Old Norse Online

Viking Skills

Though ostensibly ruffians from the viewpoint of those they invaded, the Vikings nevertheless had a more cultured and refined aspect to their way of life when at home. When we consider the volume of Old Norse literature, it becomes clear that their culture highly prized, if not writing itself, at least stories artistically wrought and poetry of great complexity. But from the stories themselves we find other skills and amusements which were highly esteemed. A passage from Earl Rognvald of the Orkneys (1135-58) lists them clearly:

It is not altogether clear what is meant by 'tables'. Some render the term 'draughts', but this game probably came to Europe later than would be fitting for many of the references in Old Norse literature. The term was likely a catch-all for several different games, many of which seem to have specific names in Old Norse formed as compound words. Game pieces are found in many Scandinavian graves, but it is rarely clear if the set is complete, and, if so, how it was used. One game board found in Balinderry consists of a seven by seven array of holes in which bone pegs were placed.

The topic of 'runes' inevitably leads to great mystery and speculation. In many contexts, this seems to be a natural result of a deliberate veil of secrecy on the part of the Scandinavians, since the runes were intimately bound with magical rituals of various sorts. But not always. The earliest runic inscriptions in the Germanic speaking community employed an alphabet of some 24 characters, but later this was reduced to 16. Their origin is typically ascribed to divine intervention, as is true of writing in many cultures -- in Norse culture authority is ascribed to Odin. Rognvald's phrasing suggests that 'runes' be interpreted as 'spell', so that his implication is that he knows a wealth of incantations of all sorts. But a more strictly utilitarian interpretation is possible, since by that time runes were used in more pedestrian situations. Often runes were employed for burial inscriptions, or even for marks of ownership such as 'this belongs to...'. In this sense, Rognvald's statement may merely refer to knowledge of the alphabet.

It is telling, nevertheless, that 'reading' is not equated with runes. This comes as no surprise, since we find no sagas or the like etched out in runes. But it lends credence to the idea that 'runes' is better understood as 'spells', since 'reading' itself implies 'knowing an alphabet' (of whatever sort). (See Lesson 10 for more about runes.)

'Smith-craft' properly includes a whole host of skills, and it is not clear if Rognvald meant any one in particular. Excavations show clear remnants of metal-working, wood-carving, carpentry, and bone-carving, among others. The most finely wrought examples certainly would have been made by professional craftsmen, but especially those relating to carving readily available materials such as wood or bone could be expected to be practiced by the non-professional with some high degree of skill. Metal weapons with intricately carved designs are a common reference in the earliest Germanic literature, highly valued and often magically created. But intricate designs are also found in the woodwork of homes, on roof-posts and wall panels. Several picture-stones in Gotland contain figures carved in relief, with background and foreground originally painted in various colors.

Skiing, archery, and rowing. Certainly there is no surprise when such physical prowess is listed among the essential skills of Scandinavian culture. One wonders why these in particular were singled out by Rognvald, when certainly other physical contests were also popular. Wrestling was a common sport, evidently practiced at times in a fairly brutal fashion if we are to take anything from the story of two wrestlers who heartily thanked Grettir for the bloody beating they received at his hands. One may suspect, however, that a skill such as archery, though originally cultivated for deadly results, may have been elevated above such a utilitarian purpose and its more exacting nuances deemed an esoteric skill worthy of devoted practice. Similar ideas about archery are found in cultures of the Far East. Perhaps skiing and rowing were held in a similar regard.

Fortunately poetry and recitation were skills of extreme importance in Scandinavian culture. Were they not, this series of lessons would be quite a bit thinner. Early on, and apparently throughout Scandinavian culture, poetic composition and recitation was a professional occupation, the purview of skálds, or 'court poets'. Remnants of this era are presevered in quotes scattered throughout the literature. But as the heyday of the court poet was nearing its end, Snorri produced the Skáldskaparmál, or 'Treatise on Poetic Composition'. This work gives a detailed description of the technical principles underlying skaldic poetry, and it can be stated with little exaggeration that this literature was among the most complex achieved anywhere in Europe. What is more, Snorri adds a wealth of pertinent mythological information, since by this time, the poetic skill had become so ornate that the allusions made were often confusing or unknown to the listener of Snorri's time. The skalds had cultivated a penchant for 'kennings', whereby a sentiment such as 'the generous king gave me a gold arm-ring' was conveyed by 'the scatterer of riches hung the burden of Grani upon the falcon's tree'. The intended meaning only becomes clear if one knows that Sigurd's horse Grani toted gold from a dragon's lair, and that the 'falcon's tree' is a man's forearm, where the falcon comes to rest.

Poetry by Snorri's time, however, was not solely meant for professionals. Noblemen often displayed an affinity for composing verse, all the more interesting because some of the instances occur on the battlefield. The verses might encapsulate a boast, or even a prediction of doom. And as in the story of Egil, it is clear that a well-composed poem eloquently delivered at the right moment might just save your neck.

Reading and Textual Analysis

The following selection comes from Hrólfs saga, which dates to some time in the late 14th century. The saga contains remnants of the legend of the Skjöldungs, known as the Scyldings in the epic Beowulf. Their story is not told in the poetic style of Beowulf, but rather in a much more direct and viscerally entertaining narrative style. Emphasis is placed on amusing anecdote, rather than on the pan-Germanic theme of tragic heroism. The episode of Böðvarr Bjarki at the Danish court is linked by many researchers to the story of Beowulf at Hrothgar's court. In each story the hero arrives to rid the court of the beast which has been ravaging the land.

In the passage below, Böðvarr comes to Hrólf's court after staying with a peasant couple living in the area. The couple tells of their son, Höttr, who is up at the court and has been continually harassed by Hrólf's retainers. They have taken up the habit of throwing bones at the poor youth. The peasant couple asks that, in return for their hospitality, Böðvarr should only throw small bones at their son, so as not to excessively hurt the boy.

The present tense is used throughout the Old Norse passage to lend dramatic effect to the narrative. Old Norse tolerates this sort of historical present much more than Modern English. The translation therefore usually renders present tense verbs by past tenses, though the English present is employed in certain situations where it seems natural.

Síðan fór Böðvarr leið sína til Hleiðargarðs. hann kømr til konungs atsetu. Böðvarr leiðir síðan hest sinn á stall hjá konungs hestum hinum beztu ok spyrr engan at; gekk síðan inn í höllina, ok var þar fátt manna.

• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- then
• fór -- verb; 3rd singular past of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- made
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• leið -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <leið> way, journey; road, path; manner, fashion -- way
• sína -- possessive adjective; accusative singular feminine of <sínn> own, one's own -- his
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• Hleiðargarðs -- proper noun, masculine; genitive singular of <Hleiðargarðr> Hleithargarth, Lejre -- Hleithargarth
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• kømr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- came
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• konungs -- noun, masculine; genitive singular of <konungr> king -- the king's
• atsetu -- noun, feminine; genitive singular of <atseta> residence -- residence
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• leiðir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <leiða (dd)> lead -- led
• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- then
• hest -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <hestr> stallion, horse -- horse
• sinn -- possessive adjective; accusative singular masculine of <sínn> own, one's own -- his
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- to
• stall -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <stallr> stall; perch (for hawks) -- the stall
• hjá -- preposition; <hjá> beside, at the side of; compared with; close by -- near
• konungs -- noun, masculine; genitive singular of <konungr> king -- the king's
• hestum -- noun, masculine; dative plural of <hestr> stallion, horse -- horses
• hinum -- demonstrative used as adjective; dative plural masculine of <hinn> this one; that; the -- ...
• beztu -- adjective; weak <beztr> best -- best # weak dat. pl. -u is a Norwegian innovation which is also found in late Old Icelandic
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• spyrr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <spyrja (spurði)> trace, find out (about); hear; ask -- asked
• engan -- pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <engi> no, none, no one -- no one
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- about (it)
• gekk -- verb; 3rd singular past of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- he went
• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- then
• inn -- adverb; <inn> in, within -- ...
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- into
• höllina -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <höll> hall + definite article; accusative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- ...
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- there were
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- where
• fátt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <fár> few -- a few
• manna -- noun, masculine; genitive plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men

Hann sezk útarliga, ok sem hann hefir verit þar lítla hríð, heyrir hann þrausk nökkut útar í hornit í einhverjum stað.

• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• sezk -- verb; 3rd singular present reflexive of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- set himself
• útarliga -- adverb; <útarliga> far out -- at a distance
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- when
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• verit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- been
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- there
• lítla -- adjective; accusative singular feminine of <lítill> little, short -- a little
• hríð -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <hríð> while, time; storm, attack -- while
• heyrir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <heyra (ð)> hear, hear of -- heard
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• þrausk -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <þrausk> rummaging -- rummaging
• nökkut -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <nakkvarr, nökkurr> a, a certain; any -- some
• útar -- comparative adverb; <útar> farther out -- over
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• hornit -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <horn> horn; drinking horn; corner + definite article; accusative singular neuter of <inn> the -- the corner
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• einhverjum -- adjective; dative singular masculine of <einnhverr> a certain, some, any -- a certain
• stað -- noun, masculine; dative singular of <staðr> place, spot, dwelling; part; way, respect -- spot

Böðvarr lítr þangat ok sér at mannshönd kømr upp ór mikilli beinahrúgu, er þar lá; höndin var svört mjök. Böðvarr gengr þangat til ok spyrr hverr þar væri í beinahrúgunni.

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• lítr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <líta> look; see; regard -- looked
• þangat -- adverb; <þangat> thither -- there
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• sér -- verb; 3rd singular present of <sjá> see, perceive; find; understand; look -- saw
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• mannshönd -- noun, masculine; genitive singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman + noun, feminine; accusative singular of <hönd> hand, arm and hand; side, part -- a man's hand
• kømr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- was coming
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• ór -- preposition; <ór> out of, from; of; with the material of -- out of
• mikilli -- adjective; dative singular feminine of <mikill> great, large, big; severe -- a great
• beinahrúgu -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <beinahrúga> heap of bones -- pile of bones
• er -- relative particle; <er> who, which; when -- which
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- there
• lá -- verb; 3rd singular past of <liggja> be situated; lie (down); be slain -- was lying
• höndin -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <hönd> hand, arm and hand; side, part + definite article; nominative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hand
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• svört -- adjective; nominative singular feminine of <svartr> black -- black
• mjök -- adverb; <mjök> much; very -- quite
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• gengr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- went
• þangat -- adverb; <þangat> thither -- ...
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- over
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• spyrr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <spyrja (spurði)> trace, find out (about); hear; ask -- asked
• hverr -- pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hverr> who, which, what; each, every -- who
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- there
• væri -- verb; 3rd singular past subjunctive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• beinahrúgunni -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <beinahrúga> heap of bones + definite article; dative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the bone pile

Þá var honum svarat ok heldr óframliga: "Höttr heiti ek, bokki sæll." "Hví ertu hér", segir Böðvarr, "eða hvat gørir þú?" Höttr segir, "Ek gøri mér skjaldborg, bokki sæll."

• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- then
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- came
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- ...
• svarat -- past participle; nominative singular neuter of <svara (að)> answer -- a reply
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- ...
• heldr -- adverb; <heldr> rather, any the more -- rather
• óframliga -- adverb; <óframliga> timidly -- timidly
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• heiti -- verb; 1st singular present of <heita> to call, name; promise; be called, be named -- am called # See Section 36 for 1st sg. ending in -i.
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• bokki -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <bokki> buck; fellow -- sir
• sæll -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sæll> fortunate, happy -- dear
• hví -- interrogative adverb; <hví> why? -- why
• ertu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- are you # ertu = ert + þú
• hér -- adverb; <hér> here -- here
• segir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• eða -- conjunction; <eða> or; and; but -- and
• hvat -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <hverr> who, which, what; each, every -- what
• gørir -- verb; 2nd singular present of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- are... doing
• þú -- pronoun; nominative singular of <þú> thou, you -- you
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• segir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• gøri -- verb; 1st singular present of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- am arranging
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- for myself
• skjaldborg -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <skjaldborg> wall of shields; protection -- protection
• bokki -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <bokki> buck; fellow -- sir
• sæll -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sæll> fortunate, happy -- dear

Böðvarr sagði, "Vesall ertu þinnar skjaldborgar!" Böðvarr þrífir til hans ok hnykkir honum upp ór beinahrúgunni.

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• sagði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• vesall -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <vesall> wretched, miserable -- pitiful
• ertu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- you're # ertu = ert + þú
• þinnar -- possessive adjective; genitive singular feminine of <þinn> thy, thine, of you -- yourself
• skjaldborgar -- noun, feminine; genitive singular of <skjaldborg> wall of shields; protection -- protecting
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• þrífir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <þrífa> grasp -- seized
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- ...
• hans -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hnykkir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hnykkja (ð, t)> pull violently -- snatched
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• ór -- preposition; <ór> out of, from; of; with the material of -- out of
• beinahrúgunni -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <beinahrúga> heap of bones + definite article; dative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the bone pile

Höttr kvað þá hátt við ok mælti, "Nú viltu mér bana! Gør eigi þetta, svá sem ek hefi nú vel um búizk áðr, en þú hefir nú rótat í sundr skjaldborg minni, ok hafða ek nú svá gört hana háva útan at mér, at hon hefir hlíft mér við öllum höggum ykkar, svá at engi högg hafa komit á mik lengi, en ekki var hon enn svá búin sem ek ætlaði hon skyldi verða."

• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• kvað -- verb; 3rd singular past of <kveða> say, declare; utter, say in verse; recite; utter a cry -- cried
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- ...
• hátt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <hár> tall, high; loud -- loud
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- ...
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• viltu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- you'll # viltu = vilt + þú
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- to me
• bana -- verb; infinitive of <bana (að)> kill -- kill
• gør -- verb; 2nd singular imperative of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- do-...do
• eigi -- adverb; <eigi> not -- -n't
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- that
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- ...
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- ...
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• hefi -- verb; 1st singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- was
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- just
• vel -- adverb; <vel> well, readily, easily -- quite
• um -- preposition; <um> over, across; through, throughout; round, about; concerning -- ...
• búizk -- past participle; accusative singular neuter middle of <búa> be ready, prepare, secure -- secure
• áðr -- adverb; <áðr> before, first; until -- before
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• þú -- pronoun; nominative singular of <þú> thou, you -- you
• hefir -- verb; 2nd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- have
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• rótat -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <róta (að)> throw into disorder, upset -- thrown
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- ...
• sundr -- adverb; <sundr> asunder -- asunder
• skjaldborg -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <skjaldborg> wall of shields; protection -- protecting
• minni -- possessive adjective; dative singular feminine of <minn> my, mine, of me -- my
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hafða -- verb; infinitive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- just
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• gört -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <görr (van)> made, built; done; ready; sent; done for, finished off -- made # görr is used as the past participle of gøra
• hana -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular feminine of <hann> this one -- it
• háva -- adjective; accusative singular feminine of <hár> tall, high; loud -- high
• útan -- preposition; <útan> outside (of); beyond; without -- ...
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- about
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- me
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• hon -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular feminine of <hann> this one -- it
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• hlíft -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <hlífa (ð)> shelter, protect -- protected
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- me
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- against
• öllum -- adjective; dative plural neuter of <allr> all, whole; every -- all
• höggum -- noun, neuter; dative plural of <högg> stroke, blow -- blows
• ykkar -- pronoun; genitive dual of <þú> thou, you -- your
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- ...
• engi -- pronoun; nominative plural neuter of <engi> no, none, no one -- no
• högg -- noun, neuter; nominative plural of <högg> stroke, blow -- strikes
• hafa -- verb; 3rd plural present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• komit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- landed
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- on
• mik -- pronoun; accusative singular of <ek> I -- me
• lengi -- adverb; <lengi> long; far; for a long time -- for some time
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- though
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• hon -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular feminine of <hann> this one -- it
• enn -- adverb; <enn> still; also; yet; further; again; moreover; even -- ...
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• búin -- past participle; nominative singular feminine of <búa> be ready, prepare, secure -- secure
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- as
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• ætlaði -- verb; 1st singular past of <ætla (að)> think, consider (to be); expect, look for; intend (to do) -- had intended # a\tlad/i instead of expected a\tlad/a
• hon -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular feminine of <hann> this one -- it
• skyldi -- verb; 3rd singular past subjunctive of <skulu> shall, must, ought -- should
• verða -- verb; infinitive of <verða> happen, come to pass; befall; chance to be; become -- be

Böðvarr mælti: "Ekki muntu fá skjaldborgina lengr." Höttr mælti ok grét: "Skaltu nú bana mér, bokki sæll?"

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- no
• muntu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <munu> will, be about to; will be; must; might -- you'll # muntu = munt + þú
• fá -- verb; infinitive of <fá> get, take; catch; have, make use of; put; give; receive; suffer; (with ppart.) be able to, get accomplished; (mid.) take place; struggle -- have use of
• skjaldborgina -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <skjaldborg> wall of shields; protection + definite article; accusative singular feminine of <inn> the -- this protection
• lengr -- adverb; comparative of <lengi> long; far; for a long time -- longer
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• grét -- verb; 3rd singular past of <gráta> weep -- wept
• skaltu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <skulu> shall, must, ought -- will you # skaltu = skalt + þú
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• bana -- verb; infinitive of <bana (að)> kill -- kill
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- me
• bokki -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <bokki> buck; fellow -- sir
• sæll -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sæll> fortunate, happy -- dear

Böðvarr bað hann ekki hafa hátt, tók hann upp síðan ok bar hann út ór höllinni ok til vatns nökkurs sem þar var í nánd, ok gáfu fáir at þessu gaum, ok þó hann upp allan.

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• bað -- verb; 3rd singular past of <biðja> ask; beg; pray; bid -- told
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• hafa -- verb; infinitive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- to be
• hátt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <hár> tall, high; loud -- so loud
• tók -- verb; 3rd singular past of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- took
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- then
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• bar -- verb; 3rd singular past of <bera> bear, bring, carry; wear; give birth to; overcome; endure; bear (witness) -- carried
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• út -- adverb; <út> out; from abroad -- out
• ór -- preposition; <ór> out of, from; of; with the material of -- of
• höllinni -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <höll> hall + definite article; dative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• vatns -- noun, neuter; genitive singular of <vatn> water; lake; waterway; river -- water
• nökkurs -- adjective; genitive singular neuter of <nakkvarr, nökkurr> a, a certain; any -- some
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- which
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- ...
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- ...
• nánd -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <nánd> proximity -- nearby
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- ...
• gáfu -- verb; 3rd plural past of <gefa> give; give in marriage; (impers.) be obtainable -- took
• fáir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <fár> few -- few
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- of
• þessu -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- this
• gaum -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <gaumr> heed, attention -- notice
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• þó -- verb; 3rd singular past of <þvá> wash -- washed
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• allan -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <allr> all, whole; every -- all

Síðan gekk Böðvarr til þess rúms sem hann hafði áðr tekit, ok leiddi eptir sér Hött ok þar setr hann Hött hjá sér. En hann er svá hræddr at skelfr á honum leggr ok liðr, en þó þykkisk hann skilja at þessi maðr vill hjálpa sér.

• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- then
• gekk -- verb; 3rd singular past of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- went (back)
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• þess -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular neuter of <sá> that -- the
• rúms -- noun, neuter; genitive singular of <rúm> room, space; seat; bed -- place
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- which
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• hafði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• áðr -- adverb; <áðr> before, first; until -- before
• tekit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- taken up
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• leiddi -- verb; 3rd singular past of <leiða (dd)> lead -- led
• eptir -- preposition; <eptir> after, behind; for, to obtain; along; according to; in succession to -- behind
• sér -- reflexive pronoun; dative of <sik> him-, her-, it-self; them-selves; one-self -- him
• Hött -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- ...
• setr -- verb; 3rd singular present reflexive of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- set
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- ...
• Hött -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• hjá -- preposition; <hjá> beside, at the side of; compared with; close by -- next to
• sér -- reflexive pronoun; dative of <sik> him-, her-, it-self; them-selves; one-self -- himself
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• hræddr -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <hræddr> afraid, frightened -- frightened
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• skelfr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <skjálfa> shake, tremble -- shook
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- ...
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- his
• leggr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <leggr> hollow bone (of arms and legs); leg -- limbs
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• liðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <liðr> joint -- joints
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- even
• þó -- adverb; <þó> yet, and yet; however, nevertheless -- though
• þykkisk -- verb; 3rd singular present middle of <þykkja (þótti)> seem, be thought -- seemed # form could be either indicative or subjunctive
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• skilja -- verb; infinitive of <skilja (ð, d)> divide, separate; disband; understand, perceive -- to understand
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• þessi -- demonstrative used as adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sjá> this -- this
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- man
• vill -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- would
• hjálpa -- verb; infinitive of <hjálpa> help -- help
• sér -- reflexive pronoun; dative of <sik> him-, her-, it-self; them-selves; one-self -- him

Eptir þat kveldar ok drífa menn í höllina ok sjá Hrólfs kappar at Höttr er settr á bekk upp, ok þykkir þeim sá maðr hafa gört sik õrit djarfan, er þetta hefir til tekit.

