The Nordic Magic

No, their spells do not interest me.
Speaking softly to a leech will
Not make them less likely to bite.
But, to know their minds, what concepts
They felt important... Love, boating,
Sharpened swords and spells to ward off
Etins, Alfs and Dwarves; to control
The misfortunes of burning homes;
To have will over turbulent
Waves, winds, swirling grey clouds and rain;
It speaks lots to what the culture
Thought of on a daily basis.
Yet, it is equally true that
Christianity made them more 
Prosperous by settling them;
For the strong Jewish customs of 
Shepherding and Farming replaced
The material lack they stole.