Cookies on our website

We use cookies on this website, mainly to provide a secure browsing experience but also to collect statistics on how the website is used. You can find out more about the cookies we set, the information we store and how we use it on the cookies page.

Continue

skaldic

Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages

Menu Search

Eyv Hál 11I

Russell Poole (ed.) 2012, ‘Eyvindr skáldaspillir Finnsson, Háleygjatal 11’ in Diana Whaley (ed.), Poetry from the Kings’ Sagas 1: From Mythical Times to c. 1035. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages 1. Turnhout: Brepols, p. 210.

Eyvindr skáldaspillir FinnssonHáleygjatal
101112

Þar ‘There’

(not checked:)
þar (adv.): there

Close

varð ‘came about’

(not checked:)
1. verða (verb): become, be

[1] varð: var 39, F, J1ˣ

Close

minnz ‘’

Close

minnstr ‘the least’

(not checked:)
3. minni (adj. comp.; °superl. minnstr): less, least

[1] minnstr: ‘minnz’ J1ˣ

Close

mein ‘of the harm’

(not checked:)
mein (noun n.; °-s; -): harm, injury < meinvinnandi (noun m.)

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

mein ‘of the harm’

(not checked:)
mein (noun n.; °-s; -): harm, injury < meinvinnandi (noun m.)

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

vinnǫndum ‘for the workers’

(not checked:)
vinnandi (noun m.; °; vinnendr): worker, winner < meinvinnandi (noun m.)

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

Yngvi ‘of Yngvi’

(not checked:)
Yngvi (noun m.): Yngvi, prince < Yngvifreyr (noun m.)Yngvi (noun m.): Yngvi, prince

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

Yngvi ‘of Yngvi’

(not checked:)
Yngvi (noun m.): Yngvi, prince < Yngvifreyr (noun m.)Yngvi (noun m.): Yngvi, prince

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

freyrs ‘’

Close

Freys ‘Freyr’

(not checked:)
Freyr (noun m.): (a god) < Yngvifreyr (noun m.)

[3] ‑Freys: ‘‑freyrs’ F

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

Freys ‘Freyr’

(not checked:)
Freyr (noun m.): (a god) < Yngvifreyr (noun m.)

[3] ‑Freys: ‘‑freyrs’ F

kennings

Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum
‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’
   = WARRIORS

the harm of Yngvi-Freyr → BATTLE
for the workers of the BATTLE → WARRIORS

notes

[2-3] Yngvi-Freys meinvinnǫndum ‘for the workers of the harm of Yngvi-Freyr <god> [(lit. ‘harm-workers of Yngvi-Freyr’) BATTLE > WARRIORS]’: The warrior-kenning is unusual. Yngvi-Freyr is a name of Freyr (see LP: Yngvifreyr). The word mein ‘harm’ is associated with Freyr in both Lok 43/5 and Gylf (SnE 2005, 31), but its precise significance in this context remains uncertain. A battle-kenning seems most likely as the determinant qualifying vinnǫndum (dat. pl.) ‘workers’, and this is supported by leikr Freys ‘sport of Freyr [BATTLE]’, Þhorn Harkv 6/4 and Note. Although Freyr is not normally a battle-god but a deity presiding over peace and good crops (Gylf, SnE 2005, 24), war could be regarded as a source of harm to him (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; LP: meinvinnandi; cf. ÍF 26). The warriors denoted by the kenning can be identified with the Jómsvíkingar and other adversaries of Hákon jarl and his son, Eiríkr.

Close

fagnafundr ‘welcome meeting’

(not checked:)
fagnafundr (noun m.; °; -ir): [welcome meeting]

Close

es ‘as’

(not checked:)
2. er (conj.): who, which, when

Close

flota ‘their fleet’

(not checked:)
floti (noun m.): fleet

Close

þeystu ‘impelled’

(not checked:)
þeysa (verb): hasten

Close

jarð ‘of the land’

(not checked:)
jǫrð (noun f.; °jarðar, dat. -u; jarðir/jarðar(DN I (1367) 304Š)): ground, earth < jarðráðandi (noun m.): land-ruler

kennings

jarðráðendr
‘the rulers of the land ’
   = RULERS

the rulers of the land → RULERS

notes

[7, 8] jarðráðendr … eyðǫndum ‘the rulers of the land … the ravagers’: The wording here presents difficulties. (a) In this edn the reading of and J1ˣ is retained. Normally in skaldic usage the agentive eyðǫndum ‘ravagers’ would be associated with an object, expressed via an objective gen. or prefixed flexionless noun, but it may be that jarð- ‘land’ in the previous line has a dual role, also providing such an object in a kind of apo koinou (cf. NN §3209; ÍF 26). (b) Against this, Sveinbjörn Egilsson’s emendation Eydǫnum (LP: eyða; cf. Jón Þorkelsson 1884, 55; Hkr 1893-1901; Skj B) is supported by œgir Eydana ‘intimidator of the Island-Danes’, denoting Hákon jarl, in Eyv Hák 3/7. Although Eydanir normally refers to the Danes (LP: ey-Danir), it is possible that the Jómsvíkingar could be thought of as ‘Island-Danes’, especially if, as Finnur Jónsson suggested, they had affiliations with Bornholm (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; but contrast NN §3209).

