The Oath of the War-Born

Night leans close on the waiting shore

My shield is scuffed, my hands are sore

I pour out mead on hardened ground

Let listening powers take this sound

I was not born with gold in reach

I learned by frost, I learned by beach

By oar that bites, by rope that burns

By every hard won thing one earns

I have seen dawn on broken spears

I have seen boys turn old with fears

So if my feet must find the fray

Let courage come and do not stray

Not for rage, not for reckless fame

Make my heart a steadier flame

Heyrið mik nú, guð ok vættir

Gefið mér hug ok harðan vilja

Haldið skjǫld, haldið sverð

Leiðið mik heim, eða til dýrðar

Let my arm be true and tight

Let my eyes hold fast in fight

Let me not strike from petty spite

Let me not run from rightful night

If I must fall, then let it be

With brothers near who bled with me

And let my name be cleanly said

Not cursed for what my fear once fed

If death comes close, cold as snow

Teach my breath to rise, and go

Heyrið mik nú, guð ok vættir

Gefið mér hug ok harðan vilja

Haldið skjǫld, haldið sverð

Leiðið mik heim, eða til dýrðar

Dawn comes pale on steel and breath

If I meet life, or if I meet death

Let this prayer be what I leave

A quiet oath I still believe