunnl6d above, who ought to be here 
the daughter of Hromund Bearsark. 6 -skadi] -skati, Cd. 7 The latter part 
of this Paraphrase should be compared with Appendix A 1, the Helgi Prose pieces. 











~ 


THE GENERATIONS OF THE KINGS. 521 


LANGFEDGA-TAL, or GENERATIONS, 


Of the Ynglings and Skioldungs preserved in three MSS.— 

1. The Hawk’s-book, Arna-Magn, 415 (containing, beside Annals, Lists of the 
Firths in Iceland, Sturl. ii. p. 474, and the Fylki or Shires of Norway, Lists of 
Bishops, etc.) This is the best text: here also we have the pedigrees super- 
scribed ‘ langfedga-tal,’ a word we know from Ari’s Preface, as one of his autho- 
rities, so it must needs be old. Cod. 415 contains the Skioldung and Yngling 
generations. - 

2. The Flatey-book, in its first two leaves [vol. i. pp. 26, 27], along with the 
Lay of Hyndla and the Paraphrase thereof given in Appendix below. It is super- 
scribed ‘ zttar-tolor,’ and contains a double text of the Skioldungs (whereof we 
give the best), one text of the Ynglings, and one of the Orkney Earls, 

3. Cod. Resenianus, destroyed in the fire of 1728, but used by Torfaus in Series 
Regum Daniz, 1702, contained Skioldungs and Ynglings, in a text similar to 
AM. 415. 

All the texts of the Yngling Generations are drawn from Theodwolf’s poem 
I. 243. The confused state of the Skioldung pedigree is perhaps a proof that it 
never passed through any genealogical poet’s hand, 

Next comes the Haleygia-tal, preserved in Torfeus, Hist. Norw., and in AM. 
22, chart., drawn, as it seems, either from a lost leaf in Fagrskinna, Cd. B= 
Noregskononga-tal, or from the lost Cod. Resen. Compared with Flatey-book i. 
25, where the last six links have been preserved. Many of the earlier names are 
evidently pure inventions of Eywind. 

Lastly, we subjoin the Orkney Earls’ Pedigree and that of the Dublin Kings. 


I. THE YNGLINGS (from Flatey-book, vol. i. p. 26). 
Burri hefir konungr heitid er ré3 fyrir Tyrklandi; hans son var Burs, er var fadir— 





Odins Asa konungs, fodur Ana ens Gamla, er ver kollom Aun, 
Freys, fodur er nio vetr drakk horn fyrir elli 
Niarédar, fodur sakir 4dr hann dé; Ann var fadir 
Freys, fodur _ ~ Egils Tunna-dolgs, fodur 
5. Fiolnis, fodur! Ottars Vandils-kréko, fodur 
Svegdis, fodur 20. Adils at Uppsdlom, fodur 
Vanlanda, fodur Eysteins, fodur 
Visburs, fodur Yugvars hins Hara, fodur* 
Démalda, fodur Braut-Onundar, fodur 
10. Démars, fodur Ingialldz ens Illrada, fodur 
Dyggva, er ver kollom Tryggva, 25. Aldfs Trételgjo, fodur 
fodur Halfdanar Hvitbeins, fodur 
Dags, fodur Eysteins, fodur 
Agna Skialfar-bonda, fodur Halfdanar ens Milda ok Matarilla, 
Alreks, fodur fodur 
15. Yngva, fodur Godrodar Veidi-konungs, fodur 
Iormun-Fréda*, er ver kollom 30, Halfdanar Svarta, fodur * 
Térund, fodur Haraldz ens Harfagra. 
? From here cf. Yt. ? Only found here. 8 Lines now missing in Yt. may 
have given his surname as also that of Onund and the two Halfdans. * Anlaf 


Geirstada-alf is here omitted before Halfdane. 


no THE GENERATIONS 


Another Text from AM. 
Langfedga-tal fra Yngva til varra konunga. 


A415. 


. . . Véden pann kollym ver Oden. Fra hanom ero komnar flestar konunga 
ettir { Nordr-afluna heimsins, Hann var Tyrkja konungr ; hann flydi fyvir Rom- 


verjum nordér hegat :-— 


* Oden Agni Skialfar-boandi Braut-Onundr 
Niérér i Noa-tunum Alrekr Ingialdr Illradi 
Yngvi-Freyr * Yngvi Olafr Tretelgja 
Fiolnir Iorundr Haldan Hvitbeinn 

5. Vallandi 15. Avnn hinn gamle 25. Eysteinn 
Visburr Egill Tunna-dolgr Halfdan Milldi 
Domalldr Ottarr Vendil-kraca Godrcedr Gavfoglati 
Domarr Adils at Uppsolum Halfdan Svarti 
Dyggvi é' Eysteinn Haralldr Harfagri 
10. Dagr 20, Yngvarr 


Il. THE SKIOLDUNGS (from AM. 415). 


Odinn Hreerekr Hnaggvan-baugi Ingiallz s. 
Skioldr h. s. [=his son] Frode hans son* 
Fridleifr h. s. 20. Halfdan h. s. 
Fridfrode h. s. Hreerekr Slavngvan-baugi h, s. 

5. Fridleifr h, s. Haralldr Hillditavnn h, s. ok Randver 
Havarr Handrami h. s, brédir hans * 
Frode h, s. Sigurdr Hringr Randvers s., Radbarz 


Vermundr Vitri h. s. sonar brédur Haraldar Hildi-tannar ; 

Olafr litilati h, s.* peirra mddir var Audr Diuphvgda, 
10. Danr Mikillati [h. s.] dottir Ivars Vidfadma, sonar Halfdanar 

Frode Fridsami h. s, snialla, sonar Valldars Milda, Hroars 

Fridleifr sonar, Halfdanar sonar [brédéur Ingi- 

Frode Froekni h. s, alldz Starkadar fostra]°® 

Ingialldr Starkadar-fostri h. s. Ragnarr Lodbrok sun Siguréar Hrings 
15. Halfdan brddir hans ? 25. Sigurdr Or r-i-auga h. s. 

Helgi ok Hroarr hans synir H6rda-Knutr h. s, 


Rolfr Kraki Helga son 


III. HALEYGJA-TAL (derived from Eywind’s poem I, 251). 





I, Kines :— g. Godgestr 
1, Odinn [and Skadi giantess] 10. Heimgestr Huldar-brddir 
2. Semingr ® 11, Gylaugr 
3. God-hialti 12. Godlaugr” 
4. Sveré-hialti 13. Mundill Gamli 
5. Hodbroddr 
6. Himinleygr II, Ears :— 
7. Vedr-hallr 14. Hersir 
8. Havarr Handrami 15. Brandr iarl 

1 Olof, hon var modir Froda ins fridsama, FI. (badly). 2 Fl. drops this and 


the following two (badly), 5 Om. Fl. © OR is 


. hans] add FI, 5 In the 


margin in later hand. ¢ Higtal, 7 Higtal. 














OF THE KINGS OF THE NORTH. 523 


16, Bryniolfr 22. Haraldr' 

17. Bardr 23. Herlaugr 

18. Hergils 24. Gridtgardr 

19. Havarr 25. Hakon [Urna iarl] 
20. Haraldr Trygill 26, Sigroedr Hlada-iarl 
21, prondr 27. Hakon Hlada-iarl. 


IV. THE ORKNEY EARLS. 


(From Flatey-book i, 21 and Orkn. S, ch, 3, Rolls Edit.) 
ForniotR (father of the winds) 








+ ri = 
Hler. Logi. Kari 
Iokull 
Sner Gamli 
porri 
r r 4 
Nor Goi Gor 


(father of land kings), (daughter), (father of sea kings) 





4 Sea Ring Empire | 
Heiti Beiti ?. 
Sveidi, sea king 
Halfdan Gamli 
Ivarr Upland Earl * 
Eystein Glumra 
Régnvald the Old 
Turr-EInar, 

(See vol. ii. p. 183.) 


V. THE KINGS OF DUBLIN (tacked to the Ynglings or Skioldungs), 


a. B. 
hea (Libellus) Sxiotpunes (Laxdola) 
Halfdan Hvitbeinn Frodi Froekni (whom the Swartings 
Godrodr * slew) 
Anlafr Ingiald Starkadar-fostri 
Helgi Anlaf White. 


Ingiald, daughter’s son of Sigurd 
Snake i’ th’ eye 
Anlafr Hviti (Anlaf White, king of 





Dublin). 
1 Given henceforward in Fl. 2 Armor makes Rognwald a ‘scion of Endill,’ 
and calls Thorfin ‘ Heiti’s kinsman,’ 8 The historic pedigree begins here. 


* Not Charlemain’s foe, but a brother to Eystan. 


APPENDIX. 


A. In Prose. 


1. The Prose Pieces from Cod. R.—In former editions they are printed with the 
Songs themselves, but we have weeded them out, and set them together here, 
marking their place in every instance. 

2. The Wolsunga Paraphrase of the Lacuna Lays, translated in vol, i. p. 391 
sqq. As it contains several poetical words and phrases we here give the text. 

2b, The same text from the Interpolated Sigfred Saga in Edda, Cod. r and 1¢B; 
the latter MS. begins in the middle of the bathing scene. The author has known 
and used the Western Wolsung Lay [i. 155], and, of the Lacuna-Lays, that on the 
Bathing in the River, which is here more powerful than in the Wolsunga paraphrase ; 
maybe, this poem was by the same hand as the Wolsung Lay [Helgi-poet]. The 
Lays of the Tapestry-poet our paraphrast has despatched in a few lines; perhaps he 
knew them not, only the subject thereof. 

3. From the same source we subjoin the Story of Hamtheow, drawn, as one sees, 
from Hamtheow’s Lay and Bragi’s Shield Song, the Saga man using both poems in 
a better state than we now have them. 

4. The final portion of Edda’s Scaldscapar-mal, from Halfdane the Old towards 
the end. This was apparently once a detached independent Essay, the first draught 
of our present Edda, older than Snorri, whether Icelandic or not it is hard to say. 
It is a parallel piece to the Thulor. The author knew the Lay of Righ, and more 
bits of songs one would think. His vocabulary is interesting; mostly poetical or 
satirical, He winds up with puns, Citations of verses from the poems are not 
wanting. The text is taken from AM. 748 (except the beginning from 1 e 8), 
but mended in a few instances from the other vellums, r and 1e8. 

46. The same in a briefer text from Cod. Worm. from the leaf which followed the 
Lay of Righ [see Introd. § 6, p. xliv]. At first the text runs much like 748, 
though somewhat briefer, but soon takes a more independent turn, containing many 
new words, mostly however slangy, 

This Essay being headed by and drawn from the Lay of Righ, we take it, got the 
name of the ‘ Edda-book,’ and from it the name ‘Edda’ was transferred to Snorri’s 
later and bigger work. 

5. A curious glossary, in AM. 748, following after the Thulor, and only found 
here. The words in Cod. are written above the line, mostly only the initial letter, so 
that the sense is not always clear. Many of the words are met with nowhere else. 


1. THE PROSE PIECES FROM R. 
(See Introduction, § 10, p. xxii.) 
I, BEFORE THE LACUNA. 
To Grimnis-mal. (BK. ii, § 1.) 


Synir Hravdungs konungs. Hravdungr konungr 4tti tv sono, het annarr 
Agnarr, en annarr Geirravér, Agnarr var tio vetra, enn Geirravér atta vetra. 
peir rero tveir 4 bati med dorgar sinar at smé-fiski, Vindr rak pa i haf ut. 











ae | ee ee | 


Ee a ee ee ae ee ee een 
? es 


t 


PROSE PIECES FROM R. 525 


{ nétt-myrkri bruto peir vid land ok gengo upp, fando cot-bénda einn, ar véro 
peir um vetrinn. Kerling féstradi Agnar enn karl féstradi Geirrod ok kendi hénom 
rad, At vari fekk karl peim skip. Enn er pau kerling leiddo pa til strandar pa 
melti karl ein-meli vid Geirroed. ‘peir fengo byr, ok kvémo til stodva fodur sins. 
Geirrcedr var framm { skipi; hann hliép upp 4 land, enn hratt uit skipino ok 
melti: Fardu ni par er smyl hafi pik! Skipit rak i haf ut. Enn Geirrcedr gekk 
upp til boejar; hénom var par vel fagnat, enn fadir hans var p4 andadr. Var pa 
Geirrcedr til konungs tekinn, ok vard madr Agztr. 

1 Odinn ok Frigg s&to i Hlipskialfo ok s& um heima alla, Odinn mati: Sér pd 
Agnar féstra pinn, hvar hann elr born vid gygi i hellinom; enn Geirroedr féstri 
minn er konungr ok sitr nu at landi? Frigg segir: Hann er mat-nidingr s4, at hann 
kvelr gesti sina, ef hénom pikkja of margir koma. Odinn segir at pat er in mesta 
lygi. pau vedja um petta mal. Frigg sendi eski-mey sina Fullo til Geirrcedar, 
Hon bad konung varaz at eigi fyr-gerdi hénom fiol-kunnigr madr s& er bar 
var kominn i land; ok sagdi pat mark 4, at engi hundr var své olmr, at 4 hann 
mundi hlaupa. Enn pat var inn mesti hégémi at Geirrcedr koungr veri eigi mat- 
godr. Enn pé letr hann hand-taka pann mann, er eigi vildo hundar 4 r4da. S& var 
i felldi blam ok nefndiz Grimnir, ok sagdi ekki fleira fré sér, pott hann veri at 
spurér. Konungr lét hann pina til sagna, ok setja milli elda tveggja, ok sat hann 
par atta neztr. Geirrcedr konungr Atti pé son tio vetra gamlan ok hét Agnarr eptir 
brédor hans, Agnarr gekk at Grimni ok gaf hénom horn fullt at drekka, ok sagdi 
at fadir hans goerdi illa, er hann pindi penna mann saklausan. Grimuir drakk af. 
p4 var eldrinn sv kominn at felldrinn brann af Grimni. Haun kvad.—Grimnis- 
mal. Heitr ertu, etc. 

At the end.—Geirrcedr konungr sat ok hafdi sverd um kné ser ok brugdit til mids, 
Eon er hann heyrdi at Odinn var par kominn, pa st6d hann upp ok vildi taka 
Odinn fra elldinom. Sverdit slapp or hendi hénum ok visso higltin nidr. Konungr 
drap feeti ok steyptiz afram, enn sverdit st6d { goeegnom hann, ok fekk hann bana, 
Odinn hvarf p&. Enn Agnarr var par konungr lengi sidan. 


To Western Aristophanes Lays. (Bk. ii, § 2.) 


For Skirnis.—Freyr sonr Niardar hafdi-einn dag setzk i Hlipskialf ok s&4 um 
heima alla. Hann sd i Igtun-heima ok s& par mey fagra p& er hon gekk fra skala 
fodur sins til skemmo. par af fekk hann hug-séttir miklar. Scirnir het ské-sveinn 
Freyss. Nigrdr bad hann kvedja Frey mals, pa melti Skadi, 

After line 41.—Skirnir reid i l6tunheima til Gymiss garda. par véro hundar 
olmir ok bundnir fyrir skid-gardz hlidi bess er um sal Gerdar var. Hann reid at par 
er fé-hirdir sat 4 haugi ok kvaddi hann, 3 

After line 164.—pa reid Skirnir heim, Freyr st68 uti ok kvaddi hann ok spurdi 
tidenda, 


Harbarz liod.—pérr fér or Austrvegi ok kom at sundi eino; 9srom megom 
sundzins var ferjo karlinn med skipit, pdrr kalladi, Hverr er si... 


Fra Egi ok Godom.—Egir, er gdro nafni hét Gymir, hann hafdi buit Asom 
gl, pa er hann hafdi fengit ketil inn mikla, sem nui er sagt. [Lay of Hymi has just 
preceded.| Til peirrar veizlo kom Odinn ok Frigg kona hans. pérr kom eigi, pvi 
at hann var { Austr-vegi. Sif var kona pérs. Bragi ok Idunn kona hans, Tyr var 





1 This is a parallel or pendant to the Deacon’s well-known story. 


526 APPENDIX. 


par, hann var ein-hendr. Fenriss-ulfr sleit hond af hénom pa er hann var bundinn. 
par var Niorér ok kona hans Skadi. Freyr ok Freyja. Vidarr hét son Odins, 
Loki var par. Ok pidnosto-menn Freyss Beyggvir ok Beyla. Mart var par Asa 
ok Alfa. Egir atti tva piénusto-menn, Fima-fengr ok Ellder. par var lysi-gull haft 
fyrir elldz lids. Sialft barsc par gl. ar var grida-stadr mikill. Menn lofodo miok 
hverso gdédir pidnusto-menn Egiss véro. Loki matti eigi heyra pat, ok drap hann 
Fima-feng. ‘4 scéco Hsir skioldo sina ok cepdo at Loka, ok elto hann braut til 
skégar, enn peir féro at drekka, Loki hvarf aptr ok hitti iti Elldi, Loki kvaddi 
hann.—Loka-senna. Segdu pat Elidir, etc. 

After line 20.—Sidan gekk Loki inn i hgllina, Enn er peir s& er fyrir vdro, 
hverr inn var kominn, pognodo peir allir. 


After line 40.—paA st6d Vidarr upp ok scencti Loka; enn 4dr hann drycci kvaddi _ 


hann dsona. 

After line 211.—pa gekk Sif framm, ok byrladi Loka i hrim-calci migd ok 
malti .. . Loki t6k vid horni ok drakk af. 

After line 228.—p& kom pérr at ok kvad. 

At the end,—Enn eptir petta falz Loki i Franangrs forsi i lax liki. ‘par téko 
#Esir hann, Hann var bundinn med pgrmom sonar sins Nara [read Vala], enn 
Narfi sonr hans vard at vargi.’ Skadi tok eitr-orm ok festi upp yfir annlit Loka ; 
draup par 6r eitr. Sigyn kona Loka sat par ok helt munn-laug undir eitrid. Enn 
er munn-laugin var full, bar hon ut eitrid. Enn medan draup eitrid 4 Loka. pa 
kiptiz hann sv& hart vid at padan af skalf iord oll. pat ero nu kalladir land- 
skialptar, | 

Wayland Lay, (Bk. iii, § 2.) 


Fra Volundi.—Niduér hét konungr i Svididd, hann Atti tv& sono ok eina 
déttor, hon het Bavdvilldr. Broeér varo prir synir Finna konungs, hét einn Slag- 
Fidr, annarr Egill, pridi Volundr. peir skrido ok veiddo dyr. jpeir kvémo { Ulfdali 


ok gerdo ser par hus. par er vatn er heitir Ulf-siar, Snemma of morgin fundo peir’ 


& vaz-strondo konor pridr ok spunno lin, par véro hi& peim alptar-hamir peirra. 
pat véro Valkyrjor, ‘par véro tver deettr Lavdvess konungs, Hladguér Svanhvit, 
ok Hervor Alvitr, en pridja var Avirin Kiars déttir af Vallandi. ‘peir hofdo per 
heim til skéla med ser. Fekk Egill Avirunar enn Slag-Fidr Svanhvitrar, enn Vo- 
lundr Alvitrar. pau bioggo siau vettr. ‘pa flugo per at vitja viga ok kvémo eigi 
aptr. pa skreid Egill at leita Avirinar, enn Slag-Fidr leitadi Svanhvitrar, enn 
Volundr sat i Ulfdglom. Hann var hagastr madr, sva at menn viti i fornom sggom. 
Nidvdér konungr lét hann hondom taka, Sv sem her er um kvedit.— Fra Volundi 
ok Nidadi. Meyiar fiugo, etc. 

After line 64.—Nidudr konungr gaf déttor sinni Bodvilldi gull-ring pann er hann 
tok af bastino at Volundar; enn hann sialfr bar sverpit, er Volundr atti. Enn 
dréttning kvad. 

After line 69.—Sva var gort at skornar varo sinar i kness fotom, ok settr i holm 
einn er par var fyrir landi er hét Sevar-stadr. ar smidadi hann konungi allz kyns 
gorsimar. Engi madr pordi at fara til hans nema konungr einn. Volundr kvaé. 


Helgi and Swava. (Bk. iii, § 1.) 

Fra Hiorvardi oc Sigrlinn.—Hiorvardr hét konungr. Hann atti fiorar konor, 
Ein hét Alfhilldr, son peirra hét Hedinn; onnor hét Sereidr, peirra son hét Hum- 
lungr. In pridja hét Sinriod, peirra son hét Hymlingr. Hiorvarér konungr hafdi 
pess heit strengt at eiga p& kono er hann vissi vensta, Hann spurdi at Svafnir 





v ‘ te y te! 
my Rete OR ae ae ee eR ee 








ee 


» ars 


— Te 


Se oor eye, OS oar wee eee 6S 
——————e oietia 


oS 


SO et See PE 





eg EE AE. USPC ASE CE 


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Ley F 


PROSE PIECES FROM R. 524 


konungr atti déttur allra fegrsta, si hét Sigrlinn. ISmundr hét iarl hans, Atli var 
hans son, er for at bidja Sigrlinnar til handa konungi. Hann dvaldiz vetr-langt med 
Svafni konungi, Fraénmarr het par iarl, féstri Sigrlinnar; déttir hans hét Alof. 
Jarlinn ré3 at meyjar var synjat, ok fér Atli heim. tli iarls son stéd einn dag vid 
lund nokkorn, enn fugl sat i limonom uppi yfir hénom ok haféi heyrt til, at hans 
menn kollodo venstar konor per er Hiorvardr konungr atti. Fuglinn kvakadi, enn 
Atli lyddi hvat hann sagdi. Hann kvad. Sattu Sigrlinn, ete. 

After line 16.—petta var 4dr Atli foeri, Enn er hann kom heim ok konungr 
spurdi hann tidinda, kvad hann, 

After line 21.—Konungr bad at peir skyldo fara annat sinn. Fér hann sialfr, 
Enn er peir kémo upp 4 fiall, ok s& 4 Svava-land landz bruna ok id-reyki stéra, 
Reid konungr af fiallino fram i landit, ok ték natt-bél vid 4 eina, Atli hélt vord ok 
for yfir ana. Hann fann eitt hus. Fugl mikill sat 4 htisino ok getti ok var 
sofnadr. Atli skaut spidti fuglinn til bana; enn { husino fann hann Sigrlinn konungs 
déttor ok Alofo iarls déttor ok hafdi par bédar braut med ser. FrAnmarr iarl hafdi 
hamaz i arnar liki ok varit per fyrir hernom med fiolkyngi, Hrodmarr het 
konungr bidill Sigrlinnar. Hann drap Svava konung, ok hafdi rent ok brent landit. 
Hiorvardr konungr fekk Sigrlinnar, enn Atli Alofar. Hiorvardr ok Sigrlinn Atto son 
bxdi mikinn ok venan. hann var pogull; ekki nafn festiz vid hann, Hann sat 4 
haugi. Hann s& rida Valkyrjor nio, ok var ein gofogligozt. Hon kvad. 

After line 37.—Eylimi het konungr; déttir hans var Svava; hon var Valkyrja 
ok reid lopt ok log; hon gaf Helga nafn petta, ok hlifdi hénom opt sidan iorrostom. 
Helgi kvad... 

After line 45.—Hiorvarér svarar, at hann mundi f4 lid Helga, ef hann vill hefna 
m6déur-fodur sins. pa sdtti Helgi sverdit, er Svava visadi honom til. p4 fér hann 
ok Atli ok feldo Hrodmar ok unno morg prek-virki. Hann drap Hata iotun, er 
hann sat 4 bergi noccoro. Helgi ok Atli lago skipom i Hatafirdi. Atli hélt vord 
inn fyrra lut netrinnar. Hrimgerdr Hata déttir kvad. [Follows Lay of Atli and Rime- 
gerd.] Helgi konungr var all-mikill hermadr; hann kom til Eylima konungs, ok 
bad Svavo déttor hans. au Helgi ok Svava veittoz vérar ok unnoz furdo mikit. 
Svava var heima med fedr sinom, enn Helgi { hernadi. Var Svava Valkyrja enn 
sem fyrr, Hedinn var heima med fodor sinom Hiorvardi konungi i Noregi. Hedinn 
for einn saman heim or skégi Idla aptan, ok fain troll-kono. Su reid vargi ok hafdi 
orma at taumom ok baud fylgd sina Hedni. Nei, sagdi hann, Hon sagdi: pess 
skaltu giallda at Bragar-fulli, Um kveldit dro heit-strengingar; var fram leiddr 
sénar-goltr. Logéo menn par 4 hendr sinar, ok strengdo menn pa heit at Bragar- 
fulli, Hedinn strengdi heit til Svavo Eylima déttor, unnosto Helga brédor sins, ok 
idradiz své miok, at hann gekk 4 braut villi-stigo sudr 4 lond, ok fann Helga brédor 
sinn. Helgi kvad; Kompbu heill Hedinn... 

After line 66.—pat kvad Helgi, pviat hann grunadi um feigd sina, ok pat, at 
fylgjor hans hofdo vitjad Hedins, pa er hann s& konona rida varginom, Alfr het 
konungr son Hrodmars, er Helgi hafdi vgll hasladan 4 Sigars-velli a priggja natta 
fresti. ar var orrosta mikil ok fékk par Helgi bana-sar. 

At the end.—Helgi ok Svava er sagt at veri endr-borin, 


Helgi and Cara (see Translation, Introd. § 11). (Bk. iii, § 1.) 


Fra Vavlsungom.—Sigmundr konungr Vavlsungs son atti Borghilldi af Bra- 
lundi; pau heto son sinn Helga, ok eptir Helga Hiorvards syni. Helga fostradi 


-Hagall, Hundingr hét rikr konungr, Vid hann er Hundland kent. Hann var her- 


528 APPENDIX. 


madr mikill, ok Atti marga sono pa er i hernadi véro. Ofridr ok dylgjor voro 4 
milli peirra Hundings konungs ok Sigmundar konungs; drapo hvarir annarra freendr. 
Sigmundr konungr ok hans ett-menn héto Volsungar ok Yifingar. Helgi fér ok 
nidsnadi til hiréar Hundings konungs 4 laun. Hemingr son Hundings konungs var 
heima. Enn er Helgi for i brot, pa hitti hann hiardar-svein ok kvad. Segdu 
Hemingi...Hundingr konungr. Hamall hét son Hagals. Hundingr konungr sendi 
menn til Hagals at leita Helga. Enn Helgi matti eigi fordaz annan veg enn t6k 
kledi ambattar ok gekk at mala. feir leitodo, ok fundo eigi Helga. pd kvad 
Blindr inn Bol-visi. Hvoss ero... mgndul tre, Hagall svaradi ok kvaé. pat er 1. 
va...man, Undan komz Helgi ok fér 4 her-skip. Hann felldi Hunding konung, 
ok var sidan kallaér Helgi Hundings-bani. Hann 14 med her sinn i Bruna-vigom 
ok hafdi par strand-hogg, ok ato par ratt. Hggui hét konungr; hans dé:tir vat 
Sigrin; hon var Valkyrja ok reid lopt ok log. Hon var Svara endr-borin. Sigrin 
reid at skipom Helga ok kvad. Hverir lata flidta... Enn Hagna mer kennir. 
Granmar hét rikr konungr, er bio at Svarins-haugi. Hann Atti marga sono. Havdé- 
broddr, annarr Gudmundr, pridi Starkaér. HoSbroddr var i konunga stefno, hann 
fastnadi ser Sigruno Hogna déttor. Enn er hon spyr pat, pé reid hon med Val- 
kyrjor um lopt ok um log at leita Helga. Helgi var pa at Loga-figllom ok hafdi 
bariz vid Hundings sono. far felldi hann pa Alf ok Eyjolf, Hiorvard ok Hervard, 
ok var hann all-vig-m6ér ok sat undir Ara-steini. par hitti Sigrin hann, ok rann 4 
hals hénom ok kyssti hann, ok sagdi hénom erendi sitt. Sva sem segir i Volsunga- 
kvido inni Forno. Sétti Sigrun ... Helgi samnadi pa .. . trega per at segja. [For 
the following see vol. i. p. 376, Text B.] 

From the end of Helgi i.—(Vid himin sialfan) Havgr var gorr eptir Helga. Enn 
er hann kom til Valhallar p&4 baud Odinn hénom gllo at rada med ser. Helgi kvad. 
pu skalt Hundingr...sofa gangir. Ambatt Sigriinar gekk um aptan hia haugi Helga 
ok sé at Helgi reid til haugsins med marga menn. Ambétt kvad. Hvart ero pat svik 
...heim-for gefin, Heim gekk ambétt ok sagdi Sigrino, Ut gakk pu S.... svefja 
skyldir, Sigriin gekk i hauginn til Helga ok kvaé. Nu em ek s. fegin... hia oss 
lidjnom. Sigrtn bio seing i hauginom, Her hefi ek p. H... . sigr-pidd veki. peir 
Helgi rido leid sina, enn per féro heim til béjar. Annan aptan lét Sigrin ambétt 
halda vord & hauginom. Enn at dag-setri er Sigrin kom til haugsins kvad hon. 
Cominn v. ni... um daga lidsa, Sigriin vard skamm-lif af harmi ok trega. ‘pat 
var trua i forneskjo at menn veri endr-bornir, enn pat er nu kogllodé kerlinga villa. 
Helgi ok Sigriin er kallad at veri endr-borin. Hét hann pa Helgi Haddingja-skati 
[read -skadi], enn hon Kara Halfdanar déttir, své sem kvedit er i Karo-liddom, ok 
var hon Valkyrja. 

Fré dauda Sinfiotla.—Sigmundr Vavlsungs son var konungr 4 Frakklandi. 


Sinfiotli var ellztr hans sona, annarr Helgi, pridji Hamundr. Borghildr, cona Sig- 


mundar, atti brédor er hét [blank]. Enn Sinfiétli stiup-son hennar, ok [blank] bado 
einnar kono badir, ok fyr pé sok drap Sinfiotli hann. Enn er hann kom heim, pa 
bad Borghildr hann fara 4 brot, enn Sigmundr baud henni fé-beetr, ok pat vard hon 
at piggja. Enn at erfino bar Borghildr 91; hon tdék eitr, mikit horn fullt, ok bar 
Sinfiotla; enn er hann sé i hornit, skildi hann, at eitr var i, ok malti til Sigmundar, 
Giorottr er drykkrinn, ai! Sigmundr ték hornit ok drakk af. Sva er sagt, at 
Sigmundr var haré-gorr, at hvarki m&tti honom eitr granda utan né innan; enn allir 
synir hans stédoz eitr 4 hgrund titan. Borghildr bar annat horn Sinfiotla ok bad 
drekka, ok fér allt sem fyrr. Ok enn id pridja sinn bar hon hénom hornit, ok 
pd 4meliss ord med, ef hann drykki eigi af. Hann melti enn sem fyrr vid Sig- 
mund, Hann malti, Lattu grgon sia pd, sonr! Sinfiotli drakk, ok vard’ pegar 


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a 


PROSE PIECES FROM R. 529 


daudr. Sigmundr bar hann langar leidir i fangi ser, ok kom at firdi einom miédvom 
ok longom, ok var bar skip eitt litis, ok madr einn 4, Hann baud Sigmundi far of 
figrdinn. Enn er Sigmundr bar likit ut 4 skipit pa var batrinn hladinn. Karl malti 
at Sigmundr skyldi fara fyr innan figrdinn. Karl hratt uit skipino ok hvarf pegar. 
Sigmundr konungr dvaldiz lengi i Danmork i riki Borghildar, sidan er hann fekk 
hennar, Fér Sigmundr pa sudr i Fraccland til pess rikiss er hann Atti par. pa 
fekk hann Hiordisar déttor Eylima konungs. feirra son var Sigurdr. Sigmundr 
konungr fell i orrosto fyr Hundings sonom. Enn Hiordis giptiz p& Alfi syni Hialp- 
reks konungs. Ox Sigurdr par upp { barnesko. Sigmundr, ok allir synir hans, véro 
langt um fram alla menn adra um afl ok voxt ok hug ok alla atgervi. Sigurdr var 
po allra framastr, ok hann kalla allir menn i forn-froedom um alla menn fram, ok 
gofgastan her-konunga. 

Gripir hét son Eylima brddir Hiordisar; hann red londom ok var allra manna 
vitrastr ok framviss, Sigurér reid einn saman ok kom til hallar Gripiss. Sigurdr 
var aud-kendr, Hann hitti mann at mali uti fyr hollinni, s4 nefndiz Geitir. pa 
kvaddi Sigurér hans mals ok spyrr, Hverr byggir her . . . [The Lay of Gripi follows, 
Bk. v, § 1.] 


The Old Play of the Wolsungs. 


Sigurdr gekk til st63s Hialpreks ok kauss ser af hest einn, er Grani var kalladr 
sidan, 4 var kominn Reginn til Hialpreks, sonr Hreidmars; hann var hverjom 
manni hagari ok dvergr of voxt; hann var vitr, grimmr ok fiolkunnigr, Regian 
veitti Sigurdi féstr ok kenzlo ok elskadi hann miok. Hann sagdi Sigurdi fra forellri 
sino, ok peim atbur$om:—At Odinn ok Heenir ok Loki héfdo komit til Andvara- 
fors, ok i peim forsi var fioldi fiska. Einn dvergr hét Andvari, hann var longom i 


¢ 


forsinom i geddo liki ok fekk ser par matar. Otr hét brddir varr, er opt fér i 
forsinn i otrs liki. Hann hafdi tekit einn lags ok sat 4 ar-bakkanom ok At blund- 
andi. Loki laust haon med steini til bana. pdttoz Esir miok heppnir verit hafa, 
ok flégo belg af otrinom, pat sama kvelld sétto peir gisting til Hreidmars ok 
syndo veidi sina, pa téko ver pa hondom, ok logdom peim fior-lausn at fylla otr- 
belginn med gulli ok hylja itan oc med raudo gulli. pé sendo peir Loka at afla 
gullzins. Hann kom til Ranar ok fékk net hennar, ok fér pa til Andvara fors, ok 
kastadi netino fyrir geddona, enn hon hliép f fetit. p& malti Loki, Hvat er pat 
fiska ...leida limar. Loki sé allt gull pat er Andvari atti. Enn er hann hafdi 
fram reitt gullit, pa hafdi hann eptir einn hring, ok ték Loki pann af hdénom. 
Dvergrinn gekk inn i steininn ok malti. pat skal gull... nidta. sir reiddo 
Hreidmari féid ok traédo upp otr-belginn ok reisto 4 foetr. p& skyldo Hsirnir blada 
upp gullino ok hylja. Enn er pat var gort, gekk Hreidarr fram, ok s& eitt grana- 
har ok bad hylja. pa dré Odinn fram hringinn Andvara-naut ok huldi harit. pa 
kvad Loki. Gull er per nir.... heim hedan. Fafnir ok Reginn krofdo Hreid- 
mar nid-gialda eptir Otr brédor sinn, Hann kvaé nei vid. Enn Fafnir lagdi sverdi 
Hreidmar fodor sinn sofanda, Hreidmarr kalladi 4 deetr sinar. Lyngheidr ok L. v. 
m.1 f.... pins harms reka. 4 dé Hreidmarr, enn Fafnir t6k gullit allt. pa 
beiddiz Reginn at hafa fodor-arf sinn; enn Faéfnir galt par nei vid. pa leitadi 
Reginn rida vid Lyngheidi systor sina, hvernig hann skyldi heimta fodur-arf sinn. 
Hon kvad, Bridar kvedja... fidr. pessa luti sagdi Reginn Sigurdi. Einn dag er 
hann kom til htisa Regins var hénom vel fagnat. Reginn kvad. Cominn er h,... 
grlog simo. Sigurdr var pa iafnan med Regin, og sagdi hann Sigurdi, at Fafnir la & 
Gnita-heidi ok var i orms liki. Hann Atti egis-hialm, er oll kvikvendi hreddoz vid, 
Reginn gerdi Sigurdi sverd er Gramr hét. ‘pat var sv& hvasst, at hann bré pvi ofan 
VOL. II. Mm 





530 APPENDIX,» 


i Rin, ok lét reka ullar-lagd fyrir straumi, ok ték f sundr lagdinn sem vatnid, pvt 
sverdi klauf Sigurdér i sundr stedja Regins. Eptir pat eggjadi Reginn Sigurd at 
vega Fafni. Hann sagdi. Hatt muno hleja...hefnd fodur. Hialprekr konungr 
fekk Sigurdi skipa-lid til fodur-hefnda. ‘peir fengo storm mikinn ok beitto fyrir 
bergs-ngs nacqvara. Madr einn stéd 4 bergino ok kvaé. Hyverir rida par... far 
vil ek piggja. ‘peir viko at landi, ok gekk karl 4 skip, ok legdi pA vedrit, Segdu 
mer p. Hnikarr...hrapa. Capitulum. Sigurér atti orrosto mikla vid Lyngva 
Hundings son ok broedr hans. ar fell Lyngvi ok peir broedr. Eptir orrosto kvaéd 
Reginn. Nu-er bl. orn... huginn gladdi. Heim for Sigurér til Hialprecs. pa 
eggjadi Reginn Sigurd til at vega Fafni. Sigurér ok Reginn féro upp 4 Gnita-heidi 
ok hitto par slé6 Fafniss pba er hann skreié til vaz. ‘par gordi Sigurér grof mikla 
& veginom ok gekk Sigurér bari. Enn er Fafnir skreid af gullino, blés hann eitri, 
ok hraut pat fyrir ofan hofué Sigurdi. Enn er Fafnir skreid yfir grofna, pa lagdi 
Sigurdr hann meé sverdi til hiarta. Fafnir hristi sik ok baréi hafoi ok spordi. 
Sigurér hlidp or grofinni, ok s& pd hvarr annan, Fafnir kvad. 

Fré dauda Fafniss.—Sveinn ok sveinn ../ hiarta hiorr. Sigurdr duldi nafns 
sins, fyr pvi at pat var trua peira { forneskjo, at ord feigs mannz metti mikit, ef 
hann bolvadi évin sinom med nafni,. Hann. kvad.. Gofugt dyr ... meira megin, 
Reginn var 4 brot horfinn medan Sigurér va Fafni, ok kom pa aptr, er Sigurér 
strauk bl6d af sverdino. Regin kvad. Heill pu nu. S....hvaz hugar, pa 
gekk Reginn at Fafni, ok skar hiarta or hénom med sverdi er Ridill heitir, ok 
pa drakk hann bI66 6r undinni eptir. Reginn kvad." Sittu ni S....at hendi 
keemr. Sigurdr t6k Fafniss hiarta ok steikéi 4 teini. Ener hann hug6i at full-steikt 
veri, ok freyddi sveitinn or sarino, pa t6k hanin & fingri sinom ok skynjadi, hvart 
full-steikt veri. Hann brann, ok ‘bra fingrinom { munn ‘ser. Enn er hiart-bl6d 
Fafniss kom & tungo hénom, ok skiléi hann fugls rodd.' Hann heyrdi at igdor 
klokodo 4 hrisino. Igdan kvad. ‘par sitr Sigurdr . . . avnnor kvaé . . . in iii kvab 
... In iiii kvad... In fimta kvad.. . fara til heliar hedan. Sigurdr hid hofud 
af Regin, ok pa at hann Fafnis hiarta, ok drakk bldd‘peirra beggja Regins ok 
Fifniss. pa heyrdi Sigurér hvat igdor melto; Bitt pi Sigurdr . . . skopom Norna, 
Sigurér reid eptir sléd Fafniss til boeliss hans, ok fann pat opit, ok hurOir af iarni 
ok getti: af iarni voro ok allir timbr-stokkar i “‘huisino, enn grafit i iord nidr. 
par fann Sigurdr stér-mikit gull, ok fylldi par tver kistor par ték hann egis- 
hialm ok gull-brynjo, ok sverdit Hrotta, ok marga dyr-gripi, ok klyfjadi par 
med Grana. Enn hestrinn vildi eigi fram ganga fyrr en Sigurér steig 4 bak 
hénom. Sigurér reid upp a Hindar-fiall, ok stefndi sudr til Frakklandz. A 
fiallino s& hann lids mikit, sv& sem eldr brynni, ok lidmadi af til himins. Enn er 
hann kom at, p4 stéd par skiald-borg ok upp or merki. Sigurdr gekk i skialld- 
borgina, ok ‘sé, at par 14 madr, ok svaf med ollum her-v4pnom. Hann ték fyrst 
hialminn af hofdi hénom, ~ pa sé hann at pat var kona, Brynjan var fost sem hon 
veri holld-groin. ‘pa reist hann med Gram fr& hofud-smaétt brynjona igognom 
nidr, ok sv& ut igognom badar ermar. ‘pé t6k hann brynjo af henni, Enn hon 
vaknadi, ok settiz hon upp, ok s& Sigurd ok malti. Hvat beit brynjo... blunn- 
stofom,  Sigurdr settiz niér ok spurdi hana nafns, Hon ték pa horn fullt miadar, 
ok gaf hénom ‘minnis-veig. Heill dagr .. , medan lifom. Hon nefndiz Sigrdrifa, 
ok var Valkyrja; Hon sagéi, at tveir konungr borduz; hét annarr Hialm-gunnarr, 
hann var pa gamall, ok inn mesti her-madr, ok hafdi Odinn hénom sigri heitid, Enn 
Annatr hét... piggja. Sigrdrifa felldi Hialm-gunnar i orrestouni, Enn Odinn 
stakk hana svefn-porni i hefud pess, ok kvad hana alldri skylido sidan sigr vega i 
‘orrosto, ok kvaéd hina ‘giptaz skylldo. Enn ek sagdak hénom, at ek strengdak heit 




















PROSE PIECES FROM R. 531 


par i mét, at giptaz ongom beim manni er hredaz kynni. Hann svarar ok bidr 
hana kenna ser eens, ef hon vissi tidindi or gllom heimom. Sigrdrifa kvad, Bidr 
fcr ek per... 


lM, AFTER THE LACUNA. 
[N. B. For the paraphrase of the Lays in the Lacuna see next page.] 


At the end of the Short Brunhild Lay.—Innan fadar, Fr& dauda. Sigurdar. 
Her er sagt i pessi kvido fra dauda Sigurdar, ok vikr her sv4 til, sem peir drepi 
hann uti. Enn sumir segja sv4, at peir drepi hann inni i rekkjo sinnisofanda. Enna 
pydverskir menn segja sv4, at peir drepi hann uti i skégi, ok své segir { Gudrinar 
kvido inni Forno, at Sigurdr ok Gitika synir heféi til pings ridit, pa er hann var 
drepinn, Enn pat segja allir einnig, at peir sviko’ hann i trygd; ok végo at hénom 
liggjanda ok ébinom. Gnudrin sat yfir Sigurdi dandom. . Hon grét eigi sem adrar 
konor; enn hon var buin til at springa af harmi. Til gengo bedi konor ok karlar 
at hugga hana, enn pat. var eigi aud-vellt.. pat er sogn manna, at Gudrdn hefdi etid 
af Fafnis hiarta, ok hon skildi pvi fugls rodd., petta er enn kyedit um Gudrino. 
Gudrinar kvida. Ar var patz Gudrun... 

At the end.—(Er hon sar um leit a Sigurdi.) Gudrin gekk padan 4 braut til 
skégar 4 eydi-merkr, ok fér allt til Danmarkar, ok var bar med péro Haconar 
déttor siau misseri. Brynhildr vildi eigi lifa eptir Sigurd; hon lét drepa prela sina 
atta ok fimm ambéttir, pa lagdi hon sik sverdi til bana. Své sem segir { Sigurdar 
kvido inni Skgmmo. ; 


The Long Lay of Brunhild, after line 287.—Eptir dauda Brynhildar véro gor 
bal tvau, annat Sigurdi, ok brann pat fyrr,,enn Brynhildr var 4 gdro brennd, ok var 
hon i reid peirri er gudvefjom var tiolldod.. Sva er sagt, at Brynhildr 6k med. reid- 
inni 4 Hel-veg, ok for um tun.par er Gygr nokkor bid. Gygrin kvad. . Scaltu 
i gognom, etc. 


Drép Niflunga.—Gunnarr ok Hogni téko p& gullit allt Fafniss arf, Ofridr var 
pa i milli Giikunga ok Atla; kenndi hann_Gitikungom vold um andlat Brynhildar. 
pat var til setta, at peir skyldo gipta hénom Guértno, ok géfo henni éminnis-veig 
at drekka 4dr hon idtti at giptaz Atla, Synir Atla véro peir Erpr ok Eitill, enn 
Svanhilldr var Sigurdar déttir ok Gudérdinar. Atli konungr baud heim Gunnari ok 
Hogna, ok sendi Vinga eda Knefroed. Gudriin vissi vélar, ok sendi med rtinom ord, 
at peir skyldo eigi koma. Ok til iartegna sendi hon Hogna hringinn Andvara-naut, 
ok knytti i vargs har, Gunnarr hafdi bedit Oddrunar systor Atla, ok gat eigi. pa 
fekk hann Glaumvarar, enn Hogni Atti Kostbero; peirra: synir véro peir Sélarr ok 
Snevarr ok Gitki, Enn er Gitkungar kémo til Atla, p& bad Gudrun sono sina, 
at peir bedi Giikungom lifs; enn peir vildo eigi. Hiarta var scorit or Hggna, enn 
Gunnarr settr i orm-gard. Hann slé6 horpo ok sveféi ormana; enn nadra stakk 
hann til lifrar. piddrekr konungr ' var med Atla, ok hafdi par l4tid flesta allam enn 
sina, ‘piddrekr ok Gudrin kerdo harma sin 4 milli, | on sagdi hénom ok kvad. 
Meer var ek meyja . 


Sa Ordeal of Gudrun. 


Herkja hét ambott Atla; hon hafdi verit frilla hans, Hon sagdi Atla at hon 
hefdi sé3 piddrek ok Gudriino bedi saman. tli var pd all-dkatr. ‘pa kvad 
Gudrun. Kvida Gudrunar. Hvat er per Atli,.. 


Mm 2 





B32 APPENDIX. 


Lamentation of Ordrun. 


Fra Borgnyjo ok Oddrtino.—Heidrekr hét konungr. Déttir hans het Borgny. 
Vilmundr hét s& er var fridili hennar. Hon matti eigi feeda born 4dr til kom 


Oddriin Atla systir ; hon hafdi verit unnosta Gunnars Gitka sonar. Um pessa sogo — 


er her kvedit. Heyrda ek... 


The Lay of Aili. 

Daudi Atla —Gudrin Gitka déttir hefndi broedra sinna své sem fregt er ordit. 
Hon drap fyrst sono Atla, enn eptir drap hon Atla, ok brendi hollina ok hirdina 
alla. Um betta er sid kvida ort. Atla quida in Groenlenzca, Atli sendi... 

At the end.—Enn segir gleggra i Atla-malom enom Groenlenzkom. 


The Chain of Woe and Hamtheow Lay Medley. 


Gudrtn gekk pa til sevar er hon hafdi drepit Atla, Gekk hon ut 4 szinn ok vildi 
fara ser. Hon matti eigi seecqua, Rak hana yfir fiordinn 4 land Ionakrs konungs ; 


hann fekk hennar; peirra synir véro peir Savrli ok Erpr ok Hamper. ar foeddiz 


upp Svanhildr Siguréar déttir, hon var gipt Iormunreck enom rikja. Med hanom 
var Bicci, Hann réé pat, at Randvér konungs son skyldi taka hana [blank]. pat 
sagdi Bicci konungi. Konungr lét hengja Randvé, enn troda Svanhilldi undir 
hrossa fé6tom. Enn er pat spurdi Gudrtin, pa kvaddi hon sono sina, Gudrunar 
hvavt. pa fra ek senno... 

At the end of Hamtheow Lay.—petta ero kollod Hampiss mal in Forno. 


Ii], LAY OF RIGH (in Cod, Wormianus of Snorri’s Edda), 


Své segja menn i fornoms ogom, at einn hverr af Asom, sa er Heimdallr hét, fr 
ferdar siunar ok framm med siovar-strondo nokkorri; kom at einom husa-bee, ok 
nefndiz Rigr. Eptir peirri sogo er kvzdi petta... 


2. WOLSUNGA PARAPHRASE OF THE LACUNA LAYS. 
(Englished on pp. 391-399, vol. i.) 


SicurDR ridér nu par til er hann kemr at einum miklum be; par réé6 fyrir einn 
mikill hoféingi s& er Heimir hét; hann atti systur Brynhildar, er Bekkhildr hét, 
pvi at hén hafdi heima verit, ok numit hannyrdir, enn Brynhildr for med hialm ok 
trynju, ok gekk at! vigum; var hén pvi kollué Brynhildr. Heimir ok Bekkhildr 
attu einn son er Alsvidr hét, manna kurteisastr, par léku menn uti; ok er peir sia 
reid mannzins at benum, hetta peir leiknum ok undraz manninn, pvi at peir 
h6fdu engan slikan sét; gengu i mét hénum ok fognudu hénum vel. Alsvidr bydr 
hénum med ser at vera, ok af ser at piggja slikt er hann vill; hann piggr pat. 
Hénum er ok skipat vegliga at pidna; fidrir menn hofu gullit af hestinum, enn 
fimti t6k vid hénum. par matti sid marga gdda gripi ok fa-séna: var pat at 
skemtan haft, at sid 4? brynjur ok hialma, ok stéra hringa, ok undarliga mikil gull- 
staup, ok allz konar her-vapn. Sigurér dvelz par lengi i mikilli semd; spyrz nu 
petta fregdar-verk um Oll lond, er hann hafdi drepit pann inn dgurliga dreka. peir 
undu ser nt vel, ok var hvar 6drum hollr. ‘pat héfdu peir at skemtan, at bua vpn 
sin, ok skepta Grvar sinar, ok beita haukum sinum. 





1 at] a, Cd. ? sid 4] sia, Cd. 














W. PARAPHRASE OF LACUNA LAYS. 533 


pa var komin til Heimiss Brynhildr féstra hans; hdén sat i einni skemmu vid 
meyjar sinar. H6n kunni meira hagleik, en adrar konur ; hén lagdi sinn borda med 
gulli, ok saumadi 4 pau stér-merki er Sigurdr hafdi gort, drap ormsins, ok upp-téku 
fidrins ok dauda Regins, Ok einn dag er fra pvi sagt, at Sigurdr reid & skég vid 
hundum sinum ok haukum, ok miklu fiélmenni, Ok er hann kom heim, flé hans 
haukr 4 havan turn ok settiz vid einn glugg. Sigurdr for eptir haukinum: pa ser 
hann eina fagra konu; ok kennir, at par er Brynhildr.. Hénum pykkir nu um vert 
allt saman, fegrd hennar ok pat er hén gorir; koemr i hollina ok vill 6nga skemtan 
vid menn eiga. pd maliti Alsvidr: Hvi eru per sv falatir? pessi skipan pin harmar 
oss' pina vini, eda hvi méattu eigi gledi bella? Haukar pinir hnipa, ok sva 
hestrinn Grani*, ok pessa fam ver seint bét. Sigurdr svarar; Gddr vin, heyr hvat ek 
hugsa! minn haukr fié 4 einn turn, ok er ek t6k hann, s& ek eina fagra konu, hén 
sat vid einn gulligan borda ok las par 4 min lidin ok fram komin verk, Alsvidr 
svarar: pu hefir sét Brynhildi Budla déttur, er mestr sk6érungr er. Sigurdr svarar; 
pat mun satt vera; eda hversu [longu] kom hdén her? Alsvidr svarar: pess var 
skamt i milli ok per kvémut. Sigurdr segir: pat vissu ver fyrir fam doégum; si 
kona hefir oss bezt synz i veroldu. Alsvidr melti: Gef ekki gaum at einni konu, 
pvilikr madr; er pat illt at syta er madr fer eigi. Hana skal ek hitta, segir 
Sigurdr, ok gefa henni gull, ok na hennar gamni ok iafnaéar pokka, Alsvidr svarar: 
Engi fannz s& enn um aldr, er hén 1é0i rims hia ser eda gefi 6] at drekka; hon vill 
sik i herskap hafa ok allz konar fregd at fremja, S’gurdr mzlti: Ver vitum eigi 
hyart hén svarar oss eda eigi, eda Iér oss sess hia ser. Ok annan dag eptir gekk 
Sigurdr til skemmunnar, enn Alsvidr st6d hia skemmunni uti, ok skepti Orvar sinar, 
Sigurdr melti: Sit heil fri! eda hversu megi per? Hon svarar: Vel megum ver; 
frendr lifa ok vinir; enn hattung er i hverja giptu menn bera til sins enda-dags. 
Hann setz hia henni. Sidan ganga par inn fiorar konur med stérum boré-kerum af 
gulli, ok med inu bezta vini, ok standa fyrir beim, p4 malti Brynhildr: petta seti 
mun fam veitt vera, nema fadir minn komi. Hann svarar: Nu er veitt beim er oss 
likar. Herbergit var tialdat af inum dyrstum tidldum, ok pakit kledum (?) allt 
golfit. Sigurdr mazlti: Nu er pat fram komit, er per hétud oss. Hén svarar: pér 
skolud her vel komnir, Sidan reis hén upp, ok fidrar meyjar med henni, ok gekk 
fyrir hann med gull-ker, ok bad hann drekka, Hann réttir i mét héndina kerinu, 
ok ték hénd hennar med, ok setti hana hia ser; hann tok um hals henni, kyssti 
hana ok melti; Engi kona hefir per fegri fezt. Brynhildr mzlti: Vitrlegra rad er 
pat, at leggja eigi trinad sinn 4 konu vald, pvi at ber ritifa iafnan sin heit. Hann 
meziti: S& koemi beztr dagr yfir oss, at ver mattim nidtaz. Brynhildr svarar: Eigi 
er pat skipat at vit buim saman: ek em skiald-mer, ok 4 ek med her-konungum 
hialm; ok peim man ek at lidj verda; ok ekki er mer leitt at berjaz. Sigurdr 
malti: p4 frioumz ver mest, ef ver buum saman, ok meira er at pola pann harm, er 
; » her liggr 4, en hvdss vapn. Brynhildr svarar: Ek man kanna lid her-manna, enn pu 
mant eiga Gudrinu Gitka dottur. Sigurdr svarar: Eigi telir mik eins konungs 
f ! déttir, ok ekki lér mer tveggja huga um betta; ok bess sver ek vid gudin, at ek 
| x skal pik eiga, eda enga konu ella. Hdn malti slikt: Sigurér pakkar henni pessi 

“ saimmali,.ok gaf henni gull-hring; ok svérdu nu eida af nyju; ok gengr hann { brott 
til sinna manna, ok er par um hridé med miklum bléma. [ch. xxiii, xxiv.] 

. - - Eitt sinn segir Gudrun meyjum sinum, at hén ma eigi gl6d vera, Ein kona 
spyr hana, hvat henni sé at ugledi. Hoén svarar: Eigi fengu vér tima i draumum; er 
pvi harmr i hiarta mer; rad drauminn par er pu fréttir eptir, Hon svarar: Seg mer 








1 ok add, Cd, ? bella} halda, Cd, § A verse unchanged. 


a een ei 


534 APPENDIX. 


ok lat pik eigi hryggja, pvi at iafnan dreymir fyrir vedrum. Gudrdn svarar: fetta 
er ekki vedr: pat dreymdi mik, at ek s& einn fagran hauk mer 4 hendi, fiadrar hans 
véru med gulligum lit. Konan svarar: Margir hafa spurt af yérum venleik, vizku 
ok kurteisi; nékkurs konungs son mun bidja pin. Gudrun svarar: Engi hlutr potti 
mer haukinum betri, ok allt mitt fé vilda ek heldr lata enn hann. Konan svarar: 
Sa er pu fer, man vera vel mentr, ok muntu unna hénom mikit. Gudrun 
svarar: pat angrar mik, at ek veit eigi hverr hann er; ok skulum ver hitta 
Brynhildi; hén mun vita. ‘peer biogguz med gulli ok mikilli fegrd, ok foru med 
meyjum sinum, unz per kému at holl Brynhbildar; su holl var buin med gulli, ok 
st6d & einu bergi. Ok er sén er ferd peira, pa er Brynhildi sagt, at margar konur 
é6ku at borginni med gyltum vognum. [Bryvhildr svarar:] par mun vera Gudrin 
Giuka dottir ; mik dreymdi} hana i ndétt ok géngum ut i mot henni, ekki sekja oss : 
fridari konur heim, per gengu ut i méti peim, ok fognudu vel; ber gengu inn i : 
pa ina fogru héll, . Salrinn var skrifaér innan ok miok silfri buinn ;_klezdi véru breidd ; 
undir fetr peim, ok pidnudu allir peim. ‘per hofou margs konar leika. Gudrin var 
fa-ord. Brynhildr mzlti: Hvi megi per eigi gledi bella? ger eigi pat; skemtum 
oss allar saman, ok redum um rika konunga ok peirra stér-virki, Gerum bat, segir 
Gudrin; eda hverja veiztu fremsta konunga verit hafa? Brynhildr svarar: Sonu 
{Hamundar] Haka ok Hagbard?; peir unnu mérg fregdar verk i hernadi. - Guérin 
svarar: Miklir voru peir ok d4getir, enn 6 nam Sigarr systur peirra, enn hefir adra 
inni brennda*, ok eru peir seinir at hefna.. Eda hvi nefndir pu eigi bredr mina, er 
nu pikkja fremstir menn? Brynhildr segir: pat er i gédum efnum; enn eigi eru - 
peir enn miék reyndir; ok veit ek einn miék af peim bera, en pat er Sigurér son q 
Sigmundar konungs; hann var pa barn er hann drap sonu Hundings konungs, ok , 
hefndi fodur sins ok Eylima médéur-fodur sins. Gudrin melti: Hvat var til merkja : 
um pat? segir pu hann borinn pa er fadir hans fell? Brynhildr svarar: Médir hans 
gekk i valinn, ok fann Sigmund konung saran, ok baud at binda sér hans; enn hann 
kvezt of gamall sidan at berjaz, enn bad. hana vid pat huggaz, at hén mundi ceztan 
son ala; ok var par ‘Spa spaks geta.’ Ok eptir andlat Sigmundar konungs fér hén P 
med Alfi konungi, ok var Sigurdr par upp feddr i mikilli virdingu, ok vann hann 
morg afreks verk 4 hverjum degi, ok er hann Agetastr madr i verdldu. Gudrtin maiti: ; 
Af ast hefir pu fréttum til hans haldit; enn af pvi kom ek her at segja ber drauma a | 
mina, er mer fengu mikillar dhyggju. Brynhildr svarar: Lat pik eigi slikt angra; 
ver med frendum pinum, er allir vilja pik gledja. pat dreymdi mik, sagdi Gudrin, : 
at ver gengim fra skemmu margar saman ok’sam einn mikinn hiért ; hann bar langt q 
af dérum dyrum; har hans var af gulli; vér vildum allar taka dyrit, enn ek ein 
nada; dyrit pétti mer dllum hlutum betra; sidan skauztu dyrit fyrir knidm mer} 
var mer pat sv& mikill harmr, at ek matta trautt bera; sidan gaftu mer einn ulf- . 
hvelp, s& dreifdi mik bl60i breéra minna. Brynhildr svarar: Ek mun rada sem eptir ay 
mun ganga: Til ykkar mun koma Sigurdr, s& er ek kaus mer til mannz ;°Grimhildr . 








gefr hénum mein-blandinn midé, er dllum oss kemr i mikit strié; hann muntu eiga 
ok hann skidtt missa; pu munt eiga Atla konung ;: missa muntu brezdra pinna; ok 
pa muntu Atla vega. Gudrun svarar: Of-harmr er oss pat, at vita slikt.—Ok fara 
per nii i brott ok heim til Giuka konungs. [ch. xxv.] 

Sigurér ridr nu i brott med pat mikla gull; skiljaz peir nu vinir; hann ridr Grana 
med dllum sinum her-bunadi ok farmi; hann riér par til er hann kom at h6ll Gitika 
konungs, ridr nu i borgina. Ok pat sér einn af konungs ménnum, ok malti: 





+ dreymdi um, Cd.,=dreymdomk of the Lay. 2 ss. haka ok hagbard, Cd. 
3 This is doubtful, probably corrupt, but we know not the clue to it. 








—_—- 








W. PARAPHRASE OF LACUNA LAYS. 535 


pat hygg ek, at her fari einn af godunum; pessi madr er allr vid gull buinn, hestr 
hans er miklu meiri en adrir hestar, ok afburdar-venn vapna-burédr; hann er langt 
um adra menn framm, enn sialfr berr hann po mest af drum ménnum, Konungrinn 
gengr ut med hird sina, ok kvaddi manninn, ok spyrr: Hverr ertu, er ridr i borgina, 
er engi pordi nema at leyfi sona minna? Hann svarar: Ek heiti Sigurdr, ok em ek 
son Sigmundar konungs.Gidki konungr melti: Vel skaltu herr kominn med oss, 
ok pigg her slikt sem pu vilt. Ok hann gengr inn i hdllina, ok véru allir lagir hid 
honum, ok allir pidnudu hénum, ok var hann par i miklu yfirleti. peir rida allir 
saman, Sigurdr, ok Gunnarr, ok Hégni, ok pd er Sigurdr fyrir peim um alla atgervi, 
ok eru pé allir miklir menn fyrir ser, pat finnr Grimhildr, hvé mikit Sigurdr ann 


. Brynhildi, ok hve opt hann getr hennar ; hugsar fyrir ser, at pat veri meiri gipta, at 


hann stad-festiz par, ok 2tti déttur Giika konungs; ok,s& at engi matti vid hann 
iafnaz; sa ok, hvert traust at hénum var, ok hafdi of! fir, miklu meira, en menn 
vissi demi til, Konungr var vid hann sem vid sonu sina, enn peir virdu hann 
framarr eri sik, Eitt kveld er peir stu vid drykk, riss dréttning upp ok gekk fyrir 
Sigurd, ok kvaddi hann ok maiti: Fognudr er oss 4 pinni her-vist, ok allt gétt 
viljum ver til ydar leggja. Tak her vid horni, ok drekk! Hann ték vid ok drakk 
af. Hén malti: pinn fadir skal vera Giiki konungr, enn ek mddir, bradr pinir 
Gunnarr ok Hogni; , 
ok allir ér eida vinnit?. 

Ok munu pa eigi ydrir iafningjar fazt. Sigurdr ték pvi vel. Ok vid pann drykk 
mundi hann ekki til Brynhildar. Hann dvaldiz par um hrid. Ok eitt sinn gekk 
Grimhildr fyrir Giika konung, ok lagdi hendr um hals hénum ok malti: Her er 
nu kominn inn mésti kappi er finnaz mun i veréldu; veri at hénum mikit traust; 
gipt honum déttur bina med miklu fé, ok sliku riki sem hann vill, ok meztti hann 
her yndi nema. Konungr svarar: Fa-titt er pat, at bidda fram detr sinar; enn 
meiri vegr er at bidda hénum, en adrir didi, Ok eitt kveld skenkir Gudrun. 
Sigurér sér, at hén er ven kona, ok at dllu en kurteisasta, Fimm misseri var 
Sigurdr par, sva at peir sétu med fregd ok vingan, ok redaz konungar nui vid. 
Gitki konungr melti: Mart gott veitir pu oss, Sigurdr, ok midk hefir pu styrkt 
vart riki, Gunnarr melti: Allt viljum ver til vinna, at per dveliz her lengi, bxdi 
riki, ok vara systur med bodi, er* eigi mundi annarr fa pdétt bedi. Sigurdr svarar: 
Hafit pokk fyrir yéra seemd, ok petta skal piggja. peir sverjaz nu i bredra-lag, sem 
peir- sé sam-bornir bredr. Nu er ger agetlig veizla, ok stéd marga daga, drekkr 
Sigurér nu brudlaup til Gudrunar, matti par sia margs konar gledi ok skemtan, ok 
var hvern dag veitt drum betr. peir féru nu vida um lénd ok vinna morg fregdar- 
verk, drapu marga konunga sonu, ok engir menn gerdu slik afrek sem peir; fara nu 
heim med miklu her-fangi. Sigurér gaf Gudrinu at éta af Fafniss hiarta, ok sidan var 
hén mikla grimmari en 4dr ok vitrari, eirra son hét Sigmundr. Ok eitt sinn gekk 
Grimhildr at Gunnari syni sinum ok maiti: Ydart r43 stendr med miklum bléma, 
fyrir tan einn hlut, er per erut Kvan-lausir ; bidit Brynhildar, pat er géfgazt rad, ok 
mun Sigurér rida med yér. Gunnarr svarar; Vist er hén ven, ok eigi em ek pessa 
éftiss, Ok segir nu fedr sinum ok bredrum ok Sigurdi, ok eru allir fysandi. peir 
bua nu ferd sina listuliga; rida nu fidll ok dali til Budla konungs, bera upp bén- 
ordit; hann tk pvi vel, ef hén vill eigi nita, ok segir hana svA stéra, at pann einn 
mann mun hén eiga vilja, er hén vill, pa rida peir i Hlymdali. Heimir fagnar peim 
vel. Segir Gunnarr nti erendin, Heimir kvaé hennar kidr vera hvern hén skal 
eiga; segir bar sal hennar skamt fra, ok kvazt pat hyggja, at ann einn mundi hén 





1 ofr, Cd, 2 A verse line. > er] en, Cd. 


536 APPENDIX. 


eiga vilja er ridi eld brennanda, er sleginn er um sal hennar. feir finna salinn ok 
eldinn, ok sid par borg gulli byrsta, ok brann eldr um utan, Gunnarr reid Gota, 
enn Hégni Heelkvi, Gunnarr keyrir hestinn at eldinum, enn hann hopar. Sigurdr 
mzlti: Hvi hopar pi, Gunnarr. Hann svarar: Eigi vill hestrinn hlaupa penna eld, 
ok bidr Sigurd lid ser Grana. Heimilt er pat, segir Sigurér. Gunnarr ridr nti at 
eldinum, ok vill Grani eigi ganga, Gunnarr ma nu tigi rida penna eld. Skipta nu 
litum, sem Grimhildr kendi beim Sigurdi ok Gunnari. Sidan ridér Sigurdr, ok hefir 
Gram i hendi, ok bindr gull-spora 4 fetr ser, Grani hleypr fram at eldinum er hann 
kenndi sporans. Nd verdr gnyr mikill, er 
eldrinn ték at zsaz, en i6rd ték at skialfa, 


loginn stéd vid himin. fetta pordi engi at gera fyrr, ok var sem hann ridi i myrkva; — 


pa legdiz eldrinn, enn hann gekk af hestinum inn i salinn. Sva er kvedit [Eldr 
nam at xsaz... Reginn Atti, see Fragment, Book v, § 3, pp. 314, 315]. Ok 
Sigurér kom inn um logann, fann hann par eitt fagrt herbergi, ok par sat i Bryn- 
hildr. Hd6n spyrr hverr s&4 maér er. Enn hann nefndiz Gunnarr Gitka son, ertu 
ok etlud min kona meé id-yrdi fedr pins—ef ek rida pinn vafor-loga—ok féstra 
pins med ydru atkvedi.—KEigi veit ek gerla hversu ek skal pessu svara. Sigurdr 
std réttr 4 golfinu ok studdiz 4 sverdz hidltin ok malti til Brynhildar: per i mot 
skal ek gialda mikinn mund i gulliok gédum gripum. Ho6n svarar af ahyggju af 
sinu sti, sem alpt af baru, ok hefir sverd i hendi, ok hialm 4 h6f6i, ok var i brynju: 
Gunnarr, segir hén, rad ekki slikt vid mik, nema pu sért hverjum manni fremri, ok 
pa skaltu drepa er min hafa bedit, ef pu hefir traust til. Ek var i orrostu med Garda 
konungi, ok véru vapn vor litud i manna bld6i, ok pess girnumz ver enn, Hann 
svarar: Morg stérvirki hafi per unnit; enn minniz nu 4 heit yéur, ef pessi eldr veri 
ridinn, at ber mundit med beim manni ganga er betta gerdi, Hon finur nu her sonn 
svér ok merki pessa mals; stendr upp ok fagnar hénum vel. ‘par dvelz hann priar 
nztr, ok bua eina rekkju; hann tekr sverdit Gram, ok leggr i medal peirra bert. 
Hon spyrr hvi pat setti. Hann kvad ser pat skapat?, at sva gordi hann brudlaup til 
konu sinnar, eda fengi ella bana. Hann ték p4 af henni hringinn Andvara-naut, er 
hann gaf henni; enn fékk henni ni annan hring af Fafniss-arfi, Eptir petta riér 
hann brott i pann sama eld til sinna félaga, ok skipta peir aptr litum, ok rida sidan i 
Hlymdali, ok segja hve farit haféi. ann sama dag for Brynhildr heim til fostra 
sins, ok segir hénum af trunadi, at til hennar kom einn konungr, Ok reié minn vafor- 
loga, ok kvazt kominn til r46a vid mik, ok nefndiz Gunnarr; enn ek sagda, at pat 
mundi Sigurér einn goera, er ek vann eiéa a fiallinu; ok er hann minn frum-verr. 
Heimir kvaéd nu sv buit vera mundu. [Brynhildr malti: Déttur okkar Sigurdar, 
Aslaugu, skal her upp feda med per®.] Fara konungar ni heim ;—enn Brynhildr 
fér til f66ur sins.—Grimhildr fagnar peim vel, ok pakkar Sigurdi sina fylgé. Er bar 
buizt vid veizlu; kom par mikill mann-fidldi; par kom Budli konungr med dottur 
sina, ok Atli son hans, ok hefir pessi veizla stadit marga daga. Ok er lokit er pessi 
veizlu, minnir Sigurd allra eida vid Brynhildi, ok letr pd vera kyrt. Brynhildr ok 
Gunnar s&tu vid skemtan ok drukku gétt vin. [ch. xxvi, xxvii.] 

pat er einn dag, er ber gengu til drinnar saman at pva ser. pa 66 Brynhildr lengra 
ut 4 ana, Gudrun spyrr hvi pat gegndi. Brynhildr segir: Hvi skal ek um betta 
iafnaz vid pik, heldr en um annat ; ek hugda, at minn fadir veri rikari enn pinn, ok 
minn madr unnit morg snildar-verk, ok ridi (!) eld brennanda; enn pinn bondi var 
prell Hialpreks konungs. Gudrun svarar med reidi: pad verir pu vitrari ef pu 
pegdir, en lastadir mann minn; er pat allra manna mal, at engi hafi slikr komit i 





1 Emend. ; skipad, Cd. 2 [ ] an interpolation. 





— = we CO 


ati 5 





W. PARAPHRASE OF LACUNA LAYS. 537 


verdldina fyrir hvers vetna sakir ; ok eigi samir per vel at Jasta hann, pvi at hann er 
pinn frum-verr, ok drap hann Fafni ok reid vafur-logann, er pi hugdir Gunnar 
konung; ok hann 1a hid per, ok t6k af hendi per hringinn Andvara-naut ; ok mattu 
nti her hann kenna, Brynhildr sér nu penna hring ok kennir; pa folnar hén, sem 
hén daud veri, Brynhildr for heim, ok malti ekki ord um kveldit. Ok er Sigurdr 
kom i rekkju, spyrr Gudrin: Hvi er Brynhildr své ukat? Sigurdr svarar: Eigi 
veit ek gléggt, enn grunar mik at ver munum vita brétt nodkkuru gérr. Gudrun 
mati: Hvi unir hén eigi aud ok salu ok allra manna lofi, ok fengit pann mann 
sem hén vildi? Sigurdr malti: Hvar var hén pa er hén sagdi pat, at hon peettiz 
enn cezta [ver] eiga, eda paun er hén vildi helzt eiga, Gudrun svarar: Ek skal 
eptir spyrja 4 morgin, hvern hén vill helzt eiga, Sigurdr svarar: pess let ek pik; ok 
idraz muntu, ef pu goerir pat. Ok um morgunininn sétu ber i skemmu sinni, ok var 
Brynhildr hli6d. pa melti Gudrin: Ver kat, Brynhildr; angrar pik okkart vid- 
tal? eda hvat stendr per fyrir gamni? Brynhildr svarar: Illt eitt gengr per til 
pessa, ok hefir pu grimt hiarta, Vird eigi sv, segir Gudrun, ok seg heldr, Bryn- 
hildr svarar: Spyr pess eina, at bezt sé attu vitir; pat samir rikum konum; ok er 
Gétt gédu at una, er ydr gengr allt at dskum, Gudrun svarar: Snemt er pvi enn 
at hala, ok er petta nokkur svd+ for-spi; hvat reki? per at oss? ver gordum ydr 
ekki til angrs. Brynhildr svarar: pess skaltu gialda, er pu Att Sigurd, ok ek ann 
per eigi hans at nidta né gullz ins mikla, Gudrin svaradi: Eigi vissa ek ydur um- 
meli, ok vel metti fadir minn sid rad fyrir mer, pottu verir ekki at hitt. Brynhildr 
svarar: Ekki héfum vit laun-mzli haft, ok pd hofum vit eida svarit, ok vissu per 
pat, at per véltud mik; ok skal pess hefna. Gudrun svarar: pu ert betr gefin en 
makligt er, ok pinn ofsi man illa siatna, ok pess munu margir gialda. Una mundu 
ver, segir Brynhildr, ef eigi ettir pu géfgara mann, Gudrun svarar: Attu sva 
gofgan mann, at tivist er, hverr meiri konungr er, ok gnott fidr ok rikiss. Brynhildr 
svarar: Sigurdr v4 at Fafni, ok er pat meira vert, enn allt riki Gunnars konungs, 
Sva sem kvedit er: Sigurdr v4 at ormi... yfir stiga. Gudrtin svarar: Grani rann 
eigi eldinn undir Gunnari konungi, enn hann pordi at rida, ok parf honum eigi hugar 
, at fryja. Brynhildr svarar: Dyljumz eigi vid, at ek hygg Grimhildi eigi vel. Gud- 
5 rin svarar: Amal henni eigi, pvi at hén er til pin sem til déttur sinnar, Brynhildr 
svarar: H6n veldr dllum upphéfum pessa bils er oss bitr; hén bar Sigardi grimt dl, 
}- sva at eigi mundi hann mitt nafn, Gudrun svarar: Mart rangt ord malir pu, ok 
: mikil lygi er slikt. Brynhildr svarar: Nidti per sv& Sigurdar, sem per hafit mik® 
svikit, ok er ydar sam-veldi* imakligt, ok gangi ydr sva sem ek hygg. Gudrin 
svarar: Betr mun ek nidéta en pu mundir vilja, ok engi gat pess, at hann ztti of 
gétt® vid mik ne eitt sinn. Brynhildr svarar: Illa melir pu, ok er af per rennr, 
mantu idraz; ok hendum eigi heipt-yrdi. Gudrin segir: pu kastadir fyrri heiptar- 
ordum 4 mik ; letr pti ni sem pu munir yfir beta, enn pé byr grimt undir. Leggjum 
nidr Onytt hial, segir Brynhildr; ek pagda lengi yfir minum harmi beim er mer bid 
i bridsti; enn ek ann pinum brédéur at eins; ok tékum annat hial, Gudrdin segir: 
| Langt sér hugr pinn um framm,—Ok bar af st6d mikill 6fagnadr er per gengu 4 
ana, ok hon kenndi hringinn; ok par af vard peirra vidreda, [ch. xxviii-] 
| Eptir petta tal leggz Brynhildr i rekkju. Ok k6ému bessi tidendi fyrir Gunnar 
| konung, at Brynhildr er sidk, Hann hittir hana, ok spyrr hvat henni sé, enn hén 
svarar engu ok liggr sem hon sé daud, Ok er hann leitar eptir fast, ba svarar hon: 
Hvat gordir pu af hring beim er ek selda per, er Atli® konungr gaf mer at efsta 








| 1 sv] su, Cd, 2 —reki? 8 eigi, add. Cd. * Thus? > Thus, 
corrupt, ® Atli] emend.; Budli, Cd, 


538 APPENDIX. 


skilnadi, er per Giikungar kémud til hans, ok hét ek at herja ok brenna heldr en 
per nzdit mér?. Sidan leiddi hann mik & tal, ok spyrr hvern ek keera af peim sem 
komouir varu ; enn ek budumk til at verja landit ok vera hofdingi yfir pridjungi lids. 


Varu pé tveir kostir fyrir hendi, at ek munda peim verda at giptaz sem hann vildi,. 


eda vera 4n allz fiar ok hans vindttu; kvad. pd sina vinattu mer mundu betr gegna 


enreidi, pa hugsada ek med mer hvart ek skylda fella val, ok drepa margan mann 7; 


ek pottumk van-fer til at preyta vid hann.. Ok par kom at ek hétumk peim er ridi 


hestinum Grana med Fafnis arfi, ok ridi:minn vafur loga, ok drepi pd menn er ek 
kvad 4. Nu treystiz engi at rida nema Sigurdr einn; hann reid eldinn, pvi at hann. 
skorti eigi hug til; hann drap Orminn ok Regin ok fimm konunga, enn eigi pu, 
Gunnarr, er pu félnadir sem nar, ok ertu engi konungr né kappi; ok pess strengda 


ek heit heima:at fedr mins, at.ek munda peim einum unna, er 4getztr veri alinn; 
enn pat er Sigurdr ; nu erumver eid-rofa, er ver eigum hann eigi, ok fyrir petta 
skal ek radandi pins dauda ; ok eigum ver Grimhildi illt at launa, henni finzt engi 
kona ‘ huglausari*’ né verri.. Gunnarr svarar, sva at fair heyrdu: Morg flerdar-ord 
hefir pu melt, ok ertu ill-udig kona, er pi 4melir peirri konu, er midk er um pik 
fram, ok engi mann ték hon undir ver sinn*, svi sem pu gorir, eda kvaldi dauda 
menn, ok engan myrdi hén, ok lifir vid: lof... Brynhildr svarar; Ekki héfum ver laun- 
ping haft né édadir gert, ok annat er vart edli, ok fuisari verim ver at drepa yér. Sidan 
vildi hén drepa Gunnar konung; enn HOgni setri hana i fidtra. Gunnarr melti pa. 
Eigi vil ek at hén bui i fidtrum, H6dn svarar: Hird eigi pu pat, pvi at aldri sér pu 
mik glada sidan i pinni héll, eda drekka né tefla, né hugat mala, né gulli leggja god 
kledi, né yor rad gefa, Kvad hdén ser pat mestan harm, at hén- atti eigi Sigurd. Hon 
settiz ‘upp ok slé sinn borda sv4 at sundr gekk, ok bad upp luka® skemmu durum °,’ 
Ok langa leid matti? heyra ‘ hennar’ harma-tolur. Nu er harmr mikill ok hreimr* um 


allan beinn. Gudrtin spyrr skemmu meyjar sinar, hvi per sé sva ukatar eda hrygg- 


var.—Eéa hvat er yr? Eda hvi fari per sem vitlausir menn? Eda hverr geiski® 


er yor ordinn? © pa svarar hird-kona ein er Svafrl6é hét: petta er dtima-dagr, var 
holl er full af harmi. pa malti Gudrun til sinnar vin-konu; Stattu upp! ver hofum 


lengi sofit; vek Brynhildi; géngum ‘til borda ok verum katar, pat gori ek eigi, 
sagdi hon, at vekja hana, né vid hana mela; ok moérg degr drakk hon eigi mi66 né 
vin, ok hefir hén fengid goda reidi. pa mezlti Gudrun til Gunnars: Gekk at hitta 
hana, eda hennar fé at skipta'®, pd ferr Gunnarr at hitta hana, ok leitar marga 
vega malsenda vid hana, ok fer ekki af um svérin, gengr nu 4 brott ok hittir 
Hogna, ok bidr hann finna hana; enn hann kvezt vera dfuss, ok ferr pd, ok fekk 
ekki af henni.. Ok er hittr Sigurdr ok bedinn at fiona hana. . Hann svarar engu; 
ok er svd buit um kveldit,. Ok annan dag eptir, er hann kom af dyra-veidum, hitti 


hann Gudrunu ok mziti: pann veg hefir fyrir mik borit, sem petta muni til mikils 


koma, brollr sia, ok mun Brynhildr deyja. Gudrin svarar: Herra minn, mikil 
kynsl fylgja henni; hdn hefir nti sofit siau doegr, sv4 at engi pordi at vekja hana. 
Sigurér svarar: Eigi sefr hon; hén hefir stér-redi med héndum vid okkr. pa mati 





1 Emend.; ok hétud at herja eér brenna nema per nzdit mer, Cd. 2 Emend, 
(cp. Long Lay of Brunh. 1. 150); hvart ek skylda hans vilja eda dr. m, m., Cd, 
3 Thus, corrupt. * Emend. (see Introd. § 14, p. Ixxxix); ok eigi yndi hén 
ver sinu, Cd, 5 Read, bad-at upp hika? ° This passage is quite corrupt, 
From the context we see that Brunhild shut herself up in her room (like Egil in 
his sorrow ; the colouring of the Saga may be taken from here), and no one dared 
to approach her; ‘bennar harma tolur’ is certainly wrong: Brunhild’s eek is silent, 


sullen, brooding; the wailing all refers to her houschold, © Gkis4 - mati] 
at... metti, Cd. 8 Emend. ; Na er harmr mikill ok pgs Cd, ® gyzki, 
Cd, ‘0 Something wrong ‘or missing. . 











W. PARAPHRASE OF LACUNA LAYS. 539 


Gudriin med grati: pat er mikill harmr, at vita pinn bana, Far heldr ok finn hana, 
ok vit, ef siatni hennar ofsi; gef henni gull, ok myk sv4 hennar reidi. 

Sigurdr gekk ut, ok fann opinn salinn, hann hugdi. hana sofa, ok bré af henni 
klzdum, ok malti: Vaki pu, Brynhildr, s6l skinn um allan beinn, ok er 2rit sofit, 
hritt af per harmi ok tak gledi, Hén malti: Hvi setir pin dirfd, er pu ferr mik at 
hitta ; mer var engi verri i pessum svikum. Sigurdr spyrr: Hvi malir pu eigi vid 
menn, eda hvat angrar pik?  Brynhildr svarar: per skal ek segja mina reidi, 
Sigurdér mazlti: Heillud ertu, ef pu etlar grimman minn hug vid pik, ok er sié, pinn 
madr, er pti kaust. Nei, segir hon, eigi reid Gunnarr eldinn til yar, ok eigi galt 
hann mer at mundi feldan val; ek undrudjumk pann mann er kom i minn sal, ok 
péttumk ek kenna ydur augu, ok fékk ek pé eigi vist skilit fyrir peirri huldu, er 4 14 
4 minni hamingju. Sigurdr segir: Ekki erum ver géfgari menn en synir Gitika, peir 
drapu Dana-konung, ok mikinn h6fdingja, bré6dur Budla konung. . Brynhildr svarar; 
Mart iilt eigum vér peim upp at inna, ok minn oss ekki 4 harma vara; pu, Sigurdr, 
vatt Orminn, ok reitt eldinn, ok of mina sék, ok varu par eigi synir Gitika konungs, 
Sigurér svarar: Ekki vard ek pion madr, ok feigi] vartu min kona; ok galt vid 
per mund 4gztr konungr, Brynhildr: Eigi sé ek sv& Gunnar, at minn hugr hleja 
vid hénum, ok grimm em ek vid hann, pétt ek hylma yfir fyrir 6drum. pat er 
dgurligt, segir Sigurdr, at unna eigi slikum konungi; eda hvat angrar pik mest? 
mer syniz sem hans Ast sé per gulli betri,. Brynhildr svarar: pat er mer sdrast 
minna harma, at ek fe eigi pvi til leidar komit, at bitrt sverd veri rodit i pinu 
bl6di.. Sigurdr svarar: Kyvid eigi pvi, skamt man at bida ddr bitrt sverd man standa 
i minu hiarta, ok ekki muntu per verra bidja, pvi at pu munt eigi eptir mik lifa; 
munu ok fair varir lifs-dagar hedan { fra. Brynhildr svarar: Eigi standa pin ord af 
litlu fari’, sidan. per svikud mik fra dllu yndi, ok ekki hirdi ek um lifit. Sigurdr 
svarar: Lif pi, ok unn Gunnari konungi ok mer, ok allt mitt fé vil ek til gefa at pu 
deyir eigi, Brynhildr svarar: Eigi veizt pu gérla mitt edli; pa berr af dllum 
monnum ; en per hefir engi kona ordit leidari en ek. Siguidr svarar: Annat er 
sannarra ; ek unna per betr en mer, pétt ek yrda fyrir beim svikum, ok ma pvi nu 
ekki bregda; pvi at Avalt, er ek g4da mins geds, pa harmadi mik pat er pu vart eigi 
min kona; enn af mer bar ek sem ek miatta, pa er? ek var { konungs hdll, ok unda 
ek pvi pd, at ver varum 6ll saman; kann-ok vera at fram verdi at koma pat sem 
fyrir er spat, ok ekki skal pvi kvida. Brynhildr segir: Of seinat hefir pu at segja 
at pik angrar minn harmr, enn nui faim ver enga likn. Sigurdr svarar : Giarna vilda 
ek, at vit stigim 4 einn bed bedi, ok verir pu min kona, Brynhildr svarar; Ekki 
er slikt at mala, ok eigi mun ek eiga tvé konunga { einni hélJ, ok fyrr skal ek lif 
lata, enn ek svikja Gunnar konung., Ok’ minniz nu 4 pat er pau funduz 4 fiallinu 
ok séruz eida, Enn ni er pvi ilu brugdit, ok vil ek eigi lifa, Eigi munda ek pitt 
nafn, segir Sigurdr, ok eigi kenda ek pik fyrr en pu vart gipt, ok er petta enn mesti 
harmr, pa malti Brynhildr: Ek vann eida, at eiga pann mann er ridi minn vafur- 
loga, enn pann eid vilda ek halda, eba deyja ella. Heldr’en pu deyir, vil ek pik 
eiga, enn fyrirlata Gudrunu, segir Sigurér.—Enn svd priitnudu hans sidur, at i sundr 
gengu. brynju-hringar.—Eigi vil ek pik, sagdi Brynhildr, ok Gngan annarra. Sigurdr 
gekk i brott. Sva segir i Sigurdar-kvidu ; Ut gekk Sigurdr andspilli fra... Ok er 
Sigurér kom { hGllina, spyrr Gunnarr hv4rt hann viti, hverr mun-tregi*® henni vari, 
eda hvart hén hefir mal sitt. Sigurdr kvad hana mala mega, 

_ Ok nt ferr Gunnarr at hitta hina i annat sinn, ok spyrr hvi gegndi hennar mein, 
eda hvart noékkur bét mundi til liggja, Ek vil eigi lifa, segir Brynhildr, pvi at 





+ Corrupt passage.” 2 pat er, Cd. 3 mein-tregi, Cd, 





540 APPENDIX. 


Sigurér hefir mik vélt, ok eidi siér pik, pa er pu lézt hann fara i mina szing. Nu 
vil ek eigi tv menn eiga senn i einni héll, ok petta skal vera bani Siguréar eda 
pinn eda minn, pvi at hann hefir pat allt sagt Gudrinu, enn hon brigslar mer. Eptir 
petta gekk Brynhildr ut ok sezt undir skemmu-veg sinn, ok hafdi margar harma- 
tolur, kvaé ser allt leitt, bedi land ok riki [Here falls in a bit of the Old Brunhild 
Lay]... . Gunnar segir Sigurd deyja skulu, eda man ek deyja ella. Hann bidr 
Brynhildi upp standa ok vera kaia. H6n st6d upp, ok segir pd at Gunnarr mun eigi 
koma fyrr i sama rekkju henni, en petta er fram komit. Nut redaz peir vid bredr, 
Gunnarr segir, at petta er gild bana sdk at hafa tekit meydém Brynhildar, ok 
eggjum Gutthorm at géra petta verk, Ok kalla hann til sin, ok bidda hénum gull 
ok mikit riki at vinna petta til. ‘peir téku orm einn ok af vargs holdi ok létu sidda 
ok gafu hénum at eta, sem skaldit kvaé: ‘Sumir vidfisk toku, sumir vitnis hre- 
skifdu . . . ok marga hluti aéra i tyfrum’ [verse corrupt]. Ok vid pessa fezlu vard 
hann sya efr ok agiarn, ok allt saman ok fortdlur Grimhildar, at hann hét at gera 
petta verk, peir hétu hénum ok mikilli semd i méti. Sigurdr vissi eigi van pessara 
vélreda, matti hann ok eigi vid sk6pum vinna né sinu aldrlagi, Sigurdr vissi sik ok 
eigi véla verdan fra peim, Gutthormr gekk inn at Sigurdi eptir um morgininn, er 
hann hvildi i rekkju sinni. Ok er hann leit vid hénum, pordi Guthormr eigi at 
veita hénom tilredit ok hvarf ut aptr; ok sv& ferr i annat sinn. Augu Sigurdar 
voru sva snor, as far einn pordi gegn at sid. Ok et pridja sinn gekk hann inn, ok 
var Sigurér pa sofnadr. Gutthormr bra sverdi, ok leggr 4 Sigurd, sva at bldérefillinn 
st6d i dynum undir hénum. [Here old Brunhild Lay resumes again.] [ch. xxix.] 


26. THE SAME TEXT FROM THE INTERPOLATED SIGFRED SAGA IN EDDA. 


Sigurdr reid padan, ok kom til pess konungs er Giuki hét; kona hans er nefnd 
Grimhildr; born peirra véro pau Gunnarr, Hégni, Gudrun, Gudny. Gotthormr var 
stiup-sonr Giika, ‘par dvaléiz Sigurér langa hrid, pa fékk hann Guérinar Giuka 
déttor, enn Gunnarr ok Hogni séruz i féstbredra-lag vid Sigurd. ‘pvi nest fru peir 
Sigurér ok Giuka synir at bidja Gunnari konu til Atla Budla sonar, Brynhildar systur 
hans. Hon sat 4 Hindar fialli; ok var um sal hennar vafur-logi; enn hdén hafdi pess 
heit strengt, at eiga bann einn mann, er pordi at rida vafur-logann. ‘a ridu peir Sigurdr 
ok Giikungar—pbeir eru ok kalladir Niflungar—upp 4 fiallit, ok skyldi p& Gunnarr 
rida vafrlogann, Hann atti hest pann er Goti heitir; enn s& hestr pordi eigi at 
hlaupa ielldinn. pa skiptu peir litum, Sigurdr ok Gunnarr, ok sv4 néfnum, pvi at 
Grani vildi undir engum manni ganga nema Sigurdi. pa hlidp Sigurér 4 Grana, ok reid 
vafor-logann, ‘at kveld gekk hann at bridlaupi med Brynhildi. En er pau kémo 
i seing, pa dré hann sverdit Gram or slidrum ok lagdi i milli peirra, En at morni 
pa-er hann st6d upp ok kloeddi sik, pa gaf hann Brynhildi at lin-fé gull-bauginn, 
pann er Loki hafdi tekit af Andvara, enn t6k af henni annan baug til minja. Sigurér 
hliép pa 4 hest sinn ok reid til félaga sinna. Skipta peir Gunnarr pé aptr litum, ok 
foru aptr til Giuka med Brynhildi. Sigurdr atti tvau born med Gudrunu, Sigmund 
ok Svanhildi. 

pat var eitt sinn at Brynhildr ok Gudrun gengu til vatz at bleikja hadda sina. pa 
er per kvému til drinnar, pa 66 Brynhildr dt 4 4na fra landi ok mati, at hén vildi 
eigi bera i hofud ser pat vatn, er rynni or hari Gudrinu, pvi at hdén atti buanda 

hugadan betr. pa gekk Gudrun 4 gna eptir henni, ok sag6i, at hén matti fyrir pvi 
- pv ofar sinn hadd i $nni, at hon Atti pann mann er ekki uggdi! ok engi annarr i 
verdldu ® var iafn frekn, pvi at hann vi Fafni ok Regin, ok ték arf eptir pa bada. 





1 ekki uggdi] emend.; ve, Cd. 2 Cd, 1e 8 begins here. 














eel 


HAMTHEOW STORY FROM EDDA. 541 


pa svarar Brynhildr: Meira var pat pd vert at Gunnarr reid vafur-logann, enn 
Sigurdr pordi eigi. pé hlé Gudrun ok malti: tlar pai at Gunnarr ridi vafur- 
logann! si ztla ek at gengi i rekkjo hid per er mer gaf gull-baug penna; enn sé 
gull-baugr, er pu ptt at lin-fé, hann er kallaér Andvara-nautr, ok etla ek at eigi 
sétti Gunnarr hann 4 Gnita-heidi. pa pagnadi Brynhildr ok gekk heim. 

Eptir pat eggjadi hén Gunnarr til ok Hégna at drepa Sigurd. Enn pvi at peir véru 
eid-svarar Sigurdar, pa eggjodu peir til Gutthorm brédur sinn at drepa Sigurd, ok 
Gutthormr lagdi Sigurd sofanda sverdi i gegnum, Enn er Sigurdr fékk sarit, ba greip 
hann sverdit Gram ok kastaéi eptir hénum sv4 at sundr sneid manninn i midju. par 
dé Sigurdr ok sonr hans pré-vetr er Sigmundr hét, hann drapu peir, Eptir pat lagdi 
Brynhildr sik sverdi i gégnum, ok var hén brennd med Sigurdi, enn Gunnarr ok 
Hogni téku Faéfnis arf ok Andvara-naut, ok rédu léndum, 


3. THE HAMTHEOW STORY FROM EDDA. 


(See for earliest traces of this story the notes to Hamtheow Lay, vol. i.) 


Eptir pat snceri hén til sidfar ok hlidp 4 sidinn ok vildi drekka ser; enn hana rak 
yfir fiérdinn, ok kom hén pé 4 pat land or atti Ionakr konungr. Enn er hann sa 
hana, ték hann hana til sin ok fékk hennar. pau attu prid sonu er sv4 heita, Sérli 
ok Erpr ok Hamdér; peir véru allir svartir sem hrafn 4 hars lit, sem Gunnarr ok 
Hoégni ok adrir Niflungar. par feddiz upp Svanhildr dottir Sigurdar Sveins, ok var 


- allra kvenna fegrst. petta spurdi Ermenrekr konungr inn riki; hann sendi son sinn 


Randvé at bidja hennar til handa sér, Enn er hann kom til Ionakrs borgar, pa var 
Svanhildr selld i hendr Randvé at fera hana Ermenrek konungi. pd sagdi Bikki 
iarl, at bat veri betr fallit at Randvér ztti Svanhildi, er hann var ungr ok bedi pau, 
enn Ermenrekr var gamall. petta rad likadi peim vel enum ungum ménnum, pvi 
nest sagdi Bikki iarl konungi petta. pa lét konungr leida son sinn til galga, pa 
ték Randvér hauk sinn ok plokkaédi af fiadrarnar, ok bad senda heim fedr sinum. 
Ok sidan var hann hengdr. Enn er Ermenrekr konungr sé haukin, pA kom hénom 
{ hug hvat hann hafdi gort, at sv sem haukrinn var dfleygr ok fiadr-lauss, sv& var 
ok riki hans éfert er hann var gamall ok sonlauss, ‘pat var eitt sinn er Ermenrekr 
konungr reid or skégi fra veidum, at Svanhildr dréttning sat at hadd-bliki. 4 ridu 
peir 4 hana ok tra6u undir fétum til bana. Enn er petta spurdi°Gudriin pa eggjadi 
hén sonu sina til hefnda eptir Svanhildi, Enn er peir bioggoz til ferdar, ba fekk hén 
peim brynjur ok hialma sv sterka at eigi matti iarn 4 festa. Hén lagdi rad fyrir pa, at 
pa er beir kemi til Ermenreks konungs, skyldu peir ganga um nétt at hénum sofanda, 
skyldu Sérli ok Hamder héggva af hénum hendr ok fetr, enn Erpr héfud, Enn er 
peir koma 4 leid, pa spurdu peir Erp brédur sinn, hver lidsemd peim mundi at hénum 
vera pa er peir hitti Ermenrek konung. Enn hann segir, at hann mun veita peim 
pvi likt sem hond feti. ‘eir segja, at pat var allz ekki er fétr studdiz vid hénd. 
Enn sv4 véru peir reidir mddur sinni er hén hafdi pa heipt-yrdum ut leitt, at peir 
vildu géra pat er henni petti verst, ok drapu peir Erp brdédur sinn, pvi at hon unni 
hénum mest. Litlu sidar par sem Sorli gekk, skridnadi hann ddrum feti, ok studdi 
hann sik med hendinni. 4 maliti hann: Betra veri ni at Erpr brddir okkarr lifdi, 
pvi at veitti nti héndin fetinum. Enn er peir kému til Ermenreks konungs of nétt 
par sem hann svaf, pa hioggo peir af hénum hendr ok fetr, ok vid pat vaknadi 
hann, ok kalladi 4 menn sina, ok bad p& vaka. pad mzlti Hamder. Af mundi nu 
héfudit ef Erpr brédir okkarr lifdi, pa stédu upp hirdmenn ok séttu at peim, ok 
fengu eigi med vapnum sétt pa, pa kallar Ermenrekr at pa skyldi med gridti berja, 





542 La APPENDIX. 


Ok sv4 var girt. \ par féllu' peir Hamdir ok Sorli) “pa var ok davd Sl ett ok 
afkvemi Gitka.—pvi er brynja k6llué kledi eda vadir Hamdiss ok Sérla. Her 
eptir kvad Bragi skalld.. .. 


4. THE FINAL PORTION OF EDDA SKALDSKAPAR-MAL. 


(Paraphrase of Hyndla’s Lay and List of Synonyms.) 


Einn konungr er nefndr Halfdan Gamli; hann var agetr konungr, Hann goerdi 
blét mikit at midjum vetri, ok blétadi til pess, at hann skyldi lifa i { konungdémi 
sinum .ccc. vetra, Enn hann fekk pau andsv6r, at hann mundi lifa ekki meir en 
mikinn einn mannz-aldr; enn pat mundi po vera .ccc. vetra, at engi mundi vera i 
hans xtt dtiginn madér, né kona, Hann var hermadr mikill, ok for vida um Austr- 
vegu. ar drap hann i éinvigi bann konung er Sigtryggr hét. pa fekk hann 
peirrar konu, er hét Alvig in Spaka, déttir Eymundar konungs or Holmgardi, ins 
Rika. pau Attu Attian sono, ok yéru niu senn bornir.. peir hétu sva—Einn vat 
pengill, er kallaér var Man-pengill, annarr Resir, pridi Gramr, fidrdi Gylfi, fimti 
Hilmir, sétti lofurr, atti Skyli e6a Skuli, niundi Harri eda Herra.—pessir niu bredr 
eru sva Agetir i hernadi, at i dllum fredum sidan eru néfn peirra haldin fyrir tignar- 
nofn, svi sem konungs nafn eda iarls nafn. fpeir Attu eingi born, ok féllu allir f 
orrostum *, 

Enn Attu pau Halfdan ok Avis! niu sonu, er sva hétu. Be var Hildir, er 
Hildingar eru fra komnir; annarr Nefir, er Niflungar eru fra komnir; pridi Audi, 
er Odlingar eru fré komnir; fidrdi Yngvi, er Ynglingar eru fra komnir; fimti Dagr, 
er Déglingar eru fré komnir; sétti Bragi, er Bragningar eru fra komnir—bat er ett 
Halfdanar Milda; siaundi Budli, er Budlungar eru fra komnir—ok af peirri ztt er 
komin Atli ok Brynbildr ; atti Loféi, hann var her-konungr mikill; hénum fylgdi 
1i6 pat er Lofar voru kalladir—hans ett-menn eru kalladir Loféungar; padan er 
kominn Eylimi mééur-fadir Sigurdar Fafniss-bana ; niundi Sigarr er Siklingar eru fra 
komnir: pat er ett Siggeirs er hengi Hagbaré. be Hildinga ett var kominn Haraldr 
inn Granraudi médur-fadir Halfdanar Svarta. Af Niflunga ett var Giuki, Af Odlinga 
ett Kiarr. Af Ynglinga ett Eirekr inn Malspaki. 

pessar konunga ettir eru midk agetir—Fraé Yngva, padan a Ynglingar 
komnir. Fra Skildi i Danmorku, padan eru Skidldungar. Fra Vélsungi i Frakk- 
landi, padan eru Volsungar, Skelvir hét enn her-konungr, ok er hans ett kollud 
Skilvingar ; sui kyn-sl6d er i Austr-vegum—pbessar ettir, er nui? eru nefndar, hafa 
menn sett sv i skaldskap, at halda pessi heiti Jl fyrir tignar néfn *. 

Skald heita greppar, ok er rétt i skaldskap, at kalla své hvern mann er vill. 
Rekkar véru kalladir peir menn er fylgdu Halfi konungi, ok af peirra namni eru 
kalladir her-menn, ok er rétt at kenna svd alla menn. Lofdar heita ok menn i 
skaldskap, sem fyrr er ritad. Skatnar véru peir menn kalladir er fylgdu Skata 
konungi, peim er Skati inn Mildi var kalladr; af hans nafni er Skati kalladr s& er 
mildr er, Brag* nar héto peir er fylgdu Braga konungi hinum Gamla. Virdar heita 
peir menn er meta mal manna. Fyrdar ok Firar [ok] Verar heita landvarnar-menn, 
Vikingar ok flotnar, pat er skipa-herr. Beimar, sv4 hétu peir er fylgju Beimuna. 
Gumnar eda Gumar heita peir menn er flokki styra, sva sem gumi er kalladr i 
bridfor. Gotnar eru kalladir af heiti konungs pess er Goti er nefndr, er Gotland er 
vid kennt ; hann var kalladr af nafni Odins—Gautz; pvi at Gautland ok Gotland 
var kallat af nafni Odins, enn Svipidd af nafni Svidors—pat er ok Odins heiti. 