• eptir -- preposition; <eptir> after, behind; for, to obtain; along; according to; in succession to -- soon
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- ...
• kveldar -- verb; 3rd singular present of <kvelda (að)> (impers.) evening draws in -- evening came on
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• drífa -- verb; 3rd plural present of <drífa> drive; crowd, throng; rush -- entered
• menn -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- ...
• höllina -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <höll> hall + definite article; accusative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• sjá -- verb; 3rd plural present of <sjá> see, perceive; find; understand; look -- see
• Hrólfs -- proper noun, masculine; genitive singular of <Hrólfr> Hrolf -- Hrolf's
• kappar -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <kappi> champion, hero -- troop
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• settr -- past participle; nominative singular masculine of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- set
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- on
• bekk -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <bekkr> bench -- a bench
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• þykkir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <þykkja (þótti)> seem, be thought -- (it) seemed... (that)
• þeim -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative plural neuter of <sá> that -- to them
• sá -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <sá> that -- this
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- man
• hafa -- verb; infinitive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• gört -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <görr (van)> made, built; done; ready; sent; done for, finished off -- become # görr is used as the past participle of gøra
• sik -- reflexive pronoun; accusative of <sik> him-, her-, it-self; them-selves; one-self -- ...
• õrit -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <õrinn> sufficient, enough -- rather
• djarfan -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <djarfr> bold, daring -- daring
• er -- relative particle; <er> who, which; when -- ...
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- so
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- to have
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- ...
• tekit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- done

Ilt tillit hefir Höttr, þá er hann sér kunningja sína, því at hann hefir ilt eitt at þeim reynt; hann vill lifa gjarnan ok fara aptr í beinahrúgu sína, en Böðvarr heldr honum, svá at hann náir ekki í brottu at fara, því at hann þóttisk ekki jafnberr fyrir höggum þeira, ef hann næði þangat at komask, sem hann er nú.

• ilt -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <illr> bad, evil; ugly, unpleasing; difficult -- of contempt
• tillit -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <tillit> glance, look -- an expression
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- made
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- ...
• er -- relative particle; <er> who, which; when -- when
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• sér -- verb; 3rd singular present of <sjá> see, perceive; find; understand; look -- saw
• kunningja -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <kunningi> acquiantance -- acquaintances
• sína -- possessive adjective; accusative plural masculine of <sínn> own, one's own -- his
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- ...
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- since
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• ilt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <illr> bad, evil; ugly, unpleasing; difficult -- ill
• eitt -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <einn> one; a certain, particular -- ...
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- at... (hands)
• þeim -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative plural neuter of <sá> that -- their
• reynt -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <reyna (d)> try, prove -- met
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• vill -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- was
• lifa -- verb; infinitive of <lifa (ð)> live -- to leave
• gjarnan -- adverb; <gjarna, gjarnan> willingly -- eager
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• fara -- verb; infinitive of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- go
• aptr -- adverb; <aptr> back; aft -- back
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- to
• beinahrúgu -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <beinahrúga> heap of bones -- bone pile
• sína -- possessive adjective; accusative singular feminine of <sínn> own, one's own -- his
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• heldr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <halda> hold; hold fast, grip; keep; steer; protect; last, hold good, remain -- held
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- ...
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• náir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <ná (ð)> get, obtain -- could
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- -n't
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- a-
• brottu -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <braut> road -- -way
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- ...
• fara -- verb; infinitive of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- get
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- ...
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- since
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• þóttisk -- verb; 3rd singular past middle of <þykkja (þótti)> seem, be thought -- it seemed
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- less
• jafnberr -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <jafnberr> equally exposed -- exposed
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- to
• höggum -- noun, neuter; dative plural of <högg> stroke, blow -- blows
• þeira -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive plural masculine of <sá> that -- their
• ef -- conjunction; <ef> if; whether; (to see) if; lest -- than if
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• næði -- verb; 3rd singular past subjunctive of <ná (ð)> get, obtain -- be allowed
• þangat -- adverb; <þangat> thither -- thither
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• komask -- verb; infinitive middle of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- go
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- as
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now

Hirðmenn hafa nú sama vanda, ok kasta fyrst beinum smám um þvert gólfit til Böðvars ok Hattar. Böðvarr lætr sem hann sjái eigi þetta.

• hirðmenn -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <hirðmaðr> retainer -- the retainers
• hafa -- verb; 3rd plural present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- took up
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• sama -- adjective; weak accusative singular masculine of <samr> same -- their usual
• vanda -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <vandi> custom, habit -- custom
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• kasta -- verb; 3rd plural present of <kasta (að)> cast, throw -- cast
• fyrst -- adverb; <fyrst> first -- forth
• beinum -- noun, neuter; dative plural of <bein> bone; ivory -- bones
• smám -- adjective; dative plural neuter of <smár> small, little -- small
• um -- preposition; <um> over, across; through, throughout; round, about; concerning -- across
• þvert -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <þverr> athwart; adverse, contrary -- ...
• gólfit -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <gólf> floor + definite article; accusative singular neuter of <inn> the -- the floor
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- at
• Böðvars -- proper noun, masculine; genitive singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• Hattar -- proper noun, masculine; genitive singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• lætr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <láta> put, place; let, allow; concede, yield; leave, leave off; lose; cause to be done, command; behave (as if); declare; sound -- acts
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- as if
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• sjái -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <sjá> see, perceive; find; understand; look -- does... notice
• eigi -- adverb; <eigi> not -- -n't
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- it

Höttr er svá hræddr at hann tekr eigi mat né drykk, ok þykkir honum þá ok þá sem hann muni vera lostinn. Ok nú mælti Höttr til Böðvars: "Bokki sæll, nú ferr at þér stór knúta, ok mun þetta ætlat okkr til nauða."

• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- is
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• hræddr -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <hræddr> afraid, frightened -- frightened
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• tekr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- takes
• eigi -- adverb; <eigi> not -- neiter
• mat -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <matr> food; meal -- food
• né -- adverb; <né> not; nor -- nor
• drykk -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <drykkr> draught, drink -- drink
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• þykkir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <þykkja (þótti)> seem, be thought -- it seems
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- to him
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- time
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- again
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- that
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• muni -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <munu> will, be about to; will be; must; might -- might
• vera -- verb; infinitive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- get
• lostinn -- past participle; nominative singular masculine of <ljósta> strike -- hit
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- then
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• Böðvars -- proper noun, masculine; genitive singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• bokki -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <bokki> buck; fellow -- sir
• sæll -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sæll> fortunate, happy -- dear
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• ferr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- is coming
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- at
• þér -- pronoun; dative singular of <þú> thou, you -- you
• stór -- adjective; nominative singular feminine of <stórr> great, huge -- a great
• knúta -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <knúta> knuckle-bone -- knuckle-bone
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• mun -- verb; 3rd singular present of <munu> will, be about to; will be; must; might -- might
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- it
• ætlat -- past participle; nominative singular neuter of <ætla (að)> think, consider (to be); expect, look for; intend (to do) -- mean to do
• okkr -- pronoun; accusative dual of <ek> I -- us
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- ...
• nauða -- noun, feminine; genitive plural of <nauð(r)> distress, harm; poverty -- harm

Böðvarr bað hann þegja. Hann setr við holan lófann ok tekr svá við knútunni; þar fylgir leggrinn með. Böðvarr sendi aptr knútuna ok setr á þann sem kastaði, ok rétt framan í hann með svá harðri svipan at hann fekk bana. Sló þá miklum ótta yfir hirðmennina.

