Sörli has now his raiding —
listen, people, to my works;
warriors held to the herring-fields;
ships blanketed Þrandheimrfjörðr.
Ríma I
(Mansöngr)
I rashly think in the wise hall
Óski's finding would delight —
though I rave and clatter and squawk,
that is no entertainment.
I seemed to speak much before —
most so when I was younger;
now silence takes hold of me hardest —
she is heavier than a sister.
The wealth of foreign lands and fair women,
adorned with blossom and bloom,
sit about that loose life —
it is dressed with foul harm.
I compose no love-verse —
yet I remember the dear one, pleasant;
for it can betray the soul —
I see it breeding trouble.
Men need much entertainment
if learning is not lacking —
stories and chess and swimming with pleasure,
forests with dance and song.
All that is so artful,
when played with splendor —
stories and chess with song composed —
strings lull the people to sleep.
So I can barely strike a verse —
I know that for truth;
when warriors get their rímur,
it is raised up against the dance.
They gape upward and talk loudly
and scarcely watch themselves;
men dance and stumble swiftly
if my verse is heard.
Men know better in such things —
true is my claim:
when I raise the rímur-sport,
each one pulls to himself.
Therefore I will not be silent,
more shall then be thought of —
let us bring instead the ancient tale
where warriors redden spears.
Now shall I strike a fair verse
and bend words in meter —
for I am moved to tell of deeds
of the men of ancient days.
(Narrative)
Before the Uplands ruled a forward king —
Erlingr let us call him;
worthy was that king of Norway,
nimble to direct sword-meeting.
So was this prince famous,
forward and golden with honor —
the fine retinue drank most days
fair wine with honor.
Rich in wealth and honorable,
and earnest at the wound-rod —
there was found then no more famous lord
throughout the northlands.
This lord was lordly —
swift and sharp in the crags —
ready for victory in bright warfare,
to break the wolf in quarrels.
The king had a wise wife —
as it has been brought to me here —
he raised up with happy life
a famous heir for himself.
The king's son was named Sörli —
he was forward in all sports;
this glorious one the poet will direct —
he feeds wolves on roasts.
Sörli is said to be great and strong
and swift in all ordeals;
the king's son bore [himself] kind and notable —
tutored by clever champions.
This is told me of Sörli moreover —
he needs no urging —
he chose fine young men for himself,
heirs of landed men.
It was told me that Sörli held
his warriors glad;
there was found none in Norway's realm
a more famous man.
Then was this king's son
fifteen winters old
when it came most into his mind
to harm a grim war-host.
The king's son let a host be readied —
brave warriors and sharp —
strongly he bade his champions
turn powerfully to the shore.
Sörli set laws for his host —
such things a warrior may improve:
alone [he bids] to face at no side
where two can be met.
None shall call cowardly words
and none shall shrink in fear;
he bade none to give way at all —
where fierce fighters strive.
No man of the lord
shall leave a wife behind;
let each who is glad to serve the prince
endure — neither woman nor son.
With honor Sörli's host lived —
I say those famous warriors —
warriors never broke an established peace;
no sail was ever lowered.
Let it be noted for men yet —
the fine arts of warriors —
neither did the king's men flee
from fire or bitter blades.
Never would the host of strong Sörli
hold to harbors —
unless they stirred the spear-magic
and kept the works of valor.
The lord would not strive with children —
they gave women quarter;
they took headlands very wide —
the lord's fierce host.
Sörli went on raiding quickly —
his way and honor grew;
here I shall end this part —
warriors know the true tale.
Ríma II
Sörli has now his raiding —
listen, people, to my works;
warriors held to the herring-fields;
ships blanketed Þrandheimrfjörðr.
So it bore out around Agðanes —
weather grew foul and sea broke on flats —
when they came to the right roads [open sea],
it began to roll in green swells.
From the north the wind began growing —
there was no hindrance to sailing now;
going forward before Staðr and Stim —
the prince's people were glad and nimble.
