Prose Edda - Brodeur Trans.
Skáldskaparmál
LII. "There the metaphors coincide; and he who interprets the language of poesy learns to distinguish which king is meant; for it is correct to call the Emperor of Constantinople King of Greeks, and similarly to call the king who rules over the land of Jerusalem King of Jerusalem, and also to call the Emperor of Rome King of Rome, and to call him King of Angles (1) who governs England. But that periphrasis which was cited but now, which called Christ King of Men, may be had by every king. It is proper to periphrase all kings by calling them Land-Rulers, or Land-Warders, or Land-Attackers, or Leader of Henchmen, or Warder of the People.
Thus sang Eyvindr Skald-Despoiler:
Who filled the ravensAnd as Glúmr Geirason sang:
From life was reft
By the Earth-Rulers
At Ogló. (2)
The Prince beneath the helmetAs Thjódólfr sang:
Reddened the sword hone-hollowed
On the Geats: there the Land-Warder
Was found in the grinding spear-din.
'T is my wish that the glorious Leader1. The reverse of Gregory's pun: "Non Angli sed angeli."
Of Henchmen, the Glad-hearted,
Should leave his Sons the heritage
And the sod of his fair freehold.
2. See page 98.
198
As Einarr sang:
The Valiant-souled Earth-WarderIt is right also to call him King of Kings, under whom are tributary kings. An emperor is highest of kings, and next under him is that king who reigns over a nation; and each of these is equal to the other in the periphrases made of them in poesy. Next to them are those men who are called earls or tributary kings: and they are equal in periphrasis with a king, save that one may not term them kings of nations. And thus sang Arnórr Earl's Skald concerning Earl Thorfinnr:
On his stern head the helm bears;
The bard before heroes telleth
The fame of the King of Hördland.
Let the men hear how the Earl's King,Next to these in the figures of poesy are those men who are called chiefs: one may periphrase them as one might a king or an earl, calling them Dispensers of Gold, Wealth-Munificent, Men of the Standards, and Captains of the Host, or Van-Leaders of the Array or of Battle; since each king of a nation, who rules over many lands, appoints tributary kings and earls in joint authority with himself, to administer the laws of the land and defend it from attack in those parts which lie far removed from the king. And in those parts they shall be equal with the king's self in giving
Hardy of mind, the sea sought:
The overwhelming Ruler
Failed not to thwart the ocean.
199
judgment and meting punishment. Now there are many districts in one land; and it is the practice of kings to appoint justiciars over as many districts as one chooses to give into their hands. These justiciars are called chiefs or landed-men in the Danish tongue, reeves in Saxony, and barons in England. They are also to be righteous judges and faithful warriors over the land which is entrusted to them for governance. If the king is not near, then a standard shall be borne before them in battle; and then they are quite as lawful war-captains as kings or earls.
"Next under them are those men who are called franklins: they are those freeholders who are of honorable kindred, and possessed of full rights. One may periphrase them by calling them Wealth-Givers, and Protectors, and Reconcilers of Men; headmen also may have these titles.
"Kings and earls have as their following the men called henchmen and house-caries; landed-men also have in their service those who are called henchmen in Denmark and Sweden, and house-carles in Norway, and these men swear oaths of service to them, even as henchmen do to kings. The house-carles of kings were often called henchmen in the old heathen time.
Thus sang Thorvaldr Blending Skald:
Hail, King, swift in the onset!King Haraldr Sigurdarson composed this:
And thy sturdy house-caries with thee!
In their mouths men have my verses,
Made for a song of praising.
The man full mighty waiteth
The filling of the King's seat;
200
Oft, I find, to the Earl's heelsHenchmen and house-caries may be periphrased by calling them House-Guard, or Wage-Band, or Men of Honor:
Throngs my host of house-carles.
thus sang Sigvatr:
I learned the Warrior's Wage-BandAnd thus also:
On the water fought that battle
Newly: 't is not the smallest
Snow-shower of Shields I tell of.
When on the Steed of CablesThe service-fee which headmen give is called wages and gifts; thus sang Óttarr the Swarthy:
The clashing steel was meeting,
'T was not as when a maid bears
The Chief's mead to the Honor-Winners.
I needs must use the BreakerEarls and chiefs and henchmen are periphrased by calling them Counsellors or Speech-Friends or Seat-Mates of the King, as Hallfredr sang:
Of the Battle-Glow of good men;
Here is the watch war-doughty
Of the Wise King assembled. (1)
1. See page 176.
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