Knittelvers

Knittelvers or Knittel, is a kind of Germanic verse meter which originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. It requires rhymes or assonances. One can distinguish between strict knittel with eight or nine syllables on each line, and free knittel without this criterion. It may be considered a form of doggerel.

In Swedish, it is used in the Eufemiavisorna and in Erikskrönikan, as in the following example:

mangt eth gamalt fädernis swerd wart tha nidher aff naglom kränkt som ther haffdo manga dagha hengt Them wart tha venlika fölgt til strand helsados wel ok tokos j hand marghin röder mwn ward tha kust som aldrig kystes sydhan aff hiertans lust thy at the saghos summi aldrig meer aff tholkom skylnad tolkit skeer

Many an old father's sword was lifted down from the nails, where for a long time, it had been in peace. They were followed courteously down to the shore, with farewells and they grasped their hands. There, many red lips were kissed, which were never more kissed with love. Because many were seen no more. This happens when people part in this way.

 Swedish Wikisource has original text related to this article: Erikskrönikan