Second Ríma (Önnur Ríma) of the Úlfarrímur cycle. Composed by Þorlákr Guðbrandsson, formerly Sheriff of Ísafjörður, and Árni Böðvarsson. First printed at Hrappsey by E.G. Hoff in 1775. No English translation has previously existed. This ríma opens with a mansöngr invoking Odin and the mead of poetry, then plunges into the narrative: Úlfar's fleet reaches the unknown shore, encounters Earl Harald's forces, and a sea-battle erupts — followed by a warrior's tale of vengeance, a mother's gift, and the taking of Valland.
Önnur Ríma — The Second Ríma
Mansöngr — Lyric Prelude
1.
The Æsir's toast I raise a second time;
I mean to gift the folk a while,
though the mind through all this season
has had much to ponder.
2.
Odin's spirit over the land of voice —
fame's feather would stir,
and set my verse to the sound of strings,
borne forth in measured song.
3.
I have a sense that the telling
will hold fast Úlfar's memory;
in the Victory-god's vessel, if it be raised —
the ale of Svíðrir's mantle.
4.
The thirsting age, inwardly cold,
shall feast on Odin's palate;
in the waking hour and winter's turn,
with poets' cool refreshment.
5.
All the gods in Ása's hall —
Óðr shall first be entreated;
the earth of works with fruitful deeds,
toward the god's awaited feast.
6.
Drops of the flood from poetry's depths,
you Kvasir's dew — though the age be brief
and the evening wanes,
and a gap is hewn in the watch.
7.
When I bring the folk fame's offering —
a living soul, like life and speech —
lend yourselves now
to this poem of mine.
8.
The mansöngr's speech from the hall of joy
steps into silence at its seat:
the spirit of Njörðr across the land
now flies toward the saga.
The Arrival
9.
Where Odin's turning met its task,
the winds howled from the sails.
The horses of the slipway at the mooring-ground,
fast in the shallows, shuddered.
10.
Úlfar's folk had grown weary,
long upon the sea — as was told before,
they had been battered
by the fierce and brutal storm.
11.
In that moment from the stilling ships,
they held toward the land —
twelve adorned upon the brightening road,
straight from the cold sea.
12.
Forward on the way the fleet glided,
the fair gleam greeted their eyes;
the steed of song across the wide field
scattered the folk far and wide.
13.
Famous finery upon the fish-dale —
none can I omit:
there was one who bore above all others
a wave-horse on the calm.
14.
The golden head, adorned with gold,
sent long beams forth;
wide over the lagoon, a bright sight —
light's journey, a turn of grace.
15.
The fjord lay calm, the fallen waves
stilled the current-steeds:
wave-peace from the harbor drew forth,
a gentle breeze upon the ships.
16.
The keel drew near, the moorings loosed,
the sun's cloth fell upon them.
Just so, where Úlfar lay,
downward the dart sought the ground.
The Stranger at the Mast
17.
By the mast there stood a man
of fine bearing on the noble Dragon-ship —
tall and stout, lordly,
who now moved to test him.
18.
Dark was his hair, his body bright,
clad in precious cloth;
in his hand he bore Odin's blade,
chieftain-like upon the field.
19.
Úlfar stood forth — the man at the helm
questioned: "Who shall rule this fleet?
Your lineage you may declare aloud,"
the bold challenger demanded.
20.
The stern hero answered then:
"Harald you may call me;
but tell me — what is your name,
you lord of the slipway's riches?"
21.
A ready answer gave the fierce lord
of the Dragon-ship in return:
"That prince in Africa —
Úlfar is my name."
22.
"His heir I am in truth."
Again Harald spoke:
"Where might and fame —
the bold one before us shall give account."
23.
"Earl Sviðgrímur told me of one
keen on sea and also land —
a man of strength,
the most well-made, undefeatable."
24.
"Long have I searched along the way,
by serpent-lord's coasts.
Come now, if you dare,
warrior — fight against us."
25.
"That is bold," Úlfar replied,
"yet what host has strength to play?
My folk are weary and their strength is spent,
barely able to stand."
26.
"The weary few cannot by morning
bear the weight of victory.
A coward's deed would strong men find it —
dishonor to fight us now."
27.
Harald spoke and laughed at that,
tamed by the work of battle:
"From fear, it seems to me,
Úlfar the Strong now trembles!"
28.
"You shall not see," Úlfar declared,
"Odin's thin flame
fall from my living hand
through cowardice."
29.
