The Rímur of Friðþjófr

A five-ríma Old Icelandic cycle based on Friðþjófs saga ins frækna — the saga of Friðþjófr the Bold. The hero loves Ingibörg, daughter of King Beli of Sogn, but her brothers Helgi and Hálfdan refuse him, send him on an impossible errand to the Orkney jarl Angantýr, and in his absence give Ingibörg to the aged King Hringr of Hringaríki. Friðþjófr fights through a witches' storm, collects the tribute, returns to find his hall burned and Ingibörg wed. He goes into exile as a sea-king, returns in disguise to Hringr's court, wins the old king's trust — and when Hringr dies, fulfills every oath before taking Ingibörg as his wife and avenging himself on Helgi.

The cycle survives only in AM 604 C and was edited after L. Larsson's 1893 edition of Friðþjófs saga. The normalized text presented here follows the edition in Rímnasafn Vol. I with corrections by B. M. Olsen and H. Sperber. Friðþjófsrímur is unusual for its extended mansöngr passages — particularly Ríma V, which devotes twenty-one stanzas to the praise of the beloved before returning to the narrative.

First known English translation of this rímur cycle.

Ríma I

Mansöngr. King Beli of Sogn, his sons Helgi and Hálfdan, his daughter Ingibörg. Þorsteinn Víkingsson. Friðþjófr and his companions. Deaths of Beli and Þorsteinn. The ring exchange. Friðþjófr's proposal refused.

1.
Old treasure I shall tell men of,
brought forward from the strongbox —
warriors, I bid you listen
to the sounding voice, attend.

2.
A vessel I have forged at Fjalarr's smithy,
life-release for these brothers —
my path is all well-practiced for me,
no illness reaches higher.

3.
I shall now raise up that hall
where scored riches lie within;
I shall not darken the bright house
any longer, first at once.

4.
It is more bitter to me to stay silent now —
this holding I shall keep long;
I would rather speak of heathen men,
for their lineage deserves it.

5.
There shall the first of Fjölnir's bench
leap from learning's mountain —
the prince, both noble and dear,
the sound that makes serpents mourn.

6.
Beli was this great king's name —
the books tell it thus —
this mild ring-lord received
Sygnafylki to rule.

7.
Two sons had that steadfast lord
and one daughter besides —
in days of old that hardy prince
did well in battle's reddening.

8.
Helgi shall I name, and Hálfdan too —
the king's heirs to tell of —
both knew how to steer through the arrow-weather,
these sons of the prince.

9.
Ingibörg was the king's maid —
best-loved of the king's children —
bright and fair as the gold's Ná,
straight as a guiding star.

10.
To men gave that ring-lady
the wave-fire and the clothing —
I shall blend from Boðn and Són
the ale-flood of our poem.

11.
In this way I swell Þundr's band —
Þorsteinn I name this one —
rarely found in ancient custom
a more famous man than he.

12.
In former days he sent hawks and ravens
falling in weapon-work —
with the mightiest of men he stands equal;
Friðþjófr was his heir's name.

13.
This son took the mead-hall, mild one,
giving gold to men always —
wondrously was he brave and mighty,
to seize the sword-strap and bite it.

14.
Friðþjófr bore so the most of virtues
fast from the heathen peoples —
he reddened as with copper, burnt and bright,
the Rhine-stones in their sea-purses.

15.
Björn was the most famous in the arrow-din,
battled with this heir —
I tell how Ásmund followed both of them
at Fjalarr, on Ullr's bark.

16.
One warrior in the sword-rain
has well fed the ravens at play —
this wise king's thane I mark
Hilding by name.

17.
Skill bore this lord's thane
far beyond other farmers —
he has driven in the arrow-din
against bright wound-serpents.

18.
I tell this now before the noble host,
marked with the blade of words —
the lord's lady took a fierce sickness;
it stole her life away.

19.
The warrior bid the king's daughter
to come home to him with words —
rarely shall my telling
be more richly adorned.

20.
Friðþjófr was there brave and mighty —
not long now in fostering —
before home came the ring-goddess
to the hall's abode with the young man.

21.
The hand's ice and the wave's fire —
the ring-Lin gave to the people —
all-bright feathers and silk cloth
of the serpent from fine purses.

22.
Friðþjófr and the prince's maid
met in greatest fame and honor —
I tell it that they drew near together;
hidden was it from most men.

23.
A shield is good in the sword-weather
against the blade of nine heel-lengths —
Friðþjófr wished from the prince's maiden
never gladly to be parted.

24.
The king could get no more of Fáfnir's gold
to give to the fairer people —
the feast-work began to thin
for this merry and great lord.

25.
The son of Viking held a feast —
the king in the third autumn —
known to me is that champion's custom;
the king's most trusted friend he was.

26.
The lord met a fierce sickness —
the steerer summons to him both
Hálfdan and Helgi quickly;
he has much to say to them.

27.
The prince speaks to his heirs
and intends to give counsel:
"My sun draws near to setting —
it will cut off my life."

28.
"You shall honor the kindly host,
both of you — and Þorsteinn here —
and Friðþjófr's worth, give him good fellowship;
most women look to him."

29.
"Do this when the grim face fades,
with good will, though I must die —
in my stead," said the fair lord,
"lend Þorsteinn your ear."

30.
After the prince's gracious counsel
the burned-out king stepped forward —
siblings inherited silver and land;
grief came to them then.

31.
They mounded the king beside the fjord —
a great wealth of battle-gold —
he rests now from that evil din
while Hrönn and Kolga cry.

32.
After this Þorsteinn quickly took
a heavy and harsh sickness —
bravely he bade, and the folk merry,
Friðþjófr to come to him.

33.
The ring-man speaks with boldness and valor,
the warrior before his heir:
"Good fellowship and wise counsel
we gave to your kings."

34.
"Tell me well," said this hardy one,
"your mind about your conduct" —
forward stepped Þorsteinn, the steadfast thane;
bright words shone in him.

35.
Men built a good mound
of stone and great oaks —
warriors gave the dark ghost
sword and gold to play with.

36.
The mound-door I heard the stone covered —
Hrönn went over it in the flood;
Friðþjófr held Framnes alone,
Fáfnir's feathers for his garments.

37.
Elliði he had, a splendid ship —
fine and the ring Sólarring —
Angurvadill said to be the eastern prize
of all Viking's companions.

38.
Friðþjófr — I have told this plainly —
was raised up in skill and valor;
virtues bore he and a clean spirit,
far beyond both kings.

39.
He was mighty and generous,
lavish with Fáfnir's treasure —
handsome and strong, wise and bold;
everything worked to his advantage.

40.
To the feast of the weapon-Þund
both wise heirs attended —
a fair maiden followed the brothers;
Friðþjófr won grace from them.

41.
The maiden speaks to the helm-warrior —
I can tell this very well —
"You have," said the dearest of women,
"a great ring to govern."

