Can you answer the Exeter Book riddles 32 33 and 47?

Answer 1

Since it is not always clear in the manuscript where one riddle ends and another begins (and there are even other types of poems in between sections of riddles) editors have divided and numbered the riddles variously. The Exeter Anthology of Old English Poetry edited by Bernard J. Muir differentiates three storm riddles, 1-3. Craig Williamson considers them one single storm riddle.

Following Muir:

riddle 32 - ship

riddle 33 - iceberg

riddle 47 - bookworm - see Symphosius enigma 16 (tinea)

Following Williamson:

riddle 32 - rake, disguised as a dog

riddle 33 - mail-coat or byrnie, see Aldhelm enigma 33

riddle 47 - depends how literal you take 'nytte' and 'forswileð' - a book is metaphoric sustenance; food is more literal

Answer 2

Sure, Riddle 32 describes a key; Riddle 33 describes an onion; and Riddle 47 describes a bookworm. These riddles are a part of the collection of Anglo-Saxon riddles found in the Exeter Book.