The Oxonian in Thelemarken, volume 2 (of 2) by Frederick Metcalfe

Author:Frederick Metcalfe [Metcalfe, Frederick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literary, General, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9781297731419
Google: 1_b3DwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 26666758
Publisher: Andesite Press
Published: 2015-08-11T00:00:00+00:00

The birchen charm may remind one of the slips of yew “shivered in the moon’s eclipse,” in Macbeth.

The term “svipu” is used in parts of the country for whip, instead of the real word “svöbe.” And I have no doubt this is the signification of it here—viz., a means of driving away the mare.[12]

But to return to the real Simon Pure—I mean Svipu. Unfortunately, I could not get a sight of it. The good folks either could not, or would not, find the wonderful instrument. I believe, though still in their heart clinging to the ancient superstition, they were averse to confessing it to others.

“But here comes a man,” said the Lehnsman, “who will tell us some curious anecdotes; his name is Solomon Larsen Haugebirke. He is a silversmith and blacksmith by trade, and having been servant to half-a-dozen priests here, he has become waked up, and having a tenacious memory, he can throw a good deal of light on the ancient customs of the valley. Gesegnet arbeid (blessed labour) to you, Solomon.”

“Good day, Mr. Lehnsman. You have got a stranger with you, I see. Is he a Tüsker (German)?”

The old gentleman was soon down on the grass, under the shadow of an outbuilding, the sun being intensely hot, and whiffing his pipe, stopped with my tobacco, while he folded his hands in deep thought.

“Well, really, Lehnsman, I can’t mind anything just on the moment. Landstad and Bugge[13] were both here, and got all my stories and songs.”

“But can’t you remember something about Aasgardsreia?”

After pausing for a minute or two, Solomon said—

“Well, sir, you know it was always about Yule-tide, when we were just laid down in bed, that they came by. They never halted till they came to a house where something was going to happen. They used to stop at the door, and dash their saddles against the wall or roof, making the whole house shake, and the great iron pot rattle again.”

“But do you really believe in it, Solomon?” said I, putting some more tobacco in his pipe.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.