Scald:
I declare I hung on that windy Tree
Nine full days and nights.
Pierced with a spear and offered to Odin:
Myself to mine own self given.
High on that Tree of which none know
From what roots it rises to heaven.
None refreshed me then with food or drink.
As I peered right down into the deep;
As crying aloud I lifted the Runes
Then fell back from the abyss.
Nine mighty songs I learned from the great
Son of Bale-thorn, Bestla's sire;
I drank a measure of the wondrous Mead
with the Soulstirrer's drops I was showered.
Ere long I bore fruit, and throve full well.
I grew and waxed in wisdom;
Word following word; I found me words.
Deed following deed; I wrought deeds.
Hidden Runes shalt thou seek and interpret,
Many symbols of might and power
By the Great Singer painted, by the High Powers fashioned.
Graven by the utterer of gods.
For gods graved Odin, for elves graved Dai:n,
