Gerd Meets Frey

by Michaela Macha

German lovers

Gerd:
"To Barri, the wood which both we know,
you compelled me to come, now answer!
Are you the Van who would woo me with threats
and never take no as reply?

Nor bribe of gold nor gruesome curses
will win the heart of a woman.
Always the gods deal ill with us giants;
why should I wed you, Frey?"

Frey:
"To turn your heart, my last hope were runes,
but your magic is stronger than mine:
Enspelled by your beauty I´ve spent my days
since I saw you from Hlidskjalf´s height.

Little I care if I live or die,
if I feel not your arms enfold me.
I will honor and love you; even my father
wedded one of your kind."

Gerd:
"Why should go from my glaciers and rocks,
my home in the mighty mountains?
What shall become of the wastelands I own,
if indeed I would follow you, Frey?"

Frey:
"With green I will cover the grey of your mountains,
make fertile the rock-strewn fields.
Grass will grow on the ground that was barren,
a beautiful garden for Gerd.

Your realm´s pride will be praised by men,
they´ll honor you even as a goddess.
If you would have it, my heart is yours--
I offer you all that I own."

Gerd:
"I did not believe you love me so well;
now I´ve seen your soul in your eyes.
You´ve thawed the ice of an etin-maid--
gladly will Gerd be your bride!"

2006 Michaela Macha of Odin's Gift

This poem is in the Common Domain and may be freely distributed
provided it remains unchanged, including copyright notice and this License.