Monday Morning Poetry Blogging

Vellekla

Hakon the earl, so good and wise, Let all the ancient temples rise; -- Thor's temples raised with fostering hand That had been ruined through the land.

His valiant champions, who were slain On battle-fields across the main, To Thor, the thunder-god, may tell How for the gods all turns out well.

The hardy warrior now once more Offers the sacrifice of gore; The shield-bearer in Loke's game Invokes once more great Odin's name.

The green earth gladly yields her store, As she was wont in days of yore, Since the brave breaker of the spears The holy shrines again uprears.

The earl has conquered with strong hand All that lies north of Viken land: In battle storm, and iron rain Hakon spreads wide his sword's domain.

Einar Skålaglam, Icelandic skald , ca. 986 translation by Rune Bjørnsen For more Classical and Historic poetry -- as well as some background notes on the above translation -- please visit Odin's Gift.