Research source

"A royal gift to behold, for the swelling planks of its framework Were not fastened with nails, as is wont, but…

Date of account: Ancient and medieval traditions presented in 1909
Source: Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas
Reference: Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas · selected passage 182
Rights: public_domain
Language: English retelling from Eddic and saga sources
Translation: H. A. Guerber
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

"A royal gift to behold, for the swelling planks of its framework Were not fastened with nails, as is wont, but grown in together

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

"A royal gift to behold, for the swelling planks of its framework Were not fastened with nails, as is wont, but grown in together. Its shape was that of a dragon when swimming, but forward Its head rose proudly on high, the throat with yellow gold flaming; Its belly was spotted with red and yellow, but back by the rudder Coiled out its mighty tail in circles, all scaly with silver; Black wings with edges of red; when all were expanded Ellida raced with the whistling storm, but outstript the eagle. When filled to the edge with warriors, it sailed o'er the waters, You'd deem it a floating fortress, or warlike abode of a monarch. The ship was famed far and wide, and of ships was first in the North."

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

This is a passage from a historical religious or interpretive text. Its genre, manuscript history, translation and place within its own tradition are part of the evidence and must remain visible.

Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

Lattice can compare the passage's descriptive features with later reports, but resemblance does not turn a vision, angel, mythic creature or sacred narrative into a modern incident report.

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