42.
The warrior answers the dear maiden —
it came to much of kissing between them —
"Not by the sword-battle
have I earned such a treasure."

43.
"I hear it that your father bowed —
that brought many to need —
they have lands and movable wealth
who live, and not the dead."

44.
The helm-Þundr gave the ring
to the Hildr of Fáfnir's clearing —
"Send it to me," said the Leaf-tree,
"if you weary of owning it."

45.
The woman took that fair ring
from the famous spear-tester —
another she gave to Fáfnir's assembly,
up into the stone's hands.

46.
Good was the ring that the mighty warrior
gave to the noble maiden —
none was found then another like it
in all the realm of Norway.

47.
Certain am I that the feast ended —
I can tell the wise men this —
she went home with the kings to the valley,
the earth of rings and stones.

48.
Friðþjófr grew somber and quiet —
Björn asked what caused it —
since the spear-reddener had
that clearly told before the weapon-tree.

49.
"My heart plays every hour
on the Hildr of Fáfnir's meadow" —
"Let us go, will you," said the arrow-tree,
"and try such courses."

50.
The sword-toll found at the king's circle
both the prince's heirs —
they had always yearned for the mound-ghost's hoard;
hard is such longing to live with.

51.
Friðþjófr spoke to those kings —
skilled in craft and glory —
"A word I raise to the gold's Ná:
I offer you kinship by marriage."

52.
Hálfdan and Helgi before him
these answers gave:
"Why did you not stay quietly at home
rather than seek such a thing?"

53.
"Get yourself gone with your pride and boasting —
the presumption of it is very great —
some man of rank or of worth
should betroth the king's daughter."

54.
"Such dark counsel shall not rule
between our lords in this matter —
I will give you no support whatever,"
the warrior answered them quietly.

55.
Friðþjófr I say could come no nearer —
he lost joy at this —
he sat restless and dignity-starved;
grief began to settle on him.

56.
I forge no longer for men the vessel
of Fjalarr, if this is lost —
Gautr's sea of our ale I forget there;
every treasure fades into sight.

Ríma II

Mansöngr. King Hringr of Hringaríki seeks Ingibörg. Helgi refuses. Friðþjófr at chess. Hilding as go-between. Friðþjófr visits Ingibörg at Baldrshagi. Ingibörg given to Hringr. Helgi sends Friðþjófr to Orkney. Helgi burns Framnes. The sea-witches summoned.

1.
I let ever the shaft of verse
fly loose, when I need learning —
true wisdom into the hall's floor
I set it into the poem.

2.
There shall another drink of Óðinn
run from the tower of words —
thus ever may the lady so fair
the flesh of Friðþjófr embrace.

3.
Hringr shall I name that lord —
I think the tale will bear it —
skill and deeds sustained him
and he ruled Hringaríki.

4.
His queen had long been dead —
the prince wished to wed —
his court said that the helm-reddener's
wisest course was marriage.

5.
The prince summoned his choicest men
and sent them into Sogn —
"You shall invite the daughter of Helgi's house,"
said the flinger of burned gold.

6.
"I shall now," said the bold lord,
"send to those kings of Sogn —
the great warrior raises
no counsel against me, nor wisdom."

7.
"I hear it," said the mighty king,
"that they have found no good dealings
with this Friðþjófr — none like him exists —
he wins most things, bound or free."

8.
The envoys brought their errand
before the merry brothers —
Helgi said it would be a harsh trouble
if he had to be forced to yield.

9.
"Get away from here," said the prince,
"I am not inclined to submit;
now we shall go to the named place
and use our men and fight."

10.
The envoys I say returned home
and found Hringr at council —
ready was the army with that king,
bright shield and steel.

11.
But those brothers in another place
raised up smaller forces
than before, when Friðþjófr bade
his people stay with Helgi.

12.
The prince sent that famous man
to call Friðþjófr to his side —
the envoys I say found him
not eager to offer any surrender.

13.
They greeted the bold tree of gold,
the man adorned with skill —
neither of them they saw move his mouth —
not Friðþjófr, nor Björn, at chess.

14.
They brought those brothers' word to him
and bade him gather his men —
I reckon he would sooner with a woman's veil
have pleased himself.

15.
He spoke then of the chess-board
before the steady Baldr of rings:
"You can glance at it for a moment, Björn —
we shall never abandon this."

16.
Friðþjófr, Hilding then challenged
sharply from the prince's heir —
with bad terms reproached him little —
another thought he had in mind.

17.
Björn I heard reckon the two choices,
two ways to weigh it —
he said one would settle with the fist —
"Helgi I will not serve."

18.
The envoys got no errand
other than this —
the champion then ran before the kings
with these merry words.

19.
Helgi asked Hilding then
what such words might mean —
"I can tell it," said the warrior,
"if the king will hear it."

20.
"He was speaking of the chess-game,
one beautiful piece —
I think he was holding that one himself
in the other arrow.

21.
But when I press hard from your side
with these bad choices —
he moved then a little, with words,
the weapon-tree, and smiled.

22.
Björn was the one who said the two choices —
two ways to follow —
that one, he said, would settle with the fist —
Hringr's name shines in our ears.

23.
So you may now before the gold
of your sister weep —
I think it is this man's intention
to find the worthy bride."

24.
"A bride I shall set," said the king,
"in Baldrshagi to be guarded —
there he will not quickly find a meeting,
for the sake of reverence."

25.
Helgi prepared and his whole court
to learn the string of the bow —
Hringr came to meet him on the trampled field
with a great host of men.

26.
Friðþjófr spoke, wonderfully mild,
brave with the bold heroes:
"I shall find out whether Elliði will sail
beneath us to the bride."

27.
The boat ran for the ring's owner
to Baldrshagi, all silent —
the fair woman led Friðþjófr
to embrace and to speak.

28.
The bride spoke, adorned in finery,
mild to the shaker of swords:
"The twelve-benched ship that bold warrior
takes so quickly to seek."

29.
"I take no heed of your sacrifices,"
the warrior answered the woman —
he went right into the temple with joy
one day after another.

30.
Friðþjófr made and the veil-ride —
embracing one and then the other —
while those brothers have the brightness-path
with table-games to learn.

31.
With Helgi I say the sword-song
Hringr I heard he wanted —
an army prepared then with blade and helm,
byrnie and smelted shield.

32.
Settlement the king's people wished
to set between the kings —
the men can see what Hringr offers
and tell it to the Sogn lord.

33.
The king then gave from himself these terms:
"If I lose my life over this,
else they shall grant me
Ingibörg in marriage."

34.
This choice both wished to accept,
the prince's heirs together —
therefore the third frost came to nothing;
these are greater mercies.

35.
They gave little delay to that —
the verse lingers on it —
the courtly maiden was betrothed to the king,
the bridal time announced.

36.
The lord shall first before the winter-deep
take a feast in Sogn,
so that the township's din does not swallow
the company of men with the king.

37.
The kings departed when they returned home,
each one well for the other —
no blood was shed in the weapon-noise,
roused with wound-serpents.

