In December 2020, as society meetings moved online due to PLAGUE, we started writing our own riddles inspired by the Exeter Book riddles.
Although we've tried to write in the style of Anglo-Saxon riddles, the answers may be something modern!
Anglo-Saxon poems didn't use rhyming end-lines, focusing instead on alliteration, but in modern English verse they can seem more natural.
Answers to the Wychwood riddles
Riddle 1
Author: Shelagh Lewins, December 2020
The day arrives. The bidden guests prepare -
put on fine tunics - dress their hair.
Some bear a shining glass, or weighty board;
a rodent shakes its tail towards its lord.
The lady of the hall unlocks the door;
the ready folk rush in to take the floor.
Each greets the other, eager to include
their fellows as old friendships are renewed.
Tales are told and laughter rings,
though in this hubbub no one sings.
Then quietly one guest departs.
Although unseen, his absence fills all hearts
with sorrow; conversation wanes.
In silence, and alone, each guest remains.
Riddle 2
Author: Shelagh Lewins, December 2020
Cautiously, I quit my abode,
and board my merry land-boat of the river's road.
Well shielded against the weather-battle we brave
the busy stream and ride the rocking wave.
Alighting at the mountain-strand, I prepare
to pass the portal which conceals the chilly cave,
my hood worn backwards, elf-shot to evade.
Crab-like I travel narrow passageways and glare
at others who seek to mine these halls.
I pick my treasures from the roughened walls:
The steel helm that protects the soft, pink matter; fair
skeins of scarlet jewels from summer's shores arise;
Vinland's juice that makes men merry and unwise.
My quest complete, I seek out the gate
wherein the dwarven dweller reckons fate
and declares the bargain made.
As Freya bearing the Brising's hoard -
safe home in my halls, I lay my winnings on the board.
Like bears building fat before winter
We ready our refuge for Ragnarok.
Riddle 3
Author: Shelagh Lewins, December 2020
From glorious roundness my shaft arises
Silky smooth, and slightly wet
I tempt you with salty savour
How you hunger - what a flavour!
But slip me into your mouth with care lest a prick surprises
And our too-hasty union fills you with regret.
Riddle 4
Author: Alex Schweich, November 2020
I can be hairy, but often found slick and wet.
Long and wide, you can spend days chasing my tail.
Sometimes I take a dip, rolling around in sweet pools, but I can’t stay inside for too long.
My appetite is voracious. I devour endless lengths of wood, grinding logs down to a point.
Two spotless protrusions scrape against the trunks without end, never tiring.
I keep all my used-up wood, leaving it in a pile so it can be of use to me again.
My leftovers are enough to hold back even the most aggressive tide, that spewing froth.
If you finally did trap me, there would be no doubt as to what I am.
However, if you’re not careful, I might just slip out of your grasp.
Riddle 5
Author: Alex Schweich, November 2020
You can spend your night with me.
I'll make you feel warm inside and out.
I can be found wrapped up, but pluck me in the right place and I'll unfurl just for you.
Little boys like to come inside me, and girls enjoy me too.
My folds will envelop your bare skin if you let them, and they're sure to leave you satisfied.
I'm sometimes padded, but sometimes you'll feel something a bit hard through my flesh.
Still, I'm certain to make you comfortable if you bury your head inside me.
I can close up behind you and help you forget the world.
A few hours with me and I assure you that you'll never want to leave.
Riddle 6
Author: Shelagh Lewins, October 2021
Small in size but great in number
Wetted and swollen, I satisfy the wants of women.
Warriors greedily grasp me
Yet far I fly from their fist.
Unfound, forgotten, in the field of foes
I sleep, then spring afresh.
