Herr Mannelig
Heimataerde Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Es ward am frühen Tag, blauer Himmel, hell und klar
Und die Vögel sangen ihre Lieder
Bergtrollin machte ihm, Rittersmann von edlem Blut
Voll von Liebe ein Angebot

„Herr Mannelig
Heirate mich
Mein Ritter, oh mein Herr, gibst du mir wohl deine Hand
Für die weltlichen Schätze unserer Erde
Nun sag doch einfach ja oder sage einfach nein
Werd ich bald schon die Deine sein“

„Geschenke würd ich nehmen, wenn du nur auch christlich wärst
Doch du bist geboren aus der Hölle




Der Teufel ist dein Herr und dein Herz ein dunkler Stall
So wirst du nie die Meine sein“

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Heimataerde's song "Herr Mannelig" describe a beautiful day, full of blue skies and singing birds. However, a bergtrollin (a type of mountain troll) approaches a noble knight named Herr Mannelig with a proposal of love. She asks him to marry her and promises him worldly treasures. However, Herr Mannelig refuses her offer, stating that he would only accept gifts if she were Christian. He accuses her of being born from hell and serving the devil, effectively rejecting her offer of love.


The lyrics to "Herr Mannelig" are a modern interpretation of a Swedish folk ballad. The original ballad dates back to the Middle Ages and tells the story of a bergtrollin who proposes to a knight named Herr Mannelig. The ballad is one of the most popular in Swedish folklore and has been covered by numerous musicians and bands over the years, including Garmarna and In Extremo.


Line by Line Meaning

Es ward am frühen Tag, blauer Himmel, hell und klar
The day was bright and clear with a blue sky, and it all started early in the morning.


Und die Vögel sangen ihre Lieder
The birds chirped and sang their happy songs.


Bergtrollin machte ihm, Rittersmann von edlem Blut
A mountain troll approached a noble knight on the road.


Voll von Liebe ein Angebot
She made him a loving proposal.


„Herr Mannelig
She called out to him with respect by using his title.


Heirate mich
She asked him to marry her.


Mein Ritter, oh mein Herr, gibst du mir wohl deine Hand
She asked him for his hand in marriage, calling him her knight and lord.


Für die weltlichen Schätze unserer Erde
She promised him earthly treasures.


Nun sag doch einfach ja oder sage einfach nein
She asked for a simple answer of yes or no.


Werd ich bald schon die Deine sein“
She hoped to become his wife soon.


„Geschenke würd ich nehmen, wenn du nur auch christlich wärst
He responded by saying he would accept her gifts if only she were Christian.


Doch du bist geboren aus der Hölle
He accused her of being born in hell.


Der Teufel ist dein Herr und dein Herz ein dunkler Stall
He claimed that she belongs to the devil, and her heart is dark and evil.


So wirst du nie die Meine sein“
He rejected her proposal, saying she could never be his.




Contributed by Eva R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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