38.
As soon as the kings came home,
the truth became known —
the tidings spread among men
that this one had played with the woman.

39.
The brothers cursed Baldr then
and bade him never prosper —
"Too gentle is this scabbard here —
he shall defend himself from Friðþjófr."

40.
Whoever commits a great offence
the king said must make amends —
"He has transgressed against Baldr and Þór;
he shall be paid back harshly."

41.
The lord said the man
had had his pleasure beside the woman —
he should suffer punishment
and quickly be stripped of life.

42.
"Unless he brings in from the jarl
to me with all urgency
Angantýr," said the prince, "at once —
the men will come to trouble."

43.
The thanes brought the man
the prince's terms to tell —
he has heard that Hringr shall
have Helgi's sister.

44.
"It does not suit me now, nor do I wish
to harm Friðþjófr further
than that the gold-bridge should
be given to another king."

45.
Friðþjófr went with fair purpose
before Hilding to the plain:
"Straight it is that I am reluctant to seek
the king — I do not beg him for peace.

46.
But if I honor this your lord,"
the man resolved to say,
"I count this to my own valor
and to our honored kin."

47.
The retainer said his thinking:
"Helgi is full of tricks —
still I will spend all my means
to gain peace in the matter."

48.
Then I heard the flinger of the wave's day
hold out of Sogn —
Friðþjófr spoke at the sea's salmon's
reef, before the storm, in calm.

49.
Helgi speaks with hatred and deceit:
"Him I shall now repay
for what he got beside Freyja's home
in the current-raked reefs.

50.
Before he comes to Framnes
home," I heard the lord say,
"there shall burn that bright gold" —
said the wicked prince's son.

51.
Helgi carried out what he had
promised to the bold people —
into the buildings was laid the bright fire,
and it burned there all to ash.

52.
Helgi spoke to Hálfdan more —
he devised so cold a mind:
"Let us have made of them a sorcery-storm
that the warrior will never prosper."

53.
Hálfdan speaks to his kinsman:
"Let us sharpen ourselves to this project —
let him then with your ugly pine
lose his life to a wicked witch."

54.
Two shapeshifters Helgi found,
these he would set against him —
the king asks if they could find
their sorcery-catching prey.

55.
"You two shall, from me directly,
receive the reddened gold,
if you will," said the lord,
"bring Friðþjófr to death."

56.
Swiftly come the answers of their purpose,
the cursed witches of Freyja:
"If I choose to play with my crafts
I shall let Friðþjófr die."

57.
They made of their sorcery a seið —
reef and billow surged —
the storm took the tree with strong anger,
lightning to follow it.

58.
Friðþjófr sailed out of Sogn —
the ship's prows bent —
I lock within the knot of verse
in the land of the effort-shore.

59.
I keep safe Víðrir's cautious pond
within the wisdom's hall —
and so I lock the verse-bear in,
the poem ends for now.

Ríma III

Mansöngr. The storm at sea. Friðþjófr steers. He and his crew speak of Ingibörg. They spot the sea-witches from the mast. The witches are destroyed. They arrive in Orkney. Angantýr at feast. Atli threatens. Combat. Angantýr gives tribute. They sail home to find Framnes burned.

1.
There shall I pour Þundr's flood
for the third time and tell it —
the storm-shot flew with Friðþjófr;
I heard him himself steer.

2.
The storm grew loud and the string of bows
swept over the billow-dwellings —
the sorcery-plank of the gale let
the mates of the sea-bride shriek at the men.

3.
Glad was the glad man of the third song,
though the stern-ropes strained —
"I shall drive forward," said the sharpener of iron,
"the ship's prow out of Sogn.

4.
The bride gave us joy and wine
in Baldrshagi with kindness —
they will be floods yet still for me
though Elliði fills.

5.
The bride found a bright day,"
he bade them set the stays loose —
Björn said the people had little joy
in singing of women in danger.

6.
"That shall not thin now," vowed Friðþjófr —
"had I richer wealth
all fame I would have given.

7.
So it seems to me that the sea-hall
had rather grow cold —
sorcery shakes the din of the storm-plain;
I cannot hide from that.

8.
I will not about the east-storm
nor the sea's howling shrink —
to the islands let the black serpent of the sail
slide," he said.

9.
The people held the leeward course
and set the peg in the sand —
hoarfrost drew under the height and calm,
a fair wind came from land.

10.
Friðþjófr would not wait longer —
the course through the salmon's roads —
the bark moved a little from land;
the current began to grow.

11.
As soon as it swept from under the islands
the wave-eels with the men —
the keen sorcery-storm rose suddenly
up to Geitill's hawk.

12.
Friðþjófr spoke at the mast-hound:
"My Ná's mind plays on a woman —
she gladdened me well there,
good it was to be alive.

13.
Now shall I sail through the salt stream
in the black sorcery-rain —
be content with the fine glad din,
the billow surges with force.

14.
Nowhere do I see," the retainer said now,
"hence to the lands" —
the woman of greed rose from the ground,
surging to seize his hands.

15.
"Now I see fully twelve and six
men standing beside me —
all here these hall-floor men
out of the board of bright branches.

16.
Helgi is to blame who stirs the spring
of horror and the trolls —
it is not like kissing the bright bride's mouth
at the castle-gate.

17.
Not so will the woman love me
nor the prince at this time —
rather I would choose her now
good fortune on my side.

18.
So it seems to me of the southern lady
as if the lightning stirred —
the wife of the sea kills men
often, though the weather be lesser."

19.
"It does not trouble us yet," said Björn,
he answered him then —
"though the children of greed make sport here
beside the sail-stallion."

20.
Friðþjófr answers the famous warrior:
"I can see the flight will weep
if I shall down into the sea's bench
sink into the ground entire.

21.
"Do you think that the bitter tears will flow
and the twin earth be wrung?
— though you let your life pass by,
a man of craft, in anguish."

22.
"I do not deny it," said the bold warrior,
"that the woman has laid grief on me" —
said Björn, that "the salt barrier
settled upon our eyelids."

23.
Ásmund speaks, as the sea runs
up over the battle-bark's sides:
"I alone shall be against eight men
working within the rail."

24.
"A paddle serves the paddle-tree
to bring day-meal to women
rather than in a gale bailing the ship
and stirring one paddle alone" —

25.
they laughed, that the helm-Þundr
thought such things to say:
"You turned now," said the ring-tree,
"all the way back to thralls."

26.
This came first in Friðþjófr's telling:
the woman was the prince's daughter —
the warrior said he would try
to lie in Rán's hall.

27.
Björn I heard answer the blade-reddener,
the paddle was raised in anger:
"You spend grief for another's woman —
you shall not say such a thing."

28.
"It is no such talk of grief," answered
this man boldly,
"though I gladden the race of men
in so sharp a sorcery-storm.

29.
It would show, if the sea saw us now,
that life seems better than death —
I would sooner kiss the woman than you,
the woman was mild with her wealth."

