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Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages

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Máríudrápa — Anon MdrVII

Anonymous Poems

Katrina Attwood 2007, ‘ Anonymous, Máríudrápa’ in Margaret Clunies Ross (ed.), Poetry on Christian Subjects. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages 7. Turnhout: Brepols, pp. 476-514. <https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=text&i=1025> (accessed 19 March 2024)

 

Heil, gleði og mildi móðir;
mátt þrískipað váttaz
göfugt öndvegi greindra
guðdóms fararblóma.
Guðs þrenning veik þannveg
(þú ert enn skipaðr hennar
höfuðkastali) hæstum
(hæstr) manndýrðum glæstra.
 
‘Hail mother of gladness and grace; you may be called the noble tripartite high-seat of the branched magnificent conveyance of the Godhead. God’s Trinity, embellished with the highest virtues, turned to you [lit. that way]; you are still established as its highest chief castle.
Sendi son frá böndum
sinn með lausn að vinna
dauðans þeingill þjóðir,
þeyranns í kvið meyjar.
Þeim bjó sú við sóma
snotr mær friðar stæri
víst heimili og hæstum
höfuðstað frömum jöfri.
 
‘The king of the thawing wind-house [SKY/HEAVEN > = God] sent his son into the womb of a maiden to win people by means of redemption from the bonds of death. That wise maiden honourably provided the augmenter of peace [= God (= Christ)] with a sure home and the highest, foremost prince with a chief place.
Þú ert, Máría, meira
metin allri þjóð betri;
þier sýnir guð greinir
gjarna, sjóvar stjarna.
Lofar, þá er öllum er efri
ein riett í veg hreinum,
— Kristr skipar hjá sier hæsta
heims drottning — lið* beima.
 
‘You, Mary, are more valued [and you are] better than all people; God eagerly shows you discernment [lit. discernments], star of the sea. The company of men praises the one who alone, rightly, is higher than all in pure honour; Christ establishes the highest queen of the world [= Mary] beside himself.
Oss fel þú lastalausa,
líkn vel kend, á hendi,
komin upp á hæð himna,
hjálp mín, syni þínum.
Hrittu öllum ótta
undirgrefti og heiftum
flærða hart af fyrðum
fáröflugra djöfla.
 
‘Entrust us, free from faults, into the hand of your son, well-known mercy, my help, come up to the height of the heavens. Drive all fear, undermining and the malevolence of anger-strong devils of deceits forcefully away from men.
Oss þungliga þraungdum
þú hlíf, konungr vífa;
traust hafa menn ið mesta,
mær göfug, af þier, kærust.
Dragðu til dróttins bygða,
drottning heims og gotna,
… frá illu
aftr með þínum krafti.
 
‘King of women, shelter us, heavily oppressed; men have the greatest support from you, noble, dearest maiden. Queen of the world and of men [= Mary], drag … back from wickedness to the Lord’s dwellings by your power.
Lýtr Máríu mætri
— mátt hennar guð váttar
dýrð — öll … hirðar
hjörð og fólk á jörðu.
Blíð og blessuð móðir
blóm heilagra dóma
— dugir himna guð gumnum —
gjörvallra má kallaz.
 
‘The entire flock of the court … [? > ANGELS] and people on earth bow to excellent Mary; God affirms her power [with] glory. The gentle and blessed mother may be called the flower of all holy judgements; the God of the heavens helps men.
Jésú, geym, svá að geystar,
guðs orð, megim forðaz
kvalar þinnar vier þrælar
þrifhróðigrar móður.
Vaktaðu várar sektir
verðlaust, og gief trausta,
heilagr Kristr, í hæstri
himins dýrð gleði fyrðum.
 
‘Jesus, keep God’s word, so that we servants of your fortunate mother may escape violent torments. Holy Christ, account our debts discharged, and give men secure bliss in the highest glory of heaven.
Sæl og harðla heilug,
heyr, Máría, várar
bænir, bragna pínu
bót og synda ljótra.
Höll taktu í frið fullan
fljótt miskunnar dróttins
af greypustu glæpa
grandi várar andir.
 
