The Splendid Hour by Kathryn Le Veque

THE WARRIOR’S PRAYER

(Origins unknown – suspected Viking prayer, 9^thcentury. Note that there is a similar warrior’s prayer in the epic poem, Beowulf, and there are several versions of it throughout history.)

Behold, I see those I love, and my relatives who have died before me.

I see my father seated in the golden halls with an empty seat beside him.

I see the greatest warriors who have ever lived, surrounding my father, calling to me.

Death is not the end, but the beginning, for a true warrior never dies.

He takes his place of greatness among those who are worthy.

Mourn not the glorious dead but rejoice in their legacy.

They wait for me, not in this life, but in the next,

Where their legends shall live forever.