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• bað -- verb; 3rd singular past of <biðja> ask; beg; pray; bid -- told
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• þegja -- verb; infinitive of <þegja (þagða)> be silent -- to be quiet
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• setr -- verb; 3rd singular present reflexive of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- set
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- out
• holan -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <holr> hollow -- an open
• lófann -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <lófi> palm of the hand + definite article; accusative singular masculine of <inn> the -- palm
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• tekr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- received
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- ...
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- ...
• knútunni -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <knúta> knuckle-bone + definite article; dative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the knuckle-bone
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- ...
• fylgir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <fylgja (gð)> belong to, attend to, accompany, serve, appertain to -- followed
• leggrinn -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <leggr> hollow bone (of arms and legs); leg + definite article; nominative singular masculine of <inn> the -- leg-bone
• með -- preposition; <með> with; by means of; among; along -- ...
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• sendi -- verb; 3rd singular past of <senda (d)> send -- sent
• aptr -- adverb; <aptr> back; aft -- back
• knútuna -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <knúta> knuckle-bone + definite article; accusative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the knuckle-bone
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• setr -- verb; 3rd singular present reflexive of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- directed
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- at
• þann -- demonstrative used as adjective; accusative singular masculine of <sá> that -- the one
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- who
• kastaði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <kasta (að)> cast, throw -- threw (it)
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- ...
• rétt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <réttr> right, correct; just, fair; unswerving; direct -- straight
• framan -- adverb; <framan> from the front side; forward -- ...
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- at
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• með -- preposition; <með> with; by means of; among; along -- with
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• harðri -- adjective; dative singular feminine of <harðr> hard, severe, sharp -- hard
• svipan -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <svipan> swing, sweep, blow -- a blow
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• fekk -- verb; 3rd singular past of <fá> get, take; catch; have, make use of; put; give; receive; suffer; (with ppart.) be able to, get accomplished; (mid.) take place; struggle -- caught
• bana -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <bani> death; cause of death, slayer -- (his) death
• sló -- verb; 3rd singular past of <slá> smite, strike -- came
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- ...
• miklum -- adjective; dative singular masculine of <mikill> great, large, big; severe -- a great
• ótta -- noun, masculine; dative singular of <ótti> fear, dread -- fear
• yfir -- preposition; <yfir> above, over, at; across, upon -- over
• hirðmennina -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <hirðmaðr> retainer + definite article; accusative plural masculine of <inn> the -- the retainers

Kømr nú þessi fregn fyrir Hrólf konung ok kappa hans upp í kastalann, at maðr mikilúðligr sé kominn til hallarinnar ok hafi drepit einn hirðmann hans, ok vildu þeir láta drepa manninn.

• kømr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- came
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• þessi -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular feminine of <sjá> this -- this
• fregn -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <fregn> news, information -- news
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- to
• Hrólf -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Hrólfr> Hrolf -- Hrolf
• konung -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- king
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• kappa -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <kappi> champion, hero -- champions
• hans -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular masculine of <hann> this one -- his
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• kastalann -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <kastali> castle + definite article; accusative singular masculine of <inn> the -- the castle
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- man
• mikilúðligr -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <mikilúðligr> imposing, of distinguished appearance -- an imposing
• sé -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- had
• kominn -- past participle; nominative singular masculine of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- arrived
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- at
• hallarinnar -- noun, feminine; genitive singular of <höll> hall + definite article; genitive singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hafi -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• drepit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <drepa> smite, strike; knock; kill, slay -- slain
• einn -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <einn> one; a certain, particular -- one
• hirðmann -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <hirðmaðr> retainer + definite article; accusative singular masculine of <inn> the -- of... retainers
• hans -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular masculine of <hann> this one -- his
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• vildu -- verb; 3rd plural past of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- wanted
• þeir -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative plural masculine of <sá> that -- they
• láta -- verb; infinitive of <láta> put, place; let, allow; concede, yield; leave, leave off; lose; cause to be done, command; behave (as if); declare; sound -- to be permitted
• drepa -- verb; infinitive of <drepa> smite, strike; knock; kill, slay -- to kill
• manninn -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman + definite article; accusative singular masculine of <inn> the -- the man

Hrólfr konungr spurðisk eptir, hvárt hirðmaðrinn hefði verit saklauss drepinn. "Því var næsta", sögðu þeir. Kómusk þá fyrir Hrólf konung öll sannindi hér um.

• Hrólfr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Hrólfr> Hrolf -- Hrolf
• konungr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <konungr> king -- king
• spurðisk -- verb; 3rd singular past middle of <spyrja (spurði)> trace, find out (about); hear; ask -- asked
• eptir -- preposition; <eptir> after, behind; for, to obtain; along; according to; in succession to -- in return
• hvárt -- conjunction; <hvárt> whether; (introduces direct question); however -- whether
• hirðmaðrinn -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <hirðmaðr> retainer + definite article; nominative singular masculine of <inn> the -- the retainer
• hefði -- verb; 3rd singular past subjunctive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• verit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- been # Note the use of the neuter form of the participle (supine), even though it functions as a copula for a masculine nominative subject.
• saklauss -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <saklauss> innocent, guiltless -- without cause
• drepinn -- past participle; nominative singular masculine of <drepa> smite, strike; knock; kill, slay -- slain
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- so
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- ...
• næsta -- adverb; <næsta> nearly -- nearly
• sögðu -- verb; 3rd plural past of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• þeir -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative plural masculine of <sá> that -- they
• kómusk -- verb; 3rd plural past of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- came
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- then
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- before
• Hrólf -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Hrólfr> Hrolf -- Hrolf
• konung -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- king
• öll -- adjective; nominative plural neuter of <allr> all, whole; every -- the whole
• sannindi -- noun, neuter; nominative plural of <sannindi> (pl.) truth -- truth
• hér -- adverb; <hér> here -- ...
• um -- preposition; <um> over, across; through, throughout; round, about; concerning -- out

Hrólfr konungr sagði þat skyldu fjarri, at drepa skyldi manninn -- "hafi þit hér illan vanda upp tekit, at berja saklausa menn beinum; er mér í því óvirðing, en yðr stór skömm, at gøra slíkt.

• Hrólfr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Hrólfr> Hrolf -- Hrolf
• konungr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <konungr> king -- king
• sagði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- it
• skyldu -- verb; past infinitive of <skulu> shall, must, ought -- to be
• fjarri -- adverb; <fjarri> far, far off; by no means -- far (from the case)
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• drepa -- verb; infinitive of <drepa> smite, strike; knock; kill, slay -- kill
• skyldi -- verb; 3rd plural past subjunctive of <skulu> shall, must, ought -- they should
• manninn -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman + definite article; accusative singular masculine of <inn> the -- the man
• hafi -- verb; 3rd plural present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- have # Note 3rd person verb and 2nd person pronoun hafi + þit for earlier 2nd person verb with 2nd person pronoun hafið + it
• þit -- pronoun; nominative dual of <þú> thou, you -- you
• hér -- adverb; <hér> here -- here
• illan -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <illr> bad, evil; ugly, unpleasing; difficult -- a bad
• vanda -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <vandi> custom, habit -- custom
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- upp
• tekit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <taka> take, take hold of; seize, capture; take to oneself, undertake; choose; accept, receive; begin (with infin.); reach, touch, strike against; happen, come to pass -- taken
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• berja -- verb; infinitive of <berja (barði)> smite, beat; (refl.) fight -- strike
• saklausa -- adjective; accusative plural masculine of <saklauss> innocent, guiltless -- blameless
• menn -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men
• beinum -- noun, neuter; dative plural of <bein> bone; ivory -- with bones
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- it is
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- for me
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- ...
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- ...
• óvirðing -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <óvirðing> disgrace -- a disgrace
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• yðr -- pronoun; dative plural of <þú> thou, you -- for you
• stór -- adjective; nominative singular feminine of <stórr> great, huge -- a great
• skömm -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <skömm> shame -- shame
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• gøra -- verb; infinitive of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- do
• slíkt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <slíkr> such -- so

Hefi ek jafnan rõtt um þetta áðr, ok hafi þit at þessu engan gaum gefit, ok hygg ek at þessi maðr muni ekki alllítill fyrir sér, er þér hafið nú á leitat; ok kallið hann til mín, svá at ek viti hverr hann er."

