Völuspá

The Prophecy of the Seeress

From the Poetic Edda

Original in Icelandic, normalized version	Prose translation by Hermann Pálsson, edited by Jürgen W. Kremer Verbatim translation	Lee M. Hollander, poetic translation Translation captures the rhythm of the original, but not necessarily its meaning
1 Hljóðs bið ek allar helgar kindir, meiri ok minni mögu Heimdallar; viltu, at ek, Valföðr! vel framtelja forn spjöll fíra, þau er fremst um man.	1 I ask everyone to give me a hearing, the lesser and the greater sons of Heimdallur. It is your wish, Óðinn, that I relate well the old lore of men as far back as I can remember	1 Hear me, all ye hallowed beings, Both high and low of Heimdall's children: Thou wilt, Valfather, that I well set forth The fates of the world which as first I recall.
2 Ek man jötna ár um borna, þá er forðum mik fœdda höfðu; níu man ek heima, níu íviði, mjötvið mœran fyr mold neðan.	2 I remember the iötnar or Sámi who were born at the beginning of time and reared me in former times. I remember nine worlds beneath the earth, nine giantesses, and also the glorious tree of fate.	2 I call to mind the kin of etins Which long ago did give me life. Nine worlds I know, the nine abodes Of the glorious world-tree the ground beneath.
3 Ár var alda þar er Ýmir bygði, vara sandr né sær né svalar unnir, jörð fannsk æva né upphiminn, gap var ginnunga, en gras hvergi.	3 Towards the beginning of time and at the place where Ymir lived, there was neither sand nor sea, and not cool waves. The earth did not exist at all, nor heaven above: only a yawning gap and grass nowhere.	3 In earliest times did Ymir live: Was not sea nor land nor salty waves, Neither earth was there nor upper heaven, But a gaping nothing, and green things nowhere.
4 Áðr Burs synir bjöðum um ypðu, þeir er Miðgarð mœran skópu; sól skein sunnan á salar steina, þá var grund gróin grœnum lauki.	4 Until the sons of Burr (bear) raised the lands, they who made the great Miðgarðr. The sun shone from the south on to Salarsteinar, when the meadow was covered with green leeks.	4 Was the land then lifted aloft by Bur's sons Who made Mithgarth, the matchless earth; Shone from the south the sun on dry land, On the ground then grew the greensward soft.
5 Sól varp sunnan, sinni mána, hendi inni hœgri um himinjódyr; sól þat ne vissi hvar hon sali átti, máni þat ne vissi hvat hann megins átti, stjörnur þat ne vissu hvar þær staði áttu.	5 The sun, who was the Moon’s travelling companion, stretched out with her right hand tracing the horizon. The sun did not know where her halls were located, the	From the south the sun, by the side of the moon, Heaved his right hand over heaven's rim; The sun knew not what seat he had, The stars knew not what stead they held, The moon knew not what might she had.
6 Þá gengu regin öll á rökstóla, ginnheilug goð, ok um þat gættusk; nátt ok niðjum nöfn um gáfu, morgin hétu ok miðjan dag, undorn ok aptan, árum at telja.	6 Then all the ruling power, the most sacred god, went to the seats of destiny and took counsel. They gave names to Night and her daughters, to the morning and midday, mid-afternoon and evening. Also how to reckon time in years.	6 Then gathered together the gods for counsel, The holy hosts, and held converse; To night and new moon their names they gave, The morning named, and midday also, Forenoon and evening, to order the year.
7 Hittusk æsir á Iðavelli, þeir er hörg ok hof hátimbruðu, afla lögðu, auð smíðuðu, tangir skópu ok tól görðu.	7 The Aesir who built temples and shrines in timber met on Iðavöllur. They set up a forge with a hearth, created wealth, made tongs and other tools.	7 On Itha Plain met the mighty gods; Shrines and temples they timbered high, They founded forges to fashion gold, Tongs they did shape and tools they made;
8 Tefldu í túni, teitir váru, var þeim vettugis vant ór gulli; unz þrjár kvámu þursa meyjar ámátkar mjök ór jötunheimum.	8 They played cheerfully at draughts in the courtyard, and they were not short of gold – until three troll maidens, powerfully strong, came from Iötunheimar.	8 Played at draughts in the garth: right glad they were, Nor aught lacked they of lustrous gold -- Till maidens three from the thurses came, Awful in might from etin-home.