* To here from 1 ¢ 8; the following mainly according to AM. 748. 2 nu] 
enn, Cd. ® So far paraphrase of Hyndla’s Lay. * Here W. begins, 


Ric 
a 





LIST OF SYNONYMS (EDDA). - 543 


1 pann tima var kallad allt meginland, pat er hann Atti, Rei$-Gotaland, enn eyjar allar 
Ey-Gota-land, pat er nv kallat Dana-velldi ok Sviaveldi. Drengir heita ungir menn 
ok bilausir medan peir afla ser fidr eda ordztir; peir far-drengir er milli Janda fara ; 
peir konungs drengir, er héfdingjum pidna ; peir heita ok drengir er piéna rikum 
ménnum ; drengir heita vaskir menn ok batnandi. Seggir eru ok kalladir, kniar ok 
lidar, pat eru fylgdar-menn, pegnar ok havildar ok héldar, sv4 erut ok boendr 
kalladir... Liénar heita peir menn er ganga um settir manna. 

peir eru enn er sva eru kalladir: kappar, kenpur, garpar, snillingar, hreysti- 
menn, ‘avar-menni, hetjur. pessi heiti standa her i mot, at kalla mann, blaudan, 
veykan, pirfing, sleyma, blota-mann, skaud, skrefu, skridd, vik, vam, ldéra, sleyma, 
teyda, dugga, dirokr, dusil-menni, élmusa, avvird.—Orr madr heitir, mildingr, me- 
ringr, skati, pidd-skati, gull-skati, mann-baldr, selingr, sel-keri, aud-kyfingr, rikmenni. 
Her i mét er sva kallad, hnoggvingr, gloggvingr, malingr, vesalingr, fé-nidingr, gidf- 
lati—Heitir spekingr, r4d-valdr. Heitir évitr madr, fifl, ok afglapi,.gassi, ok gin- 
nungr, gaurr,’ ok glépr, sndpr, féli, cerr, 6dr, galinn.—Snyrti-maér, oflati, drengr, 
glesi-madr, sterti-madr, prydi-madr—Heitir ok hraumi, skrapr, skrokkr, skeid-klofi, 
flangi, slinni, fidsnir, sléttr, slapr, dréttr.—Lydr heitir land-folk, lié65r.—Heitir pred 
ok kefsir, piénn, Snnungr, pirr. 

Madr heitir einn fyrir ser [see vol. ii, p. 439, ll. 690-717]. 

Enn er pau heiti, er menn lata ganga fyrir néfm manna; pat k6llu ver vidr-kenn- 
ingar, eda sann-kenningar, eda for-nifn.—pat: eru vid-kenningar, eda sann-kenn- 
ingar, at nefna annan hlut réttu nafni, ok kalla’ pann er hann vill nefna, eiganda; 
eda sva, at kalla hann pess, er hann vildi ok nefndi, fodur, eda ava, i heitir hinn 
pridit. Son heitir arfi ok arfuni, barn, i63 ok mégr?, erfingi, Heitir ok brddir, 
“b166i, lifri, barmi, hlyri. Heitir ok nidr, nefi, Attungr, konr, kundr, frendi, kyn- 
kvisl, ztt-barmr, ztt-studill, 2ztt-bogi, af-kvemi, af-springr, of-sképt; Heita ok 
mdgar, sifjungar, hleyta-menn.. Heitir ok viar, r4du-nautr, rdd-giafi, mali, mini, 
spialli, allda-popti, einkili, sesso-nautr, sessi: popti er half-rymiss-félagi. Heitir dvin, 
dolgr, andskoti, fiandi, soekkvi, skada-madr, bana-madr, brengvir, soekkvir, osvifrudr. 
—phessi heiti kéllu ver vidr-kenningar, ok sv& po at madr sé kendr vid. bee sinn eda 
skip sitt, bat er nafn 4, eda eign sina, p& tr einkar-nafn er. gefit—petta kéllu ver 


_ Sann-kenningar, at kalla manninn, speki-mann, eda ztlanar-mann, ord-speking eda 


146-speking, r4d-snilling, aud-milding, dslekinn, gei-mann, glesi-mann.—petta eru 
Sor-néfn. 

pessi eru kvenna heiti dkend i skaldskap :—vif, ok brudr, ok flidd heita per konur 
er manni eru gefnar*, Sprund ok Svanni heita per konur er miik fara med dramb ok 
skart. Snétir heita per konur er ord-nzfrar eru. Drdsir heita per er kyrrlatar eru. 
Svarri ok Svarkr, per er h4vada-miklar eru. » Ristill er kollud si kona, er skGrug- 
lynd er, Rygr, sti er rikust er, Feima* er sti. k6llud er ofrém er, sem meyjar ungar 
eda per er ddiarfar eru, Seta heitir si kona, er buandi hennar er af landi farinn, 
Hell heitir sG kona, er bondi hennar er veginn. Ekkja, er si kona, er béndi 
hennar vard sétt-dauér. Mer heitir fyrst: hver, er ung er, enn Kerlingar, er gamlar 
‘eru—Enn eru pau kvenna heiti, er til last-meliss eru, ok ma pau finna i kvedum, 
pott pat sé eigi ritad. per konur heita eljur, er einn man eigu. Snor heitir sonar- 
kven, enn Svera vers mddir. Heitir ok Médir, Amma, pridja Edda®, Eida heitir 





1 From the Lay of Righ. * From the Lay of Righ. 5 From verse 
Thulor, * A.S,-Latin word: O.F. femne, fenme. The word ‘kenpur’ 
above is the A.S. form ‘cempa,’ and for-ndfn appears to be a gloss translating 
* prenomen,’ 5 From Lay of Righ. 

> 


ae ee eee esi — “er - a Mh eels ects al, Sel Cee ro ree ee Sac UE al oh N, 


BAA APPENDIX. 


modir; heitir ok, Déttir, ok Barn, ok 168; heitir ok, déttir, Dis, lod-dis. Kona 
er ok kGllud bedja eda mala bénda sins,—ok er pat vidr-kenning. 

Héfud heitir 4 manni. pat skal sva kenna, at kalla pat, ervidi hals, eda byrdi; 
land hialms, ok hattar, ok heila, ok hars, ok briina, svardar, eyrna, augna, munnz. 
Heimdallar sverd, ok er rétt at kenna til sverdz heita, vid hvert er vill, ok kenna vid 
eitt-hvert nafn Heimdallar. Ho6fud heitir ékennt, hauss, hiarni, kianni, kollr.—Augu 
heita, sidn, ok lit, eda vidr-lit', aurmidtt. pa mA sva kenna, at kalla, sdl, eda 
tungl, skidldu, ok gler, eda gim-steina: eda stein bra, eda brina, eda enniss.—Eyru 
heita, hlustir, ok heyrn; pau ma sva kenna, at kalla land, eda iardar heitum nokk- 
urum, eda munn eda ris, eda sién, eda augu heyrnarinnar, ef ny-gérvingum er ort. 
—Munn skal sva kenna, at kalla hann, land, eda hus tungu, eda tanna, orda, eda 
géma, varra, eda pvilikt: ok er ny-gervingar eru, pé kalla menn skip munninn, enn 
varrarnar bordin.—Tunga redit, eda styri—Tennr eru stundum kallat, grist, eda 
sker, orda eda tungo: tunga er opt kdllud, sverd mals, e6a munnz.—Skegg, bard, 
eda gron; kanpar, er stendr 4 vérum.—Hadr heitir 14; haddr pat er konur hafa; 
skopt heitir har. Har er sva kennt, at kalla skdég eda vidar heiti nokkuro; kenna 
til hauss, eda hiarna, eda hofuds. Skegg skal kenna vid hdku, eda kinnr, eda 
kverkr.—Hiarta heitir, negg, eiskéld, géllorr: pat skal sv& kenna: kalla korn, eda 
stein, eda epli, hnot, eda myl, eda pvilikt, ok kenna vid bridst, eda hug; kalla ma 
pat ok, hus, eda idrd, eda berg hugarins —Bridst ma sva kenna, kalla, hus, eda gard, 
eda skip hiarta, anda, eda lifrar, eda eljunar; land hugar ok minniss.—Hugr heitir, 
sefi, ok siafni, vili, munr, ast, elskugi. Huginn m4 své kenna, at kalla hann, vind 
troll-kvenna, ok er rétt at kenna til ok nefna hverja er vill, ok sv& at nefna iétnana, 
eda kenna pa til konu, eda déttur.—pessi ndfn eru sér. Hugr heitir, ok ged, ok pokki, 
eljun, _prekr, nenning. minni, vit, skap, lund, trygd. Heitir ok hugr, reidi, fidnd- 
skapr, utrygd, gedleysi, bunn-gedi, gesni?, overii—Hdénd ma kalla, mund, lam, 
arm, hramm. A hendi heitir, alnbogi, arm-leggr, ulflidr, lidr, fingr, greip, hreifi, 
nagl, gomr, iadarr, kvikva, vodvi, afl, edar, sinar, knui, ok kégglar: hond ma kalla, 
iérd vapna eda hlifa, vid axlar ok ermar, l6fa, ok hreifa; gull-hringa iord, ok vals, ok 
hauks, ok allra hans heita; ok i nygervingum, fét axlar, bog-naud.—Fetr ma kalla, 
tré ilja, eda rista, eda leista, eda pvilikt; renni-fleina brautar, eda gongu, fetz: kalla 
mé, fotinn, tré, eda stod pessa. Vid skid ok skua eru fetr kendir ok brekr. A feti 
heitir, ler, kalfi, kné, bein, leggr, rist iarki, Okla, il, ta. Vid altt petta ma fétinn 
kenna, kalla hann tré, ok kalla ra, ok siglu fétinn, ok kenna vid pessa hluti. 

Mil heitir, ord, ok ord-tak, snilli, saga, senna, tala, preta, s6ngr, galldr, kvedandi, 
skial, bifa, ok hialdr, hial, skval, glaumr, piarka, gyss, prapt, skalp, hdl, delska, 


liddeska, skraf, hégémi, afgelja: Heitir ok, rédd, hliémr, rémr, omun, pytr, goll, 


gnyr, glymr, rymr, brak, svipr, svipon, gangr. 

Sv skal orrostu kenna, vid vapn ok hlifar.. 3 

Vit heitir, speki, minni, etlan, hyggjandi, rad, skilning, tolvisi, lang sexi, bragé- 
visi, ord-speki, skorungskapr :—Heitir undir-hyggja, vel-redi, fla-redi, brigd-redi. 

Puns.—‘ Leti’ er tvennt: leti heitir rédd eda élund. ‘Reidi’ er ok tvi-kent: 
reidi er pat, ef madr er i illum hug: reidi er ok fargervi skips eda hross. ‘ Far’ er 
ok tvi-kennt: far er reidi: far er skip—pvilikt ordtak hafa menn midk til pess at 
ytkja folgit, ok er pat kallat midk oflidst. ‘Lid’ kalla menn 4 manni er leggir metaz : 
lid heitir skip: lid heitir mannfolk: lid heitir 61: lid er pat ok kallat, er madr veitir 
ddrum 1id sinni: ‘ Hlid’ heitir 4 gardi: ok blid kalla menn uxa: enn hlid kalla menn 





1 Undoubtedly a corrupt form for wlit, the sole remnant of wi. ? Hence 
modern ‘ keskni ?’ $ Thus, only the beginning of the clause. 





L 


co ‘ Na ite 











LIST OF SYNONYMS (W.) 545 


brekku.—phessar greinar mA setja sv4 i skaldskap, at gera oflidst, at vant er at skilja, 
ef adra skal hafa greinina, en 4dr pykki til horfa in fyrri visu-ord. Slikt hit sama 
eru ok morg Onnur ord, pau er margir hlutir eigu heitid saman. 

Hereupon follows the Thulor, vol. ii, p. 423 sqq- 


46. Tue List or Synonyms FROM WoRMIANUs, 


...nar hetu peir menn er fylgdu Braga konungi hinum Gamla. Virdar heita 
peir menn er meta mal manna; firar ok verar heita landvarnar-menn; vikingar ok 
flotnar, pat er skipa-herr; beimar heita peir menn er fylgju Beima konungi; 
gumnar ok gumar heita folk-stidrar, sem gufhi heitir i bruédfor. Gotnar heita af 
Gota konungi, er Gotland er vid kennt; hann heitir af nafni Odins, ok dregit af 
Gautz nafni. peir heita drengir, er millum landa fara; peir konungs drengir, er peim 
pidna eda Sdrum rikis-ménnum ; peir heita vaskir menn, er batnandi eru; seggir heita 
ok kniar ; lidar eru fylgdar-menn; pegnar ok héldar, pat eru bendr ; lidnar heita 
peir er um settir ganga. 

Kappar heita ok, kempur, garpar, snillingar, hreysti-menn, hard-menni, afar- 
menni, hetjur.—pessi eru par i mét, kalla mann, blaudan, pirfing, blota-mann, skaud, 
eda skrefu, vak, vam, lok, leymu, daasa, drok, dusil-menni. 

Orr madr heitir, mildingr, mzringr, skati, pidd-skati, gull-skati, mann-baldr, aud- 
kyfingr, sel-keri, rik-menni. Her { mét er své kallat, hngggr, gloggr, mzlingr, smz- 
lingr, veselingr, gidf-lati, pidfr, hvinn, hlenni. 

Spekingr, r4d-valdr, snyrti-madr, of-laati, glesi-maér, sterti-maédr. — Raumi, 
skraumi, skrapr, slokr, skrokkr, skeid-klofi, slinni, flangi, fiosnir, tridr, lokr, 
kyrpingr. 

Sva heita,—hdéldar, halr, drengr, holdr, pegn, smidr, breidr, béndi, bundin-skeggi, 
bui, ok boddi, bratt-skeggr', 

Kaudi, fnaudi, foli, fifli, fangi, gassi, gokr, gromr, gogr, gaurr, hriki, glopr, gopi, 
glonn, glanni, slaani, slappi, strundi, smortr, stortr, hrokr, hrotti, pumr, priotr, 
prapr, totr, tangi, motti, vaamr, daar-bekill, gaadi, ginnungr, gap-prosnir, gunnungr.— 
prela heiti standa i Rigs-bulu.—Lini, staf-klapr, gnnungr, lydda *, 

Madr heitir einn hverr, etc., leaving out one or two passages, we subjoin— 

Heitir, ai*, arfi, sonr, arfuni, arf-pegi, mogr, nidr, sefi, erfingi, konr, hefnir, burr. 

Heitir brddir *, b16di, barmi, hnefi, hlyri, lifri, sifr, kundr, kyn-stafr, nidjungr, ett- 
studill, ett-badmr, kyn, af-kvemi, af-springr. 

Heita ok, maagar, sifjungar, svilar, hleytar, spiallandi, popti, kompann®, félagi, 
féstri, vinr, vanda-maér, frendi—Heitir, dolgr, andskoti, soekkvi, brongvir, skada- 
madr, usvifrungr, baagi, andskoti (rep.), ivin.—petta k6llu ver sann-kenningar, at 
kalla, at madr sé hraustr, hardr, hagr, horskr, kenn, kudr, rikr, rgskr, reidr, rammr, 
radugr, sniallr, snarpr, snotr, sterkr, stér-vitr, vaskr, veenn, varr, voldugr, blidr, biartr. 

petta kollu ver ¢vi-ridit; her fylgir studning sann-kenningu, ef madr er kalladr 
al-réskr, ofr-hugadr, full-hvatr, veg-sell—ok 4 marga vega er sann-kenningum 
breytt, ok heyja per mest orda-figlda i skaldskapnum, ok fegra mest kvedskapinn, 
.... kalladir eru menn niordungar, eda ndrungar, midjungar, eda strengjandi viga 
edr verka,....madr er kenndr, fleygir eda fergir: heitir ok, hreytir, mygir ok 
meidir, sekir, ok serir, sgkkvir ok slongvir, velir ok veitir. .. .° 





1 = Lay of Righ. 2 A verse from the same Thulor. 5 ai heitir, Cd. 
€ brdédir heitir, Cd, 5 A Roman word, 6 These words all run in 
alliterative couples. 

VOL. I. Nn 

. 


546 APPENDIX, 


s. THE GLOSSES FROM MA. 448. 


Fré hibflum Heljar *.—‘ Eljudnir’ heitir salr hennar; ‘ gillingr’ lykill hennar ; 
‘hungr’ diskr; ‘sulltr’ knifr; ‘affelldr’ spgnn; ‘hnipinn’ akr; ‘ ganglati’ prell; 
‘ganglot’ ambatt; ‘vid-opnir’ garér; ‘ giallandi’ grind; ‘lati’ lass; ‘ blikjanda bol’ 
hurd; ‘ brota-bél’ preskolldr; ‘forad’ tiald; ‘ fallanda forad’ forfall; kor’ rekkja ; 
‘kor-bedr” dyna; [blank] hani; ‘frost-opna’ kista; ‘vaningi’ géltr; “hryggr’ 
hestr; ‘grafetr’ hundr; “yglod’ gnd?. 

Dresses. —Kleda heiti,—‘ Einhagi’ (sleda) ; ‘helfni’ (vefjar upp-hlutr) ; *tasla’ 
(tyglar); ‘fang’ (kyrtill); ‘siderni’ (serkr); ‘ripti’ (s.); “veipa’ (s.); ‘lina’ (s.); 
skeptingr’ (hofud-dikr) ; ‘motr’ (h°); “medja’ (h.); *vimpill’ (h.); ‘ iflugr’ 
(h.) ; ‘lod-diikr’ (h.); “stafn’ (h.); ‘sveipr’ (h.) 3 ‘isungr’ (h.); ‘skufr’ (hk); 
‘visl’ (hk.); ‘dolpr’ (k.); ‘giarda’ (i.); ‘fallda’ (k.); ‘skypill’ (h.); * veipr’ 
(h.); ‘ferma’ (f.); ‘iotr’ (iaxl); ‘vof’ (hringar) ; ‘ vartari’ (pvengr®), 

Sundries.—‘ IgIn’ (god); ‘bry’ (troll) ; ‘ eida’ (mddir) ; “nipt ’ (systir); * badmr’ 
(vidr); ‘“migtudr’ (bani); ‘gly’ (gledi) ; ‘sleki drengr’ (?): *sarkat” (rodit). 

Stones.——Steinn, sindr, steinn, sisisill, bivivill, bleikr, kogdir, mogdir, gyfingr. 

Nail, peg.—Nagli, darradr, ialfadr, aurmulinn, eypolinn (i. k.*), mellingr, blind- 
ingr, polinmdér (i knifi), friér;—hniflungr, regin-gaddi, far-nagli, ‘stag-nagli, var- 
nagli, veraldar-nagli; eymylinn (i. t.”); sam-nagli (i.s.°); fast-haldr (i,-st,®); polinn 
(ra); blédvarinn (sior); id-mglinn. 


= 3 er e' 4» Pra 





1 See Excursus I to vol. ii, p. 471. 

* Emend.; vaningi hvndr, g’fetr hryggr hestr, yglod ond, Cd.; ‘p’fetr’ stands 
above the line, by which word the wolf is no doubt meant (cp. Norweg. ‘igraa- 
been’); he is the dog of Hell, and so vaningi must mean something else. Here the 
Thulor 478 yields the clue; vaningi is Hell’s boar ‘ goltr,’ from its leanness called 
waster or vanisher, The poet makes the inmates of Hell, like those of Walhalla, to 
have their boar to feed on. Hell’s ale has slipped out of the glosses,—‘ teats,’ a bitter 
brew ! 

8 (h.), here and in the next following, means ‘/hofuddiékr.’ 

* ¢hk.’ =hofud-kledi? 5 The English ‘ garter.’ 6 ik. =i knifi? 

7 i, t.=i tré, peg in the wooden handle of the quern. ® i.s.=i skipi, in a ship, 

® i, st. =i stokki, in a stock. 





p 
‘ 

: 

™ 
5 








SPURIOUS EPIC POETRY. 


B. Poetry. 


Tue following pieces are given, as promised (p, 353), that the reader may have 
all the evidence before him. Their intrinsic value is small indeed, but they sometimes 
give the last reflexion of a dying tradition, like the broken bits of glass on a wall 
glittering in the sunset. 

The first is Starkad’s Death Song from Gautric’s Saga, Cod, Holmensis. The 
type is such as the Songs which Saxo knew. The end, Il. 113-128, is the best. 

Next comes a group of pieces from Arrow-Ord’s Saga, ‘Cod. Holmensis, etc. 
The first, a scene in the hall where Ord'is bragging against two other heroes, The 
second, Ord’s Death Song, with touches borrowed ‘from Hialmar’s Death Song, etc. 
Third and fourth, fragments from different parts of the Saga. One verse gives the 
foreign Cloak o’ Beards tradition of the Mabinogion, which had no doubt filtered 
through the Arthur cycle of Romance to Iceland. There is also a dialogue between 
Ord and a priestess, 

The succeeding set is from Half’s Saga. First, a dialogue between Half and 
Instan, one of his famous champions, who warns the king not to go forth, for he 
has had evil dreams—echoes of the Atli poems. Second, Instan’s last words. Third, 
thie challenge etc. of Utstan, Half’s champion after his master’s death. Fourthly, 
the Death Song of Rook the Black, who, aged and in a stranger’s hall, is crooning 
over the triumphs of his youth. All these we hold to be by the same man, all 
founded on the prose of the Saga, and all seemingly produced from an idea that, as 
there had once been Lays on the subject of Half and his champions which had 
perished (as we think there were), ‘their places must accordingly ‘be thus supplied 
for the reader’s satisfaction. 

The next piece comes from Herraud and Bosi’s Saga, the curse of Busla on King 
Ring. There are echoes from old poems in this poor screed. 

A few remaining pieces—Star-Ord’s Dream, which may be by Lawman Sturla, 
from a separate Thattr published by the Editor with Bardar Saga, 1860; a bit from 
Gang-Hrolf’s Saga; abit from An the Bowman Saga; a bit:from Fridtheow's Saga, 
out of the scene where the witch-whales have raised the magic storm. 

A group of verses from Ketil Heng’s Saga and Grim Hairy-cheek’s Saga follows— 

dialogues and flytings between the hero and ogresses, giants and a Finnish king, etc. 
It is poor stuff, imitating however and echoing the Dialogue-metre Flytings of the 
old poems. 

The Editor, as early as May, 1854, made a collection of these poems, and pre- 
pared a text, but afterwards gave up the project. It has however been so far 
useful that here and there better readings have been got at than the editions give. 
The MS, authority, as far as is needful, is given with each piece, 


1. STARKAD’S DEATH-SONG from GAUTREK’S SAGA. 
(AM. 590 chart. ; copy of a fourteenth-century vellum.) 


A var ek ungr er inni brann pa er Herpiéfr Harald um vélti 

frekna fid!6 med fedur pidd, ser diafnan sveik i trygdum, 
‘nerungi’” fyrir prumu innan Egda dréttinn 6ndu renti, be) 
her ‘ hraududr’ Haraldz ens Egdska, enn hans sonum hapt-bond sneri, 
ok men-brota magar vélto prévetran mik padan af flutti 
Fiori ok Fyri Freka arf-pegar, Hrosshars-grani til Hordalandz, 
‘Unnar bredr, eido minnar. nam ek 4 Aski upp at vaxa 

Nn 2 
* 


548 . APPENDIX. 


sdkat nidja 4 niu vetrum. 

Afi gat-ek zrit, uxu tialgur, 

langir leggir ok lidtt hdfud, 

enn himaldi ‘af hagsi sat’ 

‘faaz’ forvitni i fleti nidri. 

Unz Vikarr kom fra vita innan, 20 
gisl Herpidfs gekk inn i sal, 

hann kendi mik, hann kvaddi mik 

upp at standa ok andsvara ; 

hann mezliti mik mundum ok spo6nnum, 
alla arma til ulflida, 

vaxit hari 4 hoku nidri. 

pa safnadi Sorkvi ok Gretti [see vol, i, 


P- 355]: 
pa voru ver prettén samam, 
fer varliga fridri drengi. 
Sva kému ver til konungs garda, 30 
hristum grindr, hiuggum getti, 
brutum borg-lokur, brugdum sverdum, 
' par er siau tigi seggir stodu 
kostum grimmir fyrir konungi, 
pé var um aukit dllum prelum, 
verka-lyd ok vatn-drégum. 
Var Vikari vant at fylgja, 
pvi-at fremstr ok fyrstr i flokki stéd 
hiuggum hialma med hofud-gnipum, 
brynjur sniddum, ok brutum hialma. 40 
Var Vikari vegs um audit, 
en Herbidfi herfur goldnar, 
serdum seggi, enn suma drapum, 
st66kad ek fiarri pa er féll konungr. 
Vart pu eigi med Vikari 
austr i Veni ar-dag snemma, 
pa er sottu ver Sisar 4 velli, 
pat var prek-virki pokkz megnara. 
Mik lét sverdi hann s4rum hogginn 
skarp-eggjudu skidld i gegnum, 50 
hialm af hoféi, enn haus skorat, 
- ok kinn-kialka klofinn i iaxla, 
enn it vinstra vidbeina [atid ; 
ok & sidu sverdi beitti 
mer Oflugr fyrir miédm ofan, 
enn i adra atgeir lagdi, 
k6ldum broddi, sv at 4 kafi yddi, 
pau sér pu merki 4 mer groin. 
Sneidda ek hénum sidu adra 
brott med brandi um buk pveran, 60 
sva ek af heiptum hiorvi beittag 
at allz megins 4ér kostadik. 
Lét preksamr pridja sinni 
Hildar leik hadan verda, 
adr Upplond unnin yrdi 
ok Geirbidfr um gefinn helju. 
Atti sér erfi-vérdu 
tirsamr tva tiggi alna, 
hét hans son Haraldr enn ellri, 
setti hann pann at pela-morku. 70 


Neri iarl nytr { r48um, 
Vikars sonr vanr i séknum, 
si reid einn Upplendingum. 
Ré6 Fridpidfr fyst at senda 
heiptar bod horskum i6fri 
hvart Vikarr konungr vildi gialda 
hilmi skatt eda her pola. 
Rédum lengi ordum vid ekki delir, 
pat kaus herr at konungr skyldi 80 
rikr med her rému knyja. 
Ré6 Olafr austr inn Skygni 
seldar gramr fyrir Svia-riki, 
hann baud ut almenningi, 
mikill var hans helmingr talinn. 
Gengum framm i glam vapna 
konungs menn kappi gnegéir, 
par var Ulfr ok Erpr litinn, 
hid ek brynju-lauss badum hondum, 
Ré Fridpidfr fridar at bidja, - go 
pviat Vikarr vegdi ekki, 
ok Starkaér Stérverksson 
almatt framm allan lagdi. 
Mer gaf Vikarr Vala malm, 
hring inn rauda er ek 4 hendi bur, 
mer primerking, enn ek Prumu hénum, 
fylgda-ek fylki fimtén sumur. 
Fylgéa ek fylki peim er framast vissag 
pa unda ek bezt evi minnar, 
adr féru ver, enn pvi fldgé ollu, 100 
hinzta sinni til Hordalandz: 
pess eyrendis, at mer pérr um skdép 
nidings nafn, naud margs konar, 
hlaut ek éhrddigr illt at vinna. 
Skylda ek Vikar i vidi hafum 
Geirpidfs-bana godum um signa, 
lagda ek geiri gram til hiarta, 
pat er mer harmast handa-verka. 
padan vappada ek viltar brautir 
H6rdum leidr med huga illan, 110 
hringa vanr ok hrddér-kvida, 
dréttinn-lauss, dapr allz hugar. 
Nu sétta-ek til Svipiddar 
Ynglinga sidt til Uppsala, 
Her lata mik, sem ek lengi mun, 
poglan pul piddans synir. 
Her settu mik sveina milli 
holdar hzdinn ok hvit-bran, 
skelkja skatnar ok skaup draga 
oss Oframir at idfurs greppi. 120 
Sia pikkjast peir 4 sialfum mer 
idtun-kuml atta handa, 
er Hldrridi fyrir Hamar nordan 
Hergrims-bana hondum renti. 
Hlegja rekkar, er mik sid, . 
liétan skolt, langa triénu, 
hanga tidlgur, har ulf-gratt,’ 
hritifan hals, hud idtrada. 128 





Var sink-giarn sagér af gulli 


106 = Lay of Hyndla, 1. 110, 





nn 








_ Si, Oppr klauftu eigi at orrosto 
(hrékk hialmat lid) Hamdis skyrtor : 
gudr geisadi, gekk eldr i be, 
pa er af Vindum va sigr konungr. 

Sg. Oddr vartu eigi at egg-rodi 
pa er seggi allvaldz svelta létum ; 
bar-ek sar padan sex ok Atta, 
enn pti med bygdum batt per matar, 

O. pid skulud hlyda hrdédri minum, 
Sigurdr ok Siolfr, sessu-nautar : 10 
ykkr 4-ek at gialda greypan verka, 
hréér hard-snuin huglausum tveim. 
pa latt, Siolfr, sod-golfi 4 
dada vanr ok dyrs hugar : 
enn ek uit med Akvitanum 
fidra menn fidrvi nemdak. 

Si. pu hefir, Oddr, farit med dlmusum, 
ok bitlinga borit af bordi: 
enn ek einn af Ulfs-fialli 
héggvinn skidld i hendi bark. 20 

Sg. Oddr, vartu eigi ut med Girkjum 
pa er 4 Serkjum sverd var rudom:; 
gerdum hardan hlidém isarna, 
féllu fyrdar i folk-rodi. 

O. Siolfr ... vid meyjar mal-bingsamr 
medan loga létum leika um konung, 
unnum hardan Hilding drepinn, 
ok hans félégum aldrs of synjat. 

Enn pu Jatt, Sigurdr, i sal meyja 
medan vid Biarma bérdumz tvisvar: 30 
hédum hildi heldr snarliga 
enn pu, seggr, i sal svaft und blaju. 

Si, Oddr, vartu eigi 4 Atals-fialli 

pa er fen-loga fengit héfoum : 

ver berserki binda knattum, 
p4 var af kappi konungs lid drepit. 

O. Siolfr, vartu eigi par er sid knatti 
brynjur manna bl6di pvegnar: 
hrokku oddar i iarn-serkjum, 
enn pti héll konungs heldr kannadir. 40 

Sigurdr, vartu eigi par er sex hrudum 
hd-brynjud skip fyr Holms-nesi: 
vartu ok eigi vestr med Skolla, 
pa er Engla gram aldri nemdum, 

Siolfr, vartu eigi par er sverd (rudum) 
hvoss & hiarli fyrir Hléseyju : 
enn pti halladist heima milli 
kynmala-samr kalfs ok pyjar. 

Sigurdr, vartu eigi par er 4 Szlund 

feldak 
bredr bél-harda Brand ok Agnar, 50 
Asmund, Ingiald, Alfr var inn fimti, 
enn pi heima latt i holl konungs 


SPURIOUS EPICS. 


549 


2. ARROW-ORD. 
I, The Scene in the Hall. 
Sg.=Sigurdr, Si, =Siolfr, O. = Oddr. 


(From Holm. 7. 4to.) 


skrékmaéla-samr, skaud her-numin. 

Siolfr vartu eigi sudr 4 Skidu 
par er konungar kniéu hialma, 
6dum dreyra, sva at i 6kla tok, 
vig vakta-ek, vartu eigi par. 

Sigurdr, vartu eigi par { Svia-skerjum 
pa er Haldani heiptir guldum : 
urdu randir rég mikladra, 60 
sverdum skornar, en hann sialfr drepinn, 

Hvar véru pid pa vesalar snytur 
er ver héldum aski i Elvar-sund ; 
teitir ok reifir at Trénu-vagum, 
par 14 Ogmundr Eypidfs-bani 
traudastr flugar 4 tveim skipum. 

par letu ver lindi bordu 
horéu gridti, hvdssum sverdum : 
prir liféu ver, enn beir niu, 
hrékr hernuminn, hvi pegir nu? 7° 

Sidlfr vartu eigi Samseyju i 
par er vid Hidrvaré héggum skiptum : 
tveir véru vid, enn peir tolf saman, 
sigr haféak, saztu kyrr medan. 

Gekk ek um Gautland i grimmum hug 

siau degr saman adr ek Sevid fyndak, 

knattak peira 4dr ek padan fera 

fimtdn lida fidrvi rada. 

Enn pu gidgradir, garungr vesall, 

sid of Sptnum til sengr pyjar. 80 
pid munud hvergi hefir pikkja, 

Siolfr ok Sigurdr, i sveit konungs 

ef ek Hialmars get ens Hugum-stéra 

pess er snarligast sverdi beitti. 

Gekk skarpr pérdr fyrir skidldu framm 
hvar er orrostu eiga skyldim : 
hann lét Halfdan hniga at velli 
freknan stilli ok hans fylgjara. 

Vora vid Asmundr opt i bernsku 
féstbredr saman badir litnir: go 
bar ek fyrir stilli sténg Darradar 
pars konungar kappi deildu. 

Hefi ek 4 Saxa ok 4 Svia herjat, 

Frisi ok Frakka ok 4 Flemingja: 


- fra ok Engla ok endr Skota, 


peim hef ek Gllum 6éparfr verit. 

Nu hefi ek dyra drengi talda 
pa er fordum mer fylgdu uti: 
munu engir verda sidan 
fregri fyrdar i folk-rodi. 

Nd hefi ek 6rar idnir taldar 
per er fordum ver framdar hofdum: 
opt gengu ver til Gndvegis 
sigri fegnir, Latum Siolf mzla. 


100 


55° 








APPENDIX. 


Il. ‘Ord’s Death-Song. 
(AM. 343 and 471.) 


Hi! seggir, enn ek segja mun 
vigs-valdendum fré vinum minum; 

seint er at dylja, sé ek eigi matti 
skokks ske-stafr vid sk6pum vinna. 

Var mer féstr tekit at fodur radi, 
bratt véndumk pvi, 4 Beru-riddri ; 
var mer ekki vant til salu 
pess er Ingialdr atti kosti. 
Uxum badir 4 Beru-riddri 
Asmundr ok ek upp i bernsku, 10 
skéfum skeyti, skip smidudum, 
gordum Orvar okkr at gamni. 
Sagdi mer Vélva sannar runir, 
enn ek vetki pvi vilda hlyda, 
gat ek fyrir ungum Ingialdz syni 
at ek fodur-tina fystumk vitja. 
Buinn lézt Asmundr opt medan lifdi 
malpings vanr mer at fylgja, 
sagda ek karli at ek koma mundak 
aptr aldregi ; nui em ek ord-rofi. 20 
Létum beiti 4 brim prauka, 
std hérr dreginn hoéndum fiarri, 
kémum at eyju utan-verdri 
par er Grimr fyrir garda atti. 
Sa ek blidliga, er til bajar kom, 
bekk-sagnir mer badar fagna, 
vist matta ek med vinum minum 
gulli skipta ok gaman-mélum. 
Vard ek at vari viss at goerduz 
bryn-pings bodar Biarma at scekja, 30 
sidan kvaddak Siguré ok Gudmund, 
vilda ek med freknum til farar radaz. 
Vé6ru horskir 4 her-skipum 
frendr minir tveir at for-radi, 
vildu hasetar horskir eignaz 
tak pat er attu Tyrfi-Finnar. 
Vér kaup-skipi kémum heilu 
at par er Biarmar bygdir Attu 
eyddum eldi zttir peirra, 
fengum léskvan 14émann tekinn. 40 
Hann lézt seggjum segja kunna 
hvar til hodda var heft at rada, 
hann bad oss ganga gotu lengra 
ef vér vildum fé fleira eiga. 
Rédu Biarmar bratt at verja 
haug her-ménnum ok hamalt fylkja, 
létum pegna, 46r padan ferim, 
ofa-marga 6ndu tyna. 
Rédum skunda til skipa ofan, 
pa er fidtti var & fen rekinn, 50 
mistum bedi baétz ok knarrar, 
auds ok yta, er ver ofan kémum. 


Skiétt nam kynda i skég pykkvum 
hafan uppi hrét-garm vidar, 
sv4 vid lopti létum leika. 
Sam skidtliga skynda at landi 
skeidr vegligar ok skraut-menni, 
fegnir urdu peir er fyrir voru 
frendr minir er finnaz gordum. 
Létu skeika at sképudu 60 
drengmenn snarir i drifa-vedri, 
syndiz seggjum sandr & piljum, 
landz von lidin ; l& ek eigi par. 
Kémum at eyju titan brattri 
sumar sidla, pa var segl rifit, 
gordu fyréar flestir allir 
skipum til hlunnz skidtt at rada. 
Slégum tidldum, en sumir féru 
bidrnu at veida, beir er boga kunnu, 
rédum i eyju upp at kynda 70 
bal brenniligt, st6d bidrn fyrir. 
Kyv6ééuzt fiall-buar flytja mundu 
oss ur eyju, nema titan ferim, 
pétti eigi rekkum rémr at heyra 
hogligr sa er var hraun-skidldunga. 
Ugdum ekki, sizt eyjar til, 
vopns vigligir vidir komo ; 
hl6du bragnar fyrir biarg framan 
vegg sterkligan ; var ek enn at pvi. 
Ré6 ek at ganga med Gusis-nauta 80 
beggja 4 milli biargs ok esjo, 
skaut ek i auga einum pursi 
ok i bridst framan biarga Freyju. 
par fekk ek heiti pat ek hafa vilda, 
er mik or fidllum flégd kolludu, 
kvéduzt Oddi-Orvar vilja 
byr bradliga & burt gefa. 
Bunir létumk 4 burt padan 
bratt or eyju pegar byr fengi, 
heilir kémum heim ur peirri, go 
goréu fagna frendr holl-vinum. 
Vérum allir vetr pann saman 
gulli gladdir ok gaman-mélum, 
drégu fyrdar pégar frerum létti, 
heldr skrautligar skeidr at vatni. 
Sigldum sidan sudr med landi 
tal-laust skipum tveimr ok einu, 
vento fengjar peir er fyrir vissu 
skidtt ef Elvar-sker kénnudum. 
Fundum um sidir fyrir i sundi 
pegna nyta pérd ok Hialmar, 
fréttu fyrdar, peir er fyrir véru, 
hvért ver vildim frid eda & for halda. 
Baru rekkar r4é sin saman, 


100 





26 =Gisli, vol. ii, p. 333, 1. 31. 


54=Long Brunhild Lay, 1. 323, 





a 


—— 





potti eigi fyrdum fé-vén mikil, 

kiéru Haleygir kost inn vildra, 

rédum leggja lag vort saman, 

Héldum allir ir héfn skipum 

pegar full-hugar fengjar ventum, 
hreddumz ekki medan héfdingjar 110 
heilir rédu fyrir her-skipum, 

Vorum reidir p& er rand-berendr 

horska hittum fyrir Holms-nesi, 

rédum eignaz allar gerdar 

snyrti-drengja af sex skipum. 

Vérum allir vestr med Skolla 

par at landi sat lyda dréttinn, 

baru bragnar blédgar randir 

sverdum meiddir, enn ver sigr padan. 
H6fdu iarls lidar uit-nes hrodit 120 
rég-pings vanir, sem refar hundum, 
unnum vit Hialmar, er hinnig forum, 
eldi ok usla eytt lang-skipum. 

Frétti Gudmundr ef ek fara vilda 

heim at hausti, ok hénum fylgja, 
sagda-ek svinnum at ek sia vilda 

nordr aldregi nidja mina, 

Maltum allir mét at sumri 

austr i Elfi til ut-farar, 

vildi Hialmar hinn hugum-stdéri 130 
sveit mina sudr med ser hafa. 

Féru teitir tveggja vegna 

bryn-pings bodar pegar byrir fenguzt 
sigldum sidan Svipiddar til, 

séttum Ingva til Uppsala. 

Mer gaf Hialmarr inn hugum-stéri 

fimm bél-stadi 4 fold saman, 

unda ek audi medan adrir mik 

hringum kvéddu ok heils fridar. 
Funduzt allir 4 fegins degri 140 
Svenskir seggir ok Sigurdr nordan, 
rentu ytar eyjar-skeggja 

audi dllum, enn peir eldz bida. 

Létum vestr padan vandar faka 


‘Irlandz 4 vit dldur kanna, 


héfdu peira, er bangat kbmum, 

drengir ok drésir drifit or husum, 
Rann-ek at vidri vagns sléd-gotu 

unz ek streng-vélum stridum matta ; 
munda ek Asmund audi minum 150 
aptr édddinn 6llum kaupa. 

Sa ek um sidir hvar saman foru 

karlar réskvir ok konur peirra, 

par lét ek fidra frendr Olvarar 

egg-leiks hvata Sndu tyna. 

Ré6 mik ur vagni vif at hefja, 

ok per hoddum mer hétu gédum, 

bad mik snét koma sumar hit nesta, 
lézt pa launum leita mundu, 

Varat sem brynja edr blair hringar 160 
iskéld um mik 4dan félli, 


SPURIOUS EPICS. 551 


pa er um s{dur silki-skyrta 

gulli saumud gekk fast ofan. 

Férum vestan fengjar vitja 

sva at bragnar mer bleydi kendu, 

unz 4 Skidi Skatnar fundu 

bredr bél-harda ok at bana urdu. 

Séti ok Halfdan i Svia-skerjum 

morgum manni at mordi yard, 

unnum bpeirra, 4dr padan ferim, 170 
hundrad skipa hrodit med stéfnum, 
Fundum pegna, er padan férum, 

teita ok sleitna { Trénu-végum, 

var eigi Ogmundi and-ran togut, 
kémumz prir padan, en peir niu. 

Knatta ek ban-ordi fyrir brongnum hrésa 
snotra seggja, er ek til sidfar kom, 
héfdum vid Hialmar haldit illa 

pa er Glami st6d i gegnum spiorr. 
Féram heim padan horskir pegnar, 180 
enn haug pordi hafan urpum, 

madr engi pordi oss mét géra, 

var Oss vettegis vant ins gdda, 

Voru vid Hialmarr hvart degr gladir 
medan her-skipum heilum rédum, 

unz { Samseyju seggi fundum 

pa er ben-logum bregda kunnu. 

Lét ek falla und fetr ara 

tirar-lausa tolf berserki, 

pa vard ek skiljazt 4 skapa-degri Igo 
vid pann inn mesta minn full-truia. 
Hafoda ek ei 4 aldri minum 

hofud hraustara hvergi fundit, 

bar ek mer & herdum hialmum grimman 
ok til Sigtina sidan hafdak. 

Lét ek eigi pess langt at bida 

at ek Seundi at siénum vard, 

unnu skatnar skip min hrodin, 

enn ek sialfr padan sundz kostadik. 
Gekk ek um Gautland i grimmum hug 
sex degr i samt 4dr ek Seund fyndag, 
lét ek hans lida hidrvi meta ‘202 
sex ok Atta med sidlfum gram, 

Lét ek sudr um haf langt um farit 

at ek grunn-sevi gildu meattag, 

vard ek einn saman, en annan veg 
gumna mengi gekk hel-vegu. 

Enn kom ek par er Akvitania 

bragna kindir borgum rédu, 

par lét ek fidra fallna liggja 210 
hrausta drengi. Niu em ek her kominn. 
pat var fyrr er ek fér senda 

ok éllum beim ord in mestu 

nidjum minum 4 Nordr-vega, 

vard ek sv& feginn fundi peirra 

sem hungradr haukr brédum. 

Brégnum premr budu skatnar 

margir sidan metord padra 





183 = Vspé 32. 


187 = Helgi i. 323. 


215, 216 = Helgi i, 213. 


552 APPENDIX. 


enn ek peygi pat piggja vilda, 

urdu badir par bredr eptir. 220 
Réd ek skunda fra skatna 1lidi, 

hittak breida borg Iérsala, 

ré0 ek allr i 4 fara, 

kunna ek pa Kristi at pidna. 

Veit ek at forsum falla lét 

Iordan um mik fyrir utan Girki, 

hélt enn pd, sem hverr vissi, 

itr-g6r skyrta dllum kostum. 

Metta ek gammi gliifram nerri, 

flaug hann med mik fiarri londum, 230 
par til hafa hamra fundum, 

1ét mik hvilazt par i hreidri sinu: 

Unz mik Hildir hafdi aburtu, 

risi ramligr, & rédrar-skutu, 

lét mik veitir Vimrar elda 

tolf m4nadi med ser hvilazt. 

pyddumk ek hid Hildi horska ok stéra 
raun-sidliga risa déttur, 

ok vid henni heldr sterkligan 

itran son eiga gordak 240 
ok élikan ossum nidjum, 

pann drap Ogmundr Eypidfs-bani 

i Hellulandz hrauns ébygdum, 

enn ek félaga hans fidrvi nemdak, 
hefi-ek ei viking verra fundit. 

Fleiri hefir mina féstbreér drepit 
Gardar ok Sirni, gekk skegg af flagdi, 
var hann p& 6ngum likr at yfir-liti, 
kalladr sidan Kvillanus Blesi. 

potta ek hefr at hior-regni, _ 250 
pa er vér bordumk 4 Bravelli, 

bad Hringr p& hamalt fylkja 


Odd hinn Vidforla at orrostu. 
Hitta ek eptir 4 hug-snara 
loféunga tv litlu sidarr, 
veitta ek 6drum vigs um gengi 
ungum i6fri arfs at kvedja, 
Kom ek um sidir par er snarir pdéttuzt 
Sigurér ok Sidlfr i sveit konungs, 
ré6 oss skatna lid skotz at beida = 260 
ok skialdar fimi vid skatna mengi: 
Skaut ek ei skemra en skilfingar, 
var létt skafin lind i hendi, 
rédum sidan sundz at kosta, 
lét ek pa b4da b16di snyta. 
Var mer skiald-meyiu skipat it nesta 
pa er orrostu eiga skyldum, 
veit ek at ytar { Anpekju 
and-ran bidu, enn ver aud fidr, 
Séttum sverdi seggja kindir, 270 
ok tré-godum tyndum beirra, 
barda ek Bialka i borgar-hlidi 
eiki-kylfu, sva at hann 6nd um lét, 
pa var mer Harekr hollr full-trui 
er hann festi mer féstru sina, 
Atta ek horska hilmis déttur, 
vel rédum snét saman sigri ok londum. 
Sat ek at selu sidan minni 
vilgi lengi, sem ek vita pottumz. 
Fioldi er at segja fra forum minum, 280 
snotrum seggjum sia mun in efsta. 

per skuludé skynda til skipa ofan 
heilir allir ; her munum skiljazt, 
Berié Silkisif ok sonum okkrum * 
kvedju mina. Kem ek eigi par. 


III. Ord and Priestess, 


(From Holm. 7.) 


Alf Bialki: 
Hverr veldr eldi hverr orrostu, 
hverr iarls. magni eggjum beitir ? 
hof svidnudu, hérgar brunnu, 
hverr raud eggjar & Yngva nid? 
O. Oddr brendi hof ok hoérga braut, 
ok tré-godum tyndi pinum, 
gordu pau ekki g6ds { heimi 
er pau or eldi Osla ne mattu, 
Pr, pess hlegjumz ek at hafir fengna 
Freys reidi pu fari blandna, 10 


Hialpi Hsir ok Asynjur, 
gorvoll regin gydjum sinum ! 
Eda hverr eggjadi pik austan hingat 
freknan fella ok flaradan ? 
O. Hirdi ek eigi pott heitir pu, 
fargiarnt hofud, Freys reidi mer, 
flit er at eiga prel at einka-vin, 
skolod eigi ér skratta blota. 
Veit ek i eldi Asu brenna, 
troll eigi pik! truig gudi einum, 20 


IV. The Cloak o’ Beards. 


Ogmund says: 
Nu mun ek kasta verda kApu minni 
peirri er gor var af gron idfra 
en hlaé-buin 4 hlidar badar, 


mun ek hennar mddr miok missa verda; 
peir elta mik all-sysliga 
Oddr ok Sirnir orrosto fra. 





241 = Helgi iii, 43. 














Be SP ee eee 


|. 
i‘ 





4 ae 
a “shiz 3 
vests & 





SPURIOUS EPICS. 553 


3. HALF SAGA, 
(From Cod, Reg. 2845.) 


I. Innstan and King. 


In, Upp mundu ver allir ganga 
skatna beztir af skipum vérum, 
lata brenna bragninga sveit 
ok Asmundar lid aldri tyna. 

Ki. Ver skulum halfir herjar pessa 
sattir sekja fra sid nedan ; 

Asmundr hefir oss um bodna 
hringa rauda sem hafa viljum, 

In, Sér ei pti allan Asmundar hug, 
hefir fylkir sé flerd i bridsti, 10 
mundir pu, pengill, ef ver pvi rédim, 
mA4gi pinum miok litt tria, 

Ki. Asmundr hefir oss um unnit 
margar trygdir, sem menn vitu ; 
mun ei godr konungr ganga 4 settir, 
né gramr annan { gridum vzla. 

In. per er ordinn Odinn til gramr, 
er pi Asmundi all-vel truir, 
hann mun alla oss um vela 
nema pu viti vid-sidr fair. 20 

Ki, 4 lystir pik 2dru at mala, 
mun ei sa konungr settir riufa, 
gull eigum par ok gersimar, 
hringa rauda fra hans bium. 

In. Halfr dreymdi mik, hygdu at sliku, 
at logi léki um lidi véru, 
illt veri par or at leysazt ; 

Hvat kvad pu, pengill, pann draum vita? 

Ki. Hrynja um herdar peim er ham- 

alt fylkja 
grams _verdungu gyldnar brynjur, 30 
pat mun 4 6xlum 6dlings vinum 
liést at lita sem logi brenni. 
_ In. Enn dreymdi mik 6éru sinni, 
hugdak 4 dxlum elda brenna, 
gruna tek ek nokkut at pat gott viti, 
Hvat kvaéd p. p. bann draum vita? 
Ki. Gefa mun ek hverjum hialm ok 
brynju 
frekna drengja er fylgja mer, 
pat man at lita sem logi brenni 
skidldungs lidi of skarar fidllum. 40 

In. pat dreymdi mik pridja sinni, 
at ver i kaf nidr komnir verim ; 
eiga mun all-stért um at vala. 

Hvat k. p. p. p. draum vita ? 

Ki, Full-langt er sié fifl-skapr taladr 
vera kvad ek ekki undir sliku : 
seg pu enga své at heyri 
drauma pina i degi sidan. 

In, Hlydi Hrékar ok her-konungr 
ordum minum, Utsteinn pridi! 50 
gongum allir upp fré strondu, 


kunnum ekki konungs mal um pat. 
Konung latu ver keppinn rada 

fyrir folki um farar voérar ; 

hettum, brédir, své hénum liki, 

fidrvi okkru med frémum visi. 

Hlytt hefir fylkir i forum uti 

minum rédum morgu sinni, 

nti kved ek 6ngu er ek mali 

hlyda vilja sizt hingat kbmum, 60 


Il. In the Hall. 


In, Rykr um hauka { héll konungs, 
von er at riiki vax af soxum ; 
mal er gulli ok gersemum, 
hialmum skipta°med Halfs-rekkum. 
Hins fysi ek nui at Halfr vaki, ~ 
er ei af eklu eldar kyndir, 
Attu, men-briétr, magi binum 
grimm-lundudum giafir at launa. 
Hrindum heilir hallar bidri, 
nu taka stilur i sundr poka: 10 
# man uppi medan Old lifir 
Halfs-rekka for til hertoga. 
Hart skulum ganga, ok hlifa ekki vid, 
verdr visis lid at vega med soxum ; 
peir skulu sialfir 4 ser bera 
blédgar benjar 4dr braki létti. 
Snuizt snarliga, snyrti-drengir, 
ut 6r eldi med aud-brota ; 
enginn er yta s4 er 2 lifir, 
mun ei baug-broti vid bana kvida. 20 
Her s4 ek alla einum fylgja 
iafn-réskliga ddlings vini; - 
hittumzt heilir pé hedan lidum, 
er ei léttara lif enn davdi. 
Hrékr er fallinn med hertoga 
frekn 4 fétum félks oddvita. 
Eigum Odni illt at gialda 
er hann slikan konung sigri renti. 
Ek hefi uti Atidn sumur 
fylgt fullhuga flein at ridda ; 30 
skal ek eigi annan eiga drottinn 
gunnar-giarnan né gamall verda. 

Hér mun Innsteinn til iardar hniga 
horskr at h6féi hers oddvita. 
pat munu seggir at sogum gidra 
at Halfr konungr hlejandi dé. 


Ill. Utstan and Ulf and Eystan. 


Ut. Hitt hlegir mik helzt i mali, 
mun eigi Asmundi 6] v4 sofa ; 
prir eru fallnir af pvi lidi 
Eynefs synir, enn einn lifir. 
Upp skulum risa ok ut ganga 


554 


ok ramligar randir knyja, 
hugg ek vid hialmum hingad komnar 
til Dannerkr disir varar. 

Ul. Yér munu daudar disir allar, 9g 
heill kved ek horfna fra Halfserekkum ; 
dreyméi mik i morgin at megir vérir 
efri yrdi hvar er ver mettumz. 

Ut. Sigrs venti ek mer synu betra, 
enn Ulfr vili eskja Steini, 
yor mun snimma at sverdé-togi 
hauss um hogginn, enn hals rodinn. 

Ul, Munu peir efri veréa Ulfs synir, 
Oddr ok Ornolfr, Atli inn Svarti, 

Borkr ok Brynjolfr, Bui, Hardskafi, 
Raudr inn Rammi, ef pu reynir til. 20 

Ut. Mundi eigi Steini né Stara pikkja 
égn at etja vid Ulfs-sono, 
pvi at eigi var vorum brédur 
vid drit-menni pitt dramb at etja. 
potti eigi Hrékum né Halfdani 
raun at berjaz vid rag-menni, 
pé er fidrir ver falla létum 
atta iarla fyrir Annis-nesi. 

Fari Ulfs synir ut at berjaz 

Atta drengir vid eitt hofud, 30 

mun ei stokkva, pétt Steinn hafi 

fera nékkut i flokki lid. 

Halfr dreymdi mik hvati at ek berdumz, 

ok kvaz mer frekn konungr fylgja 
skyldu, 

hefir mer gramr verit géér i draumi 

hvar ver orrosto eiga skyldum, 


Nu er ek inn kominn Ulfi at segija, 
at hans synir héggnir liggja, 
nu fari Eysteinn ef per vilit 
fleiri at freista vid fleina vid. 40 
Ey. Sialft mun letja sliks at freista 
Halfs eru rekkar hverjum meiri; 
pik veit ek manna miklu fremstan, 
einn sniallastan er pu atta vétt. 
Ut. Alla munda ek Eysteins lida 
sverdi beita at sému héfi. 
Ef mer parfir pess verks szi, 
edr illt med oss 4dr um veri. 
Magni fysir engi vid mik at deila, 
pvi at mer var ungum aldr skapaér: 50 
ek hefi hiarta hart i bridsti 
sizt mer i zsku Odinn framdi. 


IV. Hrék the Black. 


Nu mun segja sonr Hamundar 
hvert edli var okkart bredra: 
minn var fadir miklu fremri 
haukr gorr at hug, enn Haki yévarr, 
Vildi engi vid Vifil iafnaz 





APPENDIX.. 


pé at Hamundar hiardar getti, 
sé ek Gngan par svina-hirdi 
huglausara enn Hedins arfa. 

Min var evi miklo 2dri, 
pa er Halfi konungi horskum fylgéum ; 
barum allir eitt r4d saman II 
ok herjuéum hvert land yfir, 
Hoféum ver allir hauk-manna lid 
hvar sem fréé-hugadr frama kostadi, 
gengum ver i gognum med gra hialma 
full-stér Oll féstr-lond niu, 
Half s4 ek héggva héndum b4dum, 
hafdi eigi hilmir hlif-skiold fyrir ser, 
finnr engi madr, pdtt fari vida, 
hefra hiarta ok hug-prudara, 20 
Mala virdar, peir er vitu eigi, 
at Halfs frami heimsku setti, 
kann eigi sa konung Haleyskan 
er heimsku prétt hénum eignadi. 
Baé hann ei vid dauda drengi kvida, 
né zdru-ord ekki mala, 
engi skyldi idfri fylgja 
nema forlog um fylkis héldi. 
Skyldu ei stynja, pdtt stér hlyti 
sar i s6knum, siklings vinir, 30 
né benjar ser binda lata 
fyrr enn annars dags iafn-lengd kemi. 
Bad ei hann i her hoptu greta, 
né mans-Kono mein at vinna, 
mey baé hann hverja mundi kaupa, 
fogru gulli, at fodur radi. 
Voru ei sva margir menn 4 skeidum, 
at ver 4 fldtta fyrir héldim, 
po at miklu lid minna heféim, 
sva at ellifu einum gegndi. 40 
Hofdum ver allir enn efra hlut 
hvar sem Hildar [él] hlifar knudi: 
einn vissa ek iafn-sniallan gram, 
Sigurd konung at slum Giuka, 
Margir véru menn 4 skeidum 
godir ok freknir med gram sialfum, 
Borkr ok Brynjolff.... | 


Fair mundu peim fylkis rekkum 

hefir pykkja or Haka veldi. 

Hvergi potta ek i pvi lidi 50 
opt aukkvisi ettar minnar; 

mik kvééu peir manna snarpastan, 

pvi at hvarr 6érum hrddrs leitadi. 

fylgdi sinu s& framligast 

loféungr lidi medan-lifa matti. 

Naut eigi své aldrs sem skyldi 

frekn landreki vid frama dadir, 

tolf vetra nam tiggi at herja, 

enn pa var pengill pritugr er dd. 

Slikt kennir mer at sofa litid 60 





6. Hlod and Angantheow, |. 60. = g. Atlamal 4. 


47. See vol. i, p. 355- 





SPURIOUS EPICS. 


marga grimu ok miék vaka, 

er brddir minn brenna skyldi 

kvikr i eldi med konungs rekkum. 
S& hefir dagr um mik daprastr komit 
miklu { heimi, sva at menn viti; 
muna pikkjumk ver allir sidan 

at fylgja mattum fredum hollum, 
Allz mundi mer angrs léttara, 

ef ek Halfs konungs hefna mzttak, 
své at Asmundi egg-franan hiér 
briina ‘ baugspiot’ bridst raufgadak. 
Hefnt mun vera Halfs ins frekna, 
pvi at beir gifgan gram i gridum vealtu, 
olli mordi ok mann-skada 

Asmundr konungr illu heilli, 

pa mun reyna ok raun gefa, 

ef vit Sveinn komum saman i rému, 


7° 


555 


hvarir i vigi verda hefri 
Hamundar burr eda Haka pegnar., 
Segi ek sv4 kvedit snotru vifi, 

at ek Brynhildar bidja mundak, 
ef vita pettumz at vildi hén 
Hréki unna Hamundar bur. 

V6n veri mer vitra manna 
snarpra segja, ef ver saman zttim, 
pvi ek fann ei mey marg-svinnari 
hvergi landa, en Haka déttur. 
Fann ek aldri, pé hef-ek farit vida, 
hugg-pekkri mey, en Haka dottur. 


80 


Her pykki er nui i Haka veldi 
hornungr vera hverrar piddar, 
eigu allir innar at sitja 

- . - enn Halfs-rekkar. 


go 


4. BUSLU-BAEN, from BOSA SAGA, 


(From AM. 


Her liggr Hringr konungr hilmir Gauta 
ein-radastr allra manna, 
gtlar pu son pinn sialfr at myrda, 
pau munu fa-demi fréttaz vida. 
Heyr pu ben Buslu, hun mun bratt 
sungin, 
sva at heyraz skal um heim allan, 
ok éporf dllum peim er 4 heyra, 
en beim fiandlegust sem ek vil fortala: 
Villiz vettir, verdi 6dzemi, 
hristiz hamrar, heimr sturliz, 
versni vedratta, verdi 6ddemi— 
Nema Hringr konungr Herraud fridi 
ok Bogo-Bésa biargir veiti. 
Sva skal ek piarma ber at bridsti 
at hiarta pitt hégg-ormr gnagi, 
en eyru pin aldri heyri, 
en augu pin Gt hverf snuiz— 
‘Nema pu Bésa bidrg um veitir 
ok Herraudi heipt upp gefir. 
Ef pu siglir, slitni reidi, 
en af styri stékkvi krokar, 
rifni reflar, reki seg! ofan, 
en ak-taumar allir slitni— 


10 


577) 343+) 


Nema pu Herraudi heipt upp gefir, 
en Bégu-Bosa bidir til sztta. 
Ef pu ridir, raskiz taumar, 
heltiz hestar, en hrumiz klarar, 
en gotur allar ok gagn-stigar 
tradiz tvefaldar i troll-hendr fyr per— 
Nema pu Bésa a 
Sé per i hvilu sem ¢ halm-eldi 
en i haszti sem 4 haf-baéru, 
po skal pér sidar synu verra 
ef pu vilt vid meyjar mans gaman. 
villr ertu vegarins, Viltu pulu lengri? 
Troll ok alfar ok tavfra nornir 
buar, berg-risar brenni pinar hallir, 
hati hrim-pursar hallir pinar ; 
strain stangi pik! stofnar angri pik! 
verdi ber vei, nema pu vilja minn gérir. 
Komi her seggir sex, seg pii mer nofn 
peira 41 
dll ébundin, ek skal per syna ; 
getr pu eigi radit sva rett piki, 
pa skulu pik hundar i hel gnaga 
ok sal pin soekkva i viti. 


5. STAR-ORDI’S DREAM (AM. 555, chart.) 


(Drauma vitranir, edit. 1860.) 


Vorvu austr 4 Ioru-skégi 
barmar tveir béls um fyldir, 
ok til fidr fyrdar nemdu 
vid mord-r4d morgu sinni. 
Enn s4 gramr er gera bredir 
hefir tir-giarn tindétt hiarta, 


ok b66-frekn bada felldi 

Garp ok Gny Geirvidr konungr. 
Ré6 iafn-giarn audi at skipta, 
Rodbiartz sonr rekka mardi 
af pvi fé fyrda kindir 

er svik-menni safnat hofdu. 
Lét gunn-diarfr gefna hringa 
seggja ett siklingr Gauta, 


Io 





35- Helgi i, 180. 





556 APPENDIX. 


sv at hird-menn hoféu allir 

hauka stéls hengi-skafla. 

Mun Dagfinnr dyrra mala 

vid lofs-ord lika kvzdi, 

nidti vel vegs ok landa 

gramr gofugr Gauzkrar piddar ! 20 


6. From Gongu-Hrolf Saga (AM. 343). 


Gledzt Hreggvidr af gédri for 
Hrdlfs ins hugdiarfa hingat til landa, 


’ mun rekkr sé resis hefna 


& Eireki ok dllum peim. 

Gleézt Hreggvidr af Grims dauda, 
poréar ok par med pridta lifs-stundir, 
mun flokkr sé fianda minna 
fyrir Hrolfi hniga verda. 

Glezt Hreggvidr pa Hrolfr fer 
ungrar meyjar Ingigerdar, Io 
mun Hélm-garéi hilmir styra 
Sturlaugs sonr, Standi kvzx6i! 


7. Ans Saga (AM. 343). 


Vel ber, selja, stendr pti sié nzrri - 
laufgud hardla vel .. . . 
maér skekr af per morgin-dégevar, 
enn ek at pegni prey natt sem dag. 


pat muntu ee er pu fiédr mokar, 
at pu eigi ert An bog-sveigir, 

pu ert braudé-sveigir heldr en bog-sveigir 
osta-sveigir, en eigi alm-sveigir. 


Meyjar spurdu er mik fundu 
hvit-haddadar, Hvadan komtu fer-faldr ? 
Enn ek svarada silki-gunni II 
heldr hzdinni: Hvaéan er logn uti? 


8. Fridthiow Saga (see Bk. ix). 


Sé ek troll-konor tver 4 baru 
per hefir Helgi hingat sendar, 
peim skal snidéa sundr { midju 
hrygg Ellidi ar af for skridr. 
Heil! Ellidi! hlauptu 4 baru, 
briéttu i troll-konom tennr ok enni, 
kinnr ok kialka i konu vandri 
fot eda bada i flagdi pessu. 


purfid ei drengir dauda at kvida 

verit pidd-gladir pegnar minir, Io 
pat of vita vérir draumar 

at ek eiga mun Ingibidrgu, 


Ek bar upp til eld-stdar 

desta drengi i drifu-vedri, 

ni hef ek segli 4 sand komit, 

ei er vid hafs megin hegt at reyna, 


Menn sé ek ausa i megin-vedri 
sex 4 Ellida enn siau réa, 
pat er gunn-hvétum glikt i stafni, 
Fridpiéf Frekna er fram fellr vid drar. 
Taktu af golfi, gang-fogr kona, 21 
horn holfanda, hefik af drukkit, 
menn sé ek 4 mar ba er munu purfa 
hregg-modir lid 4dr hofn taki, 


Drukkum fyrr 4 Framnesi 

freknir drengir med fodur minum, 

nu sé ek brendan be pann vera, 

& ek ddlingum illt at launa, 

Einn mun ek ganga inn til bejar, 

parf ek litid lid loféunga at finna, 
varpid eldi i idfra be 30 
ef ek kem eigi aptr at kveldi. 


Taktu vid skatti skatna dréttinn 
fremstu ténnum, nema pu framar beidir, 
silfr er & botni belgjar pessa 

sem vit Bidrn héfum badir rddit. 


Kysta ek unga Ingibidrgu 
Bela déttur i Baldrs-haga, 
sva skolu arar 4 Ellida 

badar bresta sem bogi Helga. 


pa hét ek Fridpidfr, er ek for med vik- | 


ongum, 40 
enn Herpidfr, er ek ekkjur gretta, 
Geirpidfr, er ek gaflokum fleygda, 
Gunnbpiéfr er ek gekk at fylki, 

Eypidfr, er ek ut-sker renta, 

Helpidfr, er ek henta sma-bérnum, 
Valpidfr, pa ek var edri ménnum. 

Nu hef ek sveimat sidan med salt-k6rlum 
hialpar purfandi 4dr ek hingat kom. 


g. KETIL HG@NG’S SAGA (AM. 343 and 471). 


I. Bruni and Ketil. 
Bruni, Hew kom pi, Hengr, her skaltu piggja, 


allan vetr med oss vera 


per mun ek fastna, nema pid fyr latir, 
dottur mina 4dr dagr komi. 
Ketil, Her mun ek piggja, hygg ek at valdi 5 
Finnz fidlkyngi feikna-vedri, 
ok i allan dag einn ids ek vid prid, 
hvalr kyrdi haf, her mun ek piggja. 





ee ee ee ee Ses dal 


a a my , eee Se a ee Pee Oe acer” Mae ae gs el 
sh Rk Ro a pei Aes “tal ae 
, et =, a . 





Ketil. 


Gusi, 


Keil. 


Gusi. 


Keiil. 


Ogre. 


Ketil. 


Keil. 


SPURIOUS EPICS. 


Il, Ketil and Gusi the Finn King. 
Skrid pu af kialka, kyrr pu hreina 

seger sid-forull, segdu hvattu heitir. 
Gusi kalla mik géfgir Finnar, 

em ek oddviti allrar piddar, 

Hengr ek hetti kominn or Hrafnistu, 
hefnir Hallbiarnar, hygg ek ei fridar bidja, 
frid-mzlum mela, mun ek ei vid Finn ragann, 
heldr mun ek boga benda pbann mer Bruni gaf. 
Hverr er 4 6ndrum 6ndverdan dag 

giarn til gunnar i grimmum hug, 

vid skulum freista flein at ridda 

hv6rr at 6drum, nema hugr bili. 

Heng kalla mik halfu nafni, 

mun ek veita per vidnam hedan, 

skaltu vist vita 4dr vit skiljum 

at bu-k6rlum bita drvar. 

Bustu nu vid bitri egg-primu, 

haf pu hlif fyrir ber, hart mun ek skidta, 
per mun ek bradla at bana verda 

nema pu af audi 6llum latir. 

Mun ek af audi eigi lata 

ok fyr einum ber aldri renna, 

fyrr skal héggin hlif fyrir bridsti, 

en fyrir sidnum svart at ganga. 

Skaltu ei gulli ck gersemum 

med heilum hag heima rada, 

kemr per bani bratt at héndum, 

ef vit skulum uti oddum leika. 

Mun ek ei gulli vid Gusi skipta 

né fyrri fridar mela, 

mer er bradér bani betri miklu 

en hugleysi ok hédan-kv4ma. 

Feigr er nti Finnr inn ragi, © 

at hann fét-tredr flein sinn rangan. 


Ill, Ketil and Ogre. 


Hvat er pat bysna er ek 4 biargi sé 
ok gnapir eldi yfir? 
bu-sifjar okkrar hykkat ek batna munv, 
littu 4 1i63-vega *. 
Hvat er bat manna er mer { méti ferr, 
skridér pu sem vargr af vidi, 
wzdru skaltumezla . . .... 
prysvar { prumu firdi (!). 
Hialmr ok Stafnglamr, hlifid ykkr badir, 
gefid rim gémlum at ganga framar héti. 
Fliiga folk-nédrur, frekn er Dala-kappi, 
lidtr er leikr eggija, litad er skegg 4 karli, 
skrapa skinn-kyrtlar, skialfa iarn-serkir, 
hristazt hring-skyrtur, hredizt bidill meyjar. 


IV. Ketil and Ogre. 


Hvat er pat flagda er ek sé 4 fornu nesi 
ok glottir vid guma, 


itis 


557 


Io 


20 


10 





24. Hialmar’s Death Song, |. 22, 


® These are echoes from old poems in 


dialogue-metre mixed up with the spurious, and are in the following lines :—III. 1-8 ; 
IV. 1-4, 8, 9, 17, 25-30, 36-39, as well as in V. 


558 


Ogre. 


Ketil, 
Ogre. 


Keiil. 


Ogre. 


Keiil. 


Ogre. 


Keiil. 


Ogre. 


Bodmes. 


Keiil. 


Bidmdd. 


APPENDIX. 


at upp verandi sdlu? hef ek 6nga fyr 
leidilegri litid, 
Forad ek heiti, feedd var ek nordarla 
hraust i Hrafnseyju, hvim-leid bi-ménnum 
or til 4redis hvatkiver illt skal vinna. 
Morgum manni hefek til moldar snuit 
peimeer til fiskjar féro (1) 
hverr er sia hinn kopur-m4li er kominn er i skerin? 
Heng kalla mik halfu nafni. 
Hollara veri per heima i -Hrafnisto, 
en dratta einum til ut-skerja 
Einhlitr ek péttamk ... 
hvat er flégd mela 
lasta ek dreng desinn, drep ek 4 vit fanga. 
Hykkat ek fyrir vinnast hvat-er Forad madlir, 
naudir mik hvéttu, nanum Atti ek biarga, 
hetti ek eigi 4 holm til sela, 
ef i eyju heima ernir veri. 
Synja ek bess eigi, segir hin vid-forla, 
at pu lif hafir langt um menn adra 
ef pu fund okkarn fyrdum segir, 
sveinn litill, sé ek pinn hug skialfa. 
Ungr var ek heima, fér ek ein saman, 
opt i ut-veri, 
marga myrk-ridu ek fann.& minni gotu, 
hreddumk ek aldri... . 
flagda fridsan. 
Langleit ertu féstra, ok letr réa hefit, 
ei hefik flagdit ferligra litid, 
eda hvert hefir pu forina girva? 
Gang héf ek upp i Angri, eigrada ek til Steigar, 
skalm.... ek til Karmtar, 
elda mun ek 4 Iadri ok 4 Utsteini bldsa, 
austr skal ek vid Elfi, 4dr dagr & mik skini 
med bridguma.... . ok bradla gefid iarli. 
Seydi pinum mun ek snua, en sialfum per gniia, 


unz pik gridr gripr. 


Orum trui ek minum, en pu afrendi pinu, 
fleinn mun nu meta nema pu fyrir hroekkvir. 
Flég ok Fifu hygg ek per fiarri vera, 
hredumk ek eigi-Hremsu bit. 


V. Bédmdé and Ketil. 


Hverr er sé inn hari er ‘4 haugi sitr 
ok horfir vedri vidr? 

frost-hardan mann hygg ék'pik feiknum vera, 
hvat ‘ber hvergi hlyr? 

Ketill ek heiti kominn or Hrafnistu, 
par var ek upp um alinn, 

hug-fullt hiarta veit ek hlifa mer, 
p6 vildag gisting geta. 

Upp skaltu risa ok ganga haugi af, 
ok sekja mina sali 

mals-efnis ann ek per margan dag, 


ef pu vilt piggja par. 





Io 


3° 


40 


Io 





26. Guest’s Wisdom, 1. 97. 


az. =. 





SPURIOUS EPICS. 


Reiil. 


559 


Upp mun ek risa ok ganga haugi af, 


allz mer Bédmddr bydr, 
brdédir minn pett seti brautu ner 
mundi eigi betr um bodit. 
Bédmdd, Reyndr ertu féstri at ganga her-vigis til 
ok berjazt vid Framar til fidr 
& léttum aldri gaf honum Odinn sigr, 
midk kved-ek hann vigum vanan, 20 


Keiil. 


Odinn bléta gorda ek aldregi, 


hefig pé lengi lifat, 
Framar veit ek falla munu 
fyrr en petta it hafa hofud. 


VI. Framar and Ketil, 
Framar. Veifir pG vengjum, vépnum mun ek per heita, 
vafrar pu nu, vid-flégull, sem vitir mik feigan, 
villr ertu vig-starri, vid munum sigr hafa, 


hverf pu at Hengi, hann skal nu deyja. 
Dregzt pu nu Dragvendill vid . . . 


Keil. 


arnar, 


matir pu mein-géldum, mattu ei bita, 

mik pess ei vardi at hreekkva mundi 

eggjar eitri herdar, pd at Odinn deyfoi. 

Hvat er per Dragvendill? hvi eftu sler ordinn? 

til hef ek nu héggit, tregt er per at bita, 10 

hlidar pu at hidr-pingi, hefir per ei fyrr ordit 

bilt i braki malma, par er bragnar hiugguzt. 
Framar, Skelfr nui skege 4 karli, skeika vapn gomlum, 

fryr hann hidr hvossum, hredizt fadir meyjar, 

brynduz ben-teinar sv4 at bita metti 

héldum hug-pridum, ef per hugr dygii, 


Keiil. 


Ei parftu oss at eggja, eiga met sialdan 


fyrdar flaug-traudir fryja stér-hogeva ; 

bit pi nu, Dragvendill, eda brotna ella, 

horfin er heill badum ef bilar-hinn pridja. 20 
Hredizt ei fadir meyjar medan heill er Dragvendill, 

vita ek vist pikjumk, verdr honum ei bilt prysvar. 


Framar, Hugr 


er i Hengi, hvass er Dragvendill, 


beit hann ord Odins sem-ekki veri, 
brdst ni Baldrs fadir, brigt er at tria hénum, 
niéttu heill handa, her munum skiljazt. 


10. GRIM SHAGGY-CHEEK’S SAGA. 
Grim and Ogress. 


Gr. Hvar heita per hrauns ibuur 
er skada vilja skipi minu, 


_ykkr hef ek einar sénar, 


amatligstar at yfir-litum. . 
Og. Feima ck heiti, fedd var ek noré- 
arla 
Hrimnis déttir i Héfialli, 
her er systir min halfu fremri 
Kleima at nafni komin til siévar. 

Gr. prifizt hvergi piazza dottir, 
bruidir vestar, bratt skal ek reidazt, YO 
rétt skal ek ykkr 4dr rddull skini 
yorgum senda vist til bradar. 

Kleima, pat var fyrr at fadir-okkar 
burtu seiddi baru hiarbir, 


‘skulud aldregi, nema skép Tdi, 


heilir hedan heim um komazt, 
‘Gr. Skal ek ykkr bédum skidtla heita 
oddi ok eggju i upp-hafi, 
munu p4‘reyna Roégnis mellur 
hv6rt betr dugir broddred}a krumma, 20 





Gr. Hér héfum fellt til foldar 


‘tirar-lausa tolf berserki, 


p6é var Sérkvir seggja peira 


proska mestr ok prostr annarr. 
Fyrst mun ‘ek likja ept fodur minum 





skal eigi min déttir, nema skér hoggviz, 


naudig gefin neinum manni, 


APPENDAGE TO INTRODUCTION. 
(Page xxvii, note 4.) 


I, Rimur in vellum, from the year 1450 to 1550. 
Leikr enn hrygé { lidda sal : litié kann eg spektar tal ; 
hef eg ei Eddu heyrt né sé : hun hefir 66rum meira 1é3.— 
Sigurdar pigla Rimur, AM, 604. 
Odrinn skal nu eigi myrkr : ora er pat minni styrkr; 
skaldin munu pa skiala betr : ef skidlum ver ekki um Eddu letr.— 
Sturlaug Starfsama R., AM. 603. 
Eigi nennig Eddu klifun i ordum hylja; 
gledinnar brégd fyrir gumnum dylja : gaman er ekki myrkt at pylja.— 
Ans R., Cod. Wolph. 
Bragatins smid um bauga hliéd skal brégnum sent, 
pé Edda hafi mer ekki kent : orda fidld eda kveda ment. 
And— Akta kann eg enga sorg i Eddu greinum. 
And— Eddu ldt med ordin kat : ytar fylla merdar bat; 
sonar gamm skal setja framm : ok selja ut 4 orda damm.—arlmanns R. 
pé er mer ekki pat své kert : at bylja visur hreinar, 
aldri hef-ek Eddu lert : orda-dygdir neinar.—R. af Ill Verra ok Vest. 


Aldri hef ek fir Eddu nein : afmors brogé eda kvzxia grein, 
berst eg pvi sem brim vid stein : pa blida nefni-eg lauka rein.— 

Konrads R., AM. 604. 
Ekkert fz eg af Eddu lid : a6 auka penna mala klid ; 
pykir hin sumum pung-skilin : pvi komst ekki i huga minn.— 

Dinus Drambldata R, 

Své er mer Edda ordin leid : hid ddrum fredum katum ; 
ni hefig ekki um nokkurt skeid : nytt af hennar latum.—Reinallz R. 


II. From the year 1550 to 1650 (on Paper MSS.: Arna-Magn. 521, 606, 609, 611, 
615, 4to; and 132, 139, 141, 143, 145, 8vo). 
Edda gorir mer Ongan styrk : orda vals i smidju 
pvi er min ekki mzlskan myrk : mardar tals vid idju—Pontus R. 
Hars eg fiadra hreggid tel : heimskra manna fredi ; 
skatnar hyggnir skilja vel : Skdldu og Eddu bedi.— 
Valdimars R. [pérdr a Strivgi). 
Eddu kroka aldri mig : ztla-eg vid ad stydja 
og engan nema einsaman pig : sem allir eiga at bidja . 
And— Vist munu skaldin virda mer : til vérkunnar pa geta ad sér, 
peir sem Eddu idka fin : & henni lima kvzéin sin. 
And— Sannleik allan segi eg per : og satt med-kenni, 
allt eins fer fyrir Eddu og mer : eg dles henni.— 
Sio Meistara R, [Biérn Sturluson, 1621]. 
Ekki hefi-eg & Eddu stod : né orda dyrum greinum, 
ma eg pvi ekki meréar bod : meyjunum fera neinum.— 
Borsteins Bejarmagns R. 


Margir yrkja mer@ir vel { minnis ranni 
lidda smidir lidst af munni : litid pé i Eddu kunni. 
And— Frosta logur fremur sdgur um fruir og sveina, 
bernsku bogur margir meina : mAlin fogur Eddu greina. —Rollants R. 


Af Eddu fekk eg engan snert : um efnid pykir meira vert. —Esthers R 





ee eee = ee ote Mer. 
SR es 
. 7 Fy? val al 





APPENDAGE TO INTRODUCTION. 561 


Onga hef-eg af Eddu ment : orda snild ad vanda, 
veit eg mer pvi varla hent : Vidris drykk ad blanda,—Tobias R. 
Edda er s6gd ein Aget bék : dllum sem hana stunda, 
mérg og fogr & kenning klék : ef kappar ad pvi grunda.—Vilmundar R. 
Minzt er eg vid mentan kringr : mardir saman ad reyra, . 
allra sizt { Lddu slingr : dldin m4 pat heyra.—UJfars R. (Jén i Vattarnesi). 
Nytum yti eg Nordra pridm : ef nui vill hlyda mengi, 
Ekki fekk eg Eddu nim : 6ds vid lidda strengi.—pialar Fons R. 
Margir brika i manséng fyrst : mdlin Eddu diup og ha, 
pessa ekki lasta eg list : pd langt sé eg henni burtu fra. 
~ And—Eg hefi sizt vid Eddu tok . ..—Ambales R. 
4 Hvernig m4 sé heimskur er : hrundum fara manséngs kver, 
ef hann ekki Eddu ber : og engin hennar demin sér. 
And— Engin hef-eg 4 Eddu skil : né ungri skemta menja bil, 
p6 vil eg sidtta sénar spil : sogunnar verda ad hverfa til—_Hermdds R. 
Skil eg mig vid skalda log og skikkan Eddu, 
aldrei er, ef ad pvi grundid : efi pyngra i merdir bundid.— Moyses R. 
Eddu greinir engar py] : er per bagt ad skilja, 
leirinn arnar let eg til : lasti hann peir sem vilja.—Alaflekks R. 
Ei skal purfa dldin her vid Eddu ad hnyta, 
hennar ord og hagleg fredi : hafa skal ekki i minu kvedi.—Egils R. 
Litid hefeg lert ad stunda lagid 4 kvedum, 
Eddu kann eg ekki af redum : sem efni hefir af mérgum gedum. 
And— Eddu kenning ekki pykir 6llum bata,—Flovents R. 
Onga lerdi eg Eddu ment : sem idkudu skaldin fordum, 
pvi er mer ekki i hrdéri hent : ad haga mitkum ordum,.— 
R. of Lykla Petri [Hallgr. Peterson]. 
Adur hefir si Edda pént : afmérs lidda greinum, 
pvi skal hedan af pessi ment : pidna Gudi einum. . 
And— Er mer tregur Eddu vegur : oréa snild ad hrésa.—Syraks R. 
Ment tr Eddu min er krenkt : mala lengd ad hrista, 
ervidid skal pé ydur sent : eflir fraegra lista. 
And— Natttru fer negdin ser : numin af rikum anda, 
namid Eddu annad er : Onars midd ad vanda——Maganus Olafsson in 1609. 
pad mega sanna sprundin spék : er spektin menta nadi ; 
ad eingin hef-eg 4 Eddu tok : og aldri hennar gadi. 
‘ And— Litil hef-eg 4 liddum tok : lagda eg sizt vid Eddu mok, 
ditip-fundin ad dikta rék : dugir sialdan mentin lok, 
And— pau ordin spok og Eddu rok : ekki margir skilja... 
And— Edda studdi flesta fast : i freda smidi klaru.—Krodka Refs R. 
And— pvi skal rada pidd vid mig : i pessu orda sedi, 
hun nam Edda hvila sig : heima og Skalda bedi.— 
Apollonius R. [Biirn of Skarésa]. 
Efnid parf i orda starf : allt pd sett i getur, 
| Eddu-magr, illa hagur : aldri kemst & fetur.—Grishildar R. 
Vinst peim ekki ad vanda brag : sem veit ei Eddu kroka, 
; og aldrei lerdi 4 sinn dag : seb gaitt fredi-bdka,—Grettis R, 
| Allir fa i Eddu séd : @ fallvaltan penna heim, 
: vanmatt Asa og virding med ;: hun veltur 4 pessum hidlum tveim.— 
jon Lerdi, 1641 [Cod. Holm. 38]. 








Lastly in Liuflingslag— 
Ekki sidst her Eddu kenningar, 
utan sam-fellur sagna minna.—K6tlu-draumr. 


VOL. Il. 00 











s 
7 








NOTES. 


BOOK VII.—Bragi, (p. 6.) 


In the Mabinogion, Creiddylad, daughter of Lludd of the Silver Hand or Liyr, t is 
the Hilda of Everlasting Battle, taking place every first day of May between Gwynn 
{Finn] ap Nudd and Gwythyr mal Greidiawl. Yet, she is genealogically the sweet 
gentle Cordelia of Shakespeare’s Play—what a strange metamorphose! The Greek 
form of the legend is the tale of Eriphyle, who is bribed by the Belt of Beauty to 
fight at Thebes. Chaucer knows this story— 

Eriphile, that, for an ouche of gold, 

Hath privily unto the Greeks told 

Wher that hir husband hid him in a place, 
For which he had at Thebes sory grace. 

line 5 can now be restored; in oskrin we espy ésk-kvén (see Excursus, vol. ii, 
p. 474); and ‘Hedins’ in ‘ peris,—Hedins ésk-kvin = Hilda, Hedin’s captive wife. 
The sense remains as in the translation, 

1, 12, Valgifris is suggested by the A.S. walgifre; the alliteration then requires 
‘ wulfs,’—a notable fact, showing that in Bragi’s “y the w before u-vowel was still 
heard, Wodin, wull, wulf, 

1, 19. Hedin was the son of Hiarrand (Heorend the Harper). Here the prose in 
Edda yields the true reading. 

1, 21. sal-penningr, hence is the corrupt ‘sal-bendingr,’ Thulor, 1, 229. 

1, 29. dl-skdlir; the Lay of Hamtheow yields this emendation. 

l, 31. goerdan = gory (?), a rare word, see however Dict. s. v. ByT ia, and vol. ii, 
P+ 359 Vii. 5. 

1, 41. Geofen’s ground or path is the Ocean in Beowolf. 

1, 42. Read, ‘renni-réknom,’ cp. Helgi, i. 209. 

1. 44. The name of the lake is Venir (rather than Venir), Yngl. S. ch. 33; we 
surmise either ‘Vznis of vidri,’ or perhaps an older gen, Vzneris, like vartaris 
(p. 62, 1, 12), mutaris, Sighvat x. 64. 

1. 46. Read, Iardar. 


1, 66, vazta undir-kulo (stone’s) Ala (giant’s) rédd (gold)—unless the whole phrase | 


be over-daubed by the restorer, 


Haustlong, (p. 14.) 


1, 2. The addition ‘raums pa er rekka semi’ is only found in paper copies of 
the middle of the eighteenth century, a mere modern fill-gap. Mark in this poem 
the numerous blank first halves, and, though rarer, consonance instead of rhyme in 
second half, for instance, l. 4. 

l. g. tal-hreinn, a decoy reindeer; it recalls ‘stel hran’ of King Alfred, which 
after all may be simply the Norse word thus transformed into English, for tal (bait) 
is a well-known Icel, word, whilst ‘stl’ (stale) in English is so near in sound. 

i, 28. Read, hollz, 

- 1, 34. One would prefer att-konr, ep, Yt. 141 and Mark 31 (the Ainsman nf 


002 
> 





564 NOTES TO PAGES 15-27. [ BK. VII. 


Hymi). On the whole, ‘runnr’ is in all such instances doubtful; the change was, 
on account of the rhyme, tempting to a later ‘ remanieur.’ 

1. 43. veodr, here =veorr. 

ll, 61, 62, We read berg-folginn (crag-entombed, rock-pent), a fit epithet for 
a giant. 

1. 63. Construe, Haka myrk-reinar (sea’s) bein (stone’s) meetir (giant). 

ll. 66, 67. Construe, imon-disir, the war-fairies. One would prefer triéno trolli; 
bida héggs fra h6érdo tridno trolli (wait for a stroke of the Hammer), 

l. 72. pridtr was once a law term, a defaulter, ‘ bankrupt.’ 


Eilif’s Bors-drapa, (p. 19.) 

1. 5. Gamm-leid (vultures’ path), a pun: lopt (the air) = Loptr, one of Loki’s names, 

1, 7. giard-vendir (Thor), from his Belt or Girdle, 

1, 18. prym-seil, the team or harness-pole. 

1. 23. We prefer hreggi hoggna as epithet to ml: bor (the borer)—the clattering 
files (staves) rattled against the tempest-beaten gravel. 

1, 24. Fedja, the Norwegian island of that name, The poet uses by preference 
images drawn from proper names of places or people, see Excursus, vol. ii, p. 467. 

1, 44. The Shield Britons. 

1. 45. Kolgo Svipioé =Svipiod in Kalda = Scythia. 

1. 53. fylvingar vallar, the filberts of the field, i.e, stone, cp. fiard-epli below, 

1. 55. vafreydi = vaforlogi. 

1, 59. tongo segi, see p. 456. 

1,74. Under ‘bliku kalfa’ we surmise ‘Mokkor-kalfa,’ Muck-calf, the Mud 
monster ; a name known from the story in Edda; this phrase would then be Snorri’s 
authority for it, Alfheim’s mokkor-kalfi is an apt denomination for a giant. 

1. 75. Listi, a county in Norway; Rygir, Rugians, a Norwegian folk; Ella, the 
English king, Construe, hval-lattrs Lista Rygja (gen. pl.), the denizens of the whale- 
littering coast, an apt denomination for Giant-land, sited at the outskirts of Earth, 
where the whales litter. 

Wolf’s House Lay, (p. 23.) 

Il, 1-2, The Cod, r reads ged-niarpar, corrupted for ged-markar (the soul’s abode, 
the breast). We have the second part of the image in |. 1, for under ‘ hoddmildom 
hildar’ must be concealed a genitive, denoting a name of Woden, Woden’s breast’s 
liquor, the poetry, the sacred Soma. Wolf the poet manifestly modelled his lines 
after Egil’s Head Ransom, Il.1, 2. Construe, ek té Aleifi [Woden’s] geb-markar la, 

1, 8. Under sigrunni svinnom we surmise sdd-reyni Sénar sylgs (dat.), i.e. 
Woden, cp. a parallel, p. 80, 1, 33; Sénar sylgs sid-reynir=she searcher of the 
Soma drink, the Soma-inspired god; ‘heilags tafns’ would stand in apposition 
to it, meaning the holy offering. 

1. 10. We take hrot to be the word; the figures were painted or carved on the 
roof of the hall; ‘minni’ are the old ¢ales represented thereon. 

1, 19. The fording of the river Wimmer, see above, pp. 17, 18. Thor’s grasping 
the rowan tree is not now preserved in the poem, cp. Iliad xxi. 242. . 

1, 29. Over-daubed, underneath which we once more espy Egil’s Head Ransom, |, 69, 
Wolf’s model here as elsewhere in this song: ‘ Here the river reaches the sea’ is a 
proverb, preserved here and p. 54, 1. 8—a favourite phrase, it seems, to end a song. 

Vetrlidi, (p. 27.) ‘Starkad’ is here the eight-handed giant—Sa madr bid vid 
Aloforsa er Storkodr hét; hann var kominn af pursum ... Starkadr hafdi atta hendr, 


ok vé med fidrom sverdum i senn—He abducts Alfhilda whilst she is reddening — 


Seog eee ea SAS a cae be iin alc 





Pa rn eee et wpe Oe Oe hy Se tm 
PN es a ee . ; ‘ 


§ 1-2] NOTES TO PAGES 27-31. 565 


the altar at a sacrifice; her father Alf invokes Thor, who then slew the giant 
[Hervar Saga]. This passage is only found in a late paper MS. ; we take it to be 
drawn from a lost leaf of Skioldunga. 


Thorbiorn, p. 27. These verses were known to the Thulor compilers, see p. 424. 


Glymdrapa, (p. 29.) 

This poem is so completely restored that hardly an original word or sentence 
remains; yet Ari must have known it in its pure state, and even now the names he 
records can ever and anon be recognised underneath. 

Ari says—pess getr Hornklofi i Glymdrapu at Haraldr konungr hafdi fyrr barzk 4 
‘ Uppdals-skégi vid Orkndceli.’ ‘Heidi’ represents the place; under ‘ ceski meida’ 
we recognise * Orkndeeli.’ 

vv. 3 and 8, The history underlying these verses must be sought in the Irish and 
Welsh Annals, 

1, 10. Hunpidfr er nefndr konungr, sa er ré6d fyrir Moera-fylki. Sdlvi Klofi hét son 
hans, ...en s& konungr er réd fyrir Raumsdal er nefndr Nokkvi []. 10], hann var 
mébur-fadir Sélva. (They rise against Harald) ok hittask peir vid Sdlskel. Farther 
on Ari relates, Harold fought Arnwid, King of Southmore, and Eadbeorn of the 
Friths, and there a second battle was fought at the Isle of Solskel—of which names 
we find Noékkvi, |, 10; the place, Solskel, we catch hidden under ‘dyn skotom,’ 
J]. 14. In 1. 17 we recognise—Ok at lyktum vard Haraldr sva reidr, at hann gekk 
fram 4 ‘rausn’ 4 skipi sinu.,. leitodo pa menn Arnvidar konungs 4 flétta, enn 
hann sialfr fell 4 skipi sinu, par fell ok Audbidrn konungr, en Sélvi flydi,—citing 
verse 5 as his authority. 

vv. 6, 7 refer to a battle in the Gotha River. In line 23 we recognise—‘ stikudu’ 
Gautar Gautelfi... Haraldr konungr hélt skipum sinum upp i Elfina ‘ ok lagdizk 
vid stikin,’ Farther, Haraldr konungr fér vida um Gautland herskildi, ok atti par 
margar orrostor tveim megin Elfarinnar, ok fekk hann optast sigr; Enn { einhverri 
orrosto fell Hrani inn Gauzki, which last name lurks probably underneath 1. 25, 

v. 8 is cited by Ari as authority for the harrying of the West, in the Hebrides, the 
Isle of Man, Scotland, in one of which battles Earl Iwere was slain. One fancies to 
discover ‘ Manverja’ in |. 27 (men-fergir); ‘sandi Manar’ (beach of the Isle of Man) 
under ‘ sandmens,’ 1. 28 [cp. Sandwad, Manx Chron. 1098]; under ‘lzbrautar’ some 
- place is hidden. 

Guthorm Sindri, (p. 30.) 

These verses are in just as bad a plight, 

v. 1 is cited as authority for a raid of the Danes in the Wick; the king chases 
them, some back to Halland [ialfadar, 1. 3], some to Jutland, whither the king 
follows them, overtakes and beats them [l. 2]. 

v. 2. The king with two ships fights eleven Danish galleys in Zealand, in Ore- 
sound, In ‘Selmeina’ is hidden Selund, here as a pun (seal-wound, Sel-und), 

v. 3. Eptir pat herjadi Hakon konungr vida um Selund, renti mart folk, enn 
drap sumt, enn sumt her-ték hann, ok ték gidld stér af sumum... Sidan for Hakon 
konungr austr fyrir Skaneyjar-sidu, herjadi allt, t6k gidld ok skatta af landinu, enn 
drap alla vikinga hvar sem hann fann, bedi Dani ok Vindr [l. 10]; fér hann allt 
austr fyrir Gautland [1]. 11] ok herjadi par, ok fekk stér gidld af landinu, Hakon 
konungr fér aptr um haustit...hann sat um vetrinn i Vikinni vid ahlaupum, ef 
Danir eda Gautar gordi par. 

v. 4 refers to King Tryggvi, Olaf Tryggvason’s father—pat sama haust kom 
Tryggvi [1]. 14] konungr Olafsson or vestr-viking, hann hafdi pa herjat um frland 


566 NOTES TO PAGES 31-37. [ BK. vIn. 


ok Skotland [I. 15]; um varit for Hakon nordr i land, ok setti Tryggva konung, 
brédur-son sinn, yfir Vikina {l. 14]. 

vv. 5, 6. A battle in the Isle of Karmen (Kormt), on Agwaldsness, where King 
Gudrum (Gorm), Bloodaxe’s son, fell. The king chases the flying host to West 
Agde, and hence to Jutland, Every word and fact is here blurred and blotted out. 

v. 7 relates to the Battle on Rastar-kalf; names of places are, Stad (Cape Stadt), 
Fradar-berg, Féeyjar-sund. Notable events—Egil Woolsark is slain; the stratagem 
of the Ten Banners; King Gamli, the son of Eric Bloodaxe, is slain. This is all 
dramatically told in Ari, who, besides the poem, seems here to have had popular 
tradition (or, even, a scrap of a song?); the cairns, too, were still visible in his 
day as standing memorials. It is around old Egil Woolsark that the tradition 
wove its tale. In l. 25 we seem to espy ‘ fyrir Fredar-bergi;’ in 1. 26, ‘ Ullserkr... 
tio merkjom ;’ in 1. 27 ‘Gramr,’ read ‘Gamli;’ ‘ odskvanar’ [1], 28] must be ‘ ésk 
kvanar,’ the leman of Woden =the land which Hacon won, 


Cormac’s Sigrod Drapa, (p. 33.) 


But fragments, in part sadly over-painted, though ever and anon whole lines and 
phrases remain intact. One would like to know what is hidden under lines 9, 10; 
does ‘ ennidukr’ mean the kerchief worn by the sacrificing priest ? if so, it would be 
the only instance where anything like Lat. vitte is mentioned; however, the clue 
to the whole is wanting. 

1. 10, Cod. has Rindar., 

1, 15. Cod. r and 1e8 read, Sigradar ; though erroneous (the poem is on Sigrod 
Hacon’s son, not on Hacon his son), yet the form Sigrod is notable, being only met 
with here, else the scribes have throughout turned it into Sigurd. Haleygiatal, 1. 35. 


Eywind’s Improvisations, (p. 35.) 


1, 2. hefnendr, the sons of a slain father, see Excursus, vol. ii, p. 475. 

1,17. Fenriss varra sparri, F.’s lip-bolt; see in Edda how the Bound Wolf was 
gagged with a sword. 

1. 24. The spear-sheath and the deep edges of the broad-bladed javelin are noticed 
here: it is seldom one gets a detailed account of the weapons in a Court-poem. 

1. 25. imon-lauks, drawn, we think, from the Helgi poet, where (Helgi i. 28) we 
hence mend the erroneous ‘itr-lauk.” Eywind knew the Helgi line in this shape. 
We have elsewhere noticed how a few other phrases and words in Eywind were 
actually drawn from the Helgi Lay. 

vv. 7,8. The poet’s lament, telling how in Hacon’s days every man wore his gold 
and paraphernalia, whilst now that we have fallen on evil times, people have to 
hide their treasures in the earth. 

1,34. Asaw. £ld bears hard on the soldier. 

v. Io is clearly corrupt ; Eywind had to pay, as fine, a ring, an old heir-loom— 
Fyvindr atti gollhring mikinn ok gédan er kalladr var Moldi; hann hafOi verit 
tekinn léngu 4ér or idrdu. [Hkr. p, 112, Unger.] This must be drawn from this 
very verse; under ‘foldar’ we recognise the name ‘ Moldi;’ under ‘ pursaby’ may 
be hidden the name of the place where the ring had been dug up; indeed, a ‘ Thursaby’ 
is found in South-east Norway, 

1, 42. birki brums hind (a goat), see Excursus, vol, ii, p. 456. 

On the Famine and the Herrings and the gift of the brooch, the Kings’ Lives, 
drawing from our verses, record—Sv& kom um sidir, at naliga misti landz-folkit 
vidast korns ok fiska. A Hélogalandi var sv& mikill sultr ok seyra at par 6x néliga 


an ie te a” 





§ 2.] NOTES TO PAGES 37-40. 567 


ekki korn, ‘enn snidér 14 pé 4 Sllu landi at midju sumri, enn bi allt var inni bundit at 
midju sumri.’ Své kvad Eyvindr skalda-spillir, hann kom ut, ok dreif midk... 
Eyvindr orti drapu um alla Islendinga ; enn peir launudu hénum sv4, at hverr béndi 
paf hénum skatt-penning, si stdd prid penninga silfrs vegna, ok hvitr i skor. Enn 
er silfrid kom fram 4 Alpingi, pé rédu menn pat af, at fa smido til at skira silfrid ; 
sidan var gorr af feldar-dalkr, enn par af var greitt smidar kaupit; pa st6d dalkrinn 
fimm tigi marka; hann sendu peir Eyvindi. ‘ Enn Eyvindr lét héggva { sundr dalkinn, 
ok keypti ser bi med.’ 4 kom ok bar um var vid itver nokkur broddr af sild ; 
Eyvindr skipadi rédrar-ferjo hiskérlum sinum ok landz-buum, ok reri panog til sem 
sildin var rekin. Hann kvad [v.12]... ok svavendiliga var upp gengit allt lausa-fé 
hans, at hann keypti sildina til bordz ser med boga skoti sinu, Hann kvad [v. 13]. 

1, 44. spa-bernom, corrupt; the exact word uncertain, the image is throughout 
an arrow, sp&4-pornom must mean the thorns of the sea? In the next line read, 
okkor, plural from ‘ akka,’ a (barbed ?) arrow, Thulor 288 ; ‘ mutor iokla’ is corrupt, 
(the sea?), and we know not at present how to restore it. 

