Ballads from the Danish and Original Verses

This anthology gathers a dozen lively ballads from Danish folklore together with a handful of original verses, all translated into English while preserving the original metre. The rhythmic fidelity lets listeners hear the same sing‑song pulse that would have carried these stories across medieval hearths. Characters range from the bold King Olaf battling a hill‑troll to mournful knights and trickster mermen, each scene sketched in vivid, musical language. The result is a portal into a world where myth and daily life weave together.

Highlights include the encounter where Saint Olaf outwits a fearsome troll with clever prayer, and ‘Sir Karl’s Lyke‑wake,’ a moving funeral procession that blurs the line between grief and lingering love. Original pieces such as a king’s hunting ballad and a spirited recounting of Prince Charlie’s ride add varied flavors while retaining the same singable flow. Listeners will find each poem compact yet richly textured, making the collection a satisfying taste of Scandinavian legend and lyrical storytelling.