A Dróttkvætt for a Poet & Brewer

This past Saturday, Lord Magnus Hvalmagi was inducted into the Order of the Maunche by TRM Gregor & Kenna, King & Queen of the East. I was honored to write the scroll text. The form is the dreaded dróttkvætt. The translation & notes follow the scroll text. The very talented Lady Isabel Chamberlaine calligraphed and limned the scroll.

------------------------------------------

You can hear it here:

-----------------------------------------------

Scroll wording for Magnus Hvalmagi's Maunche

Margnum beinad mikill
meistari raust hrosta
skaðamaðr sanngõfugr
salgauks  bruggað õlblóð.
Fræði gróf at fornskrár
fróða elszk hann sõgu
klifsstaf tárit korni
kallað frem hvalmegi.

Heitað bytár á hverlegi
hvel maðr gullin svelgas -
fleyliðit hann Freyjas
fljóta sem munvágs Dáins
Dimmt þungliga drupu
dvergregn á eyru herrar
áðr Magnus gõrvirõls
á dómi með sõgu koma.

Õlhaf bitið Óðins
ok hornstraum klari fagreygr
Kenna drottning kenst ok
konungr Gregor greypr
Magnus bjorwit beina á
bróðerni stuka ok duppuð
með guðvefr stuka ok gullin
hann albezt hvalmegi

Dæmað þess sexdagr heyannirs, fertugátt ár stofnanar í Líndalfylki á herbúðir.

Gregor, konungr
Kenna, drottning

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many call out for the
mighty master of malt
most noble slayer of hallcock
brews a bloody ale.
Craft-lore dug from ancient
scrolls Lore-wise makes him -
Whale mighty calls forth
Tears of of gold corn's wave-prow.

Man of golden gurges brewed
bee-tears to cauldron liquor -
His aleships of Freya
float as Dains blithe waves.
Heavily dripped the dark
dwarfrain on the master's ears
ere Magnus ale-maker
brought his tales to court.

Odin's ale-sea and clear
hornstream moved
faireyed Kenna queen and
fiercest Gregor king -
Beer-wise Magnus lifted they
to the Sleeve Order and
clad best goosesmart whale-might
 in sleeves of perse and gold.

Proclaimed this sixth day of the harvest season, the forty-eighth year of the Founding,  in Flax-dale-Shire, at War Camp.

Gregor King

Kenna Queen

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES ON KENNINGS & VOCABULARY USED:

Verse 1:

meistari hrosta > master of malt > brewer

skaðamaðr sanngõfugr salgauks > most noble slayer of the hallcock > the poet seems to make reference to a ritual slaying of a rooster, somehow associated with  õlblóð or blood-ale.

ságufrúða > Lore-wise > learned in research

klifsstaf tárit korni > tears of of gold corn's wave-prow > ale or beer.

Hvalmegi  > Whale-mighty > reference to the subject's byname.

Verse 2:

Heitað bytár á hverlegi  > Brewed bee-tears to cauldron-liquor > "bee-tears" are honey; "cauldron-liquor" can denote both ale/mead AND poetry.

hvel maðr gullin svelgas > man of golden gurges (whirlpool) > reference to the subject's shield.

fleyliðit Freyjas > Freya's aleships > poetry.

munvágs Dáins > bright waves of Dain (a dwarf name) > verses or ale.

Dimmt dverregn > Dark dwarfrain > poetry. Heavy, stolid poetry.

gõrvirõls > maker of ale > brewer and poet.

Verse 3:

Ólhaf óðins ok hornstraum klari > Odin's ale-sea and clear horn-streams > poetry & ale.

bjórwit > beer-wise > skilled in brewing.

bróðerni stuka  > sleeve brotherhood > Order of the Maunche.

gaglbjartr > goose-bright or goose-smart > intelligent

guðvefr > good-weave > a costly fabric for Kings > hence, metaphorically, purple.

Prose close:

heyannirs > harvest months > July and August.

stofnanar > the Founding's Year > Anno Societatis

Lindalfylki  >  Flax-dale-Shire > Shire of Glenn Linn.

"Spring is Here!" (Meginn drápa riki - drapa for King Maynard)

"Sprrrring is here ..... Sprrrring is here. Life is skittles and life is beer! I think the loveliest time of the year is the spring. I do, don't you? 'course you do. But there's one thing that makes spring complete for me, And makes ev'ry sunday a treat for me." - Tom Lehrer

"Berið ér aptr, es várar, fleyvangs til Orkneyja, [Carry back, when it is spring, across the ship-plain to the Orkneys,]" - Sigmundr Ǫngull

In Spring, a young man's fancy turns toward ... sword-play! Raiding! Battle! Blood! Gore! What more could a true warrior ask for?