Close

eyrindum ‘’

Close

eyðændum ‘’

Close

ráðendr ‘the rulers’

(not checked:)
ráðandi (noun m.; °-a; ráðendr): ruler < jarðráðandi (noun m.): land-ruler

kennings

jarðráðendr
‘the rulers of the land ’
   = RULERS

the rulers of the land → RULERS

notes

[7, 8] jarðráðendr … eyðǫndum ‘the rulers of the land … the ravagers’: The wording here presents difficulties. (a) In this edn the reading of and J1ˣ is retained. Normally in skaldic usage the agentive eyðǫndum ‘ravagers’ would be associated with an object, expressed via an objective gen. or prefixed flexionless noun, but it may be that jarð- ‘land’ in the previous line has a dual role, also providing such an object in a kind of apo koinou (cf. NN §3209; ÍF 26). (b) Against this, Sveinbjörn Egilsson’s emendation Eydǫnum (LP: eyða; cf. Jón Þorkelsson 1884, 55; Hkr 1893-1901; Skj B) is supported by œgir Eydana ‘intimidator of the Island-Danes’, denoting Hákon jarl, in Eyv Hák 3/7. Although Eydanir normally refers to the Danes (LP: ey-Danir), it is possible that the Jómsvíkingar could be thought of as ‘Island-Danes’, especially if, as Finnur Jónsson suggested, they had affiliations with Bornholm (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; but contrast NN §3209).

Close

at ‘against’

(not checked:)
3. at (prep.): at, to

Close

eyðǫndum ‘the ravagers’

(not checked:)
2. eyða (verb; °-dd-): destroy

[8] eyðǫndum: ‘eyrinndom’ 39, F, ‘eyðænndvm’ J1ˣ

notes

[7, 8] jarðráðendr … eyðǫndum ‘the rulers of the land … the ravagers’: The wording here presents difficulties. (a) In this edn the reading of and J1ˣ is retained. Normally in skaldic usage the agentive eyðǫndum ‘ravagers’ would be associated with an object, expressed via an objective gen. or prefixed flexionless noun, but it may be that jarð- ‘land’ in the previous line has a dual role, also providing such an object in a kind of apo koinou (cf. NN §3209; ÍF 26). (b) Against this, Sveinbjörn Egilsson’s emendation Eydǫnum (LP: eyða; cf. Jón Þorkelsson 1884, 55; Hkr 1893-1901; Skj B) is supported by œgir Eydana ‘intimidator of the Island-Danes’, denoting Hákon jarl, in Eyv Hák 3/7. Although Eydanir normally refers to the Danes (LP: ey-Danir), it is possible that the Jómsvíkingar could be thought of as ‘Island-Danes’, especially if, as Finnur Jónsson suggested, they had affiliations with Bornholm (Hkr 1893-1901, IV; but contrast NN §3209).

Close

þás ‘when’

(not checked:)
þás (conj.): when

Close

sverð ‘the sword’

(not checked:)
sverð (noun n.; °-s; -): sword < sverðalfr (noun m.)

kennings

sverðalfr
‘the sword-elf ’
   = WARRIOR

the sword-elf → WARRIOR

notes

[9] sverðalfr ‘the sword-elf [WARRIOR]’: Normally taken to be Hákon jarl, following Hkr (see Context), but Finnur Jónsson (Hkr 1893-1901, IV) suggests Sigvaldi jarl, leader of the Jómsvíkingar.

Close

alfr ‘elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < sverðalfr (noun m.)

kennings

sverðalfr
‘the sword-elf ’
   = WARRIOR

the sword-elf → WARRIOR

notes

[9] sverðalfr ‘the sword-elf [WARRIOR]’: Normally taken to be Hákon jarl, following Hkr (see Context), but Finnur Jónsson (Hkr 1893-1901, IV) suggests Sigvaldi jarl, leader of the Jómsvíkingar.

Close

sunnan ‘from the south’

(not checked:)
sunnan (adv.): (from the) south

Close

kníði ‘drove’

(not checked:)
knýja (verb): press forward, urge, drive

Close

lagar ‘of the sea’

(not checked:)
lǫgr (noun m.; °lagar, dat. legi): sea

kennings

stóð lagar
‘stud-horses of the sea ’
   = SHIPS

stud-horses of the sea → SHIPS
Close

stóð ‘stud-horses’

(not checked:)
2. stóð (noun n.; °-s): stud-horse

kennings

stóð lagar
‘stud-horses of the sea ’
   = SHIPS

stud-horses of the sea → SHIPS

notes

[11] stóð ‘stud-horses’: The word is grammatically sg., with the collective meaning ‘stud, stud-horses’.

Close

at ‘against’

(not checked:)
3. at (prep.): at, to

Close

liði ‘army’

(not checked:)
lið (noun n.; °-s; -): retinue, troop

Close

Interactive view: tap on words in the text for notes and glosses

Hákon jarl Sigurðarson brings his fleet from the south in haste to meet the Jómsvíkingar, under Sigvaldi jarl, and other opponents, prior to the battle of Hjǫrungavágr (Liavågen).

On Hákon jarl Sigurðarson, the battle of Hjǫrungavágr c. 985, and other skaldic poetry associated with it, see ‘Ruler biographies’ in Introduction to this volume. — This is the sole surviving stanza from what may have been a more extended account (Finnur Jónsson 1910-12, 263). Lines 9-12 are printed as a separate stanza in Skj (but not Hkr 1893-1901), for reasons that are unclear.

Close

Log in

This service is only available to members of the relevant projects, and to purchasers of the skaldic volumes published by Brepols.
This service uses cookies. By logging in you agree to the use of cookies on your browser.

Close

Stanza/chapter/text segment

Use the buttons at the top of the page to navigate between stanzas in a poem.

Information tab

Interactive tab

The text and translation are given here, with buttons to toggle whether the text is shown in the verse order or prose word order. Clicking on indiviudal words gives dictionary links, variant readings, kennings and notes, where relevant.

Full text tab

This is the text of the edition in a similar format to how the edition appears in the printed volumes.

Chapter/text segment

This view is also used for chapters and other text segments. Not all the headings shown are relevant to such sections.