Anglo Saxons

Riddles

100

I am all on my own, Wounded by iron weapons and scarred by swords. I often see battle. I am tired of fighting. I do not expect to be allowed to retire from warfare Before I am completely done for. At the wall of the city, I am knocked about And bitten again and again. Hard edged things made by the blacksmith's hammer attack me. Each time I wait for something worse. I have never been able to find a doctor who could make me better Or give me medicine made from herbs. Instead the sword gashes all over me grow bigger day and night.

Shield

200

A wonderful warrior exists on earth. Two dumb creatures make him grow bright between them. Enemies use him against one another. His strength is fierce but a woman can tame him. He will meekly serve both men and women If they know the trick of looking after him And feeding him properly. He makes people happy. He makes their lives better. But if they let him grow proud This ungrateful friend soon turns against them.

Fire

300

Four dilly-dandies Four stick standies Two crookers Two lookers And a wig wag

Cow

Riddles

100

When I am alive I do not speak. Anyone who wants to takes me captive and cuts off my head. They bite my bare body I do no harm to anyone unless they cut me first. Then I soon make them cry.

Onion

200

I war with the wind, with the waves I wrestle; I must battle with both when in the bottom I seek; My strange habitation by surges o'er-roofed. I am strong in the strife, while still I remain; As soon as I stir, they are stronger than I. They wrench and they wrest, till I run from my foes; What was put in my keeping they carry away. If my back be not broken, I baffle them still; The rocks are my helpers, when hard am pressed; Grimly I grip them. GUess what I'm called.

Anchor

300

My home is not quiet but I am not loud. The lord has meant us to journey together. I am faster than he and sometimes stronger, But he keeps on going for longer. Sometimes I rest but he runs on. For as long as I am alive I live in him. If we part from one another It is I who will die.

A fish in a river