Footnotes: Heliand
1This is
reminiscent of the Germanic «thing», or assembly, where warriors
stood in silent deliberation around their leader. It is intersting
to note that Iceland’s parliament is still referred to as «Althing».
2Au:
meadow
3Nachen,
das hochgehörnte Schiff: a boat looking like a Viking longboat
with its gracefully curved prow and stern post.
4Here
and below in l. 4001 the poet reminds his audience of the Germanic concept
of «Gefolgschaftstreue».
5It
is interesting to note how Peter’s denials and unheroic behavior are rationalized:
it was preordained.