The boards slid hard before Bjorgvin [Bergen];
the wave began to play hard;
ships pressed south before the sands —
the sea drove against the ship's prow.
The prince's men grew clever —
so he bade them tighten all the bonds;
they grabbed the ropes all at once,
glad as if they had endured rage and men.
The sail hauled hard so it held against the reef —
the sea poured on the rush of men;
the bonds wound and the ocean roared —
within the boards, with doves still.
Men went back in the stern
and cleared the ship's forward part;
ships rowed well enough —
the woven cloth flew up against the mast-collar.
The gust of ocean tested the men —
men held the strong ropes —
then Sörli gave his warriors
woven gold and mighty drink.
The wind crashed and the ships groaned,
made them run a long road —
there where the storm and the fierce squall
capsized waves over many a man.
The rudders shook and the bonds bent —
great hollow waves drowned lands;
the mast trembled and the yard bent;
the blue wave swallowed the ship's prow.
No man saw such sea-drift —
it steered toward east of the Vík;
men held the anchor in nothing —
east then the ships bore into the sea.
Ships bailed themselves —
so my informant makes me wise;
so it went for men a time
until they came into the Belt's sound.
Denmark lies on both sides —
the king's son gave Þjassi's word [the challenge];
the host then struck shore greatly —
Sörli's war-king's axe went there.
Peace was little south of Sealand —
the burnished sword traded with swords;
a man was struck straight as a cow —
the host that came new against them.
Men about Fyn endured great shame —
many gained loss of gold;
there was little restrained shore-striking —
the farmer-man endured badly.
Then the lord kept east into the sea —
not late when the wind gave —
raiding went about the islands out —
folk bent there with sorrow.
Men of war throughout the Eastern Salt [Baltic]
feared Sörli's name everywhere;
every child knows his name —
it is told here as far as France.
One sea-stronghold [Siaborg] was set by the court —
the prince had heard of it —
Sörli went then with his men
and attacked it with valor yet.
This stronghold was splendid and proud;
there was both silk and adornment —
ember-red gold can be found there —
men want to gain wealth.
This was told me so truly —
so much refined gold was burned [there] —
all manner of wealth and gold enough —
I heard plenty in the stronghold to see.
There was found no other stronghold there
more excellent than this one —
the king's courage and longing grew —
there is no choice but to leave it not.
The assault became terrible then —
from above on land and below from sea;
slings flew swiftly in place —
shot scattered wide there.
Arrows-men brought fire into the stronghold —
from that men got their sorrow;
the towers burned, fine at first —
the people were then eager for quarter.
The fire wasted very much land —
hall-destruction was lit for men;
the blaze stood up to heaven —
never was such fire in any land before.
Fire gnawed through the secured beams —
it consumed men and swallowed cattle;
so the flame grew with hunger and greed —
it swallowed all it could reach.
Stone and earth the eating fire tore —
never did it get enough for that;
as if everything were given it to eat —
the flame never settled satisfied.
Every house burned as one —
nowhere was anything sheltered;
the other troop leapt out to sea —
the other the flame swallowed as it slept.
Some fled the host to the swords outside —
so I heard their sorrow ease;
unevenly was the men-folk killed —
the mill-stronghold was entirely destroyed.
Small-land [Småland] was quieted with sword —
some folk were choked by fire;
the Kurland folk and the Kylfinga host —
fire cut the Kjalr ones asunder.
The stockade stood on islet-bonds —
dukes and counts tested the land;
earls could not hold out —
no raiders' men gained quarter.
Every man who was weary of life
sought the king who ruled Denmark;
this attack was discovered for him —
how the folk had been greatly harassed.
After the spent dart-clamor
the lord got victory and ample gold —
ships laden as the boards bore;
the wind came then, fair.
Vikings were given scarcely rest —
worthy words flew from Sörli;
kings feared his bravery and host —
every man was dead where Sörli went.
Men therefore feared the weapon-rush —
death seemed worse than life;
men seemed to need the prince scarcely —
few were then eager for death.
