--- "AThompson" wrote:

>
> Many thanks Eysteinn. I found this exercise very satisfying

That makes me very happy. I've used Megas' lyrics frequently
in order to teach both Modern and Old Icelandic, and students
have often mentioned that they were instrumental in opening
their eyes to the beauty and expressiveness of the language.
The great thing about his language is that he knows the
history of Icelandic intimately, and is equally at home in
saga diction, bible diction, and modern slang.

However, you might have a problem trying to get hold of
the CD - I just called a shop, and they told me most of the
classic Megas stuff is difficult at present. But they think
most of it is going to get re-released round Xmas. There is
an anthology available, covering 1972-2002, but I don't
know what exactly is on it. There's a BIG chance O. & E.
is there - it is one of the staples.

> "By my side", literally "by the side of me".
> > þá sef ég góður & vær
> I now read this as future tense and his future final sleep?

Not primarily, I'd say. This is not the first
impression you get. But as a sub-textual implication,
yes indeed.

> ÆJA (áði, áð): make a halt, stop for a rest.
> Blesi on one side, Euridice on the other? On the slope of Mt

Olympus,

> Iceland

You got it! Exactly ...

Regards,
Eysteinn