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Lætr, sás Hákun heitir,
— hann rekkir lið — bannat
— jǫrð kann frelsa — fyrðum
friðrofs konungr ofsa.
Sjálfr ræðr alt ok Elfar
ungr stillir sá milli
— gramr á gipt at fremri —
Gandvíkr jǫfurr landi.

The king, who is called Hákon, prevents people [from engaging in] the violence of truce-breaking; he emboldens the host; he can protect the country. The prince, that young leader, himself rules the land all the way between the White Sea and the Götaälv; the lord has all the more outstanding good luck.

Fellr of fúra stilli
fleinbraks, limu axla,
Hamðis fang, þars hringum
hylr ættstuðill skylja.
Holt felr hildigelti
heila bœs, ok deilir
gulls í gemlis stalli
gunnseið skǫrungr reiðir.

Hamðir’s <legendary hero’s> tunic [BYRNIE] falls around the ruler of the fires of spear-crash [BATTLE > SWORDS > WARRIOR] where the family-pillar of princes [RULER = Hákon] hides the limbs of the shoulders [ARMS] with rings. He covers the forest of the farmstead of the brain [HEAD > HAIR] with the battle-boar [HELMET], and the distributor of gold [GENEROUS MAN], the outstanding person, swings the battle-pollack [SWORD] in his perch of the hawk [HAND].

Úlfs bága verr ægis
ítrbáls hati málu;
sett eru bǫrð fyr bratta
brún Míms vinar rúnu.
Orms váða kann eiðu
allvaldr gǫfugr halda;
menstríðir, njót móður
mellu dólgs til elli.

The hater of the precious pyre of the sea [GOLD > GENEROUS MAN] defends the wife of the wolf’s enemy [= Óðinn > = Jǫrð (jǫrð ‘earth’)]; prows are placed before the steep edge of the confidante of Mímir’s <mythical being’s> friend [= Óðinn > = Jǫrð (jǫrð ‘earth’)]. The glorious mighty ruler can hold the mother of the serpent’s harmer [= Þórr > = Jǫrð (jǫrð ‘earth’)]; necklace-destroyer [GENEROUS MAN], enjoy the mother of the giantess’s enemy [= Þórr > = Jǫrð (jǫrð ‘earth’)] until old age.

Stinn sár þróask stórum;
sterk egg frǫmum seggjum
hvast skerr hlífar traustar;
hár gramr lifir framla.
Hrein sverð litar harða
hverr drengr; gǫfugr þengill
— ítr rǫnd furask undrum —
unir bjartr snǫru hjarta.

Severe wounds increase greatly; the strong edge sharply cuts firm shields for outstanding men; the sublime lord lives splendidly. Each warrior powerfully colours polished swords; the precious shield-rim is wonderfully furrowed; the glorious ruler enjoys, cheerful, a bold heart.

Óðharða spyrk eyða
egg fullhvǫtum seggjum;
dáðrǫkkum veldr dauða
dreng ofrhugaðr þengill.
Hamdøkkum fær Hlakkar
hauk munnroða aukinn
— veghrœsinn spyrk vísa —
valdr ógnþorinn skjaldar.

I hear that the terribly hard edge destroys very brave men; the high-mettled monarch causes the death of a deed-proud warrior. The battle-daring ruler of the shield [WARRIOR] increases the mouth-reddening of the dark-coated hawk of Hlǫkk <valkyrie> [RAVEN]; I hear that the leader is proud in glory.

Sviðr lætr sóknar naðra
slíðrbraut jǫfurr skríða;
ótt ferr rógs ór réttum
ramsnákr fetilhamsi.
Linnr kná sverða sennu
sveita bekks at leita;
ormr þyrr vals at varmri
víg-Gjǫll sefa stígu.

The wise prince makes adders of battle [SWORDS] slide along the scabbard-road [SHEATH]; the strong snake of strife [SWORD] goes briskly out of the straight baldric-slough [SHEATH]. The serpent of the flyting of swords [BATTLE > SWORD] seeks the brook of blood; the reptile of corpses [SWORD] rushes along paths of the mind [CHESTS] to the warm battle-Gjǫll <river> [BLOOD].

Hjálms fylli spekr hilmir
hvatr Vindhlés skatna;
hann kná hjǫrvi þunnum
hræs þjóðár ræsa.
Ýgr hilmir lætr eiga
ǫld dreyrfá skjǫldu;
styrs rýðr stillir hersum
sterkr járngrá serki.

The brave lord subdues men with Vindhlér’s <= Heimdallr’s> filling of the helmet [HEAD > SWORD]; he can make mighty rivers of carrion [BLOOD] rush with the slender sword. The terrifying lord makes people possess bloodstained shields; the strong ruler reddens the iron-grey shirts of battle [BYRNIES] of the hersar.

Klofinn spyr ek hjálm fyrir hilmis
hjarar egg; duga seggir;
því eru heldr, þar es skekr skjǫldu,
skafin sverð lituð ferðar.
Bila muna gramr, þó at gumna
gular rítr nái líta;
draga þorir hann yfir hreina
hvatan brand þrǫmu randa.

I hear that the helmet was split before the blade of the lord’s sword; men are capable; therefore the polished swords of the company are highly coloured where shields are shaken. The ruler will not fail, although he is able to see the yellow shields of men; he dares to draw the sharp sword across shining rims of shields.

Vex iðn; vellir roðna;
verpr lind; þrimu snerpir;
fæsk gagn; fylkir eignask;
falr hitnar; sezk vitnir.
Skekr rǫnd; skildir bendask;
skelfr askr; griðum raskar;
brandr gellr; brynjur sundrask;
braka spjǫr; litask ǫrvar.

Toil increases; fields are reddened; a linden-spear is thrown; battle becomes fierce; victory is gained; the ruler obtains [it]; a spear-socket grows hot; the wolf is sated. A shield-rim is shaken; shields are bent; an ash-spear trembles; truces are broken; a blade resounds; byrnies are sundered; spears crash; arrows are coloured.

Jǫrð verr siklingr sverðum;
sundr rjúfa spjǫr undir;
lind skerr í styr steinda;
støkkr hauss af bol lausum.
Falla fólk á velli;
fremr mildr jǫfurr hildi;
egg bítr á lim lýti;
liggr skǫr sniðin hjǫrvi.

The ruler defends the land with swords; spears rip wounds asunder; a coloured shield is cut in the fighting; a skull flies from a headless torso. People fall on the field; the generous prince advances the battle; a blade causes a deformity on a limb; a scalp lies sliced by the sword.

Ýskelfir kann úlfum
auðmildr búa gildi;
lætr gylðis kyn gáti
gunnsnarr una harri.
Fær gotna vinr vitni
valbjór afar stóran;
vargr tér ór ben bergja
blóðdrykk ok grǫn rjóða.

The wealth-generous shaker of the yew-bow [WARRIOR] can prepare a banquet for the wolves; the battle-swift lord makes the wolf’s kin rejoice in the food. The friend of men [RULER = Hákon] gives the wolf abundant corpse-beer [BLOOD]; the wolf tastes blood-drink from a wound and reddens its whiskers.

Hákun veldr ok hauldum
— harðráðum guð jarðar
tiggja lér með tíri —
teitr þjóðkonungs heiti.
Vald á víðrar foldar
— vindræfrs jǫfurr gæfu
ǫðlingi skóp ungum —
ǫrlyndr skati gǫrla.

