- Poem/ By Viktor Fray
(This is an original poem about King Harald Hardrada by Vikrant “Viktor Fray” Thapa Gautam, who, since Fall 2015, has been angry with King Harald for not invading Sweden when he had the chance. It is in the style of the Viking court poetry found in King Harald’s Saga.)
In a little hut outside the castle walls
A young man looked on with hope
As you, our king, rode on your horse;
In Alexander’s likeness he admired you.
You showed great promise during your early years-
Harald the mercenary was feared far and wide.
The legendary journey you went on throughout the world
Gave us great hope. But, dear king, you made a mistake.
Instead of fighting the Danes
You should have fought the Swedes.
Your ego won over reason
And in the end you lost all.
Perhaps if you helped Jaroslav
Across the Baltic Sea,
You would have the support of the Keivan Rus
And you could both expand your lands.
Again without settling your current debts,
You sailed to England.
You should have sailed back-
She had sent you omens throughout your voyage there.
You showed great promise during your early years-
Perhaps if you had a mentor like Aristotle
You would be as great as Alexander;
But that’s just wishful thinking.
(Published on May 26, 2017. Originally published in Noctua : Medieval and Renaissance Studies at The W, Volume 1 Spring, 2016)
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