Vafþrúðnismál
Vafthrudnir's sayings
NORSE MYTHOLOGY
The following is 1865 translation into English by Benjamin Thorpe from the original Vafþrúðnismál (Anglicized as Vafthrudnismal, Vafthruthnismol, Vafthrúdnir’s sayings or Lay of Vafthrúdnir).
Answers to common questions
How old is Vafþrúðnismál?
Vafþrúðnismál is thought to have been composed in the early part of the 10th century (900-950 A.D.) [1] Making the poem c. 1000-1100 years old.
The dating is a scholarly estimation derived from the use of language in the text. The true age is difficult to know for certain.
What are the oldest surviving sources?
The oldest surviving source of Vafþrúðnismál can be found are found in old manuscripts, written in Iceland between the years 1200-1300 A.D. Those are the Codex Regius (a.k.a Konungsbók or Sæmundar-Edda); AM 748 I a 4to, (from verse 20 until the end) and Prose-Edda, a.k.a Snorra-Edda (8 and a half stanzas in total.) [2]
Codex Regius; Poetic Edda, Konungsbók or Sæmundar-Edda
Vafþrúðnismál is the third poem in the Poetic Edda. The manuscript includes a collection of Old Norse poetry. There the poem comes before Hávamál and after Grímnismál, both of which are also treasures of information about Norse Mythology.
Prose Edda; Snorra-Edda
The second most noteworthy source of the poem can be found in Snorri Sturluson’s (1179-1241) Prose Edda. There the poem is not written in full, rather it is quoted several times as evidence to support Snorri’s points when writing his guide on how to compose poetry.
Who is the author of Vafþrúðnismál?
The author of Vafþrúðnismál is unknown. However, the composer lived either in Iceland or Norway and his mindset appears heathen. [3]
Source: [1,2,3] Guðni Jónsson. 1954. Eddulyklar.
Here begins Vafþrúðnismál
Odin visits the Giant (Jötun) Vafthrudnir, for the purpose of proving his knowledge. They propose questions relative to the Cosmogony of the Northern creed, on the condition that the baffled party forfeit his head. The Jötun incurs the penalty.
1
ODIN
Counsel thou me now, Frigg!
as I long to go
Vafthrudnir to visit;
great desire, I say,
I have, in ancient lore
with athat all-wise Jötun to contend.
1
ÓÐINN
„Ráð þú mér nú, Frigg,
alls mik fara tíðir
at vitja Vafþrúðnis;
forvitni mikla
kveð ek mér á fornum stöfum
við þann inn alsvinna jötun.“
2
FRIGG
At home to bide
Hærfather I would counsel,
in the gods´dwellings;
because no Jötun
is, I believe, so mighty
as is Vafthrudnir.
2
FRIGG
ek mynda Herjaföðr
í görðum goða;
því at engi jötun
ek hugða jafnramman
sem Vafþrúðni vera.
3
ODIN
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved;
but this I fain would know,
how in Vafthrudnir’s
halls it is.
3
ÓÐINN
fjölð ek freistaða,
fjölð ek reynda regin;
hitt vil ek vita,
hvé Vafþrúðnis
salakynni sé.“
4
FRIGG
In safety mayest thou go,
in safety return,
in safety on thy journeyings be;
may thy wit avail thee,
when thou, father of men! shalt
hold converse with the Jötun.
4
FRIGG
heill þú aftr komir!
heill þú á sinnum sér!
æði þér dugi,
hvars þú skalt, Aldaföðr,
orðum mæla jötun.“
5
Then went Odin
the lore to prove
of that all-wise Jötun.
To the hall he came
which Im´s father owned.
Ygg went forthwith in.
5
at freista orðspeki
þess ins alsvinna jötuns;
at höllu hann kom,
ok átti Íms faðir;
inn gekk Yggr þegar.
6
ODIN
Hail to thee, Vafthrudnir!
to thy hall I am now come,
theyself to see;
for I fain would know,
whether thou art a cunning
and all-wise Jötun.
