Old Norse court poet who composed complex praise poetry for princes.
The skald was a professional poet in Viking Age and medieval Scandinavian culture. Unlike the anonymous songs of eddic poetry, skaldic verses are tied to named authors and often treat real historical events.
Skaldic poetry's form is extremely complex with strict metre, kennings and the intricate structure of the helmingr. Skalds served at Norwegian, Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon royal courts and received gold and honour for their work.
Attestations
- Snorri Sturluson, Háttatal
- Snorri's systematic survey of skaldic verse forms.