skálds

A skald was a poet in the Norse and Germanic tradition, active from roughly the 8th to the 13th centuries. Skalds occupied a unique and esteemed position within their societies, serving as court poets to kings, chieftains, and other powerful figures. Their primary role was to compose and recite poetry that celebrated the deeds and reputations of their patrons. This poetry was not merely entertainment; it served a vital social and historical function, preserving genealogies, commemorating battles, and reinforcing the values of the warrior elite.

The art of skaldic poetry was complex and highly stylized. Skalds employed intricate metrical forms, such as *dróttkvætt*, characterized by strict rhyme, alliteration, and internal rhyme schemes. They also made extensive use of kennings, elaborate compound metaphors that were a hallmark of their craft. For example, "whale-road" was a kenning for the sea. The composition of these poems required considerable skill and learning, and skalds were often well-traveled and knowledgeable about history and mythology.

The surviving skaldic poetry provides invaluable insights into the culture, beliefs, and political landscapes of the Viking Age and its aftermath. While often focusing on heroic exploits and the glorification of rulers, skaldic verse could also express a range of emotions, from lament and satire to admiration. The decline of skaldic poetry coincided with the Christianization of Scandinavia and the rise of new literary forms.