After that Úlfar bade
all to prepare for battle;
the sword-edge grew fierce, and battle commenced
upon the deep waves.
30.
The edge-storm was grievous battle,
arrows flew with might —
like a thaw from frozen clay,
a thick-hurled rain.
The Ships' Battle
31.
Úlfar's hand at the metal-clash
showed the greatest of feats —
that skilled man freed his life from binding
at the cost of many.
32.
Like a beast most wild in fury —
in youth's short bitter hours —
men fell alike on either side,
both flanks stripped of all powers.
33.
No peace stood at his flank —
his hair wild in the grey storm —
they fell in waves,
like cold grain cast from a frozen slope.
34.
The arrow-storm — then battle stilled —
prows locked fast together;
swift aboard the ships, yet still
the hack-battle raged ever higher.
35.
Delayed — yet swords walked forth
through the whole field's width;
blood ran — and many a man
lost his entire estate.
36.
Úlfar best of all men bore
the long battle's burden —
split helms, and split skulls,
and whatever his sword could reach.
37.
Harald then seized glory —
swiftly upon the blood-red horse —
no Hel-rest, no relenting,
heavy in the battle-hour.
38.
Men's wounds spread all around —
Harald the Strong came after —
armed, he drew his blade,
swift to the iron-work.
39.
In that moment he had taken
three of their ships by force —
so on them no life stood,
no man among them left living.
40.
Úlfar still with wrathful heart,
found in the spear-salt's swell —
four more he then let sink —
the sail-beast — and spoke:
41.
"Nothing more is now to see here —
let each man's end be what it will;
brave men who hew with wood
shall hew yet greater with steel."
42.
"Seek wealth — and through the wound-year
keep on, warriors of the wave —
so your fame shall never sink
until the sky itself rains down."
43.
Harald saw he could not stand
so equipped for long —
he went forward into the clash of arms
and fought with both his hands.
44.
A broad blade — this one rode —
that the champion bore in hand;
the man of Africa with it
sent many to Hel.
45.
He let it be so — and long
the way with true swiftness —
so that of those opposed to Úlfar's folk,
not one living man stood after.
46.
Whole still at the mooring's sea —
the horses of the wave —
their strength had not yet faltered,
their four struck on.
47.
Four more of those famed men
were stripped of the body's life —
a sight like the fiercest lion
among a multitude of young lambs.
The Sea-Battle
48.
Aboard their ship in that hour
came the warrior westward;
Harald swiftly broke the truce,
the battle-cloth overturned.
49.
With both hands the wound-wand's breaker
wielded the spear at Úlfar —
he reached for him and thrust,
but could endure no more.
50.
The shield-clash fine, injury afar —
Kúli was fated to receive the blow;
the steadfast thane considered
what strength remained to use.
51.
The clash of metal southward turned,
the keen sword's edge at work;
upon Harald, as hard as might allowed,
the wound-maker wrought its will.
52.
He gripped hard around the armored back —
the breaker of the kindred's bond —
Harald groaned and thought
the very frame would go asunder.
53.
Strength failed him, and Harald received
a most notable fall;
his shield was wrested, and he was put in bonds
after that.
54.
Harald's men, struck with wonder,
were all set in their companies;
they paid tribute and accepted peace —
thus the battle's host was stilled.
55.
To Harald went the glorious warrior;
the honored thane sat and spoke with gentle voice:
"You lie — lie low —
still — let the neck-yoke hold you."
56.
"I have not met before with villains
your equal in all my years.
The world has seldom provided
such a moment as this appears."
57.
"Your rights — like fine inheritance —
are yours to declare aloud;
life you shall have, and likewise
healing of every wound."
58.
"It seems clear there is none equal" —
Harald answered thus with grace —
"all fame and glory enough
stands under the sun's wide face —"
59.
"I receive this peace with full accord;
for all my dear ones, all my might
are now within your power:
I yield to you outright."
60.
From all, your time shall stand —
after the gentle warrior.
After that, as Úlfar asked,
his warband followed his word.
61.
"Long ago my father's people
went forth and felled Balsar's folk;
this I know: Þórer was his name,
and Þórunn named his mother."
62.
"My father was a clever old man
when first I came to weapons;
he sat with peace, though trembling still,
and kept his people's bond."
63.
"Finn and three — that Fylkir held —
claimed the famous Þrœður's men;
deeds of valor, often mighty —
of whom tales could be told."
The Warrior's Tale
64.
"A king, slow to honor —
his name was evil Jökull;
he conquered my father and felled him,
for little stood between them."
