Slag vid Birkabro [English translation]

I was walking down to the bay; stood there and gave the lake a glance,

When a cold north wind shook the reeds where it blew past!

A light ripple appeared on the surface of the mirror which laid there,

The horizon caught my eye and, over there, I saw it!

We weren't expecting friends; no, we weren't expecting anyone at all,

But across the lake, nine ships could be seen, with men and all!

I saw the wind hit the sails, they were traveling at a dreadful speed,

The railing was endowed with shields and 'twas ready to strike!

So I leapt towards our houses; met Agvald on the way there:

"We must alert the people, if a war is coming here!"

Arnor Jarlaskald, in the hall, looked up at us when we arrived;

"Lift that horn off the wall for me! Go and fetch your brothers!"

I blew into the mouthpiece with might, and saw the people rush forth,

"Put forth your weapons and shields! All men who wish to salvage us!"

I saw Helge the Meager; saw Gull-Tore appearing there,

Likewise, Arnor Käringsnäbb and Arngrim Berserk on Bolm!

All the people we had marshaled stood down by the water,

The boats were coming closer; we saw the men aboard the ship!

Hromund Halte spoke: "I received an omen from a raven to-night,

He sat and croaked up into the smoke, so evil-eyed and black!"

Din could be heard from the wind; it struck us as we stood there on the shore,

How they roared, and bit down on the line of ironclad shields!

Blood red shields atop, each of their intentions was clear to us,

"Well then!", said Sneglu-Halle. "Let us see whom the eagle takes!"

There were Skäggbrodde and Torgeir Ljosvetningagode; he,

Blotgode, wise and strange, hailed from the land of ice.

There were Torarin the Black, Anund Uppsale, and Orm; he,

Steintorsson, who sung of women all night long!

Legless Ivar was there, too; stood there with his sword raised,

I saw Halvdan Vitben standing there, with a fire burning in his eyes.

Olof Trätalja; his father was gesturing up towards Thor,

"Mayhap that it's time to journey where Odin's warriors reside."

All the people we had marshaled stood down by the water,

The boats were coming closer; we saw the men aboard the ship!

Gisle Sursson, a previous outlaw, soliloquied solemnly; yet he smiled;

Hunted for thirteen years through the wilderness, through the woods!

• Artist:Ultima Thule