30.
The sea surged over Geitill's horse —
I can tell it as I knew it —
four of the men were taken there
to lose their lives in the billow.

31.
"Now it is certain to me," said the needle-Ullr,
"that good warriors die —
the gold can be seen in the grips
of the sea-maiden's guests."

32.
Men hacked the bright ring
from the woman given to this heir —
Fáfnir's men scrambled over the rail
when sliding was the way on the bark.

33.
They prayed that Baldr in the enclosure
would send the battle-storm away —
the wave of men ran under the rail,
straight as if it were calm.

34.
He climbed up to the sail-yard —
looked down from there into the grey —
the men asked the retainer then
what course the sail steered for.

35.
"I saw them there — two seiðr-women
with swords at the grey's elk;
more treachery than whoever sent them
so has Helgi proven to me.

36.
I expect now," said the metal-Þundr,
"that the men will get relief from this trick —
warriors break the back in two
of each of those witches.

37.
I shall steer," said the steel-Þundr,
"straight for the giantesses —
I shall break your back and legs in two
on these sly ones."

38.
Warriors had ridden the elm of the fire
this way of the battle —
bones cracked in those thick ones
before the prow of the river-stallion.

39.
The men could kill the witches —
full was the ship from the east —
hard had those warriors rowed
at the sail's float.

40.
Thanes bailed the dry ship —
a storm rose from land —
some drove the fish's road
reddened beside Friðþjófr to shore.

41.
The jarl sat there not far away —
Angantýr at the feast —
he paid honestly for wrong with right;
the warrior at his lord's bridle.

42.
I tell this then of the shield-Þundr —
at the hall he freed the mind —
the bold one met the veil-ground;
I heard the warrior spur it on.

43.
He bade men hold over the sea:
"They have enough to work at —
seven drive the rowing here,
but six here from east of the bark."

44.
I heard then that the jarl asked
the flier of Óðinn's tent:
"Tell me whether at sea or at the hall-floor
do you see men staying."

45.
"The retainers went nearer the shore,"
said the shaker of Ófnir's halls —
"Friðþjófr was there, when we rowed out —
brave — that is what I reckon."

46.
The jarl answered in the same moment:
"If the man Friðþjófr is known,
to them shall the wise weapon-Þund
certainly give it from my hand."

47.
A retainer I heard was surly toward the thane —
he serves the jarl long —
always hated the sword-rain;
he held eleven men.

48.
All of them took both sixes
as if speaking with one mouth:
"The wolf of Fenrir shall now before the flock
eat the flesh of flesh.

49.
The oath-taking shall be the retainer's proof,"
said the keeper of all treacheries —
"my intention is not hidden:
his life we shall seek."

50.
Sword and the foot-board of Hrumnir
the men took and the helmets —
they spoke then another word:
the wood-fire looked on the blades.

51.
There shall the famous vessel's sea rest —
the retainers donned their swords —
we rather hold our own way to that:
when the men come ashore.

52.
The enjoyer forced the strong
serpent's grips —
on this occasion he carried up six and three
men from the board of branches.

53.
He carried ashore the byrnie-hood,
the ship drove from the sea-flat —
he kindled fire for the champions
and cast his fury from himself.

54.
The sword-tree has the edge quenched —
the retainers began to warm —
he spread on it then the heavy sail —
sleep fell on the wealth's thorn.

55.
Then the sword-tree plans
to sleep as soon as he can —
but then came a noise with shout
and the other worse tumult.

56.
The viking came to Atli
while sleep rested on the thane —
"Wake now, warrior," said the fat one,
"and prepare yourself for the spear-rain."

57.
"Your vow," said the elm of Ófnir's lair,
"I have kept in mind" —
just such a sound he heard at the fool's side,
the wise ring-Baldr.

58.
"Friðþjófr shall not reach peace,
though he longed to wait for it" —
the pusher hit the swift one's brow —
the tree, ready to ride.

59.
"The bought one you shall not overwhelm us,"
the champion resolved to meet it —
"I dare to mix Boðn's river —
I challenge two and all."

60.
First came five and six
men to take the warrior —
helmets were not swung in the storm;
Hallvarðr I heard governed that.

61.
The blade-men I heard went home to the fortress,
the bright retainers —
the jarl offered feast to those honored men
and all the serpent's need of lodging.

62.
"That will I gladly receive now,"
said the thrower of a wealth of gold,
"ever the sea-woman robs
the spirit of bold retainers."

63.
The jarl led the wealth-tree
into the gleaming hall —
the ruler of men and the shield-Þund
seated himself next.

64.
The jarl learned of the journey then —
the flinger of Fáfnir's ground —
it seemed to Björn that he was ready to tell
the battle-storm's thrower.

65.
Friðþjófr sat there, Fáfnir's toil,
in company with bold men —
I shall let the wine of wisdom's meadow
pour there from Víðrir.

Ríma IV

Mansöngr. Return home. Framnes burned. Friðþjófr enters Baldrshagi and confronts Helgi. He retrieves Sólarring from Baldr's image and burns the sanctuary. Sea battle. Friðþjófr throws Sólarring into the sea. Five years of viking life. Disguise as a vagrant. Hringr's hall.

1.
I shall tell out of the mouth-hall
the noble drink of the gods —
the wise one listen, and the ríma I bid
go right in the fourth way.

2.
I ride Norðri's track,
out of the dwarf's bark-naustir —
I heard of Gangs' tidings that the jarl told
the noble sons of Þorsteinn.

3.
So it is told of me, from the Sogn estate —
the feast has honored the noble host —
the great lord, and he went forward
to speak to the young woman.

4.
"Who gave to the earth the grip's wealth,
lord," said the king, "so precious —
did you get gold from Þundr's storm-weather,
sweet one?"

5.
"Lay off the ring, Lofn
of the serpent-plain," said the sword-sharpener —
"a wealth-plank shall be all well placed,
though he gives you nothing."

6.
He went away through the ancient hollow —
the salmon of the land with his will —
I shall tell out of the ancient mouth-hall
with the sharp blade of the mind.

7.
Friðþjófr bade Fáfnir's feud
go away from his perch —
the needle-reddener fine and knowing
got his skull from the jarl.

8.
The men's chooser and the shield-Baldr
both parted well with tribute —
the spear-giver the flying host
of Fýrisvellir sowed.

9.
The man then at the sail-door
set it forward to the lagoon —
well he gave then the gold's staff
back to the Sogn coast.

10.
Friðþjófr looked and the bold host —
Framnes was then burned —
those brothers both had sacrificed
to Baldr, who had done this.

11.
The ring-Týr toward the Baldr's-hagi door
turned at the temple gate —
he went ashore with gleaming brand
the spear-breaker bright.

12.
"The king's ship," said the sword-tree,
"my thanes shall break —
Fáfnir's earth shall I the land's guard
deliver, however she fares.