1. 46. Read, rénom sinom (raunom), with their snouts; cp. ‘It is said that they 
(the porpoises) often descend to the bottom in search of shrimps, sand-eels, and 
worms, which they root out of the sand with their snouts, much in the manner 
of hogs when seeking food in the fields. The porpoise, indeed, is known by the 
title of herring hog, etc.’ —Leisure Hour, Oct. 1882. 

1, 150. A proverb. Hunger is a great king. ‘Au mandement de Messer Gaster 
tout le ciel tremble, tout Ja terre bransle, Son mandement est nommé, Faut le faire 
sans delai ou mourir.”—Pant. 4. 57. 


Glum Grayfell’s Praise, (p. 39.) 

v. 2. Here either Skaneyjar (Denmark) or Skotlandi (Scotland) must need be 
wrong; if it be a foray in Gautland and Schonen, read ‘ Hallandi’ for ‘ Skotlandi’ 
‘[Hak. S. ch. 5].—In the Saga the warfare in the West is thus mentioned: Téku 
pa Eireks synir undir sik Hialtland ok Orkneyjar ok héfdu skatta af, enn féru i 
vestr-viking 4 sumrum ok herjudu um Skotland ok frland. fess getr Ghimr Geira- 
son [vv. 2 and 4].—Their Eastern Foray: Sumir Eireks synir féru i hernad, pegar 
er peir héfdu aldr til, ok Ofludu ser fidr, herjudu { Austrveg. peir véru snemma 
menn fridir, ok fyrr rosknir at afli ok atgérvi enn vetra tali, ess getr Glimr * 
- Geirason i Grdfeldar drapu [v.6], Eiriks synir snerosk pa ok med herr sfnn nordr 
i Vikina ok herjudu par, enn Tryggvi konungr hafdi her uti ok hélt til métz vid 
pa, ok Attu peir orrostor margar, ok héfdu ymsir sigr ; herjudu Eiriks synir stundum 
{ Vikina, enn Tryggvi stundum um Sidland ok Halland, [Hak. S.ch. 10.] 

v. 7. The Arctic Foray in Permia—Haraldr Grafelldr fér 4 eino sumri med her 
sinn nordr til Biarma-landz ok herjadi par; hann Atti orrosto mikla vid Biarma 4 
Vino-bakka, par hafdi Haraldr konungr sigr, ok drap mart foik, herjadi pé vida um 
landit, ok fekk ofa-mikit fé, ‘pess getr Glimr Geirason [v. 7]. 

v. 8, Gull-Haraldr kom til ‘ Hals i Lima-firdi,’ baud hann pegar Haraldi Grafeld 
til orrosto: enn pétt Haraldr hefdi lid minna, p& gekk hann pegar 4 land, ok bidsk 
til orrosto [ll. 27-32]. Enn adr fylkingar gengi saman, pa eggjar Haraldr Grafeldr 
hart lid sitt, ok bad pé bregda sverdom [l. 27], hlidp pegar framm i d6ndurda 
fylking, ok hid til beggja handa. ess getr Glimr Geirason i Gréfeldar-drapu 
[v. 8]. par fell Haraldr konungr Grafeldr, Sva segit Glimr Geirason [v. 10]. 

1, 29. We suggest, hv4rir-tveggjo Haraldar, 

1, 38. The two remaining brothers were Reginfred and Godfred. 

1, 40. See vol, ii, p. 227, for parallel passages on gifted kings. 


568 NOTES TO PAGES 44-46, [BK. VIE. 


Wellekla, etc., (p. 44.) 


Ruins of a once fine poem. 

vv. 1, 2. Hakon iarl hélt préndheim med styrk frenda sinna ‘ prié vetr’ sv at 
Gunnhildar-synir fengu engar tekjor i préndheimi; hann Atti margar orrostur vid 
Gunnhildar sonu, ok draéposk marga menn fyrir. pess getr Einarr Skdlaglam i 
Velleklu, er hann orti um Hakon iarl [vv. 1-3]. Enn getr Einarr hvernig Hakon 
iarl hefndi fodur sins [vv. 4, 5]. Enn er pat spyrr Hakon iarl, p& samnar hann lidi 
at ser ok hélt sudr 4 Mceri ok herjar bar. pa var Gridtgardr fodur-brddir hans par 
ok skyldi hafa landvérn af Gunnhildar sonum, hann baud her ut svi sem konungar 
hofdu ord til sent; Hakon iarl hélt til fundar vid hann ok til bardaga, ‘par féll 
Griétgardr ok tveir iarlar med hénum ok mart lid annat.’ essa getr Einarr Skala- 
glam [v. 6]. To which Fagrskinna adds—Hakon iarl hafdi p& rekit sinna harma, 
fyrir pvi at af hans raédum var drepinn Haraldr Gunnhildar sonr, sem Einarr Skéla- 
glam sagdi [v. 7]. 

vv. I-11. The expedition against Kaiser Otho is in the Saga told at some length 
—Otta keisari dré saman her mikinn; hann hafdi lid af Saxlandi ok Frakklandi, 
Frislandi, ok Vindlandi. Keisari hafdi riddara-her mikinn ok miklu meira fotgéngo 
li6 ; hann hafdi ok af Holtseta-landi mikinn her. Haraldr konungr sendi Hakon 
iarl med Nordmanna her, pann sem hdénom fylgdi, suér til Dana-virkiss at verja par 
landit. Sv& segir i Velleklu [v. 11]. Otta keisari kom med her sinn sunnan til 
Dana-virkiss, enn Hakon iarl vardi med lidi sinu borgar-veggina. ‘pd vard orrosta 
mikil...Féll par mart af keisara lidi, enn peir fengu ekki unnit at borginni 
{vv, 8-11], all of which is painted over in our text, see Introd. § 13; in], 30 we 
surmise that Holsatia is meant; in 1. 38 is hid the emperor’s name; in Il. 35, 36 
the people in the Kaiser’s army; here we miss the Saxons, which name would be 
hidden in 1. 36. But what is ‘Hagbarda,’ 1. 32? ‘Langbarda’ is a guess of ours, sup- 
pesing that the Kaiser is here the subject-matter. ‘Heath-beards’ would suit the’ 
verse, but the term is perhaps too archaic. The dauber’s big brush has destroyed all. 

vv. 12-14. Siglir iarl p& austr i gegnum Eyrarsund; herjar hann pa 4 hvart- 
tveggja land; sidan siglir hann austr fyrir Skaneyjar sidu, ok herjaéi par hvar sem 
hann kom vid land. Enn er hann kom austr fyrir Gauta-sker [I. 44], p4lagdi hann at 
landi, gérdi hann pa blét mikit ; pé kému flitigandi hrafnar tveir ok gullu hatt [Il. 42, 
43]; pa pykkisk iarl vita at Odinn hefdi pegit blétié, ok p& mun iarl hafa dagr&d 
[l. 42] til at berjask. pa brennir iarl skip sin Oll, ok gengr 4 land upp med lidi 
sinu, ok fér allt her-skildi, pa kom 4 méti hénum Ottar iarl, hann réd_fyrir 
Gautlandi; 4ttu peir saman orrostu miklu, fer par Hakon iarl sigr, enn Ottar iarl 
fell, ok mikill hluti lids med hénum. Hakon iarl ferr um Gautland hvart-tveggja, 
ok allt her-skildi, til pess er hann kemr i Noéreg, ferr sidan landveg allt nordr i 
préndheim [this march overland is hid in lines 45-48]. Fra pessu segir i Velleklu 
[vv. 12, 13]. 

Fagrskinna sums it up somewhat briefer and better :—p4 er Hakon kom austr 
fyrir Gautland, pa felldi hann blét-span, ok vitradisk hénum sv& sem hann skyldi 
hafa dagréé at berjask; sér 4 hrafna tv, hversu gialla ok fylgja lidinu sv4 sem her 
segir [v.12]. pa lét Hakon spilla skipum sinum, gekk upp 4 land me@d Gllu lidi 
sinu, fér her-skildi yfir allt Gautland, ok brendi bei ok renti hvar sem hann kom, 
pa kom i mét hénum Ottarr, iarl Gauta; bérdosk peir, ok lauk sv4 at hann flydi, 
enn drepinn inn mesti hlutr lids hans, enn Hékon ték mikit fé at her-fangi, fér hann 
um Smélond ok allt til Vestr-Gautlandz, skattar allt folk, ok kom vid své buit i 
Noreg. Svaé sem her segir [vv. 13, 14]. 














foe ae Le ee 


» 
‘4 
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Ey 
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- DS eee ee 
‘ 


§ 2] NOTES TO PAGES 46-47. 569 


There is little doubt that all this was contained in our poem, the sacrifice at 
Gauta skerries, the fight with the Earl, the burning of the ships, and the long 
march back to Norway. As the poem now reads, all is painted out and defaced. 
In 1. 50 we seem to see the Earl’s name ; in ll. 45-48 the wonderful march; whereas 
the sacrifice, the ravens, the chips, we can in the main restore, Il. 41-44. 

vv. 15-23. The two encounters with Reginfred, Gundhild’s son, must have been a 
somewhat serious piece of business, The story is told, Hkr, 17, 18, whereof we 
only subjoin a few sentences—Hélt Ragnfrédr pa nordr um Stad, ok herjadi um 
Sunn-mari ... Battle on Southmore—Hélt Hakon pegar til orrosto, hann hafdi lid 
meira ok skip smeri,... pbeir bérdusk um stafna sem pa var sidr til, straumr var i 
sundinu ok héf 6ll skipin inn at landinu [l. 70] ... Battle not decisive—Hélt Ragn- 
frédr lidi sinu sudr um Stad .. . Ragnfrddér konungr hafdi pa allt fyrir sunnan Stad, 
Firda-fylki, Sogn, Hérdaland, Rogaland . . . Hakon iarl baud lidi ut pa er varadi; 
hann jAafdi lid mikit af Hélogalandi ok Naumudali, sv4 at [read, sv& ok ?] allt fra 
Byrdo [Lat. 65°] til Stads [Lat. 62°] hafdi hann lid af dllom sid-léndom ; hénom 
drésk herr um 6ll proenda-lég, svi ok um Raumsdal; sva er at kvedit, at hann hefdi 
her af fidrum folk-léndum [l. 61]; hénom fylgdu siau iarlar [1. 64], ok héfdu peir 
allir é6grynni hers. Sv& segir i Velleklu [vv. 18-20]. Hakon iarl hélt lidi pessu dllu 
sudr um Stad. pa spurdi hann at Ragnfrédr konungr med her sinn veri farinn i 
Sogn; sneri hann p4 pannug sinu lidi, ok verdr par fundr peirra Ragnfrédar, Lagédi 
iarl skipum sinum at landi, ok hasladi v6ll Ragnfrédi konungi, ok ték orrosto stad. 
Sva segir i Velleklu [v. 21]. par vard all-hérd orrosta, hafoi Hakon iarl lid miklu 
meira, ok fekk sigr. ‘petta var 4 pinga-nesi [1. 65] par er metisk Sogn ok Horda- 
land. Ragnfrédr konungr flydi til skipa sinna, enn par fell af lidi konungs prit 
hundrud manna [I. 72]. Sva segir { Velleklu [v. 22]. Eptir orrosto pessa flydi 
Ragnfréér konungr or Noregi, enn Haékon iarl fridadi land [Il. 75, 76]. 

All this is mangled in our text, with a bit of the torn web left here and there, 

vv. 23-29. Hakon iarl lagdi pa land allt undir sik []. 75] ok sat pann vetr f{ 
préndheimi. ess getr Einarr Skdlaglam i Velleklu [v. 23]. Hakon iarl, er hann 
fér sunnan med landi um sumarit, ok landz-folk gekk undir hann, pd bavd hann 
pat um riki sitt allt, at menn skyldo halda upp hofum ok blétum, ok var sva gért. 
Sva segir i Velleklu [vv. 24-27]. And again [Hkr. ch. 50]—Hakon iarl réd Noregi 
allt it ytra med sid ok hafdi hann til forrééa sextdn fylki [sixteen folklands or 


- shires}. Enn sidan er Haraldr inn Harfagri hafdi sva skipat, at iarl skyldi vera i 


hverjo fylki, pa hélzk pat lengi sidan. Hakon iarl hafdi sextan iarla undir sér 
[l. 52]. Swa segir i Velleklu [v. 29]. Medan Hakon iarl réd fyrir Noregi, pa var 
g6d arferd i landi ok gdér fridr innan-landz med béndom [ll. 89, go]. Or, as 
Fagtskinna says—Hakon iarl var rikr, ok t6k at efla blét med meiri freku enn fyrr 
hafdi verit; pa batnadi brétt drferd, kom aptr korn ok sild, groer idrdin med 
bléma. Sv segir Einarr [v. 27]. pa var fridr gédr med 4rinu, sem enn segir 
Einarr [v. 28]. 1 annari drdpu segir Einarr 4 pessa lund [see p. 48, v. 9]. Her 
ma heyra at synir Eireks brutu nidr blétin, enn Hakon héf upp annat sinn. 

In v. 25 the extent of Hacon’s dominion is given; the southern boundary is 
Wick (the Bay).—Cp. here Eywind’s Haleygiatal (ll. 49, 50) as restored in the 
notes to vol. i, reading ‘ Eida’ for the evidently false ‘Egda.’ The northern boundary 
we hold is hidden in 1]. 80; in Halogaland there is an island Vedrey [Lat. c. 65°].— 
Later, in Earl Eric’s day, the boundary in the north is Vegja or Veggi-staf [Lat. 
c. 69°]. In S. Olaf’s day (as we conclude from a corrupt verse, vol. ii, p. 155, 1. 65) 
it was still expanded, extending from the Eid Forest, west of Gotha River, to 
Gandwick or the White Sea. ‘Between Gotha River and Finmarken,’ says the 


570 NOTES TO PAGES 48-54. [BK. vit 


author of Konunga-tal, c. 1190. Snorri, in 1222, gives the marches as the Gotha 
River and the White Sea, including Finmarken, 

The other Drapa contains, beside vv. 2, 9, 10, no facts whatever; most of the 
fragments are from Edda (Sks.), and the whole may, for ought we know, be a 
fabrication of Skalaglam’s namesake Skulason. Mark the genealogical touch, v. 8, 
Hacon’s descent from Harold War-tusk, 

In Tind’s poem the battle in Godmar [], 40], a bay or estuary on the east side of 
Christiania frith, is notable. 

Red-cloak’s son. Who the nine princes were [p. 51, 1. 4], whom Hacon sent to 
Woden (slew), we are nowhere told. Earl Othere, the Gunhildsons, Gritgard, and 
the two other earls make some six or seven. 

Eilif (p. 51), 1. 10, note. Sénar s4d (the Soma seed), with which cp. Husd. 9 (as 
above) and p. 80, |. 33. 

Banda-drapa, etc., (p. 51.) 


Ari relates how the earl, age ten or eleven, on Mori fought Tiding-Skopti, the 
earl—Sva segir Eyjolfr Dadaskald i Banda-drépo [v. 1]. The poem must have 
contained Skopti’s full name, so, 1. 8, we read and restore, opt T%dinda Skopta, hid 
under ‘ bl63volum’ (the usual bloody image the remanieur delights in)—1. 5, at moti, 
read 4 Moeri ?—I. 6, we have Utver, an isle off Sogn. 

The next spring the Danish King makes Eric earl in South Norway—Eptir um 
varit sendi Dana konungr Eirik nordr i Noreg, ok gaf hénum iarldém ok par med 
Vingul-mérk ok Rauma-riki til yfir-séknar med peim hetti sem fyrr hofou haft 
skatt-konungar. Sva segir Eyiolfr[v. 1]. In Il. 1, 2 one espies ‘ellifo” vettra; and 
in ]. 4 one espies ‘ Hleidrar’ mildingr under ‘hildar,’ viz. the King of Lethra, the 
Danish King. 

Olafs S, (Hkr.), ch. 96, 97, narrates the battles in the Baltic—Hann helt fyrst til 
Gotlandz []. 15] ok 14 bar vid lengi um symarit, ok setti kaup-skipum er sigldu til 
landzins, eda vikingum ; stundum gekk hann upp 4 landit, ok herjadi par vida med 
sianum. Sva segir i Banda-drapu [v. 4]. Sidan sigldi Eirekr sudr til Vindlandz, ok 
hitti par fyrir Staurinum Vikinga skip nokkur .. . ok drap Vikingana. Sva segir i 
Banda-drapu [1. 5]. 

1. 17. Read, styrir gumna . . . (the earl) sigldi i Austrveg. Enn er hann kom i 
riki Valdimars konungs, tdk hann at herja ok drepa mann-folkit ok brenna allt par 
er hann fér, ok eyddi landit; hann kom til Aldeigio borgar [Il. 31-33] ok settizk par 
um bar til er hann vann stadinn, drap par mart folk, enn braut ok brendi borgina 
alla, ok sidan fér kann vida her-skildi i Garda-riki. Své segir i Banda-drapu [v. 9]. 
Eirikr var i pessum hernadi 6llum samt fimm sumur. Enn er hann kom or Garda- 
riki, fér hann her-skildi um alla Adal-syslu [I]. 29] ok par ték hann fidrar vikinga 
skeidr af Donom [1]. 24] ok drap allt af. Své segir i Banda-drapu [vv. 7, 8]. Upon 
which he returns to Denmark and marries the king’s daughter—Eirikr iarl var & 
vetrum i Danmérk enn stundum i Svia-veldi, enn i hernadi 4 sumrum.—‘ Eyrar- 
sundi,’ 1, 23, is probably not the right place, some other sound in the East Baltic 
being meant. . 

Sailor Poets, etc., (p. 54.) 


From the Sailor Poets (p. 53 sqq.) we have in Excursus I extracted the mythical 
figures as far as they can be made out. 

In Snowbiorn’s poem, |. 2, mend ‘skez’ for ‘sz,’ and construe, budlunga mili 
(king) ltr huflangan stidr-vidjar ske (steerwithy steed=ship) stydja hlemmi sverd 
vid hardri dufo; stidrn-vid, Thulor 399. Ey-ludr=island bin, Ey-mylrir, id, 








Ae ee Coe Pee es we ee. 
5 ay ‘> ; 


§ 2-4.] NOTES TO PAGES 55-64, 571 


ll. 5, 6. Construe, per es fyr léngo mélo Aml63a meldr-lid, who in ages past 
ground Amlodi’s meal-vessel =the ocean, The occurrence of Amlodi (Hamleth) 
as Ocean Giant is noticeable; observe the figure of speech preserved in Saxo who 
calls the sand ‘ The meal ground by the gales.’—Orm’s epithet recalls William’s line, 
‘ Our Sire in his see above the Seven Stars.’ R, R. 352. 


Romund, (p. 56.)—Only the first three verses are fine, and they alone may be 
genuine.—v. 3 gives the proverb of predestination,—vv. 4-11 are all more or less 
commonplace, 

1, 10. adr ne gorr, cp. Hamtheow Lay, I. 134. 


The Mewsider’s verses, (p. 58.)—l. 13. séttomk heim, cp. heim-sékn, a law term. 

1, 24. doemi-salr déma, corrupt, but refers to the ‘Door Doom,’ whereof the 
Saga speaks—Eptir pat setti porbiorn dura-dém, ok nefndi sex menn { dém, sidan 
sagdi porbiorn fram sékina 4 hendr pérarni um hrossa-tékuna. pé gekk Geirrid 
(Thorarin’s mother) uit i dyrnar, etc. [Eyrb, ch. 18.] 

1, 28. Fréda-vellir? Fréda, i.e. Froda & (Frodi’s water), is a farm on the inmost 
side of the creek; Enni, 1, 38, a big headland on the outer side. 

1.55. A proverb: Storm often comes out of a sultry sky. 

1, 63. Note the older uncontracted form Arnketill. 


Illuga-drapa, (p. 61.)—A pessu pingi deildu peir porgrimr Kiallaksson ok synir 
hans vid Illuga Svarta um mund ok heiman-fylgju Ingibiargar Asbiarnar dottur, 
konu Illuga, er Tinforni [l, 64] hafdi att at vard-veita ... enn Kialleklingar gengu 
at déminum ok vildu upp hleypa; var p& prong mikil [I]. 1], 4ttu menn pa hlut i 
at skilja p&4. Kom pa sv at Tinforni greiddi fét at tolum Illuga. Sv& kvad Oddr 
skald i Illuga-drdpu [v. 1]... .Snorri godi bad ser pb’ manna til medal-géngu, ok 
kom 4 gridum med peim. par féllu prir menn af Kialleklingum [1]. 67] enn fidrir 
af Illuga, ete. [Eyrb. ch, 17.] 

1. 6. Read, premja svellz, 

1. 12. holt-vartaris, the holt-garter, i.e. a snake. Observe ‘ vartari,” which word 
occurs only here and thrice besides; Thulor, 1. 369 (of some fish); Edda in the 
story of Loki, whose mouth was sewed together with a thong called vartari; and 
lastly, in the List, Edda 748, our vol. ii, p. 546. The etymon of this word has 
never been observed; it is indeed the Engl. garter, which thus turns out to be a 
_ good, sound Teutonic word; French jarretier we are inclined to take as a popular 
etymology, the identity in sense and the resemblance to the Teutonic word are too 
striking to be but casual, Construe, holt-vartaris enni-tingl = egis-hialmr, an orna- 
ment particular to serpents, cp. Old Wols. Play, Il. 121, 125. 

1, 13. Read Fyris-valla, the banks of the River Fyri (short vowel, not Fyri), the 
river near Upsala, now Foret: the banks of that river, famous in ancient history and 
legends, are Fyris-vellir. 

1, 16. King Eric the Victorious, mentioned in Thorgny’s speech, Reader, p. 178. 


Sibyl Stein.—1, 16, Mims vinar, cp. Sonat. 89; fundr pundar, cp. Sonat, 7. 
], 17. Glaumberg, a place? . 
1, 25. Barrédr, the uncontracted form, later Bardr, earlier Bar-fred. 


Cormac’s Improvisations, (p. 63.)—The first ten or twelve verses are the best ; 
indeed, the greater part of the rest is very doubtful, yet we have drawn hence 
the synonyms of women, Excursus, p. 476. 

Noticeable is the carved pillar, representing Hagbard, the Danish prince, the lover 
of Signy. Hagbard and Signy are the Romeo and Juliet of Northern tales, of whom 


572 NOTES TO PAGES 65-73. [BK. VII. 


Saxo tells a story. Note also v. 7, wherein he values Stangerd’s eyes and locks; 
and, v. 8, her whole body, which he puts at seven countries, indeed at the whole 
world known to him. 

In 1, 32, we mend Svia ; still we miss Norway, which we take to be hid in 1. 30, 

1. 54. By guess, though we have not seen this image used elsewhere. 

1. 60. The Saga names a brother of Cormac named Frodi ; here, however, it is 
rather himself that is meant; maybe Frodi was Cormac’s Norse nickname. 

1. 74. Stangerd’s husband was surnamed Tin-teinn [tin-wire, tin drawer]; he was 
Eystan’s son, of a family called the Skidungs [from Skida in Norway ?]. 

1. 82, fioll fiardar kelli, corrupt=the fents? the white towering rime-mantled 
awnings. 

1, 88. Thorkettle’s daughter, Stangerd. 

1. 100. Solunds, isles, Norway off Sogn. : i 

v. 31. This verse is sure enough to be genuine; the image was a favourite in old 
Lays of the Aristophanes type, cp. p. 81, v. 12. 

1, 149. dalkr, an Irish loan word, deale=a brooch. Mend Dict. s. v. accordingly. 


Bersi,—l. 11. toro-getr, older form for ‘ tor-gztr,’ an old literative proverb. 
1.16. porrédr, the old form for Thord ; Thorfred is the still older form, 
1, 16. vinon [read vinod?], an else unknown word for vindtta; Egil uses vinad, 


Hofudl. 1. 84. 


Egil, (p.72.)—1.7. Metaphor from lifting a shutter-door, of Egil’s craggy eyebrows. 

v. 4. For the raising of the Nith pole (Libel pole) and the carmen, see Egil’s S. 
ch, 60.—Hann ték i hénd ser hesli-sténg, ok gekk 4 bergs-nés nékkura pa er vissi 
til landz inn; p& ték hann hross-hdfud ok setti upp 4 sténgina. Sidan veitti hann 
for-mala ok malti: ‘Her set ek upp nid-sténg, ok sny ek pessu nidi 4 hénd Eireki 
konungi ok Gunnhildi dréttningu.’—Hann sneri hross-héfdinu inn 4 land: ‘ Sny ek 
pessu nidi 4 landvettir per er petta land byggja, sva at allar fari per villar vega, ok 
engi hendi né hitti sitt inni [cp. Havam, v. 18] fyrr en per hafa rekit ér landi Eirek 
konung ok Gunnhildi.” Sidan skytr hann sténginni nidr i biarg-rifo, ok letr par 
standa; hann sneri héfdinu inn 4 land: enn hann reist rinar 4 stonginni, ok segja 
per formala penna allan. [Eg. S. ch, 60, cp. Excursus to vol. i, p. 419.] 

], 25. vrungo, an archaic form, an evidence that Egil pronounced wr (owing to 
his long sojourn in England ?). 

1. 27. hvarma hvit-vellir, the hoary white brows. 

v. 9. Undoubtedly genuine, but in part obscure: to the first we have not found a 
clue; it may refer to his tottering gait. Follomk ra skalla, restored from the ditty 
of Arni the Monk, vol. ii, p. 441, rd (shrub), neuter, as it seems, is a rare word, 
occurs else, in Havam. |. 70, ef mik serir pegn 4 rétom rds vidar (by carving charms 
thereon) ; cp, Lay of Skirni, 1. 130, where we read, til holtz ek rann ok til rds 
vidar, I ran to the holt, to the shrubwood I wended my way; once in Hallfred, p. 91, 
1. 30; twice in Merlin Spa, ii. 50, 85. We subjoin the readings of the existing 
MSS., Worm., ”Arna-Magn. 748, 4to, and 132 fol. :— 


W. Vals hefi ek vafur helsis val fallz enn ek kalla 
blautr‘em ek bergis fétar berr enn hlust er porrin. 


748. Vals em ek vavar helsis vafallr em ec skalla 
blautr em-ek bergis fétar borr enn hlust er porrin, 


432. Vafs hefi-ek vafor hessis vafallr em ek skalla 
blautr erumz bergi pota borr enn lust er porrin, 














ee eee. a 


§ 4] NOTES TO PAGES 74-81. 573 


v. 9. fotar bergi, the thigh; ‘borr’ cruris perforaculum, i.e. membrum virile, This is 
undoubtedly the sense; cp. Piers Plowman, Pass, xx, on his old age. The compiler 
of Egil’s Saga has defiled the image, which in the poet’s mouth is serious and not 
impure, 

Glum, (p. 74.)—l. 3. hrédr-skota, a verb here, and am, Aey. 

1. 6. firin-disi, a mighty fay; déms i draumi, ll. 7 and 16, is dubious. 

1, 10, A proverb. 

1, 20, god-reid, a troop of spirits. 

1, 21, of Fidrd tveggja vegna, on both sides of the Frith, thus emendated. 

1, 25. van-talid, as seen from the words of the Saga—par hygg ek at, hvat hénum 


. bykkir van-talid i einni visu.—Gluma, ch, 24. 


ll, 26, 27. Cp. the old Warrior-law, Excursus III, vol. ii. 
1. 42. Read, Gestils kleif, the cliff of Gestil =the shield; the MS. has klauf. 


Vigfus.—Construe, ver skeytum spidr medan hela bossi neytir hlys und vérmum 
vifs boegi, 

Satires, (p. 77-) 

v. I, Read and construe, nu hefi ek ristid (her) skopt & beekis hepti mino. 

1. 6. unnar, i,e. Gnnar, part of the sword; else only found in Helgi ii. 35 and 
Thulor 273. 

Ne Asmoéar, i.e. por-mddar. 

1, 13. A saw—Woe makes a man wan, cp, p. 369, 1. 6, and Proverb Song, I. 102. 

1, 16, hlaut-teins hreytir, the priest, from casting the divination chips, cp. Excursus 
to vol. ii, p. 480, and vol. i, p. 411. 

1. 20, fiall-roent, cp. haf-roenn, of the wind; words modelled by analogy after 
austr-cenn, etc. In all the words of a genuine formation there is a radical r, as in 
souther-n, easter-n, 

1, 21. Ass rikr=Thor. 

1. 23. Read, ein-hendis (one word). 

1. 25. firin-argr, very ‘ arg,’ monstrously foul, a word of deep abuse or abhorrence. 

1, 26. rigna here seems to mean fo blaspheme. 

v. 8. Construe, tekkat ek vid tanna hverfs (mouth’s) hleypi-skarfi (the fly), and 
Hagbardz (Woden’s) vea-fiardar (poetry’s) sann-reynir =the poet; I will not take his 
(the poet’s) fly; I’ll not be his fool; not gulp his bait. 1. 30. Read, gina. : 

v. 9. A very obscure verse; all interpreters have widely missed the mark. Our 
clue is the parallelism between the two halves, In ‘ryd-’ we surmise ‘rdéd0’ (the 
rood), r6d0 reynir (the priest), the man of the rood: in ‘ boedi’ we surmise ‘ bldds,’ 
Bodnar bl6é (poetry), Bodnar bléds smidja=the poet’s breast. Of the parallelisms 
between the two halves, mark—rédo reynir and sénar sad-reynir ; Bodn and Sén; 
sig-t6l and mord-hamarr ; smidja and stedi; Bodnar bl6d and Sénar s4d. Of this 
verse we have two recensions, one, purer, in Kristni Saga, the aan in Olaf’s Saga 
(Fms, ii), remodelled, with the parallels blotted out. 

v. 12. Cp. the lampoon in Cormac above. Here the king’s treasurer is the mare, 
pursued by the king as stallion, both speeding toward the Arctic regions. 

v. 14. An interesting verse ; new words are, iérmun-grund, ur-grandari. Construe, 
Vandils Iérmungrundar (sea’s) reid (ship’s) vidor (a sailor): folginn (cp. Lat. se-pultus) 
is here in the primitive sense, Note the dat. paim-si=pessom. In |. 4 w alliterates 
with a vowel, being sounded, we presume, as a half-vocalised English w, 


ee ett 
‘oop 





574 NOTES TO PAGES 90-92. [px. vim. 


BOOK VIII, 
§ 1. Kine Tryeevason, etc, 


Hallfred, etc., (p. 90.) 

I, 1,1. Observe the simile, The author of Theodric’s Saga has entered this verse into 
his preface—Enn pat skaltu skilja, at su auda sé vordin mest af rikis-manna falli ok 
af pvi at engir eru peirra iafningjar eptir. Sva sem stendr i Nordmanna lofkvzdum., 
Sv segir Hallfredr [v. 1]. Eigi var sv& sem hann sagdi at aud veri dll Nordrlind 
pott Olafr veri fallinn, enn pat foerdi hann til lofs vid konung, at engi pvilikr madr 
veri eptir 4 Nordrléndum sem Olafr Tryggvason—a prosy Commentator Wisdom! 

1, 2. flug-styggs, cp. Helgi i. 137, 222, 230. 

1,14. The Saga says—Konungr stéd i lyptingunni vid pessa tidinda ségn, ok 
malti til sinna manna: Latit siga seglit sem skidtast, enn sumir leggi arar 4 bord, 
ok taki skridinn af skipinu, ek vil giarna berjaz heldr en flyja, ek hefi enn aldri flyit 
i orrosto, r40i Gud lifi minu, enn aldri skal ek 4 fidtta leggja ... and, tengi menn 
saman skipin, ok bui menn sik til bardaga, ok bregdi sverdum. Ekki skolo minir 
menn hyggja 4 flétta. ‘ess getr Hallfredr Vandreda-skald [v. 2].—Ol. S. ch. 249 
(dramatised). Tryggvason’s last orders, ‘ Never to think of flight,’ recall the Elizabethan 
days, when Grenville, like the Northern hero and Judas the valiant Maccabee before 
him, preferred death to flying, like others, before overwhelming odds. See Raleigh’s 
Account, and 1 Macc, ix, 10. Parallel passages here are, Grayfell’s Drapa, v, 8, and 
Eywind’s on Stord, v. 4. 

v. 3. pess getr Hallfredr, at Olafr konungr missti pess lids, er fra hénum haféi 
siglt, ok hénum afladi pessi bardagi mikillar fregdar. Her segir sva [v. 3]. 

1, 24. Read, Donum vardizt; or, if, as Steinar says, the Swedes ran the first 
onslaught, ‘Sviom vardizk,’ 

1, 30. hold-barkar (‘ flesh-bark ®=the mail-coat), its ré (wand) =the sword. 

1, 35. We surmise lif-skiérr (life-scaring), epithet to lig; the simile appears to be 
drawn from the Speaker reading the law from the Tinwall or Hill of Law. 

vv. 10, 11. Herein are concealed the topographic details of the battle, hidden to 
Ari himself, The battle took place off Stralsund, near Hiddinse, which got its name 
from a current or swelchie, called in the native tongue of the Slavonic Wends ‘ reca’ 
{oar friend Mr. Morfill’s communication], We meet the word in 1. 47, ‘ Hedins 
Rekka,’ Hiddin’s Race, or Stream, by whose broad bank, in the lea-water between 
the shore and the race, the battle was fought. The place is again, 1. 46, called ‘the 
Wide Sound of Hiddinse,’ The Norse word swold is in fact the Norwegian or the 
Danish rendering of Wendish reca, Adam, in his curious account of Olaf, has mis- 
taken the place, as he has the meaning of the nickname which he gives to the king. 
Cracaben [cracabben] must mean, not Raven-seeker, but ‘Long-shanks,’ a fit name 
for such a tall man as Anlaf or our Edward. Cp, vol. ii, p. 83. 

1, 44. fyrir or fra Skylja, here is hidden the name of some place, off the headlands... 

1, 59. Read, huf-idfnom (even-hulled), a Homeric epithet, vjes éica:: hefnir 
Hakonar, see the tale of Hacon’s tragic death given in the Reader, p, 152 sqq. 

The following verses, as well as the burdens at the beginning, are the best pre- 
served parts of the poem. 

1,65. Trani (masc.), this is the original gender as used in Tryggvason’s day. 
The verse has been misinterpreted, as if Thorkettle had jumped overboard; Hallfred 
says nothing of the kind, but that he never left the battle in his galley till it was 
hopelessly lost [as if somebody else had left earlier ?]. 





§ 1] NOTES TO PAGES 93-102. 575 


l. 70. Construe, Heita dyr-bliks dyn-sedinga hungr-deyfir, see Excursus II, vol. i, 
P- 457. 

1. 73. Name of some person, Hallfred’s authority hidden here, 

1. 79. Some ¢reason here alluded to, 

1, 88. veifanar ord (idle rumours, tattle ?). 

v. 20, The allusion looks as if the Thronds had led the attack ; or are we to read, 
proenda gramr sétti, meaning Earl Eric? 

1, 92. A proverb. 

1, 93. Skalméld, can this be an echo from Volospa, 1. 133? Note also v. 25. 

1, 96. ordin seems here to mean Jost, perhaps from the phrase verda daudr (¢0 die). 

II. (p. 94.) The other poem is a mere bald jingle-register of battles and peoples. 
Here is the fashionable course of a Norse Wicking starting from the East, tending west- 
ward, We note l. 19, which has puzzled editors; it is corrupt, the sense requires a 
name, and ‘ Val-Bretar’ seems to be the word. Cp. the early use of this word in the 
York or Exeter Ode to King /Ethelstan after Brunanburh, ‘Constantinus rex Scot- 
torum et Uealum-Bryttonum,’ for so we must read it. Nero, ». ii. 7. 89. 

1, 26. tyr Tiorva looks as if some local name were hidden, Tyree ? 

Ill, Hallfred’s Saga tells us that Hallfred made a poem on Earl Hacon; that, how- 
ever, is very problematic. The impression one gathers from Tryggvason’s Saga is, 
that King Olaf was Hallfred’s first master, We are here told how the king sent 
Hallfred on a message to Earl Ragnwald at Skara, West Gothland (who later 
married the king’s sister). The poem, bald enough, speaks of a prince ‘in the east.’ 
Mr, Sigurdsson once suggested to the Editor that these fragments were on Earl 
Ragnwald, They are all taken from Edda, and are in Einar Skulason’s vein, factless 
[are not they of his manufacture too?]. Curious are the repeated variations on the 
land as Woden’s Bride, as if composed from a written ‘ Edda.’ 

V. (p.96.) The improvisations are better. 1, 2. akkeris frakki, ‘ anchor-frank’ (?), 
Anchor ack (?), is this what is meant ? hnakk-mid (the anchor-buoy) also met with 
in Thulor, 1. 420; 1. 3. drengr is perhaps here a nautical term, Thulor, l. 417. 

vv. 3-7 are important on account of the poet’s state of mind towards the new 
Christian faith ; somewhat conservative, grumbling at the turn things have taken. 
They have often been cited, and are mdst.undoubtedly genuine. v. 7 looks like 
a paraphrase of Ps, ii, 12, 1. 17. lata fyrir r6da, to throw to the winds, still in use, 
‘but in mod. Icel. falsely spelt, leggja fyrir dal (1): adul (son), see Lay of Righ, 
1,164. We have used these verses in Excursus I, vol. ii, 

v. 8. The sword story: iardar-men, a pun=svérdr (sward), which means also 
leather. 

4 vv. 9-11. Hallfred’s death-verses, a notable utterance of the dying poet; Dr. 
Johnson’s yery words, ‘ Hell, sir.” Daudr verdr hverr is the proverb, Deyja skal 
hverr um sinn, see Reader, p. 259, No. 27. 


Halldorr ukristni, (p. 100.)—1. 5. CEna, else called Eynir, one of the many tribes 
whereof the Throndheim ‘lagu’ was composed: the AEnen of Widsith, 1. 71. 

1. 13. fiord, Dan, ifior (year gone). 
1,16. Holmi, some ‘holm’ near to where the battle was fought, cp. Hallfred, 1. 45. 


Skuli, (p. 102.)—* Fyrir Swold’ (off Swold) and ‘fyrir Swoldar mynni’ (off Swold’s 
mouth) prove clearly that Swold was a stream [reca], not an isle, as the Saga 
has metamorphosed it. Note the beautiful scene of the ‘Passing of Tryggvason’s 
; fleet,’ given in the Reader, p. 167. 

1. 6. Helga havg-pék; this remarkable image is only met with here. Skuli (the 





576 NOTES TO PAGES 102-104. (px. vane 


poet) would have learnt this story from his master Earl Eric, whose family patroness 
Thorgerd Holgi’s Bride was. Edda says—Sva er sagt at konungr s& er Holgi er 
nefndr, er Halogaland er vid kent, hann var fadir porgerdar Hélga-bridar, pau 
véru bedi blétud, ok var haugr Holga kastaér, onnur fié af silfri eda golli—pat 
var blétfeit—enn onnor fié af moldo ok gridti. Sv& kvaé Skuli porsteinsson 
fll. 5, 6]. . 

1,14. We follow Cod, W., gran mana setr ofan (impers.); gran serks ofan 
mana, r. 


Thorod—I. Eireks-drapa, (p. 102.) 
Poem in a fearfully mangled state. 


1], 1. vik-buendr, as the better MSS. have it. The word ‘ Wick,’ as well as Tind’s 
song, indicates that the lomswickings first made a raid on the Wick, then, running 


northwards, met the earl coming from the north; both met on More, where the 


battle was fought, and the Wickings driven back. The later story of a sudden 
inroad in depth of winter at Yule-tide is manifestly a fable. 

1, 17. cefri vard, an emendation evident enough. 

1, 19. A proverb. Cp. Proverb Song, 101 and 23. 

1, 22, komo, pret. infin., a form met with here for the first time; it occurs ever 
and anon in the following Court-poets. In prose we only know it from the words 
skyldo, mundo. 

1, 29. We here recover a fresh word, ‘svarr,’ Germ. schwager = brother-in-law ; 
it should hence be entered into Dict. 607 b [unknown to us in Jan. 1872]. Hyrn- 
ing, a noble of Wick, South Norway, married Tryggvason’s sister [see Ol. S.], and 
was one of the king’s spokesmen on the Moot of Heithsewa in the memorable 
year of that Moot. It appears that he fell at Swold—dréOavey edyevas, or ‘ fekk 
gétt ord,’ is the epitaph the poet gives him. Some remarkably heroic feat must have 
been told of him, now dimly seen through a story given in the Saga, how he repelled 
Earl Eric’s first attempt at boarding the Serpent. a 

v. 9. Manifestly records the division of Norway, and the earl’s share thereof. 
The Saga [Ari] says—Enn Eirikr iarl hafdi fiogur fylki i préndheimi, Hélogaland, 
ok Naumodal, Fiordo, ok Fialir, Sogn, ok Hordaland, ok Rogaland, ok Norér-Agoir 
allt til Lidandisness. This is a paraphrase of our poem’s ‘fra Vegi-staf sudr til 
Agda,’ i.e, the whole western coast-land of Norway [Vzgi-staf, see note to Vellekla, 
p. 569]. Lines 33 and 34 seem to be the record of Earl Swein’s share—pa haféi 
Olafr Svia konungr fiogur fylki i préndheimi, ok Mceri hvara-tveggi, ok Raumsdal, 
‘ok austr Rauriki fra Gaut-Elfi til Svina-sundz, petta riki fekk Olafr { hendr Sveini 
iarli’ med slikum formala sem fyrr héfdu haft skatt-konungar eda iarlar af yfir- 
konungum. Under the commonplace touches of the remanieur we can espy ‘ Svina 
sundz’ in 1. 33, though a literal restoration is now quite unfeasible. 


. 


1. 35. We have shifted this line; it is clearly enough a bit of the stanza relating 


to the earl’s marriage into the Danish Royal House. 

v. 11. Relates how all the barons but Erling submitted to the foreign rule—a fact 
not to be forgotten in view of Erling’s subsequent fate. In 1. 37 one seems to see 
names of places, i.e. all the barons from N.N, to N,N. submitted to the earls, save 
Erling alone. There is a ‘Farsund’ near Cape Naze (hidden under ‘farland’), Then 
we miss the north boundary; here there isa peak ‘Fastlandstind,’ c. Lat. 67° (hidden 
under ‘fastaty?”)=all western Norway from Fastland Peak to Farsound (Lat. 
58°-67°), that is to say, all the western coast from one end to the other. Cp. O. H. 
(Kringla), ch, 21, and Sighvat’s verse, The requirements of rhyme would make the 











ee 


SSE 


er Eee, ee Oe ree eee et ale Ie Pera nl SL ad 
es pt A ge ' 


§-1.] NOTES TO PAGES 104-106. 577 


poet select places for their sound which the hearers knew and which were not far off 
the march. 

vv. 12-17. This passage seems to point to the events mentioned in the following 
passage of the Peterborough Chronicle, 1013: And on dam ilcan geare to-foran 
pam monde Augustus [correct spring-tides of translation, the date is obscure in 
1, 46] com Swegen cyning mid his flotan to Sandwic and wende swyde rade 
abutan East Englum. into Humbran mudan. and swa tippweard andlang Trent 
pet he comt to Gegnes-burh. [l. 48 may refer to the coasting voyage when they 
had left the Thames mouth; if so, we must seek some other word than Sturry 
for the enigmatic ‘tt stdérr,’ and read ‘eyrar Gegnes,’ Gainsborough.] And pa 
sona abeah Uhtred eorl, and.eall Nordhymbra to him, and eall pet fole on Linde- 
sige. and siddan pet folc of Fif-burhingan, and rade pas eall here be nordan Watlinga 
strete. and him man sealde gislas of elcere scire, [Can the joyful meeting at 
W ... , which ll, 51, 52 speak of, be the meeting of Uhtred and Cnut? or is it, 
as is more likely, the first meeting of Eric and Sweyn at the Thames mouth ? if so, 
these lines should rather follow 1..44.] Syddan he undergeat pet eall folc him to 
ge-bogen wes. pa bead he pet man sceolde his here metian and horsian, and he pa 
gewende syddan sudweard mid fulre fyrde [ll. 51, 52]. and betehte his scipa and pa 
gislas CnurE his sunu. and syddan he com ofer Wetlinga-strete. hi wrohton pet 
meste yfel pe znig here don mihte, wende pa to Oxnaforda, and seo burhwaru sona 
abeah and gislode..and panon to Winceastre. and pet ilce dydon. [Was there a 
fight at Oxford: before they made peace, and is Oxford, or some other place on their 
path,.the obscure G... by?]. ‘Wendon ba panon eastward to Lundene, and mycel 
his folces adranc on Temese, fordan hi nanre brycge ne cepton [this disaster appears 
to have been unnoticed ;by the poet]. Da he to pere byrig com pa nolde seo burh- 
waru bugan ac heoldan mid fullan wige ongean. fordan per wes inne se cyning 
/Edelred, and purkil mid him [also Wolfkettle the Brisk, as we learn from 1. 60, 
who seems to have led a sally at some place, the name of which is hidden under 
1. 59]. Ifv.17 refers to any event related in our chronicles it may be the fight, 
‘innan East Seaxan et pere dune be mann het Assandun,’ four years later, where 
Eric had the satisfaction of seeing his old foe Wolfkettle slain, ‘ and eall se dugod on 
Angelcinne,’ The poem is so fragmentary.that it is only by guess one can fix the 
order of the verses, and fit them to their corresponding passages in the Chronicles, 


‘which must be our main authority.—W . . . lade (varr lad), 1. 51, is possibly Whap-. 


lode in Lincolnshire. 

Il. (p. 105.) peir Grimr.ok Olafr gengu badir i mét Gunnlaugi einum, ok lavk 
sva peirra vid-skiptum, at hann drap p& béda. fetta sannar pdrdr .Kolbeinsson i 
‘kyedi jpvi er hann orti um Gunnlaug Ormstungo.—Gual...S..ch. iv. 

III. Biorn is Thorrod’s guest.one winter at Hitarness ; he is suspected of cuckold- 
ing his host, and setting the household [sixteen souls] all at loggerheads; mark the 
bad meal; for at this place there grows wild corn [mel]: the trunk traffic, vv. 3, 4, 
iis also to be noticed. 

1.:22. hlyrn, see Thulor, Il, 506 and 493. 

v..6. After Biorn’s death, Ordny,.who for her loveliness was surnamed. the ‘ Candle 
of the Isle,’ pined away—Henni pétti ser pat helzt rd, at hon sat 4-hest-baki, enn 
‘pérdr (her husband) leiddi undir henni aptr ok fram [Biarn..S.,p. 66]; a gentle, 


_ ‘little ‘trait of old life, like wheeling .a ‘sick person about for the sake of air and 


exercise : under merki-skin is hidden her surname: fiargvefiar, ]. 30, probably corrupt 
from fiargvidraz, which means.to fondle, pet; Eggert uses it of .birds love-pairing 
—giptuz iurtir ok féru ad frevast: fiarg-vidrast dyrin sein og bung. 
VOL. I. Pp 
>» 


578 NOTES TO PAGES 106-109. [ BK. VIII, 


The Lithsmen Song, (p. 106.) 


The following passages from the Peterborough Chronicle are the best comment 
and explanation (year 1016): pa comon pa scipo to Grenawic to bam gang- 
dagum [May 7]. and binnon lytlum face wendon to Lundene. and dulfon pa ane 
mycele dic on da sudhealfe and drogon heora scipa on west healfe pzre brycge. and 
be-dicodon syddon pa burh uton pet nan mann ne mihte ne inn ne ut. and oft-redlice 
on $a burh fuhton. ac hi heom heardlice wid-stodon. 

pa wes Eadmund cyng er bam ge-wend ut, and ge-rad pa West Seaxan, and him 
beah eall folc to. and rade efter bam he gefeaht wid pone here zt Peonnan wid 
Gillinga. and oder ge-feoht he ge-feaht efter middan sumera zt Sceorstane. and ber 
mycel wel feoll on zgdre healfe. and pa heres him sylfe to-eodon on dam ge-feohte. 
and Eadric ealdorman and /Elmer deorlingc weron pam here on fultume ongean 
Eadmund cyng, And pa ge-gaderode he iii side fyrde and ferde to Lundene. eal be 
nordan Temese. and sw& ut puruh Cleig-hangran. and pa burhware ahredde. and 
pone here aflymde to scipon, And ba wes ymbe twa niht pet se cyning ge-wende 
ofer xt Brent-forda. and pa wid pone here ge-feaht and hine aflymde. and ber adrane 
mycel /Englisces folces on heora agenre gymeleaste. pa de ferdon beforan pzre fyrde. 
and fang woldon fon. And se cyning wende efter bam to West Seaxan, and his 
fyrde ge-somnode. 

pa ge-wende se here sona to Lundene. and pa burh utone be-seton. and hire 
stranglice wid-feaht ge be wetere ge be lande. ac se Elmihtiga God hi ahredde. 

Se here ge-wende pa efter bam fram Lundene mid heora scipum into Arwan.... 
Then come the harrying of the Marchland by the Host and their return to the 
Medway, Edmund’s foray into Kent, and the flight of the Northmen to Sheppey. 
A second harrying of Essex and the Marchland is followed by the fight at Assandun 
and the consequent peace of Olney. Se here ge-wende pa to scipon mid bam pingum 
pe hi ge-fangen hefdon, and Lundene-wzru gridede wid pone here. and heom frié 
ge-bohtan. and se here ge-brohton heora scipa on Lundene. and heom wintersettle per 
inne namon. 

v. 4. Thorkel’s men seem to be mentioned as a distinct body of troops here. 
The Chronicle tells how in 1017 the old I[oms]wicking is given the Earldom of East- 
England, and after in 1021 Cnut cyng to Martin’messan ge-ut. lagode purkil eorl; 
but in 1023 purcil and he weron dnrede. and he betzhte purcille Denemearcan and 
his sunu to healdenne. and se cyning nam purciles sunu mid him to Engla-lande, 

v. 10. The common comparison of the luckless hero with the lucky stay-at-home, 
which is found several times in these satirical ‘ man-songs.’ 

Sighvat’s Praise of Olaf, p. 125, should be compared with this song and the 
Chronicle, it makes his sixth and seventh battles, the fights at the ditch by London 
and at Ring-mere heath, the eighth is at Canterbury and New-mouth. 


Biorn, (p. 108.) 


I, Genuine, no doubt, but coarse.—pess er getid, at hafnar-mark fanz i landi 
pordar [mended, cp. Atli and Rimegerd, 1. 81]... pat véru karlar tveir, ok 
hafdi annarr hott blan 4 hofdi; peir stédu lutir, ok horféi annarr eptir ddrum. 
[Biarn, S. p. 33.] ; 

II. p& hafdi Bidrn eigi miklo 4ér ort flim um pérd, ok var pa cerit heyrin-kunnigt 
nékkorom ménnum ; enn pau voéru efni i, at Arnéra, médir Pérdar, hefdi etid pann 
fisk, er hann kalladi gramaga, ok lét sem hann hef6i fundiz i fidru, ok hefdi hon af 
pvi ati hafandi ordit at pordi, ok veri hann ekki dala fra ménnum kominn i badar 
ettir, Enn petta er i fliminu,—[Biarn, S.] 








§ 1-2] NOTES TO PAGES 109-127. 579 


[vv. 1-3.] Both pieces are interesting enough as specimens [genuine] of ancient 
‘nith’ (libels) : the ‘flytings’ in vol. i. are similar in kind, ‘slikr’ we here take to 
be=sleek, ‘einagi,’ a piece of dress, occurs else only in the word,list, AM, 748, our 
vol, ii, p. 546; einhaga ylgr, an offensive kenning. 

1, 11, Alliteration at fault, ‘pbdémb’ can hardly be adjective; pémb means guts, 
used for bowstrings, hence pambar-skelfir (gut-shaker), a surname of a great archer : 
the error lies in ‘heldr,’ for which read ‘ eldi’ ( fetus), vard eldi i bomb, the babe 
was kindled in her womb. 

Gunlaug, (p. 111.)—vv. 5-9 are the best and least corrupt, note, |. 33. 

1. 38. Allvangs eyrr; the wagers of battle were fought in a ‘holm’ on the banks 
of the river Axewater; Allvangr=the Tyn-wall. 

1, 45. litil. . . lita (i.e. wlita) is perfectly right. It may be that Gunnlaug, who 
had been in England, was not quite a stranger to the sound of wi, See an interesting 
essay of Grimm, Kleinere Schriften, vol. vi, p. 277, reproving modern critics for 
cancelling such lines as false (as commentators have done to this line), and showing 
how little good poets avoided such rhymes, when the words (as litill and wlita) 
were different in sense. 

Gretti, (p. 114.)—hdggazk til skeggjom and halda saman nefjom are comic 
proverbial phrases: construe, Hlakkar tialda (mail-coat’s) hefjendr and Hildar 
veggs (shield’s) hregg (battle’s) Nirdir (men). 

1, 10. Heimdala hiér=the head [see Excursus I, vol. ii, p. 452] is of old poets 
only found here. Read so F guard my life. 

Gest,—It is more than problematic whether these lines be genuine. 


Thormod.—lIn a coarse vein; only noticeable for the names of places [see Eyrb,] : 
note the pun, Gifrs (ogress’) grand (Thor's) ness= T’horsness, where the moot was 
held. Snorri’s character could certainly not be gathered from this poem, 

Skapti.—Notice the belief of the old neophytes, that Christ built Rome, 


§ 2. Kines Sr. Orar anp Kyur. 


Sighvat, (p. 124.) 

I, It may be doubted whether this poem is not by some common-place poet, and 
not Sighvat; for it has none of his characteristic marks. 

1. 9. Herdalir, mod. Herjedalen, North Sweden? Balagaréz siéa=Aland Sker- 
gaard, Finland, 

1. 18, Kinmaria or Kinheim (see medizval maps), =the sea side of Holland. 

1, 24. Note the long vowel in Sudvirki, mod. Southwark. 

1, 32. Port reeves; the commentators, not knowing English, have made a strange 
mess of this sentence. 

vy. 12-14. These places, mostly on the Loire []. 51], one should think, we have 
not been able to identify ; they are all more or less corrupt: Warrand (Guérande) is 
near the sea, hence read, sid nerri. 

v. 15. For notes to this verse see under Othere ; we have put it in brackets, for 
it can be none of Sighvat’s, rather from one of Othere’s poems. Our poem seems 
to have been composed not earlier than in 1014, perhaps even in England. It is a 
young or else poor poet’s work, a mere register; between it and No, II there is 
a great leap, 

II. (p. 127.) Sighvatr skald var par i orrosto, hann orti pegar um sumarit eptir 
flokk pann er Nesja-visor ero kalladat, ok segir par vandliga fra pessum tidendum, 
[S, Ol. S.] Nesia is midway between Laurvig and Skien (‘ east of Agde,’ 1, 10). 

Pp2 





580 NOTES TO PAGES 127-129. [BK. vit. 


v. 3. Olafr konungr hafdi pat skip er Kallat var Karlhoféi [Carle-head, from ‘her 
figure-head], par var 4 fram-stafni skorit konungs héfud ; hann sialfr haf6i pat skorit : 
pat hodfud var lengi sidan haft i Noregi & skipum peim er h6fdingjar styrdu. 
[S. Ol. S. 1. c.] The figure-head’was carved by the king’s own hand (who was a 
skilled craftsman at carving), and was for long ‘afterwards used on the ship Where 
the king was on board [as an admiral’s flag]. 

1, 14. Kvistungar (saplings). The men were'cut down as saplings. 

1, 21. The golden banner staff occurs here for the first time, afterwards frequent 
in battles fought in Great Britain, as in Arnor’s songs. The poets called it ‘stong’ 
or ‘wé.’ 

1. 33. pa ferdu konungs-menn stafn-lia 4 skeidar-kylfurnar, ok héldu péim sva; 
pa mati iarl, at stafn-buar skyldu af héggva kylfur [S. Ol.S.]; -hence, for ‘ hardliga’ 
read ‘stafn-bua.’ 

1. 36. Read, ‘haldit...leam skeidar stafna’ (we having grappled their stems 
with our hooks). 

1. 38. Note the Homeric simile, Od. i. 9. 

v. 13. The Uplanders and Heathmark folk (Central Norway) were the chief stock 
of Olaf’s host. On the Earl’s side, Einar the Archer, his sister’s husband, was the 
chief baron. In Olaf’s last battle at Stiklastead, fifteen years and four months later, 
the same Uplanders were on the king’s right hand, and stood true to him to 
the last. 

Ill. The Eastern Travel, (p. 129.)—Is not so much overpainted, but the text 
is in a poor state and disjointed in the same manner as the ‘Eddic’ poems. It has 
given a good deal of trouble: the ‘plan’ of Sighvat’s journey having been somewhat 
of a puzzle. The Saga has made confusion still more confounded by misdating and 
misplacing (as it seems), making Sighvat go to Skara, or even Upsala, leaving Novo- 
gorod (Garda) out of sight altogether. We have here endeavoured to reconstruct 
the poem. The marking points in Sighvat’s journey are: the Strind Sea in Thrond- 
heim [1. 14]; the Lister Sea [1.,15], west off South Norway ; Eikunda Sund [1. 16], 
or Eker Sound, though concealed, but pretty certain ; Eygotaland [l. 18], restored, 
but absolutely certain, meaning Isle of Gothland ; and lastly, Gardar [1. 75, cp. 1. 92], 
Novogorod. Hence it appears ‘that the eastward journey was by sea, from Thrond- 
heim, via Gothland, to Ladoga. The ride in vv. 6-8 would then be the ride from 
the shore up to Ladoga, the earl’s residence. Lastly, the account, vv. 9-18, can 
only be the journey homeward back across Sweden: Il. 35, 36, the 'recrossing the 
Baltic to East Gothland. Still there are hitches and puzzles left, especially ‘the 
Eida-skog, the word ‘ nordan,” |. 40. We leave the matter in part unsolved to the 
fitter hands of Swedish scholars, who may possibly unearth some new names of 
places underneath the palimpsest text, should they deem it worth their'while. It is 
a strange freak of histoty, that the most hospitable of European countries here enters, 
as it were, on the scene as the very home of inhospitality—-poor poet Sighvat! But 
mark the ¢one of the poem: Sighvat, like a Norwegian, is all prejudice against the 
Swedes. . Christianity was ‘still backward in Sweden, the country yet half teathen 
[vv. 13, 14].—All this is very interesting. There ‘is’a fine vein of humour and 
fun running through the ‘poem, The Sagas call Earl Ragnwald ‘ Ulfsson;’ Sighvat 
[1. 67] ‘seems, if we interpret him aright, ‘to ‘call him ‘Saxason’ (and he must have 
known), and ‘UIf’s brother’s son’ [l. 84]: who is this Ulf, the wise “counsellor? 
[l. 85]. The two earls, Eilif and Ulf, who, accorditig to English sources, fought in 
1026 at the Holy River, were they not Ragnwald’s sons? When Sighvat made 
his journey, the earl had left Sweden for Novogorod (Ladoga), whether as the Swedish 





§ 2] NOTES. TO PAGES 129-133. 581 


king’s friend or not we cannot tell; the Sagas represent him as an exile: vv. 21, 22 
would explain much, could we but put them aright and interpret them. 

1, 17. Some name of place, Skioldungs ey = Zealand ? 

1, 18, Eygotaland is the ancient name of the Isle of Gothland, occurring, besides, 
in Thattr of Ragnars sons and in Sogo-brot, both parts of the lost Skioldunga. 

1, 20. Misbracketed; construe, hlytk at rida, and tékk ekkjom ymissar idir. 

1, 23. knérrom, emend. for ‘Donom,’ which gives no meaning. The Saga repre- 
sents this as a ride up to Skara [now a Bishop’s see in West Gothland, on the south 
border of Lake Wener]—Enn er peir rido upp um Gautland [from the sea, the 
Cattegat] kvad Sighvatr visor pessar [vv. 4, §]. Enn er peir ridu upp um Gautland 
_ sié um aptan kvad Sighvatr [v. 6]. 4 rida peir i kaup-stadinn 4 Skérum ok um 
stretid fram at gardi iarls. Hann kvad [v. 7]. 

1, 26. Rognvalldz, byr, i.e, Ladoga or Aldeigia ? 

ll. 35, 36. Construe, svan-vangs (sea’s) Ondrum (ships). 

1, 41. valtan karfa, and, ver stilltum til gloeps 4 bati: vatr (wet ?), or vatr (water) ? 

1, 44. Read ‘hums’ for ‘heims?’ hams hnitr (a clumsy smack or punt). 

1. 56. alfa-blét, a sacrifice to the Elves or Dii Manes, see Excursus. Here we 
meet for the first time the word ‘ étwin,’ the stress on the second half; since met 
with several times in the poets of the following reign, when it disappears; probably 
foreign, English or French ; even the sense is not quite clear. Cp. Thiodolf, i. 1. 62; 
p- 225, 1. 25; p. 231, 1. 13. 

l. 59. erefa getir, keeper of the delve, pickaxe-man, labourer ; ‘ gerstr,’ cp. Germ. 

‘ garstig.’ 

1, 61. Misbracketed ; construe, heinfletz pollar bella peygi tiri. 

1. 70. Eida-skégr, so called from the many lakes or lochs, with their countless 
necks, ‘eid ;’ usually of the big forest, west of the Gotha River. 

vv. 19 sqq. Partly obscure: 1. 75, deila e-n malom harda morgum, a necessary 
emendation. 

1. 78. nefi iarla, the earl’s nephew; the relationship is not clear; cp, iarla freendi, 
1,83; Ulfs br6dor son=Ragnwald? 

1, 92. Austr-vego, Grano salti are names that only can apply to the East Baltic, 
not to an earl residing in Skara, 

This embassy of Sighvat seems to baie purported what a modern scribe would 
call a commercial treaty with the earl in Novogorod, There must haye been 
in St, Olaf’s days an extensive traffic from Norway in the East Baltic; King Olaf 
himself dealt in trade as partner in Greenland, Iceland, England, and the Baltic. 

IV. Western Travel, (p. 133.)—These verses too are in a poor state, though 
not so much through overpainting. | 

- Sighvatr kom pat sumar til Englandz yestan af Rudo 4 Vallandi, ok s4 madr med 
hénum er Bergr hét, peir héfdu pangat farit kaup-ferd it fyrra sumar. Sighvatr orti 
filokk pann er kallaér var Vestr-farar-visor, ok er betta upphaf [y. 1].—S. Ol. S. 
ch, 156 (Kringla). 

1, 4. ‘melld’ (locked), mello las (a latch), cp. Dict. s. y. malla and mella: pa var 
herbergit Jest, ok stéd hann lengi uti [the paraphrase in S. Ol. S.]. 

l. 5. ber ek opt 4 armi iarn-st@kor is a wretched piece of restoration, but what 
once stood we cannot mas out. 

1. 7. ‘Allt hefir s& er’... uti, maimed; the sense is that Cnut is raising a large 
levy of ships; cp. Enn er Sighvatr vard pess varr at Knutr konungr byr herferd 4 
hendr Olafi konungi, ok hann vissi hversu mikinn styrk Knutr konungr hafdi, pa 
kvaé Sighvatr [v. 3].—S. Ol. S. 


B82 NOTES TO PAGES 133-137. [BK. vit. 


1. 8. Read, konungs, but the clause is, maybe, but the editor’s work. 

J]. 10. Some proverb, bat we have been unable to find the clue to it. 

v. 4. Maimed text; barely the sense seems to gleam through, 

1. 16. Hunn, a young bear, a play on his fellow poet’s name. 

1, 19. Cf. Peterborough Chr. 1031, and py ilcan geare he for to Scotlande. and 
Scotta cyng him to beah Mzicolm. and twegem odre cyningas. Mzlbepe. and Iehmarc. 

v. 7. Enn er hann kom i Noreg, fér hann pegar til fundar vid Olaf konung ok 
hitti hann i Borg; gekk fyrir konung pa er hann sat yfir bordum; Sighvatr kvaddi 
hann, Konungr leit vid hénum ok pagdi. Sighvatr kvad.—S. Ol. S. 

v. 9. In a very poor state, two proverbs discernible; Eigi varédar einn eidr alla: the 
second, 1. 34, we cannot make out. Construe, esa gengit fyrir mal pat. 

v. 11. Obscure; we read and construe, ham (not has) himni, and diupan eld; 
Traitors (the poet says) barter away a place in the high heaven for a deep fire 
(in hell). 

v. 12. Obscure; the Saga says by way of paraphrase—Opt var sti umroeda par i 
munni héfd, hversu illa pat samdi Hakoni iarli, at foera her 4 hendr Olafi konungi, er 
hann hafdi hénum lif gefit, pa er iarl hafOi 4 hans vald komit. Enn Sighvatr var 
inn mesti vinr iarls, Ok pa enn er Sighvatr heyrdi iarlinum 4meait, kvad hann.- 
Perhaps the bearing is, The earl’s complicity is but a foul charge, let us sweep before 
our own door. 

v. 14. Very obscure and mangled; there are two proverbs discernible—Hverr 
verdr me sialfom ser lengst at fata (hverr pegn skal hafa sik sialfan miklo lengst), 
and, Upp koma svik um sidir (upp hvolfra svik). The first two lines are quite 
dark, 

V. (p. 135.) Il. 1, 2. Mark the mid. form Jorwik, 

1. 12. at ‘ha’ (or, at heyja), name of some place? 

1, 14. mar-bedjom, cp. vol. i, p. 126, |. 7. 

ll, 15, 16. Mangled beyond recovery. 

1. 24. Read, varr gloestr, varr (acc.), across the sea. 

1, 30. The proverbial phrase, lata af étask (image from two animals at the manger), 

1. 36. ‘Suman,’ we surmise ‘ Cumbra.’ 

1. 37. May refer to Cnut’s meeting the Emperor Conrad in St. Peter’s Church at 
Rome; Cluis-Petrus (Key Peter) =the Pope. 

VI. (p. 137.) Dirge on Erling.,—Very much overpainted. 

ll, 1, 2. The ‘ palimpsest’® sense of which (for what we now read is manifestly a 
false and empty common-place) we take to have been,—that Erling, while scouting 
on his swift, famed galley, fell unawares in with the king, his small craft was over- 
powered, his crew to a man cut down or surrendered, and he himself slain by the 
hand of his own kinsman Anslac (a disappointed man, why, we are not told), who 
was with the king. The account in the Saga, making Erling to have had a fleet 
ready, and to have gone in pursuit of the king, is manifestly epicised. The season— 
depth of winter—rda mpdypara (in Polybius’ parlance) speak against it. ‘The account 
of Erling’s last moments, when the king is said to have stabbed his prostrate foe, 
then gray with age’, in the cheek (a thief’s punishment), is not to be lightly 





1 Erling’s age, say 55; married in 996, then apparently a young chief, Tryggvason’s 
sister, died Dec. 21, 1028. Munch has overstated his age. O.H.L. says that his 
head was turning gray ; which may be tradition or mere ‘ epic,’ though in those days 
men lived fast, and the wrong side of fifty then made one an old man; three 
score and ten was with the Norsemen (the men) quite an exception. 





é 


1 * . — al 
CN. a ee ee a ee ee Se a 


ws ‘ 5 
Rae See Oa ee | Pee ) 


Tee eee 








ba NOTES TO PAGES 137-139. 583 


credited. Sighvat supplies no hint of all this; on the contrary, Anslac is with him 
the felon and murderer. No exact record, even in modern life, can fairly be ex- 
pected of a sudden fray like this; yet the story in Agrip, which puts down to Anslac 
both the stab and the death-blow, is to be preferred. Genuine is the exchange of 
words between the king and Erling, but this is rather a mark of sympathy than of 
deadly hate, Sighvat, who seems to have loved Erling—he must often have been his 
guest—gives the date at Idlom [I. 30], the day, Thomas messa [palimpsest in 
1, 21]'. The place is over and over again marked out [ll. 6, 7, 9, 10, 20]: Erling’s 
reply to the king’s call [ll]. 17-20]; Sighvat absent [I. 29] in Wick, says the Saga— 
paraphrasing the words of our poem when still in a pure state—which we take to 
be underneath 1, 30 (‘sa er réd Iadri’ is too poor and eres besides, 
Erling’s rule was wider by far). 

1, 14. Skialgs hefnir, Erling’s father had been slain; from a romanticised story in 
Ol. Tr. S, we learn that he perished by fire. 

1, 15. Construe, glyggs vard-kers (heaven’s) vid-botn (earth). 

1, 18. The proverb, éndurdir skolo ernir kloazk, Reader, p. 240, No. 40. Saxo, 
too, has this saw. 

vv. Q-I1 treat of Erling’s power and the extent of his dominion. In the earlier 
portions of S, Olaf’s Saga we recognise statements drawn from Sighvat’s words. Thus, 
ch. 21 (Kringla)—pa er Olafr Tryggvason réd fyrir Noregi, gaf hann Erlingi, magi 
sinum, halfar landskyldir vid sik, ok at helmingi allar konungs tekjor milli Lidandis- 
ness ok Sogns [Lat. 58°-61°]. Olafr gipti adra systur sina Régnvaldi iarli Ulfs syni 
[v.9]. Sighvat says, ‘ Ulfs fedr’ (Wolf’s father); is this an error for ‘nid,’ or did Ari 
here make a slip? See above, the notes on the Eastern Travel, Farther, ch. 122— 
Erlingr Skialgsson hélt riki sino sva, at allt ‘nordr fra Sogn-se ok austr til Lidandis 
ness’ ré3 hann 6llu vid beendr. Still closer, however, to our text is ch. 180, 
Var pat i heitom vid Erling af hendi Knutz konungs, at hann skildi hafa land allt til 
forrida milli Stadar (Lat. 62°] ok Rygjar-bitz [east of Naze, near Christiansand],— 
the very words which we espy underneath ll. 38-40. Characteristic and true are 
the remarks O. T, ch. 64—pa baud konungr [Tryggvason] at gefa Erlingi iarldém. 
Erlingr svarar sv&: hersar hafa verit frendr minir, vil ek ekki hafa nafn herra en 
peir ; upon which the king enfeoffs him with the land between Firth of Sogn and 
Naze, 

ll. 33, 34 seem to refer to this very enfeoffment of Tryggvason. Under ‘sva at 
_ cegdi’ we read ‘at Agdom,’ or the like, 

v. 11. A comparison between Erling and Gudbrand of the Dales, of whom we 
else know little, for the comical story in S. Ol, S. is but a fable. The two, Erling and 
Gudbrand of the Dales, were in the days of the two Olafs the two great barons of 
Norway. 

VII. Olaf’s Dirge, (p. 138.)—Fearfully overlaid. Verses 1, 3, 4-6, 24-30, though 
not immaculate, have escaped the remanieur’s scathing hand; vv. 2 and 7 will not fit 
well in with the rest ; we take them to be none of Sighvat’s, but perhaps Othere’s. 

1, 7. The received version is, that the Upland kings were five; here they are ‘ eleven ;’ 
but the verse is wholly corrupt, ‘eleven’ and all. In Fb. ii. 67 we read—Sva segir 
Styrmir inn Frddi, at Olafr konungr hafi tekié riki af ellifu konungum ... ok er 
pat l6g-tekid er hann hefir saman sett. But in Styrmi’s days the poems were just as 
we have them now; his authority, therefore, as to the facts of that king’s life, is of 
small value. 

1, 21 is maimed. The verses 4-6 are very momentous, and substantially clear. 





* Some MSS. read ‘ tapadr slico,’ which is nearer. 





584 NOTES TO PAGES 139-140. [BK. VIIr. 


The king is here the Leo justitia. The preceding rule of the Earls appear to have 
been licentious in the extreme—no king in Israel—and the people demoralised. 
The Saga, ch. 192 (Kringla), draws substantially upon our verses. Ari perhaps knew! 
more. The cutting off the hands and feet of thieves and robbers (but the head of 
Wickings that broke the king’s peace) is here recorded for the first time in Northern 
history; so also the enforcement of one law on poor and great alike,—Here indeed 
we have the key to the rising against St, Olaf. Sighvat has proved a true historian 
to his master. 

v. 8 tells of the king’s legislation, as if the poet were addressing the Jiving 
Olaf; perhaps this is no part of the Dirge. Construe, eiki-hlids (ship’s) lopt (castle) 
bygevir (king); but very likely the clumsy ‘kenning’ is merely a retouch, some 
law phrase buried underneath. 

vv. 9-23. The account of the battle is mangled, ‘ from head'to heel ;’ we have 
to turn to the prose of the Saga, and thence glean out the sense that once was here: 
unfortunately, the Saga’s account too is, even in our O. H. (Kringla and Cod. 
Holm.), a mere agglomeration of incident. 

l. 31. pérdr Félason [hidden in 1. 32] bar merki Olafs konungs.. Sv4 segir Sig- 
hvatr skald i erfi-drapu peirri er hann orti um Olaf konung, ch. 224 (Kringla). 

1. 35. The king stands next to his banner. This is epicised in ch, 218; but the 
best account isin ch. 216. There were three banners : (1) the king in the centre with 
the chosen men; (2) Day, the South Norwegians, and the Uplanders on his right 
hand; (3) the Swedes, auxiliaries, on his Jeft hand, The Swedes had an evil: report 
as to their faith, so the poet (and the traditions after him) represents Norsemen and 
Swedes like the sheep and goats in the Gospel, the Christian (Norse) host on the 
right, the heathen (Swedes) on the left. The number of the king’s army was thirty 
divisions (folcs+), each folc counting forty, geographically ranked, as in a modern 
army. We have in the Saga double versions, one historical, one legendary; 
ch, 216 represents the Aistorical, ch. 218 the epic poetic account : there are many more 
such doublets in S. Ol. Saga. All this we can still see through a thickly over-daubed’ 
coat of silly remaniement, cp. lines 35-45. There follows an account of the Bonders’ 
battle array [ch. 233 of the Saga]: they, too, had three banners; (1) Kalf (the chief) 
in the centre with his house-carles, Thori Hound there too; (2) the Thronds. and 
Haleygs (so we read the sense) on the right; (3) the Rugians, Hords, Sognfolk, and 
Frithmen on the Jeft. The Uplanders and the Wickmen, being true to the king, are 
not mentioned as of the Bonders’ party. A bit of a stinted, mangled account of all this: 
is still visible in ll. 49, 50. The Bonders were ‘halfo fleiri,’ twice as many [l. 47]; 
better, thrice as many, for ‘halfo’ is a vague term, by half or more. The aggregate 
number of both is, we believe, hidden in I. 48; ‘hundraéd folk’ (120 x 40) roughly, yet 
certainly overstated ; the aggregate number being (30 x 40) + (90 x 40) = (120: 40): 
l, 40 contains the number of the king’s men— 

Folk... fylkir . . . pria togo haf@i. 

1. 48 that of the Benders underneath ‘ fry ek’ we espy ‘folk:’ read— 

hundroé télé at hildi hvar-tveggja folk varo. 


The legendary S. Ol. S. is partly right here—Buendr hafa priu merki ok tuttogo 
ok hundraé manna lids undir hverjo; sva er sagt at konungrinn lét iamn-m6rg bera 
i méti, ok ‘ fiora tigo manna undir hverjo merki.’-—O. H. L., ch. 30. 





1 Cf. Thulor, 1. 711, folk er fiorir tigir: ‘ folc’ =‘ forty’ is, we believe, drawn 
from a ship’s crew; the early battles were fought on the shore, the men drawn up, 
crew by crew ; a sixteen or twenty-seated galley would then be the average ship. 


ees 
a eet ee ee 














§2.] NOTES TO PAGES 141-143. 585 


vv. 19, 20 are devoted to Thori Hound’s striking at the king; v. 21 to Biorn the 
Marshall’s death, ‘at the king’s head.’ 

vv. 24-26, Most interesting, on the worship of the Saint in its infancy. 

ll. 88, 89. Misbracketed, Construe, Lyg ek nema Alafr eigi har-voxt ok yfs arar 
(nails) sem kvikvir tivar? ek goedi i hrdédri helgi konungs ; and Il. go, g1, construe, 
enn helzk svérdr 4 lidsom hausi, peims seldi son Valdimar (dat.) i Gérdom; hann 
[i.e. the Saint] fékk less lausn; ‘le’ means here a corruption in N. 'T. sense. 
Former commentators (even Egilson) have misconstrued and misunderstood these 
lines. 

v. 28, The king had held Sighvat’s daughter under the font; the story is given 
in the Reader, p. 113. The Christian terms are most’ interesting; the neophyte 
Christian Sighvat struggling for utterance as he speaks of sacred subjects in a 
heathen tongue. 

v. 30. On the eclipse we have spoken elsewhere; Sighvat’s words do not strictly 
speak to a contemporaneity of battle and eclipse. 1, 106. ‘ furda’ is a heathen word, 
here used in a Christian sense, the ecclesiastical wonder, a token of the king’s 
sanctity, wrought by God—no longer the work of the Wolves trying to swallow 
the Sun Goddess as in heathen days of yore, (See cut in ‘Old Stories from British 
History,’ by the Translator, 1882, p. 11.] 

VIII. (p. 143.) These verses have mostly escaped overhauling. 

Il. 3, 4. Overlaid. ‘Sult’ we take to be, not appellative, but to denote the place : 
it was at Sult, present Sylte at the bottom of Storfiord [Lat. 62° 50’], that King Olaf 
abandoned his ships early in 1029, leaving the country for the East. Sighvat 
appears. to say, J started on my pilgrimage what time the king from Sult left his 
ships and his kingdom. Did the poet (then in Wick) have a last interview with 
Olaf? was the gold-hilted sword the king’s parting gift ? 

v. 2. Sighvatr skald hafdi farit til Rums p4 er orrosta var 4 Stikla-st6dum, enn 
er hann var sunnan 4 leid, spurdi hanm fall Olafs konungs [whilst crossing the 
Alps?]; var hénum pat inn mesti harmr, hann kvad pa [v. 2]. Sighvatr gekk einn 
dag um porp nokkut, ok heyrdi at einn hverr hiis-boandi veinadi midk, er hann hafdi 
misst kono sinnar, bardi 4 bridst ser, ok reif kladi af ser, grét midk ok sagdi, at 
hann vildi giarna deyja. Sighvatr kvad [v>3]. Sighvatr kom heim i Noreg, hann 
- &tti bu ok bérn i préndheimi, for hann sunnan fyrir land 4 byrdingi ; enn er peir 
lagu i Hillar-sundi [near Mandal], pa s& peir hvar hrafnar margir flugo. Sighvatr 
kvaé [v. 4]... pat var einn dag at Sighvatr gekk uti 4 streti, ok s& hvar konungs 
menn léku, Sighvatr kvad [v. 5]. Sidan for hann til buss sins ; hann heyrdi marga 
menn dmela ser, ok segja, at hann hefdi hlaupizk fra Olafi konungi. Sighvatr 
kvad [v. 6]. Sighvatr undi illa heima; hann gekk uti einn dag, ok kvad [v. 7].— 
Kringla Magnus Saga, ch. 2. 

1, 11, sa er vard (Jost) drottinn, see note on Hallfred, p. 575. 

1. 12. vig-tér, a word coined by Sighvat, or an echo from the Helgi poet ; it 
calls to mind Helgi i. 355. 

Il. 19, 20, We must mend this; read and construe— 


Minnomk ek hve manna mins dréttins lékk sinnom 
opt 4 6dal-toptom ord-szls es vas fordom. 


I.e. J remember how I in times past oftentimes used to play at the home of my 
beloved lord: \lékk =1ék ek ; then a coherence is between the first and second half. 
The poet does not mean to say the king was playing; his mind was of a stern pen- 
sive cast, little given to play, his life was all work and no play—he was essentially 


586 NOTES TO PAGES 143-145. [pK. van 


a lawyer and constitution-maker : 6dal-topt, a law term =6éal torfa, of the Tapestry 
poet. 

1, 21. Hvita-Kristr, a new-coined word for Christ. 

1, 23. vatn-cerin, a law term, Ga, Aey.: i haska, in jeopardy (fron illness ?), 

1, 25. ha, holl klif, the high, sloping cliffs. 

1, 26. Knorrum; what place is meant we know not. 

1. 28. vard ek, lost ? 

1, 29. Read, ungs drengs ; refers to the boy-king, not to the poet himself, who by 
this time was no longer young. : 

1. 32. There are various readings; this one we take in preference. 

IX. (p. 144.) Sighvat travelled east to Sweden to St. Olaf’s Dowager Queen 
Anstrid: Sighvatr spurdi optliga, er hann fann kaupmenn, Holmgaréz-fara, hvat 
peir kynni segja hénum til Magniss Olafs sonar, Hann kvad [ix. v. 1]. 

ll. 3, 4. Somewhat obscure, a kind of apology for not being able to put in an 
appearance at the moot at Hangra [Sweden] convened by Queen Anstrid, where she 
pleaded her step-son’s case before the Swedes. 

1, 7. pings beid herr; one should prefer ‘ ping baud.’ The sense must be, that 
a moot of many Swedes convened at Hangra, or, that a host of Swedes gathered 
thither. 

1, g. ‘ hetna,’ heitom? 

v. 5. Hann kvad pd petta er per Astridr dréttning ok Alfhildr konungs mdéir 
hofdu skotizt 4 ordum nokkorom,—Magn. &., ch. Io. 

X. (p. 145.) Text not much overpainted, yet in parts very unsafe from the poor 
MSS., for many of the verses are only preserved in the third hand of the Flatey-book. 
The commentary in Hulda (Fms. vi), ch, 22, is feeble, and cannot be from Ari’s hand. 

The rising of the Bonders, headed by Atli the Speaker (a Norse Thorgny), or Tri- 
bune, has left but few echoes behind. The Kringla, or Book of Kings, does not 
even mention it; did Ari overlook it? The Agrip (ch. 29) transfers it to Thrond- 
ham—Hann [the boy-king Magnus] atti ping i Nidarési ok reisti med freko sakar- 
gipt vid proendr alla ok stungu allir nefi i skinnfelld ok veitto allir bign en engi 
andsvér [clearly an echo of Il. 67, 68]. St6d upp pa madr, Atli at nafni, ok malti 
eigi fleiri ord en pessor: sv skorpnar skér at foeti mer at ek ma eigi or stad komask. 
Enn Sighvatr kvaé par pegar viso pessa [v.17]. The Norwegian Gula Law-book 
has a more marked notice—Nu h6fum ver land-v6rn vara 4 skra setta, ok vitom eigi 
hvart pat er rétt eda rangt. Enn po at ragnt(!) sé pa skolom ver pat logmal hafa 
um utgerdir varar, er fyrr hefir verit, ok Aéli taldi fyrir ménnum i Gula, nema 
konungr varr vili oss 6érum idtta, ok verdim ver 4 pat sattir allir samt [ch. 314]. 

v. I. Text unsafe; under ‘lattan’ we espy ‘Atli,’ and ‘ hvatta’ (egged) under 
Sig ‘ hvair ;’ the rest is twilight. 

1.6. We have restored this line; Cnut’s sons, Hardicnut and Harald, were then 
alive. The poet, threatening the young king, says—Z will leave, I shall go to 
either of them, I knew their father (Cnut): ‘I was then altogether beardless’ (quite 
a youth) does not refer to his meeting with Cnut (that meeting in 1027), but, ‘I have 
earned my bread by my tongue (poet craft) ever since I was a beardless boy,’ 

v. 3. In a very poor state, well-nigh blotted out. 

ll. 15, 16. Two proverbial sayings, which we have tried to restore, The image 
is drawn from wattling, ‘hough none of the biggest, yet I ever filled my place, there 
was no gap where I stood.” There is an Icelandic proverb—Eigi fyllir annars rim, 
Construe, pidkkva (wattle) skal hroesinn husa-vid med hrisi. In Dict. p. 740b we 
once tried another explanation. 














§ 2.] NOTES TO PAGES 146-152. 5847 


vv. 5, 6. In a wretched plight; what the poet really did say has evaporated. 

vv. 7-8 are better; it is a warm appeal to the happy reign of Hacon the Good 
and the two Olafs: lauk-iafn, a word of the poet’s coinage? justice, upright as a 
garlic, unbiassed righteousness, without bend or break. 

1, 36. All this is very unsafe; ‘ Skiri-nafni’ (1, your godfather), for Sighvat chose the 
name of the baby Magnus. In 1. 37, perhaps, ‘ skorpnar skrift skfri-nafna,’ though 
the rhyme requires another word; ‘nafni’ would by Sighvat be sounded ‘ namni,’ 
the sound bz being quite modern. See the words skrema, skremi, skrimd, denoting 
scare, scaringly, ugly. 

1, 38. Quite corrupt. 

1. 43. We read, etti drengir dyrdar dréttinn, ef sonr yrdi fedr glikr, 

1, 46. ‘4 svik, or as some have, ‘& svig;’ fara 4 svig vid e-n is an Icelandic 
phrase, and ‘svigr-mali,’ garbled utterances, imputations; but we prefer the 
stronger ‘ svik,’ for Sighvat was no tale-bearer; conspiracy, words breathing treason, 
he would report to his master. 

l. 50. Construe, pat ord rydr til dyrdar dréttins. 

1, 57. Read, bu pegna, in two words. 

1, 60. Construe, véltir pidfs, see Excursus, p. 450: Stytta skal hind { héfiis a proverb. 

1, 63. A proverb, Vinr es s& vérnud bytr, cp, Guest’s Wisd., 1, 172. 

1. 64. mutaris, a French word, the moulting hawk. Note, Sighvat heard no J; 
mark also the genitive on -is, as in vartaris, note p. 571; and perhaps Veneris in 
Bragi’s line. 

_ v.17. Very corrupt. Underneath ‘ ztla’ we surmise ‘ Atla;’ barely the drift of 
the sense is here attainable. 

ll. 67, 68. See above. 

1. 70. Ofgast, not verb, but adjective to ord. 

1. 71. Read ran, and construe, seggr hinn er selr ut sina fddur-leifd konungs 
greifom at flaums felli-démi, mun telja ran i pvi. 

1, 73. A proverb. 

1. 76. We read, ‘ varda pu,’ guard thou! be thou the guardian of Norway! The 
poet’s farewell words, or final address, winding up the poem; for Norway, as Harold 
Bluetooth’s ‘hawk isle’ in the reign of the Gundhildsons, we are told how King 
Forkbeard charged King Olaf with,”er hann hafdi sezk i skattland hans Noregsveldi, 
er Haraldr, fadir hans, kalladi ‘ haukey sina,’ Fms. x. 341. (Odd Monk’s OI. S.) 

XI. (p. 148.) The fishing anecdote is given in the Reader, p. 111; the verses 
are obscure and corrupt. 

], 21. gor-boenn, solicitous, importunate, 

1. 23. We read, lyra 148 (sea’s) paks (ice’s) veri (the Icelander) ; construe, veittu 
lyra 143-paks veri (dat,) landaura, mérk halfa, af knerri (give him up the half-mark, 

_for I have none to spare myself): bracket the intercalary clause. 

1. 25. The story given in the Reader, pp, 112, 113. 

v. 8. Perhaps none of Sighvat’s [of Othere’s ?]. 

v. 9. Men were finding fault with his poetry: Il. 35, 36 a proverb. 

1, 38. A proverb. The verse seems to be an address to the king when alive: the 
text is unsafe. Selja is a little isle near cape Stadt (close up to the neck Dragscid), 
famed from its Saints, ‘the Men of Selja’ (8th of July). 


Othere the Black, (p. 150.) 


I. A bald poem and much overlaid, but never of high worth, 
J, 11. Sallt (Salt-id-Eystra in Arnor’s song], the Baltic. 


588 NOTES TO PAGES 153-154. [BK. VIII, 


1, 17. The Isle of Gothland is meant [Gautzkr, of the Gauts}. 

v. 7-10. All overdaubed most miserably, ‘stained’ means dyed with colour, 
especially with red. 

The following extracts from the Peterborough Chronicle will show the relation 
of the poem, as far as can be made. out, to the history of the Danish invasions ;— 
1009. ‘Da zfter S. Martinus mzssan. pa ferdon hi [the invading host] eft ongean to 
Cent. and namon him wintersettl on Temesan. and lifedon of East Seaxum. and of 
dam scirum pe ber-nyxt weron on twam healfe Temese. and oft hi on pa burh 
Lundene ge-fuhton. Ac si Gode lof, pet heo gyt ge-sund stent. and hi ber efre yfel 
geferdon.’ [After a raid in the beginning of 1010 through the Chilterns to Oxford, 
which they burnt, they got back to Kent by way of ‘Stane’ (Kingston), and 
passed.the spring mending their ships.] 1010. Her on dissum geare com se fore- 
sprecenda here ofer Eastron to Englum, and wendon up zt Gipes-wic. and eodon an- 
reces per hi ge-axodon Ulfcytel mid his fyrde. Dis. wes on pam deg prima ascensio 
Dhi. and pa sona flugon East Engla. pa stod Grantabryeg scir [ana] festlice ongean. 
per wes of-slegen /Ethelstan bes cynges adum. and Oswi and his sunu. and Wulfric 
Leofwines sunu. and Eadwig /Efice’s brodor. and feala odra godra pegna. and folces 
unge-rim. pone fleam zrest astealde purcytel Myran-heafod, After this Ringmere 
heath fight follows a terrible harrying of fifteen shires, and a second wintering at the 
ships. In 1011, betwix Natiuitas S. Marie and S. Michaeles messan hi ymbesetan 
Cantwaraburh. and hi ber into comon purh syre-wrenceas. for pon A!lmer hi be- 
cyrde Cantwaraburh pe se arcebiscop #ilfeah @r ge-nerede his life. And hi per 
pa genaman pone arcebiscop /Elfheah, and AElfword pes cynges ge-refan, and Leof- 
wine abbot. and Godwine biscop. And #lmzr abbot hi letan aweg. and hi ber 
genaman inne ealle pba gehadode menn. and weras. and wif. pet was un-asecgendlic 
znigum menn hu mycel pes folces wes. and on pare byrig sidéon weron swa lange 
swa hi woldon, and pa hi hefdon pa burh ealle asmeade. wendon him pa to scipon, 
-and lzddon ponne arcebiscop mid him. After a poem on this terrible blow, which 
concludes the story of 1011, the Abingdon chronicler goes on to speak of the Dane- 
geld of ourv. Io. 1012. Hér on pissum geare com Eadric ealdorman. and ealle pa 
yldestan witan géhadode and lewede Angelcynnes, té Lunden-byrig to foran pam 
Eastron. pa wes Easter deg ba on pam datarum Idus Aprilis. and hi dzr ba swa lange 
weron op pat gafol eal gelest was ofer 6a Eastron. pat wes ehta and feowertig 
pusand punda. 

ZEthelred’s flight from Wight to Normandy in 1013 in Thorkettle’s fleet is not 
noted by Othere, but his return iz Olaf’s ships (a new fact for English history) is 
only briefly noted thus in the Abingdon Chronicle: 64 com Athelred cyning innon 
dam Langtene ham td his agonre peode. and hi gledlice fram him eallum onfangen 
wes, Olaf seems to have turned to the English side after the archbishop’s death, 
as did Thorkettle. 

vv. 13-15. Arrival in Norway. This is very much overpainted. Ari knew the 
lines in their purity, see S.O1.S., ch, 27 (Kringla)—Olafr konungr lét par eptir vera lang- 
skipid, enn bid padan knGrro tvé [I. 43], ok hafdi pA tuttugo menn ok tvau hundrud 
albrynjada [this must have been in the verse], ok valit midk, Hann sigldi nordr i 
haf um haustit, ok fengo ofvidri mikit { hafi (ll. 45-48] sv& at mann-hett var; enn 
med pvi peir héfdu lids-kost gédan [l. 46] ok hamingju konungs, pa hlyddi vel. 
Sva segir Ottarr [vv. 13, 14]. Her segir sv4, at Olafr konungr kom titan at midjom 
Néregi [l. 50]; enn su ey heitir Sela, er peir téku land, ut fra Stadi [this is now 
lost]. We must here add the verse, p. 127, v. 15, which we think belongs here. It 
is all overpainted ; the substance, and even the words, we gather from S. Ol. S., ch. 28 


; 
4 





ra " + 
SE EE a, on ms 


eT ae en, a oe en ea a aie 


heats hime 














v 


§ 2] NOTES TO PAGES 154-158. 589 


(Kringla)—thus, underneath ‘strangr hitti’ we surmise ‘stréng heit.’ The following 
words of praise-surely refer to the young king Olaf, and by no means to the earls ; 
‘we accordingly read, és vard einna ceztr, etc. 

1, 59. Under ‘riddr’? we surmise the number of the exiled kings, four or ‘ prid?” 

1. 62. The Saga has here an atrociously cruel story of King Olaf—Hann lét blinda 
Hreerek baédum augom, ok hafdi hann meé ser, enn hann lét skera tungo or Godrodi 
Dala-konungi, enn Hring, ok adra tv4 Iét hann sverja ser eida, at peir skyldo fara 
brott or Néregi ok koma aldri aptr [ch. 74] (Kringla). We suspect our old acquaint- 
ance the clerical legend manufacturer who libels Tryggvason to have had his hand in 
the pie—the Book of Joshua being his model. There is also a long dramatic story on 
King Hrorek, ch. 82-86, true in substance: Old Hrorek was blind, but through no act 
of St. Olaf. As for the poems, |. 62 is the only apparent authority, yet the sense 
we take to be merely, Ve put a stop to his evil tongue. From other sources we 
learn that in fact the kings went into exile. The whole story of the Upland kings is 
dramatised in Snorri’s best vein, long political speeches in Thucydidean style (S. Ol. S. 
(Kringla), ch. 30-36, 72, 73, 82-86]. Notice that the faithfulness of the Uplanders 
to St. Olaf in his hour of need at Sticklestead speaks loudly against any such things 
as his having cruelly maimed the Upland kings, The Wick and Central Norway 
stood by him, or at least were neutral. 

1. 64. Notice here the five kings, which puts at rest the eleven of p. 583. 

ll. 65, 66. The extension of the king’s dominion, now the lord of Norway, from 
one end to the other, is in the south-east ‘ Eidar,’ so called from the necks and tarberts 
between the lochs of Wermland. We miss the boundary towards the north, hidden, 
we take it, in ‘ Gondlar,’ i.e. Gandvik (vikr Ganda). ‘He rules the land between 
the Elbe (Gotha River) and Gandwick,’ says Snorri in Hattatal, verse 1. 

1. 69. King Fairhair had, in times past, subdued the Isles, but no Norse king ever 
since. 

II. Cnut’s Praise, (p. 155.) 

1, 6. lid-van (levy ?). 

1. 14. Proverbial ; reka e-m illan pveit =lidésta einn illom steini, p. 207, 1. 67. 

vv. 6-11. Very thickly overpainted, see Saxon Chronicle. 

1, 27 apparently refers to some skirmish not mentioned in the Chronicle. The 
lines originally may have run—The deep dyke was filled with the bodies of dead 


_ Northumbrians. ‘The fight must therefore have taken place between Uhtred’s 


treaty with Eadmund and submission to Cnut. ‘Sverd castala verda’ is quite enig- 
matic. ‘ Hazelworth’ is a mere guess. The whole of vv. 6-11 seems to be covered 


by the year 1016. (For English account of which, see p. 578.) Names certainly 
found in them are:—Lindesey, 1.17; River Ouse, 1. 20; Norwich, 1. 22; Thames, l. 


26; Tees, 1. 27; the Northumbrians’ Dyke, |. 28 ; Sherstone, 1. 30 ; Brentford, 1. 32; 
Assington, 1. 36; Forest of Dean, 1. 38. 

v. 12. A-in-Helga, Holy River, South Sweden ; this battle is noticed in the Peter- 
borough Chronicle, 1025. [The true date is 1026.] 

III. (p. 157.) Utterly bare of facts, looks much as if it had been manufactured by 
Einar Skulason, 


IV. (p. 157.) ll. 1, 2. Cnut’s titles in these songs confirm Steenstrup’s remarks as 


‘to the extent of his empire never including Sweden, 


1. 4. vidari, Norwegian form for vidara. 

1. 7. A proverb, Miérer mikils visir, Reader, p. 264, No. 204, still inuse in Iceland. 

v. 3. Note the tapestry work of ‘Sigfred in Oanute’s-day: 1. 12,’ cp. West. Wols. 
Lay, ll. 43, 44. ‘A°Swedish Rune‘stone’ has the roasting-scene of |, 4 carved upon it. 


590 NOTES TO PAGES 159-162. . [BK. VIII. 


Thorarin Praise-tongue (p. 159), etc. 


I, Stretch Song. Note how Canute, setting out for Norway, starts from Limfrith, 
Jutland. In King Forkbeard’s and Cnut’s days [and earlier as well] the Limfrith 
was open towards the west ; in fact, a sound or strait cutting clean across Jutland. 
Here the Danish fleet, bound for England, used to gather [see Knytl, S., year 1087]. 
Cnut, coming from England to Denmark, lands at Limfrith [Sighvat, vi. 28]. Mark 
the points in Cnut’s northward route, leaving Limfrith, Agde (Naze), Listi (Lister), 
Highdoor (Haadyr, south of Jederen), Ekersund, Hornelen (off Nordfiord), Cape 
Stadt, Stemshesten [Lat. 63°], River Nith [Nidaros, Throndheim], 

1, 23. nefi, here sister’s son, Earl Hacon Eric’s son: Veg-Idtar [from A.S. weg = 
sea], this folk-name also occurs in Vellekla, 1. 83; but is else unknown. Cf. the 
Holm-Rygum of Widsid and Se-Geatas of Beowulf, the last of which is an exact 
parallel, it means the Island or Sea-Jutes, By the son [1. 84] Hardicnut is meant. 

1, 25. doekk-sala svana (sea) dalr, the sea-dale, that is, Denmark. Did not the 
poet say ‘Dana-mork?’ it sounds better so, else the Icelandic Sagas only know the 


docked form Dan-mork, but in Cnut’s day, we surmise, the full form was still heard, 


1. 30. For the long-fetched kenning see Excursus, vol. i, p. 457. 

III. (p. 160.) This ecclesiastically interesting poem we have been able to partially 
restore. The title we take to be =‘ Gloe-lung’ (the transparent vessel, the shrine). 

l. 2. The name of Earl Harald, son of Thorkettle the Tall, is, we believe, hidden 
under these words, he is the Earl, cp. pa hafdi Knutr konungr gefit iarldém i Dan- 
mérku Haraldi syni porkels Hava [S. Ol. 8. (Kringla), ch. 194]: underneath ‘ upp- 
hafi’ we recognise ‘ Havi.’ 

], 13. kvikva settr (enshrined), of saints, cp. mod. kvik-settr (auried alive). 

ll, 15, 16. Sidan fluttu peir porgils likit upp med anni ok grdéfu par nidr 4 sand- 
mel peim, er par verdr [S, Ol. S., ch. 251]; a statement drawn, we think, from this 

very line whilst unadulterated. 

' 1.17. var p& likami konungs borinn inn { Clemenz-kirkjo ok veittr umbunaér yfir 
ha-altari [S. Ol. S. ch. 258]; derived, we take it, from our song; the MSS. leave 
here a blank: the ‘high altar’ is implied in 1. 26. 

1. 23. bord-vegs sing, the shrine. 

1, 27. Emendated, ‘Cristi peg’=cisto k’gs of the Archetypus. The sense is 


indubitable: it was over the high altar that the candles burnt above the king’s _ 


coffin. 

1, 31. ‘kryppr’=kryppill—certainly so, a noun, not a verb; so also [I. 33] 
piddan (the king), not piddar; cp. Enn sv& sem étarinn segir, at til ins helga 
konungs kom herr mannz, haltir ok blindir, eda 4 annan veg sidkir, enn foro padan 
heilir —[S. Ol. S., ch. 259.] ie: 

1, 35. ‘ pinnar;’ some MSS, ‘sinnar,’ i.e. the land he once ruled. In after days 
St. Olaf was the perpetual suzerain; indeed, the St. Peter of Norway. That, how- 
ever, is an interpretation appropriate only to later days, in Archbishop Eystan’s and 
Magnus Erlingson’s reign: it would be an anachronism—eyen though we accept the 
reading ‘ sinnar’—to urge any such meaning. 

1, 38. béka-mals (Holy Scriptures) regin-nagli, the Scripture’s holy peg =Saint: 
‘regin-nagli’ is a term borrowed from the heathen temple. See Excursus I, vol. ii, 
Pp. 403. 

Hallward, (p. 161.)—1. 2. sikolgiord is simply the sigel-gyrd, sail-yard, 

1. 6. Fleet, the Humber; Ello ztt-leif6 = England. 

1, 11. munka-mold (Palestine) rekz (King’s = God’s) valld (heaven). 


ie ee ie be 





p 
a ow ri" F aa i J % 
Fo ere ek Wes LT oe 


ati pa er eal 6. ea a eee 


§ 2.] NOTES TO PAGES 163-177. 591 


Biarni Goldbrow, (p. 163.)—l. 1. Harold’s heir, i, e. St. Olaf. 

ll. 7, 8. Underneath we read, Rygja resir, and land-vérdr Egda, of Erling. His 
enemies used to call him ‘the King of the Rugians ’—vera kann pa, at ek hafa ekki 
varliga malt, ef pu ert systur son konungsins Rygjanna [Hkr., p. 353, Unger]. 
Sighvat calls him ‘ V6rdr Hoérda,’ the Warden of the Hords. 