Cheerful Hákon commands the name ‘mighty king’ and the freeholders; God grants the firm-ruling prince the earth with glory. The liberal-minded monarch has complete control of the wide land; the ruler of the wind-roof [SKY/HEAVEN > = God] created good luck for the young lord.

Manndýrðir fá mærðar
(mæt ǫld) fira gæti;
(lýtr auðgjafa ítrum
ǫll) stóð sær of fjǫllum.
Rjóðvendils gatk randa
rœki-Njǫrð at sœkja
— hœf ferð vas sú harða —
heim; skaut jǫrð ór geima.

Manly virtues give glory to the guardian of men [RULER = Hákon]; all splendid people bow to the magnificent wealth-giver; the sea stood above the mountains. I got to visit the tending-Njǫrðr <god> of the shields’ reddening-rod [SWORD > WARRIOR] in his home; that journey was very fitting; the earth shot up from the ocean.

Hákun ræðr með heiðan
(hefr drengja vinr fengit)
— lǫnd verr buðlungr brandi
breiðfeld — (mikit veldi)
rógleiks náir ríki
remmi-Týr at stýra
— ǫld fagnar því — eignu;
orðróm konungdómi,

Hákon rules the kingdom with radiant reputation; the friend of warriors [RULER] has obtained great power; the prince protects the wide lands with the sword; the strengthening-Týr <god> of strife-play [BATTLE > WARRIOR] is able to control his own realm; people welcome that.

þeim, es grundar grímu
gjaldseiðs ok vas faldinn,
— drótt man enn þann* — átti
áðr hans faðir ráða.
Gunnhættir kná grýttu
— gramr býr of þrek — stýra
— stórt ræðr hann, en hjarta
hvetr — buðlunga setri.

that one [kingdom] which his father ruled earlier, and was clad in the helmet of the compensation-pollack of the field [SERPENT = Fáfnir]; people remember that one still. The battle-darer [WARRIOR] governs the rocky seat of sovereigns [= Norway]; the lord is imbued with endurance; he rules mightily and his heart urges [him] on.

Setr of vísa vitran
vígdrótt, en þar hníga,
— ýr dregsk — við skotskúrum
skjaldborg, í gras aldir.
Vápnrjóðr stikar víða
(vellbrjótr á lǫg) spjótum
(þryngr at sverða sǫngvi
sóknharðr) þrǫmu jarðar.

The battle-retinue sets up a shield-wall around the wise leader against the showers of shots; the yew-bow is pulled, and there people sink down in the grass. The weapon-reddener [WARRIOR = Hákon] encloses the wide edges of the earth with spears; the battle-strong gold-breaker [GENEROUS MAN] advances on the ocean towards the song of swords [BATTLE].

Síks glóðar verr sœkir
slétt skarð hafi jarðar;
hlífgranda rekr hendir
heit kǫld loga ǫldu.
Fljótt válkat skilr fylkir
friðlæ (rǫðuls sævar
ránsið ræsir stǫðvar)
reiðr (glaðr frǫmum meiðum).

The attacker of the ember of the brook [GOLD > GENEROUS MAN = Hákon] defends the clefts of the earth [FJORDS], smoothed by the ocean; the distributor of the flame of the wave [GOLD > GENEROUS MAN] drives away the cold threat of defence-damagers [WEAPONS]. The angry leader quickly understands pondered peace-destruction [BATTLE]; the cheerful ruler puts an end to the practice of plundering for outstanding trees of the sun of the sea [GOLD > GENEROUS MEN].

Blóð fremr — hlǫkk at háðisk,
heldr slitnar dul — vitni;
skjǫldr, en skatnar foldir,
skelfr harðr, taka varða.
Fal lætr of her hvítan
hollr gramr rekinn framðan;
en tiggja sonr (seggjum
svalr brandr) dugir (grandar).

Blood benefits the wolf; rather, concealment is ended that a battle was waged; the hard shield shakes, and men begin to defend the lands. The loyal lord makes the white inlaid spear-socket advance above the army; the cool sword injures men, and the ruler’s son [= Hákon] is capable.

Segl skekr of hlyn Huglar
(hvast drífa skip) rasta,
en fǫll of gram Gylli
(grunn) djúp hata unna.
Né Rán viðr hafhreinum
(háraust skapar flaustum)
— hrǫnn fyr húfi þunnum
heil klofnar — frið (deilu).

The sail shakes above the maple-tree of Huglo’s <island’s> currents [SEA > SHIP], and the deep breakers around the lord do damage to the Gyllir <horse> of the waves [SHIP]; the shallow ships move speedily. Nor does Rán <sea-goddess> give peace to the sea-reindeer [SHIPS]; the loud-voiced one [= Rán] creates strife for the ships; an unbroken wave is split before the slender hull.

Hélir hlýr at stáli;
hafit fellr, en svífr þelli
— ferð dvǫl firrisk — harða
framm mót lagar glammi.
Vindr réttr váðir bendir;
vefr rekr á haf snekkjur;
— veðr þyrr — vísa iðjur
— varar fýsir skip — lýsa.

The prow becomes rime-covered at the stem; the ocean falls, and the fir-ship glides powerfully forwards against the roar of the sea; the crew is deprived of rest. The straight wind curves the sails; the sail-cloth drives the warships out to sea; the storm rushes along; the ship longs for the landing place; his actions glorify the leader.

Lung frák lýða þengils
— lá reis of skut — geisa,
en svǫrð of her herða;
hljóp stóð und gram Róða.
Þjóð fær þungra skeiða
þrǫng rúm skipat lǫngum;
stál lætr styrjar deilir
stinn kløkk í mar søkkva.

I heard that the ship of the ruler’s men rushed along and that the rope tightened above the army; the sea rose around the stern; the stud-horses of Róði <sea-king> [SHIPS] ran beneath the prince. People will for a long time man the narrow rowing-stations of the heavy warships; the controller of strife [WARRIOR] lets stiff prows sink yielding into the sea.

Himinglæva strýkr hávar
— hrǫnn skilja sog — þiljur;
lǫgstíga vill lœgir
ljótr fagrdrasil brjóta.
Lýsheims náir ljóma
— líðr ár — of gram blíðum
— uðr rekkir kjǫl kløkkvan
kǫld — eisa; far geisar.

Himinglæva <wave> strokes tall planks; keels split the breaker; the hideous sea wants to break the fair steed of sea-paths [SHIP]. Fire of the pollack-home [SEA > GOLD] can shine above the gentle prince; the year passes; the cold wave emboldens the flexible keel; the vessel speeds on.

Firrisk hǫnd með harra
hlumr, — líðr vetr af sumri —
en flaust við lǫg Lista
lǫng taka hvíld at gǫngu.
Ǫl mœðir lið lýða;
létt skipask hǫll in rétta,
en skál at gjǫf, góla,
gulls svífr tóm in fulla.

The oar-handle is removed from the hand at the lord’s [dwelling] – winter follows summer –, and the long ships take a rest after the journey by the sea of Lista. Ale wearies the host of men; the upright hall is easily occupied splendidly, and the full cup swings empty after the gift of gold.

Hreintjǫrnum gleðr horna
— horn náir lítt at þorna —
— mjǫðr hegnir bǫl bragna —
bragningr skipasagnir.
Fólkhǫmlu gefr framla
framlyndr viðum gamlar
— hinns heldr fyr skot skjǫldum —
skjǫldungr hunangsǫldur.

The prince gladdens the ships’ crews with pure lakes of horns [MEAD]; the horn is hardly able to dry out; mead keeps away men’s misfortune. The bold-minded lord, the one who holds shields before the shots, gives old honey-waves [MEAD] liberally to woods of war-rods [SWORDS > WARRIOR].

