A Feast by Swordlight

What is discussed at the feast lit by swords?

In *The Language of Poetry*, Aegir visits Asgard. The gods know of his visit in advance and welcome him warmly. When the evening feast begins, swords are brought into the hall. The swords themselves shine brightly, and no other light is used while the guests drink.

Beautiful shields cover the hall's walls, with no gaps between them. Bragi sits beside Aegir, and as they drink together, he tells stories about the many things that have happened to the gods.

Aegir asks how words can be varied in poetry. Bragi explains that poetry has distinctions in both language and metre. Poets can call things by their ordinary names, use other names for them, or describe them through their possessions or deeds.

This book is written for young poets learning old names and poetry with hidden meanings. They are meant to read it for knowledge and enjoyment. This is kept separate, however, from believing in the old gods and stories.

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