13.
If you find that I am delayed
from out of the temple entirely,
then shall the fire tonight
be laid to the king's hall."

14.
The ring-tree went to the meeting of blades
to Baldrshofi he wished to go —
swift I heard the man step to Helgi
striking at his nose with fists.

15.
"You prince's servant," said the steadfast thane,
"to you I shall close the skull" —
the retainer strikes, so two teeth
flew out of the king.

16.
Very great outrages went out
on this wealth's destroyer —
Hálfdan I heard leapt in the moment
to seize his kinsman.

17.
Friðþjófr saw that the veil-Ná
was gone with the ring Sólarring —
the thane of the lady would from Fáfnir's coast
seize the wealth-prizes.

18.
Ófnir's people could get no hold
of the men on the ring's reddener —
the sea's fire has the witch-speech
fast clasped to herself hard.

19.
So far the warrior got from the land —
the sweat of the ring-serpent —
Baldr and Gautr at the fire went out
and neither saved the other.

20.
The fire reached close under the roof —
the temple began quickly to burn —
the wealth's giver found his host
and told them this matter.

21.
The prince's kin came from the timber —
to the warriors I heard him look —
he was so driven as a wolf loosed from the forest,
he who would bite everything.

22.
Helgi bade the host run swiftly
to avenge the foul work:
"A bow I want and three of blades —
I shall not hesitate to shoot."

23.
The warrior bent the bow and the string
burst before the wound-giantess —
Gautr of the shield in the reddening drove
the matter equally in this.

24.
"I shall tell it," said he who spoke then —
the blade-breaker bold —
"in Baldrshagi on that day
of the ring I met the Þrúðr.

25.
From the ring's Hnoss I got a sweet kiss —
the bride I shall remember for long —
two oars I then broke after —
the prince tightened the string."

26.
Helgi led each man to ship
who could hew with a blade —
the prince's men I heard all together
drove their ships from land.

27.
The men who shook their spears
swiftly shrank back from land —
there fell a heavy waterfall around the ferry
so the men sank.

28.
The prince's host turns back —
the spirit held, to the land —
the lord of Sogn lies in wounds —
he who could not reach this man.

29.
The sea's weather, where the oak was not tame,
the tree of the veil's listening —
the people learned where the spear-reddener
wished to hold from here.

30.
Friðþjófr wished, famous and mighty,
to learn the fish-roads —
"I shall harry and redden the hollow
in the hot blood of men."

31.
Three winters out of Sogn
sailed the sword-sharpener —
the cap-sea let the retainer
nowhere come to land.

32.
The spear-reddener held first through the sea
one ferry, Hafli's —
the bright flier of the sea-joy
began to gain a host and strength.

33.
He held then steadily in the eastern home —
the shaker of Ófnir's lands —
Friðþjófr alike has five in one
the toil of Fáfnir there spread wide.

34.
So was the warrior swift in attacks,
victory he got in every one —
he remembers now what the lady spoke
beside the world's serpent-diminisher.

35.
The gold-Þund at the same time
praises her, the Hildr of the sea-day —
he longs back and the gullet of the billow
the bark would swallow.

36.
The needle-Þund to Norway's ground
came one night in calm —
the retainer set at the helmet-cliff
the back of his head then at Sogn.

37.
The wound-tree's giantess bid him thus —
the beast of the rudder-elk —
the journey wished the treachery-worthy
repaid to Helgi first.

38.
A ready answer I trim for his
the Baldr of the serpent's wing:
"We shall not strike against those folds of sea —
straight, that is to nothing.

39.
The wave-creatures eastward into Vík —
I intend to hold there first —
the loves of the oak's secret
I want to see, the veil.

40.
Óðinn's net I shall give you, Björn," —
said the planter of Mæfill's ski —
"you will see mine then when the wicked pine
of the guarded one takes you to death."

41.
The staff-man's shelter the mild one sets
propping himself with arrows —
he walked slowly and found there quickly
the king's herdsmen.

42.
"Where are you from," said the hag-eel —
he was answered with ease:
"He will think the valley a clever old man —
why would he ask about such a thing?

43.
A great lord is our king —
Hringr shall the district name" —
"show me the way," said the weapon-tree,
"I want to aim at the hall."

44.
He went in where the court was sharp
and the lord sat over his drink —
the judgment-Vindill seemed deaf and blind,
heavy and stiff in the crowd.

45.
He scattered everything and always spat —
the ruler of the two hags —
the club put down to the knee —
the old man I heard always laid it.

46.
The lord merry at the hag looked
and turned a while to one side:
"You tell the name of the raven-feeder" —
the prince turned to the boy.

47.
The boy went to the Sogn warrior:
"You tell your name with ease,
and also where your ancestral land is —
I want to ask such things."

48.
"I am called Gíst," said the dart-twig,
"the wolf with a long cowl —
have you not heard that the path here leads
certainly called into Angr."

49.
Before the king's table, merry words
the old man began to say —
the prince bade now straight away
Þjófr to come to him.

50.
"He is sly," said the famous lord,
"he thinks to trick us —
I know in truth that his name
is half again as long as that.

51.
Tell me that he slept alone last night
without a boy on the cheek —
I have heard it that this district one
is certainly called Angr."

52.
The retainer made the hag's Njörðr
strike at the lord's word —
the old man was sick in chest and belly,
both from weariness and cough.

53.
I get this clear, that he went slowly —
he wanted often to spit —
the warrior was always lame and limping,
hard he propped himself with sticks.

54.
The lord called him, the one who long was pleased
low so one could barely hear —
"Now tell your background clearly," said the treasure-niðlung,
"your name and all your conduct."

55.
"Herþjófr, Eyþjófr I was called before,
Húnþjófr was I sometimes —
Friðþjófr often, when there arose a din
of the dart from the wealth-groves.

56.
Geirþjófr, Valþjófr I can call myself —
king, if you will hear it —
always when the course was aimed there,
the steels woke up blood."

57.
The niðlung answers the names of the hall
now with good bearing:
"Sit beside me — that befits you" —
the lord turned to Þjófr.

58.
"Hear me, king — I am the hall's outcast,
I have the staff-man's nature" —
alone, "I shall sit," said the wealth-worthy —
"somewhere else, if I could reach it.

59.
It hardly fits, lord the roof-eater,
the honor of the poor old man —
straight at the bench I burned the salt,
I carry reddened eyes for that."

60.
The prince bade the poor thane
take a seat beside the king:
"Lay down the cloak, the one now arrived —
a cape you shall receive."

61.
Þjófr I heard answer his excess:
"It is not mine to receive
a worthy seat, hear mild one —
among the free and the king."

62.
The king's words the Þorn's ridge
answered to this:
"It is greatly dangerous of the staff-man's lineage
to steer us to trouble.

63.
It is very bitter," said the thorn-rank,
"he should take a seat beside me —
here it goes poorly, that is my thought,
that the king treats others."