65.
"It filled me with fierce longing
to avenge my father;
from every quarter I soon caused
allies to gather to my cause."
66.
"Wonderfully strong at fourteen years,
which I had newly reached —
my courage and wise upbringing
demanded this of me."
67.
"My mother gave me Kefja —
her own, which I have borne since;
a better could not be found,
though one search the wide world."
68.
"The folk prepared for the fierce rush,
a fleet at the island's shore;
then I had set out
upon my first road from the land."
69.
"Two jarls with their warriors
sought this battle:
Ólafur was called the one who never wept,
the other was bold Bláus."
70.
"We sailed as summer neared,
fortune with every company;
wondrously swift the fair wind bore us
away from our own land."
71.
"Warriors' cries and she-wolves' howls
long increased;
in hardened battle, wide Valland's
finest harbors they took."
72.
"The age came from Úpsa's stream —
the wolf's full breaking —
in battle swift, at the field of strife,
evil Jökull was ruling."
73.
"We drove against those forces —
men fled from the field;
slaughter along the way swept the folk,
weighed down with heavy dread."
74.
"Against the spear-Danes in that land,
bearing hardship's scar —
the towns of years both high and low
in power came to be."
75.
"Swift about the square to the capital,
the blade-sea traveled on —
often against the iron's root,
Millding came himself."
76.
"Hard-fought troops then met at last —
Heðinn's watch was there —
so that at that battle-ground
sixteen thousand were gathered."
77.
"A fair sword-storm raged there —
shields burst apart —
rushing like a squall of rain:
from those wounds all danger swept."
78.
"Flesh was severed, fell to ground —
heads from dead bodies rolled —
blood-fire stretched across the plain
on the red battle-field."
79.
"Jökull swift — well practised
in many a battle's wolves —
striking and slashing those forces,
sending them to Hel."
80.
"No shield against Þœsir's hand —
no man dared to rise;
the cross grew heavy — battle came —
all dared the less."
81.
"Sea-bold against the sword's peril,
blessed with the wound-rain —
Earl Ólafur and Jör at the shields,
with iron he drove them through."
82.
"He broke their line at last —
bodies covered the field;
and Jösur thus with iron went —
and felled Earl Bláús."
83.
"I pressed forward into the sword-clash —
the sleeping lion roused —
the host went down to Hel's great throng:
hard was the iron-verse of battle."
84.
"Jökull's standard-bearer I found —
Mardóníus his name;
from the host's press, alone he took
the sword-blade's claim."
85.
"This I saw — and worse it seemed —
the prince of Þalteron's lands,
angry at me as swift lightning —
I seized the king's messenger."
86.
"Jökull struck — the iron pierced
the giant-path through —
breast was wounded, burst asunder —
he swept through regiment after."
87.
"I drew swiftly, not once slow —
Odin's red fire drawn —
the blue blade came against his helm
and thirty flew undone."
88.
"Hard with all swords — the wound-hero
rose — they struck at hand and soul —
the sea-bold one was stripped of hope:
the last of strength was stole."
89.
"The battle-pole tilted —
I held the field —
stopped the fierce fighting;
the frightened folk fled to the fortress."
90.
"Then there I wished — scouts
came down to the sand —
we stepped onto the ships,
and at once steered away from land."
91.
"God received us — but it darkened —
the sea groaned at the oars;
all ruin about Úpsa's land —
the old storms rose once more."
92.
"Led the fleet to land at harbor —
the sea's highest cliff —
folk from the hillside on the road —
I found my mother there."
93.
"Home there through the winter I was —
the other spring came —
and quickly I pressed the warrior's way
with a great war-band."
94.
"I readied the force and my smooth ships
with the journey's glory —
the troop bore through the black sea,
burning with beautiful light."
95.
"From Óðinn's maiden there —
folk and fleet quenched swift breath —
many fell like felled trees —
shield-bearers mustered to the land."
96.
"West about the world and further on,
winds followed the voyage —
hard battle was ever waged
on the sea-king's roads."
97.
"Never before had the fair wind failed —
we bore through the good sea —
but near Scotland's shore we found
the Skjöllðung of the boldest peoples."
98.
"Þrólfur's name — that prince there —
his host challenged to battle;
choice of men and ships without count —
the Skjöllðung Þrœkúr had."
99.
"Words ran out — but the prince received
the shield's wide-ready blow —
the attack so rose up there —
fierce battle in mounting wave."
100.
