Helvegen [English translation]

Who shall sing me,

Into deathsleep sling me,

When I on the path to Hel go,

And this track I tread

Is cold, so cold, so cold.

I sought the songs,

I sent the songs.

Then the deepest well

Gave me tears so harsh

From the Slain-father's1 pledge.

I know everything, Odin,

To whom you gave your eye.

Who shall sing me,

Into deathsleep sling me,

Whence I on the path to Hel go,

And this track I tread

Is cold, so cold, so cold.

Early or in the day's end,

The raven still knows if I fall.

Once you stand at the gate to Hel

And when you have to tear free,

I shall follow you

Over Gjallarbrú2 with my song.

You will be free from the bonds that bind you,

You are free from the bonds that bound you!

"Cattle die,

Friends die,

So, too, must you die.

Though one thing

Never dies;

The fair fame one has earned.

Cattle die,

Friends die,

So, too, must you die.

I know one,

That never dies;

Judgement of a dead man's life."3

1. "Father of the slain"2. Gjallarbrú (literally "Gjöll Bridge") is a bridge spanning the river Gjöll ("Resounding") in the underworld, which must be crossed in order to reach Hel.3. Verses from Hávamál, 76-77.