• hefi -- verb; 1st singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- have
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• jafnan -- adverb; <jafnan> ever, always -- often
• rõtt -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <rõða (dd)> speak -- spoken
• um -- preposition; <um> over, across; through, throughout; round, about; concerning -- about
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- that
• áðr -- adverb; <áðr> before, first; until -- before
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hafi -- verb; 3rd plural present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- have # Note 3rd person verb and 2nd person pronoun hafi + þit for earlier 2nd person verb with 2nd person pronoun hafið + it
• þit -- pronoun; nominative dual of <þú> thou, you -- you
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- ...
• þessu -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- it
• engan -- pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <engi> no, none, no one -- no
• gaum -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <gaumr> heed, attention -- heed
• gefit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <gefa> give; give in marriage; (impers.) be obtainable -- paid
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hygg -- verb; 1st singular present of <hyggja (hugði, hugaðr)> think, believe -- suspect
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• þessi -- demonstrative used as adjective; nominative singular masculine of <sjá> this -- this
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- man
• muni -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <munu> will, be about to; will be; must; might -- might be
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- no
• alllítill -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <alllítill> very little -- trifle
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- compared to
• sér -- reflexive pronoun; dative of <sik> him-, her-, it-self; them-selves; one-self -- you
• er -- relative particle; <er> who, which; when -- whom
• þér -- pronoun; nominative plural of <þú> thou, you -- you
• hafið -- verb; 2nd plural present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- have # Compare þér + hafið with hafi + þit above.
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- just
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- ...
• leitat -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <leita (að)> seek, search for; find; try to go, go; attack -- attacked
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- so
• kallið -- verb; 2nd plural imperative of <kalla> call, cry out; name; say, declare -- summon
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• mín -- pronoun; genitive singular of <ek> I -- me
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- so
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- ...
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• viti -- verb; 1st singular present subjunctive of <vita (ssi)> know, be aware of; understand; know how (to); know of; find out -- might know # viti for expected vita
• hverr -- adjective; nominative singular masculine of <hverr> who, which, what; each, every -- who
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- is

Böðvarr gengr fyrir konung ok kveðr hann kurteisliga. Konungr spyrr hann at nafni. "Hattargriða kalla mik hirðmenn yðar, en Böðvarr heiti ek." Konungr mælti, "Hverjar bõtr viltu bjóða mér fyrir hirðmann minn?"

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• gengr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- goes
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- before
• konung -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• kveðr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <kveða> say, declare; utter, say in verse; recite; utter a cry -- greets
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• kurteisliga -- adverb; <kurteisliga> courteously, with dignity -- with courtesy
• konungr -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• spyrr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <spyrja (spurði)> trace, find out (about); hear; ask -- asks
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- for
• nafni -- noun, neuter; dative singular of <nafn> name -- (his) name
• Hattargriða -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Hattargriði> Hott's guardian -- Hott's-guard
• kalla -- verb; 3rd plural present of <kalla> call, cry out; name; say, declare -- call
• mik -- pronoun; accusative singular of <ek> I -- me
• hirðmenn -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <hirðmaðr> retainer -- retainers
• yðar -- pronoun; genitive plural of <þú> thou, you -- your
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• heiti -- verb; 1st singular present of <heita> to call, name; promise; be called, be named -- am named # See Section 36 for 1st sg. ending in -i.
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• konungr -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• hverjar -- adjective; accusative plural feminine of <hverr> who, which, what; each, every -- what
• bõtr -- noun, feminine; accusative plural of <bót> compensation, atonement -- compensation
• viltu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- will you # viltu = vilt + þú
• bjóða -- verb; infinitive of <bjóða> offer, provide; command, summon -- give
• mér -- pronoun; dative singular of <ek> I -- me
• fyrir -- preposition; <fyrir> before, in front of; against; because of, for -- for
• hirðmann -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <hirðmaðr> retainer -- retainer
• minn -- possessive adjective; accusative singular masculine of <minn> my, mine, of me -- my

Böðvarr segir, "Til þess gørði hann, sem hann fekk." Konungr mælti, "Viltu vera minn maðr ok skipa rúm hans?" Böðvarr segir, "Ekki neita ek at vera yðarr maðr, ok munu vit ekki skiljask svá búit, vit Höttr, ok dveljask nær þér báðir, heldr en þessi hefir setit; elligar vit förum brott báðir."

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• segir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- ...
• þess -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular neuter of <sá> that -- what
• gørði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- deserved
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- ...
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• fekk -- verb; 3rd singular past of <fá> get, take; catch; have, make use of; put; give; receive; suffer; (with ppart.) be able to, get accomplished; (mid.) take place; struggle -- got
• konungr -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• viltu -- verb; 2nd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- will you # viltu = vilt + þú
• vera -- verb; infinitive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- become
• minn -- possessive adjective; nominative singular masculine of <minn> my, mine, of me -- my
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- one of... men
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• skipa -- verb; infinitive of <skipa (að)> array, draw up; assign (a seat); put in order; set; occupy -- take
• rúm -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <rúm> room, space; seat; bed -- place
• hans -- demonstrative used as pronoun; genitive singular masculine of <hann> this one -- his
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• segir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- -n't
• neita -- verb; 1st singular present subjunctive of <neita (tt)> refuse, deny -- would... refuse
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• vera -- verb; infinitive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- be
• yðarr -- possessive adjective; nominative singular masculine of <yð(v)arr> your, of you (pl.) -- of yours
• maðr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- one
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- but
• munu -- verb; 3rd plural present of <munu> will, be about to; will be; must; might -- shall # 3rd pl. munu with 1st du. vit by analogy with munu + þit for munuð + it. Cf. hafi + þit above.
• vit -- pronoun; nominative dual of <ek> I -- we
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• skiljask -- verb; infinitive middle of <skilja (ð, d)> divide, separate; disband; understand, perceive -- part
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- as
• búit -- past participle; nominative singular neuter of <búa> be ready, prepare, secure -- (matters) stand
• vit -- pronoun; nominative dual of <ek> I -- and I
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- but
• dveljask -- verb; infinitive middle of <dveljask (dvalðisk)> stay; be delayed -- will... stay
• nær -- adverb; <nær> near -- nearer
• þér -- pronoun; dative singular of <þú> thou, you -- you
• báðir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <báðir> both -- both
• heldr -- adverb; <heldr> rather, any the more -- ...
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- than
• þessi -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <sjá> this -- that (man)
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• setit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <sitja> sit; stay, remain; reside -- been sitting
• elligar -- adverb; <elligar> otherwise -- otherwise
• vit -- pronoun; nominative dual of <ek> I -- we
• förum -- verb; 1st plural present of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- will... be on
• brott -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <braut> road -- (our) way
• báðir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <báðir> both -- both

Konungr mælti, "Eigi sé ek at honum sõmd, en ek spara ekki mat við hann."