This poem, Meginn drápa riki, is about just that. For as the sun rises higher in the sky, the fjords thaw and the warships can head across the plains of puffins to find new treasure.

The poem is in dróttkvætt and is loaded with kennings. It is written for Maynard and Liadain, who will become King and Queen of Aethelmearc in April. Maynard's name means "Strength" in German, and Meginn is both an Old Icelandic adjective with the same meaning and a 14th century Norwegian name.

Recordings will happen, in a bit.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meginn drápa riki (Drápa for King Maynard)

Old Norse Verses

Poetic Translation

Stef: Veðr vill blásask Viðurs er várvíkingar fara. Er sólarvagn sigla skúrir Gauts vill fljúgask. Eptir Skaði aprast askar hafði blásit ok grundar sofa gengit innan grip hennar svipinn, þá fjǫrðuísa Njarðar fríðka munnar gliðna atatata ítar ok ístannar þeirra gnísta. Boðit, máttkar mœðir málmrunna aldrunur, vápna gnýlinns viðir viggjálfar greiða seglhund. Fyr ræða jarl ok riki með ruglandinn huldu - með Vikingum á vári veðri Hôars koma. (Stef) þrekramr heyrðuð þarlands þengill orðum benrǫgns - konung boðaði kinngrár kattar lundar atgeirs: Nú seglbúinn austansjór skildir brands skeiðar - Ǫðlings rikis afmá andmáligir brandar. Hersa dróttinn heyrðuð hugstrangr dreka fluginn: engis lúru lundar landgramr leiddi randa. "Foldir sumars fámask fagrastr hrifsa, lifra!" kambi kallaði gullin konung miðjulondum. (Stef) Virðar óþyrmir varga vestan á borðhestum fljúgusk á feginum með fleinþollar erlendis. At skǫmmu, Stœrir gumr sótr súða rotaðir - kafþjórs brenna kefir kattar dróttin máttigr. Brima, þjóðar bragning, bǫrð renndusk at jǫrðu ok á gustum hljópu geirs gífrs hestar hlessa. Þá fló drekinn dǫkkhárr at drifum Hóars rifsinn - med angr ýs ok undreyr, auðvin, songst dauð þeirra. (Stef) Merkum snuask at myrkum, mattigr yngva áttkonr ok gjofvinr leiddir vendværr vaskast hersa fastligar. Drotinn austum jofra oddum merjiðr berat ok kisar hel valkasti, konungr, hafði brunnit. Dróttning brímr dómsorð drekifólkum draga. hveiti hræteina hjálms víðir hafði bítat Hrafnsvini flaut í rennr heiti sár af hveitum. Aðalbórinn eyðir yfir svikfolk vinna. (Stef) Siðan hugaðr sigÞróttr --- sármenn á dǫgum fornum linntanna þryngoss ellandr --- leiddar lundar gunnborðs. Siðan at þer stedfast --- sigrhorna at hlífðrum uppdalum blásisk austkendr --- augum renna meyja Hegni jarla hyggiligr hjalm-Njǫrðungum kallir. Almdrósar drótinn orkar árum hagla bogna. Konungr svarum kringjir krossklædd Ýtar ôsu. hafs þík svarum hyrþǫll hundmargr þekkjandar þunnblás. (Stef)

Refrain: Odin's wind will blow when spring-vikings roam. When the sun's wain sails, The rains of Gaut will fly. After Skaði harshest the ash trees has blasted and sleeping are the green fields in her sweeping grip, then Njorð's handsome mouth, fjords of ice are breaking - chattering and gnashing glorious ice teeth rumble You ordered, mighty troubler of battle-runners thundering, din-snakes trees to armor and steed-elves fast to sail hounds. (for) jarl and king are plotting with secrecy confounding, (and) Hóar's mighty storms come with Vikings in the Spring. (Refrain) In far-off land you heard kings' words of bloody-rain how king of cats commanded grey-cheeked trees of halberds: in eastern seas are sail-bound war-prows' shield-providers - now come contentious fire brands to savage noble marklands. You heard, our Warrior ruler flying dragons strong-willed: the prince of the meadow's halibut led the trees of the rims. "Fields of summer fairest let us pillage, brothers!" cried the gold-hatted - the King of the middle lands. (Refrain) Plank-horse riding western men, outlaw-crusher, joined you - joined in battle joyful to stop the spear-firs foreign. Soon, soot-horses of the plank you stunned, strengthener of men the sea-ox of the deep you burned and harmed the cat jarl mighty. Then ran aground the planks of surf, prince of men most valiant, and stunned the troll's horses leaping, did the Aethling's spear-gust Then flew the plundering dragon - into Hóars snow-storm deadly treasure-friend, you sang their death with wound-reeds and yew´s sorrow. (Refrain) You faced the darkened Eastern banners mighty heir of kings. And lead most valiant war-men sturdy, bounty's-friend hard-pleased. Lord of princes, brought you crushing to mighty Eastern armies and you, our mighty king, have burned the corpse-pile of the kittens. King fiery dooms-word to dragon-army brought wheat of carrion-twigs helm-trees have bitten. Ravens wine flowed from running hot wounds from axes. Noble-born destroyer over evil vanquished. (Refrain) Again, o bold victory-Þróttr --- as snake-fanged wound-men as of old surround us --- you lead the trees of battle-boards. Again, o stedfast victory maid--- with eastern victory-horns in hidden up-dales blasting --- our yearning eyes beseech you. Jarl-punisher wisest calls forth the helms of Norðir - Queen of the bow-maid summons messengers of the hailstones of the bow. Cross-clad King, we, the cunning gods of shields, answer. Fir of the sea-fire, we, the many knowers of the linen-cord answer. (Refrain)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Notes

