CANTO VI.
Observe the ingenuity with which Fritiof's words to Björn are also made to convey an answer to Hilding. Kung and bonde refer to Helge and Fritiof, but they are also the chess terms for king and pawn. Note also the ingenious rhyme of this canto.
Stanza 6. sköldborg. In battle the chief warriors stood around the king and the royal banner in closed ranks with their shields turned outward for protection.
11. man. See note, canto IV: 28.
Stanza 3. Delling, Dawn, was the husband of Natt. Their son, Dag, was radiant with heauty.
4. pärlor, the stars.
5. kärlekens gudinna. Fritiof's name for Ingeborg.
10. valkyria. The valkyrs were beautiful maidens that served in Valhall. They were sent by Oden to the battlefields to select certain among the fallen heroes and bring them to Valhall.
16. Vingolv, the common hall of the gods.
19—22. Compare Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act III., Scene V.
20. Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods, the end of the world.