| Iclandic 1. Hljóðs bið eg allar helgar kindir, meiri og minni mögu Heimdallar. Viltu að eg, Valföður, vel fyr telja forn spjöll fira, þau er fremst um man. |
Deutsch |
Svenska 1. »Hören mig alla heliga släkten, större och smärre söner av Heimdall; du vill ju, Valfader, att väl jag täljer forntida sägner, de första, jag minnes. |
| 2. Eg man jötna
ár um borna, þá er forðum mig fædda höfðu. Níu man eg heima, níu íviði, mjötvið mæran fyr mold neðan |
2. Weiss von Riesen,
weiland gebornen, die einstmals mich auferzogen; weiss neun Heime, neun Weltenreiche, des hehren Weltbaums Wurzeltiefen. |
2. Jättar, i urtid
alstrade, minns jag, som mig fordom fostrat hava; nio världar jag minns, och vad som var i de nio, måttgivande trädet under mullen djupt. |
| 3. Ár var alda,
það er ekki var, var-a sandur né sær né svalar unnir; jörð fannst æva né upphiminn, gap var ginnunga en gras hvergi, |
3. Urzeit war es,
da Ymir hauste: nicht war Sand noch See noch Salzwogen nicht Erde unten noch oben Himmel, Gähnung grundlos, doch Gras nirgend. |
3. I åldrarnas morgon,
då Ymer levde, var ej sand, ej sjö, ej svala vågor; jorden fanns icke, ej upptill himlen; ett gapande svalg fanns men gräs fanns ingenstädes. |
| 4. áður Burs synir
bjöðum um ypptu, þeir er Miðgarð mæran skópu; sól skein sunnan á salar steina, þá var grund gróin grænum lauki. |
4. Bis Burs Söhne
den Boden hoben, sie, die Midgard, den mächtgen, schufen: von Süden schien Sonne aufs Saalgestein; grüne Gräser im Grund wuchsen. |
4. Innan Burs söner lyfte
landen i höjden, de som mångberömd Midgård skapade. Solen strålade från söder på stenar, och gröna örter grodde i marken. |
| 5. Sól varp sunnan,
sinni mána, hendi inni hægri um himinjöður; sól það né vissi hvar hún sali átti, stjörnur það né vissu hvar þær staði áttu, máni það né vissi hvað hann megins átti |
5 Von Süden die Sonne,
des Monds Gesell, schlang die Rechte um den Rand des Himmels: die Sonne kannte ihre Säle nicht; die Sterne kannten ihre Stätte nicht; der Mond kannte seine Macht noch nicht. |
5. Solen kom från söder
i sällskap med månen på höger hand över himlaranden. Solen ej visste, var salar hon hade, månen ej visste, vad makt han hade, stjärnorna ej visste, var de skimra skulle. |
| 6. Þá gengu regin öll
á rökstóla, ginnheilög goð, og um það gættust; nótt og niðjum nöfn um gáfu, morgun hétu og miðjan dag, undorn og aftan, árum að telja. |
6. Zum Richterstuhl gingen
die Rater alle, heilige Götter, und hielten Rat:für Nacht und Neumond wählten sie Namen, benannten Morgen und Mittag auch, Zwielicht und Abend, die Zeit zu messen. |
6. Då drogo alla makter
till sina domaresäten, högheliga gudar, och höllo rådslag; åt natt och nedan namn de gåvo, uppkallade morgon och middag också, eftermiddag och afton, för att med åratal räkna. |
| 7. Hittust æsir
á Iðavelli, þeir er hörg og hof hátimbruðu; afla lögðu, auð smíðuðu, tangir skópu og tól gerðu. |
7. Die Asen eilten
zum Idafeld, die Heiligtümer hoch erbauten; sie setzten Herde, hämmerten Erz; sie schlugen Zangen, schufen Gerät. |
7. Asarne möttes
på Idavallen, timrade höga tempel och altar, smedjor byggde, smycken gjorde, skaffade sig tänger och skapade verktyg. |
| 8. Tefldu í túni,
teitir vóru, var þeim vettergis vant úr gulli, uns þrjár kómu þursa meyjar ámáttkar mjög úr Jötunheimum. |
8. Sie pflogen heiter
im Hof des Brettspiels- nichts aus Golde den Göttern fehlte-, bis drei gewaltge Weiber kamen, Töchter der Riesen, aus Thursenheim. |
8. På gården med brädspel
de glada lekte, armod på guld fanns ingalunda, tills tursamöar trenne kommo, mycket mäktiga mör, från jättevärlden. |
| 9. Þá gengu regin öll
á rökstóla, ginnheilög goð, og um það gættust, hver skyldi dverga dróttir skepja úr Brimis blóði og úr Bláins leggjum. |
9. Zum Richtstuhl gingen
die Rater alle, heilge Götter, und hielten Rat, wer der Zwerge Schar schaffen sollte aus Brimirs Blut und Blains Knochen. |
9. Då drogo alla makter
till sina domaresäten, högheliga gudar, och höllo rådslag, vem dvärgars skara skapa skulle av blodig bränning och Blains ben. |
| 10. Þar var Mótsognir
mæstur um orðinn dverga allra, en Durinn annar; þeir mannlíkun mörg um gerðu dvergar úr jörðu, sem Durinn sagði. |
10. Motsognir ward
der mächtigste da unter den Zwergen, der zweite Durin; die machten manche menschenähnlich, wie Durin es hiess, die Höhlenzwerge. |
10. Där var Modsogner orden
den mest förnämlige av dvärgar alla och Durin den andre; de gjorde många människobilder, dessa dvärgar, av jord, som Durin sade. |
| 11. Nýi og Niði,
Norðri og Suðri, Austri og Vestri, Alþjófur, Dvalinn, Bívör, Bávör, Bömbur, Nóri, Án og Ánar, Ái, Mjöðvitnir. 12. Veigur og Gandálfur, Vindálfur, Þráinn, Þekkur og Þorinn, Þrár, Vitur og Litur, Nár og Nýráður, nú hefi eg dverga, - Reginn og Ráðsviður, - rétt um talda. 13. Fíli, Kíli, Fundinn, Náli, Hefti, Víli, Hannar, Svíur, Frár, Hornbori, Frægur og Lóni, Aurvangur, Jari, Eikinskjaldi. 14. Mál er dverga í Dvalins liði ljóna kindum til Lofars telja, þeir er sóttu frá salar steini Aurvanga sjöt til Jöruvalla. 15. Þar var Draupnir og Dólgþrasir, Hár, Haugspori, Hlévangur, Glói, Skirvir, Virvir, Skáfiður, Ái. 16. Álfur og Yngvi, Eikinskjaldi, Fjalar og Frosti, Finnur og Ginnar; það mun upp meðan öld lifir, langniðja tal Lofars hafað. 17. Uns þrír kómu úr því liði öflgir og ástkir æsir að húsi, fundu á landi lítt megandi Ask og Emblu örlöglausa. |
11. Bis drei Asen aus dieser Schar, stark und gnädig ,zum Strand kamen: sie fanden an Land, ledig der Kraft, Ask und Embla, ohne Schicksal. |
11. Nye och Nide,
Nordre och Sudre, Austre och Västre, Alltjov, Dvalin, Bivor, Bavor, Bombur, Nore, An och Anar, Ae, Mjodvitner. 12. Veig och Gandalv, Vindalv, Train, Täck och Torin, Tro, Vitr och Lit, Na och Nyrad. Nu har jag dvärgarna - Regin och Radsvid - rätt omtalat. 13. File, Kile, Funden, Nale, Hepte, Vile, Hanar, Svior, Fra, Hornbore, Fräg och Lone, Aurvang, Jare, Eikinskjalde. 14. Tid är att dvärgar i Dvalins skara för människornaleda till Lovar i ättlängd; de som sandfältens säte sökte åt sig till grusslätterna från grundens sten. 15. Där var Draupner och Dolgtraser, Ha, Haugspore, Lävang, Gloe, Dore, Ore, Duv, Andvare, Skirver, Virver, Skavid, Ae. 16. Alf och Yngve, Eikinskjalde, Fjalar och Froste, Finn och Ginnar. Alltid skall minnas, så länge människor leva, denna långa räcka av Lovars förfäder. 17. Tills ur den skaran trenne asar, kraftiga och kärleksfulla, kommo till ett hus. De funno på land föga förmående Ask och Embla utan livsmål. |
| 18. Önd þau né áttu,
óð þau né höfðu, lá né læti né litu góða; önd gaf Óðinn, óð gaf Hænir, lá gaf Lóður og litu góða. |
12. Nicht hatten sie Seele,
nicht hatten sie Sinn, nicht Lebenswärme noch lichte Farbe; Seele gab Odin, Sinn gab Hönir, Leben gab Lodur und lichte Farbe. |
18. Ande de ej ägde,