"Men fell with great force still —
beneath the brands above —
around the ships, as ever —
battle-stars flooded over."
101.
"Þrólfur seized his strength —
the Dögling himself escaped —
fled with the fourth man —
and thus with life got free."
102.
"His ships all — and the swords —
we took many as prizes;
then through the deep and all the way home
the wolf's war-work increased."
103.
"The years ended — on the sea-crags —
briefly have I told these tales;
after this there was no one
who could ever best me in battle."
104.
"Before we met here now,
I had never suffered defeat —
my life: none in all the world
will spare a thought for it."
105.
"Your fame and power enough —
all the world proclaims them.
At its end is my story" —
then Harald fell silent.
106.
Úlfar came: "We know you —
the greatest of warriors here —
you shall be freed, and grow in peace:
let us make fellowship."
107.
Freed, he found his healing —
long supported by fortune —
fellowship was bound between them;
all well, and wealth shared out.
108.
"I lived on that land there,
free of trouble —
that age in grace —
nearly twelve months."
109.
Into the house of silence — grey
from the cup of Kvasir —
Þaleig's vessel bursts:
Kvasir's red blood poured.
Colophon
Úlfarrímur — The Rímur of Úlfar the Strong, Önnur Ríma (Second Ríma)
Good Works Translation from Old Icelandic. Translated by Tulku Hrafn (IV) of the New Tianmu Anglican Church, April 2026, from the 1775 Hrappsey first edition page scan images.
This is the first English translation of any part of the Úlfarrímur's Second Ríma. No previous English translation exists. The cycle was composed by Þorlákr Guðbrandsson (formerly Sheriff of Ísafjörður) and Árni Böðvarsson and first printed at Hrappsey by E.G. Hoff in 1775.
Blood Rule statement: This translation was independently derived from the Old Icelandic source text as read from 1775 first edition page scan images. No reference English translation was consulted — none exists. The Icelandic was read directly from Fraktur typeface page images, transcribed, and translated. Kennings were rendered by contextual meaning following the Rímur Gameplan methodology.
Translation complete (translator-02, 2026-04-30): Stanzas 31–47, 55 (conclusion), 56–63, and 72–109 added from files ulfar_p23.jpg, ulfar_p24.jpg, ulfar_p26.jpg, and ulfar_p28–p32.jpg — all of which were accessible in this session. All 109 stanzas are now translated. The previous EDEADLK locks were a session-level filesystem anomaly that did not persist.
Uncertain readings: Several stanzas contain dense kenning clusters. The mansöngr (stanzas 1–8) is particularly kenning-heavy with nested Odin-references and poetry-metaphors. Where Fraktur readings were ambiguous, the most contextually consistent interpretation was chosen.
Complete translation. All 109 stanzas of Ríma II are now rendered. Ríma II of a sixteen-ríma cycle. The complete Úlfarrímur was previously translated across 35 tulku lives but the staging files were lost; this retranslation recovers Ríma II fully from the 1775 Hrappsey page scans.
Source text corrections (Taru, translator-09, 24 Apr 2026): Re-read ulfar_p25.jpg (p. 19) and corrected source text for stanzas 48–55. Key improvements: st. 48 "þvesti" confirmed (not "hvelst"); st. 50 "Skíallda" (shield) not "Stalldra" (stallion); st. 52 "bryniad bak" (armored back); st. 54 "með undrum" (with wonder); st. 55 speech opener "þú lígur" recovered. Partial stanza endings also recovered: st. 47 last line and st. 63 last line (both noted in gap sections). Page layout of Ríma II now fully mapped: stanzas 1–8 begin at end of p. 13 / st. 6–13 on p. 14 (file p20), stanzas 64–71 on p. 21 (file p27), stanzas 72–109 on pp. 22–26 (files p28–p32, all EDEADLK). Missing stanzas 31–47 on pp. 17–18 (files p23–p24, EDEADLK); missing 56–63 on p. 20 (file p26, EDEADLK); missing 72–109 on pp. 22–26 (files p28–p32, EDEADLK).
Scribed for the Good Work Library by Tulku Hrafn (IV), Rímur Translator, April 2026. Completed by translator-02, April 2026 — stanzas 31–47, 55 (conclusion), 56–63, 72–109.
🌲
Source Text: Rímur af Úlfari Sterka — Önnur Ríma
Old Icelandic source text transcribed from the 1775 Hrappsey first edition page scan images (Google Books). Fraktur typeface. Uncertain readings marked with [?]. All 109 stanzas now transcribed.