9 Þá gengu regin öll á rökstóla, ginnheilug goð, ok um þat gættusk: hverr skyldi dverga drótt um skepja ór brimi blóðgu ok ór Bláins leggjum.	9 Then all the ruling powers, the most holy gods, went to the seats of destiny and took counsel as to who of the dwarfs should create a leader from Brimir’s blood and from blue legs.	9 Then gathered together the gods for counsel, The holy hosts, and held converse: Who the deep-dwelling dwarfs was to make Of Brimir's blood and Bláin's bones.
10 Þar var Móðsognir mæztr um orðinn dverga allra, en Durinn annarr; þeir mannlíkun mörg um görðu dvergar í jörðu, sem Durinn sagði.	10 Mótsognir was there, the greatest of all dwards, and next to him was Durinn. These dwarfs fashioned many human figures out of earth, just as Durinn prescribed.	10 Mótsognir rose, mightiest ruler Of the kin of dwarfs, but Durin next; Molded many manlike bodies The dwarfs under earth, as Durin bade them.
11 Nýi, Niði, Norðri, Suðri, Austri, Vestri, Alþjófr, Dvalinn, Nár ok Náinn, Nípingr, Dáinn, Bifurr, Bafurr, Bömburr, Nori, Ánn ok Ánarr, Óinn, Mjöðvitnir.	11 The list continues.	11 Nýi and Nithi, Northri and Suthri, Austri and Vestri, Althjólf, Dvalin, Nár and Náin, Níping, Dáin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Nóri, Án and Onar, Ái, Mjóthvitnir.
12 Veggr ok Gandálfr, Vindálfr, Þorinn, Þrár ok Þráinn, Þekkr, Litr ok Vitr, Nýr ok Nýráðr, nú hefi ek dverga, Reginn ok Ráðsviðr, rétt um talða.	12 The list continues. Now I have correctly listed the dwarfs.	12 Veig and Gandálf, Vindálf, Thráin, Thekk and Thorin, Thrór, Vit, and Lit, Nár and Regin, Nýráth and Ráthsvith; Now is reckoned the roster of dwarfs.
13 Fili, Kili, Fundinn, Nali, Hepti, Vili, Hanarr, Svíurr, Billingr, Brúni, Bildr ok Buri, Frár, Hornbori, Frægr ok Lóni, Aurvangr, Jari, Eikinskjaldi.	13 The list continues.	13 Fíli, Kíli, Fundin, Náli, Heptifíli, Hanar, Svíur, Frár, Hornbori, Fræg and Lóni, Aurvang, Jari, Eikinskjaldi.
14 Mál er dverga í Dvalins liði ljóna kindum til Lofars telja, þeir er sóttu frá salar steini Aurvanga sjöt til Jöruvalla.	14 It is time to tell people about those dwarfs who claim descent from Lofarr; the dwarfs who advanced from Salarsteinn across the settlement of Aurvangr to Iöruvellir.	14 The dwarfs I tell now in Dvalin's host, Down to Lofar -- for listening wights -- They who hied them from halls of stone Over sedgy shores to sandy plains.
15 Þar var Draupnir ok Dólgþrasir, Hár, Haugspori, Hlévangr, Glóinn, Dori, Ori, Dúfr, Andvari, Skirfir, Virfir, Skafiðr, Ai.	15 The list continues.	15 There was Draupnir and Dólgthrasir, Hár and Haugspori, Hlévang, Glói, Skirvir, Virvir, Skafith, Ái, Álf and Yngvi, Eikinskjaldi,
16 Álfr ok Yngvi, Eikinskjaldi, Fjalarr ok Frosti, Finnr ok Ginnarr; þat man æ uppi, meðan öld lifir, langniðja tal Lofars hafat.	16 The list continues. This pedigree from Lofar will be talked about as long as people live.	16 Fjalar and Frosti, Finn and Ginnar. Will ever be known, while earth doth last, The lines of dwarfs to Lofar down.
17 Unz þrír kvámu ór því liði öflgir ok ástkir æsir at húsi, fundu á landi lítt megandi Ask ok Emblu örlöglausa.	17 And then three of the Aesir, mighty and kind-hearted, came from that group to a certain house, and found there on the ground Askr and Embla fragile and fateless.	17 To the coast then came, kind and mighty, From the gathered gods three great Æsir; On land they found, of little strength, Ask and Embla, unfated yet.