omdöme ej hade, ej livssaft, ej läte, ej livlig färg. Ande gav Oden, omdöme Höner, livssaft gav Lodur och livlig färg. |
| 19. Ask veit eg standa,
heitir Yggdrasill, hár baðmur, ausinn hvíta auri; þaðan koma döggvar þær er í dala falla, stendur æ yfir grænn Urðarbrunni. |
13. Eine Esche weiss ich,
sie heisst Yggdrasil, die hohe, benetzt mit hellem Nass: von dort kommt der Tau, der in Täler fällt; immergrün steht sie am Urdbrunnen. |
19. En ask vet jag stånda,
den Yggdrasil heter, ett väldigt träd, överöst av vita sanden. Därifrån kommer daggen, som i dalarne faller, den står evigt grön över Urdarbrunnen. |
| 20. Þaðan koma meyjar
margs vitandi þrjár úr þeim sæ, er und þolli stendur; Urð hétu eina, aðra Verðandi, skáru á skíði, Skuld ina þriðju. Þær lög lögðu, þær líf kuru alda börnum, örlög seggja. |
14. Von dort kommen Frauen,vielwissende,
drei, aus dem Born, der unterm Baume liegt: Urd heisst man eine, die andre Werdani- sie schnitten ins Scheit- ,Skuld die dritte; Lose lenkten sie, Leben koren sie Menschenkindern, Männergeschick. |
20. Därifrån komma möar,
som mycket veta, tre ur den sal, som under trädet står. Urd hette en, den andra Verdandi, man skar på trä namnet Skuld på den tredje. Lagar de satte, liv de korade för människors barn, männens öden. |
| 21. Það man hún fólkvíg
fyrst í heimi, er Gullveigu geirum studdu og í höll Hárs hana brenndu, þrisvar brenndu, þrisvar borna, oft, ósjaldan; þó hún enn lifir. |
15. Da kam zuerst
Kieg in die Welt, als Götter Gullweig mit Geren stiessen und in Heervaters Halle brannten, dreimal brannten die dreimal geborne. |
21. Det fältslag minns hon
först i världen, när de med spjuten spetsade Gullveig och i den Höges sal henne brände. Tre gånger brände de den tre gånger borna, ofta, ej sällan, dock ännu hon lever. |
| 22. Heiði hana hétu
hvar er til húsa kom, völu velspáa, vitti hún ganda; seið hún hvar er hún kunni, seið hún hugleikin, æ var hún angan illrar brúðar. |
16. Man hiess sie Heid,
wo ins Haus sie kam, das weise Weib; sie wusste Künste:sie behexte Kluge; sie behexte Toren; immer ehrten sie arge Frauen. |
22. Heid hon hette,
var till husen hon kom, en väl siande vala. Hon signade stavar, hon trollade, var hon kunde, trollade förryckthet. Alltid var hon älskad av onda kvinnor. |
| 23. Þá gengu regin öll
á rökstóla, ginnheilög goð, og um það gættust hvort skyldu æsir afráð gjalda eða skyldu goðin öll gildi eiga. |
17. Zum Richtstuhl gingen
die Rater alle, heilge Götter, und hielten Rat, ob Zins die Asen zahlen sollten oder alle Götter Opfer haben. |
23. Då drogo alla makter
till sina domaresäten, högheliga gudar, och höllo rådslag, om asarne skulle skada lida eller alla gudar ersättning få. |
| 24. Fleygði Óðinn
og í fólk um skaut, það var enn fólkvíg fyrst í heimi; brotinn var borðveggur borgar ása, knáttu vanir vígspá völlu sporna. |
18. Den Ger warf Odin
ins Gegnerheer: der erste Krieg kam in die Welt; es brach der Bordwall der Burg der Asen, es stampften Wanen streitkühn die Flur. |
24. Spjut slungade Oden
och sände bland flocken, det fältslaget ock var först i världen. Brutet var bröstvärn på borgen hos asar, över vapentagna fält kunde vanerna tränga. |
| 25. Þá gengu regin öll
á rökstóla, ginnheilög goð, og um það gættust hverjir hefði loft allt lævi blandið eða ætt jötuns Óðs mey gefna. |
19. Zum Richtstuhl gingen
die Rater alle, heilge Götter und hielten Rat, wer ganz die Luft mit Gift erfüllt, Ods Braut verraten Riesensöhnen. |
25. Då drogo alla makter
till sina domaresäten, högheliga gudar, och höllo rådslag, vem all luften med lyte blandat eller åt jättens ätt Ods mö givit. |
| 26. Þór einn þar vó
þrunginn móði, hann sjaldan situr er hann slíkt um fregn. Á gengust eiðar, orð og særi, mál öll meginleg er á meðal fóru. |
20. Nur Thor schlug zu,
zorngeschwollen: selten sitzt er, wenn er solches hört; da wankten Vertrag, Wort und Treuschwur, alle Eide, die sie ausgetauscht. |
26. Blott Tor slog till
i trotsigt mod, han sällan sitter, då slikt han hör, Eder brötos, ord och löften, alla viktiga avtal, som växlats dem emellan. |
| 27. Veit hún Heimdallar
hljóð um fólgið undir heiðvönum helgum baðmi; á sér hún ausast aurgum fossi af veði Valföðurs. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
21. Ich weiss Heimdalls
Horn verborgen unterm heilgen Himmelsbaume; Flut seh ich fallen im feuchten Sturz aus Walvaters Pfand- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
27. Hon vet Heimdalls
hornlåt bero på det himmelshöga heliga trädet. På detta ser hon svämma en sandblandad fors från Valfaders pant. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 28. Ein sat hún úti
þá er inn aldni kom yggjungur ása og í augu leit: Hvers fregnið mig? Hví freistið mín? Allt veit eg, Óðinn, hvar þú auga falt, í inum mæra Mímisbrunni. Drekkur mjöð Mímir morgun hverjan af veði Valföðurs. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
22. Sass einsam draußen,
als der Alte kam, der furchtbare Ase, und ins Auge mir sah: »Was fragst du mich? Was forschst du bei mir? Ich weiss, Odin, wo dein Auge du bargst in Mimirs Quell, dem märchenreichen; Met trinkt Mimir allmorgentlich aus Walvaters Pfand- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
28. Ensam satt hon ute,
när asarnes skräckgud, den åldrige, kom och i ögat henne såg. »Vad frågen I mig? Vi fresten I mig? Allt vet jag, Oden, var ditt öga du gömde i Mimers brunn, den mycket berömda. Mjöd var morgon Mimer dricker av Valfaders pant. » Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 29. Valdi henni Herföður
hringa og men, fékk spjöll spakleg og spá ganda, sá hún vítt og um vítt um veröld hverja. |
24. Halsschmuck und Ringe
gab Heervater, für Zukunftwissen und Zauberkunde: weit sah ich, weit die Welten alle. |
29. Gav Härfader henne
halsguld och ringar, fick visdomsord och varsel av stavar; hon såg vida omkring i varje värld. |
| 30. Sá hún valkyrjur
vítt um komnar, görvar að ríða til Goðþjóðar; Skuld hélt skildi, en Skögul önnur, Gunnur, Hildur, Göndul og Geirskögul. Nú eru taldar nönnur Herjans, görvar að ríða grund valkyrjur. |
Walkür Gottestöter ? auf dem Boden Walküri | 30. Hon såg valkyrior,
komna från fjärran, redo att göra ritten till Godtjod. Skuld höll sköld, och Skogul var den andra, Gunn, Hild, Gondul och Geirskogul. Nu äro Härjans härjungfrur nämnda, valkyrior, redo att rida på jorden. |
| 31. Eg sá Baldri,
blóðgum tívur, Óðins barni, örlög fólgin; stóð um vaxinn völlum hærri mjór og mjög fagur mistilteinn. |
25. Ich sah Balder,
dem blutenden Gott, Odins Sohn, Unheil bestimmt: ob der Ebne stand aufgewachsen der Zweig der Mistel, zart und schön. |
31. Jag såg åt Balder,
blodige guden, Odens barn, ett öde gömmas. Högt över slätterna smal stod vuxen och mycket fager misteltenen. |
| 32. Varð af þeim meiði,
er mær sýndist, harmflaug hættleg, Höður nam skjóta. Baldurs bróðir var um borinn snemma, sá nam Óðins sonur einnættur vega. |