Stanzas 1–8 (Mansöngr)
-
Asa minni í annað sinn; ætla
eg fólki steinkja eina tíð, þó hugur um
hríð, hafi nú margt að þeinkja. -
Regnis önd um raddar lond,
róms vill fjadrir hrera, og stuðla ljóð
á strengja hljóð, stillt með lagi færa. -
Hef eg á grun, að meingið mun,
minnist Úlfars hallda; í Sigtýrs fer,
ef uppsett er, öl [?] Svíðris fallda. -
Þyrfiri ölld skal innann kölld;
Oðins góma fala; um voku stund og
vetrar mund, með Verfa [?] fuiði svala. -
Guðinn öll í Ása Höll, Öður
skal fyrrst umbeida; Mörðar jörð með
gróðu gerð, til goðs áðvartar leiða. -
Dropum flóðs þier afra óðs, unda
Qvásis döggvíð, að skeint sie ölld, enn
skerbist kvölld, og skarð í vökuna höggvið. -
Þegar þier eg flytja fer, fólki
Hróðrar messu, lifande Sál, sem líf og
mál, lenið kvæði þessu. -
Mannsaungs tal úr fagnar sal,
í sæti þagnar stígur: Njörðar önd um
nannis [?] lond, nú til sögunnar flýgur.
Stanzas 9–47 (Narrative — Arrival, Encounter, Battle)
-
Víðris hvarf þar veitstu starf,
vindar úr seglum rímddu [?]. Fákar hlunns
við festar grunns, fastir í, láginu hrymdu. -
Úlfars þjóð var orðinn móð,
af sjóðvólki [?] laungu, sem fyrr var sagt, þá
feingu hrakt, feikna veðrinn straungu. -
Í þessum svíp frá þagnar skip,
þar að landi halda, tólf með skraut á
birtings braut, beint úr hafinu kalda. -
Frams á leið þar flotinn skreið,
fagra glansa eygði; þvr [?] lagis fol um
Lara bóll ljóðmannun víða fleygði. -
Frægra skraut um fiska laut,
frá eg eingi sei: Einn var þar, sem af
þó bar, ölldu jór á lægi. -
Höfuðið góllt með gulli föllt,
geisla langa sendi, víðt um lón að ljósa
sjón, ljsareit [?] hreslu eða vendi. -
Fjörðið ljet, þá fallið vjef [?],
flíðtum strauma hrosnum: Ölldu hró af
höfnum dró, hægur byr á ríosum [?]. -
Klev þvi nærst voru festum loss,
fiell þá voðinn sunna. Allíkamt frá, þar
Úlfar lá, ofann sókt fleinn til grunna. -
Bíð siglu stóð með fína fíðd
seggur á Drekanum þýra, hár og digur,
höfmanligur, er hönum árte að síðra [?]. -
Hár var svarr, enn hornundé [?]
ið bjart, hulíð dýru pelli: Herjans skar
í hende bar, höfðingligur á velfi [?]. -
Úlfar fýr, hann efsle stýr,
ættu flötanum raða? Rasn þitt mátt
þú herma hátt hreystir Krafa [?] fáða. -
Ansar hinn þá Hetjann stinn:
Haralld má mig falla; Enn hermed mier,
hvað heistið þier hlunnr greivar [?] mialla. -
Auðsvör þíðt gaf aptur mót
ullur Dragnóns ríeta: Öðling sá í Africa
Úlfar let mig heita. -
Arfi hanns eg er til sanns, Aptur
Haraldður tieðe: Þvar mekt og frægð
in freki fyrer oss soma rede. -
Sviðgrímur Jarl mier fagðí
fniall, á sjó og einnig landi, Manns af
krapti, hinn mieg vel skapti, mundir ó-
sigrandi. -
Leitað hef eg um lángann veg,
linna balldurs hlíða. Komðu nú, ef
þorir þu, þegn við oss að stríða. -
Djafit er, Hann Úlfar tier,
oðar líð að leika; fólk mitt þreytt og orku
eydt, illa mieg til reika. -
Ölldinn fá ei morgunn má,
móti sigurinn bera. Niðings verk mun
virðum sterk, vansemd í að giera. -
Haralldur kvað, og hló víð
það, hildar tamur verki: af ötta mest
nú off synest Úlfar titra hinn Sterki.
Ei munt sjá, nam Úlfar tjá, Oð-
ins logann þunna, lifandi hier úr hendi
mier af hræðslu falla kunna.
