"For Water-Elf Disease" ( Old English: Wiþ Wæterælfadle) is an Anglo-Saxon metrical charm that was intended for use in curing the "water- elf disease," which was a disease supposedly caused by elf-shot from water elves. [1] [2] [3] It is written in Old English and derives from Bald's Leechbook (10th century).
Some historians have suggested that the disease referred to may be chicken pox or dropsy (oedema). [4] A poultice is made with many herbs and placed on the wound. [5] [6]
Translated by Dr. Aaron K. Hostetter.
Gif mon biþ on wæterælfadle, þonne beoþ him þa hand- Ic benne awrat betest beadowræda, Sing þis manegum siþum: Eorþe þe onbere eallum hire |
If someone comes down with the “water-elf-disease,” then his finger- I have composed the best battle-company for this wound, Sing this many times: Earth that withers all of these,
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"For Water-Elf Disease" ( Old English: Wiþ Wæterælfadle) is an Anglo-Saxon metrical charm that was intended for use in curing the "water- elf disease," which was a disease supposedly caused by elf-shot from water elves. [1] [2] [3] It is written in Old English and derives from Bald's Leechbook (10th century).
Some historians have suggested that the disease referred to may be chicken pox or dropsy (oedema). [4] A poultice is made with many herbs and placed on the wound. [5] [6]
Translated by Dr. Aaron K. Hostetter.
Gif mon biþ on wæterælfadle, þonne beoþ him þa hand- Ic benne awrat betest beadowræda, Sing þis manegum siþum: Eorþe þe onbere eallum hire |
If someone comes down with the “water-elf-disease,” then his finger- I have composed the best battle-company for this wound, Sing this many times: Earth that withers all of these,
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