The Icelandic Rune Poem

(in Modern English)

Wealth

source of discord among kinsmen
and fire of the sea
and path of the serpent.

Shower

lamentation of the clouds
and ruin of the hay-harvest
and abomination of the shepherd.

Giant

torture of women
and cliff-dweller
and husband of a giantess.

God

aged Gautr
and prince of Ásgarðr
and lord of Vallhalla.

Riding

joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.

Ulcer

disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.

Hail

cold grain
and shower of sleet
and sickness of serpents.

Constraint

grief of the bond-maid
and state of oppression
and toilsome work.

Ice

bark of rivers
and roof of the wave
and destruction of the doomed.

Plenty

boon to men
and good summer
and thriving crops.

Sun

shield of the clouds
and shining ray
and destroyer of ice.

Týr

god with one hand
and leavings of the wolf
and prince of temples.

Birch

leafy twig
and little tree
and fresh young shrub.

Man

delight of man
and augmentation of the earth
and adorner of ships.

Water

eddying stream
and broad geysir
and land of the fish.

Yew

bent bow
and brittle iron
and giant of the arrow.