Arts & Sciences
Riddle 77: Oyster
Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry (Everyman’s Library, 1926) · From Exeter Book Riddles (selection)
The sea fed me, the water-covering enveloped me, and waves covered me, footless, close to earth. Often I open my mouth to the flood; now some man will eat my flesh; he cares not for my covering, when with the point of a knife he tears off the skin from my side and afterwards quickly eats me uncooked also. . . .
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Gordon's riddle headed 'Oyster' (his selection gives headings, not numbers); ASPR Riddle 77.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 77: Oyster.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/251/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Old English). “Riddle 77: Oyster.” Translated by R. K. Gordon, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-english/251/.
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