Aldhelm Riddle 70: Tortella

ALEXANDRAREIDER

Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022
Original text:

De terris orior candenti corpore pelta
Et nive fecunda, Vulcani torre rigescens,
Carior et multo quam cetera scuta duelli;
Nec tamen in medio clipei stat ferreus umbo.
Me sine quid prodest dirorum parma virorum?
Vix artus animaeque carerent tramite mortis,
Ni forsan validis refrager viribus Orco.

Translation:

From the earth am I born, crescent-shield-shaped with a shining body
And fertile snow, hardening in Vulcan’s heat,
Yet I am much more precious than other war-shields;
And there is nevertheless no iron boss in the middle of this shield.
Without me what good is a shield for fearful warriors? 
Limbs and souls would barely be separated from death’s track 
If I did not resist Hades with worthy strength.

Click to show riddle solution?
Loaf of Bread


Notes:

This edition is based on Rudolf Ehwald, ed. Aldhelmi Opera Omnia. Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Auctores Antiquissimi, 15. Berlin: Weidmann, 1919, pages 59-150. Available online here



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