Skírnismál
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Skírnismál (Sayings of Skírnir) is one of the poems of the Poetic Edda. It is preserved in the 13th century manuscripts Codex Regius and AM 748 I 4to but may have been originally composed in heathen times. Many scholars believe that the poem was acted out, perhaps in a sort of hiéros gamos.
The prose prologue to the poem says that the god Freyr, the son of Njörðr, sits in Odin's throne, Hliðskjálf and looked over all the worlds. On looking to Jötunheimr, the land of the giants, Freyr sees a beautiful girl and is immediately seized by love. Fearing that the object of his heart's desire is unattainable, gloom settles upon him.
The poem itself starts with the wife of Njörðr, bidding Skírnir to ask of Freyr why he is so sad. Skírnir, fearing his master's wrath, nevertheless does as he is bidden. Freyr's response is sullen, yet he pours his heart out. Skírnir agrees to undertake a journey to woo Gerðr, and Freyr furnishes him with his magical steed and sword.
Skírnir duly fetches up in Jötunheimr, at the hall of the giant Gymir. Gerðr, the daughter of Gymir bids him enter the hall; without further ado, Skírnir tries to woo Gerðr on Freyr's behalf, offering first gifts then threats. Eventually, Gerðr succumbs. Skírnir reports to Freyr, who asks him:
- Tell me, Skírnir, before unsaddling
- Or stepping forth another pace
- Is the news you bring from Jotunheim
- For better or for worse?
- In the woods of Barri, which know we both so well,
- A quiet still and tranquil place
- In nine nights time to Njörd's son
- Will Gerd give herself.
- One night is long enough, yet longer still are two;
- How then shall I contend with three?
- For months have passed more quickly
- Than half a bridal eve.
External links
Translations
- [Skirnismol] Henry A. Bellows' translation and commentary
- [För Skírnis eðr Skírnismál] Benjamin Thorpe's translation
- [Skirnismal] Lee M. Hollander's translation
- [Skírnismál] Bellows' translation with clickable names
- [Journey of Skirner] A. S. Cottle's translation
- [The Lay of Skirnir] Translation by W. H. Auden and P. B. Taylor
Editions
- [Skírnismál] Sophus Bugge's edition
- [Skírnismál] Guðni Jónsson's edition
Scholarship
- [Skírnismál as Ritual Drama] Article by Rick McGregor
- [The Elder Edda and Ancient Scandinavian Drama] Book by Bertha S. Phillpotts
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