Aelfred

Introduction to “Aelfred”

This poem is set in late Saxon times after the influence of Christianity had caused the demonisation of elves and other Wights of our land.  The elves are now referred to as the dark elves and were thought to be a source of much malignancy and disease. The healer if lacking in the knowledge to effect a cure would go into a trance like state and return with the remedy. Charms were often made up into a pouch and attached to ones person to ward off the influence of such things as elf shot (also known as flying venoms) when going about especially at night or in forests. To understand elf shot compare with the concept of a virus: you can’t see it, feel it, touch it, or smell it but it is/was accepted as a cause of disease. Sometimes one may feel a sudden sharp pain or stitch seemingly for no reason, the explanation might have been that you had been shot by an elf!

NB. Aelfred is made up of two parts: meaning ,’elf wisdom'.

Aelfred

Beautiful spirits, some elves that they be,

Goodly white shining, creatures of the tree.

Slender and tall, billowing long blond hair,

With a glowing brightness, thee canst compare.

But who hath strayed, within thine secrete lair,

Into their glistening eyes, dare thee stare.

With the wisdom of elves, Aelfred his name,

Through elfin influence, became his fame.

At twilight the power, is at its height.

Palpable darkness, creatures of the night,

The shape of shadows, moves silent and black,

On these shady nights, fear elf shot attack.

A charm wilt guard thee, against elfin shot,

Some herbs in flax sheet, sown Into a knot.

Spell casting weapon man, invoking on god,

Conjuring invoking, with oaken rod.

Working his charm, against the nights dark elves,

Into realm of spirit, chanting he delves.

Gathering magical, herbs of full moon,

Chanting and singing, the spell to attune.

Over hill and dale, landscape he has trekked,

The full moons magical, herbs to collect.

Working with yon herbs, in ritual to charm,

Magic signs and deeds, the elf shot disarm.

Elfin charm now well set, and tied in its place,

Attached to thine tunic, to bring thee grace.

With magical strength, and confidence be,

To safeguard us, to the highest degree.

Copyright Andrew Rea 2009