‘Blessed and very holy Mary, hear our prayers, remedy for men’s torment and ugly sins. Hall of the mercy of the Lord [= God (= Christ) > = Mary], quickly fetch our souls from the cruellest pain of sins into secure peace.
Skínn með sælu sannri
— sannfriett er það — manna
hjálparván og hreinum
hæst líf guði ið næsta.
Lýtr öll veröld ítri
yfirþjóðkonungs móður;
verð er drottning dýrðar
dæmd til efri sæmdar.
 
‘Men’s hope of redemption and highest life shines with true bliss beside pure God; that is proved true. The whole world bows down before the glorious mother of the supreme king <= God> [= Mary]; the queen of glory is adjudged worthy of the highest honour.
Búið ástum ker kosta
konungs ertu glæst ið hæsta
smíðað bezt og bæði
byrstalls með list allri.
Þaðan flaut ilmr að ýtum
allr guðs og vel fallinn
brunnr, sá er beztr að sönnu
boðaz, eilífrar heilsu.
 
‘You are the highest vessel of virtues of the king of the fair wind-pedestal [SKY/HEAVEN > GOD], equipped with love, both the best crafted and embellished with all artistry. Through you [lit. from there] flowed all the sweet perfume of God to men and the well-suited fountain of eternal salvation, the one which declares itself truly to be the best.
Heil, þú er hjálpar sálum,
heims prýði og líf beima
dýrð himneskrar hirðar
heiðskírt … deilis.
Þú ert makligast miklu
miskunnar ker funnið,
… hjálp og sæla
hrein, m guði einum.
 
‘Hail, you who help souls, world’s adornment and clear life of men, glory of the provider … of the heavenly court [= God]. Pure help and … bliss, you are revealed as by far the most deserving vessel of mercy with the one God.
Hlaut Máría mætan
minn græðara að fæða;
hátt ferr dýrð, sú er dróttinn
dáðnenninn giefr henni.
Lofar, þá er öllum er efri
ein riett í veg hreinum,
— Kristr skipar hjá sier hæsta
heims drottning — lið* beima.
 
‘Mary was chosen to give birth to my worthy Saviour; exalted is the glory which the deed-powerful Lord gives her. The company of men praises the one who alone, rightly, is higher than all in pure honour. Christ establishes the highest queen of the world [= Mary] beside himself.
Hrein fyld Máría mildi
mjúk, andvarpa …
til þín, lýðs, á láði
lífsvegr, gumnar fegnir.
Döggva, drottning seggja
dáðvís, paradísar
…eps að geyma
gamals, þó að djöflar hamli.
 
‘Pure, gentle Mary, filled with grace, joyful men on earth weep for you, life-path of people. Deed-wise queen of men [= Mary], bedew … of Paradise to heed old …, though devils may wound.
Þú reiknaz lasta læknis
lamið eigi með hamri
höfuðmusteri ins hæsta
hjálpremdrar skynsemdar.
Þar nam þjóðar stýrir
þýðr manndómi skrýða
guðdóm sinn og samdi
sier brúðhvílu skæra.
 
‘You are accounted chief temple of the most high healer of sins [= God (= Christ)], not beaten by the hammer of salvation-strengthened reason. There the kind governor of people [= God (= Christ)] was able to clothe his Godhead with humanity and arranged for himself a bright bridal bed.
Hreinn fremr sigri sönnum
sólstýrir mey dýra;
víst er lýðr af löstum
leystr, sá er henni treystir.
Blíð og blessuð móðir
blóm heilagra dóma
— dugir himna guð gumnum —
gjörvallra má kallaz.
 
‘The pure sun-governor [= God] promotes the glorious maiden with true victory; truly people who trust her are released from sins. The gentle and blessed mother may be called the flower of all holy judgements; the God of the heavens helps men.
Viðir Fenris og flæðar
fyrri merkja spyrja
†mier í hyggju harri
hátt faðmandi sátta†,
þvíað, fylling ins fulla
friðar, af þínum iðrum
sýndir, geisla grundar,
guð og mann borinn sannan.
 
‘And trees of the river of Fenrir <wolf> [BLOOD > WARRIORS] ask about former signs †…†, because, fulfilment of the absolute peace of the land of sun-beams [SKY/HEAVEN], you revealed true God and man, born of your womb.
Fagnaðu, mær af megni
miskunnar fullrunnin;
dýr, gaztu orð af orði,
o guðs og bart* forðum.
Fagnaðu, jörð, því að orðin
alfrjávuð* fekkt hávan
lífs ávöxt og leyfðan
leyndardóma blóma.
 