6
nú em ek í höll kominn
á þik sjalfan sjá;
hitt vil ek fyrst vita,
ef þú fróðr sér
eða alsviðr jötunn.“
7
VAFTHRUDNIR
What man is this,
that in my habitation
by word addresses me?
Out thou goest not
from our halls,
if thou art not the wiser.
7
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
er í mínum sal
verpumk orði á?
Út þú né komir
órum höllum frá,
nema þú inn snotrari sér.“
8
ODIN
Gagnrad is my name,
from my journey I am come
thirsty to thy halls,
needing hospitality, –
for I long have journeyed –
and kind reception from thee, Jötun!
8
ÓÐINN
nú emk af göngu kominn,
þyrstr til þinna sala;
laðar þurfi –
hef ek lengi farit –
ok þinna andfanga, jötunn.“
9
VAFTHRUDNIR
Why then, Gagnrad!
speakest thou from the floor?
Take in the hall a seat;
then shall be proved
which knows most,
the guest or the ancient talker.
9
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
mælisk af golfi fyr?
Far þú í sess í sal!
Þá skal freista,
hvárr fleira viti,
gestr eða inn gamli þulr.“
10
GAGNRAD
A poor man should,
who to a rich man comes,
speak usefully or hold his tongue:
over-much talk
brings him, I ween, no good,
who visits an austere man.
10
GAGNRÁÐR
er til auðigs kemr,
mæli þarft eða þegi;
ofrmælgi mikil,
hygg ek, at illa geti
hveim er við kaldrifjaðan kemr.“
11
VAFTHRUDNIR
Tell me, Gagnrad!
since on the floor thou wilt
prove thy proficiency,
how the horse is called
that draws each day
forth over human kind?
11
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
alls þú á golfi vill
þíns of freista frama,
hvé sá hestr heitir,
er hverjan dregr
dag of dróttmögu.“
12
GAGNRAD
Skinfaxi he is named,
that the bright day draws
forth over human kind.
Of coursers he is best acounted
among the Reid-goths.
Ever sheds light that horse’s mane.
12
ÓÐINN
er inn skíra dregr
dag of dróttmögu;
hesta beztr
þykkir hann með Hreiðgotum;
ey lýsir mön af mari.“
13
VAFTHRUDNIR
Tell me now, Gagnrad!
since on the floor thou wilt
prove thy proficiency,
how that steed is called,
which from the east draws night
o’er the beneficent powers?
13
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
alls þú á golfi vill
þíns of freista frama,
hvé sá jór heitir,
er austan dregr
nótt of nýt regin.“
14
GAGNRAD
Hrimfaxi he is called,
that each night draws forth
over the beneficent powers.
He from his bit lets fall
drops every morn,
whence in the dales comes dew.
14
ÓÐINN
er hverja dregr
nótt of nýt regin;
méldropa fellir hann
morgin hvern;
þaðan kemr dögg um dala.“
15
VAFTHRUDNIR
Tell me, Gagnrad!
since on the floor thou wilt
prove thy proficiency,
how the stream is called,
which earth divides between
the Jötuns and the Gods?
15
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
alls þú á golfi vill
þíns of freista frama,
hvé sú á heitir,
er deilir með jötna sonum
grund ok með goðum.“
16
GAGNRAD
Ifing the stream is called
which earth divides between
the Jötuns and the Gods:
open shall it run
throughout all time.
On that stream no ice shall be.
16
GAGNRÁÐR
er deilir með jötna sonum
grund ok með goðum;
opin renna
hon skal of aldrdaga;
verðr-at íss á á.“
17
VAFTHRUDNIR
Tell me, Gagnrad!
since on the floor thou wilt
prove thy proficiency,
how that plain is called,
where in fight shall meet
Surt and the gentle Gods?
17
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
alls þú á golfi vill
þíns of freista frama,
hvé sá völlr heitir,
er finnask vígi at
Surtr ok in svásu goð.“
18
GAGNRAD
Vigrid the plain is called,
where in fight shall meet
Surt and the gentle Gods;
a hundred rasts it is
on every side.
