Jump to content
Poetry Magnum Opus

Eddas, Song Measure or Ljoahattr


Tinker

Recommended Posts

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry
Nordic Verse
Edda Measures

Song Measure or Ljoahattr of the 12th century, Icelandic, Edda Measures is defined by the following elements:

  1. stanzaic,, written in any number of quatrains.
  2. accentual, written with alternating 4 and 3 strong stresses per line. There are 2 or 3 unstressed syllables in each hemistich (half line) This is much like the Anglo Saxon Verse.
  3. composed with the 3rd stressed syllable of each line alliterating with either or both of the 1st and 2nd stressed syllable, but the 4th stress rarely alliterates within the line. Instead the 4th stressed syllable of the line can cross alliterate with the following line.

    Skald by Judi Van Gorder

    The ancient pages postulate a skald
    who wrote his words with magic.
    Of legends, gods and gold, he told
    with tongue and tambour ringing.
    His valiant verse, a varied tome,
    the married meter uttered.
    Of Snorri Snurluson, they sing,
    master . .of the Edda Measures.

~~ © ~~ Poems by Judi Van Gorder ~~

For permission to use this work you can write to Tinker1111@icloud.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Guidelines.