The ræsir held toward Hlésey —
I have heard that in truth —
they put to sea the vessels there
and then sought up on the island.
Men saw there six warships —
glory-material grows from such things;
one dragon was so precious to see —
warriors could not get its like.
Quickly it was said to Sörli —
they saw a fine thing lying —
he bids the awnings be struck from it:
"I want to see whether I like it."
Rán's stag is powerfully fastened —
rowing is taken up about the island to the west —
Sörli spoke when he saw that ship:
"Such a thing I would want to have."
The anchor they hauled out over the side —
I later heard the king's words;
all little Óðinn's finding fails —
it is not empty to rím longer.
Ríma III
Men bring two tales —
each sounds its own way;
men are now rather close at hand
if my verse is heard.
I will name yet a fine king
before the men —
therefore I shall recite of the ancient ones —
few will avenge them.
The prince was greatly powerful —
he ruled all Denmark;
found nowhere so brave in valor —
a man in a clever host.
I can scarcely entertain men —
I know that with myself;
Hálfdan I name that king —
he has a queen.
Never would that Jutland-lord
hear cowardly words;
he is both fierce and forward —
and nimble at the battle-blade-stilt [horse? spear?].
Measured and trained is the ræsir well —
counseled to win deeds;
fame and plenty I count the prince —
and nimble at the firm blade.
Hróar-spring is the place called —
King Hálfdan sits there;
he is said a brave man —
very great and wise.
The lord has had for himself two famous heirs of prowess:
the first was called Högni quickly,
and Hákon's name must be told.
Hákon was with honor and cleverness —
nimble at all manner of skills;
he supports the king's rich bounty
as befits good knights.
Clever he can ride away —
trained at chess and swimming —
tame with sword and speaks with courtesy —
his tongue in many a way.
Pleasant is he to every child —
ready in the hall to sport —
the king's son bore honor hard —
wisdom's breast in his heart.
Högni is the elder king's son —
he is a man of prowess;
more men found that dearest in mind —
he is kind and glad.
So is he rich at men's company —
never does he spare gold —
nimble at shooting and forward with sword —
and so gained full dignity.
So was he strong that the prince's men
none could withstand him;
though he took twelve at once,
they got falls from wands [swords].
Warriors shall know that truly —
from famous champions —
he had the advantage of a man of prowess
over all north of the sea.
The mild one had many precious things —
great they were to see;
none was on the lord's ship
equal to what can be found there.
Carved and painted were the bright boards —
the knees guarded with silver —
and about the gunwale gold was worked
and hard carved stones.
Pillars ran up from the gunwales —
hammered fair and gilded —
it can be called a work and not a fluke —
filled with such artistry.
Everything painted was fastened to the floor
and embraced with red gold;
the head was changed with blossom
and prepared with full dignity.
The prow-boards were of finer workmanship —
fair were the prow-spales;
they stood up from the stern-realm —
the prows very handsome.
The heads on the lord's dragon
were set straight as if alive;
the gaping mouth leapt at the harbor-crest [waves]
and ever stirred itself.
The tongue seemed as if pulled out
and took much to playing —
living silver in the jaw-hollow
knew how to wander wide.
So was this sea-stallion
put together with many a kind of goodness;
a carbuncle was chosen for it
to come in both eyes.
So was the sail on the sound's hirð [retinue]
put together with silk and cloth —
that it surpasses the bloom and brightness
of both silver and well.
Stately seemed the wind-ship —
prepared with silver woven —
all was the sea-sought gift —
the sail hung with cloth.
I cannot give it quite so rightly told
that it was proven better yet —
the bonds wound with firm silver
in this sail were.
The strong ship let the prince have
strings wound with silver;
prepared with gold the bonds may be seen
between the boards and the mast-collar.
When she was wrapped in sail —
it seemed likely to be
as if lightning moved in the air
or a burning fire were coming.