1, 22. We read, satt er at setja knattir Svein; the poet addresses his patron in 
the 2nd person—thou made Sweyn put up with Denmark alone ; didst dismiss him 
to Denmark. 

1, 26. Read herr in its old bad sense, cp. 6fundmenn in line below. 

ll. 31, 32. Very corrupt. It refers to the battle at Redburgh, where Calf, siding 
with Earl Thorfin, his brother-in-law, beat Earl Rognvald. 

The Rood Song, (p. 165.)—The last burden of this encomium most probably re- 
ferred to the Rood, and gave it its name. Sigg, a peak on the Isle of Bommel, 
West Norway: Kormt (Karmen) and Aumar, isles off Rogaland (Stavanger). 

II, On Thoralf, (p. 165.)—Fitjar, a farm on the Isle of Stord, west of Hardanger, 
where King Hacon the Good fell; for kenning, 1. 3, see Excursus, vol. i, p. 457. 

Ill. An unknown song.—Mythical phrases, cp. Atlam., 1, 282, vol. i, p. 76, 1. 42. 

Ref. (p. 166.)—I. ‘ griétaldar;’ one should prefer a name of Woden (‘Gautz 
alldins’ = Woden’s breast liquor = poetry): the image is modelled from the one in 
Egil’s Head Ransom, 1. 2. 

II, Hrafn-Asar (Woden’s) heilagt full, Aoly toast, poetry, and Valgautz veigar, id. 

III. Mark the ‘ kennings’ of a ship, see Excursus, vol. ii, p. 458. 

Bersi, (p. 169.)—hrddrs hag-kennendi=a poet: y. 3 apologizing for his not being 
willing to desert his old master, the earl, in his need and defeat : the Bison, St. Olave’s 
ship, with a bison figure-head [Carlhead was his ship at Nesia]}. 

Tokle.—Sult, now Sylte, a harbour in Valdal, S6ndmor, Norway. Here St. Olaf 
left his ships, see Sighvat viii. 3. 

Harek.—Lezbaugs-ey, a pun = Vedr-ey (Weather Isle), an island in Cattegat. 

j Vettalandir, an estate, county, Ranriki, on the east side of Christiana fiord. 

Pe. Tryggvi's verses.—|. 51. This is the first time we meet a pssst te since frequent 
| in poets of the following reign [see especially Arnor]. 

: St. Olaf—i, 162. Gramr ok brattir hamrar, a pun = Ingi-gerdr. 

1, 66. Ein glop (fem.) scekir iarl hvern, a proverb, Icelanders now say, eiga eitt 
glappa-skotid 4 evi sinni, 

Coalbrow’s Poet, (p. 175.)—1. 18. Loftunga, i, e. Thorarin the Poet. 

1, 18. Read hregg-land, cp. Sighvat, x, 40. 

1. 26. skopt, cp. p. 79, l. 4; survivesin mod, Icel. skott, a seut or tail (of dog, fox). 

1, 33. Skopta ek, see Dict. 554a; mod. skotta: god-fidn (podex). 

1, 37. brenna e-m illan dila, proverbial phrase: ‘from,’ |. 39, dele, 

ll, 45, 46. Inney, Herbiorg, places in Inner Throndheim. 

1, 59. Hring and Day, on whom see Flatey-book ii, p. 118. 

1, 66. Necessary emendation, Dags hrid was the final charge at Sticklestead, where 
the king’s right wing (Day and the Uplanders) was beaten after a hard fight. [The 
king in the contest was, it seems, killed ere the battle was lost.] We reed not give 
credence to the story that Day came /oo /ate; for that is in direct contradiction with 
Sighvat’s exact statements, that the Norsemen (and who else could they have been ?) 
were on the king’s right hand, 








592 NOTES TO PAGES 186-191. [ BK.’ VIE. 


§ 3. Kines Haroup anp Maenvs, 
Arnor, (p. 186.) 


I. This poem is but little meddled with. Specimens of the most marked ‘ kennings’ 
are—A King, Ulfa ferdar (wolves’) tungu-riddr 14, Yggjar-mas (raven’s) fidri-riddr 
16, benja kolgo (blood’s) blagamms (raven’s) fedir 17, ulfa gradar eydir £9, fengins 
gollz 6tti 52, hlenna prystir 36, hlenna preytir 56, hlenna dolgr 58, gotna spialli 20, 
i6fra bagi 55: the ship, geima valr 62, él-marr 30, skordo0 skid 24, popto eiki-26, 
sevar skid 59, hlunna reid 57: the wind, fyris garmr 28: the sea, meita hlid 59: 
blood, hre-légr 48, Hlakkar-haukr.48: raven, val-gammr 44, etc. 

1, 2. Quite obscure and fragmentary, 

1.8. skrué, here a nautical term. 

1. g. verda (bulwark) ; better ‘varta,’ Thulor 412, and a verse in Orkney S. (4 
urga vorto), but not in this collection. 

1. ro, Read ¢hiér,’ 

1. 14. tirar-ping; perhaps the moot at Hangra (see Sighvat ix. 7) is here meant. 

1, 32. Stefja mél—‘ mal’ is a later form (stave division), see Excursus on Metric. 

1. 35. Opidd (un-people, un-folk), the pagan Wends. 

1. 39. River on the border of Sleswick and Jutland. 

1. 45. med hringom (crew and all). 

1. 47. Hefnir Alafs, see above, p. 35, 1. 2; 92, 1. 59; 137, 1143 211, 1. 4. 

1. 48. N@ mun kvezdit aukask ; the initial verse to the third part or Slem. 

II. (p. 189.) 1. 7. Sallt, see p/ 152, 1.11: heltr, better ‘helldr’ =hvelldr, vocalising 
the w, cp. p. 304, 1.63; 270, 1. 29. 

1.8. Sigtuna, the famed ‘place near Upsala, see Ynglinga Saga, the first chapter. 

], 10. afkarr, cp. Atla kv. 150, and below, 1. 17: hence we believe comes mod. 
Engl. awkward, Cf. “carhand ’ of the fourteenth-century North English poet. 

1, 14. otvin, see Sighvat iii. 56; Thiodolf ii. 62. 

1. 22, hallr (=steinn), the stained, red-painted sides. 

1, 23. ‘fetil-stingr, a sword or dirk, 

1.30. -4mr (blackish), cp. :p..278, 1.8. ‘Iom,’.on the coast of Pommerania, 
where the Danish kings once founded the famous Iomswicking colony: in Arnor'’s 
days dissolved, andthe place given over to the Wendish pagan. 

1..36. The Axe Hell. This is the first time we meet with the axe as a weapon 
instead of the sword: the axe was long the favourite weapon of the Norwegians and 
Danes; see the English Chronicles, Giraldus, and Sturlunga. 

1, 40. 4-leggjar (stone’s) Yggjar (giant’s) vif- (giantess’) marr (wolf). 

1. 42. Helganess, a point on the eastmost point of Jutland. 

1. 45. Reggbuss, a Wendish name, as it seems. 

1. 46. rég-skyja (shield’s) rygjar (axe’s) regn (battle). 

1. 49. Hneitir, St. Olaf’s sword. Magnus had the father’s three heirlooms, his ship 
(Bison), his axe (Hel),and his sword (Hneitir) ; of which sword, see the later fables 
in Geisli, vv. 43-50. 

1.51. Biorn,.a famed Wicking, Sweyn Wolfsson’s brother, ‘caowa also from 
English Chronicles, 1050. 

1. 62, Chronological fact ; the young King Magnus was now [1045] filling his 
“second teen,’ his twentieth year. : 

III. (p. 191.) 1. 3. River Niz, Halland ; battle fought here in 1062. 

1. 4. Note here Tyrfing, the famed sword of the Waking (Bk. iii, § 1); no other 
poet, though verily from no lack of opportunity, is found using this name, 


ght 





aa : ‘ 
PA ethy ocatark abe 


ee ein er Se We 


tT la 

















En 





§ 3.] NOTES TO PAGES 191-196. 593 


1, 5. The Snake, Harold’s ship, a successor to the Bison and Long Serpent, 

1, 19.=Eymdit, from eyma ; cp. Dan. émme sig ved noget. 

IV. (p. 192.) In a sad state, 1.3. The English Chronicles tell of the battle at 
Fulford ; we recognise the name under ‘ fell at fundi,’ and ‘ Dik Uso’ under ‘ togfusa.’ 
The Saga, in conformity with the Abingdon Chronicle, states (from our poem ?) 
that the battle was fought on Wednesday before St. Matthew’s day. Is this hidden 
in l.4? Gauta= Woden, 

vv. 5, 6. Very sadly overdaubed. 

1, 24. The Saga says—Emma het brynja hans, hon var sv4 sid at hénum ték 4 
mitt bein, ok svd styrk at aldri hafdi vapn 4 fest—‘ Emma’ hidden under ‘ hlenna.’ 

vv. 9, 10, Mere blurred sentences. 

V. (p. 193.) Both this and the following Lay are overpainted beyond mending. 

l. 1. Deildiz af sv4 aldri; see Dict, s. v. deila, III. 2. 

1, 4. ‘hegjo,’ see Rekst., 1. g2, and Merl. ii, 82. 

1, 13. blézk, from blanda: saum-for, see Thulor, 1, 398. 

VI. (p. 194.) skelkingr, a sword, Thulor, 1, 255. 

1. 8. See Excursus on Metre, p. 454. 

The Orkney Saga, ch. 22, founded on our poem, speaks of a Carl Hundason (a 
Scotch ‘ maormor,’ we believe, and no king of Scotland); his nephew is Muddan or 
Mumtan. Earl Thorfin fights and beats Hundason [Mac-beath, Dog’s Son, as 
Mr. Rhys most ingeniously puts it] at Deersness, Thorkel Fosterer, Thorfin’s 
ally and friend, slays Muddan; upon which Hundason gathers an Irish and Scotch 
host, fights, and is beaten again at Torfness, whereon the earl harries and burns 
North Scotland, having in one summer fought three battles, 

1. 9. ‘kyndom lofud brynjo,’ some name hidden here, (Hundason?), 

1. 20. Sandwick, the second battle. 

1, 21. Torfness, the third battle, on a Monday; on a Friday (I. 35); on a Wed- 
nesday morning (1. 40). Arnor is fond of showing off his learning by marking the 
week days—of scant use to us now, as often we neither know the p/ace nor the year, 

1, 24. Skotlands harra, lord of Scotland, only a ‘maormor’ may be meant, 

1, 28. Lodwe’s grandson, see pedigree, p. 183. 

1, 30. Mark the reed or rush-thatched houses, 

1. 33. Read ‘ Vestrfiordr,’ Westfirth, on the west side of the Isle of Skye; see 


Hak. S., chs, 166, 327, Rolls’ edit. The poem was, one can see, already ‘tainted’ 


when the paraphrase in Orkn. S. was taken, for there too we read Vatzfiordr, 

1. 34. A Skidi, manifestly =in the Isle of Skye, 

v. 11. Name of the place hopelessly gone (buried in 1. 47?). The Orkney S., 
ch. 27 (Rolls’ edit.), says—pat var 4 einu sumri at porfinnr iarl herjadi um Sudreyjar 
ok vestan um Skotland; hann 14 par sem Gaddgedlar heita (Galloway), bar meetiz 
Skotland ok England—from a lost verse of Arnor ? 

v. 12, The same defacement of place-name. The Irish annals might be of help, 

v. 13. We guess ‘Ongulseyjar sund;” 1. 45 fixes it as ‘ south of the Isle of Man.’ 

v. 17 has reference to the Redburgh battle, 

1. 56. Skialdar vidr, the ship [from a now half dim myth]. 

v. 19. The extent of Thorfin’s dominion (in imitation of Othere, p. 155, and 
Vellekla, 1. 80). The Thurs Skerries are also mentioned in Hak. S., ch. 265, but are no 
longer known, being some reef off the north-eastmost point of Orkney or Shetland. 

v. 20. porfinnr iarl gérdi pat frama-verk i Orkneyjum, at hann veitti allri hird 
sinni, ok mérgum 6drum rikum ménnum, allan vetrinn goegnum, bedi mat ok 
mungat, sv4 at engi madr purftii skytning at ganga—sva sem konungum eda idrlum 


VOL. Il, eq 
mire — 


594 NOTES TO PAGES 197-205. [BK. VIIt. 


er titt.i 6drum Jéndum, at veita um Id] hird sinni ok gestum, Sva segir Arnérr 
[v. 20].—Orkn. S., ch. 23. And—Annat Ondvegi var 4 inn wcedra pall, gegnt 
konungi; skyldi par sitja inn cezti radgiafi konungs fyrir hans ‘adrykkju, ok pétti 
pat mest virding at sitja fyrir konungs Adrykkju. Sem Arnorr IJarla-skald segir 
[v. 21]. Her hrdésar Arnérr pvi, at hann sat i woedra Ondugi fyrir Adrykkju por- 


finnz iarls, p& er hann var med hénum i Orkneyjum.—Hulda, Olaf Quiet’s S. 


v. 22. Hence it appears Arnor had married some relation of the earl’s. 

v. 23. The dead earl’s two sons, Erlend and Paul. 

v. 26. Mark the echo from Volospa. 

1. 75. goedingr; in Orkney the nobles (the ‘hersar’ of Norway) were called 

‘ gcedings,’ or good men, aptorot. 

VIII. (p. 197.) We take this to be from the Dirge on Gelli, Ari’s grandfather ; 
Gelli built a church at Holyfell. Niala, ch. 1o—Hall says to Thangbrand the mis- 
sionary, ‘{ hverja minning heldr pu penna dag?’ fangbrandr segir, ‘ Michael engill 
& daginn, segir hann.’ ‘Hyver rék fylgja engli beim,’ segir Hallr. ‘ Morg,’ segir 
pangbrandr, ‘hann skal meta allt pat er pu gorir, bedi gétt ok illt; ok er hann 
sv& miskunsamr, at hann metr allt pat meira sem vel er gort.’ Hallr malti: ‘Eiga 
vilda ek hann mer at vin.’ 

IX, (p. 197.) Gott es at fylgja dréttni, a proverb, 


Thiodolf Arnorsson, (p. 199.) 

I. Magnus Flokk.—|. 18. Infin. pret.; with acc. see above. 

ll. 22, 23. There are here two battles, for Liirschau (Hlyrskégs-heidr) is on the 
southern, the Skotborg River on the northern border of Sleswick, distanced by a 
day’s march or two. 

1. 24. It is strange to call King Magnus ‘Ello konr;’ yet, if true, it is a finger- 
point to his plans and claims on England ; see our remarks, p. 178. 

1. 26, All the Norse poets of this date dub Sweyn the Danish King ‘ Earl.’ 

1. 28. Read, mundot, i, e. they remembered no greater fight. 

vv. 9, 10. Observe the manner of battle, staff-slings, spears, stones, arrows; 
‘snoeri-dorr’ (sling-darts) and ‘skepti-flétta’ would be identical; bdslar, a quarrel 
or crossbow bolt, besides in Thulor, 290, a M, Lat.-Rom. word, M. Lat. bolsonem, 
French bozoun, boujon. 

1, 39.. The poet present in the battle. 

1, 47. pessi orrosta var Dréttins-dag nesta fyrir 161—Magn. §, (Hulda), ch. 38. 

1. 50. Sveinn flydi pa yfir 4 Fidn (leaving Jutland), ch, 38.—‘ Fion’ underneath 
*i folk,’ 1. 52. 

1, 54. We surmise ‘ pridjaby ’= Odinsve in Funen, see Thulor, 130, 

1, 58, Helga-nes, see Arnor, i. 44. 

1. 69. prennin, tvennin or prenni, tvenni, is an older form than prenn, etc.; to 
bear the higher shield is to ‘carry it off triumphantly.’ 

II. (p. 201.) 1. 4. Borrowed from Sighvat, ii. 38. 

1, 11, We suggest ‘ Hnikars-lund,’ Woden’s grove =Odinsve, see Thulor, 119. 

1, 22, What place can this be? We think some harbour in Zealand? (Thulor, 
325). In the following lines we espy places in Zealand—Andwerd-wood, 1, 25 ; 
Ringsted, 1. 26; Soré, 1, 26; Kidge, 1, 30. See the map of Denmark. Here and 
in the following lines the prose of the Saga yields no help whatever, yet the 
palimpsest nature of the text is unmistakeable, 

vv, 10, 11. In Schonen; but we have been unable to recover any of the names 
underlying the metamorphosed text, 





i 
Soa 


I a a 


1 





a: aa ama ida 





r. 
;, 


<r 


§ 3.] NOTES TO PAGES 205-209. Bo 


III. (p. 204.) 1. 9. Favourite simile, cp. Bk. vi, Ditty 33; vol. ii, p. 76, v. 2. 

1, 10, émyndr, a law term, a marriageable lady, ‘sub mundio;’ an dm, Aey. 

1, 19. héss, gray, cp, Eirm. 26, Hltal, 25 (Michael V. Kalaphastes, 1041-2). 

1, 21, Stdél-pengill, the Greek Emperor, For his story, see Gibbon, ch, xlviii, and 
Finlay. | 

1, 28, The poets all talk of the great hoard that Harold brought from the Fast, © 

1, 29. hlébord, lea-board, ‘shelter board,’ the side off the wind; ‘larboard”’ is 


- etymologically, though not in sense, identical. 


v. 12, The ships were drawn up in a wedge [hamalt], the king’s ship foremost; a 
shield fence all around: but what of ‘hémlur?’ See Steenstrup’s Danelag. 

1, 42. hremsa, arrow, see Thulor, 290. Finna-giold, Excursus, vol. ii, p. 481. 

1, 50. Read, Sveinn ... sudr at gunni; sv4 er sagt at konungr hefdi med sér til 
orrosto sex iarla, var einn af beim Finnr Arnason.—Har. S., ch. 78. | 

1. 59. Eiga audan plég, a fearfully realistic phrase; ‘ plow’ was originally, as here 
a wheeled vehicle. 

1. 60. A proverb=to run as if chased by the Fiend. In the translation v. 20 
follows here, but the text seems right. 

1, 65. hrét-garmr =hrot-gandr (house-devourer), Thulor, 525. 

1, 66. gagn, gain, crop; ‘ gléd,’ glede or glowing ember. 

1. 68. Lidar, the menn of Lidir or Lier, near Drammen? 

1. 69. Halfs galli (fire), synonym drawn from King Half’s story, cp. Yt. 1. 132. 

1, 71. fera starf til krdks, metaphor from anchorage: fridr namsk at hvarfi (peace 
ensued ?), cp. at-hvarf, hverfa at. 

1, 73. A proverb, 

1. 76. A proverb =o lie as one has made his bed. 

1. 88. Yrso burér= Rolf Craki, Yrsa’s son; cp. Mill Song, 79. See 1. 69 above. 

IV, (p. 208.) 1. 8. It was merely on account of the ‘ ungr allvaldr’ (1. 8) that we 
put these verses under the year 1048; we now simply read ‘ yngvi’ (yngvi en Arar 
drengja allvalldz { sid falla). The Saga distinctly states that shortly before tHe 
battle at the River Niz, King Harold had a great Dragon built on the’ River Nith (of 
35 rooms = 70 oars, modelling her upon Tryggvason’s Serpent).—pann vetr er Haraldr 
sat i Nidarési, sem fyrr er ritad, lét haniireisa skip mikit; pat var skeid; var pat 
gort eptir vexti Orms-ins-Langa, ok vandat at Gllu sem mest; var dreka-hdfud & 
framm, enn aptr krékr, ok véro svirar allt golli bunir. ‘pat skip var half-fertogt at 
ruma tali, ok mikit at pvi, ok var pat it fridasta; lét konungr allan bunad vanda til 
skipsins, bedi seg] ok reida, akkeri ok strengi...Enn er varadi... lét Haraldr 
konungr setja ut 4 4na skip pat it mikla; sidan lét hann upp setja dreka-héfudin. 
pa kvad piodolfr [verse 1]. Sidan er skip petta it frida var buit, pa hélt konungr 
pvi ut eptir 4nni. Sva segir piddolfr [v. 2]. pa var vandadr midk rddr 4 drek- 
anum. Sv& segir piddolfr [v, 3].—Har. S. (Hulda), ch. 76. In this ship we may 
take it for granted Harold went to England a few years later, in 1066; and the 
very building thereof is a silent witness to the plans he was maturing while waiting 
for King Edward’s death.—This is the finest of Thiodolf’s poems; one more evi- 
dence for the later date, 

1. g. reedi, here the oar; verri, the wake of oar or rudder, 

1, 11. fer-kleyf se-fang (pl.), the sguare-loomed oars. 

1, 13. Corrupt; sarglar vitt? the sound of the oar sweeping through the water ? 
se-fang is suspicious here; the law against repetition is rarely if ever violated: 
* ekkjan,’ in 1. 15, is also very doubtful. 

1, 15. heglda, the stream beaten by the swift stroke, as by hail, 


Q@qg 2 


596 NOTES TO PAGES 209-215. [BK. VIL 


1. 16, So Homer calls the oars the wings of the ship, Odyss. xi. 125. 

V. (p. 209.) Hléseyjar hlym-gardr =the Cattegat. 

VIIL. (p. 210.) 1, 2. hell, Thulor, 408. 

1. 9. Systot sudr, probably thus, 

v. 5. Pretty clear as to the sense, though the text is not quite safe; midla mal, 
to mediate. 

1. 21. Read, Hitt hefi-ek heyrt; and 1, 22, 266 sysl es pat, this és a blessed piece 
of work, 

1, 23. Construe, peir, ok Ol] ferd, haldi sva scerom i fullom fridi (fridi fullom ?). 

IX. (p. 211.) 1, 1. hefnendr (1. 4) evidences that the verse was made after the 
king’s death ; hence we have to read either, ¢ fallinn sid til vallar,’ or, ‘ pétt sé fylkir 
fallinn sialfr til vallar,’ 

1, 4. True hawks, cp. Arnor, i. 5. 

X, (p. 211.) 1. 3. Iarislaf of Novgorod, King Harold’s patron during his exile 
after Sticklestead., 

1, 7. aka e-m i 6ngan krok, a proverbial phrase, to drive one into a corner. 

1, 8. Lesir, the Lech, a Slavonic people: Lidsmenn (cp. pingamenn), cp. sva 
segir i flokki beim, er pa var ortr af Lids-ménnum, Skiold, S. (Knytl.), ch. 14; the 
Lithsmen’s Song, p. 106. In both instances Lithsmen is a technical word. 

XI. (p. 212.) The story in Edda, translated above, pp. 18, 19, of Garfred the 
Blacksmith Giant. The King and his poet see a Tanner fighting a Blacksmith. 
Says the king, ‘ Make a song on them, one to be Giant Garfred and the other Thor’ 
[v. 2]. And again, when the verse was made, ‘ Well done,’ says the king. ‘Now 
make one Sigfred the slayer of Fafni and the other Fafni the Serpent, and name each 
from his craft.—Har. S., ch. r01.. The poet makes a comic transposition in his 
epithets, calling,—pdérr smid-belgja = Garfred, and, Iétunn hafra-ki6tz = pdrr: huda 
hreekkvi skafl=brak. Read, Geirrédar, and construe, Smidbelgja pdrr (the giant) 
varp eldingom (fire) or preto-porpi (mouth) at hafra kidtz Iétni (Thor): and, 
heida hroekkvi-skafls gladr (the Tanner = Thor) ték hlidd-greipum (with his mouth) 
vid peiri sio smidjo Geirrédar [of the Smithy-Garfred =the Blacksmith] : 

And v, 1. Sleggjo Sigurdr (Sledge-hammer Sigfred =the Blacksmith), and, brakar 
Snakr (the Serpent of the brakes, id., see Dict., p. 77 b): leista heidi (the eather heath 
=Gnita heath of the myth); il-vegs (foot’s) kiljo (brogues’) Ormr (the Tanner) ; 
nauta ledrs nadr (neat leather’s Serpent, id.); Tangar konungr (the King of the 
Tong =Garfred the Smith). 

1. 8. Read, Geirrddar. 

XII. sepradr, read ‘si-pradr,’ qs. sid-praér, oakum, for caulking; see Nicolaysen’s 
Wicking Ship; bits of it are found in the seams of the Wicking ship of 1880. 
(Hence mend Dict. 532, s. v. sidradr.) 


MINoR PoeErs, (p. 212.) 

Odd Kikina-scald, (p. 214.)—l. 3. pessi orrosta var Drédttins dag nesta fyrir Idl 
[Magn. S. (Hulda), ch. 38]. Under the impossible word ohlituleg we surmise, dhlitin 
dag, and under ‘ sunnan,’ Sunno, i.e. Sunday. 

1. 17. langar limar leiéa, metaph., ep. Old Wols. Pl., 1. 16, where we should 
perhaps read, ‘langar leida limar.’ The king’s death has planted long, undying 
woe in my breast, Such mention of the bitter fruit of passion and its growth is 
very archaic, and no doubt a citation or imitation here (from O, W. L,?). 


Bolwerk, (p. 215.)—I. 1. The king’s action is not quite clear, One looks for 
something stronger in the verse, 








§3.] NOTES TO PAGES 215-223. 597 


1. 15. reié-maltr, ready spoken; the poets are, for rhyme’s sake, fond of ‘reidr,” 
meaning not = wroth, but rathe, prompt, cp. p. 219, 1.14; 224, 1. 11. 

1.17. The king stepped the mast in the heavy sea (omitted in translation). 

1. 18. Read miollo (?) for ‘mioll 4,’ and construe, skiirr laust 4 dyra skiald-rim, 
miollo stokkinn skokks prom (apposition). 

1, 22. The emperor’s name hidden here ? 


Walgard, (p. 216.)—l. 2. skipt, a Lat.-Byz. word, excubium, Byz. Gr. éoxtBuor. 
Ari explains that Harold got the usual largesse at an emperor’s three times. If this 
be true and drawn from a poem, the dates would be April 11, 1034, after Romanos 
Ill ; Dec. 14, 1041, after Michael IV ; and April 21, 1042, after Michael V. 

1. 3. Italy is meant; can there be any idea of Bruttium under ‘ breido ?’ 

1. 8. stopdir [akin to stapi], bolt upright. 

1. 12. Overlaid; we surmise, sviptir .. . Sigttinom skript hina. Snorri calls the 
sail htin-skript. Hann sneri fyrst til Svipiddar, ok lagi til Sigttina. Sv segir Val- 
gardr af Velli.—[Har. S. (Hulda), ch. 17.] 

vv. 9, 10. All overlaid. The king seems to have moored his ships at the mouth 
of Roskeld-fiord: names still unimpaired are, Selund (1. 20), Roskeld (I. 21): over- 
laid, but still recognisable, are, Helsinge (1. 23), Ramldse (1. 24); the rest doubtful ; 
perhaps Skioldelév (I. 25): what more there were we are unable to disinter. 

1. 33. bedi (uu), impossible word ; ‘ fyrir bardi?’ 


Illugi, (p. 218.) —Would we had the whole poem with its interwoven mytho- 
logical sentences. 

ll. 3, 4. Read hélt, cp. Old Wols. Pl., v. 44, which poet Illugi must have known, 
for ‘ eiskiald’ (hear?) is a direct loan, 

1. 5 we have been unable to restore; if under duglom (an impossible word) lies 
‘deigla,’ gold, the hoard Sigfred won from Fafni is meant. 


Grani, (p. 218.)—Horn-skégr, a forest near Randers, Jutland: pidlarnes, Tiele, | 
near River Gudenaa, Jutland. Mark the favourite Craki story. Cp. Thiodolf 
Arnorsson, iii, ll. 88, go. 

Thorarin, (p. 218.)—The blinding story again, cp, Thiodolf, iii, v. 5, above, 
p. 205, 1. 22. 


Thorleik, (p. 219.)—Much overlaid. ‘North’ of Heathby; but south, Thiodolf, 
i, 22: ‘haukstorda’ and ‘nordan’ are both wrong. 

1, 15. hunferils hreinar, ships, cp. p. 101, |. 7. 

1, 23. pengils byr, some place? 

v. 9. Sveinn konungr héit flota sinom sudér undir Hléssey (or Sdmsey) ok hitti par 
siau skip af Nordménnum, pat var leidangrs lid ok boendr ér Vikinni. peir badu 
grida, ok budu fé fyrir sik. ‘ess getr porleikr [v. 9].—Har. S. (Hulda), ch. 53. 
*Samsey’ or ‘Lzssoe’ and ‘seven ships’ must all have been in the unadulterated 
verse, and can even now be partly seen underneath. 


Stuf Blind, (p. 222.)—Haraldr offradi til grafar Dréttins ok til kross ins helga ok 
annarra heilagra déma 4 Iérsala-landi, sv4 miklo fé i golli ok gérsimom, at torvelt er 
mérkum at telja. pa fridadi hann veginn allt ut til Idrdanar, ok drap par reyfara 
ok annat illpydis-folk. Sem Stufr segir [v. 3]. Fér hann pé til Idrdanar, ok laug- 
adiz par i Anni, sem sfdr er til annarra palmara.—[Har. S. (Hulda), ch, 11.] 

v. 9. Haraldr konungr, fadir hans, ok adrir konungar fyrir hénum, véru vanir at 
drekka af dyra-hornum, ok bera 6! um eld, ok drekka minni 4 pann er gegnt sat ; 
enn Oldfr konungr [his son] lét hvern drekka 4 pann sem vildi. Sv segir Stufr. 


598 NOTES TO PAGES 223-235: [Bx. vine 


skald [v. 9}.—Ol. S. K. (Hulda), ch. 4. Refers to the- change in Olaf the Quiet’s 
reign of the old Norse hall (fires in the middle) to the Normannic hall, with the 
dais or high table at the end. See Reader, pp. 370-71. 

_ Stein, (p. 223.)—I. 1. 5. Ulfr, see p. 232. 

}, 11. Mend interpolations, and construe, rista pangs 146 (acc.) and ‘ sunda mérom,’: 

1. 20. Cp. Thiodolf, i, 1. 33. 

1.26. linnz lattr (gold’s) sveigjandi (king). 

1, 30. Read, Selundar kon? (the Danish King). 

_ IL. (p. 224.) This is the Jas¢ of the restored court poems, and there is none of 
the whole list more corrupt. 

1, 1. Construe, Ek kved fyrr at brag peima helgan heim-tiallz resi an fyrda 
(gen. pl., ‘king’ understood): the King of Heavens first, the king of men next, 
_ vv, 2, 3 refer to the battle of the River Niz (Olaf then a mere boy). 

ll. 13, 14. Too bad, even for a court poet, out-Heroding Herod ! 

l. 21. i Flidti. By this the Fleet in the Humber is meant. 

1, 40. Note the epithetal Engla cegir, Terror of the English, used of this king of 
all others just after Stamford Bridge! This is court poetry with a vengeance! 


; Thorkettle, (p. 227.)—v. 2. Very fine and gentle; 1. 5 is the only time that the 
Conqueror is named. 


King Harold, (p. 228.)—l. 5. Mark the galley being called stag, ‘ hart.’ 
- 1, 7, etc. For ‘renna’ read ‘nenna,’ fo travel, journey, see Dict. s.v., p. 453 b. 
1. 9. The four ‘rooms’ in the waist of the ship. 
.¥. 4. We only have left six out of the eight, cp. p. 276, v. 2, which is the better 
text and fuller of the two. 
: HI. (p. 229.) lirla or ‘litla,’ to dandle, a nursery word, gov. dat. 
1, 10. iast-ostr, a yeasting cheese, some kind of fresh cheese: construe, ore 
pengil, the sea-king = Harold, 
- 1, 19,. Buttered brose or porridge was a favourite dish of the Norsemen. 
5 aa pangs pialmi, the sea-weed’s dyke, i.e. the bond or wall of the coast =the 
sea, see Excursus, p. 457. 
"1, 23. House-carles, a king’s or earl’s picked body-guard. 
1, 29. A proverb; read, Litid er lauki geft til auka. 
_ HEL (p. 233.) A bit of banter. 1. 3. hrotti, qs. hrunti, cp. ‘ Hrunting’ of Beowolf. 
1. 19. King Harold was never in any waters south of England; neither the Channel 
nor the Bay of Biscay did he ever behold, .We surmise Serkland and sveif, unless 
*St. Angelo’ be meant. 


* Ulf, (p. 232.) —pinga-manni, thus (not pingmanni); ‘ pinga-manna-lid’ is the true 
old form. 

§ 4. Kines Eric anp Macnus BaRELEG, 
Mark.—l. Eric’s Praise, (p. 235.) 

‘We are now at the end of the overpainted court poems—henceforward, though 
the text be now and then faulty, it is never wilfully so—we shall therefore, though | 
sparingly, give a few of the ‘ kennings.’ 

_ King: flotna vorér 4, folk-vordr 97, folka treystir 62, astvinr aldar 61, herjar 
holl-vinr 67, visdéms groedir 66, hersa reyfir 64, hersa mAttar reynir 89, harra spialli. 
72, sigrs valdari 21, fremdar rééa foedir 6—As Vanguisher: idfra rikir 84, iarla 
meidir 96, Vinda fergir, ryrir 10, 18.—As fustice: svik-folks-eydir 13, régs hegnir 
50, dolga steypir 93. ; 








Fe Pe eet oT oy See By) 


$4] NOTES TO PAGES. 235-250. 399 


| Waves: mar-fidll 98.—Earth: él-kers (heaven’s) botn 4. For the rest, see 
Excursus, p. 484. 

1. 5. Cp. Sighvat, vi. 15. 

H. 12 and 41. ‘hlyéa,’ a bulwark put up against the waves, a word not found in 
Thulor ;. it appears to be the same as ‘ varda’ or varta, Arnor, i. 9. 

1, 16. Read, ‘ hodda’ slongvir? 

1. 19. Cp. Sighvat, vii. 6. 

1, 27. balkat, fenced, of the Lagoon City. 

1, 31. Att-konr Yngva; we have here the true word; for ¢4tt-runn,” | in Hym. 5 
1.76, Yt. 114, we take to be but false forms: note, that Mark is a voice anterior to 
the remaniements. 

1, 52. hémlo vigs or viggs, uncertain. 

1,72. 143-menn, an English loan word (1435 =leid), pilots, lode-men. 

1. 93. hryggva, verb impers. 

IV. (p. 239.) Cp. Excursus, p. 458. 


Gisl Illugason, (p. 249.) 


‘ Kennings,’ [mdar faxa (wolf’s) alendr (men): Baleygs vina (the earth). 
_ 1. 35. Lawman, King Godred Crowan’s son, 1095-8 and 1103-8. 

1, 40. Woden’s wind-maker, King Magnus. 

1, 52. hvit-mylingar, arrows, see Thulor, 288; cp. Biorn, v. 9. 
"vv. 14-16. The storm and the glorious ships are finely described, 

1. 73. The black standard ‘ Hell’ is worthily named. 

Il. 1. 3. Two saws, 

Biorn, (p. 243.)—Harmr, Frith of, see Thulor, 679. Biorn is a model seiialeine 
brief and fact-ful. 

1, 13. vall-baugs (snake’s) vengi (earth = gold). 

1, 25. Note, Samatiri [Gael. ceann tir Headland], hence it appears that the n 
was still heard in Bareleg’s day; later on it was contracted into Stiri. 


Thorkel, (p. 245.)—l. 3. Skialg, Erling Skialgson’s grandson, a picturesque. 
‘maker.’ Mark how he cites Egil’s death-words, v, 2, and the king’s order of the 
day, v. 5. 

1. 4. A proverbial phrase; now, kasta steini um megn ser. 

v. 4. A fine verse on the encounter with the earls. 

II. For swollen read cold. 

Stray verses, (p. 246.)—lII. 1. 1. Read vigg, i.e. of vigg tyggja. 

1.4. Note the height of the mast, ‘ seventy feet:’ the alliteration is a warrant 
that only ‘ seventy’ or ‘ sixty’ can stand here: the ‘ perenty of the MSS. of course 
is the right word, 

III. (p. 247.) 1.5. Note the rhyme, hvat’r betra (what is better). In King 
Magnus’ day one would think that the s was still sounded. 

1. g. varpa 4 gla, a proverbial phrase, cp. Lay of Arinbiorn, |. 89. 

1, 15. ‘iogjan,’ here an appellative (Jassie, from Irish inghean = a daughter), cp. 
Bk. vi, Ditty 55 a. 

Halldor Squaller, (p. 249.)—1. 23. ‘af tig gamall,’ aged off teen, cp. Lat. un-de- 
viginti, "The Crusader King would in the year 1109 have been mineteen years old. 

Thorwald, (p. 250.) In the superscription read ‘ Blondo skald.’ 

I. Note how the poet brings in the hero Sigurd to compliment his namesake. 

_ II, (p. 250.) The son of Bor, Buri’s son= Woden. - 


600 NOTES TO PAGES 250-271. [px. vit 


Curtcloak, (p. 250.)—I. As men have heard, how, in time past, the race of kings 
followed the wise Craki [Danish mythical king]. 

1, 27. kvik-sAttar; we have here the same word as above, p. 160, l. 13. 

II. The men were Hacon Serksson, surnamed Mor-striitr, and Arni Fioro-Skeifr. 


Einarr Skulason, (p. 252.)—l. 5. Construe, und sdlar ranni, beneath the sky, 
1,15. hauka-setrs (hand’s) leyg (gold’s) hati (king). 

1. 16. Note the Western form ‘ vatri’ for the Norse ‘ vatn.’ 

II. 1. 5. A proverb of the usual fatalistic kind. 


§ 5. THe Grcurist Poets, (p. 261.) 


Ivarr, (p. 261.)—1. 10. Dafinns, a Norse imitation of David; Niala names a 
‘Dagvid’ of Caithness; the famed ‘ Dagfinnr’ in Hak. Saga is probably merely = 
David, and only apparently a Norse name. 

1,17. mord-als (sword’s) metendr (men). 

1, 48. rodo-vedr, red weather = foul weather. 

1. 55. snekkjo sneisar, the galley skewers =the masts. 

1. 72. For ‘fall’ read ‘ fylli?’? The Elbe, here and 1. 78, is the Gotha River. 

ll. go sqq. Vagar, a fishing-place, North Norway [Lat. 66°]: Byrda [Lat. 65°], 
see p. 46, 1. 63: Valsnes, North More: Kvildrom, on the south-east border, 


Halldor Squaller, (p. 266.)—Eric II, the Danish King: Sarp, the great fall in the 
River Glommen (Sarpen). 

1, g. Sigars fianda (Hagbard’s) grand-meidr =the gallows. 

v, 4. This verse is in O, H. L. given as Sighvat’s at Nesia; but on the face of it 
it cannot be his, The only place where, having regard to the context, we could 
place it is here: by the ‘town’ (I. 16) Bergen is meant, 


Einarr Skulason, (p. 267.) 


Pages 267-274, as well as Geisli, Rekstefja, etc., are all by the ‘remanieur’ or 
contemporaries. One blesses the fates for not having preserved more: though we 
may miss a few historical facts, in the lost poems.—I. We are here in the very thick 
of Einar’s ‘kennings ;’ seids (fish’s) hryn leidar (sea’s) eldr (gold’s) skerdir (king) 2; 
and gifr (ogress’) skes (wolf’s) gran (lip) ridér (king) 4; Ello (Engl. king’s) geitunga 
(eagle’s) lif-giafi (king) 8; svan-bekkjar (sea’s) s6l (gold’s) pverrir (king) 12. 

III. (p. 268.) Aberdeen, Hartlepool, Whitby, Langton are known, but not Pilwick 
and Sharpreef [Scarborough?]. These verses are imitated in Krakomal. 

IV. (p. 269.) Gray Holm, in the mouth of Christiania Firth (here Sigurd Slembi 


was slain, Nov, 12, 1139). The Kinglets are the four Gilchristsons, 1. 2 is mis- 


bracketed ; read ‘ geir-ping,’ and unbracket it. 

1. 11. Harold Maddadson, Earl of Orkney. 

v. 16. Son of Day = Gregorius Dagsson, a Norse baron: Simon Skalp slew Sigurd 
Gilchrist. 

VI. (p. 270.) Snz-grund; probably Iceland is here meant.—[Reader, p. 3.] 

VII. (p. 270.) Fight in the mouth of the Gotha River, 1159. | 

VIII. (p. 271.) The ‘kennings’ on the axe are curious:—(1) He dubs the axe 
the child of Freyja, whose two daughters were Hnoss (Jewel) and Gersemi 
(Treasure), ll. 1, 5, 8. The axe is inlaid with gold; as Freyja’s tears, Ods bed-vino 
augna-regn 19, Freyjo hvarm-peyr 12, Mardallar gratr 19, Freys niptar (sister's, 
Freyja’s) bra-driptir 4; as Fenja’s meal 29, (2) He calls the axe an ogress : fiornis 





. 4 ig eo 
i P , : Reo ern wa ae 
, oe eve, ee as . N “a * - 


er 
— Ts 


—" 


TE. ey ee 


bi AT v " Re 
Si tt) a i he 


3 Eee Pe ee 





$4, 5.] NOTES TO PAGES 271-279. Gor 


(helmet’s) gridr 24; hlyr-sdlar (shield’s) hala 13; iastar (willow’s) herkja 16; 
lastly, as plague, Herjans (Woden’s) hattar (helmet’s) sétt 15. 

1, 23. Construe, geima (sea’s) eldr (gold), and siéds sner (silver)—Men: Revils 
fold (sea) viggs (ship’s) ridendr 25. 

1. 31. Construe, Heita blakks (ship’s) hlyr (shield’s) skyldir (man); Beita borgar 
(sea’s) bal (gold’s) grimmr (open-handed); and, heims skala (sky’s) vafur-logi (the 
sun), and so on—ad nauseam, 

IX. (p. 272.) haus-miéll (hair): skarar fiall (the head): strandar aurrida (ser- 
pent’s) stallz (gold’s) strind (woman). 

We cull a few of the ‘ kennings’ of the ‘ poets,’ pp. 272-27.4.—Men, arnar hungrs 
eydendr, Thorbiorn 3; hlunnz hafreidar (ship’s) hloedir, 5; fidds hyrjar (gold’s) 
steekkvir, p. 274. 18: battle, tognings (sword’s) vedr, p. 272. 10: shield, her-skript, 
Kolli 8: sword, sir-iss, Kolli 10: skip, vag-fylvingr, Thorbiorn 4; Hogna vagn, 
p. 274.17; Geitis gladr, and lesta hestr, Kloeng: wolf, gridar fakr, Thorbiorn 7 ; 
ulfs (ok) arnar barn, p. 273. 19: shafts, iarna prumo mill, p. 273. 14: waves, 
hlunnz heida (sea’s) fannir, p. 274. 18: winter, orms tregi, Asgrim 2. 


Occasional verses, (p. 276.) 

v. I. mars myrar (mew’s moors, the sea): branda elgr (ship). 

v. 2. Doll’s Cave in the Isle of Dollsey, off Sondmore, Norway. Ragnwald 
entered the cave, as told in Orkney Saga. 

v. 4. Ragna, a noble Orkney lady, her son Thorstan: gripan, a sausage; ‘ Mor- 
Jandi’ was a sobriquet given to the Icelanders. 

v. 5. aldr’=aldri is here ever, not =aldrigi: read, fran-stall, the head, governed 
by ‘féldo;’ ‘fran’ has here reference to the eyes: hauk-strindar (hand’s) Hlokk= 
Lady Ragna. 

v. 6. For ‘midzvi’ and ‘Imbolum ’—both imitations of Greek words—see Dict., 
p. 426 b: rengdiz, i.e. wrengdiz (¢o writhe) : pengils magr, Earl Erling, King Sigurd 
Crusader’s son-in-law, 

v. 7. Playing on the word Acre [Palestine], called Akrs-borg, Bk. vi, No. 54. 

v. 8. The earl’s narrow escape, see Orkney S. A story like this is told of 
William by Wace. , 

v. 9. The cry of distress and disgust of a court poet, his craft being out of fashion, 
cp. 21, 22 below. 

v. Io. gyrda um svangann, ¢o buckle a belt round the waist so as to keep hunger 
out (metaph,) 1.6. Mend and read, poli or... viti fyr pat: Bakki, the Cloister 
Bank in Throndheim, Norway. 

v. 11. Read, leikari; and limi bardan prima, the time being beaten by the rod. 

v. 12. Read, asi (appell.), the yard. 

v. 13. lang vidris lengi, Jong-weather-long = for ever so long. 

v. 14. vig-gardz (shield’s) vedr (battle) eggjandi (man), 

v. 16. Men of seven Norse counties, 

v. 17. R6da (sea-king’s) glym-vollo (sea), At this time—King Swerri’s reign and 
for a while after—‘sid” (see above) is a favourite name for a ship of war (Mariu- 
sid, Oldfs-stid). 

v. 18. hlyrs fagr-goti (ship); reydar (whale’s) rym-vollr (sea). 

v. Ig. ‘fant’ (Romance word), a footman, hence tramp. 

v. 20, sdlar pung-stdls (heaven’s) konungr (God). 

v. 22. Note ‘umb;’ in the twelfth century the b was sounded; the mod, sound 
is ‘umm,’ 





602 NOTES TO PAGES ‘280-284. [BK. vn. 


v. 25. A metaphorical phrase; Icelanders now say, pad er komid annad hlidd i 
strokkinn,. 

v. 28. Sverris-borg =Swerri’s Castle in Bergen. | 

vv. 30-34. Here the steep Sanda [of the northern Hebrides], but fla¢ Sanda [the isle 
off Cantyre?], p. 244, 1. 23: hafnar mark, a pile or cairn raised, cp. vol. i, p. 154, 
1, 81. Eidi, Tarbert, a place in the western range of the Hebrides. 

vv. 36-39. Gylva lads (sea’s) bals (gold’s) hlynr (bishop), and, unnar elg (ship's) 
rennir, id.: himna prydi, the hosts of heaven? cp. p. 302, |. 2. 

v. 43. Lgultanni=Biérn, also iugtanni, p. 239, |. 2. 

v. 45. Olberd =Olvzrd, i.e. al-verd, hospitality (Jb =1v). 


Geisli, (p. 284.) 


The subject-matter of this and the following twelfth-century poems is given in 
the translation: we shall therefore treat it very shortly. The ‘kennings’ (not 
attended to in the translation) being characteristic, we cull the most representative, 
i.e, the most crabbed ones, leaving the rest to the reader’s ingenuity :— 

God, Christ.—From sky and sun: allz heims um-geypnandi (compasser of) 64, 
vedr-hallar visi 6, dag-béls konungr 20, byrjar vegs (sky’s) tungla (sun’s) loféungr 
254, tungla rannz loféungr 183, sdlar bdls siklingr 267, grundar sal-vérér 74, vagn- 
refrs visi 284, haudr-tialda harri 75: better are, aldar yfir-skidldungr 260, heims 
démari 165, heims leknir 228, réttletis sunna 14, iardar fyrda lif 11.—Angels: ; 
himnesk ferd 166, 6dlinga déglings hird 20.—Virgin Mary: flcedar stiarna 8.— 

Heaven: himna salr 263, Gods héll 25, Kristz holl 42, allz radanda holl 18. 

' _ Saint: miskunnar sélar (Christ’s) geisli 3, Gods hallar (heaven’s) geisli 25, réduls 
tyggja vinr 35, tungla rannz lofdungs (God’s) vinr 183, Lausnara langvinr 269, 
Lausnara spialli 117, himna-sal-konungs limr 263, Kristz limr 130, Gods lidr, Gods. 
ridari 71, fyréa far-skerdandi 252, harm-skerdandi 150, pegn-prydi 41. ; 

A man, from slaughter and gold, often applied to the saint himself: from gold, 
orms Janda arr 92, lyngs hroekkvi-baugs (snake’s) lattr (gold’s) stridandi 62, sndka 
vangs sléngvir 152, brim-loga sléngvir 223, straums sdlar sokkvir 109, vala stretis 
fasta tynir 97, linnz grundar lestir 125, gialfrs grundar nid (moon’s) branda (gold’s)- 
skerdir 157, lagar eld-broti 210: from battle, hre-siks primo goedir 280, grimo glaum- 
vekjandi 186: from shield, viga-skys veléndr 271, baug-skialdar beidir 73: sword- 
reddener, alm-reyrs litodr 66, eggja marg-litendr 233: wolf-battener, raven-feeder, 
Hugins munn-riddr 53, ulf-nistandi 99: from ships, unnar skid-rennandi 161, 
log-skids syndir 80, Reifniss r6kn stefnandi 194. 

Batile, Hamdes kleda hrid 208, bard-rékn (ship’s) rdduls (shield’s) vedr 212: 
sword, vettrima madr 186, valbasta rédull 172, mundrida borgar (shield’s) galli 190, 
gyldis kindar (wolf's) gém-sparri 192. 

Gold, mas iardar eisa 197. 

Eye, heil- vacates 236, sidn-braut gi: mouth, bragar stéll 266: tongue, oulal 
hlyda 102, ddar ar 160, mial-tél 76, bragar-tél 198: hand, baug-nes. 273, vala- 
streti 98. 

Epithets,—All are common-place; one notices only, hrid-bldsin (of the sky) 27, 
tand-raudr (of gold) 97, nagl-skaddr (of Christ) 270, 

I]. 1, 2. Dubious. A poem, Liknarbraut (Introd., § 16), has imitated our Pape 

Einn luktu upp sem ek boeni ; ddar rann ok gef sanna, 


hence perhaps we may read, eins ma 6, sem ek beni (as I now pray). 
1. 5. Read, hums? 








Ber et bat ax: Pee oe ee 


oe eae NOTES TO PAGES 285-300. 603 


; 
; 
‘ 
k 
. ll. 9, 10. Also obscure ; construe, pat var aud-finnendom fyrir betra (lidsi) annars 
: 9 ; 
émidss roduls. 
v. 31. For the story, referred to by the poet, touching Guthorm, see Kings’ Lives. 
1. 37. Thus we understand this line. 
_ 1, 76. Construe, fyrr var hept skini sdlar er... 

1, 157. fyrir Skauti, some point on the Wendish coast, Streti? Strelitz ? 

1, 178. Einridi, a Norse noble who travelled in the East c. 1149, and again with 
Earl Ragnwald of Orkney, year 1151-53. 

1, 191. patti, pret. from pekkja, cp. Oddr. 65, Haust. 64, Lithsmen’s Song 15. 
. 1, 231. A saying. 
1, 235. Obscure; construe, liknar lég; but what means ‘kréfd ?’ 
1, 241. Construe, lamids fotar, styférar tungo, ut-stunginna augna. 
| ll, 250-252. Citations from the Vulgate. 
1. 268. Construe, hvarr er greidir lof hilmis, taki dst ens hasta . . . siklings, 

1. 279. Construe, ek fz holl laun géfugs ddar, Gods blezon, ef .. . likar. 
79 gotug 
: 
. 


Rekstefja, (p. 295.) 


The metre is here the chief thing, we therefore give but the pick of the ‘ kennings.’ 

King, man, tand-hvels (shield’s) remmi-pundr 2, skialdar linna (sword’s) runnr 3, 
prottar ping-Baldr 4, préttar éla (battle’s) blik (sword’s) rudr 8, hrz-linnz (sword’s) 
hliém-vattandi 11, géndlar gny-linnz runnr 97, ullar kidla (shield’s) 61 (battle) Freyr 
22, 6Ina foldar (hand’s) eld-rudr 108, Skéglar elda sker (shield’s) Baldr 26, sigr- 
brandz her-lundr 36, géndlar peyss éla skyndir 42, skialda hyr-baldr 99, mord-linnz 
hvessi-meidr 54, fiornis (helmet’s) mana (spear’s) fleygendr 63, ran-siks (gold’s) 
. renimi 85, rég-svellir 85, unn-eldz yppi-runnr 91, skéglar bordz hridar skelfir 114, 
| branda storms (battle) leygs (sword’s) styr (battle) lundr 116, gunn-ellz geymi ruonr 
: 127, héps hyr-niorér 138, hand-bals lundr 134, hring-skéds (sword’s) él- (battle) 
svellz (sword’s) herdi-meidr 125, hior fi64s (blood’s) hnig-reyrs (sword’s) hnykki-: 
meidr 92. 

Sword, Skéglar tandr (fire) 79: wolf, troll-marr 66: ship, frén-bandz (sea’s) foeri- 
| andrar 25, Ekkils yti-blakkr 63: hand, hauk-idds (hawk’s) byr 30: poetry, pund- 
regn (?) 50: winter, hiins nétt 49: sea, dlna vangr 58, margra iarda mein-gardr 118. 
‘1, 37. tvenni, older form than tvenn, 

1, 55. Read, skolptar. 

1. 67. peita, spear, a foreign word, Thulor, 287; ‘speat’ rather than ‘spear.’ 

1, 92. ‘Sloemr’ occurs here for the first time. 

1, 110, rip, acc. governed by renndi, 

ll, 123,124, The King seen among angels; this story, given in the Reader, p. 163, 
is manifestly an echo from Adamnan’s S$. Columba, lib, iii, ch. 16 ; even the incidents 
are the same, the curious on-looker, the stole-clad angels, the pion never to tell 
it as long as the saint be alive; only in Tryggvason it is in a house, in S. Columba a 
hill, the Cnoc Angel. (Angel’s Hill), or Sithan more (the Great Fairy Hill), well known 
to all visitors of that lovely island, 

1, 133. Corrupt text. Steinarr evidently wishes for the canonization of the elder 
Olave. 

II. Love Song, (p. 300.)—Holm leggjar (stone’s) hilmir (dwarf)—here a pun, litr 
meaning colour and dwarf:—lady, from gold and gems, fi66s-fuirs hirdi-Sif, and 
Hiadninga griétz (gem’s) troda 5, straum-tungls velti-stod 6, hring-skégul 1, reyr- 
pvengs rastar (gold’s) selja 2, 


ay Le Ea ee 





Dap a eee ee ies 
SO Tey te ee Nee et 





604 NOTES TO PAGES 300-321. [BK. VIII. 


A man, fiard-ellds fleygi-Nirdir 13, Vidblinda (giant’s) galtar (whale’s or por- 
poise’s) sval-teigar (sea’s) raf (gold) kastandi 3 (fourfold kenning). Edda Skskm. 
says—Whales are called Withblind’s hogs; he was a giant and fished for whales 
out in the deep as for fish. 

Battle, ben-vargs (sword’s) hregg 10: tongue, ddar lokarr 8 [from Egil’s poems] : 
stone, foldar negg [hnegg =heart] 12, békar sé1 11 [image from book-illumination]. 


Iomsvikinga-drapa, (p. 302.) 

Much finer than the preceding poem, which we are right glad to leave behind; 
only a few kennings, and these not complex ones, are here met with. It is from 
this Drapa that the Rimur composers get to know about Bui and Wain, 

King, man, Hambdis fald (helmet’s) rudr 54, rand-orma riddendr 68, mord bals- 
meidr 62, hialma skéds (axe’s) hregg (battle’s) vidr 79, geira gny miklandi 140, 
hidrva hregg-vidr 118, -bodi 143, yggjar eld broti 145, egg-hridar Ullr 172, yggjar 
él-svellandi 170, randa primo Ullr 175. 

Lady, dorgar vangs (sea’s) eld (gold’s) reid 14. 

Axe, fidrniss (helmet’s) fala 165: sword, hring-serkja bél 102. 

Head, brina borg 110: bones, mergjar salt 123: poetical is only hail, skyja 
gridt 127. 

A few of the epithets are noticeablehand-fogr (of a lady) 10: hauk-lyndr 32, 
167, fran-lyndr 97, veg-roekinn 133, prek-stcerdr 135, hugum-strangr 156 (of a hero) : 
elri skoedr (of fire) 74: heldir (of ships) 63: isogr (of waves) 64: haukligar (of 
vows) 43: orm-fran (of eyes) 127: sid-forn (of pagans) 27. 

1, 2, at ferdar prydi, at this proud gathering. 

1. 4. Necessary emendation (if but). 

v. 2. Mythologically interesting. Here, and only here, is a notice of Woden 
getting wise by sitting underneath water-falls; cp. ‘ Fossegrimen’ and ‘ Nékken’ in 
modern Norse Tales: under hanga, under gallows, see Havam. and Yngi. Saga: 
unfortunately a line is here torn off, for one would like to know what stood there. 

1. g. uteitan (neut,) 

1, 21. We guess ‘ sudr,’ 

1, 47. fikjom; he is fond of that word, cp. Il. 104, 163. 

1, 160. Paper MSS., and hence editors, have filled up, ‘ séttir 4 einni natto,’ but 
natto (bisyll.) is a modern form, appearing first at the time of the Reformation. 


Konungatal, (p. 310.) 


A few kennings are worth noticing—Earth (Norway), pundar bedja 33, 80, Hars — 
vif 77, Yggs man 102, 187: Heil, Asa dolgs (Loki’s) einga déttir 36: ice, haings 
hallar (sea’s) refr 16, nykra landz (sea’s) nefr 298: sky, skyja laupr (cloud-basket) 
315: winter, fadmins (snake’s) galli 94, sndka strid 142: head, hattar stallr 84. 

Epithets, none very striking; the mention of the kings’ graves is very interesting. 

1. 1. Somehow wrong; if ‘skilit,’ ‘at’ must go out, cp. Hallfred, i. 44. 

1, 25. Note the boundary of Norway; see above, Ottar, i. 65. 

1, 140. Read, haleitt ? 

1. 163. Necessary emendations. 

1. 295. The metre requires Ioan; in the twelfth century ‘ John’ was bisyllabic. 

1, 315. laupi, our ‘lip,’ as in ‘seed-lip” an easy and ities emendation. 
Render, the cloud-basket. 

1. 325. It is hard to see exactly how the ¢hirty are told up. 


Oddmior, (p. 321.) (Haraldr) hélt ina sidosto orrosto vid konung pann er Skeidar-. 





rT 











§§ 6, 7.] NOTES TO PAGES 322-329. Gos 


Brandr hét { Hafrs-firdi fyrir Iadri, ok flydi Brandr til Danmarkar, ok fell i orrosto 4 
Vinnlandi, sem segir { kvzdi pvi er heitir Oddmiér, er gért er um konunga tal, med 
pessom ordom [v. 1].—Agrip. ch. 2, Is not this a confused recollection of Arnor, 
i. 20? (the Wends come in just afterward in that poem too.) Can Odd-mior 
have been the traditional title of Arnor’s Hrynhenda Drapa ? 


Torun, etc. (p. 322.) 

Overlaid fragments, thus earlier than Bareleg’s or Olaf Quiet’s time. 

Konungr vard pesso Akafliga reidr [Il. 1, 2], ok samnadi her saman, ok fér 4 
hendr Hroendum; enn er pat spyrr Halfdan Svarti, pa bydr hann ut lidi ok skipom, 
ok yerdr all-fiélmennr, ok lagdi ut til Stads [Cape Stadt] fyrir innan pérsbiérg. 
Haraldr konungr 1a lidi sinu ut vid Rein-slétto [North—More north of Throndham’s 
Firth].—Har. 8. (Harf.), ch. 39. The name is hidden in I. 11. 

1. g. fyr-kvedin (prevented), necessary emendation. 

Orm, (p. 322.) Lady, fiard-beins (stone’s) skorda 7, fundins (dwarf’s) salar (stone’s) 
grund 9, fiardar brimis (gold’s) garér 10, hramma (hand’s) bals (gem’s) bidrk 4: 
poesy, Billings bridar full 4 [cp. Wod. Love-Lesson 13]: winter, Vindsvals mogr 13. 

Eilif—Angels, heims hrétz (heaven’s) ferd: himna dyrdar hird 3, himnis dyrd 7. 

1. 9. The pun, gl tor radin = vond-dl (ace.) 


Unclassed Fragments, (p. 325.) 
Pp. 325, v. 5. See Yngl. S., ch. 27. 
p. 326, v. 12. Cp. Skrid-Finnar, so famed in the medieval Latin writings, Papal 


Bulls, etc., but in Norse only preserved in this phrase; cp., however, Fidr skridr, in 


the law carmen (Excursus, vol. i, p. 438). 

p. 327, v. 2. prym-goll (a bell); to be inserted in Excursus, p, 486. 

vy. 8-10. Riddles, the key missing. 

p. 328, v. 1. glot-kyllir, of a skin-bag with water: Geirridr hét fiolkunnig kona 
ok meinsém; pat s& dfreskir menn, at Steinrédr kom at henni (the witch) évarri, 
enn hén br& ser { nautz-belgs liki vatz-fullz. Steinr6dr var-iarn-smidr, hann hafdi 
iarn-gadd i hendi. Um fund peirra er petta kvedit—Landn. [An overlaid verse, 
once in epic metre, one should think]. : 

v. 2. Asmundr var heygdr par, ok lagér { skip, ok prell hans med hénum sa er 
banadi ser sialfr ok vildi eigi lifa eptir Asmund; hann var lagér i annan stafn 
skipsins. Litlo sidarr dreymdi Doro, at Asmundr sagdi ser mein at prelinum. fat 
heitir Asmundar-leidi er hann er heygdr. Visa pessi var heyrd i haug hans, Eptir 
pat var leitad til haugsins ok var prellion rekin or skipino [Landn.]: 1. 4. ram er 
betra en illt gengi, a proverb; mod., betra er autt rim enn illa skipat: 1. 6. For 
‘erat,’ read, ill es of begn 4 piljum prong . . . ma (mew) ranga. 

v. 3. These are Hialdr and Sniall of the Lay of Hyndla (as reconstructed), The 
verses here are mangled beyond recognition. 

v. 4. ll. 4, 5. Obscure, a manufactured verse ; ‘ Valfreyjo stafr’ is noticeable. 

v. 5. Probably from a lost Islendinga Drapa, 

v. 6, hialt-uggadr, fit epithet to sword, to call it fish, and the hilt its fins. 

v. 8, Enn er hann kom hié Dréngom, s& haan troll-karl sitja par 4 uppi ok lata 
roa fetr ok skelldi beim saman své at sid-drif vard af, ok kvad viso.—Landa, 
ii, ch. 7. ham-vAtr, skin-wetted = drowned, cp. ‘koll-votr’ in mod. Icel. usage. 

v. 9. Very corrupt; Har. S. (Hulda), ch. to5—Mer pétti koma at mer madr 6gor- 
legr, hann var allr vatr, ok hafdi i hendi péngul mikinn ; hann kvad petta fyrir mer: 
blurred in the MS, and overpainted, syn (sun), Thulor, 498 ; see our translation. 








RSE ST hd oe ee PL Ce eae Ree near sat at a 
606 NOTES TO PAGES 330-349, [BK Ix, 


v, 12, The Long Serpent had sixty-eight oars. 
v. 14. refil-stigar, cp, Edda Gylva G., beginning. 
v, 16, hneggi, in my heart, cp. Thulor, 632. 


Verses of Saga Editors, (p. 332.) 


I. 1.7. We read ‘hauka,’ and, 1.9, in hvita...hvarm-skégs fylvingar (acc.), 
‘ eyelash filberts ’= ears, see Excursus, p. 452. 

v. 4. Falo (giantess’) tal-vinar (Thor’s) grims='Thorgrim’s ; and prott-grimr, id, 

1, 15. -ar, dat, eri. 

1, 20, saur, in the original lay probably sdr (wounds), 

1, 25. Cp. Old Wols, Play, 1. 182. 

1. 30. aura mein=fire: 1, 31. bekk-sagnir, from the lost lay, 

1. 44. handlausan Ty, from the lost lay. ete: 

1, 63. vera (uw), here ne OREN: hence ‘ verja,’ which calls back the Eddic phrase 
‘lini verja, ‘lini’ hidden in ‘saman,’—an evidence that we have here a — 
of an old epic: ‘god munar,’ too, is from the lost lay. 

1. 83. An echo from the Helgi poet (Helgi, i. 299). 

y. 23 is a manifest echo from the Helgi poet, the Walkyrja = fals hallar fylla, _ 

V. (p. 336). Il. 4 and 8. Manifest emendation. 

VI. Marpaks fiorér = Icefrith; Reyni-runnr = porbidrg; Sifjar vers (Thor’s) beggja 
handa hialp, id.: pundar bedjo (earth’s) pvengr and Grundar hengr =Grettir (Thulor, 
543): Stér-frorar = Ball-idkull, etc.—all puns. 

1, 34.=Ox-main, Thulor, 450, 451. 


BOOK IX.—Krakomal, (p. 341.) 


A few of the kennings from the bald former part will show best the character of 
this curious and notorious poem. The first score of verses are variations of the 
‘ leit-motive,’ ‘ We fought at Z early in the morning, A fell.’ 

Serpent, lyng-All 4, stordar-lykkja 5, graf-vitnir 2. 

Ship, heflis hestr 22, Eynefis 6ndurr 52, Egils Gndurr 23, egis asni 89. 

Sword, re-gagarr (carrion dog) 27, re-kyndill 34, skeri-bildr 28, ben-grefill 49, 
slidra born 83, sveita ormr 60, sata flug-dreki 105, biartra mala stél 5: mail-coat, 
Hogna kofl 49, Skéglar kapa go, Svolnis skyrta 52, Hamdis serkr 85, Hildar nefr 
102: shaft, streng-volor 40, streng-légar palmr 75: shield, regg-sky 43, b6d-mani 
70: raven, ben-starri 42: blood, unda gialfr 19, svira vin 35: sea, lindar vollr 24. 

Battle, odda messa 54, Svélnis (Woden’s) slidr-loga senna 59, hre-silna (carrion 
herrings’) hialdr 64, odda senna 82, logdis (sword’s) leikr 104, sverda sam-tog 112, 
sverda gustr 74, Hedins kvan 16. 

Head, hialm-stofn 69, hiarna kleif 35. 

Into the geography, which is modelled on the Drapas of Harold, Magnus, and 
Eystan, it is useless to enter, much of it is purely imaginary; indeed the really fine 
lines at the end contain none of this fictitious stuff. 

1, 31. Read rottar; the poet (an Orkney man?) wavers between r and hr, 


Ragnar Lodbrok, Anslaug, and Ragnarssons, (p. 346.) 


v. 6. We surmise, hy-nzxtr, cp, Lay of Skirni, 177. 

v. 11, Enn ek vil at spit sé tekin sem flest, ok sé stungit spidtunum i voll nib, 
ok par vil ek mik lata hefja 4 upp.—Ragn, S., ch.-9. 

1, 56. See Excursus, vol, i, p, 410. 








ee ee a eee 





emia iene 


§§ 1, 2.] NOTES TO PAGES 351-365. 607 


1. 119. A Hunnish horror—Enn hann kaus ser pann daud-daga, at bal skyldi gera 
af manna héféum, par skyldi hann brenna,—Ragn. S., ch. 19. 
1. 127. Thoroughly modern in tone. 


Last Fragments, (p, 355.) 


I, gramir (fiends), see Harb. 151. 

II. épiddans, Wendish? cp. Arnor, i. 35. 

III, svell-vifidar? hrim-faxadar (of the waves): 1, 13. svan-flaug (waves). 

1V. mar-bakki, the shed between the deep and shallow water: 1. 20. ask-laugar? 

V. 1. 2. A favourite verse in Iceland. There are proverbs in ll, 8, 11. 

VI. Hoeking’s sons, sea-kings :—bit of a true old song. 

VII. par sé peir brunn-miga (fox, goblin, see Thulor, 637) ; ost heitir konungr 
brodd-spiét i eldi ok skaut til hans, konungr kvad.... pa téku peir vatn, enn 
pursinn skavzt inn i biargit; p4 er pau sdto vid eldinn kvad pursinn af biargi annat 
16d... HA skaut Hidrleifr inu sama spidt i auga pvi trolli—Halfs. S., ch. 5. 

v, 3. 1 Idtlandz-hafi 14 Hidrleifr konungr { logn-rétt, ok er hann fér [a word 
missing] i sdlar upp-rds, s&4 hann i nordr koma upp or siénum mikit fiall, ok iafnt 
vaxit sem mann; hann kvad.—Half, S., ch. 7. 

v. 8. Hiorleifr konungr var upp festr i konungs héll med ské-pvengjom sinom 
sialfs, millum elda tveggja [cp. Lay of Grimni] ar r4di Also; enn hirdin sat vid 
drykkju. A medan vakti Hildr, ok iés mungati { eldana, ok kvad Hiorleifi pat 
verra [thus mended] ; hon leysti hann svd, at hon hid med sverdi ské-pvengina.— 
Half. S., ch. 8.—Part of a very ancient story. One should perhaps render ‘ harra,’ 
king, not as a proper name. 

VII. (p. 360.) 1. 1. Cp. nyrfill, nyrfla, 

ll. 3, 7. Proverbs. 

1. 7. lyf=dppaxov. 

1. 17. Ims-igull (igull, urchin) ; ‘im’ = blackish, cp. imleitr. 

1X. v. 5. Something archaic about this verse, or rather the phrase that underlies it, 


Proverb Poem, (p. 363.) 


For comparison with proverbs of other countries we have now neither space 
nor time. Cf. Craci’s and Wogg’s story with ]. 17 and Barefoot’s motto with I. 21. 

- 1.1, A law maxim: 1, 4, ambiguous, for ‘hendi’ may be either verb or dative 
case; griplor (mittens) would fit in that case, 

1, 6. Unsafe: 1. 7, ‘slétt’ or ‘sloett ?’ 

Il, 11, 12. Personal remarks of the poet ; svineyg, cp. Engl. pigsney, and Od. viii, 
319: glaupsa (to vaunt). 

1. 14. gagarr (dog), a Gaelic word, See Krakomal, 27. 

1, 18. Emendated =skalat ulf ala ungan lengi, Old Wols, Pl. 311. 

1. 20. We take this opportunity to mend an error in Dict. 171 a—read, fraudr, 
m. a frog, Old Swed. fraud, Dan. fré, dropping the d: ‘ fraud’ in the horse-hoof is 
of the same root, cp. Greek Bdrpaxos: mérom (from marr), meres, a word not in 
use in Iceland, 

1, 21. Cp, Reader, p. 262, No. 117. (2) =spyrja er bazt til valigra pegna? 

1, 22. Cp. p. 75, 1. 26: long er biarnar nétt (the bear’s night = winter). 

1, 26. Gripsson, thus, we think, 

1, 27. Unsafe, perhaps prani? 

1, 29. Unknown, 

. 1, 32. Italics not safe, 


Se at ee eee oe tetera emote WME MRA Vacirag ee ark ee SUP RON era On eee Ree, aa 
* 2A % “ Care - Ly Pipe 





608 NOTES TO PAGES 365-372. [BK. x. 


1. 33. Thus restored ; ‘sa var taldr af miklu kyni’ is palpably false and bald, 

1, 35. ‘pau’ regin? dll greto regin eptir hann, cp. vol. i, p. 124, 1. 6. 

1. 37, odda-madr= umpire, qs, ‘numpire,’ ‘ non-peer,’ 

1, 43. Thus mended, ‘frédom’ for ‘fordom,’ Strange it is that Fb, i. 583 has 
the same error; did he (the scribe) draw from our vellum (Cd. ‘r’)? 

1, 48. vex hverr af gengi, Snorri (Ht.). 

1. 51, freno-skammr = bit-skammr, am. Aey. 

1, 58. Unsafe. 

1, 60. ‘ eigi,’ read ‘ ergi’ or ‘reidi?’ For the bear’s warmth cp. biarn-ylr, Dict. s. v. 
Sva segja menn, at Olafr hafi haft biarn-yl, pviat aldri var pat frost eda kuldi, at 
Olafr feri i fleiri kledi en eina brék ok skyrtu gyrda i broekr.—Hav. S., ch. 2. 

y. 18. foa, Thulor, 637: sykr =svikr. 

1. 95. Read, ungan barf at hiufra (hidka) mann, lwdlabies are sung for children? 

1,97. From ‘tvimenning, men and women being paired off to dance. 

1. 99. Undoubtedly so, cp. Alex. S., p. 100, where nennolaus = namnlauss? 

ll, 100, 101. i.e. pokks betra, much better: valt=avalt is interesting, showing 
how the word was sounded, the v (of allt) makes alliteration, 

1, 111, Unsafe ; the ¢ must carry the letter-stress, 


Song of Runes, (p. 369.) 

We have been able to restore many places, yet not all, 

1, 3. ‘ kvelli,’ cp. kvelli-siikr, Dan, kjele-syge. 

1. 4. ferda=fiarda ? 

1. 5. ‘Reid,’ here the cart: Regin 4 sv. bezta, though it is a dubious emendation, 

1. 6. Guessed, though not altogether safe. Cp. Proverb Song, 1. 102, and Hall- 
biorn, p. 79, 1. 13. 

1, 7. Cp. St. John’s Gospel, ch. 1, and the clause ‘By whom also he made the 
world,’ 

1. 9. A riddle like the others in the O. E, Dialogues, 

1, 11. Mark the weak form (litig). 

1, 13. ‘bra,’ from bregda, so undoubtedly (not ‘ bar’); flardar sima must here 
mean a met; see Edda, how Loki, in salmon’s shape, was caught in his own device, 
the net—Enn er hann (Loki) sat i husinu, t6k hann lin-garn ok reid & reksna, sv 
sem net er sidan gort. 

1. 14. fost en goll ero halli, guessed. ° 

1, 15. The first saw is carved on the porch of Oriel Hall. The second occurs in 
the Dialogus de Scaccario, lib, 1, Ut pedes aquilz, qui parva non retinent, et quos 
magna non effugiunt. 





1, 16. A safe emendation, cp. Dan. vinter-grint =ivy. 


BOOK X.—Prophecy of Merlin, (p. 372.) 


Gunlaug mainly gives a paraphrase, throwing in from time to time a series of lines 
of his own making, usually of a descriptive character, e. g. Canto i, ll. 1-16, 139- 
159, 215-219, 263-290; Canto ii, Il. 278-300, 403-459. It is in these inter- 
larded verses that most echoes of old songs occur, as is noted underneath the text; 
a few words and phrases bear the mark of being from Jost songs, perhaps one or 
two from songs once contained in the lacuna of R. We take down but the best of 
the ‘ kennings :’— 

God, bragna stillir i, 283, virda stidri 285, piddar vordr 290, himin-stillir ii, 254. 














§§ 1, 2] NOTES TO PAGES 372-382. 609 


Battle, ognar liéma (sword’s) 61 i, 144, Gondlar él ii, 278, logdis vedr 194, malm- 
ping 279, malm-prima 286, malma dynr i, 145, flein-drifa ii. 300: sword, ben-logi 
i, 153, sara klungr 156, slidra garmr 150, dégnar lidmi 144. 

King, land-reki i, 80, 188, odd-viti 81, hers iadarr ii, 17, bragninga konr 136, 
herja deilir 138. 

Men, aud-stafir i. 22, hodd-skati 126, folk-stafr 264, vell-skati ii. 4, ver-dags 
(gold’s) hétudr 39, audar skelfir 244, men-broti 108, bauga spillir 54, 404, aud-varp- 
adr 253, sigr-vidr 15.4, sverd-éls hotuér 259, seim-gefendr 58 : lady, goll-skogol i. 54. 

Arrows, boga hagl i. 149, tvividar [Thulor 295] hagl ii. 280: shield, G6ndlar 
himin i. 146, Skéglar sky ii, 283, Hlakkar tidld i. 147, Skéglar treyja 148. 

Serpent (characteristic here), heidar hvalr i, 200: ,as belt or rope, urdar lindi 201, 
landz lindi ii. 49, ras (rushwood’s) seil 50, ras fagr-sili 85, foldar belti 185, haudrs 
girding 67, grundar belti 66, fréns baugr 64, hiarl-pvengr 167, lundar fidturr 190, 
lauf-vidar fioturr 188: wolf, heidingja barn i. 159: fox, gren-bui i, 123. 

Sea, hval-tin ii. 227, Ranar vegr 386, Hogna sidt i. 135: luminary, stars, 
himins tid-mork i. 245: heaven, sky, i. 276: coast, eylandz iadar ii. 20, barmr 175: 
gem, fiard-bygg ii. 170: ship, sund-dyr i. 71, sund-rokn 132: gold, sund-bdl i. 1, 
ver-dagr ii. 39. 

Song, li63-borg i, 13: breast, gollor-héll i. 152, geds gollor-heimr ii. 359: head, 
hiarna bygé i. 153, heila borg 154. 

Canto i. 1. 40, brud-purr, qs. braud-purr ? 

1, 52. Corrupt: goer (bevy of birds). 

1. oI. vam, i.e. vraém (nooks, corners), dropping the r, see Dict. 673 a (B. III. 3). 

1, 125. ors=head of an ass, 

1. 229, draums i-vadendr? from a song. 

Canto ii, 1. 10, sagadr = sagdr. 

ii, 1. 82, hegja, fate, cp. Arnor, v. 4. 

ii, 1. 230, vardar? 

ii. 1. 325. Unsafe; perhaps drawn from Helgi i. 192. 

ii. 1, 409, auds ben-draugar, somehow wrong, 

ii, 1. 420. ROSlar, Saints. 

ii. 1, 435. Ps, xcvii. Vulgate—Flumina-plaudent manu, simul montes exaltabunt. 
But what of ‘ The valleys shall sing-hymns to the praise of the Lord,’ is this added 
by the poet, as is certainly the Epilogue which follows? Méerlin’s prophecies were 
the Sibylline Books of the Middle Ages, almost canonical, hence Il. 455 etc. 

Note, lung (ship), i. 69, and bid (land), ii, 288, are Irish words, 


Volsa-fersla, (p. 381.) 


The poems in this and the following sections it is not necessary for us to translate. 

‘Wolsi’ is undoubtedly etymologically connected with Phallus. The transposi- 
tion of v, 13 towards the end is necessary, and speaks for itself. 

1, 10. Read, lini kleddr, and for ‘studdr’ read saddr, wrapped in linen, and stuffed 
or fed with leeks (herbs). 

1, 11, heilagt bloeti (blét) seems to mean rather ‘teraph,’ some object used for pagan 
worship, than ‘idol,’ cp. vol. i, p, 408, foot-note; and Dict. p. 70a, s.v. blét, I, 2. 

1, 22. nosi, in mod. Icel, hnési; enn & medan Gnnur peirra var ad koma i lag 
hndsanum, Isl, pidds, ii. 41, 

1, 26. Echo from Lay of Righ, Il. 13, 14. 

1, 30. andketo, obscene word, else unknown; 1, 40 also obscene. 

], 50. Mark the alliterative hiarra ok hurd-dsa. 1. 55. ‘ bing en linga,’ unsafe, 

VOL. II. RT 
* 


a I ig tig Ni Rs als a eR Na ot ks 
*- <a. "hoe tere > th ae Pe hr ee Sp 
ig Aan. to = x r ‘ yon 


610 NOTES TO PAGES 383-396. [ BK. X. 


Sheaftail-baulk or Fox Lay, (p. 383.) 


By way of a small glossary we subjoin a few words, as this poem was only partly 
used in the Dictionary :— 

Fox, skaufali 1, 5, 9, dratt-ali 25, 49, 59, lod-bakr 30, gor-tanni 13, lang-hala 2, 
gren-legja 13, 17, lag-feta 29, rebbali (ref-hali) 37, 45, t6fa 41, skolli 55, 57, 145, 
saud-bitr 63: jfox-cub, yrmlingr (vermin) 12: sheep, gré-kollr (grey humble sheep) 
58: dog, hunzi 76: horse, viggs fadir 6. 

1. 8, A proverb; nineteen is a favourite number in popular tales; a dangerous 
river has just taken ‘nineteen’ victims, and is waiting for the last; Mount Hecla 
has had ‘ nineteen’ eruptions, and the like. 

1. 15. veyk-lendut, weak loined; hrygg-snaud, shrunk in the back, lean. 

1, 27. hala-réfu-bein, tail bone of a tail, superfluous, hala put in for alliteration’s sake. 

ll, 33-35. haust-pustr, autumn gales, 32; brunum, mountain brows, 35. 

1, 38. ganga at saudum, i.e. to search the mountains for sheep in the autumn, 

1, 53. gambrliga, wantonly. 

1. 77. keifa, to walk wearily, as reeling under a burden, The fox is here repre- 
sented as carrying off a sheep like a wolf or bear. 

ll. 111, 112. lamb-gymbr, ewe lamb; gamal-rolla, old scabby ewe. 

1, 115. klypingar, better klippingar, a shorn sheep-skin for trade, an article of 
export from Iceland in the Middle Ages. 

ll, 120-123. riklinga rr, poles hung with wind-dried stripes of flounder, see Dict. 
497; skreid, wind-dried fish; rafa-belti, the belt or round of the fins of flounders ; 
hakarls lykkjur, the flesh of sharks hung and dried, used for food—all which ‘dainties” 
of his childhood are well known to the Editor: hvinna snepla=bitlinga, stolen 
morsels. Observe, the Icelanders of Reynard’s day, as at present, could have had 
no poultry yards, otherwise our poet would not have omitted to notice his hero’s 
devotion to Dame Partlet and her lord, 

1, 127. Corrupt. 

1, 141. Cp. Virgil’s Exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor, En, iv, 625. 

1. 146. hel-stingi, death-pain. 


The Dance-Burdens (p. 391) deserve attention from French and English scholars. 


Olafs Rima, (p. 393-) 
As to Grammar :-— 


Observe, (1) the dropping the nom. r in words on -ingr—milding 5, dégling 35 
sikling 25, bragning 23. This is the common licence of all ‘ Rimur,’ caused by the 
requirements of the rhyme; yet bookish, never in speech. The r was already 
beginning to become syllabic, and was inconvenient in these often repeated longish 
words, (2) Changing final r into ur, ever and anon, ll. 1, 31, 56, 57, 80, 83, 103, 108, 
but never before the line-pause or at the end of a line. (3) The contracted form kongt 
=konungr. At this date Icelanders said, své, vétr, vddi, hvérki ; yet we find rhymes 
in the old style, as vv. 6, 22. 

1, 27. iungr; the Rimur poets are fond of this foreign word, but it is purely 
bookish, and never obtained in speech. 

1, 60, Bu-Finnar, the Border Laps that have taken to agriculture. 


1. 91. v6d=68, merely a book-form, like ‘yordinn, vurdu,’ so frequent in the 


fourteenth-century MSS, 

















NOTES TO PAGES 398-404. 611 


Skida Rima, (p. 398.) 


As to language the remarks upon Olafs Rima also apply here: vd sounded vd, 
in rhymes, vv. 47, 69, 70, 109, 119, 181: ri sounded JI, Stulli, v. 99; iall, v. 176. 

Of the vocabulary we note the following :-— 

Foreign words—finn (fine), Il. 5, 35, 43, 204, 228; afmors yers (love-song, Fr, 
vers d'amour), 7; por (a pair), 64; panna (pan, skull), 335; lukka (luck), 97, 
114; lif, of a person, 197; foreign forms, mann =madr, 116, 126, 

The kennings are yery plain, and often half comic—lady, bauga skorda 7, gull- 
hladz skorda 10, silki hrund 5, vella bri 240, porna vigg 174, borna bri 223: man, 
menja Baldr 14, audar Baldr 24, drva lundr 52, laufa vidr 104, stala gautr 248, 
randa bridtr 286, silki-treyju nistill 371: poetry, as dwarves’ ship, Fidlnis (dwarfs) 
batr 11, Sudra (dwarf’s) sidvar-rok 406: breast, ddar rann 11: mouth, freda salr 
375: gold, greipar midll 142, Grettis bél id.: battle, eggia sag, 278, Orva seim 293. 

Men, people, dandis-menn (gentlemen translation of the Fr. prudhommes, Lat, 
boni homines) 18: abusive, Herjans hottr 119, drottr 120, auli 195, 375, kratins 
synir 272, slangi 379. 

Skruidi = tackle 20, kur =kvidr? (empty belly) 68, vid-bit (a relish, usually butter) 
82, kvardi? (the sense is that his stomach begins to heave) 82: alpa (¢o walk) 107, 
drukk-langr = drykk-langr 130, klas-sekk (a trunk, bag) 134, bramla (to make a 
noise, cp. Fr. bramer, cp. brabble) 148, 1 kidr (to hear?’s content) 208, danga (fo 
bang) 272, bupp (howl as in our butter-bump) 326. 

vv. 2, 3. The ‘Dance’ Song (Love-song) [see vol. ii, p. 385 sqq.], says the poet, 
is now the set fashion. 

v. 6. The Dwarf-ship (Song) is riding at anchor in the poet’s breast; and yet 
he speaks of her as ‘old’ and ‘written.’ The fact is, the poet falls out of the 
metaphor (cp. Egil’s Head Ransom, verse 1): the reason being that the song is his 
own; yet, at the same time, he is thinking of the old scroll, from which he drew 
his subject, viz. Sturla’s Saga, in Sturl. II. 

1. 26. The beggar’s keg called Butter-pig, cp. 40. 

1. 29. From one end of the country to the other. 

l. 45. skedi, leather cut into squares for brogues: svOrf, to be exacting. 

1. 69. Thorleif Beiskialdi in Hitardal (hit, a scrip), 

1. 75. To scrape the hair off the brogues with a blunt knife. 

1, 79. bregda kreppu, ¢o stretch oneself, 

1. 83. The gaberlunzie man’s character is sketched in a most masterly way here. 

_ 1, 85, litid vard af songum, his evening prayer was short. 

1. 98. sidli (hing), now frequent in Rimur, cp. Thulor 29; prob. a Celtic loan- 
word, Irish siol (race). 

1. 99. kom par til med kongum tveim, they came to quarrel. 

1, 187. Fatt er kyrru betra, a proverb. 

1, 206. The weight about five pounds avoirdupois. 

: 217. The phrase for returning thanks, mod, ‘ Gud-laun,’ Shaksp.-Engl. God ’ild 
you, { syeitum er pad g65 og gémul yenja hér & landi, eda hefir verid, pegar ein- 
hverjum er gefid ad borda, hvort heldr er gestr eda heima-madr, ad hann segir vid 
pann eda pa sem veita hénum, 4dr enn hann tekr ti] matarins: Gefdu (gefid pid) 
mer i Guds fridi matinn! Enn 4 eptir maltid er sagt ‘Gud-laun’ eda ‘ Guds Ast fyrir 
matinn,’—Jon Arnason, ii, 527. 

1. 251. Heimdall, elsewhere in prymlur called Heimdezll. 

1, 263. Remmi-gygr, properly Skarphedin’s axe, known to us from Niala. 


RT 2 
7 


P.O yy i Pei £ Swe. 
is eae yo a 
ee, « Ce Me 3 “ad 


612 NOTES TO PAGES 405-420. [BK. x, 


1, 282. Skelja-karl = Maugis—par var karl einn gamall, hann var i fatekligum 
biningi, enn alla vega utan 4 hans tétrum var sem ekki veri nema kiufungar einir 
ok skeljar . . . Skelja-karl mzltii—Magus. S., ch. 12 (Ed. Cederschiéld), 

vv. 162, 163. Here is some displacement. The tooth that was knocked out must 
have been Starkad’s ; the poet is too clever to miss that. The legend says that Starkad 
was doomed to receive a scarring wound in every battle. In one battle we are 
told he had a grinder knocked out, which was afterwards shown and used in a 
belfry string in a church in Denmark, weighing seven ounces.—Norna Gestz S., cp. 
Icel. Annals s.a. 1405, par [in a place in Africa} var ok ténn, er s6gé var or Starkadi 
Gamla, var hon pver-hendar 4 lengd ok breidd, fyrir itan pat er i hofdinu hafOi stadit. 

1. 350. This is mock imitation of Sturlunga, Bk. iii, ch. 31 [in Facsim., p. ccxix]. 

1. 370. svinit lask mer eptir, I forgot it, left it behind. 

1, 375. freda salr, the mouth. 

1, 386. All worn to pieces, 

1. 398. ‘iunga,’ the German form, used mockingly of the old beggar. 

1, 404. vatna = vatna-fasta. 

1, 406. Here let my song wait for the Sunday, to be then used for entertainment. 


The Rhyme Ditties (p. 410) we, of course, must leave unnoticed here. For Ballads, 
see vol. i, p. 501. 


Islendinga-drapa, (p. 419.) 

We subjoin some of the most crabbed ‘ kennings.’ 

Poetry, Lééurs vinar 1i6 1, Dvalins veigar 2, hausa hasl [pun, har is= hair and 
also Har, i.e. Woden] rekka (Anses’) miodr 4. 

Icelanders, hvals budar (sea’s) hud (ice’s) lendingar 5: poet, 4sa 6l-beinir 64. 

Courage, hamra vifs (giantess’) byr 6, hraun-atla sprakka hregg 17: ear, hlusta 
munnr 3: horn, hefis fleinn 64: earth, pros drés 68. 

Axe, bruma ekki 96: sword, gunnar grunnungr II: raven, sonar ofnir 20, styrjar 
gollungr 89. ) 

Men, from gold—grundar seilar (snake’s) garda‘nirdir 8, fiall-gestils (giant’s) ordz 
beidir 15, sndka stigs nidrér 31, arms fann-vidr 47, unnar hyr-telir 90, linna foldar 
freyr 29, metins audar nidrdr 44: from ship—Hundings elg-reynir 10; fens elg vidr 
21, dra elgs tyr 32, flausta fylgi-meidr 61, unnar hreina zxsi-préttr 58: from battle, 
sword, etc.—sverda primo herdendr 22, sér-geima (blood’s) idkuls (sword’s) pbrym 
(battle’s) svellir 56, darra hlidém-bodi 74, hrings ha-raddar pollr 56, fleina brym 
niérér 103, hre-klungrs (sword’s) hnykkir 83, hrotta él-biddr 87, hrafna vins 
(blood’s) gléda hneigendr 2, hidr regns nidrér 79, fiolnis elda geymir 29, bordz 
(shield’s) hard-glédar (sword’s) mddi 95, hlakkar bliks runnr 95. 

The contents of the poem— 

Introduction—Give ear and listen to me whilst I tell up Icelanders that were men 
of courage :— 

1. The slaying of Brodd-Helgi, in revenge for Geiti [4]. It was through no fault 
of Thorkel that he avenged not Geiti his father [5]. 

u. Helgi Asbiornson slays Helgi Droplaugson, his namesake: Grim: goes into the 
house, and stabs Helgi, avenging his brother, . 

i. Thorolf falls in battle in King Athelstan’s service, Egil was in the battle. 

iv. Glum Geirason does battle at Fitja: gets speech out of a dead man (!). 

v. Hallfred visits the king. 

v1. Thoralf son of Skolm does battle with Hacon, Athelstan’s foster-son. 

vu. Finnbogi the Strong fights, 





= 





Fe ee gee SPS ST a 





y 





§§ 4-6.] NOTES TO PAGES 420-423. 613 


vii, Orm Storolfsson, brandishing a pole, fought alone with twenty-four men, 

1x. Biarni the poet struck Earl Hacon in the face with a horn. 

x. Gretti to avenge his brother slew Thorbiorn, 

x1. Thorleif, he that made a bad song on the earl, the brothers, he and Olaf, slew 
the Bearsark [Klaufi Boggvi]. 

xu. Orm Skégarnef did battle, and Gauk Trandilsson too. 

xi, Gunnar, attacked by Gizur, slew two and wounded sixteen. 

xiv. Midfrith-Skeggi fought beyond the sea (in the Baltic), and fetched the sword 
Skofnung out of Craki’s cairn, 

xv. Hall 0’ Side held his own against all, and had valiant sons. 

xvi. Thorstein Hall’s son, angry at a libel, slew on one morning five men, 
Thorhard one of them. 

xvi. Holmgang-Bersi slew thirty-five men, cp. p. 70, Vv. 5. 

xvi, Kormak, in the king’s service, trusted in himself. 

xix. Thorarin Steinarsson, the champion, felled men in wager of battle, and dared 
any one to withstand him, 

xx. Holmgang-Starri . . . [rest lost]. 

II, III (p. 421), parallel to I. xiii; with IV compare Landn, i, chs. 5, 6. 


The Thulor, (p. 423.) 

It would be out of place here to give a complete commentary upon these inter- 
esting glossaries, well deserving of careful and minute treatment as they are; all that 
can be done is to point out the lines upon which such work should be done. With 
regard to their chronology, it is evident that they are not of high antiquity (though 
their prototypes may well have been the early didactic poems), for they are largely 
drawn from late sources, the crusading poets, and the like. Their composers cer- 
tainly had before them much that is now lost, though it is difficult to estimate the 
exact proportion their material bears to that which is accessible to us, Certain sec- 
tions, such as that of the giants and giantesses, appear to rest largely on early poems 
of the Thor cycle, though even lost Encomia would have supplied many names in 
their ‘ kennings’ which are not included in the fragments now extant. _ 

There are also curious omissions of terms.met with in poems which we know, but 
which do not seem to have been utilized by the Thulor-composers, though here it is 


“necessary to remember that there are indications of incompleteness and copyist’s 


errors in our texts. Some words are apparently taken from prose, such as the Kings’ 
Lives, or at all events, from late poems founded on prose texts, and many terms, 


. Which look at first as if they came from lost early poems, may no doubt be thus 


accounted for, so that one must not be too ready to suppose that any very great 
additions would be made to the known mass of Eddic poems if all the works known 
to the Thulor compilers were extant. 

From a philological point of view the great number of foreign words is in some 
sections very notable, and supplies ample matter for the history of culture in the north. 

The Thulor, like the other sections of that aggregate of literature which we know 
as the Prose Edda, show plain evidences of growth; they are not homogeneous pro- 
ductions of one man, or even of one generation; marks of additions, changes, editor- 
ship are very apparent. Many sections are, as we have them, forced into a numerical 
Jrame: thus there are sections of twenty synonyms, e.g. women; thirty, battles ; 
forty, men; sixty, fish and fire; seventy, ships; eighty, sea; a hundred (120), rivers, 
and so on; as noticed below, a circumstance which sometimes is a help to a critical 
treatment of the text. 








614 NOTES TO PAGES 423-430. [BK. x. 


In the Dict., owing to the disjointed state of the text, we entered the Thulor 
simply as ‘ Edda (GI.) ;’ they can now be cited by line. In the first sheets of the 
Dict. a few have slipped out. 

I, 1. Sea-kings. When the number of -fi and -ill names, the creation (largely it 
must be) of late court-poets, is excepted, most of the rest are to be accounted for 
from extant sources.—Hyndla’s Lay (in a more perfect text than ours, of the same 
type as that used by the Flatey-book paraphrast), Arnor, the Orkney pedigree 
(p. 183), and late court-poets; cp. the court-metre table (of 24 terms), p. 440. 

2. The Kings’ section is founded on a similar basis, 

3. Dwarves. This list borrows largely from the Short Wolospa. It was appa- 
rently meant to contain 120 names, 

4. Giants. A section of 70, to which a second list of 40 (imperfect) has been added. — 
The earlier list is drawn from the Eddic poems to a great extent, though several 
names, e.g. Buzear, which one looks for, are missing ; and there are others only met 
with here, part of which the Short Wolospa, when perfect, might have contained, 

5. Giantesses. A perfect section of 60; late fairy-tales and poems may account 
for most of them which are not found elsewhere. . 

6. Woden. This list is helped out by the early Eddic name-lists; it must also be 
largely drawn from lost proems to Encomia, the very parts of those poems which 
were neglected by the glossators who used the fact-full verses of the middle sections 
to ornament the Kings’ Lives. 

7-12. Gods, Goddesses, Walcyries consist mostly of well-known and frequent 
names, from existing poems or paraphrases, in Gylfa-ginning and Scaldscapar-mal, 
Section 12 looks like a paraphrase of part of the Short Wolospa. 

13. Women. A list founded on a better text of Righ’s Lay than ours. Cp. 
Court-metre Thulor, p. 440: 1. 179, for brudr (bis) read ‘ heell.’ 

14. Men. A section of 40 synonyms, founded apparently on the same sources as 
the early List printed on p. 542, as are also section 15, kinships, and section 16, 
household. 

17. Battle. Founded on the court-poems. 

18. Swords. A long list of 140 terms, preserving about 20 proper names of 
swords (such as Foot-broad) known from legend or history, and several namés of 
fishes, snakes, wolves, etc. Cp. II. 3, 17, 25. 

19. Parts of a sword. A curious section, much of which is purely enigmatical tous, 
and can only be interpreted by the help of such study as has produced M. Montelius’ 
excellent monograph on sword-types in the Congrés International, Stockh. ii. p. 882 
sqq. There are ten words or more in this section which rightly belong to the fore- 
going list, such as ‘ falk,’ not ‘ folk,’ 1. 270 (Lat. fale-s, Fr. fauchon), sword, brand. 

20. Axe. An incomplete but noteworthy list; ‘scrama,’ ‘ gygr,’ and ‘ fala’ are 
proper names of ogresses; cp. the whole list with the treatment of the same subject 
in the Axe-poem of Einar Skalason, p. 271. | 

21. Spear. Several loan-words from late court-poems: lenz, Lat. lancea, Fr. 
lance; spidr, Eng. spear; gefia, which we would read glefia, Fr. glaive; gaflak, 
Mod. Eng. gavelok, cp. Mod. Eng. javelin. This word slipped out in the Dict. 
p. 186b; references—Fms. i, 311, 321, 330, vi. 77, viii. 76, and pass. in Romantic 
Sagas: frakka, Lat. franca; peita, cp. N. Eng. speat. 

22. Arrows, Bésl, from Lat. bolsonem, Fr. bosoun, boujon; read béls, a quarrel, 
see p. 201, 1.34; akka, cp. uncinata tela, Bede i. 12; Gusis-smidi is clearly from Arnot. 

23. Bow. The comparative neglect of artillery in Northern battles is well marked 
in the paucity of these words. 

















$6] NOTES TO PAGES 430-433. 615 


24. Shield. Drawn in part from the early Shield-poems, with their vigorous 
imagery. The court-poems prefer to use synonyms for the shield; buklari, Eng. 
buckler, and targa, Eng. targe, are late loan-words. 

25. Helm and (26) mailcoat are also based on early sources, partly lost. 

II. 1. Sea and water. A list of 80 words, derived very largely from the kennings 
for poetry, Woden’s liquid, in the court-poet’s poems; even the Holy Soma comes 
in here (1, 321). The last few lines are borrowed from verses of some early poet 
describing Eager’s daughters; cp. the two verses, vol. ii, p. 440, Il. 37-44. 

2. Rivers. A notable glossary, of which we have spoken above. The enormous 
proportion of British rivers with unmistakable Celtic names must be carefully noted. 
Most of these are from North Britain, a few are Irish, Besides these are a few from 
the late Crusading-Encomia, and a few from the early Eddic Lays. 

It is quite useless to try to account for them by supposing that Norwegian streams 
of somewhat similar names can be meant. Not only is there a most striking absence 
of Norwegian geographical indications in the Old Northern poetry throughout, but, 
when all allowance has been made, there is an unmistakable residuum of British 
rivers which cannot be explained away. 

3. Fishes. A list which should be studied by the biologist and philologist alike. 
It is full of most interesting and valuable information. Our English fish-names of 
to-day will account for a large proportion of the list, which is indeed based as far as 
can be seen on the ichthyology of the British Isles. The fluke, skate, syle, flounder 
{flyndra ?], sword-fish, gurnard, gad, crab, eel, shell-fish, gar-fish [geir-sil], ling, are 
examples of these. We know others under different names, as steinbitr, the cat-fish ; 
hamerr, the blue shark. See I. 18. 

4. Whales. An imperfect section (once 24 or 30?); these names could probably 
be still in great part identified by a Shetlander or a Faroe-man. Reydr and fisk-reki 
are balena fhysalis and balena boops, but others are known; see Dict. ss. vv. 

5. Ships. Seventy interesting terms: ark, ship, buss, neak, boat, keel, cat, canoe, 
dromond, pram, galley, fly-boat [fley], smack, schuyt, ferry-boat, carvel, cog, skiff 
are among them, terms common in English books and speech. The Irish dung is 
also present; keipull is Adamnan’s caupallus; we miss Irish curac, _ 

6. Gear and parts of a ship. A rich list of words, each of which should be 
carefully considered. Many of them survive in full use, e.g. sail, stay, stem, seam, 


stern, sheet [skaut-reip], spike, sail-tree, sail-yard, stool, sheer, snotter, sewed, swifter, 


syphering, vang, leech, line, ear, hank, rib, windlass, bits, bowline, bulk-stocks, 
naval hoods, ro-bands, heel, hawse, wale, clove, orlop, knee, keel, board, carling, 
clews, oars, and anchor. The French Aune is also amongst them, and among French 
naval terms one would expect to find some, which we have not been able to identify 
as yet. Useful guides are Falconer’s quaint epic The Shipwreck, Southey’s Life of 
Nelson, and Dana’s Manual. 

7. Earth or land. Many of these words still remain in use among us as common or 
place names: fold, land, ground, lathe, fell, lithe, leet, holt, heath, brink, dale, tongue, 
mould, moor, sand, marsh, earth. Some being really English, others, such as -wald, 
vollr, part of the legacy of Northern local nomenclature, Fibh and biodh are Celtic. 

8. Botany. Here the English botanist should give some help. Most of the plants 
and trees are clearly not part of the Norwegian or Icelandic flora. Hazel, hawthorn, 
asp, apple-tree, elder, pear, bush, plum, elm are common English words; heggr looks 
like hedge or haye, beinn like bean, Pill is Lat. populus, wid-windle (the bind-weed) 
is in our glosses. Mark Bede’s words of Britain—Opima frugibus atque arboribus 
insula.—H, E, lib. i. ch. 1. 


