Einar Selvik, “Ragnar’s Death Song”

Einar Selvik, “Ragnar’s Death Song” from “The Vikings”

The song Einar Selvik wrote is called: “Dikt Fra Ormegården (Om Ragnar Lothbrok)”. It came out on the Vikings OST in March but it was called: “The Snake Pit Poetry: Ragnar’s Death Song”.

The lyrics and his translation:

“Eigi hugðak orma  at aldrlagi mínu;
verðr mjök mörgu sinni,  þats minnst varir sjálfan.
Nú munk nár af bragði  ok nær dýrum deyja
Gnyðja mundu grísir,  ef galtar hag vissi,  mér er gnótt at grandi,  grafa inn rönum sínum  ok harðliga hváta,  hafa mik sogit, ormar;  nú munk nár af bragði  ok nær dýrum deyja.“

“I did not look to a snake to be my bane;
things happen very often to one that one thinks of the least.
Soon now will my body die among the beasts.
The young pigs would squeal if they knew the state of the boar; of the injury done to me. Snakes dig in my  esh, stab at me harshly, and have sucked on me; soon now will my body die among the beasts.”

Ivar Bjornson and Einar Selvik, “Skalden’s Song- Til Tore Hund”

Ivar Bjornson and Einar Selvik, “Skalden’s Song- Til Tore Hund”, from the Album “Skuggsja”

Ørna har stupt
i gløym-svevn kvilar
Kråka har kraksa i ørnereiret
Trudd seg orna lik
vann du aldri
låk var din løn
Brottkongens bane

The eagle has fallen
resting in forgetfull sleep
The crow has croaked in the eagle’s nest
Believing itself equal
You never won
Poor was the pay
Slayer of the king of shame