Observe the ingenuity with which Fritiof's words to Björn are also made
to convey an answer to Hilding. _Kung_ and _bonde_ refer to Helge and
Fritiof, but they are also the chess terms for king and pawn. Note also
the ingenious rhyme of this canto.
Stanza 6. _sköldborg_. In battle the chief warriors stood around the king
and the royal banner in closed ranks with their shields turned outward
for protection.
11. _man_. See note, canto IV: 28.
Stanza 3. _Delling_, Dawn, was the husband of _Natt_. Their son, _Dag_,
was radiant with heauty.
4. _pärlor_, the stars.
5. _kärlekens gudinna_. Fritiof's name for Ingeborg.
10. _valkyria_. The valkyrs were beautiful maidens that served in
Valhall. They were sent by Oden to the battlefields to select certain
among the fallen heroes and bring them to Valhall.
16. _Vingolv_, the common hall of the gods.
19--22. Compare Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act III., Scene V.
20. _Ragnarök_, the twilight of the gods, the end of the world.