Rǫst gefr ǫðlingr jastar
— ǫl virðik svá — firðum;
þǫgn fellir brim bragna
— bjórr forn es þat — horna.
Máls kann mildingr heilsu
— mjǫðr heitir svá — veita;
strúgs kømr í val veiga
— vín kallak þat — galli.

The ruler gives men the whirlpool of yeast [ALE]; that I consider ale; the surf of horns [BEER] – that is ancient beer – removes people’s silence. The generous one provides the cure of speech [MEAD]; mead is called thus; the destruction of dignity [WINE] – that I call wine – joins the selection of strong drinks.

Fúss brýtr fylkir eisu
fens; bregðr hǫnd á venju;
ránhegnir gefr Rínar
rǫf; spyrr ætt at jǫfrum.
Mjǫk trúir ræsir rekka
raun; sér gjǫf til launa;
ráð á lofðungr lýða
lengr; vex hverr af gengi.

The eager leader breaks fire of the fen [GOLD]; the hand moves according to custom; the plunder-punisher [JUST RULER] gives amber of the Rhine <river> [GOLD]; people ask about princes. The lord trusts the warriors’ experience very much; a gift looks for rewards; the ruler has power over the people longer; each gains from his following.

Ískalda skark ǫldu
eik — vas súð in bleika
reynd — til ræsis fundar
ríks; emk kuðr at slíku.
Brjótr þá hersis heiti
hátt — dugir sœmd at vátta —
auðs af jarla prýði
ítrs; vasa siglt til lítils.

I cut the ice-cold wave with the oak-ship to the meeting with the powerful ruler; the pale ship was tested; I am renowned for such. The breaker of precious wealth [GENEROUS MAN = Snorri] received the noble title of hersir from the adorner of jarls [KING = Hákon]; it is fitting to bear witness to that honour; the voyage was not for nothing.

Vandbaugs veitti sendir
vígrakkr, en gjǫf þakkak
skjaldbraks skylja mildum,
skipreiðu mér, heiða.
Fann næst fylkir unna
fǫl dýr at gjǫf stýri
stálhreins; styrjar deilis
stórlæti sák mæta.

The battle-brave sender of the rod of the shield-boss [SWORD > WARRIOR = Hákon] provided me with a levy district, and I thank the lord, liberal with shield-crash [BATTLE], for the glorious gift. Next the leader selected pale animals of the waves [SHIPS] as a gift for the steerer of the stem-reindeer [SHIP > SEAFARER]; I saw the noble munificence of the controller of strife [WARRIOR].

Tvær mank hilmi hýrum
heimsvistir ótvistar;
hlautk ásamt at sitja
seimgildi fémildum.
Fúss gaf fylkir hnossir
fleinstýri margdýrar;
hollr vas hersa stilli
hoddspennir fjǫlmennum.

I remember the cheerful prince for two not unpleasant home-visits; I got to sit together with the generous gold-increaser [GENEROUS MAN = Hákon]. The leader gave, eager, most precious treasures to the spear-controller [WARRIOR = Snorri]; the hoard-spender [GENEROUS MAN = Snorri] was loyal to the lord of hersar [RULER], strong in number.

Þoll biðk hilmis hylli
halda grœnna skjalda;
askr beið af því þroska
þilju Hrungnis ilja.
Vígfoldar, njót, valdi
vandar, margra landa
(nýtr vast oss) til ítrar
elli (dolga fellir).

I ask that the fir-tree of green shields [WARRIOR = Snorri] keep the lord’s good grace; the ash-tree of the plank of Hrungnir’s <giant’s> foot-soles [SHIELD > WARRIOR] gained advancement from that. Wielder of the rod of the war-land [SHIELD > SWORD > WARRIOR = Hákon], enjoy many lands until splendid old age; you were beneficial to us [me], feller of enemies [WARRIOR].

Stáls dynblakka støkkvi
stinngeðs samir minnask
— álms bifsœki aukum
Yggs feng — á lof þengils.
Odds bláferla jarli
ǫrbrjót né skal þrjóta
— Hárs saltunnu hrannir
hrœrum — óð at stœra.

It is fitting for the compeller of the prow’s din-steeds [SHIPS > SEAFARER = Snorri] to recall the praise of the strong-minded lord; we [I] increase Yggr’s <= Óðinn’s> booty [POETRY] for the tremble-seeker of the elm-bow [WARRIOR = Skúli]. Nor shall the liberal breaker of the spear-point’s dark paths [SHIELDS > WARRIOR = Snorri] cease to magnify the praise to the jarl; we [I] stir the waves of Hárr’s <= Óðinn’s> hall-barrel [POETRY].

Él þreifsk skarpt of Skúla
skýs snarvinda lindar;
egg varð hvǫss í hǫggum
hræs dynbrunnum runnin.
Seimþreytir bjó sveita
snjallr ilstafna hrafni;
Páll varð und fet falla
framm þrábarni arnar.

The storm of the cloud of the biting winds of the linden-spear [BATTLE > SHIELD > BATTLE] grew vigorously around Skúli; the sharp blade became drenched with rushing fountains of carrion [BLOOD] during the blows. The brave gold-destroyer [GENEROUS MAN] adorned the foot-sole prows [CLAWS] of the raven with blood; Páll had to fall forwards beneath the footsteps of the beloved child of the eagle [EAGLE].

Lífs varð rán at raunum
— reið sverð — skapat mjǫk ferðum;
stǫng óð þrátt á þingi
þjóðsterk; liðu framm merki.
Hrauð of hilmis bróður
hvǫss egg friðar ván seggjum;
spjót náðu blá bíta;
búandmenn hlutu þar renna.

Deprivation of life most certainly became reality for the men; the sword swung; the mightily strong standard-pole advanced obstinately at the assembly; banners marched on. The sharp blade dispelled the hope of peace for the men around the ruler’s brother [= Skúli]; dark spears bit; farmers were forced to flee there.

Flaust bjó fólka treystir
fagrskjǫlduðustum ǫldum;
leið skar bragnings bróðir
bjartveggjuðustu reggi.
Hest rak hilmir rasta
harðsveipaðastan reipum;
sær hlaut við þrǫm þjóta
þunghúfuðustu lungi.

The encourager of troops [WARRIOR] readied a ship with men with the fairest shields; the ruler’s brother [= Skúli] cut the sea with a vessel with the brightest sails. The lord urged on the horse of currents [SHIP], most strongly wrapped with rigging; the sea resounded against the side of the craft with the heaviest hull.

Reist at Vágsbrú vestan
— varrsíma bar fjarri —
heitfastr hávar rastir
hjálm-Týr svǫlu stýri.
Stǫkkr óx, es bar blakka
brims fyr jǫrð it grimma
herfjǫlð — húfar svǫlðu —
hrannláð, búandmanna.

The pledge-firm helmet-Týr <god> [WARRIOR] carved deep currents with the cool rudder from the west towards Vágsbrú; the wake-line stretched far. The flight of the farmers grew as the grim wave-land [SEA] carried a great number of steeds of the surf [SHIPS] along the coast; the hulls became cool.

Hristi hvatt, þás reistisk,
herfǫng, mjǫk lǫng véstǫng;
samði fólk, en frǫmðusk,
fullsterk, hringserk, grams verk.
Hǫnd lék (herjum reyndisk)
hjǫrr kaldr (allvaldr mannbaldr);
egg frák breiða bjoggu
bragning fylking; stóð þing.

