Odin's sea-ride

Master Oluf, the smith of Helgoland,

leaves his anvil in the middle of the night.

The wind is howling at the seashore,

and there is a powerful knocking at his door:

"Come out, come out, shoe my steed,

I have far to go and day is near!"

Master Oluf unlocks the door

and an impressive rider stands before him.

Black is his armor, helmet and shield;

and at his hip hangs a broadsword.

His black steed tosses its mane wildly

and stamps the earth with impatience!

"Where do you go so late? Why so fast?"

"In Norderney I stayed yesterday.

My horse is swift, the night is bright,

and I must be in Norway before the sun!"

"If you had wings, then I'd gladly believe it!"

"My black steed runs like the wind.

But the stars are growing pale,

so come with the shoe and make it quick!"

Master Oluf takes the shoe in his hand,

and it is too small, but it begins to grow.

And as it grows into the hoof,

he is seized by fear and dread.

The rider mounts and his sword clanks:

"Now, Master Oluf, good night!

Well have you shoed Odin's steed;

I hurry now to bloody battle."

The black steed darts forth over land and sea,

and around Odin's head light glows.

Twelve eagles fly behind him,

and they fly swiftly, but do not reach him.