32. Från det trädet, som
tycktes en telning vara, ett sorgeskott blev skjutet, och skytten vad Höder. Balders broder blev boren inom kort, Odenssonen stred blott en natt gammal. |
|
| 33. Þó hann æva hendur
né höfuð kembdi, áður á bál um bar Baldurs andskota; en Frigg um grét í Fensölum vá Valhallar. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
33. Sina händer han ej tvådde,
sitt huvud han ej kammade, förrän på bålet han bar Balders fiende. Men Frigg grät i Fensalarne över Valhalls ve. Veten I än mer och vad? |
|
| 34. Þá kná Váli
vígbönd snúa, heldur voru harðger höft úr þörmum. |
34. Då kunde fängsel man
vrida Vales tarmar, ganska fasta voro fjättrarne snodda. |
|
| 35. Haft sá hún liggja
undir Hveralundi, lægjarns líki Loka áþekkjan. Þar situr Sigyn þeygi um sínum ver vel glýjuð. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
Geknebelt sah ich
im Quellenwald den Leib Lokis, des Listenreichen. Da sitzt Sigyn, ihr Gesell bringt ihr wenig Wonne - wißt ihr noch mehr? |
35. I kedjor såg hon ligga
under Kittellunden en led skepnad med Lokes drag. Där sitter Sigyn i sorg hos maken, föga väl till mods. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 36. Á fellur austan
um eiturdala söxum og sverðum, Slíður heitir sú. |
28. Durch Gifttäler
gleitet von Osten mit Schneiden und Schwertern der Schreckenstrom. |
36. En å från öster
genom etterdalar flyter, med svärd och stridsknivar; Slidr den heter. |
| 37. Stóð fyr norðan
á Niðavöllum salur úr gulli Sindra ættar; en annar stóð á Ókólni bjórsalur jötuns, en sá Brimir heitir. |
29. Im Norden stand
auf dem Nachtfelde für Sindris Sippe ein Saal aus Gold; ein andrer hob sich auf heissem Grund, der Biersaal des Riesen, der Brimir heisst. |
37. Norrut stod
på Nidaslätterna en sal av guld för Sindres ätt; en annan stod på Okolner, gästabudssal för jätten Brimer. |
| 38. Sal sá hún standa
sólu fjarri Náströndu á, norður horfa dyr. Féllu eiturdropar inn um ljóra, sá er undinn salur orma hryggjum. |
30. Einen Saal sah ich,
der Sonne fern, am Totenstrand, das Tor nach Norden: tropfendes Gift träuft durch das Dach; die Wände sind aus Wurmleibern. |
38. En sal såg hon stånda
från solen fjärran på Nastranden; åt norr vetter dörren. Etterdroppar föllo in genom rökhålet, av ormars ryggar är rummet flätat. |
| 39. Sá hún þar vaða
þunga strauma menn meinsvara og morðvarga og þann er annars glepur eyrarúnu. Þar saug Niðhöggur nái framgengna, sleit vargur vera. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
31. Dort sah ich waten
durch Sumpfströme Meineidige und Mordtäter; ... dort sog Nidhögg entseelte Leiber, der Wolf riss Leichen- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
39. Där såg hon i strida
strömmar vada menediga män och för mord fredlösa och den, en annans hustru hemligt lockar. Där sög Nidhogg de dödas kroppar, vidundret slet männen. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 40. Austur sat in aldna
í Járnviði og fæddi þar Fenris kindir. Verður af þeim öllum einna nokkur tungls tjúgari í trölls hami. |
32. Eine Alte östlich
im Erzwald sass; die Brut Fenrirs gebar sie dort. Von ihnen allen wird einer dann des Tageslichts Töter, trollgestaltet. |
40. Österut i Järnskogen
den åldriga satt och födde där Fenrers avkomlingar. En bliver mest av alla förnämlig, tunglets rövare, i trolls skepnad. |
| 41. Fyllist fjörvi
feigra manna, rýður ragna sjöt rauðum dreyra. Svört verða sólskin um sumur eftir, veður öll válynd. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
33. Er füllt sich mit Fleisch
gefallner Männer, rötet mit Blut der Rater Sitz. Schwarz wird die Sonne die Sommer drauf; Wetter wüten- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
41. Han mättar sig med lik
av män, som dött, gudars boning med blod besudlar. Svart blir solskenet om somrarne efter, all väderlek vansklig. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 42. Sat þar á haugi
og sló hörpu gýgjar hirðir, glaður Eggþér; gól um honum í galgviði fagurrauður hani, sá er Fjalar heitir. |
34. Dort sass auf dem Hügel
und schlug die Harfe der Riesin Hüter, der heitre Eggdir; es krähte bei ihm im Kiefernbusch der feuerrote Hahn, der Fjalar heisst. |
42. Satt där på högen
och slog harpan gygens värnare, den glade Eggder. Över honom gol i granskog med pors en fagerröd hane, som Fjalar heter. |
| 43. Gól um ásum
Gullinkambi, sá vekur hölda að Herjaföðurs; en annar gelur fyr jörð neðan sótrauður hani að sölum Heljar. |
35. Doch Güldenkamm
bei den Göttern kräht: er weckt die Helden bei Heervater; unter der Erde ein anderer kräht, in Hels Halle, ein braunroter Hahn. |
43. Gol över asarne
Gullinkambe, han hos Härfader härmännen väcker; en annan gal under jorden, en sotröd hane, i Hels salar. |
| 44. Geyr Garmur mjög
fyr Gnipahelli, festur mun slitna en freki renna. Fjöld veit hún fræða, fram sé eg lengra um ragnarök römm sigtíva. |
36. Gellend heult Garm
vor Gnipahellir: es reisst die Fessel, es rennt der Wolf. Vieles weiss ich, Fernes schau ich: der Rater Schicksal, der Schlachtgötter Sturz. |
44. Gram skäller gräsligt
framför Gnipahålan; fjättern skall brista, fri varder ulven. Visdom vet jag mycken, långt vidare ser jag över segergudars väldiga slutliga öden. |
| 45. Bræður munu berjast
og að bönum verðast, munu systrungar sifjum spilla; hart er í heimi, hórdómur mikill, skeggöld, skálmöld, skildir eru klofnir, vindöld, vargöld, áður veröld steypist, mun engi maður öðrum þyrma. |
37. Brüder kämpfen
und bringen sich Tod, Brudersöhne brechen die Sippe; arg ist die Welt, Ehbruch furchtbar, Schwertzeit, Beilzeit, Schilde bersten, Windzeit, Wolfzeit bis die Welt vergeht- nicht einer will des andern schonen. |
45. Bröder skola kämpa,
varandras banemän bliva, systrars barn sin släktskap spilla; hårt är i världen, hordom mycken, yxtid, klingtid, kluvna bliva sköldar, vindålder, vargålder, innan världen störtas; ingen man skall den andre skona. |
| 46. Leika Míms synir,
en mjötuður kyndist að inu galla Gjallarhorni. Hátt blæs Heimdallur, horn er á lofti, mælir Óðinn við Míms höfuð. |
38. Es gärt bei den Riesen;
des Gjallarhorns, des alten, Klang kündet das Ende. Hell bläst Heimdall, das Horn ragt auf; Odin murmelt mit Mimirs Haupt. |
46. Mims söner leka
och slutödet tändes vid Gjallarhornets ljud, det genomträngande. Högt blåser Heimdall, med hornet i vädret; med Mims huvud håller Oden råd. |
| 47. Skelfur Yggdrasils
askur standandi, ymur ið aldna tré, en jötunn losnar. Hræðast allir á helvegum áður Surtar þann sefi um gleypir |
39. Yggdrasils Stamm
steht erzitternd, es rauscht der Baumgreis; der Riese kommt los. Alles erbebt in der Unterwelt, bis der Bruder Surts den Baum verschlingt. |
47. Då skälver Yggdrasils
ask, där den står, urträdet jämrar sig, jätten blir lös. På resan till Hel rädas alla, innan Surts släkting slukar honom. |
| 48. Hvað er með ásum?