‘Rejoice, maiden, overflowing with the power of mercy; precious one, you conceived the word from the word, and once bore the word of God [= Christ]. Rejoice, earth, since, grown fully ripe, you received the high fruit of life [= Christ] and the praised flower of mysteries [= Christ].
Ljóss giefr röðla ræsir
rausn, magnar gieð bragna;
dáðir fremr dróttins móðir
dygg, þar er aldri skyggir.
Lýtr öll veröld ítri
yfirþjóðkonungs móður;
verð er drottning dýrðar
dæmd til efri sæmdar.
 
‘The bright king of heavenly bodies [= God (= Christ)] gives splendour, strengthens the mind of men; the faithful mother of the Lord [= Mary] promotes [good] deeds, where shadow never falls. The whole world bows down before the glorious mother of the supreme king <= God> [= Mary]; the queen of glory is adjudged worthy of highest honour.
Fagnaðu, fullrar tignar
fagrt blóm, í manndómi
upprísandi, rósa*
rjóð, listugum Kristi.
Fagnaðu, Jésú* eignaz
ástarlimir til himna
stíg þinn, gæzku gnóga,
góðir, dýrðar móðir.
 
‘Rejoice, beautiful flower of complete honour [= Mary], red rose, at vigorous Christ rising up in human form. Rejoice, mother of glory [= Mary] in goodness abundantly; Jesus’ good limbs of love will secure your path to the heavens.
Fagnaðu, mildi megnuð
móðir alls ins góða;
sonr þinn sínum mönnum
setr öllum þig betri.
Þinn brár hljómr á himnum
hljóð yfir allar þjóðar;
frumtígnuð, mátt fagna,
frú mín, lofi þínu.
 
‘Rejoice, mother of everything good, strengthened with mercy; your son places you above all his men. Your sound shines in the heavens, your tune over all peoples; my lady, foremost in honour, you can rejoice in your praise.
Heitur glyggranns gætir
góðr vegligri móður
sinni sier að unna;
satt mál er það sálum.
Lofar þá er öllum er efri
ein riett í veg hreinum,
— Kristr skipar hjá sier hæsta
heims drottning — lið* beima.
 
‘The good guardian of the storm-house [SKY/HEAVEN > = God (= Christ)] promises his glorious mother to love her; that is a true agreement for souls. The company of men praises the one who alone, rightly is higher than all in pure honour; Christ establishes the highest queen of the world [= Mary] beside himself.
Váttr ertu, seggja sættir,
sannhróðig guðs móðir;
lætr eigi lymskar mútur
ljúgorð af þier kúga.
En, ef gagns þurfa þegnar
þíns við nauðsyn sína,
góðs vitnis ber þú gotnum
greinir framm með einurð.
 
‘You are a witness, reconciler of men, truly famous mother of God [= Mary]; you do not allow cunning bribes to force lying words from you. But if men need your support in their neediness, you bear forth for men good testimony [lit. elements of good witness] with sincerity.
Heil sierðu, mildra meyja
mildust, en þier vildi
fylgja hugr … helgum
hirðar himna dýrðum.
Hef eg alls konar illum
afgerðum mig vafðan;
sönn, kom þú sálu minni
…gnótt, í frið dróttins.
 
‘Hail be to you, most merciful of merciful maidens, and the mind … would wish to accompany you with the holy glories of the retinue of the heavens [ANGELS]. I have embroiled myself in all kinds of wicked deeds; true …-abundance, bring my soul into the peace of the Lord.
Hás, kant hjörtu að lýsa,
hreggranns konungr, seggja;
drottning dáðum
dagstalls veröld alla.
Blíð og blessuð móðir
blóm heilagra dóma
— dugir himna guð gumnum —
gjörvallra má kallaz.
 
‘King of the high storm-house [SKY/HEAVEN > = God], you know how to illuminate men’s hearts; the queen of the day-support [SKY/HEAVEN > = Mary] … the whole world with virtues. The gentle and blessed mother may be called the flower of all holy judgements; the God of the heavens helps men.
Brúðr, áttu bezta kveðju,
blíð, skyldasta víða,
— kristnir menn það kunna —
konungs aldar, með valdi.
Orð, þau er harðla heilug
heyraz, þier í eyra
sendi guð til grundar
Gabriél að mæla.
 
