> Anyone
> know of a decent translation of the Goddodin? One that keeps the
> rhyming pattern? Though even then...
Not to mention the swirling, radial story line. :) For the Gododdin, most translators seem to stick to blank verse or even prose. There are a few Gododdin excerpts at
http://camelot.celtic-twilight.com/poetry/aneirin1.htm
including an excellent (and complete!) version by Joseph Clancy:
He rushed to battle before cattle rose.
A well-trained war-band, shields in tatters.
Shield rent before Beli's blaring herd.
A lord deep in blood, guarding the flank,
Sustains us, grey-haired, from a charger,
A prancing steed, fierce golden-torqued ox.
The boar made a pact in the front of the line,
Fitting message, shout of rejection:
'Lord who calls us to heaven, save us!'
He brandishes his spears for battle.
Cadfannan, name famous for plunder,
None denied hosts would be his pavement.
If anyone is new to the delights of the Gododdin, its great for game colour, and you'll find the very first recorded mention of Arthur in stanza CII.
Cheers
John
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