-
Úlfar bað nú eptir það, öll
við búast stríði; Eggjan jóks, enn ákof
tókst Orrusta á djúpum úðr [?]. -
Eggia hríð var aríð stríð, Ör-
var flugu af megni, eins og þeyr af
furrum leir þýcku fleygir regni. -
Ulfars mund við málma fund
mesta afrek sýndi; lausinn hanns, þess lista
manns lífi margra þíndi. -
Alma þýr, sem ólmarst þýr,
ungum fœkkar tíðum; Felldi menn og so
í senn fier að báðum hliðum. -
Sátt ei hanns á hlíðrum stans
hárs í vedri grínu. Þeir felldu olld,
sem kastast kolld korn ur jeli dínu. -
Örva hríð, þá stóðvast Stríð,
stafna samann egna, á skípum brátt, enn
hesta hátt hogg-orrusta megna. -
Táfast gíerd, þá gánga svert
giegnum heila torgir. Blóðið rann, þof
margur mann misti heila borgir. -
Úlfar mest af öllum betst or-
rustú lángu háði; hjálma rauf enn hausa
klauf, og hvad sem sverdið náði. -
Haraldss þá nam hroðið fá
blunna fáta fíóra; Við heliar ró ei þrot-
ar þó þunga styriar óra. -
Manna ósarir sinna fier síðann
Harallður sterki. Hamaðist þá, og hrotta
brá, hraður að járna verke. -
Í þessum svíp hann þríu hrauð
skip þeirra þrœðra hromnum,
so á þeim lífs stóð eingi lífs eptir þar
af monnum. -
Úlfar samt með gedið gramt
geira fundinn sálti; fíogur enn let sockva
senn siglu þýr, og mælti. -
Ecki má hier uppá sjá, enda-
lykt hver verdi; þrevísimenn þier hogg-
við enn hellður stört með sverdi. -
Leitið fiár, enn unda ár aukið
kempur brínar, so yðar frœgð sie alldrei
lœgð, uns að himíninn rínar. -
Harallður sjá ei soðann má
so búið leingi standa; hann vedur fram
í vopna glam, og vo til beggia handa. -
Kýnia breid að þesíann reid, er
kappínn bar í hendi, Afreks mann með
henne hann til heliar margann sendi. -
Liet hann so, og leingi vo
lóð með hreðsti sanna, að eptir stóð af
Ulfars þjód eingi lífsandi manna. -
Heilir þar á hlunna mar hlír-
ar allir vóru, hreysti þrótt að hræðdist
þrótt og hogginn þeirra fíoru. -
Fíorír enn þeir frœgðar menn
fíori ræntu hollde, að allri síón
sem olmarst lión í úngum lamba fjolða.
Stanzas 48–55 (Battle)
(End of st. 47, visible at top of p. 19 / file ulfar_p25.jpg: "...sión sem olmarst lión í úngum lamba fjolða.")
-
Á þeirra skip í þessum svíp
þegninn komst hinn vesti, Harallður brátt,
og bregður sátt, berlíngs vebrið þvesti. -
Báðum höndúm benia vond
briótur reidðí geira, Úlfari að og þeintri
það, hann þursa þölldi ei meira. -
Skíallda grer fínn skada fier
Kúli hann heggid hlíóta, stöþhugadur
hreppstimadur hugsar orku að níota. -
Málma thr á móti suhr, mætu
kastar sverdi, Harallð á, sem harðarst
má hlaupa síðan gierdi. -
Herðti tak um bryniad bak
briótur ættar tánga. Harallður stúndi,
og hjellt að mundi hriggurinn sundur gánga. -
Orkann þraut, enn Harallður
hlaut harla frœgur detta, svistar rönd
og settur í bond síðann eptir þetta. -
Harallðs menn með undrum
enn alla setti flockva. Þeir fágu geld og
þecktust frid, þad nam hilldi flockva. -
Að Haralldi geck, sá hróðrinn
seck, hreptir og mælti veiga: þú lígur
liggur lágt, þig líka þágt lœtur hamkugian eiga. -
Hef eg þó ei við hrotta þey
hitta þína líka. Heimurinn valla hier
að falla hefur nú tempu slíka. -
Rettir þín sem odol fín er þier
skyllt að kynna; líf skallt fá og líka þá
lœknlug fára þinna. -
Samjafu þer að einginn er,
ansa Harallður nádi, að allri frœgð og
eru nœgð undir sólar láði. -
Þigg eg grid með fullum frid,
af fleygi Sofnis dýnu; þvf oll mín kier
og einig stör eru í vóldi þínu. -
Óllu frá skal yður tíd, eftir
milldur styriar. Eptir þad, sem Úlfar
bad, eftisfeguna hyriar. -
Fordum tíð reb faðir minn líð,
og felldi Balsar þjóðir. Þess eg get,
hann Þórer het, enn þórunn nefrdist móðir. -
Fiergamall var faðir minn snjall,
þá fýrst eg vopa nódi; sat með ró, en
skalfur þó sinna níkia gádi. -
Finn og þrjá að Fylkir sá
frœga Þrœður átti. Afreks verk,
er opt voru sterf, af þeim segia mátti.