Hvað er með álfum? Gnýr allur Jötunheimur, æsir eru á þingi, stynja dvergar fyr steindurum, veggbergs vísir. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
40. Was gibt's bei den Asen?
Was gibt's bei den Alben? Riesenheim rast; beim Rat sind die Götter. Vor Steintoren stöhnen Zwerge, die Weisen der Felswand- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
48. Vad är med asar?
Vad är med alfer? Allt Jättehem gnyr, asar hava möte. Dvärgarna stöna framför stendörrarna, bergväggens vise. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 49. Geyr nú Garmur mjög
fyr Gnipahelli, festur mun slitna en freki renna, fjöld veit hún fræða, fram sé eg lengra um ragnarök römm sigtíva. |
41. Gellend heult Garm
vor Gnipahellir: es reisst die Fessel, es rennt der Wolf. Vieles weiss ich, Fernes schau ich: der Rater Schicksal, der Schlachgötter Sturz. |
49. Garm nu skäller gräsligt
framför Gnipahålan; fjättern skall brista, och fri blir ulven. |
| 50. Hrymur ekur austan,
hefist lind fyrir, snýst Jörmungandur í jötunmóði. Ormur knýr unnir, en ari hlakkar, slítur nái Niðfölur, Naglfar losnar. |
42. Hrym fährt von Osten,
er hebt den Schild; im Riesenzorn rast die Schlange. Sie schlägt die Wellen; es schreit der Aar, Leichen reisst er; los kommt Nagelfar. |
50. Rym far från öster,
på arm håller skölden; i jättevrede vrider världsormen sig; ormen piskar vågen, och örnen skriar, sliter lik, blek om näbben, och Naglfar lossnar. |
| 51. Kjóll fer austan,
koma munu Múspells um lög lýðir, en Loki stýrir. Fara fíflmegir með freka allir, þeim er bróðir Býleists í för. |
43. Der Kiel fährt von Osten,
es kommen Muspells Leute zum Land; Loki steuert. Mit dem Wolfe zieht die wilde Schar; Byleipts Bruder bringen sie mit. |
51. Skeppet far från öster;
över sjön skall Muspells ledung komma, och Loke styr. Vidunders yngel med ulven kommer; med dem är Byleipts broder i följe. |
| 52. Surtur fer sunnan
með sviga lævi, skín af sverði sól valtíva. Grjótbjörg gnata, en gífur rata, troða halir helveg en himinn klofnar. |
44. Surt zieht von Süden
mit sengender Glut; von der Götter Schwert gleisst die Sonne. Riesinnen fallen, Felsen brechen; zur Hel ziehn Männer, der Himmel birst. |
52. Surt far från söder
med svedjande låga, stridsgudars sol av svärdet skiner. Stenberg störta, det stupar jättekvinnor; trampa dödingar Hels väg, och himmelen rämnar. |
| 53. Þá kemur Hlínar
harmur annar fram, er Óðinn fer við úlf vega, en bani Belja bjartur að Surti; þá mun Friggjar falla angan. |
45. Dann naht neue
Not der Göttin, wenn wider den Wolf Walvater zieht und gegen Surt der sonnige Freyr: fallen muss da Friggs Geliebter. |
53. Ett andra lidande
för Lin då kommer, när Oden går mot ulven att strida, och Beles bjärte bane mot Surt; falla då skall Friggs älskade. |
| 54. Geyr nú Garmur mjög
fyr Gnipahelli, festur mun slitna, en freki renna. |
54. Garm nu skäller gräsligt
framför Gnipahålan; fjättern skall brista, och fri blir ulven. |
|
| 55. Þá kemur inn
mikli
mögur Sigföður, Víðar, vega að valdýri. Lætur hann megi Hveðrungs mundum standa hjör til hjarta, þá er hefnt föður. |
46 Der starke Sohn
Siegvaters kommt, Widar, zum Kampf mit dem Waltiere: se stösst seine Hand den Stahl ins Herz dem Riesensohn; so rächt er Odin. |
55. Då kommer Segerfaderns
son, den väldige, Vidar, att strida mot valplatsens odjur. På jättesonen till hjärtat svärdet med handen han stöter. Hämnad är då fadern. |
| 56. Gín loft yfir
lindi jarðar. Gapa ýgs kjaftar orms í hæðum. Mun Óðins son eitri mæta vargs að dauða Víðars niðja. |
||
| 57. Þá kemur inn mæri
mögur Hlóðynjar, gengur Óðins sonur við orm vega, drepur hann af móði Miðgarðs véur, munu halir allir heimstöð ryðja; gengur fet níu Fjörgynjar bur neppur frá naðri níðs ókvíðinn. |
47. Der hehre Spross
der Hlodyn naht. Der Lande Gürtel gähnt zum Himmel: Gluten sprüht er, und Gift speit er; entgegen geht der Gott dem Wurm. 48 Der Erde Schirmer schlägt ihn voll Zorn- die Menschen müssen Midgard räumen-; weg geht wankend vom Wurm neun Schritt, der Gefecht nicht floh, der Fjörgyn Sohn. |
56. Då kommer Lodyns
lysande ättling; Odens son går mot ormen att kämpa I vrede denne dräper värjaren av Midgård. Från sitt hem all draga döda hädan. Nio fjät döende går Fjorgyns son fram från ormen, som ofrejd ej fruktar. |
| 58. Sól tér sortna,
sígur fold í mar, hverfa af himni heiðar stjörnur. Geisar eimi við aldurnara, leikur hár hiti við himin sjálfan. |
49. Die Sonne verlischt,
das Land sinkt ins Meer; vom Himmel stürzen die heitern Sterne. Lohe umtost den Lebensnährer; hohe Hitze steigt himmelan. |
57. Solen börjar svartna,
jord sänkes i havet, från fästet falla flammande stjärnor; upp ångar imma, och elden lågar, hettan leker högt mot himlen själv. |
| 59. Geyr nú Garmur mjög
fyr Gnipahelli, festur mun slitna en freki renna. |
50. Gellend heult Garm
vor Gnipahellir: es reisst die Fessel, es rennt der Wolf. Vieles weiss ich, Fernes schau ich: der Rater Schicksal, der Schlachtgötter Sturz. |
58. Garm skäller gräsligt
framför Gnipahålan; fjättern skall brista, och fri blir ulven. |
| 60. Sér hún upp koma
öðru sinni jörð úr ægi iðjagræna. Falla fossar, flýgur örn yfir, sá er á fjalli fiska veiðir. |
51. Seh aufsteigen
zum andern Male Land aus Fluten, frisch ergrünend: Fälle schäumen; es schwebt der Aar, der auf dem Felsen Fische weidet. |
59. Upp ser hon komma
för andra gången jorden ur havet, igen grönskande; forsar falla, örn flyger däröver, den som på fjället fiskar griper. |
| 61. Finnast æsir
á Iðavelli og um moldþinur máttkan dæma og minnast þar á megindóma og á Fimbultýs fornar rúnar. |
52. Auf dem Idafeld
die Asen sich finden und reden dort vom riesigen Wurm und denken da der grossen Dinge und alter Runen des Raterfürsten. |
60. Asarne mötas
på Idavallen och om jordens gördel, jätteormen, tala, föra sig till minnes märkliga öden och Fimbultyrs forntida runor. |
| 62. Þar munu eftir
undursamlegar gullnar töflur í grasi finnast, þær er í árdaga áttar höfðu. |
53. Wieder werden
die wundersamen goldnen Tafeln im Gras sich finden, die vor Urtagen ihr eigen waren. |
61. Där skola åter
de underbara guldbrädspelsbrickorna i gräset hittas, som i tidens morgon dem tillhört hade. |
| 63. Munu ósánir
akrar vaxa, böls mun alls batna, Baldur mun koma. Búa þeir Höður og Baldur Hrofts sigtóftir vel valtívar. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
54. Unbesät werden
Äcker tragen; Böses wird besser: Balder kehrt heim; Hödur und Balder hausen im Sieghof, froh, die Walgötter- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
62. Osådda skola
åkrar växa, allt ont sig bättra; Balder skall komma. I Ropts segersalar sitta Balder och Höder, valplatsens gudar. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 64. Þá kná Hænir
hlautvið kjósa og burir byggja bræðra tveggja vindheim víðan. Vituð ér enn eða hvað? |
55. Den Loszweig heben
wird Hönir dann; es birgt beider Brüder Söhne das weite Windheim- wisst ihr noch mehr? |
63. Då kan Höner lyckans
lotter kasta och de båda brödernas barn bebo det vida Vindhem. Veten I än mer och vad? |
| 65. Sal sér hún standa
sólu fegra, gulli þaktan á Gimlé. Þar skulu dyggvar dróttir byggja og um aldurdaga yndis njóta. |
56. Einen Saal seh ich
sonnenglänzend, mit Gold gedeckt, zu Gimle stehn: wohnen werden dort wackre Scharen, der Freuden walten in fernste Zeit |
64. En sal ser fagrare
än solen stånda, täckt med guld, på Gimle. Där skola hövdingtrogna härskararor bo och i allan tid äga hugnad. |
| [66. Þá kemur inn ríki
að regindómi öflugur ofan, sá er öllu ræður.] |
65. Där kommer den mäktige
till maktdomen, den starke, ovanifrån, han som styr över allt. |
|
| 67. Þar kemur inn dimmi
dreki fljúgandi, naður fránn, neðan frá Niðafjöllum; ber sér í fjöðrum, flýgur völl yfir, Niðhöggur nái. Nú mun hún sökkvast. |
57. Der düstre Drache
tief drunten fliegt, die schillernde Schlange, aus Schluchtendunkel. Er fliegt übers Feld; im Fittich trägt Nidhögg die Toten: nun versinkt er. |
66. Då kommer dunklets
drake flygande, en blank orm, nedifrån, från Nidafjällen. I fjädrarne bär, och flyger över slätten, Nidhogg lik. Nu skall hon sjunka.» |
|
