Hrothgar & Hryllingur, Part III
Part three of a reimagined Beowulf.
Welcome to a retelling of Beowulf through the skill of Somhairle na Dagney, Scáeli of Linrathe. (For a fuller explanation, see Part I.)
Hrothgar, heart-heavy,
Called counsel to him; long listened
To sage and seer, vowing vengeance
For vicious slaughter. Soul-sick,
He swore promise,
Pledged to gods of war
And wood and wild, sacrifice
Against suffering. Dire the days,
Demanding death to defend
Hrothgar’s hall-folk.
Wise though he was,
Worry unwaning lay hard
On Hrothgar; darkness and dread
Tormenting his people; panic and pain,
Anguish unending.
Far beyond borders
Hrothgar’s horror, sung by scáeli’en,
Reached liegeman and lord. Late listened
Warriors, weighing their worth.
One chose the challenge.
More next Thursday!