Stanzas 64–71 (The Warrior's Tale)
-
Kóngur einn til sæmda seinn,
sá hét Jökull ille, foður minn vann og
felldi hann, þvt fátt var þeirra í milli. -
Fýlti mig í sleina rig foður
mínns sídann hefna; gierdi eg brátt úr
ymsi átt að mér ljúfi [?] stefna. -
Furðu knár eg sjúrtán ár,
feingið nýna hafdi. Þrosti minn og
menning svinn, mig til hesna krafdi. -
Kefju mína gaf móðir sín,
mier, þá eg bar sídann; betri gier ei
bittist hier, heim þó kanne viðann. -
Fólkíð bjóst í sleina gjóst, fler
á Eya bandí. Þá hafdi eg um forsta
veg, kriátín [?] frá landí. -
Jarlar tveir meó þegni þeir,
þessa söktu hilldí; Ólafur hét, sá alldrest
gret, annar Bláuss gilldí. -
Sigldum var að sumri nær,
faung í hveriu bandí; Furðu snar off
byrinn bar, burt frá voru landí. -
Örvar triess og ylgir hliess
ómar laungum jóku; herðtu stríd, þá
Valland víd, vænstar hafnir tóku.
Stanzas 72–109 (Harald's Tale Continued — Jökull, Scotland, the Return)
-
Öllðinn geck frá Úpsa beck,
úlfi að brytja fylli. Í stríði snar, á
störðu þar, styrði Jökull illi. -
Herludum ver á hendur þœr.
Hrucku menn til flötta. Blót um slóð
þar þusti þjóð, þungum hallðinn otta. -
Öllðinn Lands við odda Dans,
átti þrauta skoru. Borgir síðs og lœgis
tíðs, líefu í valdi voru. -
Hradt um torg að höfudborg,
hiorva fœrdist gjálfur. Off á mót við
málma rót Millding tóm þar sjálfur. -
Harðfeingt líð þá hittist við,
Heðins vakti þanna. Að söknum þar
sertan þúsund manna. -
Branda hríð þar hafdist fríðs;
hlífar sundur brusstu; Sem steptist skúr,
þvf undum úr, öllur fára þustu. -
Lœstist holld, enn hrutu á folld,
Höfuð af búkum dauðum; þenja sá þar
elsar á orrustun velli rauðum. -
Jökull snar að vlgum var,
vanur í morgu stríði; höggur og slœr
á hendur þœr, til heliar voru lóði. -
Eingi rond mót Þœsis hönd,
reysa Maðurinn þordi. Þyngardist
kross, enn orrustann off, ollu miður þorðdi. -
Sjóli knár við sverða fár, sœld-
dadi unda regnum; Ólaf Jarl og Jör
á hjarl, járni lagði í gegnum. -
Þóshnum enn hann brýtiar mest,
búkar þöktu velldi; Jösur so með járni
vo, Jarlinn Bláús felldi. -
Sökti eg fram í sverða glam,
sofeni leonið grímna; Öllðinn deck til
heliar þróck, hörð var, jarna rímna. -
Jökuls fann eg merkísmann,
Mardoníus að heiti. Af heim þrót þar
einig tók, egginn svardar leiti. -
Þetta fier, og þöckti verr,
þeingill Þaltera lóða; að mier reiðr,
sem ellding greiðr. Eg nam Kongsins bóða. -
Jökull hjo, enn járnið smó
jotna stíg í gegnum; Sœrdist Brjóst og
sundurhjóst, fáru steppti regnum. -
Eg brá hradt, enn hvergi latt,
herjanns rauðum elldi; Hjálminn á kom
egginn blá, og af hönum þrjðtíing sœlldi. -
Œgis hörd með öllum sverd,
unda þessa rísie; Slóu Hönd, og sína
önd, sjóli vonður misti. -
Hœldist vigur, hafdi eg figur,
hœtti snorpu stríði. Ottaðt þjóð, sú
eptir stóð, og til Borgar fljódi. -
Þœna stóst þar villdi eg vís
kvíkum ofann að sandi; stígum á skip,
og strax í svíp stœfndum undann landi. -
Numdi Guóð, enn glúmdi þóð,
greniadi sjór á raungum; Öllu tíon um
úpsa frón, elltu stormar laungum. -
Leiddi Drösn til lands að hœfn,
lœgís hœsta stína; Fólk af hlíe á
