⁵ Kenning for “the heavens,” similar to those given in “Alvíssmál,” St. 12.

⁶ Evidently one of the norns.

⁷ See “Hyndluljóð,” St. 11, and “Helgakviða Hundingsbana” II, Introductory Prose.

⁸ No gap is indicated in the manuscript. Did the missing lines, or stanzas, contain the curse of one of the weird sisters, as is the case with Ólaf, the son of Frithleif (Saxo Grammaticus, Gesta Danorum, liber VI, 4). The impending evil certainly does not refer to the wars foretold by the raven: only by fighting can glory be won.

⁹ This is, probably, to be interpreted, not literally, but as meaning that on Helgi from his tenderest childhood is imposed the duty to avenge his father.

¹⁰ Ravens, wolves, and eagles rejoice at the birth of a hero who will feed them on the carcasses of his slain foes—a standard conceit in Old Germanic poetry.

¹¹ It is one of the attributes of a great king to bring to his land good harvest years. A housecarl is a member of the king’s bodyguard.

¹² A kenning for “battle.”

¹³ As a fast-growing plant the leek seems symbolic of rapid access in royal power. Compare with the virga (“rod”) used, beside the sceptre, in the coronation of the early English kings.