Hrafnsmál
Einar Selvik Lyrics

The lyrics to Einar Selvik's "Hrafnsmál" tell the tale of a king who resides in Kvinnum, and his army of Northmen who reign with deep-red shields and red robes. The army is composed of berserkers who are fierce and ruthless in battle, and Ulfheðnar who are shapeshifters that can transform into wolves. The warriors don't shy away from battle but rather embrace it, as they charge into the fray with war cries and their weapons raised high. The king is praised for his leadership and prowess in battle, with even the berserkers wanting to ride into battle under his banner.

The second verse speaks of the strength and tenacity of the warriors as they fight for their king. They are unyielding and unrelenting as they fight for victory on the battlefield. The Ulfheðnar, who can transform into wolves, howl in battle while the berserkers, who enter a trance-like state, become wild and fearless. The warriors fight with all of their might, not giving an inch in battle. The king's army is highly effective in their military tactics, which leave their enemies trembling in fear.

The song "Hrafnsmál" by Einar Selvik is based on a 13th-century Icelandic poem known as "Raven's Song." It is widely believed that this poem was written by one of the most significant poets in medieval Icelandic literature, Egill Skallagrímsson. The poem tells of the legendary battle in which the powerful Norwegian king Harald Fairhair consolidated many small kingdoms into one large one.

The song has been recorded with the contributions of a variety of traditional instruments, most notably a goat horn, a bone flute, and a Viking-age lyre. Einar Selvik himself is a multi-instrumentalist and is known for his work as the lead vocalist and composer of the Nordic folk band Wardruna.

"Hrafnsmál" has been performed live across the world, including at the Roadburn festival in the Netherlands and at the By Norse Music festival in New York.

The music video for "Hrafnsmál" features haunting visuals and stunning landscapes that showcase the raw, powerful nature of the song.

The song has been featured in several films and television shows, including "Vikings," a historical drama based on Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Norse hero, and "Assassin's Creed: Valhalla," a popular video game that takes players on an adventure through the Viking era.

The song has received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike, with many praising Einar Selvik's interpretation of the ancient Icelandic poem.

The lyrics to "Hrafnsmál" have been translated into several languages, including English, German, and Dutch, making the song accessible to a broader audience.

Although Einar Selvik is Norwegian, the song is primarily composed in Icelandic, adding to its authenticity and historical significance.

Einar Selvik has said that he hopes to educate people about Norse culture and the history of his homeland through his music, which is evident in the traditional instruments and subject matter used in "Hrafnsmál."

The chords for "Hrafnsmál" are not publicly available, as Einar Selvik has not released them. However, there are several covers and tutorials available on YouTube that can help aspiring musicians learn to play the song.