Outline Introduction
This
poem includes various references to Anglo-Saxon magic and the forging of a
sword. In Anglo-Saxon times swords were given names and imbued with magical
power by adding runes. Nine was a magical number to the Saxons (note the ninth
month was called Halig-monath –‘holy month’; the lay of the nine
twigs of Woden; the division of the cosmos into nine worlds). The third verse draws from ‘The Good
Reeve' an Anglo-Saxon farming document.
June
(Ærra Litha)
Three spirit nights leading, to mid
summers eve,
Nine runes on a rope, crafting spells
to weave.
Litha the mark, of the longest
daytime,
Wuldorfadur wilt, soon complete his
climb.
The summer solstice, it be drawing
near,
A time to raise, thine horn of fine
beer.
Bonfires wilt be lit, on high hills
close by,
Nearby the smithy, the fire his ally.
While the dung cart winds, its way to
yon meads,
Mowing and harrowing, digging up
weeds.
Smithy crafting within, his thatched
work shop,
The shimmering billowing, from the
top.
Formed in a pit hut, by the central
fire,
Under Wayland’s guiding, hand to
inspire.
Dragon’s final rune, begins to take
shape,
With spell well cast, he wilt lend no
escape.
Smithies hut is sunk, into mother
earth,
His Hammer and anvil, have given
birth.
No spells wilt now take, to blunt this
bright blade,
The power of dragon, shalt not ever
fade!
Copyright
Andrew Rea 2009
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