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Like the Irish singer his chief theme was praise; but we need not suppose that the scald confined himself wholly to contemporary themes: the gleeman in Beowulf sang of the great hero that sat beside the King; but he also told the tales of the Volsungs and the still older story of creation; before the onslaught at Stiklestead one of Saint Olaf's scalds recited the ancient Bjarkam�l, the Old Norse version of Beowulf's last fight.

The accomplishments and social position of the gleeman seem to have been as varied as those of the Proven�al “joglar.”

Strong is the Knight of Trony, and oft in battle tried, But stronger yet the warrior who sits him there beside, Folker, the valiant gleeman; he is a dangerous man.

To rise would now become us," the gleeman straight replied, "She is a king's companion, and nobly born beside.

List to the valiant gleeman; he gives you good advice; To your quarters, knights of Kriemhild!