Widsith

The poem opens with a scene of a young prince addressing his followers in an attempt to defend the hell in which they are sleeping. They go to the door of the hall__ the price (perhaps Hengest), Sigeferth, Eaha, Ordlaf and Guthlaf. A short quarrel between Sigeferth and Garulf flares into battle that goes on for five days. The news of the struggle is brought to the King Hnaef. At this point, the fragment breaks off and we have to be satisfied with this much of the story.

The poem-fragment Widsith (meaning “far-travelled”) is a work of, as some scholars believe, “an unknown fourth century minstrel”. The poem has little narrative line, and “gives an idea of wandering minstrels who went from court to court, singing the praises of the princes from whom they received or expected largesse”. 

The poem is full of the lists of Kings renowned in history such as Gifica, Finn, Hnaef, Seaferth, Orgentheow, Theodric, Attila, Eormenric. Beowulf is also gets mentioned in the poem. Gothic warriors about whom, reference in the Germanic traditions and Vilkina Saga and Volsunga Saga are to be found are also mentioned here.

Though the composition is pretty shapeless, we get a fair idea of the life and office of the wandering minstrels who lived in the court of princes and enumerated names of the celebrated national heroes and chief historical events marking their career.