Army-tunics [BYRNIES] were shaken violently when the very long standard-pole was raised; people fastened the ring-shirt [BYRNIE], and the mightily strong deeds of the lord were furthered. The cold sword played with the hand; the mighty ruler proved to the men to be a true hero; I heard that the prince equipped the broad battle-array with the blade; the assembly commenced.

Vann (kann virðum banna
vald) gjald (hǫfundr aldar)
ferð verð fólka herði
fest mest, sás bil lestir.
Hátt þrátt — hǫlða áttar
hrauð auð jǫfurr rauðum —
(þat) gat þengill skatna
þjóð (stóð af gram) bjóða.

The deserving crowd had to guarantee the greatest payment to the strengthener of battles [WARRIOR]; the judge of men [RULER = Skúli], who destroys hesitation, prevents people from using power. The lord of chieftains [RULER] obstinately taught men manners; the prince wasted the red wealth of the clan of freeholders; that [command] issued from the ruler.

Farar snarar fylkir byrjar;
freka breka lemr á snekkjum;
vaka taka vísa rekkar;
viðar skriðar at þat biðja.
Svipa skipa sýjur hepnar
sǫmum þrǫmum í byr rǫmmum;
Haka skaka hrannir blǫkkum
hliðar; miðar und kjǫl niðri.

The leader embarks on swift journeys; greedy breakers are knocked against the warships; the ruler’s warriors begin to keep watch; they ask for speed for the ship after that. The lucky rivetings of the ships, with suitable edges, speed on in the strong wind; waves shake the sides of Haki’s <sea-king’s> horses [SHIPS]; there is motion down below the keel.

Ok hjaldrreifan hófu
hoddstiklanda miklir
— morðflýtir kná mœta
málmskúrar dyn — hjálmar,
hjaldrs þás hilmir foldar
hugdýrum gaf stýri
(ógnsvellir fær allan)
jarldóm (gǫfugr sóma).

And great helmets promoted the battle-happy hoard-dispenser [GENEROUS MAN = Skúli] – the urger of battles [WARRIOR] meets the din of the metal-shower [BATTLE] –, when the lord of the land [KING = Ingi] gave the noble-minded controller of battle [WARRIOR = Skúli] an earldom; the glorious terror-increaser [WARRIOR] obtains all honour.

Hverr fremr hildi barra?
Hverrs mælingum ferri?
Hverr gerir hǫpp at stœrri?
Hverr kann auð at þverra?
Veldr hertogi hjaldri;
hanns first blikurmanni;
hann á hǫpp at sýnni;
hann vélir blik spannar.

Who promotes violent battle? Who is far from [being] a niggard? Who gains the greater good luck? Who knows how to diminish wealth? The war-leader causes battle; he is farthest from [being] a miser; he clearly has good luck; he tricks the gleam of the grip [GOLD].

Velr ítrhugaðr ýtum
otrgjǫld jǫfurr snotrum;
opt hefr þings fyr þrøngvi
þungfarmr Grana sprungit.
Hjǫrs vill rjóðr, at ríði
reiðmálmr Gnitaheiðar;
vígs es hreytt at hættis
hvatt Niflunga skatti.

The splendid-minded prince selects otter-payments [GOLD] for wise people; the heavy burden of Grani <horse> [GOLD] has often burst before the oppressor of the assembly [STERN RULER]. The reddener of the sword [WARRIOR] wants the riding-metal of Gnitaheiðr [GOLD] to be scattered; the treasure of the Niflungar <legendary family> [GOLD] is distributed vigorously at [the dwelling] of the darer of battle [WARRIOR].

Alrauðum drífr auði;
ógnrakkr firum hlakkar
veitk, hvar vals á reitu
verpr hringdropa snerpir.
Snjallr lætr á fit falla
fagrregn jǫfurr þegnum
— ógnflýtir verr ýtum
arm — Mardallar hvarma.

It snows with very red wealth; I know where the attack-brave sharpener of battle [WARRIOR] throws the ring-drop [GOLD] onto the lands of the falcon [ARMS] of men. The wise prince makes the fair rain of the eyelids [TEARS] of Mardǫll <= Freyja> [GOLD] fall onto the hand of his subjects; the attack-hastener [WARRIOR] adorns the arms of people.

Samþykkjar fremr søkkum
snar-Baldr hjarar aldir;
gunnhættir kann Grotta
glaðdript hraða skipta.
Féstríðir kná Fróða
friðbygg liði tryggva;
fjǫlvinjat hylr Fenju
falr meldr alinveldi.

The bold Baldr <god> of the sword [WARRIOR] promotes people with treasures of accord; the battle-darer [WARRIOR] distributes the cheerful snowdrift of Grotti <hand-mill> [GOLD] quickly. The money-fighter [GENEROUS MAN] secures the peace-barley of Fróði <legendary king> [GOLD] for the troop; the marketable flour of Fenja <giantess> [GOLD] covers the many-meadowed elbow-realm [HAND].

Frama skotnar gram; gotnum
— gjǫf sannask — rǫf spannar
(menstiklir) vensk mikla;
(manndýrðir vann skýrðar).
Herfjǫlð (bera hǫlðar)
hagbáls lagar stála
friðask sjaldan við valdi
(vallands svala branda).

The lord is allotted honour; the gift is made good; the amber of the grip [GOLD] accustoms itself greatly to men; the necklace-distributor [GENEROUS MAN] caused manly virtues to be displayed. The ruler of swords [WARRIOR] seldom makes peace with the great quantity of the elaborate pyre of the ocean [GOLD]; freeholders wear cool fires of the falcon-land [ARM > GOLD].

Lætr undin brot brotna
bragningr fyr sér hringa;
sá tekr fyr men menja
mætt orð of sik fættir.
Armr kná við blik blikna
brimlands viðum randa,
þars hǫnd at lið liðnar
lýslóðar berr glóðir.

The ruler lets twisted fragments of rings [GOLD] be fragmented before him; that diminisher of necklaces [GENEROUS MAN] gains a worthy reputation for himself on account of the necklaces. The arms of the trees of shields [WARRIORS] gleam against the gleam of the surf-land [SEA > GOLD] where the hand wears embers of the pollack-track [SEA > GOLD], slid onto the wrist.

Virðandi gefr virðum
verbál liðar skerja;
gleðr vellbroti vellum
verðung afarþungum.
Ýtandi fremr ýta
auðs sæfuna rauðum,
þars mætum gram mæti
marblakks skipendr þakka.

The appraiser of the limb’s skerries [GOLD > GENEROUS MAN] gives ocean-pyre [GOLD] to men; the gold-breaker [GENEROUS MAN] gladdens the crew with extremely heavy gold. The despatcher of wealth [GENEROUS MAN] promotes people with red sea-flame [GOLD] where occupants of the sea-steed [SHIPS > SEAFARERS] thank the worthy lord for valuable objects.

Seimþverrir gefr seima
seimǫrr liði beima;
hringmildan spyrk hringum
hringskemmi brott þinga.
Baugstøkkvir fremr baugum
bauggrimmr hjarar drauga;
viðr gullbroti gulli
gullhættr skaða fullan.

The gold-generous gold-diminisher [GENEROUS MAN] gives gold to the host of men; I hear that the ring-liberal ring-shortener [GENEROUS MAN] pledges away rings. The bracelet-grim bracelet-flinger [GENEROUS MAN] promotes tree-trunks of the sword [WARRIORS] with bracelets; the gold-threatening gold-breaker [GENEROUS MAN] does full damage to the gold.

