Bo:
>What metric forms (if that is the term?) would heortlings use, how do
>the bards tell Harmast Saga and myths?
My approach to Heortling poetry has been to try and keep it related to game use; to provide narrators and players with a few tricks and examples to spice up their storytelling. While the skalds do have their highly developed forms, every warrior must be able to perform his own cattle boast or entertain others with tales of his or her deeds at a feast. Everyone composes triads to pass on news or rumours. So few simple poetic tricks can go a long way. Following this 'bottom-up' approach, I personally would try to keep the forms as open as possible rather than imposing particular structures or metres.
This isn't to say there aren't any: just that, as we discovered with triads, people come up with new forms to suit their games, and we should derive the 'standards' from what people write, rather than the other way around. The 'god-hero-local' variant of triad we came up with isn't a traditional Celtic form; but it suits Glorantha and it suits Hero Wars. Otto's gorgeous Balmyr love story told entirely through triads was something I had never seen before: it sets an example through inspiration.
Having said all that, there are of course some precedents. ST 118 lists some of Sartar's favourite stories, and suggests that some at least are sung by two tellers swapping line for line, Kalevala fashion. From long example we know that Heortling poetry, like Old English and Norse poetry, is rich in alliteration ('Hail-born Harmast hacked and hewed a hairy horde of heroes'), that it makes use of kennings (devices like 'Umbroli field' for air, 'purse snow' for silver) , and is more likely to use internal stress and alliteration rather than strict rhyme. Much Heortling poetry makes use of a caesura, or pause mid line, where traditionally a harp is strummed, a slow handclap made or spears are thumped on the earth. It can also be where the chanters swap over, trading phrase for phrase.
Orlanth's son, strong Odayla
Bear-wrestler, born on bear's shape.
or
Hindina, Snow Leaper Vinga's Proud Daughter Patience and wisdom Tongue sharp as spear! Hindina, Spear Leaper Keen-eyed avenger Knows soft words of peace and the harsh howl of war!
There are exceptions to all of these rules, so find what works for you and use it. There have obviously been changes to the forms over time; the most common ritual forms (most likely to be the earliest) subscribe to different rules:
Sweet Green Woman, look at me!
I am come, the Conquerer!
I personally like to use Kalavala metres a lot; with the content of a line repeated and a strong metrical beat:
Now I name the marks of heroes
Now I sing these signs of greatness, By their ways our clan is honoured
By these traits are heroes known!
Reckless raiders of fair cattle
Bold herd-takers strong and daring, Gifters generous in granting
Bind the clan with lavish bounty.
Greg's own Harmast Saga is a prose document, so if you'd like to experiment with a tale in prose (hopefully in time for Convulsion's Bad Poetry mead feast :)) then find what works for you and set an example for the rest of us to follow.
Cheers
John
May God us keep
>From Single vision and Newton's sleep!
Powered by hypermail