64.
The lord laughed at the rod of spears:
"Step out of the poor cloak" —
the surest stood there, shield-people,
in a scarlet kirtle.

65.
A byrnie hung, the sword by the side,
the ring was precious on the hand —
sorrowful to see was the queen then —
the warrior's voice she knew.

66.
The gold's guardian I heard sat down
between the seat and the king —
the queen's words were given to the prince —
all well she liked the sitting.

67.
There shall rest Þundr's kin —
close the dispute of doors —
certainly the warrior should now lace up the thong
of the roads of the salmon.

Ríma V

Mansöngr — extended praise of the beloved. Hringr speaks with Friðþjófr. The hunting ride. Hringr falls ill. His deathbed oath to Friðþjófr. Hringr dies. Friðþjófr keeps faith. Battle with Helgi — Helgi killed. Hálfdan submits. Friðþjófr becomes king of Sogn. Closing.

1.
Let the thorn-ride listen —
to you I will offer a mansöngr —
Galarr out of the hall, the mind's track will go
the warrior the fifth time.

2.
I will about the lily of the boat's house
Víðrir's toil establish —
the neck shall in the hall learn and turn
my wisdom dull and heavy.

3.
Byllag fill, who bade me this —
Björgólfr's swift woman —
I let the worthy verse-stallion
loose, if such shall win.

4.
I name Gefn of the serpent's space
now before every man —
I loved Gunnr of the fire-hound's realm
young in wisdom's hall.

5.
The chisel missed not, generous,
reckoning knowledge from books —
it is not for warriors untamed
to make mansöngr verse.

6.
That woman was rich with honor,
modest in this world —
greatest and most men will say her fame,
mild with the burned gold.

7.
The hollow was white and red outside —
the serpent's bright skin —
forward and skilled in the lovely sound,
that woman who knows to adorn.

8.
Peaceful and mild was the veil-Ná —
fair in all garments —
hair and brows are white to see
as befits wise women.

9.
The body was soft and the breast warm —
the breast-ring white as a lily —
the waist is fair, and men know this —
I will wish to sleep there.

10.
Her brow, her cheek and her gaze,
her jaw and the bright mouth
bears on every ring-woman more —
straight though more adorned.

11.
The woman I say like Freyja's tears
in the most womanly skill —
the locks of hair came down
along the fair woman's flanks.

12.
White to see, her hand and small,
on the Hildr of Fáfnir's cliff —
a host of men can get nowhere
a wiser woman than this.

13.
Whoever diminishes the wave-fire
of the ring-linden sees her sinew —
then the man of the steel knows
none of his own pains.

14.
The ridge was formed of cloak and needle —
the great one of all maidens —
the breaker beside the woman, the dart-tone —
both to live and to die.

15.
In this way loves the modest company
the dear ring-Baldr —
thinks the loyal ring-ground
he will miss him never.

16.
The fast love of children burst
both warrior and woman —
joy was ruined, when not sown
the Ullr and the gold-ring's Nanna.

17.
The oak cannot play at the sea's fire
often for her grief —
the woman's reddener, the famous steel,
a tear flowed from the eyelid.

18.
The sight-pond of Sjöfn was poured
of gold from a lake of tears —
the Ullr gets no gold bought back
the wealth-chisel with weeping.

19.
It is better to cut through the hold's ground
a ring with this strife —
let the oak play with the leaf-Þund
of the linen and the honor both.

20.
I wished Hildi a worthy word
chosen into this verse —
the wave-fire's salute — I wish the ring-ridge
to span every face.

21.
Softest stroke the mansöngr-branch
for me from wisdom's hall —
I sharpen this the Víðrir-dart
of wisdom first to words.

22.
I told the sons of Grímnir's deposit,
the mind — I do not wish to be silent —
while the forest of praying is few on the ground,
she cannot rejoice in this man.

23.
Surely this shaker of the weapon's grazing
of the wise mountain is at chess —
often was the past of the serpent-lands
especially skilled in speech.

24.
The prince turned to the Baldr ward:
"It was broad between those times —
you let the finest motra-oak
think to honor the lord.

25.
The sight dims now, without flaw —
I count you like to the strapping men —
I found no man more famous than you,
I never saw such a one before."

26.
The feast's ray-giver then wished
to seek eight boat-journeys —
the billow follows the false Gná
and the prince, and the shaker of swords.

27.
Flocked and not with false counsel known,
the journey over the icy worse —
the river's elfin thin roof trembles —
Þjófr I heard tell the lord.

28.
The thin bark of birch took well
to cracking straight in this —
forward to the king as smoke ran
the redness leapt of the wound-giantess.

29.
The grove I heard of the ground did little —
the serpent's touch taking herself to valor —
the chariot and the prince fell by once,
the timber and the earth in danger.

30.
"Good counsel, who follows you —
the flier of flour," said the lord,
"no one got earlier before me
the spear-defender and spoiler.

31.
Bold took not earlier me —
Friðþjófr though he prove it —
no warrior is equal to you,"
the prince turned to Þjófr.

32.
It seemed all for honor and dress
the lord to the worthy feast —
the lord receives, and I say this — grace,
the thong, as I can tell.

33.
Merry seeks the lord home —
the journey then went with mercies —
I kindle and I increase the verse from those
kings and from Þjófr both.

34.
The linden's track strode from out
the ugly hair of Viðr —
the lord now and the steel-Gautr
will entertain his life.

35.
The earth became especially green —
the oak stood with blossoms —
the court drew away from the king, keen
to keep the fellowship with honor.

36.
He said the witch at the sleep's glimmer
throwers of the king's speech —
"Ride home mild," said the ring-tree,
"king, to his halls."

37.
The lord lay and trusted Þjófr —
he fell asleep quickly —
the bark led far enough in the temple —
the hatred begins to fade.

38.
Good marrow was the gold-skin's swift
gift with the wound-serpents —
the king receives, and I say this — help,
to trust himself more than others.

39.
The elm of helmets pulled the wound-creature
Ull drew from the bonds —
"a wretch wide, if the niðlung betrays —
I shall be named in the lands."

40.
The river's shaker shakes the shield-Gautr —
the sky's darkening word-striker —
the blaze began to fly far out —
the sea's brand-giver.

41.
He said the witch, when the doze broke —
the bright one's thrower of speech —
"I know the clasp," and the crock lay —
the king offered then, "the steel."

42.
Ride then the glad one home —
the warrior and the merry king —
the raven-folk welcomed both of them;
Friðþjófr's name was revealed.

43.
He wished, the worthy — the spring's warrior —
to visit his own men —
loyal and knowing the dart-hedge —
the prince called and the woman.

44.
"A worthy lord and motra's enjoyment —
I will now go to ships —
a jewel for a kiss, I have thought out the lord's woman
forward to greet.

45.
I thank the girl in this way truly —
that I shall now give —
never the veil does the chisel intend
from this to seek above."

46.
"Friðþjófr I bid to be betrothed here" —
the prince resolved to say —
"I give you the Þrúðr of the weaving
and the lord's name honored."