Wisdom for Wanderers and Counsel to Guests 1. At every door-way, ere one enters, one should spy round, one should pry round for uncertain is the witting that there be no foeman sitting, within, before one on the floor 2. Hail, ye Givers! a guest is come; say! where shall he sit within? Much pressed is he who fain on the hearth would seek for warmth and weal. 3. He hath need of fire, who now is come, numbed with cold to the knee; food and clothing the wanderer craves who has fared o'er the rimy fell. 4. He craves for water, who comes for refreshment, drying and friendly bidding, marks of good will, fair fame if 'tis won, and welcome once and again. 5. He hath need of his wits who wanders wide, aught simple will serve at home; but a gazing-stock is the fool who sits mid the wise, and nothing knows. 6. Let no man glory in the greatness of his mind, but rather keep watch o'er his wits. Cautious and silent let him enter a dwelling; to the heedful comes seldom harm, for none can find a more faithful friend than the wealth of mother wit. 7. Let the wary stranger who seeks refreshment keep silent with sharpened hearing; with his ears let him listen, and look with his eyes; thus each wise man spies out the way. 8. Happy is he who wins for himself fair fame and kindly words; but uneasy is that which a man doth own while it lies in another's breast. 9. Happy is he who hath in himself praise and wisdom in life; for oft doth a man ill counsel get when 'tis born in another's breast. 10. A better burden can no man bear on the way than his mother wit; 'tis the refuge of the poor, and richer it seems than wealth in a world untried. 11. A better burden can no man bear on the way than his mother wit: and no worse provision can he carry with him than too deep a draught of ale. 12. Less good than they say for the sons of men is the drinking oft of ale: for the more they drink, the less can they think and keep a watch o'er their wits. 13. A bird of Unmindfulness flutters o'er ale feasts, wiling away men's wits: with the feathers of that fowl I was fettered once in the garths of Gunnlos below. 14. Drunk was I then, I was over drunk in that crafty Jötun's court. But best is an ale feast when man is able to call back his wits at once. 15. Silent and thoughtful and bold in strife the prince's bairn should be. Joyous and generous let each man show him until he shall suffer death. 16. A coward believes he will ever live if he keep him safe from strife: but old age leaves him not long in peace though spears may spare his life. 17. A fool will gape when he goes to a friend, and mumble only, or mope; but pass him the ale cup and all in a moment the mind of that man is shown. 18. He knows alone who has wandered wide, and far has fared on the way, what manner of mind a man doth own who is wise of head and heart. 19. Keep not the mead cup but drink thy measure; speak needful words or none: none shall upbraid thee for lack of breeding if soon thou seek'st thy rest. 20. A greedy man, if he be not mindful, eats to his own life's hurt: oft the belly of the fool will bring him to scorn when he seeks the circle of the wise. 21. Herds know the hour of their going home and turn them again from the grass; but never is found a foolish man who knows the measure of his maw. 22. The miserable man and evil minded makes of all things mockery, and knows not that which he best should know, that he is not free from faults. 23. The unwise man is awake all night, and ponders everything over; when morning comes he is weary in mind, and all is a burden as ever. 24. The unwise man weens all who smile and flatter him are his friends, nor notes how oft they speak him ill when he sits in the circle of the wise. 25. The unwise man weens all who smile and flatter him are his friends; but when he shall come into court he shall find there are few to defend his cause. 26. The unwise man thinks all to know, while he sits in a sheltered nook; but he knows not one thing, what he shall answer, if men shall put him to proof. 27. For the unwise man 'tis best to be mute when he come amid the crowd, for none is aware of his lack of wit if he wastes not too many words; for he who lacks wit shall never learn though his words flow ne'er so fast. 28. Wise he is deemed who can question well, and also answer back: the sons of men can no secret make of the tidings told in their midst. 29. Too many unstable words are spoken by him who ne'er holds his peace; the hasty tongue sings its own mishap if it be not bridled in. 30. Let no man be held as a laughing-stock, though he come as guest for a meal: wise enough seem many while they sit dry-skinned and are not put to proof. 31. A guest thinks him witty who mocks at a guest and runs from his wrath away; but none can be sure who jests at a meal that he makes not fun among foes. 32. Oft, though their hearts lean towards one another, friends are divided at table; ever the source of strife 'twill be, that guest will anger guest. 33. A man should take always his meals betimes unless he visit a friend, or he sits and mopes, and half famished seems, and can ask or answer nought. 34. Long is the round to a false friend leading, e'en if he dwell on the way: but though far off fared, to a faithful friend straight are the roads and short. 35. A guest must depart again on his way, nor stay in the same place ever; if he bide too long on another's bench the loved one soon becomes loathed. 36. One's own house is best, though small it may be; each man is master at home; though he have but two goats and a bark-thatched hut 'tis better than craving a boon. 37. One's own house is best, though small it may be, each man is master at home; with a bleeding heart will he beg, who must, his meat at every meal. 38. Let a man never stir on his road a step without his weapons of war; for unsure is the knowing when need shall arise of a spear on the way without. 39. I found none so noble or free with his food, who was not gladdened with a gift, nor one who gave of his gifts such store but he loved reward, could he win it. 40. Let no man stint him and suffer need of the wealth he has won in life; oft is saved for a foe what was meant for a friend, and much goes worse than one weens. 41. With raiment and arms shall friends gladden each other, so has one proved oneself; for friends last longest, if fate be fair who give and give again. 42. To his friend a man should bear him as friend, and gift for gift bestow, laughter for laughter let him exchange, but leasing pay for a lie. 43. To his friend a man should bear him as friend, to him and a friend of his; but let him beware that he be not the friend of one who is friend to his foe. 44. Hast thou a friend whom thou trustest well, from whom thou cravest good? Share thy mind with him, gifts exchange with him, fare to find him oft. 45. But hast thou one whom thou trustest ill yet from whom thou cravest good? Thou shalt speak him fair, but falsely think, and leasing pay for a lie. 46. Yet further of him whom thou trusted ill, and whose mind thou dost misdoubt; thou shalt laugh with him but withhold thy thought, for gift with like gift should be paid. 47. Young was I once, I walked alone, and bewildered seemed in the way; then I found me another and rich I thought me, for man is the joy of man. 48. Most blest is he who lives free and bold and nurses never a grief, for the fearful man is dismayed by aught, and the mean one mourns over giving. 49. My garments once I gave in the field to two land-marks made as men; heroes they seemed when once they were clothed; 'tis the naked who suffer shame! 50. The pine tree wastes which is perched on the hill, nor bark nor needles shelter it; such is the man whom none doth love; for what should he longer live? 51. Fiercer than fire among ill friends for five days love will burn; bun anon 'tis quenched, when the sixth day comes, and all friendship soon is spoiled. 52. Not great things alone must one give to another, praise oft is earned for nought; with half a loaf and a tilted bowl I have found me many a friend. 53. Little the sand if little the seas, little are minds of men, for ne'er in the world were all equally wise, 'tis shared by the fools and the sage. 54. Wise in measure let each man be; but let him not wax too wise; for never the happiest of men is he who knows much of many things. 55. Wise in measure should each man be; but let him not wax too wise; seldom a heart will sing with joy if the owner be all too wise. 56. Wise in measure should each man be, but ne'er let him wax too wise: who looks not forward to learn his fate unburdened heart will bear. 57. Brand kindles from brand until it be burned, spark is kindled from spark, man unfolds him by speech with man, but grows over secret through silence. 58. He must rise betimes who fain of another or life or wealth would win; scarce falls the prey to sleeping wolves, or to slumberers victory in strife. 59. He must rise betimes who hath few to serve him, and see to his work himself; who sleeps at morning is hindered much, to the keen is wealth half-won. 60. Of dry logs saved and roof-bark stored a man can know the measure, of fire-wood too which should last him out quarter and half years to come. 61. Fed and washed should one ride to court though in garments none too new; thou shalt not shame thee for shoes or breeks, nor yet for a sorry steed. 