A Fitting Tribute

[thomryng]

During the past week, numerous folks have posted eulogies to Gary Gygax. Several cartoons have been posted, as have many, many memories.

My favourite tribute is to be found on a mediævalist blog titled the Unlocked Wordhoard. To wit:

Here's to Gary Gygax, the original Dungeon Master, who has missed his final saving throw.

þa ymbe hlæw riodan hildediore,
æþelinga bearn, ealra twelfe,
woldon care cwiðan ond kyning mænan,
wordgyd wrecan ond ymb wer sprecan;
eahtodan eorlscipe ond his ellenweorc
duguðum demdon, -- swa hit gedefe bið,
þæt mon his winedryhten wordum herge,
ferhðum freoge, þonne he forð scile
of lichaman læded weorðan.
Swa begnornodon Geata leode
hlafordes hryre, heorðgeneatas;
cwædon þæt he wære wyruldcyninga
manna mildust ond monðwærust,
leodum liðost ond lofgeornost. (Beowulf 3169-3182)

The scene is from Beowulf's funeral. Look it up; you'll be glad you did.