EINAR TAMBERSKELVER by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Summary, Meaning & Analysis
This poem recounts a notable event from Norse history: the Battle of Svolder (circa 1000 AD), where the young archer Einar Tamberskelver fights valiantly for King Olaf but has his bow broken by an enemy's arrow.
The poem
It was Einar Tamberskelver Stood beside the mast; From his yew-bow, tipped with silver, Flew the arrows fast; Aimed at Eric unavailing, As he sat concealed, Half behind the quarter-railing, Half behind his shield. First an arrow struck the tiller, Just above his head; "Sing, O Eyvind Skaldaspiller," Then Earl Eric said. "Sing the song of Hakon dying, Sing his funeral wail!" And another arrow flying Grazed his coat of mail. Turning to a Lapland yeoman, As the arrow passed, Said Earl Eric, "Shoot that bowman Standing by the mast." Sooner than the word was spoken Flew the yeoman's shaft; Einar's bow in twain was broken, Einar only laughed. "What was that?" said Olaf, standing On the quarter-deck. "Something heard I like the stranding Of a shattered wreck." Einar then, the arrow taking From the loosened string, Answered, "That was Norway breaking From thy hand, O King!" "Thou art but a poor diviner," Straightway Olaf said; "Take my bow, and swifter, Einar, Let thy shafts be sped." Of his bows the fairest choosing, Reached he from above; Einar saw the blood-drops oozing Through his iron glove. But the bow was thin and narrow; At the first assay, O'er its head he drew the arrow, Flung the bow away; Said, with hot and angry temper Flushing in his cheek, "Olaf! for so great a Kamper Are thy bows too weak!" Then, with smile of joy defiant On his beardless lip, Scaled he, light and self-reliant, Eric's dragon-ship. Loose his golden locks were flowing, Bright his armor gleamed; Like Saint Michael overthrowing Lucifer he seemed.
This poem recounts a notable event from Norse history: the Battle of Svolder (circa 1000 AD), where the young archer Einar Tamberskelver fights valiantly for King Olaf but has his bow broken by an enemy's arrow. When Olaf presents him with a replacement bow that proves to be inadequate, Einar insults the king and defiantly jumps onto the enemy ship. It's a tale of pride, courage, and the moment a warrior realizes his loyalty has boundaries.
Line-by-line
It was Einar Tamberskelver / Stood beside the mast;
First an arrow struck the tiller, / Just above his head;
Turning to a Lapland yeoman, / As the arrow passed,
"What was that?" said Olaf, standing / On the quarter-deck.
"Thou art but a poor diviner," / Straightway Olaf said;
But the bow was thin and narrow; / At the first assay,
Then, with smile of joy defiant / On his beardless lip,
Tone & mood
The tone is bold and celebratory, reminiscent of a war ballad sung around a fire. Longfellow maintains a quick pace and uses vivid, physical language — arrows fly, bows snap, blood oozes. Each stanza brims with admiration for Einar's courage, and the poem keeps moving too swiftly to feel mournful. Even the moment of defeat (the broken bow) is met with laughter. The final image elevates the entire piece into something nearly mythological.
Symbols & metaphors
- Einar's bow — The bow symbolizes Einar's strength and identity as a warrior. When it breaks, it signifies Norway's military decline under King Olaf — a point Einar makes clear in his well-known line to the king.
- Olaf's replacement bow — The weak bow Olaf offers symbolizes the king's inability to lead and fight effectively. It's too thin and narrow — a representation of a reign that can no longer uphold the warriors who support it.
- The blood-drops through the iron glove — Olaf's bleeding hand quietly signals that the king is already losing. He's wounded and surrendering his finest equipment — a king who can't maintain his grip on either his weapon or his kingdom.
- Einar's beardless lip and golden locks — His youth highlights his remarkable courage. He's still so young, yet he outshines everyone on the battlefield with his nerve and spirit.
- Saint Michael overthrowing Lucifer — This Christian image set in a Norse context is intentional. Longfellow presents Einar as a symbol of divine justice — not merely a courageous warrior but more akin to an avenging angel.
Historical context
Longfellow included this poem in his 1863 collection *Tales of a Wayside Inn*, which features a frame narrative where guests at an inn take turns sharing stories. This format allows for poems inspired by history and legend from various cultures. "Einar Tamberskelver" is rooted in the Old Norse sagas, especially *Heimskringla* by Snorri Sturluson, which recounts the Battle of Svolder (around 1000 AD) where King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway faced defeat and death. Einar Tamberskelver, a historical figure noted in the sagas, was famed for his remarkable archery skills. Longfellow had a lasting interest in Norse and Scandinavian themes throughout his work—evident in his earlier piece *The Skeleton in Armor* and his translations. By 1863, with the American Civil War in full swing, poems about warrior bravery and loyalty resonated even more deeply with readers.
FAQ
It's an Old Norse nickname that translates to something like "bow-shaker" or "one who makes the bow tremble," highlighting the strength of his draw. In the sagas, this title of honor was bestowed upon Einar due to his legendary talent as an archer.
He's saying that the crack in his broken bow shows how the entire battle — and the whole kingdom — is slipping away from Olaf. Without Einar's bow keeping Earl Eric in check, Olaf loses his strongest asset. Einar is telling the king, straightforwardly, that the fight is already over.
It's a warrior's determination not to display weakness or fear. In the Norse saga tradition, a great fighter faces disaster with calmness or even humor. Einar's laughter shows us he's not shaken — he’s already pondering his next move.
Earl Eric Hakonarson was a Norwegian chieftain who formed an alliance against King Olaf during the Battle of Svolder. He crouches behind the quarter-railing, shield raised, as Einar's arrows whiz perilously close to him. His calm demeanor in the heat of battle signals that he is a formidable opponent.
Saint Michael is the archangel who, according to Christian tradition, expelled Satan (Lucifer) from heaven — a powerful symbol of a righteous warrior overcoming a formidable foe. Longfellow employs this imagery to transform Einar from a mere historical figure into a legendary and almost sacred character, aligning perfectly with the ballad's celebratory tone.
"Kamper" comes from Old Norse and German, meaning a champion fighter or great warrior. Einar uses it sarcastically, implying, "For someone who claims to be such a great champion, your bows are laughably weak." It's a clear jab at Olaf's reputation.
According to the sagas, Olaf Tryggvason chose to jump into the sea rather than be captured—he was never seen again. Longfellow's poem finishes just before that moment, concluding instead with Einar's bold leap onto Eric's ship, keeping the emphasis on courage rather than defeat.
Longfellow employs a trochaic tetrameter—lines with a strong stress-unstress pattern, featuring four beats per line. This same driving rhythm appears in his *Song of Hiawatha*. The falling, forward-pushing beat captures the swift motion of arrows and action, which is why the poem feels like it's racing along.