Fe OT, Re ay RIE oe rage Mt ee MT cere ROE aT WAS Or Ree | LS ROE 


616 NOTES TO PAGES 433-438. [BK. x. 


9. Oxen. 10. Cows. A list containing many interesting words, showing that the 
medizval system of naming oxen after saints is merely a survival of the heathen 
practice of giving names of gods and giants to the plough-steers. Some beautiful 
old epithetal names are among the others, taken, one fancies, from old lays such as 
Gefion’s. Bull, quae, cow, heifer, steer are still English ; tarbh [tarfr] is an Irish word. 

11-13. Ram and goat. Some archaic epithets. Others are drawn, as it seems, 
from such realistic poems as Skida-rima or Skaufhala-balkr. 

14. Bear. A section largely drawn from the court-poets’ kennings for ship. 

15. Hart. A meagre list from the mythic poems—cervorum caprearumque 
venatu insignis, says Bede, H. E. i. 1, of North Britain; cp, Adamnan’s Canons also. 

16. Boar. Grice, swine, barrow-pig, with a few nicknames, speaking to the 
acquaintance of the composer or his authority with the Irish or British pig; 1. 477. 
for ‘rai’ we must read ‘ rati’ (of the Runic Stone). 

17. Wolf, A gathering from the older poems. Grddyri is characteristically 
English ; ‘ pet grege déor, wulf én wealde.’ See alsoI.18. Grey-Norna is omitted, 
perhaps once in 1, 480. 

18. Heavens. A quotation from a lost didactic poem. 

19. Sun, 20. Moon, and 21. Day. Allwise Lay was known to the composer. 

22. Heavens. ‘The regular Thulor drawn from old sources. 

23. Wind and weather. For this section the compiler is indebted to the Encomia 
kennings for battle, the ‘storm of Hild or Woden or the Walcyries.’ 

24. Fire. Composed chiefly from the kennings for sword, the ‘flame of the 
wound ’—tusi Finnish or Chudic (used by Eywind),. 

25. Serpents, The kennings for ‘ gold,’ as the ‘ serpent’s bed’ in the lost epilogues 
of court-poems, gave probably the chief stock of these terms. Some Latin Eluci- 
darius has yielded such words as gargan, scorpion, rabia, iapr [vipr?]. See I. 18. 

26. Horses. This section must be compared with the old lists, vol.i, pp. 78, 80; fake 
is found in N. Eng. poems. Alswartr and some more should be marked as proper names. 

27. Hawk. Drawn from kennings for the raven,—Woden’s hawk. . 

28-30. Raven, Cock, Eagle, Mark the foreign corvus, corpr; the Latin authority 
has also given gallus, gallina, aquila in the following sections. Cocris English. The 
Raven-poem of Hornclofi and the mythic poems are laid under contribution, 

31. Birds. Here again the British fauna is the main source of the compiler’s long 
and remarkable list. For instance, smyrill, the lanner; stelkr, the spotted red-shank ; 
iadrakarn, the water-rail; rytr, the tarrock; spdéi, the wimbrel, are all characteristic 
Western birds. Even the sea-birds are such as frequent the British Isles. See Pro- 
legomena, p. 188, and Dict. ss. vv. Mark what Bede says of Britain—avium ferax, 
terra marique, generis diversi; and, Piscium volucrumque venatu insignis.—H. E. 
lib. i. ch, 1, The last line is corrupt, valr, dufa, repeated. 

Ill. 1, 2. Women and goddesses. Evidently culled from court-poets’ ‘ kennings,’ 
~ which have preserved several interesting and enigmatic titles for us, and also a good 
many common names of trees both here and in II. 8 above, The section is an 
appendix to I. Io, If. ; 

3. Mind and heart, Curious old words illustrating early psychology. For negg 
read hnegg (prop. a sheaf, hence heart). 

4. Fox. Chiefly gathered from some such poem as Skaufhala-balk. 

5. Hand, ete. Noteworthy are mund (law word) manus; gaupn, gowpen; spOnn, 
span (law words) ; lamr, Irish Jam ; and hnefi, 16fi, which remain in our N. English nei/, 
loof; rékn, Slavonic, a trade word from the Baltic, used as a measure, like gaupn. 

6. Walcyries. ‘The proper Thulor section on this head, from i. 12, is only a 












SS — Ee 


Pe ene Ste ae eae eee eee 


§ 6.] ~ NOTES TO PAGES 438-441. 617 


citation from some lost authority. The sources here are the characteristic Walcyrie 
poems, Hacon’s Dirge, Darrada-liod, and the like, as well as the court-poets. 1. 648 
is corrupt. 

7. Isles. Mostly Norwegian and Danish islands, known from the court-poems on 
the naval exploits of the Norwegian kings. Crete and Cyprus figure by the side of the 
Celtic Scillies and Dimon, and the half mythic Samsey and Hedinsey. In 1. 660 
Lygra and Lag are by some mistake repeated from Il. 658, 669; 1. 657 read 
*Stolm ;’ 1. 667 read ‘Solund;’ 1. 776 read ‘ Vingr.’ The list should be compared 
with Einar’s list of 32 islands, and the anonymous court-metre verse containing 33; 
there are really three parallel authorities. 

8. Friths. An index to early Norwegian geography and history, for all the 
national life is grouped round these firths, 

9. Corn. Many of these words are not Scandinavian, for besides such common 
terms as acre, seed, awn, haulm, blade, shoot, root, thrave, meal, bere, bigg, barley, 
wheat, rye, haver, there are foreign words,—corci, Irish carca; barley, flour, What 
is hirsi? 

10. Numbers. A jingle based on the old legal names of organisations by number, 
crews, companies, courts, levies, and the like. A complete history of the words in it 
would give a large part of Old Teutonic constitutional history, ‘ Flokkr’ is im- 
portant as referring to the crews and battle array ; cp. note, p. 584, on the Stickle- 
stead battle. 

Thulor in Court-metre, (p. 440.) 


‘ Kennings’—Mind as the Gale of the Giantess, Herkju sterk-vidri 13, Gridar 
glaum-vindr 16: Breast, hnegg-veréld 14, pindar salr 16, 

In ll. 21-36 note the synonyms for be/¢ or ring (all variations on calling the sea 
the belt or ring of the isles): baldrekr 21, 25; lindi 21, 26, 29, 35; belti 22, 26, 
31, 36; gyrdill 22, 25, 29; sili 23, 27, 31, 353; men 24, 28, 30, 34; helsi 27; 
girdi 28, 33; fioturr 30, 33; um-gidrd 23, 31, 34; hringr 32, 36. 

Lady, strandar aurrida (snake’s) stallz (gold’s) strind 61. 

Ship, egg-hufs (=sk6r) elgr 44. 

Head, skarar-fiall 61: hair (the wood of the skull), kriino klif 56, reikar eik 56, 
hiarna pyrnir 57, hlusta kvistir 58, skalla r& (neuter) 58; vanga Olr 59, svardar 


' grén 59, svard-akr 63, haus-midll (snow) 60: eyes, hvarma skégar (eyelashes’) 


stiornor 63: comb, svardar radar (hair’s) gardr 63. 

Il, 1-12, 1y-24 have been referred to above and compared with the earlier 
epic metre. Thulor on the same subjects: 1. 20. read ‘ Hising.’ 

Arni’s verse, (p. 441.) The hair-cutting day in the old Benedictine cloister is visibly 
brought before the reader. 

Einar’s and Snorri’s lines. Epigrammatic couplets on a lady with beautiful 
hair. The two fine-haired ladies of Iceland were, as Ari tells, namesakes—the 
wicked Hallgerd, and her namesake, vol. ii, p. 79. See Excursus, vol. ii, p. 505. 


For list of stones and gems, see p. 546; many unintelligible to us, some even 
Slavonic. Britain is rich in stones and pearls, says Bede—Gignit et lapidem gagatem 
plurimum optimumque, est autem nigro-gemmeus et ardens igni admotus, incensus 
serpentes fugat.—H. E. i. 1. The Norse-Icelandic hégetill is but a corruption of 
gagates, as observed by Dr. Fritzner of Christiania. Mend Dict. 246 b, s. v. accord- 
ingly. Bivivil looks like beryllus or barillus ; Gyfingr may be a corruption of jacinthus, 

For list of pieces of lady’s dress, see also p. 546. 








APPENDAGE TO THE NOTES. 


A Brier PoericAL GRADUS OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY. 


By way of summing up we here subjoin a condensed Gradus, a first draught, as it 
seems [older than Snorri?], to Skaldskapar-m4l, hence it is not contained in the 
received texts of that work... This brief and quaint Gradus—showing as ‘in a nut-— 
shell’ the Norse poetry of the twelfth century, in the lifetime of our ‘ Remanieur’— 
has come down in— 

a. Two old vellums, Arna-Magn. 748 and 757; both are fauity copies of a lost 
archetype, AM. 757 being, on the whole, the better of the two, We have fused — 
both into one. See Snorri, Edda, Ed. Arna-Magn. vol. ii, pp. 428-431 (Cd. 748), 
and pp. 541-515 (Cd. 757). Cp. List of Synonyms given above, pp. 542-545, and 
Excursus I, vol. ii, p. 447 sqq. 

b. In Cod. Worm. App., the end-piece is preserved, partly in Magnus Olafsson’s 
Copy. Both (a and b) speak to a common archetype. 


a. Codd. Arna-Magn. 748 and 757. 


Skaldskapr er kalladr skip Dverga, ok Igtna, ok Odins, ok fundr peirra, ok drykkt 
peirra; ok er rétt at kenna své, ef vill, bedi skip ok drykk, sem annar-stadar i 
skildskap, ok eigna peim; enn skip ma kalla dyra heitum, ok fugla, ok hesta, ok 
kenna vid sid, ok allt reidi skips; enn kalla hesta heitum einum, ef vid se-konunga 
er kennt. Drykk ma kalla sevar heitum gllum, fiarda, ok bylgna, ok vatna allra, ok 
kenna til gl-kera, eda horna, munnz eda géma, tanna eda tungu. Dverga ok Iptna 
er rétt at kalla piédda heitum gllum ok se-konunga, ok sv4 gram ok visa, ok slikum 
gilum, ok kenna Dverga til steina eda urda, enn Iotna til fialla eda biarga. Steina 
ma kalla bein iaréar, ok siévar ok vatna, enn huis Dverga, enn grand peirra Hamdiss 
ok Sorla. 

Ekki skal kenna pat er sialfs sins nafni er nefnt; enn kenna allt pat er annars 
nafni er nefnt en sialfs sins. 

Orrosto ma kalla namni nokkurs héreystiss starksamligs, glaum eda hliém ; kena 
vid her-kledi, eda vapn, eda hlifar, ok pvi meirr at pé skal kenna vid Odin eda 
se-konunga ef vill—Skig/d ma kalla sdlar heitum ok tungls, himins ok skyss ; kalla 
m& hann ok vegg, eda gard, balk ok brik, hurd ok gatt, pili ok grind, hlgda ok 
segl, tigld ok refil, ok eigna avallt orrostu eda Odni eda sez-konungum.—Oll her- 
kla@di eru fot Odins ok se-konunga.—Oll hogg-vdpn ma kalla elldz heitum eda 
annarrar birti, leiptr eda lids, kenna vid Odin eda orrostu eda sx-konunga, her- 
klzdi eda hre, ben eda b168.—Oll vdpn ero troll ok vargar ok hundar her-klada ok — 


hlifa; enn lag-vépn mé kalla fiska heitum ok orma, ok kenna vid her-klzdi ok — ; 


hlifar, sar eda b166.—B/d6 er kallad sidvar heitum ok vatna, ok kennt vid hre eda 
ben, sar eda undir. 

Sié ma kalla gard landa, ok men, band ok belti, las ok figtur, bring ok boga ; 
kalla mé hann ok heim sx-kvikvenda ok hus, igrd ok gotu se-konunga ok skipa.— _ 
Ormr s& heitir Midgaréz-ormr er liggr um gll lond titan ; pvi er rétt at kenna orma 








a a 





EE EI ee SR Ct Ea OF 


- 


APPENDAGE. A BRIEF POETICAL GRADUS. 619 


alla sva til landa sem sid, kalla band eda baug iardar. Orma er rétt at kalla fiska 
heitum ok hvala, ef peir eru kendir vid nokkut 143, vid eda hraun, gras eda gridt, 
gliufr eda heidar.—Orma iord er gull, rekkja peirra ok gata. Gull skal kenna einn 
veg til handar ok sidévar, ok til vatna allra, kalla elld ok sdél, ok tungl ok stigrnu, 
ok kyndil ok kerti, dag ok leiptr, geisla ok blik, ok alla birti; enda ma gull kenna 
til snass ok iss, ok kenna pé til handar: baugr er figturr handar, ok hanki, ok 
virgill, Gull er korn, eda melidr Fr6da konungs, enn verk ambatta hans tveggja, 
Fenju ok Menju; enn sid Kraka konungs, ok fre Fyrisvalla; byrdr Grana; haddr 
Sifjar; enn tar Mardallar; mal Iotna. Hringr hét Draupnir, fyrir pvi at ina niundu 
hverja nétt draup af hénum hringr iafn-hofugr hénum; pvi er gull sveiti hans. 

Hond er hauka igrd, grund ok gata peirra, ok hestr, skip ok stallr; heitir hgnd 
ok mund; hgnd er bgl eda naud boga, eda tong; kalla ma hana fét eda lim axlar; 
rétt er at kalla hgndina heitum kvikvenda, ef pau eru kennd vid oxlina; kalla ma 
hondina ok tong axlar,—Sva m4 ok orn kalla trid heitum, ef pau eru kennd vid 
drykkju eda pat sem pau voxu af; horn ok gnnur gl-kergld ma kalla sidvar heitum, 
skip eda hus allz drykkjar. 

fss er himin eda his siévar ok allra vatna, ok hialmr peirra.—Hundr er vargr 
eda troll beina. ess hlutar troll er allt sem pat mé fyrir fara ; fé er troll fddrs sins : 
enn edidr er troll pess er hann eydir, ok vidar: gridt ok ryd (er troll) iarna: votn 
iardar ok elldz:; regn eda skin snezss ok isa: hridir hiardar—N6¢¢ er angr eda sétt 
allra fugla: Snerr er sétt orma, ok vetr: Vetr er nétt biarnar: enn swmar er dagr 
hans.—Hestar trgll-kvenna eru vargar, enn taumar peirra eru ormar. Drykkr varga 
er dreyri. Haukar ok hrafnar eru hre-fuglar, ok sv& ernir; rétt er adra fugla at 
nefna til, ok eigna Odni, eda kenna vid orrostu eda hre eda b1dd. 

Hvern karl-mann ma kenna feiti eda bredi hre-fugla ok varga; sva il-ridd peirra 
eda gém-litud. Karla mé ok kalla trié heitum karl-kendum, ok Odins ok allra Asa, 
hyart sem vill lofa eda lasta, ok kenna vid her-klzdi eda vapn, hlifar eda orrostu, 
skip eda gull. Enn ef illa skal kenna, p&é m4 hann kalla allra illra kvikvenda 
ngfnum karl-kendra, ok Igtna, ok kenna til foedzlu nokkurrar; kalla ma hann pa 
ok grenni svina ok allz fénadar, sv hunda: kalla m& hann ok konunga heitum, ok 
kenna vid nokkurs konar verk-foeri, eda pat annat er hann er styrandi; kalla lesti 
ok pverri allz gagns—Konu er rétt at Kalla tria-heitum kvenn-kendum, sva ok 


Asynju heitum ok eyja ok landa kvenn-kendra; sv ok orrostu heitum, sva kon- 
_ unga heitum, gram eda resi, ok slikum gllum, ok kenna avallt vid gull eda glys 


peirra, ok vid allt bat er per eiga i gripum, ok vid hannyrdir peirra, sva ok vid gl- 
kerglld ok drykkju; kenna ma per ok vid sid ok steina ef vill, Regin heita god 
heidin, bond, ok rogn; kalla m4 konu peirra heitum ok kenna, Enn ef {lla skal 
kenna, p4 er hon kennd vid hvet-vetna hervilekt, pat er hon er styrandi, pval ok 
sveipu, hrydu ok hland-ausu, skiddu ok skreppu allra dd4da. ess bedja er kona 
hver sem hana 4, 

Hdr mannz ma kalla vidar heitum gllum ok grass, pess er 4 igrdu vex; kenna 
vid svord, eda hvirvil, eda hnakka, eda enni, eda reik, eda vanga.—Hauss mannz 
er kalladr hus heila, enn grund hialma.—Eyru mannz eru kollud skip eda sidlldr* 
kinna eda vanga, heyrn[ar] eda hlust{a]. Eyru mannz eru kollut hlustar augu eda 
siénir.—Augu mannz ma kalla skiglld, eda skript?, eda himin-tungla heitum eda 
annarrar birti; kenna vid brynn edr hvarma, kinnr eda brér.—Nef mannz er kallad 
inni eda skip hors eda hnoera.—Munnr mannz er kalladr inni eda skip allz frddleiks, 





1 Thus both vellums ; read sald? or tidld. Cp. Lay of Arinb. 1. 34. 
? Thus W.; skip, 748 and 757. 








620 APPENDAGE. A BRIEF POETICAL GRADUS. 


















—Sv4 er ok bridst kallad inni eda skip aldrs, ok hugar, ok hiarta, ok pess allz er 
innan rifja er holld-groit— Tenn eru kalladar géma-gridt.—Tunga er kollud ar 
eda styri eda vapns heiti, ok kennd til orda, eda géma, eda tanna.—Hiarta er kallad 
steinn, eba korn, hnot, eda epli, enn kennt til hugar; hiarta heitir ok akarn ok 
eiskglld: gollorr heitir pat er nest er hiarta mannz: hnetr heita fylvingar. ee 
Heimr er kalladr hus eda ker vera: enn himinn ervidi Dverga fiogurra, peirra ee: 
sv heita, Nordri, Sudri, Austri, Vestri: himinn er kalladr hialmr eda salr landa, enn © 
braut himin-tungla.— Sol er kollud elldz heitum, ok kennd til himins . . . pat er rétt 
at kalla igrd hold Ymiss, enn sez bl6d hans, enn Midgard brar hans; enn sky bee 
hans. 


b. From Cod. Worm. 


.. - Hofud heitir, hauss, kiannr, kollr, hiassi, hvirfill, hnakki: pat skal sva kenna, a 
ervidi ok byrdi hals; land hialms, hattar, heila, hars, brina, svardar ok heyrnar, — 
augna ok mununz, ok alla pess er & hofdi er; sverd Heimdalar; er ok rétt at nefna — 

sver6z heiti, hvert er vill, ok kenna til nokkurs heitis Heimdallz: héfud er kennt — 4 
himin eda his, hgll eda snekkja heila ok allz pess er i hoféi byr—Auga heitir litr, 
sidn, vidr-lit, pau m4 své kenna, kalla sél ok tungl, skript eda skiglld, lids eda * 
leiptr (lopt, Cd.), gler eda gim-steina, stein eda stiornor, goll eda geisla, ok alla birti, 
ok kenna til bra eda brina, hvarma ok enniss—Bra ma kalla hris eda gras hvarma 
eda augna,—Grdt eda tir m4 kalla hagl eda él, regn eda dropa, skurir eda forsar” 
augna eda kinna, hlyra, eda bra, eda hvarma.—Har heitir 14 ok haddr, pat er konor 
hafa; har er sv& kennt, at kalla skég, eda akr, eda gras, eda vidar heiti nokkuro, 
ok kennt til hofuds eda hvirfils, hlyrs, eda vanga, hnakka eda reikar, svardar eda 
enniss; kalla ma ok snié eda migll hauss eda svardar... (Here W. ends incom-— geet 
plete. Cp. Introduction, § 6.) ey 











—————————— Cr 


621 


THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 
WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 


I, First Sibyl—The Past. 


H16ps bid-ek allar helgar kindir, 
meiri ok minni mggo Heimdallar: 
vildo at ek, Valfodr, vel fyr teljak 
forn-spigll fira pau-es ek fremst um mank. 
Ek man Iotna ar um borna, 5 
pa-es fordom mik foedda hofdo ; 
nio man-ek heima, nio Lvidjor, 
migtod mezran, fyr mold nedan. 


Ar vas alda pat-es ekki vas, 
vasat sandr né ser, né svalar unnir, 10 
igrd fannsk eva, né upp-himinn, 
Gap vas Ginnunga, enn gras ekki, 
$61 pat né vissi hvar hon sali atti, 
Mani pat ne vissi hvar hann megin Atti, 
Stigrnor pat ne visso hvar per stadi Atto. 15 


Aér Bors synir bigsom um ypdo 
peir-es midgard mzran sképo, 
s6l skein sunnan 4 salta steina, 
pa vas grund groin greehom lauki. 





_ The Sibyl begins to speak of the creation of all things— 


I pray all holy beings, the children of Heimdall, both high and low, for silence, 
Thou wouldst have me, O mighty Father, set forth in order the ancient history 


of men, as far back as I can remember it. 


I remember the Giants born of yore, that bred me up long ago: 
I remember nine Worlds, nine Pythonesses, a blessed Judge beneath the Earth. 


The Chaos— 

There was a time of yore when nought was, 

There was neither the sand, nor the sea, nor the cold billows, 
There was no earth to be seen, nor heaven above, 

There was a Yawning Gulf, but no grass at all: 

The Sun knew not her inn, 

The Moon knew not his dominion, 

The Stars knew not their dwelling-place. 

The Creation— 

Before the sons of Bor raised up the land and made the blessed Mid-garth [Earth]... 
The Sun shone from the south upon the salt rocks, 

And the ground grew green with the leek. 





622 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


. ; ba gengo Regin oll a rok-stéla, — 20 
. ginn-heilog God, ok um pat gettosk. 

S6l hvarf sunnan, sinni Mana, 

handar innar heegri til himin-dura. 


Nott med nidom nofn um gafo, 
morgin héto ok midjan dag, 25 
undorn ok aptan, 4rom at telja. 


Fundo alandi, 6megandi, 

Ask ok Emblo grloglausa : 

ond pau ne atto, 66 pau ne hofdo, ae 
lat né leti, né lito géda: 30. 
ond gaf Odinn, 66 gaf Heknir, 
lat gaf Lédéurr ok lito géda. 


. . . . * . . = 


Hittosk Esir & 15a-velli; 
tefldo i tuni, teitir varo, nee 

peir horg ok hof hé-timbrodo, 35 
tangir sképo ok tél goerdo, eek. 
afla logdo, aud smidodo 

—vas beim vettegis vant—or golli. 
Unz priar kémo pursa meyjar 
amatkar migk or I9tun-heimom, 40 


ba gengo Regin oll a rok-stdla, 
ines” God, ok um = gettosk. 





—S + + aa 


The Sun’s and Moon’s course fixed— | 
Then all the Powers, the most holy Gods, went forth to their judgment seats, and — 
took counsel together thereon— 


The Sun, the Moon’s companion, began to turn from the south ever to the i 
hand toward the doors of heaven. 









. . . . e . . . ° 


They gave names to the Night and to the Changes of the Moon, 


They named Morning and Mid-day, Afternoon and Evening, for the ling of 
the seasons, 4 


Creation of Man— 
(Three Gods wandering along the shore.) They found Ash and ila a 
cast, helpless, and torpid, : 
They had neither the breath of life, nor had they the might of speech, nor carriage, 
nor fashion, nor well-favoured looks. 


Woden gave them the breath of life; Hcene the might of speech; Lodur Bases . 
and well-favoured looks, 


Paradise— . ; 
The Anses met on the field ie Ith, 

They played at tables in the court and were merry, 

They built up altars and temples, . . . 

They made tongs and tools, 

They set.up a forge, and wrought treasures of gold, they lard nothing : 


Until there came out of Giant-land three ogress-maidens passing loathsome. 
Then all the Powers, etc. 











SE ATI EG 


il dtl 


WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 623 


Ask veit-ek ausinn, heitir Ygg-drasill, 

har badmr heilagr, hvita auri: 

padan koma doeggvar pers i dala falla, 45 
stendr @ yfir groenn Urdar-brunni, 

padan koma meyjar margs vitandi 

priar 6r peim sal es und polli stendr ; 

Urd héto eina, adra Verdandi, 

—skaro 4 skidi—Skuld ena pridjo: 5° 
per log logdo, peer lif kuro, 

alda-bornom, grlog segija. 


Unz pridr koma 6r pvi lidi 
i6d-disir As-kungar . . . at hfisi. 


> . . . 


Hvers fregnit mik? Hvi freistid min? 55 
Allt veit-ek, Odinn, hvar pu auga falt 

{ enom mera Mimis-brunni : ; 

4 sé-ek ausask aurgom forsi 

af vedi Val-fodor.—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 

Veit-ek Heimdallar hli6d [horn] um folgit 60 
und heid-vonom helgom badmi: 

or eno galla Giallar-horni 

drekkr migd Mimir morgin hverjan. 


pat man-ek frend-vig fyrst i heimi 

es Grata-god geirom studdo .. . 65 
Ek sa Baldri, bl6dgom tivor 

Odins barni, orlog folgin: 

stéd um vaxinn fyrir Valholl austan 

miér ok migk ungr Mistil-teinn : 

varé af peim meidi, es mzr syndisk, 70 





The Holy Tree— 

I know an holy Ash called Yge’s steed, a lofty tree sprinkled with white ooze : 

From it comes the dews that fall on the dales, 

Ever green it stands over the Brook of Weird. 

Three Wise Maidens [the Fates] came forth from the hall that stands beneath 
the trunk of that tree, writing upon tablets. : 

The name of the one is Weird, the other if Becoming, Should is the third: 

They lay down law, they forecast life, they decree fate for the sons of man. 


. . . . > . ° : * 


But other three mighty beings, midwives, sprung from that race [Norns] come to 
the house (whenever a child is born)... 


e . . ° . 


Quoth the Sibyl— 
Why do ye seek me? Why do ye enquire of me? 
Well I know, Woden, where thou didst hide thine eye, in the blessed Burn of Mim ; 
Bee see a river pouring forth a stream of loamy water out of the pledge of the Lord 
of Hosts, 
I know where Heimdall’s Horn is hidden under the shadowy Holy Tree: 
“ Mim drinks out of the clanging Horn a draught of mead every morning from 
e Burn, 


The first crime, Parricide— 


This is the first murder among kinsmen that I remember in the world, 
When they foined at Balder, the God of Tears, with their spears. 


I beheld the fate that was hidden for Woden’s son, Balder the bleeding victim ; 
Very slender and young stood Mistletoe growing east of Walhall ; 











624 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


harm-flaug hettlig, Hodr nam skidta: .. . 
Enn Frigg um grét i Fen-sglom 
va Valhallar—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 


pat man-ek folg-vig fyrst iheimi. . . 


Brotinn vas boré-veggr borgar Asa, rs yo 


knatto Vanir vig-ska vollo sporna : 
Fleygdi Odinn ok f folk um skatt ... 
ba gengo Regin gil a rok-stdla, 
ginn-heilog God, ok um pat gettosk: 


Hvart skyldo sir afrad gialda, So <a 


islar seljask edr gildi eiga . . . 
i gengosk eidar, ord, ok seri, 
mal oll meginleg es & medal foro, 


ba gengo Regin oll a rok-stdla, =e ; ¥ 


ginn-heilog God, ok um pat gettosk: 85 
Hverr hefdi lopt allt levi blandit, 

edr xtt Iotna Ods mey gefna. 

pérr par . . . brunginn mddi, 

hann sialdan sitr es hann svik of fregn... 


Hapt s4-ek liggja und Hvera brunni go 
Vila gornom Vloka ‘apekkjan :’ 
par Sigyn sitr of sinom veri 

. « ‘vel glyjod,’—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 





From this shoot, that seemed so slender, grew a perilous dart, which Hoth shot. ... 
~ And Frigg [Balder’s mother] wept in the Hall of Ooze over the woe of Walhall. 


War in heaven, the first murder— 

This is the first murder that I remember in the world . 
The pale of the city of the Anses was broken ; 

The Wanes tramped over the war-wasted field. 


And Woden shot a spear into the host : 

Then all the Powers, the most holy Gods, went forth to their judgment seats, 
and took counsel together, 

Whether the Anses should pay ransom and give hostages, and make a league 
[treaty] . 

The Hecisbes are slain— 

Then were broken all the oaths and the plighted words, and the sacred truths ; 
and all the mighty covenants that had been between them, . 

The Rape of Freyia— a 

Then all the Powers, the most holy Gods, went forth to their jodgeinas seats, 
and took counsel together, a 

To know who had mingled the air with plague, 

And given Od’s maid [Freyia] to the kindred of the Giants: 

Thunder alone was not there . . . in wrathful mood, 

He will seldom sit still when treason is stirred against the gods, 


The Loki Titan chained, and his wife Sigyn— 
I saw Wloke lying a captive, bound with Wili’s guts, beneath the Well of the — 


Cauldrons ; 
Sigyn is sitting there sorrowful over her husband [holding a bowl in her hands]. 








ae eet eS 





WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 625 


II, Second Sibyl._—The Future. 


1. The Doom. 


Herp hana héto hvars til htisa kom. 

volo vél-sp4, vitti hon ganda, 95 
seid hon kunni, seid hon ‘ leikin,’ 

z var hon angan illrar brudar. 


Ok i hgllo Hars hana brendo, 
prysvar brendo, prysvar borna, 
‘opt dsialdan ’"—pé hon enn lifir, 100 
‘valdi’ henni Her-fodr hauga [hanga?] ok . 
“ fe-spigll spaklig ok spa-ganda, 
s& hon vitt ok um vitt um vergld hverja. 
Ein sat hon uti pa-es i inn aldni kom 
Yggiongr Asa ok i augo leit— 105 
Figld veit-ek fre da, fram sé ek lengra, 
um Ragna-rgk ‘ rom” sigtiva :— 
Broedr mono berjask, ok at bonom verdask, 
mono systrungar sifjom spilla : 
hart es i heimi, hérdémr mikill, 110 
Skeggj-gld, Skalm-gld, skildir ro klofnir, 
Vind-gld, Varg-gld, 4dr vergld steypisk. 
$6] mun sortna, soekkr fold i mar, 
hverfa af himni heidar stigrnor, 
snysk Igrmun-gandr { i igtun-médi, 115 
Ulfr knyr ‘ unnir, enn ari’ hlekki, 
‘slitr nai nef-folr,’ Nagl-far losnar: 





The dark Sibyl of Doom-— 
They called her Heithe, that equivocal sibyl, wherever she came to a house 5 ; 
She was acquainted with teraphim, 

She knew enchantments, 

She knew ‘ witchcraft,’ 

She was ever the joy of the wicked woman. ' 


And they burnt [buried] her in the hall of the High One T?. 


- Thrice was she burnt, thrice was she born, 


. . . and still she is alive, 
The Sire of Hosts endowed her with . , . with wise spells to win treasures, and 


teraphim of prophecy ; 


She could see far and wide over every world. 
She was sitting out [over her enchantments] what time the old Gallows-god of 


the Anses came and looked into her eyes. Quoth she— 


Many stories of old I know, far forward can I see. The Doom of the Powers . 


of the Blessed Gods, 


Signs of the Doom— 
Brothers shall fight together and slay each other ; 
Sisters’ children shall commit incest, 
It shall be hard with the world, there shall be great whoredom, 
An age of axes, an age of swords, shields shall be cloven, 
An age of tempest, an age of felons [wolves], ere the world falls in ruin. 
The sun shall grow black, 
The earth shall sink into ‘the sea, 
The bright stars shall vanish from the heavens, 
Leviathan writhes in great fury, 
The Snake’s brother [Wolf Fenri] . . . and breaks his fetters ... 
VOL. II. ss 
* 








626 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


gridt-bigrg gnata, enn gifor rakna, 
troda Halir hel-veg, enn himinn klofnar. 
Geyr nti Garmr migk fyr Gnipa-helli, 120 
festr mun slitna, en freki renna, 
Surtr ferr sunnan meé sviga levi, 
skinn af sverdi sél valtiva, 
- Mispellz megir .. . 


Kidll ferr vestan . . . Heljar 125 
um log ... enn Loki styrir, 

fara fifl-megir med freka allir, 

peim es brédor mzr Bysleistz i for. 


Muno Heljar-sinnar heim-stgé rydja. 

paces ekr austan or I9ton-heimom 130: 
. Hrim-pursar... 

Geyr nu ‘Carer, etc. 

Hart es med Asom; hart es med Alfom. 

Hatt bless Heimdallr, horn es 4 lopti 
oo Nase sage ZEsir ro 4 pingi 135 

Skelfr Yggdrasils askr standandi, ; 

Ymr it aldna tré, ok or igrdo losnar. 

Stynja Dvergar fyrir stein-durom 

vegg-bergs visir.—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 

Malir Odinn vid Mims hofod, 140 

‘leika’ Mims . . . enn migtodr brynnisk 

or eno galla Giallar-horni. 

pa koemr Heimdallr . 

Enn bani Belja biartr at Surti: 





. the [Hell] ship Nail-fare is loosened, 
The granite rocks shall crash together, 
And all gyves are unloosened. 

All men shall tread the path of Death, . 
And the heavens be rent. 


The array of the Evil Powers— 

Swart shall come from the South with a plagueful staff of fire [in his hand], 

A brightness as of the sun shines from the Demon’s sword, 

Muspell’s sons follow him... 

A ship shall sail from the West . . . the Hell’s brood shall come over the waves, 


and Loki shall steer her. 


All the monster-brood (of the Deep) shall march with the Beast, 
Byleist’s brother’s daughter [Hell] is with their company. 

They that dwell with Hell shall lay waste the world whereon men dwell. 
From the East, Rym shall drive out of Giant-land, 

The Rime-ogres [Titans] follow him... 

Garm, etc, 


The great Terror— 

It goes hard with the Anses, 

It goes hard with the Elves, 

Heimdall blows loud with his horn in the air, 

The Anses gather at the Moot, 

The towering Ash, Ygg’s steed, is quivering, 

The ancient tree is groaning, and is uprooted from the earth: 

The Dwarves, that dwell in the rocks, are moaning before their doors of stone. - 
Woden takes counsel with Mim’s head, 
. - . and the judge [Mim] drinks out Of the clanging Yell-horn, 





ee elem te Saree ie iin aes eae 
Se oe ee OY otha. P ’ 





WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 627 


g Enn Odinn ferr vid Ulf vega, 
par man Friggjar falla angan: 
pé koemr inn mikli mggr Sigfodor 
Vidarr vega at val-dyri, 
letr hann megi Hvedrungs mund um standa 
higr til hiarta, pa es hefnt fodor, 


145 


150 

pa koemr inn mikli mogr Hlddynjar, 
dins sonr, vid Orm vega, 

drepr hann af médi Midgaréz veorr ; 

gengr fet nio Fiorgynjar burr 

neppr fra nadri ‘ nids dkvidnom.’ 155 

Geisar eimr ok aldr-nari, 

leikr harr hiti vid himin sialfan, 


2. The Places of Bliss and Torment. 


Sal veit-ek standa sdélo fegra 

golli pakdan 4 Gim-lé: 

enn annarr stendr 4 Okolni 
bidr-salr . . . s; enn s& Brimir heitir : 
stendr fyr nordan 4 Nida-figllom 

salr or golli; enn sé Sindri heitir— 
par skolo dyggvar dréttir byggva 

ok um aldr-daga yndiss nidta. 


Sal veit-ek standa, sdélo fiarri, 
N&-strondo 4, nordr horfa dyrr ; 
falla eitr-dropar inn um lidra, 

s& es undinn salr orma hryggjom. 


160 


165 








The Gods marshalled to battle— 

Then shall come Heimdall [to fight with Loki], 

And the bright slayer of Beli [Frey] shall meet Swart, 
And Woden go forth to do battle with the Wolf, 
And there Frigg’s love [Woden] shall die. 


Thereupon Widar, the mighty son of the Father of Victory, shall come forward to 
do battle with the Beast [Wolf]. 


_ He shall thrust the sword with his hand into the heart of the son of Whethrung 
[Loki], and so shall he avenge his father. 


Then shall Thunder, the blessed child of Hlodyn [Earth], the son of Woden, 
come against the Dragon, 


The Holy One of Earth shall slay him, 

Earth’s son shall walk nine paces ere he fall dead from the venom of the Serpent. 
[Ty fights with Garm and each slays the other. ] 

After the battle is over Swart sets fire to the world— 

Smoke and fire shall gush forth, 

The terrible flame shall play against the very sky. 

The Three Places of Bliss— 

I know a hall, fairer than the sun, thatched with gold, that stands on Fire-lea : 
There is another, standing on Okoln, the glittering ale-hall that is called Brim: 


Upon the North, on the hills of the moon, there stands a golden-built hall called 
Glede [Glowing-ember] : 


. There [in these three halls] shall the righteous nations dwell and rejoice in bliss 
4 for evermore. 


The Three Places of Torment— 


I know where a hall stands, far away from the sun, with its doors facing north- 
ward, on Corse-strand : 


PTE PT OE 


$$ 2 
> 














628 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


A fellr austan um eitr-dala 170 
soxom ok sverdom—Slidr heitir sui : 

Skolo par vada punga strauma 

menn mein-svara ok mord-vargar, 

ok sa’s annars glepr eo : 


par kvelr Nid- -hoeggr nai for-deda; 175 
slitr vara varga.—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 
ar.... dimmodiki.... 
Naor frnn. 2. ee 
oes is 6 MOMS saree ede, 
nidinga naii—Nu man hon soekkvask. 180 


Wl, Third Sibyl.—The Regeneration. ae 


S&-EK upp koma gdro sinni 

igrd or wgi idja- -groena, 

falla forsar, flygr orn yfir 

sa es 4 fialli fiska veidir. 

Muno iusanir akrar vaxa, 185 
bgls mon allz batna, man Baldr koma, 

bua peir Hgdr ok Baldr Hroptz sig-toptir, 

vé val-tiva—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 

pa kna Heenir hlaut-vid kidsa 

ok burir byggva bratéra tveggja 190 
vind-heim vidan.—Vitod ér enn eda hvat? 

Finnask AEsir 4 fda-velli, 

ok und mold-pinor mattkom dcoema, 

ok minnask par 4 megin-déma 





Venom-drops fall in at its luffer, and the hall is wattled with the bodies of snakes. 


There is a river falls from the East over Venom-vales, full of knives and swords— 
Slith is its name—and those of men that are man-sworn or murderers, and they that 
put to shame the wives of others, shall wade through its thick waters. 


(The third place of Torment, the Pit Hvergelmi)— 

There Felon-cutter (serpent) shall batten on the corses of wizards, 

And tear the truce-breakers. 

There in that dark pit . . . shall the cruel Serpent . . . in bonds. . . the corses 
of the Nidderings, 


The Sibyl sinks— 
Now must she sink. 


The Sibyl of the World to come— 

I can see Earth rise a second time, fresh and green out of the sea, 

The waters are falling, the erne hovering over them, the bird that hunts the fish 
in [the streams of] the mountain. 

The fields unsown shall yield their fruit, 

All ills shall be healed at the coming of Balder, 

Hoth and Balder shail repeople the blessed habitations of Hroft [Woden the Sage], — 
the holy place of the High Gods. 

Then Hoene shall choose the rods of divination [again], — 5 

And the sons of the two Brothers [Hoth and Balder] shall inhabit the wide vor 
of the winds [heaven]. 

The Anses shall meet on the Field of Ith, 

And do judgments under the mighty Tree of the World, 








hem tl can 5 Sirianni “ital ala 
Sap tere i ~ 


WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 629 


ok 4 Fimbul-tyss fornar rinar. 195 
par mono eptir undrsamligar 
gollnar toflor i grasi finnask 


pers i ardaga dttar hofdo. 


VOLOSPA IN SKAMMA (Fragment). 


Sib, SNGDo braut hedan; sofa lystir 
mik! 
Fer-pui fatt af mer fridra kosta. 
Wod. Ek slz elldi of ividjo 
sva at pu... & braut hedan! 


W. Hve skyldi Dverga drétt of skepja? 


S. Or Brimiss bl6di ok or blains legg- 
jom: 

par mann-likon or mgdkom geerdosk : 
Dvergariigrdo... 
par vas Motsognir mzztr um ordinn 
Dverga allra, enn Durinn annarr... I0 
Nyi ok Nidi, Nordri ok Sudri. .. 
Mal es Dverga i Dvalins lidi 
liéna kindom til Lofars telja, 
peir-es sétto fra salar-steini 
Aurvanga-siot til Ioro-valla .. . 15 
pat man uppi medan old lifir 
langnidja tal Lofars hafat. 


[Sat par 4 haugi oh slé horpo 


gygjar hirdir glaér Egder: 

gol um ‘haénom’ i gagl-vidi 20 
fagr-raudr hani sa es Fialarr heitir : 

Gél um Asom Gollin-kambi, 

sé vekr hglda at Herja-fodor : 

Enn annarr gelr fyr igrd nedan 


sot-raudr hani at sglom Heljar.} 25 


O61 Ulf Loki vid Angr-bodo, 
enn Sleipni gat vid Svadil-foera : 
Eitt pétti skars allra feiknast 
pat vas brddor fra Byleistz komit. 
Loki ‘af hiarta lindi brendo’ 30 
‘fann hann half svidin hugstein komo ;’ 
vard Loptr kvidogr at kono illri— 
padan es 4 foldo flagd hvert komit, 


Ero Volor allar fra Vidolfi: 
Vitkar allir fra Vilmeidi : 35 
Seid-berendr fra Svarthofda : 
Igtnar allir fra Ymi komnir. 
Heidr ok Hross-pidfr Hrimnis kindar. 


Freyr atti Gerdi, hon vas Gymis déttir, 





And call to mind the dooms of might and the ancient mysteries of the Great God: 
And after that the wonderful golden tables, which they had owned in the days of 


yore, shall be found in the grass, 


The raising of the dead Sibyl. 


Tue SHorr Sisyt Lay. 
She speaks to Woden— 


Get thee gone from this place, I would fain sleep! 
Little good shalt thou get in thy dealing with me. 


Woden answers— 


I will cast fire about thee, thou evil witch! 


So that thou 


. » . ere that I go home. 


Here is a great gap; she tells of the Creation; first of Audhumbla and the 
Cosmic Titan, then of the creation of the Giants and the Dwarves from his body. 

W. How were the people of the Dwarves created ? 

S. Out of the blood of Brimir [Ymi] and the legs of Blue, 

And thereafter the Dwarves in the earth, that had been maggots before, took the 


shape of men. 


Mot-sogni was the mightiest of them all, and Dwryn the second, etc. 
Now I will tell the Dwarves, of the race of Dwalin, back to Lofhere . . 
Those of them that came from the salt rocks to Mudfield’s abodes in the Field 


of Ooze. 


The cocks of the four worlds, translated, vol. i, p. 198. 


The formation of the Monsters of Evil. 


Loki’s brood, \l. 26-30, translated, vol. i, p. 232. 


Se. en ee eS ae oS 
Je 4 ’ 


si ata ea Roki A. eS CE Wa oS! od oa onal hey ah tira ee 8 


630 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


igtna ettar ok Aurbodo: 40 svgort veréa sdl-skin, né sumar eptir, 
pa var piazi peirra frendi, vedr oll valig ... 
skot-giarn igtunn, hans vas Skadi déttir. | Haf gengr hridom vid himin sialfan, 55 
; : 2 lidr lond yfir, enn lopt bilar, 
Muno ellifo Hsir taldir padan koma sniévar ok snarir vindar. 
Baldr es hnigr vid bana-pffo, 


F , Haf sé-ek brenna, enn haudr loga, 
pess leazk Vali ‘ verdr’ at hefna, 45 verda flestir figr-lausn pola... 


sins of brdééor sler hann hand-bana. pa es réd ok regin pridta. 60 
Austr byr in aldna i Iarnvidi, : x ‘ 

ok fedir par Fenris: kindir ; - 4 keemr annarr enn mattkari, 

verdr af peim ulfom einn mattkastr p6 poriga-ek pann at nefna. 

tungls tiugari i trollz hami: 50 = Fair sia nu framm um lengra 

Fyllisk figrvi feigra manna, an Odinn man Ulfi meta. 


rydr ragna sigt raudom dreyra 


EXTRACTS FROM EDDA, OF PARAPHRASES BASED ON THE SIBYL 
SONGS AND OTHER POEMS, 
a.=Paraphrase from the Long Sibyl Lay. [a] =From the lost parts of Long 


Sibyl Lay. | _b.=From the Short Sibyl Lay. [b]=From the lost parts of Short 
Sibyl Lay. | c.=From Wafthrudni and other poems. 


1. Cosmogonic. 


Fyrr var pat mérgum 6ldum en idrd veri sképut, er Niflheimr var gorr, ok i 
hénum midjum liggr brunnr s& er Hver-gelmir heitir, ok padan af falla 4r per er 
své heita... 


[a] Fyrst var po s& heimr i Sudr-halfu er Muspell heitir ; hann er lidss ok heitr; 





The generation of the Sibyls and Wizards, ll. 34-38, see vol. i, p. 232. 

Balder’s death, ll. 43-46, see vol. i, p. 231. 

The end of the World— 

An aged giantess dwells in Ironwood, and there she gives birth to Fenri’s race 
[Wolves]: 

Among thém one shall be the mightiest of the wolves; he shall be in the shape of 
an ogre, the pitch-forker of the moon. ; 

He feeds on the lives of the dead, spattering the heavens with red blood. 

Signs of Doom— 


The sunshine shall wax dark, nor shall any summer follow, and all the winds shall 
turn to blight; 


The sea shall rise in tempest against the very heaven and cover the land, 
And the sky shall be rent, and out of it shall come snow-storms and mighty winds. 
I can see the sea a-fire and the land in flames, 

And every living thing shall suffer death, 

When the . . . and the Powers shall perish . . . 

The coming of Christ— 

Then there shall come One yet mightier: 

Though I dare not name him. 


There be but few who can see farther forward than the day when Woden shall 
meet the Wolf. 


ProsE PARAPHRASE. 

The Yawning Gulf Muspell or the two Worlds of Fire and Ice— 

It was many ages before Earth was shapen that the Cloud-world [Nifl-heim] was 
made, and in the midst thereof is the brook that is called Hwer-gelmir, and from out 
of it there fall the rivers that are called . . . [a] Yet first [of all] was the world in 
the south, which is called Muspell; it is bright and hot, flaming is it and burning, 








a i a a 


Se 





—————— ee 


_- c i KTP, ee” POE et -: OA ie ES eo oa a ao r 
es ei “ rae ha) ar ed el Maw 4 


WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 631 


logandi er hann ok brennandi, ok dfcerr peim er par eru utlendir, ok eigi eigu par 
6dul. Sa er Surtr nefndr er par sitr 4 landz enda til land-varnar; hann hefir loganda 
sverd, ok i enda veraldar mun hann fara ok herja ok sigra dll godin, ok brenna 
allan heim med eldi. 

c. Ar per er kalladar eru Eli-vagar, pd er per véru své langt komnar fré upp- 
sprettum, at eitr-kvikva, si er beim fylgdi, hardnadi sv sem sindr pat er ferr or 
eldinum, pa vard pat iss; ok p& er sd iss gaf stadar ok rann eigi, pé heldi yfir 
pannig ur pat er af sté6d eitrinu, ok frauss at hrimi, ok idk hvert hrimit yfir annat 
allt i Ginnunga-gap. Ginnunga-gap pat er vissi til nordr-ettar fylldiz med héfug- 
leik iss ok hrims; ok inn i fra ur ok gustr. 

{a] Inn sydri hlutr Ginnunga-gaps léttisk méti gneistum ok siom peim er 
flugo or Muspellz-heimi. Sva sem kallt st6d af Nifi-heimi, ok allir hlutir grimmir, 
sva var allt, pat er vissi ndmunda Muspelli, heitt ok lidst. Enn Ginnunga-gap var 
sv hloétt sem lopt vind-laust. 

[b] Ok pé er mettti hriminu bloérr hitans, sva-at brédnadi ok draup, ok af beim 
kviko-dropom kviknadi, med krapti pess er til sendi hitann, ok vard mannz likendi, 
ok er sé nefndr Ymir. 

ce, Enn Hrim-pursar kalla hann Aurgelmi, ok eru padan komnar ettir Hrim-pursa. 
. . » hinn gamli Hrim-purs, hann kéllum ver Ymi. 2 

[b] Nest var pat pa er hrimit draup, at par vard af kyr, si er Audhumbla hét; 
enn fidrar miolk-ar runnu or spenum hennar, ok feéddi hon Ymi; hon sleikdi hrim- 
steina er saltir véru ; ok enn fyrsta dag er hon sleiki steinana, kom or steininum at 





and not to be lived in by them that are aliens and have it not as their native land 
[lit. have no heritage there]. Swart is the name of him that stands at the border of 
that land to keep it; he has a flaming sword, and at the end of the world he shall 
go forth and harry and overcome all the gods, and burn the whole world with fire. 
{c] The rivers that are called Sleet-billows, when they were come so far from their 
springs, that the poison-freshet that they bore hardened, like a cinder that is taken 
out of the fire, turned to ice, and when the ice stopped and ran no more, then 
straightway the fume that steamed out of the venom was mantled over and froze 
into rime, and the rime grew thicker, coat over coat, all along the Yawning Gulf. 
And that part of the Yawning Gulf, that looked towards the North, was filled with 


a heavy load of ice and rime; but farther in it [towards the centre] was fume and 


steam, [a] But the southern part of the Yawning Gulf was brightened by the fire- 
flakes and sparks, that flew out of the world of Muspell. Just as cold and all sorts 
of horrors proceeded from Cloud-world, so was all that turned towards and came 
nigh to the world of Muspell hot and bright. But in the Yawning Gulf it was close 
and sultry like air when there is no wind, 

The Giant Ymi.—[b] And when the waft of heat struck the rime so that it 
melted and dripped, then from out of the freshet-drops, by the power of him that 
sent the heat, there came a quickening, and it grew into the shape of a man, and 
this is he that is called Ymir. c. But the Rime-ogres call him Mud-gelmir, and 
from him are come all the generations of the Rime-ogres . . . the old Rime-ogre, 
we call him Ymir .. . 

- The Cow Audhumbla.—[b] After this it came to pass that from the dripping 
of the rime there grew the cow that is called Audhumbla, and four rivers of milk 
ran out of her dugs, and she suckled Ymi. She licked the lumps of rime that were 
salt, and the first day that she licked the stones, there came out of the stone by 
the evening the hair of a man, and the second day a man’s head, and by the 


> 





632 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


kveldi mannz-hér; annan dag mannz héfud; pridja dag var pat allr madr; sd er 
nefndr Buri; hann var fagr alitum, mikill ok mattugr; hann gat son pbann er Borr 
er nefndr; hann fekk peirrar konu er Bestla er nefnd, déttir Bolporns iétuns, ok 
gatu pau pria sonu, hét einn Odinn, annarr Vili, pridi Vé . 

[b] Synir Bors drapu Ymi iétun; enn er hann féll, pa hliép svi mikit bl68 6r 
sarum hans, at med pvi drekéu peir allri ett Hrim-pursa : 

¢. nee einn komsk undan med sinu hyski; pann kalla I6tnar Beo-ietaiis ‘ heat 
for upp 4 liér sinn ok kona hans ok héilzk par; ok eru af peim komnar Hrim- 
pursa ettir... 

c. peir (Bors synir) téku Ymi ok fluttu i mitt Ginnunga-gap, ok goréu af hénum 
idrdina, af blédi hans szinn (etc. as in Vpm.) 

[a] pa toku peir sior ok gneista, pa er lausir féru, er kastad hafdi or Muspellz~ 
heimi, ok settu 4 himin, bedi ofan ok nedan, til at lysa himin ok i6rd. 

a. peir gafu stad dllum eldingunum, sumum 4 himni, sumar féru lausar undir 
himni, ok settu pé beim stad, ok sk6pudu géngu peim. Sva er sagt i fornum vis- 
endum, at padan af véru doegr greind ok 4ra-tal. 

a. pa er beir gengu med siavar-stréndo Bors synir, fundu peir tré tvau, ok toku 
upp tréin, ok sképudu af menn: gaf inn fyrsti dnd ok lif; annarr vit ok hreering; 
pridi 4sidnu, mal ok heyrn ok sién; gafu peim kleéi ok néfn; hét karl-madérinn 
Askr, enn konan Embla; ok élsk padan af mann-kindin su er idrdin var gefin undir 
Midgardi. 

[a] 1 upphafi setti hann stiérnar-menn, ok setti p& at dé&ema med ser Srlég manna, 





third day it was a whole man; this is he that is called Buri, he was fair to see, big 
and strong, he begat a son who is called Bor; he took to wife a woman called Bestla, 
the daughter of Giant Bale-thorn, and they had three sons, one was called Woden, 
the second Wili, and the third Wé ... 

The Deluge; Rime-ogres drowned.—([b] Bor’s sons slew Giant Ymi, and when he 
fell, so much blood ran out of his wounds that the whole generation of the Rime- 
ogres were drowned in it, c. save one that escaped with his household; him the 
giants call Ber-gelmi; he went into his ark or bin with his wife, and so they were 
saved therein, and from them are come the generations of the Rime-ogres . . . 

Earth made.—c. [Bor’s sons] took Ymi and cast him into the midst of the Yawn- 
ing Gulf and made the earth out of him, out of his blood the sea [etc., as in Vpm.] 

Sun and Moon and Stars——a. Then they took the flakes and sparks that were 
flying about, which had been cast out of the World of Muspell, and set them in the 
heaven, both above and below, to give light to the heaven and the earth. And 
they appointed a place to each of the particles of fire, to some in the heaven, but 
some wandered about freely under the heaven, and to them they gave a place also 
and appointed their courses, as it is told in old song that in this way the day and 
night were marked off, and the seasons of the year also, 

a. The making of Man.—And as they went along by the sea-shore, the sons of 
Bor found two trees, and they took them up and made men out of them; the first 
of them [Woden] gave them breath and life, the second [Wili] understanding and 
motion, the third [Wé] form, speech, hearing, and sight; they gave them also 
clothes and names; the man was called Ash and the woman Elma, and from them 
sprung mankind, to whom the earth was given upon Middle-garth, 

‘The Golden Age— 

In the beginning he set rulers and ordained them to give judgment along with 








a a Se 


ae Nae TER ek Urge a th ee eyo ee ree in CF aee ND 
5 nN ~ ? >? Thi 4 Bie nae i.e xo ; 
a . J ? 1 < 


ove’. 2) 
oi 3 « 
re 2%, toe 


‘WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 633 


ok ré3a um skipan borgarinnar; pat var par sem heitir a. [da-vollr { midri borginni. 
a. Var pat it fyrsta peirra verk at goera hof pat er seti peirra standa i, tolf Onnur en 
hdsetid pat er Allfodr 4; c. pat hus er bezt gort 4 idrdu ok mest, allt er pat Gtan 
ok innan své sem gull eitt; i peim stad kalla menn [c.] Gladsheim. Annan sal 
geerdu peir; pat var a. horgr er gydjurnar attu, ok var hann all-fagr; pat hus kalla 
menn [c] Vingolf. a. par nest goerdu peir pat, at peir légdu afla, ok par til goerdu 
peir hamar, ok ting, ok stedja, ok padan af dll tél 6nnur; ok pvi nest smidodo peir 
malm, ok stein, ok tré, ok sv& gndégliga pann malm er gull heitir, ok dll busgégn 
héfdu peir af gulli—Ok er su éld k6llud Gull-aldr :—a, ddr en spilltisk af til- 
kvamu kvennanna; per kémo or {étun-heimum. 

a. par nest settusk gudin upp i seti sin, ok settu déma sina, ok mintusk, 

b. Hvadan Dvergar héféu kviknat i moldunni ok nidri i idrdunni, sv& sem 
madkar i holdi. Dvergarnir héfdu skipask fvrst ok tekit kviknan i holdi Ymiss, ok 
voru p&é madkar; enn af atkvedi gudanna urdu peir vitandi mann-vitz, ok hofdu 
mannz liki, ok bua pé i iérdéu ok steinum. Mddsognir var &ztr, ok annar Durinn. 
b. Enn pessir eru ok Dvergar ok bua i steinum, enn inir fyrri i moldu... b. Enn 
pessir kému fré Svarins-haugi til Aurvanga 4 Iorovéllu, ok er badan kominn Lofarr. 

b. Gygr ein byr fyrir austan Midgard i peim skégi er Iarnvidr heitir; i peim 
skégi byggja per troll-konor er Iarnvidjor [read Ividjor?] heita; en gamla gygr 
foedir at sonum marga Iétna, ok alla { vargs likjum, ok padan eru komnir pessir 
ulfar. Ok sva er sagt, at af zttinni verdr s& einn méttkastr er kalladr er [b] Mana- 





him upon the fates of men, and to give counsel upon the constitution of the City 
[Ansegarth]. And this court was set at the place that is called a. the Field of Ith 
[Magh Ith] in the midst of a city, a. This was the first work they did, to make a 
temple for their seats to stand in, twelve of them beside the -high-seat, which 
belonged to the All-father. c. This is the best built and biggest house on earth; it 
is all one mass of gold, as it were, both within and without, and this place is called 
c. Gladham, They made also another hall; it was a high-place [a harrow], which 
belonged to the goddesses, and it was very fair, and this mansion men call [c] Win- 
golf [Joy-room]. a. And the next work that they did was to lay down forges 
and make # hammer, and tongs, and stithy for it, and with these they wrought 
all other tools, and then they smithied metal and gems, and wood-work, and in great 


abundance the metal that is called gold, and all their household gear they had of 


gold; and that age is called the Golden Age, until it was destroyed by the coming 
of women from Giant-land. 

The Dwarves.—After this the gods sat down in their seats, and set the court and 
took counsel: b. Whence the Dwarves had come that had come to life in the mould 
and down under the earth, like maggots in flesh, The Dwarves had bred first and 
come to life in the flesh of Ymi, and at that time they were maggots; but by the 
word of the gods they had become endowed with the wisdom of man, and got the 
likeness of man, albeit they dwell in the earth and the rocks, M68-sogni was the chief 
of them, and Dwryn the second. b. There are also Dwarves that dwell in the rocks, 
as the first do in the mould . . . b. but they [the third race] came from Swarin’s 
howe to Loom-wang in Ior-weald, and from them came Lofar .. . 

The Monsters.—b. There is an ogress that dwells in the east of Mid-garth in the 
forest that is called Iron-wood; in that forest there live the giant-women that are called 
Inwiddas [witches], but the old ogress gives birth to many giant-sons, all of them in the 
shape of wolves, and thence are come these wolves [as spoken of]. And as it is said, 
out of this race comes one the mightiest of all, called the [b] Moon-hound ; b. he is 








634. THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


garmr; b. hann fyllisk fidrvi allra peirra manna er deyja; ok hann gleypir tung]; en 
steekkvir bl6di himin ok lopt 6ll. ‘jadan af tynir S61 skini sinu, ok vindar eru p& 
ékyrrir, ok gnyja hedan ok handan, 

(pa melti Gangleri: Hvar er héfud-stadrinn eda helgi-stadr guéanna? Harr 
svarar): pat er at Aski Ygg-drasils, c. bar skolo godin eiga déma sina hvern dag. 
a. c. Askrinn er allra tre&é mestr ok beztr; limar hans dreifask um heim allan; ok 
standa yfir himni pridr roétr tréssins, ok halda pvi upp, ok standa afar-breitt; c. ein 
er med Asum; enn énnor med Hrim-pursum, par sem fordum var Ginnunga gap: 
En pridja stendr yfir Niflheimi; ok undir peirri rét er Hvergelmir; enn Nidhoeggr 
gnagar nedan rétina. 

a. Enn undir peirri rét er til Hrim-pursa horfir, par er Mimis-brunnr, er speké ok 
mann-vit er i folgit, ok heitir'sé Mimir er 4 brunninn; hann er fullr af visendum, 
fyrir pvi at hann drekkr or brunninum af horninu Giallar-horni. a. par-kom All- 
fdr ok beiddisk eins drykkjar af brunninum; enn hann fekk eigi fyrr en hann lagdi 
auga sitt at vedi. 

a. pridja rét Asksins stendr 4 himni; ok undir peirri rét er brunnr sa, er miok 
er heilagr, er heitir Urdéar-brunnr ; par eigu gudin dém-stad sinn. c. Hvern dag rida 
ZEsir pangat upp um briina Bifrést—hon heitir ok As-bri— .. . 

(pa mazlti Gangleri: Brennr eldr yfir Bifrost? Harr segir): pat er pG sér rautt 
i loganum, er eldr brennandi, upp 4 himin mundu ganga Berg-risar, ef dllum veri 
foert 4 Bifrdst peim er fara vilja. 

a. Margir stadir eru 4 himni fagrir, ok er par allt gudlig vorn fyrir. ‘par stendr 
salr einn fagr undir Askinum vid brunninn, ok or beim sal koma pridr meyjar ber er 





filled with the life-of [he devours] every man that dies, c. and he shall swallow the 
Moon, b. and sprinkle heaven and the whole air with blood, and therewith the Sun 
shall lose her sheen, and the winds shall grow restless and blow hither and thither... 

The Holy Tree. The Brook of Weird and of Mim.—a, (Then spake Gangler: 
‘Where is the chief abode or sanctuary of the gods?’ The High One answers): 
c. It is at the Ash Ygg’s steed, where the gods held their court every day. a, This 
Ash is the greatest and best of trees; its limbs spread over all the world, and three 
roots of it stretch across the heaven, and hold it up and stretch wonderfully far. 
c. One turns towards the Anses, the second towards the Rime-ogres, where once the 
Yawning Gulf was, but the third stretches over Cloud-world, and Hwer-gelme [Caul- 
dron-Whelmer] is under this root, and Felon-cutter [the snake] gnaws the bottom of 
this root. a. But under the root that trends towards the Rime-ogres is Mim’s Burn, 
wherein is wisdom and understanding, and he that owns the burn is named Mim; he 
is full of knowledge, because he drinks from the brook out of the Yell-horn. a. The 
Father of All came and asked him for one draught of the brook, but he could not 
get it till he had pledged his eye for it. a. The third root of the Ash stands upon 
the heaven, and under that root is a very holy burn, called Weirds’-burn, where the 
gods have their moot-stead. c. Every day the Anses ride up thither over the bridge 
Rocking-Race, which is also called the Anses-bridge [Spirit-bridge = Rainbow]... 

Then spake Gangler: ‘Is there fire burning along Rocking-Race?’? Says the : 
High One: ‘ That red flame which thou seest therein is a blazing fire. The mountain 
giants would get up into heaven if Rocking-Race were easy travelling for all that 
would go by it.’ 

a, There are many fair places in heaven, and it is all under the guard of the gods 
[a sanctuary under divine protection]. 





Sear be ieee ae was ae ears? Krewe fee ny Dg Eg 
r Oe Pe By” ot oH 5 - : ; 


WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 635 


svi heita—Urdér, Verdandi, Skuld—pessar meyjar skapa ménnum alldr, per kéllu 
ver Nornir. 

a. Enn eru fleiri Nornir, per er koma til hvers barns er borit verdr, ok skapa aldr, 
ce. ok eru pessar god-kungar, enn adrar Alfa exttar, enn inar pridju Dverga ettar. 
. . - [a] Gédar Nornir ok vel exttadar skapa gédan aldr; enn peir menn er fyr 
ésk6pum verda pa valda pvi illar Nornir. 

a. Enn er pat sagt, at Nornir per, er byggja vid Urdar-brunn, taka hvern dag 
vatn i brunninum, ok med aurinn pann er liggr um brunninn, ok ausa upp yfir 
askinn, til pess at éigi skolo limar hans tréna eda fina; [a] enn pat vatn er své 
heilagt, at allir hlutir peir er par koma i brunninn verda sv4 hvitir sem hinna st er 
skiall heitir, er innan liggr vid egg-skurn. [a] St dogg er padan af fellr 4 idrdina, 
pat kalla menn hunangs fall, ok par af foedask by-flugur. [a] Fuglar tveir fosdask { 
Uréar-brunni ; peir heita svanir, ok af peim fuglum hefir komit pat fugla kyn er sv4 
heitir. 

[a. b] Margir stadir ero par géfugligir: S& er einn stadr er kalladr er Alfheimr, 
par byggvir folk pat er Lids-alfar heita; enn D6kk-alfar bua nidri i idrdo, ok ero 
peir dlikir beim synom, enn miklo élikari reyndum. Liés-alfar ero fegri en sdl 
synom, enn Dékk-alfar ero svartari en bik. 


Settir Vana ok Asa.—a. Odinn fbr & hendr Vénom med her; enn peir urdo vel 
vid, ok vérdo land sitt, ok héfdo ymsir sigr ; herjodo hvarir land annarra, ok goerdo 
skada 4. Enn er pat leiddisk hvarom-tveggjom, logdo peir milli sin settar-stefno, 
ok gerdo frid, ok seldosk gislar; fengo Vanir sina ina d4getosto menn, Niérd inn 





a. There stands a fair hall under the Ash over against the brook, and out of this 
hall there came three maidens, called Weird, Becoming, and Should. These 
maidens shape the fates of men, and we call them Norns. a. But there are other 
Norns, some of whom come to every child that is born and shape his fate, c. and - 
these are of God-kind, but others are of the race of the Elves, and a third kind of 
the race of the Dwarves . . . [a] good Norns and well-born shape good lives; but 
those men, whose fate is ill, owe it to the evil Norns . . . 

a. And it is said that those Norns that dwell by Weird’s burn draw water every 
day from the burn, and the ooze with it that lies at the bottom of the burn, and 
sprinkle it over the Ash, that its branches shall never wither or rot. [a] And this 
water is so holy that everything that comes into this burn becomes as white as the 
film that is called ‘sciall,’ that lies inside the egg-shell. [a] The dew that falls from 
it upon the earth men call honey-dew, and the bees feed upon it. a. Two birds live 
in Weirds’-burn, they are called Swans, and from them are come all the race of birds 
that bear that name. 

White and Black Elves.—[a. b] There are many noble places there; there is one 
called Elf-ham, wherein dwell the people that are called the Elves of Light; but the 
Dark Elves live down in the earth, and they are altogether unlike in look, and a 
great deal more unlike in reality; the Light Elves [Fairies] are fairer than the sun 
to look on, but the Dark Elves [Brownies] are blacker than pitch. 


War with the Wanes.—a. Woden went with a host to fight the Wanes, but they 
made ready to meet them and defended their land, and the victory swayed between 
them, and each harried the other’s land and wrought great destruction. And foras- 
much as this was hurtful to both of them, they set an accord between them and 
made peace and gave each other hostages. The Wanes gave their best man Niord 


Seis Pe et ah Ne Sih toa St a ec le ori re ey 








636 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


audga, ok Frey son hans; enn sir par { mét pann er Heénir hét, ok kéllodo hann © 
all-vel til héfdingja fallinn; hann var mikill maér ok venn; med hénom sendo 
/Esir pann er Mimir hét; hann var inn vitrasti maér: Enn Vanir fengo bar i mét 
pann er spakastr var i peirra flokki, s& hét Kvasir, Enn er Hoénir kom i Vanaheim, 
p4 var hann pegar héfdingi gerr; Mimir kendi hénom r4é 6ll, enn ef Heénir vard 
: staddr 4 pingom eda stefnom, sva at Mimir var eigi ner, ok kvemi nokkur vanda- 

mal fyrir hann, svaradi hann 2 ino sama :—‘ Radi adrir!’ sagdi hann, pé grunadi 
Vani, at sir mundo hafa falsat pa i manna skiptino, pa4 téko peir Mimi ok hals- 
hioggo, ok sendo héfudit Asom. Odinn ték héfudit ok smurdi urtom peim er eigi 
matti fina, ok kvaé par yfir galdra, ok magnadi sv4 at pat melti vid hann, ok sagdi 
hénom marga leynda hluti. Nidrd ok Frey setti Odinn blit-gda, ok véro peir Diar 
med Asom. Déttir Niardar var Freyja; hon var blét-gydja, ok kendi fyrst med — 
Asom seid, sem Vénom var titt. pa er Nidrér var med Vonom, hafdi hann Atta 
systor sina—pvi at pat véro par log; véro born peirra Freyr ok Freyja ;—enn pat 
var bannat med Asom at bygegva své nait at frendsemii—[Yngl. S. ch. 4.] 

[a] Gudin hofdu dsett vid folk pat er Vanir heita; enn peir logdu med ser frid- 
stefnu, ok settu grid 4 pa lund, at peir gengu hv4rir-tveggju til eins kers, ok spyttu 
hraka sinum i. Enn at skilnadi pa toku godin, ok vildu eigi l4ta tynask pat grida- 
mark, ok skopodu par or mann; sa heitir Kvdsir; hann er sva vitr, at eingi spyrr 
hann peirra hluta at eigi kann hann érlausn. Hann fér vida um heim at kenna ménnum 
freedi: ok pé er hann kom at heim-bodi til Dverga nékkura, Fialars ok Galars, 
pa kolluéu peir hann meé ser 4 ein-mzli ok drapu hann, létu renna bl66 hans i tvau 
ker, ok einn ketil—ok heitir s4 Odrcerir, enn kerin heita Sén ok Bodn—Peir bléndu 
hunangi vid blddit, ok vard par af middr s&, at hverr er af drekkr, verdr skald ok 
froedi-madr. Dvergarnir sogdu Asum at Kvasir hefdi kafnat { mann-viti, fyrir pvi at 
eingi var par sv frdér, at spyrja kunni hann frddleiks,—[Edda, Skaldsk.-mal. ] 

Nu var Loki tekinn grida-lauss ok farié med hann i helli nokkurn; p& téko 
peir priar hellor ok sett 4 egg, ok lustu rauf 4 hellunni hverri. pa véru teknir 





the wealthy and his son Frey, but the Anses in return gave him who is called 
Heene, saying that he was well fitted to be a ruler of men, He was a big man and 
well favoured. With him the Anses sent a man called Mim, who was the wisest of — 
men, but the Wanes gave in return the greatest sage of their company, whose name 
was Quasi. But as soon as Hoene came to Wana-land he was straightway made 
ruler, and Mim gave him counsel in all his designs. But when Hoene was sitting in 
council or court and Mim was not at hand and he could get no decision from. him, 
he always answered in one way, ‘Let others settle the matter, said he. Then the ~ 
Wanes began to suspect that the Anses must have deceived them in exchanging 
men, so they took Mim and cut off his head, and sent it to the Anses. Woden took 
the head and smeared it with such worts as might not let it decay, and spoke 
charms over it, and prevailed so that it spoke with him and told him many secrets. 
Niord and Frey Woden made priests, and they were the Anses’ seers [Diar]. Freyja 
was Niord’s daughter; she was a priestess, and she first taught the Anses enchant- Bre 
ments after the manner of the Wanes. When Niord was with the Waneshe had 
his sister to wife (for that was their law); their children were Frey [Lord] and 
Freyja [Lady]. But it was forbidden among the Anses to marry within such kinship. 

The same story from Edda, already translated, vol. i, p. 464. 

Loki chained.—And now Loki was taken, no truce being granted him, and borne 
off to a certain cave, and then they took three flag-stones and set them up on 
edge, and struck a hole in each of these stones. Then they took the sons of Loki, 








WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 637 


synir Loka, Vali ok Nari eda Narfi; brugdu sir Vala i vargs liki ok reif hann i 
sundr Narfa brédur sinn, pa téku sir parma hans ok bundu Loka med yfir pé 
prid-egg-steina—stendr einn undir herdum, annarr undir lendum, pridi undir knés- 
bétum—ok urdu pau bond at iarni. pd ték Skadi eitr-orm, ok festi upp yfir hann, 
sv at eitrid skyldi driipa or orminum i andlit hnum. Enn Sigyn, kona hans, sitr 
hid hénum, ok heldr munn-laugu undir eitr-dropa; enn pa er full er munn-laugin, 
gengr hon ok sler ut eitrinu, enn medan drypr eitrid { andlit hénum; pa kippisk 
hann sva hart vid, at idrd Gll skelfr—pat kalli per land-skialpta. ar liggr hann i 
béndum til Ragna-rékkrs, 

Arna-Magn. 748 and 757, add this from Lost Memorial Verses on Loki— 

Am-svartnir heitir vatn, enn Lyngvi holmi i vatninu, enn Siglitnir hvéll i hol- 
minum ; enn pviti heitir hell er stendr { hvélinum, enn Ginul (or gnioll) heitir rauf 
er borud er 4 helinum; enn Hreda heitr festr er Fenris-ulfr er bundinn med, ok er 
henni drepit { gégnum raufina; enn Gelgja heitir spyta sti sem fyrir er stungin. 
Fiéturinn heitir Gleipnir, s& sem hénum heldr. Tveir fidtrar véru goervir til hans, 
peir Drémi ok Loedingr, ok hélt hvérrgi. pa var gerr Gleipnir or sex hlutum—or 
kattar dyn... [see vol. i, p. 16]; pvi er pat ekki eptir sidan at pat var par allt til 
haft. Ar tver falla or munni hoénum, heitir 6nour Vil enn Snnur Van; ok er pat 
rétt at kalla voétn hraka hans, enn Giolnar heita-granar hans. r 


Tue WoRLD-DESTRUCTION, 
(Hver tidendi er at segja um Ragna-rokr, pess hefir ek eigi fyrr heyrt getid? 
Harr svarar—Mikil tidendi eru padan af at segja ok morg: pau in fyrstu, at), 
b. Vetr s& kemr er kalladr er Fimbul-vetr; p4 drifr sner or dllom zttum ; frost 





Wali, and Nari or Narfi; they changed Wali into a wolf’s shape, and he tore his 
brother Nari. Then the Anses took his guts and bound Loki with them upon the 
three-edged stones; one stone comes under his shoulders, another under his loins, 
and the third under the tenons of his knees, and these fetters were turned into 
iron. Then Scathe took a venomous snake and fastened it up above him, so 
that the venom should drip down from the snake into his face. But Sigyn, his wife, 
sits by him holding a hand-cup to catch the-drops of venom, and when the cup is 
full she goes and pours away the venom, and in the meanwhile the venom drips into 
his face, then he writhes so hard with the pain that the whole earth quakes, and 
that is called an earthquake, and there Loki lies in bonds till the Twilight [better 
Doom] of the Gods. 

Tawny is the name of the mere, and Ling the holm in the mere, and Marl 
the knoll in the holm, and Thwaite the stake that stands upon the knoll, and Cleaft 
the hole that is bored through the stake, and Scare is the cable that Fenris-wolf is 
bound to, and it is reaved through the hole, and Gill-bone is the peg that is put 
through the ear of the rope, The fetter that holds him is called Gossamer. There 
were two fetters made for him, called Hobble and Coil, but neither of them held; 
and then Gossamer was made out of six things, the din of the cat’s tread, the birds’ 
milk ...; and there is no more left of these things, for they were all used in the 
making of it. Two streams fall from his mouth, the one called Wailing, the 


other Wanhope, and it is right [for a poet] to speak of water as his spittle, and 
his lip-bristles are called Gills. 


Signs of the Doom.—Says Gangler, ‘What tidings are there to tell of the Doom 
of the Powers? I have never heard tell of it before.’ 


The High One answers, ‘There are great tidings of it and many to tell withal, 








638 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


eru pa mikil, ok vindar hardir; ekki nytr sdlar. peir vetr fara prir saman, ok ekki 
sumar i millum. (Enn 4dr ganga sva adrir prir vetr), a. at pbé eru um allan heim 
orrostur miklar. ‘pd drepask brvedr fyrir dgirni sakar, ok engi pyrmir fodur eda — 
syni i mann-drapum eda sifja-sliti. b. pa verdr pat er mikil tidendi pykkir, at 
ulfrinn gleypir sélina (ok pykkir m6nnum pat mikit mein); pa tekr annarr ulfrinn 


tunglit (ok gorir s&4 ok mikit égagn), a. Stidrnor hverfa pé af himni, a. (paer — | 


pat tidenda, at) sva skelfr idrd Gil, at bidrg ok vidir losna or iérdu upp, enn biérgin 
hrynja ; enn fidtrar allir ok bénd brotna ok slitna, a. p& verdr Fenris-ulfr lauss, 
p4 geysisk hafit 4 léndin, fyrir pvi at pb& snyzk Midgardz-ormr i igtun-m6di ok 
sékir upp 4 landit (p& verdr ok pat at) a. Naglfar losnar (skip pat er sva heitir; 
pat er goert af néglum daudra manna, ok er pat fyrir pvi vartidar-vert, ef madr deyr — 
meé déskornum néglum, at sé madr eykr mikit efni til skipsins Naglfars, er godin ok — 


menn vildu dégcert! yrdi). Ein i pessum sidvar-gang flytr Naglfar : 


a. Hrymr heitir igtunn er styrir Naglfara. c. Enn Fenris-ulfr ferr med gapaclll Be 


munn, ok er enn nedri koeptr 4 idrdu, enn inn efri vid himni; gapa mundi hann 
meira, ef rim veri til. Eldar brenna or augum hans ok nésum, [a] Midgardz- — 
ormr bless sv4 eitrinu at hann dreifir lopt dll ok lég, ok er hann all-égurlegr, ok er 
hann i adra hlid Ulfinum. 

a. { pessum gny klofnar himininn ok rida padan Muspellz synir; Surtr ridr fyrstr, 





and the first tidings are—That a winter shall come that is called the b. Monster 
Winter, then shall the snow drive from every airt, great frost shall there be then and 
cruel winds, no light of the sun, three winters shall come together, and no summer 
between them. And before three other winters pass so, a, there shall be great wars 
all over the world, brothers shall slay each other for the sake of greed, and no man 
shall spare his father and son, (and there shall be) murders and incest. b, Then 
there shall come to pass what shall be thought great tidings, to wit, the wolf shall 
swallow the sun, and men shall count that a great loss, and the other wolf shall seize — 
the moon and work great damage thereby, a. and the stars shall vanish out of 
heaven, a, and then this shall come to pass, that the whole earth shall quake so that 
the a. rocks and woods shall be loosened out of the ground, and the mountains shall 
quake, a. and every fetter and bond shall be broken and riven. [a] And the wolf 
of Fenri shall get loose withal, for the Leviathan writhes in giant rage, and the sea 
shall gush over the land, and therewithal it shall be that a. Nail-fare shall be loosened — 
[from her moorings]. [That is the name of the ship that is built out of the nails of , 
dead men, and therefore it is a forbidden deed for a man to die with unshorn nails, 
for such a man worketh mightily towards the building of the ship Nail-fare, which 
gods and men would never have built.] 

The array of the Evil Powers.—And Nail-fare shall float upon this sea-flood, 
a. The giant that steers Nail-fare is named Rym. [b] And the wolf Fenri shall go 


with gaping jaws, and his nether jaw shall touch the earth, and his upper jaw the a 
heaven, and he would gape wider still if only there were room withal. Fire shall 


blaze from his eyes and his nostrils. [a] The serpent of the earth shall [also] breathe 
venom so that the air and water shall be charged therewith, and he shall be awful to 


look on, and he shall stand on the other side of the wolf*, And with this crack [of ¥ % 
Doom] a. the heaven shall be rent, and out of it there shall ride the sons of 


a. Muspell ; Swart shall ride first, and before him and behind him a blazing fire; his 





1 Emend,, seint a gert, Cd. 
2 Here is only the passage telling how the fiends were wakened. 








WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 639 


ok fyrir hénum ok eptir eldr brennandi; sverd hans er gétt midk, af pvi skinn biartara 
en af sdlu. c, Enn er peir rida Bifrdst, pA brotnar hon (sem fyrr er sagt). c. Mus- 
pellz megir so&kja framm 4 pann voll er Vigridr heitir, [a] par kemr ok Fenris- 
ulfr ok Midgardz-ormr. ar er ok pé kominn Loki ok Hrymr ok med hénum allir 
Hrim-pursar ; Enn Loka fylgja allir Heljar-sinnar ; enn Muspellz-synir hafa einir ser 
fylking, ok er sti bidrt midk. c. Vollrinn Vigridr er hundrad rasta vidr 4 hvern veg. 

(Enn er pessi tidendi verda) a. pA stendr upp Heimdallr, ok bless Akafliga i 
Giallar-horn, ok vekr upp dll godin, pk eiga pau ping saman. a. pa ridr Odinn til 
Mimis-brunnz ok tekr r4d af Mimi fyrir ser ok sinu lidi. a. pa skelfr Askr Ygg- 
drasils, ok engi hlutr er pd 6tta-lauss 4 himni eda iérdu, a, Msirnir her-veda sik, 
ok allir Einherjarnir, ok scoékja framm 4 volluna: Ridr fyrst Odinn (med goll-hialm 
ok fagra brynju, ok geir sinn er Gungnir heitir), stefnir hann méti Fenris-ulf. Enn 
pérr framm 4 adra hlid hénum, (ok mé hann ekki duga hénum, pvi at) hann hefir 
fullt fang at berjask vid Midgardz-orm, a, Freyr bersk moti Surti, ok verdr hardr 
sam-gangr 4dr Freyr fellr (pat verdr hans bani, at hann missir pess ins géda sverdz 
er hann gaf Skirni). [a] p4 er ok lauss ordinn hundrinn Garmr er bundinn er fyr 
Gnipa-helli; hann er id mesta forad. Hann 4 vig méti Ty, ok verdr hvdrr 6drum 
at skada. a. pdérr berr ban-ord af Midgardz-ormi, ok stigr padan brott nio fet; pa 
fellr hann daudr til iardar fyrir eitri pvi er Ormrinn blés 4 hann. c. Ulfrinn gleypir 
Odinn, verdr pat hans bani. Enn pegar eptir snysk framm Vidarr, ok stigr 6drum 





sword shail be a right fair one, and the sheen thereof brighter than that of the sun’. 
c. And as they ride over the Rocking-Race [Rainbow] it shall break beneath them 
[as was said before]. cc. Muspell’s sons shall go forth to the field that is called the 
Links of Battle. Thither also shall come the [a] Wolf of Fenri and the Serpent of 
Earth, And thither shall Loki have come, and Rym, and with him all the Rime- 
ogres; but all the a. Hell-dead shall follow Loki, and a. sons of Muspell shall be 
a troop by themselves, very bright to behold. c, The field of the Links of Battle 
is a hundred miles every way. 

The Gods marshalled to battle—And when these tidings shall come to pass, there 
shall a. Heimdall [the World-bow] arise and wind the Yell-horn with mighty power, 
and awaken all the gods, and they shall hold-a moot together. Then Woden shall 
ride to the Burn of Mim, a. and take counsel of Mim for himself and his com- 
pany. a. And the Ash of the Steed of the Hanged One shall quiver, [a] and there 
shall be no part of heaven and earth that shall not then tremble for fear. [a] The 
Anses shall put on their harness, and all the Host of the Elect, and go forth to the 
field. a. Woden shall ride first with his gold helm and his fair mail-coat and his 
spear that is called Gungnir [Tusker], he shall challenge the Wolf Fenri, a. and 
Thunder next beside him, and he shall not be able to help him, for he shall have 
enough to do to fight with the Serpent of Earth. a, Frey shall fight against Swart, 
and there shall be a cruel battle between them before Frey falls, and thg loss of the 
good sword that he gave Skirni shall be his death, [a] And the Hound Garm 
[Sarama ?] that is bound before the Cave of the cliff shall have got loose too. He 
shall stand against Tew, and each of them shall be the other’s death. a. Thunder 
shall get the better of the Serpent of Earth, and shall run back nine paces from him, 
and then fall dead to the ground by reason of the venom that the Serpent shall breathe 
upon him. c. The Wolf shall swallow Woden, and that shall be the death of him; 
c. and straightway Widar shall dash forward and step with one foot upon the nether 





1 Mention of Loki and his crew omitted by mistake. 


ee Le 





640 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


foeti i nedra koept Ulfsins (& beim fceti hefir hann ské pann er allan aldr hefir verit 
til samnat; pat eru bidrar peir er menn snida or ském sinom fyrir tam eda heli; 
pvi skal peim bidrum brott kasta s& madr er at pvi vill hyggja at koma Asunum at 
lidi), ¢. Annarri hendi tekr hann inn efra koept Ulfsins ok rifr sundr gin hans, ok 
verdr pat Ulfsins bani. a. Loki 4 orrosto-vidé Heimdall, ok verdr hvarr annars bani. 
a. pvi nest slyngr Surtr eldi yfir iéréina, ok brennir allan heim. 

(pa mezlti Gangleri: Hvat verér pa eptir er brendr er heimr allr, ok daud dll 
godin, ok allir Einherjar ok allt mann-folk ; ok hafi pér 4dr sagt at hverr madr skal 
lifa i nokkorom heimi um allar aldir? 4 kvad pridi: a. Margar eru pa vistir 
gdédar ok margar illar.) 

a. Bezt er pa at vera 4 Gimlé?, ok all-gétt er til géds drykkjar, beim er pat 
pykkir gaman, i beim sal er Brimir heitir; hann stendr 4 Okolni. a. S4 er enn géér 
salr er stendr 4 Nida-figllum, goerr af raudu golli; s4 heitir Sindri. { pessum sdlum 
skolo g6dir menn vera ok sidlatir. a. A Né-stréndum er mikill salr ok illr, ok horfa 
nordr dyrr; hann er ofinn allr orma-hryggjum: enn orma-h6fud oll vitu inn i husit 
ok blasa eitri, své at eptir salinum renna eitr-4r, ok vada per dr eid-rofar ok mordé- 
vargar. [a] Enn i Hver-gelmi er verst. [Here a sentence seems missing. | 

(pa mezlti Gangleri: Hvart lifa nokkur godin p4, eda er pé nékkur idrd eda 
himin? Harr svarar): 

a. Upp skytr idréunni pa or sidnum, ok er hon p& groen ok fogr; vaxa pa akrar 





jaw of the Wolf [and upon this foot he shall have the shoe that every age has gone 
to the making of, from the shreds that men pare off their shoes to shape the toes 
and heels withal, wherefore he that is minded to be of the company of the Anses 
must take heed to cast away those parings]. And with one hand he shall take hold 
of the upper jaw of the Wolf and rend his jaw asunder, and that shall be the Wolf’s 
death. Loki shall battle with Heimdall, and each shall be the death of the other. 

a. Swart sets fire to the world.—Thereupon Swart shall cast fire over the earth 
and burn the whole world. 

Places of Bliss—[Then spake Gangler, ‘ What will happen then when the whole 
world is burnt, and all the gods dead, and all the Host of the Chosen, and all man- 
kind, for thou hast already said that every man shall live in one of the worlds — 
through all ages?”] 

Then said Third, a. There shall be many good abodes and many ill. The best 
that shall then be is a Fire-lea, and there is a right good chance of good drink for 
them that take pleasure therein in the hall that is called a, Brim, which stands in 
Uncold. a, That is a good hall that stands on the Moon Hills, built of red gold; 
it is called Cinder, a+ In these halls shall good and right-living folk abide. 

Places of Torment.—a, On Corse-strand there is a great hall, and ill to boot, and 
the doors open northward; it is wattled with the bodies of serpents, and the heads 
of the serpents all turn inwards, and keep spirting venom into the house, so that 
rivers of venom run down the halls thereof, and oath-breakers and murderers shall be - 
wading in these rivers. But in [a] Cauldron-whelmer it is worse, [for there Felon- 
cutter, the monstrous snake, feeds upon the living bodies of the worst of sinners. ] 

The New World.—[{Then spake Gangler, ‘ Will any of the gods be alive then, and 
will there be any Earth or Sky ?”] <a 

The High One answered, a. ‘ Earth shall shoot up out of the sea, and she shall be 





1 a himni, W. 





WOLOSPA RECONSTRUCTED. 641 


ésanir. c. Vidarr ok Vali lifa sv4 at eigi hefir sidrinn ok Surta-logi grandat peim. 
a. Ok byggja peir & Ida-velli, par sem fyrr var Asgardr. c. Ok par koma synir 
pors, M6di ok Magni, ok hafa par Miollni. 

a. pvi nest kemr par Baldr ok Hor fra Heljar. a, Setjask pa allir samt ok 
talask vid, ok minnask 4 runar sinar, ok réda um gll tidendi pau es fyrr hofdu verit, 
um Midgardz-orm ok um Fenris-ulf?. 

a. p4 finnask par i grasinu gull-toflur ber er Hsirnir hofdu att. c. Enn par sem 
heitir Hoddmimis-holt leynask menn tveir i Surta-loga, er sv4 heita, Lif ok Leif- 
prasir, ok hafa morgin-doeggvar fyrir mat. Enn af pessum ménnum kemr své mikil 
kyn-sléd at byggvisk heimr allr. c, Ok hitt mun per undarligt pykkja at Sdlin hefir 
getid déttur, eigi 6fegri en hon er, ok ferr sii pa stigu mddur sinnar, 

(Enn ef pi kannt lengra framm at spyrja pa veit ek eigi hvadan per kemr pat, 
fyrir pvi, at engi mann heyrda-ek lengra segja framm aldar-farit W—ok nidttu sem pu 
namt! vi nest heyrdi Gangleri dyni mikla hvern veg fra ser, ok leit hann ut 4 
hlid ser; ok pa-er hann sésk meirr um, pé stendr hann uti 4 sléttum velli; sér hann 
pa cenga hdll ok cenga borg. Gengr hann pé brott leid sina ok kemr heim i riki 
sitt, ok segir pau tidendi er hann hefir sé5 eda heyrt. Ok eptir hénum sagdi hverr 
madr 6drum pessar ségur.) 





green and fair then, a. And the fields shall bear all unsown. b. Widar and Wali 
shall be alive, since neither the sea nor the fires of Swart have harmed them, and 
they shall dwell in the a. Field of Ith [Ida-field], where Anse-garth stood before. 
a. And Mood and Main, the sons of Thunder, shall come there, and they shall have 
Milner with them, And afterward a. Balder and Hoth shall come thither also out of 
Hell. a. They shall all sit down together and talk to each other, and call to mind 
their mysteries, and speak about all those things which have come to pass, about the 
Serpent of the Earth and the Wolf of Fenri .. . 

a. ‘And in those days they shall find in the grass the gold tables that the Anses 
had of yore. c. But in the wood that is called Hoard-Mim’s Holt two of mankind, 
Simple and Life-stayer, with the morning-dew for their meat, shall have hidden 
themselves from the fires of Swart. And from these two there shall come such a 
mighty kindred that they shall inhabit the whole world. And it will seem won- 
derful to thee that the Sun should have borne a daughter, no less fair than herself, 
and she shall journey in her mother’s ways.’ 

Epilogue.—*‘ But if thou art wishful to enquire further forth I know not whence thou 
wilt get help, for I have never yet heard any tell further of the World-History,—and 
may what thou hast heard profit thee!’ And with that Gangler heard a mighty 
crash on every side of him, and looked about him, and while he was peering about 
him as far as he could, he found himself standing in the open air upon a smooth 
plain, he could see no hall and no stronghold. Then straightway he set out upon 
his way and came home to his kingdom and told all the tidings that he had seen 
and heard. And according to his account one man has handed on this tale to 
another [down to our day]. 





1 Here the paraphrast has misunderstood his text, - 

? This is a twofold echo, from Short Wolospa, last line, and Vsp. 1]. 3. The 
author says, The task of telling the History of the World (aldar-far), from its 
Genesis to the Doom and Regeneration, is herewith finished, 


VOL. Il. et 


642 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


Notes on Wocospa. 


As has been noticed in the Introduction [§ 16], a wholly new way to a right 
treatment of the text of Wolospa was opened when, unexpectedly and at the eleventh 
hour, as it were, the proper conception of the value of the prose paraphrase of 
that poem in Snorri’s Edda dawned upon our mind. When once one got to 
understand that the paraphrase rested upon a purer, fuller, and earlier text than any 
other version preserved, it became possible to see one’s way through and over dark 
places which one had been hopeless of being ever able to lighten. It is the text 
reconstructed upon this new basis that we shall take as the foundation of our notes 
and critical treatment. 

The state of the text of Wolospa may be best represented thus (a denoting the 
full, 8 the stinted, disorderly text) :-— 

x 
r 2 1 
a. B 
r = 7 
Edda paraphrase. § Ynglinga paraphrase. R H__ Edda verse citations [W]. 











What may best be done with the materials is to put in correct order the verse-text 
as it exists. To effect this it is necessary, first to sort out of the mangled mass of frag- 
ments, headed Wolospa in R, what really belongs to our chief poem, the Long Wolospa. 
In doing this we are helped by the reconstruction, which we have been able to make 
of Hyndla’s Lay (vol. ii, p. 515). From our work on that poem we know not only 
that a Shorter Wolospa existed, but are able to see something of its character, plan, 
and style, and it becomes very clear that it is precisely of fragments of this Shorter 
Wolospa that the greater part of the interpolation in the Wolospa mass comes. The 
distinct character of the two poems affords a clear and ready test by which each line 
or verse may be tried. 

The Shorter Wolospa is a poem of the old type, somewhat rough and coarse and 
material in character, didactic, genealogic, anthropomorphic, altogether more bar- 
baric and indigenous, with a simple framework of archaic fashion. The Longer 
Wolospa is, on the other hand, a poem which stands quite alone among the crea- 
tions of Northern poets; it is spiritual, immaterial, philosophic, even mystical in its 
inspiration; perhaps nearer in cast and form of thought to one of Plato’s dialogues 
than to any other extant composition. Moreover, the peculiar metre and the 
melody of rhythm which distinguish it, are qualities which would serve to mark 
out its verses from those of any other Eddic poem whatever. Its poet, whoever 
he was, is the ‘ Sweet Singer’ of the Northern tongue. 

Guided by such tests we may disentangle what remains of the Long Wolospa from 
the other pieces with which it has been so long mingled,—and now a second process 
is necessary, to wit, the right ordering and rebuilding of the precious fragments. 
Our toil must be that of the patient worker, who sits down with the broken bits of 
a Greek vase before him, and a rough idea of its form and subject in his head, to 
put it together and get at the details as far as they have been preserved. After 


many mistakes and much care he is able to fit every little shard into its place, and 


the vase stands before him again in its original shape; but though the outline is 
true and the subject of the painting unmistakeable, how much has perished! A great 
crack here has scarred the finest figures, a hole there has broken away the name of 





NOTES ON WOLOSPA. 643 


the hero, a handle has gone, and a good deal of the border ornament is lost, though 
luckily enough remains to show the pattern. Such must be the state of Wolospa 
after all one’s work. 

The prose paraphrase is our chiefest help, both with regard to the order and to the 
text; and we by its aid are able to give a general plan and the proper sequence 
of the fragments, to tell not only where a gap occurs, but even to supply the 
contents of the missing lines, and so to form some rough idea as to the amount 
of the poem which is lost for ever. All this is an immense gain; and no one, 
who has read the poem in the old 6 text, will fail to see how far more clear, 
intelligible, and beautiful it becomes when rearranged and restored by the light of 
the a text of the prose paraphrase. 

It is indeed a wonder that a poem of such spiritual and imaginative cast should 
have come down to us at all, through the three generations at least which must 
have intervened between its creation and the days of Ari. Its preservation is no 
doubt owing to the extraordinary sweetness of its verse, whose soft melody 
enchanted and attracted its hearers, and thus ensured its existence. Written or 
unwritten it was still mainly whole and sound when it reached the eye or ear of the 
Edda paraphrast, and the decomposition set in during the time intervening between 
a and B: and an evil fate has willed that 8, not a, should survive in our present 
copies, Yet the frequent and scarring gaps which disfigure the B text are just what 
was to be looked for in the case of a poem dealing with such philosophic themes in 
so delicate a way. 

The first part may have once contained 150 lines, the second about the same, the 
third some 50,—say 350-400 lines in all. 

It is not possible here to go into the vast mass of detail which gathers about this 
poem; the notes below will touch upon such points as should be noticed in due 
order, but it is to the paraphrase that the reader must constantly look for the inter- 
pretation of what is vague, dim, and uncertain in the verse-text. 

The now cancelled text of vol. i, pp. 193 sqq., has not been wholly useless ; it has 
served us as a helpful base for further work. When it was made we were on 
the right track, though the Editor had not yet found the clue which has guided us 
in the setting forth of this the third and final-text. It may remain for the present 
to show the reader the path by which we have arrived at the conclusions here set 
before him. The greater part of the original as it stands in R is given in vol. i, 
PP. 377-379. The second text is a stepping-stone, as it were, without which the 
transition to our final text would perhaps be too startling for the reader to easily 
accept. 

As to the plan of the poem as now presented, it may be considered a kind of 
trilogy, the utterances of Three Sibyls, a ‘ Walna-spa’ rather than Wolospa. 

The First Sibyl, an aged giantess, is repeating the past history of the world to the 
gods and men who are gathered about her seat; she tells of the creation of the world 
(the first step in that passage from Chaos to Cosmos, which is the central idea of 
the poem), of the golden age, of the beginning of evil (a fragmentary and tantalising 
passage), of the first crime—brother slaying brother, the first murder—that of the 
hostage, the rape of the matron, the creation of man, the world-tree, the Holy Norns, 
the punishment of the criminal Titan. 

The Second Sibyl, a darker figure, a witch ‘sitting out’ at her enchantments, 
is questioned by the unquiet Woden, who, like Saul, feels a presentiment of misfortune, 
and tells a sadder tale of the judgment to come ;—the gathering of the fiends at the 
Crack of Doom, the muster of the gods at the blast of the warder’s horn, the 


Tt2 - 


644 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


terrible and deadly conflict, and the whelming of the world. But her story is not 
entirely of horror—retribution will indeed fall upon the wicked, but the righteous 
must also meet with their reward, and the three heavens of Warmth and Light and 
Cheer are set over against the hells of the snake-wattled hall, the river of swords, 
the pit where the dragon tears the corpses of the nidderings. 

The Third Sibyl, no doubt a purer and more celestial being than her two elder 
sisters, has but a brief message to men, but it is one of hope. The world shall be 
reborn, a new heaven and a new earth, the golden age shall come once more, never 
to pass away. 


Tue SHorRTER Wotospa.—Something has already been said in the Introductions 
to Hyndla’s Lay and Wolospa respecting this poem. Its mame has never wholly 
perished, though it had, as a separate creation, been entombed beneath the broken 
fragments of the two poems, from which we have at last extricated it. Its double 
character has led to its being saved and hidden away, its mecromantic framework 
running parallel to Wolospa, Part II, while its genealogic contents led to its confu- 
sion with Hyndla’s Lay. Yet it has a distinct individuality of its own, as can be 
perceived, now that it is possible to read it, though but a fragment, side by side with 
its sister poem. : 

The framework is unmistakeably a scene like that of the beginning of Menglad’s 
Lay, where the wise woman is awakened from the dead and adjured to unveil her 
mysterious knowledge; or like the opening of Balder’s Doom, where Woden 
awakens the dead witch. Of the contents, by far the greatest part has perished, 
and we cannot always fill the blanks. It was whole when in the hands of the Edda 
Paraphrast, hence it is easy to complete such pieces as those which detail the growth 
of the dwarves like maggots in the world-giant’s flesh, or to guess that the story of 
the wonderful cow Audhumbla, a most Indian-looking figure, must have been drawn 
from lost verses. ‘There are two or three morsels, such as that about the cocks 
of the four worlds, which may have belonged to any poet, and cannot be with 
certainty fitted in here; but such pieces as those which tell of the brood of Hell, or 
hint at the coming of Christ, we believe to be quite safely placed. The poet is 
distinctly a heathen, living in the last days of the old faith, but he is earlier in 
time and style than the composer of the Long Wolospa. 

The text emendations rest chiefly upon the paraphrase, which must be carefully 
watched, both when it touches upon an existing verse and when it is narrating inci- 
dents taken from lost lines, 


The Paraphrase Extracts.—The nature of this paraphrase must be carefully 
borne in mind before it can be safely and rightly used. It is not a mere prose 
version of the Long Wolospa, but rather a Diatessaron or Harmony of four or five 
poems, and therefore in its nature incomplete; for the paraphrast has, though basing 
his work most largely on the two Sibyl Songs plus Wafthrudni’s and Grimni’s Lays, 
not scrupled to omit or rearrange where it suited his purpose, though he has ot 
falsified or defaced his authority. We have therefore in the text above taken care 
to mark by letters the pieces of different poems paraphrased therein, a marking the 
Long, 6 the Short Wolospa, ¢ other poems, especially Wafthrudni’s and Grimni’s 


Lays: when the letter is bracketed, the citation is, we take it, from a part of our 


poems now lost. 

The existence of this paraphrase raises many interesting questions. Was text a, 
Ari’s text as we might call it, written or oral? We need only one copy to supply 
both Ynglinga, ch. 4, and Gylfa-ginning. 





el Es ie ri 


NOTES ON WOLOSPA. 645 


There are several indications that this a came from the West; it contains Gaelic 
words, rightly explained in the prose, which would hardly have been understood by 
an Icelander [e. g. gift, Gael, geimhlich, Welsh gefyn}, hence the Icelandic scribe, 
whoever he was, must have had some assistance from one who did understand 
those words; that is, a Western man. 

The figures in brackets mark the lines of the old text, vol. i, p. 163. 

