The Valkyr’s Warp

My own interpretation of Darraðarljoð from Njal’s Saga — the Battle-Song of the Valkyries.

First performed at Valkyrfelt, on 20 October 2018, in the Barony of Bjornsborg.

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Stretch we tight the warp of war

O’er beam so wet, and slick with blood

Guts pulled long, with braids on floor

Weft dripping, turning dirt to mud

 

Foes’ entrails serve well as weft

Their heads keep warp properly taut

Loom filled til no room is left

We quickly work e’er blood can clot

 

Sinew heddles, rent from flesh

With spearhead shuttle, sword for sword

Firmly beat the bloody weft

The Valkyr prep to ride to war

 

Hild, Hiorthrimul go to weave

We’re fit to fight upon the field

Sangrith, Svipul’s swords shall cleave

Sharp helmet’s-bane they both shall wield

 

Swiftly weave the weft of war

Eternal battle to behold

Thickest fighting, forge we forth

With Gunn and Goldu, as foretold

 

Swift, we weave the weft of war

When banners fall, the slain lie dead

Vict’ry nears, as does the gore

We Valkyr walk where few dare tread

 

Grisly fabric now is set

With battle’s waste laid cold and bare

Clothes we dye with battle-sweat

War-winning songs now fill the air

 

Needed is our work gruesome

We fight until the king’s secure

Warriors go, and Valkyr come

Their fallen souls we do procure.

 

Forth we ride, unsaddled steeds

Our naked brands are used to slay

War still calls the Valkyries

Ride hard we maidens far away

 

War still calls the Valkyries

Ride hard we maidens far away.