On 1 March 2016, A Piece for Mind & Mirror by Skuggsjá, a collaboration between Kvitrafn and Enslaved's Ivar Bjørnson, was announced and streamed. Prepared for the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution, the album tells the history of Norway, and was released by Season of Mist on 11 March.
Selvik has also recorded with other projects including Det Hedenske Folk, Bak de Syv Fjell, Jotunspor, Sahg, Dead to this World and Faun. Furthermore, he has worked on the soundtrack for Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
The Song of Lia Fáil Sung at Sea
Einar Selvik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Four are the winds that bless you
Three are the heads that kiss you
Two fated heels that shall feel you roar beneath them
On Tara Hill standing, the one Lia Fáil
On Tara Hill standing, the one Lia Fáil
I am the stone heart of Inis Fáil
The heart that knows all it desires and needs
The singer that only sings under two heels of true kings
I sing the song of Inis Fáil
For Ireland′s true will, I shall break my still
You'll hear me resound in the bounteous fields
In the breaths of peace, in the turmoil that yields
Tuatha Dé Danann brought me here from afar
To the hill, where they braided my will to the five
Tuatha Dé Danann bid me warden the land
And as long as I stand, steer the fate of Inis Fáil
The opening lines of the song, "Five are the roads that bind you, Four are the winds that bless you, Three are the heads that kiss you, Two fated heels that shall feel you roar beneath them," evoke a sense of sacred connection to the land and nature. The reference to five roads suggests a network of paths that unite and guide, while the four winds symbolize blessings and protection. The imagery of three heads kissing indicates a deep reverence or a connection to multiple sources of ancient wisdom. The mention of two fated heels hints at the power and authority associated with walking the path set for you.
The mention of "Lia Fáil" on Tara Hill in consecutive lines emphasizes the importance and significance of this landmark in Celtic mythology and history. Lia Fáil is a sacred stone associated with Irish kingship and coronations, thus serving as a powerful symbol of sovereignty and connection to the land. By standing on Tara Hill, Lia Fáil becomes a witness to the unfolding events and a guardian of the ancient traditions and ways.
The subsequent verses personify Lia Fáil, attributing it with a stone heart that harbors secrets and desires, and a voice that only stirs under the presence of true kings. This characterization imbues Lia Fáil with a sense of agency and purpose, as if it holds the key to unlocking the mysteries and fulfilling the destinies of those who seek its counsel. The singer's vow to sing for Ireland's true will and to break their silence underscores a willingness to offer guidance and support in times of need and turmoil.
The final verses delve into the mythical origins of Lia Fáil, tracing its arrival to the Tuatha Dé Danann and their role in shaping its purpose and connection to the land. As a guardian appointed by these ancient deities, Lia Fáil serves as a protector and a custodian of the land's destiny. The notion of steering the fate of Inis Fáil underscores Lia Fáil's role as a pivotal figure in ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the land and its people, highlighting the enduring legacy of ancient traditions and the importance of honoring them in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Five are the roads that bind you
There are five paths that connect you
Four are the winds that bless you
There are four winds that bring you blessings
Three are the heads that kiss you
There are three leaders who honor you
Two fated heels that shall feel you roar beneath them
There are two destined rulers who will hear the power within you
On Tara Hill standing, the one Lia Fáil
On Tara Hill stands the symbolic Lia Fáil
I am the stone heart of Inis Fáil
I am the steadfast core of the island of destiny
The heart that knows secrets that it hides away
The core that holds hidden knowledge within
The heart that knows all it desires and needs
The core that understands its own desires and necessities
The singer that only sings under two heels of true kings
The vocalist who only performs for righteous rulers
I sing the song of Inis Fáil
I sing the anthem of the island of destiny
For Ireland′s true will, I shall break my still
I will break my silence for Ireland's genuine intentions
You'll hear me resound in the bounteous fields
You will hear my voice echoing in the abundant lands
In the breaths of peace, in the turmoil that yields
In moments of calm and in the chaos that arises
Tuatha Dé Danann brought me here from afar
The ancient tribe of Tuatha Dé Danann brought me here from distant lands
To the hill, where they braided my will to the five
To the peak, where they connected my purpose to the five paths
Tuatha Dé Danann bid me warden the land
Tuatha Dé Danann tasked me with guarding the land
And as long as I stand, steer the fate of Inis Fáil
And for as long as I endure, I will guide the destiny of the island of destiny
Writer(s): Einar Selvik
Contributed by Skyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Emre Can Korkmaz
on Völuspa
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