Forgotten Ground Regained
Ingelrii’s Maþþumsweord
Winner of the 2012 Cædmon Prize
Originally published in Withowinde 161, p.16, March, 2012
This alliterative verse was written in preparation for a skaldic competition in Australia at the Europa Re-enactment Society Yule Feast for 2011. It conveys the story of a rare sword viewed by Europa members at the Sydney Power House Museum during the year. After becoming aware that an Ingelrii sword existed in their stores, but was not on public display, we organised a private viewing for 6 of our members who then travelled down to the city from the Blue Mountains by train especially to see it.
Photo provided to Withowinde by Steve Close
Daniel hlaford the hereman ‧ with hearty glad tidings did speakHidden in the hoard of a maðum house ‧ lay an ancient hard-edged blade.Ingelrii’s craft of old renown, the only one in the great southland.So went Europas werod ‧ from the Spring Wood they set forth.Wyrm riders, weaving, wending their way from their mountain lairToward the secret dwelling stowe ‧ of the flame-crafted steely sword.Wes thu hal from the gate-warden ‧ questions asked and are welcomed.Our Runes must ramble ‧ and rest in their book.Then the werod duely went netherward ‧ into the dimhus of wonders.Halls of hidden riches ‧ lie hushed by our path.The soul of fire-stormed steel ‧ sang on the airBefore even we beheld it ‧ in all its black glory.And then we reached the room ‧ with its restless wondermentOur honoured sky skinned ‧ marvel spun handsDid hold the hallowed ‧ worthy heartwork of Ingelrii.
Copyright © Steve Close, 2012
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