Tales are told of yesteryear, Norse legends of the sea. (Form: Ballad) A Story-Poem Entry |
Odin's Eye The hardy souls of Northern climes, where winter claims its place, still celebrate the history of the Vikingโs birthplace. When skies turn black and thunder rolls, one story, oft repeated, is told to the gathered clansmen - how the Gods were defeated. (Refrain) The tales are told of yesteryear - Norse legends of the sea. There sails a ship called "Odin's Eye" in songs of victory The elders gathered 'round the man, the storytellers say, who carried magic in his hand that always points the way. Though he could speak the native tongue; his manners were not Norse. He traveled not by sailing ship; he came by way of horse. The small arrow that he carried he claimed would guide the way to the halls of great Valhalla and its ice covered quay. They loaded up their dragon boat, this fearless Viking clan, to prove to all the Gods of old the dominance of man. (Refrain) The fjord rang with hunting songs, bright shone each shield and blade, as onward to the north they sailed proudly and unafraid. The Gods sent snow and ice and storm and yet, could do no harm. The brave men laughed at each, convinced, the arrow was their charm. The rising sun revealed their goal; there stood castles of ice. With battle cries, they launched the fight; the Gods would pay the price. (Refrain) For days the village kept a watch for Odin's Eye's return. The ship was found, pulled on the beach, empty from stem to stern. The winter snows came earlier than ever seen before. A watch fire was kept ablaze along the empty shore. No trace was ever found of the courageous men, now gone. Yet, in the wind at night, is heard the battle raging on. An entry for the January round of "Invalid Item" Form: Traditional Ballad - A short narrative poem with stanzas of two or four lines and usually a refrain. The story of a ballad can originate from a wide range of subject matter but most frequently deals with folk-lore or popular legends. Most ballads are suitable for singing and, while sometimes varied in practice, are generally written in ballad meter, i.e., alternating lines of iambic tetrameter (8 beats) and iambic trimeter (6 beats) with the last words of the second and fourth lines rhyming. Line count: 52 |