A Translation of the Old English Rune Poem by Swain Wodening Canote

(Note: This translation is Common Domain, and may be distributed freely, as long as it is properly attributed to its translator, Swain Wodening Canote or Berry Canote)

Feoh (money) is a help · to everyone,

Though every man should · deal it our freely,

If they wish before the Lord · To cast doom's lots.

Úr (Aurochs) is savage · and greatly horned,

A very fierce beast · it fights with its horns,

A well known walker of the moors · that is a bold spirit.

Thorn (Thorn) is very sharp · for every thane

Who grabs it, it is evil · and immeasurably cruel

For every man · that with it rests.

10

Ós (One of the Aesir) is the primal source · of all speech

Wisdom's support · and wiseman's help

And every earl's · riches and happiness.

Rád (Ride) is in the hall · to every warrior
Soft, and mighty hard · to him that sits upon

15

strong mare · over miles of paths.

Cén (torch) is to all of the quick (i.e., "living") ·known by its fire

Shining and bright · burns it oftest

Where the nobles · rest inside.

Giefu (Gift) is to men · glee and praise

20

Support and worship (worthiness) · and to every wretch
Honor and sustenance · that they would otherwise be left without

Wynn (Joy) one uses and enjoys · that knows little (of) want

Sores and sorrows · and himself has

prosperity and bliss · and fortress enough

25

Hagol (Hail) is the whitest corn · it whirls from heaven's sky

Rolled by wind's showers · it worths (becomes)water then.

Níed (Need) is narrow on the chest · though worths it oftto men's children

To help and heal however · if they listen to it early.

Ís (ice) is overly cold · immeasurably slick

30

It glistens like bright glass · most like gem

A floor wrought of frost · is a fair sight.

Géar (Year) is man's hope · if

God lets, Holy heaven's king, · the Earth sell (i.e. "give")

Bright fruits, · to nobles and needy.

35

Éoh (Yew) is outwardly · an unsmooth tree

Held hard, earthfast · fire's guardian

Roots twist underneath · a joy on the estate.

Peordh (tafl man?) is always · play and laughter

Amongst bold men · where warriors sit

40

In the beer hall · happy together.

Eolh-secg (Elk sedge grass) has a home · oftest in the marsh

It waxes in water · it wounds grim

And burns with blood · any man that in any way · daresgrab it.

45

Sigel (Sun) by seamen · always is hoped for

When they fare hence · over fish's bath ("ocean")

Until the sea steed ("ship") · they bring to land..

Tir (Glory)* is some token · it holds troth well

With nobles · aye it is on course

50

Over night's mists · it never wanders or deceive.

*alternative name Tiw (the god Tyr)

Beorc (birch) is shootless · it bears even so

Twigs without fruit · it has shining branches

High in its crown · fair adorned

Loaded with leaves · it touches the sky.

55

Éh (horse) is for earls · an noble's pleasure,

A horse's hooves are bold · when around it heroes

Wealthy on war horses · exchange speech

And is for the restless · is ever a help.

Mann (man) is in mirth · his kinsmen's dear,

60

Though each shall · others deceive

When the Lord wishes · in his doom

That poor flesh · be committed to the earth.

Lagu (sea) is to people · thought long

If they should go thence · on a shaky ship

65

And the sea waves · strongly terrify

And the sea steed (ship) · obeys not its bridles.

Ing was first · among the East Danes

Seen by men · but he since went eft (back)

Over the wet way · his wain (wagon) ran after

70

Thus the Heardings · named the hero

Dæg (Day) is the Lord's messenger · dear to man

The Measurer's great light · mirth and hope

To rich and poor · for all to use or enjoy.

Éthel (Estate) is very dear · to every man And enjoy in his house - increase.

75

If he may straight away · keep what's fit

And enjoy in his house · increase often.

Ác (Oak) is on earth · for sons of men

Food for the flesh · It fares often

Over whale's bath (sea) · The sea finds

80

Whether oak has · nobile faith

Æsc (Ash) is very tall · dear to men,

Resolute in stability · It holds the right place

Though it fights off · many men.

Ýr (Bow) is to nobles · and men alike

85

Joy and worthiness · it is fair on a horse

Steadfast on a journey · It is a piece of war gear.

Ior (Serpent) is a river fish · and though it always uses

Food on earth · it has a fair home

Surrounded by water · where it lives in happiness.

90

Éar (The grave) is hideous · to every man

When steadily · the flesh begins

The body cools · and chooses the earth black

To bed with · Fruits fall

Joys pass away · truths are broken