Storm Tide © 2020 Steff Ironside 

Höfuðlausn / Head's Ransom  

- 10th century skaldic poem
by Egill Skalla-Grímsson in praise of Rex Eiríkr blóðøx / King Eirik Bloodaxe of York, son of Harald Fairhair

West I went over the water
and I bear the sea
of Vidrir's mind-strand,
so is my part to travel.

I set an oak afloat
with the breaking of ice
I piled a portion of praise
on the stern of my ship.

The King offered me an invitation,
now I must offer a verse of praise;
I bear Odin's mead
to the land of the English.

I caused the ruler to be celebrated,
surely I laud him;
I ask him for an audience,
because I have crafted a tribute.
Consider, Leader, that is well fitting,
how I will compose if I get silence.

Most men heard what the King fought;
and Vidrir saw where the slain lay.

The sword-din increased against the shield-brim;
battle grew around the King;
Fiercely he advanced. 

Then could be heard the sword-river roared
the prophecy of metal-storm,
which lay most oppressive.

Went not astray the web of spears
among the King's bright ranks of spear-plains,
there, where in blood
the plain of the seal
churned in fury,
resounded beneath their banners.

Folk fell in fields
with the clash of spears;
Eirikr gained glory at that.

Steff Ironside

Popular tracks