Auðkendar verr auði
auð-Týr boga nauðir;
þars auðviðum auðit
auðs í gulli rauðu.
Heiðmǫnnum býr heiðis
heiðmildr jǫfurr reiðir;
venr heiðfrǫmuðr heiðar
heiðgjǫf vala leiðar.

The wealth-Týr <god> [MAN] wraps readily recognised compellers of the bow [ARMS] with wealth; there wealth is allotted to wealth-trees [MEN] in red gold. The payment-liberal prince adorns chariots of the hawk [ARMS] of paid men; the payment-advancer [GENEROUS MAN] accustoms bright paths of falcons [ARMS] to the honour-gift.

Hjaldrremmir tekr Hildi
— hringr brestr at gjǫf — festa;
hnígr und Hǫgna meyjar
hers valdandi tjald.
Heðins mála býr hvílu
hjálmlestanda flestum;
morðaukinn þiggr mæki
mund Hjaðninga sprund.

The battle-strengthener [WARRIOR] begins to betroth himself to Hildr; the ring breaks as bride-payment; the ruler of the army bends down beneath the tent of Hǫgni’s <legendary hero’s> daughter [= Hildr (hildr ‘battle’) > SHIELD]. Heðinn’s <legendary hero’s> beloved [= Hildr (hildr ‘battle’)] prepares a bed for most helmet-damagers [WARRIORS]; the woman of the Hjaðningar <Heðinn’s followers> [= Hildr (hildr ‘battle’)] receives a bride-payment, a battle-renowned sword.

Yggs drósar rýfr eisa
ǫld móðsefa tjǫld;
glóð støkkr í hof Hlakkar
hugtúns firum brún.
Geðveggjar svífr glugga
glæs dynbrími hræs;
hvattr es hyrr at slétta
hjaldrs gnapturna aldrs.

The fire of Yggr’s <= Óðinn’s> woman [VALKYRIE > SWORD] rips the tents of the mind [CHESTS] of people; the burnished ember of Hlǫkk <valkyrie> [SWORD] leaps into the temples of the mind-meadow [BREAST > HEADS] of men. The crashing flame of carrion [SWORD] flashes through the windows of the clear mind-wall [BREAST > WOUNDS]; the fire of battle [SWORD] is whetted to level jutting towers of life [HEADS].

Herstefnir lætr hrafn
hungrs fullseðjask ungr;
ilspornat getr ǫrn
aldrlausastan haus,
vilja borg en vargr
vígsára klífr grár;
opt sólgit fær ylgr
— jǫfurr góðr vill svá — blóð.

The young army-leader lets the raven fully sate its hunger; the eagle can tread the most lifeless skull underfoot, and the grey wolf climbs the battle-wounded stronghold of the will [BREAST]; the she-wolf can often swallow blood; the good prince wants that.

Sær skjǫldungs niðr skúrum;
skǫpt darraðar lyptask;
hrindr gunnfana grundar
glygg of frœknum tiggja.
Geisa vé fyr vísa;
veðr stǫng at hlym Gungnis;
styrk eru mót und merkjum
málms of ítran hilmi.

The sovereign’s kinsman [= Skúli] sows showers [of missiles]; the shafts of the standard are lifted; the strong wind presses against the battle-banner above the bold lord of the land [RULER]. Pennants rush before the prince; the standard-pole advances towards the crash of Gungnir <spear> [BATTLE]; meetings of metal [BATTLES] are mighty beneath the banners around the glorious leader.

Stjóri vensk at stœra
stór verk dunu geira;
halda kann með hildi
hjaldr-Týr und sik foldu.
Harri slítr í hverri
Hjarranda fǫt snerru;
falla þar til fyllar
fjallvargs jǫru þollar.

The commander of the din of spears [BATTLE > WARRIOR] accustoms himself to magnifying great deeds; the battle-Týr <god> [WARRIOR] can subjugate the land with battle. The lord rips the garments of Hjarrandi <= Óðinn> [BYRNIES] in every attack; fir-trees of battle [WARRIORS] fall there as the fill of the mountain-wolf.

Skýtr at Skǫglar veðri,
en skjaldagi haldask,
Hildar hlemmidrífu
of hvítum þrǫm rítar.
Enn í sœfis sveita
at sverðtogi ferðar
rýðr aldar vinr odda
— þats jarlmegin — snarla.

The rumbling blizzard of Hildr <valkyrie> [ARROWS] is shot over the white rim of the shield at the storm of Skǫgul <valkyrie> [BATTLE], and the shields do not endure. And the friend of the people [RULER] reddens spear-points quickly in the sweat of the sword [BLOOD] at the sword-drawing [BATTLE] of the company; that is the power of the jarl.

Hverr séi jǫfra œgi
jarl fjǫlvitrum betra
eða gjarnara at gœða
glym hraðsveldan skjalda?
Stendr af stála skúrar
styrr ólítill Gauti,
þás fólks jaðarr foldir
ferr sig-Njǫrðum varða.

Who might see a jarl better than the extremely wise terrifier of princes [RULER] or more eager to increase the swift-growing clash of shields [BATTLE]? No small enmity issues from the Gautr <= Óðinn> of the shower of swords [BATTLE > WARRIOR] when the protector of the people [RULER] goes to defend the lands against battle-Nirðir <gods> [WARRIORS].

Hverr ali blóði byrsta
bens rauðsylgjum ylgi,
nema svát gramr of gildi
gráð dag margan vargi?
Gefr oddviti undir
egg nýbitnar vitni;
hann sér Fenris fitjar
framm klóloðnar roðna.

Who might nourish the she-wolf, bristled with blood, with red slurps of the wound [BLOOD], unless the ruler would satisfy the wolf’s hunger many a day? The war-leader gives the wolf wounds, newly bitten by the blade; he sees the hands of Fenrir <wolf> [PAWS], claw-shaggy, turn red at the tips.

Hilmir hjálma skúrir
herðir sverði roðnu;
hrjóta hvítir askar;
hrynja brynju spangar.
Hnykkja Hlakkar eldar
harða svarðar landi;
remma rimmu glóðir
randa grand of jarli.

The ruler strengthens showers of helmets [BATTLES] with the reddened sword; white ash-spears soar; the thin plates of the byrnie jingle. Fires of Hlǫkk <valkyrie> [SWORDS] tug forcefully at the land of the scalp [HEAD]; embers of battle [SWORDS] intensify the injury of shields [BATTLE] around the jarl.

Es til hjálma hyrjar
herjum styrjar væni,
þar svát jarl til ógnar
egnir tognu sverði.
Sjá kná garð fyr grundu
grindar Þundar jaðra,
es skatna vinr skjaldar
skyldisk galdr at fremja.

There is an expectation for the troops of a tumult of the fire of helmets [SWORD > BATTLE] where the jarl baits the drawn sword for battle. One can see the fence of the edges of Þundr’s <= Óðinn’s> gate [SHIELD > SHIELD-RIMS > SHIELD-WALL] before the land, when the friend of the people [RULER] pledges himself to perform the chant of the shield [BATTLE].

Hjálmlestir skekr Hristar
hreggǫld Sigars veggi;
gramr lætr í byr brjóta
brands hnigþili randa stranda.
Stálhrafna lætr stefnir
styrvind of sik þyrja;
þiggr at Gǫndlar glyggvi
gagn oddviti bragna sagna.

