Grendelcynn's Hall

The Finnsburh Fragment

Translated by Grendelcynn

"The gables, are not burning, Hnæf”

The battle-young King of the Danes, replied

"Dawn is not breaking in the east,
nor do any dragons fly here,
nor are the gables burning.

Yet,

enemies draw near

birds cry out,
the grey-hooded wolf howls among the slain,

the war-wood clashes,
shields strike shaft.

Now the moon shines,
wandering under the clouds.

Now those deeds of woe rise,
which will bring hatred upon this people.

So wake now, my warriors!
Take up your shields, reflect on courage,
fight at the front, be firm in spirit!”

Many gold clad thegns stirred from slumber
and armed themselves with swords.

These noble warriors manned the hall’s doors,
Sigeferð and Eaha, their swords drawn, defended one,
while Ordlaf and Guðlaf guarded another.
Hengest took position behind them.

Then Garulf, son of Guðere, urged,
that such well-bred thegns, should not be hotheaded
endangering themselves,
as the fierce enemies attacked the doors.

One bold spirited warrior who defended a door,

challenged the attacker before him.

“Sigeferð is my name,
I am of the Secgan people,
a wanderer known far and wide.
I have endured many woes and hard battles,
this fight is not yet settled,
are you brave enough to face me alone in combat?”

A din of slaughter surrounded the hall.

Painted shields in brave men’s hands, withstood blows.

Bone-helmets burst apart, the fortress boards thundered.

Until Garulf, Guðlaf’s son, fell.

First of all middle earth-dwellers to die that day.

About him lay many worthy warriors,
writhing in the turmoil of the battle.

A raven soared overhead, black and seal brown,

and swords shone as if Finnsburh were aflame.

I have never heard of a more glorious band
of sixty warriors bearing themselves victorious in battle,
nor have I heard of men repay gifts of sweet mead better
than Hnæf’s shield thegns.

They fought on for five days,
not one of the king’s war band fell,
and they held the doors.

Eventually, a wounded warrior,

withdrew from the fighting,

He spoke.

“my armour was battered,
my battle-shirt ruined,
and my helmet pierced through.”

A thegn asked him,

"how the warriors,

wounded as they were,

were holding up,
and which of the young men…...”

..... Fragment Ends

The Finnsburh Saga is set in the early 5th century. It is preserved mostly in England, likely due to Hengest (who led the Jute migration to England and became the first Anglo-Saxon king) plays a major role in the story. Set in Frisia, it tells of a conflict between 60 Danes visiting Frisia, lead by their young king, who find themselves surrounded and attacked by the Frisians... with the Jutes joining in on both sides.

The conflict ultimately leads to tragedy for all, especially the main character, Hildeburh, both Queen of Frisia and sister of the Danish King, Hnæf. Some of the characters in the saga appear in historical records and in other sagas. It is unknown if the story is pure fiction or based on a true event.

The Finnsburh Fragment is an unfinished poem, dating from the early 7th century, telling of the initial confrontation between the Danes, Jutes and Frisians. It is told from the perspective of the Danes, who are defending a mead hall (where they have been staying) from a Frisian attack.