Dróttkvæði

Dróttkvæði is a highly complex and formal style of Old Norse poetry. It was the principal poetic meter used by skalds, or court poets, in medieval Scandinavia. The name itself translates to "court-meter" or "king's meter," reflecting its association with aristocratic patrons.

This poetic form is characterized by its intricate structure and strict rules. It typically consists of stanzas with six lines, known as lausavísur. Each line has a specific syllable count, usually seven, and a distinct internal rhyme scheme. Furthermore, dróttkvæði employs two types of rhyme: alliteration, where stressed syllables begin with the same consonant sound, and internal rhyme, where specific syllables within the line rhyme. This internal rhyme is further divided into 'hending' and 'aukarhending', with the former being a full rhyme and the latter a partial rhyme.

Beyond the syllabic and rhyming requirements, dróttkvæði also features kennings, a type of metaphorical compound expression, and svarthol, or 'answer-rhymes', which are additional rhyming words placed at the end of lines. The mastery of these elements was a significant accomplishment for a skald, and the complexity of dróttkvæði allowed for dense and allusive meanings, often requiring significant cultural knowledge to fully appreciate. Much of what we know about early Scandinavian history and mythology comes from poems composed in this demanding meter.