10 – Dark Waters, Hidden Treasures – Cynewulf’s Lay

Rhyme of the Geats and the Pukelwife

After the defense

Of Ercongotastead’s walls

We led in cold light.

To the pukel den

Amid close branches we took

Attacks from pucklings.

Then in dark passages

With the pukel-men we fought

A narrowing battle won.

Against our enemies

And against failing torch-light

In that dim, close place.

At the end we saw

The pukel-wife enthroned

Defeated by shield maidens.

The dark pool beckons

We search and in searching find

Metal rich, but sharp toothed.

Cynewulf, the East Geat