Vor seinem Heergefolge ritt Der kuhne Held Harald, Sie zogen in des Mondes Schein Durch einen wilden Wald. Sie tragen manch erkampfte Fahn! Die hoch im Winde wallt etc etc Was kost so sanft und kusst so suss? Und halt so lind umfasst? Und nimmt das Schwert und zieht vom Ross Und lasst nicht Ruh noch Rast? Es ist der Elfen leichte Schaar Hier hilft kein Widerstand etc etc He rode ahead his army’s host The brave hero Harald, They moved ahead in moon’s bright light Through a forest’s wilderness They carry with the fought-for banner Which proudly flows within the winds etc etc What is caressing so softly and kissing so sweetly? And gripping so tenderly? And takes the sword and lifts one off the steed And does not leave repose nor rest? It is the elfs light host Here helps not a reluctant mood etc etc
Brockhous Enzyklopdie, 19th Edition: Harald or Haraldr is the mythological hero of the danish historian Saxo Grammaticus (mid 8th Century). He was a Danish King called Haraldr Kampfzahn, from the house of Skojoldunge, who fought as a hero under the protection of god Odin against the Swedes and Anglo-Saxons. In the battle of Bravalla against his nephew, Ring of Sweden, Odin turns his favour and slays him.