18 Önd þau ne áttu, óð þau ne höfðu, lá né læti né litu góða; önd gaf Óðinn, óð gaf Hœnir, lá gaf Lóðurr ok litu góða.	18 They had neither breath nor reason, neither blood nor voice, nor fair complexion. Óðinn gave breath, Hænir reason, Lóðurr blood and fair complexion.	18 Sense they possessed not, soul they had not, Being nor bearing, nor blooming hue; Soul gave Óthin, sense gave Hönir, Being, Lóthur, and blooming hue.
19 Ask veit ek standa, heitir Yggdrasill hár baðmr, ausinn hvíta auri; þaðan koma döggvar þærs í dala falla; stendr æ yfir grœnn Urðar brunni.	19 I know an ash-tree called Yggdrasill; it is a tall tree sprayed with white clay. From there comes the dew that dabbles the dales. The evergreen tree towers above Urðr´s Well.	19 An ash I know, hight Yggdrasil, The mighty tree moist with white dews; Thence come the floods that fall down; Evergreen o'ertops Urth's well this tree.
20 Þaðan koma meyjar margs vitandi þrjár, ór þeim sal er und þolli stendr; Urð hétu eina, aðra Verðandi, skáru á skíði, Skuld ina þriðju; þær lög lögðu, þær líf kuru alda börnum, örlög seggja.	20 From the same place come three knowledgeable maidens, who emerge from the lake that lies at the foot of the tree. People call on Urðr, the second Verðandi, and the third Skuld; they carved runes on pieces of wood. They laid down the laws, the fates of men, and chose life for the children of humankind.	20 Thence wise maidens three betake them -- Urth one is hight, the other, Verthandi, Skuld the third: they scores did cut, They laws did make, they lives did choose: For the children of men they marked their fates.
21 Þat man hon fólkvíg fyrst í heimi, er Gullveig geirum studdu ok í höll Hárs hana brendu; þrysvar brendu þrysvar borna, opt, ósjaldan, þó hon enn lifir.	21 The first major battle on earth which she remembers is the one when they set upon Gullveig with spears and burnt her in Óðinn´s hall; three times they burnt her, and three times she was born again; this happened often, again and again – yet she is still alive.	21 I ween the first war in the world was this, When the gods Gullveig gashed with their spears, And in the hall of Hár burned her -- Three times burned they the thrice reborn, Ever and anon: even now she liveth.
22 Heiði hana hétu, hvars til húsa kom, völu velspá, vitti hon ganda, seið hon hvars hon kunni, seið hon hugleikin, æ var hon angan illrar brúðar.	22 They called her Heiðr, wherever she came to visit a house, the clear-sighted sibyl. She charmed magic wands. She practiced witchcraft wherever she could, and did so skillfully. She always remained a favourite with wicked people.	22 Heith she was hight where to houses she came, The wise seeress, and witchcraft plied -- Cast spells where she could, cast spells on the mind: To wicked women she was welcome ever.
23 Þá gengu regin öll á rökstóla, ginnheilug goð, ok um þat gættusk: hvárt skyldu æsir afráð gjalda, eða skyldu goðin öll gildi eiga.	23 Then all the ruling powers, the most holy gods, went to the seats of destiny and took counsel as to whether the Æsir should suffer a great loss or all the gods receive compensation.	23 Then gathered together the gods for counsel, The holy hosts, and held converse: Should the Æsir a truce with tribute buy, Or should all gods share in the feast.
24 Fleygði Óðinn ok í fólk um skaut, þat var enn fólkvíg fyrst í heimi; brotinn var borðveggr borgar ása, knáttu vanir vígská völlu sporna.	24 Óðinn hurled a missile right into the fray. This was still the first battle in the world. The stockade protecting the Æsir stronghold was broken down. The Vanir marched across the field with battle spells.	24 His spear had Óthin sped o'er the host: The first of feuds was thus fought in the world; Was broken in battle the breastwork of Ásgarth, Fighting Vanir trod the field of battle.
