British Literature – Mrs. Heusterberg-Richards
Anglo Saxon Riddles from The Exeter Book
Author unknown
Riddle One
On earth there's a warrior of curious origin.
He's created, gleaming, by two dumb creatures
for the benefit of men. Foe bears him against foe
to inflict harm. Women often fetter him,
strong as he is. If maidens and men
care for him with due consideration
and feed him frequently, he'll faithfully obey them
and serve them well. Men succour him for the warmth
he offers in return; but this warrior will savage
anyone who permits him to become too proud.
Solution: ____________________________________
Riddle Two
On the way a miracle: water become bone.
Solution: ____________________________________
Riddle Three
I'm told a certain object grows
in the corner, rises and expands, throws up
a crust. A proud wife carried off that boneless wonder, the
daughter of a king
covered that swollen thing with a cloth.
Solution: ____________________________________
Riddle Four Original Exeter Book in Old English
When I am alive, I do not speak.
Anyone who wishes can take me captive and cut off my head.
They bite my bare body
I do no harm to anyone unless they cut me first.
Then I soon make them cry.
Solution: ____________________________________
Riddle Five
My home is not quiet, but I am not loud.
The lord has meant us to journey together.
I am faster than he and sometimes stronger,
But he keeps on going for longer.
Sometimes I rest but he runs on.
For as long as I am alive I live in him.
If we part from one another,
It is I who will die.
Solution: ____________________________________