There are three recurring images that may need explanation: first, the Kingdom of the East (Northeastern US & Eastern Canada) uses a blue tyger as its totem; this explains the references to King of Cats, etc. Second, the Middle Kingdom (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky) has the dragon as its totem; thus the dragon references. Finally, although it only makes a cameo appearance, the Kingdom of Ealdormere (Ontario) is the home of the wolves; that's where that reference comes from.

A final note: yes, I know that kisar valkasti is pretty danged gruesome. All I can say is that "War isn't for the Squeamish."

Kennings Used

Stef:

Veðr Viðurs > Odin's weather > BATTLE/WAR
várvíkingar > Vikings of Spring > RAIDERS
sólarvagn > Sun's wain > SUN
skúrir Gauts > showers of Gautr > ARROWS

VERSE 1:

Skaði > goddess of Winter > WINTER
munnar Njarðar > Njorð's mouth > ICE
ístannar > ice teeth > ICE FLOES

VERSE 2:

máttkar mœðir málmrunna aldrunur > mighty troubler of battle-runners > troubler of warriors > KING
gnýlinns viðir > din-snakes trees > sword trees > WARRIORS
viggjálfar > war-elves > SAILORS
seglhund > sail-hound > SHIP
veðri Hôars > Hoar´s storms > WAR

VERSE 3:

orðum benrǫgns > words of bloody rains > OMENS
konung kattar > King of Cats > EASTERN KING
lundar atgeirs > trees of halberds > WARRIORS
brands > SWORDS
skildir skeiðar > shield providers > WARRIORS
Ǫðlings rikis > Aethling´s realm > noble realm > ÆTHELMEARC
andmáligir brandar > contentious brands > WARRIORS

VERSE 4:

Hersa hugstrangr > warrior ruler > KING MAYNARD
drótinn dreka > King of the dragon > MIDDLE KING>
engis lúru landgramr > land-ruler of the meadow-fish > King of the snake > MIDREALM KING
lunar randa > trees of rims > trees of shields > WARRIORS
kambi gullin > gold-hatted > KING

VERSE 5:

Virðar vestan > men of the west (who ride plank-horses) > SAILORS/WARRIORS
borðhestum > plank-horses > SHIPS
fleinþollar > spear-firs > WARRIORS
sótr súða > soot-horses > WOLVES
Stœrir gumr > strengthener of men > KING
kafþors kefir > sea-ox of the deep > SHIPS
kattar drótinn > King of cats > EASTERN KING

VERSE 6:

þjóðar bragning > prince of men > KING
bǫrð brim > planks of the surf > SHIPS
gustum geirs > wind of spears > BATTLE/ATTACK
gífrs hestar > troll's horses > WOLVES
drekinn dǫkkhárr > dark-haired dragon > KING OF THE MIDDLE
drifum Hóars > Hóar's storm > Odin's storm > WAR
angr ýs > Yew's sorrow > FIRE
undreyr > wound-reeds > ARROWS
auðvin > treasure-friend > KING

VERSE 7:

yngva áttkonr > heir of kings > KING MAYNARD
gjofvinr > bounty-friend > KING MAYNARD
hersa > war-men > WARRIORS
drótinn jofar > lord of princes > KING MAYNARD
kisar valkasti > corpsepile of kittens > DEAD EASTERN WARRIORS

VERSE 8:

drekifólkum > dragon-army > MIDDLE WARRIORS
hveiti hræteina > wheat of carrion-twigs > SPEARS
hjálms víðir > helmet-trees > WARRIORS
Hrafnsvini > wine of ravens > BLOOD
Aðalbórinn eyðir > noble-born destroyer > KING MAYNARD

VERSE 9:

sigÞróttr > victory-Þróttr >victory-Odin > KING MAYNARD
linntanna sármenn > snake-fanged wound-men > MIDREALM WARRIORS
lundar gunnborðs > trees of battle-boards > WARRIORS
sigrhorna > victory-horns > WAR CRIES
renna meyja > victory-maiden > QUEEN LAIDAIN

VERSE 10:

Hegni jarla > conqueror of jarls > KING MAYNARD
hjalm-Njǫrðungum > helms ofNjǫrð > WARRIORS
Almdrósar drótinn > Ruler of elm-maids > ruler of valkyries > QUEEN LIADAIN
hagla bogna > hail of bows > FLIGHT OF ARROWS
konungr krossklædd > cross-clad king > KING MAYNARD (after his coat of arms)
Ýtar ôsu > gods of spears > WARRIORS
hafs hyrþǫll - fir of sea-fire > fir of gold > QUEEN LIADAIN
þekkjandar þunnblás knowers of the linen-cord > ARCHERS

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LIKE IT? HATE IT? GOT QUESTIONS? GOT OPINIONS?

Leave a comment below _☟ or write me.

Thank you!

Saleem drápa goðinn (Drápa for Saleem the Chieftain)

Again, I am writing about a dear friend. Saleem ibn Alefan was the second Baron of Thescorre and has been a marshall (trainer of fighters) in our Barony for many years. Today, he is fighting a brave battle with cancer. This is written for him. Once again, this erfidrápa is premature, and again I pray that both he and my readers live for a very long time.

The form is Ljóðaháttr:

The ljóðaháttr stanza typically contains six lines or two units of three lines each. The first two lines in each unit are connected by alliteration, and the third is also decorated with alliteration. The first two lines have at least two beats and the third three beats.

Source: (http://www.trobar.org/prosody/pnort.php)

You will note that many of the verses in the body of the poem are repeating. The first parts of these verses are largely based on the HÁVAMÅL (The Counsel of Óthinn the One-Eyed) edited and translated by Jackson Crawford.

The recordings will be added in the next few days.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saleem drápa goðinn (Drapa for Saleem the Chieftain)

Old Norse Verses

Poetic Translation

Stef: Skeggjaðr herra stǫndum prúðliga snarr svanbekkjar sól gunngjóð spjotar góma fólkið leyfa láðvǫrðr lunda gunnborðs. Visur: Heyr þu spakræður ef sækir mundu af randa hreggbjóðr Opts gott þat es gamlir kveða; opt ýr skơrpum belg skilin orð koma; Nú heyrþu orð skaldins hárra, gamla ok tannlaussa allþơrf ýta sonum, heill sás kva. heill sás kann, njóti sás nam, heilir þeirs hlýddu. (stef) Sifjum es þá blandat hverr es segja ræðr einum allan hugaldr. Svá með hann - goða hrafnar - beztrar vináttu ok helztrar. Sifjum es þá blandat hverr es segja ræðr einum allan hugaldr. Svá með hann - hærra þegn prúðr hlut fríðmǫnnum hafi gefit. (Stef) Fróðr sá þykkisk es fregna kann ok segja it sama. Svá með hann - ráðsmann síðgóðan launtals skjólsman slæligan. Fróðr sá þykkisk es fregna kann ok segja it sama. Svá með hann - Grœðir vísdóms er hrafnsheim til vigafar fylgir. Fróðr sá þykkisk es fregna kann ok segja it sama. Svá með hann - herra hniplings, ríkismanna raðunautr. (Stef) Lifa með drengskap allt líf þín ok vil skylfi nipt Fenris að nema þú Svá með hann - rǫskvast Hrafnsgóði fyrst til hríðar Fróða. Lifa með drengskap allt líf þín ok vil skylfi nipt Fenris að nema þú Svá með hann - Grimmast gjóða Fíðrirjóðr Yggjar. (Stef) Esat maðr alls vesall þótt hánn sé illa heill - sumr es af frændum sæll, Svá með hann - lindar línu fríðill ok vin ljúfastr. Esat maðr alls vesall þótt hánn sé illa heill - sumr es af frændum sæll, Svá með hann - álptar-blíða dóttir ástúðligast. Esat maðr alls vesall þótt hánn sé illa heill - sumr es af frændum sæll, Svá með hann - Fygja fast són djárfastr ok bezt hugaðr. (Stef) Glaðr ok reifr skyli gumna hverr unz sinn bíðr bana. Svá með hann - á Dauði segir orð sætastu ok hvatastu. Glaðr ok reifr skyli gumna hverr unz sinn bíðr bana. Svá með oss - Láta lærið frá lífi honum vega dugnaðar. (Stef)

