Hi Sarah!
Glad you're still with us!
 
Yes, I was rather proud of that line, and will stand by my interpretation.  For me it was the most difficult line in this section.  I think part of the confusion is with the preposition "undan".  It means "out from" or "away from".  There is motion involved, where "undir" would convey the more static condition of being under something.
 
Laurel
 
P.S.  I loved your use of "reckons" for "þóttisk vita" -- that's closer than my "believed."
----- Original Message -----
From: Sarah Bowen
To: norse_course@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 7:33 AM
Subject: Re: [norse_course] Hrafnkel 101-125 / Laurel's

Hi Laurel!
 
I find it so helpful to do these translations as a group because you get the benefit of another person´s perspective.  I understood
 
ok váru þau nú skjõrr, er aldri váru võn at ganga undan manni,
and - were - these - now - shy - which - never - were - accustomed - to - going - away from - people
but these (horses), which never used to run away from people, were now skittish,
 
completely differently!! 
I had it as [literally] the horses were never used to walk under a man - i.e. they were not used to being ridden (and so were skittish)!!  oops!
 
Cheers,
Sarah.