Herr Mannelig
Haggard Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

All'alba, prima che il sole sorgesse
e gli uccelli cantassero la loro dolce canzone
La donna del troll della montagna con lingua falsa
ed ingannevole propose al signore:

Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig mi vorrai sposare
Per tutto quello che io dolcemente ti dar�?
Se vorrai, rispondi solo si o no
Farai cos� o no?

Ti dar� i dodici mulini
che stanno tra Tillo e Terno
le macine sono fatte del pi� rosso rame
e le ruote sono cariche d'argento

Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig mi vorrai sposare
per tutto quello che io dolcemente ti dar�?
Se vorrai, rispondi solo si o no
Farai cos� o no?

Se tu fossi una donna cristiana
riceverei volentieri regali cos�,
ma io so che sei il peggiore troll della montagna
figlio degli spiriti maligni e del demonio.

Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig mi vorrai sposare
per tutto quello che io dolcemente ti dar�?
Se vorrai, rispondi solo si o no
Farai cos� o no?





[Music: Traditional / Lyrics: A. Nasseri]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Haggard's song "Herr Mannelig" tell the story of a troll woman who, at dawn, asks the knight Herr Mannelig to marry her in exchange for twelve mills and other valuable gifts. However, Herr Mannelig, being a Christian knight, refuses her proposal, knowing that she is not a human woman but a troll, the offspring of malevolent spirits and demons. The troll woman tries to convince him by promising him riches and material wealth, but Herr Mannelig stays true to his faith and principles.


The song reflects the medieval Christian worldview, which saw trolls and other supernatural creatures as evil beings and enemies of Christianity. The troll woman's seductive and deceptive words highlight the temptation and danger of worldly pleasures, which can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. The song also contrasts the values of the feudal knight, who values honor and loyalty, with those of the troll woman, who values material goods and manipulation.


The song has become popular among fans of medieval and folk metal for its haunting melody, atmospheric instrumentation, and powerful vocals. Its story has inspired many artists to create their own versions, including the Swedish folk singer Sofia Karlsson and the Finnish metal band Turisas.


Line by Line Meaning

All'alba, prima che il sole sorgesse
At dawn, before the rising sun


e gli uccelli cantassero la loro dolce canzone
and the birds were singing their sweet song


La donna del troll della montagna con lingua falsa
The lady of the mountain troll with a false tongue


ed ingannevole propose al signore:
and deceitfully proposed to the lord


Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig mi vorrai sposare
Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig, will you marry me?


Per tutto quello che io dolcemente ti dar�?
For all the sweet things I will give you?


Se vorrai, rispondi solo si o no
If you want to, just answer yes or no


Farai cos� o no?
Will you do so or not?


Ti dar� i dodici mulini
I will give you twelve mills


che stanno tra Tillo e Terno
that are between Tillo and Terno


le macine sono fatte del pi� rosso rame
The millstones are made of the finest red copper


e le ruote sono cariche d'argento
and the wheels are loaded with silver


Se tu fossi una donna cristiana
If you were a Christian lady


riceverei volentieri regali cos�,
I would gladly receive such gifts,


ma io so che sei il peggiore troll della montagna
but I know that you are the worst mountain troll


figlio degli spiriti maligni e del demonio.
son of evil spirits and the devil.


Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig mi vorrai sposare
Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig, will you marry me?


per tutto quello che io dolcemente ti dar�?
For all the sweet things I will give you?


Se vorrai, rispondi solo si o no
If you want to, just answer yes or no


Farai cos� o no?
Will you do so or not?




Contributed by Taylor B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions