Romantic Ballads, Translated from the Danish; and Miscellaneous Pieces
General
Romantic Ballads, Translated from the Danish; and Miscellaneous Pieces
Danish literature; Danish poetry -- Translations into English
{f:18} Rok og teen. The Rok is no longer used in England, though still
common in the North. It is a hazle stick, more than a yard long, round
which the wool is wound. It is affixed to the side of the spinner, under
the left arm.
{f:19} By scattering "Runes," or Runic letters, over graves, provided
they formed a particular rhyme, the ancient Scandinavians imagined that
the dead might be aroused.
{f:20} Han laerer de Kiaempers Ryg at verke.
{f:21} To ride at Dyst, to battle on horseback.
{f:22} It was formerly the custom in Denmark, upon St. John's day, to
celebrate the arrival of Summer, by troops of youths and maids going out
into the woods, and thence returning bedecked with leaves and branches.
This ceremony was called "bringing Summer to town."
{f:23} Blank, clear, shining.--_Dan_.
{f:24} Called in Danish Kiaempe-steene; these stones either mark the
burial place of a warrior, or the spot where some very remarkable
circumstance has occurred.
{f:25} These were ancient Danish monarchs renowned in song and tale, for
warlike exploits and strange adventures. Not far from the Bridge of Vaere
in the diocese of Roeskild, is King Frode's grave-hill, which, according
to tradition, contains immense treasures, and is the richest in all the
land. "Around the King's neck is a gold chain, so long that its other
end reaches round his feet." _See Thiele's Danske Folkesagn_.
{f:26} Denmark's wisest and greatest king. He entertained a warm
friendship for James the First of England, and, attended by his court,
came to London to visit him. The ceremonies and rejoicings which this
event gave rise to, are well described in an old German book, at present
in the British Museum.
{f:27} Tordenskiold Juul and Hvidtfeld--celebrated Danish admirals. The
memory of Tordenskiold is sacred among the peasantry, on account of the
victories obtained by him over the Swedes. It is reported of him in
Jutland, that when the shot of the enemy was directed thick and fast
against him, he would shake the leaden bullets from out the folds of his
clothes.
{f:28} In the Northern mythology, the God of war and strength. He is
girded by a belt of bear-sinews, and bears a hammer called "Miolner,"
which means the shatterer, and with which he destroys giants, demons, and
other foes of Odin the supreme God.
{f:29} See preface to "Waldemar's Chase," p. 115.
{f:30} It was frequently the practice of the ancient Norsemen, after
having entombed their dead kings and heroes, to plant oaks or other trees
over them, in order to prevent their remains being disturbed with
facility. In that sublimest of all poems, "The Incantation of Hervor,"
is a passage to the following effect:
Hervadr, Hiorvadr, Hrani and Angantyr,
I wake ye all under the roots of the trees.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account