The Poetic Edda - Bellows (1923)
Runattal thattr Othins
(Str. 140-147)
1. (140) I ween that I hung on
the windy tree,
Hung there for nights full nine;
With the spear I was wounded, and
offered I was
To Othin, myself to myself,
On the tree that none may
ever know
What root beneath it runs.
2. (141) None made me happy with
loaf or horn,
And there below I looked;
I took up the runes, shrieking
I took them,
And forthwith back I fell.
3. (142)Nine mighty songs I
got from the son
Of Bolthorn, Bestla’s father;
And a drink I got of the
goodly mead
Poured out from Othrörir.
4. (143) Then began I to thrive, and
wisdom to get,
I grew and well I was;
Each word led me on to
another word,
Each deed to another deed.
5. (144) Runes shalt thou find, and
fateful signs,
That the king of singers coloured,
And the mighty gods have made;
Full strong the signs, full
mighty the signs
That the ruler of gods doth write.
6. (145) Othin for the gods, Dain
for the elves,
And Dvalin for the dwarfs,
Alsvith for giants and
all mankind,
And some myself I wrote.
7. (146) Knowest how one shall write, knowest
how one shall rede?
Knowest how one shall tint, knowest
how one makes trial?
Knowest how one shall ask, knowest
how one shall offer?
Knowest how one shall send, knowest
how one shall sacrifice?
8. (147) Better no prayer than
too big an offering,
By thy getting measure thy gift;
Better is none than
too big a sacrifice,
-lacuna-
So Thundr of old wrote ere
man’s race began,
Where he rose on high when
home he came.