25 Þá gengu regin öll á rökstóla, ginnheilug goð, ok um þat gættusk: hverr hefði lopt allt lævi blandit eða ætt jötuns Óðs mey gefna.	25 The all the ruling powers, the most holy gods, went to the seats of destiny and took counsel as to who had filled the air with corruption and given Óðr´s maid to the giants.	25 Then gathered together the gods for counsel, The holy hosts, and held converse: Who had filled the air with foul treason, And to uncouth etins Óth's wife given.
26 Þórr einn þar vá þrunginn móði, hann sjaldan sitr er hann slíkt um fregn; á gengust eiðar, orð ok sœri, mál öll meginlig er á meðal fóru.	26 Þórr was the only one there who was swollen with rage; he seldom sits idly by when he hears of such things. Oaths were broken, solemn vows and sworn statements, all the firm agreements that had been made between them.	26 Thewy Thór then overthrew the foe -- He seldom sits when of such he hears: Were sworn oaths broken, and solemn vows, Gods' plighted troth, the pledges given.
27 Veit hon Heimdallar hljóð um fólgit undir heiðvönum helgum baðmi; á sér hon ausask aurgum forsi af veði Valföðrs. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	27 She knows that Heimdallr´s hearing has been hidden beneath the sacred tree, which is accustomed to the clear sky. She sees a river splashing over itself the muddied waters from Valföðr´s pledge. Do you see now what I mean, or do you want more?	27 Where Heimdall's horn is hid, she knows, Under heaven-touching, holy world-tree; On it are shed showery falls From Fjolnir's pledge: know ye further, or how?
28 Ein sat hon úti, þá er inn aldni kom yggjungr ása ok í augu leit. Hvers fregnið mik? hví freistið mín? alt veit ek, Óðinn! hvar þú auga falt: í inum mœra Mímis brunni; drekkr mjöð Mímir morgin hverjan af veði Valföðrs. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	28 She was sitting outside alone when the old Yggiungr of the Æsir came and looked her in the eye. What do you ask for? Why do you put me to a test? I know everything, Óðinn, where you hid your eye in the glorious well of Mímir. Every morning Mímir drinks mead from Valföðr´s pledge. Do you now what I mean, or do you want more?	28 Alone she sat out when the lord of gods, Óthin the old, her eye did seek: What seekest thou to know, why summon me? Well know I, Ygg, where thy eye is hidden: In the wondrous well of Mímir; Each morn Mímir his mead doth drink Out of Fjolnir's pledge: know ye further, or how?
29 Valði henni Herföðr hringa ok men, féspjöll spaklig ok spáganda; sá hon vítt ok um vítt of veröld hverja.	29 Herföðr chose for her rings, necklaces, treasures and wise words and a prophecy of magic wands. She saw far and wide throughout every world.	29 Gave Ygg to her arm rings and gems For her seeress' sight and soothsaying: The fates I fathom, yet farther I see, See far and wide the worlds about.
30 Sá hon valkyrjur vítt um komnar görvar at ríða til Goðþjóðar: Skuld hélt skildi, en Skögul önnur, Gunnr, Hildr, Göndul ok Geirskögul; nú eru talðar nönnur Herjans, görvar at ríða grund valkyrjur.	30 She saw valyries, coming from afar, ready to ride to the race of gods. Skuld held a shield, and so did Skögul, Gunnr and Göndul and Geir-Skögul. Now themaidens of Óðinn have been named, the valkyries that are ready to ride across the field.	30 The valkyries' flock from afar she beholds, Ready to ride to the realm of men: Skuld held her shield, Skogul likewise, Guth, Hild, Gondul, and Geirskogul: For thus are hight Herjan's maidens, Ready to ride o'er reddened battlefields.
31 Ek sá Baldri, blóðgum tívur, Óðins barni örlög fólgin: stóð um vaxinn völlum hæri mjór ok mjök fagr mistilteinn.	31 I saw the threads of blood-stained Baldr´s fate, Óðinn´s child, being hidden away. The slender and comely mistletoe towered above the plain.	31 I saw for Baldr, the blessed god, Ygg's dearest son, what doom is hidden: Green and glossy, there grew aloft, The trees among, the mistletoe.
