Studia Islandica - 01.07.1966, Blaðsíða 26

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symbolism depends on the metaphorical meaning of the
word used to describe a concrete symbol, in other cases it
depends on a true pun:
King Óláfr is a head man (hgfuSsmáSr) and so is
symbolised by the head (hgfu8) of the dream-figure.
The aureole was sharp (hvass) at each end: so the
king’s life was harsh (hvass) at beginning and end.
Magnús Óláfsson was represented by the breast and
arms (faZmr) of the figure: so he will be more widely-
embracing (vídfaSmari) than other rulers in conquer-
ing other countries.
On the same part of the figure was depicted the sun
making the earth fruitful: so Magnús’s reign will be
fruitful or prosperous (ársamt).1
The belt of the figure was decorated with designs
(brQgð) executed with fine craftsmanship (hagleikr):
this signifies that Haraldr Harðráði will perform noble
deeds (stórbrggS) which will be considered decorous
(haglig).
The head was of pure gold (rautt gull) and the belly
of gold alloy (bleikt gull): so the two kings they repre-
sent will have the same name (Óláfr) but will be dif-
ferent in other ways. The two corresponding kinds of
silver similarly represent the two kings named Magnús.
On the belly was depicted the glory (prySi) of the
world: so this king will adorn (prýða) the kingdom.
The belly was decorated with flowers ( blóm): so the Hfe
of the king it represents will be accompanied by a great
flowering or prosperity (blómi). As with the decora-
tions on the belt, these designs were executed with great
skill (hagleikr), which meant that this king would be
beneficial (hagligr) to his country. In this case some
1 Cf. M. Olsen, “Om Balder-digtning og Balder-kultus,” Arkiv för
Nordisk Filologi 40 (1924), pp. 148—175, esp. pp. 155 ff.