Refrain: Bearded chieftain bravely stands hero of the swan´s bench sun. Palate spears of people praise the land-keeper leader of the shield trees. Verses: Hear you wisdom if seek you would of the bringer of the shield storm. wisdom dwells in old men's hearts; oft from gray-beards wise words come. Hear you words of the hoary skald, old and toothless, all for men's good. Health to you who speak them, Health to you who know them, Joy to you who learn them, Health to you who hear them. (Refrain) Men are friends when they can share their minds' fruit without fear. Thus with him - Raven's Chieftain, of all comrades best and truest. Men are friends when they can share their minds' fruit without fear. Thus with him - to men of peace the brave thegn his greatest share has given. (Refrain) He seems wise who knows the answer and knows how to explain it. Thus with him - counselor honest - well-versed secret keeper. He seems wise who knows the answer and knows how to explain it. Thus with him - Wisdom-feeder Ravenhome's war-leader. He seems wise who knows the answer and knows how to explain it. Thus with him - pelican-lord gentle counsellor of Kings. (Refrain) Live with bravery all thy life and Hel will fear to seize you. Thus with him - brave Raven´s leader first to the storm of Fróði. Live with bravery all thy life and Hel will fear to seize you. Thus with him - osprey feeder Yggjar's feather reddener (Refrain) Soul-wretched is no man even if he weakens - men find happiness in their kin. Thus with him - of head-dress linden - dearest friend and lover. Soul-wretched is no man even if he weakens - men find happiness in their kin. Thus with him - of swan's grace lovely- dearest friend and father. Soul-wretched is no man even if he weakens - men find happiness in their kin. Thus with him - of scion stout-heart - dearest friend and father. (Refrain) Man should also cheerful be, till certain death comes for him. Thus with him - to Death speaks he sweetest words and bravest. Man should also cheerful be, till certain death comes for him. Thus with us - Let us learn from his life valor´s ways. (Refrain)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kennings Used

svanbekkjar sól > sun of the swan's bench > sun of the river > GOLD
spjotar góma > spears of the palate > TONGUES
Láðvǫrðr > land-keeper > BARON
gunnborðs > shield trees > WARRIORS

hreggbjóðr > shield-storm > WAR
randa hreggbjóðr > bringer of the shield-storm > WARRIOR
hugaldr > mind fruit > THOUGHTS
goða hrafnar > raven's chieftain > THESCORRE BARON
Grœðir vísdóms > wisdom feeder > COUNSELLOR
hrafnsheim > ravens' home > THESCORRE
vigafar fylgir > war-way leader > CHIEFTAIN
herra hniplings > pelican-lord > COMPANION OF THE PELICAN
ríkismanna raðunautr > king's man wisdom-bringer > COUNSELLOR
nipt Fenris > sister of Fenris > HEL
Hrafnsgóði > raven's chieftain > THESCORRE BARON
hríðar Fróða > storm of Fróði > WAR
Grimmast gjóða > osprey feeder > WARRIOR
FíðrirYggjar > feathers of Yggjar > feathers of Odin >RAVEN
Fíðrirjóðr Yggjar > reddener of the feathers of Yggjar > WARRIOR
lindar línu > linden of the head-dress > WOMAN, WIFE
álptar-blíða > swan's grace > MAIDEN, DAUGHTER
Fygja fast són > scion stout-heart > BRAVE SON

**************************************************************************************************

LIKE IT? HATE IT? GOT QUESTIONS?

Please leave a comment below or send me e-mail. Thank you!

And here's my February post..........

If it seems as though I've slowed down recently, it's just because I have. I've been trying to get focused on a troubling situation which calls for poetry (or will far too soon), and as I do that, I'm working on studying Old Norse grammar, in order to become a better poet. So, I've slowed down in my writing.

However, I do have a couple of verses that I wrote to meet a challenge: Write a Poem about "Cold".

Now, that's a topic an Icelander can get up on. Two verses: one is brand-new; the other, a reworking of an older piece.

=======================================================================================================================================

VERSE ONE

Old Norse Verses	Poetic Translation
Hverja nótt húns hvirfil hvesti vindr eystri; fingr ísarns fanga ok furu besti gnesti; Skikkja undir Skáðis sofinn hreinsá dofna; svan-mærr of snælandum standa hvela Manis.	Every night of the bear whirl- sharpens wind eastern fingers of ice-iron grab and fir´s bark crack. Cloak under Skadi's sleeping reindeer-river drowses Swan-bright over snow-land stands the wheel of Mani

Prose Order: Every "night of the bear" eastern whirlwinds sharpen; Ice-iron fingers grab and crack the fir's bark; under Skáði's sleeping cloak, the reindeer-river drowses. Over/above snowfields, Mani's wheel stands.

