Herman's Saga
Arminius the Romans called him
Hermann in his fathers tongue
Waded he through sword-storm and forests grim
And battle-stories worthy to be sung
A slave he was, a thrall to Rome
In shame he served them faithfully
But under grassy knolls no one knows
What wights plan their demise
Learned he their ways, the forms and tactics
With spirit of Wotan he learned the ways of Mars
Quiet and polite, he strove upwards in rank
Till none trusted more than him
In Balkan wars he proved himself
A warrior worthy of Caesar-king
Trade gift for gift, he gave them victory
Trade lie for lie, he gave them false hope
Time ran short, the greedy wolf ate
Like Rome's teeth the soldier's marched onward
Feasting on German forests like it had in Gaul
Time ran short, the noble-man planned
Hawk-clever the German thought
His mind as swift as lightning
Went he in secret to his father's tribe
And spoke with the Earl's and Haruskozii many
Brand kindled brand, for days the Thing lasted
Much mead and ale was drunk
His father's shrines did Hermann pray
For victory and glory
From across the forests the tribes did come
Tiwazii, Chatti, Bructari, Hauci, Sicambri many
Banners many did fly, god-poles stood tall from many shrines
Old feuds were buried, they became one
With lies and cleverness Hermann did lead
His former masters astray
Deep into the lake of forests, far too deep
Till I ween that none could pull them out
Their sandals muddied, their horses tired
They stretched out, like a serpent on forest-ground
Slithered they into Germany
Knowing not what eyes did watch them
Long their host became, thinner than snake
Hermann knew to strike
Like sword-waves they crashed upon Roman metal
And carved through like eagles
For 3 days did they battle, long and bloody
Axes stooped, eagles screamed, Harri cried out to their gods
A red day, a spear day, a shield day
Many splinters were made, many swords shattered
Valkyries flew across the skies, giving madness to men
"Freedom or death!" Cried the Suebians,
Chanted they praises to Thurisaz and Tiwaz
Wodanaz greatest of all, the hanged god gave them gladness in war
Knew he not victory, Varus in shame
Flung himself upon his sword
Better die with honor, better die with men
Than go home a coward
The all-father did give victory to Herman
His tribes and people were saved, I ween
Many skulls were nailed, much armor was hacked
Many men hung on sacred trees, many more buried in blessed bogs
The gods were pleased, gift begets gift
Retreated the children of Mars back to Rome
In gladness did the Germans sing
Till crushed with hammer was Herman's dome
Too much power he wanted, to much did he cling