Page:Five Pieces of Runic Poetry.djvu/32

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IV.

The northern nations believed that the tombs of their heroes emitted a kind of lambent flame, which was always visible in the night, and served to guard the ashes of the dead. They called it Hauga Elldr, or The sepulchral fire. It was supposed more particularly to surround such tombs as contained hidden treasures.”

Barthol. de contempt. a Dan. Mort. p. 275.

V.

Most of the proper names in the ancient northern languages were significant. Thus Angantyr signifies One who bravely does his duty.” Hervardur, “A preserver of the army.” Hiorvardur, “A keeper of the sword.” &c.

Vid. Ol. Verel. ad Herv. Saga, p. 49.