| Riddles | |
| 1. | I stretch beyond the bounds of the world, I'm smaller than a worm, outstrip the sun, I shine more brightly than the moon. The swelling seas, The fair face of the earth, and all the green fields, Are within my grasp. I cover the depths, And plunge beneath hell; I ascend above heaven, Highland of renown; I reach beyond The boundaries of the land of blessed angles. I fill far and wide all the corners of the earth And the ocean streams. Say what my name is. |
| 2. | I'm by nature solitary, scarred by spear And wounded by sword, weary of battle. I frequently see the face of war, and fight Hateful enemies; yet I hold no hope Of help being brought to me in the battle, Before I'm ev.entually done to death. In the stronghold of the city sharp-edged swords, Skillfully forged in the flame by smiths, Bite deeply into me. I can but await A more fearsome encounter; it is not for me To discover in the city any of those doctors Who heal grievous wounds with roots and herbs. The scars from sword wounds gape wider and wider; Death blows are dealt me by day and by night. |
| 3. | On the way a miracle: water became bone. |
| 4. | My head was hammered into shape, scarred By sharp chisels, scoured by a file. I swallow whatever faces me whenever. Wearing rings, I thrust firmly Against a hard object; hollowed out From behind. I strain at what stands Between my lord and his mind's desire At midnight. I guard gold at times, And pull back my poking nose When my lord plans to plunder heirlooms From those he has subdued, to wreak Savage vengeance just as he pleases. |
| Answers: | |
| 1. | Creation |
| 2. | A Shield |
| 3. | Ice |
| 4. | A Key |
Source:
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