This one is (mostly) written in Old Meter (Fornyrdhislag). It´s
a free retelling of the Hakonarmal, which in turn was modelled after
the Eiriksmal. The skald Eyvind who wrote the Hakonarmal back then
was promptly nicked „the Plagiarist“ resp. „Skald-Spoiler“
(Skaldaspillir) by his kind colleagues. In the light of these charming
customs, I´d rather not know what our forebears would´ve
called me ;).
- Michaela
„Göndul and Skögul,“ / Gautatyr spoke,
„Bring me the best / from the Battle of Stord:
Hakon the King / to Valhalla must come,
a seat is empty / for the son of the Ynglings.“
Swiftly they sped / and soon they returned,
along with the chosen one: / Pale were his cheeks
and bloody his byrnie, / battered his shield;
breath he lacked, / who bravely had died.
The High One sent Bragi / and Hermod to hail him
and bid the hero / enter the hall.
But Hakon stopped / and stood on the threshold,
the wary king, / refusing to come:
„Why did you wrench / my victory from me,
wasn´t I worthy / to win the day ?
Hár had me fall; / why now talk friendly ?
I do not trust him, / he tries to deceive me.“
„Your friends kept the field, / your foes have fled;
victory is yours, / though you yielded your life.
It is here that we need you; / few people know
that the Grey Wolf gapes ever / at the Gods´ dwellings.“
Hakon still / stood on the threshold,
the cautious king, / reluctant to come:
„More woe than weal / brings Odin´s will:
worse would follow / were I to enter.“
„Great is your glory, / still greater your gain:
You´ll always be first / at the Einherjar´s feast.
Jarls will wait on you, / Wishmaidens serve you;
Eight brothers hail you here / on the bright benches.“
Yet Hakon still / stood on the threshold
and hesitated / to enter Valhall:
„In my youth only / I honored the Aesir;
no blots I brought later, / no blessings I sought.“
„You did not worship, / but warded our vés,
as ruler respected / the rites of the Regin.
On feats, not faith / your fame is founded,
by deeds of valor / deserve you to enter.“
The clever king said, / „I shall keep my sword,
my shield and byrnie, / though they be battered;
it´s good to hold fast / to proven friends.“—
Then Hakon entered / the High One´s hall.
All Odin´s chosen / gave him great cheer,
the shining Gods / greeted him gladly.
Sooner would Fenris / feed and be sated,
than a ruler so noble / want rightful renown.
© 2005 Michaela Macha
- This poem is in the Common Domain and may be freely distributed
provided it remains unchanged, including copyright notice and this
License -