32 Varð af þeim meiði, er mér sýndisk, harmflaug hættlig, Höðr nam skjóta. Baldrs bróðir var of borinn snemma, sá nam Óðins sonr einnættr vega.	32 The seemingly slender tree became a dangerous, grieföladen missile. Höðr cast it. Baldr´s brother was born in time and this son of Óðinn slew when he was one night old.	32 The slender-seeming sapling became A fell weapon when flung by Hoth; But Baldr's brother was born full soon: But one night old slew him Óthin's son.
33 Þó hann æva hendr né höfuð kembði, áðr á bál um bar Baldrs andskota. En Frigg um grét í Fensölum vá Valhallar. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	33 He neither washed his hands nor combed his hair before carrying Baldr´s adversary to the funeral pyre. But Frigg in Fensalir mourned the woe of Valhöll. Do you see what I mean, or do you want more?	33 Neither cleansed his hands nor combed his hair Till Baldr's slayer he sent to Hel; But Frigg did weep in Fensalir The fateful deed: know ye further, or how?
34 .   .   .   .   .   . .   .   .   .   .   . .   .   .   .   .   . .   .   .   .   .   . Þá kná Vala vígbönd snúa, heldr váru harðgör höpt ór þörmum.	34 Then someone twisted war-fetters for Váli. These sturdy manacles were made from guts.
35 Hapt sá hon liggja undir hvera lundi lægjarnlíki Loka áþekkjan; þar sitr Sigyn þeygi um sínum ver vel glýjuð. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	35 She saw a captive lying below Hveralundr, resembling the malicious Loki. There sits Sigyn by her husband and is far from happy. Do you see now what I mean, or do you want more?	35 A captive lies in the kettle-grove, Like to lawless Loki in shape; There sits Sigyn, full sad in mind, By her fettered mate: know ye further, or how?
36 Á fellr austan um eitrdala söxum ok sverðum, Slíðr heitir sú.	36 A river falls from the east through Eitrdalar, carrying swords and knives. It´s called Slíðr.	36 From the east there flows through fester-dales, A stream hight Slíth, filled with swords and knives.
36B Stóð fyr norðan á Niðavöllum salr ór gulli Sindra ættar; en annarr stóð á Ókólni, bjórsalr jötuns, en sá Brímir heitir.	36B A hall of gold stood in the north at Niðvellir; it belonged tothekin of Sindri. Another hall, the beer-hall of a certain giant, was called Brimir and stood at Ókólnir.	36B Stood in the north on the Nitha Fields A dwelling golden which the dwarfs did own; Another stood on Ókólnir, That etin's beer-hall, who is Brimir hight.
37 Sal sá hon standa sólu fjarri Náströndu á, norðr horfa dyrr; féllu eitrdropar inn um ljóra, sá er undinn salr orma hryggjum.	37 She saw a hall standing on Náströnd, far from the sun; its door facing north. Drops of poison drip in through the skylight. The hall is wattled of dragon spines.	37 A hall she saw, from the sun so far, On Ná Strand's shore: turn north its doors; Drops of poison drip through the louver, It walls are clad with coiling snakes.
38 Sá hon þar vaða þunga strauma menn meinsvara ok morðvarga ok þanns annars glepr eyrarúnu; þar saug Níðhöggr nái framgengna, sleit vargr vera. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	38 There she saw perjurers, murderers and someone who had seduced another man´s sweetheart. And this was the place where Níðhöggr sucked human corpses; the wolf kept tearing men apart. Do you see now what I mean, or do you want more?	38 Waist-deep wade there through waters swift Mainsworn men and murderous, Eke those who betrayed a trusted friend's wife; There gnaws Níthhogg naked corpses, There the Wolf rends men -- wit ye more, or how?
39 Austr sat in aldna í Járnviði ok fœddi þar Fenris kindir; verðr af þeim öllum einna nökkurr tungls tjúgari í trolls hami.	39 The old crone sat east in Iárnviðr (Ironwood) where she reared Fenrir´s kin. One of them will stand out from the rest, and in a monstrous form destroy the moon.	39 In the east sat the old one, in the Iron-Woods, Bred there the bad brood of Fenrir; Will one of these, worse than they all, The sun swallow, in seeming a wolf.