WoLosPA— 

ll, 1-4. By ‘ Heimdall’s children high and low’ is meant the Human race, Human 
kind, Humanity, Earl and Ceorl and Thrall, figured as one great household, The 
‘Holy Kin’ we hold to mean not so much the celestial gods as the departed Anses, 
ancestral spirits, dwelling in hills and howes, but invisibly present at the family 
gathering and sacrifices, 

1, 3. ‘vildu at ek Valfédrs vel’ does not construe, is harsh, lacks the flow and 
grace so characteristic of the Song, It is of a surety corrupt; we expect an object 
to tell, a parallel to forn-spioll, the subject-matter of the Sibyl’s tale, the World’s 
Genesis and History. We have now, just in the last moment (too late for p. 621 of 
a preceding sheet), lighted on the word, viz, aldar-far ; (valfodrs and aldar-far have 
several letters in common, a distant similarity in sound; the error is here we think 
of the ear.) ‘aldar-far’ occurs (1) in Edda Gg. at the end (see p. 641, bottom), 
drawn throughout from this lay; nobody, he says, was ever heard to reckon the 
aldar-far beyond this, (2) In the Preface to Book of Settlement, where Ari 
renders Bede’s AEtates Mundi by Aldafars-bék, (3) Merl. i. 216, echoed here 
too, we hold, from Vsp. We therefore now read and restore— 

Viljak aldar-far allt fram telja, 

forn-spidll fira, etc. 
I will recount the whole World-History, the old stories of men, as far back as I 
remember. 

At great gatherings and feasts in the late autumn, an itinerant sibyl, seated on a 
throne, the household standing listening all around, used to forecast the course of 
the coming winter (ar-ferd, vetrar-far), the fortunes of those present, like gipsies in 
our days, Even how the spirits, invisibly present, were allured by the chant of the 
Wardlock Songs is told in the vivid picture, given in Eric the Red’s Saga of such an 


incident; see Reader, pp. 126-128 and 378-380+, In the Saga all is on the human 


scale, and deals with the little concerns of life; in the Poem all is superhuman, 
Titanic; the theme is the World’s Genesis and Doom ; the listening household is 
Human kind, the ‘departed dead as well as the living, one undivided, all-embracing 
household. 

ll, 5-8. ividior (in R the abbreviation oo has been dropped at the end; the word 





1 The reader should peruse the classical scene in the Greenland Franklin’s hall. 
Those who do not understand Icelandic may be directed to the translation of Eric 
the Red by Mr, Sephton of the Liverpool Institute. 

As a last survival, I can well remember from my childhood (age eight to twelve) 
an itinerant pedlar prophet who used to call in the autumn and forecast the coming 
winter from inspecting the. Milky Way (Winter-path), I can still see the fellow 
gravely gazing up at the sky, ponderously shaking his head; ‘so and so looks the 
sky, so will Thorri and Goi be.’ The greater or lesser brightness of the Aurora 
Borealis would in these high latitudes (65° 30’) affect the aspect of the Milky Way; 
striated narrow spots meant a hard winter, and pinched, straitened supplies of hay. 
It is but fair to add that the man was no quack, but honest enough in his belief. 
Such was my first lesson in astronomy.—{[ Editor. } 





































646 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS.— 


is rare) occurs besides in Sh, Sibyl Lay, 1,3; Heimdall’s nine mothers would here be 
meant. 

1. 8. miotod, a well-known word in A.S, poetry, but strange to the Icelandic 
copyist, who fancied that it was connected with viér (wood). In heathen days 
meotod would have been a law term, meaning a judge, the meeter out of justice; it 
occurs again, |, 140; we hold Titan Mimi to be meant, the stern Rhadenane of a 
the Sibyl’s Hell. ae 

From here we are assisted by the Edda Paraphrase, 

ll. 9-15. The sequence of lines restored. We have, 1. 9, chosen the reading 
of Cod. W; for the material, gross cosmogony from the Titan’s flesh is alien to 
the spiritual metaphysics of the Sibyl, The lines of Aristophanes, Birds 693, 6947, 
are of one stamp with the Sibyl’s, both echoing still older songs or beliefs; cp. also - 
Czdmon, Genesis, ll. 116-119. as 

1, 12, Ginnunga gap occurs only here; Haustlong 58 calls the ether ginnunga vé, 

ll, 13-15 [19-21] are here restored to their right place in the Chaos rections 
some lines however seem lost. 

ll, 15-26. Cosmos rising out of Chaos; the earth (biod, a Gaelic word) lifted out 
of the Tohu-bohu: salar-steina must mean the salt rocks; the earth, sparkling with 
brine, floating up out of the deep, all mantled with green herbs, = 

ll. 22-26 [17, 18, 24-26]. The Sun and Moon’s course settled; the seasons: for 
‘varp’ we read hvarf (archtype varf, v=hv), the technical word for the sun’s — y 
wheeling round the heaven, cp, Vpm. 91: ‘hendi heegri’ we take to allude to the 
sun’s rightward course, and we propose to read handar innar hoegri, the genitive. 
denoting direction (like Righ. 1, 5, etc.); himin iodur is suspicious, for ioéur =iadar 
is grammatically inadmissible; neither will io-dyr (horse-deer) nor ié-dyrr (horse — 
doors) do: Sun-horses and Sun-wolves are alien to this Sibyl’s cosmogony, In 
ll, 113, 114 the sun darkens, the phrase being identical with that of the Bible, Joelii. 
10, Rev. ix, 2, If we strike out ‘io’ (presumably borrowed, by scribe or minstrel, 
from the other lays), the line at once gains in ring and flow, and the sense becomes 
clear, The sun wheels round rightward to the western door, there vanishing, to 
reappear every morning at heaven’s east gate, ¥ 

1, 22. sinni, A,S, gesid: after 1, 23 some lines seem to be missing, telling the © x ‘ 
moon’s leftward, wither-shin course: nétt med nidom, perhaps better than ok, cp. 
Vpm. 96. 

ll. 27-32 [43-48]. Creation of man. We follow the sequence in the Edda Para- 
phrase, where, after Sun and Moon being fixed and seasons and years regulated, man es 
is created; upon which follow in succession, the Golden Age, the Holy Tree, the 
Norns, etc, In alandi (& landi of received text) we have long suspected hidden the 
old adjective, alien, outcast—the exact Norse form is not known (eliandi, glandi?) 
—answering to Germ. elend, O.H.G. elilenfi, ellendi (see Grimm’s Dict. iii. 410), a 
a word all but forgotten in Icelandic (Dict. 34). The substitution into 4 landi 
necessitated litt megandi for the more poetical and truer 6- megandi. By 63 we 
understand speech, by lat and leti the sensual fleeting portion of the human soul, 
whilst Ond and 6d denote the higher, godly, undying faculties, ae 

For Woden being akin to Lat, vates, and Heeni to the Eros-Bird of Creation, we _ 





. * Wonderful how even the words coincide—I'9 8 ob5’ dip ob’ obpavds v= a 
Tord fansk eva ne upp-himin; and yet who would assert that the ~, bi ae = 
ever heard of Aristophanes’ Birds ? a 





ee a eee 


a 


INS 2 
r 


oe ee en 


NOTES ON WOLOSPA. 647 


have spoken elsewhere (General Introd, pp. cii, civ)’. So, too, Lédorr, occurring 
only here and Hit, 34, must spring from some Eastern word unknown to us, 

ll. 33-40 [26-35]. The Golden Age. The sequence of the lines put right so 
as to rejoin the words ‘smidodo’ and ‘ ér golli,’ vas beim v, vant being an aside: 
Idavollr occurs again, 1, 192 (see Introd, p. cxxii, foot-note), 

ll. 39, 40. The Giant Maids, how the life of the Golden Age came to an un- 
timely end, The paraphrase, in our present text, here leaves us in the dark, giving 
just the two lines and no more: amatkar, e/dritch, weird, unearthly, 

Here follows the Creation of the Dwarves, which we have relegated to the Short 
Sibyl Lay. 

Il. 43-52 [49-56]. The Holy Tree. We have followed W. in order not. to lose 
‘heilagr ;’ yet, as askr standandi reappears in 1, 136 (the high ¢owering tree), the 
best perhaps would be to read— 

Ask veit ek standa—heitir Ygg-drasill— 
har badmr heilagr, ausinn hvita-auri, 


scanning ausinn slurred, 

ll, 49, 50. The Norns we now take to be an integral part of the lay, only that 
‘skaro 4 skidi’ is an aside, Norns represented writing on tablets the fate of mortal 
men, 

1, 52. The reading varies (segja or seggja? segja too is ambiguous); we prefer 
taking it pres. plur. indic. = they speak the fate, cp. segja log and lég-saga: the*dat. 
alda bornom is governed by kcero, 

Il. 53, 54 [41, 42] have been dislodged; they have no concern with the creation 
of man, Here the words, come to the house, exactly fall in with the Edda 
Paraphrase speaking of a second race of Norns, who come to every house where a 
child is to be born, The identity is clear; the lines belong to the section on the 
Norns. Now, too, we understand the phrase ‘or pvi lidi,’ i.e. from that kin pro- 
ceed other Norns, viz. the midwife Norns: mark, too, that the ‘ pridr’ (feminine) 
is a survival of the old undefiled text*, Further, in Astkir we espy ds-kungar, an 
epithet given to the Norns, O, W. L. 111: some vowel-word is required; finding 
none nearer, we have suggested idd-disir (midwives). The whole is fragmentary ; 
the following lines would have given the substance of the paraphrase, how, for good 


_and evil, the Norns shape the life of every mother’s child, 


ll. 55-63 [89-97] need not be an address to Woden; rathernot. The Sibyl 
says, ‘I know right well where Woden hid his eye:’ pu, pitt, is superabundant ; 
perhaps read—Allt ek veit hvar Odinn auga fal sitt, whilst the words ‘ why do ye seek 
me, why do ye tempt me?” are in keeping with the Sibyl seated on her high-seat, as 
depicted in Red Eric’s Saga, the household one by one coming up to enquire of her. 
Woden is out of place. We have, in strict accordance with poetical requirement, 
rearranged the lines by help of the paraphrase: II. 60-63 speak of the Horn, while 
the paraphrase tells us how Mim drinks wisdom from the Burn out of the Giall-Horn ; 
the one suite of lines treats of Woden’s eye, the other of the Horn and Mim’s draught. 

ll. 64-73 [57, 58, 98-105]. Balder’s death, the Brother-murder. The first two 
lines have been wrenched from the rest, and thrust in far away, so that no one has 
ever suspected their right berth or bearing. The foining with spears unmistakeably 





? In foot-note, p, civ, ‘heeni is a cognate word’ has by inadvertence slipped in 
from p. cii, note 1. 

* To alter it into prir is one instance more of cheap emendations, see Introd. 
pp. 1, Ixxxix. 





648 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


points to where they belong, viz, to Balder’s clause; hence under ‘ gollveig’ (an else 
unknown, impossible name) some title of Balder’s should be hidden, a g-word it 
must needs be; the extracts in Edda Gg. preserve such a word, fitting in with the 
alliteration and metre of the line, viz. grata-god (taken, we doubt not, by the Edda 
Compiler from this very line when still in a pure state), Further, the theme being 
brother-murder, folc-vig (pitched battle) is here wholly out of place; frend-vig, 
paricide, meets sense and alliteration (for an /word it must be), Hence we learn 
that in the Sibyl’s Creed Balder’s death, like Abel’s, lies in the past, not, as in the 
Doom and in the Edda legends, in the future just before the Final Catastrophe. 

ll. 66 sqq. tivor, dr. Xey., A.S. tibr, still preserved in Germ, unge-ziefer, 

1. 68, East of Walhall, says Edda; vollom heri is a banal phrase; we read, fyrir 
Valholl austan, the letters are partly the same (v... gllom=Valhogll), Very young 
is Edda’s epithet to Mistletoe; miok fagr (fair to behold) is inappropriate and com- 
monplace ; it was a ¢iny, harmless-looking thing; so we restore and read miok ungr, 
Hauks-bék omits lines 66-73. 

ll. 74-83 (62-69, 76, 77]. War with the Wanes, the first Felony. Here we 
are helped by the story in Ynglinga Saga, once copied, as we now can see, from 
the Sibyl Lay when whole, We have rearranged the lines, there being three stages 
—(a) Il. 74-77, the battle; (6) !I. 80, 81, the peace after battle; (c) Il. 82, 83, the 
breach of the truce and slaying of the hostages: folk-vig (1, 74) cannot be the right 
word, for, in ancient morals, simple killing was no murder, Here the theme is 
the felonious slaying of the hostages, a foul murder indeed; we suggest folg-vig, 
meaning foul, secret murder ; a law-term which, though not occurring in the extant 
law remains, must once have existed, for in Sighvat (x. 45) we read folgin ord = 
words of treason, conspiracy, as it were, and so we recover an important law word, 
Several lines seem to be missing, 

1. 76. We read vig-ska, formed like her-skar (see Dict. 259 a). 

1. 81, The suffixed article speaks to a false reading ; now the Saga tells us how 
the giving hostages (gisling) and the league (gildi) were the two cardinal points— 
Logdo peir milli sin szttar-stefno (=gildi) ok goerdo frid, ok seldosk gislar; upon 
which base we have restored the text: it cannot be mere accident that both gislar 
and gildi fit in with the alliteration, 

ll, 86-89 [72-75] fragmentary: 1, 88 we take to mean that Thor was absent, 
was not there; cp. the Hrungni story in Edda: for ‘slikt’ we read svik ; the same 
error we meet in O, W. Pl. 191 and W, W. L. 47. 

ll. go-93 [106-109]. The Titan Wloki (Loki) chained, 

1. go. lund (grove) is a most inappropriate place to keep the Volcano-Fire-Titan 
in; we read Hvera-brunni, the Cauldron Pit=Hver-gelmir or Tartarus, where 
Wloki is chained. 

1. g1 is all awry, ‘legiarnliki’ being a hybrid impossible vocable. We are in Edda © 
(see pp. 636, 637) told how the Titan was chained with his son Wali’s or Nari’s 
guts; now in ‘giarn’ we detect ‘gornom, in ‘lz’ the son’s name (Vala, Vila) ; 
Wali, Woden’s and Wrind’s son, is well known in the old eschatological legends, and 
it is not likely that two should be of the same name. We suggest that Loki’s son 
was named Vili—vil (root vili) means entrails (see Dict. 705 b), The alliteration 
further speaks to Wloki; the line may be echoing a still older song, where wil was 
still sounded, and where vilja was merely an appellative (cp. Dict. 776b): in ‘apekkjan,’ 
some verb, meaning chained (hlekktan, if it might be), seems to be hidden. A line 
or more is missing, telling of the dripping venom, of Sigyn’s bowl, and the Titan’s 


writhing spasms; for there can be no doubt but that the whole scene Was briefly — a 








NOTES ON WOLOSPA, 649 


set forth in the Sibyl’s song, Cp, Aschylus’ mighty lines in Prometheus Bound, 

where he describes the Titan ‘ withering in destin’d pain ;’— 
Kai viv dxpeiov nat mapdopov dépas 
Keita OTEvwrov TAnTiov Oaracatov 
imodpevos pifaow Airvaicus tro 
Kopupais 8 év dxpais nuevos pvdpoxtunel 
"Hoaoros, évOev éxpaynoovral Tore 
moTapot mupds Samrovres dypias yvdabo.s 
Ths KadAcKaprov SuceAlas Aevpods ywas* 
Todvie Tudds éfavaléoe xdAov 
Ocppois dmddrov Bédeor muprvdov (aAns, 
xaltep kepavv@ Znvos jvOpaxwpévos. 

Mark the identity even in phrase between the Greek and the Northern poems— 
wat viv dxpeiov Kal mapdopoy Sépas Keira .. . imodpevos pifaow Aitvaias bro and 
Hapt sé-ék liggja und Hvera-brunni. The venomous snake and the Titan’s wife 
holding the bow] are accretions absent in the Greek, But we see the full scene 
represented on the Gosforth Cross, Cumberland}, 

Note that Hauks-bék omits Il. 90, 91, substituting two lines manufactured from 
the Edda Prose—par kna Vala vig-bond snua | heldr voru hard-gor hopt or bormom, 
par sitr, etc.—tasteless hackney versification, devoid of the harmony of true 
Wolospa lines. 

The Second Sibyl— 

ll, 64-105 ['78-81, 59-61, 82-84]. Introductory. Heith, a favourite Sibyl name, 
see Landn, Bk, iii, ch, 2, Heidr vélva spddi peim ollom at byggja 4 pvi landi es pa 
vas 6fundit vestrihaf. Vatzd. ch. Io calls her Finna and Volva, 

1. 95. We read, vél-spa— 

And be these juggling fiends no more believ’d, 
That palter with us in a double sense ; 
That keep the word of promise to our ear, 
And break it to our hope—WMacbeth, v. 7. 
1, 96. leikin, witches (?), cp. Thulor 108,.an else unknown word, 
ll, g8-100 [59-61]. In R and H tacked to the Balder lines, but can refer to but 


‘one thing, viz. the Sibyl herself: ‘holl hars’ is suspicious; the evil Sibyl was thrice 


born; see for a parallel the Long Br, Lay 185-187. 

ll, 101-103. Obscure; we suggest hauga or hanga—Enn stundum vakdi hann 
(Woden) upp dauda menn or iGrdo, ok settisk undir hanga... Odinn vissi um allt 
iarb-fé (=fé-spioll) hvar folgit vas, ok hann kunni pau 1idd, es upp lauksk fyr 
hénom idrdin ok bidrg ok steinar, ok haugarnir, ok batt hann med ordom einom 
pa-es fyrir bioggo, ok gekk inn ok ték par slikt es hann vildi [Yngl. S, ch. 9]— 
words, as we consider, copied from the Sibyl Song when it was still complete ; we 
suspect ‘ vakdi’ under ‘ valdi,’ and ‘hanga’ under ‘hringa.’? The text, as it now 
stands, is ruined beyond recovery. 

ll, 104, 105, The plot of this section is the ‘tti-seta,’ a sitting out at cross- 
roads; see Orkney Saga, ch, 7o—Enn Sveinn-bridst-reip [a wizard] gekk ut, ok sat 





1 This most curious piece of Old English art has lately been unearthed, copied, 
and published by that enthusiastic indefatigable archeologist, Professor Stephens 
of Copenhagen, In drawing inferences, however, from this interesting find, we 
must never forget that both Cross and Poem are from a part of Britain which lies 
on the border-line of Irish, Northern, and English culture, 





2 


650 THE PROPHECY OF THE THREE SIBYLS. 


uti um néttina eptir venjo sinni (Rolls Ed.): ll. 104-107 omitted in Hauks-bék: 
Yggiongr occurs only here, 

ll, 106 sqq. The Sibyl speaks and forecasts the impending doom. 

Il, 108 sqq. ‘ But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified . . . 
nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earth- 
quakes shall be in divers places, and famine and pestilence, and great sights and 
great signs shall there be from heaven,’—Luke xxi. 9-11, Matt. xiv. 7. 

ll, 113, 114 [175, 176], Christian influence is here manifest; cp. ‘I will cover 
the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and 
the moon shall not give her light,’—Ezek, xxxii. 7, 8. And, ‘The sun shall be 
turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of 
the Lord come.’—Joel ii. 32. ‘The earth shall quake before them; the heavens 
shall tremble; the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw 
their shining,’—Joel ii, 10, Is. xiii. 9, 10, xxxiv. 4. 

ll, 115 sqq. Text in a parlous state, wide gaps, shattered shivers flung pell-mell 
up and down. We have, by help of the Edda paraphrases, attempted a partial 
restoration, ‘The sequence of the events in the paraphrase is— 

(a) The prognostics of the impending Doom, Crimes, Wars ; all nature quivers 
with terror; the Fiends are unbound [ll], 108-119]. 

(6) The Fiends march up from South, East, West, (North.) Here are to be 
paired off—the Fire Demon Swart and the sons of Muspilli from the South, by air ; 
Giant Hrym and the Hrim-giants (Titans) from the East, driving by land; Loki and 
the Fiends of Hell from the west, by sea in the ship Nailfare; from the North (?), 
Besides, the Serpent and the Wolf [Il. 122-130, fragment]. 

(c) The Anses (Gods) prepare for defence; they hold counsel under the Tree; 
Woden at the Burn inquires of Mim ; Heimdall blows his horn for battle; the Anses 
march up; the battle-array [I]. 133-144, ruinous text]. 

(d) The Battle; the Anses are vanquished, and fall one by one, but are avenged 
by the slaughter of the Fiends; the Fire-demon Swart survives [ll. 145-155]. 

(e) World consumed by fire [ll. 156, 157]. 

(f) Three places of Bliss [I]. 158-165], and ‘another three of Torment [ll, 166- 
180]. 

Even half-lines are wrongly pieced together; we can only touch on a few 
instances— 

1, 115 [149]=p4 verdr Fenris-ulfr lauss: in ‘hlakkar’ we surmise ‘hlekki,’ he 
breaks his chains: ‘ unnir’ and ‘ari’ are senseless, 

1, 118 [157]. The paraphrase says—‘ bidrgin hrynja, enn fidtrar allir ok bind 
brotna ok slitna;’ here is the key to the ‘ gifr rata,’ if we take gifr to be Engl. 
gyves, Welsh gyvin; in ‘rata’ we descry ‘racna’ (rata=raéa), to be unloosened, see 
Dict. 481 b, 

What is hidden under ‘ hefiz lind fyrir’ [1]. 147 old text] we cannot guess, perhaps 
=pa snysk Iormungandr i iotun-m0di, ok sekir upp d landit; if so, it should follow 
after 1, 115. 

1, 119, Enn himin klofnar=i pessum gny klofnar himininn, just preceding Swart 
and Muspelli’s sons (?) marching up through the rent in the sky. 

I], 112-124 =Ok rida padan Muspellz-synir, Surtr ridr fyrstr, etc.: in R the sons 
of Muspelli have been put in a wrong berth, and are made to come by sea, Loki the 
steersman! palpably false, 

1, 125. vestan; ‘austan’ is twice repeated; in one of the instances we have to 
substitute ‘ vestan;’ the sea lies towards the North-west, whence comes Nailfare. — 








TE a STS 


NOTES ON WOLOSPA. 65% 


1, 128, We guess brédor-mear, i.e, Hell, for Loki is mentioned two lines above. 

1, 129 =Enn Loka fylgja allir Heljar-sinnar: Fifl-megir seems to denote the mon- 
sters of the deep, cp. fifel-cyn, Beow. 104, see also 420; fifel-streim =the ocean, 

1, 130, Here even the paraphrase is in error, ‘Hrymr heitir l6tunn es styrir Nagl- 
fara.” In truth the Titans come driving (ekr) from the east; thus Thor always 
drives to Giant-land, cp, Haust. 55: or Ioton-heimom we have added by guess, 

1, 131. Hrim-pursar = Hrymr, ok med hénom allir Hrim-pursar. For Hrym the 
Titan cp. Gr. Kpévos, Hrim-pursar, intentionally spelt so, not Hrim-, for it has 
probably nothing in the world to do with Icel. hrim (rime frost); the Hrim-ogres 
are the Titans of northern mythology: ‘hrim’ here again was possibly akin to 
Gr, Kpédvos, 

1, 133. The query Hvat es med A...., echoed from pkv. 22, does not fit in 
here; we read Hart es..., cp, pkv. 25. 

1, 138. Enn iotunn losnar, R,; but in the paraphrase we read—skelfr iord oll, ok 
biorg ok vidir losna or iordo upp. The Gods hold a meeting underneath the Tree, 
cp. Grimn, 95, 96, and Vsp, 193. 

1, 141. ‘kyndiz’ is senseless; we surmise ‘ brynnisk,’ reflexive from brynna, see 
Dict. s, v., to drink out of the burn; if this is right, Miotud and Mim are identical, 
All the next following lines, esp, 147-155, are more or less wrenched—in none is 
left the sweet easy flow of a true Wolospa line, The passage looks like shivered 
bits of some old glass window—alas, as Goethe says, Es giebt scherben. 

I, 156, aldr-nari, an else unknown word; in Thulor 532 interpreted fire (copying 
from Vsp. ?); etymology not found: is it possible that we have here the last survival 
of Neron the Antichrist? M.Rénan traces the word in the West-European churches 
down to Charlemagne. The poet of Vsp., if he used it, must have learnt it from 
Irish church tradition. 

1, 158. Read, sdlo nerri (?), cp. solo fiarri, 166. 

1. 159. Gimlé, occurs only here (gim is probably a Lat. loan-word); unless a 
word be dropped, lé must be sounded bisyllabic, for a two-docked measure in 
the /atter half-line is unwarranted: Gimlé is the heavenly meadow whereon the 
house stands, not the hall itself, unless we read, ‘es 4 Gimlé heitir ;’ yet ‘& Gimlé’ 
is parallel to ‘ Nastréndo 4,’ For the nine heavens, see Thulor 487 sqq. 

1, 163 =Sa heitir Sindri. 

ll, 164, 165 refer to all three places—{ pessom sélom skolo vera gédir menn ok 
sidlatir. 

ll, 166-169, The first place of torment; 170-174 the second; 175-180 the 
third: the paraphrase to the last is missing in our Edda texts—Enn { Hvergelmi er 
verst (the rest missing). 

ll, 171 sqq. In which places of torment are felons, guilty of bootless crimes, not to 
be atoned for; mansworn (mein-svarar), murderers (mord-vargar), adulterers (173) ; 
in ‘framgengna” we espy ‘for-deda, i.e, wizards; in ‘vargr vera,’ ‘ vara-vargr,’ 
truce-breaker, see O. W. Pl. 259; in ‘nid-hceger’ (repeated in R), ‘ nidinga,’ nidder- 
ings, see Bk, vi, Ditty 59 ; we know not the exact law-bearing of this word, though 
it is a word of especial infamy*, We thus recover six specified crimes, all infamous 
and ‘ fee-less’ in the ancient heathen Canon of Morals. Yet, the text being defective, 
we scarcely have the full list, and so miss god-vargr, the blasphemer, see vol. ii, p. 80, 





? We here add the verse-line, inadvertently omitted vol. ii, p. 280— 


Scekjask ser um glikir, saman skrida nidingar, 
Hakon S., p, 123 (Rolls Ed.) 


a ee eee eee RS ee eee Ry eee eae ft Gn) ee. OSS eee a eS i, ee oe 
Le Soe : =. 2 Ce ee a a 


652 NOTES ON SHORT SIBYL LAY. 


1, 25, and the argr, arga, the craven, corpore infamis, Filthiness or cowardice, not 
violence, is the essential aggravation in each of these crimes, Cp, O, W, Pl. vv. 4, 71. 

ll, 177-180. ‘ Nidafiollom’ is a foolish repetition from 162, where it is a place 
of bliss: berr ser { fé3rom cannot be right; the damned souls are gorged by the 
dragon, Kveljask andir i orms gini, Bk. vi, Ditty 13 b, probably echoed from 
Wolospa when in a pure state, 

The Third Sibyl— 

The introduction is here missing, though the rest is in a much better condition 
than the preceding, Christian influence from the old Irish Church is here manifest, — 

ll, 181-185. Cp. Is. xi, 6 sqq., Rev, xxi, 1—‘ And I saw a new heaven and a new 
earth :’ idja- is only met with here, 

1, 186, Béls man allz batna, cp. ‘He will swallow up death in victory, and the — 
Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces,’ Is, xxv. 8, Rev. xxi. 4, 

1, 187. Better Hréptz (6); what is the etymology of this word? akin to Lat. 
casmen, qs. Hérmtr, then through metathesis Hrémtr, Hréptr? at any rate, Hréptr, 
Hrdpta-tyr denote Woden as the father of song’. 

1, 189. Sacrificial rites resumed, see vol, ii, p. 480. 

1. 193. Meetings in judgment beneath the World Tree are resumed. Here the 
paraphrase for once is in error—ok reeda . . . of Midgardz-orm: we read und mold- 
pinor (dat.): the World Tree is undoubtedly meant, under which the gods in times 
of yore assembled. 

1, 195. Added by Hauks-bdék, but seems to be genuine. 

1. 196. Hauks-bék reads—p& mono /Ksir... finna, perhaps better. The end of 
the Lay is missing. 


“The Short Sibyl Song. 


A poem recovered from remnants—lines 1-4, 26-46, 55-64 being embedded in 
Hyndla’s Lay (vol, i, pp. 226-234), and lines 5-25, 47-54 in Volospa (vol. i, p. 193 
$qq-); cp. p. 518. 

The Title has been preserved in Edda Gg., Sem segir i Volospa inni skommo— 
Ero volor allar, etc. 

ll. 1-4. Introductory, necromantic, the Witch Sibyl ghost raised (by Woden). 

Between Il. 4 and 5 there would be many missing links; the tale of the Cow 
Aud-humbla we believe was once drawn from this poem—strange pre-Arian myths! 
May not Aud-humbla preserve some Pictish vocable? cp. Audr (a bull), Thulor 452. 
Farther, we are told how that the Cow licked the salt stones, whence on the first 
and second day appeared, first the hair, then the head, and on the third day the 
whole man, ‘and they called him Buri, whose son was Bor, whose son was Woden’ 
(pp. 631-632); the Basque for head is buru—a strange coincidence; we take the 
word to have come to the poet from some Pictish source in the north of Scotland. 

1,6=Dvergar héféo kviknat i idrdunni své sem ‘madcar { holdi,’ under the 
corrupt ‘morgum’” we espy ‘médcom,’ for the poet would not have omitted a fact 
so characteristic, and if he did, whence did the Edda paraphrast get it? 

Il. 12-17. Genealogical, maybe part of some memorial poem; as also the cocks 
of the various dwellings, filed in Il, 18-25. 

ll. 26-33 record the origin of Loki as the Sire of the Hell-brood: Il. Pcp refer 
to lost myths of the birth of Ogress Hell; the roasted heart is elsewhere wholly 
unknown; the text of Il. 30, 31 corrupt; Loki is here represented as ‘argr,’ 
‘ blaudr,’ 





Ct 


er ea a 





NOTES ON HYNDLA’S LAY. 653 


ll. 34-38. Generations of Wizards and Ogres; seid-berendr, Gr. Aey., and unsafe, 
for one says, efla, magna seid, never bera seid; must we read, seid-menn bornir fr& 
S.? Svart-héfdi strikes one occurring here in mythical garb; it is a pure and simple 
translation of Gaelic Dubh-ceann}, ? 

Il. 39-42. Memorial verses; one line has slipped out before 39— 

Var Baldrs fadir Bors arf-pegi. 
Balder’s father (i.e. Woden) was the son of Bor; see the note above. 

ll. 43-46 we have changed into future, mun, hnigr, lezk, sler; for only so can 
the lines have stood in the Sibyl Song, yet the preterite would well suit some 
memorial-didactic poem ; the passage affords a parallel to Doom 41-45. 

ll. 47-54. The paraphrase (p. 633) styles the ogress ‘ gygr,’ Scot. gyre—Gygr 
ein byr fyrir austan Midgard, etc. Perhaps read— 

Austr byr in aldna gygr: i Iarnvidi. 

1, 49 =Af attinni verdr s& einn mattkastr er kallaér er MAna-garmr; a line must 
be missing containing Managarm’s name, not found elsewhere. 

1, 53=beir vetr fara prir saman ok ekki sumar { millom. 

1, 54. Read valynd (so R, H, W.) 

ll. 53, 54=padan af tynir s61 skini sino, ok vindar ero pa ékyrrir ok gnyja hedan 
ok handan. 

ll. 55-57=p4 drifr sner or Sllom zttom, frost eru p& mikil ok vindar hardir ; 
ekki nytr sélar. 

ll. 58-60, haf and hauér, alliterative; hyr, Cd. 

1, 60, Guess; 143 ok regin, cp. Hakm. 57; a word seems missing before pridta. 

ll. 61-63. Clearly an allusion to Christ. Thus in this fragment of song, Pictish, 
Norse, and Christian ideas are intermingled ;—a weird amalgam of beliefs. 


Hyndla’s Lay. 


[Vol. i, pp. 225-234. The present notes are written to the reconstructed text, 
vol. ii, pp, §15-517, see Excursus IV to vol. ii.] 

ll, 1-36. Proem, Introductory ?. 

1. 1. Mark the emphasising genitive, mzr meyja, roekr rokra, 

1, 2.. Hyndla, the little dog; or are we to read Hynla, qs. Hunila? 

1, 4. véss heilags we render holy place, asylum, sanctuary, epithet to Walhall 
(echoed from Rey, xxi. 2 ?). 

1, 5. hugom sitja does not construe ; hérgom (?). 

ll, 6-12. verdugum (a quite modern word), svinnom, mérgom, by an easy emenda- 
tion, verdungo, sinnom, mégom: mann-semi, an else unknown word, from man 
(bondwoman), not mann, 

1, 13. Coaxing the giantess; we read mun-ek; she offers a safe-conduct, as it 
were, to Hyndla. 

ll. 15-19. The wolf is the ogress’ steed, the boar Freyja’s, 





1 In the Book of Settlement (as we have lately become aware) Irish Gaelic 
influence is not confined to the actual Gaelic names (see Dict. last page), but 
beside these we find a whole regiment of names which are Norse in form, but really 
translations from Gaelic into Icelandic; one of these is Svart-hofdi; further, Hundi 
and several others, 

* The reader must please mark the number of lines 10, 20, 30, etc,, omitted in 
the reconstructed text, 





654 NOTES ON HYNDLA’S LAY. 


1, 20. sitja vid skolom should be obelised; read,— 
Sennom vit or sodlom, sdttar vid skolom 
of... idfra zttir deema, “oe 

Let us have a snug, peaceable chat about the ancient race of kings. Helgii. 140- 
143 (in foot-note to vol, i, p. 136) presents a parallel. ae 

ll. 37 sqq. The central genealogical part of the poem. + 

ll. 37, 38 we have tried to restore by help of Husd, 21, 22: in miok we suggest — 
még: under ‘rogna kindar,’ ragna reinar; Husd. styles Heimdall, ragna-rein-vari, 

1, 39. nadd-gofgan; from the star-studded vault of heaven? we find the ne 
<8 in Swipd. M. 54. 

i 1. 48. sif sifjadan sidtom gervollom, an apt epithet of Heimdall the Sire of the 
Bs! human race. : 
j 1, 52. pau es frama gostiotehann var hermadr mikill. 
i 1, 54. Under ‘ceztan manna’ we detect Austmanna =hann herjadi vida um Austr- 
Be veg, ok drap par pann konung er S, het; the better form is Alvig, Alveig (Edda)— ct 
e pa fekk hann peirrar kono es kollod es Aiea 3 in spaka, déttir Emundar konungs or — 
Holmgardi ens rika (Edda). an 

ll, 82-89. Arngrim’s sons; under ‘ani omi’ we espy Arng’mi, i. e. Arngrimi, see 
Introd. p, Ixxxix: i Bolmi austr, to be distinguished from Isle of Bolm, in Western — 
Norway. 

ll, 90, gt. fadir Fréda, fodor Kiars, fodor Olrénar. 

1. 99. diupuidga, diip-hugda, p. 522; cp. Hygd the Queen in Beowulf, 

1, 111. Hildigunn, of Waldere’s Lay? 

I], 113, 114 =Haki var fadir Hrodgeirs, fodor Hrodmars, fodor Haka berserks, 

1, 117. Safari, cp. Sefred of Beowulf, 

1. 123. Ketill, Klypp, Olmod, family names in the Hord-akara family. 

ll. 134 sqq. The end of the poem. All the lines depicting the Sibyl as angry belong 
to the last stage; but her anger comes too late, she has been beguiled of all ee 
wisdom. 

1, 136. val-svini, so we have mended the hopeless, impossible ‘ valsini,” 

1, 147. minnis-6l, else minnis-veig. 





* 





(The proem is lost. 


Ill. 


IV. 


¥ 


vi. 


Vil. 


vill, 


YNGLINGATAL RESTORED. 655 


YNGLINGATAL RESTORED, see Notes, vol. i, p. 514. 


Maimed stanzas are marked *, ?, °, as they have lost one, two, 


or three line-pairs.) 


. Pngwi-Frey strophe lost. 
. ®Vard fram-gengt par es Frddi bid 


feigdar-ord es at Figlni kom: 
ok sikling svigdiss geira 
vAgr vindlauss um vida skyldi. 
2Enn dag-skiarr durniss nidja 
sal-vordodr Svegdi vélti: 
pa-es i stein inn enn stér-gedi 
dulsa konr ept dvergi hlidp: 
ok salr brattr peirra Sokk-mimiss 
igtun-bygdr vid igfri gein. 10 
2Enn 4 vit Vilja brédor 
vitta-vettr Vanlanda kom: 
pa-es troll-kynd um troda skyldi 
1... Huld lina baga: 
ok s& brann 4 bedi Skuto 
men-glotodr es Mara kyvaldi. 
?Ok Visburs vilja byrgi 
sevar nidr svelgja knatti: 
pa-es mein-piéf markar gtto 
Gisl ok Ondorr 4 sinn gédan 
fodor : 20 
ok allvalld i 4rin-kidli 
glééa garmr glymjandi beit. 
*Hitt vas stér firn es stalla rudo 
sverd-berendr scéni dréttins : 
ok land-herr 4 lifs vgnom 
dreyrog vapn Démalda bar : 
pa-es 4r-gigrn Idta dolgi 
Svia kind um soa skyldi, 
2Ok ek pess opt um Yngva hroer 
fr6da menn fregit hafdak: 30 
hvar Démarr 4 dynjanda 
bana Halfs um borinn veri: 
nf ek vist veitk at verk-bitinn 
Figlniss nidr vid Fyri brann. 
*Kvedkat-ek dulnemaDyggva hreer 
glitniss gna at gamni hefir: 
pviat i66-dis Ulfs ok Nara 
konung-mann kidsa skyldi: 
ok allvald Yngva piddar 
Loka mer at leikom hefir. 40 


. 1Fra-ek at Dag dauda-yrdr 


fregdar fiisom fara skyldi: 


XI. 


xi, 


XIIl, 


xXIv. 


pa-es val-teins til Vorva kom 
spak-fromodr spors at hefna: 

ok pat ord & Austr-vega 
‘visa ferd fra’ vigi bar: 

at bann gram um geta skyldi 
sloengvi-pref Sleipniss verdar. 


. *pat tel-ek undr es Agna hroer 


Skialfar-vers at skopom férot : 
pa-es geeding med goll-meni 51 
Loga dis at lopti hédf: 
hinn-es vid Taur austr temja skyldi 
svalan hest Signyjar vers. 
Fell Eirekr pars Alreki 
brédor vapn at bana urdo: 
ok hnakk-mars med hofod-fetlom 
Dags frendr um drepask kvédo: 
fra-at madr 4dr eykja goervi 
Freyss af-spring i folk hafa. 60 
10k vard ... es Alfr um va 
voror vé-tiallz um veginn liggja: 
pa-es doglingr dreergan meki 
ofund-giarn 4 Yngva raud: 
vasa pat bert verk at Bera skyldi 
vé-scefendr vigs um hvetja : 
pa-es broedr tveir at bonom urdosk 
épurfendr um afbrydi. 
*Vard Iorundr inn Igrmun-frddi 
lifs um lattr i Lima-firdi: 70 
pa-es ha-bridstr horva Sleipnir 
bana Godlaugs um bera skyldi: 
ok Hagbaréz hersa valdi 
hgdno leif at halsi gekk, 
Knatti endr at Uppsglom 
Ana sétt Aun um standa: 
ok pra-lifr piggja skyldi 
i6ds adal Qdro sinni: 
ok sveidods at ser hverfdi 
mekiss hlut inn midvara: 80 
ok ok-hreins Attunga riddr 
logdiss odd sem Ié-barn drakk: 
mattit harr hiardar meki 
Austr-konungr upp um halda, 


. 10k lof-sell or landi flé 


Tyss Attungr Tunna riki:; 


656 


Xvi. 


YNGLINGATAL RESTORED. 


ok floeming farra tridno 
igtuns eykr 4 Agli raud: 
sa-es um Austmork 4dan hafdi 
briina horg um borinn lengi: go 
ok skidlauss Skilfinga nid 
heefiss higrr til hiarta stéé. 
1Fell Ottarr und ara greipar 
‘duganligr’ fyr Dana vapnom: 
pann her-gammr hregom feéti 
viti borinn 4 Vendli sparn: 
pau fra-ek verk Vottz ok Fasta 
Scénskri pidd at sogom verda, 
pa-es Eylandz iarlar Fréda 
Vandil-kréko um veginn hofdo. 


xvu. 1 pat frak ‘ undr’ at Adils figrvi 


vitta-vigg um vida skyldi: 102 
ok s... af Sloengviss b6gom 
Freyss &ttungr falla skyldi: 
ok vid aur egir hiarna 
bragnings burs um _ blandinn 
varo; 
ok i disa-sal deyja skyldi 
Ala-dolgr at Uppsglom. 


xvul, }Veit-ek Eystein endr um folginn 


leikinn levi 4 Lofundi: 110 
ok sikling med Sviom kvédo0 
I6tzka menn inni brenna: 
ok bit-sétt i brand-noi 
hlidar-pangs 4 hilmi rann: 
pa-es timbr-fastr toptar noekvi 
flotna fullr um fylki brann. 


xix. *pat stoekk ord upp at Yngvari 


xX. 


Syslo kind um soit hefdi: 
ok lids-hgmom vid Lagar-hiarta 
herr Eistneskr at hilmiva: 120 
ok Aust-marr iofri Séenskom 
Gymis-lidd at gamni kvedr. 
2Vard Onundr Idénakrs bura 
harmi heptr und Himin-figllom : 
ok of-vzg Eistra dolgi 
heipt hrisungs at hendi kom: 
ok s& frgmodr foldar beinom, 
haugi hroers um horfinn vas, 


xxi. 1Ok Ingialld Illradan trad 


reyks rosodr & Reningi: 130 
pa-es hus-pidfr hyrjar leistom 

God-konung i goegnom steig: 
ok sié yrér allri piddo 

siall-getast med Sviom pétti: 


es hann sialf-radi sino figrvi 
i fiknom fur fara skyldi. 
xx, ?Ok vid vag Veniss Vidar-telgjo 
hre Alafs hof-gyldir svalg: 
ok gl6é-fialgr goervar leysti 
sonr Fornidtz af Svia igfri: 140 
Své att-runnr fra Uppsglom 
Lufo kyns lang-fedgom hvarf, 
xxl. *pat fra hroer , . . at Halfdanar 
sok-midlendr sakna skyldo: 
ok hall-varps hlifi-nauma 
pidé-konung a potni tok: 
ok Sker-eié i Skirings-sal 
um brynj-alfs beinom drupir. 
xxiv. ?Enn Eysteinn fyr asi fér 
til Bysleistis brédor-meyjar: 150 
ok nu liggr und lagar beinom 
reiks laudoér 4 radar broddi: 
pars él-kaldr hid igfors gotvom 
Voélo straumr at vagi koemr. 
xxv. 7Ok til pings . .. pridja iofri 
hvedrungs mer or heimi baud: 
pa-es Halfdan sa-es i Holtom bid 
Norna déms um notid haféi: 
ok budlung 4 Borroi 
sigr-hafendr sidan falo. 160 
xxvi. *Vard Godrcedr inn Gofoglati 
‘16mi beittr, sis fyr longo vas: 
ok ‘ um 148’ at glom stilli 
hofod heipt rekt at hilmi dré: 
ok laun-svik inn 16m-gedi 
Aso rr at iofri bar: 
ok budlungr & bedi fornom 
Stiflo-sundz of stunginn vas, 
xxvu. Ok nid-kvisl i Noregi 
préttar burs um proask hafdi. 
Réd Aleifr Upsa fordom, 171 
Vidi, Groend, ok Vestmarom : 
unz fét-verkr vid foldar prom 
vig-midlung um vida skyldi: 
Niu liggr god-alfr 4 Geir-stgdom 
‘ her-konungr’ haugi ausinn, 
Strophes xxvit1-xxx missing. 
pat veit-ek bazt und blam himni 
kenni-nafn sva-at konungr eigi ; 
es Rognvaldr inn Raé-svinni 
Heidom-harr pik heita ré6: 180 
ok mild-gedr Meera dréttinn ... 
(the end missing). 





we EN ated ed 
AG ae ee aL: omy ae we ayy 


lites Sat Sh Pye Ty 








Pw Per? oe 5) 


ne pers hte ee ee Mee 


J 4 
bp elas “ng 
Oe 











i  e* ia oe ph me he ry ee ae 


Pee eee te FL Oe et 
; ’ . 


" aad 











HALEYGJATAL RESTORED. 657 


- HALEYGJATAL RESTORED, see Notes, vol. i, p. 523. 


Viljak hlidds kvedja at Hars lidi 
medan Gillings gigidom yppik : 

pviat hans ett i hver-legi 
Galga-farms til goda teljom. 


Hinn es Suptungs or seekk-dglom 


Ok s&... halr at Hars vedri 
hgsvan serk hrisgrisniss bar. 
Vard Hakon Hogna meyjar 
vidr vapn-bitinn es vega skyldi: 
ok sinn aldr { odda gny 
Freyss Attungr 4 Figlom lagdi: 30 


wee ae, 


Ok par vard es vinir fello 
magar Hallgaréz manna blddi : 
Hofod-badm pa-es heid-sceni Stafaness vid stéran gny 
af... Hnit-figllom drygii. vinar Ldédors vagr of blandinn. 
ac a ee te oie e Ok Sigrced hinn es sygnom veitti 
hréka biér Haddingja vals: 
Farma-tyss fiérvi nemdo 


farma-god fliigandi bar : 


pann skoll-bletr at Skatvglom gat 
Asa nid vid Iarnvidjo: 10 


‘arberht loi. 
pa-es pau meirr i Mannheimom bse ea — 
Skatna vinr ok Skadi bioggo: ie Ss eons 
88° ‘alnar orms’ & Aurom vard 40 


Seming einn ok sono marga 
Ondor-dis vid Odni gat. 


lifs of lattr pa-es Jandrekar 
Tyss attung i trygdom sviko. 
Enn Godlaugr grimman taméi 
‘vid ofr-kapp’ Austr-konunga 
Sigars id, es synir Yngva 
mea-glotod vid meid reido: 
ok né-reidr 4 nesi drupir 
Vinga-meidr par-es vikr deilir; 20 


par vard minnztr mein-vinngndom 
Yngvi-Freyss 2ttar gndurdan dag 
fagna-fundr es flota peysto 
iard-radendr at Ey-Dgnom : 
pa-es Sigvalldi sunnan knidi 
lagar stdd at lidi peira. 


par-es figl-kynt um fylkiss hroer ° ° ‘ . . 
steini merkt Straumseyjar-nes. peim es allt austr til Eiéa-buss 
. , . . . | bruidr Valtyss und beégi liggr. 50 
pa-es ut-rost iarla bagi ° 4 : ; ‘ as 
Belja-dolgs byggja vildi. IéIna sumbl, Enn ver yrkja gétom 
; ‘ ° . ‘ ‘ stilliss lof sem steina-bru. 


A few additional notes. 


1. 1. Viljak hliédd is not idiomatic; viljak is to be scanned as slur, as in Vsp. 3; 
therefore the first half has only one measure left; a word has been dropped out, viz. 
kvedja; Jomsv. I-3 presents an exact parallel to kvedja hlidds at kvzdi. 

1, 2. hans; to substitute ‘ Hakonar’ is on account of metre inadmissible; a line is 
perhaps missing, giving the Earl’s name, to which ‘hans’ refers; unless indeed the 
poet said—pviat Haleygi i hver-legi | galga farms til goda teljom. Cp, the poem’s 
title Haleygjatal. 

1, 25. s& halr, suspicious; ok s& to be scanned as slur, a measure is missing; is not 
Wether-Hall’s name (the seventh in the Haleygja generation) hidden underneath ? 

ll. 31, 32 are overlaid. The Saga, apparently Ari’s sole authority for the Hacon- 
Atli episode, says, ch. 13—ar fell Hékon iarl enn Atli iarl vard s4rr til dlifis, ok 
foro menn hans med hann til Atleyjar ok andadisk hann par. Sva segir Eyvindr 
Skalda-spillir, Earl Atli and his death must have stood in the poem. We suspect it 
is hidden under hallvardz, ‘maga Atla,’ or the like. The verses as they stand 
are harsh, a sure indication of a decomposed text, 


~ 


VOL. Il. U u > 











68 FINAL READINGS. 


FINAL READINGS TO VOLUME II. 


(See p. cxix of the Introduction, vol. i.) 
Bragi— 
line 5. ok um Hedins . . . dsk-kv4n at pat sinom. 
Bérs-drapa— 
1. 74. ... alfheims mokkor-kalfa (?). 


House Lay— 

1, 2. (hann vilk at giof Grimnis) ged-markar 14 (kvedja). 

1, 9. par hykk s46-reyni Sénar sylgs Valkyrjor fylgja. 

: 48, l. 5. hlidta man ek (né hlitik) Hertys (of pat fryjo). 
p- 54, l. 11. hlemmi-sverd vid haréri hif-langan : ske dufo. 

p- 79, 1. 4. hauka skopt & hepti hlin 91 boekis mina. 

p. 109, |. 11. ok aum i vomb, vard eldi i bomb. 

p. 246, 1. 4. for swollen read cold. 








Pp. 250, ll. 15, 16. read, As it is told that the kindred of kings sought service of 


yore with the wise Kraki. 
p. 268, 1. 10. read, the hound of the fir-wood, i. e. fire. 
p- 327, l. 12. read, the morsels of the ship. 
Pp. 545, note 5. read, a Romance word, 


Sighvat— ; 

ii, 1, 36. . . . 1ét herr um haldit . . . skeidar stafna. 

v, 1. 23. skreid vestan vidr vorr, gloestr sa’s bar. 

vii, 1. 40. folk... fylkir .. . pria togo hafi. 

vii, ]. 48. hundraé told at hildi hvar-tveggja folk varo. 

viii, ll. 19-20, see p. 585. 

viii, 1. 29. Alfifo mank zvi ungs drengs muna lengi. 

x, |, 71. ran man seggr hinn es sina selr ut i pvi telja. 
Arnor— 

vi, l. 33. Veit ek par es Vestfidrdr heitir, etc. 
Thiodolf— 

iii, 1, 78. ... él-kers glotodr hersa, 

xi, 1. 8. Gladr vid galdra smidjo Geirrcedar sio peiri. 

xii, 1, 3. snart vid sié-prad. 

p. 263, |. 74, read hnigo hringvidir Hvinant-orda. 

p. 264, l. 106, read Hedin hardmaga, etc. 


Konungatal— 


1. 315. Vissi Loptr und laupi skyja (beneath the basket of the clouds), 


_ Gisl’s Saga— 
~ p, 323. hrynja letr in hvita aereoene: gus béga. 
Olafs Rima— 
1, 124. Nu er hann Kristz et b. bl. etc. 
Thulor— 
1. 179. rygr, vif ok hell, ristill, sata. 
1. 477. rati, val-bassi, rodr, drit-rodi. 





ABBREVIATIONS. 659 


LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
USED IN THE INDICES AND IN EXCURSUS I, VOL. Il, 


Showing the volume and pages where the respective poems are to be found. The 
poems of the second volume are cited under the authors’ names. 


Ad., Arinb.: vol, I. pp. 272-275. Less. Lodd.: I. 16-20. 
Akv., Atlakv.: I. 45. Loft. i-iii: II. 159-162. 
Alv., “Alvm.: I. 81-86, Lokas.: I. 101-110. 
Armor. i-ix: II. 186- 198. Love Less.: I. 21-23. 
Atlam.: I. 332. Malsh.: II. 363-369. 
Biark.: I. 188, 189. Mark. : II. 235-239. 
Bragi: II. 7. Merl. i, ii: 11. 372-379. 
Brunh. L.: I. 293-305. Mill Song: I. 1o1—110. 
Chr. W.: I. 211-217. O. G. L.: I. 316-321. 
Darr. (Lay of Darts): I. 281-283. O. W. Pl.: I. 32-44. 
Doom: I. 181-183. Oddr.: I. 309-314. 
Einar i-ix: II, 267-272. Ol. R.: I. 392-396. 
Eirm. (Dirge of Eric): I. 260, 26. Ord.: I. 322-323. 

Flyt. Iv.: I. 124, 125. Ott. i-iv: II. ail 
G. W.: I. 2-14. Prov. S.: II. 363-3 
Geisli: II. 284. Raven Song: I, See seo: 
Gisli: II. 332-335. Rekst.: II. 295-300. 
Gkv.: I. 324-328. Riddl.: I. 87-92. 
Grimn.: I. 69-74. Righ (Lay of): I, 234-242. 
-Grimn, App.: I. 75, 76. Rimeg.: I. 151-154. 
Grip.: I. 285-292. 2 Rm.: I. 234-242. 
Grott.: I, 184-188. Run., Runaky.: II. 369. 
Hakm,: I. 262-265. Sh. Br. L.: I. 306-309. 
Hakm. App.: I. 265, 266. Sh. Vsp.: II. 629-630. 
Hallfred i-iv: IT. go-97. Sibyl. S.: I. 192-202. 


Hamd. (Hamtheow’s Lay): I. 53-59. Sigh, i-ix: II. 124-150. 
Harb. (Hoarbeard’s Lay): I. mayor. Skaufh.: II. 383,384. 


Haust.: II. 14. Skida R.: 11. 398-407. 
Havam.: I. 24-29. Skirn.: I, 111-117. 
Helgii: I. 131-144. Sol, (Sun Song): I. 204-211. 
Helgi ii: I. 144-148. Sonat. (Sons’ Wreck): I, 277-280, 
Helgi iii: I. 148-152. Sonat. reconstr.: I. 544-546. 
Hialm. D.: I. 160-163. S. S., Song Saws: I. 14-16 
Hild.: I, 190-192. Spell S.: I. 29, 30. 
Hlod A,: I. 349-352. Sun S.: I, 204-211. 
Hit.: I, 252-254. Swipd, M.: I. 93-100. 
Hit. reconstr.: II. 657. Thiod. i-xii: II. 199-212. 
Hofudl. (Head-Ransom): I. 267-271. Thulor: II. 423-439. 
Hornkl, : I. 255-259. Tregr.: I. 329-331. 
Husd.: II. 23. Vell., Vellekl.: Il. 44-47. 
Hym. (Lay of Hymi) : I, 220-225. Volkv.: I. 169-175. 
Hyndl. (Hyndla’s Lay): I. 226-234. Vsp. (Sibyl Song): I. 193-202. 
Hyndl. reconstr.: I, 515-517. Vsp. reconstr.: II, 621-629. 
Iomsy.: II, 302-308. Vpm., Vafpr.: I. 61-69. 
Isldr.: II. 419-421. W. PL, Wols, Pl.: I. 32-44. 
Ivar: II, 261-266. W. W.L.: I. 155-158. 
Ivar and Woden: I. 124, 125. Wak. : I. 163-168. 
Kont.:; II. 310. Wick. : I. 371-374. 
Korm.: II, 63 sqq. Yt.: I. 244-251. 
Krakom.: II. 341-345. Yt. reconstr.: II. 655-656. 
Ky.: I. 80. pd.: II. 19-22. 
L. B. L.: I. 293-305. Prym. Bee I, 176-180. 
Langft.: II. 521-523. Pp. : 

UU 2 


man, £ 
ee al eae et 








660 


INDEX I. 


volume, page, and line. 
@ is treated as e; @ and G (9) as o. 


Vsp., Hyndl., Yt., Hit., and Sonat. are cited from the restored texts, 
[ ] mark lost poems and parts of poems. 
n. marks foot-note or notes at the end of volume, 


1. MYTHOLOGIC BEINGS. 


Alda-fodr, Vpm. lines 15, 210, Bragi 45. 

Alfar, Havam. 32, 111, Spell S. 25, 
Grimn, 10, Alvm, pass., Lokas, pass., 
Skirn. 27, 63, pkv. 22, Volkv. pass. 

Alf-kungr, O, W. Pl. 111. 

Alfodr (Woden), I. 80; Helgi i. 159. 

Alf-rédull (sun), Vpm. 186. 

Allvaldi, Harb. ; see Olvaldi. 

Alrtnar (love runes), Spell S. 29, O. W. Pl. 
216. 

Alsviér, Havam. 34. 

Alsviér (Sun’s Doe Spell S. 11, Grimn, 
118, 

Alviss, Alym. 9 sqq. 

Aml6éi (Giant Hamlet), II. 55. 6. 

Amrar (dwarves ?), II. 54. I. 

Andhrimnir, Grimn, App. I 

Andvara-nautr, II. 529. 

Andvati (dwarf), O. W. Pl. 5, 9. 

Angeyja, Hyndl. 43. 

Angrboda, Sh. Vsp. 26. 

Ar (rune), Run. ro. 

Arvaka, Spell S, 11, Grimn. 118, 

Asa (Anses), Havam, 32, 111, Spell S, 
25, Vpm. 151, Lokas, pass., Alvm. 2; 
Harb. 78, Flyt. Iv. 5-15, pkv. 22. 

Asa-Bragr, Skirn. 133. 

Asa-dolgr, Kont. 38. 


Asa-synir, Grimn. 132, Alvm. 64, Lokas. — 


II, III, 214, 258, Skirn, 27, 63, 67; 
see Thulor 145-149. 

Askr, Vsp. 28. 

As-kungr, O.W.PI. 111, Righ 3, Vsp. 54. 

As-lidar, Skirn. 138. 

As-megin, I. 127. 25, Hym, 119. 
s-megir, Doom 27. 

Ass = Thor, Grimn., 20, pkv. 8; II. 80. 22. 

Asynjor, O. W. Pl. 208, Lokas. 42, Doom 
2, pkv. 57, Hyndl, 30. 

Atla, Hyndl. 44. 

Atriédr (Woden), I. 80, pp. Io. 

Audr (Night’s son), Hallfr. iii, ro. 

Aur-boda, Sh, Vsp. 40. 

Aur-konungr (Heeni), I. 575. 

Aurnir, Grott. 40, 


MYTHICAL 


Cited mostly by poem and line; J. or II, marks the volume, e.g. II. 4. 12= ‘. 


Byleistr, Sh, Vsp. 29, Vsp. 128, Yt. I 








Baldr, Vpm. 216 ., Grimn. 41, Riddl. 
135, Lokas. 109 sqq., Flyt. Iv. 6, 
Doom 4 sqq., Sh. baad {+ Vep. 653 é 
I, 126.18; 369. No. 6 ee 

Baleygr (Woden), I. 80. ‘ 

Baugi hoy giant), Hofudl. 73; see 
L a 


495 . 
Beli (Giant Belja), Vsp. 144, Hlt. 24, 
Ky. 3, Haust. 7o. - 
Berg-Danir, Hym. 57, Haust. 72. 
Bergelmir, Vpm. 112, 136. 
Berg-risar, Harb. 105, Grott. 42, 89. 
Bestla, Havam., 19; II. 48. 7. 
Beyla, Lokas, 225. 
Biarg-runar, Spell S. 28, O. W. Pl. 222. — 
Biarkan (rune), Run, 13. % 
Biflindi, Grimn. App. 45. 
Bil (goddess), I, 78. 19. 
Bileygr (Woden), I. 80, 
Billingr, II. 322. 4. 
Biérn (constellation), Spell S. 14. 
Bleingr (constellation), Spell S, 16 z. 
Bl6dughdéfi (horse), pp. 9, Kv. 3. 
Bodn, II. 48. 1; 80. 32. 
B6ék-rinar, Spell S, 28. 
Bolverkr, Love L. 53; I. 80. 
Bolporn, Havam. Ig. 
Bor (Buru), Vsp. 17, Sh. Vsp. (I. 231. 
23); Il. 250. 
Bragar-full, Helgi ii. 52. 
Bragi, Spell S. 14, Lokas. 44, Eirm, 1% 
Hakm. 38. 
Brimir, Sh. Vsp. 6. 
Brimir (sword), I. 77. 6. 
Brim-ruinar, O. W. Pl. 226. 
Brisinga-men (necklace), pkv. 52, | 
76, Haust. 35, [Husd.] 
Bruungr (constellation), Spell S.15 2. 
Buri, II. 250; see Bor. ie 
Buzeyra (ogress), II. 27. 5. : 
Byggvir, Lokas, 180, 184, 225. 


Dagr, O. W. Pl. 204, Vpm. 40, 95. Ps 
Dags synir, O. W. Pl. 204. 





MYTHOLOGIC BEINGS. 


Dainn (dwarf), Havam. 32. 

Dainn (stag), Grimn, 107. 

Dellingr, Havam. 110, Vpm, 97, Riddl. 
© sqq. 

Disir, O. W. Pl. 225, Grimn. 143, Atlam. 
94, Yt. 107, Krakom, 141. 

Draupnir, Biark. 12; II, 55. 8 

Drémi (fetter), II. 637. 

Duneyrr (stag), Grimn, 107. 

Durapror, Grimn. 107. 

Durinn (dwarf), Sh. Vsp. 10. 

Durnir, Yt. 5. 

Dvalinn, Havam. 33, O. W, Pl. 112, Sh. 
Vsp. 12, Wak. 44, Kv. 1; II. 54. 1. 

Dvalinn (stag), Grimn. 107, 

Dyalins-leika, Alvm. 62, Thulor 501. 

Dvergar, Havam. 33, Alvm. 48 sqq., 
Sh. Vsp. 4 sqq., Vsp. 138; see Thulor 
33-56. 


Edda, Righ. 9, 13, 22. 

Egdir, Sh. Vsp. 19. 

Egill (giant), Hym. 24. 

fEgir, Grimn. App. 30, Lokas. 9 $44. 
Sonat. 36, Hym. 4, 152, Helgi i. 113. 

FEgiss-deettr (Waves), II. 54. 5. 

Eikpyrnir, Grimn, 81. 

Einherjar, Vpm. 158, Grimn. 75, 136, 
App. 4, 22, Helgi i. 160, Hakm. 46. 

Einridi, Lokas. 243, Haust. 76, 

Eirgiafa, Hyndl. 42. 

Eistla, Hyndl. 42 

Elld (mark), O. W. Pl. 229. 

Elldhrimnir, Grimn. App. 1. 

Elldir, Lokas. 1, 17. 

Embla, Vsp. 28. 

Ergi (mark), Skirn. 150. 

JEsir (Anses), O, W. Pl. 116, 208, Vpm. 
200, Grimn, 94, 121, pkv. pass., Vsp. 

~ 33, 192, Doom 1. 

Ey-ludr (Ocean Mill), If. §4. 12. 

Ey-mylrir, II. 55. 8. 


Fafnir, O. W. Pl. 40 sqq., W. W. L. 44, 
Biark. 10, Grip. 44. 49. 

Fala (ogress), II. 332. 13. 

Falhéfnir (horse), pp. 11. 

Farbauti, Haust. 17, Husd. ar 

Farma-god, Sonat. 9, Hit. 6 

Farma-tyr, Hit. 37; I. 80, 

Fé (rune), Run, 1. 

Fengr (Woden), W. W. L. 34. 

Fenrir, Vpm, 185, Lokas. 155, Sh. Vsp. 

8. 


4 
Fenris-ulfr, Hakm, 63, Helgi i. 164. 
Fet-meili (Heeni), Haust. 13. 
Fialarr, Love L. 64. 
Fialarr, Harb, 84. 
Fialarr (cock), Sh. Vsp. 21. 


665 


Fimbol- fambi, G. W. 237. 

Fimbul-Tyr, Vsp. 195. 

Fimbul-vettr, Vpm. 177. 

Fimbul-pulr, Havam, 29, App. 4. 

Finnr (giant), Haust. 51. 

Fiolkaldr, Svipd, M. 87. 

Fiolnir (Woden), W. W. L. 34, Bragi 
65; I. 80. 

Fiolsvidr (Woden), I. 80. 

Fiolsvidr, Svipd. M. 76 sqq. 

Fiolvarr, Harb. 41. 

Fiorgyn (earth), Lokas, 104, Harb. 144, 
Vsp. 154. 

Folld (goddess earth), O. W. Pl. 209. 

Forniétr, Yt. 140, fd. 13 II. 54. 4. 

Forseti, Grimn. 55. 

Freki, Grimn, App. 4. 

Freyja, Grimn, 49, Lokas, 120, pkv. 9 
sqq-, Oddr. 33; I. 368. No. 58. 

Freyrr, Grimn. 13, App. 25, Lokas, 148 
sqq-, Skirn, 9 sqq., Arinb, 68, Husd, 4. 

Frigg, Vpm., 1, Lokas, 104, 118, Vsp. 72, 
146, Oddr. 33, Hallfred v. 14. 

Fulla, II. 36. 29; ep. Il. 525. 


Gagnradr (Gangradr), Vpm. 25 sqq. 
Galga-farmr, Ht. 4. 
Galga-valdr, II. 79. 8. 
Gamm-Jeid = Loptr, pd. 5. 
Gangleri, Grimn. App. 32. 
Gardréfa, I. 126. 16. 

Garmr (hound), Vsp, 120 sqq. ; 
Gauta-spialli, Sonat. 44. 
Gauta-tyr, Hakm, 1. 

yr mg App. 54, Doom § ; I. 357. 


I. 77. 5- 


Gefjon (Ocean), Lokas. 78, 83. 

Geironul, Grimn. App. 20. 

Geirroedr, Grimn. 134, App. 40. 

Geirroedr (giant), I. 127. 27, pd. 4594-; - 
Il. 212. 

Geir-skogul, I. 80. 

Geitir (sea-king), Haust. 79. 

Gelgija, II. 637. 

Gerdr, Skirn, 72, 169, 172, Sh. Vsp. 39. 

Geri, Grimn. App. 5. 

Giallar-horn, Vsp, 62, 142. 

Gialp, I. 127, Hyndl. 41; II. 27, 2. 

Gillingr (Soma giant), Hit. 2. 

Ginn-regin, Havam. 30, Alvm. 78, 118, 
Hym. 14. 

Ginul, II. 637. 

Gisl (horse), Grimn. 93. 

Gladr (horse), Grimn. g1. 

Glapsvidr, I. 80. 

Glasir (tree), Biark, 11; I. 79. I. 

Gleipnir (fetter), S. S. 50; IL. 637. 

Glenr, II. 102. 13. 


_Gler (horse), Grimn. gI. 


> 


ae oe er ey 
Re rae, Lp gen 
+ 3 ‘ 


662 


Glitnir, Yt. 36. 

God, O. W. Pl. 118, Vpm. 56, 153, 
Alvm. 45 sqq., Vsp. 20 sqq.; I. 368. 
No. 58; II. 80, 18. 

Goinn, Grimn. IIo. 

Goll (Walcyrie), Grimn. App. 20. 

Gollin-bursti, Hyndl. 140. 

Gollin-kambi, Sh, Vsp. 22 


Gollin-tanni (Heimdall), (Husd.?], 1.574. 


Goll-toppr, Grimn. 93. 

Gondlir, Grimn. App. 46. 

Gondul, I. 80, Hakm.1; I. 360. No. 14. 

Gré-bakr, Grimn, 111. 

Graf-vitnir, Biark. 12. 

Graf-vollodr, Grimn, 111. 

Gramir, Harb. 151. 

Gramr (sword), O, W. Pl. 157; II. 33.8. 

Grani (constellation), Spell S. 20. 

Grata-god (Balder), Vsp. 65. 

Greip, I. 127. 27, Hyndl. ts pd. 64. 

Gridar-volr (staff), pd. 36. 

Grimnir, Grimn. App. 40 ; 1. 80; Husd. 
2; II. 525. 

Grimr, Grimn. App. 52; I. 80. 

Groa, Svipd. M. 1. 

Grotti, Grott. 42; II. 54. 11. 

Gryla, 1. 357. No. 3 

Gungnir (spear), Spell S. 20, Bragi 63; 
Il. 13, 14. 

Gunnldd, Love L. 35, 50, 58, 62. 

Gunnar (Gudr), I. 80; I. 360. No. 14. 

Gustr, W. W. L. 3. 

Gyllir (horse), Grimn. 91 

Gymir (giant), Lokas, 168, Skirn. 45 
sqq., Sh. Vsp. 39, Yt. 122. 


Habrék (hawk), I. 77. 5. 

Hagl (rune), Run, 7. 

Hamingjor, Vpm. 196. 

Hamskerpir, I. 126. 15. 

Hanga-god, Il. 76. 9. 

Hanga-tyr, II, 75. 35. 

HArbarér, Grimn. App. 45, Harb. 26 sqq. 

Harr, Havam. 6, 125, Grimn. App. 35, 
Hit. I, 25. 

Hati (wolf), Grimn. 128. 

Hati (giant), Rimeg. 21. 

Hava-mal (poem), Havam, 125. 

Heid-draupnir, Spell S. 4. 

Heidr, Sh. Vsp. 38, Vsp. 94. 

Heidrun (goat), Grimn. 77, Hyndl, 144. 

Heimdallr (-dalr), Grimn. 45, Lokas. 
192, Flyt. Iv. 14, Vsp. 2, 60, 134, 
144, Husd, 6; II. 114. 10; see Excurs. 
II. 509 sqq. 

Hel (ogress and place), O, W. Pl. 100, 

142, 185, Vpm. 173, Grimn. 99 

Alvm. 54, Doom 12, Atlam, 352; 

126, 20; Sonat. 97. See II. 546. 





INDEX I. 1. 


Helblindi, Grimn. App. 35; I. 575. 

Heljar-sinnar, Vsp. 129. 

Hengjan-kidpta, II. 27. 6. 

Her-fidtur, Grimn. App. 19. 

Her-f6dr, Vsp. ol. 

Her-gautr, Sonat. 60, Bragi 34, 

Herja-fodr, Vpm. 5, Grimn. 77, App. 6, 
Sh, Vsp. 23. 

Herjan, Grimn. App. 33, Gkv. 73, 
Krakom. I4I. ts 

Herm6ér, Flyt. Iv.12, Hyndl. 7, Hakm. 38. — 

Her-teitr, Grimn. App. 37. 

Hialm-beri, Grimn, App. 33. 

Hialp (mark), Havam. 52. 

Hildi-svini, Hyndl. 141. 

Hildolfr, Harb. 16. 

Hildr, Grimn. App. 19; I. 80; Bragi. — 

Himin-hriddr (-hridtr, ox), I. 78. 15. See 
I. 512. 

Hiuki (man in the moon), I. 78. 19. 

Hlébardr, Harb. 62. 

Hlif (Lif), Svipd. M. 200. 

Hlif-prasa (better Lif-), Svipd. M. 200. 

Hlddyn, Vsp. 151; II. 62. 20. 

Hlokk, Grimn. App. 19; II. 114. 1. 

HMiors, I. 574. 

Hlorridi, Lokas. 219, pkv. 26, 59, 126, 
Hym. cei 61, IOI. 

Hnikarr, O. W. Pl. 41, Grimn. App. 37. 

Hnikoér, p. 80. 

Hodd-fafnir (= Loddf.), Lod. Less. 1 2, 

Hodd-mimir, Vpm. 179. 

Hodd-rofnir, Spell S. 4. 

Hoér, Flyt. Iv. 10 2., Doom. 33, 39, 
Vsp. 71, 187. 

H6fvarpnir (horse), I. 126. 15. 

Heenir, Vsp. 31, 189, Haust. 12 sqq. 

Hrafn-ass, Haust. 14. 

Hrafn-bleetr, Hallfr. v. 19. 

Hrafn-freistadr, Husd. 6. 

Hraudungr, see II. 524. 

Hre-svelgr, Vpm. 143. 

Hrim-faxi (Night’s horse), Vpm. 49. 

Hrim-gerdr, Rimeg. 21 sqq. 

Hrim-grimnir (giant), Skirn. 142. 

Hrimnir, Skirn. 109, Sh. Vsp. 38. 

Hrim-pursar, Love Less. 52, Vpm. 127, 
Grimn. 99, Skirn. 120,137, Vsp. 131. 

Hring-horni (ship), I. 574. 

Hrist, Grimn. App. 17. 

Hrod-vitnir, Grimn, 128. 

Hrépta-tyr, Havam. 112, Grimn. se 
53, Hakm. 38, Husd. 8. 

Hréptr, Havam. 31, Spell S. 2, Grimn. 27, 
Vsp. 187, Husd. 12; II. 33.14. 

Hroptz-megir, Lokas. "182. 

Hross-pidfr, Sh. Vsp. 38. 

Hrungnir, Lokas. 247, 256, Harb. 6 
37, Hym. 60, Grott. 38, Haust. 60.7. 





MYTHOLOGIC BEINGS. 


Hrymr, Vsp. 130. 

Huginn, Grimn. App. 9; I. 80. 15. 
Hug-runar, O. W. Pl. 242, Bragi 52. 
Huléd (witch), Yt. 14. 

Hulids-hialmr, Alvm. 72. 
Hvedrungr, Vsp. 149, Yt. 156. 
Hymir, Hym. 18 sqq., Haust. 34. 
Hymis-meyjar, Lokas. 138. 
Hyr-rokkin, II. 27. 6. 


lafn-harr, Grimn, App. 45. 

Ialkr, Grimn. App. 54. 

Iardar-sunr (Thor), pkv. 4, Haust, 55. 

Iarnvidja (Ividja?), Hit. ro. 

Idi (1dja), Grott. 40, Biark. 16. 

Idunn, Lokas, 66, Haust. 38; see II. 575. 

Imd, Helgi i. 179. 

Ingi-Freyr, Haust. 39. 

Ingunar-Freyr, Lokas, 172. 

lolnar, Hit. 51. 

Iormun-gandr, Vsp. 115, Bragi 48. 

Iétnar, Love L. 42, Havam. 34, Vpm. 
109, 197, Alvm. 55, Skirn. 32, 137, 
pkv. 23 sqq., Sh. Vsp. 37, Vsp. 5, 
Atlam, 112. 

I6tna-synir, Havam. 127, Vpm. 55, 167. 

Iss (rune), Run, 9g. 

Ividja, Sh. Vsp. 3, Vsp. 7. 


Karls sonr= Baldr, I, 126. 19. 
Kaun (rune), Run. 6, 

Keila (ogress), II. 27. 4. 
Kialarr, Grimn. App. 42. 
Kiallandi (ogress), II. 27. 4. 
Kolga, Helgi i. 109. 
Kreppvor, Chr. W. App. 15. 
Kvasir, [Vsp. ?]; II. 48. 3. 


Laufeyjar son=Loki, Lokas, 208, pkv. 
- 71 sqq. 

Leikn (ogress), II. 27. 1. 

Laradr (tree), Grimn, 78. 

Léttfeti (horse), Grimn, 93. 

Lif, Vpm, 178. 

Lifprasir, Vpm, 178. 

Lim-rinar, O. W. Pl. 232. 

Lédorr, Vsp. 32, Hit. 34. 

Loddfafnir, see Hoddfafnir. 

Loeedingr (fetter), II. 637. 

Lofarr, Sh. Vsp. 13. 

Logr (rune), Run, 14. 

Loki, Lokas. 39 sqq., prymskv. 6 sqq., 
Vsp. 126, Doom 56, Run. 16, Sh. Vsp. 
30, Hym. 144, Haust. 44. 

Loptr, Lokas, 22, Sh, Vsp. 32, Haust. 31. 

Lut (ogress), II, 27. 5. 


Madr (rune), Run, 15, 
Magni, Vpm. 204, Harb.23,138, Husd, 27. 
Mal-rinar, O, W, Pl, 236, 


663 


Mana-garmr, [Sh. Vsp.] ; II. 633-634. 

Mani, Vpm. 87. 

Mara (nightmare), Yt. 17. 

Mar-doll, Biark. 15. 

Megin-riunar, Spell S. 30. 

Meili, Harb, 23, Haust, 56, 

Mella, II. 36. 28. 

Mengléd, Svip. M. 12, 198 sqq. 

Midgardz-Ormr, Flyt. Iv. 16. 

Midvitnir, Grimn, App. 49. 

Mims (gen.), Spell S. 7, Sonat. 88; II, 
62.17. 

Mimir=Mimr, Vsp. 57, 63. 

Mimis-brunnr, Vsp. 57. 

Miollnir, Vpm, 204, Lokas. 230, pkv. 
124, Hym, 139. 

Miotodr, Vsp. 8, 140. 

Mist, Grimn, App. 17. 

Mistil-teinn, Vsp. 69, Malsh. 33. 

Mistor-blindi (miscor- ?), Hym. 6. 

M6di, Vpm. 204, Hym, 130, 

MOgprasir, Vpm. 195. 

Moinn, Grimn, 110, 

Morn, Haust. 48. 

Mornir, IT, 382. 

Motsognir, Sh. Vsp. 9. 

Mundilfori (Paramanthas), Vpm. 89. 

Muninn, Grimn. App. 9; I. 80, 15. 

Muspells-synir, Lokas, 170, Vsp. 124. 


Nabbi, Hyndl, 142. 

Naglfar, Vsp. 117. 

Nal (ogress), I. 575. 

Narfi = Nari, Yt. 37. 

Naud (rune), O. W, Pl. 219, Run. 8. 

Neri, Helgi i. 15. 

Nidhéggr, Grimn, 104, 117, Vsp. 175. 

Nidi, Sh. Vsp. 11. 

Niorér, Vpm. 149, Grimn. 57, App. 26, 
Lokas, 136, 144, Skirn. 163, pkv. g1, 
Arinb. 68. 

Niorun, II, 335. 89. 

Nordri, Sh, Vsp. 11. 

Nornir, O. W. Pl. 107-112, Hamd. 128, 
135, Helgi i. 5, 241, W.W.L. 78, 
Yt. 158, L. B. L. 28, Tregr. 19, 
Hlod A. I09, Fragm. (I. 347) 3, 
Wick, 13, Krakom. 117. 

Norvi (Night’s father), Vpm, 98, Alvm. 
215, Sonat. g5. 

Nott, O. W. Pl. 205, Vpm. 48, 96, 
Alvm, 115. 

Nyi, Sh. Vsp, 11. 

Nykr (nix, water goblin), Kont. 298. 


Odinn (Woden), Love L. 15, 55, Havam. 
II sqq., Vpm. 159, 208, 216, Grimn. 
23 sqq., Riddles 135, Lokas, 33 sqq., 
Skirn, 133, Harb, 22, 76, Doom 5 sqq., 
Eirm, 1 sqq., Hakm. 4, 36, 44, Vsp. 





664. 


31 sqq., Sh. Vsp. 44, Helgi i. 273, 
298, 324, Hialm. D. 10; L. B, L. 318; 
I. 368. No. 58. See Thulor 113-114, 
Excurs. II. 461 sqq. 

Odins sonr =Baldr, Skirn, 80, Husd. 3, 
Doom 32. . 

OSins sonr = Thor, pkv. 87, 134, Hym. 
133, Vsp. 152. 

Obdr, Vsp. 87, Hyndl. 143, 145. 

O6-rerir, Love L. 46, Havam, 21. 

£6i (character), Skirn. 150. 

Ofnir (serpent), Grimn, 112, App. 55. 

Oinn, O. W. Pl. 5. 

Olgefn =Idun, Haust, 41. 

Olvaldi (giant), Harb. 55. 

Omi, Grimn. App. 45. 

Ondor-dis, Hit. 14, Bragi 61. 

Ondor-god, Haust. 26, 

Opi (character), Skirn, 113. 

Orgelmir, Vpm. 114. 

Ormr, Skirn, 107, Hym. 85, 89, Vsp. 152. 

Orn (constellation), Spell S, 15. 

Oski, Grimn. App. 45. 

Oss (i.e. Ass, rune), Run, 4. 

Opidédan, II. 355. 

Opoli (character), Skirn, 113, 150. 


R&d-grid, Grimn. App. 21. 

Ragna-rok, Vpm. 221, Doom 57, Vsp. 
107, Helgi i. 303. 

Ragna-rokr (twilight), Lokas, 159. 

Rén, Helgi i. 117, Rimeg. 27, Sonat. 29. 

Randgnidér, Thulor 648. 

Randgrid =-gnid, Grimn. App. 21. 

Rata-toskr, Grimn, 101. 

Rati, Love L. 40. 

Regin (powers), Hakm. 57, Vsp. 20 sqq., 
Haust. 40, Vpm. 152, Grimn, 17, 120, 
Lokas, 15, Flyt. Iv. 6. 

Reginleif, Grimn. App. 21. 

Reid (rune), Run, 5. 

Reidi-tyr, Haust. 78. 

Rigr, Stigandi, Righ 4 sqq. 

Rindr (Wrindr), Doom 41; II. 33. Io. 

R6di (wind), Sonat. 35. 

Rognar, Havam, 31. 

Rognir (Woden), Spell S, 12. 

Rokkvi, Arinb. go. 


Sadr, Grimn. App. 36. 

Saga, Grimn, 23. 

Salgofnir (cock), Helgi i. 318. 
Sann-getall, Grimn. App. 36. 
Segr (bucket), I. 78. 18. 
Sz-hrimnir, Grimn. App. 2. 
Seid-berendr, Sh. Vsp. 36. 
Sid-grani, Alvm, 22. 

Sid-hottr (Woden), I. 80. 
Sid-skeggr (Woden), I. 80. 
Sif, Harb. 128, pkv. 100, Hym. 11. 





INDEX I. 1. 


Sig-fodr, I. 80, Lokas. 236, Vsp. 147. 

Sig-runar (runes), O. W. Pl. 212. 

Sig-tivar, O. W. Pl. 152, Grimn. App. 
27, Lokas, 4, Vsp. 107. 

Sig-tyr, Akv. 119; I. 79. 2. 

Sigyn, Vsp. 92, Haust. 25. 

Silfrin-toppr (horse), Grimn, 92. 

Sinir (horse), Grimn, 92. 

Siofn, II. 335. 87. 

Skadi (giantess), Grimn. 39, Sh. Vsp. 42, 
Hit. 12. 

Skeggjdld, Grimn, App. 18. 

Skeid-brimir, Grimn, gr. 

Skid-bladnir, Grimn. App. 24; I. 77. 2. 

Skilfingr, Grimn. App. 53. 

Skin-faxi (Sun’s horse), Vpm. 41. 

Skirnir, Skirn, 1 sqq. 

Skégul, Grimn. App, 18, I. 80; Hakm. 


¥. 34. 

Skoll (Wulf), Grimn. 126. 
Skoll-bleetr (Woden), Hit, 9 2. 
Skrymir, Lokas, 251. 


Skuld (Norn), Helgi and Sigr. 2, Atlam. 


5, Vsp. 59; I. 80. . 
Sledi (constellation), Spell S. 13. 
Sleipnir, Doom 6, Sh. Vsp. 27, Yt. 48; 
_I. 77. 3. 
Sokk-mimir, Grimn. App. 47, Yt. 9. 
S61, Vpm. 88, 184, Grimn. 119, 122. 
$6] (rune), Run, 11. 
Sél-biartr, Svipd. M. 235. 
S6l-blindi, Svipd. M. ror, 
Sél-katla, Chr. W. App. Io, 
Sén, Sénar (Soma), Hyndl, 46, O. G. L. 
123, Husd. 9 #.; II. 51. 10; 80, 33. 
Storkgér (giant), II, 27. 2. 
Sudri, Sh. Vsp. 11. 
Sumarr, Vpm. 103. 
Suptungr (Soma giant), Love L. 34, 54, 
57, Hit. 5. ; 
Suptungs-synir, Alym, 136, Skirn, 138. 
Surta-logi, Vpm. 201. 
Surtr,O.W. Pl.116,Vpm.64,Vsp.122,144. 
Svadil-foeri (horse), Sh. Vsp. 27. : 
Svafnir (serpent), Grimn. 112, App. 55. 
Svafr-porinn, Svip. M. 93. 
Svalinn (Sun’s disk), Grimn, 122. 
Svarangs-synir, Harb. go. 
Svart-hofdi, Sh. Vsp. 36. 
Svasodér, Vpm. 106. 
Svelnir, Bragi 21, Haust. 60. 
Svidorr, Grimn, App. 47. 
Svidrir, Vpm. 219 2., Grimn. App. 47. 
Svipall, Grimn. App. 36. 
Svivor (ogress), II, 27. 7. 
Syr, II. 33. 1. 
Tiosull (character), Skirn. 113. 


Topi (character), Skirn, 113. 
Troll, I. 357 sqq. Nos. 1, 2, 38. 





MYTHOLOGIC BEINGS. 


Tyr (Tew), Lokas. 152, Hym. 15, Run. 


1a; II. 333. 44- 
Tyr (rune), O. W, Pl. 215, Run, 12. 


Udr, Grimn. App. 34. 

Ulfr, Vpm. 210, Lokas, 158, 235, Harb. 
126, Hym. 91, Yngl. 37, Eirm, 26, 
Sh. Vsp. 26, 64, Vsp. 145, Sonat. go, 
Haust, 30. 

Ulfr (constellation), Spell S. 15. 

Ulf-rin, Hyndl. 43. 

Ulir, Akv. 120, Grimn. 13, Haust. 57. 

Upp-regin, Alvm. 40. 

Ur (rune), Run. 2. 

Urdr, Svipd. M, 237, Vsp. 49, Gkv. 95; 
Il. 33. 12. 


Vafadr, Hakm. App. 2. 

Vaf-pridnir, Vpm. 2 sqq. 

Vagni (Woden), Alvm. 11, Hofudl. 74. 

Val-fodr (Woden), I. 80, Vsp. 59. 

Vali, Vpm. 202, Svipd. M, 22, Doom 41, 
Sh. Vsp. 45. 

Val-kyrjor, Helgi i. 158, Dart. 26, Eirm. 
2, Hakm. 26, Husd. g; see Thulor. 

Val-tamr, Doom 21, 50. 

Val-tivar, Hm. 1. 

Val-tyr, Hit. 50. 

Vanar-gandr (serpent), I. 575, [Vsp. ?] 

Vaningi, Skirn. 156. 

Vanir, Spell S. 26, 155, Alvm. 38 sqq., 
Skirn, 64, pkv. 61, Vsp. 76. 

Vanr (Niord), II. 166. 

Var, pkv. 125, Thulor 166, 

Var-kaldr, Svip. M. 86, 

Veg-tamr (Woden), Doom 21, 50. 

Véi, Lokas, 106. 

Veodr = Veorr, Haust. 43. 

Veorr (Thor), Hym. 43, 64, 83, 151, 
Vsp. 153. 

Vera-tyr (Woden), Grimn. 6. 

Verdandi, Vsp. 49. 

Vettr (winter), Vpm. 103. 

Vidarr, Vpm, 202, 211, Grimn, 62, Lokas. 
37, Vsp. 148. 

Vié-blindi (giant), II. 300, 2. 

Vid-gymir, Husd, 19. 

Vidolfr, Sh. Vsp. 34. 

Vidorr, I. 357. No. 1. 

Vidrir, Lokas. 106, Helgi i. 32, Hofudl. 
I, 12, Arinb. 50, Sonat. 3. 

Vig-dvalinn (dwarf), Chr. W. App. 12. 

Vili, Lokas. 106, Yt. 11, Sonat. 86. 


665 


Vili (Wloki’s son), Vsp. 91. 

Vil-meidr, Sh. Vsp. 35. 

Vind-kaldr, Svipd. M. 86. 

Vinga-meidr, Havam, 9, Hit. 20. 

Vingi (Woden), Havam. 9, Ht. 20. 

Vingnir, Haust. 73; I. 574. 

Ving-régnir (Woden), Haust. 15. 

Ving-pérr, Alvm, 21, prymskv. I. 

Vitki, Sh, Vsp. 35. 

Vitnir, Vpm. 213, Grimn, 76, 

Vloki = Loki, Vsp. 91. 

Volsi (Phallus idol), II. 381, 382. 

Volva, Spell S. 19, Doom 14 sqq., Sh. 
Vsp. 34, Helgi i. 154. 

Vrindr, Svip. M. 22, Doom 41, 

Vroska, Husd, 27. 

Vulfr (=Ulfr), Lokas. 37, Bragi 12. 


Ygegdrasils askr, Grimn. 88, 96-117, Vsp. 
43, 136. 

Yggijar-galgi = Ygegdrasill, Sonat. 73. 

Yggjungr, Vsp. 105. 

Yggr, Grimn, 140; I. 347. No.1, Arinb. 
23; II. 33. 10. 

Ymir, Vpm. 77, 109, Sh. Vsp. 37; 1.55.9. 

Yr (rune), Run. 16. 


pekkr, Grimn. App. 34. 

pialfi, Harb. 110, pd. 40. 

piazzi, Grimn. 57, Lokas. 203, Harb. 54, 
Sh. Vsp. 41, Grott. 39; II. 33. 6, 
Malsh, 31. 

pidd-reyrir, Havam. rog. 

pidé-vitnir, Grimn. 65. 

pokk (ogress), I. 126. 17. 

porr, Grimn, 11, 86, Lokas. 234 sqq., 
Harb. 24, 77, Pkv. 35 sqq., pd.; Il. 
33. 16 pass.; see Thulor 150-154, 
‘and Excurs. 413-465. : 

porri, II. 523. 

privaldi, Bragi 59; Il. 27. 1. 

pror, Grimn. App. 43. 

prid-gelmir, Vpm. 113. 

prud-hamarr, Lokas. 229, 245, 254. 

prudna-purs, Flyt. Iv. 17. 

prudr, Grimn. App. 19, Bragi 2; II. 26. 
9; 81. 52. 

briid-valdr, Harb. 24. 

prymr, pkv. 18 sqq. 

budr, Grimn. App. 34. 

pundr, Havam. 48, Grimn. App. 52. 

burs (character), Skirn. 149, Run. 3. 

pursar, Skirn. 39, pkv. 18 sqq., Vsp. 39. 








2. HEROIC BEINGS. 


Abils, Yt. tor, Biark. 4, Kv. 11, I. 190. 
Agnarr (Audo brddir), W. W. L. 83. 
Agnarr (Geirrod’s son), Grimn. 5 and x. 
Agnarr (Ragnar’s son), II, 348. 


Agni, Skialfar-ver, Yt. 49, Langft. 
Ala-dolgr (nickname), Yt. 108. 


Alfhildr, Il. 526. 


Alfr (Yngling), Yt. 61. 





666 


Alfr, Gamli, Helgi i. 215. 

Alfr inn Gamli, Hyndl. 116. 

Alfr, Helgi i..54. 

Alfr, Helgi ii. 81; I. 527. 

Alf-rekr, Yt. 55. 

Ali (Anila), Kv. 7, Bragi 67, Hyndl. 81. 

Alof, Il, 527. 

Al-rekr, Hlod A, 4. 

Al-svidr (son of Heimi), Lac. Lays. 

Al-veig, Hyndl. 56. 

Amr, Hyndl. 78. 

An Bogsveigir, II. 556. 

Ana-sétt, Yt. 76. 

Angan-tyr, Hyndl. 84, Hialm. D. 23. 

Angan-tyr (King Hlod’s brother), Hlod 
and A, 2 sqq. 

Ani or Aun (the Old), Yt. 76. 

Arngrimr (father of the Bearsarks), 
Hyndl. 79, 82. 

Arngrims-synir, Hyndl, 82-88, Wak. 37, 


113. 

Aslaug, Krakom, II. 347 sqq. 

Asmundr (Gndédar-), Malsh, 31. 

Asmundr, II. 553. 

Asolfr, Hyndl, 130. 

Atall, TL. 40. 44; 81. 37. 

Atli (Attila), Akv., L. B. L., Sh. B. L., 
O. G. L., Oddr., Ord., Tregr., Atlam. 
pass., I, 80, 11, ete. 

Atli, Imundarson, Helgi ii. 5, Rimeg. 13 





sqq. 

Atli, Helgi i. 215. 

Atridi, Hp. Io. 

Auda (Audér?), W. W. L. 83, L. B. L. 


317- 
Audi, [Hyndl.] 
Audr ditip-audga(-hugda),Hyndl.,Langft. 
Aun, Yt. 76. 


Barri, Hyndl. 85. 

Bekk-hildr, Lac. Lays. 

Beli (nickname), II. 349. 
Bera, Yt. 65. 

Bera = Kostbera, Am, 182. 
Besingr (sword), Thulor 257. 
Biarr, Kv. 10. 

Bikki, Hamé. 85, L, B. L. 253. 
Bidrn, Kv, Io. 

Biorn, Iarnsida, II. 353.149. 
Blakkr (horse), pp. 6, Kv. ro. 
Blindr, bolvisi, Il. 528. 
Bodvildr, Volskv. 102 sqq. 
Bolvisi (nickname), II, 528. 
Borghildr, Helgi i. 4. 

Borgny, Oddr. 17, 20. 

Bragi, [Hyndl.] 

Bragi, 2 i, 243. 

Bragi, I. 77. 4. 

Bragningar, [Hyndl.] 


INDEX I. 2. 


- Budlungar, Hyndl, 


Brami, Hyndl. 85. 
Brandingi (?), Malsh. 29. 
Brandr, iarl, (Hlt.], Langft. 
Broddr, Hyndl. hes 
Brynhildr, Grip. 106, Tapestry Layspass. 
Brynjolfr, Hit., Langft. = 
Budla-nautr (sword), Hild. 6. 
Budli (Attila’s and Brunhild’s father), 
Hyndl., Grip. 107, L. B. L. 225, ae 
O. G. L. 86, Am. 128, 






Bui, Hyndl. 85. 
Dagr (ancestor of Daylings), Hyndl. 65, va 


76. 

Dagr, Helgi i. (I. 377), Kv. 1. 

Dagr, Yt. 41, 58. 

Danr, Righ 191. 

Danpr, Righ 191. 

Danskr, O.G, L. 47. 

Ditip-auéga (-hugda, ekename), Hyndl., 
Langft. 

Doglingar, [Hyndl.] 

Démaldi, Yt. 26. 

Démarr, Yt. 31. 

Drag-vendill (sword), II. 559, Thul. 232. 

Drengja-mddir (ekename), Hyndl. 77. 

Drosull (horse), Ky. 1. 

Drétt (Queen), Hild. 3. 


Dyggvi, Yt. 35. 


Egill (the archer), Volkv. 5, Hyndl. 
93 (?); Il. 37. 50. 

Egill, Yt. 88. 

JE gir (?), Helgi i. 231. 

Eirekr, Yt. 55. 

Eitill, Akv. 146, Hamé, 31. 

Endill, Arnor v. 17. 

Erla, Righ 158. 

Erpr, Hamé, 72, 124, Bragi 26. 

Erpr, the younger, Akv. 146, Hamé, 30. 

Eyfura, Wak. 39, Hyndl. 83. 

Eyjolfr, Helgi-i. 54. b. 

Eylimi (Swava’s father), Helgi ii. 68, ; 
W. W. L. 20, Grip. 34. 

Eymundr, Austmanna Konungr, Hyndl, 


54. 
Eynefir, Bragi 48. 
Eysteinn (King), Yt. IIo. 
Eysteinn, beli, II. 349; Skaldatal. 
Eysteinn, glumra, Langft. 


Fasti, Yt. 97. 

Faxi (horse), II. 81. 44. 
Fenja, Grott. 2, Biark. 10. ; 
Finnz-leif (coat of mail), Thulor 316. - 
Fiolnir (king), Yt. 2. E 
Fiornir, Akv. 40. 

Fidr-svafnir (sword), Thulor 242. 





HEROIC 


Fitiungr, Chr. W, 133. 

Folkvir (horse), Kv, 12, 

Fradmar, Hyndl. 

Franmar, II, 527. 

Freki, Hyndl, 

Frid-Frdédi, Langft. 

Frid-leifr (Peace-King), Grott. 3, Langft. 

Fridsami (nickname), Langft. 

Frééa-fridr, Helgi i. 51. 

Frédi (Peace-Frodi), Grott. 3 sqq., Yt. 1, 
99, Run, Io. 

Froekni (nickname), Langft. 


Gautrekr, II, 360. 7. 

Geir-hildr, I, 358. No. 5. 
Geir-Hniflungar, Akv. 95 pass. 
Geir-mimir, Helgi i. 56. 

Geir-mundr, Oddr, 108, 

Geir-reedr (King), Grimn. 134; see II. 


525. 

Geir-pidfr, II. 548. 

Geitir, Grip. 9 sqq. 

Gestum-blindi, Riddl. 

Giaflaug (Giuki’s sister), Gkv. 14. 

Gils (horse), Pp. 11. 

Gisl, Yt. 20. 

Gitzorr (Grytinga-lidi), Hlod A. 2, 95, 
Malsh, 85. 

Giuki, W. W. L. 63, Grip. 55 sqq., 
L. B. L. 1, O. G. L. 3 sqq. 

Gitka-synir, Grip, 188, 199, L. BL. 
307, Oddr. 101, Gkv. 66, 77, Am. 4. 

Giukungar, L. B. L. 140, 

Glammi, Bragi 14. 

Glaumr (horse), Akv. 113, Kv. 11. 

Glaumvor, Am, 23, 74, 107. 

Gler (horse), pp. 11. 

Glumra (ekename), Langft. 

Gn6d (ship), Malsh. 31. 

Gndéar-Asmundr, Skida R. 

Godgestr, [HIt.], Langft. 

Godhiallti, [HIt.], Langft. 

God-konungr, Yt. 133. 

Godlaugr, Hit. 15, Langft. 

Godmundr, I. 358. No. 6. 

Godmundr, Granmars son, Helgi i, 123 


sqq.- 
Godny (Gitiki’s daughter), II. 540. 
Godreedr, Flyt. Iv. 13. 
Godriin, see Gudrun, 
Goll-faxi (horse), pp. 8. 
Gollnir, Helgi i. 178. 
Goll-rénd (Giuki’s daughter), Gkv. 43, 


60, 93. 
Goll-toppr (horse), Hp. 3. 
Gothormr, Grott, 59. 
Gothormr (Gitki’s son), Grip. 198, 
L, B. L. 81, Sh, Br, L, 12, Hyndl, 
Goti (horse), pp. 3, Kv. 13. 


BEINGS. 


Gramr (sword), O. W, PI. 157, L. B. L. 
89; Il. 33. 8. 

Grani (horse), Helgi i. 173, Grip. 20, 
Oddr. 79, Biark. 11, Kv. 13, L. B. L. 
161, O. G. L. 9-15. : 

Granmarr, Helgi i. 72. 

Granmars synir, Helgi i. 185, 239. 

Grimhildr, Grip. 130 sqq., Oddr. 57, 
O. G, L. 56 sqq., Am. 257. 

Gripir, Grip. 3 sqq. 

Gripr, Malsh, 26, 

Grotti (mill), Grott. 42. 

Grytinga-lidi (ekename), Hlod A. 95. 

Gudrin, Hamd. Akv., Grip., O. G, L., 
Am, pass.; II. 166. 

Gunnar (Gundhere), Akv., Grip., Tapes- 
try Songs, Atlam. pass. 

Gusir (Guso, Saxo Gr.), II. 557. 

Gusis-nautar (arrows), II, 550. 80. 

Gusis-smidi (arrows), Thulor 293. 

Gylaugr, [HIt.], Langft. 

Gylfi, Helgi i, 201, Bragi 41; II. 81. 


667 


42. 
Gyllir (horse), pp. 12. 
Gyrdér (Gurth), Hyndi. 


Haddingjar, Kv. 4, O. G. L. 126. 

Haddingjar (twins), Hyndl. 86. 

Haddingja-skadi (not -skati), Kv. 4; see 
II, 528 = Helgi iii. 

Haddingr, Helgi iii. 4, 38. 

Ha-feti (horse), Kv. 2. 

Hagall, Helgi iii. 5. 

Hagbar6r, Yt. 73, [Lac. Lays]; II. 64.16, 


534: 

Haki, Ky. 2; II.534; cp. Yngl.S, ch. 27. 

Haki Hrodmarson, Hyndl. 

Hakon, O. G. L. 45. 

Halfdan Snialli, Flyt. Iv. 5, Langft. 

Halfdan (Kara’s father), Helgi iii. 53. 

Halfdan (Danish King), Grott. 80; II. 
361. 11. 

Halfr, Yt. 32; (II. 553.) 

Halfr (Denmark), O. G. L. 42. 

Halfs-rekkar, II. 553. 

Hamall, Helgi iii. 4. 

Hamdér (Hamtheow), Hamd. 22 sqq., 
Bragi 33; II. 166. 

Hamr, II. 361. 

Hand-rami (manu fortis, nickname), 
[Hit.], Langft. 

Haraldr, Hilditann, Hyndl. 97. 

Haré-greipr (ekename), Biark. 5. 

Hari (ekename), Langft. 

Harr, hard-greipr, Biark. 5. 

Havardr, Helgi i. 55. 

Havarr, handrami, [Ht.], Langft. 

Hedinn (Hild’s husband), Bragi 5 2., 15, 
Skida R.; see II. 4, 5. 








668 
HeBinn (Helgi’s brother), Helgi ii. 46, 


64, 89. 

Heidrekr (the wise), Riddle 5 sqq., Wak. 
100, Hlod A. 9 $44. 

Heidrekr (Ordrun’s father), Oddr. 4. 

Heimgestr, Huléar-brddir, [Hit.], Langft. 

Heimir, Grip. 73. 105, L. B. L. 309, 
[Lac. Lays]; II. 532 sqq. 

Heimski (nickname), Hyndl. 

Heiti (sea-king), Arnor vi. 64; see II. 
523. 

Helgi, Hundings-bani, Helgi i. 3 sqq. 