That plain is to them decreed.
18
GAGNRÁÐR
er finnask vígi at
Surtr ok in svásu goð;
hundrað rasta
hann er á hverjan veg;
sá er þeim völlr vitaðr.“
19
VAFTHRUDNIR
Wise art thou, o guest!
Approach the Jötuns bench,
and sitting let us together talk:
we will our heads
in the hall pledge,
guest! for wise utterance.
19
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
far þú á bekk jötuns,
ok mælumk í sessi saman;
höfði veðja
vit skulum höllu í,
gestr, of geðspeki.“
20
GAGNRAD
Tell me first,
if thy wit suffices,
and thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
whence first came the earth,
and the high heaven,
thou, sagacious Jötun?
20
GAGNRÁÐR
ef þitt æði dugir
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan jörð of kom
eða upphiminn
fyrst, inn fróði jötunn.“
21
VAFTHRUDNIR
From Ymir’s flesh
the earth was formed,
and from his bones the hills,
the heaven from the skull
of that ice-cold giant,
and from his blood the sea.
21
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
var jörð of sköpuð,
en ór beinum björg,
himinn ór hausi
ins hrímkalda jötuns,
en ór sveita sær.“
22
GAGNRAD
Tell me secondly,
if thy wit suffices,
and thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
whence came the moon,
which over mankind passes,
and the sun likewise?
22
GAGNRÁÐR
ef þitt æði dugir
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan máni kom,
sá er ferr menn yfir,
eða sól it sama.“
23
VAFTHRUDNIR
Mundilfoeri hight he,
who the moon’s father is,
and eke the sun’s:
round heaven journey
each day they must,
to count years for men.
23
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
hann er mána faðir
ok svá Sólar it sama;
himin hverfa
þau skulu hverjan dag
öldum at ártali.“
24
GAGNRAD
Tell me thirdly,
since thou art called wise,
and if thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
whence came the day,
which over people passes,
and night with waning moons?
24
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik svinnan kveða
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan dagr of kom,
sá er ferr drótt yfir,
eða nótt með niðum.“
25
VAFTHRUDNIR
Delling hight he
who the day’s father is,
but night was of Nörvi born;
the new and waning moons
the beneficent powers created,
to count years for men.
25
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
hann er Dags faðir,
en Nótt var Nörvi borin;
ný ok nið
skópu nýt regin
öldum at ártali.“
26
GAGNRAD
Tell me fourthly,
since they pronounce thee sage,
and if thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
whence winter came,
and warm summer
first among the wise gods?
26
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik fróðan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan vetr of kom
eða varmt sumar
fyrst með fróð regin.“
27
VAFTHRUDNIR
Vindsval hight he,
who winter’s father is,
and Svasud summer’s;
yearly they both
shall ever journey,
until the powers perish.
27
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
hann er Vetrar faðir,
en Svásuðr sumars.“’
28
GAGNRAD
Tell me fifthly,
since they pronounce thee sage,
and if thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
which of the Æsir earliest,
or of Ymir´s sons
in days of old existed?
28
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik fróðan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hverr ása ellztr
eða Ymis niðja
yrði í árdaga.“
29
VAFTHRUDNIR
Countless winters,
ere earth was formed,
was Bergelmir born;
Thrudgelmir
was his sire,
his grandsire Aurgelmir.
29
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
áðr væri jörð of sköpuð,
þá var Bergelmir borinn,
Þrúðgelmir
var þess faðir,
en Aurgelmir afi.“
30
GAGNRAD
Tell me sixthly,
since thou art called wise,
and if thou, Vafthrudnir! knowest,
whence first came Aurgelmir,
amongh the Jötun´s sons,
thou sagacious Jötun?
30
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik svinnan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan Aurgelmir kom
með jötna sonum
fyrst, inn fróði jötunn.“
31
VAFTHRUDNIR
From Elivagar
sprang venom drops,
which grew till they became a Jötun;
but sparks flew
from the south-world:
to the ice the fire gave life.
