Undir Væng Hrafnsins (“Under the Raven’s Wing”) is a solemn hymn of transition. It is an epic Viking funeral song sung in Old Norse, inspired by the sacred role of ravens in Norse mythology.

While many Viking songs focus on the rage of battle, this track focuses on the aftermath: the silence of the field, the rising smoke of the pyre, and the arrival of Huginn and Muninn—Odin’s messengers—to guide the fallen warriors home to Valhalla.

The Raven as a Psychopomp (Guide of Souls)

In many cultures, birds are seen as messengers between the earth and the sky. In the Viking world, the Raven holds the highest honor. This song explores the concept of the Psychopomp—a spiritual guide who escorts the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.

Huginn and Muninn: The Eyes of the Allfather

The song references “Odin’s messengers” (Óðins sendir). These are Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory).

• The Battlefield Scavenger: Historically, ravens were always present at battles to feast on the dead. The Vikings reinterpreted this grim reality as a divine sign: the ravens were not just eating; they were choosing and collecting the bravest souls for Odin.
• “Under the Wing”: The title suggests protection. To be “under the raven’s wing” is to be taken under Odin’s personal care, shielding the soul from the cold winds of Helheim as it ascends to the warm halls of Asgard.

The Viking Funeral: Fire and Release

The lyrics describe a vivid scene: “Smoke now rises… A ship burns by the fjord’s cold wall.” This imagery aligns with the iconic (though historically reserved for the elite) Ship Burial.

• The Ship: Represents the vessel needed to cross the waters between the worlds.
• The Fire: In Norse rituals, fire was the transformative element. It liberated the spirit from the flesh. The rising smoke was believed to be the path the soul traveled upward.
• The Song: Funerals were not silent. They were filled with chants, speeches, and songs like Undir Væng Hrafnsins to honor the deeds of the dead and ensure their legacy (Lof) lived on.

Sonic Composition: A Dirge for the Brave

Musically, this track is a Dirge (a somber song of mourning), but with a heroic undertone.

1. Slow, Ritual Drums: The percussion is spaced out, mimicking the slow, heavy heartbeats of a dying warrior or the slow rowing of a funeral barge.
2. Solemn Choirs: The vocals are low and resonant, creating a sense of reverence and sacred space.
3. Atmospheric Textures: The sound of wind and crackling fire is woven into the music, immersing the listener in the physical reality of the ritual.

When to Listen to This Song

This track is deeply emotional and atmospheric. It resonates with listeners for:

• Processing Grief: Many find comfort in the stoic, dignified view of death presented in Norse mythology. It is a song about “Eternal Oath” and continuity, not just loss.
• RPG Character Deaths: The ultimate send-off for a fallen hero in a D&D campaign. Playing this track while describing the funeral pyre creates an unforgettable moment for the players.
• Memorial Services: It has been used by members of the modern Heathen/Ásatrú community during real-world memorial rites.

Undir Væng Hrafnsins Lyrics & Translation

The lyrics describe the ravens flying over the red earth, the ship burning in the fjord, and the soul finding its way to Odin’s gaze through the smoke.

Original Lyrics (Old Norse)

Hrafnar fljúga, himinn sortn, Óðins sendir, sálir bortn.

Blóðr á vǫllr, jǫrðr er rautt, Herir falla, ævi hlaut. Í skugga nótt, þeir hrafnar syng, Leiða menn undir vængr.

Undir vængi hrafnsins svǫrt, Sálir svífa, dauðr er hjǫrt. Til Valhǫlls hallar þeir fara nú, Í Óðins augum, eilífr trú.

Reykir rís af eldi stór, Skip brennr við fjǫrðrinn stór. Hrafnar vaka, fylgja þá, Til himins hallar, leiða sjá.

Undir vængi hrafnsins svǫrt, Sálir svífa, dauðr er hjǫrt. Til Valhǫlls hallar þeir fara nú, Í Óðins augum, eilífr trú.

Hrafnar kallar, ættir rann, Í dauða ljóma, draumr vér fann. Í vængi svart, í eldi bjart, Ævi endar, en lof er spart.

English Translation

The ravens fly, the sky grows black, Odin’s messengers, souls they track.

Blood on the field, the earth runs red, Warriors fall, their lives now fled. In shadows dark, the ravens sing, They guide the men beneath their wing.

Under the raven’s wing so black, Souls now drift, no turning back. To Odin’s hall the fallen go, In his gaze, eternal oath.

Smoke now rises, fire tall, A ship burns by the fjord’s cold wall. The ravens watch and guide their way, To Odin’s hall at end of day.

Under the raven’s wing so black, Souls now drift, no turning back. To Odin’s hall the fallen go, In his gaze, eternal oath.

The ravens call, our kin depart, In death’s bright flame, we bear the mark. In wings of night, in fire’s light, Life has ended, yet glory bright.