40 Fyllisk fjörvi feigra manna, rýðr ragna sjöt rauðum dreyra; svört verða sólskin um sumur eptir, veðr öll válynd. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	40 He will glut himself on the lives of dead men and redden the abodes of the gods with real blood. The sunshine was black then in the following summers, and all the winds treacherous. Do you see what I mean, or do you want more?	40 He feeds on the flesh of fallen men, With their blood sullies the seats of the gods; Will grow swart the sunshine in summers thereafter, The weather, woe-bringing: do ye wit more, or how?
41 Sat þar á haugi ok sló hörpu gýgjar hirðir glaðr Egðir; gól um hánum í gaglviði fagrrauðr hani, sá er Fjalarr heitir.	41 The ogress´s shepherd, cheerful Eggþér, sat there on a mound playing his harp. A bright-red cock called Fialarr crowed to him in Gaglwood.	41 His harp striking, on hill there sat Gladsome Eggthér, he who guards the ogress; O'er him gaily in the gallows tree Crowed the fair red cock which is Fjalar hight.
42 Gól um ásum Gullinkambi, sá vekr hölða at Herjaföðrs; en annarr gelr fyr jörð neðan sótrauðr hani at sölum Heljar.	42 Gullinkambi crowed to the Æsir; he wakes the heroes at Heriaföðr´s. Another cock, dark-red, crows in the halls of Hel beneath the earth.	42 Crowed o'er the gods Gullinkambi; Wakes he the heroes who in Herjan dwell; Another crows the earth beneath In the halls of Hel, of hue dark red.
43 Geyr Garmr mjök fyr Gnípahelli; festr man slitna, en freki renna. Fjöld veit hon frœða, fram sé ek lengra, um ragnarök römm sigtíva.	43 Garmr bays furiously in front of Gnípahellir; the chain will snap and the wolf run free. She knows many spells – I can see far into the future – beyond the mighty doom of the battle gods.	43 Garm bays loudly before Gnipa cave, Breaks his fetters and freely runs. The fates I fathom, yet farther I see: Of the mighty gods the engulfing doom.
44 Brœðr munu berjask ok at bönum verðask, munu systrungar sifjum spilla; hart er í heimi, hórdómr mikill, skeggjöld, skálmöld, skildir ’ru klofnir, vindöld, vargöld, áðr veröld steypisk; man engi maðr öðrum þyrma.	44 Brothers will fight and kill each other; cousins will destroy their bonds of kinship. There will be hardship on earth, much adultery, an axe age, sword age – shields will be split – storm age, wolf age, before the world collapses. No one will show mercy to another man.	44 Brothers will battle to bloody end, And sisters' sons their sibs betray; Woe's in the world, much wantonness; Axe-age, sword-age -- sundered are shields -- Wind-age, wolf-age, ere the world crumbles; Will the spear of no man spare the other.
45 Leika Míms synir, en mjötuðr kyndisk, at inu gamla Gjallarhorni; hátt blæss Heimdallr, horn er á lopti; mælir Óðinn við Míms höfuð.	45 Mímir´s sons will be free to play about; the tree of destiny will catch fire at the shrill sound of Giallarhorn. Heimdallr blows loudly, holding his horn aloft. Óðinn speaks with Mímir´s head. The ancient tree groans and the iötunn will break free. The ash tree of Yggdrasill trembles, though it is still standing.	45 Mímir's sons dance; the downfall bodes When blares the gleaming Gjallarhorn; Loud blows Heimdall, with horn aloft; In Hel's dark hall horror spreadeth, Once more Óthin with Mím's head speaketh Ere Surt's sib swallows him.
46 Geyr nú Garmr mjök fyr Gnípahelli; festr man slitna, en freki renna. Fjöld veit hon frœða, fram sé ek lengra, um ragnarök römm sigtíva.	46 Garmr bays furiously in front of Gnípahellir; the chain will snap and the wolf run free. She knows many spells – I can see far into the future – beyond the mighty doom of the battle gods.	46 Garm bays loudly before Gnipa cave, Breaks his fetters and freely runs. The fates I fathom, yet farther I see: Of the mighty gods the engulfing doom.
47 Hrymr ekr austan, hefisk lind fyrir. Snýsk jörmungandr í jötunmóði: ormr knýr unnir, en ari hlakkar, slítr nái niðfölr. Naglfar losnar.	47 Hrymr drives from the east, holding a shield in front of him. Iörmungandr writhes in a giant´s rage. The serpent will lash out at the waves. The yellow-beaked one will tear at corpses. The Naglfar will break free.	47 Fares Hrym from the east, holding his shield; The Mithgarth-Worm in mighty rage Scatters the waves; screams the eagle, His nib tears the dead; Naglfar loosens.