31
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
stukku eitrdropar,
svá óx, unz varð jötunn;
þar eru órar ættir
komnar allar saman;
því er þat æ allt til atalt.“
32
GAGNRAD
Tell me seventhly,
since thou art called wise,
and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir!
how he children begat,
the bold Jötun,
as he had no giantess’s company?
32
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik svinnan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvé sá börn gat,
inn baldni jötunn,
er hann hafði-t gýgjar gaman.“
33
VAFTHRUDNIR
Under the armpit grew,
‘tis said, of the Hrimthurs,
a girl and boy together;
foot with foot begat,
of that wise Jötun,
a six-headed son.
33
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
kváðu hrímþursi
mey ok mög saman;
fótr við fæti
gat ins fróða jötuns
sexhöfðaðan son.“
34
GAGNRAD
Tell me eighthly,
since thou art called wise,
and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir!
what thou doest first remember,
or earliest knowest?
Thou art an all-wise Jötun.
34
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik svinnan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvat þú fyrst of mant
eða fremst of veizt,
þú ert alsviðr, jötunn.“
35
VAFTHRUDNIR
Countless winters,
ere earth was formed,
Bergelmir was born.
That I first remember,
when that wise Jötun
in an ark was laid.
35
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
áðr væri jörð of sköpuð,
þá var Bergelmir borinn;
þat ek fyrst of man,
er sá inn fróði jötunn
á var lúðr of lagiðr.“
36
GAGNRAD
Tell me ninthly,
since thou art called wise,
and if thou knowest, Vafthrudnir!
whence the wind comes,
that over ocean passes,
itself invisible to man?
36
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þik svinnan kveða,
ok þú, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan vindr of kemr,
svá at ferr vág yfir;
æ menn han sjalfan of sjá.“
37
VAFTHRUDNIR
Hræsvelg he is called,
who at the end of heaven sits,
a Jötun in an eagle´s plumage:
from his wings comes,
it is said, the wind,
that over all men passes.
37
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
er sitr á himins enda,
jötunn í arnar ham;
af hans vængjum
kvæða vind koma
alla menn yfir.“
38
GAGNRAD
Tell me tenthly,
since thou all the origin
of the gods knowest, Vafthrudnir!
whence Niörd came
among the Æsir´s sons?
O’er fanes and offer-steads
he rules by hundreds,
yet was not among the Æsir born.
38
GAGNRÁÐR
alls þú tíva rök
öll, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
hvaðan Njörðr of kom
með ása sonum –
hofum ok hörgum
hann ræðr hundmörgum –
ok varð-at hann ásum alinn.“
39
VAFTHRUDNIR
In Vanaheim
wise powers him created,
and to the gods a hostage gave.
At the world’s dissolution
he will return
to the wise Vanir.
39
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
skópu hann vís regin
ok seldu at gíslingu goðum,
í aldar rök
hann mun aftr koma
heim með vísum vönum.“
40
GAGNRAD
Tell me eleventhly,
since all the condition
of the gods thou knowest, Vafthrudnir!
what the Einherjar do
in Hærfather´s halls,
until the powers perish?
40
GAGNRÁÐR
hvar ýtar túnum í
höggvask hverjan dag;
val þeir kjósa
ok ríða vígi frá,
sitja meir of sáttir saman.“’
41
VAFTHRUDNIR
All the Einherjar
in Odin’s halls
each day together fight;
the fallen they choose,
and from the conflict ride;
beer with the Æsir drink,
of Sæhrimnir eat their fill,
then sit in harmony together.
41
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
Óðins túnum í
höggvask hverjan dag,
val þeir kjósa
ok ríða vígi frá,
sitja meirr of sáttir saman.“
42
GAGNRAD
Tell me twelfthly,
as thou all the condition
of the gods knowest, Vafthrudnir!
of the Jötuns’ secrets,
and of all the gods’,
say what truest is,
thou all-knowing Jötun!