frönib stíe, fann eg móður mína. -
Heima eg þar um veturinn var,
vorið tóm hið öðra; mig stísti brátt á
hermaúns hátt í hernad líði stóra. -
Bjó eg þrótt og skip mín sléótt
sþœrum farar blóma. Báru líðs um
blakka sjós, brann með fogrum líóma. -
Frá Óðins mey þar fólk og fley
slutti brádur andi; Fallbar tríeð með
ölla hlíes þlönuðu undann landi. -
Vestur um heim og síðann geim,
Vindar fylgdu sœiðum. Orrusta hörð
var einatt gjörð á Sœ-könga leiðum. -
Alldrei fyr nam bresta byr
báru mœrina góða; Enn fundum vier við
Skotlands fœr Skjöllðúng Þrœstra þjóða. -
Þrólfs nafn þar, sjá hilmir þar,
her til orrustú krafðí. Skatna val og
skip ótal, Skjöllðung Þrœkúr hafsdi. -
Kvœðin þraut enn Hilmir hlaut
hlíes víðbúast flag; Adsóknar so Úppreis
þar orrusta grimm á lag. -
Hnigú menn með ógnum enn,
undur branda stóðin; um þilsor, sem
um í var, orrustú tiarnir flóðu. -
Þrœ tók þrótt þá þavða fótt;
Dögling sœlfur úr ffí, á flötta rann
við fíorða mann, feck so hiargraðs llfi. -
Skip hanns oll, og mundar mjöll,
með off burtu tókum; Síðann um geim og
heilann heim hernad ólfda jókum. -
Finítu ár um físka krár
stutt hef eg messur vígrá. Handri á var
eingi sjá, off sem mœtti sígra. -
Fýrr enn vier nú fundunst hier,
feck eg hnefsú alldrei; yðar lífi eingi
rœkir undir sólar þjallði. -
Yðar frœgð og orku nœgð,
allur heimur sagnar. Á enda sín er saga
mín. Síðann Harallður þagnar. -
Úlfar tier; þig vitum þier,
vera garp hinn mesta; leystur skallt, enn
ölist óvallt, við skulum félag festa. -
Leystur hann so lœkning fann,
lángrt stúddur gíptú. Félag bundu, öll-
vel undu, auðnum með þier skíptú. -
Frá eg var á fróni þar, fjráls
af ójösnúdi, öllðinn sú í náðum nú,
nœrstú tólf månuðu. -
Í þagnar hús mig hárs frá krús,
hlhri kallar dauða; Þaleigs ker þvf
brestur þier, blóðið Qvásís rauða.
Source Colophon
Source text: Rímur af Úlfari Sterka (Rímur of Úlfar the Strong), by Þorlákr Guðbrandsson and Árni Böðvarsson. First edition: Hrappsey, printed by E.G. Hoff, 1775. Page scan images from Google Books digitization. Fraktur typeface throughout.
The 1775 Hrappsey edition is the earliest known printing. A second edition was printed at Viðey in 1834. The text survives in multiple manuscript copies. No modern critical edition exists.
Transcription notes: Long s (ſ) normalized to s. Ligatures expanded. Fraktur ð/ö disambiguation by context. Uncertain readings marked with [?]. Original line breaks from the printed text preserved in the source transcription; stanza divisions follow the numbered stanzas in the print.
Page access log: Hrafn (IV), Apr 2026: first read, stanzas 1–30 (files p19–p22), 48–55 (file p25), 64–71 (file p27). Taru (translator-09), 24 Apr 2026: re-read files p20, p21, p22, p25, p27 (all accessible), corrected transcription for stanzas 48–55. Files p23, p24, p26, p28–p32 returned EDEADLK in both sessions. Translator-02, 30 Apr 2026: files p23, p24 (st. 31–47), p26 (st. 55 cont., 56–63), p28–p32 (st. 72–109) all accessible — translation complete.
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