hjálparsögn

Hjálparsögn is an Icelandic term that translates to "help-song" or "song of aid" in English. It refers to a specific type of poetic composition within Old Norse literature, characterized by its plea for assistance or divine intervention. These poems are often found within sagas or as standalone Eddic poems.

The thematic core of a hjálparsögn is supplication. The speaker, whether a mythological figure, a human protagonist, or even a deity, expresses a dire need or a perilous situation and calls upon a higher power, a specific god, or a group of gods for help. This help might be sought for protection, guidance, strength, or to overcome an adversary.

While not a rigidly defined genre with strict structural rules, hjálparsögn typically employs direct address and appeals to the recipient's power, benevolence, or sense of obligation. The tone can range from humble and desperate to confident and demanding, depending on the speaker and the context.

Examples of compositions that can be classified as hjálparsögn can be found in various Old Norse texts. These poems offer insight into the religious beliefs, social structures, and the anxieties of the people who created and preserved them, highlighting the importance of divine favor and communal support in facing life's challenges. The concept reflects a worldview where appeals to supernatural forces were a natural response to adversity.