• konungr -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• eigi -- adverb; <eigi> not -- no
• sé -- verb; 1st singular present of <sjá> see, perceive; find; understand; look -- see
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- in
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• sõmd -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <sõmð, sõmd> honor; redress, compensation -- honor
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• spara -- verb; 1st singular present subjunctive of <spara (ð, að)> spare; grudge, deny -- would... deny # Form could also be indicative.
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• mat -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <matr> food; meal -- food
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- ...
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him

Böðvarr gengr nú til þess rúms sem honum líkaði, en ekki vill hann þat skipa sem hinn hafði áðr.

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• gengr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- goes
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• til -- preposition; <til> in; of, concerning; on; as, for, to obtain; until, to, up to the time -- to
• þess -- demonstrative used as adjective; genitive singular neuter of <sá> that -- the
• rúms -- noun, neuter; genitive singular of <rúm> room, space; seat; bed -- spot
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- which
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• líkaði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <líka (að)> please, be pleasing -- pleases
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• vill -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- does... wish
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- the one
• skipa -- verb; infinitive of <skipa (að)> array, draw up; assign (a seat); put in order; set; occupy -- occupy
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- which
• hinn -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hinn> this one; that; the -- that (man)
• hafði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had
• áðr -- adverb; <áðr> before, first; until -- before

Hann kippir upp í einhverjum stað þremr mönnum, ok síðan settusk þeir Höttr þar niðr ok innar í höllinni en þeim var skipat. Heldr þótti mönnum ódælt við Böðvar, ok er þeim hinn mesti íhugi at honum.

• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• kippir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <kippa (ð, t)> pull, jerk; snatch, pick up; rend -- snatches
• upp -- adverb; <upp> up -- up
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• einhverjum -- adjective; dative singular masculine of <einnhverr> a certain, some, any -- a certain
• stað -- noun, masculine; dative singular of <staðr> place, spot, dwelling; part; way, respect -- spot
• þremr -- numeral adjective; dative plural masculine of <þrír> three -- three # þrimr and þremr are variant forms for þrim
• mönnum -- noun, masculine; dative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• síðan -- adverb; <síðan> afterwards, since then -- ...
• settusk -- verb; 3rd plural past reflexive of <setja> set, place, put; seat; set up; establish; endow; direct; hurl; adorn -- set themselves
• þeir -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative plural masculine of <sá> that -- he and
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- there
• niðr -- adverb; <niðr> down -- down
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- ...
• innar -- adverb; comparative of <inn> in, within -- farther in
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- ...
• höllinni -- noun, feminine; dative singular of <höll> hall + definite article; dative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- than
• þeim -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative plural neuter of <sá> that -- for them
• var -- verb; 3rd singular past of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- was
• skipat -- past participle; nominative singular neuter of <skipa (að)> array, draw up; assign (a seat); put in order; set; occupy -- designated
• heldr -- adverb; <heldr> rather, any the more -- ...
• þótti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <þykkja (þótti)> seem, be thought -- consider
• mönnum -- noun, masculine; dative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- the men
• ódælt -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <ódæll> difficult, overbearing -- difficult to deal
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- with
• Böðvar -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- hold
• þeim -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative plural masculine of <sá> that -- they
• hinn -- demonstrative used as adjective; nominative singular masculine of <hinn> this one; that; the -- ...
• mesti -- superlative adjective; weak nominative singular masculine of <mestr> most, greatest -- great
• íhugi -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <íhugi> resentment -- resentment
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- toward
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him

Ok sem leið at jólum, gørðusk menn ókátir. Böðvarr spyrr Hött hverju þetta sætti; hann segir honum at dýr eitt hafi þar komit tvá vetr í samt, mikit ok ógurligt -- "ok hefir vængi á bakinu ok flýgr þat jafnan.

• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- as
• leið -- verb; 3rd singular past of <líða> move, go; pass, progress -- it came
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- toward
• jólum -- noun, neuter; dative plural of <jól> Yule, midwinter heathen feast, later applied to Christmas -- yule time
• gørðusk -- verb; 3rd plural past of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- became
• menn -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- the men
• ókátir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <ókátr> depressed, gloomy -- depressed
• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• spyrr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <spyrja (spurði)> trace, find out (about); hear; ask -- asks
• Hött -- proper noun, masculine; accusative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• hverju -- pronoun; dative singular neuter of <hverr> who, which, what; each, every -- what
• þetta -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular neuter of <sjá> this -- this (all)
• sætti -- verb; 3rd singular past subjunctive of <sæta (tt)> amount to, signify -- amounts to
• hann -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- he
• segir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- tells
• honum -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular masculine of <hann> this one -- him
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• dýr -- noun, neuter; nominative singular of <dýr> (wild) animal -- animal
• eitt -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <einn> one; a certain, particular -- a certain
• hafi -- verb; 3rd singular present subjunctive of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- had # note use of hafa + komit rather than vera + kominn
• þar -- adverb; <þar> there, in that place -- there
• komit -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- come
• tvá -- numeral; accusative plural masculine of <tveir> two -- two
• vetr -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <vetr> winter -- years
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- in
• samt -- adjective used as substantive; accusative singular neuter of <samr> same -- a row
• mikit -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <mikill> great, large, big; severe -- big
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• ógurligt -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <ógurligr> terrible -- terrible
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- it has
• vængi -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <vængr> wing -- wings
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- on
• bakinu -- noun, neuter; dative singular of <bak> back + definite article; dative singular neuter of <inn> the -- its back
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• flýgr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <flúga> fly -- flies
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular neuter of <sá> that -- it
• jafnan -- adverb; <jafnan> ever, always -- continuously

Tvau haust hefir þat nú hingat vitjat ok gört mikinn skaða. Á þat bíta ekki vápn, en kappar konungs koma ekki heim, þeir sem at eru einna mestir."

• tvau -- numeral; accusative plural neuter of <tveir> two -- for two
• haust -- noun, neuter; accusative plural of <haust> autumn -- autumns
• hefir -- verb; 3rd singular present of <hafa (ð)> have, keep; hold; accept -- has
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative singular neuter of <sá> that -- it
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• hingat -- adverb; <hingat> hither -- here
• vitjat -- past participle; accusative singular neuter of <vitja (að)> go to, visit -- visited
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• gört -- adjective; accusative singular neuter of <görr (van)> made, built; done; ready; sent; done for, finished off -- done # görr is used as the past participle of gøra
• mikinn -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <mikill> great, large, big; severe -- great
• skaða -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <skaði> damage, loss -- damage
• á -- preposition; <á> on, upon; at, in; to, towards; by means of; during; in the manner of -- ...
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- it
• bíta -- verb; 3rd plural present of <bíta> bite, cut -- cut
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- no
• vápn -- noun, neuter; nominative plural of <vápn> weapon -- weapons
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- -or
• kappar -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <kappi> champion, hero -- champions
• konungs -- noun, masculine; genitive singular of <konungr> king -- the king's
• koma -- verb; 3rd plural present of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- come
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- n-
• heim -- adverb; <heim> home; to(wards) the house -- home
• þeir -- demonstrative used as pronoun; nominative plural masculine of <sá> that -- those
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- who
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- ...
• eru -- verb; 3rd plural present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- are
• einna -- pronoun; genitive plural masculine of <einn> one -- of all
• mestir -- superlative adjective; nominative plural masculine of <mestr> most, greatest -- greatest

Böðvarr mælti, "Ekki er höllin svá vel skipuð sem ek ætlaði, ef eitt dýr skal hér eyða ríki ok fé konungsins." Höttr sagði, "Þat er ekki dýr, heldr er þat hit mesta tröll."

