Anonymous asked:
Hello my friend Fjorn! I’m the person who requested the metalsmithing quotes. First and foremost, no worries about the delay, on the contrary, I really really appreciate the time and effort you invested in researching and answering thoroughly my question! Albeit I’m very satisfied with your reply, I’m curious to read your own composition too, your beautiful words sure will inspire me in my everyday job and embellish the walls of the workshop along the historical texts. Blessings for you!
Welcome back! I am gladdened to hear that you appreciated the response. That means quite a lot to me. I will gladly give you a verse of my own! Although, I must point out a few things first:
The verse below is inspired and based on dróttkvætt, or court-meter. I did not do an elegant job (in comparison to those more well-versed than I), and so a few metrical restrictions have been forgone for my own conveniences. First of all, the stresses are not in accordance to dróttkvætt. There should be only 3 stressed syllables per line, but I don’t believe that I kept to that rule. I have, however, kept to the rule saying that the second rhyme for each line should land on the last stress (it helps that all the final stresses are single-stressed words). Furthermore, I did not honor half-rhyming in the odd lines, opting instead to do full rhyme on every line (I believe). In terms of alliteration, I was also a bit loose because I have allowed ‘sh’ to alliterate with ‘s’. I believe that most people don’t see that as a violation, but you could get technical in saying that those sounds are different enough to throw off the alliterate flow.
With all of that said, here is my first skaldic verse (well, it’s the closest I have ever come to writing proper skaldic verse, at least):
Work for us with Ymir’s ore
smothered by wind’s brother;
Shape gifts worthy of Sif
and formed for Hjadning’s storm.
Gifted smith, whom gods lift,
I come to thee with glee;
Shape Ygg’s flame without shame!
Raise Gaut’s sickle to praise!
I used quite a few kennings, and I could explain them, but it is also good fun to try to figure it out, is it not? I would hate to spoil the fun! Yet, I just could not bear the guilt of not letting you in on the references, so you can read a prose version below under the ‘read more’. That way, you and others can try to figure it out before seeing the ‘answers’. I have also broken down the kennings I have used, and even gave you my intended meanings for the verse.
Nonetheless, I hope my ‘praise’ brings you the inspiration that you seek!
LIST OF KENNINGS USED:
(In order of their appearance in the verse)
- “Ymir’s ore” – metal from the earth.
- “wind’s brother” – fire.
- “gifts worth of Sif” – a reference to the story of Sif’s hair, also gold.
- “Hjadning’s storm” – battle, a reference to the story of Hild’s abduction by King Hedin Hjarrandason, and King Hogni’s (Hild’s father) battle with him following that event.
- “Ygg’s flame” – sword, also uses a heiti (Yggr = Odin).
- “Gaut’s sickle” – sword, also uses a heiti (Gautr = Odin).
PROSE EDITION:
Work the metals of the earth for us and bathe them in fire; shape them into beautiful gifts and into weapons strong enough for battle. Gifted smith, whom the gods bless, I come to you with joy; forge a sword without shame! Hold that sword high and receive great praise!
GENERAL MEANINGS:
- Use your talents for both peace and defense; be flexible and well-rounded in your crafts.
- Work hard and craft to the best of your ability.
- Everything you craft is worthy of the gods’ attention.
- Your crafts are worthy of praise, show them to us with pride!
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