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The Poetry Translation Project


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I love poetry. They are, however, extremely hard to translate. Or so I think at least.

 

AMOR FATI, written by Norwegian Andre Bjerke.

 

I don't think it has ever been translated; he writes in rhyme, and his meanings are subtle and complex and hard to catch in words of another language. I did what little I could, but I'm limited. Even so, it was worth a shot. Tell me what meaning you derive from this poem, and which feelings it inspires in you, and I'll tell you how it comes across in Norwegian.

 

It'll be a little experiment in the barriers of language (which I have to say are especially strong in the world of poetry)

 

AMOR FATI

 

Thou shall not, like a Cesar did,

with sword in hand arm thyself

against the world, but with the word:

Amor Fati - love thy fate

 

This formula you shall take on

as your strongest liberator:

You've chosen your own convoluted path.

Do not drift to other paths!

 

Also pain will be your servant,

stunned, heartbroken, miserable

you see that it reunites you

with what is necessary

 

Still the fall, still the betrayal

will help you like they are your friends.

Your defeats are gilded presents,

laid down in your hands.

 

One day you shall, satisfied

by having become your own fate worthy,

know: This is what I have wanted.

All that befalls me is just.

 

Say then, once your exuberance's

green forest has been explored:

There is nothing I wish differently.

There is nothing I would change.

 

A couple of words I had a hard time figuring out.

 

In Norwegian, there is a word that describes the joy one can have for living... livsglede... is there a similar word in English? Here I used exuberance, but I feel wrong.

 

And I also had a hard time finding a word describing an overgrown part of the forest that's difficult to get through. In Norwegian - "kratt". Hum.

 

 

Anyone else want a go? Anyone want a poem translated, or correct mine somehow? I'd love suggestions!

Edited by Hyzenthlay
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