Kennings Used

nótt húns - night of the bear - WINTER
finger ísarns - fingers of iron - COLD
Skáðis skikkja - Skaði´s cloak - SNOW (Skaði is the goddess of winter)
hreinsá - reindeer´s river - GROUND
hvela Mánis - Mani's wheel - MOON (Mani is the ON representation of the moon)

===================================================================================================================================

VERSE TWO

Old Norse Verses	Poetic Translation
Þagnar þá er þegnar þorra flugar bruggar; festar snjóvita fastliga fagrast kæfa gerðin; hremma at hrimþursar hringumgrundar blindir jakar frystat Jokuls ýsna fyrir lýtegu	Grow silent when thegns of Thorra bees scheme; Chains snow-white tightly fairest choke fenced fields; Clutch at rime-giants rings of field blind; Ice-flows freeze of Jokull of haddocks over fish-fields.

Prose Order: Bees grow silent when Thegns of Thor scheme; Snow-white chains tightly choke fairest gardens; Blind rime-giants clutch at rings of the field; Jokull´s ice-flows freeze over haddock´s fish-fields.

Kennings Used

þegnar þorra - þorra´s thegns - SNOW (þorra is a Freyja name)
hrimþursar - Rime giants - STORMS
hringumgrundar - rings of the field - SNAKES
jakar Jokuls - Jokul's ice-flows - SNOW & ICE (Jokull is a Giant name)
ýsna lýtegu - haddocks' fish fields - PONDS

==================================================================================================================================

LIKE THEM? HATE THEM? GOT QUESTIONS?

Leave your comments below or send me an E-Mail.

# 101 - Nýjárs ríma

This is my last post of 2012. And it also is my One-hundred-first posting on this blog!

As is appropriate for the occasion, a New Year's poem is in order. This one is ríma. t has a couple of Icelandic New Year's eve beliefs: that seals walk and cow talk on New Year's Eve.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************



*****************************************************************************************************************************************

Old Norse Verses	Poetic Translation
Er brim hrosta flóa ok orðabelgar hjlóa Er selahúðir ganga ok barri ulfa hanga Er Fjósakarlar skína ok slefumæltr kollar inna Þá ek til ølfrændr drekka ok ríð á nýjárs brekka	When the malt wave flows and the word-bag roars when the seal-skins walk and wolves' barley hangs when the byre-karls shine and drawling cows perform Then I to ale-friends drink and sway on new year´s brink

*****************************************************************************************************************************************

Kennings and Images Used

brim hrosta > malt wave > ALE
orðabelgar > word-bag > DRUNKARD
selahúðir > seal-skins > SEAL FETCHES
barri ulfa > wolves' barley > CORPSES
Fjósakarlar > byre-karls > ORION'S BELT
slefumæltr kollar > drawling COWS


******************************************************************************************************************************************

Like It! Love It! Got Questions?


You can leave comments below or send me E-Mail

******************************************************************************************************************************************

Sólmyrkvi: Lausavísur on the recent solar eclipse

I am often in search on inspiration and, as a recent pizza ad says, "the answer is in the stars" (or in this case, the skies over the Southern hemisphere). I wrote the following verse on the occasion of the solar eclipse this past autumn. In it I incorporated several Norse myths about the sun. The usual pattern here, two verses plus English poetic translations, followed by a key to the kennings and heiti used.

...............................................................................



...............................................................................

Old Norse Verses	Poetic Translation
Hyrrinn brenna heiðs hnoðrum skýa á ǫski en alskíra himins eltask ártali skarptoski. Skjaldar himna Skǫlli skapthár flýgr frá bólginn. Ljósgim fengit lastvarr ljómandi hafði faststar.	Fire of the clear-sky burns sky-fleece to ashes, but year-counter sharp-toothed chases heaven's all-bright. The shaft-high heaven's shield flees from Skǫll wrath-swollen. Hard-eyed Gleamer captured guileless light-jewel.

...............................................................................

Kennings and Heiti Used

Hyrrinn brenna heiðs > Fire of clear sky > SUN
hnoðrum skýa > sky-fleece > CLOUDS
alskíra himins > heaven's all-bright > SUN
ártali skarptoski > sharp-toothed year-counter > MOON
Skjaldar himna skapthár > Shaft-high heaven's shield > SUN AT DAWN
Skǫlli bólginn > Skulker swollen > MOON
Ljósgim lastvarr > guileless light-gem > SUN
ljómandi faststar > Hard-eyed Gleamer > MOON

...............................................................................

Like It! Love It! Got Questions?


You can leave comments below or send me E-Mail

...............................................................................



May the Jólabál burn brightly in your heart!

...............................................................................