The helmet-damager [WARRIOR] shakes walls of Sigarr <legendary king> [SHIELDS] during the storm-age of Hrist <valkyrie> [BATTLE]; the ruler makes bending boards of the sword [SHIELDS] break in the fair breeze of the shores of shields [SHIELD-RIMS > BATTLE]. The impeller of prow-ravens [SHIPS > SEAFARER] makes tumult-wind [BATTLE] rage around him; the leader of troops of men receives victory at the gale of Gǫndul <valkyrie> [BATTLE].

Álmdrósar skylr ísa
ár flest meginbára sára;
kœnn lætr hræs á hrǫnnum
hjálmsvell jǫfurr gella fella.
Styrjǫkla kná stiklir
stinnmens legi venja benja;
lætr stillir frør fylla
fólksund hjarar lunda unda.

Most years a mighty wave of wounds [BLOOD] rinses icicles of the elm-bow-woman [VALKYRIE > SWORDS]; the wise prince makes the helmet’s ice-sheet [SWORD] scream in waves of the fellers of carrion [SWORDS > BLOOD]. The dispenser of the stiff necklace [GENEROUS MAN] accustoms battle-glaciers [SWORDS] to the ocean of wounds [BLOOD]; the leader makes the frost of wounds [SWORD] replenish the battle-sea [BLOOD] of the trees of the sword [WARRIORS].

Hræljóma fellr hrími; tími
hár vex of gram sára ára;
frost nemr of hlyn Hristar Mistar
herkaldan þrǫm skjaldar aldar.
Gullsendir brýtr grundar Hrundar
gunnveggs stǫfum leggi hreggi;
sóknvallar spyrk svelli elli
— svá skotnar þat — gotna þrotna.

The hostility of the corpse-gleam [SWORD > BATTLE] approaches; the opportune time of oars of wounds [SWORDS > BATTLE] increases around the ruler; the frost of Mist <valkyrie> [SWORD] hits the mightily cold rim of the shield of the men around the maple of Hrist <valkyrie> [WARRIOR]. The gold-dispenser [GENEROUS MAN] breaks the legs of staves of the battle-wall [SHIELD > WARRIORS] during the storm of the ground of Hrund <valkyrie> [SHIELD > BATTLE]; I hear that people’s old age is cut short by the ice-sheet of the attack-meadow [SHIELD > SWORD]; thus it turns out.

Tiggi snýr á ógnar áru
— undgagl veit þat — sóknar hagli;
yngvi drífr at hreggi hlífa
— hjǫrr vélir fjǫr — brynju éli.
Vísi heldr of fjǫrnis foldir
— fólk skipta svá — boga driptum;
skúrum lýstr of hilmi hraustan
— hans fregnum styr — Mistar regni.

The lord turns the hail of the attack [ARROWS] towards envoys of battle [WARRIORS]; the wound-gosling [RAVEN/EAGLE] knows that; the ruler makes the blizzard of the byrnie [ARROWS] drift in the gale of shields [BATTLE]; the sword entraps lives. The leader keeps snow-drifts of the bow [ARROWS] around lands of the helmet [HEADS]; the armies arrange it thus; the rain of Mist <valkyrie> [ARROWS] strikes down in showers around the brave hero; we hear of his warfare.

Stála kendi støkkvilundum
styrjar valdi rauðu falda;
— rekkar stýrðu rétt til jarðar
roðnu barði — austan fjarðar.
Oddum rendi eljunstrandir
ýta ferðar hringa skerðir;
hilmir stœrði hvǫssu sverði
heila grundar meginundir.

The ruler of battle [WARRIOR = Skúli] taught impelling trees of swords [WARRIORS] to hood themselves in red east of the fjord; warriors steered the reddened prow straight to the shore. The notcher of rings [GENEROUS MAN] ran the energy-shores [CHESTS] of the troop of men through with sword-points; the leader increased mighty wounds of the ground of the brain [HEAD] with the sharp sword.

Vafði lítt, es virðum mœtti,
vígrœkjandi framm at sœkja;
skerðir gekk í skúrum Hlakkar
Skǫglar serks fyr roðnum merkjum.
Ruddisk land, en ræsir Þrœnda
Ribbungum skóp bana þungan;
Gunnarr skaut und Gera fótar
grimsetta il hjarna kletti.

The battle-promoter [WARRIOR] hesitated little to rush forward when he met the men; the notcher of Skǫgul’s <valkyrie’s> shirt [BYRNIE > WARRIOR] advanced in Hlǫkk’s <valkyrie’s> showers [BATTLE] before the reddened banner. The land was cleared, and the ruler of the Þrœndir [NORWEGIAN RULER = Skúli] created a harsh death for the Ribbungar; Gunnarr pushed his crag of the brain [HEAD] beneath the grim-set sole of Geri’s <wolf’s> foot.

Vápna hríð velta náði
vægðarlaus feigum hausi;
hilmir lét hǫggum mœta
herða klett bana verðan.
Fleina lands fylkir rendi
fjǫrnis hlíð meginskíði
— ǫflugt sverð eyddi fyrðum
jǫfri kent — holdi fenta.

The merciless storm of weapons [BATTLE] was able to topple the doomed skull; the lord made the crag of the shoulders [HEAD], deserving death, meet the blows. The ruler ran through the slope of the helmet [HEAD], snow-covered with flesh, with the mighty ski of the land of spears [SHIELD > SWORD]; the powerful sword, belonging to the prince, destroyed people.

Eyddi úthlaupsmǫnnum
ítr hertogi spjótum;
sungu stál of stillis
— stóð ylgr í val — dólgum.
Hal margan lét hǫfði
hoddgrimmr jǫfurr skemra;
svá kann rán at refsa
reiðr oddviti þjóðum.

The splendid army-leader destroyed robbers with spears; swords sang above the ruler’s enemies; the she-wolf stood among the fallen. The hoard-grim prince made many a man shorter by a head; thus the angry war-leader punishes people for plundering.

Ortak ǫld at minnum,
þás alframast vissak,
of siklinga snjalla
með sex tøgum hátta.
Sízt hafa veg né vellum,
es virðan mik létu,
á aldinn mar orpit
— þats oss frami — jǫfrar.

I have composed, as memorials for men, with sixty verse-forms about the wise rulers, whom I knew to be by far the most outstanding. Least of all have the princes thrown either esteem or gold into the ancient sea when they let me be honoured; that is for us [me] a glory.

Fremstr varð Skúli.
Skala lof dvala;
semk mildum gram
mærð fjǫlsnœrða.
Meir skalk stœri
styrs hróðr fyrir
— kærr vask harra —
hers gnótt bera.

Skúli became the foremost … I shall not delay the praise; I put together a many-stranded poem for the generous prince. As before, I shall bear the fame of the increaser of battle [WARRIOR] before a multitude of men; I was dear to the lord.

Kunn bjók kvæði
konungs bróður þjóð
(þann veitk þengil)
þrenn (fjǫlmennan).
Fram skal in fjórða
fólkglaðs vaða
ljóss elds lagar
lofun friðrofa.

I prepared three praise poems, known to people, for the king’s brother [= Skúli]; I know that lord to have a large following. The fourth encomium about the battle-glad truce-breaker of the fair fire of the ocean [GOLD > GENEROUS MAN] must issue forth.

Mitts of mœti
mart lag bragar
áðr ókveðit
oddbraks spakan.
Hlýtr grams geta
greppr óhneppra
skýrr skrautfara.
Skjǫldunga ungr.

Many a poetic metre of mine about the wise encounterer of the point-crash [BATTLE > WARRIOR = Skúli] has never been used before. The intelligent poet [I] must report on the not meagre splendour-expeditions of the ruler. … Young of lords …

Slóð kann sneiðir
seima geima
hnigfák Haka
hleypa greypa,
hinns af hlunni
hesta festa
lætr leyfðr skati
langa ganga.

