Vagtamskvadet

Balders Dream

1. All the Aesir, gods and goddesses Sat in session together at Ting; The mighty powers took council of this: Why Balder was troubled by terrible dreams.

2. Mighty slight was the sun-god's slumber, Rest and refreshment seemed gone from his sleep; The giants requested prophetic response As to how this might affect his creation.

3. The lots cast thereon showed that doomed to die Was the dearest of Ull's kin; Anguish assailed Frigga and Svafner And the other rulers. They agreed on a plan:

4. Word was dispatched to all of creation, Seeking assurance that Balder be spared; All gave an oath that he would be unharmed. Frigga received all agreements and promises.

5. Yet Allfather feared an uncertain outcome. He felt that hamingjas were keeping away; He summoned the Aesir, demanded decision. Much was discussed at this congregation.

6. Up rose Odin, father of eons, Saddled Sleipnir, his eightlegged steed; Thence rode he downward, the road toward Niflhel, Met here the hound that hails from the hollow.

7. Bloody the beast was on brisket and breast, Long did he bay at the father of runes. Odin rode forth; loud thundered the fields As he halted at Hel's high hall.

8. Eastward rode Odin before the door, Where he knew the sibyl's barrow to be. Death-runes he sang to the magic maid Until, forced to rise, she spoke from the dead.

9. "Who among men, unknown to me, Compels my heavy journey? I was covered with snow, lashed by rain, Drenched with the dew. Long was I dead."

10. ODIN: Waywont my name, I am son of Deathwont, Speak you from Hel's home as I speak from Life's: For whom are the benches adorned with rings And the couch covered over with gold?

11. SIBYL: The mead is made, for Balder brewed, The precious draught sheltered by a shield; The kin of the Aesir anxiously wait. Forced have I said it. Now may I cease.

12. ODIN: Cease not, sibyl. I will inquire Until I know all. More will I know: Who shall the bane be unto Balder And rob Odin's son of his age?

13. SIBYL: Hoder brings hither the lovely scion. He shall be unto Balder his bane And rob Odin's son of his age. Forced have I spoken. Now may I cease.

14. ODIN: Cease not, sibyl. I will inquire Until I know all. More will I know: Who shall avenge him harshly on Hoder And bring Balder's bane to the pyre?

15. SIBYL: Rind bears Vale in western halls. But one night old shall Odin's son battle; He laves not his hands, nor combs he his hair Ere he bears Balder's foe on the pyre. Forced have I spoken. Now may I cease.

16. ODIN: Cease not, sibyl. I will inquire Until I know all. More will I know: Who are the maidens who then shall weep And their kerchiefs fling to the skies?

17. SIBYL: No pilgrim you, as the sibyl thought. You are Odin, father of eons.

18. ODIN: Nor sibyl you, nor wise seeress. Rather are you three thurses' dam.

19. SIBYL: Ride home, Odin, with mind at rest! So close comes no one again to me Until Loki from fetters is free, and the forces, Dissolvers of all, come to Ragnarok.