The anchors follow, very great —
even as boulders in weight;
wherever Lord Hálfdan went —
every man's tongue praised him.
Men reported to the lord that —
peace is light in the land;
the prince wanted straightway
to overthrow this harm.
An adorned dragon and five ships
the lord arrayed from the land;
the king follows with a fierce war-host —
each one with a golden brand.
All were upward at once —
when the king needed men of power;
when the lord's men fought —
each made himself ready as another.
Men stepped onto the adorned ships
with iron-rimmed shields;
now the king wants on a long road
to turn the sea's gate.
The king raided all summer —
he lulled most war-kings;
so the king let his ship-horses
swim over the salt.
Three summers and those winters
the king lay out;
the folk got peace then better —
the land was free then.
Once each year the king held
west under Hlésey;
I heard warriors were not unchecked
fastening the sea's gate there.
In that way this winter passed —
with that also the mild summer —
the raiding-tale is told better here —
when Hálfdan went to strife.
Ríma IV
Forward shall be set the fourth tale —
warriors hear the verse quickly;
Sörli asked of the host loudly:
"Who owns the golden dragon with power?"
The marshal answered, greatly wise —
in the prince's words there where he sits —
whose lord's brand bites —
bright and clear and fair of color.
"Hálfdan he is called, a mighty lord —
none like him is found in Denmark;
he feeds bloody the hound's bones —
he is straightway like a fierce fighter."
It was told me that Sörli bade
his troop — they were not timid:
"I shall cause the lord's death —
or I lose my life and wealth."
"Do not stir that spear-magic —
the lord is the cause of no one's guilt;
nimble is he at sword-battle —
though bent now at later age."
"Let no hindrance of words," said the wealth-ruler,
"or any battle come;
it befits worthily the dart-Baldr
such a good dragon and old age."
"Hear this, prince, very wise —
do not urge being so angry;
the dragon is precious and the lord good —
accustomed to steering the Danish people."
Sörli answered his troop —
he says then nothing from weakness:
"You shall have other enough —
we must quickly end the errand.
This I swear by the powerful woman —
there shall be dart-rush here;
men shall cleave hard shields —
the king's life is very old."
"Lord Sörli, listen to this —
what hope you have in that —
you will get an earnest amount of violence —
the lord shall have vengeance."
"The lord has gotten two heirs —
none get more famous than them;
they will redden the blue brand,
if the lord comes to a cold one [death]."
"Men shall cleave skulls and teeth —
they strike with both hands at once —
every man praises Hákon —
Högni is far beyond other men."
"Never have they placed themselves so
above gods and men to see —
I shall get the dragon with force
and so reach the king's life."
Sörli urged his troop:
"Attack the king hard and quickly —
now shall we test warriors' courage —
for us shall be counseled an abundance of gold."
This shall now be told to men:
King Hálfdan spoke thus:
"Let it be said of Sörli —
that sharp men are on the dragon."
"We are told that Sörli is
a man greedy for quarter still greedy for wealth —
before I shall crawl cold on my knees
rather than know how to draw myself into hiding."
"Shield little and hack fast —
there shall be dart-cast here;
I would rather the blade burst first —
the sharp iron shall now bite."
Warriors woke the hard battle —
rowing was taken up at the dragon quickly —
I heard much rushing out from the strakes —
sometimes bright war-gear was ruined.
King Sörli with his men
attacked the dragon with valor yet —
men cleaved skulls and teeth —
struck and laid both at once.
The troop was said steadfast on the dragon —
warriors performed feats of valor —
helms cleaved and shields flew —
the host was full enough with arrows lodged.
Arrows flew most of all —
the red breast of men was made —
many got from the great shower
harm — so that was very plain to see.
This was a fierce dart-clash —
the sword-bites were sharpened;
every byrnie held against the tearing —
ravens drank the red color.
Champions fell and blades burst —
biting sword gnashed in helms —
the battle went so fiercely —
Hrungni's boards [shields] clenched together fast.