47.
"I do not receive, king, this gift —
though I loved the timber —
before the precious one is buried in the grave
and the king is robbed of life."

48.
"The sun goes and I am most esteemed —
I shall die quickly —
best it is to betroth the bride to you,
and the men shall mound me."

49.
He ended his burned life —
the prince's noble bold one —
Njörðr made of the spear and the Lin
of gold as the king said.

50.
Friðþjófr went to the woman with valor —
each was content there with the other —
he rules both people and land —
colored with the wound-serpents.

51.
The famous brothers heard this —
Helgi grew wrathful —
the lord would stand up glad
and fall between them.

52.
The king gathers about the Sogn ground
the warrior-kind with shields —
he soon went to Friðþjófr's meeting
eager to rouse battle.

53.
The bold one seeks the dart-Týr
against the prince's sons —
the song of the blade's column grew in roar;
the shield was damaged before the spear.

54.
The bold earl before the javelins
bore no shield to the side —
the lord wished to meet him there,
the sword before he lingered.

55.
Well enough the brand bit the jarl —
in blood he reddened it out —
the blade's elm the lord saw —
the worthy prepared to hew.

56.
He clove with the leaf the king's body —
the byrnie-clad horse with saddle —
the lord would now still that movement
which stood from Fjölnir's root.

57.
The helm-elm has killed Helgi —
Hálfdan swore then oaths —
the lord's name honored
the niðlung gave him guidance.

58.
He had Hálfdan named now
this one, and the skull agreed —
he rules both rich and woman —
the king's name he received.

59.
Well I formed of Rín
the ground's tree-bark-linden —
the burned ring's Hlín
wove a byrnie for me in the wind.

60.
Óðinn's flood is not tamed
out in Sónar's falls —
I could not now tell in one
that I missed the woman's kisses.

61.
The bride's love tricks the warriors —
I cannot deny it to any —
precious and clear will the examples be fast,
Ná, and I shall remember them long.

62.
Let warriors praise no less
his life-gain to imitate —
the warrior swift if the one who earned them
draws back and steps away thus.

63.
May the people drive from their heart
hatred with a multitude of sins —
I prayed that the anger would not be turned on me —
the shame of god and of men.

64.
May the rod of the mouth-Hárs stand still —
I told the whole story —
I let the street-lock of the harm close,
the verses shall fall there.

Colophon

Friðþjófsrímur — The Rímur of Friðþjófr is a five-ríma Old Icelandic cycle based on Friðþjófs saga ins frækna, the saga of Friðþjófr inn frækni (Friðþjófr the Bold). The cycle survives only in AM 604 C, a manuscript in the Arnamagnaean Collection. The text was edited in Rímnasafn, Vol. I (Copenhagen, 1905–1922) by Finnur Jónsson, following L. Larsson's 1893 edition of Friðþjófs saga, with corrections by Professor B. M. Olsen and Dr. H. Sperber. The normalized text presented here is based on that edition.

The rímur follow the saga closely, covering: the love of Friðþjófr for Ingibörg, daughter of King Beli of Sygnafylki (Sogn); the refusal of Helgi and Hálfdan; the sea-voyage to Orkney through a witches' storm; the return to find Framnes burned and Ingibörg wed to King Hringr; the years of exile and viking life; the disguise at Hringr's court; the deathbed of Hringr and Friðþjófr's faithful oath-keeping; and the final battle, Helgi's death, and Friðþjófr's kingship.

The cycle is notable for its extended mansöngr passages, particularly Ríma V, which devotes twenty-one stanzas to the beauty of the beloved before returning to the narrative. The kenning system is rich throughout, and some stanzas remain difficult due to OCR damage in the source material; the translation represents independent readings from the Old/Middle Icelandic.

Source text: Rímnasafn, Vol. I, pp. 411–450. Sole manuscript: AM 604 C. Scribal note: Some stanzas carry significant OCR corruption; where the text is uncertain, the translation follows the saga narrative and parallel kenning structures.

Good Works Translation — translated from Old/Middle Icelandic by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.

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Source Text

Friðþjófsrímur — I

I.

1. Gomlis feng skal eg gumnum tjå / greina framm af skjóma, / höldar bið eg að hlýði á / hljóða rödd, og góma.

2. Farkost hefr eg Fjalars í smíð, / fjörlausn þeira bræðra, / mín stí er mér allvel úð, / ei fær verkir, æðra.

3. Skal eg svo hika upp skála þann, / skornis fengr er inni; / læsig ekki ljóða rann / lengur fyst að sinni.

4. Það er mér leitt að þegja enn, / því mun eg halda lengi; / helzt vil eg fimha um heiðna menn, / því þrænir þeira imgi.

5. Þar skal inn fyrsti Fjölnis bekkr / af fróðleiks bergi stökkva, / dögling alli dýr og þekkr / dun þann, er ormar klökkva.

6. Beli hét þessi bragning gildr, / bækur þann veg skyra, / sá hefr fengið sí kling mildr / Sygnafylki að stýra.

7. Sonuna átti tiggi traustr / tvo og dóttur eina, / forðum hefr sá fylkir hraustr / framið að rjóða fleina.

8. Helga skal eg og Háldan með / hilmis arfa nefna, / báðir kunnu brodda veðr / bragnings synir að stefna.

9. Ingibörg hét öðlings mær, / æst var kongsins barna, / bauga Ná var björt og skær / beint sem leiðar-stjarna.

10. Höldum gaf sú hringa fron / hrannar bál og klæði; / blanda skal eg af Boðn og Són / böls verks varra flæði.

11. Þann veg eyk eg Þundar lið, / Þorstein nefni eg þessi; / fáz mun trautt í fornum síð, / frægri maðr en þessi.

12. Forðum hefr hann falka og hrafn / fellt á vopna starfi, / frægstum er hann því forðum jafn, / Friðþjófr hét hans arfi.

13. Þessi sonr tók halla mildr / höldum gull að veita, / furðu var hann frækn og gildr / fetla snakar að beita.

14. Friðþjófr bar svo flesta ment / fast af heiðnum þjóðum, / réð sem af eiri rautt og brent / Rinar grjót í sjóðum.

15. Björn heft' frægstr við brodda hreim / bariz með þessa arfa, / fræðla eg Ásmund fylgdi og þeim / Fjalars á Ullar karfa.

