einhlíð

Einhlíð, also known as "one-sided" or "single-sided" in Old Norse, refers to a specific type of poetic meter used in skaldic verse, the highly formalized poetic tradition of medieval Icelandic and Norse literature. Skalds, or professional poets, composed verses in this style to honor kings, chieftains, and other powerful figures, often incorporating intricate wordplay, alliteration, and kennings—metaphorical phrases that substitute a direct noun with a descriptive phrase.

The term *einhlíð* describes a poetic line that adheres to a strict rhythmic and metrical structure, typically consisting of four or five "feet" (or "long lines") with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. Unlike the more flexible *málhlíð* (free verse), *einhlíð* follows a rigid pattern, often with a caesura—a natural pause dividing the line into two halves. This meter was favored for its grandeur and complexity, allowing skalds to craft elaborate and memorable compositions.

Surviving examples of *einhlíð* appear in the *Poetic Edda*, a collection of Old Norse poems, as well as in the works of renowned skalds such as Egill Skallagrímsson and Þórðr Kolbeinsson. The meter’s formal constraints demanded both technical skill and creative ingenuity, making it a hallmark of skaldic poetry. While less common than *málhlíð*, *einhlíð* remains a significant element in the study of Old Norse literature, illustrating the sophistication of medieval poetic craftsmanship.