Helgi, Haddingja-skaéi, Helgi iii. pass. 

Helgi, Hiérvardz son, Helgi ii, pass., 
Rimeg. pass. 

Helgi (Hroar’s brother), Langft. ; 
361. 11. 

Helgi, hvassi, Flyt. Iv. 11. 

Hemingr, Helgi iii. 1. 

Herborg, Gkv. 21. 

Héri, Il. 359. 10. 

Herkja (Attila’s queen), Oddr. 6, 35, 

8. 


3 

Herlaugr, [Hlt.], Langft. 

Hervarér, Hyndl, 84, Wak. 8, 33. 

Hervér, Wak. 28, 29, 86. 

Hervoér (swan-maid), Volkv. 59. 

Herpidfr, 11. 548. 

Hialldr, I. 318. 9. 

Hialli, Atlam. 212 sqq. 

Hialmarr, Hialm. D. pass. 

Hialmars-bani=Tyrfing, Wak. 77, 78, 
107. 

Hialpeckr, II. 529, [Lac. Lays.] 

Hiarrandi (Heorend), Bragi 19. 

Hildibrandr, Hild., [Hyndl.] 

Hildigunnr, Hyndl. 

Hildingar, Hyndl. 

Hildir, Hyndl. 64. 

Hildi-tann, HyndL, Langft.; If. 48. 16. 

Hildr (Hedin’s wife), Bragi 16. 

Himinleygr, [Hlt,], Langft. 

Hidr-dis, Grip. 12, Hyndl. 

Hi6rleifr (Hord King), II. 359. 5 sqq. 

Hi6rleifr (son of Hunding), Helgi i. go. 

Hiérvarér, Hyndl. 84, Wak. 8, 33. 

Hidrvarér (son of Hunding), Helgi i. 55. 

Hladgudr, Volkv. 9, 42, 59- 

Hlédis (gydja), Hyndl. 

Hl66r, Hlod A. 5 sqq. 

Hlodvarr, Rimeg. 32. 

Hldéverr, Volkv. 59, O. G. L. 82. 

Hnefill, Hyndl. 64. 

Hniflungar (Nibelungs), Akv. 6, 42, 47, 
70, 103, 107, Hyndl. 69, ge i. 198, 
Biark. 19, Tregr. 18, Sh. B. L. 63, 
Atlam, 158, 175. 

Hniflungr, Atlam. 318. 

Hneeggvan-baugi (ekename), Langft. 





INDEX I. 2. 


H6 (dog), Il. 361. 

H6dbroddr, Helgi i. 73, Volskv. 7. 

Hodbroddr, [HIt.], Langft. 

Heefir (ox), Yt., pp. 14. 

Hégna-déttir (=Sigrun), Helgi i. 67, 
Volskv. 11. 

Hoégni (Hageno), Akv., Grip., Tapestry 
Lays, Am. pass., Kv. 12. 

Hégni (Hild’s father), Bragi 4. 

Hogni (Haki? Sigar’s brother), Helgi 
iii. 18. 

Hoégni, Helgi i. 214. 

Heekings synir, II. 358. 

Heelkver (horse), Kv. 12. 

Heengr, II. 556. 

Hoppr (dog), II. 361. 

Hérdr, Flyt. Iv. 1. 

Horfir, Hyndl. 

Hrafn (horse), pp. 1, Kv. 7. 

Hrani, Wak. 33, Hyndl. 84. 

Hrani, II. 361. 

Hrauéungr, Grimn, (II. 524), Hyndl. 

Hreidarr, Il. 359. 12. 

Hreidmarr, [O. W. Pl.]; II. 529. 

Hringja (ekename), II. 359. 9. 

Hringr (ekename), Langft. 

Hrings-synir, Helgi i. 214. 

Hréarr, Langft.; II. 361. 

Hrodgeirr, Hyndl, 

Hroémarr, Helgi ii. 42, 59. 

Hroémarr, Hyndl. 

Hrokr, Svarti, [Hyndl.]; Il. 553. 

Hrélfr, Gamli (King), Hyndl. 

Hr6lfr (Kraki), Biark. 23, Langft. 

Hrélfr Skidtandi, Biark. 5. 

Hrollaugs-synir, Helgi i. 245. 

Hrémundr, Gripsson, Malsh. 26. 

Hreerekr, Flyt. Iv. 9, Hyndl. 

Hreerekr, sloengvan-baugi, Hyndl. Langft. 

Hroerekr, hnoéggvan-baugi, Langft. 

Hrotti (sword), Thulor 232. 

Hulé (witch, sibyl), Yt. 14. . 

Huldar-brdédir (nickname), [Hlt.], Law . 

Humli, Hlod A. 1. 

Humlungr, Hlod A. 36. 

Huna-kappi, Hild. 33. = 

Hiunar, Akv., Hamé., Am., 0. G. L. 50, — 
Hlod A. 3; pass. 

Hundingr, Helgi i. 39, 293- 

Hundings-bani, Helgi i. 220. 

Hundings-synir, Helgi i. 42, W.W.L.19, — 


P- 3 
Bis. Ean Ham. £5, 44. 
Hiun-megir, Hild. 23. 
Hvassi (nickname), Flyt. Iv. 11. 
Hvitmylingar (arrows), Thulor 288. 
Hymlingr, II. 526. 


- Tarizcar (?), O. G. L. 70. 


HEROIC BEINGS. 


larizleifr (?), O. G. L. 69. 

larn-skioldr, Hyndl, 

Idémundr, Helgi ii, 5. 

Illradi (nickname), Yt. 129. 

Ingialldr, Starkadar féstri, Langft. 

Ingialldr illradi, Yt. 129. 

Ingibiorg, Hialm, D. 52. 

Inn-steinn, Hyndl. 

Tolfs-smidi (arrows), Thulor 294. 

Iénakr, Yt. 122, L, B, L. 248, 250. 

Iénakrs-synir, Hamd. 118, O. G. L. 250, 
Yt. 123, Tregr. 26, Bragi 38. 

lormun-frédi, Yt. 69. 

Iormunrekr (Eormanric), Hamd. 8 sqq., 
L, B. L. 254, Hyndl. 105, Bragi 23. 

for-undr, Yt. 69. 

Tosurr, Hyndl. 

Is-dlfr, Hyndl, 

Isungr, Helgi i. 78. 

Isungs-bani, Helgi i, 78. 

oe gaia Hyndl., Langft., [Flyt. 
Iv. 


Kara Halfdanar déttir, see Helgi iii and 
Il, 528. 

Kerti (horse), Kv. 10, 

Ketill, Hyndl, 

Kiarr, Akv. 29, Volkv. 6, 60, Hlod 
A, 3. 

Klyppr, Hyndl. 

Knef-reedr, Akv. 2, 7. 

Knui (Cneva), Grott. 60. 

Konr, Righ 167. 

Konr, ungr, Righ 174, 185. 

Kost-bera, Am, 32. 

Kraka, II. 347. 

Kraki (ekename), Langft. 


Lang-bardar, O, G. L. 72. 
Langi-fotr (Hoeni), I. 575. 
Lauti (sword), Thulor 235. 
Leggbitr (sword), Thulor 237. 
Leifi, Bragi 30. 

Léttfeti (horse), pp. 2. 
Litil-ati (ekename), Langft. 
Lodbrék, Langft., Krakum, 3. 
Lodbroékar-synir, II, 359. 
Loféar, [Hyndl.] 

Loféi, [Hyndl.] 

Loféungar, [Hyndl.] 
Lofn-heidr, O. W. Pl. 33. 
Logi, Yt. 52. 

Lungr (horse), I. 78. 4. 
Lyng-heidr, O. W. Pl. 43. 
Lyngvi, IL. 530. 


Maringar, I. 59. 
Marr (horse), I, 78. 4. 
Meinpiofr (?), Kv. 6. 


669 


Melnir (horse), Helgi i. 211. 
Menglod, Svipd. M, 12, 92 sqq. 
Menja, Grott, 2, 14. 

Mikilléti (ekename), Langft. 
Mimingr (sword), Thulor 240. 
Mistilteinn (sword), Thulor 240. 
M6dnir (horse), Kv. 1. 

Mér (horse), Kv. 6. 

Morgin, Kv. 6, 

Mundill Gamli, [Hlt.], Langft. 
Myinir (horse), Helgi i, 211. 





Nanna Noékkva-déttir, Hyndl. 

Neri (Nereidr), II. 548. 

Nidudr (King of Niars), Volkv. 25 sqq. 
Nokkvi (Nanna’s father), Hyndl. 
Nordri (dwarf), Hallfr. i, 96. 


Oddr Vidforli, II. 549. 

Oddriin, L. B. L. 229, Oddr. 5 sqq. 
Oddruinar-grdtr (poem), Oddr. 126. 
Odlingar, | Hyndl.] 

Olafr (Aleifr), litilati, Langft. 
Olméér, Hyndl. 

Olrin, Volkv. 5. 60, [Hyndl.] 
Olrinar-nautr (sword), Thulor 271, 
Ondorr, Yt. 20. 

Onundr, Yt, 123. 

Orkningr, Am, 103. 

Ormr-i-auga (nickname), Langft. 
Otr, Biark. 15. 

Ottarr, heimski, Hyndl, 

Ottarr, vandil-kréka, Yt. 93. 
Opiddan, Il. 355. 


Raé-bardr, Hyndl., Langft. 

R&d-ny, Ch. W. 65. 

Ragnar, Lodbrok, Il. 341-353. 

Rakni (sea-king), II, 35. 7. 

Randverr (lormunrek’s son), Darr. 5; U. 
532, 541; Bragi 25. 

Randverr (Ivar’s father), Hyndl., Langft. 

Reginn, O. W, Pl. 143 sqq., W. W. L. 47, 
Grip. 44; I. 315.11; Malsh. 5. 

Reifnir (sea-king), Bragi 20, _~ 

Rer (sea-king), Bragi 22. 

Reyvill (sea-king), W. W. L. 23. 

Rigr, Stigandi, Righ 4 sqq. 

Rigr (Iarl), Righ 181. 

Rinar-malmr, L. B. L. 66. 

Rognvaldr, II, 351. 115. 


Saxi, Ord. 21. 

Se-fari, Hyndl. 

Semingr, Hit. 13, Langft. 
Sz-reidr, II. 526. 

Sz-valdi, Chr. W. 37. 

Sevi (king), Helgi iii. 39, 42, 47. 


as ot 
ae 


$4 


Aes oth a a ae 





670 


Sigarr, Helgi iii, 18, Hlt. 17, O. G. L. 
55, Hyndl., [Lac. Lays] ; Il. 534. 

Sigarr (messenger), Helgi ii. oF 

Siggeirr, Helgi i, 168, O. G, L. 55, 
[Hyndl. 

Sigmundr (Wolsung), W. W. L. 2, Helgi 
i. 21 sqq., O. G. L. 52, Hyndl. 8, Firm, 
16 [and pass. as father to Sigfred]. 

Sigmundr (Sigfred’s son), O. G. L. 95. 

Signy, Yt. 54, [Hyndl.] 

Signyjar ver = Hagbard, Yt. 54. 

Sigr-drif (-drifa?), W. W. L. 77. 

Sigr-linn, Helgi ii. 1, 15; 66. 

Sigroedr (Sigfred), O. W. Pl. 147 sqq.; 
see Siguror. 

Sig-ruin, Helgi i. pass., Volsky. 

Sigtryggr, Hyndl. 55. 

Sigurér (Sigfred), W. W. L., Grip., Tapes- 
try Songs, pass, 

Siklingar, [Hyndl.] 

Silfrin-toppr (horse), pp. 7. 

Sin-fidtli (Sinfetila), W. W. L. 2, Helgi i. 
32, 127-188, Eirm. 16; II. 528; see 
II. 528, 5209. 

Sinir (horse), pp. 7. 

Sin-ridd, IL 526. 

Skafnortungr, II. 360. 1. 

Skart-hedinn, Chr. W. 45. 

Skeid-brimir (horse), I. 78. 11. 

Skekkill, Hyndl, 

Skelfir, Hyndl. 

Skevaér (horse), Hp. 5. 

Skiald-meyjar, Akv. 66, 170. 

Skialf (Queen), Yt. 50. 

Skialfar-ver (nickname), Yt. 50, Langft. 

Skilfingar, Yt. 91, Hyndl. 

Skilfir, [Hyndl. 

Skidldr, [Hyndl.], Arnor vi. 56; see 
Langft. 

Skidldungar, W. W. L. 78, Sh. B. L. 58. 

Skidtandi, Biark. 5. 

Skofnungr (sword), Thulor 256. 

Skrymir (sword), Thulor 235. 

Skuldir (Norns), Helgi and Sigr. 2, Am. 5, 

Skurhildr, Hyndl. 

Slagfiér, Volkv. 7 

Slengvir (horse =the thrower), Yt. 103, 
Ky, 11, (Slungnir.) 

Sner, gamili, II, 523. 

Snevarr, Atlam, 102. 

Snialli (ekename), Flyt. Iv. 5. 

Sniallr (Niel ?), II. 328. 9. 

Sélarr, Atlam. 102. 

Sdrli (Sarila), Hamé. 40 sqq., Bragi 32, 

Sérli g66radi, Chr. W. 81. 

Sérli (lover), Malsh. 49. 

Séti (horse), pp. 3. 

Spor-vitnir (horse), Helgi i. 210. 

Starkadar-féstri (ekename), Langft. 








INDEX I. 2. 


Stérkodr (see Saxo), Malsh. 25; II. 548; 
see I. 466, 467, and Skida R. 325. 

Storkudr, Helgi i. 244. 

Stufr (horse), pp. 5. % 

Svafnir (Sigrlind’s Pathe), Helgi ii. r. 

Svafodr, Chr. W. 45. 

Svafor-l64, [Lac, Lays) II, 538. 

Svaforr, Chr. W. 2 

Svafr-lami, Wak. 32, 

Svafr-logi, Chr. W. 2, i 
Svanhildr, Hamé, 7. 61, Tregr. 27-345 by 
L. B. L. 251. 

Svanhvit, Volkv. 7. 

Svanr, Raubi, Hyndl. 

Svava, Helgi ii. 72, 83, 95, Hyndl. 
Svegdir, Yt. 6. 

Sveigiodr (horse), Helgi i i, 190. 
Sverd-hialti, [Hlt.], Langft. 
Svipdagr, Svipd. M. 217, 226. 
Svipodr (horse), Helgi i. 190. 


Tialldari (horse), pp. 2, Thulor 560. 

Tindr, Hyndl. 

Téfa (Hervar’s mother), Wak. 30. 

Totra, II. 361. 16. 

Treg-réf (poem), Tregr. 58. 

Tré-telgja (eken.) = Vidartelgja, Langft. 

Tryggvi = Dygevi, Langft. 

Trygill (nickname), [Hit.], Langft. 

Tunni, Yt. 86. 

Tunna-dolgr (nickname), [hidden in Yt. 
86], Langft. 


Tyrfingr (sword), Wak. 59,96, Hlod A. 


37, Thulor 256. 
Tyrfingr (bearsark), Hyndl. 


Ulfr, Hyndl. 
Unarr, Ch. W. 37. 


Valdarr (Mildi), O. G. L. 69, Hlod A. 3, 
Langft. 

Valr (horse), pp. 2, Kv. 5. 

Vandil-kraka (nickname), Yt. Ioo. 

Vandill (sea-king), II. 81. 54. 

Vanlandi, Yt. 12. 

Varinn, Rimeg. 42. 

Varr, II. 362. - 

Vé-bogi, Chr. W. 65. 

Vedr-Hallr, [Hlt.], Langft. 

Veidi-konungr (nickname), Langft. 

Vermundr, Vitri, Langft. : : 

Vé-steinn, Kv. 5. ae 

Vid-fadmi (nickname), [Hyndl.], Lang - 

Vifill, Kv. 5. 

Vig-blar (horse), Helgi i. 282. 

Vigda, [HIt.], see I. 528. 

Vigg (horse), I. 78. 5. 

Vigulfr, Chr. W. 82. ; 

Vikarr, II, 548; see I, 466, 467. 





HEROIC AND MYTHOLOGIC GEOGRAPHY. 


Vilmundr, Oddr, 2r. 

Vingi, Am, 13, 108, 139. 
Ving-skornir (horse), W. W. L. 76. 
Visburr, Yt. 17. 

Vitri (ekename), Langft. 


Volsungar, Helgi i. 217, Bragi 56, Hyndl. 


Volsungr, W. W. L. 32, O. B. L. 2 sqq. 
V6lundr (Wayland), Volky. 9 sq. 
Vottr, Yt. 97. 


Yifingar, Helgi i. 17, 134, 346, iii. 31. 
Yngvarr, Yt. 117, Thiod. iii, 88. 
Yngvi, Helgi i, 215, Yt. 39, Hit. 17. 


671 


Yngvi (king), Yt. 64. 
Yngvi-Freyr, Hit. 44. 
Yrsa, Grott. 79. 


bakkradr, Volkv. 161. 

begn, pp. 6. 

piaurikz = piddrekr, I. 59. 

piddmarr (‘Theodrick’s father), Ord. 11. 
biddrekr (Theodrick), Ord. 7, 17. 
péra, Drengja-mddir, Hyndl. 77. 

bora, hidrtr, II. 347. 

bri-mzli (poem ?), Am. 384. 

pvinnill (sea-king), II. 80. 35. 





3. HEROIC AND MYTHOLOGIC GEOGRAPHY. 


Alfheimr, Grimn., 15. 
Algreen (isle), Harb. 42. 
Am-svartnir, I]. 637. 
Andlangr, Thulor 490. 
Ara-steinn, Helgi i. 54. 
t-heimar, Hlod A, 11. 


Asa-gardr = Asgard, pkv. 16, 73, Hym. 


24, Lokas. 149. 
As-bri, Grimn. 89. 
As-garér, pkv. 73;" Il. 27. 3. 
Aur-vangr, Sh. Vsp. 15. 
Austr-vegar, Lokas, 239. 


Barri, Skirn. 161. 

Bil-rést, O. W. Pl. 119; I. 77. 4. 
Bil-skirnir, Grimn. App. 14; II. 27. 8. 
Bolm (in the east, Sweden), Hyndl. 
Borgundar, Akv, 74. 

Braga-lundr, Helgi iii. 33. 
Bra-lundr = Bragalundr, Helgi i. 4. 
Brandey, Helgi i. 85. 

Bra-vollr, Helgi i. 173. 

Breida-blik, Grimn, 41. 

Brimir, Vsp. 161. 

Bruna-vagar, Helgi iii. 25. 
Brunn-akr, Haust. 35. 


Danir, see p. 679. 

Danmérk, see p. 679. 

Danpar-stadir, Hlod A, 30, Akv. 19; cp. 
Righ. 

Danskr, see p, 679 

Diin-heidr (?), Hlod A, 85. 

Dylgja(?), Hlod A. 85. 


Eli-vagar, Vpm. 119, Hym. 17. 
Eljudnir, Malsh. 34; see II. 546. 


Fen-salir, Vsp. 72. 
Fidtur-lundr, Helgi i, 254. 
Fivi (Fife), O. G..L. 55. 


Folk-vangr, Grimn. 49. 
Freka-steinn, Helgi i. 140, 219. 


Gim-lé, Vsp. 159. 

Ginnunga-gap, Vsp. 12. 

Ginnunga-vé, Haust. 58. 

Glads-heimr, Grimn. 25. 

Glitnir, Grimn. 53. 

Gnipa-hellir, Vsp. 120. 

Gnipa-lundr, Helgi i. 118, 204. 

Gnita-heidr, Akv. 23, Volkv. 54,Grip. 42. 

Glasis-lundr, Helgi ii. 4. 

God-heimr, Sonat. 44. 

God-vegr, Hyndl. 18, 

God-pidd, — 59, Tregr. 32, Hlod A. 
29, 50 sq 

Gotnar, Ham. 10, 84, 89, 106, 109, 132. 
Hlod A. 2. 

Gotneskr, O. G. L. 56. 

Grafar-dss, I, 352. 

Gridtuna-haugr, Haust. 54. 

Gymis-gardar, Skirn. 29 sqq. 


Harvada-fidll, I. 352. 

Hata-fidrdr, Rimeg. 1. 

Ha-tun, Helgi i. 31, 97. 

Hava-holl, Havam. 6, 125. 
Hedinsey, Helgi i. 87. 

Heidornir, Thulor 489, 

Hel (place and goddess), see p. 662. 
Hel-grind, Wak. 86. 

Himin-biérg, Grimn, 84. 
Himin-fidll, Helgi i. 2. 
Himin-vangar, Helgi i. 31. 
Hindar-fjall, W. W. L. 67. 
Hlé-bidrg, Helgi i. 245. 
Hleidrar-stéll, Grott. 73. 

Hlessey (Learsey), Harb. 105. 
Hlid-skialf, II. 51. 7, Hallfr. v. g; see Il. 


525. 
Hlym-dalar, L, B, L. 309, 313. 








672 


Hlymir, Thulor 493. 

Hnit-bidrg, see I. 465. 

Hnit-fidll, Hit. 8. 

Hoddmimis-holt, Vpm. 179. 

Hraun-Valir (giants), Hym. 140 n. 

Hregg-mimir, Thulor 489. 

Hreid-Gotar, Vpm. 43. 

Hréid-mar (lake), I. 59. 

Hring-stadir, Helgi i. 29. 

Hring-st6d, Helgi i. 31. 

Hridér, Thulor 493. 

Hiina-land, Oddr, 15, Hlod A. 5. 

Hun-lenzkr, Hamé. 64. 

Htin-mork, Akv. 52. 

Hinskr, A B. L. 16, 264, O.G.L. 84, 
Am. 362. ; 

Hvera-brunnr, Vsp. go. 

Hver-gelmir, Grimn, 83. 


larn-vidr, Sh. Vsp. 47. 

Ida-vollr, Vsp. 33, 192. 

ffing (river), Vpm. 57. 

lordan (?), Helgi i. 248. 

Iormun-grund, Grimn. App. 10. 

loro-vellir, Sh. Vsp. 15. 

Iorva-sund, Helgi i. 95. 

Tosor-fidll, Hlod A. 86. 

Iétna-gardar, Love L. 49, Skirn. 119, 
I, 126. 26. 

I6tun-heimar, Skirn, 167, Pkv. 17 sqq. 
Vsp. 40, 130, Haust. 27. 


Ker-laug (river), Grimn, 85. 
Kormt (river), Grimn. 85. 


Leiptrar-vatn, Helgi i. 259. 
Lima-fidrér, Am. 16. 
Loga-fidll, Helgi i. 50, 57. 
Lyfja-berg, Svipd. M. 192, 243. 
Lyngvi, II. 637. 


Mann-heimar, Hit. 11. 

Mid-gardr, Vpm. 82, Harb. 72, Hyndl. 
36, Vsp. 18, 153. 

Mimis-brunnr, Vsp. 57. 

Moins-heimar, Helgi i. 187. 

Mork-in-Helga, Hlod A, 8. 

Morna-land, Oddr. 2. 

Munar-heimr, Helgi ii. 2, 91, Sol. 

Munar-vagar, Hialm. D, 4, Wak. 1. 

Myrk-heimr, Akv. 168. 

Myrk-vidr, Akv. 51, Lokas. 170, Helgi 
i, 211, Volkv. 1, Hlod A, 28. 


Na-grindr, Lokas, Prag Skirn, 143. 
Na-strond, Vsp. 167, 

Niarir (people), Volkv. pass. 

Nida-fidll, Vsp. 162. 

Nifi-hel, Vpm. 172, Doom 7. 

Noa-tin, Vpm. 149, Grimn, 57, pkv. 91. 


INDEX I. 3. 


Nordr-vegar, Helgi i, 15. 
Noregr, see p, 682. 


~ Odins-salr (=Walhall), Eirm. 11, 15. 


Okolnir, Vsp. 160. 

Oran (river), Biark, 16. 
Ormt (river), Grimn, 85. 
Oskopnir, O, W. Pl. 117. 


Radseyjar-sund, Harb. 17. 

Ran-himin, Haust, 62. 

Rin (river), Volky. 55, Sh. Br. L. 15, 
Akyv, 106. 

Roduls-vellir, Helgi ii. 23, 96 (-fialla). 

Rog-heimr, Helgi ii. 96. 

Rosmonar (tribe), Akv. 72 2. 

Rosmon-fidll, Akv. 72 a, 

Rygjar-dalr, Chr. W. go. 


Sago-nes, Helgi i, 162. 
Samsey, Lokas. 96. 
Sezmorn (river), Helgi ii. rg. 
Sess-rymnir, Grimn. 50 2. 
Seva-fidll, Helgi i. 235, 279. 
Scevar-stdd, Volkv. 3, 69. 
Sigars-holmr, Helgi ii. 30. 
Sigars-vollr, Helgi i. 30. 
Siglitnir, II. 637. 
Sindri, Vsp. 163. 
Singa-steinn, Husd. 21. 
Skata-lundr, L. B. L. 319. 
Skatyrnir, Thulor 496. 
Skidtanda-vaéd, [Yt.} 
Slidr (river), Vsp. 171. 
Snz-fidll, Helgi i. 30. 
Sogn, Helgi i, 203. 
Sokk-dalir, Hit. 5. 
Sokkva-bekkr, Grimn. 21, 
S$6l-fidll, Helgi i. 30. 
Sél-heimar, Helgi i. Igo. 
Sparins-heidr, Helgi i. 210. 
Stafns-nes, Helgi i, 88. 
Styr-kleifar, Helgi i. 244. 
Sudrcenn, Akv, 8, Helgi i. 64, Volkv. 4, 
L. B. L. 13, O. G. L. 47. 
Sudr-vegar, O, G. L. 23. 
Sunn-menn, Ord, 21. 
Svarins-haugr, Helgi i, 121. 
Svi-pidd, Hild. 4, Grott. 54. 


Tréno-eyrr, Helgi i. 93. 


Ulf-dalir, Volkv. 20, 53.. 

Ulf-siar, Volkv. 80. 

Una-vagr, Helgi i, 119. 

Unnar-steinn, Helgi i, 260. 

Upp-himiri, Vpm. 75, Vsp. 12. 
Urdar-brunnr, Havam. 2, Vsp. 46; I. 2a. 


Vad-gelmir (river), W. W. Pl. 14. 





HEROIC AND MYTHOLOGIC GEOGRAPHY. 


Vaga-sker = Singasteinn, [Husd.?], I. 574. 

Vala-skialf, Grimn, 19. 

Val-biorg, O. G. L. 114. 

Val-grind, Grimn, 69. 

Val-h6ll (terrestrial), Akv. 6, 55. 

Val-héll (celestial), Grimn. 26, 74 sqq., 
Eirm, 2, Hakm. 4, 21, Vsp. 68. 

Valir, O. B. L. 263, Hlod A. 3. 

Val-land, Harb. 74, L, B, L. 293. 

Valneskr, O, G. L. 135. 

Valskr, Oddr. 66. 

Van (river), II. 637. 

Vandils-vé, Helgi i. 276. 

Varins-ey, Helgi i. 154. 

Varins-fidrdr, Helgi i, 103. 

Varins-vik, Rimeg. 42. 

Vaskar (Guascons), O, G. L. 69 ”., Hlod 
A 


» 3: 
Verland, Harb, 143. 
Vestr-salir, Doom 41. 
Vett-mimir, Thulor 494. 
Vid-blainn, Thulor 491. 


VOL. Il. 


673 


Vid-fedmir, Thulor 492. 

Vidi, Grimn, 62. 

Vifils-ey, II. 361. 8. 

Vigda (river), see I, 528. 
Vig-dalar, Helgi i. 276. 

Vig-ridr (plain), Vpm, 65. 

Vil (river), II, 637. 

Vimor (river), I. 126. 21, Husd. 19. 
Vin-biorg, O, G. L. 114. 
Vind-blainn, Thulor 488, 
Vinga-meidr, Havam, 9, Hit. 20. 


Y-dalir, Grimn, 13. 

Yggdrasils-askr, Grimn, 88, 96-117, Vsp. 
43,136. 

Yggijar-galgi, Sonat. 74. 


polley, Rimeg. 54. 
pérs-nes, Helgi i, 167. 
prud-heimr, Grimn, 11. 
prym-heimr, Grimn, 37. 
pund (river), Grimn, 65. 


xx 





674 


INDEX: Ef 


CF ee ea, eT ee ae eo ee 
, ees Ape Meanie lk 


a0 a 
‘a 
7 





HISTORICAL. 


1, NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS. 


Aédalbrict, Ivar 1. 

Adalréér (Eng. King), II. iii. 2; Sigh. 
v. 4, Ott. i. 39. 

Aédal-steinn (Eng. King), Sigh. x, 28, 

Adal-steins-féstri (ekename), Sigh. x. 27, 
Kont, 46. 

Aka-sonr = Wagn, Iomsv. 115. 

Aki (Wagn’s father), Iomsv. 32 sqq. 

Akkeris-frakki, Hallfr, v. 2. 

Alafr, see Aleifr, Sigh. x. 30. 

Alafs sonr=King Magnus, Thiod. i, 16 

_ pass. 

Aleifr, Geirstada-alfr, Yt. 171. 

Aleifr, Tré-telgja, Yt. 137. 

Aleifr (St. Olave), II. 124-172 pass. ; 

see II. 116-124. 

Aleifr, King of Sweden, Ott. iii. 4. 

Aleifr (Olaf Peacock), Husd. 1. 

Aleifr (Volo-bristr), I. 361. No. 19. 

Aleifr, II. 105. 65. 

Alfgeirr, II. 59. 44. 

Alfhildr, Sigh. ix. 18; see IT, 119. 

Alfifa (Alfgifu), Sigh. viii. 29, Thiod. i. 9. 
-himins -lendingar = Islendingar, II. 
37- 48. 

Amb-h6fdi (nickname), Wick. 57. 

Ari (Bp. Gudmund’s father), II. 278. 1. 

Arinbidrn, Ad. 41 [64, 67], Sonat. 

Arni (church-wright), II, 282. 4. 

Arnketill, II. 60. 3; 115. 8. 

Arnméér (Earl), lomsv, 83, 116. 

Asa (Queen), Yt. 166. 

Asa (girl), I. 367. No. 53. 

Asgrimr, 1. 363. No. 32. 

Aslakr, Sigh. vi. 25. 

Aslakr (holmskalli), Iomsv. 52. 

Asméér, I. 79. 7. 

Asta (St. Olave’s mother), Sigh. iii. 66, 
Kont, 169. 

Astridr (St. Olave’s Queen), Sigh, ix. 9. 

Atli (lawman), Sigh, x. 1 2. 








Baglar (faction), II. 280. 61. 
Bardi (ship), II. ror. 15. 
Barroedr, lI, 62. 25. 


Beiskjaldi (ekename), Skida R, 69. 
Ben-teinn, Ivar. 86 

Ber-foettr (ekename), Kont. 189. 
Bergr, Sigh. iv. 1. 

Bergporr, II. 327. 12. 


- Berserkir (champions), Hornkl. 71. 


Bersi, Korm. 61. 

Biarni Broddhelgason, Isldr. 14. 

Biarni, II, 274. 14. 

Biarni (poet), Rekst. 136, Isldr. 52; cp. 
Skaldatal, IT. 443. 

Biartmarr, II. 333. 24. 

Biérn (Chapman), Hakm. 5. 

Biorn (Austroeni), II. 115. 2. 

Bidrn (Hitdoela-kappi), II. 106, 

Bidrn (church-wright), II, 282. 4, 

Bidrn (Marshal), Sigh. iii. 3, vii. 72. 

Bidrn (King Swein Ulfsson’s brother), 
Arnor ii, 51, Mark. 70. 

Birki-beinar (faction), II. 279. 41. 

Bl660x (ekename), II, 35.1, Kont. 42. 

Beeggvir, I. 361. No. 19. 


Bélstr-maka-verd = Hofudlausn, Ad, 21. — . 


Botolfr (skipper), II. 281. 5. 

Brandr, orvi, I. 364. No. 36. 

Braut-Onundr, Yt. 123. 

Breid-skegegr, II. 280. 53, 56. 

Briann (Irish King), II. 329. 36... _ 

Brodd-Helgi, Isldr. 10. 

Brisa sonr = Earl Rognwald, Arnor ix. 2. 

Brusi (Orkney Earl), II, 164. 31; Arnor 
ix. 2. 

Bui, I. 365. No. 40; II. 48. 22 ; 50. 373 
Iomsv. 35 sqq. 

Byrgir, Il. 81. 45. 


Cesar (Kaiser), Mark, 73. 


« 


Clus Petrus (St. Peter), Sigh, v. 37. 


Dafinnr = David, Ivar 10, 

Dagr, Sigh. vii. 79; 11.177. 59. 
Dagr (Gregorius’ father), Einar v. 6. 
Dags-hrid (battle), II. 177. 69. 
Dags-sonr = Gregorius, Einar v. 6. 
David (Scot-King), Ivar 8, 





HISTORIC 


Digri (ekename, St. Olave), Sigh. iv. 21, 
vi. 12, 16, ix. 6, x. 22, Arnor i, 41, 
Thiod, ii. 1; 11.177. 69. 

Détta, II, 218. 12. 

Droplaug, Isldr. 24. 


Egill Skallagrimsson, Isldr. 37. 

Egill Ogmundson, II. 62. 18. 

Egill (Norse noble), II. 241. 5. 

Eilifr (Earl), Thiod. x. 5. 

Einarr (Orkney Earl), Arnor vi. 8. 

Einarr, pambarskelmir, II. 230. 20. 

Einarr, Féstri (poet), II, 384. 150. 

Einarr (poet), II. 277. 1. 

Ejn-foetingr, I. 364. No. 34. 

Ejnridi, Ungi, Geisli 178. 

Eirekr, Sigrseli, King of Sweden, II. 62. 
16; Sigh, iii, 82. 

Eirekr (Bloodaxe), Eirm. 18, 28, Hofudl., 
Arinb. 18; II. 31. 24; 40. 46. 

Eirikr (Svein’s son, the Good, Danish 
King), Mark. 2 sqq. 

Eirikr Hékonarson (Earl), died 1023 ; II. 
52.14, Hallfr. i.58, Sigh. iv.13, lomsv. 
82 sqq.; see II. g8—-104. 

Ella, Sigh. v. 1; II. 162. 8. 

Ellidi (ship), Korm. 147. 

Erlingr (Skialgsson), II. 104. 36; 163. 5; 
Sigh. vi. I sqq. 

Erlingr, Skakki (Earl), If. 278. 2. 

Erro-beinn (ekename), II. 79. 6. 

Eyrar-leggr (ekename), II. 76. 49. 

Eysteinn (King), Yt. 148. 

Eysteinn (King Bareleg’s son), II. 
24. 

Eysteinn, Korm, 80. 

Eysteinn (Gilchrist), Einar iv. 3, v. 11, 
Geisli 29, 283. 


246. 


Finnbogi, Rammi, Isldr. 5.4. 

Finnr (Fidr) Arnason, ITI. 164. 29; 175. 
19, Thiod. iii. 53. 

Finor (Ulfsson), Ivar tot. 

Fiéro-skeifr (nickname), II. 252. 9. 

Flosi, I. 358. No, 7. 

Foli, Sigh. vii. 32 2. 

Forni = Tinforni, II. 61. 4. 

Féstri (ekename), Ivar 5. 

Fridrekr, koena, II. 274. 13. 

Fré6di (ekename), Korm, 60. 

Fr6di (Semundr), Kont. 160. 


Galli, II. 108. 38. 

Gamli, II. 36.18; 40. 48. 
Gammr (ship), I. 363. No. 27. 
Gaukr Trandilsson, Isldr, 75. 
Geiri, Isldr. 41. 

Geirmundr, I, 361. 15. 
Geirmundr, Iomsv. 68. 
Geirstada-alfr, [Yt. 175.] 


PERSONS. 


Geitir, Isldr. 11. 

Gestr, II. 115. 5. 

Giffardr (?), Sigh. i. 50. 

Giffardr, II. 248. 5, 9. 

Gilli (nickname), Kont, 239. 

Gislungr, II. 335. 6. 

Gleesi-rofa (nickname), Ivar 94. 

Glumr, II. 70. 3. 

Glimr Geirason, Isldr. 42. 

Godbrandr (Baron of Dales), Sigh. vi. 42. 

Godi (=Snorri), II. 114. 3. 

G6di (ekename), Geisli 113, Kont. 150. 

Godreedr (Gothofredus), Gofuglati, Yt. 
161. 

Godrcedr, II. 17. 

Godreedr (King of Man), IT. 244. 27. ° 

Godthormr, Sindri (poet), II. 222. Io. 

Gofuglati (ekename), Yt. 161. 

Goll-Haraldr, Kont. 73. 

Gormr, II. 81. 49; Sigh. iv. 6. 

Grafelldr (ekename), I. 365. No. 39; 
Kont, 71. 

Gregorius Dagsson, see Einar v. 6. 

Grettir, Isldr. 65. 

Grimr, II. 105. 66. 

Grimr Droplaugarson, Isldr. 29. 

Grimr, Eyrarleggr, II. 76. 49. 

Griétbiérn = Arinbiérn, Ad. 67. 

Gridtvor, II. 107. 14. 

Gudmundr Arason (Bishop), II. 281. 9; 
282. 9. 

Gull-Bui= Bui, Iomsv. 101. 

Gunnarr, II. 421. 

Gunnhildr (Queen), II. 165. 17. 

Gunnlaugr (Ormstunga), II. 105, 66. 

Gunnvaldr (?), Sigh. i. 49. 

Giithormr (Earl), Geisli 121. 


675 


Ha-foeta (ekename), Wick. 16, 

Hak-langr, Hornkl. 73. 

Hakon (Urna-iarl), Hit. 27; II. 33. 15. 

Hakon (Hlada-iarl, riki), I. 365. No. 40; 
II, 51. 5; 103. 20; Iomsv. 47 sqq.; 
see II. 41 sqq. 

Hakon, Adalsteins-féstri, Hakm. 24 sqq. ; 
II. 31. 29; 36. 26; Sigh. x. 26. 

Hakon Eiriksson (Doughty Earl), Sigh. 
i. 56, iv. 8; Ott. i, 52. 

Hakon Ivarsson (Earl), Thiod. iii, 57. 

Hakon, péris-féstri, IT. 246. 1. 

Hakon (Broad-shoulder), Einar vii, 8; 
II, 278. 12. 

Hakon Hakonarson (King, died 1263), I. 
364. No. 36. 

Hakon, Morstrut, II. 252. 7. 

Halfdan, Hvitbein, Yt. 143. 

Halfdan, Mildi and Matar-illi, Yt. 157. 

Halfdan (Svarti), Hornkl, 15. 

Halfdan (Svarti, younger), II, 321. 1. 


xx2 - 


676 


Halfdan (son of Sigrod Hrisi), Kont. 168. 

Halla, Il. 283. 7. 

Halldérr, I, 362. No. 25. 

Halldorr, Il. 327. 2. 

Hallfroedr (poet), Rekst. 135. 

Halli, II. 230, 18. 

Hallsteinn, I. 361. No. 17. 

Hamundr, I. 361. No. 15. 

Haraldr (Fairhair), Hornkl. 1 etc, ; I. 364. 
No. 37. 

Haraldr Gormsson (King of Denmark), 
Il, 81. 43; Sigh. x. 46. 

Haraldr, Gr&felldr, II. 35. 8; 36. 24, 
Kon. 69. 

Haraldr, Grenski (St. Olave’ Leiria, Sigh, 
i. 28, 

Haraldr (hardradi), I. 365. No. 44; Sigh. 
vii. 100, Thiod. i. 18, ii. 62, iii, vi, viii. 

Haraldr (hein), Wick. 52, Mark. 30. 

Haraldr (Harefoot), Sigh. x. 6. 

Haraldr Havason (Earl), Loft. iii. 3 2. 

Haraldr (Strut-haraldr, Earl), lomsv. 25. 

Haraldr (Gilchrist), Ivar 41. 

Haraldr Maddadson (Orkney Earl), see 
Einar iv. II. 

Hard-magi (nickname), hidden in Ivar 


- 106, 

Harekr, II. 51. 8. 

Har-fagri (ekename), Hornkl. 2 #.; II. 
322. 2. 

Havardr, Iomsv. 51, 135. 

Hedin, hardmagi, Ivar 106. 

Heidum-harr (ekename), Yt, 180. 

Hel (St. Olave’s axe), Arnor ii. 36. 

Helga Fagra, II. 112. 40. 

Helgi (ekename, St. Olave), Thiod. x. 4, 
Einar vi. 2, Geisli 278. 

Helgi Asbiarnarson, Isldr. 27. 

Hemingr (Hakon Hlade earl’s son), II. 
102. 32. 

Herjolfr, holkinarsi, I. 362. No. a1. 

Hermundr, Arnor vii. I. 

Hialmun-Gautr, I. 361. No. 18. 

Hiart-hofdi ari Wick. 55. 

Hildi-tannr, II. 48. 16 

Hior-leifr, I. 421. 

Hneitir (sword), Arnor ii. 2, Geisli 169. 

H6fudlausn (poem), Ad. 33. 

H6lga-bridr, Iomsv. oc 

Holkinarsi (nickname), I. 362. No. 21. 

Holmgongo-Bersi, Isldr. 94. 

Holmgongo-Starri, Isldr. 105. 

Holmsteinn, I, 363. No. 32. 

Hoérda-Knutr (Harda-cnut, King), Sigh. 
ae 

Hoskollr, I. 357. No. 2. 

Hrafn, Il. 105. 65 ; 111, 112. 

Hrafn, II. 115. 20. 

Hrafnketill, Bragi 1. 


ya Rpm arte Te Bijan aiakt 


Se ERY tae ee 


INDEX II. 1. 


Hringr, II. 177. 59. 

Hrisi (nickname), Kont. 165. 

Hroaldr (Baron), Ad. 69. 

Hrélfr (Rollo), Wick. 1. 

Hrollaugr, Wick. 1. 

Hugi-in-Pridi (Hugh), II. 242. 52; 244, 


32. 
Hundason (son of —_ hidden under 
Arnor vi. 9, Io. 
Hundr (nickname), Sigh. vii. 66, 69. 
Hunn = Bi6rn, Sigh. iv. 16. 
Hvinantoréi (nickname), hidden in Ivar 


74+ 
Hvita-Christr, Sigh. viii. 21. 
Hvitbeinn, [Yt.], Langft. 
Hyrningr, II. 104. 30; Rekst. 84. 


larizleifr (King of Russia), Thiod. x, 3. 
larlmadr, II. 277. 9. 

latgeirr (Eadgar, King), Ott. ii. 13. 
Iatmundr (Eadmund, King), Ott. i. 42. 
Igul-tanni = Bidrn, II. 282. 3 

Ingi (King of Sweden), I. 366. No. 48. 
Ingi (Gilchrist), Einar iv. 4, Geisli 31. 
Ingibiérg, Iomsv. 176. 

Ingimundr (priest), I. 369. No. 64. 
Ingolfr (settler), II. 421. 

Ingolfr (the Fair), I. 362. No. 23. 
Ioan (Archbishop), Geisli 34. 

Ioan Loptsson, Kont. 295, 305. 
Idreidr, see Einarr ix. 4. 

Ioseppr, I. 370. No. 68. 

Ivarr, Sigh. v. 2. 

Ivarr (franklin), Sigh. xi. 13. 


Kalfr Arnason, Sigh. vii. 50 .; II. 163, 
164. 

Kalfr, kringlo-auga, Ivar 107. 

Karkr, prell, Kont. 83. 

Karl, I, 359. No. 11. 

Karl Hundason, Arnor vi. 9. 

Karlhoféi (ship), Sigh, ii. 9. 

Karli, II. 172. 55. 

Karls-efni, I. 364. No. 34. 

Ketill, Il. 283. 

Kiartan of Vatzfiord, I, 369. No. 64. 

Kiotvan, Hornkl. 64. 

Klasi, II. 281. 17. 

Knutz nefi (= King Swein), Thiod. i. 53. 

Knutr, Mighty (Riki), II. 104. 50; 161, 
162; 163.12; 170. 28; Sigh. iv, v. 
er ., Ott. ii, Loft. i, ii, pass., Kont, 


Knits (St., King of Denmark), Mark, 12, 
Kodran, I. 363. ‘No. 31. 

Koena (nickname), II. 274. 11. 
Koflungar (faction), II. 279. 45; 280. 50. 
Kol-brun, II. 175, 2. 

Kolbrunar-visor (poem), II. 175. 2. 





HISTORIC 


Kormakr, I. 368. No, 62, Isldr. 97. 

Korni, I. 362. No, 22. 

Kringlo-auga (nickname), Ivar 107. 

Kristin (Sigurd Crusader’s daughter), 
Kont, 272. 

Kristinarson = King Magnus, Kont. 272, 


277. 

Kiugi (nickname), II. 327. 7. 
Kvaran (King of Dublin), II. 111. 5. 
Kyrri (ekename), Kont, 178. 


Leifi = porleifr, Skida R. 74. 

Leifr, I. 361. No. 15. 

Leira (nickname), Iomsv. 165. 

Lidtolfr, Godi, I. 354. No, 11. 

Lod-héttr, I. 361. No. 15. 

Liégmadr (King of Man), II. 242. 36; 
244. 28. ; 

Loptr Palsson, I. 370. No, 70; II, 282. 5. 

Loptr, Semundzson, Kont. 315. 

Liufa, Yt. 152, Hornkl. 74. 


Maddadr (Scotch Maormor), Einar iv, 11. 

Magnus (King Godi), II. 119, 120; I. 
365. No. 43, Sigh. vii. 15, ix, x. pass., 
ag] i, 3, Thiod. i, ii. pass., ii, 214- 
216, 

Magnus (Bareleg, King of Norway), II. 
241-247. 

Magnus (the Blind), Ivar 118, 138; Il. 


273. 7- 

Magnus (King, d. 1184), I. 367. No.55a; 
I], 278. 11. 

Magnus, Gilchrist, Einar iv. 4. 

Makt-hildr (Princess), II. 247. 1. 

Midfjardar-Skeggi, Isldr, 81. 

Mikkiall (Emperor), LU. 218, 7. 

Mikkiall (Archangel), Arnor viii. 1. 

Morokari (Morkere), II, 225. 18. 

Mor-strutr (nickname), Il, 252. 8. 


Nagli, II. 59. 41. 
Nefja (nickname), Wick. 21. 
Nokkvi (?), II. 30. 10. 


Oddi, Skida R. 35. 

Oddo (Otho II, Kaiser), Vell. 38 . 

Ogmundr (Kormak’s father), I. 368. No. 

_ 62, Korm, 136. 

Ogmundr Foélason, Sigh, vii, 34. 

Olafr, see Aleifr, Alafr. 

Olafr (Kyrri, Quiet, King), Thiod, x. 1; 
Il. 225-227. 

Olafr (Haraldz son kesjo), Ivar 77. 

Olafr, G6di (Bareleg’s son), Kont, 201. 

Olafs-sud (ship), Il, 278.17. 

Olver, Sigh, iii, 64. 

Onundr, Yt, 123. 

Onundr (King of Sweden), Sigh. v. 11. 


PERSONS. 


Onundr Simonson, II, 278, 9. 

Orknhéfdi (nickname), Wick. 54. 

Ormr, Skégarnef, Isldr. 73. 

Ormr Stérolfsson, Isldr, 58. 

Ormr-in-Langi (ship), Hallfr, pass.; I. 
14, 20, 30. (Nadr, Lung, etc.) 

Ottar (poet), Sigh, xi, 43, Geisli 46. 


677 


Prudi (nickname), II. 244. 32. 


Réd-svinni (ekename), Yt. 179. 

Ragna (Orkney lady), II. 276. 13. 

Ragnarr Sigroedarson (King), Bragi 22, 

Ragnfroedr (King), Vell. 52. 

Ragnhildr (Queen), Hornkl, 87. 

Reggbuss, Arnor ii, 45. 

Rek-stefja (poem), Rekst, 2. 

Réttil-beini (ekename), I. 364. No. 37. 

Riki (ekename), Kont. 129. 

Ripa-Ulfr, II. 277. 4. 

Régnvaldr, Rad-svinni (Earl of Moeri), 
Yt. 179, Wick. 13, Arnor vi. 46, where 
called Gamili. 

Régnvaldr, Réttil-beini, I. 364. No. 37. 

Roégnvaldr (Ladoga Earl, Saxason ?), Sigh. 
iii, 66 sqq., vi. 36 

Régnvaldr (Orkney Earl, Briisason), Arnor 
v. 19. 


Saxi (Earl Rognwald’s father ?), Sigh. iii. 
6 


Semundr, Frédi, Kont, 318. 
Semundr (of Oddi, d. 1221), I. 370. No. 


°. 
Serlc (Norse noble), II. 252. 6. 
Sidu-Hallr, Isldr. 86. 
Sigfiiss (Semund’s father), Kont. 318. 
Sighvatr (pérrcedarson, poet), Sigh. xi, 
34, Geisli 45; see Il, 118-124. 
Sigr-haddr, II. 332. 3. 
Sigroedr (Ragnar’s father), Bragi 4. 
Sigroedr (Hlada-iarl), Yt. 35; Il. 33. 4. 
Sigroedr (Orkney earl), II. 329. 35. 
Sigroedr (Hakon Hlade Earl’s son), II. 
103. 18. 
Sigroedr, Hrisi (King), Kont. 165. 
Sigtryger (King of Dublin), II. 111. 3. 
Sigurdr, Syr (King, d. 1018), I. 369. No. 
63; Thiod. iii, 81, Kont. 168. 
Sigurdr (Crusader, King of Norway), II. 
250. 34; Geisli 275. 


Sigurdr, Slembi, Ivar 6 sqq.; II. 272. 4; 


275. 16. 
Sigurdr (Gilchrist), Einar iv. 3, Geisli 30, 
Sigurdr (of Reyri), II. 278. 10. 
Sigurdr, kapa, Iomsv. 35. 
Sigvaldi (Earl), Hit. 47; L 365. 40; Il. 
48. 22; 49.8; 103. 10; lomsy. 33 sqq. 
Simon, skalpr, Einar v. 9. 





678 


Sindri (ekename), II. 322. 8. 

Skalpr (nickname), Einar v, 9. 

Skapti, I. 363. No. 32. 

Skarar-fagri = Harfagri, Kont. 32. 

Skaréi, Korm. 81. 

Skeggi, I. 363. No. 28. 

Skeifr (= fioro-skeifr), I]. 252. 12. 

Skialgr (Erling’s father), Sigh. vi. 11. 

Side (beggar), Skida R, 12 sqq. 

Sk6fnungr (sword), Isldr. 83. 

Skolmr, Isldr. 51. 

Skopti, II. 52. 8. 

Skreyja (nickname), II. 35. 9. 

Skrymir (sword), Korm, 161. 

Skuma, II. 7o. 3. 

Sleito-Helgi, IT. 57. 40. 

Snzbidrn, I. 362. No. 20. 

Snorri (Godi), I. 359. No. 10; II. 62. 3; 
115. 6,11. 

Sélborg, Einar ix. 1. 

Sorli, Isldr. 12. 

Stefnir (Stephen), II. 80. 19. 

Steigar-porir, II. 246. 2 

Steinarr, II. 70. 40. 

Steingerdr, Korm., 40 sqq. 

Steinkell (Swedish King), Thiod. iii. 55. 

Strid-keri, II. 327. 8. 

Sturli, Skida R. 59 sqq. 

Stutt-feldr (nickname), II. 251. 30. 

Styr-bidrn (Swedish champion), II. 330. 


74 

Styr-karr, Ivar 95. 

Sunniva (St.), Kont. 284. 

Svarti (nickname), Kont. 11, 

Sveinn (Forkbeard, King), I. 368. No. 
59; Ott. ii. 30. 

Sveinn Ulfsson (King of Denmark), Wick. 
51, Armor ii. 9, iii, 11, Thiod, i, ii, 
vi-viii; II. 216-220. 

Sveinn (Earl, Hakonson), II. 104. 333 
169. 5; Sigh. ii. 6 sqq. 

Sveinn Alfifoson, II, 164. 22; 171. 48; 
Thiod. i. 9. - 

Sveinn (Svein Ulfsson’s son), Mark. ii. 3. 

Sveinn Asleifarson (Orkney Wicking), I. 


400. 

Sveinn (Grathe), II. 277. 1. 

Sveins sunr = King Knut, Ott. iii. 30; II, 
162. 5, 8 pass. 

Sverrir (King), I. 367. No. 55 a; II. 
279. 41; 281. 12. 

Svina-grimr, Ivar 98. 

Syr (ekename), I. 369. No. 63. 


Tann-gnidstr (nickname), II. 71. 17. 
Thomas (Beket), II. 282. 9. 
Tidenda-Skopti, II. 52. 8 2. 

Tin-teinn (nickname), Korm. 40, 97. 
Téfa (Sighvat’s daughter), Sigh, vii. 98. 


INDEX II. 1. 


Togdekes (poem), Loft. i. 31. 

Torf-Einarr (Orkney Earl, poet), I. 364. 
No, 38. 

Tor-rek (poem), Sonat. 94. 

Tosti, Il, 65. 

Trani (ship), Hallfr. i. 65. 

Trausti= Trygegvi, II. 31.14 2. 

Tré-skegg, I. 364. No. 38. 

aryEey! (King), I. 368. No. 59. - a 
Tryggvi, Il. 171. 47. A 

Tryggvason (=King Olaf), I. 368.No. 
59; Hallfr. 1 pass., Sigh. vi. 34. i 

Tuta (dwarf), Thiod. xi. 11. 

Tvi-skelfd (poem), Rekst. 138. 

Tyrfingr (sword), Arnor iii. 4. 


Uggi, II. 80. 24. 

Ulfhednar, Hornkl. 72. 

Ulfketill, II, 105. 60; 107. 23. 

Ulfr Uggason, II. 80. 23; see II. 22. 

Ulfr (Earl, Rognwald’s son?), Sigh, iii, 
84, 85, vi. 36. 

Ulfr (Earl, King Swein’s father), Thiod. 
i. 14; II. 219.1 

Ulfr (marshal), II. 224. 5. 

Ull-strengr (nickname), II. 246. 9. 

Ungi (nickname), Geisli 178. 

Urna-iarl (ekename), [Hlt. 40.]} 


Vagn (Akason), II, 76. 2, Iomsy. 36 


$qq. 

Vali, I. 71. 25. 

Valldamarr (King of Russia), II. 52. 31; 
Sigh. vii. oI. 

Valpidéfr (English Earl), II. 227. 5, 11. 

Vatn-Ormr, I. 336. No. 50. 

Veringjar, II, 216. 2; Geisli 212. 

Vedr-Ormr (English chief ), Ad. 76. 

Vermundr, II. 58. 8. 

Vé-seti, Iomsy, 28. 

Vé-steinn, II, 333. 23. 

Vetr-lidi, II, 80. 34. 

Vidar-telgja ee Yt. 137. 

Vidraldi, I. 371. No. 76. 

Viga-Styrr, lI. 114. I 

Vigfuss (Viga-Glumsson), Iomsyv. 133. 

Vigfuss (son of Bidrn), Il, 115. 2. 

Vigr (spear), Korm. 151. 

Viihialmr (Conqueror), II. 227. 5. 

Vilialmr (?), Sigh. i. 43. 

Vilialmr (Skinner), Ivar 8, 92. 


Visundr (ship), Sigh. vi, 12, Arnori, 24, i. 


ii, 22; II, 169. 13. 


pangbrandr, II, 80. 35 

pegjandi (nickname), Wick. 4. 
pengill, I. 361. No. 17. 
pinga-menn (guards), II, 232. 34. 





pambar-skelmir (ekename), II, 230, 21. a 





ae 


be 





HISTORIC PLACES. 679 


péra (King Bareleg’s daughter), Kont. 
2 


y 

pore (girl), II, 282. 5. 

béralfr Skolmson, Isldr. 50, 

porarinn, kappi, Isldr. 102. 

porbergr Arnason, II. 164. 25. 

porbiérn, Svarti, I. 367. No. 54. 

pérdr Félason, Sigh, vii. 31,” 

pordr, see Hdrrodr. 

porfinnr (Orkney Earl), II, 162, 31, Arnor 
vi. 59) 74+ 

porgils Oddason, Skida R. 34. 

porhalldr, Isldr. 92. 

périr, begjandi (Earl), Wick, 4. 

périr (Baron, Arinbeorn’s father), Ad. 58. 

périr, Hundr, Sigh. vii. 65. 

porir (Steigar-périr), I, 369. No. 63; 
Il. 244. 7; 246. 10. 

péorir (of Garth), II, 114, 7. 

périr, hvinan-tordi, Ivar 75. 

porkell, Fostri, Ivar 5. 





porketill, Leira, Iomsv. 56 sqq. 
porketill (Earl), II, 107. 15; Iomsv. 34. 
porketill (dyrdill), Hallfr, i, 68, Rekst. 
115. 

porketill (Steingerd’s father), Korm. 88. 
porketill, I, 363. No. 32. 

porketill Geitisson, Isldr. 17. 

borleifr (Baron, the wise), Haust, 2. 
porleifr (poet), Isldr. 69. 

porleifr, Skiima, Iomsv, 135. 

porleifr, beiskjaldi, Skida R. 70, 
pérreedr (poet), II. 193. 3. 

porroedr (Sighvat’s father), Sigh. viii. 8, 
porsteinn Egilsson, II. 166.1; 167. 4. 
porsteinn (Sido-Hallzson), Isldr. 92. 
porvaldr Kodransson (missionary), I. 363. 
No, 31; 368. No. 57. 

porvalldr Kiartansson, I, 369. No. 64. 
pérveig, Korm, 68, 

prainn, I, 363. No. 27. 

bufo-skitr (nickname), II, 280, 63. 





2. NAMES OF PLACES, ETC. 


A-in-Helga, Ott. ii. 40. 

Adal-sysla, Il. 52. 29. 

Adalpegns-hdlar, II. 362. 27. 

Africa, Thiod. iii, 11. 

Agdir, II. 104. 32; 165. 4; Sigh. ii. 10, 
Ivar 80. 

Agna-fit, Hialm. D. 44. 

Akr (Acre), II. 277. 25. 

Akrs-borg, I. 367. No. 54; II. 252. 12. 

Aldeiga, II. 52. 17. 

Alfheimr, hd. 74. 

Alkassi, II. 249. 11. 

Alpta-fidrdr, If. 115. ro. 

Alvangs-eyrr, II. 112, 38. 

Andverdo-skégr, II. 25 x. 

Apardian (Aberdeen), Einar iii, 12. 

Arés, Il. 214. 4. 


 Askr, I. 366. No. 49. 


Asolfs-gata, Skida R. 57. 

Assatun, Ott. ii. 36. 

Aumar (Isles), II. 165. 2. 

Aurar, Ht. 40 2, 

Aust-kylfor, Hornkl. 80. 

Aust-menn, Hornkl. 69; II. 220. 29. 
Aust-mork, Yt. 89. 

Aust-reenn, Hornkl, 30. 

ear Yt. 45, Sigh. iii. 92; II. 


235. 8. 
Austr-Vindr, Thiod. x. 7, 
Bakki, II. 277. 7. 


Balagardz-sida, Sigh, i. 12. 
Bali, IJ. 362. 


’ Bar (Bari), Mark. 28, 


Belgjadalr = Hitardalr, Skida R, 67. 
Biarkey, II. .246. 5. 


Biarmskr, II. 39. 22. 

Bidrgyn, Einar v. 8; II. 267.6; 276. 4. 

Bitra, I], 115, 17. 

Blé-land, II. 215. 16. 

Bla-menn, II, 231. 15; 251. 16. 

Bokn, Sigh. vi. 10; II. 163. 2. 

Bolgara-land, II. 353. 151. 

Bolgarar, Thiod. iii. 2. 

Bolm (in the East, Sweden), Hyndl, 

Bolm (Isle), Norway, Thulor 664. 

Borg = York, Arnor iv. Io. 

Borro, Yt. 159. 

Brandfurda (Brentford), II. 107. 26 #.(?); 
Ott. ii. 32. 

Bretar, Hallfred i. 41. 

Bretzkr, II. 95. 27; Arnor vi. 27, 

Bur-fell, II. 362. 26. 

Byréa, Vell. 62, Ivar 93. 


Cantaraborg, Sigh, i. 31, Ott. i. 30. 
Clement-kirkja, Loft, iii. 17. 


Dana-skégar, Ott. ii, 38. 

Dana-veldi, Arnor i. 30, Thiod. ii. 44. 

Danir, O. B. L. 330, Ott. iv.1; II. 235. 
I pass. 

Danmarkar-auki=Selund, Bragi 42. 

Danmork, O. G. L. 45, Wick. 50, Hild. 
3; Il. 81. 53; 235. 13; Sigh. v. 17, 
Ott. i. 8, Loft. i. 25. 

Danska Tungo, Sigh. i. 58, Mark. 74, 
Geisli 104. 

Danskr, O. G. L. 47, Hornkl. 86. 

Diki, II. 108. 28; Sigh. i. 23. 

Dinganes, Vell. 66 n. 

Deelir, I], 252. 17. 





680 


Dofra-fidll, Sigh. xi. 28. 

Dollz hellir, I. 276. 10. 
Domisnes, I. 370. No. 27. 

Drafn, I. 363. No. 31. 

Drit-vik, II. 362. 29. 

Dyflinni, Arnor vi. 59; II. 247. 13. 
Dyrs-ness, Arnor vi. 10. 


Egdir, Loft. i. 5 

Eid (Hebrides), If. 281. 11. 

Eida-bu, Hit. 49. 

Eida-skégr, Sigh. iii. 65, 70. 

Eidar, Sigh. iii. 41, 45, Ott. i. 65. 
Eikunda-sund, Sigh. iii. 16 #., Loft. i. 12. 
Eistneskr, Yt. 120. 

Eistr, Yt, 125. 

Ekkiall, Arnor vi, 23. 

Elfr, Gotha R., Thiod. i. 14, vi. 1; I. 


219. 17. 
England, II. 107.12; 227.8; Arnor iv. 


13. 

Englar, Sonat. 6; II. 104. 53; 225.133 
Ott. iv. 2, Arnor vi. 47. 

Enni, II. 59. 38. 

Erri (Isle), Ivar 63. 

Ey-buar, Ott. iv. 2. 

Ey-Danir, Hit. 46, Hakm. 12, Arnor ii. 
19, Mark. 65. 

Eygota-land, Sigh. iii. 18 x, 

Eyja-fidrér, II. 74. 6. 

Eyjar (Iceland), I. 370. No. 70. 

Eyjar (Orkney), Wick. 6, Ott. i. 70, 
Arnor vi. 74; II. 242. 37; Ivar 3. 

Eyland, Yt. 99. 

Eylima-fidrér = Lima-fidrdr, II. 40. 32. 

Eylond (Western Isles), II. 245. 33. 

Eyrar-sund, II. 52.17; 170. 27; Thiod. 
viii. I. 

Ey-sysla, Sigh. i, 6, Ott. i. 20. 

Eyverskr, Hallfr. ii. 25. 


Falstr (Isle), II. 223. 12. 

Falstr-byggvar, Arnor ii. 56, iii. 2. 

Fedja (Isle), pd. 24. 

Feneyjar, Mark. 27. 

Fetlafiordr (?), France, Sigh. i. 46. 

Fialir, Hit. 30. 

Filar, Il. 225. 19; 278. 14. 

Finnar, II. 37. 41; Sigh. vii. 65. 

Finn-lendingar, Sigh. i i. IO, 

Finn-m6rk, Kont. 27. 

Fién (Isle), Arnor ii. 59, iii. 2, Thiod. i. 
52 n., ii. 17; Il. 217. 18. 

Firdir (men of Firths), II. 278. 14. 

Firdir (Norway), Ad. 85; II. 31. 30. 

Firdir (Scotland), Ivar 14. 

Fitjar, Sigh. x. 25 ; A IL. 161. 11. 

Fivi (Fife), O. G. L. 55, Sigh. iv. 20. 

Flzmingjar, II. 95. 20. 


INDEX II. 2. 


Flidt (England), II. 162.6; 225 2. 

Fliét (Iceland), II. 68. 121. 

Formintera, II. 251, 15. 

Fors, Kont. 260. 

Foxerni, II. 248. 7. 

Frakkar, Vell. 36; II. 218.5; 227. 4; 
Ivar 36. 

Frakk-land, Mark. 20. 

Frisir, Vell. 35; II. 94. 16. 

Froedar-berg, II. 31 2. 

Fréda-vellir, II. 59. 28. 

Fulla-furda (Fulford), Arnor iv, 3 #. 

Fyri, Yt. 34. 

Fyri-leif, I. 366. No. 49. 

Fyris-vellir, II. 36. 26; 62. 13. 


Gaddgeddlar (Galloway), [Arnor] ii, 593° 

Gandvik, pd. 7; Il. 81. 49; Ott. i, 65 2. 

Gardar, II. 94; 163.10; 235.6; Sigh, iii. 
75, ix. 1, Arnor v. 2, Thiod. iii, 26, 

Gavlar-dalr, Kont. 81. 

Gauta-lég, II. 243. 67. 

Gauta-sker, Vell. 44. 

Gautzkr, Thiod. ii. 55. 

Geirstadir, Yt. 175. 

Geirvér, I. 358. No. 8. 

Girkir, II. 222. 2; Ivar 35. 

Girzkr, Arnor i. 8. 

Glaum-berg, II. 62. 21. 

Gnupr, I. 369. No. 67. 

Godmarr, II. 50 x. 

Godnar-fidrér, II. 229. 7. 

God-pidd, Hlod and A, 29, O.B. L. 315. 

Gotar (Goths), Hamd., Akv., Hlod and 
A. Io pass. 

Gotar (of the Isle of Gotland), II. 94. 11. 

Gotland (Isle), II. 52. 15. 

Gotneskr (Isle of Gotland), Ott. i. 17. 

Grend, Groend, Yt. 172. 

Grenir (Groenir), II. 51 2. 

Grenland = Groend, II, 244. 21. 

Grenski (Groenski), Kont. 127. 

Grikland, Loft. ii. 1; Il. 218. 18. 

Grik-sallt, II. 252. 10. 

Grimsbyr, II, 276. 2. 

Grims-mid, II. 358. 2. 

Grislo-pollar (?), Sigh. i. 42. 

Groena-land (Greenland). 

Groena-veldi (Greenland), Rekst. 42. 

Greenlendingar, II. 176. 38. 

Grytingar, Hlod and A. 2. 


Gunnvaldz-borg (?), Sigh. i. 49. 


Hadaland, I. 364. 377. Nos. 36, 77. 
Hadar (Hadians), Il. 241. 19. 
Ha-dyri, Loft. i. 10. 

Hafrs-fidrér, Hornkl. 62, 81. 
Hakonar-hella, Kont. 64. 

Haleygir, Hakm. 10, Ivar 88. 





eee 2 


Trees) 





eee 





a Sa 
+ 7 


~~, 


HISTORIC PLACES. 681 


Haleyskr, I. 367. No. 52. 

Halland, II. 39 2.; 224.15; Arnor iii. 6, 
Thiod, viii. 4. 

Hallvardz-kirkja, Kont. 224. 

Hals, Il. 40. 33. 

Hangrar, Sigh. ix. 7. 

Harmr (frith), II. 244.6; Thulor 679. 

Hauga-brekkor, II. 327. 1. 

Haugar (Denmark), Thiod. ii. 34. 

Haugr ( = Olves-haugr), Thiod. iii. 1; II. 
223. 24. 

Hedinsey, Hallfr. i, 46 n. 

Hedins-reki, Hallfr. i. 54 2. 

Heida-byr, Il, 94. 14; 219, 2; Thiod. i. 


22. 
Heidar-kolla, II. 362. 
Heidskr = Heinverskr, Ott. i. 57. 
Heinir, Sigh. ii, 47, Arnor ii, 20, Thiod. 
iii. 67. 
Heinverskr, Hornkl. 85. 
Helga-nes, Arnor i. 44, ii. 43, Thiod. i. 58. 
Helsingar, II, 217. 23. 
Her-bidrg, II. 177. 46. 
Her-dalir, Sigh. i. 9. 
Herdir, Il. 245. 21. 
Hert-ford, II. 105 x. 
Hiallta-eyrr, Il. 328. 4. 
Hialltar (Shetlanders), Arnor v. 18, vi. 25. 
Hialltland, Arnor vi. 52. 
Hialltlendingar = Hialtar, Ott. i. 68. 
Hiarta-pollr, Einar ii, 14. 
Hillar, Sigh. viii, 15. 
Himin-fioll, Yt. 124. 
Hior-nagli, Loft. i. 14. 
Hiorunga-vagr, Iomsv. 80, 
Hising (Isle), Einar iii. 6, 
Hitar-dalr, Skida R. 376. 
Hitar-vatn, Skida R. 65. 
Hleidr, Grott. 73; Il. 224. 11. 


‘Hiéssey, Oddr. 109, Harb. 105, Thiod. 


V. 5. 

Hid, Geisli 148. 

Hlymrek, II. 30. 8. 

Hlyrskégs-heidr, Geisli 111, 

Hnikars-lundr = Odinsve (?), cf. Scata~ 
lund, Thiod. ii. 11. 

H66 (Isle), Bragi 14. 

Hof, Sigh, iii. 49. 

Héfei, I. 361, No. 17. 

Holar (Iceland), II. 281. 1. 

Hoelgar = Haleygir, Hornkl, 85. 

Heeli (?), Sigh. i. 39. 

Hollsetar, II. 266. 6. 

Holm-buar, Thiod. iii, 62. 

Holmr, II. 94. 5. 

Holmr (Bergen), II. 278. 21. 

Holmr-inn-Grani, Einar iv. 1; II. 272. 3. 

Holm-Rygir, Hornkl, 84, Hakm. 10; 
II. 30 2. 


Holtar, Yt. 157. 

Hordar, Hornkl. 84; II. 278. 13 pass. 

Horn (Cape), Skida R. 107. 

Horn-skégr, II. 218. Io. 

Hramnlausa, IT, 217. 24. 

Hramnseyrr, II, 225. 22. 

Hreggsnasi, II. 362. 

Mer (people), Sigh, vii. 33, Thiod. 
iii. 68. 


Hringariki, Kont. 18. 

Hringmara-heidr, II. 105. 64; 107. 17 
n.; Sigh. i, 27, Ott. i. 26. 

Hringsfiordr (?), France, Sigh. i, 38. 

Hringstadir, Thiod. ii. 26. 

Hrois-kelda, II. 217. 21. 

Hrétt (Isle), I]. 280. 52. 

Hrund (Isle), Einar iii, 29. 

Hinaland, Gkv. 21, Oddr. 15, Hlod and 
A. 5; Il. 64. 30. 

Hunlenzkr, Hornkl. 30. 

Hunskr, O. G. L. 84. 

Hvammr, Skida R. 58. 

Hvarf (Cape Whare), II. 281. 14. 

Hvedn (Isle), Einar i, 10, ii. 18. 

Hvita-byr (Whitby), Einar iii, 18. 

Hyitings-hialli, II, 106. 28. 


Iacobs-land (Galicia), Il. 252. 6. 

Iadar, Hornkl. 80 ; II. 17.88; Sigh. vi. 7. 

Iadar-byggvar, Amor ii. II. 

Iamtr, II. 94. 9. 

fl (Islay), Il. 244. 24. 

Imbolar, II. 277. 24. 

Inney, II. 176. 45. 

Inn-preendir, Sigh. vii. 62; II. 219. 6. 

Inn-proenzkr, Sigh. ii, 41. 

lofor-fegi =Ioforland, Hofudl, 68. 

Tofor-land, Hofudl. 63. 

loforvik, Ad. 16. 

Iohannis-kirkja, I. 363. No. 31. 

Iém, Arnor i. 36, ii. 30. 

Iémsvikingar, lomsv. 66. 

Tordan, II. 223. 7; 251. 25; 252, 16. 

Iérsala-borg, Ivar 26. 

Térsalir, II. 222.2; 252.13; Mark, 81. 

Iérvik, Sigh. v. 2. 

Tétar, Ott. ii. 5, Thiod, i, 52 2.3; IL 
220. 40. 

Iétland, Sigh. v. 30, Arnor ii. 24, Thiod. 
i 8 


ii, 8. 
Iétlandz-haf, II, 220. 32. 

Iétzkr, Yt. 112. 

frar, Darr. 31; II. 95. 26; Ott. iv. 2. 
Irskr, II. 39. 10; 247.16; Arnor vi. 41. 
{sabrot (Iceland), Hofudl. 3. 

Island, Ott. iv. 8. 

Iva (River), pd. 46. ® 

Ivist (Isle), I]. 241. 34; 244. 17- 
Ivitza, II. 250. 56. 


Se PR ee Ce ae Ee et ee eee 





682 


Kalda-kinn, I. 361. No. 18. 
Kalmarnir, Ivar 59. 

Kaupangr, II. 226.57; 247. 14. 
Kinnheima-siéa, Sigh, i. 18 2. 
Kiolr, Il. 421. 

Klif-sandr, Il. 106. 26. 

Knorrom, Sigh, iii, 23 1., viii. 26. 
Kérmt, IL. 165. 43 Einar vii. 4. 
Kristz-kirkja (Nidaross), Geisli 136. 
Kristz-kirkja (Bergen), Kont. 243. 
Kroéka-skégr, II. 273. 12. 
Kumbrar, pd. 50, Sigh. v. 36 2. 
Kumbrskr, II. 95. 28. 

Kvildrar, Ivar 102. 

Kvinnar, Hornkl. 17. 


Langarni, I. 371. No. 76. 
Langa-tun, Einar iii, 28. 
Langbarda-land, Thiod. iii. 25. 
Langeyjar-sund, II. 273. 20. 
Lea-m6da (?), Sigh. i. 34. 
Lebaugs-ey = Vedrey, II. 170. 29. 
_ Leik-berg, Einar iii. 8. 
Leira, R. Sigh, i. 52. 
Lesir, Thiod. x. 8. 
Lidar, Thiod. iii, 68. 
Lidsmenn, Thiod. x. 8. . 
Lima-fidrér, Yt. 70, Sigh. v. 28, Loft. i. 3. 
Lindisey, Ott. ii, 17. 
Liddhus (Isle), IL. 244. 15. 
Lissibon, II. 249. Io. 
Lista-haf, Sigh. iii. 15. 
Listi, pd. 75, Loft. i.g; II. 165. 4. 
Lofund, Yt. 110. 
Lén-drangar, II. 362. : 
Lundr, Wick. 35; II. 170. 29; Thiod. 
ii. 28, Mark. 74. 
Lundr (Iceland), II. 114. 9 
Lundun, II. 105.58; 108. 48; Ott.i. 22. 
Lunduna-briggjor, Sigh, i. 22. 


Manork (Minorca), II. 250. 28. 
Man-verjar (Manx), II. 30 2.; 244. 26. 
Mava-hlid, IT. 59 ” 

Mikla-garér, II. 21 5. 7; 277.26; Mark. 


97- 
Moda (Thames), II. 104. 46. 
Médéa (Humber), II. 225. 17. 
M6a (Gotha River), Einar vii. 6. 
M66ro-vellir, II. 283. 12. 
MOn (Isle of Man), II. 95. 24; Arnor 
vi. 45. 
Mont, Sigh. viii. 5. 
Meeri, Wick. 4; II. 103. 15 ; Ivar 105. 
Meerir, II. 95. 43; Arnor vi. 45. 
Morva-land (Moravia), Oddr. 2. 
Munka-yeldi (=Rome), Mark. 32. 
Myl (Isle), Thulor 653. 
Mylskr, II, 244. 22. 
Mynni, II. 272. 1. 





yy See ae te a 


‘ iS a z RG aa See 


OREN RUN ea 


INDEX II. 2. 


Naust-dyrr, Sonat. 12. 
Nesjar, Ivar 80, Kont. 121. ; 

Nid (River), Sigh. v. 7, Loft. i. 20; II. 
170, 16; Thiod. iv. 7, Arnor iv. 28. 
Nidar-bakki, Kont. 210. 
Nitz (River), Arnor iii. 3, Thiod. iii. 43; 

Il. 223. 17. 
Nitzar-dss, II. 224. 24. 
Noré-menn, Hakm. 12. 
Nordvik, Ott. ii, 22. 
Nordymbrar, II. 95. 22. 
Norédymbra-dik, Ott. ii. 28. 
Noregr, Wak. 93, Helgi ii. 47, Loft. i, 23. 
Néregs-menn, II. 104. 40. 
Norva-sund, II. 249. 16. 


Odda-verjar, Kont. 321. 

Oglo, Hit. 38. 

Q£nir (Eynir), II. 101. 5. 

Olves-haugr, Geisli 52. 

Ondurt-nes, II. 362. 

Ongulsey, II. 242. 42. 
Ongulseyjar-sund, Geisli 124. 
Onguls-sund (idem), Arnor vi, 43 2,3 IL. 


. 244- ZI. 
Orkn-deelir, Il. 29 2. 
Orvar-hamrar, II. 241. 14. 


_ Oslo, Il. 241. 5; Kont. 221. 


Peita, Sigh. i. 54, Ott. i. 37. 
Peitneskr, Sigh. ii. 12, Arnor i. 26, 
Pettlandz-fiorér, Arnor v. II. 
Petzina-vellir, Geisli 206. 

Pilavik (?), Einar iii, 26, 

Portyrja, I. 366. No. 50. 


Rapta-hlid, I. 360. No, 14. 

Rauda-bidrg, Arnor v. 10, vi. 55 ”. 

Rauda-haf (Mediterranean), II. 337. 26. 

Raumar, Arnor ii. 19, Thiod. iii. 62, 

Raumdeelskir, II, 278. 15. 

Raums-dalr, Kont. 276, 

Re (Isle), Arnor ii, 41. 

Rein-slétta, I]. 322 2. 

Remir, Einar iii. 9. 

Reningr, Yt. 130. 

Ripar (Ribe), II. 277. 4. 

Roga-land, Kont. 38. 

Rém, Rum, Il. 22; Sigh. viii, 235 
Mark, 26, 33. 

Rudo-borg, Sigh. iv. I. 

Ruim=Rom, 

Rums-vegr, Sigh. v. 36. 

Rygir, Il. 241. 7; 278. 13. 

Rygijar-bit, Sigh. vi. 40 2. 


Sallt (Baltic), Sigh, iii. 92, Ott. i, 11. 
Salit-it-Eystra, Arnor i. 7 
Samsey, Hialm, D, 32; II. 359. 





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HISTORIC PLACES. 


Sandey (Isle, Hebrides), II, 281. 6. 
Sandey, Il. 244. 23. 

Sandvik, II. 162 2, 

Sandvik (Scotland), Arnor vi. 20, 
Sanntiri (Cantyre), II, 244. 25. 
Sarpr, II, 266. 8. 

Saudungs-sund, Sigh, i. 55. 
Saurar, Thiod. ii, 27 2. 

Saurbeer, II, 70, 8 ; Skida R. 32. 
Saxa (Isle), 1. 363. No, 28. 
Saxa-merki, Mark. 34. 


_Saxar, Vell, 38; II. 94. 16; Ivar. 37. 


Saxland, Mark. 69. 

Sezheimr, Kont, 66. 

Selja (Isle), Sigh. i. 55 7., xi. 40. 

Seljo-pollar (?), Sigh. i. 48. 

Selmein = Selund, II. 31. 6. « 

Selund (Isle), Il. 31. 6; 217. 20. 

Selundz-byggvar, Thiod, iii. 72. 

Serkir (Saracens), II. 31.8; 249. 17. 

Serkland, Thiod, iii. 5. 

Seztt (Sidon), II. 252. 17. 

Sidland (Zealand), Thiod, ii. 24. 

Sigg (Isle), II. 165. 1. 

Sigtinir, Hialm, D. 28. 55, Arnor ii, 8, 
Thiod. i. 5; II. 216. 12. 

Sikley, Thiod. iii. 8; Il. 215.13; 228.5. 

Silund = Selund, Sigh, v. 10, 

Simgalar, I, 370. No, 72. 

Sintre, II. 249. 6. 

Skaney, II. 31. 10; 94.12; 228. 5; Sigh, 
v. 19, Arnor ii. 54. 

Skaneyjar-sida, II. 31. 10; Thiod. ii. 54. 

Skani =Skaney, Thiod, ii. 37. 

Skanungar, II, 1o1. 8; Ott. ii. 7, Arnor 
II, 51, Thiod. ii. 40, 

Skat-valar, Ht. 9 n. 

Skaut (?), Geisli 157. 

Sker-eid, Yt. 147. 

Skid (Isle), Arnor vi. 35 2.; II. 241. 333 


244. 19. 
Skidungar (from Skida, Norway), II. 66, 
8 


78. 

Skirings-salr, Yt, 147. 

Sk6rd, Skida R. 57. 

Skorpo-sker (?), Einar iii, 22, Krakom, 
Skorsteinn, Ott. ii. 30. 

Skotborgar-& (River), Arnor i. 39, Thiod. 


i, 23. 
Skottar, Sonat, 36; II. 31 2.; 95. 23; 
Arnor vi. 14. 
Skotta-veldi, Arnor vi. 30, 42, Ivar 21. 
Skottland, Arnor vi. 24, 
Skottlandz-firdir, Krakom, 120. 
Skuta (River), Yt. 15. 
Skyld-Bretar, pd. 44. 
Skylda-leif (?), Il. 217. 25. 
Snz-grund = Iceland, Einar vi, 24. 
Snotunga-borg (Nottingham), Ott. ii. 19, 


683 


Sogn, Vell. 60, Sigh. vi. 39 ”. 

Solskel (Isle), II. 30 2. 

Solundir (Isle), Il, 67. 100. 

Scenskr, II. 103. 26; Arnor i. II. 

Séta-sker, Hialm. D. 40, Sigh, i. 4. 

Spani, IT. 249. 5. 

Stadar-holl, Skida R. 33. 

Stadi (Cape), I. 355. 45; II. 107. 14; 
226. 55; Vell, 62, Ott. i. 50, Loft. 
i, 15. 

Stafanes, Hit. 33. . 

Stafaness-vagr, Ht, 34. 

Stafangr, Arnor i. 29. 

Stagley, Skida R. 42. 

Stauri (Cape), II. 52.17; Ivar 19. 

Steig, II. 246. 2. 

Steini, II, 108. 32. 

Stiflo-sund, Yt. 168. 

Stikla-stadir, Sigh. vii. 54, 55; Il. 163. 
16; 176. 51. 

Stim, Loft. i. 18. 

Stord (Isle), Hakm. App. 12; II. 165, 
II. 

Strind, Sigh. iii. 14. 

Siida-vik, I. 370. No. 68. 

Sudreyjar, Krakom. 

Sudreyskr, II, 281. 3. 

Sudrlénd, I. 367. No. 54. 

Sudr-vegar, O. G. L. 23. 

Suidr-vik, Sigh. i. 16. ° 

Sudvirki (Southwark), Sigh, i, 24. 

Sunn-menn, Ord. 21. 

Sunn-Meeri, I. 37. No. 56. 

Svarfadar-dalr, I, 359. No. 11. 

Sverris-borg, II, 28. 59. 

Svina-dalr, IT. 69. 142. 

Svina-sund, IJ, 104 2. 

Svin-bivigr, Skida R. 67. 

Svi-pidd, Grott. 54; II, 100.1; Sigh, iii. 
36, Ott. i. 16, Arnor ii. 9, Thiod, i, 6. 

Svi-pidd, Kolgo = Scythia, pd. 45. 

Svold, II. 102. 5. 

Svoléar-mynni, II, 102. Io. 

Svolérar-vagr, Kont. 100. 

Sygnir, II, 97.15; Sigh. x. 1, Ivar 41. 

Sylit (Sullt), Sigh. viii. 3 .; II. 170, 17. 

Sysla, Yt. 118, 


Taur, Yt. 53. 

Temps (Thames), Ott. ii. 56. 
Tempsar-bakki, IT, 108. 35. 
Tempsar-sida, II. 107. 22. 


‘Thesa (Tees), Ott, ii. 27. 


Torf-ness, Arnor vi. 21. 

Tungor, Sigh, vi. 6, 9. 

Tunsberg, II. 273. 8. 

Tursa-land (Touraine), Ott. i. 38 2, 
Tyrfi-Finnar (Terffins), II. 550. 36. 
Tyrvist (Isle), II, 244. 20. 





684 


Ulfa-sund, Sigh. x. 52. 

Ulfkells-land (E. England), Sigh. i. 26. 

Unnar-dys, II, 279. 32. 

Upplond, Sigh. vii. 5. 

Upplendingar, Sigh. ii. 45, Arnor iii, 15, 
Thiod. iii. 59. 

Upplenzkr, Thiod, iii. 44. 

Uppsalir, Yt. pass., Hialm. D. 54; I. 371. 
No, 81, 

Upsi (Upsir ?), Yt. 171. 

Usa eg Ott. ii, 20, Arnor iv. 2; 
Il, 225.1 

Ot-steinn, Hornkl. 69, Sigh. vi. 20; II. 
163. 6; 277: f 

Gtver, II. 51. 6 


Vadla (River), Yt. 154. 

Vagar (Isles = Lofoten), Ivar gr. 

Val-berg, Sonat. 47. 

Val-Bretar, Hallfr. ii. 19 2. 

Val-land, L. B. L. 293, Harb. 74. 

Valneskr, O. G. L. 135. 

Val-ness, Ivar 97. 

Val-Rygir, pd. 75. 

Valskr, Hornkl. 67, Oddr. 66, ‘Sigh, ii, 
19; Il. 242. 40. 

Varrandi (Gueirahdey, Sigh. i. 53. 

Vaskar (Gascons), Hlod. A. 3 2. 

Vedrey, Vell. 80 2. 

Veg-Iétar (Sea-Jutes), Vell. 83, Loft. i. 


23. 

Vegi-stafr, II, 104. 31 2. 
Vendill, Yt. 96. 

Venir (Lake), Yt. 137, Bragi 44. 
Ver-deelir, II. 171. 38. 

Veringar, II, 216. 2; Geisli 212. 
Ver-land, Harb, 143. 

Vest-fidrdr, Arnor vi. 33. 
Vest-land, Armor ii, 42. 


INDEX II. 2. 


pumlar (Isles), Thiod. vi. 3. 
pursa-sker, Arnor vi. 58. 


Vest-marar, Yt. 172. 
Vestroenn, Hornkl, 67. 
Vetlingar, Ad. 76. 
Vettalandir, II. 171. 45. | 
Vidi, Yt. 172. ~ a 
Vik (the County), Vell. 80, Sigh. ii. 1. 
Vik (the Bay), Thiod. i. 13. ra 
Vik-buendr, II. 102. 1. 
Vikingar, Wak. 10 pass. 
Vikverjar, II, 268. 1. 
Vilialms-byr (?), Sigh. i. 43. 
Vina (River), II. 39. 24. ‘ 
Vin-biérg, Hornkl, 8. - 
Vindr, Vell. 36, Arnor i. 31, Thiod, i. 20, 

Mark, 38; II. 214, 2. 
Vindvesk, Geisli 116. 
Virki, Vell. 32. 
Viskdeelsk, II. 243. 4. 
Vorsar, II. 243. I. 
Vorvi, Yt. 43. 






Yrjar, Hit. 39; II. 241. 11. 


pinga-menn, II, 105. 59; 232. 34. 
pidd (Thy), Il. 223. 14. 
pidlar-ness, II. 218. 14. 
porskafiardar-ping, II. 62, 11. 
pérs-nes, II. 115. 16, 
pérsness-ping, II, 61. 1. 

potn, Yt. 146. 

prasnes, I. 367. No. 54. 
pridja-ve = Odense, Thiod. i, 54 2. 
prondheimr, Loft. iii. 8; Il. 274, 16. 
préndheims-mynni, Rekst, 58. 
proenda-lég, II. 278. 16. 

proendir, II. 93. 81; Arnor i. 15. 
proenzkr, II. 50.125 91. 16. 








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INDEX III. 


685 


SUBJECTS. 


Comprises the contents of both Volumes under the following Sections :— 


1. Philological, list of etymologies, grammatical and phonetic phenomena, in 


alphabetical order, p. 685. 


2. Poetical, notices of metre, phraseology, forms of verse, etc., p. 687. 
3. Critical, giving references to what has been said of MSS., diplomatics, theories 
as to authorship, old and new commentaries, editions, translations, text-criticism, 


etc., p. 689. 


4. Authorities, list in regular order of authorities, translated, paraphrased, or 


referred to, p. 691. 


5. Chronology, main notices of corrected dates, ancient calendar, etc., p. 697. 
6. History, chief historical events and notices, p. 698. 

7. Law, principal references to early Law and Custom, p. 699. 

8. Warrior’s and Seaman’s Life, weapons, war, shipping, and the like, p. 700. 
9g. Household Life, food, raiment, housing, and farm labour, p, 702. 

10. Religion and Legend in Heathen Days, traditions, and ritual, p. 704. 
11. Religion and Legend in Christian Days, ritual, beliefs, pilgrimages, 


churches, and so on, p. 707. 


12. Proverb Index, references to proverbs given in text or notes, p. 708. 


The small roman numerals refer to the General Introduction. 


1. Philological References. 


af-karr, cp. E. car-hand, II. 592. 
alandi =O. G. elilenti, IT, 696. 
aldar-far, I], 645. 

aldr-nari, cp. néron, IT. 651. 

alfr, I. 419. 

alh =al-=alch, I. 407. 

-an, Gaelic names in, I, 531. 
and-keto (?), II. 609. 

and-uari (?), I. 469. 

Anlaf = Olaf, spelling of, cx; I. 524. 
Anse, I. 413; Il. 515. 

arin-geypr, not arin-greypr, I. 473. 
armadr, I. 417, 489. 

article, en=hin [A, Kock], cx. 
Ask and Embla, cp. Adam and Eve, II. 


515. 
aitt-hogar, I. 416. 
basmir[?], cp, E. baswa-stan, I. 567. 
bear-sark, I, 425. 
bléta, cp. fladmen [Bugge], I. 408. 
Bor = Bask buru, II. 653. 
béslar, better bélsar, Lat, bolso, IT. 594. 
braungo, I. 478. 
bréc, see Loan-words Gaelic, Ix. 
Change of pronunciation etc. in the 
eighth century in Scandinavian tongue, 
lvii; I. 441. 


cracaben, long-shanks, II. 574. 


dafar, I. 473. 

Dagr, dative of, I. 492. 

dalkr = dealg, II, 518. 

-dédun, past suffix of weak verbs in 
Gothic formed by analogy, I. 572. 

dis =E, ides, I. 419. 

draugr, I. 419. 

dual in O.N., I. 558. 

dyngia, etymology (Grimm], I, 556. 

Edda = erda, IT. 514. 

— use of the word, xxvi; II. 560. 

ekkja, I. 569. 

feegi = fich = uicus, I. 537. 

falk = falcem, IT. 614. 

for-doer, wizard, I, 408. 

fést-broedr, I. 424. 

fraudr = frog, II. 607. 

freista, meaning, I, 412. 

fretta, meaning, I. 412. 

Genitive fem. in -oz, -or, -ur [Save], I. 
512. 

— masc. in ~is, I, 472. 

Genitive, of emphasis, U1. 643. 

Gimlé, I. 496; Il. 651. 

glefia =F. glaive, II. 615. 

glz-logn = glz-lung, II. 590. 

glissir, Guest’s Wisd., 1. 31. 

glda, cviii. 


686 INDEX III. r. 


geeding, cp. aristos, II. 594. 

gofgir, gentlemen, I. 406. 

Goi [?], I. 431. 

Gymis, I. 487. 

halir=E. hzled, I. 420. 

hana, spelling of, cix. 

hand-laun =E, hond-lean, I. 514. 

hégetill = gagatem [Fritzner], Il. 617. 

hegri=kirké, I. 466. 

heid-sifa, cp. eid-sifja, I. 424. 

heill, I. 411. 

hlaut, I. 408. 

Heeni = kuknos, cii. 

horg =E, hearg = harrow, I. 407. 

Hrim, Hrymr = Kronos, II. 651, 

hrista tein, I. 411. 

hroer, meaning of, I. 521. 

Hr6ptr, cp. casmen, IT. 652. 

hrotti, cp. E. Hrunting, II. 598. 

Hyndla =hunila, Il. 653. 

Ida-vollr, cp. Magh-Ith, cxxii, 

ingjan = Ir. inghean, II. 599. 

Ingunar-Freyr, I. 486. 

Inn-drétt, I. 530. 

Tonakr, I. 478. 

iungr, Ixx; II. 612. 

ividja =E, inwidda, I. 496. 

iprott, zot iprétt, I. 530. 

kinga, I. 497, 519. 

kirké, I. 466. 

klé=laia, I. 555. 

kogur =E, cocur, I. 488. 

kopir, Guest’s Wisd., 1. 25. 

kvelli, II. 608. 

leikin [?], II. 649. 

leydra, meaning of, I. 532. 

lidda-hattr, true meaning of, I. 439. 

Loan-words from English — buklari, 
greifi, hagestalda, penning, pundari, 
scilling, scattr, sigli, lix, lx, Ixiv. 

Loan-words from Greek—fengari, skipt, 
midhefi, II. 597. 

Loan-word from Basque — buru, II. 
652. 

Loan-word from Finnic—tusi, I. 533. 

Loan-words from Slavonic—treca, rokn, 
Il. 574, 616. 

Loan-words from Gaelic—biodh, broc, 
carca, caupall, conn, cras, dealg, eth, 
fibh, fich, gagarr, inghean, lam, lind, 
lung, niol, sgeulache, siol, tarbh, tir, 
Ix, Ixx; I. 483, 518, 567; II. 537, 
575, 599, 607, 611, 614-616. net 


Loan-words from Latin and Romance— 
akka, berillus, bdslar, fant, frakka, 
glefja, lenz, lin, mutari, peita, targa, 
tresc, Ix; I. 562; II. 587, 601, 615, 
617. 

miotodr=E, meotud, I. 558. 

Mundil-foeri = Prometheus| Ward], 1.479. 

nadd-gofgan, Ixviii; II. 654. 

nér, meaning of, I, 523. 

Noregr, historical spelling of, II, 512, 

66-rérir, I, 466. 

cerir, Guest’s Wisd., 1. 36. 

ogur-stund [?], I. 497. 

6-freskr, I, 425. 

6-myndr, cp. in manu, II. 595. 

ond, cp, Unnar-steinn [Rhys], cxxi. 

ondvegis-sulor +, I. 406. 

Orkney dialect, II. 606. 

ord, yrér, uses of, I. 521. 

Osgrui, cp. gruva, I, 484. 

otwin [?], II. 581. 

pari-cida ?. 

patri-monium = fedr-munir, I. 470. 

Place-names in Western Isles, lxiv; I. 510. 

port-greifi, cp. E, port-gerefa, II. &79. 

Pronunciation, evidence of coins on,1.441. 

Puns in the Old N. Poetry, I. 152, 484; 
II. 96, 172, 272, 300, 327, 329, 
337 362, 365, 501, 544, 606. 

Quantity of inflexion -anda =uy, cviii, 

Quantity of words, vowel before vowel = 
vu, e.g. bua, blyi, gloa, hloa, nio, 
seing, skeom, soit, trui, veom, cviii. 

Quantity of words with consonantic ‘i’ 
in final syllables, e. g. gledja, midjom, 
dynja= —u, cviii. 

Quantity in Cedmon’s metre, I. 435. 

Quantity in Court-metre, I. 448, 449. 

Quantity in Dialogue-metre, I. 439. 

Quantity in Wolospa, I. 443. 

ragna-rok, I, 486. 

Ran =arachne = aranea, I, 491. 

rim-henda, zot run-henda, I. 451. 

roéra, not rdéra, I. 407. 

rosmun-fidll, I. 470. 

Saga, not Saga, I. 480. 

Sann-tiri=ceann-tir, IT. 599. 

scald = sgeulache, I. 567. 

scalda-spillir, meaning of, I. 262. 

scansion of weak preterites and com- 
paratives, I. 497. 

segl=Lat, sagulum, I, 491. 

Sig froedr = Sigurér, historic spelling of, cx. 





1 Professor Sayce notices that the Phcenician temples in Malta were furnished 


with two stone pillars close to the entrance. 


* The first factor, ‘ pari,’ so long unexplained, is solved by the gloss of Paul the 
Deacon, fara, kin (Langobardorum Jaras, hoc est generationes vel lineas) ; pari-cida 
therefore means kin-killer, slayer within the family, a consistent interpretation. 





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a 


Sar, sh. ah 





POETICAL REFERENCES.’ 


sil-, cp, Lat. sil-entium, I, 483. 

sinnar = E, gesithas, I. 500, 

skyldi, use of, I. 521. 

slidar =E, slide, I. 477. 

soa, I, 408, 

soma = sonar, I. 561. 

sororium tigillum, I. 429. 

Spelling in this Edition, cviii, cix. 

Spelling of R, xliii, 

-stafar, compounds of, J, 472. 

sudreeni, curious use of, by Tapestry 
poet and Exeter-book, I. 557. 

Suftung = Sumtung = Suntung, I, 466, 

Suptung, etymology of, I. 561. 

svefa, I, 408, 

svarr = G. schwager, II. 576. 

Svart-hofdi, cp. Dubh-ceann, II, 562. 

Svold, cp, Slav, reca, II. 574. 

tal-hreinn =E, stel-hran, II. 563. 

tira =G., zier, I. 538. 

trani, gender altered, IT, 574, 

Val-Bretar, II. 575. 

val-gifr =E. weel-gifre, II. 563. 

var-liigs = E. weer-loga, I. 539. 

vartari, cp, E, garter, II. 571. 


687 


Vettlinga, I, 420, 

vettr, 1]. 419. 

vettrar-braut, I, 420, 

vé, I, 407. 

Veorr, I, 219. 

vero, from verr, verr, I, 483. 

-vig, compounds of, frequent in Helgi 
poet’s Lays. 

vig-rodi, I, 491. 

vika, Lat. uices [Jessen], I, 428. 

Vili, cp. vil, II. 648. 

Vitnir, cp. vit, I. 479. 

vr=E, wr, often changed to ‘hr’ or ‘r,’ 
cix, 

Woden = Lat. uates, ciii; II, 647. 

Wolsi=phallos, II. 609. 

Wrind, mot Rind, I. 485. 

Ygg-drasill, I. 480. 

padan, better panan, I. 573. 

porri [?], I. 431. 

prasis, not prasis, I. 479. 

pulr, I, 24. 

pwingor, imaginary word coined out of 
a misreading of the Tune-stone, as 
was also ‘ singoster,’ I. 573. 





2. Poetical Subjects, References to; see also 3. Critical Index. 


Age, date, etc., see Introd., § 8, and 
Special Introductions and Notes, 
Asides, intercalary phrases used by the 
Helgi poet, I. 489. 
by the Greenland Atli Lay, I. 330, 562. 
Ballads, history and origin of, II. 389. 
Classification of Poems, Introd, § 9, 
Ixv—lxx, 
Collections of Old Poems, now lost. 
Lost collections used by— 
Ari, Ixxv. 
Saxo, Ixxv. 
Snorri, Ixxv, 
Lost collection of Danish Lays, Ixxv. 
Court-poetry, see Metre, Excursus 
on— 
its origin, Ixxx; I. 433-435. 
its intent, lxxxi; I. 433-435. 
its composition and delivery, 1xxxi; 
I, 540. 
its structure, I, 456. ) 
Dramatic Poems, see Old Wolsung 
Play, I. 31. a 
Dramatic frameworks to didactic 
poems, e, g.— 
Loddfafni’s Lessons, 
Swipdag and Menglad, 
The Aristophanic Poet, 
Metres of dialogue-poems, I, 439- 


440. 
Epigrams, I, 368, 


Improvisation, II. 408. 
by Einar, II. 275. 
by Sighvat, II, 119. 
Kennings or Synonyms, 
For general account of use in the 
older poems and list of kennings, 
see Excursus II, 449-486. 
Kennings in— 
Arnor, II, 592. 
Brunhild Lay, I. 557. 
Eilif, II. 605. 
Einar, II. 600, 
Geisli, II. 602. 
Gisli Illugison, IT. 599. 
Islendinga-drapa, II, 612. 
Jomsvikinga-drapa, II, 606, 
Konunga-tal, Il. 604. 
Krakomal, IJ. 606. 
Later Poems, II. 606, 
Love-song, II. 603. 
Mark, II, 598. 
Merlinus-spa, II. 608. 
Old Wolsung Play, I. 469. 
Orm, II, 605. 
Rekstefja, II. 603. 
Skaufhala-balk, II. 610, 
Skida-rima, II. 611. 
Thulor in Court-metre, II, 617. 
Lost Poems, see Index III. 4, Saxo 
and Skioldunga, and above. 
Balder’s Burning, I, 126, 574. 


— 


688 


Gorm Lay, Ixxv. 

Hamlet Lay, Ixxv. 

Heimdallar Galdr, I, 125, 574. 

Iwar Lay, Ixxv. 

Paraphrases of lost poems by Paul 
the Deacon, lii; Il. 503. 

Metre. 

