Arts & Sciences
Riddle 6: Sun
Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry (Everyman’s Library, 1926) · From Exeter Book Riddles (selection)
The true Ruler of victories, Christ, set me in the fight. Often I burn living creatures; close to the earth, I afflict countless races with distress, although I touch them not when my Lord bids me fight. Sometimes I gladden the minds of many; sometimes I console from very far off those whom I make war upon; yet they feel both the hurt and the help, when over the deep tumult I better their life once more.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Gordon's riddle headed 'Sun' (his selection gives headings, not numbers); ASPR Riddle 6.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 6: Sun.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/240/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 6: Sun.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/240/.
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