The Exeter Riddles
Riddle 18:
http://www2.kenyon.edu/AngloSaxonRiddles/Riddles/Riddle18.htm
We discussed the possibility of this being a sword, but all felt that there are some holes in that one. Unfortunately, same with the hawk idea, and the phallus. I personally veer towards the sword suggestion because of the definite focus towards the idea of a weapon, however there is the plural (not clear in the above translation), which arguably could be the double edge of the sword.
Also, in line 8b-9, it is not clear whether the ’soul-bearers’ are killed, or whether the answer to the riddle is a ’soul-bearer’, i.e. ‘I, a soul-bearer, often slay…’ Also, not just treasure is given, but also words as praise. It could be a ship of some kind (my dreadful suggestion, I know), but again, the battle references cause that one to fall down. I thought, regarding the curse, that it could be some kind of damage to the ship – erosion or salt wearing down its sails. Also, the frustration of women taking away their men for a long stretch of time. Restrained vs. free is also fine in this context, as is the reference to fabric… Actually, i’d say that’s my favorite idea, although it is full of holes.
I may do a translation myself and see where I end up with it…
UPDATE: Haven’t done the translation, but got a little hyper last night, couldn’t sleep and worked it though! There are flaws, but it works!!! YAY!
Credit: With much assistance from Dr. Neville, London.