48 Kjóll ferr austan, koma munu Muspells um lög lýðir, en Loki stýrir; fara fíflmegir með freka allir, þeim er bróðir Byleists í för.	48 A ship sails from the east. The followers of Múspell will come across the sea. Loki will be the captain. The monster´s sons will all go with the wolf, and Býleiptr´s brother will be in their company.	48 Sails a ship from the east with shades from Hel; O'er the ocean stream steers it Loki; In the wake of the Wolf rush witless hordes Who with baleful Byleist's brother do fare.
49 Hvat er með ásum? hvat er með álfum? gnýr allr jötunheimr, æsir ’ru á þingi; stynja dvergar fyr steindurum veggbergs vísir. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	49 What is happening to the Æsir? What is happening to the elves? Iötunheimr trembles from end to end. The Æsir are holding an assembly. The dwarfs are groaning in front of Steindyrr, and they are familiar with Veggberg as well. Do you see now what I mean, or do you want more?	49 What ails the Æsir and what the alfs? In uproar all etins -- are the Æsir met. At the gates of their grots the wise dwarfs groan In their fell fastnesses: wit ye further, or how?
50 Surtr ferr sunnan með sviga lævi, skínn af sverði sól valtíva. Grjótbjörg gnata, en gífr hrata; troða halir helveg, en himinn klofnar.	50 Surtr travels from the south, with the twig´s destroyer, the sun flashing from the battle-god´s sword. Cliffs will crash, ogresses go astray. Men will tread the road to Hel, and the heavens will split.	50 Comes Surt from the south with the singer-of-twigs, The war god's sword like a sun doth shine; The tall hills totter, the trolls stagger, Men fare to Hel, the heavens rive.
51 Þá kemr Hlínar harmr annarr fram, er Óðinn ferr við úlf vega, en bani Belja bjartr at Surti; þar man Friggjar falla angan.	51 The Hlín´s second grief will come to pass when Óðinn goes to fight the wolf, and Beli´s fair killer will go against Surtr. Then Frigg´s beloved will fall.	51 Another woe awaiteth Hlín, When forth goes Óthin to fight the Wolf, And the slayer of Beli to battle with Surt: Then Frigg's husband will fall lifeless.
52 Þá kemr inn mikli mögr Sigföður Viðarr vega at valdýri; lætr hann megi hveðrungs mund um standa hjör til hjarta; þá er hefnt föður.	52 The Víðarr, Sigföðr´s great son, will go forward to kill the carrion beast. With his hand he makes a sword stand in the heart of Hveðrungr´s son. That is how his father is avenged.	52 Strides forth Víthar, Valfather's son, The fearless fighter, Fenrir to slay; To the heart he hews the Hvethrungs's son; Avenged is then Víthar's father.
52B Gínn lopt yfir lindi iarðar, gapa ýgs kiaptar orms í hæðum. Mun Óðins son eitri mæta vargs at dauða Víðars niðia.	52B The World Serpent (the girdle of the earth) gapes over the air, its fierce jaws are wide apart and high above the ground. Óðinn´s son Þórr will meet the dragon´s venom, when Víðarr´s kinsman (= Þórr) is killed.	53B Comes then Mjolnir's mighty wielder; Gapes the grisly earth-girdling Serpent When strides forth Thór to stay the Worm.
53 Þá kemr inn mœri mögr Hlóðynjar, gengr Óðins sonr við orm vega; drepr hann af móði Miðgarðs véurr; munu halir allir heimstöð ryðja; gengr fet níu Fjörgynjar burr neppr frá naðri níðs ókvíðnum.	53 Then Hlöðyn´s glorious son comes forward; this son of Óðinn goes to fight the serpent. In a rage the serpent strikes the Defender of Midgard. All men will clear out of the world. The exhausted son of Fiörgyn takes nine steps away from the serpent, which has no fear of his own shame.
