[SCA-AE] A Poem for Rannveig

[Torvaldr]

This is excellent, both as a memorial and in the way it was written and the form used!

Torvaldr
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Thomas Ireland-Delfs 
  To: discussion at aethelmearc.org 
  Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2010 1:13 PM
  Subject: [SCA-AE] A Poem for Rannveig



  Hi,

  Today is Mistress Rannveig's birthday.  In her honor and memory, the poem I wrote for her & presented to Viscount Alexander this past summer.  If you have seen it before, please pardon me for taking up your time.  

  Hvita-Rannveig Dauðibana 

  Mute Death's sable minion 
  moves to muffled drumbeat.
  raven-clad still rider 
  raises fiercesome spear shaft.
  Blind Hoð's deadly dark tipped 
  dart brings glooming heartache;
  brooding stormclouds baleful 
  broke by lightnings' white fire.

  Regal crimson court stands 
  corbie-clad in mourning; 
  noble gift-friend fallen 
  fell Death's thegn has slain him. 
  Sword trees white girth'd sturdy 
  stumble adzed like lumber; 
  wine-dark drink of war hawks 
  wends to pools unending.

  See how spear maid silent 
  stands shaft's tip bears banner; 
  Tyr's longship waits swan white 
  shines bright gainst night's mare. 
  Battle Freyja bold and 
  brazen turns back gazes --- 
  glowers from Glitnis rider 
  greedy Fenris feeder.

  Growling Hell spawn's ghastly 
  groan rings out  "thus die all". 
  daring spear slope dauntless 
  dreads not Death's fell head song.
  Ash shaft tilts, point aims true, 
  eye slot finds and drives home; 
  battle serpent bites deep 
  brand-Sif's mind-stone breaches.    

  Spear maid falls as foeman 
  fades Death's fell sword bite stayed. 
  swan white hearts hall scarlet 
  stained.  hot wound-surge draining. 
  Noble ring-jarl kneels down 
  new tears fall to yew stand; 
  Heaven's wheel lights homeland ---
  high the praise for Rannveig.

  Oðin's maidens make their 
  master's army vast and 
  hang her shield in Herjans 
  hall. sword trees sing greeting.
  Under high flung earth tent 
  evil threatens always; 
  good folk look for guidance ---
  gracious lady, save them. 


  Comments? Questions?

  Fridrikr

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