None can tell all as it was —
the blows men gave each other;
the sharp brand that Sörli bore —
cut straight through the middle of bodies.
Never did Hálfdan spare his sword —
many a man had to give up life;
few men had a fair choice of quarter —
ravens flew eager in flocks.
King Hálfdan struck so swiftly —
each had to guard his life;
so the king's fine sword clove
the kindred of men so blood fell wide.
It was very hard on men's ordeal there —
none came away from there;
I heard all of the lord's journey ended —
[they] ended life with honor and splendor.
The lord stood in the stern alone —
his color took then the clean brand;
a dart flew nearer to him —
the prince's shield burst at the stone.
Men got no peace at all —
the lord toppled bodies downward;
Sörli bids the noble men:
"Sit while we two grapple against each other."
Sörli went at the king quickly —
then they fought from valor;
I heard there a hard abundance of blows —
hot blood fell on arrows quickly.
Hálfdan defended himself hard with valor —
the battle was hard, worthy of kings —
it went to Sörli's will and desire —
[Hálfdan] yielded quarter and gave mildly.
Hálfdan's sword then burst asunder —
hard was that dart-meeting;
dead-hoped lay the dart-grove —
the Danish lord burst in victory's Pundr [failed at victory].
Sörli then clove the king's helm —
so that fair wound-palm —
the sword sang against the battle-psalm —
the axe-clamor sounded high.
The prince bowed with great honor —
the brain-stronghold [skull] was fled of life;
the king's valor shall be judged among warriors —
the lord's fame was all well praised.
Sörli spoke to his men then:
"The king's vengeance goes now as it may —
the lord's fall shall be told to the Jutes —
and let us find a settlement."
Long after the dart-ordeal
Sörli steered the dragon away —
with that the famous prince received
a fair victory and world's splendor.
There shall be told to men:
Sörli met two brothers;
he offered gold so abundantly
that champions might speak it upward [praise him].
Sörli then offered the two brothers
bright wealth and refined gold —
to go out throughout Asia's sea —
and never turn homeward.
"That shall be a harvest for men —
will you receive Freyja's tears [gold]?
Your road need not be so high [demanding]
that our fame be thereby diminished."
The champion bids men a settlement —
Sörli found words so guarded:
"If the king would keep better rings —
I want brothers settled by counsel."
Högni answered the king loudly:
"Gold is not scarce in the lands —
to that am I eager to fight quickly —
we shall redden brands together."
The king [Högni] spoke to Sörli then:
"Gather a host as you can find —
I will get here the most I can —
this battle shall be great.
Franks and Saxons — two peoples —
shall go with us to battle yet;
the Wends' host and Gallic men
shall be ready all at once.
You shall then prove how it goes —
there comes the whole Flemish host;
the Varangians' host from farthest reaches
bears fair brand and shield's point.
Prepare your host and the best ships —
I bid you to Óðinn's island [Samsø];
that one I bid to be called hound and grey
who hinders this weapon-thaw [battle]."
Högni seemed war-ready —
his battle-cry was said deep:
"Let us redden iron and many a fight —
the matter shall grant us victory."
Sörli answered the king loudly:
"Nowhere shall men be lacking for us —
Norsemen live with the greatest force —
all shall follow me quickly.
I trust the Finns shall follow me —
most have arrows for themselves;
they shall meet many against you —
the iron itself was made by Greir.
Many a Háleygir man helps us —
he fights there swiftly where the slaughter falls;
gold can waste the valley of men —
from that the chest of the heart is wasted.
Horðar fight hard and often —
the Rygjars' host, my middle half;
the Sygnir prove their hardiness —
their swift strength, where the host gathers wide.
Erlingr shall then, all of you —
the king of the Upland men see;
champions shall reach pale [deaths] —
he alone fights against the new moon and three.
Go out to the ocean-sea —
I come straight at summer there;
let each remember that the brand bore —
the mild lord Hálfdan struck."
I shall not tell the warrior's counsel further —
the angry kings parted then;
men can now hear and see —
nowhere is it quiet in the land.
