Eiríksmál

According to Roger of Wendover, Eric, a Viking ruler was betrayed and killed on Stainmore in 954 AD, while on the run and after being expelled from York. Eric had previously been King of Northumbria (c. 947–948 and 952–954) during his more successful days.

Structure

Although classified as a Skaldic poem since it deals with a historical figure, it is actually anonymous and in the simple fornyrðislag meter, rather than ornate dróttkvætt. It thus has much in common with the poems of the Poetic Edda. The later poem Hákonarmál appears to be modelled on Eiríksmál.

The poem is cast as a dialogue between Eric, the gods Odin and Bragi, and the legendary hero Sigmund.