[Namron] Viking Christmas

[Nancy Peay]

A friend forwarded this to me from another list.  Thought the rest of you 
might enjoy it too.

Selva

>The Viking Christmas Carol
>by Guy Bradley
>
>'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the
>Hall
>Not a creature was stirring, not warrior nor thrall.
>And I in my armor, my greaves and my helm
>Was drunker than anyone else in the Realm.
>
>I staggered upstairs and fell into bed
>While four quarts of mead were ablaze in my head.
>Then up from below came the sounds of a brawl
>So I grabbed up my axe and ran down to the Hall.
>
>I missed the last step and crashed down in a heap
>Thinking, "Why can't those low-lifes downstairs go
>to sleep!"
>When what to my wondering eyes should appear
>But two brawny strangers, wielding mallet and spear.
>
>I said to myself, "We'll soon have them beat!"
>Then I noticed ten warriors laid out at their feet.
>I gave out a yell and leapt into the fray...
>I'll always regret my poor choice of that day.
>
>For the one laid his hammer to the side of my nose
>And up, up, up to the rafters I rose.
>Then came a lone frightened voice from the floor,
>"Those are no mortal warriors -- that's Odin and
>Thor!"
>
>Then they looked at each other and they said,
>"Battle's done.
>Now they know who we are, it no longer is fun."
>Then Thor raised his hammer, and his elbow he bent,
>And with a loud crash, through the ceiling they
>went.
>
>I crawled through the Hall and flung open the door,
>Not really sure that I'd seen them before.
>The snow bathed in starlight, the moon like a glede,
>I saw them ride off on an eight-legged steed.
>
>And I heard them exclaim,
>'ere they flew out of sight,
>"TO HELL WITH CHRISTMAS,
>WE JUST LOVE A GOOD FIGHT!"
>-----------------------