All the lord's host answered:
"Every victory is counseled for us —
let us risk how the prince fares —
that shall befall most of us."
Sörli held north to Norway —
pressing on the ship's board —
the champions got word then —
they were eager for friends' killing.
Not long about that matter —
all are ready to redden steel —
Norway's host with the sea-cattle's fire [gold]
is nearest ready to send steel.
Men held west over sea —
Samsø met those timbers then;
there I have heard that Högni lay —
he was ready to go to battle.
Ríma V
This is straight as I can explain —
if I want to think on it —
I bid brave men to hear yet:
Högni and Sörli meet.
Very many vessels by Óðinn's island
warriors made fast at once;
I raise there quickly the fifth tale —
so warriors hold it in memory.
Sharp words over the ship's boards
the famous kings declared;
this I have heard, who spoke plainly —
men listened on the sea.
"Here I will yet — so men hear —
offer Högni a settlement:
free quarter and my host
rather than redden round-rims."
"Gentle and soft shall be your host" —
Högni answers from courage —
"for that I swear I nowhere bear
King Hálfdan in a pail [will pay for him cheaply]."
"I tell you from myself —
the roots of hatred swell;
it is rather late on the stained stone
to collect a better father's payment."
Sörli gave answer against that quickly:
"Such is to be expected of you —
your road is though, if you grieve,
to receive a settlement from me."
Loudly with force speaks Högni then:
"Hear this, Sörli the strong —
ready yourself quickly and let us fight
and let us plant our banner on land."
The king's trumpet said proud —
a victory-cry gave out and shout —
the finest warrior against the lashing string [bow? sword?]:
a noble heart-stall never fell.
They went on land with gleaming brand —
champions clad in byrnie —
helms guarded men's life —
adorned with pure gold.
The men's troop broke shields —
shot with spears, howling;
threw from the valley a dart-shaft —
[the arrows] cried out high.
The shower of arrows flew quickly at swords —
a spear hummed against a shot;
a man's shield before a spear-life [spear]
rushed against the dart's root.
With blade-points into the byrnie-ring
the bow began driving fast;
the shot was hard and quickly struck —
shield and plate burst.
The troop grows pale and the coward's fear
stood for warriors in the heart;
the storm of bow-sounds gave a fierce new one [impact] —
so the bright helms break.
An excellent people stood on the ground —
girded with sharp brands;
the shot held fast against shields' bursting —
the shot rang high in round-rims.
The battle burst with round-rims' cast —
the host struggled over the plain;
Hákon fought most from bravery —
the battle was entirely hard.
The Halrin-one [Hákon] went — he who gained bravery —
hard out from his host —
the helm-strap struck before blows' coming —
the host raged to that memory.
Hákon's sword bit neck and garment [byrnie] —
I heard [men] lose life;
the host [split] asunder, dart-grove [warrior] —
[Hákon] gained great glory to show.
The king's sword then began the blue brand
to cut men straight;
the men who Hákon wielded
are rather slow in the telling.
The wolf ran — he was fiercely keen —
very eager at battle;
I heard the wound-stream broke the people —
the swollen ones came there.
The raven stirred when swiftly the feed was given —
I heard eagles screamed high;
then many a wolf-man drank
the warrior's wound-fill.
Eagle and she-wolf gulped swallowing —
howling began the corpse to welcome;
Fenrir bit there where the troop fell —
it went well enough for them.
The whole host — brave at heart —
pressed hard at the battle —
there must be hacked yet on the wound-sword —
I heard many a warrior fell.
Then in the hard battle
Hákon speaks to his host:
"Let all the clever people
bow to Sörli's warrior."
Steel sounded at the men's word —
then the battle began to grow;
the sword sang and the battle is long —
the roar was heard to the Saxons.
The broad way was cleared for the ræsir's road
through the firm host;
the helm was cloven and iron carved —
the king's son toppled warriors.