62. Like an eagle swooping over old ocean, snatching after his prey, so comes a man into court who finds there are few to defend his cause. 63. Each man who is wise and would wise be called must ask and answer aright. Let one know thy secret, but never a second, -- if three a thousand shall know. 64. A wise counselled man will be mild in bearing and use his might in measure, lest when he come his fierce foes among he find others fiercer than he. 65. Each man should be watchful and wary in speech, and slow to put faith in a friend. for the words which one to another speaks he may win reward of ill. 66. At many a feast I was far too late, and much too soon at some; drunk was the ale or yet unserved: never hits he the joint who is hated. 67. Here and there to a home I had haply been asked had I needed no meat at my meals, or were two hams left hanging in the house of that friend where I had partaken of one. 68. Most dear is fire to the sons of men, most sweet the sight of the sun; good is health if one can but keep it, and to live a life without shame. 69. Not reft of all is he who is ill, for some are blest in their bairns, some in their kin and some in their wealth, and some in working well. 70. More blest are the living than the lifeless, 'tis the living who come by the cow; I saw the hearth-fire burn in the rich man's hall and himself lying dead at the door. 71. The lame can ride horse, the handless drive cattle, the deaf one can fight and prevail, 'tis happier for the blind than for him on the bale-fire, but no man hath care for a corpse. 72. Best have a son though he be late born and before him the father be dead: seldom are stones on the wayside raised save by kinsmen to kinsmen. 73. Two are hosts against one, the tongue is the head's bane, 'neath a rough hide a hand may be hid; he is glad at nightfall who knows of his lodging, short is the ship's berth, and changeful the autumn night, much veers the wind ere the fifth day and blows round yet more in a month. 74. He that learns nought will never know how one is the fool of another, for if one be rich another is poor and for that should bear no blame. 75. Cattle die and kinsmen die, thyself too soon must die, but one thing never, I ween, will die, -- fair fame of one who has earned. 76. Cattle die and kinsmen die, thyself too soon must die, but one thing never, I ween, will die, -- the doom on each one dead. 77. Full-stocked folds had the Fatling's sons, who bear now a beggar's staff: brief is wealth, as the winking of an eye, most faithless ever of friends. 78. If haply a fool should find for himself wealth or a woman's love, pride waxes in him but wisdom never and onward he fares in his folly. 79. All will prove true that thou askest of runes -- those that are come from the gods, which the high Powers wrought, and which Odin painted: then silence is surely best. Maxims for All Men 80. Praise day at even, a wife when dead, a weapon when tried, a maid when married, ice when 'tis crossed, and ale when 'tis drunk. 81. Hew wood in wind, sail the seas in a breeze, woo a maid in the dark, -- for day's eyes are many, -- work a ship for its gliding, a shield for its shelter, a sword for its striking, a maid for her kiss; 82. Drink ale by the fire, but slide on the ice; buy a steed when 'tis lanky, a sword when 'tis rusty; feed thy horse neath a roof, and thy hound in the yard. 83. The speech of a maiden should no man trust nor the words which a woman says; for their hearts were shaped on a whirling wheel and falsehood fixed in their breasts. 84. Breaking bow, or flaring flame, ravening wolf, or croaking raven, routing swine, or rootless tree, waxing wave, or seething cauldron, 85. flying arrows, or falling billow, ice of a nighttime, coiling adder, woman's bed-talk, or broken blade, play of bears or a prince's child, 86. sickly calf or self-willed thrall, witch's flattery, new-slain foe, brother's slayer, though seen on the highway, half burned house, or horse too swift -- be never so trustful as these to trust. 87. Let none put faith in the first sown fruit nor yet in his son too soon; whim rules the child, and weather the field, each is open to chance. 88. Like the love of women whose thoughts are lies is the driving un-roughshod o'er slippery ice of a two year old, ill-tamed and gay; or in a wild wind steering a helmless ship, or the lame catching reindeer in the rime-thawed fell. Lessons for Lovers 89. Now plainly I speak, since both I have seen; unfaithful is man to maid; we speak them fairest when thoughts are falsest and wile the wisest of hearts. 90. -- Let him speak soft words and offer wealth who longs for a woman's love, praise the shape of the shining maid -- he wins who thus doth woo. 91. -- Never a whit should one blame another whom love hath brought into bonds: oft a witching form will fetch the wise which holds not the heart of fools. 92. Never a whit should one blame another for a folly which many befalls; the might of love makes sons of men into fools who once were wise. 93. The mind knows alone what is nearest the heart and sees where the soul is turned: no sickness seems to the wise so sore as in nought to know content. Odin's Love Quests 94. This once I felt when I sat without in the reeds, and looked for my love; body and soul of me was that sweet maiden yet never I won her as wife. 95. Billing's daughter I found on her bed, fairer than sunlight sleeping, and the sweets of lordship seemed to me nought, save I lived with that lovely form. 96. "Yet nearer evening come thou, Odin, if thou wilt woo a maiden: all were undone save two knew alone such a secret deed of shame." 97. So away I turned from my wise intent, and deemed my joy assured, for all her liking and all her love I weened that I yet should win. 98. When I came ere long the war troop bold were watching and waking all: with burning brands and torches borne they showed me my sorrowful way. 99. Yet nearer morning I went, once more, -- the housefolk slept in the hall, but soon I found a barking dog tied fast to that fair maid's couch. 100. Many a sweet maid when one knows her mind is fickle found towards men: I proved it well when that prudent lass I sought to lead astray: shrewd maid, she sought me with every insult and I won therewith no wife. Odin's Quest after the Song Mead 101. In thy home be joyous and generous to guests discreet shalt thou be in thy bearing, mindful and talkative, wouldst thou gain wisdom, oft making me mention of good. He is "Simpleton" named who has nought to say, for such is the fashion of fools. 102. I sought that old Jötun, now safe am I back, little served my silence there; but whispering many soft speeches I won my desire in Suttung's halls. 103. I bored me a road there with Rati's tusk and made room to pass through the rock; while the ways of the Jötuns stretched over and under, I dared my life for a draught. 104. 'Twas Gunnlod who gave me on a golden throne a draught of the glorious mead, but with poor reward did I pay her back for her true and troubled heart. 105. In a wily disguise I worked my will; little is lacking to the wise, for the Soul-stirrer now, sweet Mead of Song, is brought to men's earthly abode. 106. I misdoubt me if ever again I had come from the realms of the Jötun race, had I not served me of Gunnlod, sweet woman, her whom I held in mine arms. 107. Came forth, next day, the dread Frost Giants, and entered the High One's Hall: they asked -- was the Baleworker back mid the Powers, or had Suttung slain him below? 108. A ring-oath Odin I trow had taken -- how shall one trust his troth? 'twas he who stole the mead from Suttung, and Gunnlod caused to weep. The Counseling of the Stray-Singer 109. 'Tis time to speak from the Sage's Seat; hard by the Well of Weird I saw and was silent, I saw and pondered, I listened to the speech of men. 110. Of runes they spoke, and the reading of runes was little withheld from their lips: at the High One's hall, in the High One's hall, I thus heard the High One say: -- 111. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: rise never at nighttime, except thou art spying or seekest a spot without. 112. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: thou shalt never sleep in the arms of a sorceress, lest she should lock thy limbs; 113. So shall she charm that thou shalt not heed the council, or words of the king, nor care for thy food, or the joys of mankind, but fall into sorrowful sleep. 114. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: seek not ever to draw to thyself in love-whispering another's wife. 115. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: should thou long to fare over fell and firth provide thee well with food. 116. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: tell not ever an evil man if misfortunes thee befall, from such ill friend thou needst never seek return for thy trustful mind. 117. Wounded to death, have I seen a man by the words of an evil woman; a lying tongue had bereft him of life, and all without reason of right. 118. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: hast thou a friend whom thou trustest well, fare thou to find him oft; for with brushwood grows and with grasses high the path where no foot doth pass. 119. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: in sweet converse call the righteous to thy side, learn a healing song while thou livest. 120. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: be never the first with friend of thine to break the bond of fellowship; care shall gnaw thy heart if thou canst not tell all thy mind to another. 121. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: never in speech with a foolish knave shouldst thou waste a single word. 122. From the lips of such thou needst not look for reward of thine own good will; but a righteous man by praise will render thee firm in favour and love. 123. There is mingling in friendship when man can utter all his whole mind to another; there is nought so vile as a fickle tongue; no friend is he who but flatters. 124. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: oft the worst lays the best one low. 125. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: be not a shoemaker nor yet a shaft maker save for thyself alone: let the shoe be misshapen, or crooked the shaft, and a curse on thy head will be called. 126. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: when in peril thou seest thee, confess thee in peril, nor ever give peace to thy foes. 127. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: rejoice not ever at tidings of ill, but glad let thy soul be in good. 128. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: look not up in battle, when men are as beasts, lest the wights bewitch thee with spells. 129. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: wouldst thou win joy of a gentle maiden, and lure to whispering of love, thou shalt make fair promise, and let it be fast, -- none will scorn their weal who can win it. 130. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: I pray thee be wary, yet not too wary, be wariest of all with ale, with another's wife, and a third thing eke, that knaves outwit thee never. 131. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: hold not in scorn, nor mock in thy halls a guest or wandering wight. 132. They know but unsurely who sit within what manner of man is come: none is found so good, but some fault attends him, or so ill but he serves for somewhat. 133. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: hold never in scorn the hoary singer; oft the counsel of the old is good; come words of wisdom from the withered lips of him left to hang among hides, to rock with the rennets and swing with the skins. 134. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: growl not at guests, nor drive them from the gate but show thyself gentle to the poor. 135. Mighty is the bar to be moved away for the entering in of all. Shower thy wealth, or men shall wish thee every ill in thy limbs. 136. I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels, they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them, they will work thy weal if thou win'st them: when ale thou quaffest, call upon earth's might -- 'tis earth drinks in the floods. Earth prevails o'er drink, but fire o'er sickness, the oak o'er binding, the earcorn o'er witchcraft, the rye spur o'er rupture, the moon o'er rages, herb o'er cattle plagues, runes o'er harm. Odin's Quest after the Runes 137. I trow I hung on that windy Tree nine whole days and nights, stabbed with a spear, offered to Odin, myself to mine own self given, high on that Tree of which none hath heard from what roots it rises to heaven. 138. None refreshed me ever with food or drink, I peered right down in the deep; crying aloud I lifted the Runes then back I fell from thence. 139. Nine mighty songs I learned from the great son of Bale-thorn, Bestla's sire; I drank a measure of the wondrous Mead, with the Soulstirrer's drops I was showered. 140. Ere long I bare fruit, and throve full well, I grew and waxed in wisdom; word following word, I found me words, deed following deed, I wrought deeds. 141. Hidden Runes shalt thou seek and interpreted signs, many symbols of might and power, by the great Singer painted, by the high Powers fashioned, graved by the Utterer of gods. 142. For gods graved Odin, for elves graved Daïn, Dvalin the Dallier for dwarfs, All-wise for Jötuns, and I, of myself, graved some for the sons of men. 143. Dost know how to write, dost know how to read, dost know how to paint, dost know how to prove, dost know how to ask, dost know how to offer, dost know how to send, dost know how to spend? 144. Better ask for too little than offer too much, like the gift should be the boon; better not to send than to overspend. ........ Thus Odin graved ere the world began; Then he rose from the deep, and came again. The Song of Spells 145. Those songs I know, which nor sons of men nor queen in a king's court knows; the first is Help which will bring thee help in all woes and in sorrow and strife. 146. A second I know, which the son of men must sing, who would heal the sick. 147. A third I know: if sore need should come of a spell to stay my foes; when I sing that song, which shall blunt their swords, nor their weapons nor staves can wound. 148. A fourth I know: if men make fast in chains the joints of my limbs, when I sing that song which shall set me free, spring the fetters from hands and feet. 149. A fifth I know: when I see, by foes shot, speeding a shaft through the host, flies it never so strongly I still can stay it, if I get but a glimpse of its flight. 150. A sixth I know: when some thane would harm me in runes on a moist tree's root, on his head alone shall light the ills of the curse that he called upon mine. 151. A seventh I know: if I see a hall high o'er the bench-mates blazing, flame it ne'er so fiercely I still can save it, -- I know how to sing that song. 152. An eighth I know: which all can sing for their weal if they learn it well; where hate shall wax 'mid the warrior sons, I can calm it soon with that song. 153. A ninth I know: when need befalls me to save my vessel afloat, I hush the wind on the stormy wave, and soothe all the sea to rest. 154. A tenth I know: when at night the witches ride and sport in the air, such spells I weave that they wander home out of skins and wits bewildered. 155. An eleventh I know: if haply I lead my old comrades out to war, I sing 'neath the shields, and they fare forth mightily safe into battle, safe out of battle, and safe return from the strife. 156. A twelfth I know: if I see in a tree a corpse from a halter hanging, such spells I write, and paint in runes, that the being descends and speaks. 157. A thirteenth I know: if the new-born son of a warrior I sprinkle with water, that youth will not fail when he fares to war, never slain shall he bow before sword. 158. A fourteenth I know: if I needs must number the Powers to the people of men, I know all the nature of gods and of elves which none can know untaught. 159. A fifteenth I know, which Folk-stirrer sang, the dwarf, at the gates of Dawn; he sang strength to the gods, and skill to the elves, and wisdom to Odin who utters. 160. A sixteenth I know: when all sweetness and love I would win from some artful wench, her heart I turn, and the whole mind change of that fair-armed lady I love. 161. A seventeenth I know: so that e'en the shy maiden is slow to shun my love. 162. These songs, Stray-Singer, which man's son knows not, long shalt thou lack in life, though thy weal if thou win'st them, thy boon if thou obey'st them thy good if haply thou gain'st them. 163. An eighteenth I know: which I ne'er shall tell to maiden or wife of man save alone to my sister, or haply to her who folds me fast in her arms; most safe are secrets known to but one- the songs are sung to an end. 164. Now the sayings of the High One are uttered in the hall for the weal of men, for the woe of Jötuns, Hail, thou who hast spoken! Hail, thou that knowest! Hail, ye that have hearkened! Use, thou who hast learned!