See Excursus II, vol. I, for general 
history, classification, and nota- 
tion of Metres of Old Teutonic 
poetry,—Norse, German, and 
English. See also I, 458. 

a. Old metres, 1, 53, 117, 124, 456, 


457: 
Atlamal, I. 332. 
Atlikvida, I. 45. 
Atli Lay, I. 342. 
Bragi, I. 446; II. 4. 
Egil, I. 553. 
Ericsmal, I. 267, 271, 553 
Eywind, I. 262. 
Grimm on old metre, L 579. 
Harbard’s Lay, I. 117, 435. 
Hornklofi, I. 255. 
Hymiskvida, I. 219. 
Liuflings-lag, modern epic metre, 
Il, 384. 

Modern dialogue metre, I. 445. 
Northern epic metre, I. 444, 
Thiodwolf, II, ro, 
Western epic metre, I. 442. 
Wolospa, I. 193. 
Ynglingatal, I, 521. 

6. Rhyme— 
in early Teutonic poems, I. 450. 
in later English poems, I. 451. 
its Celtic origin, cxix; I. 451. 
of Egil, I. 267. 
of Rimur, IT. 293. 
of Skida-Rima, II, 397. 
Old ditties in rhyming metre, I, 

356. 

Proverb-poem metre, II. 363. 

c. Court-metre, 1. 432, 447-449, 456, 


Einar Gilson’s late court-metre, li. 

Docked metre, I. 450, 

Burdens in court-metre, I, 453; II. 
99; 302. 

Turf-Einar metre, I. 444, 

in modern times, I. 441, 445. 

Parody, II. 212. 

Poems omitted in this Edition, 

cxi, cxii. 





INDEX III. 2. 


Poets. For names of poets in chrono- 
logical order, see General Table of 
Contents and Skaldatal (II. 442), 
where poets are classed according 
to their patron’s name, 
For List of Composers of Modern 
Icelandic Ditties, see 11. 410. 
Add to names of Old Poets that of 
THoRGILS ORRASCALD, the poet 
of Anlaf Cuaran, King of Dublin, 
Egil’s contemporary ; see Landn. 
bk. i. ch. 19. 
Note that Cormac’s surname was 
probably Frodi, II. 572. 
Notes on older poets’ plagiarism, I, 
262, 454. 
Remaniement, re-writing of Early 
Poems by later editors—~ 
Date and manner of this outrage, 
Ixxxiv; II, 28, 

Later than Ari, Ixxxvi, 

Earlier than Snorri, 1xxxvi. 

Probably wrought by Einar Sculason, 
Ixxxvii; IL, 258. a 
Repetition, law against, in Old North- 

ern Poetry. 

Only broken in Tapestry Poems, I. 557. 
Rhyme, see Metre 6, 
Riddle-poems, lvi; I, 484; II. 608. 
Satire— 

See I, 100-124, 135-137; Il. 252, 
276, 279, 280, 573. 
On Harold Gormson, II. 79, 80. 
By Biorn, Il. 212. 
By John Thorlakson, II. 5. 
Flyting Scenes, li-liii; II, 507, 547. 
Slur, ho of, I. 433, 434. 
Style, see Introduction to separate 
poems, in Eddic poems, cxv. 
Subjects not usually treated— . 
Baby nursing, I. 362, 523.- 
Hair-cutting, I. 526. 
Hill laughing, I, 361, 
Lady weeping, II. 332. 
Love-song, II. 64, 
Old age, Egil, Il. 73, 5737. 
gs a te 
ve Starkad’s Lay, I, 388. 
Sunset, II, 358, 
Sunrise, II. 102. 
. Wedding, IT. 167. 
Thulor, for contents of, classified ac- 
cording to subject, see General 


Table of Contents, ss 





1 Add to the parallels given II, 573, Juvenal x. 205, Jacet exiguus cum ramice 


nervus, 





Arne Magnusson, xxix. 
Notes on Edda, xcii. 
Arngrim Jonsson, xx. « 
his children and second marriage, 
XX, XXix, 
his authorities, xxi. 
Ballads, History and date of, II. 389. 
connection of Ballads and older 
Eddic Lays, I. 504. 
Ballad on Swipday’s Lay = Young 
Sweidal, I. 93. 
Ballad on Gripi’s Lay, I. 285. 
Ballad on Thrym’s Lay, I. 175. 
Ballad on story of Odd and Angan- 
theow, L. 159. 
Ballad on ‘Draumaqvedi’ not from 
Solarliod, I. 203. 
connection of English and Danish 
ballads, I. 505. 
English ballads illustrating Atlamal, 
I, 563, 564. 
Biorn of Scardsa, his life, xxi. 
his authorities, xxi, xxviii. 
his works, xxvi, 
Bishop Bryniolf, his life, xxii, 
his character, xxii. 
his words on Luther, xxii. 
his speech to John Halldorsson, xxiii. 
his son’s death and epitaph at Yar- 
mouth, xxii, 
his daughter’s tragedy, xxiv. 
his library and its fate, xxv, 
his theory of Edda, xxxi. 
Citations, see also Paraphrase. 
Guest’s Wisdom cited by— 
Eywind, I. 2, 
Saxo, I, 2, 
Fostbredra Saga, I. 2. 
Havamal cited by— 
Ari, I. 25. 
Fiolsvind’s Lay, I. 23, 93. 
Song of Saws copied by Hallgrim Pe- 
tersson, I, 461; see also Reader, 





P- 259. 

Lacuna Lays cited by Snorri, lxxiv, 

By King Swerri, lxxii. 

Havamal and O, Wols, Play cited by 
Swipday’s Lay, I. 93. 

Wafthrudnismal cited by Swipday’s 
Lay, I. 93. 

Skirnismal cited by Swipday’s Lay, 
I, 93. 

Grimnismal cited by Swipday’s Lay, 
I, 93. 

: Thrymskvida not known to Snorri, 

5 1.175. 

: | VOL, Il. 





CRITICAL REFERENCES. 


689 


3. Critical References, MSS., Diplomatica, etc.; see also 4. List of 
Authorities. 


Wolospa cited by— 

Arnor, I, 193; II. 185. 

Ari, I. 193. 

Gunnlaug, I. 193. 

Egil cited by— 
Arnor, I. 548; II. 185. 
Einar, I. 539. 
Old poems copied by Gunnlaug’s Saga 
editor, I. 505. 
Tregrof cited by Thomas, author of 
Skald Helga-Rimur, I. 328. 
Commentators of the Old School 
on Eddic Poems. 

Biorn of Scardsa, xcvi, 

Eggert Olafsson, xcvi. 

Gunnar Paulsson, xcvi. 

Hallgrim Petersson, xcvi. 

Magnus Olafsson, xcvi. 

Sweinbiorn Egilsson, xcvi. 
Critical treatment of Eddic Poems. 

Emendations, xci, 

Deciphering Icelandic M8. 

How to read faded vellums, I. 543. 
Edda, history of term, xxvii; II. 56. 
‘Edda poetica,? theories as to 

authorship and date of. 

Arne Magnusson’s ideas, xxx, xxxvi. 

Arngrim’s correspondence, xxix. 

Biorn of Scardsa’s first theories, 

" XXiX, xXx. 
last theory, xxxiv. 

Bishop Bryniolf on Edda 

Wolospa, xxxi. 

John the Learned’s ideas, xxxiii. 

Magnus Olafsson’s theories, xxx, 

Stephanius’ first mention of Edda, 

XXX, 

Early use of word ‘ Edda,’ xvi, xvii. 

Etymon of Edda, II. 514. 
Editions of Eddic Poems. 

Paper copies, 1640-1700, xcii. 

Resenius and Stephen Olafsson, 1665, 





and 


Xciii, 
Copenhagen 1 vol., 1778, xciii. 
= 2 vol., 1818, xciii. 
2 3 vol., 1828, xciv. 
Copenhagen Wafthrudnismal, 1779, 
Xciii, : 


Von der Hagen, 1812, xciii. 
Grimm Brothers, 1815, xciii. 
Rask, 1818, xciv. 

Bergmann, 1838, xciv. 
Munch and Unger, 1847, xev, 
Liining, 1858, xcv, 

Mobius, 1860, xcv, 

Bugge, 1867, xcv, 


ry 


690 


Grundtvig, 1874, xcv. 
Hildebrand, 1874, xcv. 
Present Edition, 1883, cxxiii. 
Forgeries, Gunnar-slag and Riddle 
verses by Gunnar Paulson, I, 87. 
Forspiallsliod or Hrefuagaldr [by 
Paul Hallson ?\, 1, 181. 
Grimm, J. and W. 
Unpublished letter of W. G., xviii. 
Opinion of J. G, on Literary His- 
tory, c. 
On metre, J. G., I..5 79: 
On incubus, J. G,, I. 485. 
Jon Lerdi [John the Learned], 
his life and fate, xxxii, xxxiii, 
Magnus Olafsson, 
his life and works, xxii, xcvi. 
Manuscript Texts. 
Arinbiorn’s Drapa AM, 132, I, 380. 
Hofudlausn cod. Wolfenbittel, I, 379. 
Duplicate MS, texts of part of— 
Balder’s Dream, I, 181, 377. 
Hamtheow’s Lay, I. 52, 375. 
Helgi Lay, I. 239) 376. 
Old Gudrun Lay, I, 316, 326, 381. 
Rig’s Lay, I, 235» 379. 
Wafthrudnismal, I. 61, 376. 
Wolospa, I. 377. 
Mafhuscript authority for Texts, 
see Introduction to each piece, 
MS. of— 
Darradliod, I. 28. 
5 eh poems, Hofudl., I. 267. 
a , Arinb., I. 271, 
st Sonat, 1, 276. 
Solarliod and Chr. Wisd., AM. 166, 
I. 203. 
Ynglingatal, I. 244, 520. 
Rig’s Lay, I. 234-235. 
Paper of Swipday’s Lay, I. 93. 
Ericsmal, I, 259. 
Wolospa, I, 192. 
Pedigree of Solarliod MS., I. 508. 
a Wolospa MS., II. 642. 
is Ynglingatal MS., I. 520. 
Manuscripts, age and description 
of, xxviii. 
Additions to Table. given in Prolego- 
mena to Sturlunga Saga, Oxford, 
1878, xli, 
Age and character of O, N. MSS., 
how to judge, xxxix. 
Age and description of— 
Elucidarius, xxxix. 
Agrip, xl. 
Hauks-bok, xl, xlvii, 
Sturlunga fragments, xl, 
Age and description of Edda MS.— 
R, xlii, xxi. 


INDEX III. 3. 


A, xliii. 
W, xiliv. 
t, xlvi. 
U, xlvii. 
1 eB, xlvi., 
Age and.description of Kings’ Lives’ 
MSS., ete.— 
Bergs-bok, 1. 
Egla MSS., I. 266. 
Fagr-skinna, |, 
Flatey-bok, xlvii. 
Fris-bok, xlix. 
Hrokkin-skinna, |, 
Hulda, 1. 
Jofra-skinna, xlix. 
Kringla, xlix. 
Morkin-skinna, |. 
Nidla MSS., I. 281. 
Skioldunga fragments, 1. 
Wolsunga, Ixxi, 
Cod. Holm., St. Olaf’s Life, 1. 
AM. 61, xlix. 
Cod. Reg. 2845, I. 87, 193. 
AM. 748, |xxi. 
Mazarin, Cardinal, invites Icelandic 
scholar to Paris, xciii. 
Ole Worn, his life, xxi. 
Paraphrast of lost parts of Eddic Lays, 
Il. 525. 
Paraphrast of Prose Edda, xcvii; 
Il. 630. 
Paraphrast of Wolsunga, ‘ P,” Ixxi. 
oe he Lacuna Lays, I. 293; IL. 


Alowind’s Lay, I, 39 5 >: TL gga: 
Gudrun’s Dream, I, 392; II. 533. 
Sigfred’s Wooing, I. 393; II. 535. 
Gudrun’s -Quarrel with Brunhild, 
I, 395; Il. 536. 
Sigmund and Sinfitela as Were- 
wolves, I. 398. 
Sigurdar-kvida, I. 395; Il. 539- 
Signy’s Death, I. 399. 
Paraphrase in Latin verse by Saxo 
of Eddic Lays. 
Verse Paraphrase of— 
Biarkamal, I. 188, 381. 
Hialmar and Angantheow’s Lay, I. 


159. 
Hildebrand’s Lay, I. 190, 387. 
Hlod and Angantheow’s Lay, I. 
349, 352,387. 
Niord and Skadi’s Lay, I. 125, 381. 
Starkad’s Lay, I. 355, 388. 
Vigfus’ Ditty, I. 365, 391. 
Petersen, Niels Matthias— 
his opinion of Bergmann’ s book, xciv. 
on Prose Edda, xcix. 
on Preface to Kings’ Lives, I. 526. 














ih a eet 
’ 


AUTHORITIES CITED. 691 


Quotation, proper method of citing 
Eddic poems, cxiii. 
Rimur, origin and history of, II, 389. 
Runes and Rune-stones, 
Ditties from Rune-stones, eleventh 
century, Norway and Sweden, 
I. 370, 571, 572. 
Rok-stone poem, I. 59. 
Tune-stone rightly read, I. 573. 
Rune-stones carved with legendary 
scenes, II, 589. 
Runes mentioned in Eddic Poems, I. 
27, 28, 115, 116, 141, 165. 
Spell Song, I. 29. 
Old Wols, Play, I. 40. 
Havamal, I. 25. 
Old Gudrun Lay, I. 321. 
Magic characters, in Skirnis Lay, 1.115. 
The Runes § and fh misread, I, 573. 
Stephanius, his life, xxv. 
Sweinbiorn Egilsson— 
his Commentary on Court poetry, xcvi. 
his beautiful prose translation of 


Hallfred’s Saga [Vatzdela], No, 23. 

Swarfdazla Saga, No, 11, 

Sturlunga Saga, Nos. 2, 3, 14, 36, 64, 
65, 69-71, and in Torf-Einar 
metre, 9. 

Hrafn’s Saga, Nos. 13, 66-68, 

Skioldunga, in T orf-Einar metre, No. 8. 

lomswickinga Saga, No. 40, 

Harold Fairhair’s Life, Nos. 37, 38, 
and in Torf-Einar metre, 2 

Magnus the Good’s Life, No. 43. 

Harold Hardrede, Nos. 42, 44, 45, 
63, and in Torf-Einar metre, 7. 

Olaf Quiet’s Life, Nos. 12, 46. 

Magnus Bareleg’ s Life, Nos. 47, 48. 

Harold Gilli’s Life, Nos. 49, 50. 

Sigurd Slembi’s Life, Nos, 51, 52. 

Agrip, No. 39. 

Fagrskinna, No. 41. 

Orkneyinga, Nos. 53, 54, and Add,, I, 
400, and in Torf-Einar metre, 37 I, 

Swerri’s Life, No. 55. 

Hakon’s Life, No. 56, and Add., I. 400. 


Homer, xcvi. Translations of Eddic Poems, cxiv. 


Texts from which Old Ditties come. 
Landnama, Nos, 15-22. 

Kristni Saga, Nos. 31, 57, 59. 
Libellus, No. 58. 

Edda, No. 1, and Add., I, 400. 

Half’s Saga, ‘Nos. 4; 5- 

Orvarodd’s Saga, No. 6, 

Niala, Nos. 7, 27, 32, 58, 60. 
Eyrbyggja, No. 8 

Laxdzla, Nos. 9, Io. ; 
’ Egla, No. 26, and in Torf-Einar metre, 


,. 


3-6. 
Cormac’s Saga [Laxdala], Nos. 24, 
25, 62. 
Eric Red’s Saga, No. 34. 
- Floamanna Saga, No. 33. 
Gisla Saga, Nos, 29-31. 


Stephen Olafsson, xciii, 
Copenhagen, xciii. 
Grimm Brothers, xciii, 
Bergmann, xciv, 

Mallet, xciv. 

Dryden’s Miscellany, xcv. 
Gray, xcv. 

Herbert, xcv. 

Cottle, xcv. 

Aytoun, xcv, 

Present Translation, cxvii. 


Translation of Sagas. 


Right and wrong style of translation, 
exv; I, 503. 

Sir G, W. Dasent, Gisli, cxv. 

Sir E. Head, Glum, cxv. 

Rey, J. Sephton, Eric Red’s Saga, cxv. 


Gunnlaug’s Saga, Nos. 35, 61. Widalin, Lawman Paul, xx. 


4. Authorities Cited, Translated, or Paraphrased. 


a, ARI, Ixxxvi, Ixxxviii, c. 
his authorities, Ixxvii. 
Liber. : 
[Hawks-bok], famine of year 976, 
II. 35. 


Libellus. 
General Moot, II. 495. 
Wolfliot’s Constitution, IT. 495. 
Thorstan Ingolfsson, founder of the 
Old Moot, II, 495. 
Landnama-bok, 
Bk. ii. ch, 6, Asmund’s ghost, II. 605. 
ii, 16. Queen Aud’s crosses, I. 415. 
i, 14. Dead, worship of, I, 414. 


Yy2 


ii, 12, Dead, Hill of the, I. 415. 

ii, 5. Dying into a Hill, I, 416. 

iii, 8. Divination by Chips, I. 411. 

ii, 11. Einar’s death, Il. 43. 

v. I. Flein the poet, II. 6. 

i, 2. Floki’s soothsaying, I. 413. 

i, 1. Gardar’s mother’s second-sight, 
I, 412, 

ii, 30. Hallbiorn’s obstinate wife, II. 77. 

v. 10. Helgi’s murder, II. 77. 

iii, 12. Helgi Beolan’s oracle, I. 412, 

iii. 1. Howe-breaking, I, 418. 

iii, 2. Ingimond the old and the Sibyl, 
I, 412. 





692 INDEX III. 4. 


v. 5. Lycanthropy, I. 425. 
v. 3. Marking a claim, 1.-406. 
iv. 6. Temple, migration of, I. 406, 
v. 8. Temple family, pilgrimage to 
free Iceland, I. 426. 
iv. 4. Tiorwi’s story, II. 77. » 
iii. 17. Worship of grove, I. 421. 
iii. 17. rock, I, 421. 
Vv. 5. waters, I. 421. 
v. 3. Winterlid’s libels, II. 26. 
Kristni Saga. 
Ancestral spirit quelled, I. 416. 
Thangbrand and the poets, II. 78. 
Winterlid’s lampoons, II. 26. 
Ynglinga Saga. 
Authorities used by Ari in, Ixxvii. 
Egil’s Sona-torrek, gloss from, I. 550. 
Havamal, paraphrase of, I. 468. 
Rig’s Lay paraphrased, I. 235, 517. 
Norwegian royal pedigree, II. 513. 
King Godgest’s magic fall [Haleyja- 
tal], I. 528. 
Ch, 40. Woden’s toast, I. 405. 
Ch. 10. Woden’s spear mark 4, I. 409. 
Skioldunga and Iomswickinga. 
[ lomswickinga | Einar’s scales of divina- 
tion, II. 43. 
[Hrolf’s Saga] Biarkamal story, a paral- 
lel to Fin’s Lay, lxvi, lxxv; I. 188, 
[Rimbegla] the earthquake in King 
Frodi’s days, I. 188. 
Paraphrase of Hlod’s Lay, I. 349. 
Paraphrase of Iwar’s Lay, I. 123. 
[Hrolf’s Thattr] Lodbrok’s death, II, 








339- 
[Lost part] Starkad’s story, I. 466. 
[Fragment] muster-roll of heroes, 


- 353: 

b. KINGS’ LIVES. 
Preface. King Dan’s barrow, I. 517. 
Halfdan Black’s Life. 

Halfdan’s table of Weregilds, II. 499. 
Harald Fairhair’s Life. 

Guththorm the peacemaker, II. 29. 
Hacon’s Life. 

Earl Atli’s death, I. 657. 

Eywind’ s ring, II. 34, 567. 

Hacon’s laws, II. 499. 

Harold Grayfell, II. 567. 

Sigrod’s temple-feast, II. 32. 
Olaf Tryggvason’s Life. 

Earl Hacon fighting Emperor Otto, 

II, 568. 
Olaf escaping death at Swold, is met 
by a pilgrim in Palestine, II, 164. 

A temple-feast in heathen days, I. 405. 
St. Olaf’s Life. 

Erling the just master, I. 517. 

Fleet of St. Olaf, II. 588, 


Poets at Sticklestead, IT. 174, 
Swedish Kings’ pedigree, lI. 513. 
Sighwat’s embassy to the East, I. 581. 
Harold Hardrede’s Life. 
Harold’s new ship, II, 595. 
The King tries the poet’s skill, II. 596. 
The King entertained by the blind 
poet, II, 221, 597. 
The king jealous of his nephew, II. 185. 
Hakonar Saga. 
Gizur egging kings to fight, I. 348. 
Brian Boroimhe’s lost Saga. 
[Niala] Clontarf fight, I. 281, 554. 
[Thorstan Hall-o’-Side’s son’s Saga] 
Clontarf fight, I. 554. 
Orkneyinga. 
The charmed banner, I. 553. 
Fereyinga Saga. 
The outlaw and the orphans, I. 511. 
Agrip. 
The King’s Lay called Oddmior, II, 
310. 
How a king became an earl in order 
to hang himself, I. 528, 
Atli the law-speaker, 1. 586. 
Fagrskinna, 
Ch. 4. Halfdan buried piece-meal, I, 


417. 
Flatey-bok. 
Fyrisfield fight, IT. 61. 
ii. 72. Styrbiorn’s devotion of his foes 
to Woden, I. 425, 567. 
ii. 7. Dead king worshipped, I. 415. 
Morkinskinna, 
Date of Geisli, poem by Einar, II. 283. 
Odd Monk, 
Harold Bluetooth’s boast, IL. 587. 
Old Gula-thing’s Law. 
Heathenism forbidden, I. 408. 
Oath, I. 422. 
Atli the law-speaker, II. 586. 
c. ICELANDIC FAMILY 
SAGAS. 
Epic, unhistorical character of, II, 578. 
Bersi’s lost Saga. 
Morsel from, II. 63. 
Biarnar Saga. 
Biorn’s satires, II. 578. 
Cormac’s Saga. 
Cormac’s personal looks, II. 52. 
Elves, sacrifice to, I. 414. 
A meteyard too short, omen of, II, 32. 
Egil’s Saga. 
Mootseat at Wal-fell, I. 551. 
Egil lampooning King Eric, If. 572. 
Ch. 60, Egil invoking Genii of the 
land against his enemies, I, 19» 
How Egil made his poem Head- | 
som, I, 534. 


Be ee Ra pe Per eh ree 





ails ts Se as Am Eee ed sae al 
ey ae ne a my eh ed CA 


3 





arise i occa te ae 








AUTHORITIES CITED. 693 


How Egil made his poem Sona-torrek, 
I. 541. 
The poet Ejinar’s shield, II. 42, 
Eric the Red’s Saga. 
Freydis’ character coloured from Gud- 
run’s in the Greenland Lay, I. 338, 
564. 
The Sibyl-scene, IL 647. 
Eyrbyegia Saga. 
Ch, 10. Thor’s stone of sacrifice, I. 


499. 
Ch. 4. Temple fittings of heathen 
days, I. 403. 
Ch. 11. The dead feasting in the Holy 
Hill, I. 415. 
Ch. 44. Devotion of enemy by casting 
a spear, I. 425, 567. 
Fostbrodra Saga. 
Thormod the poet and his two loves, 
Il. 173. 
Gisla Saga. 
Paraphrases of lost Helgi Lay in poems 
by Editor of Gisla, Ixvii; II. 


331. 
Gretti’s Saga. 
Gretti given Thor’s exploits, L. 513. 
Gunnlaug’s Saga. 
Gunnlaug’s story coloured and imitated 
from Waldhere’s story, I, 568. 
Gunplaug and King Sigtryg, II. 119. 
Moot-stead of Egil’s family, I, 551. 
Thord’s poem on Gunnlaug, II. 577. 
Hall-o’-Side’s lost Saga. 
[Thidrand’s Thattr] the goddesses, 
Disir, in arms, I, 419. 
Hallfred’s Saga. 
Hallfred meets Tryggvason, II. 87. 
Hallfred’s death, II. 88. 
Goodmian sitting on a barrow near his 
house, I, 416, 
Hen-Thori’ s Saga, 
Old Moot-stead, II. 495. 
Vow at toast of Woden, I. 423. 
Hord’s Saga, the omen of the broken 
necklace, I. 563. 
Kialnesinga Saga. 
Ch. 5. Temple furniture, I, 404, 
Laxdela Saga. 
Olaf Peacock’s new hall, II, 22, 
Gudrun’s Lays, echo of, I. 562. 
Kiartan’s character and adventures 
coloured from those of Sigfred and 
Waldhere, I. 565. 
Wial’s Saga. 
Brian’s battle, I, 281, 554. 
Hallgerd’s treachery to Gunnar (echo 
of Egil’s story), II. 505. 
Scald-Helgi’s lost Saga. 
Rimur on, I. 238, 


Sighwat’s lost Saga. 

Morsel from, II. 121. 

Vatzdela Saga. 

The boy Thorstan and the Outlaw 
(echo from Tale of Elfwine’s 
Youth), II. 503. 

The Yoke, going under it, I, 423. 

d. STURLUNGA AND LIVES 

OF BISHOPS. 

Islendinga Saga. 

Dancing, II. 295, 386. 

Sturla and King Magnus, IT. 26r. 

Thord Anderson’s death, II. 387. 

Hrafn Sweinbiornsson’s Life. 
Bishop Biarni’s gifts, I]. 301. 

Thorgils’ Life. 

The dance, II. 386. 

Bishop Arni’s Life. 

On dancing and mumming, II. 386. 

Bishop John’s Life. 

His objection to dancing and mum- 
ming, IL. 385, 386. 

His objection to heathen names of 
week-days, I. 428. 

His objection to Ovid’s Ars Amoris, 
II. 259. 

Hungrwaka. 

Bishop Cloing, II. 259. 

Annals (Flatey-bok and Fragments). 
Thormod Olafsson, death of, II. 419. 
Starkad’s tooth in Africa, II. 612. 

e. EDDA PROSE AND TRADI- 

TIONAL SAGAS. 

Snorri’s real part in, Ixxxvi, c. 

Bragamal, 

The Rape of Idwyn and Fall of Thiazi, 
II, 10. 

The Weregild of Thiazi and Wedding 
of Scathe, I. 464. 

The Guild-feast of the gods at Eager’s, 
I, 463. 

The origin and history of the Soma- 
drink, I. 464, 465. 

Skaldskaparmal. 

Eormanric’s end, II, 5. 

Everlasting battle of the Heathnings, 

Thor’s wager of battle with giant 
Hrungnir, II. 11. 

Thor's struggle with giant Garfred 
and his daughter, II. 18. 

The Treasures of the gods, and how 
they got them, I. 481. 

Paraphrase of Hyndla’s Lay, Il. 518, 

Synonym List, I. 545. 

Gylfa-ginning, II. 630. 

Glosses following Thulor AM. 748, 

IT, 546. 
Gradius gleaned from Prose-Edda, 1. 574. 


694 


Sigfred, paraphrase interpolation, 
I, 541. 

Hamtheow, paraphrase interpola- 
tion, II. 507. 

Edda, Poetic, prose passages in, IJ. 525. 

Hatta-lykill, by E. Rognwald and Hall. 
Mention of Helgi, Ixxvii. 

List of heroes in, cxi. 

Arrow-Odd’s Saga, see I. 547. 
Story of the sons of Arngrim, I. 159. 

Bosi and Herraud’s Saga, see I. 547. 
Paraphrase of Eddic Lay, Hiorrend, etc., 

xxx, 
Myth of Harper [Slag-Fin ?], I. 169. 

Half’s Saga, see I. 547. 

The champion of Half, Il, 553. 

Gautrek’s Saga, see I. 547. 

Ch. 7. Sacratio by spear, I. 409. 
Ch. 7. Story of Starkad’s doom and 
evil deed, I, 467. 

Herwarar Saga. 

The‘ sonar-goltr,’ sacrificial boar, I.406. 

Disir, temple feast of, I. 405. 

Swedish Kings, worthless pedigree of, 
Il. 513. 

Hromund Gripsson’s Saga. 
Paraphrase of Helgi-Cara Lay, Ixviii. 
Cairn-robbing, I. 418. 

Theodric’s or Wilkina Saga. 

Story of Egil the Archer, I. 168. 
Story of Weyland, I. 168. 
Wolsunga Paraphrase, App. Vol. I. 
391; II. 532. 
Adam of Bremen, King Sweyn’s ac- 
count of Upsala temple, I, 402. 
Saxo Grammaticus, see INDEx III, 3, 
s.v, Paraphrase. 
Truce-swearing, old form of, I, 423. 
Proverbs from Guest’s Wisdom, I. 461, 
462. 
Biarkamal, old name of, I. 500. 
Harding’s witchcraft, I. 561. 
Paraphrase of Ditties, I. 570. 
Muster-roll of heroes at Bravalla fight, 
I, 353. 
f. EARLY AUTHORS WRIT- 
ING IN LATIN. 
Adamnani, Vita St. Columbe, 
miracles of Olaf Tryggvason bor- 
rowed from, II. 603. 

Ammianus Marcellinus, 

xxxi. 3. Death of Eormanric, I. 475. 
xvi. 12, xxvi. 7, xxx. 7. War-cry of 
Teutons, I. 531. 

Anschari Vita. 

Worship of a dead king, I. 414, 

Beda. 

Chronology of, Il. 494, 645. 
Sussex famine, I, 411. 


INDEX III. 4. 


Einhardi Vita Caroli. 
Charles the Great’s collection of old, 
German Lays, li. 
Gothic Calendar, I. 477. 
Iordanis [Cassiodoros]. 
Chalons plain (Catalaunian fields), I 


478. 
Eormanric’s death, I, 476. 
Theodric’s pedigree, II. 487. 
The Anses, I. 413. 
Cites Priscus’ account of Attila’s 
death, I. 472. 
of Attila’s rise, I. AT3. 
of Attila’s looks, I. 473. 
Paulus Diaconus. 
Lay of Elfwine’s youth, li. 
Lay of Elfwine’s murder, lii. 
Elfwine’s fame in song, li. 
The chaste maidens’ escape, lv. 
The quarrel of the two warriors, lv. 
The insult of Ferdulf avenged, I. 487. 
The escape of Grimwald, lv. 
Epic colouring in Paul's writing, lv. 
The Saxons’ Nazarite vow, I. 424. 
Story of the Longbeards zot taken from 
a Lay, I. 424. 
The Fins, I. 496. 
The Anglo-Saxons’ linen robes, I. 557. 
Priscus, see Iordanis. 
Silius Italicus. 
Nazarite vow of barbarians, I, 424. 
Suetonius, Vita C. Julii Cesaris. 
Julius Czsar’s Nazarite vow, I. 424. 
Tacitus. 
Germania— 
Hertha, II. 509, 511. 
Horses hallowed to the Gods, I. 
412. 
Divination by rods, I, 411. 
German Sibyl, I. 471. 
Counting by nights, not days, I. 
431. 
Nazarite vow of Germans, I. 424. 
Gambling of Germans, I, 530. 
Poems of Germans on heroes, li, 
Scrita-fins, I. 496. 
War-whooping barritus of Germans, 
I, 531. 
Punishment for great crimes, I. 410, 
561. 
Annals— 
Lays of Arminius, li, 
Altar to Ulisses, civ. 
Histories— 
v. 23. Sails of coloured stuff, I. 491. 
iv. 61. Julius Civilis’ vow, I. 424. 
g. OLDER ENGLISH AND 
GERMAN AUTHORITIES. 
Beeda, see above. 








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AUTHORITIES CITED. 


Chronicle, Old English. 
Abingdon MS. 
1012. Danegeld, II, 588. 
1013. Ethelred’s return, I. 588. 
Peterborough MS. 
976. Famine in Eadgar’s reign, 
IT. 35. 

1009-11. Danish invasion, II, 588. 

1013. Danish invasion, II, 574. 

1016. Siege of London, II. 578. 

1016, Assandon-fight, II. 577. 

1017. Thorkill’s earldom, II. 578. 

1021. Thorkill outlawed, II. 578. 

1023. Thorkill made governor of 

Denmark, II. 578. 
1031. Scottish kings and Cnut, II, 
82. 

PL Biorn Sweyn’s brother, II.592. 
Drayton, M. The roe, I. 493. 
Geoffrey of Monmouth, 

his Merlini Vaticinium translated into 
Icelandic, II, 372. 
Robert Manning of Bourne, 
his apologue on pride, I. 489. 
Richard Fitz-Neel. 
Dial. de Scaccario, the eagle’s clutch, 
II. 608. 
Tongueaplaneoradzeof speech; I. 451. 
hk, POEMS, OLD ENGLISH 
AND GERMAN. 
Beowulf, age of, lv; I. 442. 
Pedigree in, Il. 513. 
Helmets, boar-crested, I. 560. 
Harper in the hall, lv. 
Old king mourning over his dead son, 
I, 542. 
Tapestry in a hall, I. 556. 
Truce sworn between Fin and Henc- 
gest, I. 566. 
‘Brythnoth’s Lay. 
Age and character of, lv. 
Brunanburh Lay. 
A book-poem, its age, lv; I. 443. 
Casket, Mr. Franks’. 
Carved with stories of Egil and Way- 
land, I. 169; IL. 505. 
Charm Song, Old English, Chris- 
tian. 
Parallel to Thrond’s Creed, IT. 5. 
Charm Song, Old German Hea- 
then, right translation of, I. 482. 
Cynewulf’s Poems, Exeter-book, 
Ivi; I. 442, 460. - 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Harper mentioned, lv. 


695 


Deor’s Lay, character of, lv. 
Citation from, I. 451. 
Domesday, translation from the Latin, 
Ivi, 
Exeter-book, see Cynewulf. 
Fin’s Lay, character of, Ixvi, 
_ Parallel to Biarkamal, Ixvi. 
Genesis, Cedmon’s. 
Age of, lvi. 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Heliand, date and metre of, I. 443. 
Hildebrand’s Lay. 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Story of, I. 190, 
Judith. 
Age of, lvi. 
Parallels to Brunanburh Lay in, lv. 
Muspilli. 
Age of, lv. 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Phoenix, ; ) 
Translation from Latin, age of, lvi. 
Riddles of Exeter-book. 
Translation and imitation, Ivi. 
Rood Lay. 
Age of, lvi. 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Waldhere’s Lay, character of, lv. 
Waltharii Poema. 
Translation of Old German poem, lv. 
Ransom or reward of a heap of gold, 
I. 566. 
Novalician text, II. 506. 
Wessobrunner Prayer. 
Metre of, I. 437. 
Widsith’s Lay. 
Age of, lv. 
Harper mentioned, lv. 
Elfwiné’s fame celebrated, li. 
ii IRISH AND WELSH AU- 
THORITIES. 
Poem on Durlaing O’Hartigain, parallel 
to Darradaliod, |. 
Prophecy of St. Moling, parallel to 
Wolospa, 1. 
Annals of Kilronan on Clontarf, 1. 
of Innisfallen on Clontarf, |. 
Story parallel to myth of Thor and 
Garfred, see Revue Celtique, I. 
123. 
Book of Hengest, Gnomic metre of 
poems in, I. 441. 
k. DANISH BALLADS. 
Thord of Havsgaard, I. 501. 
Aage and Else, I. 502. 








1 On this casket is not only a scene from Egil’s story, but one from Weyland’s— 
Beadhild before the smith, who has just slain her little brother. Weyland’s escape 
through the air like Dedalus is sculptured on the base of the Leeds’ cross. 


696 INDEX 


l, DANTE. 
Purg. xviii. 76, The Moon-pail, I. 77. 
m. SHAKESPEARE, Ogre Time, 
Il. 487. 
Popular saying, I. 461. 
n. LATER ICELANDIC SCHO- 
LARS, etc., see also InDEx 
Ill, 3 
Arne Magnusson, the collector. 
Notes on Edda, xxx, xxxvi, xciii. 
Arngrim Johnson, the Renaissance 
critic. 
Correspondence and Supplement on 
Edda, xxix. 
Paraphrase of lost part of Rig’s Lay, 
| ae + SP 
Biorn of Scardsa, the self-made scholar. 
Commentary. Ideas on Edda, xxxiv. 
Biarni Thorarinson, the poet, 
his dirges, I. 445. 
Ditties, popular Icelandic, see II. 387. 
Eggert Olafsson, the traveller, 
his ditties, II. 388. 
his welcome home, II. 388. 
Hallgrim Petersson, the best Ice- 
landic poet, xciv ; I. 469. 
Anecdotes of, xx; II. 410. 
Samhendur, after the style of Song of 
Saws, I. 461. 
Bishop Gudbrand, the translator of 
the Bible, 
his wish to replace profane songs by 
godly music, II. 388. 
John, the Learned, the wandering 
scholar, on Edda, xxxii, xxxiii, 
John Olafsson, the memoir-writer. 
The poor companion and the poet’s 
prophecy, xxi. 
John Thorlaksson, poet and franslator 
of Milton, II. 410. 
Satire of old type on Danish truck- 
merchant, I. 571. 
Songs, popular, see I. 567. 
Torfeeus, the historiographer royal. 
Cites Hallgrim the poet’s ideas on the 
Spell-song, I. 469. 
Widalin, the lawman. 
Master Biorn who helped the giantess, 
I. 460. 
o. MODERN WRITERS AND 
SCHOLARS. 
Acland, Dr.,and the old carpenter, cxxi. 
Bang, Dr., on Sibylline books, Ixvii. 
Bergmann, Prof., on Harbard’s Liod, 
a he a 
Campbell, J., collection of, I. 512. 
Carlyle, T. 
The dignity of work, I. 516. 
Oliver a baresarker, I. 531. 


III. 4. 


Religion of Eddic Poems a complex 
thing, ci. 

Tradition a magnifier, I. 476. 

Thor and his pot, 1.514. 
Champfieury, R., and Legros, A. 

Le Bonhomme Misére, cii. 
Coxe, H., as a judge of MSS., xli. 
Editor. 

Birthdays in Iceland, I. 430. 

Calendar of Modern Iceland, I. 429-31. 

Old loom in Iceland, I. 484. 

Quern in Iceland, I. 499. 

Fetching the good morning, I. 508. 

Northern lights, I. 491. 

The milky way and the weather pro- 

phet, II. 645. 

English chap-books. 

Tom Tram, etc., I. 512. 

Jack the Giant Killer, I. 512. 
Goethe, 

King of Thule, Ixxv. 

Ages of Belief and -Unbelief, cxvi. 
‘Le mieux Il’ ennemi du bien,’ cxxiii. 
Grimm Brothers, see above, p. 690. 
Grundvig, Dr. 8., labours on the 

Ballad, I. 505. 
Heinzel, Dr. R., on Saga style, II. 508. 
Howorth, H. H., his article on Dudo, 
Il, 493. 
Jeffries, R. 
Old Lady Day, I. 430. 
Jessen, Dr. 
Week, a Latin word, I. 428. 
Kock, A. 
Discovery as to article, cx. 
Montelius, O. 
Study on fibula brooches, I. 518. 
Study on sword-types, Il, 614. 
Munch. 
Reconstruction of Iwar Wide-fathom’s 
History, I. 125. 
Rossetti, Christina. 
Ghost-poemsand the Helgi Lays, I. 507. 
Rhys, Professor. 
Celtic Britain, cxxxii. 
Save, Dr. C., 
his observation on genitive in -ur, I. 
512. 
Sars, the historian, cxx. 
Steenstrup, on historical myths, I. 
589; Hl. 504. 
aes a0 Dr. G., on Gosforth Cross, 
II 
Stephanius. 
First printed mention of Edda, xxxiv. 
Translator. 
Notes on Ballads, i. 503. 
Note on Rune, I. 573. 
Old Stories, 1882, I. 488 ; IJ. 585. 





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CHRONOLOGICAL REFERENCES. 697 


p. GREEK BOOKS. 
Aeschylus. 
Prom. The Titan chained, II. 604. 
Agam, ‘ Helen of Troy’ described as 
a Walcyrie, a Brunhild, I. 562, 
Arateus, 
Cited by St. Paul, I, 511. 
Aristophanes, 
Birds. Birth of Love, cii. 
Chaos, II, 646. 
Herodotus. ° 
Psammenitos, xxiv. 
Homer. 
Od. x4, : 
Od. viii. 319; II. 607. 
Od, xii. 414, 415; I. 531. 
Od. xx. 105; I. 499. 
Pindar. 
Poetry, image drawn from nectar, 
and house-building, I. 540; II. 
712. 





gq. BIBLE (mostly eschatological). 
Old Testament— 
Leviticus iv. 17. 
Numbers xvii. 4, xix. 4, I. 411. 
Psalms xcvii, I. 609; cxxviii. 3, I. 
55°- 
Isaiah xiii. 9, 10, xxxiv. 4, II, 650. 
Ezekiel xxxii. 7, 8, II. 650. 
Daniel v, I. 477. 
Hosea iv. 12, 1. 411. 
Joe! ii, 10-32, Il. 650. 
New Testament— 
Mark xiv. 7. 
Luke xxi. 9-11, II. 650. 
Hebrews ix, 3. 
Revelation xiii. 4, xxi. 2, IT. 653. 
Hegesippos. 
The kinsfolk of the Lord in the days 
of Domitian, I. 516. 
Sibylline Books. 
Compared with Wolospa [Bang], xvii. 


5. Chronology, Pedigrees, and Calendar. 


Ari, his chronology, II. 494. 
Beeda, Ari’s model, II. 645. 
Birthdays, none kept in Iceland, I. 430. 
Calendar. 
Old Teutonic and old Persian weeks 
of five days, cxx; I. 428. 
Times of Sacrifices, I. 405. 
Times of work, I. 429. 
Reformers of Calendar, Thorstan, etc., 
I, 429. 
Old heathen Calendar, I. 429. 
Difficulty in introducing the Roman 
Calendar into the North, I. 429. 
Chronology of Northern History. 
Founded by Ari, II. 489. 
To be corrected, II. 490. 
Other sources, Niala, etc., II. 490. 
Of Thingore school of writers, II. 494. 
Dates correctly given of— 
A-in-Helga battle, II. 589. 
Arnor’s life, II, 184, 
Bishop Biarni of Orkney, II, 301, 
Bragi the poet, II, 1. 
Egil’s Sona-torrek, 1,543; cp. II. 23. 
Einar-fostri, I]. 397. 
Gunnlaug the monk, II, 372. 
Harold Fairhair, II. 494. 
Hornklofi the poet, I. 255. 
Krakomal, II. 340. 
Konungatal, IT. 305. 
Norwegian early kings, II. 494. 
Olaf Tryggvason’s life and death, II.86. 


St. Olaf’s life and death, II. 117. 

Ragnar Lodbrok, II. 3. 

Rollo [Howorth], II. 493. © 

Settlement of Iceland, II. 494. 

Sighvat the poet, II. 119. 

Thiodwulf and Ynglingatal, I, 243. 
Icelandic Calendar at the present 


day, I, 429-431. 


- Moon, the year-teller, I. 431. 


Night, reckoning by, among Teutons, 


Pedigrees. ° 
Angles, royal race of, IT; 513. 
Ari to Rollo, II. 228. 
Arnmodling family, II. 301. 
Beowulf pedigrees in, II. 513. 
Bragi the poet, IT. 2. 
Danish kings, II. 492, 513. 
Dublin kings of O, N. blood, II. 512, 


523. 

St. Edmund of E, England, II. 3.40. 
Egil, 1. 542. 

English, royal race of Wessex, II. 493. 
Eywind, poet-spoiler, II. 34. 
Finwood, II, 301. 

Flemish earls, Il. 493. 

Gaut, royal race of, Il. 513. 
Gundhild Kings’ mother, II, 37. 
Haleygja earls, I], 522. 

Heroes, pedigree of, II, 518-520. 
Horda-Kari family, Il. 452, 512, 523. 
Lombards, royal race of, II, 513. 





1 The home-coming of Hymi is exactly like that of Polyphemos, 


698 


Norman earls and dukes, II. 228. 

Norwegian kings, II. 256, 497, 521, 
522. 

Norwegian impostor kings, II. 226. 

Orkney earls, I. 532; Il. 183. 

Ragnar Lodbrok, II. 340. 

Rognwald, Earl of Ladoga, II, 580. 

Swedish royal race, II. 513. 

Theodric the Goth, IT. 487. 

Wolfliot the Lawgiver, II. 495. 

Modern pedigrees in Iceland forged, xix. 


INDEX III. 6. 


Seasons. 
In heathen times according to work, 
I. 429. 

A phrase for late autumn, I. 514, 
Spring, the real beginning of the year, 
I, 430. 
Week. 
Heathen week a pentad, cxx; I. 428. 
Names of days of week brought into 


the North by English mission- 


aries, I. 428, 


6. Historical References. 


See InpEx II for List of NAMEs and PLAcEs mentioned. 


Authorities for Kings’ Lives suffer from 

interpolation from Latin legends 

of unhistorical character, I. 402; 

II. 83. 

Battles and Sieges, (only those of 
special note are given here.) 

A-in-Helga, II. 589. 

Assington, II. 577. 

Bravalla, I. 173. 

Brentford, II. 589. 

Caves of Africa, II. 249. 

Clontarf, I. 554, 555. 

Danework, II. 45. 

Dyke, Il. 589. 

Dylgia Heath, I. 349. 

French Coast, Sigh., I. 48, 49. 

Fulford, II. 227. : 

Fyrisvalla, II. 36, 62. 

Hafrsfirth, I. 531. 

Jomswickinga battle, II. 41, 303, 


309. 
Langton, II. 268. 
London (1016), II. 180. 
Rastarcalf, II. 32, 566. 
Ringmereheath, II. 105. _ 
Scotland (Moray-firth), II. 261, 
Sherstone, II. 589. 
Spain (Alcassir, etc.), II. 249. 
Stainmoor, I. 532. 
Stamford-bridge, II. 179. 
Sticklestead, II. 584. 
Stord, II. 165. 
Swold, II. 89, 295. 
Wall (Northumberland), II. 156. 
Wallachian plain, II. 292. 
Exodus to Western Islands, lvii. 
Geographic, see Inpex I. 3; II. 2. 
Geography of Eddic poems, Ix. 
Fictitious geography of Krakomal, 
II. 606. 
Aurar, place of Earl Sigrod’s death, 
I, 528. 
Cnut’s empire, extent of, II. 589. 


Dramn, place of Thorwald’s grave, 
I, 569. 
English, I. 589. 

Grimsby, dirty roads in, II. 277. 
Germany— 

Moravia, I. 309. 

Carpathians, I. 352. 

Rhine, see II. 672; I. 49. 
Greece, ravages in, see INDEx II. 
Greenland, I. 563; Il. 176. 
Iceland— 

Site of Crosshills, Queen Aud’s 

grave, I. 416. 
Site of Logberg or Moothill, Il. 


497- 
Character of Icelanders, I. 299. 
Nickname of Icelanders, II, 601. 

Ireland, events in, II. 30, 342. 

Man, events in, II. 565. 

Norway— 

Extent of, under Earl Hacon, I, 529; 
II. 47. 

Earl Eric, II. 576. 

St. Olaf, II. 589. 

Names of islands in, II. 438, 440, 

645. 
Sker-eid (?), I. 525. 
Skirings-sal, I. 525. 
Orkneys, events in, II. 3, 27, 33, 38, 
41, 71, 83, 98, 100, 116, 118, 
151, 178, 180, 198, 223, 253, 
393, 309, 310, 340, 372, 532. 
Russia, I, 569 ; II. 51. 
Scotland — 
In King David’s day, II, 261. 
Fife, mention of, I. 560. 
Hy (Iona), grave of Hallfred, II. 88. 
Thurs-skerries, site of ? II. 593. 
Yriar, site of, I. 528. 

Spain, ravages in, II, 249. 

Sweden, Upsala, a treasury-temple, I. 








427. 
York, I. 537. 














HISTORICAL REFERENCES. 


Historie persons, see also Inpex II. 1. 
Earl Atli’s death, II. 657. 
Atli the speaker resisting tyranny, 
II, 586. 
Calf Arnason, life of, II. 162. 
King Cnut’s character, II. 162. 
court, II, 123, 151, 158, 235. 
Egil Skallagrimson, true character and 
date of, I. 277, 542. 
King Eric Bloodaxe, his character and 
his court, I. 259, 532. 
Earl Eric Haconson, II. 51, 98. 
Queen Gundhild, her character, II, 37. 
King Gilchrist and the impostors who 
followed him, their true position, 
II. 253. 
Earl Hacon’s true character and life, 
I, 251; Il. 41. 
King Hacon’s character, I, 364. 
Haleyia Earls, I, 252, 527-529. 
King Harald Fairhair, I, 167. 
his wives, I, 532. - 
life and court, I, 255, 529-531. 
King Harald Gormson, II. 79, 81. 
King Harald Grayfell, his beauty, 1. 365. 
King Harald Hardrede— 
character of, I. 315, 369, 374. 
accomplishments, II. 227. 
policy towards England, I. 178, 595. 
King Hrorek, true story of, Il. 589. 
Hyrning, his bravery at Swold, II. 576. 
Icelandic chiefs and heroes, II. 613. 
King Macbeath [Hundason, Rhys], 
Il. 135, 593, 595- 
King Magnus the Good, his death, 
II. 179. 
his unwise rule at first, II. 586. 
Magnus Bareleg, character, II. 233. 
his reign, II. 233. 
Michael V, Kalasphates, Emperor, 
blinded by Hardrede, II. 225, 
Earl Morcar Leofricsson, II. 225. 
King Olaf Tryggvason— 
character of, II. 83. 
authorities for life of, II, 83. 
real career of, II, 83. 
St. Olaf— 
character of, II. 116, 











699 


authorities for life of, II. 117. 

takes Ethelred back to England, 
Il, 153. 

OrkneyEarls,ruleand history of, II.180. 
Arnkell and Erlend zo? slain at 
* Stainmoor, I. 532. 

King Ragnar Lodbrook, his death, 
etc., II, 2, 339. 

Earl Rognwald of Ladoga, Olaf’s em- 
bassy to, II. 132. 

Earl Rognwald of Orkneys— 
character and feats of, II. 276. 
poetry of, II. 276. 
crusade of, II, 277. 

King Rognwald heidum-harr, an 
imaginary being sprung from the 
mistake of a glossator, I, 527. 

Sigtrygg Cuaransson, II, 111. 

Sigurd Slembi, II. 254. 

Theodric the Goth, I, 132. 

Earl Thorkell the Tall, I. 455; II. 590. 

tule pay [Malcolm M°Eth], II. 254, 
261. 

Speeches, devices, watchwards, etc., 
of famous persons, 

Bersi’s answer, II, 169. 

Clasi’s word of fear, II. 281. 

Egil’s death words, II. 246. 

Erling’s challenge, Il. 137. 

Hacon’s signal at Stord, II. 35. 

Hardrede’s signal for battle, lI. 192. 

Magnus the Good’s boast, II. 189. 

Magnus Bareleg’s motto, II. 233. 

—— order of the day, II. 245. 

Olaf Tryggvason’s last command at 
Swold, II. go. 

Olaf the Quiet’s device, I. 366. 

Thori’s last words, II. 246. 

Thormod’s death-verse, II. 177. 

Thulor. 
Their historical importance, II, 423. 
Tribal names, see II. 423. 

Greotings, I. 565. 

Mzrings, I. 478. 

Rosmons, I. 470. 

Truces and Peaces, I. 423. 

Earl Sweyn and King Magnus, IT. 200, 

210. 





7. Law, Family and Constitutional. 


Affinity by Law, I. 101, 297. 
Arval-feast, I. 349; Il. 303. 
Atonements, I. 341, 342. 
Authorities. 
Ari’s works our best authority, c; I. 
401; II. 499. 
Egil’s Saga no authority for early 
Law, II. 495. 


Nial’s Saga no authority for early 
Law. 

Bastard, I. 56. 
Bride-price, I. 394, 397. 
Constitution of— 

Iceland, II. 499. 

Norway under Halfdan, II. 498, 499. 
Harold, El. 499. 


700 INDEX III. 8. 


Norway under Hacon, II. 499. 
3 » st. Olaf, IT. 499. 
Court, I. 9, 12. 
Crimes. 
In heathen days, IT. 651. 
Poaching and horse-stealing, I. 118. 


Sodomy, I. 109, 136, 153, 368, 
86. 


Damages for adultery, I. 106. 
Daysmen or Umpires, I. 122, 
Dowry, I. 295, 299. 
Execution, see Gallows. 

Of false accuseréss, I; 323. 

Of thieves, II. 139, 236, 253. 

Of traitors, II. 266, 274. 

Hamstringing, I, 171. 

Mutilation, II. 139, 254, 292. 
Family, see also Wife, Kindred, II, 


473+ 
Family or Clan-worship, I. 426. 
Fee, see also Ransom. 
On marriage, I, 180, 493. 
Gallows, I, 24, 56, 247, 252, 336, 337. 
Government. 
Good rule of King Eric, Il, 235. 
Stern rule of St, Olaf, IT. 139. 
Unwise rule of King Magnus, II. 121, 
124, 
Guard, Contin, Weorod, II. 477. 
Law of guard and of warriors, II, 503. 
Highwayman, I, 211. 
Honey-moon, I. 116, 147. 
Inheritance, see Arval, I. 341, £73. 
Kindred, I, 229, 279. 
King. 
Ideal of, II. 477, 478, 512. 
Titles of, Il. 478, 479. 
Accomplishments befitting a king, I. 
241; Il. 40, 227, 276. 
Divine descent of, cii, 
Law-berg or Moot-hill, I. 279. 
Of the whole assembly in Iceland, 
TL. 499. 
Its site on Great Rift, II. 497. 
Law phraseology. 
In Eddic Lays, Ixi. 
In metre [cf, XII Tables], I. 436-438. 


On Tune-stone, division of inheritance, 
I, 573. 
In Atlamal, I. 332. 

Legal age, I. 132, 352, 492. 

Legal notice of manslaughter, I.341. 

Nazarite vow, see Oath, I. 424. 

Oath, I: 32, 42, 140, 150, 196. 
Terms of oath of peace, I. 423. 

oath of wedlock, I. 423. 

oath of grith or quarter, I, 422. 
oath of brotherhood, I. 308, 393, 
423, 424, 486. 

oath not to cut hair till some 

feat has been achieved, I. 424. 

Pleading at Law, I. 341. 

Punishment, see Execution, Gal- 

lows, Pit. 
Capital, I. 323. 
Ordeal, I. 332, 561. 
Organization for war etc, by number, 
II; 617. 
Pauper, I. 370. 
Pit, for drowning women, I. 323. 
Ransom, I, 33, 225, 279, 312, 349, 
566; IL. 529. 

Remonstrance of Sighvat to-King 
Magnus, II. 121-124. 

Suit at Law, I. 41, 216. 

Sworn-brotherhood, I. 102, 308, 393, 
423, 424, 486. 

Taxation, I. 372. 

Custom-duties of Norway, II. 149. 
Custom paid in arrows, II. 206, 
Tribute of hawks, II. 148, 

Thrall, I. 374. 

Thule, the King’s Poet and Coun- 

cillor, I. 24. 

Token, I. 46. 

Wager of Battle, I. 323. 

Weregild, I. 214. 

Wife, see Bride-price, Dowry, II. 473. 
Concubines and wives, Il. 472. 
Foreign slaves as concubines, II. 475. 
Polygamy, I, 259. 

Adultery, I, 106. . 

‘Women, position of, II. 476. 

Yoke, going under, I. 423, 424. 














8. Life of Warrior and Sailor. . 


Arms and Armour, see Thulor ii. 428; 
see also I, 45,57, 164, 226, 230, 
242, 245, 257, 264, 319, 349; 
399; Il. 307, 480. 
Axe, II. 110, I90, 195, 271, 481, 
592, 606, 611. 
Bow and arrows, I, 46, 57, 337, 366; 
II, 190, 201, 206, 307, 229, 326, 
337, 481, 595- 


Bronze weapons, I. 139, 492. 
Club, iron, I, 122. 

—-~— oaken, I, 307, 365. 
Helmet, II. 191, 192, 270. 
crested, I, 55, 560. 
—— white, II. 57. 

Poitevin, II. 127, 187. 
—— Welsh, Gaulish, II. 127. 
Horn of war, I. 57; UH. 196. 














a ea ne, 4 


Se 4 Oo es 











LIFE OF WARRIOR AND SAILOR. 701 


Iron weapons, I. 56. 
Javelin, II, 177, 186, 201. 
Mailcoat, I. 65, 71, 131, 133, 263, 
399; II. 153,193, 212, 429, 482. 
Quiver, I, 119. 
Sword, I, 114, 132, 145, 162, 263, 
292, 373, 399; Il. 428. 
Sword named, I. 38, 77, 159; Il. 69, 
190, 290, 296, 385, 592, 598. 
bronze, I. 139, 492. 
German, I. 387. 
Russian, I, 187. 
Spear, I. 13, 45, 80, 122, 133, 263, 
335; Il. 231, 481. 
Stones (missiles), II, 57, 224, 300, 325. 
Stone weapons, II, 5. 
Shield, I. 59, 80, 135, 263; II. 153, 
167, 327. 
——- marked, I. 181. 
painted, I. 57, 381, 387; II. 4, 
10, 177, 481, 155, 
Staff slings, II. 200. 
War slings, II, 252. 
Array of troops, see I. 156. 
at Sticklestead, II. 584. 
Banner, I. 122, 135, 263, 282; II. 139, 
190, 220, 231, 265, 269, 279. 
Hellmark, King Magnus’ banner, II. 

















243. 

Shield ine as standard, I, 135. 
Battle, pitching of, I, 352, 425. 
Booty, slaves taken as, I, 257; Il. 217. 

Cattle, II, 203. 

Castles and castle-building, Ixiii. 
Cave taking by boats, II. 249, 251. 
Challenge to battle, I. 146. 
Champions of King’s body-guard— 

Bearsarks, I. 256, 425, 530. 

Crew of ship of war, II, 584. 

Devotion (sacratio) by spear-casting, 
I, 425. 

Fishing, see InvEx III, 9. 

Flyting of warriors, I, 78, 138, 351, 


352» 
Harbour, I. 138; II. 281, 
Housecarles, I, 336, 525; Il. 230. 
Muster, I. 138, 351, 352; Il. 216, 304. 
Sculls of foes used by Huns as cups, II. 
505. 
Ship, see Thulor, II. 432; and I, 41, 
138, 223, 256, 257, 479. 
Parts of ship, see Thulor, II. 432, 
Auchor, I. 88; II. 96, 209, 230, 274, 
8 


459. 
Awning, I, 134; II. 186, 193, 2 
Bows, II, 215, 265, 271, 356, % 
Bilge-plug, Il. 362. 


Bulwarks, cxxx; II. 200, 215. 

Cabins, I, 16. 

Cable, II, 96. ~ 

Figure-head, I, 134, 258; II. 186, 
187, 217. 

Hull, I. 135; Ul. 186, 248, 278. 

Mailed sides, II. 155, 162. 

Mast, II. 215, 219, 233. 

Oars, I. 134, 138, 223, 530, 563; II. 
209, 458. 

Prow, I. 135; II. lor, 172, 187, 215, 


249. 

Pildting, black, II. 159, 215, 271, 355. 

Painting, red, II. 167, 220, 278, 352. 

Pennon, II. 155. 

Ribs, II. 232. 

Rigging, Il. 186. 

Rollers, I. 222; II. 103, 187, 2009. 

Rowlock and straps, I. 257, 336, 563 ; 
II. 165, 187, 189. 

Rudder, II, 206. 

Sail, I. 135, 491; II. 136, 168, 199, 
278, 326, 458. 

Sailyard, I. 134; Il. 67, 161, 199. 

Seams, I. 367; Il. 231. 

Shield-rim, II. 194, 206, 215, 307. 

Strakes, II. 186, 205, 304. 

Sweeps and oars, II. 103, 152, 155, 
209, 241. 

Tiller, II. 69. 

Treenail, II. 270. 

Vane, II. 168, 263. 

Weather-boards, II, 157, 175, 235, 
236. 

Merchant ship, I. 256, 371; IL. 241, 


274. 
Wicking ship, I. 134, 258, 373, 574; 
II, 229, 
Ship of Tryggvason, Snake, II. 92, 
139, 169, 297, 330- 
—— of St, Olaf, Bison, II, 139, 169, 
184. 
of St. Olaf, Carle’s Head, II. 
127, 591. 
of Hardrede, HH. 208, 595. 
of Magnus, II. 199, 
of Sigurd Slembi, I. 367. 
of Frey, Skid-blade, I. 77. 
Ship-rowing, I. 134, 223, 257; II. 
165, 330- 
sailing, I. 134, 135; II. 154, 
168, 205, 247, 262, 326, 350. 
baling, II. 248. 
boarded by. cutting into with 
axes, II, 273. 
building, II. 413. 
War-whooping, I. 531; II. 352. 





























402 





INDEX III. 9. 


9. Household Life in Old Days. 


Accomplishments & amusements. 
Accomplishments of a chief, I. 241, 
242; II. 276, 299. 
Capping verses (mod. ], II. 412. 
Chess-playing, II. 279. 
Dance [med. and mod.], II. 412. 
Dice-playing, I. 240, 257. 
Jugglery and jesting, I. 255, 530; II. 
7 
Nuconian: II, 212. 
Reading stories aloud, xxiii. 
Tables, play at, I. 92, 194, 241, 342, 
484. 
Wakes, II. 412. 
Agriculture. 
Dunging land, I. 515. 
Fencing, I, 515. 
Horse-keeping, I. 369. 
Plowing, I. 515. 
Wood-cutting, I. 515, 524. 
Sea-weed burning, II. 232. 
Goat-herding, I. 37, 136. 
Swine-tending, I. 136, 141, 236. 
Goat-driving, I. 179, 220. 
Hay-making, I. 246; II. 458. 
Animals. 
Beasts, wild, see Thulor. 
Bear, black, I. 46, 58, 334, 362; 
Il. 455, 458. 
Bear, white, I, 334. 
Buck, II. 458. 
Deer, I. 328, 393 b. 
Elk, IT. 458. 
Fox, II. 266-268, 383, 456; Index 
III. to. 
Hart and Hind, II, 456, 458. 
Mouse, I. 189. 
Wolf, I. 141, 3353 II. 456. 
Beasts, tame, see Thulor, and II, 454. 
Cat, II. 407, 417. 
Dog, I. 51,135 334, 3485 Il. 417. 
Goat, I. 37, 136, 1375 Il, 456. 
Greyhound, I, 141, 176, 
Horse, I, 240, 350, 353; II. 456- 


458. 
Oxen, I. 144, 179; II. 456. 
Pigs, I, 191; II. 336, 366. 


Reindeer, I. 15, 137, 247. 
Sheep, II. 610. 
Birds, see Thulor, Ul. 615. 
Cock, II. 456. 
Cuckoo, I, 185. 
Eagle, I. 400, and often in Court- 
poetry. 
Erne, I. 136, 334; IL. 152, 218. 
Geese, tame, I. 297. 
Goslings, I, 568. 


Hawk, I. 560, and often in Court- 
poetry. 
Heron, I. 23. 
Osprey, II. 456. 
Puffin, I. 370. 
Raven, I. 131, 256, 306; II. 56, 
156, and often in ont pe 
Sparrow, tame, I. 246. 
Swan, I. 318; II. 159, 265, 
Wild fowl, I. 242; II. 358. 
Fishes and sea beasts, see Thulor, and 
Ie 457: 615. 
Whale, see Thulor, and II. 172, 310. 
Porpoise, I. 513; II. 32, 367. 
Perch, II. rog. 
Herring, IT, 32. 
Pike, II. 329. 
Lobster, II. 329. 
Urchin, II, 361. 
Haddock, II. 231. 
Ling, II. 231. 
Other living things— 
Snake, Il. 456, 457. 
Snail, II. 361. 
Drone, II. 360. 
Wasp, II. 267, 361. 
Appearance and looks, in different 
classes of society, 1. 515; II. 617. 

Signs of anger, I. 298. 

Dark hair, II. 64. 

Curly hair, see Cormac’s poems, II, 64. 
Baby, fed in cradle from a horn, I. 523. 
Beggar, II. 400, 

Book. 

Pen [mod.], IT. 416, 418. 

Illuminating, II. 300. 

Scriptures, I. 209; II. 161. 
Caricature, I. 374. 

Carpentry and Carving, I. 138, 274, 
310, 515, 539, 540; II. 589. 


Colour, I. 57. - 
Black, I. 98,-138, 222; II. 159, 215, 
271, 341. 
Blue, I. 239; II. 136. 


Green, I. 157, 264. 
Grey, I. 53, 326. 
Red, I. 135,162, 326; II. oh ae 
Tawny, I. 240. 
White, I. 258. 

Costume, see Glosses in II. arr and I, 

51, 118, 515. 

Brogues, I, 121; II. 611. 
Clothes of different ranks, I, 
Cloak, I. 55; IL. 251, 299: 
Fur, I. 319. 
Gems, I, 326; II. 485, 617. 
Ladies’ Sid dresses, If, 276. 


515- 


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HOUSEHOLD LIFE. 103 


Ornaments, I, 173, 326, 341, 563. 
Sheepskin, II, 358, 
Shirt, I, 335. 

Courtesy, see Guest’s Wisdom, and II. 


402. 
Thank you, II. 611, 
Drinking, I. 282, 
Drink, II. 456, 
Wine, I. 57, 240; II. 297. 
Toast, I. 146. 
Dyeing herbs, I. 361. 
Feast, see also Drink and Food, I. 
51, 57, 182. 
Fishing, see Fish and Thor. 
Whale fishing, I. 222; II, 310. 
flinching, II, 172. 
Line fishing, II. 148. 
Porpoise hunting, II, 32, 367. 
Herring fishing, II. 32. 
Fishing-tackle, II. 458. 
Food and Cooking, I. 56, 118, 343, 
348, 515. 
Bark, in famine, II. 44. 
Berries, I. 370. 
Buttered brose, II, 230. 
Cooking, II, 14. 
Corn, I. 86; Il. 64, 439. 
Curds of milk, II. 230. 
Loaves of bran, I. 235. 
-—— of wheat, I. 236. 
Bread, Il. 382. See Rig’s Lay. 
Dried fish, II. 409, 610. 
Dish dressed with honey, I, 51, 347. 
Food at sea, raw, I. 149. 
Kettle for brewing and boiling, I. 221, 
5209. 
able meat in autumn, I. 333, 
. 348. 
Rye flour, II, 105, 
Sausages of mutton, I. 368; II. 276, 
Whale steaks, II. 142, 
Friendship, I. 17. 
Hawking, I. 560. 
Hospitality, I. 2, 285. 
House, see II. 455, and I. 53, 63, 78, 80. 
Bath, II, 343. 
Bed, I. 147, 156, 300; II. 333. 
Bedclothes, I. 54. 
Dairy, II. 413. 
Gable, I. 58. 
Hall, II. 22. 
Hearth, II. 455. 
Pillar, I. 221, 328; II. 64, 455. 
Shutter-door, II. 72. 
Hunting, Ixiii; I. 170, 363, 391, 516; 
Il, 277. 
Bird clubbing {with bird-bolt], I. 519. 
Implements. 
Plow, I, 515. 





Wagon, I, 515. 

Hay-fork, I. 247. 

Spade (modern), II. 415. 

Hoe (modern), II. 415. 

Hone, II. 456. 

Sythe, I, 465; II. 366. 

Stick for driving goats, I. 136. 
Journeying, I. 321; Il, 129. 
Lullaby, I. 358, 362. 

Medicine and Illness, see I. 15, 242, 
358. 

Healing leaf, I. 398. 

Bandages, II, 79. 

Midwifery, I. 36, 131, 310, 485. 

IllInesses— 

Blain, II. 370. 

Spasm, II. 317. 

Gout, I. 250. 

Mania, II. 317. 

Love-sickness, I. 116, 273, 396. 
Mill, see Mill Song. 

Quern, I. 135, 148, 185; II. 307, 456. 
Money, coined, I, 180. 

Rings, I. 185, 238; II. 160, pass. 
Music. 

Harping, li, lv; I. 340, 377. 

Piping, II. 277, 279. 

Plants, Trees, Shrubs, see Thulor, 
Il. 615. 

Bast, I. 170, 236; II. 143. 

Birch, I, 318; II. 37. 

Fir, I. 54. 

Garlick, I. 326. 

Hazel, I. 136. 

Linden, II, 267. 

Oak, I. 120; Il. 216. 

Rowan, II. 336. 

Willow, I. 54, 326. 

Precious metal, II. 483. 

Gold, see Biarkamal, pass. 

Silver, I. 70, 239, 341; II. 347. 

Grey silver, I. 326. 

Riding and Riding-gear, II. 456. 

Bit, I. 315. 

Horse-breaking, I. 51, 240. 

Saddle, I, 170, 246, 310. 


- Roads and Bridges, I. 254, 370, 529. 


Smith’s work, see Weyland’s Lay, 
I, 169, 173, 194, 361, 364; Il. 
67, 212, 456. 

Tanner, II, 212. 

Tapestry and Embroidery, lxiii; 
ao 318, 392, 559; Il. 159, 


idniples (modern), II. 412. 
Toys. Hoops, I. 399. 
Treatment of Bondfolk, I. 325. 
Utensils and Tools. See Il. 456. 
Bucking-bat, II, 66. 


704 


Butter-pig, II. 407. 
Cups and cans, I. 221, 238, 240; II. 


455» 

Dish, I. 221. 

Horn, II. 456. 

Jug, Il. 411. 

Kettle, I. 221, 368; Il. 455. 
Weaving’, I. 87, 91, 282, 319, 484. 
Wedding, I. 82. 

Wooing, I. 393. 


INDEX III. to. 


Bridal procession, I. 350. 

Wedding feast, I. 81, 178. 
Work, Domestic, in old days. 

Brogue-making, II. 611. 

Singeing sheep, II. 227. 

Autumn beast-killing, I. 333, 348. 

Menial work, I. 136, 141, 236. 

Woman’s work, I. 325. 

Washing head, II. 33, 357. 

Washing clothes, IT. 66. 


10. Heathen Religion, Legend, and Ritual. 


Altar, 
Of sacrifice, I. 144, 245, 409. 
Of the temple, I. 403. 
Ancestor-worship, see Sacrifice, 
Dead, I. 413-422. 
Augury and Divination,see Witch- 
craft. 
From accidents, I. 563. 
From animals, I. 34, 412. 
From birds, I. 34, 412; II. 56. 
From blade-bones, I, 412. 
From divining-rods, I. 159, 220, 411, 
413; Il. 46. 
From meteyard, II, 32. 
From scales *, II. 43. 
Barrow of the dead, see Burial, 
I. 399, 417, 418, 524, 526. 
Broken into, I, 418. 
Grave-fires over, I. 166; II. 286. 
Hills used as, I. 416. 
Grave-stone, I. 8, 252, 371. 
Beasts speaking and weeping. 
Horse, I. 307, 317. 
Pie, l. 144, 259. 
Raven, I. 131, 305. 
Beast-tales. 
How the bear lost his tail, I. 462, 569. 
How the hawk lost half his tail, I. 484. 
Blood-eagle, see Sacrifice. 
Burial* in heathen days, see also 
Barrow, I. 43, 347; 420, 421, 
Bale-pyre, I. 303, 330; II. 325. 
Cerecloth, I. 347. 
. Coffin, I. 347, 


Corse buried in several pieces apart, 
I. 417. 
Funeral-feast, I. 342-344, 349. 
Cauldrons of stone *, Ixx. 
Charmed weapons, I. 114, 162. 
Children, unborn, I. 35. 
Consecration. 
By fire, I. 407. 
By iron, I. 409, 425. 
Curse, I. 116; II. 547. 
Dead, spirits of the. 
Ghosts, I. 142; II. 329, 330, 415. 
Raising the dead, I, 227. 
Dying into hills, I. 416. 
Dead seen near or in their barrows, 
I, 415-416. 
Worship of the dead, I. 414. 
Dead called Elves and Disar, I. 405. 
Death-songs, II. 547. 
Demon, see Excursus on arise. 
and II. 471. 
Demoniacal possession, I. 425. 
Dreams and their Interpretation. I. 
333+ 3475 393, 413; Il. 410, 547. 
Dwarf, see Thulor, I. 244. 
Turned to stone by the sun, see Alvis- 


mal, 
Fairies [mod.], dwindled Elves, II. 
385, 414. 
Fate, strands of, see Norns, I. 131, 157. 
Feast. 
Temple feast, heathen, I. 403, 407. 
Toasting Gods at, I. 404, 405. 
Fetch, I. 335, 397- 





1 There is a coarse Lancashire broad-sheet song of this century, The Power Loom, 
which runs parallel to the Riddle of Heidrek on Weaving. 

2 Divination by scales is one of the regular legal ordeals of Ancient India. 

3 A burial in the Western Isles of a Northern wicking-smith with his: tools, 


hammer, tongs, etc., 
Pagan Scotland, 


precisely like that of Skallagrim, is described in Anderson’s 


Funeral urns of steatite (and sometimes of sandstone) are especially characteristic 
of wicking funerals.in the Orkneys and in those parts. of Norway. from whence the 


wickings came and whither they went home to die; 
See Anderson’s Pagan Scotland, p. 78. 


Norway just at the. Wicking Period, 


they are only met with in 





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HEATHEN RELIGION, LEGEND. | 105 


Fox, I. 462, see Thulor. 
As in Beast Epic, I. 462. 
As in Japanese stories, Evil demoniac 
being, Gryla, etc., 1. 567; Il. 414. 
Giant andGiantess,seeOgre, Ogress. 
Grove-worship, I, 421. 
Hill, 
Used as burial-place, I. 415, 416. 
Holy Hill, I. 415. 
Images, graven, II. 358. 

Not used in Teutonic worship, I. 426. 
Incubus, Nightmare, I. 485. 
Lycanthropy and skin-changing, 

see Excursus I. 425 and I, 29, 
120, 136, 398. 
Marriage. 

Three nights’ abstention, II. 346. 
Medicine-bag. 

Old murrey-stocking, I, 362. 
Medieval tradition, echoes of older 

faiths. 

Adam’s creation [Skeat], I. 479. 

Death as a figure, I. 360. 

Longinus’ story, I. 409. 

Wanderings of Christ and St. Peter, cii. 

Vergil and Semund, xix. 

One-footer or Unipod, I. 364. 

Flood, I. 479. 

Meteorology, ideas on, II. 457. 

Moon, I. 85, 483; Il. 626. 

Myths about divinities and divine 
beings. 

See Kennings’ Excursus, and Waf- 

’ thrudnismal, Inpex I, 1; III. 4, 
(s. v. Edda ) 

See alsoW oden and Thunder, below, 

Balder-Hodr, Abel-Cain, cvi. 

Balder, wept for, Eve’s Weeping, cvi ; 

I, 369. 

Heimdal-Odusseus, civ, 

How the sea got salt, I. 184. 

Soma-drink Myths, ciii. 

The wedding of the Sun, ciii. 

World-egg hatched by Divine Bird, cii, 

World-giant, cii; I. 64. 

Wandering of Gods on earth, cii; I. 

81. 
Wlokt's chains and prison, cvi; II. 637, 
648. 

Walcyries, history of, Ixv ; I,.136, 468. 

Ygg-drasill, II. 459. 

Ocean-changes, Gefion, II. 8, 

Man sprung from giant’s limbs, I. 66. 

Giant Eagle of the Wind, I. 66, 
Myths about heroic and tradition- 

ary persons, see T’hulor (Sea- 
kings), and II, 457. 
Lists of heroes, xviii, cxi; I, 390, 
482; IL. 365, 398. 
VOL. Il. 


ZZ 





Pedigrees of heroes, I. 523; II. 518-20. 

Heroic legends, echoes of, in chanson 
de Geste, cxx, 

Attila, see Atlakvida, Atlamal, Brun- 
hild Lays, Gudrun Lays, vol, 1. 

Atli Idmund’s son, I, 144. 

Beowulf, I. 226. 

Brisinga-men, story of, Ixviii; I, 522. 

Cloak-o’-Beards, II. 546. 

Crow-Graine, II. 344. 

Egil-Tell-T oki-Gunnar, I. 168 ; II. 505. 

Slag-Finn-Glasgerion-Fiddler, I, 169 ; 
II, 505. 

Weyland (Galand) Daidalos, I. 169; 
II, 505. 

Frodi and the Hrolf cycle, I. 184; Il. 


504. 

Gretti-Beowulf, I. 511. 

Thor, I, 511. 

Tom, I, 568. 

Tram, I, 511, 568. 

Gisli-Helgi, II. 507. 

Gizor the Greoting-Iring, I. 565. 

Geirmund-Offa cycle, -I. 559. 

Goththorm-Cnui tale, I, 187. 

aise legen Oswif’s daughter, I. 
562. 

Gudrun-Freydis, I. 569. 

Helm-Gundhere-Eada tale, I. 305. 

Hagbard-Signy-Sighere tale, I, 522; 

Il. 571. 

Sighere Siggar, I, 137. 

Hamlet, II. 571. 

Harding, I. 561. 

Helgi-Gisli, II. 507. 

Helgi-Olger, cxxx. 

Hencgest, I. 556, 566. 

Hermod, I. 522, and in Beowulf. 

Hild-Eriphyle-Cordelia, II. 565. 

Hildbrand-Balin-Balan-Cuchullin, I. 
190, 

Hunding, cxxii. 

Hymi-Polypheme-Fereyinga outlaw, 
I, 511. 

Holga-brudr, ancestress-goddess, I. 575. 

Itrek, lost tale of, I. 92, 484. 

Magic shirt, I, 315; II. 350, 355. 

Mysing, I, 184. 

Saxi, King of the Southerlings, I. 561. 

Sigfred, I. pass.; Il. 589, 597, 599. 
Egil, 1. 543, 559 

sgar, I, 558. 

Sinfitela’s death, II. 528, 

lycanthropy, I. 398. 

Scarphedinn, II. 507. 

Starkad, 1. 408, 467; II. 565. 

Theodric, I, 132. 

Waldhere-Kiartan-Gunnlaug, I, 561, 


565; Il. 507. 























706 INDEX III. 1o. 


Nightmare, I, 522, 
Norns, 
Parallel to cdsmenta [Nettleship], xcix. 
Grove and brook of (Hesperid gar- 
den), ciii, 
Ogre, see Thulor, II. 329, 393, 467, 
469. 
Skrymir, II, 120, 487. 
Goats kept by giants, I. 37, 
Ogress, see Thulor, I. 567; Il. 329, 
467, 469, 547, 557: 
One-footer in America, I. 364. 
Omens, see Augury and Divina- 
tion. 
Panic, wrought by supernatural causes, 
: I. 425. 
Phallus-worship, II. 380. 
Merry songs mixed up with, II. 380. 
Pillars of Temple, see note, p, 686. 
Seat-stocks and ‘ ondvegisulor,’ I. 403. 
Priest, heathen, 
as diviner, II. 573. 
his fillets ‘ ennidukr,’ II, 566, 
often woman, II. 566, 
Religion. 
Religious ideas of Eddic poems lie in 
strata, ci. 
Sketch of old simple common Teu- 
tonic faith, cv. 
Sketch of iater foreign-coloured Wick- 
ing faith, cv. 
Sacrifice of— 
boar, I. 404-406. 
bull, II. 68. 
gold-horned oxen, I. 144, 179, as in 
the old Buddhist Mahé-Sudassana 
Sutta. 
men, I. 409. 
the blood-eagle, I. 157, 410; II. 135. 
by hanging, I. 408. 
by breaking on a sacred stone, I. 409. 
of one’s sons, I, 523. 
by suicide, I, 410, 
by drowning, I. 409. 
at launches, by crushing to death, I. 
419; Il. 349. 
times of sacrifices, I. 405. 
to Elves and Disar, I, 405; Il, 131. 
to Thor, I. 409. 
Star (constellation), I. 280, 469, 
Stones and Rocks, worshipped, cxxii; 
I, 414, 421. 
Suicide, half-religious rite, I. 410, 
Superstitions, etc,, of number. 
Number nineteen, II. 610, 
Number of mythic things, I, 72, 352, 
387. 


siete of Earth with man, I. 
361. 
Tabernacle. 
Carried about like Isis-Hertha’s or 
Frey’s in the Flatey-bok Thattr, 
I, 246, 
Temple. 

Temple, how fitted up, I. 405-408. 
treasury at Upsala, I, 427. 
Thor or Thunder, see Thulor, Ken- 

nings’ Excursus— 
Thor-Gretti, I, 511. 
Thor-Jack the Giant Killer, I. 512. 
Thor and Hrungnir, see Edda, InpEx 
ES as 

Thor and Garfred, see Edda, InDEx 
III, 4. 

Thor and Thiazi, see Edda, InpEx 
III. 4. 

Thor and Skrymr, see Kennings’ Ex- 

cursus. 

Thor and the Serpent, see Kennings’ 

Excursus, 

Worship of Thor, c ; I. 409, etc. 
Water worshipped— 

In form of water-fall, I. 421. 

Running water not to be defiled, I, 

421. 
Witchcraft, Witches, Warlocks, 
I, 16, 27, 42, 94, 120, 146, 244, 
364, 373, 396, 561. 
Sitting out to work spells, I, 412; IL, 
487. 

Raising the dead, see Dead, 

Spells, I. 19, 26, 27, 

Counter-spells, see Havamal, Old 

Wolsung Play. 

Horse bewitched, I. 523. 

Magic sark, I, 315; Il. 355. 
drink, I, 158, 306, 321, 395. 
storm, I. 315; Il. 355. 
sickness, I, 395. 

Woden or Odin, see Thulor, Kennings’ 
Excursus on; see also Edda, 
Inpex III. 4; and II. 458, 
Woden-Odusseus, civ; I. 481. 
and Mahthild, I. 21; cp. Lay 
of Deor. 
and Gundfled (Battle of Birds), 
I, 22. 
and Hegri-Kirke, I. 466. 
One eye of Woden, ciii; I. 386 
[l, 279]. 
Woden searching for Wisdom amongst 
giants, ciii, 
Woden after the Soma-drink, ciii® 
Woden-Bragi, toast of, I. 404. 
































te 


FF ESSE S ees eA 


ne 





ar <a Eee ee 


CHRISTIAN RELIGION AND RITUAL. 707 


11. Christian Religion and Ritual’. 


Altar furniture and vestments, II. 


89. 

Angels, II. 196, 486. 

Archbishop’s See founded = at 
Throndham, II, 293; at Lund, 
II, 238. 

Baptism. 

St. Olaf, godfather to Sighwat’s 

daughter, II. 583. 

Bell, II. 81, 161, 327, 485. 

Bishops. 

Biarni of the Orkneys, II. 301. 

Paul and his children, II, 275. © 

John and the famine, II. 324. 

John and the Calendar, I, 428. 

Widalin’s death, Il, 77, 

Books, II. 485. 
Burial, I. 363, 365. 

Of Kings of Norway, II. 310. 

Of a King, L 517. 

Of a lady, II. 323. 

Christ, I. 233; II. 486. 
Church-building, II. 234, 282. 

Of King Eric, II. 237. 
Church-hangings, II. 283.’ 
Churches, 

St. John’s, Dramn, I. 363. 

St. Hallward’s, Osloby, II. 317. 

St. Sunneva’s shrine, Bergen, II, 319. 

Christ Church, Bergen, II, 318. 
Cheaping, Throndham, II, 276, 
314, 315. 

Five churches in Denmark, II, 234. 
Coffin, I. 346; Il. 88. 

Creed, II. 285. 
Crosier, II. 407. 
Cross, Holy, Il. 289, 293. 

Stone cross at Gosforth, II. 649. 

» ~—9y-~S—«s at Leeds, II. 690. 
Curse, II. 281. 
Duties of Christians, I. 209, 
Heavens, Seven, I. 206, 

Joys of, I. 210, 279, 

Hell, pains of, I, 208-210, 
Hymn to— 
Mary, II. 320. 





St. Olaf, II. 161. 
Bishop John of Iceland, Il. 324. 
Christ, IT. 485. 
Hymns preferable to Rimur, II. 392. 
Mary the Virgin, II. 320, 486. 
St. Michael the Archangel at 
Domesday, II. 196. 
Miracles of— 
King Olaf Tryggvason, II. 299. 
St. Olaf, II, 142, 158, 161, 287, 


339- 
St. Columba, attributed to King Olaf 
Tryggvason, II, 603. 
Nunnery, ll. 277. 
Ordeal, Christian. 
Of King Sigurd Slembi, II. 262. 
Palestine, II. 235, 237. 
Brigands in, II. 223. 
St. Peter and his keys, II. 136. 
Pilgrimage of— 
King Canute, II. 136. 
King Sigurd Crusader, II. 252. 
Earl Eric, II. 98. . 
King Eric, II. 237. 
King Sigurd Slembi, II, 262. 
King Harold Hardrede, II. 222. 
Sighwat, II, 123. 
Erling and Earl Rognwald of Orkney, 
Il, 273. 
Pilgrims, 
Bathing in Jordan, II, 251, 262, 273. 
Gifts of, II, 251, 252. 
Pope, II. 486. 
and King Eric, II. 236. 





“Praise, II, 115, 282, 283. 


Prayer, I. 210, 215; II. 54. 

Lorica of the four Evangelists, I. 569. 
Priest, his profanity punished, II. 389. 
Rome, Fates’ Burn fancied at, where 

Christ rules, II. 22, 486. 
Sins, Deadly, I. 211. 
Shrine. 

St. Olaf’s, at Throndham, II. 590. 

Oath taken on, II. 201. 
Wickedness of dance, II, 412, 
of Ovid, Il, 259. 








1 Anderson’s Christian Scotland contains the best account of the old Scottish 
Church legends gathered from its surviving relics, 


ZZ2 


708 





INDEX III. 12. 


12. Proverbs and Saws. 


See Proverb Song, II. 364 ; also Rune Song, II. 369. 


In the Icelandic Reader, p. 259, will be found a collection of O. N. Proverbs from 


the Prose Sagas, etc. 
proverb-poems now lost. 


Arnor, Earls-Scald, II. 594. 

Atlamal, II. 260, 261, 262, 332. 

Bersi, II. 70. 

Biarkamal (Saxo), App., ll. 66, 265. 

Biorn Hitdale champion, II. 109. 

Christian’s Wisdom, ll. 35, 36, 42, 79, 
80, 116, 120, 124, 135, 136. 

Egil, I. 279. 

Einar, II, 292, 601. 

Erling, I. 382 (1. 66); II. 137. 

Eywind, II. 36, 37, 566, 567. 

Gisl Illugison, II. 243. 

Gripi’s Lay, ll. 94, 209. 

Guest’s Wisdom, ll. 14, 60, 78, 100. 

Gunnlaug’s Saga, I. 364. 

Haconar-mal, ll. 53, 66. 

Half Saga, I. 358. 

Hallfred, II. 93, 97. 

Harald Fairhair’s Life, ch. 24; I. 373. 

Harbards Liod, Il. 66, 67, 102. 

King Harold Hardrede’s Life, I. 374; Il. 


598. 
Hamtheow Lay, Il. 74, 135; I. 477. 
Helgi and Sigrun fragment, 1, 2. 
Hromund, II. 56. 


Saxo has in his earlier books full paraphrases of several 


Icelandic Proverbs, II. 586, 580. 

Lacuna Lays, § 1, I. 391 b, 392 a, 392d. 

§ 2, I. 3924. 

Loddfafni Lesson, ll. 49, 59, 80, 92, 93. 

Loka-senna, l, 60. re ail 

Long Brunhild Lay, ll. 46, 47, 48, 340. 

Olaf, II. 172, 

Othere, II. 157. 

O. W. PL, ll. 34, 64, 80, 83, 84, 88, 104, 
201, 259, 267, 286, 290, 311. 

King Sigurd, II. 253. 

Sighwat, II. 133, 135, 148, 150, 582, 
586, 587. 

Skirnis Lay, ll. 49, 51. 

Solar-liod, Il. 7, 8, 16, 20, 60, 66, 144. 

Song of Saws, ll. 1, 5, 39, 41-46. 

Stein Herdisarsson, II. 226. 

Sturlunga, I. 357, 370. 

Thiodwulf, II. 207, 594. 

Thorarin, II, 60, 77. 

Thorkell, II, 248. 

Thorrod, II. 103. 

Thrym’s Lay, ll. 39, 40. 

Western Wolsung Lay, Il. 14, 54. 

Wiglund’s Saga, II. 357, 360. 





In Proverb Song, 1. 26, one would read Ector var i hvildom heegr, ‘ Hector 
was of gentle mood.’ That true Trojan’s courtesy being renowned from Homer’s 


days to Eglinton’s. 


peygi war sia aflausn ill, 
Eiga skal nu huerr sem will. 


The Proverb Song, 116. 





THE ISLANDS. 


799 


Thulor 650-677 put into alphabetical order. 


[N. B.=North Britain; S. B.=South Britain; D.=Denmark; the rest Norway. ] 


Ala, 
Alldi. 
Alost. 

Fe see 
Asparnir. 
Aurn, 
Batalldr, 
Biarkey. 
Bokn, 


Fiolbyrja. 

Fidén. [D.] 
Folskn. 
Feetilor. B. 
Fridner, IN: B.] 
Frigg. 

Frikn, 

Frosta, 

Gartar, 

Gizki. 

Gylling. 

Hanki, 

Hasley. 
consepani [Foreign.] 
Hel 


Hellis-kor, 


Hiner (?). 

Hising, [Sweden.] 
Hitra, 

Hlessey, [D.] 


Hnotirnar. 
Hg. 

Horn, 
Hrafnista. 
Hrott, 
Hrund. 

Hugl. 

Hugro. 
Hvedn, [D.] 
Tala. [N. B.] 
Il, [N. *) 
Ira, [N. B 
vist. [N. BJ 
Kinn, 

ach (Cyprus. | 
Kormt. 

Krit. (Crete.] 
Laland. [D.] 
Laug. 

Lauga. 

Leka. 

Lodda. 
Lognd, 
Lygra. 
Marsey. [N. B.] 


Ollum-lengi [?]. 
md, 

Ormst, [N. B.] 

Raufa. 

Rist. 

Rog. 

Rokstr. 

Rott. 

Saga. 


Salarey. 
Salbigrn, 
Samsey. [D.] 
Seima (?). 
Sekk, 

Sela. 

Selja. 

Selund. [D.] 


Sidland. [D.] 
Siri. 

Skid. [N. B.] 
Skolm. 
Skrofa. 
Smyl. 
Solrgnn. 
Solskel. 
Solundir. 
Sortoland, 


Strind, 
Syllingar. (S. B.] 
Tior. 
Torgar. 
Usna. 

Vad, 

Varda. 

Véey. 

Veig. 

Vigr. [N. B.] 
Vikna. 
Vingr. 

Vorl. 

pidrn. 
piotta. 
pomb. 
pridna, 
pruma, 


For British Rivers, Thulor 333-356, see Dict., last page, 


710 


AFTERMATH, Augus/, 1883. 


The Spirit-path. Wetlinga-braut (I. 420), This myth is aptly illustrated by 


Ovid— 
Est via sublimis coelo manifesta sereno, 
Lactea nomen habet, candore notabilis ipso ; 
Hac iter est superis ad magni tecta Tonantis 
Regalemque domum.—Mez?, i, 168-171. 


It is indeed probable that (pace the compiler of Gylfa-ginning) the word Bil-rost 
or Bif-rost, which clearly indicates a stream, path, road, or the like, was originally 
applied to the Milky Way, for it was not till the arch-bridges of the Romans were 
known to the Teutons that they would think of the rainbow as an arch, bridge, or 
door, they would imagine it as a serpent perhaps (like the Bretons) or the: bow 
of a mighty archer (as the Hebrews did), but certainly not as a Spirit-path. The 
etymology of Bil- or Bif- is unknown, Can Bil- be a parallel form of Gala-? 


Ovid also gives a most interesting parallel to the ‘aldar-far’ etc. of the beginning — 


of the Wolospa (II. 645), with which it should be carefully compared— 


Primaque ab origine mundi 

Ad mea perpetuum deducite tempora carmen: 

Ante mare et terras et, quod tegit omnia, coelum 
Unus erat toto nature vultus in orbe 

Quem dixere chaos, rudis indigestaque moles, 

Nec quicquam, nisi pondus iners, congestaque eodem 
Non bene junctarum discordia semina rerum, 

Nullus adhuc mundo prezbebat lumina Titan, 

Nec nova crescendo reparabat cornua Phebe, , 
- Nec circumfuso pendebat in aére Tellus 

Ponderibus librata suis, nec brachia longo 

Margine terrarum porrexerat Amphitrite.-—Met, i. 3, 4. 


There can be no question of the Teuton poet borrowing here; and it is, one 
would say, pretty clear that Ovid is writing from some lost original (probably 
Greek) which was like the Northern Lay, a Song of the Beginnings, The Wesso- 
brunner Prayer supplies another parallel, Gill’s Polynesian Collection includes others, 
The Latin text justifies the transposition which we have effected in the text of 
Wolospa. 


The Tanner’s epithet (II, 212), for ‘skap-dreki skinna’ read ‘ skaf-dreki skinna,’ 


meaning the skin-scraper-monster. 


Haleygja-tal (11. 657), There is still an emendation to be made in the last line 
—‘stillis-lof’ is not satisfactory; a more substantial word is wanted for the image, 
Now when we recollect Egil’s ‘hlé ek /of-kést’ we find the two similes identical, 
and the word Jof in both; under ‘stillis’ some word, meaning structure, tower, 
pillar, must needs be concealed; ‘studla,’ we doubt not, is right, it has three 
letters in common with stillis, So we read— 


Enn ver yrkja gétom 
studla lofs sem steina-bru, 


I have reared columns of praise lasting like a stone bridge (the ‘bridge’ here i in the 
sense used in the Swedish Runic Stones), which completes the image properly ; 
‘ lasting’ would have stood in the preceding lost line. If either poet borrows here, 
it is Eywind, whose poem is twenty years later than Egil’s, 


Kvdsi, The poem from which Kvasi’s story (II. 636) is drawn having perished, 
we have no clue to the history of the word or legend. Is it possible that the word 
may be parallel to the Greek Baxxos, Kvah-[si=Bak-]chos, the termination alone 
differing ? 


At the end of Hornklofi’s Song, read ‘ Disar dramblatrar.’ 


ae »- 


ae eee: 
Cad bea a a 


a) 


eh ae ar 






ey. eae Oa 4 


Vigne ry tyig 


38 ett hag ate a 


Les. 


faba ee N 


' 
tae, 





ee aaa 


oy {Oia iS Eo ae 
, 


ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA. 711 


A law-phrase in the Old Wolsung Play, line 262. There is an Old Norse term, 
akvedins ord, okvedins ord, which (no doubt through the stage ‘okvens ord’) 
appears as the modern Danish ukvems-ord (ns=ms). It means lampoon, libel, scan- 
dalum of the bitter kind, so greatly dreaded by the Old Irish and Old Northmen, 
who thought that such words of hate and cursing were bound to take effect, unless 
counteracted by proper proceedings on the part of the injured person. As it stands, 
verse 68, O. W, Pl., makes no good sense at all. Under ‘opt kvedin ord’ we inti- 
mate okvedin ord; ‘verri’ would be a gloss; we sound word for ord; ‘an viti’ 
may be a corruption for cer-viti, which occurs in this connection in Lokas, 1, 82, and 
Helgi i, 271, Oddr. 1, At any rate, okvedins ord is safe, and we read— 


pviat désvidr madr letr dkvedin 
vord , , . cer-viti, 


for a fool in frantic mood may use cursing words. The remainder of the lines 
contain the precautions to be adopted and the consequences which may come: 
‘Either thou must go to law, and that is risky, or thou must go to the sword, and 
that leads one into feuds,’ ‘Heimis-kvidr’ is probably ‘compurgation’ by the 
fellow-township-men. 





ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA TO EXCURSUS TI, 
VOLUME II. 


(The reconstructed texts involve some addenda and emendenda in Excursus I, 
vol. ii, pp. 447-486.) 


Page 452. Mouth—add, froeda-salr, Sonat, 22, Skida R. 375; 6dar-grunnr, 
Sonat. 11; hiarta strénd, Sonat. ro, : 

Tongue—add, ddar lokarr, Sonat, 21; rynis rcedi, Sonat, 12, 

454, l. 16, read, ‘ thong, garter, or necklace of the woods,’ 

457. Heavens—dele, Mistar mar, Helgi i, 192. | 

458. Porpoises—add, brim-svin, Hym. 104; and dele the same word in para- 
graph above. 

461. Woden, Lord of Soma—add, farma-god, Sonat. 9; and dele, ‘forns 
hrosta hilmir .. .’ 

462, l. 3, insert, Lord of the Wolves—skoll-bleetr, Hit. 9. 

After Earth insert, The World-tree—Yggjar galgi, Sonat. 74; Yggdrasils 
askr, ut infra, 

Poetry—add, Farma-gods hrosta-brim, Sonat. Io. 

1. 6 from bottom, read, Alfodrs hrosta-brim. 

463, 1. 1, dele, ‘ Fornidtz hrosti?’ 

466. Human kind—add, Yggjar galga alpidd, Sonat. 74. 

Balder—add, Grdta god, Vsp. 65. 

After Heimdal add, Hoeni—Fetmeili (step-meter), Haust. 13; cp. Aur-konungr, 
Langi-fétr, I. 575. 

479. Pontiff—dele, ve-frémodr, Rogna hroers fromodr, Skiald bleetr, 

480. Icelanders—dele, elgjar galga alpiod. 

Henchmen—inndrott, add, Hornkl, 26. 


712 


ERRATA TO VOLUME II. 


Bragi 9, read beeti-prudr. 
»» 406, read lardar reist. 

Haustlong 28, read hollz. 

pd. 52, read gnipo. 

p- 37, foot-note to 1. 44, read spérom. 

p. 54, |. 3 from bottom, read ske. 

p. 62, top, read svellz. 

Kormak 3, read fari. 

ix 16, read Hagbardz .. . stardi. 

p. 80, 1. 30, read gina, 

p. 98, 1.16 from bottom, read was about 
to make for made, and ere he 
sat out for on his return. 

p. 115, 1. 10, read Alpta-firdi. 

Sighvat iv. 8, read konungs. 

» lv. 40, read elld. 

»  V. 23, read varr gloostr. 

» Vii. 15, read moérgo; foot-note, 
dele or viva. 

», Vii. 44, foot-note, read st6do. 

» xX. 71, read ran mun. 

Ott. i. 29, read Yngvi. 

p. 536, 1. 8 of transl., read black for blue. 

p. 176, |. 39, dele from, 

Arnor vi. 2, for fen read brim. 

p. 188, 1. 59, read runs down Meiti’s 
cliffs with his sea-skate for 
plows the main with his gal- 
leys. 

p- 195, 1. 1 of transl., for ‘ Duncan’ read 
‘ Hundason’ [Macbeth]. 

Armor vi. 60, read drakk. 

Thiod. i. 28, read mundot. 

» iii, 78, read él-kers. 
» iv. 11, read se-fang. 
»5  Viii. 21, read Hitt hefig heyrt. 

p. 215, 1. 15 of transl., insert the king 
raised the mast in a heavy sea. 

p. 218, |. 3, read brynnir. 

Mark, i. 3, read ordz-tir. 

» 1. 49, read sungo. 
» Vv. 6, read slidr-dls, 

p. 229, I. 1 of transl., read journey for 
hasten. 

p. 247, 1. 5 of transl., read lassie for 
darling. 


p. 250, Il. 15-17 of transl., read as it 
told that of yore kings’ sons — 
took service with the wise 
Kraki’s kinsman, 

p. 268, 1. ro of transl., read fir-shaw for 

fire-shaw. 

3, of transl., read I have heard 

that jive kings. 

20, read éra, 

g of transl., read Thou didst 

break the eagle’s fasé. 

p. 277, 1. 12, read leikara, 

Geisli 32, read lerérar. 

» 152, read fyrda; dele brackets. 
»» 195, read snyrtiss. 

Rekst. 86, read strangr. 

Iomsv. 54, read froekn at. 

p. 326, l. 12 of transl., read morsels for 
mortals, 

Pp. 337, 1. 31, read Hiébardr. 

p- 361, 1. 20, read grip po ek gamall 
verdi, 

Merl, i. 152, read gollor-hallir. 

Skida R. 144, read kappa gilda. 

Thulor, 1.17, for Sdlsi read Sdlvi. 

»  477,for rai read rati? 
» 588, read Andhrimnir, 
»» 657, read Skolm. 
» 667, read Solund. 

- 440, |. 20, read Hising. 

. 450, read Blondo-skald, 

. §29, |. 13 from bottom, read Hreid- 

marr for Hreidarr. 

577, |. Io from bottom, read truck 

Jor trunk. 

. 580, 1. 7, read like for as. 

. 591, 1. 16 from bottom, read 62 for 

162. 

. 637, 1. 13, read cleft for cleaft. 

Note that the piece of verse paraphrased 
here is probably by the author of the 
poem on Heil, paraphrased p. 546, 
both of which pieces were origin- 
ally in the Dialogue-metre. 

p- 646, 1. 9 from bottom, read elilenti 
Sor elilenfi, 


p. 269, 1. 


p. 270, |. 
p. 273, 1. 


es es vw Bes 


END OF VOLUME Il. 

















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