Syng Rúnar (“Sing Runes”) is a melody woven from the fabric of magic itself. It is an Old Norse ritual song that goes beyond simple music to touch upon the ancient practice of Galdr—the art of singing runes to alter reality.

While battle songs focus on the outer world of steel and blood, this track turns inward. It explores the Hugr (the spirit), the connection to the Ætt (the kin), and the primordial forces of fire and poison that created the world.

The Art of Galdr: Singing the Runes

In the modern world, we often think of Runes merely as an alphabet for carving into stone. However, in the Viking Age, runes were primarily sound vibrations. To “cast” a rune was often to sing it. This practice was known as Galdr (incantation). High-pitched, rhythmic chanting was used to activate the magical properties of the symbol.

Syng Rúnar embodies this tradition. When the lyrics say “Syng, syng, rúnar mín” (Sing, sing, my runes), it is an instruction to the listener: do not just read the destiny, voice it. Speak your fate into existence.

The Norse Concept of the Soul: Hugr

The song opens with the line: “Hugr minn syng” (My spirit/mind sings). The Vikings had a complex view of the soul, divided into several parts. The Hugr was the seat of personality, thought, and will. It was the part of the soul capable of leaving the body (in dreams or trance) to visit other worlds or communicate with the gods. This song is a journey of the Hugr, traveling through the darkness to find the “light” of the ancestors.

Creation Myth: Fire and Poison (Eitr)

A fascinating detail in the lyrics is the mention of “Eitr ok eld” (Poison and Fire). This is a deep reference to the Norse Creation Myth. Before the world existed, there was Ginnungagap (the Yawning Void). To the North lay Niflheim (Ice and Poison/Eitr), and to the South lay Muspelheim (Fire). It was the meeting of this Poison and Fire that created the giant Ymir, and thus all life. By singing of “Poison and Fire leading to peace,” the song acknowledges that life is born from the collision of opposing forces.

When to Use This Chant

This track is hypnotic, cyclical, and deeply grounding. It is designed for:

• Spiritual Grounding: Ideally suited for meditation or yoga. The repetitive nature of the chorus acts like a mantra, calming the mind.
• Winter Solstice (Yule): The themes of “Light in Darkness” make it a perfect hymn for the darkest days of the year, celebrating the return of the sun.
• Creative Flow: For artists and writers, the “singing of runes” can be a metaphor for finding one’s own voice and inspiration.

Syng Rúnar Lyrics & Translation

The lyrics are a dialogue between the singer and the cosmos. They speak of the heart burning like a clear flame, the ancestors calling with joy, and the soul finding its rest in the hall of the gods.

Hugr minn syng, í myrkri ljós, Ætt mín lifir, aldri hrós. Vindr ok sær, leiða sik heim, Í goða hǫll, ek finn minn seim.

Hrafnar fljúga, mjǫk hátt, Sverðr ok skjǫldr, vér stendr brátt. Eldr í hjarta, logi klár, Heiðr ok sál, eru mín gjǫf þar.

Syng, syng, rúnar mín, Í loga bjartr, vér finnum friðr. Syng, syng, hjarta mitt, Í goða hǫll, vér lifum enn.

Fjǫll ok sær, sanna leið, Raddir forna, kalla með gleð. Brœðr ok systr, syngja hátt, Saman vér rís, saman vér dátt.

Syng, syng, rúnar mín, Í loga bjartr, vér finnum friðr. Syng, syng, hjarta mitt, Í goða hǫll, vér lifum enn.

Eitr ok eld, leiða til frið, Óðinn horfir, styrkr er lið. Syngja vér nú, saman í ljóss, Sálr mín hvílir, aldri fross.

Syng, syng, rúnar mín, Í loga bjartr, vér finnum friðr. Syng, syng, hjarta mitt, Í goða hǫll, vér lifum enn.

Syng… syng… ævinlangr.

English Translation

My spirit sings, in darkness light, My kin endures, through endless night. Wind and sea, they guide me home, In gods’ great hall, my soul shall roam.

Ravens soaring, high they fly, With sword and shield, we stand nearby. A fire burns within my chest, My honor, soul, my final quest.

Sing, sing, O runes of mine, In blazing flame, true peace we find. Sing, sing, O heart of me, In gods’ great hall, we live eternally.

Mountains, seas, the path is clear, Ancient voices call with cheer. Brothers, sisters, voices rise, Together we fall, together we rise.

Sing, sing, O runes of mine, In blazing flame, true peace we find. Sing, sing, O heart of me, In gods’ great hall, we live eternally.

Poison and fire, to peace they lead, Odin watches, gives us strength in need. Together we sing, within the light, My soul shall rest, untouched by night.

Sing, sing, O runes of mine, In blazing flame, true peace we find. Sing, sing, O heart of me, In gods’ great hall, we live eternally.

Sing… sing… forevermore.