A kind word need not cost much,
Two wooden stakes stood on the plain,
Too early to many homes I came,
Some would invite me to visit their homes,
The man who stands at a strange threshold,
Greetings to the host,
Fire is needed by the newcomer
Water, too, that he may wash before eating,
Who travels widely needs his wits about him,
Of his knowledge a man should never boast,
A guest should be courteous
Fortunate is he who is favoured in his lifetime
Blessed is he who in his own lifetime
Better gear than good sense
Better gear than good sense
Less good than belief would have it
I-forget is the name men give the heron
Drunk I got, dead drunk,
Silence becomes the Son of a prince,
The coward believes he will live forever
When he meets friends, the fool gapes,
A gluttonous man who guzzles away
The herd knows its homing time,
An ill tempered, unhappy man
Foolish is he who frets at night,
The fool thinks that those who laugh
The fool thinks that those who laugh
The fool who fancies he is full of wisdom
The ignorant booby had best be silent
To ask well, to answer rightly,
Wise is he not who is never silent,
A man among friends should not mock another:
The fastest friends may fall out
The wise guest has his way of dealing
The tactful guest will take his leave Early,
A small hut of one' s own is better,
A small hut of one's own is better,
A wayfarer should not walk unarmed,
No man is so generous he will jib at accepting
Once he has won wealth enough,
With presents friends should please each other,
A man should be loyal through life to friends,
If you find a friend you fully trust
If you deal with another you don't trust
Even with one you ill-trust
To a false friend the footpath winds
Hotter than fire among false hearts burns
The generous and bold have the best lives,
The young fir that falls and rots
Little a sand-grain, little a dew drop,
It is best for man to be middle-wise,
It is best for man to be middle-wise,
Brand kindles brand till they burn out,
Early shall he rise who rules few servants,
A man should know how many logs
Washed and fed,
As the eagle who comes to the ocean shore,
It is safe to tell a secret to one,
Often words uttered to another
Moderate at council should a man be,
These things are thought the best:
Not all sick men are utterly wretched:
The halt can manage a horse,
It is always better to be alive,
A son is a blessing, though born late
He welcomes the night who has enough provisions
The half wit does not know that gold
Cattle die, kindred die,
Cattle die, kindred die,
Fields and flocks had Fitjung's sons,
In the fool who acquires cattle and lands,
Now is answered what you ask of the runes,
For these things give thanks at nightfall:
Hew wood in wind-time,
Drink ale by the hearth, over ice glide,
Trust not an acre early sown,
A snapping bow, a burning flame,
No man should trust a maiden's words,
To love a woman whose ways are false
Naked I may speak now for I know both:
Gallantly shall he speak and gifts bring
Never reproach another for his love:
Never reproach the plight of another,
The mind alone knows what is near the heart,
So I learned when I sat in the reeds,
I saw on a bed Billing's daughter,
"Come" Odhinn, after nightfall
Afire with longing" I left her then,
After nightfall I hurried back,
Towards daybreak back I came
Many a girl when one gets to know her
Let a man with his guests be glad and merry,
Rati had gnawed a narrow passage,
Gunnlod sat me in the golden seat,
What I won from her I have well used:
Hardly would I have come home alive
The following day the Frost Giants came,
Odhinn, they said, swore an oath on his ring:
It is time to sing in the seat of the wise,
Loddfafnir, listen to my counsel:
Never rise at night unless you need to spy
Shun a woman, wise in magic,
Never seduce anothers wife,
If you must journey to mountains and firths,
Never open your heart to an evil man
I saw a warrior wounded fatally
If you know a friend you can fully trust,
With a good man it is good to talk,
Cherish those near you, never be
An evil man, if you make him your friend,
Affection is mutual when men can open
Bandy no speech with a bad man:
Be not a cobbler nor a carver of shafts,
If aware that another is wicked, say so:
Never share in the shamefully gotten,
Never lift your eyes and look up in battle,
Be not over wary, but wary enough,
Mock not the traveller met On the road,
Terms: æsir, sing: ása = One of the races of the Norse gods; It is often used collectively to include both the Æsir and the Vanir.álfum = The Elves; Unlike the Irish "elves" the elves of Norse myth are little known. Alfheim, their land, lies to the east of Ásgarð argan = effeminate, "sissy-boy"; this was an accusation which was grounds for outlawry in Norse culture. Cross-dressing was a considerable crime in Iceland, with punishment by Outlawry. ása garða = Ásgarð; the home of the Æsir. brúði að vígja, leggið Mjöllni í meyjar kné, = The consecration of the bride; A significant passage in that it gives a rare indication of the Norse marriage rite. brúðfjár = The bride's gift; traditionally the bride would give costly gifts to the family of the groom as a part of the wedding ceremony. fjaðurhams = Feathered cloak; In the myths, Loki often borrows a cloak to fly. This is a common Norse motif, although in some myths an actual transformation into a bird-form seems to occur. In the myth of Voland, the smith creates artificial wings to fly from his captivity. This last image is depicted on several rune-stones such as one in Gotland. Freyju = Freyja; the goddess of Fertility, Love, and attraction Freyju túna = Freyja's sacred enclosure; Túna refers to an includes sacred space; it is an includes plot rather than a building. hafrar = Thór's goats; The chariot of the thunder god was drawn by goats. This is often taken as an indication of the lack of sophistication of Thór. haugi = How; A haug is a mound. In some instances this was a burial mound, in others it was a hill from which a land-owner might overlook their farm/domain. I presume that the last is what is intended here. Heimdallur = Heimdal; The shining god, and sentry of the æsir. He is the son of nine mothers, and is endowed with incredible sight and hearing. Hlórriða = Thunderer; another name for Thór. hugur = Hug; This is one of the souls of a being. It is the soul which represents the active spirit and intelligence of a person. The Hug could leave the body and manifest itself in various ways. Jarðar bur = The son of the Earth; one of the names for Thór jötnar = Giants; a race of beings who were created before the gods, and who are their violent enemies. Jötunheima = Jötunheim; the home of the Giants Loki Laufeyjar sonur: Loki the son of Laufey; is one of the more difficult fugures of Norse myth. He is not one of the Æsir. At one time he was Óðin's blood brother. Often he accompanies various gods on adventures, causing trouble, as often as he helps. men Brísinga = Brísingamen; Freyja's necklace. It is her attribute as goddess of love, et cetera, just as Mjöllnir is the symbol by which we can know Thór. Njarðar dóttur = Freyja, the daughter of Njörð; Njörð was one of the Vanir who came as hostage to the æsir. He was considered the god of the sea and commerce. Nóatúnum = Harbor; appropriately, the god of the sea's home is called a haven for ships. Óðins sonur = Thór; who was the son of Óðin and the Earth síns hamars = Mjöllnir; Thór's hammer. This divine weapon was made for the gods by the dwarves. It is irresistible, and is the only thing which keeps the giants from storming the ramparts of Ásgarð. skell um hlaut = Slew in sacrifice; Thór is not simply said to kill the giantess, he smites her in a ritual of sacrifice. Perhaps we are to take this to imply a re-consecration of Mjöllnir after it was defiled by the giant's possession? Þór = Thór; The protector of the gods and the Earth. This is the first time we have the god's name clearly given. The hammer wealding god of Thunder. Þursa = Ogre; A vague term for a giant or ogre, the word indicates something monstrous which is rather more ominous than Jotun. upphimins = Highest Heaven; This is mentioned in passing in Völospá. It is a place, remote even to the Æsir. vanir = The Vanir; the other race of gods. They are in large part divinities concerned with prosperity and fertility. Vingþór = Thór who swings the Hammer |
volker doormann - 2003.10.04