The cutter of gold [GENEROUS MAN] can make the bucking horse of Haki <sea-king> [SHIP] run across the rough track of the sea, the praised lord, the one who makes long horses of moorings [SHIPS] step off the launching roller.

Gull kná (greppar)
glóa (róa);
váss eru seggir
samir framir.
Eik má und jǫfri
una bruna;
þá nýtr vísi
viðar skriðar.

Gold glows; men row; the outstanding fellows are suited to hardship. The oak-ship rejoices in speeding beneath the prince; then the leader enjoys the swiftness of the ship.

Ræsir glæsir
Rǫkkva stǫkkva
hvítum rítum
hreina reina.
Skreytir hreytir
skafna stafna
hringa stinga
hjǫrtum svǫrtum.

The ruler adorns the swift reindeer of Rǫkkvi’s <sea-king’s> land-strips [SEA > SHIPS] with white shields. The scatterer of rings [GENEROUS MAN] decorates the smoothed bows of the black deer of rods [SHIPS].

Hafrǫst hristir
hlunnvigg tiggja;
borðgrund bendir
brimdýrs stýri.
Blá veit brjóta
byrskíð víði
bǫðharðr bǫrðum
buðlungr þungan.

The sea-current shakes the roller-steed [SHIP] of the ruler; the ship-board-ground [SEA] bends the rudder of the surf-animal [SHIP]. The battle-hard lord knows that the dark breeze-skis [SHIPS] break the heavy sea with their prows.

Hrinda lætr hniggrund
hafbekks snekkjur,
þás falla, fleinþollr
frár, mál, stálum.
Hlummi lítr hergramr
hirðmenn spenna,
en rœði raungóð,
rógálfr, skjálfa.

The swift spear-fir [WARRIOR] makes warships thrust against the bucking-ground of the sea-bench [SHIP > SEA] with prows when times are opportune. The battle-grim strife-elf [WARRIOR] sees retainers grasp oar-handles, and very good oars tremble.

Hrannir strýkva hlaðinn bekk;
haflauðr skeflir;
kasta náir kjalar stíg
kalt hlýr sǫltum.
Svǫrtum hleypir svana fjǫll
snjallmæltr stillir
hlunna of Haka veg
hríðfeld skíðum.

Waves stroke the loaded ship; sea-foam piles up breakers; the cold prow throws aside the salty path of the keel [SEA]. The wise-spoken ruler makes the black skis of rollers [SHIPS] run along the stormy mountains of swans [WAVES] across the road of Haki <sea-king> [SEA].

Snyðja lætr í sólroð
snekkjur á Manar hlekk
(árla sér ungr jarl)
allvaldr (breka fall).
Lypta kná lýðr opt
lauki of kjalar raukn;
greiða náir glygg váð;
greipum mœta dragreip.

The mighty ruler makes warships hasten on the chain of Man <island> [SEA] at dawn; early the young jarl sees the falling of the breakers. People often lift the mast on the draught-animals of the keel [SHIPS]; the storm unfolds the sail; halyards meet hands.

Hrǫnn skerr (hvatt ferr)
húfr kaldr (allvaldr);
lá brýtr (lǫg skýtr)
lim-Garmr (rangbarmr).
Brátt skekr (byrr rekr)
blán vegg (ráskegg);
jarl lætr almætr
ósvipt húnskript.

The cold hull cuts the wave; the mighty ruler travels fast; the branch-Garmr <dog> [STORM] breaks the surf; the curved side of the ship thrusts aside the sea. The dark sail suddenly shakes; the breeze unfolds the sailyard-beard [SAIL]; the thoroughly glorious jarl leaves the decorated cloth of the mast-top [SAIL] unreefed.

Læsir leyfðr vísi
landa útstrandir
blíðr ok bláskíðum
barða randgarði.
Ern kná jarl þyrna
oddum falbrodda
jǫrð með élsnœrðum
jaðri hrænaðra.

The praised leader encloses the outer shores of the lands, cheerful, with a shield-fence and dark skis of prows [SHIPS]. The jarl, vigorous with socket-points [SPEARS], spikes the earth along its storm-laced edge with points of corpse-adders [SPEARS].

Lofs flutt fjǫrum
fyr gunnǫrum
— né spurð spǫrum
spjǫll grams — snǫrum.
Hefk hans fǫrum
til hróðrs gǫrum
ypt óvǫrum
fyr auðs bǫrum.

Praise is presented before bold, battle-generous men; nor do we [I] withhold stories heard about the ruler. I have extolled his expeditions, performed for glory, before unwary trees of wealth [MEN].

Fluttak frœði
of frama grœði
— tunga tœði —
með tǫlu rœði.
Stef skal stœra
stilli Mœra
— hróðr dugir hrœra —
ok honum fœra.

I have presented accounts of the promoter of fame [RULER = Skúli] with the oar of speech [TONGUE]; the tongue helped. I shall augment the poem about the lord of the Mœrir [NORWEGIAN RULER = Skúli] and bring [it] to him; it is fitting to compose praise.

Slíkt er svá;
siklingr á
— ǫld þess ann —
orðróm þann.
Jarla er
austan ver
skatna skýrstr
Skúli dýrstr.

So it is; the ruler deserves that reputation; people grant [him] that. Skúli, the wisest of lords, is the most glorious of jarls east of the ocean.

Naðrs gnapa ógn alla,
eyðir baugvalla,
hlunns of hástalla
hestar svanfjalla.
Orms es glatt galla
með gumna spjalla;
jarl fremr sveit snjalla;
slíkt má skǫrung kalla.

Destroyer of shieldboss-meadows [SHIELDS > WARRIOR = Skúli], horses of swan-mountains [WAVES > SHIPS] tower in the tall foundations of the roller throughout the entire terror of the adder [WINTER]. It is cheerful with the confidant of men [RULER] during the destruction of the snake [WINTER]; the jarl advances the clever company; such [a one] one must call an outstanding person.

Orð fekk gótt gramr;
hann es gunntamr;
mjǫk es fullframr
fylkir rausnsamr,
hinn es mál metr;
milding sízt getr
þann, es svá setr
seggi hvern vetr.

The ruler got a good reputation; he is battle-accustomed; the truly outstanding leader, the one who judges lawsuits, is very glorious; there will never be a lord who treats his men in such a manner each winter.

Mærð vilk auka
Mistar lauka
góma sverði
grundar skerði.
Dýrð skal segja
— drótt má þegja —
styrjar glóða
støkkvi-Móða.

I wish to increase the praise for the notcher of the ground of Mist’s <valkyrie’s> leeks [SWORDS > SHIELD > WARRIOR] with my sword of the gums [TONGUE]. I shall recount the glory of the scattering Móði <god> of embers of strife [SWORDS > WARRIOR]; the court must be silent.

Veitk hrings hraða
í hǫll laða
— gótts hús Hlaða —
hirð ǫlsaða.
Drekkr gramr glaða,
en at gjǫf vaða
vitar valstaða,
vandbaugskaða.

I know that the hastener of the ring [GENEROUS MAN] invites the ale-sated retinue into the hall; the house of Lade is good. The ruler makes damagers of the wand of the shield-boss [(lit. ‘wand-shield-boss-damagers’) SWORD > WARRIORS] merry with drink, and beacons of falcon-perches [ARMS > GOLD] advance as a gift.