54 Sól tér sortna, sígr fold í mar, hverfa af himni heiðar stjörnur; geisar eimi ok aldrnari, leikr hár hiti við himin sjálfan.	54 The sun will turn black, the earth will sink into the sea; bright stars will vanish from the sky. Fires will burn against flames, and immense heat play against heaven itself.	54 'Neath sea the land sinketh, the sun dimmeth, From the heavens fall the fair bright stars; Gusheth forth stream and gutting fire, To very heaven soar the hurtling flames.
55 Geyr Garmr mjök fyr Gnípahelli; festr man slitna, en freki renna. Fjöld veit hon frœða, fram sé ek lengra, um ragnarök römm sigtíva.	55 Garmr bays furiously in front of Gnípahellir; the chain will snap and the wolf run free. She knows many spells – I can see far into the future – beyond the mighty doom of the battle gods.	55 Garm bays loudly before Gnipa cave, Breaks his fetters and freely runs. The fates I fathom, yet farther I see: Of the mighty gods the engulfing doom.
56 Sér hon upp koma öðru sinni jörð ór œgi iðjagrœna; falla forsar, flýgr örn yfir, sá er á fjalli fiska veiðir.	56 She sees the lush and green earth come up from the sea for the second time. Waterfalls rush down, and above them there soars an eagle which catches fish in a mountain stream.	56 I see green again with growing things The earth arise from out of the sea; Fell torrents flow, overflies them the eagle, On hoar highlands which hunts for fish.
57 Finnask æsir á Iðavelli ok um moldþinur mátkan dœma ok minnask þar á megindóma ok á Fimbultýs fornar rúnar.	57 The Æsir will meet on Iðavöllr totalkabout the mighty World Serpent, and then they will call to mind the great judgements and Fimbultýr´s ancient runes.	57 Again the Æsir on Itha Plain meet, And speak of the mighty Mithgarth-Worm -- Again go over the great world-doom, And Fimbultýr's unfathomed runes.
58 Þar munu eptir undrsamligar gullnar töflur í grasi finnask, þærs í árdaga áttar höfðu.	58 Afterwards wondrous golden game pieces which they owned in the early days will be found there in the grass.	58 Then in the grass the golden figures, The far-famed ones, will be found again, Which they had owned in olden days.
59 Munu ósánir akrar vaxa, böls man alls batna, Baldr man koma; búa þeir Höðr ok Baldr Hropts sigtoptir vel valtívar. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	59 Unsown cornfields will yield crops. All ills will be cured. Baldr will come back. He and Höðr, the battle gods, will live in harmony together in the ruins of Hroptr´s battle sites. Do you see now what I mean, or do you want more?	59 On unsown acres the ears will grow. All ill grow better; will Baldr come then. Both he and Hoth will in Hropt's hall dwell, The war gods' fane: do ye wit more, or how?
60 Þá kná Hœnir hlut við kjósa ok burir byggja brœðra tveggja vindheim víðan. Vituð ér enn eða hvat?	60 Then Hænir can choose a divination twig, and the sons of two brothers will inhabit the extensive Indheimr. Do you see now what I mean, or must I go on?	60 Then will Hönir handle the blood-wands, And Ygg's brothers' sons will forever dwell In wide Wind-Home: do ye wit more, or how?
61 Sal sér hon standa sólu fegra gulli þakðan á Gimlé; þar skulu dyggvar dróttir byggja ok um aldrdaga ynðis njóta.	61 She sees a gold-thatched hall, more beautiful than the sun standing at Gimlé. There virtuous people will enjoy happiness and live for ever.	61 I see a hall than the sun more fair, Thatched with red gold, which is Gimlé hight. There will the gods all guiltless throne, And live forever in ease and bliss.
62 Þar kemr inn dimmi dreki fljúgandi, naðr fránn neðan frá Niðafjöllum; berr sér í fjöðrum — flýgr völl yfir — Niðhöggr nái. Nú man hon sökkvask.	62 Then comes the dark gleaming dragon flying up from Niðafiöll. Níöhöggr carrying corpses in his pinions flies above the plain. Now she will sink.	62 Comes the darksome dragon flying, Níthhogg, upward from the Nitha fells; He bears in his pinions as the plains he o'erflies, Naked corpses: now he will sink.
63 Þá kemr inn ríki at regindómi öflugr ofan, sá er öllu ræðr.	63 Then the mighty one comes down to the great judgment, the powerful ruler who controls everything.	63 Adown cometh to the doom of the world The great godhead which governs all.