• Böðvarr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Böðvarr> battle, Bothvar -- Bothvar
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- is
• höllin -- noun, feminine; nominative singular of <höll> hall + definite article; nominative singular feminine of <inn> the -- the hall
• svá -- adverb; <svá> so, thus, in this way; also; as, as if -- as
• vel -- adverb; <vel> well, readily, easily -- well
• skipuð -- past participle; nominative singular feminine of <skipa (að)> array, draw up; assign (a seat); put in order; set; occupy -- built
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- as
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• ætlaði -- verb; 1st singular past of <ætla (að)> think, consider (to be); expect, look for; intend (to do) -- had thought # Note ætlaði for expected ætlaða
• ef -- conjunction; <ef> if; whether; (to see) if; lest -- if
• eitt -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <einn> one; a certain, particular -- one
• dýr -- noun, neuter; nominative singular of <dýr> (wild) animal -- animal
• skal -- verb; 3rd singular present of <skulu> shall, must, ought -- will
• hér -- adverb; <hér> here -- ...
• eyða -- verb; infinitive of <eyða (dd)> lay waste -- destroy
• ríki -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <ríki> kingdom; power, authority -- kingdom
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• fé -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <fé> cattle; sheep; money; possessions -- property
• konungsins -- noun, masculine; genitive singular of <konungr> king + definite article; genitive singular masculine of <inn> the -- the king's
• Höttr -- proper noun, masculine; nominative singular of <Höttr> Hott -- Hott
• sagði -- verb; 3rd singular past of <segja (sagða)> say, speak; tell, tell of; relate -- said
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- that
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- is
• ekki -- adjective; nominative singular neuter of <engi> no, none, no one -- no
• dýr -- noun, neuter; nominative singular of <dýr> (wild) animal -- animal
• heldr -- adverb; <heldr> rather, any the more -- but
• er -- verb; 3rd singular present of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- ...
• þat -- demonstrative used as pronoun; accusative singular neuter of <sá> that -- ...
• hit -- demonstrative used as adjective; nominative singular neuter of <hinn> this one; that; the -- the
• mesta -- superlative adjective; weak nominative singular neuter of <mestr> most, greatest -- greatest
• tröll -- noun, neuter; nominative singular of <tröll> troll -- troll

Nú kømr jóla-aptann. Þá mælti konungr, "Nú vil ek at menn sé kyrrir ok hljóðir í nótt, ok banna ek öllum mínum mönnum at ganga í nökkurn háska við dýrit, en fé ferr eptir því sem auðnar; menn mína vil ek ekki missa." Allir heita hér góðu um, at gøra eptir því sem konungr bauð.

• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- ...
• kømr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <koma> come, arrive; reach; obtain; occur -- it came
• jóla-aptann -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <jóla-aptann> Christmas Eve -- to Christmas Eve
• þá -- adverb; <þá> then -- ...
• mælti -- verb; 3rd singular past of <mæla (t)> speak -- said
• konungr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• nú -- adverb; <nú> now -- now
• vil -- verb; 1st singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- want
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• at -- conjunction; <at> that -- that
• menn -- noun, masculine; nominative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- (my) men
• sé -- verb; 3rd plural present subjunctive of <vera> be; stay; be done; happen -- be
• kyrrir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <kyrr> quiet -- quiet
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• hljóðir -- adjective; nominative plural masculine of <hljóðr> silent, quiet -- silent
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- during
• nótt -- noun, feminine; accusative singular of <nótt> night -- the night
• ok -- conjunction; <ok> and, also; but, though -- and
• banna -- verb; 1st singular present of <banna (að)> prohibit, forbid -- forbid
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• öllum -- adjective; dative plural masculine of <allr> all, whole; every -- all
• mínum -- possessive adjective; dative plural masculine of <minn> my, mine, of me -- my
• mönnum -- noun, masculine; dative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• ganga -- verb; infinitive of <ganga> go, walk; advance; take place; extend; go on, last; turn out -- go
• í -- preposition; <í> in, within; among; during; into, onto -- into
• nökkurn -- adjective; accusative singular masculine of <nakkvarr, nökkurr> a, a certain; any -- certain
• háska -- noun, masculine; accusative singular of <háski> danger, harm -- danger
• við -- preposition; <við> reaching to, against, with; towards, at; in exchange for; by; (together) with, close to; because of -- against
• dýrit -- noun, neuter; accusative singular of <dýr> (wild) animal + definite article; accusative singular neuter of <inn> the -- the animal
• en -- conjunction; <en> but, and; than -- but
• fé -- noun, neuter; nominative singular of <fé> cattle; sheep; money; possessions -- the livestock
• ferr -- verb; 3rd singular present of <fara> fare, happen, turn out; go, move, travel -- fares
• eptir -- preposition; <eptir> after, behind; for, to obtain; along; according to; in succession to -- according to
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- what-
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- -ever
• auðnar -- verb; 3rd singular present of <auðna (að)> (impers.) fall out by fate -- happens
• menn -- noun, masculine; accusative plural of <maðr> man, person; husband; henchman -- men
• mína -- possessive adjective; accusative plural masculine of <minn> my, mine, of me -- my
• vil -- verb; 1st singular present of <vilja> will, wish, be willing; intend -- will
• ek -- pronoun; nominative singular of <ek> I -- I
• ekki -- adverb; <ekki> not, by no means -- not
• missa -- verb; infinitive of <missa (t)> be without; lose -- lose
• allir -- adjective used as substantive; nominative plural masculine of <allr> all, whole; every -- (they) all
• heita -- verb; 3rd plural present of <heita> to call, name; promise; be called, be named -- promise
• hér -- adverb; <hér> here -- ...
• góðu -- adjective used as substantive; dative singular neuter of <góðr> good -- good (behavior)
• um -- preposition; <um> over, across; through, throughout; round, about; concerning -- ...
• at -- preposition; <at> to, towards, against; at, in; from; according to; regarding; concerning; after -- to
• gøra -- verb; infinitive of <gøra> make, build; write, compose -- work
• eptir -- preposition; <eptir> after, behind; for, to obtain; along; according to; in succession to -- according to
• því -- demonstrative used as pronoun; dative singular neuter of <sá> that -- what
• sem -- relative particle; <sem> as; as if, that; while; when; where -- ...
• konungr -- noun, masculine; nominative singular of <konungr> king -- the king
• bauð -- verb; 3rd singular past of <bjóða> offer, provide; command, summon -- commanded