Drífr handar hlekkr,
þars hilmir drekkr;
mjǫks brǫgnum bekkr
blíðskálar þekkr.
Leikr hilmis her
hreingullit ker
— segik alt, sem er —
við orða sker.

The chain of the arm [RING] flies around where the lord is drinking; the brook of the cheer-cup [DRINK] is very pleasing to men. The pure golden goblet plays against the skerries of words [TEETH] of the ruler’s army; I tell all as it is.

En, þás hirð til hallar
hers oddviti kallar,
opt tekr jarl at fagna
við ótali bragna.
Búin es gjǫf til greizlu
at gullbrota veizlu;
þrǫngt sitr þjóðar sinni;
þars mestr frami inni.

And, when the leader of the army [= Skúli] calls the retinue to the hall, the jarl often begins to welcome a countless number of men. The gift is ready for distribution at the banquet of the gold-breaker [GENEROUS MAN]; the company of people sits crowded; inside there is the greatest glory.

Hirð gerir hilmis kátt;
hǫll skipask þrǫngt at gátt;
auð gefr þengill þrátt;
þat spyrr framm í átt.
Slíkt telk hilmis hátt;
hans es rausn of mátt;
jarl brýtr sundr í smátt
slungit gull við þátt.

The lord’s retinue becomes cheerful; the hall is crowded to the gate; the ruler gives wealth incessantly; that will be heard for generations. Such I declare to be the way of a lord; his splendour is overpowering; the jarl breaks asunder twisted gold by the strand into small pieces.

Mǫrg þjóð ferr til siklings sala;
sœmð es þar til allra dvala;
tiggi veitir seima svala;
satt es bezt of hann at tala.
Bresta spyrjum bauga flata
— bragna vinr kann gulli hat*a —
— œðri, veitk, at gjǫflund gata
grundar vǫrðr — fyr hringa skata.

Many people travel to the halls of the sovereign; honour accrues to all who stay there; the ruler gives out cool gold; it is best to tell the truth about him. We [I] learn that flat circlets burst before the chieftain of rings [GENEROUS MAN]; the friend of men [= Skúli] knows how to hate gold; I know that no guardian of the ground [RULER] got a nobler generous disposition.

Þiggja kná með gulli glǫð
gotna ferð at ræsi mjǫð;
drekka lætr hann sveit at sín
silfri skenkt it fagra vín.
Greipum mœtir gullin skál;
gumnum sendir Rínar bál
(eigi hittir œðra mann)
jarla beztr (en skjǫldung þann).

The merry troop of men receives mead along with gold from the ruler; he lets the company at his [hall] drink the fine wine poured from silver. The golden goblet meets the hands; the best of jarls gives people the pyre of the Rhine <river> [GOLD]; one cannot find a more distinguished man than that lord.

Getit vas grams fara;
gǫrt hefk mærð snara;
þengill mun þess vara;
þat namk lítt spara.
Finnrat frœknara
fœði gunnstara
mann né mildara
merkir blóðsvara.

The lord’s expeditions have been recounted; I have made a powerful praise-poem; the ruler will be ready for that; I hardly held that back. The stainer of blood-birds [RAVENS/EAGLES > WARRIOR = Snorri] will not find a bolder feeder of battle-starlings [RAVENS > WARRIOR], nor a more generous man.

Þengill lætr hǫpp hrest;
honum fylgir dáð mest;
vísi gefr vel flest
verbál ólest.
Húfar brutu haf ljótt;
heim létk jǫfur sótt;
yngva lofar ǫll drótt;
jarls sák frama gnótt.

The lord makes successes flourish; the greatest achievement accompanies him; the leader gives nearly every sea-pyre [PIECE OF GOLD] undamaged. Hulls broke the hideous ocean; I visited the prince at his home; the entire court praises the ruler; I saw the abundance of the jarl’s glory.

… gramr
gulli søri Kraki framr;
efla frágum Haka hjaldr;
†hl† … aldr.
Ormi veitti Sigurðr sár;
slíkt vas alt fyr liðit ár;
Ragnarr þótti skatna skýrstr;
Skúli jarl es miklu dýrstr.

… the lord; the outstanding Kraki sowed gold; we [I] heard that Haki waged war; … … age. Sigurðr inflicted a wound on the serpent; all that was before the year gone by; Ragnarr seemed the wisest of rulers; Skúli jarl is by far the most glorious.

Mundak mildingi,
þás Mœra hilmi
fluttak fjogur kvæði,
fimtán stórgjafar.
Hvar viti áðr orta
með œðra hætti
mærð of menglǫtuð
maðr und himins skautum?

I remembered the generous one for fifteen grand gifts when I presented four poems to the lord of the Mœrir [NORWEGIAN RULER = Skúli]. Where beneath the corners of heaven may a man know praise with a more distinguished verse-form previously composed about a necklace-destroyer [GENEROUS MAN]?

Orts of ræsi,
þanns rýðr granar
vargs ok ylgjar
ok vápn litar.
Þat mun æ lifa,
nema ǫld farisk,
bragninga lof,
eða bili heimar.

[Poetry] has been composed about the ruler [= Skúli] who reddens the whiskers of the wolf and the she-wolf and colours weapons. That praise of lords will always live, unless people perish or worlds collapse.

Lyptak ljósu
lofi þjóðkonungs;
upps fyr ýta
jarls mærð borin.
Hverr muni heyra
hróðr gjǫflata
seggr svá kveðinn
seims ok hnossa?

I lifted up the bright praise of the mighty king; the splendour of the jarl is proclaimed before men. What man may hear a praise-poem about a miser with gold and treasures composed in such a way?

Veitk verðari,
þás vell gefa,
brǫndum beita
ok búa snekkjur,
hæra hróðrar,
en heimdrega,
unga jǫfra,
en auðspǫruð.

I know that young princes, who give gold, brandish swords and occupy warships, are worthier of higher praise than a stay-at-home, than a wealth-withholder.

Þeir ’ró jǫfrar
alvitrastir,
hringum hæztir,
hugrakkastir,
vellum verstir,
vígdjarfastir,
hirð hollastir,
happi næstir.

Those princes are the very wisest, the most dangerous to rings, the most courageous of heart, the worst to gold, the most battle-brave, the most loyal to the retinue, the closest to good fortune.

100

Gløggva grein
hefk gǫrt til bragar,
svát es tírætt hundrað talit;
hróðrs ørverðr
skala maðr heitinn vesa,
ef sá fær alla háttu ort.

I have made a clear account of poetic form, so that one hundred [stanzas] counted in tens are enumerated. A man must not be called unworthy of praise if he can compose in all verse-forms.

101

Sóttak fremð,
sóttak fund konungs,
sóttak ítran jarl,
þás ek reist,
þás ek renna gat,
kaldan straum kili,
kaldan sæ kili.

I sought advancement, I sought a meeting with the king, I sought the noble jarl when I furrowed the cold current with the keel, when I made the keel run across the cold sea.

102

Njóti aldrs
ok auðsala
konungr ok jarl;
þats kvæðis lok.
Falli fyrr
fold í ægi
steini studd
en stillis lof.

May the king and the jarl enjoy life and wealth-halls; that is the end of the poem. May the earth, studded with stone, sink into the sea sooner than the praise of the ruler.

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Data from Samnordisk runtextdatabas

Snorri Sturluson (SnSt)

Háttatal — SnSt Ht^III

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Data from Samnordisk runtextdatabas

Snorri Sturluson (SnSt)

Háttatal — SnSt HtIII

Háttatal — SnSt Ht^III