A friend is off to battle in Iraq. May she have the power of the ægishjálmr, the Helm of Awe, to protect her and bring her home safe.

Aegishjalm

“Ægishjalm eg ber milli bruna mjer”
I recite as I don the Helm of Fear.
So let your wolves-of-war run free and loose,
And their terrors will tighten like a noose.

‘Tis the True Helm of fear conquered I wear
That has felled the battle-trees far and near.
‘Tis not a mask hiding dread and repent.
Unlike some, the Helm is not of false intent.

The Beast called “Fright” shall no longer shear
My courage to defend what I hold dear.
The awful Dragon sinks beneath my blade.
What choice had I? Be feared or be afraid.

© Justin Douglas Blackford