‘Gentle bride of the king of men [= God (= Christ) > = Mary], you have most right to the best greeting, far and wide in accordance with your power; Christian men know that. God sent Gabriel to earth to speak in your ear those words which sound very holy.
Heil, Máría hærri
hier funnin miskunnar
guðs full, gæzku allri
gnótt, er með þier dróttinn.
Blessuð ert, er birtiz
bót lífs, framar snótum;
tignaz, bless bragna
blóm, þíns kviðar sómi.
 
‘Hail Mary, here found full of the whole higher abundance of the goodness of God’s mercy, the Lord is with you. You who appear as the remedy of life are blessed foremost among women; the honour of your womb is exalted, blessed flower of men.
Hár giefr hjálpir …
heims valdr kyni beima,
Kristr og miskunn mesta,
meginteitum, … veitir.
Lýtr öll veröld ítri
yfirþjóðkonungs móður;
verð er drottning dýrðar
dæmd til efri sæmdar.
 
‘The high ruler of the world [= God] gives the very glad kinsfolk of men [MANKIND] … helps … and Christ grants the greatest mercy. The whole world bows down before the glorious mother of the supreme king <= God> [= Mary]; the queen of glory is adjudged worthy of very high honour.
Kaup veit dýrt fyr drápu,
drottning himins og gotna;
hróðr nemi höldar kvæðis;
hef eg slæm en lýk stefjum.
Þá … ór gröf grýttri
gaft, mær, bragar stæri
blindum, björt, að venda
braut og styrk ….
 
‘Queen of heaven and of men [= Mary], grant a precious reward for the drápa; may men learn the praise of the poem; I begin the slœmr and finish the refrains. Bright maiden, then you gave the blind increaser of the poem [POET] … to turn away from a stony grave and strength ….
Bænheyrðu, Máría, mína
málsgnótt og bjarg sálum;
miskunnar þarf eg þinnar,
þýð mær guði kærust.
Líðr að ljósu kvæði;
lofi þínu vil eg ofra;
skyldr em eg góðu að gjalda,
göfug prýði, þier, jöfra.
 
‘Be attentive, Mary, to my speech-abundance, and save my soul; I need your mercy, kind maiden, most dear to God. The bright poem draws to its end; I will exalt your praise; I am obliged to reward you with good, noble adornment of princes [= Mary].
Heil, guðs háleit móðir,
… sjóvar stjarna,
mær, er mildi stýrir,
merkt jafnan því nafni.
Hlið kallaz, og hylli,
himinríkis, þier líkar
— sæl ertu slíkra mála —
sannleikr og dygð manna.
 
‘Hail … star of the sea, glorious mother of God [= Mary], maiden, who governs mercy, always designated by that name. You are called the gate of the kingdom of heaven and you are pleased by the favour, truth and virtuous deeds of men; you are blessed with such references.
Upp nam þú hjálp með höppum
háva dýrð og áve,
ást vár og kær Kristi,
kunn af Gabríels munni.
Í friði guðs góðum
grundvöllr ertu sprunda
nafn skiptandi †að nafni
… f† Éva †funnið†.
 
‘You, our beloved and dear to Christ, took up help with good fortune, high glory and the Ave, known from Gabriel’s mouth. In God’s good peace, you are the foundation of women, changing the name Eva …
Leystu með frelsi föstu
frek bönd af lýð sekjum;
bók …enda blindum
ber fram ljós að kjósa.
Braut rektu, frægðar flýtir,
fárs afgerðir várar;
yndis rót, en ýtum
alls bið ðs með kalli.
 
‘Release with certain freedom oppressive bonds from the guilty company; bring forward to the blind a light with which to choose … book. Deliverer of renown [= Mary], drive away our sins of fraud and, root of joy, ask for everything that is good for men with ardent prayer [lit. with shouting].
Sýn þig, gæzku grundar
guðs f…a móðir
þess, er af þier að vísu
þýðr var borinn með prýði.
Blessuð ván, og bænir
berr, skínandi, þínar
heilagr Kristr í hæsta
himins dýrð, lofi fyrða.
 
