Hrothgar and Hryllingur, part XII
Continuing Somhairle na Dagney's retelling of Beowulf.
If you're new to this serialization, here's the link to the introductory post, which now has the complete table of contents. Or you can read the completed (to date) verses here. If you just want a reminder of the most recent stanzas, click here.
“Bjarndýr! Are you he
Who with a friend, foolhardy
And vain, ventured a contest
In the sea: both striving to swim
In winter’s whirling waves?
Cold the ocean’s swell!
Strong the surge, canny the currents!
Pride pushed you on, deaf to danger,
Refusing to relinquish
Victory to your friend,
The stronger swimmer.
Seven nights you swam, until he gained
His ground, and won the wager,
Besting your boast. What hope have you
Here against Hyrillingur?”
“Mead muddles men’s speech,
Friend Deilur, mixes tale and truth.
My companion in boyhood’s bold
Brags, dauntless Breca, dared us
Defy the whale-road’s deeps.
Blade-laden we swam,
Hands on hilts: defense against
The serpents of the sea. Shoulder
To shoulder, for five full nights
We two kept together.
This is the last post in Hrothgar and Hryllingur until January 9, 2025. I wish everyone who celebrates, however you acknowledge, in the northern hemisphere, the long nights and the gradual return of the light, a blessed solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Io Saturnalia!
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