Búskaparháttum

Búskaparháttum is an Old Norse poetic meter found in Eddic poetry. It is characterized by its specific syllable count and rhythmic structure. The meter typically consists of lines with six syllables, often divided into two half-lines of three syllables each. A notable feature of búskaparháttum is the use of alliteration, where stressed syllables within a line begin with the same consonant sound. This alliterative pattern is a fundamental element of Old Norse verse.

The meter is considered relatively simple compared to other Eddic meters, which may have contributed to its use in narrative poems or those with a more straightforward storytelling style. While not as frequently encountered as fornyrðislag, the meter of ancient tales, búskaparháttum still plays a role in the rich tapestry of Old Norse poetic tradition. Its presence adds to the distinctive musicality and memorability of the surviving poems. Examples of its use can be found in various lays within the Poetic Edda, though identifying its exact occurrences requires careful metrical analysis. The precise origins and evolution of this meter are subjects of ongoing scholarly discussion.