The
Icelandic Runic Poem
(in
Modern English)
From Runic and Heroic Poems by Bruce Dickins
Fé
- Wealth
Source of discord among kinsmen
and fire of the sea
and path of the serpent.
Úr
- Shower
Lamentation of the clouds
and ruin of the hay-harvest
and abomination of the shepherd.
Thurs
- Giant
Torture of women
and cliff-dweller
and husband of a giantess.
Óss
- God
Aged Gautr
and prince of Ásgardr
and lord of Vallhalla.
Reid
- Riding
Joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.
Kaun
- Ulcer
Disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.
Hagall
- Hail
Cold grain
and shower of sleet
and sickness of serpents.
Naud
- Constraint
Grief of the bond-maid
and state of oppression
and toilsome work.
Iss
- Ice
Bark of rivers
and roof of the wave
and destruction of the doomed.
Ár
- Plenty
Boon to men
and good summer
and thriving crops.
Sól
- Sun
Shield of the clouds
and shining ray
and destroyer of ice.
Tyr
God with one hand
and leavings of the wolf
and prince of temples.
Bjarken
- Birch
Leafy twig
and little tree
and fresh young shrub.
Madr
- Man
Delight of man
and augmentation of the earth
and adorner of ships.
Lögr
- Water
Eddying stream
and broad geysir
and land of the fish.
Yr
- Yew
Bent bow
and brittle iron
and giant of the arrow.