Foes and Friends Forever

For those of you who are in the SCA, you may have heard that I was elevated by TRM Andreas and Kallista to the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. Her Majesty then invited me to be one of her bards for the Known World Bardic Challenge at the Pennsic Wars. As you read this entry, the circle has ended, and the following poem received its world debut.

The theme of the circle was Enemies and Friends , and this poem catches the theme, I think.  It is written in English, in the dróttkvætt meter. The kennings are pretty simple.

--------------------------------------------

Foes and Friends Forever

Battle joined by bitter bold foes crying old gripes - blood is let by blade-Tyrs blasting horns call fast spears. Sword-storm's lightning seering seething helm-lines heaving - Iron-gods' knights-errant On field reddened yield not. Day's heat on the hot field hammers foes in gam'sons drives the sword-tree droves drained of precious rains-gift. Seek the helm-folk sacred sups of Odin's cup-streams. Find they there the fiend-men friends to glad-night's ending. Joined by valor's gentle jumbling, spear-foes humbled honor's love find intact. Armored not gainst harm now, point-din yields til pint-song peals from laughing steel-oaks - spear-trees come from spar-storm sword-gods hug their war-friends.

--------------------------------------------

You can hear the poem by clicking below:

--------------------------------------------

I hope you enjoyed the poem. Please let me know by commenting below or by writing me.

For Our King

It's only fair....

Since I wrote a verse for Her Majesty, Kallista, earlier this week, it's only fair that I write one for His Majesty, Andreas. I don't want to cause jealousy, after all. So, here you go:

Old Norse Verse	Word-by-Word Translation	Prose Order Translation
Vannt sigkrónu hvennær vegmaðr hugsa degum - Hár þá haslstangir hristaskjala lézt af. blóðdrukkinn var biðan bragning Yggjar gæsa Fyrir eik fagrbúin frægða sigrast dag sá.	Won you crown victory when stately man, I recall day Hár then hazel-poles shakers of shield slaughtered; blood-drunk were biding hero Yggr’s geese. For oak beautifully dressed glory you won day that.	I recall the day when you won crown victory, stately man; Then, Hár of hazel poles, you slaughtered the shakers of shields. Yggr’s biding geese were blood-drunk, ruler. That day, you won glory for The beautifully dressed oak.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kennings Used

Hár haslstangir > Har of hazel-poles > Odinn of the lists > ANDREAS
Hristaskjala > shakers of shields > WARRIORS
Yggjar gæsa > Yggr’s geese > Odinn’s goose > RAVEN
eik fagrbúin > oak beautifully dressed > KALLISTA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

COMMENTS

Please, give me your thoughts, either in the comment box below or at my e-mail.

Another Morguhn verse (or Two Couplets Revised)

Good morning! Last summer after my annual vacation at the Pennsic Wars, I wrote a post that has two couplets I wrote while on vacation. It is time for revision of these verses into a full verse.

The couplets with the translations I provided are as follows:

Verse One

haslaði á holm-gang
holinn-menn fyrir gull-hringr

Challenged (he) to holm-gang
bragging-men for gold-ring-the

Verse Two

röskar Morghun rauð-harr
ræti hamingja leitinn

brave Morguhn red-haired
rode (his) fortune seeking

When I looked at these couplets, I saw definite strengths, but considerable weaknesses in three areas: internal rhymes in the first lines, syllable counts, and inflections. These three are difficult, but can be overcome with practice. That caused me to revise these couplets and to expand them into a full verse. That verse follows.

===================================

On Morguhn

Old Norse Verse	Word-by-Word Translation	Prose-Order Translation
Rǫskr Morguhn rauð-harr ræti auðna leitinn; létta skellihlátr lǫngun ofan ǫnda. Skora karpinn sverðum á sártíð fyrir dýrðum sjaufjald krúnas sinnum sló menn inni hǫsldala.	Brave Morguhn red-haired rode fortune seeking lightened roaring laughter longing up spirits. Challenged bragging swords to wound-hours for treasure; seven crown's times slew men in hazel-dale.	Brave red-haired Morguhn rode seeking (his) fortune; Roaring laughter lightened longing spirits up. Bragging swords (he) challenged to wound-hours for treasure; Seven times (he) slew men in the crown's hazel-dale.

===================================

Kennings Used

karpinn sverðum > bragging swords > FIGHTERS
sártíð > wound-hours > BATTLES
hǫsldala > hazel-dale > LIST FIELD

===================================

Comments

As always, I hope I got the grammar right. There are times when the inflections I use may be inadvertently incorrect. If you see a mistake, please let me know.

I keep coming back to this theme, The Legend of Morguhn, because it has some universal truths in it: chivalry, courtesy, prowess, and fate. I only know that these verities bear further consideration. If you have suggestions on different topics I can use to explore these ideas, please let me know through comments.

