With the use of the oldest of Nordic instruments and poetic metres as well as lyrics written in Norwegian, Old Norse and Proto-Norse tongue, Wardruna is now, after nearly three years in the making, finally ready to return with the second album in the ‘Runaljod’ trilogy entitled ‘Yggdrasil’. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Einar Kvitrafn Selvik has, together with vocalists Kristian Espedal (aka Gaahl) and Lindy-Fay Hella, managed to make a strikingly beautiful and intense continuation of what was started with their first album, but without falling into the trap of merely repeating themselves. ‘Yggdrasil’ is also graced with guest appearances by renowned Icelandic composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Iceland’s leading rímur singer Steindór Andersen.
The ongoing ‘Runaljod’ trilogy is a musical rendition of the 24 runes in what is often referred to as the elder futhark. Some of the recordings are done outdoors in places or under circumstances of significance to each rune. Wardruna primarily use old and historical instruments such as primitive deer-hide frame drums, Kraviklyra, tagelharpe, mouth harp, goat horn, lur and more. Non-traditional instruments and other sources of sound like trees, rocks, water and torches are also used.
All of these elements are carefully woven into a rich musical landscape and complemented with whispering voices, melodic song and mighty choirs. Although Wardruna’s music share characteristics with music typically labeled as folk, world and/or ambient, none of these genres can really describe their unique style. It truly must be experienced.
Bjarkan
Wardruna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
spunni av liv og død
Ut av moders djupe kjød,
inn i verdas grøne lød.
Døy og bli født på ny.
The lyrics of Bjarkan by Wardruna are packed with deep symbolism and metaphorical meanings that require some insightful interpretation to understand. The first two lines describe the veil of existence, the fabric of life and death that envelops all living things. The veil is made of the threads of life and death, two opposite forces intertwined, and it represents the cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth that governs all living things. The second two lines refer to the process of birth and rebirth, which is symbolized by the journey from the mother's womb, the deep essence of life, to the green world, which is the manifestation of life in its fullness. The last line of the verse "Døy og bli født på ny" translates to "Die and be born again," which encapsulates the central theme of the entire song.
The song Bjarkan is an invocation of the primal forces of nature, which sustain and renew life. The birch tree (Bjarkan in Old Norse) is a symbol of rebirth, purification, and growth, and is believed to possess healing properties. The song praises the birch tree and its ability to regenerate life, and encourages the listener to embrace change and transformation as a necessary and positive aspect of life. The lyrics also allude to the ancient Nordic belief in reincarnation and the continuity of life, suggesting that death is not an end but a gateway to a new beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
Svøpet i eit slør
Wrapped in a veil spun from the intertwining of life and death
spunni av liv og død
Created from the fabric of existence, which includes both life and death
Ut av moders djupe kjød,
Emerging from the deep womb of mother Earth
inn i verdas grøne lød.
Entering into the lush greenery of the world
Døy og bli født på ny.
Die and be reborn anew
Contributed by Jason I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mattg2306
3:27-5:53 hits a primal spot in my soul
@garrettfortson2708
That part always reminded me of the Halo soundtracks. Amazing
@resit.2754
I was listen to it, while my son was born. This music gave power! ♡
@giuliafiorenzi6173
Beautiful ❤️
@jennifermendoza8939
That's farvenugan RAD
@dosnovak
There's something magic in this music.. You just need to close your eyes to realize it.
@TheMoonFellow
I bet you poop, disgusting human!
@dosnovak
Moon Fellow I love you too.
@eevie
Yes! =) Transformative of nature.
@phongsathorn69
True