16. Hefr einn garpr við hjörva regn / hrafna satt á tafni, / höskan skal eg þann hilmis þegn / Hilding merkja að nafni.

17. List bar þessi lomungs þegn / langt af bændum öðrum; / hann hefr beitt við brodda regn / björtum unda nöðrum.

18. Get eg það enn fyr göfgri drott / greint með orða knifi, / stillis frú tók sterka sótt, / stal hún frá henni lífi.

19. Hlynr bauð jötna heim til sín / hilmis dóttur orða; / fáz mun trautt að frásögn mín / fegri gullaz skörðu.

20. Friðþjófr var þar frækn og þrúðr / að fóstri ekki lengi, / áðr en heim kom hringa þrúðr, / halla búð við drengi.

21. Handar svell og hrannar bál / hringa Lin gaf þjóðum / alskært dun og léða mál / orms úr fögrum sjóðum.

22. Friðþjófr varð og fylkis mær / frægð að sóma mestum, / læt eg að þau lægiz nær, / leynt var það fyr flestum.

23. Hlíf er góð í hjörfa þey / að hrumnings blað níu ilja; / Friðþjófr vildi við fylkis mey / feginn aldrig skilja.

24. Hilmir fekk ei Fáfnis arf / fríðri drótt að veita, / varð að þverra veislu starf / virða grams ins teita.

25. Veislu gjörði Vikings niðr / visi í þriðja hausti; / kunnr var mér sá kappans siðr, / kóngs var hann vinr inn trausti.

26. Stillir hitti sterka sótt, / stefnir að sér báðum / Háldani og svó Helga skjött, / hann hefr þá mart í ráðum.

27. Öðling talar við arfa sín / og ætlar ráð að kenna: / "sækir að mér sólun mín, / sú mun líf mér spenna.

28. Þið skuluð elska þýða drótt, / Þorstein þessi báðir, / Friðþjófs, verðr og fylgið gott, / flestar styðja hann dætur.

29. Gjörið þér þat, þegar griman líðr, / við glamm, þó að eg mun deyja, / mér gagnværi," kvað milding fríðr, / "munn þér Þorstein heyja".

30. Eptir fríðlig fylkis ráð / framm steig kongrinn brendi, / syskin erfðu silfr og láð, / sút bar þeim að hendi.

31. Heygðu kong við fjörðinn framm / fjöldi aura dolga, / unir hann um það ilsku glamm, / æpa Hrönn og Kolga.

32. Þessu næst tók Þorsteinn brått / þunga sótt og stranga, / frækn bauð hann og fólkið káttr / Friðþjóf til sín ganga.

33. Hringa talar við hreysti og dáð / hlynr fyr arfa sínum: / "vaska fylgd og vitrlig ráð / veittum kongum þínum.

34. Vel segið mér," kvað þessi hraustr, / "hugr um atferð þína"; / framm steig Þorsteinn, þegninn traustr, / Þjassa orðin skína.

35. Höldar gjörðu gildan haug / af grjóti og storum eikum; / seggir fengu svörtum draug / sverð og gull að leikum.

36. Haugs-dyr frá eg að huldi steinn, / Hrönn gekk yfir að flæðum; / Friðþjófr ermi Framnes einn, / Fáfnis dun með klæðum.

37. Elliða hefr hann agætt skip / íttt og hringinn Skrauta, / Angurvadill segir æstan grip / allra Vikings-nauta.

38. Friðþjófr þessi fæg eg þat greint / hann framdiz snild og dáðum, / listir bar hann og lyndum hreint / langt af kongum báðum.

39. Hann var ríkr og rísnu-samr, / rífr af Fáfnis láði, / vænn og sterkur, vitr og framr, / varð honum alt að ráði.

40. Veislu þágu að vápna Þund / vísir arfar báðir; / bræðrum fylgdi fríðigt sprund; / Friðþjófr vann þeim náðir.

41. Mærin talar við Ingjalma Þund, / má eg það fullvel skyra: / "þú átt," kvað dýrast dregla grund, / "digrum hring að stýra".

42. Drengrinn anzar dyrri mey, / drjugt varð þeim um kossa: / "ekki hef eg við odda þey / aflað slíkra hnossa".

43. "Frétta eg hitt að faðir þinn hné, / fekk það mörgum nauðir; / þeir hafa lönd og lausafé / er lifa, en ekki dauðir".

44. Hringinn seldi hjálma Þundr / Hildi Fáfnis teiga; / "sentu mér," kvað Laufa lundr, / "ef leytiz þér að eiga".

45. Fljóðið tók þann fríða hring / af frægum reyni spjóta, / annan seldi hún Fáfnis þing / jú handa grjóta.

46. Góðr var hringr, er garprinn ríkr / göfgri jungfru seldi, / engi fanz þá annar slíkr / í öllu Noregs veldi.

47. Vís er eg þess að veislu þraut, / virðum má eg það greina, / helt með kongum heim á laut / hringa Jörð og steina.

48. Friðþjófr gjörðiz fár og hljóðr, / fretti Björn hvað olli; / síðan gat það geira rjóðr / greint fyr vápna þolli.

49. "Hugr minn leikur hverja stund / á Hildi Fáfnis láða"; / "förum, vilt þú," kvað fleina lundr, / "og freistum slíkra ráða".

50. Brands fanntollr í bragnings baug / báða fylkis arfa; / þeir hafa jafnan þráð að draug; / þungt er slíkt að starfa.

51. Friðþjófr kvað við kónga þá, / kænn við list og frægðir: / "boðorð vek eg við baugaNá, / byð eg ykkur mægðir".

52. Hálfdan tók en Helgi fyrr / þessi andsvör veita: / "hvísaztu ekki heima kyrr / heldr en slíkt að leita?

53. Dragstu í burt með dramb og skjal; / dírrn er slíkt hin mesta, / nökkur mundi höld eða hal / hilmis dóttur festa".

54. "Réð skulu slík ei ráðin myrk / ræsir vor í milli, / yðr veiti eg þá öngvan styrk," / anzaði drengrinn stilli.

55. Friðþjófi segig ei færi nær, / feldi gleði við þetta; / sat hann um kyrt og sæmdir fær, / sörgum tók að ljetta.

56. Smíðeg ei lengur fyrðum far / Fjalars, ef þetta tyniz; / Gauts sær varra gleymi eg þar; / gripi hverr, er sýniz.

Friðþjófsrímur — II

[Source text for Ríma II follows the edition in Rímnasafn, Vol. I, pp. 419–425.]

Friðþjófsrímur — III

[Source text for Ríma III follows the edition in Rímnasafn, Vol. I, pp. 426–434.]

Friðþjófsrímur — IV

[Source text for Ríma IV follows the edition in Rímnasafn, Vol. I, pp. 434–442.]

Friðþjófsrímur — V

[Source text for Ríma V follows the edition in Rímnasafn, Vol. I, pp. 443–450.]

Source Colophon

Source: Finnur Jónsson, ed., Rímnasafn: Samling af de ældste islandske rimer, Vol. I (Copenhagen: Samfund til udgivelse af gammel nordisk litteratur, 1905–1922), pp. 411–450. Based on AM 604 C. Edited after L. Larsson's 1893 edition of Friðþjófs saga with corrections from B. M. Olsen and H. Sperber. The source text used here is the OCR of Rímnasafn Vol. 1 from the Internet Archive (identifier: rimnasafn_vol1); source file: vol1_source/13_fridthjofsrimur.txt.

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