Eiríksmál is a skaldic poem composed c. 954 at the behest of the Norwegian queen Gunnhild in honour of her slain consort Erik Bloodaxe. Only the beginning of the poem is extant.[1]

According to Roger of Wendover, Eric, a Viking ruler was betrayed and killed on Stainmore in 954 AD, while on the run and after being expelled from York.[2] Eric had previously been King of Northumbria (c. 947–948 and 952–954) during his more successful days.

Fenrir - wolf and enemy of Odin , Gosforth Cross

Structure

Although classified as a Skaldic poem since it deals with a historical figure, it is actually anonymous and in the simple fornyrðislag meter, rather than ornate dróttkvætt. It thus has much in common with the poems of the Poetic Edda. The later poem Hákonarmál appears to be modelled on Eiríksmál.[3]

The poem is cast as a dialogue between Eric, the gods Odin and Bragi, and the legendary hero Sigmund.[4]

Translation from Old Norse

Based on Finnur Jónsson’s Norse edition, English translation by Wikipedia editors.

Verse 1, Odin

Verse 2, Odin

Verse 3, Bragi

Verse 4, Odin

Verse 5, Odin

Verse 6, Bragi, Odin

Verse 7, Bragi, Odin

Depiction of the wolf Fenrir on the Gosforth Cross.

Verse 8, Sigmund

Verse 9, Erik

Notes

  1. As described in several sources, Odin's son Balder was accidentally killed by his blind brother Höðr, who was tricked by Loki. The gods later failed in bringing him back from Hel, and so his return would have been cause for great celebration.
  2. Odin was eager and anxious for Erik to arrive in Valhalla because he needed his military skills to help defend Valhalla from the forces of chaos.[5]

Citations

  1. Fulk 2012, p. 1003.
  2. Williams 2017, p. 298.
    • "Hákonarmál : Old Norse". www.heimskringla.no. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  3. Williams 2017, p. 300.
  4. Page 2002, pp. 109–111.

Sources

Online

Books

  • Page, R. I. (2002). Chronicles of the Vikings - Records, Memorials and Myths. British Museum Press. ISBN 0-7141-2800-7.
  • Williams, Thomas (2017). Viking Britain - A History. William Collins Books. ISBN 978-0-00-817195-7.
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