‘Reveal yourself, … mother of God [= Mary], of the ground of grace [= God (= Christ)], and of that one who in truth was born from you, gentle, with splendour. And, blessed hope, shining with men’s praise, holy Christ carries your prayers into the highest glory of heaven [= Mary].
Einkannlig mær, mönnum
mest líknar þú flestum;
allra manna í milli
mjúkust ertu sjúkum.
Göfug eik, ger oss mjúka,
greinar lífs, og hreina;
lát oss af greypum glæpum
guði treystandi leysta.
 
‘Unique maiden, you show mercy exceedingly to most people; among all people, you are most gentle to the sick. Noble oak of life [lit. of the branch of life], make us humble and pure; let us, trusting in God, be released from cruel sins.
Veittu oss, hæstr, hitta
hreint líf, konungr vífa;
búðu veg, bragna græðir,
brunnr hreinar miskunnar.
Gief oss, árb… jöfra,
ítran Krist að líta,
þar er allir frið fullan
im vier guði kærir.
 
‘Highest king of women, grant us to experience a pure life; prepare the way, healer of men, spring of pure mercy. … of princes, grant us to see glorious Christ, where we all, dear to God, may obtain complete peace.
Guði - sie - frú - hinum - fríða-
feðr lofs … kveðja
        … hæsti
…         jöfra

… helgum anda
sönn … þrennum
þeim dý….
 
‘To God the beautiful father be … of the praise … greeting, woman ….
Heil - vertu, - drottning - dýrðar,-
dýrðvís, - gief ljós …
böls … vegr …
sígrblóm trúar ljómi.
Styrkr …
… gata …
heilsa vald frægð og frelsi
friðr … er …
 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, glory-certain one, give light … of misfortune … path … victory-flower, beam of faith. Strong … road … health, power, renown and freedom, peace …
Heil - vertu, - drottning - dýrðar,-
dáð - lífs og vit ráða,
himins … og hjálp aumum,

ll guðs, frægðar fylling,
friðar gnótt og líkn ótta,
skuggsjó bjartra …

 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, courage of life and understanding of counsels, heaven’s … and help to the wretched; … hall of God, fulfilment of renown, abundance of peace and salve of fear, mirror of the bright …
Heil - vertu, - drottning - dýrðar,-
dagsbrún - ljós* ins fagra
heims …

sálna fjöld og sæla,
synda líkn og …

… konungs jöfra.
 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, shining daybreak of the beautiful world …, multitude and bliss of souls, salve of sins and … of the king of princes [= God (= Christ)].
Heil vertu, drottning dýrðar,
dýrt skrín himinstýris,
hátt rann, höfuðborg dróttins,
hertjald konungs aldar.
Þig fann búð og breiða
bygð .................... hæstra manndygða


 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, precious shrine of the governor of heaven [= God (= Christ)], high house, chief fortress of the Lord, army-tent of the king of men [= God (= Christ)]. [People] found you the booth and spacious dwelling-place of the highest virtues ….
Heil vertu, drottning dýrðar,
dóma vegr og blómi,
skjöldr várr, skjól gott aldar,
skærleikr, dýgð og æra,
hjálpar staðr og stólpi,
stiett vitr og böls liettir,
gata lífs og ván ýta,
grein lofs og bót meina.
 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, glory and flower of judgements, our shield, good protection of mankind, radiance, glory and honour, place of help and pillar, wise foundation and reliever of evil, path of life and hope of men, praise [lit. branch of praise] and cure of evils.
Heil vertu, drottning dýrðar,
dags *önn valin mönnum,
líknar rót og læknir,
lýðs vegr, gift og prýði.
Heitir þú stígi og stræti
styrkr til ljóss frá myrkrum
grundvöllr gæzku allrar
gimsteinn konungs himna.
 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory, chosen as light’s vestibule for men, root of mercy and healer, mankind’s glory, gift and adornment. You are called a ladder and a strong road to light from darkness, the foundation of all mercy, jewel of the king of the heavens [= God (= Christ)].
Heil vertu, drottning dýrðar
dýr, gief þú mier að sra
ljós — vil eg frelsi fýsaz —
friðar; þess skal eg biðja.
Sæll laði oss og alla
óttlaust með sier dróttinn
(Krist* lofi herr) í hæsta
hirðvist (fira) skírða.
 
‘Hail to you, queen of glory; precious one, grant to me to expound the light of peace; I want to be eager for freedom; I will pray for that. May the blessed Lord lead us [me] and everyone with him without fear into the highest, purified court lodging; let the host of men [MANKIND] praise Christ.
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