42
GAGNRÁÐR
hví þú tíva rök
öll, Vafþrúðnir, vitir,
frá jötna rúnum
ok allra goða
segir þú it sannasta,
inn alsvinni jötunn.“
43
VAFTHRUDNIR
Of the secrets of the Jötuns
and of all the gods,
I can truly tell;
for I have over
each world travelled;
to nine worlds I came,
to Niflhel beneath:
here die men from Hel.
43
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
ok allra goða
ek kann segja satt,
því at hvern hef ek
heim of komit;
níu kom ek heima
fyr Niflhel neðan;
hinig deyja ór helju halir.“
44
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
What mortals will live,
when the great ‘Fimbulwinter’
shall from men have passed?
44
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin:
Hvat lifir manna,
þá er inn mæra líðr
fimbulvetr með firum?“
45
VAFTHRUDNIR
Lif and Lifthrasir;
but they will be concealed
in Hoddmimir’s holt.
The morning dews
they will have for food.
From them shall men be born.
45
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
en þau leynask munu
í holti Hoddmímis;
morgindöggvar
þau sér at mat hafa,
en þaðan af aldir alask.“
46
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
Whence will come the sun
in that fair heaven,
when Fenrir has this devoured?
46
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin:
Hvaðan kemr sól
á inn slétta himin,
er þessa hefr Fenrir farit?“
47
VAFTHRUDNIR
A daughter shall
Alfrödull bear,
ere Fenrir shall have swallowed her.
The maid shall ride,
when the powers die,
on her mother’s course.
47
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
berr alfröðull,
áðr hana fenrir fari;
sú skal ríða,
þá er regin deyja,
móður brautir, mær.“
48
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
who are the maidens
that o’er the ocean travel,
wise of spirit, journey?
48
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin:
Hverjar ro þær meyjar,
er líða mar yfir,
fróðgeðjaðar fara?“
49
VAFTHRUDNIR
O’er people’s dwellings three descend
of Mögthrasir’s maidens,
the sole Hamingiur
who are in the world,
although with Jötuns nurtured.
49
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
falla þorp yfir
meyja Mögþrasis;
hamingjur einar
þær er í heimi eru,
þó þær með jötnum alask.“
50
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
Which of the Æsir will rule o’er the gods’ possession,
when Surt’s fire shall be quenched?
50
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin:
Hverir ráða æsir
eignum goða,
þá er sloknar Surta logi?“
51
VAFTHRUDNIR
Vidar and Vali
will the gods’ holy fanes inhabit,
when Surt’s fire shall be quenched.
Modi and Magni will
Mjöllnir possess,
and warfare strive to end.
51
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
byggja vé goða,
þá er sloknar Surta logi,
Móði ok Magni
skulu Mjöllni hafa
Vingnis at vígþroti.“
52
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
What of Odin will
the life’s end be,
when the powers perish?
52
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin;
Hvat verðr Óðni
at aldrlagi,
þá er of rjúfask regin?“
53
VAFTHRUDNIR
The wolf will
the father of men devour;
him Vidar will avenge:
he his cold jaws will cleave,
in conflict with the wolf.
53
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
mun Aldaföðr,
þess mun Víðarr vreka;
kalda kjafta
hann klyfja mun
vitnis vígi at.“
54
GAGNRAD
Much have I journeyed,
much experienced,
mighty ones many proved:
What said Odin
in his son’s ear,
ere he on the pile was laid?
54
GAGNRÁÐR
fjölð ek freistaðak,
fjölð ek of reynda regin;
Hvat mælti Óðinn,
áðr á bál stigi,
sjalfr í eyra syni?“
55
VAFTHRUDNIR
That no one knoweth,
what thou in days of old
saidst in thy son’s ear.
With dying mouth
my ancient saws I have said,
and the gods’ destruction.
With Odin I have contended
in wise utterances:
of men thou ever art the wisest!
55
VAFÞRÚÐNIR
hvat þú í árdaga
sagðir í eyra syni;
feigum munni
mælta ek mína forna stafi
ok of ragnarök.
Nú ek við Óðin
deildak mína orðspeki;
þú ert æ vísastr vera.“