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Forgotten Ground Regained

Sweord

L.A.Hood
Originally published In Withowinde 198, p.25, Winter, 1997
Wrapped in the ræd ‧ of a runwitan spell, heahfyr hardened ‧ with hammer and skill. Forged under elfenfeld ‧ fires of moonlight; born on the breath ‧ of Blotmonathes nght. Made from the middangeardes ‧ mightiest ores, worn on the waist ‧ of a wælgrim warrior. Never bested ‧ by man or nithdracra, ever yearning ‧ for vanished ealddagas. Bord and byrnie ‧ burst at the clash of seax and sword ‧ in sagas long past. Where now is Hrunting? War-hardened blade, And neither is Nægling ‧ known in these days. Only one sword ‧ from Angle remains; Long has it lasted ‧ replacing lost days. The song of the seeker ‧ and saintly breed; the two-edged sword ‧ of the saintly Bede.
Definitions for the Old English words
  • ræd: counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree
  • runwitan: one acquainted with mysteries, a sage
  • elfenfeld: elf country
  • Blotmonathes: "Blood Month" (November, when stock as slaughtered for the winter)
  • middangeardes: middle earth the world)
  • wælgrim: bloodthirsty, cruel
  • nithdracra: A hostile, malicious dragon
  • ealddagas: elder days
  • bord: shield
  • seax: sax (long dagger)
  • Nægling: the name of Beowulf's sword
Copyright © Larry A. Hood, 1997
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