This beautiful prayer was written in the 12th or early 13th century by Kolbeinn Tumason, who was one of the most powerful chieftains (goði) in Iceland. Kolbeinn was a devoutly religious man of some education and he composed this hymn on his deathbed.
"Listen, smith of the heavens,
what the poet asks.
May softly come unto me
thy mercy.
So I call on thee,
for thou hast created me.
I am thy slave,
thou art my Lord.
God, I call on thee
to heal me.
Remember me, mild one,
Most we need thee.
Drive out, O king of suns,
generous and great,
every human sorrow
from the city of the heart.
Watch over me, mild one,
Most we need thee,
truly every moment
in the world of men.
send us, son of the virgin,
good causes,
all aid is from thee,
in my heart."
(contributed by Rowan Lewgallon.
Photo: site of the Battle of Haugsnes, Iceland)
"Listen, smith of the heavens,
what the poet asks.
May softly come unto me
thy mercy.
So I call on thee,
for thou hast created me.
I am thy slave,
thou art my Lord.
God, I call on thee
to heal me.
Remember me, mild one,
Most we need thee.
Drive out, O king of suns,
generous and great,
every human sorrow
from the city of the heart.
Watch over me, mild one,
Most we need thee,
truly every moment
in the world of men.
send us, son of the virgin,
good causes,
all aid is from thee,
in my heart."
(contributed by Rowan Lewgallon.
Photo: site of the Battle of Haugsnes, Iceland)
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