The king's son struck — sharp —
the champion down [fell];
he clove red shields —
the clever troop in sword-gold [battle]
gave life before death.
The sharp man of valor found
Sörli's banner-man;
the lord's son for a moment
had sport with him.
He reddened the slaughter and both fell —
the bloody edges of the sword —
the helm broke and the skull clove —
the sword swings into the chest.
The strong sword began the hard byrnie
to share with the body;
the earth all fell up to the hilt
before the blow ended.
Hákon stepped with dignity back
and smiled to his men:
"Hálfdan's vengeance will be harshly fulfilled —
who can win it lightly?"
There is no need further where the spear hummed
to urge the man of prowess;
he ran forward in sword-clamor
and struck at the armed men.
The ræsir took — the battle grew —
to swing the blue brand;
the shield split and the realm fell down —
Sörli was wrathful then.
The fame received one who went furthest forward —
to fell the king's banner;
the prince against it — with fierce strength —
Sörli the strong strode forward.
Weariness sank in iron-struggle —
strength began to fail;
that prince — who had won triumph —
lacked strength against Sörli.
Hákon in the harsh ordeal
had to fall dead on the field —
the wise lord was over-enraged
before the champion fell.
Sörli bore with honor there
victory from the king's heir;
vengeance shall be fulfilled with sword-direction —
Högni's work I know that.
Men's journey with axe and sword
shall yet increase in trouble;
the matter of glory is great and long —
it is time the verse stood.
Ríma VI
(The manuscript breaks off here after three stanzas — the cycle is incomplete.)
It is time to rím of brave men —
I count it now well that it was done yet;
the saga is forged widely with verse —
troops seek a tone against the music.
I call forward through the people's nation —
I explain to boys the verse-sound;
poets hit upon fitting sounds —
let them keep and improve men's poetry.
Forward shall call Fjölnir's mead —
my finding always great —
that way true people went —
as Gautar forged verse from.
(Here the manuscript ends.)
Colophon
Sörlarímur — The Rímur of Sörli. Preserved incomplete in AM 604 g. Six rímur survive, but the final ríma (Ríma VI) contains only three closing stanzas — the manuscript breaks off before the narrative is complete. The rímur expand upon Sörlaþáttr chapters 3–4 in an elaborated form that goes well beyond the extant saga. The story covers: Erlingr of the Uplands and his son Sörli; Sörli's first campaigns (raid through Norway, Denmark, Sealand, Fyn, Eastern Baltic); the magnificent dragon-ship of King Hálfdan of Denmark; the challenge between Sörli and Hálfdan and Hálfdan's defeat; the refusal of settlement by Högni and Hákon; the great battle at Samsø (Óðinn's island); Hákon's fall. The expected continuation — presumably covering the eternal battle of the Hjadnings, Freyja's necklace (Brísingamen), and the sorcery of Hildr — is lost.
Source text: Rímnasafn: Samling af de ældste islandske Rimer, vol. 2, ed. Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen: Samfund til Udgivelse af gammel nordisk Litteratur, 1922), pp. 84–113. Manuscript: AM 604 g. Public domain.
Translated from Old/Middle Icelandic by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, with scribal work by the Rímur Tulku lineage, March 2026. The rímur dictionary Orðbog til rímur (Finnur Jónsson) was consulted for archaic vocabulary and kenning components. Several stanzas contain damaged or corrupt readings (noted in Jónsson's apparatus) and are translated as best the text permits.
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Source Text
The complete Old/Middle Icelandic source text for all six surviving rímur is preserved in the extracted file at Tulku/rimur-tools/vol2_source/02_sorlarimur.txt, drawn from the digitized Rímnasafn Vol. 2 (Google Books, public domain).
Source Colophon
From Rímnasafn: Samling af de ældste islandske Rimer, Bind 2, ed. Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen, 1922), pp. 84–113. Manuscript: AM 604 g (incomplete). Published by Samfund til Udgivelse af gammel nordisk Litteratur, XXXV.
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