A 10th century skaldic poem composed by Þjóðólfr of Hvinir (c.885-920), the Haustlǫng (Old Norse: Autumn Long) praises Þorleif inn Spakka for the gift of a painted shield.

Describing mythological scenes painted on the shield, the poem tells the story of kidnapping of Iðunn by the giant Þjazi and her rescue by Loki, alongside the story of Thor's slaying of Hrungnir.

In his extensive Introduction, North examines the poem’s style and genre, the life of the poet, the transmission and preservation of the text in Norway and Iceland over two centuries, and Snorri Sturluson’s treatise on Norse poetry known as the Prose Edda. Placing the poem firmly in the geographical and cultural context of 10th century Norway, North outlines his theory that Haustlǫng is a ‘northern pastoral’ rather than a traditional ‘shield’ poem.

The poem is presented with a facing-page English translation that includes thorough footnotes explaining textual variants, while the comprehensive stanza-by-stanza and line-by-line Commentary is followed by a detailed Glossary to provide an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Old Norse language, literature and culture.

Richard North is Professor of English Language and Literature at University College, London.