gleeman

Like the Irish singer his chief theme was praise; but we need not suppose that the scald confined himself wholly to contemporary themes: the gleeman in Beowulf sang of the great hero that sat beside the King; but he also told the tales of the Volsungs and the still older story of creation; before the onslaught at Stiklestead one of Saint Olaf's scalds recited the ancient Bjarkam�l, the Old Norse version of Beowulf's last fight.

The accomplishments and social position of the gleeman seem to have been as varied as those of the Proven�al “joglar.”

Strong is the Knight of Trony, and oft in battle tried, But stronger yet the warrior who sits him there beside, Folker, the valiant gleeman; he is a dangerous man.

IX When this was seen by th' others, they took at once to flight; That same redoubted gleeman all curs'd with all their might.

Before the hall yet sleepless stood the gleeman wight, And leaning on his buckler, with Hagan by his side, Look'd out, what further mischief might from the Huns betide.