Finally, any other comments you have - questions, remarks, likes and dislikes - are very important to me. You can use the box below, or you can e-mail me.

For Queen Kallista

Yes, it's about time --- I know, I'm late. I started this on Saturday last at the Coronation of Kallista and Andreas, Queen and King of Æthelmearc. The verse is relatively straight forward, except that praise lines for Her Majesty are inserted between lines of action. In any case, here is the poem.




++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Old Norse	Word-by-Word Translation	Prose-Order Translation
Sverðtré hvattu svartbrynn (svanni grœngeils fannvit) á frágǫrðum frœkligum (fríðast, sváss ok bliðust). Drjúgtmanna bjoða dróttningu (dreglaðr raftré fegna rauðharr verndar ratitosks) rausnarkona hraustviðs.	Sword-tree you prompted black-browed (swan of green-glen snow-white) To surpassing feats valiant (most beautiful, sweet, and gentlest) Crowds proclaim you queen (ribbon-trimmed amber tree joyful red-haired friend of squirrel) magnificent lady of the valiant woods.	You prompted the black-browed sword tree to valiant surpassing feats o snow-white swan of the green glen most beautiful, sweet, and gentlest. Crowds proclaim you queen, magnificent lady of the valiant woods Joyful ribbon-trimmed amber tree - red-tressed friend of the squirrel.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kennings Used

Sverðtré svart-brynn > sword tree black-browed > ANDREAS
grœngeils > of the green-glens > SYLVAN GLEN
svanni fannvit > swan snow-white > KALLISTA
raftré > amber tree > KALLISTA
hraustviðs > valiant woods > AETHELMEARC




+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reykvellir (Reek-seether)

Yes, volcanos. Two volcanic photos that appeared at the APOD blog inspired me for these verses. Once again, these are pretty kenning & heiti heavy.  The kennings and heiti are explained in my notes at the end.

***************************************************************************

This is of an Ecuadorian volcano, but it's STILL nifty

(http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120402.html)

This is of Eyjafjallajokull, during its 2010 eruption

(http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100419.html)

*************************************************************************

Old Norse	Word-by-Word	Prose-Order
Borgar liðdrjúg berg-buis byrræfr braut niðr dýrligt ok gilja inni gullin, glóa seyðir Hveðrungs. Bó­­­tar jǫrðhrist bergklædd bǫls darka élsólars; brandar fuðra brenn-steinn ok bróta duna Hlóriðs	Fortress mighty of mountain-dweller breeze-roof broke up glorious and gullies in golden glow fire-pits of Hveðrung. Boots earthquakes rock-clad trouble's stomp of storm-sun; brands flame of brimstone and breaks thunder of Hlórið.	Mountain-dweller's mighty fortress broke up the glorious breeze-roof and Hveðrung´s fire-pits glow in golden gullies. Storm-sun´s trouble´s rock-clad boots stomp earthquakes; brimstone brands flame and Hloriðd's thunder breaks.
Vaðil flæddi váðvæng velland neðan eld-fjall; reykvellir er rǫkvið ropað yfir snóplaxu. Jotunn brunnum átfrek ǫska fretar mǫkku; strangtvið þa er stráfall strjúpi ǫskeld uppvarp.	Wading streams flow perilous molten down fire-hill; twilit reek seether belches over snow-plains. Giant burning voracious ash farts clouds; strong-woods when straw-fall bleeding-trunk fire-ash throws up.	Molten wading-streams flow down perilous fire-hill; twilit reek seether belches over snow plains. Voracious giant farts burning ash clouds; when bleeding trunk vomits fire-ash strong wood straw-fall.

******************************************************

Kennings and Heiti Used

Verse One

Borgar berg-buis > fortress of Mountain-dweller > VOLCANO
byrræfr > breeze-roof > SKY
seyðir Hveðrungs > Hveðrungs (a heiti for LOKI) seether (fire-pit) > VOLCANO CRATER
bǫls élsólars > trouble of the storm-sun > TROLL
bó­­­tar bǫls élsólars > the boots of the troll > TREMORS
brandar brenn-steinn > brands of brimstone > LIGHTNING
Hlóriðs > heiti for THOR

Verse Two

Vaðil flæddi velland > wading streams molten > LAVA
reykvellir > reek-seether > VOLCANO
Jotunn átfrek > giant voracious > VOLCANO
stráfall > straw-fall > PERISH, DIE
strjúpi > bleeding-trunk (spoken of a neck after the head is severed) > VOLCANO CRATER

******************************************************

COMMENTS GO IN THE NICE BOX UNDER HERE!

Please, tell me what you think.......