Introduction

"Sceopes héafodwóð" is an Old English phrase loosely meaning "voice of the poet".  In actuality, the word "sceop" signifies much more than a poet.  It can also be translated "singer" and contains the idea of creating.  The sceop was an important person in Anglo-Saxon culture, one who had given his life to the preservation of ancient legends.  He performed songs and told stories.  Some of these he repeated to keep the oral interpretation alive, changing it as he saw fit to match his style; other songs he created himself.  As a beginning poet and musician, I feel a strong connection to the ancient sceops.  Although I can never live up to the standard set by the great poets of the past, creating is a natural part of humanity.  I hope to create poetry that reflects at least some of the beauty contained in the ultimate Poet, Wuldor-Fæder Himself.